bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexibility of the axial central pattern generator network for locomotion in the salamander
Authors: Ryczko D. , Knüsel J. , Crespi A. , Lamarque S. , Mathou A. , Ijspeert A. J. , Cabelguen J. M.
Published: December 2014

In tetrapods, limb and axial movements are coordinated during locomotion. It is well established that inter- and intralimb coordination show considerable variations during ongoing locomotion. Much less is known about the flexibility of the axial musculoskeletal system during locomotion and the neural mechanisms involved. Here we examined this issue in the salamander Pleurodeles waltlii, which is capable of locomotion in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Kinematics of the trunk and electromyograms from the mid-trunk epaxial myotomes were recorded during four locomotor behaviors in freely moving animals. A similar approach was used during rhythmic struggling movements since this would give some insight into the flexibility of the axial motor system. Our results show that each of the forms of locomotion and the struggling behavior is characterized by a distinct combination of mid-trunk motor patterns and cycle durations. Using in vitro electrophysiological recordings in isolated spinal cords, we observed that the spinal networks activated with bath-applied N-methyl-d-aspartate could generate these axial motor patterns. In these isolated spinal cord preparations, the limb motor nerve activities were coordinated with each mid-trunk motor pattern. Furthermore, isolated mid-trunk spinal cords and hemicords could generate the mid-trunk motor patterns. This indicates that each side of the cord comprises a network able to generate coordinated axial motor activity. The roles of descending and sensory inputs in the behavior-related changes in axial motor coordination are discussed.
Qigong Exercise Alleviates Fatigue, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms, Improves Sleep Quality, and Shortens Sleep Latency in Persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome‐Like Illness
Authors: Chan Jessie S. M. , Ho Rainbow T. H. , Chung Ka-fai , Wang Chong-wen , Yao Tzy-jyun , Ng Siu-man , Chan Cecilia L. W.
Published: December 2014

Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin Qigong exercise on sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome‐ (CFS‐) like illness and to determine the dose‐response relationship. Methods. One hundred fifty participants with CFS‐like illness (mean age =  39.0, SD  =  7.9) were randomly assigned to Qigong and waitlist. Sixteen 1.5‐hour Qigong lessons were arranged over 9 consecutive weeks. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Chalder Fatigue Scale (ChFS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed at baseline, immediate posttreatment, and 3‐month posttreatment. The amount of Qigong self‐practice was assessed by self‐report. Results. Repeated measures analyses of covariance showed a marginally nonsignificant (P =  0.064) group by time interaction in the PSQI total score, but it was significant for the “subjective sleep quality” and “sleep latency” items, favoring Qigong exercise. Improvement in “subjective sleep quality” was maintained at 3‐month posttreatment. Significant group by time interaction was also detected for the ChFS and HADS anxiety and depression scores. The number of Qigong lessons attended and the amount of Qigong self‐practice were significantly associated with sleep, fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptom improvement. Conclusion. Baduanjin Qigong was an efficacious and acceptable treatment for sleep disturbance in CFS‐like illness. This trial is registered with Hong Kong Clinical Trial Register: HKCTR-1380.
A Case of Gingival Candidiasis with Bone Destruction on Gastric Cancer Patient Receiving Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Authors: Lim Seungtaek , Kil Tae-jun , Kim Hye Ryun , Han Seonhui , Rha Sun Young
Published: December 2014

We herein report a case of gingival candidiasis in an advanced gastric cancer patient while receiving palliative cytotoxic chemotherapy. A 46-year-old male patient admitted to our hospital for known advanced gastric cancer with newly developed multiple liver metastases. While receiving 2nd line cytotoxic chemotherapy with 5FU, leucovorin, and paclitxel, he complained of gingival swelling accompanied by pain and whitish plaque. Due to lack of response to the conservative oral care, incisional biopsy of gingiva was done and the pathology confirmed gingival candidiasis. Although the lesion healed apparently after two-week antifungal therapy, pain as well as bony destruction remains. By presenting this case report, we intend to emphasize the immunocompromising effect of cancer while being on systemic chemotherapy.
Effect of C–O Bonding on the Stability and Energetics of High-Energy Nitrogen-Carbon Molecules N10C2 and N16C2
Authors: Strout Douglas L.
Published: December 2014

Molecules consisting of nitrogen have been the subject of much attention due to their potential as high-energy materials. Complex molecules consisting entirely of nitrogen can be subject to rapid decomposition, and therefore other atoms are incorporated into the structure to enhance stability. Previous studies have explored the incorporation of carbon atoms into otherwise all-nitrogen cages molecules. The current study involves two such cages, N10C2 and N16C2, whose structures are derived from N12 and N18, respectively. The N10C2 and N16C2 cages in this study are modified by bonding groups O3 and CO3 to determine the effect on the relative energies between the isomers and on the thermodynamic energy release properties. Energetic trends for N10C2 and N16C2 are calculated and discussed.
Global Existence and Blow-Up for the Euler-Bernoulli Plate Equation with Variable Coefficients
Authors: Hao Jianghao , Lan Jie
Published: December 2014

We prove the local existence, blow-up, global existence, and stability of solutions to the initial boundary value problem for Euler-Bernoulli plate equation with variable coefficients.
Carbon Dot Based Sensing of Dopamine and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Baruah Upama , Gogoi Neelam , Konwar Achyut , Jyoti Deka Manash , Chowdhury Devasish , Majumdar Gitanjali
Published: December 2014

We demonstrate carbon dot based sensor of catecholamine, namely, dopamine and ascorbic acid. Carbon dots (CDs) were prepared from a green source: commercially available Assam tea. The carbon dots prepared from tea had particle sizes of ∼0.8 nm and are fluorescent. Fluorescence of the carbon dots was found to be quenched in the presence of dopamine and ascorbic acid with greater sensitivity for dopamine. The minimum detectable limits were determined to be 33 μM and 98 μM for dopamine and ascorbic acid, respectively. The quenching constants determined from Stern-Volmer plot were determined to be 5 × 10−4 and 1 × 10−4 for dopamine and ascorbic acid, respectively. A probable mechanism of quenching has been discussed in the paper.
Mutation Analysis Approach to Develop Reliable Object-Oriented Software
Authors: Sarma Monalisa
Published: December 2014

In general, modern programs are large and complex and it is essential that they should be highly reliable in applications. In order to develop highly reliable software, Java programming language developer provides a rich set of exceptions and exception handling mechanisms. Exception handling mechanisms are intended to help developers build robust programs. Given a program with exception handling constructs, for an effective testing, we are to detect whether all possible exceptions are raised and caught or not. However, complex exception handling constructs make it tedious to trace which exceptions are handled and where and which exceptions are passed on. In this paper, we address this problem and propose a mutation analysis approach to develop reliable object-oriented programs. We have applied a number of mutation operators to create a large set of mutant programs with different type of faults. We then generate test cases and test data to uncover exception related faults. The test suite so obtained is applied to the mutant programs measuring the mutation score and hence verifying whether mutant programs are effective or not. We have tested our approach with a number of case studies to substantiate the efficacy of the proposed mutation analysis technique.
Link Layer Time-Varying Model for IEEE 802.15.4 Radio in Industrial Environment
Authors: Yadong Wan , Shihong Duan
Published: December 2014

IEEE 802.15.4 PHY has been widely used in wireless sensor networks. In-depth investigations on the link layer characteristics are important for WSN protocol design. In industrial environments, link reliability is vulnerable to various interferences; therefore, many schemes have been employed for reliability improvements such as multichannel access, frequency hopping, and multipath routing, which put forward the demand on link reliability models. Previous researches mainly focus on distance fading and irregularity of link reliability; however, little work analyses the temporal and frequency variations of the link reliability. The paper proposed a link layer statistical model (LTM) for time-varying of 16 channels based on packet drop rate (PDR) data collected from typical industrial environments. LTM descript packet drop intervals, PDR variation over times, PDR variation between different channels, link level switching probability and interference distribution. And also, a discussion of the influence of IEEE 802.15.4e MAC protocol simulation showed that LTM is closer to the realistic result. This paper provides a new method to model link reliability in industrial environment and is useful to the design of frequency diversity and upper layer protocols.
Dimension‐Specific Efficiency Measurement Using Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Zhang Hongjun , Zhang Youliang , Zhang Rui
Published: December 2014

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a powerful tool for evaluating and improving the performance of a set of decision‐making units (DMUs). Empirically, there are usually many DMUs exhibiting “efficient” status in multi‐input multioutput situations. However, it is not appropriate to assert that all efficient DMUs have equivalent performances. Actually, a DMU can be evaluated to be efficient as long as it performs best in a single dimension. This paper argues that an efficient DMU of a particular input‐output proportion has its own specialty and may also perform poorly in some dimensions. Two DEA‐based approaches are proposed to measure the dimension‐specific efficiency of DMUs. One is measuring efficiency in multiplier‐form by further processing the original multiplier DEA model. The other is calculating efficiency in envelopment‐form by comparing with an ideal DMU. The proposed approaches are applied to 26 supermarkets in the city of Nanjing, China, which have provided new insights on efficiency for the managers.
Adaptive Algorithm for Estimation of Two-Dimensional Autoregressive Fields from Noisy Observations
Authors: Mahmoudi Alimorad
Published: December 2014

This paper deals with the problem of two-dimensional autoregressive (AR) estimation from noisy observations. The Yule-Walker equations are solved using adaptive steepest descent (SD) algorithm. Performance comparisons are made with other existing methods to demonstrate merits of the proposed method.
Sporotrichosis: An Overview and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Mahajan Vikram K.
Published: December 2014

Sporotrichosis is a chronic granulomatous mycotic infection caused bySporothrix schenckii, a common saprophyte of soil, decaying wood, hay, and sphagnum moss, that is endemic in tropical/subtropical areas. The recent phylogenetic studies have delineated the geographic distribution of multiple distinctSporothrixspecies causing sporotrichosis. It characteristically involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue following traumatic inoculation of the pathogen. After a variable incubation period, progressively enlarging papulo-nodule at the inoculation site develops that may ulcerate (fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis) or multiple nodules appear proximally along lymphatics (lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis). Osteoarticular sporotrichosis or primary pulmonary sporotrichosis are rare and occur from direct inoculation or inhalation of conidia, respectively. Disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis or involvement of multiple visceral organs, particularly the central nervous system, occurs most commonly in persons with immunosuppression. Saturated solution of potassium iodide remains a first line treatment choice for uncomplicated cutaneous sporotrichosis in resource poor countries but itraconazole is currently used/recommended for the treatment of all forms of sporotrichosis. Terbinafine has been observed to be effective in the treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis. Amphotericin B is used initially for the treatment of severe, systemic disease, during pregnancy and in immunosuppressed patients until recovery, then followed by itraconazole for the rest of the therapy.
Andrographis paniculata(Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees: A Review of Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology
Authors: Hossain Md. Sanower , Urbi Zannat , Sule Abubakar , Rahman K. M. Hafizur
Published: December 2014

As aboriginal sources of medications, medicinal plants are used from the ancient times.Andrographis paniculatais one of the highly used potential medicinal plants in the world. This plant is traditionally used for the treatment of common cold, diarrhoea, fever due to several infective cause, jaundice, as a health tonic for the liver and cardiovascular health, and as an antioxidant. It is also used to improve sexual dysfunctions and serve as a contraceptive. All parts of this plant are used to extract the active phytochemicals, but the compositions of phytoconstituents widely differ from one part to another and with place, season, and time of harvest. Our extensive data mining of the phytoconstituents revealed more than 55ent-labdane diterpenoids, 30 flavonoids, 8 quinic acids, 4 xanthones, and 5 rare noriridoids. In this review, we selected only those compounds that pharmacology has already reported. Finally we focused on around 46 compounds for further discussion. We also discussed ethnobotany of this plant briefly. Recommendations addressing extraction process, tissue culture, and adventitious rooting techniques and propagation under abiotic stress conditions for improvement of phytoconstituents are discussed concisely in this paper. Further study areas on pharmacology are also proposed where needed.
Game Analysis, Validation, and Potential Application of EyeToy Play and Play 2 to Upper-Extremity Rehabilitation
Authors: Chen Yu-ping , Caldwell Michelle , Dickerhoof Erica , Hall Anastasia , Odakura Bryan , Morelli Kimberly , Fanchiang Hsin-Chen
Published: December 2014

Objective.To describe and analyze the potential use of games in the commercially available EyeToy Play and EyeToy Play 2 on required/targeted training skills and feedback provided for clinical application.Methods.A summary table including all games was created. Two movement experts naïve to the software validated required/targeted training skills and feedback for 10 randomly selected games. Ten healthy school-aged children played to further validate the required/targeted training skills.Results.All but two (muscular and cardiovascular endurance) had excellent agreement in required/targeted training skills, and there was 100% agreement on feedback. Children’s performance in required/targeted training skills (number of unilateral reaches and bilateral reaches, speed, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular endurance) significantly differed between games(P<.05).Conclusion.EyeToy Play games could be used to train children’s arm function. However, a careful evaluation of the games is needed since performance might not be consistent between players and therapists’ interpretation.
Oxidative Stress Associated with Neuronal Apoptosis in Experimental Models of Epilepsy
Authors: Méndez-Armenta Marisela , Nava-Ruíz Concepción , Juárez-Rebollar Daniel , Rodríguez-Martínez Erika , Yescas Gómez Petra
Published: December 2014

Epilepsy is considered one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. Oxidative stress produced by free radicals may play a role in the initiation and progression of epilepsy; the changes in the mitochondrial and the oxidative stress state can lead mechanism associated with neuronal death pathway. Bioenergetics state failure and impaired mitochondrial function include excessive free radical production with impaired synthesis of antioxidants. This review summarizes evidence that suggest what is the role of oxidative stress on induction of apoptosis in experimental models of epilepsy.
An Orthogonal Learning Differential Evolution Algorithm for Remote Sensing Image Registration
Authors: Ma Wenping , Fan Xiafei , Wu Yue , Jiao Licheng
Published: December 2014

We introduce an area‐based method for remote sensing image registration. We use orthogonal learning differential evolution algorithm to optimize the similarity metric between the reference image and the target image. Many local and global methods have been used to achieve the optimal similarity metric in the last few years. Because remote sensing images are usually influenced by large distortions and high noise, local methods will fail in some cases. For this reason, global methods are often required. The orthogonal learning (OL) strategy is efficient when searching in complex problem spaces. In addition, it can discover more useful information via orthogonal experimental design (OED). Differential evolution (DE) is a heuristic algorithm. It has shown to be efficient in solving the remote sensing image registration problem. So orthogonal learning differential evolution algorithm (OLDE) is efficient for many optimization problems. The OLDE method uses the OL strategy to guide the DE algorithm to discover more useful information. Experiments show that the OLDE method is more robust and efficient for registering remote sensing images.
Preventing HIV Transmission in Chinese Internal Migrants: A Behavioral Approach
Authors: Liu Xiaona , Erasmus Vicki , Sun Xinying , Cai Rui , Shi Yuhui , Richardus Jan Hendrik
Published: December 2014

This study is a step towards a behavioral intervention to prevent HIV transmission among Chinese internal migrants. To explore important and changeable determinants of condom use and inspect effective and feasible methods to increase condom use for the target population, we conducted a three-round web-based Delphi study among a panel of 62 experts between October 2012 and March 2013. The panelists were purposely selected using a stepwise procedure to represent topic-related areas of expertise. The response rate per round ranges from 21% to 81%. The panelists identified 19 possible determinants of condom use and reported 16 intervention methods they considered successful. They agreed that attitude towards condom use was the most important and changeable determinant, while applying behavioral theory, increasing sexual education and condom access, performing worksite health promotion, detecting risk factors, and working closely with relevant organizations and the government were effective and feasible methods to increase condom use among internal migrants in China. In conclusion, results of this study highlight the importance of attitude in changing condom use and underscore the need to apply behavior theory and integrate multiple educational approaches for developing behavioral HIV prevention interventions targeting internal migrants in China.
Severe Hyponatremia due to Phlegmonous Trismus
Authors: Momota Yoshihiro , Iseki Tomio , Ohkubo Tadashi
Published: December 2014

We describe a patient with dysphagia and trismus associated with lower jaw inflammation due to phlegmon who developed severe hyponatremia from water intoxication due to excessive water intake after diaphoresis caused by abnormally hot weather. A 63-year-old woman presented with severe swelling of the floor of the mouth and trismus. As she had spasms and numbness of the extremities and restlessness and water intoxication caused by excessive water intake was suspected, she was hospitalized for the treatment of inflammation and electrolyte disorder. Although swelling of the floor of the mouth subsided over time after antimicrobial therapy, vomiting, diarrhea, and numbness of the extremities continued. On day 5 of hospitalization, severe vomiting and diarrhea recurred, and serum sodium levels decreased to 108 mEq/L. Decrease in water intake is essential in the treatment of hyponatremia. However, in patients with severe vomiting and diarrhea who can swallow only liquids because of hot weather and eating disorder, the risk of sodium depletion is high. It is important to restore electrolyte balance and fluid volume through supplementation with sodium, chlorine, potassium, and glucose among others, the reduction of intravenous fluid volume, and diuresis in order to correct the sodium level slowly.
Acutely Onset Amiodarone-Induced Angioedema in a Patient with New Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Vakili Hossein , Khaheshi Isa , Memaryan Mehdi , Haybar Habib , Esmaeeli Shooka
Published: December 2014

A 50-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department due to new episode of palpitation. He had history of angioplasty of right coronary artery (RCA) with drug eluting stent 2 years ago. His electrocardiogram revealed atrial fibrillation (AF). Intravenous amiodarone 150 mg during 10 minutes and then 1 mg/min infusion were started to achieve rate control and pharmacologic conversion to sinus rhythm. After 60 minutes of starting amiodarone infusion, he developed swelling of the skin around his mouth and eyes, and also mucosa of the mouth, eyes and tongue. To conclude, angioedema should be considered a rare side effect of amiodarone which is used broadly in cardiovascular field.
The Reliability of Classifications of Proximal Femoral Fractures with 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography: The New Concept of Comprehensive Classification
Authors: Kijima Hiroaki , Yamada Shin , Konishi Natsuo , Kubota Hitoshi , Tazawa Hiroshi , Tani Takayuki , Suzuki Norio , Kamo Keiji , Okudera Yoshihiko , Sasaki Ken , Kawano Tetsuya , Shimada Yoichi
Published: December 2014

The reliability of proximal femoral fracture classifications using 3DCT was evaluated, and a comprehensive “area classification” was developed. Eleven orthopedists (5–26 years from graduation) classified 27 proximal femoral fractures at one hospital from June 2013 to July 2014 based on preoperative images. Various classifications were compared to “area classification.” In “area classification,” the proximal femur is divided into 4 areas with 3 boundary lines: Line-1 is the center of the neck, Line-2 is the border between the neck and the trochanteric zone, and Line-3 links the inferior borders of the greater and lesser trochanters. A fracture only in the first area was classified as a pure first area fracture; one in the first and second area was classified as a 1-2 type fracture. In the same way, fractures were classified as pure 2, 3-4, 1-2-3, and so on. “Area classification” reliability was highest when orthopedists with varying experience classified proximal femoral fractures using 3DCT. Other classifications cannot classify proximal femoral fractures if they exceed each classification’s particular zones. However, fractures that exceed the target zones are “dangerous” fractures. “Area classification” can classify such fractures, and it is therefore useful for selecting osteosynthesis methods.
Model Reduction Technique Tailored to the Dynamic Analysis of a Beam Structure under a Moving Load
Authors: Chen Yuanchang , Zhang Bangji , Chen Shengzhao
Published: December 2014

This study presents a technique that uses a model reduction method for the dynamic response analysis of a beam structure to a moving load, which can be modeled either as a moving point force or as a moving body. The nature of the dedicated condensation method tailored to address the moving load case is that the master degrees of freedom are reselected, and the coefficient matrices of the condensed model are recalculated as the load travels from one element to another. Although this process increases computational burden, the overall computational time is still greatly reduced because of the small scale of motion equations. To illustrate and validate the methodology, the technique is initially applied to a simply supported beam subjected to a single-point load moving along the beam. Subsequently, the technique is applied to a practical model for wheel-rail interaction dynamic analysis in railway engineering. Numerical examples show that the condensation model can solve the moving load problem faster than an analytical model or its full finite element model. The proposed model also exhibits high computational accuracy.
Numerical Simulations of Dynamic Behavior of Polyurea Toughened Steel Plates under Impact Loading
Authors: Chen Chien-Chung , Linzell Daniel G.
Published: December 2014

The objective of the work discussed herein is to develop a nonlinear 3D finite element model to simulate dynamic behavior of polyurea toughened steel plates under impact loading. Experimental and numerical work related to model development are presented. Material properties are incorporated into numerical models to account for strain-rate effects on the dynamic behavior of polyurea and steel. One bare steel plate and four polyurea toughened steel plates were tested under impact loading using a pendulum impact device. Displacement time-history data from experimental work was used to validate the numerical models. Details on material model construction, finite element model development, and model validation are presented and discussed. Results indicate that the developed numerical models can reasonably predict dynamic response of polyurea toughened steel plates under impact loading.
Determining Nitrate and Nitrite Content in Beverages, Fruits, Vegetables, and Stews Marketed in Arak, Iran
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad , Fani Ali , Moini A. Latif , Mirzajani Parisa , Malekirad Ali Akbar , Rafiei Mohammad
Published: December 2014

Background and Objectives. Presence of excessive nitrite and nitrate in foodstuff can have toxic and carcinogenic effects on humans. This study is aimed at measuring nitrate and nitrite in different foodstuffs available in Arak city market, Iran, in 2013. Methods. Totally 323 samples including stew (102 samples), beverage (116 samples), fruit (55 samples), and vegetables (50 samples) were randomly collected and analyzed according to official AOAC method 973 and ISO 6635 through spectrophotometric method. Results. Average concentration of nitrate and nitrite in the samples was 6.58–136.76, 1.52–38.22 mg kg−1 or liter, respectively. Presence of nitrate and nitrite was confirmed in all samples. High levels of nitrate and nitrite were observed in celery and ghormeh stew; and lower level of nitrate and nitrite was found in traditionally produced vinegar, verjuice, and tomato. Conclusions. It was found that the mean values for nitrite in investigated products were higher than ADI levels of WHO.
Ewing Sarcoma of the Posterior Fossa in an Adolescent Girl
Authors: Stark Andreas M. , Leuschner Ivo , Mehdorn H. Maximilian , Claviez Alexander
Published: December 2014

Medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, and ependymoma represent the most common infratentorial tumors in childhood, while Ewing sarcomas in that localization are extremely rare. A large left infratentorial space-occupying lesion was diagnosed in a 12-year-old girl with signs of increased intracranial pressure. Following total tumor resection, histological and molecular examination revealed Ewing sarcoma with rearrangedEWSR-1gene. The patient achieved complete remission following adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy according to Euro-EWING 2008 treatment protocol. Intracranial Ewing sarcoma, although rare, should be an important differential diagnosis of intracranial tumors in childhood which requires aggressive multimodal treatment.
Childhood Septicemia in Nepal: Documenting the Bacterial Etiology and Its Susceptibility to Antibiotics
Authors: Ansari Shamshul , Nepal Hari Prasad , Gautam Rajendra , Shrestha Sony , Neopane Puja , Rimal Brihaspati , Mandal Fuleshwar , Ansari Safiur Rahman , Chapagain Moti Lal
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Children are among the most vulnerable population groups to contract illnesses. The varying microbiological pattern of septicemia warrants the need for an ongoing review of the causative organisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Therefore, the objective of this study was to document the bacterial etiology of childhood septicemia and its antibiotic susceptibility profile.Methods.Cross-sectional type of study in 1630 suspected patients was conducted at CMCTH from January 2012 to December 2013. Blood samples were collected aseptically for culture. The organisms grown were identified by standard microbiological methods recommended by American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing by modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Methicillin resistance was confirmed using cefoxitin and oxacillin disks methods.Results.Septicemia was detected in 172 (10.6%) cases. Among Gram-positive organisms, coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) were leading pathogen andAcinetobacterspp. were leading pathogen among Gram-negative isolates. Vancomycin, teicoplanin, and clindamycin were the most effective antibiotics against Gram-positive isolates while amikacin was effective against Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative isolates. Methicillin resistance was detected in 44.4% ofStaphylococcus aureus.Conclusions. This study has highlighted the burden of bacterial etiology for septicemia among children in a tertiary care center of central Nepal.
Effect of Aerobics Exercise on Self-Esteem in Iranian Female Adolescents Covered by Welfare Organization
Authors: Hasanpour Marzieh , Tabatabaei Mansooreh , Alavi Mousa , Zolaktaf Vahid
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Deprivation of parents might decrease self-esteem (SE) and result in affective and social incompatibility. In this randomized control trial, we examined the effect of aerobics exercise on SE among female adolescents living with no natural family.Materials and Methods. The sample consisted of all female adolescents aged 13 to 19 years (n: 72) who were covered by Isfahan Welfare organization. Participants were assigned into intervention and control groups by matched random sampling. Intervention included 8 weeks of aerobics exercise. Coppersmith SE inventory was administered before and after intervention as well as after one month follow-up.Results. No significant difference was seen between pre-SE scores of intervention(32.7±8.4)and control(33.0±6.7)groups (t=.16,P=.87). A significant difference was obtained in post-SE scores (40.2±5.7versus34.7±6.8,t=3.58,P=.001) and in one month follow-up scores (36.4±5.2versus33.0±5.2,t=2.25,P=.03).Discussion. The results demonstrated a low level of pre-SE in both groups. However, a significant improvement was seen in posttest of intervention group which persisted even one month after intervention. It supports the use of aerobics for female adolescents deprived from family life.
Ammonothermal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Lower Valence Cation-Doped LaNbON2
Authors: Izawa Chihiro , Kobayashi Takeshi , Kishida Kazuhisa , Watanabe Tomoaki
Published: December 2014

Highly crystalline pure perovskite-type LaNbON2powders were synthesized in supercritical ammonia using sodium hydroxide as an oxygen source. Additionally, doping LaNbON2with cations of lower valence than that of the parent cation was performed to inhibit reduction of Nb5+. Various characterization methods indicated that crystallinity, particle morphology, and absorption edge of the product, that is, the factors possibly affecting photocatalytic activity, were not significantly changed by the doping of a lower-valence cation. Nevertheless, the doped LaNbON2synthesized using the ammonothermal method evolved hydrogen, suggesting that this type of doping decreases the formation of reduced niobium species and consequently enhances the photocatalytic activity of LaNbON2. In case of doped LaNbON2synthesized using conventional method, no hydrogen evolution was observed. This difference is probably due to the higher crystallinity of ammonothermally synthesized LaNbON2. Therefore, we successfully produced LaNbON2with improved potential for photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation using ammonothermal synthesis and lower-valence cation doping.
Patient Perception of Ideal Body Weight and the Effect of Body Mass Index
Authors: Naghshizadian Rozhin , Rahnemai-Azar Amir A. , Kella Kruthi , Weber Michael M. , Calin Marius L. , Bibi Shahida , Farkas Daniel T.
Published: December 2014

Objective. Despite much effort, obesity remains a significant public health problem. One of the main contributing factors is patients’ perception of their target ideal body weight. This study aimed to assess this perception.Methods. The study took place in an urban area, with the majority of participants in the study being Hispanic (65.7%) or African-American (28.0%). Patients presented to an outpatient clinic were surveyed regarding their ideal body weight and their ideal BMI calculated. Subsequently they were classified into different categories based on their actual measured BMI. Their responses for ideal BMI were compared.Results. In 254 surveys, mean measured BMI was 31.71 ± 8.01. Responses to ideal BMI had a range of 18.89–38.15 with a mean of 25.96 ± 3.25. Mean (±SD) ideal BMI for patients with a measured BMI of <18.5, 18.5–24.9, 25–29.9, and ≥30 was 20.14 ± 1.46, 23.11 ± 1.68, 25.69 ± 2.19, and 27.22 ± 3.31, respectively. These differences were highly significant (P<0.001, ANOVA).Conclusions. Most patients had an inflated sense of their target ideal body weight. Patients with higher measured BMI had higher target numbers for their ideal BMI. Better education of patients is critical for obesity prevention programs.
Providing Care in Emergency Department Hallways: Demands, Dangers, and Deaths
Authors: Richards John R. , van der Linden M. Christien , Derlet Robert W.
Published: December 2014

Emergency departments (ED) worldwide have experienced dramatic increases in crowding over the past 20 years that now have reached critical levels. One consequence of ED crowding has been the routine use of ED hallways for patient care. This includes ED patients who are awaiting care but are considered unstable to remain in the waiting room, patients who are undergoing active medical and trauma treatment, and patients who have been stabilized but await transfer to an inpatient bed (boarding) or another institution. Compared with licensed hospital or standard ED beds, care in ED hallways results in increased patient morbidity and mortality, as well as patient and staff dissatisfaction. Complications experienced by hallway patients include unrecognized sudden respiratory arrest or unstable cardiac arrhythmias, delay in time-sensitive procedures and laboratory testing, delay in receiving important medications, excessive or unrelieved pain, overall increased length of stay, increased disability, and exposure to traumatic psychological events. While much has been published on the general problems of ED crowding, only recently have studies focused exclusively on the issues of providing care in ED hallways. This review summarizes the current issues, challenges, and solutions for hallway care.
Analysis of Droughts in the Central Region of South Africa and Their Association with SST Anomalies
Authors: Edossa Desalegn C. , Woyessa Yali E. , Welderufael Worku A.
Published: December 2014

The objective of this study was to characterise meteorological droughts in the Central Region of South Africa using Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and to examine if there is a relationship between drought and El Niño events. The SPEI was used to quantify the precipitation deficit over time and space across the catchment for the time-scales that are important for planning and management of water resources. Based on 12-month time-scale, the total number of drought events identified in the area using SPEI ranged between 13 and 20 during the period of analysis (1952–1999). Considering the effects of event magnitude and duration as severity parameters, the most severe drought event was identified during 1973 followed by 1995 based on 12-month time-scale. Moreover, it was also found that the number of moderate, severe, and extreme drought events identified by SPEI follows increasing trend with decade during the period of analysis. Results of Spearman’s rank correlation test revealed that the trends exhibited by mild (SPEI-3 and SPEI-6), moderate (SPEI-12), severe (SPEI-12), and extreme (SPEI-3) drought categories are statistically significant at 5% significance level. The study also revealed that drought events in the central region of South Africa are preceded by El Niño events in the tropical Pacific (Nino 3.4) with an average lag time of 8 months between the onsets of the two events. It was found that hydrological drought events in the study area lag behind meteorological drought events with an average lag time of 7.4 months. Findings of this study can be used to forecast drought events in the area for the proper planning and management of water resources.
Entanglement due to Delayed Removal of a Buddy Wire
Authors: Vorpahl Marc , Seyfarth Melchior , Tiroch Klaus
Published: December 2014

A buddy wire is often used to aid in the delivery of balloons and stents when negotiating tortuous or calcified vessels. We present a planned two-stent mini-crush intervention complicated by entanglement of the buddy wire with the second stent and subsequent distortion of the stent within the guiding catheter. Based on this case, we suggest removing the buddy wire immediately after successful positioning of the first stent, because entrapment with a second stent is possible and may lead to challenging situations in a simultaneous two-stent strategy.
Route Assessment for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Based on Cloud Model
Authors: Sun Xixia , Cai Chao , Yang Jie , Shen Xubang
Published: December 2014

An integrated route assessment approach based on cloud model is proposed in this paper, where various sources of uncertainties are well kept and modeled by cloud theory. Firstly, a systemic criteria framework incorporating models for scoring subcriteria is developed. Then, the cloud model is introduced to represent linguistic variables, and survivability probability histogram of each route is converted into normal clouds by cloud transformation, enabling both randomness and fuzziness in the assessment environment to be managed simultaneously. Finally, a new way to measure the similarity between two normal clouds satisfying reflexivity, symmetry, transitivity, and overlapping is proposed. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed route assessment approach outperforms fuzzy logic based assessment approach with regard to feasibility, reliability, and consistency with human thinking.
Anti‐Inflammatory and Antiosteoclastogenic Activities of Parthenolide on Human Periodontal Ligament Cells In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Xufang , Fan Chen , Xiao Yin , Mao Xueli
Published: December 2014

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that causes osteolysis and tooth loss. It is known that the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signalling pathway plays a key role in the progression of inflammation and osteoclastogenesis in periodontitis. Parthenolide (PTL), a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from the shoots of Tanacetum parthenium, has been shown to possess anti‐inflammatory properties in various diseases. In the study reported herein, we investigated the effects of PTL on the inflammatory and osteoclastogenic response of human periodontal ligament‐derived cells (hPDLCs) and revealed the signalling pathways in this process. Our results showed that PTL decreased NF‐κB activation, I‐κB degradation, and ERK activation in hPDLCs. PTL significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) and osteoclastogenic (RANKL, OPG, and M‐CSF) genes in LPS‐stimulated hPDLCs. In addition, PTL attenuated hPDLC‐induced osteoclastogenic differentiation of macrophages (RAW264.7 cells), as well as reducing gene expression of osteoclast‐related markers in RAW264.7 cells in an hPDLC‐macrophage coculture model. Taken together, these results demonstrate the anti‐inflammatory and antiosteoclastogenic activities of PTL in hPDLCs in vitro. These data offer fundamental evidence supporting the potential use of PTL in periodontitis treatment.
Recognition and Parameter Extraction of One-Dimensional Electronic Scanning for 3D Radar
Authors: Li Cheng , Wang Wei , Shi Longfei , Wang Xuesong
Published: December 2014

Most of the existing antenna scan type (AST) identification techniques focus on only mechanical scanning (MS) and rarely research electronic scanning (ES), especially one-dimensional (1D) ES. This paper proposes a recognition and parameter extraction method of 1D ES for 3D radar, which employs both MS and ES. An ES pattern simulator is designed to synthesize pulse amplitude (PA) data first. Then 1D ES is distinguished from MS and two-dimensional (2D) ES based on the features extracted from the difference sequences of beam sequence, such as resemblance coefficient (RC) and variance. Subsequently, two vital parameters for 1D ES are extracted, namely, beam position number in elevation and pulse number in a beam position. Finally, some simulation results are shown to validate the proposed algorithm.
Analysis of Puerarin and Chemical Compositions Changes in Kudzu Root during Growth Period
Authors: Zhao Yiguo , Xu Mei , You Zhinneg , Li Dongsheng , Zhou Mingquan , Zhu Yupeng , Wang Chao
Published: December 2014

The kudzu root is one of the earliest medicinal plants listed in traditional Chinese medicine. In this paper, chemical compositions changes of kudzu roots from one year old to five years old were analyzed with respect to puerarin, acid-insoluble polysaccharides, acid-soluble polysaccharides, reducing sugar, protein, free amino acids, and lipid. In addition, the puerarin content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The results showed that acid-soluble polysaccharides content of kudzu root increased with each growth period. In contrast, the acid-insoluble polysaccharides decreased significantly. The contents of reducing sugar and puerarin in kudzu root decreased significantly during its growth period. Beyond that, the contents of protein, free amino acids, and lipid in kudzu root ranged from 31.8 to 45.8 g/kg, 2.21 to 4.33 g/kg, and 32.2 to 76.9 g/kg, respectively. The trend of protein content coincided with the total content of free amino acids, in contrast to lipid. This paper provides a set of data and the select of kudzu root for the processing and development of new products of kudzu root.
Delayed Gastric Emptying after Living Donor Hepatectomy for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Wang Hanjay , Griesemer Adam D. , Parsons Ronald F. , Graham Jay A. , Emond Jean C. , Samstein Benjamin
Published: December 2014

Delayed gastric emptying is a significant postoperative complication of living donor hepatectomy for liver transplantation and may require endoscopic or surgical intervention in severe cases. Although the mechanism of posthepatectomy delayed gastric emptying remains unknown, vagal nerve injury during intraoperative dissection and adhesion formation postoperatively between the stomach and cut liver surface are possible explanations. Here, we present the first reported case of delayed gastric emptying following fully laparoscopic hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation. Additionally, we also present a case in which symptoms developed after open right hepatectomy, but for which dissection for left hepatectomy was first performed. Through our experience and these two specific cases, we favor a neurovascular etiology for delayed gastric emptying after hepatectomy.
Effects of Two Purification Pretreatments on Electroless Copper Coating over Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zheng Zhong , Li Lianjie , Dong Shijie , Xiao Anchun , Sun Shixuan , Li Sinian
Published: December 2014

To achieve the reinforcement of copper matrix composite by single‐walled carbon nanotubes, a three‐step‐refluxing purification of carbon nanotubes sample with HNO3‐NaOH‐HCl was proposed and demonstrated. A previously reported purification process using an electromagnetic stirring with H2O2/HCl mixture was also repeated. Then, the purified carbon nanotubes were coated with copper by the same electroless plating process. At the end, the effects of the method on carbon nanotubes themselves and on copper coating were determined by transmission electron microscope spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry. It was clearly confirmed that both of the two processes could remove most of iron catalyst particles and carbonaceous impurities without significant damage to carbon nanotubes. The thermal stability of the sample purified by H2O2/HCl treatment was slightly higher than that purified by HNO3‐NaOH‐HCl treatment. Nevertheless, the purification by HNO3‐NaOH‐HCl treatment was more effective for carboxyl functionalization on nanotubes than that by H2O2/HCl treatment. The Cu‐coating on carbon nanotubes purified by both purification processes was complete, homogenous, and continuous. However, the Cu‐coating on carbon nanotubes purified by H2O2/HCl was oxidized more seriously than those on carbon nanotubes purified by HNO3‐NaOH‐HCl treatment.
The Development and Application of Novel IR and NMR-Based Model for the Evaluation of Carminative Effect ofArtemisia judaicaL. Essential Oil
Authors: Alzweiri Muhammed , Alrawashdeh Ibrahim M. , Bardaweel Sanaa K.
Published: December 2014

Artemisia judaicaL. is a medicinal plant that is traditionally used to relieve abdominal pains through its carminative activity. In this study, spectroscopic analysis was employed to investigate the carminative activity associated withA. judaica. Using infrared spectroscopy, the carminative activity was evaluated based on the first derivative of IR-characteristic stretching signal of CO2. Our results indicate thatA. judaicaoil effectively reduced the response of CO2signal equivalent to thymol standard. Additionally,1H-NMR spectroscopy was utilized to assess surface activity ofA. judaicacrude oil through the reduction of interfacial tension in a D2O/CDCl3system. Apparently, 10 mg of the oil was able to solubilize water in a chloroform layer up to 4.3% (w/w). In order to correlate the observed surface activity of the oil to its actual composition, GC-MS and GC-FID structural analysis were undertaken. The results revealed that the oil composition consists of oxygenated terpenes which might be responsible for the carminative effect. Furthermore, owing to its sensitivity, our model provides a fundamental basis for the pharmacological assessment of trace amounts of oils with high precision and accuracy.
A Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage in Class V Composite Restorations
Authors: Sooraparaju Sujatha Gopal , Kanumuru Pavan Kumar , Nujella Surya Kumari , Konda Karthik Roy , Reddy K. Bala Kasi , Penigalapati Sivaram
Published: December 2014

Aim. To compare and evaluate the microleakage in class V lesions restored with composite resin with and without liner and injectable nanohybrid composite resin.Materials and Methodology. 60 class V cavities were prepared in 30 freshly extracted teeth. After etching and application of bonding agents these cavities were divided into three groups: Group A (n=20)—restored with composite resin, Group B (n=20)—flowable composite resin liner + composite resin, and Group C (n=20)—restored with injectable composite resin. After curing all the specimens were subjected to thermocycling and cyclic loading. Specimens were stained with 0.5% basic fuchsin and evaluated for dye penetration.Results. Results are subjected to Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon test.Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, none of the three materials were free from microleakage. All the three materials showed more microleakage at gingival margins compared to occlusal margins. Among all the groups G-ænial Flo showed the least microleakage at the gingival wall.