bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedimentology and palaeoecology of lonestone-bearing mixed clastic rocks and cold-water carbonates of the Lower Permian Basal Beds at Fossil Cliffs, Maria Island, Tasmania (Australia): Insight into the initial decline of the late Palaeozoic ice age
Authors: Isbell J. L. , Henry L. C. , Reid C. M. , Fraiser M. L.
Published: November 2012

The middle Sakmarian Basal Beds on Maria Island were deposited during the initial decline of the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age following Late Pennsylvanian–Early Sakmarian maximum glaciation. At that time, Tasmania was located within the South Polar Circle between an apparent ice-free pole (Antarctica) and the mid- to high-latitude Sydney-Bowen-Gunnedah glacigenic basins in eastern Australia. The dropstone-bearing Basal Beds consist of: interstratified siltstone, conglomerate and cold-water limestones of the Lower Erratic Zone; siltstone and
Eurydesma-
rich cold-water carbonates of the Darlington Limestone; and siltstone and conglomerate of the Upper Erratic Zone. Interstratification of the coarse-clastic strata, siltstones and limestones within these units were previously attributed to glacial/non-glacial cycles. However, the interfingering of beds within each of these units and the occurrence of large, fossil bryozoans crossing and abutting lithological boundaries indicate that cyclicity was of shorter duration than that of Milankovitch-driven cycles. Within these intertidal and subtidal deposits, the occurrence of rounded dropstones derived from local basement rocks exposed along a rocky coastline and an absence of glacial indicators other than dropstones, along with other evidence, suggest that ice rafting was by sea ice rather than by icebergs. Study results confirm the spatial restriction of Middle Sakmarian to earliest Wuchiapingian glaciation.
Accidental Fire in the Cerrado: Its Impact on Communities of Caterpillars on Two Species ofErythroxylum
Authors: Lepesqueur Cintia , Morais Helena C. , Diniz Ivone Rezende
Published: November 2012

Among the mechanisms that influence herbivorous insects, fires, a very frequent historical phenomenon in the cerrado, appear to be an important modifying influence on lepidopteran communities. The purpose of this study was to compare the richness, abundance, frequency, and composition of species of caterpillars in two adjacent areas of cerradosensu stricto, one recently burned and one unburned since 1994, on the experimental farm “Fazenda Água Limpa” (FAL) (15∘55′S and 47∘55′W), DF, Brazil. Caterpillars were surveyed on two plant species, genusErythroxylum: E. deciduumA. St.-Hil. andE. tortuosumMart. (Erythroxylaceae). We inspected a total of 4,196 plants in both areas, and 972 caterpillars were found on 13.3% of these plants. The number of plants with caterpillars (frequency) differed significantly between the areas. The results indicate that recent and accidental fires have a positive effect on the abundance of caterpillars up to one year postfire, increase the frequency of caterpillars associated withErythroxylumspecies in the cerrado and do not affect the richness of caterpillars on these plants. Moreover, the fires change the species composition of caterpillars by promoting an increase in rare or opportunistic species.
Limb Necrosis in a Lung Cancer Case Presenting with Widespread Thrombosis
Authors: Erdis Eda , Karahan Oguz
Published: November 2012

The malignancies are commonly associated with enhanced thrombotic vascular events. The thrombotic events are also increased in lung cancer subtypes. Even, the systemic mortal thrombotic disorders were reported in the literature. We report a case of a nonsmall-cell carcinoma patient who progressed with widespread thrombosis.
Synthesis of Hemopressin Peptides by Classical Solution Phase Fragment Condensation
Authors: Reddy P. Anantha , Jones Sean T. , Lewin Anita H. , Carroll F. Ivy
Published: November 2012

A fragment condensation solution phase assembly of the naturally occurring CB1 inverse agonist nonapeptides, Pro-Val-Asn-Phe-Lys-Phe/Leu-Leu-Ser-His-OH (hemopressins), and two other homologues: N-terminal 2-amino acid (dipeptide) extended undecapeptide, Val-Asp-Pro-Val-Asn-Phe-Lys-Leu-Leu-Ser-His-OH, and three-amino acid (tripeptide) extended dodecapeptide, Arg-Val-Asp-Pro-Val-Asn-Phe-Lys-Leu-Leu-Ser-His-OH, both CB1 agonists, is reported.
Biology ofOmaspides pallidipennisBoheman, 1854 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)
Authors: Gomes Paula A. A. , Prezoto Fábio , Frieiro-Costa Fernando A.
Published: November 2012

The biology and the feeding habits of the subsocial speciesOmaspides pallidipenniswere studied at the Floresta Nacional de Passa Quatro, MG, Brazil, during the period from October 2010 to April 2011. The species was bivoltine, beginning its reproductive and food cycle in October (spring) and seeking its diapause sites in April (autumn). The juveniles took 54.4 days on average to complete their development, a period in which the female remained close to offspring, only feeding during the larval stage of the juveniles. It is a monophagous species, feeding only onIpomoea albaLinnaeus (Convolvulaceae). In the first cycle, the average number of eggs was55.7±15.5eggs per egg cluster (n=1,837 eggs in 33 clusters) and in the second it was61.6±14.2eggs per egg cluster (n=5,607 eggs in 91 clusters). Oviposition peaks were observed in the months of November and February. The average durations of the incubation period and the larval and the pupal development in the first cycle were19.2±1.4;26.0±1.5;8.7±0.8days, respectively. In the second cycle they wrere16.7±1.4;27.0±2.4;10.2±1.5days, respectively.
Flow-Synchronized Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation for Infants <32 Weeks' Gestation with Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Gizzi C. , Papoff P. , Giordano I. , Massenzi L. , Barbàra C. S. , Campelli M. , Panetta V. , Agostino R. , Moretti C.
Published: November 2012

Aim. To evaluate whether synchronized-NIPPV (SNIPPV) used after the INSURE procedure can reduce mechanical ventilation (MV) need in preterm infants with RDS more effectively than NCPAP and to compare the clinical course and the incidence of short-term outcomes of infants managed with SNIPPV or NCPAP.Methods. Chart data of inborn infants <32 weeks undergoing INSURE approach in the period January 2009–December 2010 were reviewed. After INSURE, newborns born January –December 2009 received NCPAP, whereas those born January–December 2010 received SNIPPV. INSURE failure was defined as FiO2need >0.4, respiratory acidosis, or intractable apnoea that occurred within 72 hours of surfactant administration.Results. Eleven out of 31 (35.5%) infants in the NCPAP group and 2 out of 33 (6.1%) infants in the SNIPPV group failed the INSURE approach and underwent MV (). Fewer infants in the INSURE/SNIPPV group needed a second dose of surfactant, a high caffeine maintenance dose, and pharmacological treatment for PDA. Differences in O2dependency at 28 days and 36 weeks of postmenstrual age were at the limit of significance in favor of SNIPPV treated infants.Conclusions. SNIPPV use after INSURE technique in our NICU reduced MV need and favorably affected short-term morbidities of our premature infants.
Bone Sarcomas: From Biology to Targeted Therapies
Authors: Gaspar Nathalie , Di Giannatale Angela , Geoerger Birgit , Redini Françoise , Corradini Nadège , Enz-Werle Natacha , Tirode Franck , Marec-Berard Perrine , Gentet Jean-Claude , Laurence Valérie , Piperno-Neumann Sophie , Oberlin Odile , Brugieres Laurence
Published: November 2012

Primary malignant bone tumours, osteosarcomas, and Ewing sarcomas are rare diseases which occur mainly in adolescents and young adults. With the current therapies, some patients remain very difficult to treat, such as tumour with poor histological response to preoperative CT (or large initial tumour volume for Ewing sarcomas not operated), patients with multiple metastases at or those who relapsed. In order to develop new therapies against these rare tumours, we need to unveil the key driving factors and molecular abnormalities behind the malignant characteristics and to broaden our understanding of the phenomena sustaining the metastatic phenotype and treatment resistance in these tumours. In this paper, starting with the biology of these tumours, we will discuss potential therapeutic targets aimed at increasing local tumour control, limiting metastatic spread, and finally improving patient survival.
Intrascrotal Abscess,Propionibacterium acnesandStaphylococcus cohniissp.cohnii: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Stefano Masciovecchio , Del Rosso Alessandro , Saldutto Pietro , Paradiso Galatioto Giuseppe , Vicentini Carlo
Published: November 2012

Introduction. ThePropionibacterium acnesand theStaphylococcus cohnii ssp.cohniiare occasional pathogenic bacteria. The intrascrotal localization of thePropionibacterium acnesis exceptional. TheStaphylococcus cohniissp.cohniiis not able to colonize the urogenital apparatus but it is the most frequently responsible for blood culture contamination even if it can sustain, in particular conditions, systemic infections.Case Presentation. We report the case of a 72-year-old man who is under observation for pain and swelling of the left hemiscrotum associated to high fever. The scrotal ultrasound shows the presence of a left intra-scrotal abscess with didymus, epididymis, and intact didymus-epididymis tunicae. The blood culture executed for evening fever during antibiotic therapy has underlined an infection withPropionibacterium acnes. A following blood culture has shown an increase inStaphylococcus cohniissp.cohnii. Due to fever the patient has undergone left orchifunicolectomy with inguino-scrotal toilet. The anatomical pathological examination has also shown the presence of nonspecific granulomatous inflammation compatible withPropionibacterium acnesinfection.Conclusion. The onset of an intrascrotal abscess likely sustained byPropionibacterium acnescomplicated by a possible systemicStaphylococcus cohniissp.cohniisuprainfection is an exceptional event that, in our case, has been resolved with surgical toilet.
Long-Term Outcome of Patients Followed by Nephrologists after an Acute Tubular Necrosis Episode
Authors: Brito G. A. , Balbi A. L. , Abrão J. M. G. , Ponce D.
Published: November 2012

Aims of our study were to describe the long-term survival in patients surviving an acute tubular necrosis (ATN) episode and determine factors associated with late mortality. We performed a prospective cohort study that evaluated the long-term outcome of 212 patients surviving an ATN episode. Mortality at the end of followup was 24.5%, and the probability of these patients being alive 5 years after discharge was 55%. During the followup, 4.7% of patients needed chronic dialysis. Univariate analysis showed that previous CKD (), cardiovascular disease (), age greater than 60 years (), and higher SCr baseline (), after 12 months () and 36 months (), were predictors of long-term mortality. In multivariate analysis, older age (HR = 6.4, CI 95% = 1.2–34.5, ) and higher SCr after 12 months (HR = 2.1, 95% CI 95% = 1.14–4.1, ) were identified as risk factors associated with late mortality. In conclusion, 55% of patients surviving an ATN episode were still alive, and less than 5% required chronic dialysis 60 months later; older age and increased Scr after 12 months were identified as risk factors associated with late death.
A Novel Chaotic Neural Network Using Memristive Synapse with Applications in Associative Memory
Authors: Hu Xiaofang , Duan Shukai , Wang Lidan
Published: November 2012

Chaotic Neural Network, also denoted by the acronym CNN, has rich dynamical behaviors that can be harnessed in promising engineering applications. However, due to its complex synapse learning rules and network structure, it is difficult to update its synaptic weights quickly and implement its large scale physical circuit. This paper addresses an implementation scheme of a novel CNN with memristive neural synapses that may provide a feasible solution for further development of CNN. Memristor, widely known as the fourth fundamental circuit element, was theoretically predicted by Chua in 1971 and has been developed in 2008 by the researchers in Hewlett‐Packard Laboratory. Memristor based hybrid nanoscale CMOS technology is expected to revolutionize the digital and neuromorphic computation. The proposed memristive CNN has four significant features: (1) nanoscale memristors can simplify the synaptic circuit greatly and enable the synaptic weights update easily; (2) it can separate stored patterns from superimposed input; (3) it can deal with one‐to‐many associative memory; (4) it can deal with many‐to‐many associative memory. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Lobular Capillary Hemangioma in the Posterior Trachea: A Rare Cause of Hemoptysis
Authors: Amy Ford Turner , Enrique Diaz-Guzman
Published: November 2012

Lobular capillary hemangiomas (LCH) have been cited in the literature as a rare potential cause for recurrent hemoptysis. They are mostly associated with cutaneous and mucosal surfaces. Rarely do they affect the trachea and associated airways in adults. Lobular capillary hemangiomas can be associated with previous trauma to the airway; however, drugs, hormonal shifts, viral oncogenes, production of angiogenic factors, and cytogenetic clonal deletion abnormalities can also influence these lesions. We document a case of a posterior wall tracheal hemangioma with associated recurrent hemoptysis in a 22-year-old male on testosterone therapy. An LCH attached to the posterior tracheal wall can be technically difficult to remove due to risk of perforation and bleeding. There have been no cases documented of posterior wall LCH.
Compact, Frequency Reconfigurable, Printed Monopole Antenna
Authors: Gonçalves Ricardo , Pinho Pedro , Carvalho Nuno B.
Published: November 2012

This paper proposes a possible implementation of a compact printed monopole antenna, useful to operate in UMTS and WLAN bands. In order to accomplish that, a miniaturization technique based on the application of chip inductors is used in conjunction with frequency reconfiguration capability. The chip inductors change the impedance response of the monopole, allowing to reduce the resonant frequency. In order to be able to operate the antenna in these two different frequencies, an antenna reconfiguration technique based on PIN diodes is applied. This procedure allows the change of the active form of the antenna leading to a shift in the resonant frequency. The prototype measurements show good agreement with the simulation results.
Design and Development of a Telerehabilitation Self-Management Program for Persons with Chronic Lower Limb Swelling and Mobility Limitations: Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Faett Becky L. , Geyer Mary Jo , Hoffman Leslie A. , Brienza David M.
Published: November 2012

This paper describes design and development of a self-management program, delivered by telerehabilitation (TR), to address the problem of chronic lower limb swelling in persons with limited mobility. The 18.6 million persons with limited mobility in the USA are at increased risk for chronic lower limb swelling and related secondary complications, including cellulitis and skin ulcers. Over time, chronic swelling often progresses to lymphedema, an incurable condition requiring lifelong care. Without successful self-management, lymphedema and its related complications inevitably worsen. Access and adherence to appropriate treatment are challenging for persons with limited mobility. Program development involved a structured process to establish content validity (videos and manuals), readability, suitability, and selection of a TR platform to deliver the educational program. Our goal was to develop a program that would engage patients in self-management skills. The TR software platform chosen, Versatile and Integrated System for Telerehabilitation (VISYTER) was designed to facilitate face-to-face delivery of an interactive home-based self-management program via the internet in real time. Results demonstrated validity of the educational program and ease of use with TR. Future plans are to evaluate ability of this approach to promote self-management skills, home monitoring, and improved management of persons with lymphedema and limited mobility.
Symptomatic Secondary Selective IgM Immunodeficiency in Adult Man with Undiagnosed Celiac Disease
Authors: Magen Eli , Feldman Viktor , Joseph Mishal , Israel Hadari
Published: November 2012

Selective IgM immunodeficiency (SIgMID) is a heterogeneous disorder with no known genetic background and may occur as a primary or a secondary condition. Celiac disease has been reported in association with several humeral immunodeficiencies, including isolated severe selective IgA deficiency, panhypogammaglobulinemia, and isolated combined IgA and IgM deficiency. There are only few reported cases of pediatric and adult patients with SIgMID and celiac disease. In this paper, we describe an adult patient with a symptomatic secondary SIgMID associated with undiagnosed celiac disease, with a resolution of clinical symptoms of immunodeficiency and serum IgM normalization following a gluten-free diet.
Recent Trends in Prostate Cancer Incidence by Age, Cancer Stage, and Grade, the United States, 2001–2007
Authors: Li Jun , Djenaba Joseph A. , Soman Ashwini , Rim Sun Hee , Master Viraj A.
Published: November 2012

Objective. To examine prostate cancer trends by demographic and tumor characteristics because a comprehensive examination of recent prostate cancer incidence rates is lacking.Patients and Methods. We described prostate cancer incidence rates and trends using the 2001–2007 National Program of Cancer Registries and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program data (representing over 93% of US population). Because of coding changes in cancer grade, we restricted analysis to 2004–2007. We conducted descriptive and trend analyses using SEER*Stat.Results. The overall prostate cancer incidence rate was stable from 2001 to 2007; however, rates significantly increased among men aged 40–49 years (APC = 3.0) and decreased among men aged 70–79 years (APC = 2.3), and 80 years or older (APC = −4.4). About 42% of localized prostate cancers diagnosed from 2004 to 2007 were poorly differentiated. The incidence of poorly differentiated cancer significantly increased among localized (APC = 8.0) and regional stage (APC = 6.1) prostate cancers during 2004–2007.Conclusions. The recent trend in prostate cancer incidence was stable but varied dramatically by age. Given the large proportion of poorly differentiated disease among localized prostate cancers and its increasing trend in more recent years, continued monitoring of prostate cancer incidence and trends by demographic and tumor characteristics is warranted.
Bacterial Colony Optimization
Authors: Niu Ben , Wang Hong
Published: November 2012

This paper investigates the behaviors at different developmental stages in Escherichia coli (E. coli) lifecycle and developing a new biologically inspired optimization algorithm named bacterial colony optimization (BCO). BCO is based on a lifecycle model that simulates some typical behaviors of E. coli bacteria during their whole lifecycle, including chemotaxis, communication, elimination, reproduction, and migration. A newly created chemotaxis strategy combined with communication mechanism is developed to simplify the bacterial optimization, which is spread over the whole optimization process. However, the other behaviors such as elimination, reproduction, and migration are implemented only when the given conditions are satisfied. Two types of interactive communication schemas: individuals exchange schema and group exchange schema are designed to improve the optimization efficiency. In the simulation studies, a set of 12 benchmark functions belonging to three classes (unimodal, multimodal, and rotated problems) are performed, and the performances of the proposed algorithms are compared with five recent evolutionary algorithms to demonstrate the superiority of BCO.
High Gain Compact Strip and Slot UWB Sinuous Antennas
Authors: Agastra Elson , Lucci Leonardo , Pelosi Giuseppe , Selleri Stefano
Published: November 2012

Three ground-backed compact strip-and slot-sinuous antennas are analyzed. Proposed configuration allows for a single lobe, polarization-versatile, high efficiency, and ultrawide band antenna not needing a cumbersome lossy back cavity typical of conventional single-lobe sinuous antennas. Simulations show attained performances as well as tuning possibilities.
Formulation Changes Affect Material Properties and Cell Behavior in HA-Based Hydrogels
Authors: Lawyer Thomas , McIntosh Kristen , Clavijo Cristian , Potekhina Lydia , Mann Brenda K.
Published: November 2012

To develop and optimize new scaffold materials for tissue engineering applications, it is important to understand how changes to the scaffold affect the cells that will interact with that scaffold. In this study, we used a hyaluronic acid- (HA-) based hydrogel as a synthetic extracellular matrix, containing modified HA (CMHA-S), modified gelatin (Gtn-S), and a crosslinker (PEGda). By varying the concentrations of these components, we were able to change the gelation time, enzymatic degradation, and compressive modulus of the hydrogel. These changes also affected fibroblast spreading within the hydrogels and differentially affected the proliferation and metabolic activity of fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In particular, PEGda concentration had the greatest influence on gelation time, compressive modulus, and cell spreading. MSCs appeared to require a longer period of adjustment to the new microenvironment of the hydrogels than fibroblasts. Fibroblasts were able to proliferate in all formulations over the course of two weeks, but MSCs did not. Metabolic activity changed for each cell type during the two weeks depending on the formulation. These results highlight the importance of determining the effect of matrix composition changes on a particular cell type of interest in order to optimize the formulation for a given application.
Do Peers See More in a Paper Than Its Authors?
Authors: Divoli Anna , Nakov Preslav , Hearst Marti A.
Published: November 2012

Recent years have shown a gradual shift in the content of biomedical publications that is freely accessible, from titles and abstracts to full text. This has enabled new forms of automatic text analysis and has given rise to some interesting questions: How informative is the abstract compared to the full-text? What important information in the full-text is not present in the abstract? What should a good summary contain that is not already in the abstract? Do authors and peers see an article differently? We answer these questions by comparing the information content of the abstract to that in citances—sentences containing citations to that article. We contrast the important points of an article as judged by its authors versus as seen by peers. Focusing on the area of molecular interactions, we perform manual and automatic analysis, and we find that the set of all citances to a target article not only covers most information (entities, functions, experimental methods, and other biological concepts) found in its abstract, but also contains 20% more concepts. We further present a detailed summary of the differences across information types, and we examine the effects other citations and time have on the content of citances.
High-Frequency Regeneration of the Drought-Tolerant Tree Melia volkensii Gurke Using Low-Cost Agrochemical Thidiazuron
Authors: Mulanda Eliud Sagwa , Adero Mark Ochieng , Amugune Nelson Onzere , Akunda Elijah , Kinyamario Jenesio I.
Published: November 2012

Melia volkensii Gurke is a drought-tolerant tree native to East Africa’s arid and semiarid lands (ASALs), with vast but underutilized potential for agroforestry and sustainable livelihoods in the ASALs. Its cultivation is limited by difficulties in propagation via conventional means. Full exploitation of the ability of thidiazuron (TDZ) to elicit regeneration in plant tissue cultures, as sole plant growth regulator (PGR), is hampered by high costs. This study tested the effectiveness of a low-cost agrochemical TDZ for in vitro propagation of M. volkensii. Zygotic embryos from mature seeds were cultured on Gamborg’s B5 medium containing 0 to 4 mg/L of agrochemical TDZ from Kingtai Chemicals Co.,Ltd., China. Callus induction frequency was 96.67 to 100%. Significantly large callus fresh mass was produced at 0.05 mg/L TDZ concentration (ANOVA, P<0.001). The effect of TDZ on embryogenicity was significant over certain ranges of concentrations (Anova, P<0.001). Multiple somatic embryos developed within 14 days of subculture to hormone-free B5 medium. Somatic embryos developed into microshoots which elongated when transferred to 1/2 MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine plus 10% coconut water. The Kingtai-TDZ showed a high potency and suitability for use in M. volkensii tissue culture.
Toxicological Features ofCatha edulis(Khat) on Livers and Kidneys of Male and Female Sprague-Dawley Rats: A Subchronic Study
Authors: Alsalahi Abdulsamad , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Al-Mamary Mohammed , Noordin Mohamed Ibrahim , Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Alabsi Aied M. , Shwter Abdrabuh , Alshawsh Mohammed A.
Published: November 2012

Hepato- and nephrotoxicity of Khat consumption (Catha edulisForskal) have been evoked. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate such possible hepatorenal toxicity in female and male Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats) focusing primarily on liver and kidney. In addition, female and male rats were investigated separately. Accordingly, forty-eight SD-rats (100–120 g) were distributed randomly into four groups of males and female (n=12). Normal controls (NCs) received distilled water, whereas test groups received 500 mg/kg (low dose (LD)), 1000 mg/kg (medium dose (MD)), or 2000 mg/kg (high dose (HD)) of crude extract ofCatha edulisorally for 4 weeks. Then, physical, biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters were analyzed. Results in Khat-fed rats showed hepatic enlargement, abnormal findings in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of male and female SD-rats and serum albumin (A) and serum creatinine (Cr) of female as compared to controls. In addition, histopathological abnormalities confirmed hepatic and renal toxicities of Khat that were related to heavy Khat consumption. In summary, Khat could be associated with hepatic hypertrophy and hepatotoxicity in male and female SD-rats and nephrotoxicity only in female SD-rats.
Polysilsesquioxanes for Gate-Insulating Materials of Organic Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Matsukawa Kimihiro , Watanabe Mitsuru , Hamada Takashi , Nagase Takashi , Naito Hiroyoshi
Published: November 2012

Printable organic thin-film transistor (O-TFT) is one of the most recognized technical issues nowadays. Our recent progress on the formation of organic-inorganic hybrid thin films consists of polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMSQ), and its applications for the gate-insulating layer of O-TFTs are introduced in this paper. PMSQ synthesized in toluene solution with formic acid catalyst exhibited the electric resistivity of higher than 1014 Ω cm after thermal treatment at 150°C, and the very low concentration of residual silanol groups in PMSQ was confirmed. The PMSQ film contains no mobile ionic impurities, and this is also important property for the practical use for the gate-insulating materials. In the case of top-contact type TFT using poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) with PMSQ gate-insulating layer, the device properties were comparable with the TFTs having thermally grown SiO2gate-insulating layer. The feasibility of PMSQ as a gate-insulating material for O-TFTs, which was fabricated on a flexible plastic substrate, has been demonstrated. Moreover, by the modification of PMSQ, further functionalities, such as surface hydrophobicity, high permittivity that allows low driving voltage, and photocurability that allows photolithography, could be appended to the PMSQ gate-insulating layers.
Robust Wavelet Estimation to Eliminate Simultaneously the Effects of Boundary Problems, Outliers, and Correlated Noise
Authors: Altaher Alsaidi M. , Ismail Mohd Tahir
Published: November 2012

Classical wavelet thresholding methods suffer from boundary problems caused by the application of the wavelet transformations to a finite signal. As a result, large bias at the edges and artificial wiggles occur when the classical boundary assumptions are not satisfied. Although polynomial wavelet regression and local polynomial wavelet regression effectively reduce the risk of this problem, the estimates from these two methods can be easily affected by the presence of correlated noise and outliers, giving inaccurate estimates. This paper introduces two robust methods in which the effects of boundary problems, outliers, and correlated noise are simultaneously taken into account. The proposed methods combine thresholding estimator with either a local polynomial model or a polynomial model using the generalized least squares method instead of the ordinary one. A primary step that involves removing the outlying observations through a statistical function is considered as well. The practical performance of the proposed methods has been evaluated through simulation experiments and real data examples. The results are strong evidence that the proposed method is extremely effective in terms of correcting the boundary bias and eliminating the effects of outliers and correlated noise.
A Comparative Study on Application of Computer Vision and Fluorescence Imaging Spectroscopy for Detection of Huanglongbing Citrus Disease in the USA and Brazil
Authors: Wetterich Caio B. , Kumar Ratnesh , Sankaran Sindhuja , Belasque Junior José , Ehsani Reza , Marcassa Luis G.
Published: November 2012

The overall objective of this work was to develop and evaluate computer vision and machine learning technique for classification of Huanglongbing-(HLB)-infected and healthy leaves using fluorescence imaging spectroscopy. The fluorescence images were segmented using normalized graph cut, and texture features were extracted from the segmented images using cooccurrence matrix. The extracted features were used as an input into the classifier, support vector machine (SVM). The classification results were evaluated based on classification accuracies and number of false positives and false negatives. The results indicated that the SVM could classify HLB-infected leaf fluorescence intensities with up to 90% classification accuracy. Though the fluorescence intensities from leaves collected in Brazil and the USA were different, the method shows potential for detecting HLB.
Significant Others, Knowledge, and Belief on Smoking as Factors Associated with Tobacco Use in Italian Adolescents
Authors: Cosci Fiammetta , Zagà Vincenzo , Bertoli Giuly , Campiotti Aquilele
Published: November 2012

Tobacco use is dramatically increasing among youth. Growing attention has been addressed towards possible predictors of smoking in such a population. We evaluated a sample of Italian adolescents to verify whether adults and peers might influence their smoking status. Cross-sectional study was conducted in 16 schools of North Italy. Data were collected from 2001 to 2010 by means of a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic data and individual/social possible predictors of smoking. 2,444 students (56.7% boys; 43.3% girls; mean = 14.32 ± 1.384 years) were analysed. 607 (24.8%) were current smokers; 1,837 (75.2%) were nonsmokers. The presence of smokers in the family, seeing teachers who smoke, the influence of friends, and the feeling of inferiority were predictors of youth smoking as well as unawareness of nicotine dangerous action to health. Running the logistic multivariate analysis with all the variables listed above in the same model, the strongest predictors of smoking were as follows: being unaware that pipe/cigar is harmful to health as cigarettes; not knowing that passive smoking is harmful to the growth of children; having seen teachers smoking. The present findings help to identify the variables that might favour smoking in youth. Such variables should become the target of prevention programs.
Clinical, Pathological, and Genetic Analysis of Ten Patients with MYH9-Related Disease
Authors: Sun Xiong-hua , Wang Zhao-yue , Yang Hai-yan , Cao Li-juan , Su Jian , Yu Zi-qiang , Bai Xia , Ruan Chang-geng
Published: November 2012

MYH9-related disease (MYH9-RD) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the MYH9 gene. It is characterized by a triad of giant platelets, thrombocytopenia, and characteristic Döhle body-like granulocyte inclusions. In this study we report 10 unrelated patients with MYH9-RD in whom the following seven MYH9 gene mutations were found: W33R, p.Q1443_K1445dup, R702H, D1424N, E1841K, R1933X, and E1945X (the first two were novel mutations). The region of the MYH9 mutation determines in some regards the phenotype, but clinical expression can vary between individuals with the same mutation. The neutrophil inclusion bodies of two patients were too small to be detected, but could be found with immunofluorescence staining. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that the calculated NMMHC-IIA/β-actin ratio for MYH9-RD neutrophils was 39% of normal controls. Kidney biopsy showed segmental glomerulosclerosis and NMMHC-IIA expression was decreased in podocytes. This disease is not as rare as originally thought. In any individual with persistent macrothrombocytopenia and no response to corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, even if neutrophil inclusions were inconspicuous in routine staining, MYH9-RD should be suspected.
Stroke and Patent Foramen Ovale in Young Individuals
Authors: Piechowski-Jozwiak Bartlomiej , Bogousslavsky Julien
Published: November 2012

The importance of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has long been discussed in the literature in relation to different coexisting medical conditions. Many researchers focused on the occurrence of PFO in ischemic stroke patients, especially in the subgroup of young patients with a recurrent event. Unfortunately, before establishing a clear significance of PFO and right-to-left shunting (RLS) in pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disorders, multiple interventional trials have been launched, aimed at PFO closure in heterogeneous populations of patients. Moreover, some closure devices were granted at least partial approval by regulatory agencies for this indication. There is a need for large and unbiased epidemiological studies assessing the role of RLS through the PFO in ischemic stroke. All patients with recurrent ischemic events and PFO should be assessed by multidisciplinary teams, including a stroke neurologist, and all potential and rare causes of stroke should be considered before any decision for closure is made.
CHRNA3 Variant for Lung Cancer Is Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Korea
Authors: Kim Woo Jin , Oh Yeon-Mok , Kim Tae-Hyung , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Eun-Kyung , Lee Jin Hwa , Lee Sang-Min , Shin Tae Rim , Yoon Ho Il , Lim Seong-Yong , Lee Sang Do
Published: November 2012

Background: Genome-wide association studies have identified CHRNA3 as a lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) candidate gene in non-Hispanic Caucasian cohorts. However, there are differences in minor allele frequencies among ethnic groups, and limited data exists for Asian populations. Objectives: The aim of this case-control study was to determine whether there is an association between COPD and genetic variation in CHRNA3 in the Korean population. In addition, we investigated the association of CHRNA3 with intermediate disease phenotypes including emphysema and lung function in COPD subjects. Methods: Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CHRNA3 (rs660652 and rs12910984) were genotyped in 219 COPD subjects registered in the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease cohort study and in 305 control subjects. Volumetric computed tomography was performed in all COPD subjects. Emphysema severity was measured quantitatively by determining the volume fraction of the lung below -950 Hounsfield units. Logistic regression analysis for case-control analysis and linear regression modeling for quantitative analysis were performed using SAS. Results: This case-control analysis of 219 COPD patients and 305 control participants identified a significant association between an SNP of CHRNA3 (rs12910984) and COPD (p = 0.049). Analysis in COPD subjects revealed that genetic variations were not associated with FEV1. There was no association between SNPs and emphysema severity. However, both SNPs were significantly associated with DLCO. Conclusion: Genetic variations in CHRNA3 are associated with COPD in the Korean population.
Clinical Usefulness of Electronic Drug-Drug Interaction Checking in the Care of Cardiovascular Surgery Inpatients
Authors: Taegtmeyer A.B. , Kullak-Ublick G.A. , Widmer N. , Falk V. , Jetter A.
Published: November 2012

Objectives: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are events or circumstances involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interfere with desired health outcomes. This study tested the applicability of clinical decision support software in identifying and managing DRPs among cardiovascular surgery inpatients. Methods: Two clinical pharmacologists attended ward rounds on a low-dependency cardiovascular surgery ward every 2 weeks over a 7-month period. Three hundred and three patients were assessed. On average, patients received 17 scheduled and ‘as required’ medicines. DRPs were identified ‘manually’ via assessment of electronic prescription charts and patient records and ‘electronically’ using clinical decision support software (Pharmavista®). The numbers of alerts for optimizing medication safety generated by the two methods were compared. Results: Manual checking identified 346 DRPs leading to 346 alerts in 201 patients (overall 1.1 alerts/patient). Relevant interactions accounted for 44% of DRPs detected by clinical pharmacologists. Clinical decision support software, which could only report interactions, however, generated 1,370 alerts (average 4.5 alerts/patient). Only 147 (11%) drug-drug interaction alerts were identical to those identified by manual checking; the remaining 89% were considered not clinically relevant. Conclusions: Compared to identification of DRPs by clinical pharmacologists, the clinical decision support software performed poorly due to over-alerting and inability to assess for problems not caused by drug-drug interactions.
Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Macronutrient Intake
Authors: Caruso Maria Gabriella , Gazzerro Patrizia , Notarnicola Maria , Cisternino Anna Maria , Guerra Vito , Misciagna Giovanni , Laezza Chiara , Bifulco Maurizio
Published: November 2012

Background: Cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1-R) is a key mediator in the control of food intake and is linked to obesity. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between CB1-R gene polymorphism and dietary macronutrient intake in elderly subjects. Methods: This study included 118 subjects (60 males, 58 females) from a population survey carried out in southern Italy in 1992–1993 who were older than 65 years and previously characterized for CB1-R polymorphism (75 with GG wild-type genotype, 41 with heterozygous polymorphic allele AG, and 2 with genotype AA). All subjects completed a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Statistical methods included multiple logistic regression to model macronutrient intake to genotype, controlling for potential confounders. Results: When controlled for age, gender, and body mass index, the intake of dietary cholesterol and saturated fats corrected for calories was inversely associated with the CB1-R 1359 G/A polymorphism, while the intake of starchy carbohydrates was directly associated with this polymorphism. Conclusion: In our unselected elderly population, the 1359 G/A polymorphism is linked with a specific macronutrient intake. This could be explained by the role of the cannabinoid system as a determinant of food intake and eating behavior.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Combined with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C Hydrogel for Lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Kim In Gul , Lee Ji Youl , Lee David S. , Kwon Jeong Yi , Hwang Ji Hye
Published: November 2012

Background/Aims: Lymphedema is a clinically incurable disease that occurs commonly after lymph node dissection and/or irradiation. Several studies have recently demonstrated that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) could promote lymphangiogenesis associated with expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C. This research concerned primarily the synergistic effect of ESWT combined with VEGF-C incorporated hydrogel (VEGF-C hydrogel) combination therapy for promoting lymphangiogenesis and ultimately alleviating lymphedema. Methods: The VEGF-C hydrogel was applied to the injury site in a mouse model of lymphedema and then regularly underwent ESWT (0.05 mJ/mm2, 500 shots) every 3 days for 4 weeks. Results: Four weeks after the treatment, mice treated with VEGF-C hydrogel and ESWT showed signs of the greatest decrease in edema/collagenous deposits when compared with the other experimental group. LYVE-1-positive vessels also revealed that the VEGF-C/ESWT group had significantly induced the growth of new lymphatic vessels compared to the other groups. Western blot analysis showed that expression of VEGF-C (1.24-fold) and VEGF receptor-3 (1.41-fold) was significantly increased in the VEGF-C/ESWT group compared to the normal group. Conclusion: These results suggested that VEGF-C and ESWT had a synergistic effect and were very effective in alleviating the symptoms of lymphedema and promoting lymphangiogenesis.
Mutational Spectrum of Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome Patients in Hungary
Authors: Balogh I. , Koczok K. , Szabó G.P. , Török O. , Hadzsiev K. , Csábi G. , Balogh L. , Dzsudzsák E. , Ajzner É. , Szabó L. , Csákváry V. , Oláh A.V.
Published: November 2012

Smith-Lemli-Opitz (SLO) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by multiple congenital abnormalities and mental retardation. The condition is caused by the deficiency of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) which catalyzes the final step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Biochemical diagnosis is based on increased concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) in the patient serum. Both life expectancy and quality of life are severely affected by the disease. The estimated prevalence of SLO syndrome ranges between 1:20,000 and 1:40,000 among Caucasians. Although the mutational spectrum of the disease is wide, approximately 10 mutations are responsible for more than 80% of the cases. These mutations show a large interethnic variability. There are no mutation distribution data from Hungary to date. Thirteen patients were diagnosed with SLO syndrome in our laboratory. As first-line tests, serum 7-DHC and total cholesterol were measured and, in positive cases, molecular genetic analysis of the DHCR7 gene was performed. Complete genetic background of the disease could be identified in 12 cases. In 1 case only 1 mutation was detected in a heterozygote form. One patient was homozygous for the common splice site mutation c.964–1G>C, while all other patients were compound heterozygotes. One novel missense mutation, c.374A>G (p.Tyr125Cys) was identified.
Surface-Specific Efficacy of Fluoride Varnish in Caries Prevention in the Primary Dentition: Results of a Community Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Divaris K. , Preisser J.S. , Slade G.D.
Published: November 2012

Objectives: Fluoride varnish (FV) is efficacious in caries prevention although its effects among different tooth surfaces are poorly understood. This study sought to determine the extent to which caries-preventive effects of a community intervention that included FV application among preschool-aged children varied according to primary tooth anatomy and baseline tooth pathology. Methods: Secondary analysis was undertaken of data from a community-randomized controlled trial among 543 3- to 5-year-old Aboriginal children in 30 Northern Territory Australian communities. Children in intervention communities received community health promotion and FV application once every 6 months. Net caries (d3mfs) risk and 95% confidence limits (CL) were estimated for the control and intervention arms, and stratified according to tooth anatomy/location and baseline pathology (sound, enamel opacity, hypoplastic defect or precavitated carious lesion). The intervention’s efficacy was quantified using generalized estimating equation modeling accounting for study design and clustering. The assumption of efficacy homogeneity was tested using a Wald χ2 test with a p < 0.2 criterion and post hoc pairwise comparisons. Results: The intervention resulted in a 25% reduction (relative risk, RR = 0.75; 95% CL = 0.71, 0.80) in the 2-year surface-level caries risk. There was substantial heterogeneity in FV efficacy by baseline surface pathology: RRs were 0.73 for sound, 0.77 for opaque, 0.90 for precavitated, and 0.92 for hypoplastic surfaces. Among sound surfaces, maxillary anterior facials received significantly more benefit (RR = 0.62) compared to pits and fissures (RR = 0.78). Conclusion: The intervention had greatest efficacy on surfaces that were sound at baseline. Among those sound surfaces, maxillary anterior facials received most caries-preventive benefit.
A Longitudinal Case-Control Study of Caries Development from Birth to 36 Months
Authors: Plonka K.A. , Pukallus M.L. , Barnett A.G. , Holcombe T.F. , Walsh L.J. , Seow W.K.
Published: November 2012

Background/Aims: The aim of this longitudinal case-control study was to investigate variables associated with caries development from birth to 36 months. Methods: Children (n = 1,017) who were followed up every 6 months from birth to 36 months were grouped into those that developed caries by age 30 and 36 months, respectively, and compared with children without caries. Results: By 30 months (n = 608) there were 24 children (4%) who had caries and an additional 23 developed first caries at 36 months (n = 552), giving a total prevalence of 47 children with caries (9%) at 36 months. Children who showed caries by 30 months were more likely to be mutans streptococci (MS) colonised by 18 months (p = 0.001) compared to those who developed caries at 36 months, and showed the following variables: MS counts of >105 CFU/ml at 12 months (p = 0.005), missing enamel (p = 0.001), sugar in pacifier at 18 months (p = 0.02), child sleeping next to mother at 6, 18 and 24 months (p = 0.001 to p = 0.02), and exposure to household cigarette smoke at 24 months (p = 0.02). Caries at 36 months was associated with pregnancy problems (p = 0.024), mother having dental cavitations (p = 0.001) and MS presence at 36 months (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 0.1, p = 0.01 for counts <105 CFU/ml). Caries at both 30 and 36 months was associated with MS presence at 18 months (AOR = 6.3, p = 0.005 and AOR = 4.9, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Children who developed caries by 30 months are colonised by MS at younger ages and with higher MS counts compared with children who develop caries at 36 months.