bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maturação in vitro de oócitos bovinos em meios suplementados com quercetina e seu efeito sobre o desenvolvimento embrionário
Authors: Guemra S. , Monzani P.S. , Santos E.S. , Zanin R. , Ohashi O.M. , Miranda M.S. , Adona P.R.
Published: February 2014

A quercetina é um flavonoide, amplamente encontrada em frutas, vegetais, grãos, flores, com elevada concentração no vinho tinto, e tem sido caracterizada funcionalmente pela atividade antioxidante. Para avaliação da maturação nuclear e do desenvolvimento embrionário bovino, os oócitos foram maturados por 22h na presença de quercetina (0,4, 2, 10 e 50µM), cisteamina (100µM) e na ausência dos antioxidantes. Os oócitos maturados foram corados com Hoechst para avaliação da maturação in vitro. Para avaliação do desenvolvimento embrionário, os oócitos foram fertilizados e cultivados in vitro, as taxas de desenvolvimento embrionário foram determinadas no sétimo dia de cultivo e o percentual de eclosão e o número de células dos embriões no oitavo dia. Os níveis de glutationa (GSH) dos oócitos foram mensurados por emissão de fluorescência com CMF2HC. A porcentagem de maturação nuclear (±89%) não diferiu entre os grupos. O desenvolvimento embrionário variou entre os tratamentos, o percentual de blastocisto foi superior (P<0,05) nos grupos tratados com 0,4, 2, 10 e 50∝M de quercetina (56,9, 59,5, 53,6 e 49,6%, respectivamente) e com 100∝M de cisteamina (50,4%) em relação ao grupo controle (42,3%). Na comparação entre os dois antioxidantes, a quercetina (0,4 e 2µM) foi superior na produção de embriões (56,9 e 59,5%, respectivamente) em comparação com cisteamina (50,4%). As taxas de embriões eclodidos foram similares (P>0,05) entre os grupos (±63,0%). O número médio de células dos embriões também foi similar entre os grupos (±233). Os níveis intracelulares de GSH foram superiores nos oócitos maturados com cisteamina, mas similares entre os oócitos tratados com quercetina e o controle. A suplementação da maturação in vitro com antioxidantes melhora as taxas de blastocistos. A quercetina foi superior à cisteamina, que, por sua vez, foi superior ao controle. Mas os níveis de GSH foram superiores somente nos oócitos tratados com cisteamina.
Eletrocardiografia contínua (Holter) em cães saudáveis submetidos a diferentes exercícios físicos
Authors: Barretto F.L. , Ferreira F.S. , Freitas M.V. , Santos V.S. , Correa E.S. , Carvalho C.B.
Published: February 2014

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes cargas de exercícios físicos no comportamento da frequência e do ritmo cardíaco de cães saudáveis, ao longo das 24 horas de gravação Holter. Utilizaram-se 23 cães, sem restrição de sexo, idade ou raça, dos quais 15 foram submetidos a atividades físicas e pertenciam ao grupo controle. Os resultados mostraram alterações na frequência cardíaca durante as atividades propostas, em que se alcançaram 174±27bpm durante a caminhada leve, 148±30 durante a atividade com bola e 165±26 durante o Cooper. Ademais, observaram-se arritmias, incluindo bloqueios atrioventriculares e extrassístoles e maior número e duração de pausas (até 5s) em repouso, além de uma menor variação na frequência cardíaca (FC) durante o período de sono dos animais do grupo experimental. Esses eventos não foram observados no grupo controle, o que sugere que o exercício físico extenuante interfere na modulação autonômica do coração, podendo predispor a arritmias importantes.
Laparoscopic paracostal herniorrhaphy in a dog: case report
Authors: Trindade A.B. , Basso P.C. , Gonçalves M.C. , Lima G.A. , Gerardi D.G. , Beck C.A.C. , Contesini E.A. , Brun M.V.
Published: February 2014

Traumatic paracostal hernia is classified as an abdominal hernia that protrudes from the abdomen to a non physiologic space over the ribs. Treatment requires surgical reconstruction of the disrupted musculature in the thoracoabdominal region. Laparoscopic paracostal herniorrhaphy was performed in an eight-month-old male Teckel, presented after a car accident injury. A three-portal laparoscopic access was used for definitive diagnosis and hernia correction. After traction of the herniated omentum, a thoracoabdominal communication caused a left side pneumothorax, which was successfully drained with a chest tube placement. The herniorrhaphy was accomplished with intracorporeal sutures by a combination of Ford interlocking and cross mattress patterns. The postoperative period was uneventful. The laparoscopic paracostal herniorrhaphy was satisfactory, allowing both diagnosis and correction of the paracostal defect, showing to be a feasible alternative to the open surgery.
[NO TITLE AVAILABLE]
Authors: Guimarães L.D. , Bourguignon E. , Santos L.C. , Duarte T.S. , Andrade E.C. , Borges A.P.B.
Published: February 2014

Canine hypospadias is a rare condition that can occur in male and female dogs. Affected animals may present signs of urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, periurethral dermatitis or can remain asymptomatic. Periurethral hypospadias in a 14-week-old mongrel dog and its surgical repair are addressed.
Efeitos do momento de transferência dos ovos para o nascedouro e da idade da matriz pesada sobre o rendimento de incubação
Authors: Barbosa V.M. , Rocha J.S.R. , Baião N.C. , Mendes P.M.M. , Pompeu M.A. , Lara L.J.C. , Miranda D.J.A. , Carvalho G.B. , Cardoso D.M. , Cunha C.E. , Martins N.R.S. , Leite R.C.
Published: February 2014

Foram avaliados os efeitos do momento de transferência dos ovos da incubadora para o nascedouro e da idade da matriz pesada sobre o rendimento de incubação. Os tratamentos foram definidos pela idade das matrizes Cobb®, sendo considerados ovos de matrizes novas (33 semanas) e ovos de matrizes velhas (63 semanas), e pelos momentos de transferência da câmara de incubação para os nascedouros (aos 15, 17 e 19 dias). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas, sendo o fator da parcela os três momentos das transferências e as subparcelas as duas idades das matrizes, com 18 repetições por tratamento. A bandeja com 96 ovos foi considerada a repetição, totalizando 1.728 ovos para cada tratamento. Ovos de matrizes velhas são mais pesados, perdem mais peso durante a incubação e têm percentual de fertilidade menor (P<0,05), qualquer que seja o momento de transferência dos ovos. Independentemente da idade das matrizes, a transferência dos ovos da incubadora para o nascedouro aos 15, 17 ou 19 dias de incubação não interfere na mortalidade embrionária, eclodibilidade e peso dos pintos ao nascimento. É possível adaptar o manejo de transferência à necessidade logística do incubatório ou reduzir o período dos ovos na máquina de incubação para aumentar o fluxo de produção, sem prejuízo ao rendimento de incubação.
Parâmetros ósseos de frangos de corte alimentados com rações contendo fitase e baixos níveis de fósforo disponível e proteína bruta
Authors: Vaz A.C.N. , Albuquerque R. , Brisola M.L. , Donato D.C.Z. , Garcia P.D.S.R.
Published: February 2014

Foram utilizados 504 pintos de linhagem comercial (Ag Ross 308) para frangos de corte de um dia de idade, distribuídos em 12 tratamentos com seis repetições. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 2x2x3, com dois níveis de fósforo disponível (0,45 e 0,34%), dois níveis de fitase (0 e 1200 FTU/kg) e três níveis de proteína bruta (22,5; 20,5 e 18,5%). A porcentagem de cálcio e fósforo nas tíbias foi influenciada significativamente pelos níveis de proteína e de fósforo na dieta com o uso da fitase. Os teores de matéria mineral nas tíbias apresentaram efeito linear com o uso da enzima e efeito quadrático com a ausência dela, apresentando maior valor com o nível de 22,5% de proteína na dieta. Já com os maiores níveis de fósforo houve efeito linear entre os níveis de proteína bruta na dieta e os pesos da matéria mineral nas tíbias, ou seja, quanto maior o nível de proteína, menor o peso da matéria mineral.
Self-healing ability of cementitious composites: effect of addition of pre-soaked expanded perlite
Authors: Şahmaran Mustafa , Yildirim Gurkan , Ozbay Erdogan , Ahmed Karwan , Lachemi Mohamed
Published: February 2014

This study assessed the use of pre-soaked expanded perlite aggregate (PS-EPA) on the self-healing of cementitious composites by replacing a proportion of normal aggregate with PS-EPA at different replacement rates. Specimens with and without PS-EPA were stored in water for 28 d and then mechanical loading was applied to produce specimen deterioration. At the age of 28 d, pre-loaded and sound specimens were exposed to continuous air (CA) exposure for 30 d. The degree of deterioration as a result of mechanical pre-loading and the degree of self-healing were determined via characterisation of crack numbers and widths, transport (chloride ion permeability) and mechanical properties (splitting tensile strength), and specimens with and without PS-EPA were compared. The test results revealed that increased PS-EPA content significantly improved the compressive strength and chloride ion permeability of specimens, and that it further enhanced the hydration and healing capability of specimens under CA exposure after pre-loading.
Optimization of a Monitoring Network for Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Boer E. P. J. , Dekkers A. L. M. , Stein A.
Published: February 2014

In this study, we develop and apply a methodology to reduce an existing monitoring network to find an optimal configuration of a smaller network. We use a criterion based on locally weighted regression with two different weight functions. The methodology is applied to the Dutch national SO2 network and offers the possibility to include different politically relevant options in the model by weight criteria. Because full enumeration of all monitoring networks is impossible, a combinatorial search algorithm is applied to find a (sub)optimal solution. If different (optimal) monitoring networks result from different criteria, then the best can be selected.
Gas Dynamics in Eutrophic Lake Sediments Affected by Oxygen, Nitrate, and Sulfate
Authors: Liikanen Anu , Flöjt Laura , Martikainen Pertti
Published: February 2014

In many freshwater ecosystems, the contents of NO−3 and SO2−4 have increased, whereas O2 has been depleted due to the increased acid and nutrient loads. These changes may affect carbon turnover and the dynamics of the major greenhouse gases CO2, CH4, and N2O. We studied the effects of O2, NO−3, and SO2−4 availability on carbon mineralization, and fluxes of CO2, CH4, and N2O in the sediments of hyper‐eutrophic Lake Kevätön, Finland. Undisturbed sediment cores from the deep (9 m) and shallow (4 m) profundal were incubated in a laboratory microcosm with oxic and anoxic water flows with NO−3 or SO2−4 concentrations of 0, 30, 100, 300, and 2000 μM The carbon mineralization rate (i.e., the sum of released CO2–C and CH4–C) was not affected by the oxidants. However, the oxidants did change the pathways of carbon degradation and the release of CH4 All of the oxidants depressed CH4 fluxes in the shallow profundal sediments, which had low organic matter content. In the deep profundal sediments rich in organic matter, the CH4 release was reduced by O2 but was not affected by SO2−4 (the effect of NO−3 was not studied). There was an increase in N2O release as the overlying water NO−3 concentration increased. Anoxia and highly elevated NO−3 concentrations, associated with eutrophication, increased drastically the global warming potential (GWP) of the sedimentary gases in contrast to the SO2−4 load, which had only minor effects on the GWP.
Soil Erosion and Sediment Sources in an Ohio Watershed using Beryllium‐7, Cesium‐137, and Lead‐210
Authors: Matisoff Gerald , Bonniwell Everett C. , Whiting Peter J.
Published: February 2014

Soil cores and suspended sediments were collected within the Old Woman Creek, Ohio (OWC) watershed following a thunderstorm and analyzed for 7Be, 137Cs, and 210Pb activities to compare the effects of till vs. no‐till management on soil erosion and sediment yield. The upper reaches of the watershed draining tilled agricultural fields were disproportionately responsible for the majority of the suspended sediment load compared with lower in the watershed (2.0–7.0 metric tons/km2 [Mg/km2] vs. 1.2–2.6 Mg/km2). About 6 to 10 times more sediment was derived from the subbasins that are predominantly tilled (6.8–12.4 Mg/km2) compared with the subbasins undergoing no‐till practices (0.5–1.1 Mg/km2). In undisturbed soils the 210Pb activities decreased with movement toward the bottom of the cores to the constant supported 210Pb value at a depth of about 10 cm. There was a subsurface maximum in 137Cs activity within the top 10 cm. In contrast, the 210Pb and 137Cs distributions in soils that are currently or were previously tilled were nearly homogeneous with depth, reflecting continuing or previous mixing by plowing. The activities of 210Pb and 7Be were linearly correlated and were higher in suspended sediments derived from no‐till subbasins than those derived from tilled subbasins, indicating that the soil surface is the source of suspended sediment. This study demonstrates that no‐till farming results in decreases in soil erosion and decreases in suspended sediment discharges and that those eroded sediments have a radionuclide signature corresponding to the tillage practice and the depth of erosion.
Phosphorus Budgets and Riverine Phosphorus Export in Northwestern Ohio Watersheds
Authors: Baker David B. , Richards R. Peter
Published: February 2014

Phosphorus (P) budgets for large watersheds are often used to predict trends in riverine P export. To test such predictions, we calculated annual P budgets for 1975–1995 for soils of the Maumee and Sandusky watersheds of northwestern Ohio and compared them with riverine P export from these watersheds. Phosphorus inputs to the soils include fertilizers, manure, rainfall, and sludge while outputs include crop removal and nonpoint‐source export via rivers. Annual P inputs decreased due to reductions in fertilizer and manure inputs. Annual outputs increased due to increasing crop yields. Net P accumulation decreased from peak values of 13.4 and 9.5 kg P ha−1 yr−1 to 3.7 and 2.6 kg P ha−1 yr−1 for the Maumee and Sandusky watersheds, respectively. Thus, P budget analysis suggests that riverine P export should have increased throughout the study period, with smaller increases during more recent years. However, detailed water quality studies show that riverine export of total phosphorus (TP) has decreased by 25 to 40% and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) by 60 to 89%, both due primarily to decreases from nonpoint sources. We suggest that these decreases are associated with farmers' adoption of practices that minimize transport of recently applied P fertilizer and of sediments via surface runoff, coupled with changes in winter weather conditions. In comparison with most Midwestern watersheds, rivers draining these watersheds have high unit area yields of TP, low unit area yields of SRP, and high ratios of nonpoint source– to point source–derived P.
Prosthetic hand sensor placement: Analysis of touch perception during the grasp
Authors: Mirkovic Bojana , Popovic Dejan
Published: February 2014

Humans rely on their hands to perform everyday tasks. The hand is used as a
tool, but also as the interface to ?sense? the world. Current prosthetic
hands are based on sophisticated multi-fingered structures, and include many
sensors which counterpart natural proprioceptors and exteroceptors. The
sensory information is used for control, but not sent to the user of the hand
(amputee). Grasping without sensing is not good enough. This research is part
of the development of the sensing interface for amputees, specifically
addressing the analysis of human perception while grasping. The goal is to
determine the small number of preferred positions of sensors on the
prosthetic hand. This task has previously been approached by trying to
replicate a natural sensory system characteristic for healthy humans,
resulting in a multitude of redundant sensors and basic inability to make the
patient aware of the sensor readings on the subconscious level. We based our
artificial perception system on the reported sensations of humans when
grasping various objects without seeing the objects (obstructed visual
feedback). Subjects, with no known sensory deficits, were asked to report on
the touch sensation while grasping. The analysis included objects of various
sizes, weights, textures and temperatures. Based on this data we formed a map
of the preferred positions for the sensors that is appropriate for five
finger human-like robotic hand. The final map was intentionally minimized in
size (number of sensors).
Therapists' Use of the Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) Intervention: A Practice Implementation Survey Study
Authors: Connell Louise A. , McMahon Naoimh E. , Watkins Caroline L. , Eng Janice J.
Published: February 2014

Background

Only a small percentage of research is ever successfully translated into practice. The Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP) is a stroke rehabilitation intervention that anecdotally has had rapid translation from research to clinical practice. This study was conducted to explore the characteristics of this practice implementation.

Objectives

The aims of this study were: (1) to explore the extent of practice implementation of GRASP in the United Kingdom; (2) using an implementation framework, to explore UK therapists' opinions of implementing GRASP; and (3) if GRASP is found to be used in the United Kingdom, to investigate differences in opinions between therapists who are using GRASP in practice and those who are not.

Design

A cross-sectional study design was used.

Methods

Data were collected via an online questionnaire. Participants in this study were members of the College of Occupational Therapy Specialist Section Neurological Practice and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology.

Results

Of the 274 therapists who responded to the survey, 61 (22.3%) had experience of using GRASP, 114 (41.6%) knew of GRASP but had never used it, and 99 (36.1%) had never heard of GRASP. Therapists displayed positive opinions toward the implementation of a manual with graded progressions of structured upper limb exercises for people after stroke. Opinions were different between therapists who had used GRASP and those who had not.

Limitations

The findings of this study may be limited by response bias.

Conclusions

GRASP is a relatively new stroke rehabilitation intervention that has made impressive translation into the knowledge and practice of UK therapists. Therapists' opinions would suggest that GRASP is both an acceptable and feasible intervention and has the potential to be implemented by a greater number of therapists in a range of settings.
Modelling line edge roughness in periodic line-space structures by Fourier optics to improve scatterometry
Authors: Gross H. , Heidenreich S. , Henn M-A. , Dai G. , Scholze F. , Bär M.
Published: February 2014

In the present paper, we propose a 2D-Fourier transform method as a simple and efficient algorithm for stochastical and numerical studies to investigate the systematic impacts of line edge roughness on light diffraction pattern of periodic line-space structures. The key concept is the generation of ensembles of rough apertures composed of many slits, to calculate the irradiance of the illuminated rough apertures far away from the aperture plane, and a comparison of their light intensities to those of the undisturbed, ’non-rough’ aperture. We apply the Fraunhofer approximation and interpret the rough apertures as binary 2D-gratings to compute their diffraction patterns very efficiently as the 2D-Fourier transform of the light distribution of the source plane. The rough edges of the aperture slits are generated by means of power spectrum density (PSD) functions, which are often used in metrology of rough geometries. The mean efficiencies of the rough apertures reveal a systematic exponential decrease for higher diffraction orders if compared to the diffraction pattern of the unperturbed aperture. This confirms former results, obtained by rigorous calculations with computational expensive finite element methods (FEM) for a simplified roughness model. The implicated model extension for scatterometry by an exponential damping factor for the calculated efficiencies allows to determine the standard deviation σr of line edge roughness along with the critical dimensions (CDs), i.e., line widths, heights and other profile properties in the sub-micrometer range. First comparisons with the corresponding roughness value determined by 3D atomic force microscopy (3D AFM) reveal encouraging results.
Use of a cyanoacrylate skin adhesive to reduce external ventricular drain infection rates
Authors: Bookland Markus J. , Sukul Vishad , Connolly Patrick J.
Published: February 2014

Object

Ventriculitis related to external ventricular drain (EVD) placement is a significant source of morbidity in neurological intensive care patients. Current rates of EVD-related infections range from 2% to 45% in the literature. The authors sought to determine if a 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive would result in lower infection rate than standard semiocclusive dressings.

Methods

The authors tracked ventriculitis rates via CSF cultures among 259 patients whose EVD sites were dressed with sterile semiocclusive dressings and underwent routine sterile dressing exchanges every 48 hours. They analyzed data obtained in an additional 113 patients whose EVD sites were dressed one time with a surgical adhesive, 2-octyl cyanoacrylate.

Results

Ventriculitis rate in patients with standard bioocclusive dressings and wound care was 15.1%, whereas that in patients with a 2-octyl cyanoacrylate dressing was 3.54% (p = 0.002). Staphylococcus genus accounted for 79.5% of instances of ventriculitis among patients with bioocclusive dressings and routine wound care, whereas it accounted for 25.0% of the instances of ventriculitis among patients with a liquid polymer sealant dressing. A 90% reduction in Staphylococcus infection completely accounts for the observed effect (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The one-time application of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate to EVD wounds and exit sites provided superior protection against EVD-related ventriculitis compared to conventional EVD-site wound care. Likely this protection results from a barrier to the entry of gram-positive skin flora along the EVD exit tract. The results should be validated in a randomized trial.
Clinical Pattern of Neonatal Infections
Authors: Islam MN , Hannan Abdul , Hossain S Zahid , Rahman Md. Habibur , Razzaque SA
Published: February 2014

Neonatal infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among infants. Clinical pattern of neonatal infection in the neonatal unit of Institute of Post Graduate Medicine & Research (IPGM&R), Dhaka has been reported. Out of total 2160 Neonatal admission from July 1991 to June 1993, 320 (14.8%) cases of neonatal infections were found. Septicemia was the commonest type found in 118 (5.5%) cases. Other infections included umbilical sepsis (14.7%), Skin infections (1.6%), Meningitis (1.2%). Tetanus neonatorum were not included. Out of 320 cases, 20 patients died (6.2%). Preterm low birth weight and birth asphyxia were the common risk factors.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329.bjms.v1i3.17909
History of Medicine -3: Late Greek Period
Authors: Editor The
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329.bjms.v1i3.17914Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.1(3) 1994 pp.37-40
Retrieval of sulphur dioxide from a ground-based thermal infrared imaging camera
Authors: Prata A. J. , Bernardo C.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Recent advances in uncooled detector technology now offer the possibility of using relatively inexpensive thermal (7 to 14 μm) imaging devices as tools for studying and quantifying the behaviour of hazardous gases and particulates in atmospheric plumes. An experimental fast-sampling (60 Hz) ground-based uncooled thermal imager (Cyclops), operating with four spectral channels at central wavelengths of 8.6, 10, 11, and 12 μm and one broadband channel (7–14 μm), has been tested at several volcanoes and at two industrial sites, where SO2 was a major constituent of the plumes. This paper presents new algorithms, which include atmospheric corrections to the data and better calibrations to show that SO2 slant column density can be reliably detected and quantified. Our results indicate that it is relatively easy to identify and discriminate SO2 in plumes, but more challenging to quantify the column densities. A full description of the retrieval algorithms, illustrative results and a detailed error analysis are provided. The Noise-Equivalent Temperature Difference (NEΔT) of the spectral channels, a fundamental measure of the quality of the measurements, lies between 0.4–0.8 K, resulting in slant column density errors of 20%. Frame averaging and improved NEΔT's can reduce this error to less than 10%, making a stand-off, day or night operation of an instrument of this type very practical for both monitoring industrial SO2 emissions and for SO2 column densities and emission measurements at active volcanoes. The imaging camera system may also be used to study thermal radiation from meteorological clouds and from the atmosphere.
Phenology as a strategy for carbon optimality: a global model
Authors: Caldararu S. , Purves D. W. , Palmer P. I.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Phenology is essential to our understanding of biogeochemical cycles and the climate system. We develop a global mechanistic model of leaf phenology based on the hypothesis that phenology is a strategy for optimal carbon gain at the canopy level so that trees adjust leaf gains and losses in response to environmental factors such as light, temperature and soil moisture, to achieve maximum carbon assimilation. We fit this model to five years of satellite observations of leaf area index (LAI) using a Bayesian fitting algorithm. We show that our model is able to reproduce phenological patterns for all vegetation types and use it to explore variations in growing season length and the climate factors that limit leaf growth for different biomes. Phenology in wet tropical areas is limited by leaf age physiological constraints while at higher latitude leaf seasonality is limited by low temperature and light availability. Leaf growth in grassland regions is limited by water availability but often in combination with other factors. This model will advance the current understanding of phenology for ecosystem carbon models and our ability to predict future phenological behaviour.
Volumetric shrinkage and shape of Conilon coffee fruit (Coffea Canephora)
Authors: Casanova Pedro , Corrêa Paulo C , Solís Kattia
Published: February 2014

The effect of varying the water content was evaluated in shrinkage, dimensional characteristics and shape of the fruits of coffee during drying. Fruits were used Conilon coffee (Coffea canephora), clone 83 of clonal variety EMCAPA 8141. The fruit was hand-picked and selected only the two stages, cherry and unripe. Different batches of coffee were dried in an oven with forced ventilation with air temperature of approximately 60 ± 3 °C until different levels of water content. Fruit size was determined by varying the volume and shape was examined by sphericity and roundness. The shrinkage of the fruits was determined by the ratio between the volume at each water content and initial volume. It was determined that the projected area, surface area and volume increase with increasing water content for conilon coffee fruit. The shape of the conilon coffee fruits was influenced during the drying process, promoting the decrease of sphericity and roundness values from the reduction of water content. The shrinkage showed a nonlinear behavior with decreasing reducing the water content of the mass of Conilon coffee fruit. The polynomial model represented satisfactorily phenomenon of unit volumetric shrinkage and mass of coffee fruits depending on the water content.
Optimization of Rules Selection for Robot Soccer Strategies
Authors: Snášel Václav , Svatoň Václav , Martinovič Jan , Abraham Ajith
Published: February 2014

Mobile embedded systems belong among the typical applications of distributed systems control in real-time. An example of a mobile control system is a robotic system. The proposal and realization of such a distributed control system represents a demanding and complex task for real-time control. In the process of robot soccer game applications, extensive data is accumulated. The reduction of such data is a possible win in a game strategy. The main topic of this article is a description of an efficient method for rule selection from a strategy. The proposed algorithm is based on the geometric representation of rules. A described problem and a proposed solution can be applied to other areas dealing with effective searching of rules in structures that also represent coordinates of the real world. Because this construed strategy describes a real space and the stores physical coordinates of real objects, our method can be used in strategic planning in the real world where we know the geographical positions of objects.
Expression of tolerogenic potential-representing markers on clinical-grade therapeutic dendritic cell-based cancer vaccines
Authors: Dobrovolskienė Neringa T. , Strioga Marius M. , Liudkevičienė Regina , Petraitis Tadas , Darinskas Adas , Pašukonienė Vita , Gudlevičienė Živilė
Published: February 2014

Background. Currently a particular interest is given to specific active cancer immunotherapy (therapeutic cancer vaccination) strategies such as treatment with specially “educated” autologous dendritic cells (DCs). The purpose of these vaccines is to enhance antitumor immune responses against the existing tumor. DC vaccines are composed of tumor antigen-loaded mature DCs, which are produced for each cancer patient individually. However, recent data indicate that there are at least two types of mature DCs  –  immunogenic, which activate antitumor immune responses, and tolerogenic, which suppress immune responses, thereby interfering with effector mechanisms of protective antitumor immunity.
Hence, the aim of our study was to assess the expression of immunogenic and tolerogenic potential-representing markers on the surface of therapeutic DC vaccines generated using two different maturation approaches.
Materials and methods. Two different DC maturation approaches were investigated: Cocktail 1, composed of lipopolysaccharide (200 ng/ mL) and interferon-γ (50  ng/mL), and Cocktail  2, composed of IL1β (10  ng/mL), IL-6 (10  ng/mL), TNF-α (10  ng/mL), PGE2 (1  μg/mL). Secretion of two basic cytokines – the immunostimulatory IL-12p70 and the immunosuppressive IL-10 – has also been investigated.
Results. We show that a subset of immature DCs expressed tolerogenic markers. Importantly their expression profile considerably differed on mature DCs, depending on the maturation approach used.
Conclusions. In particular, our results indicate that Cocktail  1 is superior to Cocktail  2 for the production of clinical-grade therapeutic cancer DC vaccines, both in terms of immunophenotypical attributes of DC tolerogenicity and their cytokine secretory profile.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal tumours: 29-month mean follow-up results of 118 patients
Authors: Ulys Albertas , Žalimas Algirdas , Merkytė Rūta , Selickaja Sandra , Trakymas Mantas
Published: February 2014

Background. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive method of treatment based on thermal effects. This retrospective study aimed to clarify percutaneous RFA of kidney tumors  –  performance, extremeness and 5-year survival in patients with small renal tumors in a single center.
Materials and methods. Between September 2003 and December 2012, a total of 118 patients underwent percutaneous RFA of renal tumors. During more than 9  years period 144 RFA procedures were performed. Tumors were verified by biopsy. We used 3 RFA techniques: RFA under ultrasound control only (US), ultrasound guided RFA with CT navigation (US/CT) and ultrasound guided RFA with CT navigation, fiducial markers placed around the kidney tumor before the treatment (US/CT/FM). RFA electrodes were one and three. Patients were followed up regularly by CT with contrast enhancement.
Results. The mean patient age was 68.72  years (range 28 to 86). The mean tumor size was 2.8 cm (range 1 to 5.4). The mean follow-up time was 29 months (1–111 months). Radical dependence on technical procedures: only US  39 (66.1%), US/CT 18 (94.7%), US/CT/FM 37 (92.5%), p = 0.001. Radical differences between using one and three electrodes: 39 (66.1%) and 55 (93.2%), p
Un Panthéon morbide : la naissance du Musée de la Société phrénologique de Paris
Authors: Laugée Thierry
Published: February 2014

Lors de la fondation de la Société de phrénologie, le renforcement des collections de têtes fut l’une des décisions principales de ses membres. Pour ce faire, il y eut une participation volontaire de nombreuses célébrités de tous domaines et de toutes disciplines. Une commission fut chargée de réaliser des copies de tous les plâtres importants présents dans les collections de province et à l’étranger, de visiter les bagnes pour faire mouler des têtes, ou d’obtenir des individus célèbres leur empreinte. Les collections s’enrichirent alors rapidement, on échangea, on surmoula les têtes dans les sociétés étrangères afin de posséder l’empreinte de types humains divers et de gloires internationales. Une fois ces reliques rassemblées en très grande quantité, il importait de les diffuser. Pour ce faire, la Société phrénologique de Paris prit modèle sur les beaux-arts et inaugura le 14 janvier 1836, rue de Seine-Saint-Germain, le Musée de la Société phrénologique de Paris, dont les collections sont aujourd’hui conservées au Musée de l’Homme de Paris. Le souhait premier en ouvrant ce Musée au public était l’enseignement et la diffusion gratuite du système gallien à tous ceux qui en ressentaient l’envie. Les étagères offraient alors un magnifique panorama des gloires parisiennes dans des domaines aussi divers que le théâtre, les sciences, les beaux-arts, la musique ou la politique. Par cette collection, ce Musée sans oeuvre d’art allait s’avérer populaire. Ces chasseurs de têtes furent fréquemment condamnés par la presse artistique, la tête phrénologique étant considérée comme une sculpture sans vie, une atteinte portée à la dignité des modèles et à l’art du portrait. Ainsi, par la réception critique de ce musée dans la presse artistique, il s’agira d’évaluer les craintes suscitées par l’émergence de ce panthéon morbide.
Directly amplified redox sensor for on-chip chemical analysis
Authors: Takahashi Sou , Futagawa Masato , Ishida Makoto , Sawada Kazuaki
Published: February 2014

In recent years, many groups have studied redox sensors for chemical analysis. A redox sensor has certain powerful advantages, such as its ability to detect multiple ions inside the sensing area, and its ability to measure concentrations of materials by using voltage and current signals. However, the output current signal of a redox sensor decreases when either concentration or sensing area decreases. Therefore, we propose the use of an amplified redox sensor (ARS) for measuring small current signals. The proposed sensor consists of a working electrode combined with a bipolar transistor. In this study, we fabricated an ARS sensor and performed low-concentration measurements using current signal amplification with an integrated bipolar transistor. The sensor chip successfully detected a potassium ferricyanide (K3[Fe(CN)6]) concentration of as low as 10 µM using cyclic voltammetry.
First results from an airborne GPS radio occultation system for atmospheric profiling
Authors: Haase J. S. , Murphy B. J. , Muradyan P. , Nievinski F. G. , Larson K. M. , Garrison J. L. , Wang K.‐N.
Published: February 2014

Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultation (RO) from low Earth‐orbiting satellites has increased the quantity of high‐vertical resolution atmospheric profiles, especially over oceans, and has significantly improved global weather forecasting. A new system, the Global Navigation Satellite Systems Instrument System for Multistatic and Occultation Sensing (GISMOS), has been developed for RO sounding from aircraft. GISMOS also provides high‐vertical resolution profiles that are insensitive to clouds and precipitation, and in addition, provides greater control on the sampling location, useful for targeted regional studies. The feasibility of the system is demonstrated with a flight carried out during development of an Atlantic tropical storm. The data have been evaluated through a comparison with dropsonde data. The new airborne RO system will effectively increase by more than 50% the number of profiles available for studying the evolution of tropical storms during this campaign and could potentially be deployed on commercial aircraft in the future.
Paleoproterozoic/Mesoproterozoic tectonism in the northern fringe of the Western Dharwar Craton (India): Its relevance to Gondwanaland and Columbia supercontinent reconstructions
Authors: Rekha S. , Bhattacharya A.
Published: February 2014

A newly discovered suite of Paleoproterozoic/Mesoproterozoic amphibolite facies supracrustals and foliated granitoids between Pernem and Phonda along the northern Konkan coast of western India limits the northern boundary of the Archean Western Dharwar Craton (WDC). Top‐to‐the south transport of the suite is associated with progressively southward tightening of folds with down‐dip stretching lineation, obliteration of pre‐existing fabrics, and widespread stabilization of garnet (lacking in the WDC) along a mid‐crustal counterclockwise pressure‐temperature path. Th‐U‐total Pb ages in metamorphic monazites in the WDC supracrustals are 2.5 Ga; chemical ages of metamorphic monazites (2.3 Ga, 2.2 Ga, 1.9 Ga, and 1.7 Ga) in the WDC‐limiting Pernem‐Phonda tectonic zone decreases northwards. Based on the finding, we suggest that the southern boundary of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ)—the accretion zone between the North and the South Indian Blocks—should be relocated ~ 550 km south from its perceived location near the Gulf of Cambay. In spite of the apparent geometric fit, we suggest the CITZ and the Trans North China Orogen may not be continuous as has been suggested in some Paleoproterozoic reconstructions of the Columbia supercontinent. The monazite ages in the footwall schists are similar to 2.5, 2.25, and 2.10 Ga Pb‐Pb ages in detrital zircon in the Sahantaha Group located north of the Paleoarchean Antongil‐Masora Block in Madagascar. We suggest that the Paleoproterozoic/Mesoproterozoic shear zone system extended westward into Madagascar north of the Antongil Block in East Gondwanaland, and this may clarify the unexplained source of zircon in the Sahantaha quartzites.
Communication, cognitive development and behavior in children with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS): Preliminary results
Authors: Ajmone Paola Francesca , Rigamonti Claudia , Dall'Ara Francesca , Monti Federico , Vizziello Paola , Milani Donatella , Cereda Anna , Selicorni Angelo , Costantino Antonella
Published: February 2014

In this study, we present preliminary data on cognitive, behavioral and communication domains of individuals with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), collected through a specific protocol combining direct and indirect tools. Seventeen subjects with CdLS were assessed, 2.5‐ to 13.4‐year‐old. Cognitive level of the subjects differed from what previously described in literature, showing more patients with normal or borderline cognitive abilities. We found a relation between severe autistic behavior and comprehension impairments: all children with high CARS score have severe receptive language disability. A correlation was also found between CARS score and ID: high CARS score occurred only in patients with profound levels of ID. Results of this study support the need for a specific assessment protocol tailored for the characteristics of subjects with multiple disabilities, to be able to identify their strengths avoiding the avalanche effect of weaknesses. Most tests on neuropsychological functions have been developed and standardized for typically developing children, and require the integrity of other functions aside the one that is evaluated, determining an underestimation of the level of functioning. This study could be a starting point to develop new models applicable to other genetic syndromes and complex situations; new and wider studies are needed in order to allow a more complete and accurate assessment, thereby ensuring more efficient and family‐centered treatment plans. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct α‐Siladifluoromethylation of Lithium Enolates with Ruppert‐Prakash Reagent via CF Bond Activation
Authors: Hashimoto Ryota , Iida Toshiaki , Aikawa Kohsuke , Ito Shigekazu , Mikami Koichi
Published: February 2014

The direct α‐siladifluoromethylation of lithium enolates with the Ruppert–Prakash reagent (CF3TMS) is shown to construct the tertiary and quaternary carbon centers. The Ruppert–Prakash reagent, which is versatile for various trifluoromethylation as a trifluoromethyl anion (CF3−) equivalent, can be employed as a siladifluoromethyl cation (TMSCF2+) equivalent by CF bond activation due to the strong interaction between lithium and fluorine atoms.
Energy Distributions of Grinding Balls in Frictional Contact
Authors: Köster Alexander , Scherge Matthias , Teipel Ulrich
Published: February 2014

Die Mahlkörperreibung ist durch einen charakteristischen Verlauf des Reibungskoeffizienten gekennzeichnet. Dieser periodische Verlauf lässt sich durch einen fundamentalen Energieansatz in die auftretende Reibenergie übertragen, wobei das Energiemaximum im ansteigenden Teil der Kugelkontaktstrecke und das Energieminimum im abfallenden Kontaktstreckenteil liegen. Durch den Bezug zur Kontaktfläche kann auch die Energiedichte während des Reibvorgangs dargestellt werden. Maßgebliche Einflussgrößen auf die Verlaufsformen sind sowohl der Kugeldurchmesser als auch intrinsische Effekte.
Primary tumor resection as a component of multimodality treatment may improve local control and survival in patients with stage IV inflammatory breast cancer
Authors: Akay Catherine L. , Ueno Naoto T. , Chisholm Gary B. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Woodward Wendy A. , Alvarez Ricardo H. , Bedrosian Isabelle , Kuerer Henry M. , Hunt Kelly K. , Huo Lei , Babiera Gildy V.
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, the benefit of primary tumor resection among patients with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is unknown.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 172 cases of metastatic IBC. All patients received chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy and/or surgery. Patients were classified as responders or nonresponders to chemotherapy. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) and distant progression‐free survival (DPFS) and local control at the time of last follow‐up were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients (46%) underwent surgery. OS and DPFS were better among patients treated with surgery versus no surgery (47% vs 10%, respectively [P < .0001] and 30% vs 3%, respectively [P < .0001]). Surgery plus radiotherapy was associated with better survival compared with treatment with surgery or radiotherapy alone (OS rate: 50% vs 25% vs 14%, respectively; DPFS rate: 32% vs 18% vs 15%, respectively [P < .0001 for both]). Surgery was associated with better survival for both responders (OS rate for surgery vs no surgery: 49% vs 23% [P < .0001] and DPFS rate for surgery vs no surgery: 31% vs 8% [P < .0001]) and nonresponders (OS rate for surgery vs no surgery: 40% vs 6% [P < .0001] and DPFS rate for surgery vs no surgery: 30% vs 0% [P < .0001]). On multivariate analysis, treatment with surgery plus radiotherapy and response to chemotherapy were found to be significant predictors of better OS and DPFS. Local control at the time of last follow‐up was 4‐fold more likely in patients who underwent surgery with or without radiotherapy compared with patients who received chemotherapy alone (81% vs 18%; P < .0001). Surgery and response to chemotherapy independently predicted local control on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study demonstrate that for select patients with metastatic IBC, multimodality treatment including primary tumor resection may result in better local control and survival. However, a randomized trial is needed to validate these findings. Cancer 2014;120:1319–1328. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Low‐Frequency Magnetic Fluctuation Measurement during Magnetic Reconnection in Counter‐Helicity Plasma Merging Experiment
Authors: Kuwahata Akihiro , Tanabe Hiroshi , Ito Shingo , Inomoto Michiaki , Ono Yasushi
Published: February 2014

Magnetic fluctuations at a frequency lower than the local ion cyclotron frequency have been observed in association with magnetic reconnection events in a TS‐3 plasma merging device. Counter‐helicity merging of spheromaks provides significant ion heating by magnetic reconnection to form a high‐β field‐reversed configuration plasma. The magnitude of the fluctuation observed during and after the counter‐helicity merging has a stronger dependence on the ion mass than on the reconnection speed, indicating that fast ion outflow from the X point would bring about excitation of large‐amplitude low‐frequency magnetic fluctuations, which may be responsible for direct ion heating. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 187(2): 1–8, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22401
Robust Controller Design for Sinusoidal PWM Inverters
Authors: Wakasa Yuji , Baba Yusuke , Tanaka Toshihiko , Tanaka Kanya
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes a robust controller for sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) inverters, which can track a sinusoidal reference with zero steady‐state error. A closed‐loop system for single‐phase full‐bridge inverters is constructed on the basis of the internal model principle. The appropriate control gains of the constructed closed‐loop system are determined using a state‐feedback controller design method via linear matrix inequalities. The proposed controller can adapt to the uncertain variations in the load conditions. It is also shown that the pole‐placement constraints and control performance indexes based on the H2 and H∞ norms as well as a standard quadric performance index in optimal control can be applied to the proposed robust controller. Digital computer simulation is implemented to confirm the validity of the proposed robust controller with the internal model principle. A prototype experimental model is constructed and tested. Experimental results demonstrate that an excellent and practical robust controller for sinusoidal PWM inverters is realized under uncertain and fluctuating load conditions, including the nonlinear loads such as diode rectifiers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 187(2): 44–52, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22542