bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyprinus carpioDecoction Improves Nutrition and Immunity and Reduces Proteinuria through Nephrin and CD2AP Expressions in Rats with Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Qi Yumei , Xiao Huijuan , Xu Changjie , Tian Xiaojian , Wu Hui , Shen Wei
Published: May 2012

Cyprinus carpiodecoction (CCD) is a well-known Chinese food medicine formula, accepted widely as a useful therapy in preventing edema and proteinuria caused by renal disease. However, the mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. The current study investigated the potential mechanism of CCD in alleviating nephropathy induced by adriamycin (ADR) in rats. 70  eight-week-oldWistarrats were randomly divided into normal, model, fosinopril, YD, YG groups. All rats except for the normal group received 6.5 mg/kg⋅bw of ADR injection into the vena caudalis once. Different doses of CCD (11.3 and 22.5 g kg-1) were lavaged to rats in YD and YG groups, respectively. Then the serum biochemical values of the total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), electrolyte levels, and the urinary protein (UP) content in 12 hr urine were measured. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon (INF-γ) were measured by enzyme-like immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The pathomorphological analysis was observed using light and electron microscopy, and the expressions of nephrin and CD2-associated protein (CD2AP) in renal tissues were determined by immunohistochemical assay. The results indicated that CCD can relieve ADR-induced nephropathy (ADN) by improving the nutrition status, regulating the immunity, and inhibiting proteinuria by increasing nephrin and CD2AP expressions.
Update on Transanal NOTES for Rectal Cancer: Transitioning to Human Trials
Authors: Telem Dana A. , Berger David L. , Bordeianou Liliana G. , Rattner David W. , Sylla Patricia
Published: May 2012

The feasibility of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) resection for rectal cancer has been demonstrated in both survival swine and fresh human cadaveric models. In preparation for transitioning to human application, our group has performed transanal NOTES rectal resection in a large series of human cadavers. This experience both solidified the feasibility of resection and allowed optimization of technique prior to clinical application. Improvement in specimen length and operative time was demonstrated with increased experience and newer platforms. This extensive laboratory experience has paved the way for successful clinical translation resulting in an ongoing clinical trial. To date, based on published reports, 4 human subjects have undergone successful hybrid transanal NOTES resection of rectal cancer. While promising, instrument limitations continue to hinder a pure transanal approach. Careful patient selection and continued development of new endoscopic and flexible-tip instruments are imperative prior to pure NOTES clinical application.
Detection and Recognition of Abnormal Running Behavior in Surveillance Video
Authors: Zhu Ying-Ying , Zhu Yan-Yan , Zhen-Kun Wen , Chen Wen-Sheng , Huang Qiang
Published: May 2012

Abnormal running behavior frequently happen in robbery cases and other criminal cases. In order to identity these abnormal behaviors a method to detect and recognize abnormal running behavior, is presented based on spatiotemporal parameters. Meanwhile, to obtain more accurate spatiotemporal parameters and improve the real‐time performance of the algorithm, a multitarget tracking algorithm, based on the intersection area among the minimum enclosing rectangle of the moving objects, is presented. The algorithm can judge and exclude effectively the intersection of multitarget and the interference, which makes the tracking algorithm more accurate and of better robustness. Experimental results show that the combination of these two algorithms can detect and recognize effectively the abnormal running behavior in surveillance videos.
Measurement Feedback Self‐Tuning Weighted Measurement Fusion Kalman Filter for Systems with Correlated Noises
Authors: Wang Xin , Sun Shu-Li
Published: May 2012

For the linear discrete stochastic systems with multiple sensors and unknown noise statistics, an online estimators of the noise variances and cross‐covariances are designed by using measurement feedback, full‐rank decomposition, and weighted least squares theory. Further, a self‐tuning weighted measurement fusion Kalman filter is presented. The Fadeeva formula is used to establish ARMA innovation model with unknown noise statistics. The sampling correlated function of the stationary and reversible ARMA innovation model is used to identify the noise statistics. It is proved that the presented self‐tuning weighted measurement fusion Kalman filter converges to the optimal weighted measurement fusion Kalman filter, which means its asymptotic global optimality. The simulation result of radar‐tracking system shows the effectiveness of the presented algorithm.
Application of Extension Neural Network Type‐1 to Fault Diagnosis of Electronic Circuits
Authors: Wang Meng-Hui
Published: May 2012

The values of electronic components are always deviated, but the functions of the modern circuits are more and more precise, which makes the automatic fault diagnosis of analog circuits very complex and difficult. This paper presents an extension‐neural‐network‐type‐1‐(ENN‐1‐) based method for fault diagnosis of analog circuits. This proposed method combines the extension theory and neural networks to create a novel neural network. Using the matter‐element models of fault types and a correlation function, can be calculated the correlation degree between the tested pattern and every fault type; then, the cause of the circuit malfunction can be directly diagnosed by the analysis of the correlation degree. The experimental results show that the proposed method has a high diagnostic accuracy and is more fault tolerant than the multilayer neural network (MNN) and the k‐means based methods.
Mean Square Almost Periodic Solutions for Impulsive Stochastic Differential Equations with Delays
Authors: Zhang Ruojun , Ding Nan , Wang Linshan
Published: May 2012

We establish a result on existence and uniqueness on mean square almost periodic solutions for a class of impulsive stochastic differential equations with delays, which extends some earlier works reported in the literature.
Cover Crop Biomass Harvest Influences Cotton Nitrogen Utilization and Productivity
Authors: Ducamp F. , Arriaga F. J. , Balkcom K. S. , Prior S. A. , van Santen E. , Mitchell C. C.
Published: May 2012

There is a potential in the southeastern US to harvest winter cover crops from cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) fields for biofuels or animal feed use, but this could impact yields and nitrogen (N) fertilizer response. An experiment was established to examine rye (Secale cerealeL.) residue management (RM) and N rates on cotton productivity. Three RM treatments (no winter cover crop (NC), residue removed (REM) and residue retained (RET)) and four N rates for cotton were studied. Cotton population, leaf and plant N concentration, cotton biomass and N uptake at first square, and cotton biomass production between first square and cutout were higher for RET, followed by REM and NC. However, leaf N concentration at early bloom and N concentration in the cotton biomass between first square and cutout were higher for NC, followed by REM and RET. Seed cotton yield response to N interacted with year and RM, but yields were greater with RET followed by REM both years. These results indicate that a rye cover crop can be beneficial for cotton, especially during hot and dry years. Long-term studies would be required to completely understand the effect of rye residue harvest on cotton production under conservation tillage.
Crossed Optical Fiber Sensor Arrays for High-Spatial-Resolution Sensing: Application to Dissolved Oxygen Concentration Measurements
Authors: Rigo M. Veronica , Geissinger Peter
Published: May 2012

Optical fiber sensors using luminescent probes located along an optical fiber in the cladding of this fiber are of great interest for monitoring physical and chemical properties in their environment. The interrogation of a luminophore with a short laser pulse propagating through the fiber core allows for the measurement of the location of these luminophores. To increase the spatial resolution of such a measurements and to measure multiple analytes and properties in a confined space, a crossed optical fiber sensing platform can be employed. Here we describe the application of this platform to measuring the concentration of dissolved oxygen. The sensor is based on luminescence quenching of a ruthenium complex immobilized in a highly crosslinked film and covalently attached to the optical fibers. Both luminescence-intensity and luminescence-lifetime changes of the sensor molecules in response to changes in the concentration of oxygen dissolved in water are reported. For luminescence-intensity measurements, a second adjacent sensor region is employed as reference to account for laser pulse energy fluctuations. Enhanced quenching response in water is demonstrated by the use of organically modified poly(ethylene glycol) precursors, which increase the hydrophobicity of the film surface.
The Immunomodulatory Effect of You-Gui-Wan onDermatogoides-pteronyssinus-Induced Asthma
Authors: Lin Li-Jen , Lin Chin-Che , Wang Shulhn-Der , Chao Yun-Peng , Kao Shung-Te
Published: May 2012

The traditional Chinese medicine You-Gui-Wan (YGW) contains ten species of medicinal plants and has been used to improve health in remissive states of asthma for hundreds of years in Asia. However, little is known about the immunomodulatory mechanisms in vivo. Therefore, this study investigated the pathologic and immunologic responses to YGW in mice that had been repeatedly exposed toDermatogoides-pteronyssinus(Der p). YGW reduced Der-p-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and total IgE in serum. It also inhibited eosinophil infiltration by downregulating the protein expression of IL-5 in serum and changed the Th2-bios in BALF by upregulating IL-12. Results of the collagen assay and histopathologic examination showed that YGW reduced airway remodeling in the lung. In addition, after YGW treatment there was a relative decrease in mRNA expression of TGF-β1, IL-13, eotaxin, RANTES, and MCP-1 in lung in the YGW group. The results of EMSA and immunohistochemistry revealed that YGW inhibited NF-κB expression in epithelial lung cells. YGW exerts its regulative effects in chronic allergic asthmatic mice via its anti-inflammatory activity and by inhibiting the progression of airway remodeling.
High-Flow Nasal Interface Improves Oxygenation in Patients Undergoing Bronchoscopy
Authors: Lucangelo Umberto , Vassallo Fabio Giuseppe , Marras Emanuele , Ferluga Massimo , Beziza Elena , Comuzzi Lucia , Berlot Giorgio , Zin Walter Araujo
Published: May 2012

During bronchoscopy hypoxemia is commonly found and oxygen supply can be delivered by interfaces fed with high gas flows. Recently, the high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been introduced for oxygen therapy in adults, but they have not been used so far during bronchoscopy in adults. Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups receiving oxygen: 40 L/min through a Venturi mask (V40,N=15), nasal cannula (N40,N=15), and 60 L/min through a nasal cannula (N60,N=15) during bronchoscopy. Gas exchange and circulatory variables were sampled before (FiO2= 0.21), at the end of bronchoscopy (FiO2= 0.5), and thereafter (V40, FiO2= 0.35). In 8 healthy volunteers oxygen was randomly delivered according to V40, N40, and N60 settings, and airway pressure was measured. At the end of bronchoscopy, N60 presented higher PaO2, PaO2/FiO2, and SpO2than V40 and N40 that did not differ between them. In the volunteers (N60) median airway pressure amounted to 3.6 cmH2O. Under a flow rate of 40 L/min both the Venturi mask and HFNC behaved similarly, but nasal cannula associated with a 60 L/min flow produced the better results, thus indicating its use in mild respiratory dysfunctions.
Patient-Related Factors Influencing Satisfaction in the Patient-Doctor Encounters at the General Outpatient Clinic of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Udonwa Ndifreke E. , Ogbonna Udoezuo K.
Published: May 2012

Medical consultation is at the centre of clinical practice. Satisfaction of a patient with this process is a major determinant of the clinical outcome. This study sought to determine the proportion of patients who were satisfied with their doctor-patient encounter and the patient-related factors that affected patients’ satisfaction with the consultation process. A clinic-based, cross-sectional study using a modified version of the General Practice Assessment Questionnaire (GPAQ), which employed a systematic sampling technique, was used. The questionnaires were administered on 430 patients within the ages of 18 years and 65 years. Among the 430 subjects within the ages of 18 years and 65 years studied, 200 (46.5%) were males and 230 (53.5%) were females. Only 59.3% were satisfied with their patient-doctor encounter. The patient’s perception of time spent in the consultation, illness understanding after the visit, ability to cope with the illness after the visit, and ability to maintain health after visit were the only factors that affected patient’s satisfaction with the consultation. In our environment, nonsatisfaction with the patient-doctor encounter is high. Only few factors considered to encourage a patients satisfaction at primary care consultation contributed to end-of-consultation satisfaction. This calls for refocusing so as to improve the overall patient care in our cultural context and meet the patient needs in our environment.
Properties of Whey-Protein-Coated Films and Laminates as Novel Recyclable Food Packaging Materials with Excellent Barrier Properties
Authors: Schmid Markus , Dallmann Kerstin , Bugnicourt Elodie , Cordoni Dario , Wild Florian , Lazzeri Andrea , Noller Klaus
Published: May 2012

In case of food packaging applications, high oxygen and water vapour barriers are the prerequisite conditions for preserving the quality of the products throughout their whole lifecycle. Currently available polymers and/or biopolymer films are mostly used in combination with barrier materials derived from oil based plastics or aluminium to enhance their low barrier properties. In order to replace these non-renewable materials, current research efforts are focused on the development of sustainable coatings, while maintaining the functional properties of the resulting packaging materials. This article provides an introduction to food packaging requirements, highlights prior art on the use of whey-based coatings for their barriers properties, and describes the key properties of an innovative packaging multilayer material that includes a whey-based layer. The developed whey protein formulations had excellent barrier properties almost comparable to the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH) barrier layer conventionally used in food packaging composites, with an oxygen barrier (OTR) of <2 [cm³(STP)/(m²d bar)] when normalized to a thickness of 100 μm. Further requirements of the barrier layer are good adhesion to the substrate and sufficient flexibility to withstand mechanical load while preventing delamination and/or brittle fracture. Whey-protein-based coatings have successfully met these functional and mechanical requirements.
Maintenance of Synaptic Stability Requires Calcium-Independent Phospholipase A2Activity
Authors: Allyson Julie , Bi Xiaoning , Baudry Michel , Massicotte Guy
Published: May 2012

Phospholipases A2(PLA2s) represent one of the largest groups of lipid-modifying enzymes. Over the years, significant advances have been made in understanding their potential physiological and pathological functions. Depending on their calcium requirement for activation, PLA2s are classified into calcium dependent and independent. This paper mainly focuses on brain calcium-independent PLA2(iPLA2) and on the mechanisms by which they influence neuronal function and regulate synaptic plasticity. Particular attention will be given to the iPLA2γisoform and its role in the regulation of synaptic glutamate receptors. In particular, the paper discusses the possibility that brain iPLA2γdeficiencies could destabilise normal synaptic operation and might contribute to the aetiology of some brain disorders. In this line, the paper presents new data indicating that iPLA2γdeficiencies accentuate AMPA receptor destabilization and tau phosphorylation, which suggests that this iPLA2isoform should be considered as a potential target for the treatment of Tau-related disorders.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Girl with aDe NovoX;19 Balanced Translocation
Authors: Baruffi Marcelo Razera , de Souza Deise Helena , Bicudo da Silva Rosana Aparecida , Ramos Ester Silveira , Moretti-Ferreira Danilo
Published: May 2012

Balanced X-autosome translocations are rare, and female carriers are a clinically heterogeneous group of patients, with phenotypically normal women, history of recurrent miscarriage, gonadal dysfunction, X-linked disorders or congenital abnormalities, and/or developmental delay. We investigated a patient with ade novoX;19 translocation. The six-year-old girl has been evaluated due to hyperactivity, social interaction impairment, stereotypic and repetitive use of language with echolalia, failure to follow parents/caretakers orders, inconsolable outbursts, and persistent preoccupation with parts of objects. The girl has normal cognitive function. Her measurements are within normal range, and no other abnormalities were found during physical, neurological, or dysmorphological examinations. Conventional cytogenetic analysis showed ade novobalanced translocation, with the karyotype 46,X,t(X;19)(p21.2;q13.4). Replication banding showed a clear preference for inactivation of the normal X chromosome. The translocation was confirmed by FISH and Spectral Karyotyping (SKY). Although abnormal phenotypes associated withde novobalanced chromosomal rearrangements may be the result of disruption of a gene at one of the breakpoints, submicroscopic deletion or duplication, or a position effect, X; autosomal translocations are associated with additional unique risk factors including X-linked disorders, functional autosomal monosomy, or functional X chromosome disomy resulting from the complex X-inactivation process.
A Linear Homogeneous Partial Differential Equation with Entire Solutions Represented by Laguerre Polynomials
Authors: Wang Xin-Li , Zhang Feng-Li , Hu Pei-Chu
Published: May 2012

We study a homogeneous partial differential equation and get its entire solutions represented in convergent series of Laguerre polynomials. Moreover, the formulae of the order and type of the solutions are established.
Channel Modelling for Multiprobe Over-the-Air MIMO Testing
Authors: Kyösti Pekka , Jämsä Tommi , Nuutinen Jukka-Pekka
Published: May 2012

This paper discusses over-the-air (OTA) test setup for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) capable terminals with emphasis on channel modelling. The setup is composed of a fading emulator, an anechoic chamber, and multiple probes. Creation of a propagation environment inside an anechoic chamber requires unconventional radio channel modelling, namely, a specific mapping of the original models onto the probe antennas. We introduce two novel methods to generate fading emulator channel coefficients; the prefaded signals synthesis and the plane wave synthesis. To verify both methods we present a set of simulation results. We also show that the geometric description is a prerequisite for the original channel model.
MIMO Channel Capacity in 2D and 3D Isotropic Environments
Authors: Pirkl Ryan J. , Remley Kate A.
Published: May 2012

We analyze theoretical distributions of MIMO channel capacity for different antennas in 2D and 3D statistically isotropic environments, which may be generated by multiprobe anechoic and reverberation chambers, respectively. We observe that the two environments yield comparable capacity distributions provided that (1) the 2D statistically isotropic environment’s capacity data are taken at many different antenna orientations and (2) the radiation elements have a low directivity. When these conditions are met, we find that the relative error between the 2D statistically isotropic environment’s orientation-combined capacity distribution and the 3D statistically isotropic environment’s capacity distribution is typically less than 10% for signal-to-noise ratios greater than 5 dB.
Dysbiosis in the Pathogenesis of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Comito Donatella , Romano Claudio
Published: May 2012

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract that occur in genetically susceptible individuals. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are two major types of IBD. In about 20–25% of patients, disease onset is during childhood and pediatric IBD can be considered the best model for studying immunopathogentic mechanisms. The fundamentals of IBD pathogenesis are considered a defective innate immunity and bacterial killing with overaggressive adaptive immune response. A condition of “dysbiosis”, with alterations of the gut microbial composition, is regarded as the basis of IBD pathogenesis. The human gastrointestinal (GI) microbial population is a complex, dynamic ecosystem and consists of up to one thousand different bacterial species. In healthy individuals, intestinal microbiota have a symbiotic relationship with the host organism and carry out important metabolic, “barrier,” and immune functions. Microbial dysbiosis in IBD with lack of beneficial bacteria, together with genetic predisposition, is the most relevant conditions in the pathogenesis of the pediatric IBD.
Automatic Regulation Time Series for Industry Processes
Authors: Tsay Tain-Sou
Published: May 2012

A nonlinear digital control scheme is proposed for analyses and designs of stable industry processes. It is derived from the converging characteristic of a specified numerical time series. The ratios of neighbourhoods of the series are formulated as a function of the output of the plant and the reference input command and will be converted to be unities after the output has tracked the reference input command. Lead compensations are also found by another numerical time series to speed up the system responses on the online adjusting manner. A servosystem, a time‐delay system, a high‐order system, a very‐high‐order system, and a 2 × 2 multivariable aircraft gas turbine engine are used to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear digital controller. Comparisons with other conventional methods are also made.
Effects of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Hydroxyacids on Sun-Exposed Skin: Current Applications and Future Developments
Authors: Kornhauser Andrija , Coelho Sergio G. , Hearing Vincent J.
Published: May 2012

This paper describes recent data on the effects of various skin formulations containing hydroxyacids (HAs) and related products on sun-exposed skin. The most frequently used classes of these products, such asα- andβ-hydroxyacids, polyhydroxy acids, and bionic acids, are reviewed, and their application in cosmetic formulations is described. Special emphasis is devoted to the safety evaluation of these formulations, particularly on the effects of their prolonged use on sun-exposed skin. We also discuss the important contribution of cosmetic vehicles in these types of studies. Data on the effects of HAs on melanogenesis and tanning are also included. Up-to-date methods and techniques used in those explorations, as well as selected future developments in the cosmetic area, are presented.
The Two‐Variable (G′/G, 1/G)‐Expansion Method for Solving the Nonlinear KdV‐mKdV Equation
Authors: Zayed E. M. E. , Abdelaziz M. A. M.
Published: May 2012

We apply the two‐variable (G′/G, 1/G)‐expansion method to construct new exact traveling wave solutions with parameters of the nonlinear (1 + 1)‐dimensional KdV‐mKdV equation. This method can be thought of as the generalization of the well‐known (G′/G)‐expansion method given recently by M. Wang et al. When the parameters are replaced by special values, the well‐known solitary wave solutions of this equation are rediscovered from the traveling waves. It is shown that the proposed method provides a more general powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear evolution equations in mathematical physics.
In VitroAnti-CandidaActivity of Lidocaine and Nitroglycerin: Alone and Combined
Authors: Palmeira-de-Oliveira Ana , Ramos Ana Rita , Gaspar Carlos , Palmeira-de-Oliveira Rita , Gouveia Paula , Martinez-de-Oliveira José
Published: May 2012

The aim of this work was to study the anti-Candidaactivity of lidocaine and nitroglycerin alone and in combination. TenCandidastrains were included, corresponding to 1 collection type strain (ATCC 10231) and 9 clinical isolates: 4C. albicans, 2C. glabrata, 1C. tropicalis, 1C. krusei, and 1C. parapsilosis. The CLSI reference M27-A3 micromethod was used to determine the anti-Candidaactivity of the drugs alone; minimal inhibitory and lethal concentrations were determined. The classic checkboard technique was used to determine the activity of combined drugs. Lidocaine fungicidal effect was dosedependent. Nitroglycerin exhibited a higher effect. The drugs combination resulted in a reduction of the inhibitory concentration, corresponding to an additive effect. In conclusion, both drugs exhibited an interesting anti-Candidaactivity. The combination of lidocaine with nitroglycerin was shown to have an additive effect againstCandidaspp., predicting the interest to include, in the future, these drugs in a new delivery system for the treatment of mucocutaneous candidosis.
The Onset of a Peripheral Ameloblastoma
Authors: Tjioe Kellen Cristine , Damante José Humberto , Oliveira Denise Tostes
Published: May 2012

Incipient odontogenic tumors often display intermediate features between two or more lesions leading to diagnosis dilemma. We report the onset of a peripheral ameloblastoma fortuitously found subjacent to a nondysplastic leukoplakia in the region of missing 38 teeth of a 52-year-old man. The aim of this paper is the discussion of the microscopical features observed in the case reported which allowed the establishment of the final diagnosis of an early peripheral ameloblastoma.
Conjunctival Lymphangioma: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Seca Mariana , Borges Pedro , Reimão Pedro , Gomes Miguel , Meireles Angelina
Published: May 2012

Background. Lymphangioma is a rare venolymphatic lesion, characterized by dilation of lymphatic vessels. It may occur as an isolated lesion or, more often, represent the surface component of a deep orbital lymphangioma.Case. We report a case of a conjunctival lymphangioma on a 58-year-old male that had simultaneously an upper respiratory tract infection. Excision and biopsy confirmed the nature of the lesion, and there has been no relapse to date.Conclusion. Conjunctival lymphangioma is a rare condition in which the diagnose, must be kept in mind in patients with a red eye resistance to topical therapy and in association with an upper respiratory tract infection. Finally, it is also necessary to be aware of possible recurrence of the lesion.
Influence of Manganese Content on the Dissolution of the Iron Carbide Phase (Cementite) during a Graphitization Anneal of Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron
Authors: Briki Jalel , Ben Slima S.
Published: May 2012

The transformation of iron carbide cementite was investigated on spheroidal graphite containing different contents of manganese. The isothermal maintain were carried out at 600, 650, 700, and 750°C for periods of up to one hour. It was observed that the kinetics of graphitization is slowed even more than cast iron rich in manganese.
Dynamic Behaviors in a Droop Model for Phytoplankton Growth in a Chemostat with Nutrient Periodically Pulsed Input
Authors: Wang Kai , Teng Zhidong , Zhang Xueliang
Published: May 2012

The dynamic behaviors in a droop model for phytoplankton growth in a chemostat with nutrient periodically pulsed input are studied. A series of new criteria on the boundedness, permanence, extinction, existence of positive periodic solution, and global attractivity for the model are established. Finally, an example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results in this paper.
Phytotoxicity of Mercury in Plants: A Review
Authors: Azevedo Raquel , Rodriguez Eleazar
Published: May 2012

With the advent of the industrial revolution, heavy metal contamination has become an ever increasing concern. Thus, it is of major importance to understand the extent of the toxicity in plants and animals and the consequences from the ingestion of contaminated food. Hg is easily modified into several oxidation states, and it can be spread in many ecosystems. Due to the recurrence of Hg pollution and due to the lack of knowledge about the effects of this heavy metal in plants, the aim of the present text is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding Hg phytotoxicity.
On the Computation of Blow‐Up Solutions for Nonlinear Volterra Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Dlamini P. G. , Khumalo M.
Published: May 2012

We make use of an adaptive numerical method to compute blow‐up solutions for
nonlinear ordinary Volterra integrodifferential equations (VIDEs). The method
is based on the implicit midpoint method and the implicit Euler method and
is named the implicit midpoint‐implicit Euler (IMIE) method and was used
to compute blow‐up solutions in semilinear ODEs and parabolic PDEs in our
earlier work. We demonstrate that the method produces superior results to the
adaptive PECE‐implicit Euler (PECE‐IE) method and the MATLAB solver of
comparable order just as it did in our previous contribution. We use quadrature
rules to approximate the integral in the VIDE and demonstrate that the choice
of quadrature rule has a significant effect on the blow‐up time computed. In
cases where the problem contains a convolution kernel with a singularity we use
convolution quadrature.
Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract: A Genetic Disorder?
Authors: Yosypiv Ihor V.
Published: May 2012

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUTs) occur in 3–6 per 1000 live births, account for the most cases of pediatric end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and predispose an individual to hypertension and cardiovascular disease throughout life. Although CAKUTs are a part of many known syndromes, only few single-candidate causative genes have been implicated so far in nonsyndromic cases of human CAKUT. Evidence from mouse models supports the hypothesis that non-syndromic human CAKUT may be caused by single-gene defects. Because increasing numbers of children with CAKUT are surviving to adulthood, better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of CAKUT, development of new strategies aiming at prevention of CAKUT, preservation of renal function, and avoidance of associated cardiovascular morbidity are needed. In this paper, we will focus on the knowledge derived from the study of syndromic and non-syndromic forms of CAKUT in humans and mouse mutants to discuss the role of genetic, epigenetic, andin uteroenvironmental factors in the pathogenesis of non-syndromic forms of CAKUT in children with particular emphasis on the genetic contributions to CAKUT.
Perinatal Risk Factors and Later Social, Thought, and Attention Problems after Perinatal Stroke
Authors: Harbert Mary J. , Jett Micaela , Appelbaum Mark , Nass Ruth , Trauner Doris A.
Published: May 2012

Objective. Survivors of perinatal stroke may be at risk for behavioral problems. Perinatal risk factors that might increase the likelihood of later behavior problems have not been identified. The goal of this study was to explore whether perinatal factors might contribute to behavior problems after perinatal stroke.Methods. 79 children with unilateral perinatal stroke were studied. Perinatal factors included gender, gestational age, neonatal seizures, instrumented delivery, fetal distress, acute birth problems, birth weight, and time of diagnosis. Subjects with evidence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy were excluded. Parents completed the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) (Achenbach 1985). The CBCL yields T-scores in several symptom scales. We focused on Social, Thought, and Attention Problems scates.Results. Gestational age and the presence of uteroplacental insufficiency were associated with significant differences on the Thought Problems scale; Attention Problems scores approached significance for these variables. Fetal distress, neonatal seizures, or neonatal diagnosis was associated with 25–30% incidence of clinically significant T-scores on Social, Thought, and Attention Problems scales.Conclusions. Several perinatal factors were associated with a high incidence of social, thought, and behavior problems in children with perinatal stroke. These findings may be useful in anticipatory guidance to parents and physicians caring for these children.
A Convolve-And-MErge Approach for Exact Computations on High-Performance Reconfigurable Computers
Authors: El-Araby Esam , Gonzalez Ivan , Lopez-Buedo Sergio , El-Ghazawi Tarek
Published: May 2012

This work presents an approach for accelerating arbitrary-precision arithmetic on high-performance reconfigurable computers (HPRCs). Although faster and smaller, fixed-precision arithmetic has inherent rounding and overflow problems that can cause errors in scientific or engineering applications. This recurring phenomenon is usually referred to as numerical nonrobustness. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in the paradigm of exact computation, based on arbitrary-precision arithmetic. There are a number of libraries and/or languages supporting this paradigm, for example, the GNU multiprecision (GMP) library. However, the performance of computations is significantly reduced in comparison to that of fixed-precision arithmetic. In order to reduce this performance gap, this paper investigates the acceleration of arbitrary-precision arithmetic on HPRCs. A Convolve-And-MErge approach is proposed, that implements virtual convolution schedules derived from the formal representation of the arbitrary-precision multiplication problem. Additionally, dynamic (nonlinear) pipeline techniques are also exploited in order to achieve speedups ranging from 5x (addition) to 9x (multiplication), while keeping resource usage of the reconfigurable device low, ranging from 11% to 19%.
Interactive Effects of Morphine on HIV Infection: Role in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder
Authors: Reddy Pichili Vijaya Bhaskar , Pilakka-Kanthikeel Sudheesh , Saxena Shailendra K. , Saiyed Zainulabedin , Nair Madhavan P. N.
Published: May 2012

HIV epidemic continues to be a severe public health problem and concern within USA and across the globe with about 33 million people infected with HIV. The frequency of drug abuse among HIV infected patients is rapidly increasing and is another major issue since injection drug users are at a greater risk of developing HIV associated neurocognitive dysfunctions compared to non-drug users infected with HIV. Brain is a major target for many of the recreational drugs and HIV. Evidences suggest that opiate drug abuse is a risk factor in HIV infection, neural dysfunction and progression to AIDS. The information available on the role of morphine as a cofactor in the neuropathogenesis of HIV is scanty. This review summarizes the results that help in understanding the role of morphine use in HIV infection and neural dysfunction. Studies show that morphine enhances HIV-1 infection by suppressing IL-8, downregulating chemokines with reciprocal upregulation of HIV coreceptors. Morphine also activates MAPK signaling and downregulates cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Better understanding on the role of morphine in HIV infection and mechanisms through which morphine mediates its effects may help in devising novel therapeutic strategies against HIV-1 infection in opiate using HIV-infected population.
Genetic and Morphological Evidence Implies Existence of Two Sympatric Species inCyathopharynx furcifer(Teleostei: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Takahashi Tetsumi , Hori Michio
Published: May 2012

Although the cichlid fishes from Lake Tanganyika are treated as a textbook example of adaptive radiation, many taxonomic problems remain unresolved.Cyathopharynx furcifer, which belongs to the currently monospecific genusCyathopharynx, contains two colour morphs at the southern end of the lake: one has a yellow anal fin, and the other has a black anal fin. Some books for hobbyists of ornamental fish treat these morphs as different species, but taxonomic studies have neither mentioned the existence nor addressed the status of these colour morphs. In the present paper, we analysed these two colour morphs using mitochondrial, microsatellite, morphometric, and meristic data sets. Both molecular and morphological data allowed clear discrimination between these morphs, suggesting the existence of two distinct sympatric species. Three taxonomic species have been described in this genus, and onlyC. furciferis currently considered valid. Observations of type specimens of these three nominal species will be needed to determine the scientific names of these colour morphs.
Heterosexual Persons’ Perceptions Regarding Language Use in Counseling
Authors: Ross Amanda D. , Waehler Charles A. , Gray Torie N.
Published: May 2012

An important original study by Dorland and Fischer noted how the use of inclusive language can affect the therapeutic relationship positively for gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients. In this extension of that study with heterosexual participants ( N = 179), there seemed to be low, but positive, salience of the language used by the therapist. These participants showed negligible, but positive, sensitization to issues related to inclusiveness, so the ethical practice of inclusive language use seems to have little downside (and potentially a large positive impact).
Damage mechanics analysis of plain woven fabric composite micromechanical model for mesh-free simulations
Authors: Wen PH , Aliabadi MH
Published: May 2012

A mesh-free Galerkin approach for modeling damage in plain woven fabric composite is presented. The model is based on the continuum damage mechanics and is applied to both mosaic and smooth fabric idealizations of the plain woven composite. A mesh-free Galerkin method is formulated for the first time to include the continuum damage mechanics for micromechanics model of woven fabric composites. An incremental technique of applied displacement/strain is developed to obtain the relationship between the representative volume cell stresses and strains. Also presented for the first time is an analytical formulation for damage in the mosaic unit cell representation of the woven fabric composite. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed methods and comparisons are made between the newly developed analytical formulation and the proposed mesh-free method.
Using Video Social Stories™ to Increase Task Engagement for Middle School Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Cihak David F. , Kildare Laura K. , Smith Catherine C. , McMahon Don D. , Quinn-Brown Luella
Published: May 2012

Four middle school students with autism spectrum disorders participated in a brief functional analysis and a video Social Stories™ intervention to remediate attention-seeking and task-avoidance behaviors. Results indicated that matching video Social Stories™ to specific functions of behaviors increased task-engagement behaviors in the general education classroom for all students. In addition, special and general education teachers, as well as participating students, reported favorable social acceptability of the intervention.
Copper Levels in Cholestatic Infants on Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Corkins Mark R. , Martin Valerie A. , Szeszycki Elaina E.
Published: May 2012

Background: Copper levels are primarily regulated by biliary excretion. In cholestatic patients, there is a concern that the standard dose of copper in parenteral nutrition (PN) will result in excessive copper levels. This study looked retrospectively at cholestatic infants receiving PN with measured copper levels to ascertain if this is an actual clinical concern. Methods: All infants from the previous 10 years receiving PN who had a copper level checked and were cholestatic were reviewed. Children with metabolic or liver structural anomalies were excluded from the review. Of the 28 patients found, 26 had gastrointestinal disorders, and 82% of these infants were on the standard PN copper dose (20 µg/kg/d). Results: Only one elevated copper level was found in a child with congenital heart disease, but 13 low levels were found. A smaller number of follow‐up copper levels demonstrated that despite cholestasis, some patients require copper supplementation above standard recommendations. Conclusion: Cholestasis does not appear to impair copper excretion enough to result in elevated levels. In fact, infants with gastrointestinal disorders may require higher than standard dosing. Monitoring copper levels appears to be necessary to appropriately regulate copper dosing for cholestatic infants receiving PN.
A Rare Case of Hyperammonemia Complication of High‐Protein Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Pillai Unnikrishnan , Kahlon Roopkiranjot , Sondheimer James , Cadnapaphorncai Pravit , Bhat Zeenat
Published: May 2012

Hyperammonemia is a metabolic derangement that can be potentially fatal. Primary hyperammonemia due to urea cycle enzyme deficiency is usually discovered in neonates but rarely can present in adulthood. Late‐onset manifestations of urea cycle disorders can go unnoticed, until they become life threatening. The authors report a 28‐year‐old man who developed hyperammonemia in the hospital following parenteral nutrition (PN), leading to cerebral edema, which was fatal despite resolution of the hyperammonemia with cessation of PN and the use of continuous renal replacement therapy.
Commodifying Colonial Histories
Authors: Lee Jerry W.
Published: May 2012

The historic tension and modern reenactments of colonial violence between Korea and Japan during the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classic (WBC) tournaments were amplified, exploited, or sensationalized in U.S. and Korean media reports. This reporting, as it invariably served the interests of Major League Baseball (MLB) and its corporate sponsors, resulted in the commercialization of historic and revitalized colonial violence. Furthermore, the pervasiveness of the narrative of colonial tension in the media reports of the tournament results in the commodification, normativization, and trivialization of historical weight of Korea’s tragic narrative and its relation to Japan. Such commodification and normativization enables a discursive formation of Korean subjectivity inseparable from its colonial history, and consequently, in dialectic subservience to the paradigm of Japanese imperialism.
Children gifted in drawing
Authors: Drake Jennifer E. , Winner Ellen
Published: May 2012

Although one study has reported that 6% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have drawing talent, no study has examined the incidence of drawing talent in typical children. We asked 153 children aged 6–12 years to draw a picture of their hand. We scored the drawings for the use of detail, correct proportion, and overall contour; assessed the drawings as above average at each age based on a global assessment; and compared the drawings with those of three identified drawing prodigies. Most children were able to capture the overall contour of their hand; the ability to draw relevant details was not common until age 8; and correct proportion was not seen even in the oldest children. We identified 13% of drawings as above average for the child’s age group. However, even those drawings identified as above average were significantly less realistic than the drawings of the prodigies.
Commoditization and the Origins of American Silviculture
Authors: Caputo Jesse
Published: May 2012

Forest ecosystems provide a suite of goods and services, including wood products as well as an array of ecosystem services and other non-timber goods and services. Despite an increasing emphasis on managing forests as holistic systems providing a portfolio of goods and services, silvicultural research has focused on maximizing production of commodities, particularly wood products. Although there has been investment in understanding how silviculture affects wildlife habitat, water resources, recreation, and other non-timber objectives, the emphasis has been on understanding these impacts as side-effects of a silviculture predicated on the production of wood. Commoditization theory provides a lens through which to understand the selection pressures that drive this emphasis on wood production. This article briefly reviews the historical role of commoditization in influencing how modern American silviculture has developed and highlights research needed to create silvicultural knowledge useful in managing for both commodity and noncommodity products.
Dietary Yucca schidigera supplementation reduces arsenic-induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Ince Sinan , Kucukkurt Ismail , Turkmen Ruhi , Demirel Hasan Huseyin , Sever Emine
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of dietary supplementation with Yucca schidigera (Ys) on lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant activity, some biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in arsenic-exposed mice. Forty Swiss albino male mice were divided into five equal groups. Group I (control group) was given normal diet and tap water for 28 days. Group II (arsenic group) was given normal diet and 100 mg/L arsenic along with drinking water for 28 days. Groups III–V were given three different doses of Ys (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) in supplemented diet and arsenic (100 mg/L) along with drinking water throughout the entire period of 28 days. The arsenic significantly increased serum biochemical parameters and malondialdehyde levels in blood and tissue. However, arsenic significantly decreased tissue glutathione concentration, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. In contrast, dietary supplementation of Ys, in a dose-dependent manner, resulted in reversal of arsenic-induced oxidative stress, LPO and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, Ys also exhibited protective action against the arsenic-induced focal gliosis and hyperemi in brain, necrosis and degeneration in liver, degeneration and dilatation in Bowman’s capsule of kidney and hyaline degeneration in heart tissue of mice. Consequently, our results demonstrate that Ys especially high-dose supplementation in diet decreases arsenic-induced oxidative stress and enhances the antioxidant defence mechanism and regenerate of tissues in Swiss albino mice.