bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Solutions to Fractional Discrete Systems with Sequentialh-Differences
Authors: Wyrwas Małgorzata , Mozyrska Dorota , Girejko Ewa
Published: December 2013

We study the subject of a behaviour of the solutions of systems with sequential fractionalh-differences. We give formulas for the unique solutions to initial value problems for systems in linear and semilinear cases. Moreover, the sufficient condition that guaranties the positivity of considered systems is presented.
Simultaneous Quantification of Glibenclamide, Simvastatin, and Quercetin by Using LC-UV Method and Its Application to Pharmacokinetic Study in Rats
Authors: Duppala Vijay , Dash Ranjeet Prasad , Jivrajani Mehul N. , Thakur Sandeep Kumar , Ravat Nirav M. , Nivsarkar Manish
Published: December 2013

A sensitive, precise, and simple LC method for the simultaneous quantification of glibenclamide, simvastatin, and quercetin in rat plasma has been developed and validated. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a cyano column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) maintained at room temperature, using isocratic elution with methanol : acetonitrile : 10 mM potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate, pH adjusted to 4.5 with o-phosphoric acid (8 : 32 : 60, v/v) and detected using UV-VIS detector. Plasma samples were deproteinated with 0.1% perchloric acid and acetonitrile for extraction of the glibenclamide, simvastatin, and quercetin which resulted in their high recoveries. LC calibration curves based on the extracts from the rat plasma were linear in the range of 50–1000 ng mL−1 for all the three drugs. The limit of quantification was 50 ng mL−1. The described method was successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetics of glibenclamide, simvastatin, and quercetin following oral administration, in combination to Sprague-Dawley rats.
Intestinal Necrosis due to Giant Ovarian Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Duran Ali , Duran Fulay Yilmaz , Cengiz Fevzi , Duran Ozgur
Published: December 2013

Intestinal pathologies due to ovarian cyst are observed rarely. Although a limited number of cases in neonatal and adolescent periods have been observed, no adult case has been reported in the literature. Two mechanisms are involved in intestinal complications due to ovarian cysts: torsion due to adhesion or compression of giant ovarian mass with a diameter of 9-10 cm. We report here a terminal ileum necrosis case due to compression by an ovarian cyst with 11 × 10 × 7 cm size in an 81-year-old woman.
Research and Design of an Airfield Runway FOD Detection System Based on WSN
Authors: Ang Li
Published: December 2013

Foreign object debris (FOD) would potentially cause huge damage when it appears on the airport runway, so the FOD surveillance system is one of the essential protectors for airplane's safety now. This paper introduces a designed method of airport runway FOD detection system based on WSN, analyzes function of various image acquisition sensors, and introduces FOD image analysis algorithm. Finally WSN data fusion technology is used to analyze the FOD image.
Hybrid Surgical and Catheter Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kaneko Tsuyoshi , Aranki Sary F.
Published: December 2013

Advances in surgery for atrial fibrillation from cut and sew technique to thoracoscopy and new energy source have enabled minimally invasive approach which avoids median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. However, minimally invasive approach is unable to match the outcome of classic surgical technique due to difficulty in creating some of linear ablation lines. Hybrid procedure using catheter mapping and ablation in addition to minimally invasive surgical ablation has gained interest to combine the advantages of both procedures. No large study has been conducted to date comparing this new technique to other existing treatments. The aim of this paper is to review the data on hybrid procedure for atrial fibrillation and assess its early outcome and efficacy.
Estimated Quality-Adjusted Life-Year Associated with the Degree of Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Kasai Mari , Meguro Kenichi
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: The quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) and health state utility values (HSUVs) are major quality of life scales that are used for the analyses of health economics of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In Japan, the most common dementia disease is AD with cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), followed by ‘pure' AD. There is a need to reconsider QALY and HSUVs in the context of activities of daily living (ADL) levels in AD and AD with CVD. Methods: Studies on QALY and HSUVs based on ADL levels in AD were identified using a PubMed search. HSUVs were estimated in AD patients with ADL levels A (independent walking and eating), B (some problems with walking but sitting without assistance), and C (confined to bed). These three ADL levels correspond approximately to the stages of Mobility on the EQ-5D. Results: There has been no previous report on HSUVs related to the level of physical activity of patients with AD. From the previous reports and EQ-5D, we estimated that the HSUVs of pure AD and AD with CVD for ADL levels A, B, and C were 0.61 and 0.58, 0.53 and 0.28, and 0.19 and 0.05, respectively. Conclusion: Effects of ADL should be considered during the decision making process in health policy for dementia care in Japan.
Short-Term Longitudinal Study of Central Auditory Function in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Idrizbegovic Esma , Hederstierna Christina , Dahlquist Martin , Rosenhall Ulf
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: Central auditory function can be studied to monitor the progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Our aim was to address this issue in a prospective longitudinal setting. Methods: Tests of central hearing function were performed on 70 subjects with either Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment, and in controls with subjective memory complaints but normal cognition. The time span until follow-up was 1.5 years. Results: The dichotic digit free recall test showed a significant decline in the AD group compared with the controls (left ear). Conclusion: The short time span was long enough to disclose a central auditory processing decline in AD.
Clinical and Prognostic Features of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Weinstock Brett , Ward Stephen C. , Harpaz Noam , Warner Richard R.P. , Itzkowitz Steven , Kim Michelle Kang
Published: December 2013

Background: Rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are among the most common NETs. The aim was to validate European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS)/North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (NANETS) staging and grading systems with regard to clinical outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive database was constructed from existing databases of the Mount Sinai Division of Gastrointestinal Pathology and the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation. Analysis was performed on 141 patients identified with rectal NETs seen at Mount Sinai Hospital between 1972 and 2011. Results: The median age was 52.7 years; 43% were males. Average tumor size was 0.88 cm. NETs <1 cm accounted for 75.6% of the tumors. Stage I, II, III and IV accounted for 79.4, 2.8, 5.0 and 12.8% of the tumors, respectively. G1 tumors accounted for 88.1%, G2 8.3% and G3 3.6%. Of G1 tumors, 94.6% were stage I and 5.4% were stage IV. The median survival time for all 141 patients was 6.8 years (range, 0.8-34.7 years). The overall 5-year survival rate was 84.4%. The 5-year survival rates for patients in stages I-IV were 92.7, 75.0, 42.9 and 33.2%, respectively. The 5-year survival rates for patients with G1-G3 tumors were 87.7, 47.6 and 33.3%, respectively. Univariate analysis of increased survival showed significance for lower stage, lower grade, smaller size, absence of symptoms and endoscopically treated tumors. Multivariate analysis showed that stage alone was statistically significant as the strongest predictor of survival. Conclusion: The results of our study validated ENETS/NANETS guidelines for staging and grading of rectal NETs in the US setting of a tertiary referral center. Staging according to ENETS/NANETS guidelines should be used in the treatment algorithm rather than size alone.
Violent Behavior and Driving under the Influence of Alcohol: Prevalence and Association with Impulsivity among Individuals in Treatment for Alcohol Dependence in Poland
Authors: Klimkiewicz Anna , Jakubczyk Andrzej , Wnorowska Anna , Klimkiewicz Jakub , Bohnert Amy , Ilgen Mark A. , Brower Kirk J. , Wojnar Marcin
Published: December 2013

Background: Driving while intoxicated or under the influence (DUI; for the purposes of this paper, we use the following terms synonymously: driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, and drunk driving) and engaging in interpersonal violence are two injury-related problems of high public health importance that have both been linked to alcohol consumption. This study sought to estimate the prevalence of DUI and violence in a sample of individuals in treatment for alcohol dependence in Poland. Patient characteristics associated with DUI and violence involvement, with a particular focus on impulsivity, were examined. Methods: Three hundred and sixty-four patients consecutively admitted to four alcohol treatment programs in Warsaw, Poland participated in this study. Questions concerning history of interpersonal violence as well as those about DUI were derived from the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test. Impulsivity level was measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11, the Revised NEO Personality Inventory, and the stop-signal task. Results: Among all participants in the study, 148 (40.1%) had been arrested in the past for DUI, and 196 (55%) reported involvement in a fight under the influence of alcohol (FUI). The DUI group had a significantly earlier onset of alcohol problems, a longer period of heavy alcohol use, and fewer women in comparison to participants without a DUI history. FUI patients were significantly younger, with a younger average age of onset of drinking problems, longer period of heavy drinking, and lower percentage of women than the non-FUI group. Conclusion: Both of the self-reported measures of impulsivity indicated a higher level of impulsivity among participants from the FUI group than those from the non-FUI group.
A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Actovegin in Patients with Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: ARTEMIDA Study Design
Authors: Guekht Alla , Skoog Ingmar , Korczyn Amos D. , Zakharov Vladimir , Eeg Martin , Vigonius Ulf
Published: December 2013

Background: No drug treatment to date has shown convincing clinical evidence of restoring cognitive function or preventing further decline after stroke. The ongoing ARTEMIDA study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of Actovegin for the symptomatic treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and will explore whether Actovegin has any disease-modifying effect by assessing whether any changes are sustained after treatment. Design: ARTEMIDA is a 12-month, multicentre trial in patients (planned a total of 500, now recruited) with cognitive impairment following ischaemic stroke. The study consists of a baseline screening (≤7 days after stroke), after which eligible patients are randomised to Actovegin (2,000 mg/day for up to 20 intravenous infusions followed by 1,200 mg/day orally) or placebo for a 6-month double-blind treatment period. Patients will be followed up for a further 6 months, during which time they will be treated in accordance with standard clinical practice. The primary study endpoint is change from baseline in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale, cognitive subscale, extended version. Secondary outcomes include: Montreal Cognitive Assessment; dementia diagnosis (ICD-10); National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; Barthel Index; EQ-5D; Beck Depression Inventory, version II, and safety. Conclusion: There is a clear need for effective treatments for PSCI. ARTEMIDA should provide important insights into the use of a novel drug therapy for PSCI.
Association of TSH Concentrations and Thyroid Autoimmunity with IVF Outcome in Women with TSH Concentrations within Normal Adult Range
Authors: Mintziori Gesthimani , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Gialamas Eleftherios , Dosopoulos Konstantinos , Zouzoulas Dimitrios , Gitas George , Venetis Christos A. , Toulis Konstantinos A. , Kolibianakis Efstratios M. , Tarlatzis Basil C.
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the association of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations and presence of thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) with the live birth rate in euthyroid women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: This study of retrospective design included 158 euthyroid women (TSH 0.5-4.5 µIU/ml) who underwent IVF from January 2006 to December 2010. Thyroid parameters were measured on day 3 of the previous nontreatment cycle. Women were subgrouped and analyzed according to their TSH concentrations (low: 0.5-2.5 vs. high: 2.6-4.5 µIU/ml) and TAI (present vs. absent). Results: No difference in the live birth rate was found between the TSH (low: 34.2% vs. high: 36.8%, p = 0.763) or TAI (present: 26.7% vs. absent: 34.3%, p = 0.568) subgroups. Conclusion: This study found no evidence that increased TSH concentrations or the presence of TAI determined before IVF affect the live birth rate in euthyroid women. A better insight into the role of thyroid function during application of IVF is needed.
Statistical Downscaling of Daily Wind Speed Variations
Authors: Kirchmeier Megan C. , Lorenz David J. , Vimont Daniel J.
Published: December 2013

This study presents the development of a method to statistically downscale daily wind speed variations in an extended Great Lakes region. A probabilistic approach is used, predicting a daily-varying probability density function (PDF) of local-scale daily wind speed conditioned on large-scale daily wind speed predictors. Advantages of a probabilistic method are that it provides realistic information on the variance and extremes in addition to information on the mean, it allows the autocorrelation of downscaled realizations to be tuned to match the autocorrelation of local-scale observations, and it allows flexibility in the use of the final downscaled product. Much attention is given to fitting the proper functional form of the PDF by investigating the observed local-scale wind speed distribution (predictand) as a function of the decile of the large-scale wind (predictor). It is found that the local-scale standard deviation and the local-scale shape parameter (from a gamma distribution) are nonconstant functions of the large-scale predictor. As such, a vector generalized linear model is developed to relate the large-scale and local-scale wind speeds. Maximum likelihood and cross validation are used to fit local-scale gamma distribution shape and scale parameters to the large-scale wind speed. The result is a daily-varying probability distribution of local-scale wind speed, conditioned on the large-scale wind speed.
Synergy of antibacterial and antioxidant activities from crude extracts and peptides of selected plant mixture
Authors: Shami Abdul-Mushin M , Philip Koshy , Muniandy Sekaran
Published: December 2013

Background

A plant mixture containing indigenous Australian plants was examined for synergistic antimicrobial activity using selected test microorganisms. This study aims to investigate antibacterial activities, antioxidant potential and the content of phenolic compounds in aqueous, ethanolic and peptide extracts of plant mixture.

Methods

Well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were used to test antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacteria namelyStaphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus,andPseudomonas aeruginosa. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assays were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. HPLC and gel filtration were used for purification of the peptides. Scanning electron microscope was applied to investigate the mode of attachment of the peptides on target microbial membranes.

Results

Aqueous extraction of the mixture showed no inhibition zones against all the test bacteria. Mean diameter of inhibition zones for ethanol extraction of this mixture attained 8.33 mm, 7.33 mm, and 6.33 mm againstS. aureusat corresponding concentrations of 500, 250 and 125 mg/ml whileE .colishowed inhibition zones of 9.33 mm, 8.00 mm and 6.66 mm at the same concentrations.B. cereusexhibited inhibition zones of 11.33 mm, 10.33 mm and 10.00 mm at concentrations of 500, 250 and 125 mg/ml respectively. The peptide extract demonstrated antibacterial activity againstS. aureus,E. coliandB. cereus. The MIC and MBC values for ethanol extracts were determined at 125 mg/ml concentration againstS. aureusandE. coliandB. cereusvalue was 31.5 mg/ml. MIC and MBC values showed that the peptide extract was significantly effective at low concentration of the Australian plant mixture (APM). Phenolic compounds were detected in hot aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant mixture. Hot aqueous, ethanol and peptides extracts also exhibited antioxidant activities.

Conclusions

It was concluded that APM possessed good antibacterial and antioxidant activities following extraction with different solvents. The results suggest that APM provide a new source with antibacterial agents and antioxidant activity for nutraceutical or medical applications.
An efficient immunodetection method for histone modifications in plants
Authors: Nic-Can Geovanny , Hernández-Castellano Sara , Kú-González Angela , Loyola-Vargas Víctor M , De-la-Peña Clelia
Published: December 2013

Background

Epigenetic mechanisms can be highly dynamic, but the cross-talk among them and with the genome is still poorly understood. Many of these mechanisms work at different places in the cell and at different times of organism development. Covalent histone modifications are one of the most complex and studied epigenetic mechanisms involved in cellular reprogramming and development in plants. Therefore, the knowledge of the spatial distribution of histone methylation in different tissues is important to understand their behavior on specific cells.

Results

Based on the importance of epigenetic marks for biology, we present a simplified, inexpensive and efficient protocol for in situ immunolocalization on different tissues such as flowers, buds, callus, somatic embryo and meristematic tissue from several plants of agronomical and biological importance. Here, we fully describe all the steps to perform the localization of histone modifications. Using this method, we were able to visualize the distribution of H3K4me3 and H3K9me2 without loss of histological integrity of tissues from several plants, including Agave tequilana, Capsicum chinense, Coffea canephora and Cedrela odorata, as well as Arabidopsis thaliana.

Conclusions

There are many protocols to study chromatin modifications; however, most of them are expensive, difficult and require sophisticated equipment. Here, we provide an efficient protocol for in situ localization of histone methylation that dispenses with the use of expensive and sensitive enzymes. The present method can be used to investigate the cellular distribution and localization of a wide array of proteins, which could help to clarify the biological role that they play at specific times and places in different tissues of various plant species.
Pulsed addition of HMF and furfural to batch-grown xylose-utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiaeresults in different physiological responses in glucose and xylose consumption phase
Authors: Ask Magnus , Bettiga Maurizio , Duraiswamy Varuni Raju , Olsson Lisbeth
Published: December 2013

Background

Pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass generates a number of undesired degradation products that can inhibit microbial metabolism. Two of these compounds, the furan aldehydes 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 2-furaldehyde (furfural), have been shown to be an impediment for viable ethanol production. In the present study, HMF and furfural were pulse-added during either the glucose or the xylose consumption phase in order to dissect the effects of these inhibitors on energy state, redox metabolism, and gene expression of xylose-consuming Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Results

Pulsed addition of 3.9 g L-1 HMF and 1.2 g L-1 furfural during either the glucose or the xylose consumption phase resulted in distinct physiological responses. Addition of furan aldehydes in the glucose consumption phase was followed by a decrease in the specific growth rate and the glycerol yield, whereas the acetate yield increased 7.3-fold, suggesting that NAD(P)H for furan aldehyde conversion was generated by acetate synthesis. No change in the intracellular levels of NAD(P)H was observed 1 hour after pulsing, whereas the intracellular concentration of ATP increased by 58%. An investigation of the response at transcriptional level revealed changes known to be correlated with perturbations in the specific growth rate, such as protein and nucleotide biosynthesis. Addition of furan aldehydes during the xylose consumption phase brought about an increase in the glycerol and acetate yields, whereas the xylitol yield was severely reduced. The intracellular concentrations of NADH and NADPH decreased by 58 and 85%, respectively, hence suggesting that HMF and furfural drained the cells of reducing power. The intracellular concentration of ATP was reduced by 42% 1 hour after pulsing of inhibitors, suggesting that energy-requiring repair or maintenance processes were activated. Transcriptome profiling showed that NADPH-requiring processes such as amino acid biosynthesis and sulfate and nitrogen assimilation were induced 1 hour after pulsing.

Conclusions

The redox and energy metabolism were found to be more severely affected after pulsing of furan aldehydes during the xylose consumption phase than during glucose consumption. Conceivably, this discrepancy resulted from the low xylose utilization rate, hence suggesting that xylose metabolism is a feasible target for metabolic engineering of more robust xylose-utilizing yeast strains.
“Down by the Riverside”: Race, Class, and the Drive for Citizenship
Authors: Ford James Edward
Published: December 2013

In this essay, I argue that Richard Wright's “Down by the Riverside” provides a way of examining the complex relationship between the citizen and the refugee during social breakdown. The federal government's lackluster response to Hurricane Katrina raised this issue, but it remains understudied. I turn to Wright's Depression-era story, originally published in Uncle Tom's Children: Four Novellas, because he explores a similar question regarding the 1927 Mississippi Flood, which many consider the precursor to Hurricane Katrina. Wright's story not only clues readers in to the racialized, gendered, and classed dynamics of exploitation operating before and during social upheaval catalyzed by natural disaster, but he also reveals a general potential among the dispossessed for critical thinking and action in overwhelming circumstances. This article has several implications: it recovers an understudied story from Wright on its own terms, thereby challenging the tendency to read his early work as premature versions of Native Son; second, it acknowledges black radical thought and aesthetics as a distinct tradition with fascinating convergences and divergences from European leftisms; third, it treats “Down by the Riverside” as a precursor to contemporary novels whose protagonists live outside the confines of the citizen or even the human; fourth, and most important, this article contributes to a materialist theory of trauma that I call thinking through crisis. While trauma theory implies that overwhelming experience halts thought and action, I argue that black radical aesthetics reveals how overwhelming experience engenders agency.
Decision Analysis with Geographically Varying Outcomes: Preference Models and Illustrative Applications
Authors: Simon Jay , Kirkwood Craig W. , Keller L. Robin
Published: December 2013

This paper presents decision analysis methodology for decisions based on data from geographic information systems. The consequences of a decision alternative are modeled as distributions of outcomes across a geographic region. We discuss conditions that may conform with the decision maker's preferences over a specified set of alternatives; then we present specific forms for value or utility functions that are implied by these conditions. Decisions in which there is certainty about the consequences resulting from each alternative are considered first; then probabilistic uncertainty about the consequences is included as an extension. The methodology is applied to two hypothetical urban planning decisions involving water use and temperature reduction in regional urban development, and fire coverage across a city. These examples illustrate the applicability of the approach and the insights that can be gained from using it.
Characterization of Fermentation Kinetics of Beer Made of Korean 6 Row-Barley
Authors: Kim Ji Hyo , Kim Ji Hyun , Lee Seung Ju , Hong Kwang Won , Kwon Young An , Park Jong-Chul , Kim Wang June
Published: December 2013

Beers are made of malted barley, hop, yeast, and water where the barley malt is the main ingredient. There are two types of barleys, two-row and six-row barley. Two-row barley is principally used in large-scale beer brewing, whereas six-row barley is incorporated in small scale brewing (e.g., microbrewery). In this study, beers were prepared from five varieties of Korean barley1 two-row barley and 4 six-row barley, through malting, mashing, and fermentation processes. Beer fermentation parameters, namely alcohol and diacetyl contents, turbidity, foam stability, free amino nitrogen (FAN), yeast viability, color, and sensory properties were kinetically studied. From a practical point of view, the beer made of Dahyang, one of the six-row barley malts, showed the highest sensory preferences.
Nutrient Components and Physicochemical Properties of 23 Korean Potato Cultivars
Authors: Kim Kyung Mi , Jung So Young , Kim Jin Sook , Kim Gi Chang , Jang Young Eun , Kwon Oh Keun
Published: December 2013

This study was conducted to investigate the nutrient components and physicochemical properties of 23 Korean potato cultivars. Proximate composition, free sugars, organic acids, and free amino acids were analyzed, and water binding capacity, oil absorption, and Hunter color values were measured in this study. The content of crude protein was the highest in Seohong and the lowest in Jayoung cultivars. Crude ash content of Chugang was higher than that of other cultivars. Sucrose content was the highest among the free sugars, followed by glucose, and then fructose. The major organic acids in all potato cultivars were oxalic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and fumaric acid. The essential amino acid and non-essential amino acid contents in the 23 potato cultivars ranged from 60.33 to 550.91 μmol/100g and 300.44 to 1,098.58 μmol/100 g, respectively. The water binding capacity of Deiima and the oil absorption of Jasim cultivars were the highest values among the tested potato cultivars. The oil absorption of Gawon and Shinnamjak was greater than those of the other cultivars. From the results, Gawon and Shinnamjak cultivars could be suggested as beneficial for controlling fat intake.
The Physical and Pasting Properties of Parboiled Rice Using Glutinous Rice Cultivars
Authors: Yoo Jae-Soo , Lee Mi-Ja , Park Hyun-Su , Cho Young-Chan , Lee Jeom-Ho , Ha Ki-Yong
Published: December 2013

This study analyzed the physical and pasting properties of parboiled rice using glutinous rice cultivars. The Sinseonchal cultivar of japonica and the Tongil–type Hangangchal showed the highest and the lowest hardness, respectively, after parboiling treatment and increased in hardness 1.6 to 3.8 times over that of raw milled rice. The solid contents in the parboiled rice of all cultivars were lower than those of raw milled rice. Hwaseonchal showed the highest water binding capacity and increased after parboiling by 1.9 to 5.3 times. The Colormetric L value decreased after parboiling and it tended to darken compared to raw milled rice. The solubility and swelling power of raw milled rice were higher when treated at 75°C than when treated at the normal temperature of 25°C. Parboiling increased swelling power but decreased solubility. As for amylogram characteristics, the pasting temperature was in a range of 62.1 to 69.4°C and there was no significant difference among all the cultivars except Tongil–type Hanganchal. For the paste viscosity properties of parboiled rice, the peak viscosity increased and setback decreased when compared to that of raw milled rice in all cultivars except Hangangchal. Especially, setback viscosity showed a negative value which seems to be the result of the slow retrogradation of cooked parboiled rice. In the case of X-ray diffraction, raw milled and parboiled rice showed the same pattern A and the relative crystallinity of flour particles showed a decrease by 9-30%, which verified the result that a part of the crystalline regions’ structure was disintegrated.
Study on Hyperuricemia in HBV-Associated Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Zhuang Yongze , Yu Yinghao , Huang Yingfang , Zhong Xiaorong
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for hyperuricemia in hepatitis B virus–associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN).

Methods:

Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to decide the risk factors of hyperuricemia in HBV-GN, and clinical and pathologic data were compared between HBV-GN patients with hyperuricemia and those with normal serum uric acid.

Results:

Among our 227 HBV-GN cases, 31.3% of the patients had hyperuricemia at the time of renal biopsy. Univariate analysis showed that the level of serum creatinine and the severity of glomerular and tubular interstitial injury were significantly related to hyperuricemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the levels of serum creatinine and tubular interstitial injury as independent factors for hyperuricemia. The incidence of hypertension and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly higher in hyperuricemic patients with HBV-GN than in normouricemic patients. There were also fewer membranous nephropathy, more proliferative sclerosing glomerulonephritis, and more tubular interstitial injury in hyperuricemic patients with HBV-GN.

Conclusions:

Our study results suggest that hyperuricemia is common in HBV-GN, which may facilitate the progression of HBV-GN and renal tubular interstitial injury as well as the development of hypertension.
Clinical Value of Procalcitonin for Patients With Suspected Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Hattori Takuya , Nishiyama Hideki , Kato Hideki , Ikegami Shinobu , Nagayama Madoka , Asami Saori , Usami Miyuki , Suzuki Mayuko , Murakami Itsuka , Minoshima Makoto , Yamagishi Hiroe , Yuasa Norihiro
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

Procalcitonin (PCT) might be a useful marker to exclude bacteremia or to predict the severity of bacteremia and its outcome. However, most previous studies of PCT were limited to particular patient populations. In addition, reports about PCT levels in patients with renal dysfunction have been conflicting. We investigated the predictive value of PCT in an unselected population with suspected bloodstream infections and also assessed the relationship between PCT and renal function.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 1,331 patients (age ≥1 8 years) with suspected bloodstream infections who had concurrent biochemical data and blood culture results.

Results:

The PCT level was significantly elevated in patients with positive blood cultures, and it showed a significant relation with survival in patients with bacteremia. The optimal cutoff value of PCT for predicting a positive blood culture showed an increase as the estimated glomerular filtration rate declined.

Conclusion:

PCT can be a useful marker to exclude bacteremia and also to predict severe bacteremia, but renal function should be taken into account.
Marrow Assessment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Demonstrates Poor Correlation With Disease Probability
Authors: Ho Caleb , Yao Xiaopan , Tian Ligeng , Li Fang-Yong , Podoltsev Nikolai , Xu Mina L.
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

To evaluate the amount of hemophagocytosis in 64 marrow core biopsy specimens and aspirates from 58 patients with clinical suspicion for secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or reported findings of hemophagocytosis.

Methods:

A review of medical records assigned patients to a low-risk (45 patients) or high-risk (13 patients) HLH group, and association with histologic findings was examined using the Fisher exact test.

Results:

The amount of hemophagocytosis in aspirate or the core biopsy specimen did not correlate with disease probability (P = .17 and P = .63, respectively). Of the clinical/laboratory criteria assessed, the most significant correlations with HLH were highly elevated ferritin (P = .01), cytopenias (P = .02), and fever (P = .009).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicated that marrow histologic findings alone do not reliably predict the probability of HLH, and an isolated finding of hemophagocytosis, even when present in a high amount, lacks specificity for HLH.
Exploring Suitable Emotion-Focused Strategies in Helping Students to Regulate Their Emotional State in a Tutoring System: Malaysian Case Study
Authors: Yusoff Mohd Zaliman Mohd , Zin Nor Azan Mat
Published: December 2013

Introduction. This study explored the suitable emotion-focused strategies in helping students to regulate their emotional state in a self-regulated tutoring system.Method. A questionnaire which consists of 25 different regulation strategies adapted from Ways of Coping questionnaire (WCQ) was used to determine the strategies deployed by the students to regulate their emotional state during stressful learning episodes. The questionnaire was distributed in person to 227 unpaid students (132 males and 95 females) from the College of Information Technology, Universiti Tenaga Nasional in Malaysia. This questionnaire was distributed at the beginning of their class and no time limit was imposed. Students were asked to hand in the survey as soon as they had completed the questionnaire.Results. Findings from this study indicated that students used both emotion-focused and problem-focused strategies as their self-regulation strategies in dealing with stressful learning episodes. In addition, the selection of the self-regulation strategies was influenced by students’ gender and religion.Discussion and Conclusion. Moreover, two emotion-focused strategies were identified to potentially be integrated into a self-regulated tutoring system framework: relaxation exercise and supplication strategies.
Una nueva mirada a la formación en eficacia docente de Gordon (TET): Un estudio-intervención en el aprendizaje social y emocional del profesorado
Authors: Talvio Markus , Lonka Kirsti , Komulainen Erkki , Kuusela Marjo , Lintunen Taru
Published: December 2013

Introducción.. En este estudio exploramos el desarrollo de las habilidades de aprendizaje social y emocional (SEL) de los docentes, mediante el uso de MET [Maestros Eficaz y Técnicamente preparados] (Gordon Training International) como intervención con dos grupos de docentes. También quisimos abordar el modelo de Gordon desde la perspectiva de la psicología educativa moderna. Los efectos de la intervención MET sobre los docentes fueron examinados utilizando el modelo de Kirkpatrick y Kirkpatrick (2006), ya que consideramos importante observar diversos aspectos de los resultados de la intervención, incluyendo las reacciones, el conocimiento, la aplicación del conocimiento (habilidades) y el bienestar general de los participantes.Método. Los docentes participantes en el MET eran tutores (n=20) de un centro de primaria y profesores de materia (n=23) de un centro de secundaria de Finlandia. El grupo de comparación comprendió profesores de materia (n=26) de un centro de secundaria que no participaron en MET. Las diferencias estadísticas de los resultados posteriores a la prueba se examinaron con ANOVA unidireccional de muestra dependiente.Resultados. En el grupo de comparación no se encontraron diferencias entre las mediciones previas y posteriores a la prueba. Entre los participantes las reacciones hacia el MET fueron positivas. Además hubo resultados significativos en otros dos aspectos: mejoraron tanto el conocimiento como la aplicación del conocimiento. El bienestar general de los docentes medido al final de la intervención mostró cambios menores.Conclusión. MET pareció alcanzar sus objetivos, pues los docentes aprendieron a aplicar habilidades de SEL durante la intervención.
Various neuroendocrine tumors in a multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 family
Authors: Sepp Krisztián , Valkusz Zsuzsanna
Published: December 2013

When multiple endocrine tumors are detected more tests are required to diagnose endocrine tumor syndromes. The authors report the case history of a patient with clinical manifestation of multiplex endocrine neoplasia type 1 (parathyroid adenoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, pituitary tumor, adrenal gland tumors and thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma). Genetic screening proved a novel stop codon mutation of the MEN1 gene in the patient and in two other members of the family. The son of the index patient showed clinical symptoms of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (insulinoma) and parathyroid adenoma. One of the two daughters was also positive for the same mutation, however, she had no clinical symptoms. The authors review current knowledge on the genetic background of multiple endocrine syndrome type 1, the role of menin and the usefulness of gene mutation screening. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154(51), 2037–2042.
Graphene Oxide-Supported Two-Dimensional Microporous Polystyrene
Authors: Ouyang Yi , Wu Dingcai , Fu Ruowen
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a microporous-containing graphene oxide/polystyrene (M-GO/PS) was designed and prepared by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) of PS from GO surface and then crossrlinking by carbon tetrachloride. The structures of the molecular brush of PS and the related crosslinking M-GO/PS were determined by FTIR, TG, SEM and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. The experimental results showed that PS molecular brush were successfully grown on to the surface of GO. After crosslinking, the PS component was crosslinked into many round nanoparticles with a diameter of 20-30 nm, and therefore the specific surface area of GO/PS obviously increased. This kind of porous M-GO/PS composite was promising for the application in adsorption-desorption energy storage areas.
Discrete Gauge Fields for Graphene Membranes under Mechanical Strain
Authors: Sloan James V. , Pacheco Sanjuan Alejandro A. , Wang Zhengfei , Horvath Cedric M. , Barraza-Lopez Salvador
Published: December 2013

Mechanical strain creates strong gauge fields in graphene, offering the possibility of controlling its electronic properties. We developed a gauge field theory on a honeycomb lattice valid beyond first-order continuum elasticity. Along the way, we resolve a recent controversy on the theory of strain engineering in graphene: there are no K-point dependent gauge fields.
Transparent Graphene-Platinum Films for Advancing the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Shih P. T. , Dong R. X. , Ho K. C. , Lin J. J.
Published: December 2013

Transparent films of platinum nanoparticles on graphene nanohybrids were synthesized in a two-step process. Reduction of homogeneously dispersed Pt precursor and graphene in water and solution coating/annealing afforded thin films with high catalytic performance as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The requisite dispersant consisting of poly(oxyethylene)-(POE) segments and cyclic imide functionalities allowed the in-situ reduction of dihydrogen hexachloroplatinate by ethanol and the formation of nanohybrids of graphene-supported Pt nanoparticles at 4.0 nm diameter. Characterizations of polymeric dispersants by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and nanohybrids by transmission electron microscope were performed. After screening various compositions of Pt/graphene, the nanohybrid film at the specific ratio of 5/1 by weight was fabricated into a counter electrode (CE) for DSSC by the solution casting method. The evaluation of cell performance demonstrated the most improved power conversion efficiency of 8.00%. This is significant achievement in comparison with 7.14% for the DSSC with the conventional platinum sputtered CE. Furthermore, the solution casting method allows the preparation of transparent CE films that are suitable for using as rear-illuminated DSSC. The approach was proven to be feasible by measuring the cell efficiency under rear light illumination. The power efficiency up to 7.01%, comparable to 8.00% by a normally front illumination, has been accomplished. In contrast, the rear illumination at merely 2.36% efficiency was obtained for the DSSC with sputtered platinum CE. Analyses of cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectra were well correlated to the high efficiency of the performance caused by this nanohybrid film.
Determining In-plane and Thru-plane Percolation Thresholds for Carbon Nanotube Thin Films Deposited on Paper Substrates Using Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Muhlbauer Rachel L. , Gerhardt Rosario A.
Published: December 2013

Concentration- and layer-dependent percolation thresholds can be determined for carbon nanotube (CNT) films deposited from aqueous dispersions on paper substrates at both the surface of the deposited film (in-plane) and through the thickness of the paper (thru-plane) using impedance spectroscopy. By analyzing the impedance spectra as a function of the number of layers (solution concentration is constant) or the solution concentration (number of layers is constant), the electrical properties and percolation thresholds for CNT-paper composites can be determined. In-plane measurements show that percolation occurs at 4 layers when 1 mg/mL solution concentration is used. In the thru-plane direction, the films are already percolated at 1 mg/mL concentration, which is confirmed by varying the concentration of the solution used to deposit 1 layer films. A second percolation event happens between 8 and 12 layers due to an increased number of interconnections of CNTs within the paper substrate. The lowest sheet resistance achieved was 100 Ω/□.
Field emission vacuum electronic devices utilizing ultrathin carbon nanotube sheet
Authors: Van Hai H. , Zhang Mei
Published: December 2013

Novel field emission (FE) devices are introduced employing lateral architecture. Ultrathin multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) sheet were utilized to fabricate the emitter. Effects of basic configuration of sheets, including the orientation of CNTs and sheet thickness were examined. The novel device achieved the threshold field (the electric field at which current density reach 1 mA/cm2) of 0.67 V/µm and enhancement factor larger than 20,000.
Mechanical Properties and Fracture Dynamics of Silicene Membranes
Authors: Botari Tiago , Perim Eric , Autreto P. A. S. , Paupitz Ricardo , Galvao Douglas S.
Published: December 2013

The advent of graphene created a new era in materials science. Graphene is a two-dimensional planar honeycomb array of carbon atoms in sp2-hybridized states. A natural question is whether other elements of the IV-group of the periodic table (such as silicon and germanium), could also form graphene-like structures. Structurally, the silicon equivalent to graphene is called silicene. Silicene was theoretically predicted in 1994 and recently experimentally realized by different groups. Similarly to graphene, silicene exhibits electronic and mechanical properties that can be exploited to nanoelectronics applications.

In this work we have investigated, through fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the mechanical properties of single-layer silicene under mechanical strain. These simulations were carried out using a reactive force field (ReaxFF), as implemented in the LAMMPS code. We have calculated the elastic properties and the fracture patterns.

Our results show that the dynamics of the whole fracturing processes of silicene present some similarities with that of graphene as well as some unique features.
Study and characterization of the carbon-based nanoparticles obtained from PET
Authors: Kharissova Alena Borisovna , de Casas Ortiz Edgar , Kharissova Oxana V. , Mendez Ubaldo Ortiz , Kharisov Boris I.
Published: December 2013

Material like PET {polyethylene terephthalate (C10H8O4)n} are usually thrown away present in glasses of refreshments, water bottles between others which are hard to be degraded. However, this material can be recycled and used to acquire nanostructures. During this investigation the objective was to obtain nanoparticles and carbon based nanostructures from the polymer type PET by means of microwave irradiation at the temperature of 260°C at normal pressure and at 600 psi in the presence of acids, ethylene glycol and by means of calcinations. The obtained nanoparticles of ultrananocrystalline diamonds were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy.
Coherent Control of an NV- center and a nearby 13C nuclear spin
Authors: Scharfenberger Burkhard , Munro William J. , Nemoto Kae
Published: December 2013

In this work, we numerically investigated the achievable fidelities when controlling an effective three-qubit system consisting of a NV- color center in diamond with a nearby strongly coupled 13C nuclear spin by means of microwave- and radio-frequency pulses in the experimentally attractive low magnetic field regime. We find that gates with straightforward square driving pulses do not achieve the fidelity currently required for the fault-tolerant quantum computing models.
Magnetoelastic coupling in strained La0.7Ca0.3MnO3//BaTiO3 Thin Films
Authors: Alberca A. , Azpeitia-Urkia J. , Tornos J. , Munuera C. , Mompean F. J. , Nemes N. M. , Leon C. , Hernando A. , Fehér Titusz , Simon Ferenc , Kirby B. J. , Fitzsimons M. R. , Santamaria J. , Garcia-Hernandez M.
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we explore the interfacial effects appearing in highly strained La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) ultra-thin films (10-12nm) grown on BaTiO3 (BTO) ferroelectric substrates. The strong tendency to phase separation of this optimally doped manganite contributes to the exotic phenomena observed in magnetism and transport experiments: the so-called Matteucci magnetic loops, magnetic granularity and a second metal insulator transition are observed between 50K and the LCMO Curie temperature, 180K. All these properties define the multiferroic character of these heterostructures, which in LCMO//BTO system is strongly linked to magnetoelastic coupling.
Croconic Acid Thin Film Formation for Ferroelectric Gate OFETs
Authors: Ohmi Shun-ichiro , Takayama Kazuaki , Ishiwara Hiroshi
Published: December 2013

Pentacene-based ferroelectric gate transistors with croconic acid (CrA) thin film was fabricated for the first time. The memory window (MW) of 1.9 V was obtained from the capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics of Al/CrA(50 nm)/SiO2/Si(100) metal-ferroelectric-insulator-semiconductor (MFIS) diode, where the deposition temperature of CrA was room temperature (RT). Butterfly type C-V characteristics was observed for Al/CrA(50 nm)/Al/SiO2/ Si(100) metal-ferroelectric-metal (MFM) diode. Furthermore, a pentacene-based p-type organic field-effect transistor (OFET) with CrA gate insulator was fabricated, and clockwise hysteresis loop was observed in ID-VG characteristic, which is attributed to the ferroelectric properties of CrA gate insulator.