bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotin and carnitine profiles in preterm infants in Japan
Authors: Tokuriki Shuko , Hayashi Hisako , Okuno Takashi , Yoshioka Kikuko , Okazaki Shintaro , Kawakita Akiko , Ohta Genrei , Hata Ikue , Shigematsu Yosuke , Ohshima Yusei
Published: January 2013

Background

Biotin plays an important role as a covalently bound coenzyme for carboxylases. Carnitine is essential in β‐oxidation to transport long‐chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The present study was conducted to assess the risk of biotin and carnitine deficiencies in preterm infants who received enteral feeding with maternal milk and/or standard infant formula made in Japan.

Methods

Forty‐six infants were enrolled in the study. Urine and serum samples and dried blood spots were collected at 1 week and 1 month of age. Additionally, samples were collected at 40 and 44 weeks post‐menstrual age (PMA) in preterm infants. Free carnitine and C5‐OH acylcarnitine, which consist of 3‐hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine as a major isomer, were measured in serum samples and dried blood spots using tandem mass spectrometry. Urine 3‐hydroxyisovaleric acid (3‐HIVA) was measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results

The free carnitine levels in preterm infants were significantly lower than those in term infants, but increased with PMA in serum samples and dried blood spots. C5‐OH acylcarnitine and urinary 3‐HIVA levels, which were very low in term infants, were increased with PMA in preterm infants.

Conclusion

The present results may indicate chronic biotin deficiency in preterm infants fed maternal milk and/or standard infant formula. Analyses of carnitine profiles of dried blood spots and urine 3‐HIVA are relatively non‐invasive and useful for the early detection of biotin deficiency in preterm infants.
Iron deficiency anemia and levels of oxidative stress induced by treatment modality
Authors: Akarsu Saadet , Demır Hatıce , Selek Sahabettın , Oguzoncul Ferdane
Published: January 2013

Background

The effects of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and its treatment on plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were investigated.

Methods

Sixty patients with IDA and 20 healthy controls were divided into four subgroups: an oral (per os: PO) group (n = 20); an intramuscular (IM) group (n = 20); an intravenous (IV) group (n = 20); and the control group (n = 20). Blood samples were obtained from all patients before treatment, and at 24 h, 7 days, 6 and 13 weeks after initiation of IDA therapy.

Results

TAOC in the IDA group was low when compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Although TAOC at 24 h in the PO group was not different from the control group, the TAOC in the IM and IV groups was relatively lower (P < 0.001). The TAOC in the PO group at 7 days, and at 6 and 13 weeks was closest to the control group level. The mean TAOC in the IV group at 13 weeks was clearly lower relative to the PO and IM groups.

Conclusions

Oxidative stress was minimally induced with oral therapy, while IM and IV therapies induced higher levels of oxidative stress, in increasing order of intensity.
Overcoming limitations of the ERP method with Residue Iteration Decomposition (RIDE): A demonstration in go/no‐go experiments
Authors: Ouyang Guang , Schacht Annekathrin , Zhou Changsong , Sommer Werner
Published: January 2013

The usefulness of the event‐related potential (ERP) method can be compromised by violations of the underlying assumptions, for example, confounding variations of latency and amplitude of ERP components within and between conditions. Here we show how the ERP subtraction method might yield misleading information due to latency variability of ERP components. We propose a solution to this problem by correcting for latency variability using Residue Iteration Decomposition (RIDE), demonstrated with data from representative go/no‐go experiments. The overlap of N2 and P3 components in go/no‐go data gives rise to spurious topographical localization of the no‐go–N2 component. RIDE decomposes N2 and P3 based on their latency variability. The decomposition restored the N2 topography by removing the contamination from latency‐variable late components. The RIDE‐derived N2 and P3 give a clearer insight about their functional relevance in the go/no‐go paradigm.
Atypical visual change processing in children with autism: An electrophysiological Study
Authors: Cléry Helen , Bonnet‐Brilhault Frederique , Lenoir Pascal , Barthelemy Catherine , Bruneau Nicole , Gomot Marie
Published: January 2013

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may display atypical behaviors in reaction to unattended changes that occur in all sensory modalities. Atypical automatic auditory change processing has been highlighted in ASD via the analysis of mismatch negativity (MMN). The present study investigated visual deviancy detection in children with ASD in order to determine whether unusual reactions to change operate in other sensory modalities. Twelve children with ASD were presented with a passive visual oddball paradigm using dynamic stimuli. Compared to controls, children with ASD showed an earlier visual mismatch response, suggesting a hypersensitivity to visual deviancy. This study is thus consistent with the hypothesis of the existence of “general” atypical change detection processing in children with ASD that might contribute to their intolerance of change.
A brain‐potential correlate of task‐set conflict
Authors: Elchlepp Heike , Rumball Freya , Lavric Aureliu
Published: January 2013

Brain‐potential correlates of response conflict are well documented, but those of task conflict are not. Task‐switching studies have suggested a plausible correlate of task conflict—a poststimulus posterior negativity—however, in such paradigms the negativity may also reflect poststimulus task‐set reconfiguration postulated in some models. Here, participants alternated between single‐task blocks of classifying letters and digits; hence, no within‐block task‐set reconfiguration was required. Presenting letters alongside digits slowed responses to the digits and elicited an ERP negativity from ∼350 ms, relative to task‐neutral symbols presented alongside digits, consistent with task conflict. The negativity was also present for congruent digit‐letter stimuli; this and the lack of behavioral response congruency effects indicate conflict at the level of task‐set rather than response selection.
N1pc reversal following repeated eccentric visual stimulation
Authors: Casiraghi Mahesh , Fortier‐Gauthier Ulysse , Sessa Paola , Dell'Acqua Roberto , Jolicœur Pierre
Published: January 2013

Early event‐related potential (ERP) hemispheric asymmetries recorded at occipitoparietal sites are usually observed following the sudden onset of a lateral peripheral stimulus. This is usually reflected in an onset‐locked larger N1 over the posterior contralateral hemisphere relative to the ipsilateral hemisphere, an early ERP asymmetry labeled N1pc. When the peripheral sudden onset is followed by a central stimulus, or by a bilaterally balanced visual array of stimuli, these events evoke a reversed N1pc, that is, a larger N1 over the hemisphere ipsilateral to the peripheral sudden onset. This N1pc reversal has been taken as evidence for a remapping of the visual space from an absolute, retinally based frame of reference to a relative, attentionally based frame of reference that codes the spatial positions of objects relative to the peripheral sudden onset, rather than relative to the fovea. Here, we pit the reference frame‐remapping account against an alternative account based on reduced neural reactivity following the peripheral sudden onset. In three experiments, we varied the spatial location of an object relative to a preceding sudden onset, and tested the opposite predictions generated by the frame‐remapping and the reduced neural reactivity accounts. Taken together, the results from the present experiments were consistent with the reduced neural reactivity account and inconsistent with the frame‐remapping account.
ACTN3 genotype in Spanish elite swimmers: No “heterozygous advantage”
Authors: Ruiz J. R. , Santiago C. , Yvert T. , Muniesa C. , Díaz‐Ureña G , Bekendam N. , Fiuza‐Luces C. , Gómez‐Gallego F , Femia P. , Lucia A.
Published: January 2013

The aim of the present case‐control study was to examine the association of the ACTN3 R577X genotype with elite swimming status. We compared a group of Spanish (Caucasian) elite swimmers (n = 88) with other cohorts of the same ethnic origin, i.e., nonathletic controls (n = 343) and other types of athletes who are in both end‐points of the sports performance continuum, i.e., world‐class power (n = 119) and endurance male athletes (n = 154). Swimmers had a lower odds ratio (OR) of having the RX genotype [1.815, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.899–3.664] compared with nonathletic controls, yet the association did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.096). Endurance athletes had greater OR of having the XX genotype (OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.162–7.135, P = 0.022), or the RX+XX genotype (OR: 1.903, 95% CI: 1.015–3.567, P = 0.045) compared with swimmers. No other association was found. In summary, we did not observe an association between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and elite swimmer's status, suggesting that any influence of this polymorphism is not of sufficient magnitude as to significantly influence elite swimming performance, at least in Spanish athletes.
Augmenting soil water storage using uncharred switchgrass and pyrolyzed biochars
Authors: Novak J. M. , Watts D. W.
Published: January 2013

Biochar is an amendment that can augment soil water storage; however, its projected cost per ton could be financially limiting at field application scales. It may be more monetarily convenient if an alternate amendment was available that could deliver similar soil enhancements. We compared two switchgrass biochars pyrolyzed at 250 and 500 °C with raw switchgrass (uncharred) on moisture storage and bulk density changes in a Norfolk loamy sand (fine‐loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kandiudult). Amendments were mixed into triplicate pots at 20 g/kg along with untreated controls. Soils were laboratory incubated at 10% moisture content (w/w) for 118 days, and the pots were irrigated three times with 1.3 pore volumes of deionized water every 30 days. Soil bulk densities were recorded before each irrigation event. Assessment of alterations in soil water storage was examined through cumulative water evaporative losses from incubation day 0 to day 33 and by monitoring soil water contents for 13 consecutive days past each irrigation event. Rankings of soil water evaporative losses were as follows: uncharred switchgrass ≤ switchgrass (500 °C) ≤ switchgrass (250 °C) < control. After the first irrigation event, uncharred switchgrass amendment significantly increased moisture storage compared with soil treated with biochar and the control. While all amendments increased water storage relative to the control, uncharred switchgrass delivered equivalent, if not slightly better, moisture storage improvements compared with the two switchgrass biochars. Uncharred switchgrass would likely not be as effective over the long term (years to decades) as pyrolyzed biochars, due to greater degradation of uncharred material.
Mountain laurel toxicosis in a dog
Authors: Manhart Ingrid O. , DeClementi Camille , Guenther Christine L.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To describe a case of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) toxicosis in a dog, including case management and successful outcome.

Case Summary

A dog presented for vomiting, hematochezia, bradycardia, weakness, and ataxia, which did not improve with supportive treatment. Mountain laurel ingestion was identified as cause of clinical signs after gastrotomy was performed to remove stomach contents. Supportive treatment was continued and the dog made a full recovery.

New or Unique Information Provided

This report details a case of mountain laurel toxicosis in a dog, including management strategies and outcome, which has not been previously published in the veterinary literature.
Comparison of routine urinalysis and urine Gram stain for detection of bacteriuria in dogs
Authors: Way Leilani Ireland , Sullivan Lauren A. , Johnson Valerie , Morley Paul S.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To determine the utility of performing urine Gram stain for detection of bacteriuria compared to routine urine sediment examination and bacterial aerobic urine culture.

Design

Prospective, observational study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Urine samples acquired via cystocentesis through convenience sampling from 103 dogs presenting to a tertiary referral institution.

Interventions

All samples underwent routine urinalysis, including sediment examination, as well as urine Gram stain and quantitative bacterial aerobic urine culture.

Measurements and Main Results

The urine Gram stain demonstrated improved sensitivity (96% versus 76%), specificity (100% versus 77%), positive predictive value (100% versus 83%), and negative predictive value (93% versus 69%) when identifying bacteriuria, compared to routine urine sediment examination.

Conclusions

The urine Gram stain is highly sensitive and specific when detecting the presence of bacteria in canine urine samples. Gram staining should be considered when bacteriuria is highly suspected and requires rapid identification while bacterial culture is pending.
Ivermectin‐induced blindness treated with intravenous lipid therapy in a dog
Authors: Epstein Steven E. , Hollingsworth Steven R.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To report a case of blindness due to the ingestion of ivermectin and subsequent successful treatment with intravenous lipid (IVL) therapy.

Case Summary

A female neutered Jack Russell Terrier was examined for acute onset of apparent blindness after being exposed to ivermectin the previous day. The dog appeared to be blind during initial examination. Pupillary light reflex, menace response, and dazzle reflex were not present in either eye. Fundic examination revealed small areas of linear retinal edema. Electroretinography (ERG) showed diminished activity in both eyes. Ivermectin was present in the serum on toxicological assay. Approximately 20 hours after exposure, IVL was infused. Within 30 minutes of initiating the infusion, the pupillary light reflexes returned in both eyes, and by the end of the infusion the patient behaved as if sighted. Fundic examination and ERG were unchanged at this time. The dog was tested for the multidrug resistance gene mutation and was unaffected.

New or Unique Information Provided

Ivermectin toxicity occurs in dogs with apparent blindness being a common clinical sign. This is the first case report of ivermectin‐induced blindness evaluated with ERG before and after treatment with IVL in a dog unaffected by the multidrug resistance gene mutation. Treatment with an infusion of IVL therapy appeared to shorten the clinical course of disease in this patient without affecting ERG results.
Autologous canine red blood cell transfusion using cell salvage devices
Authors: Kellett‐Gregory Lindsay M. , Seth Mayank , Adamantos Sophie , Chan Daniel L.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To describe the use of automated blood salvage devices for autotransfusion in dogs.

Technique

Blood salvage devices can be used to collect blood from the intraoperative surgical field or postsurgical drainage sites. The salvage device washes cells in 0.9% saline, removing plasma proteins, other cellular components, and activators of coagulation and inflammation. Washed red blood cells may be safely returned to the patient, minimizing the need for allogeneic blood transfusions.

Significance

Blood salvage has been safely used in human medicine for decades and is feasible in veterinary medicine. Potential advantages include reduced reliance on banked blood for massive transfusions and minimization of morbidities associated with the use of allogeneic and stored blood products. Concerns about the safety of salvaged blood have been largely dispelled in human medicine but further investigation regarding the safety of such procedures in veterinary patients is warranted.
Transport through singlet states in resistive memory materials: Magneli-phase, TinO2n−1 for 9 ≥ n > 3, and TiO2-HfO2 alloys
Authors: Lucovsky Gerald , Kim Jinwoo
Published: January 2013

Energy states in the forbidden band-gap below the conduction band edge are active as electron traps in nanograin high dielectric constant (κ) transition metal (TM) oxides, e.g., ZrO2 and HfO2. These TM oxides have received considerable attention for at least 10 yr as gate-dielectrics in complementary metal oxide semiconductor devices. More recently, they are emerging as candidates for charge storage and memory devices. To provide a theoretical basis for device applications, this article combines ab initio many-electron theory and x-ray absorption spectroscopy to study O K edge and TM core level transitions. These studies allow the extraction of ligand field splittings (ΔLF) for defect state features, which can then be compared with those obtained from O and TM core spectroscopic transitions, thereby providing an increased understanding of intrinsic defect bonding arrangements. These comparisons have been made for (i) elemental Ti-oxides TiO2 and Ti2O3 with different formal charge state, Ti4+ and Ti3+, respectively, and for (ii) Ti Magneli-phase alloys, TinO2n−1, n is an integer 9 ≥ n > 3, (TiO2)x(HfO2)1−x alloys. The alloys display multivalent behavior, with additional valence states associated with bond-strain, and metallic hopping transport of electrons through singlet exited states immediately below the conduction band edge. Three significant new results have been highlighted in this article. First based on comparisons with noncrystalline SiO2 and GeO2, the intrinsic defects in TM oxides have been identified as pairs of singly occupied dangling bonds in vacated (empty) O-atom bonding sites. Second, the ordering and symmetries of two-electron features identified in second derivative O K pre-edge spectra have been compared with d2 transitions described by Tanabe–Sugano diagrams. These splitting are dependent on bonding coordination and symmetry of the bordering TM atoms, sixfold octahedral arrangements for Ti, and eightfold arrangements for ZrO2 and HfO2 in cubic and tetragonal phases. ΔLF values obtained from these studies are the core level spectroscopies and defects. For the defect states, there is medium range order that extends to third and fourth nearest-neighbor TM metal–atom correlations. Finally, and equally important, these results establish that bonding defects in TM nanograin oxides and noncrystalline SiO2 and GeO2 are qualitatively similar, each indicative of different values of ΔLF and indicating different levels of partially ionic bonding.
High-fat feeding, but not strenuous exercise, increases blood oxidative stress in trained men
Authors: McCarthy Cameron G. , Farney Tyler M. , Canale Robert E. , Dessoulavy Michael E. , Bloomer Richard J.
Published: January 2013

Two prevalent origins of oxidative stress in Western society are the ingestion of high-fat meals and the performance of strenuous exercise. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the magnitude of increase in blood oxidative stress following acute feeding and acute exercise. Twelve exercise-trained men consumed a high-fat meal or performed 1 of 3 exercise bouts (steady-state aerobic; high-intensity, moderate-duration interval sprints; maximal intensity, short-duration interval sprints) in a random order, crossover design. Blood was collected before and at times following feeding and exercise. Samples were analyzed for trigylcerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), nitrate/nitrite (NOx), trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). A significant condition effect was noted for MDA (p = 0.01), H2O2(p < 0.0001), and AOPP (p = 0.0006), with values highest for the meal condition. An increase of 88%, 247%, and 96% was noted from pre- to post-feeding for MDA, H2O2, and AOPP, respectively. A condition effect was also noted for TEAC (p = 0.04) and CAT (p = 0.05), with values lowest for the meal condition (TEAC) and the meal and aerobic exercise condition (CAT). NOx, SOD, and GPx were relatively unaffected by feeding and exercise, while MDA, H2O2, and AOPP experienced little change from pre- to postexercise (p > 0.05). These results illustrate that the magnitude of blood oxidative stress following a high-fat meal is significantly greater than that elicited by either aerobic or anaerobic exercise in a sample of exercise-trained men.
Root reinforcement of soil: review of analytical models, test results, and applications to design
Authors: Wu Tien H.
Published: January 2013

This paper reviews analytical models that are used to evaluate results of laboratory and in situ tests on soil reinforced by vegetation roots and performance of slopes with vegetation. Predicted and observed performances are compared to illustrate the accuracy and refinement of the models and their relationships to the quality of the available data. General guidelines for application to design problems are provided.
The mechanical properties of engineered cementitious composites containing limestone powder replaced by microsilica sand
Authors: Turk Kazim , Demirhan Serhat
Published: January 2013

In this study, an experimental program is conducted to understand the effect of the limestone powder (LSP) content replaced by silica sand on the composite properties. For this purpose, five different engineered cementitious composite (ECC) mixtures were adopted: ECC mixture with only silica sand (SS) for control purposes and four ECC mixtures in which SS is partially replaced by four levels of replacements (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% by weight of total SS) of LSP. The properties of ECC mixtures produced were investigated for the ages of 3, 28, and 90 days. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of the ECC mixtures with LSP were in general higher than the reference mixture with only SS for all curing ages. Increase in the LSP content had a positive effect on the performance of the compressive strength, fracture toughness, and flexural strength at the ages of 3 and 28 days while this was not valid at the age of 90 days when compared to the reference mixture. Also, the ductility of the ECC beams strongly depends on the LSP content and specimen age.
On the importance of the MIS junction to the photovoltaic properties of ITO/TPD/Alq3/Al electroluminescent devices
Authors: Ferguson P.P. , Gauvin S. , Beaudoin N.
Published: January 2013

Organic electroluminescent devices with an ITO/TPD/Alq3/Al structure are fabricated and tested for their photovoltaic properties. To produce an open-circuit photovoltage, a conditioning is required. Here, the conditioning is exposing the device to air for a short duration. Without this conditioning, the device produces a short-circuit photocurrent with practically no open-circuit photovoltage. Calculations and fits to the photovoltaic data show that this observation could be attributed to the formation of a metal–insulator–semiconductor junction between the Alq3 and the Al, where an insulating layer is created by this conditioning.
Degeneracy pressure of relic neutrinos and cosmic coincidence problem
Authors: Lee Tae Hoon
Published: January 2013

We consider the universe as a huge νR-sphere formed with degenerate relic neutrinos and suggest that its constant energy density play a role of an effective cosmological constant. We construct the sphere as a bubble of true vacuum in a field theory model with a spontaneously broken U(1) global symmetry, and we interpret the sphere-forming time as the transition time for recent acceleration of the universe. The coincidence problem may be regarded as naturally resolved in this model, because the relic neutrinos can make the νR-sphere at the recent past time during the matter-dominated era.
Ghost Chaplygin scalar field model of dark energy
Authors: Adabi F. , Karami K. , Mousivand M.
Published: January 2013

We investigate the correspondence between the ghost and Chaplygin scalar field dark energy models in the framework of Einstein gravity. We consider a spatially nonflat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe containing dark energy that interacts with dark matter. We reconstruct the potential and the dynamics for the Chaplygin scalar field model according to the evolutionary behavior of ghost dark energy, which can describe the phantomic accelerated expansion of the universe.
Fermion tunneling for traversable wormholes
Authors: Sharif M. , Javed Wajiha
Published: January 2013

Hawking radiation can be interpreted as a quantum phenomenon of particles tunneling through black hole horizons. In this formulation, Kerner and Mann analyzed fermions emission via tunneling and investigated tunneling probabilities related to the Hawking temperature. This paper is devoted to the use of the Kerner and Mann technique for axially symmetric slowly rotating wormholes. We calculate tunneling probability for outgoing (as well as incoming) charged fermions and obtain their respective Hawking temperatures at horizon radii and also explore their graphical pictures.
The antioxidant resveratrol down-regulates inflammation in an in-vitro model ofPseudomonas aeruginosainfection of lung epithelial cells
Authors: Cerqueira Ashley M. , Khaper Neelam , Lees Simon J. , Ulanova Marina
Published: January 2013

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe pulmonary infection in immunocompromized individuals. During the infectious process, P. aeruginosa provokes a potent inflammatory response and induces the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cells undergo oxidative stress when cellular antioxidants are unable to effectively scavenge and detoxify ROS, resulting in lung damage. Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene) is a natural polyphenolic compound with recognized antioxidant effects. We hypothesized that owing to its antioxidant activities, resveratrol can attenuate an inflammatory response in P. aeruginosa-infected cells. Lung epithelial A549 cells were pre-treated with 100 μmol/L of resveratrol for 5 h, followed by infection with P. aeruginosa. Intracellular ROS generation was used as an indicator of P. aeruginosa-induced oxidative stress, and cell surface expression of Fas receptor and activation of caspases-3 and -7 as indicators of apoptosis. We also measured the surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and enzymes related to inflammation and redox signaling. Resveratrol significantly reduced ROS generation, ICAM-1, and human beta-defensin-2 expression, as well as the markers of apoptosis in A549 cells infected with P. aeruginosa, and up-regulated glutathione peroxidase, suggesting its potential therapeutic role in protecting the lungs against the deleterious effects of P. aeruginosa infection.
SIMPLE AND FLEXIBLE SELF-REPRODUCING STRUCTURES IN ASYNCHRONOUS CELLULAR AUTOMATA AND THEIR DYNAMICS
Authors: HUANG XIN , LEE JIA , YANG RUI-LONG , ZHU QING-SHENG
Published: January 2013

Self-reproduction on asynchronous cellular automata (ACAs) has attracted wide attention due to the evident artifacts induced by synchronous updating. Asynchronous updating, which allows cells to undergo transitions independently at random times, might be more compatible with the natural processes occurring at micro-scale, but the dark side of the coin is the increment in the complexity of an ACA in order to accomplish stable self-reproduction. This paper proposes a novel model of self-timed cellular automata (STCAs), a special type of ACAs, where unsheathed loops are able to duplicate themselves reliably in parallel. The removal of sheath cannot only allow various loops with more flexible and compact structures to replicate themselves, but also reduce the number of cell states of the STCA as compared to the previous model adopting sheathed loops [Y. Takada, T. Isokawa, F. Peper and N. Matsui, Physica D227, 26 (2007)]. The lack of sheath, on the other hand, often tends to cause much more complicated interactions among loops, when all of them struggle independently to stretch out their constructing arms at the same time. In particular, such intense collisions may even cause the emergence of a mess of twisted constructing arms in the cellular space. By using a simple and natural method, our self-reproducing loops (SRLs) are able to retract their arms successively, thereby disentangling from the mess successfully.
DETECTION OF DOUBLE MPEG-2 COMPRESSION BASED ON DISTRIBUTIONS OF DCT COEFFICIENTS
Authors: XU JUNYU , SU YUTING , LIU QINGZHONG
Published: January 2013

Detection of double compression in digital multimedia is considered to reveal the history of multimedia signal processing, which is very useful in digital forensics. In this paper, distributions of quantized DCT coefficients are analyzed in depth after double MPEG-2 compression with constant bit rate (CBR) mode, and a new algorithm is presented to detect double MPEG-2 compression based on convex patterns in the distribution of quantized DCT coefficients. In order to demonstrate the practical value of our proposed algorithm, two digital video cameras (DV) and two MPEG-2 software coders are utilized to simulate the general process of double MPEG-2 compression. Experiment results show that the proposed scheme can effectively detect doubly MPEG-2 compressed videos with CBR mode and the target output bit rate can vary in a large range.
TOROIDAL DEHN FILLINGS WITH INFINITELY MANY CORES
Authors: LEE SANGYOP
Published: January 2013

We show that there are infinitely many cores for hyperbolic 3-manifolds admitting two toroidal Dehn fillings of distance 2 or 3 apart, giving an answer to a question asked by Gordon and Wu.
RECONN: A CYTOSCAPE PLUG-IN FOR EXPLORING AND VISUALIZING REACTOME
Authors: LIGTENBERG WILLEM P.A. , BOŠNAČKI DRAGAN , HILBERS PETER A. J.
Published: January 2013

Interface and visualization tools usually provide static representations of biological pathways, which can be a severe limitation: fixed pathway boundaries are used without consensus about the elements that should be included in a particular pathway; one cannot generate new pathways or produce selective views of existing pathways. Also, the tools are not capable of integrating multiple levels that conceptually can be distinguished in biological systems.

We present ReConn, an interface and visualization tool for a flexible analysis of large data at multiple biological levels. ReConn (Reactome Connector) is an open source extension to Cytoscape which allows user friendly interaction with the Reactome database. ReConn can use both predefined Reactome pathways as well as generate new pathways. A pathway can be derived by starting from any given metabolite and existing pathways can be extended by adding related reactions. The tool can also retrieve alternative routes between elements of a biological network. Such an option is potentially applicable in the design and analysis of knockout experiments. ReConn displays information about multiple levels of the system in one view. With these dynamic features ReConn addresses all of the above mentioned limitations of the interface tools.
A VARIATIONAL BAYES BETA MIXTURE MODEL FOR FEATURE SELECTION IN DNA METHYLATION STUDIES
Authors: MA ZHANYU , TESCHENDORFF ANDREW E.
Published: January 2013

An increasing number of studies are using beadarrays to measure DNA methylation on a genome-wide basis. The purpose is to identify novel biomarkers in a wide range of complex genetic diseases including cancer. A common difficulty encountered in these studies is distinguishing true biomarkers from false positives. While statistical methods aimed at improving the feature selection step have been developed for gene expression, relatively few methods have been adapted to DNA methylation data, which is naturally beta-distributed. Here we explore and propose an innovative application of a recently developed variational Bayesian beta-mixture model (VBBMM) to the feature selection problem in the context of DNA methylation data generated from a highly popular beadarray technology. We demonstrate that VBBMM offers significant improvements in inference and feature selection in this type of data compared to an Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm, at a significantly reduced computational cost. We further demonstrate the added value of VBBMM as a feature selection and prioritization step in the context of identifying prognostic markers in breast cancer. A variational Bayesian approach to feature selection of DNA methylation profiles should thus be of value to any study undergoing large-scale DNA methylation profiling in search of novel biomarkers.
A History of Entomological Classification
Authors: Engel Michael S. , Kristensen Niels P.
Published: January 2013

The classification of insects has attempted to most effectively communicate information about this hyperdiverse lineage of life and, not surprisingly, has had a considerably rich historical development. This history can be coarsely segregated into four periods: the Pre-Linnean era, the first century spanning Linnaeus's Systema Naturae to Darwin's On the Origin of Species, the Darwinian era up to the Cladistic Revolution, and the Hennigian era leading to today. The major events of each of these episodes are briefly summarized and some of the more notable researchers highlighted, along with their influence on our current understanding of insect relationships and how this is reflected in the current classification of the Hexapoda.
Neuroactive Insecticides: Targets, Selectivity, Resistance, and Secondary Effects
Authors: Casida John E. , Durkin Kathleen A.
Published: January 2013

Neuroactive insecticides are the principal means of protecting crops, people, livestock, and pets from pest insect attack and disease transmission. Currently, the four major nerve targets are acetylcholinesterase for organophosphates and methylcarbamates, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor for neonicotinoids, the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor/chloride channel for polychlorocyclohexanes and fiproles, and the voltage-gated sodium channel for pyrethroids and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. Species selectivity and acquired resistance are attributable in part to structural differences in binding subsites, receptor subunit interfaces, or transmembrane regions. Additional targets are sites in the sodium channel (indoxacarb and metaflumizone), the glutamate-gated chloride channel (avermectins), the octopamine receptor (amitraz metabolite), and the calcium-activated calcium channel (diamides). Secondary toxic effects in mammals from off-target serine hydrolase inhibition include organophosphate-induced delayed neuropathy and disruption of the cannabinoid system. Possible associations between pesticides and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases are proposed but not established based on epidemiological observations and mechanistic considerations.
The Adult Dipteran Crop: A Unique and Overlooked Organ
Authors: Stoffolano John G. , Haselton Aaron T.
Published: January 2013

The diverticulated crop is a unique and overlooked foregut organ in the Diptera that affects many physiological and behavioral functions. Historically, the crop was viewed simply as a reservoir for excess nutrients. The crop lobes and crop duct form an elaborate sphincter and pump system that moves stored nutrients to the crop lobes, oral cavity, and the midgut. The storage capacity of the crop lobes is significant when filled maximally and supplies sufficient carbohydrates to sustain prolonged activity and flight, and adequate protein and lipids to facilitate reproductive events. Crop emptying is under complex neuroendocrine and neural control and may be influenced by multiple neuromessengers, such as serotonin and dromyosuppressin. The crop lobes also serve as a site for the initial mixing of enzymes from the salivary glands and antimicrobials from the labellar glands with ingested food. These food-processing functions are associated with behaviors unique to dipterans, such as regurgitation (or bubbling), nuptial gift giving, and substrate droplet deposition or trap-lining.
Depictions of Insomniacs’ Behaviors and Thoughts in Music Lyrics
Authors: Fung Constance H. , Jouldjian Stella , Kierlin Lara
Published: January 2013

Study Objectives.Studies have found that depictions of unhealthy behaviors (e.g., illicit substance use, violence) are common in popular music lyrics; however, we are unaware of any studies that have specifically analyzed the content of music lyrics for unhealthy sleep-related behaviors. We sought to determine whether behaviors known to perpetuate insomnia symptoms are commonly depicted in the lyrics of popular music.Methods.We searched three online lyrics sites for lyrics with the word “insomnia” in the title and performed content analysis of each of the lyrics. Lyrics were analyzed for the presence/absence of the following perpetuating factors: extending sleep opportunity, using counter fatigue measures, self-medicating, and engaging in rituals or anti-stimulus control behaviors.Results.We analyzed 83 music lyrics. 47% described one or more perpetuating factor. 30% described individual(s) engaging in rituals or antistimulus control strategies, 24% described self-medicating, 7% described engaging in counter fatigue measures, and 2% described extending sleep opportunity (e.g., napping during daytime).Conclusion.Maladaptive strategies known to perpetuate insomnia symptoms are common in popular music. Our results suggest that listeners of these sleep-related songs are frequently exposed to lyrics that depict maladaptive coping mechanisms. Additional studies are needed to examine the direct effects of exposing individuals to music lyrics with this content.
Modelling Tumour Oxygenation, Reoxygenation and Implications on Treatment Outcome
Authors: Toma-Dasu Iuliana , Dasu Alexandru
Published: January 2013

Oxygenation is an important component of the tumour microenvironment, having a significant impact on the progression and management of cancer. Theoretical determination of tissue oxygenation through simulations of the oxygen transport process is a powerful tool to characterise the spatial distribution of oxygen on the microscopic scale and its dynamics and to study its impact on the response to radiation. Accurate modelling of tumour oxygenation must take into account important aspects that are specific to tumours, making the quantitative characterisation of oxygenation rather difficult. This paper aims to discuss the important aspects of modelling tumour oxygenation, reoxygenation, and implications for treatment.
Neglected Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Seven Years after Initial Diagnosis
Authors: Spartalis Eleftherios D. , Karatzas Theodore , Charalampoudis Petros , Vergadis Chrysovalantis , Dimitroulis Dimitrios
Published: January 2013

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common epithelial thyroid tumor, accounting for more than 80% of all thyroid tumors. Recent advances in ultrasonographic screening and US-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) have facilitated the early detection and diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinomas. In exceptionally rare cases, papillary thyroid tumors may assume enormous dimensions due to recurrent disease or the patient's negligence of the problem. We report an extremely rare case of a 72-year-old woman presented with a neglected giant exophytic papillary thyroid carcinoma with hemorrhagic ulcers. Computed tomography showed a mass measured17×12 cm that caused a displacement of the trachea to the right side and reached the mediastinum. After bleeding management, patient was discharged. The patient was fully aware of her situation, but she denied any further therapeutic management.
The Effects of Qigong on Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Fang , Man Jenny K. M. , Lee Eun-Kyoung Othelia , Wu Taixiang , Benson Herbert , Fricchione Gregory L. , Wang Weidong , Yeung Albert
Published: January 2013

Introduction. The effect of Qigong on psychological well-being is relatively unknown. This study systematically reviewed the effects of Qigong on anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being.Methods. Using fifteen studies published between 2001 and 2011, a systematic review was carried out and meta-analyses were performed on studies with appropriate homogeneity. The quality of the outcome measures was also assessed.Results. We categorized these studies into three groups based on the type of subjects involved as follows: (1) healthy subjects, (2) subjects with chronic illnesses, and (3) subjects with depression. Based on the heterogeneity assessment of available studies, meta-analyses were conducted in three studies of patients with type II diabetes in the second group, which suggested that Qigong was effective in reducing depression (ES=−0.29; 95% CI, −0.58–0.00) and anxiety (ES=−0.37; 95% CI, −0.66–0.08), as measured by Symptom Checklist 90, and in improving psychological well-being (ES=−0.58; 95% CI, −0.91–0.25) as measured by Diabetes Specific Quality of Life Scale. Overall, the quality of research methodology of existing studies was poor.Conclusions. Preliminary evidence suggests that Gigong may have positive effects on psychological well-being among patients with chronic illnesses. However the published studies generally had significant methodological limitations. More high-quality studies are needed.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Interdisciplinary Management of a Rare Disease
Authors: Schneider Sven , Thurnher Dietmar , Erovic Boban M.
Published: January 2013

Background. The goal of this paper is to review contemporary multidisciplinary treatment with reference to Merkel cell carcinoma. Management of this rare but highly aggressive skin cancer is a complex undertaking that necessitates an understanding of its etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and the coordinated work of several clinical specializations.Recent Findings. The contemporary literature employs a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best patient's treatment.Conclusion. This paper presents an algorithm for contemporary management for the rare and aggressive Merkel cell carcinoma. Multidisciplinary approach in a tumor center provides high-quality care for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma.
Clozapine Use Presenting with Pseudopheochromocytoma in a Schizophrenic Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Sara Jaskanwal , Jenkins Matt , Chohan Tanveer , Jolly Karan , Shepherd Lisa , Gandhi Nirav Y. , Shakher Jayadave
Published: January 2013

Introduction. There have been six previous cases that reported pseudopheochromocytoma in patients taking clozapine. Our case showed the direct link of clozapine to serum levels of certain markers.Case. This is a case of a 49-year-old obese Caucasian female who was referred to endocrinology for investigation of Cushing’s syndrome, based on raised blood pressure and Cushingoid facies. The patient had underlying schizophrenia and was stable on clozapine. Her blood pressure was 150/99 mmHg on bendroflumethiazide and candesartan. We measured her 24-hour urinary-free cortisol, which was normal but 24-hour urinary-free noradrenaline was elevated at 835 nmol (76–561) with normal adrenaline 36 nmol (7–82) and dopamine 2679 nmol (366–2879), as the patient had history of palpitations and sweating. Two sets of 24-hour urinary-free cortisol measurements were normal and serum cortisol suppressed to <50 nmol/l after a 1 mg overnight dexamethasone. Two further 24-hour urinary-free catecholamines showed a raised level of noradrenaline. MRI demonstrated normal adrenals and MIBG scan did not show any abnormal uptake at adrenal glands.Conclusion. Pseudopheochromocytoma has been reported in patients taking clozapine. A number of different mechanisms for raised plasma noradrenaline levels with clozapine have been postulated. The above case highlights an unusual but known side effect of clozapine.
An Approach for the Evaluation of Sphericity Error and Its Uncertainty
Authors: Mao Jian , Zhao Man
Published: January 2013

The verification uncertainty theory in new generation geometrical product specification (GPS) has been applied in the whole process of geometrical product specification and verification. According to the uncertainty theory, a novel method for the uncertainty evaluation of sphericity errors was proposed. The association operator in new generation GPS was applied. The mathematical model of the sphericity error and the optimal objective function were developed under the condition of minimum zone. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used to search for the optimal solution of sphericity error. The coefficients of the correlation element and propagation of uncertainty were calculated so that the sphericity error and the uncertainty of the result can be obtained. The evaluation results are accurate and consistent with requirements of a new generation GPS standard. It also indicates that this method can improve the integrity and veracity of verification.
A Driver Face Monitoring System for Fatigue and Distraction Detection
Authors: Sigari Mohamad-Hoseyn , Fathy Mahmood , Soryani Mohsen
Published: January 2013

Driver face monitoring system is a real-time system that can detect driver fatigue and distraction using machine vision approaches. In this paper, a new approach is introduced for driver hypovigilance (fatigue and distraction) detection based on the symptoms related to face and eye regions. In this method, face template matching and horizontal projection of top-half segment of face image are used to extract hypovigilance symptoms from face and eye, respectively. Head rotation is a symptom to detect distraction that is extracted from face region. The extracted symptoms from eye region are (1) percentage of eye closure, (2) eyelid distance changes with respect to the normal eyelid distance, and (3) eye closure rate. The first and second symptoms related to eye region are used for fatigue detection; the last one is used for distraction detection. In the proposed system, a fuzzy expert system combines the symptoms to estimate level of driver hypo-vigilance. There are three main contributions in the introduced method: (1) simple and efficient head rotation detection based on face template matching, (2) adaptive symptom extraction from eye region without explicit eye detection, and (3) normalizing and personalizing the extracted symptoms using a short training phase. These three contributions lead to develop an adaptive driver eye/face monitoring. Experiments show that the proposed system is relatively efficient for estimating the driver fatigue and distraction.
Missed Doses and Missed Appointments: Adherence to ART among Adult Patients in Uganda
Authors: Shumba C. , Atuhaire L. , Imakit R. , Atukunda R. , Memiah P.
Published: January 2013

Background. Missed doses and appointments are predictors of incomplete adherence among patients on ART. The AIDSRelief model emphasizes treatment preparation and continuous treatment support for ART patients including community followup. Methods. In August 2008, a survey was conducted among patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (interquartile range for duration of ART = 29–46 months, median = 33 months, n=763, age >16 years), in 15 health facilities in Uganda. Missed doses and appointments among adult patients on ART and the factors most associated with these were identified. Reasons for missed doses were also explored. Results. The survey revealed that 97% of the patients had not missed their doses in the last week while 93% had not missed their appointments in the last three months. For those who had missed their doses, the most common reasons were travel (48%) and forgetfulness (28%). There was a significant association between missing doses and missing appointments (P=0.0004) and between alcohol use and missed doses (P<0.005). Conclusions. The level of adherence to medication and clinic appointments for patients on ART in the study population was very high. It is important to strengthen adherence strategies at both facility and community levels to assist patients that are likely to miss their doses or appointments.