bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Neural Network for Two-Phase Flow through Chokes
Authors: Al-Khalifa Mohammed A. , Al-Marhoun Muhammad A.
Published: November 2013

This study shows the utilization of the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) as a practical engineering tool for estimating the flow rate and selecting the optimal choke size. In this study, the existing choke correlations available in the literature were reviewed, evaluated and compared with the newly derived ANN. The new method can be used to predict the required choke size and can also be used to provide a quick and accurate evaluation of the well performance, by considering wellhead conditions and pressure-volume-temperature (PVT) parameters.

Two models were developed based on 4,031 data points: 80% for training, 10% for validation and 10% for testing. The new models were found to outperform all the existing correlations and have provided the lowest error, with an average absolute percent error of 3.7% for the choke size prediction and 6.7% for the flow rate estimation. The new models can estimate with a higher accuracy the optimal choke size and flow rate. Therefore, the new models can help advance reservoir management and production operations in the following ways: producing the reservoir at the optimal rate; preventing water or gas coning; maintaining back pressure; and protecting formation and surface equipment from unusual pressure fluctuation.
Nurse Managers’ Strategies for the Integration of Newly Graduated Nurses into Clinical Units in Japan: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
Authors: Gregg Misuzu F. , Wakisaka Toyomi , Hayashi Chifuyu
Published: November 2013

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to explore the strategies used by nurse managers in Japan to facilitate the integration of newly graduate nurses (NGNs) into their clinical units.

Background:

The integration of NGNs into clinical units is an important issue for both NGNs and nurse managers because the first year of practice plays a vital role in a NGN’s career.

Method:

Data were generated through semi-structured interviews with 9 nurse managers in 9 acute care hospitals. Data analysis was conducted using a qualitative content analysis method.

Results:

Nurse managers used a total of 6 strategies: understanding the circumstances of NGNs, providing opportunities for experience and learning, supporting nurses who teach NGNs, facilitating self-learning, promoting awareness of being a nurse in the clinical unit, and strengthening the sense of comradeship in clinical units. Three of these strategies were particularly important for NGNs’ integration into clinical units: facilitating self-learning, promoting awareness of being a nurse in the clinical unit, and strengthening the sense of comradeship in clinical units. These strategies were described in this study.

Conclusions:

The strategies adopted by nurse managers should be aimed at all nurses, not just NGNs, in order to strengthen the sense of comradeship in clinical units. This approach would create a supportive environment for the integration of NGNs into clinical units. The strategies presented in this study can be utilized not just by nurse managers but all senior nurses in the unit. NGNs can use these strategies to help them understand what they need to do to become a full member of their unit.
Generalizations of the Lagrange mean value theorem and applications
Authors: Mateljevic Miodrag , Svetlik Marek , Albijanic Miloljub , Savic Nebojsa
Published: November 2013

In this paper we give a generalization of the Lagrange mean value theorem via lower and upper derivative, as well as appropriate criteria of monotonicity and convexity for arbitrary function f : (a, b) ( R. Some applications to the neoclassical economic growth model are given (from mathematical point of view).
A generalized class of τ* in ideal spaces
Authors: Ekici Erdal , Özen Sena
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a generalized class of ??*called weakly Ir?-open sets in ideal topological spaces is introduced and the notion of weakly Ir?-closed sets in ideal topological spaces is studied. The relationships of weakly Ir?-closed sets and various properties of weakly Ir?-closed sets are investigated.
T0 and T1 semiuniform convergence spaces
Authors: Baran Mehmet , Kula Sumeyye , Erciyes Ayhan
Published: November 2013

In previous papers, various notions of T0 and T1 objects in a topological category were introduced and compared. In this paper, we characterize each of these classes of objects in categories of various types of uniform convergence spaces and compare them with the usual ones as well as examine how these generalizations are related.
Invariance of green equilibrium measure on the domain
Authors: Pouliasis Stamatis
Published: November 2013

We prove that the Green equilibrium measure and the Green equilibrium energy of a compact set K relative to the domains D and ? are the same if and only if D is nearly equal to ?, for a wide class of compact sets K. Also, we prove that equality of Green equilibrium measures arises if and only if the one domain is related with a level set of the Green equilibrium potential of K relative to the other domain.
Fixed point theorems in partial metric spaces with an application
Authors: Masiha H.P. , Sabetghadam F. , Shahzad N.
Published: November 2013

Matthews [12] introduced a new distance P on a nonempty set X, which he called a partial metric. The purpose of this paper is to present some fixed point results for weakly contractive type mappings in ordered partial metric space. An application to nonlinear fractional boundary value problem is also presented.
Closed expressions for coefficients in weighted Newton-Cotes quadratures
Authors: Masjed-Jamei Mohammad , Milovanovic Gradimir , Jafari M.A.
Published: November 2013

In this short note, we derive closed expressions for Cotes numbers in the weighted Newton-Cotes quadrature formulae with equidistant nodes in terms of moments and Stirling numbers of the first kind. Three types of equidistant nodes are considered. The corresponding program codes in Mathematica Package are presented. Finally, in order to illustrate the application of the obtained quadrature formulas a few numerical examples are included.
Growth properties of modified α-potentials in the upper-half space
Authors: Qiao Lei , Deng Guantie
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to discuss the behavior at infinity of modified ?-potentials represented by the modified kernels in the upper-half space of the n-dimensional Euclidean space, which generalizes the growth properties of analytic functions, harmonic functions and superharmonic functions.
Products of composition and n-th differentiation operators from α-bloch space to Qp space
Authors: Li Haiying , Wang Cui , Xue Tianyu , Zhang Xiangbo
Published: November 2013

Let ? be an analytic self-map of the open unit disk D on the complex plane and ? > 0, p ? 0, n ? N. In this paper, the boundedness and compactness of the products of composition operators and nth differentiation operators C?Dn from a-Bloch space B? and B?0 to Qp space are investigated.
Interpreting GPFCSP within the LΠ ½ logic framework
Authors: Takaci Aleksandar , Perovic Aleksandar , Jovanovic Aleksandar
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to interpret Generalized Priority Constraint Satisfaction Problem (GPFCSP) using the interpretational method. We will interpret the L? ? logic into the first order theory of the reals, in order to obtain alternative, simple-complete axiomatization of L? ? logic. A complete axiomatization using the interpretation method as a syntactical approach is given.
Mathematical programming involving (α, p)-right upper-Dini-derivative functions
Authors: Yuan Dehui , Liu Xiaoling
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we give some new generalized convexities with the tool-right upper-Dini-derivative which is an extension of directional derivative. Next, we establish not only Karush-Kuhn-Tucker necessary but also sufficient optimality conditions for mathematical programming involving new generalized convex functions. In the end, weak, strong and converse duality results are proved to relate weak Pareto (efficient) solutions of the multi-objective programming problems (VP), (MVD) and (MWD).
The mixed-type reverse order laws for generalized inverses of the product of two matrices
Authors: Xiong Zhiping
Published: November 2013

The relationship between generalized inverses of AB and the product of generalized inverses of A and B have been studied in this paper. The necessary and sufficient conditions for a number of mixed-type reverse order laws of generalized inverses of two matrix products are derived by using the maximal ranks of the generalized Schur complements.
Metabolic syndrome and C-reactive protein in patients with depressive disorder on antidepressive medication
Authors: Stanojevic Albina , Popovic Irena , Nenadovic Milutin , Ravanic Dragan , Paunovic-Milosavljevic Gordana
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Recurrent depression is a psychiatric disorder of which
etiology and pathogenesis might be related to immune response. Metabolic
Syndrome (MetS) and its components are also strongly associated with elevated
inflammatory indicators, as so as the body mass index (BMI) and total
cholesterol levels. Objective. Objective of this study was to investigate if
there was any difference in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with
recurrent depressive disorder, treated with antidepressants, compared to a
healthy control group of subjects and if there was an association between
increased CRP levels and the presence of MetS in these two groups. Methods.
Sixty subjects entered the study; of these 35 patients with the diagnosis of
recurrent depressive disorder, while the healthy control group included 25
subjects. MetS was defined according to the NCEP ATP III criteria. The
cut-off point for CRP was set at >5 mg /L. Results. There was no
statistically significant difference in the prevalence of MetS and CRP values
between the studied groups. Waist circumference and total cholesterol levels
were significantly higher in the experimental group. Patients that fulfilled
the criteria for MetS showed significantly higher values of central obesity
and arterial hypertension in the experimental group as well. The elevated CRP
levels were associated with increased frequency of MetS in depressed
patients. Conclusion. Both CRP levels and metabolic risk profile screening,
according to the international criteria, may be beneficial in order to obtain
better assessment for depressive long term medicated patients.
Adaptive mechanisms of mitochondria in response to exercise
Authors: Vitosevic Biljana , Rankovic Goran , Kocic Jadranka
Published: November 2013

nema
Premature ovarian failure: Immunological aspects and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Dragojevic-Dikic Svetlana , Vasiljevic Mladenko , Nikolic Branka , Pazin Vladimir , Tasic Lidija , Jurisic Aleksandar , Dikic Srdjan , Perisic Zivko
Published: November 2013

nema
Targeted Disruption of G0/G1 Switch Gene 2 Enhances Adipose Lipolysis, Alters Hepatic Energy Balance, and Alleviates High-Fat Diet–Induced Liver Steatosis
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Xie Xitao , Heckmann Bradlee L. , Saarinen Alicia M. , Czyzyk Traci A. , Liu Jun
Published: November 2013

Recent biochemical and cell-based studies identified G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2) as an inhibitor of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a key mediator of intracellular triacylglycerol (TG) mobilization. Here, we show that upon fasting, G0S2 protein expression exhibits an increase in liver and a decrease in adipose tissue. Global knockout of G0S2 in mice enhanced adipose lipolysis and attenuated gain of body weight and adiposity. More strikingly, G0S2 knockout mice displayed a drastic decrease in hepatic TG content and were resistant to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced liver steatosis, both of which were reproduced by liver-specific G0S2 knockdown. Mice with hepatic G0S2 knockdown also showed increased ketogenesis, accelerated gluconeogenesis, and decelerated glycogenolysis. Conversely, overexpression of G0S2 inhibited fatty acid oxidation in mouse primary hepatocytes and caused sustained steatosis in liver accompanied by deficient TG clearance during the fasting-refeeding transition. In response to HFD, there was a profound increase in hepatic G0S2 expression in the fed state. Global and hepatic ablation of G0S2 both led to improved insulin sensitivity in HFD-fed mice. Our findings implicate a physiological role for G0S2 in the control of adaptive energy response to fasting and as a contributor to obesity-associated liver steatosis.
Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE): Design of Studies of β-Cell Preservation in Prediabetes and Early Type 2 Diabetes Across the Life Span
Authors:   The RISE Consortium
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE

The Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Consortium is testing interventions designed to preserve or improve β-cell function in prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

β-Cell function is measured using hyperglycemic clamps and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). The adult medication protocol randomizes participants to 12 months of placebo, metformin alone, liraglutide plus metformin, or insulin (3 months) followed by metformin (9 months). The pediatric medication protocol randomizes participants to metformin or insulin followed by metformin. The adult surgical protocol randomizes participants to gastric banding or metformin (24 months). Adult medication protocol inclusion criteria include fasting plasma glucose 95–125 mg/dL (5.3–6.9 mmol/L), OGTT 2-h glucose ≥140 mg/dL (≥7.8 mmol/L), HbA1c 5.8–7.0% (40–53 mmol/mol), and BMI 25–40 kg/m2. Adult surgical protocol criteria are similar, except for fasting plasma glucose ≥90 mg/dL (≥5.0 mmol/L), BMI 30–40 kg/m2, HbA1c <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol), and diabetes duration <12 months. Pediatric inclusion criteria include fasting plasma glucose ≥90 mg/dL (≥5.0 mmol/L), 2-h glucose ≥140 mg/dL (≥7.8 mmol/L), HbA1c ≤8.0% (≤64 mmol/mol), BMI >85th percentile and ≤50 kg/m2, 10–19 years of age, and diabetes <6 months.

RESULTS

Primary outcomes are clamp-derived glucose-stimulated C-peptide secretion and maximal C-peptide response to arginine during hyperglycemia. Measurements are made at baseline, after 12 months on treatment, and 3 months after treatment withdrawal (medication protocols) or 24 months postintervention (surgery protocol). OGTT-derived measures are also obtained at these time points.

CONCLUSIONS

RISE is determining whether medication or surgical intervention strategies can mitigate progressive β-cell dysfunction in adults and youth with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes.
Talasemi majör tanısı olan hastalarda osteoporoz sıklığının değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Hamarat Hatice , Yorulmaz Göknur , Bilge Uğur , Demirpençe Özlem
Published: November 2013

Amaç: Talasemilerin en ağır tipi talasemi majördür. Talasemi majörlü hastalarda anemi, hepatosplenomegali ve spinal deformiteler gibi kemik deformiteleri yanında osteoporoz da görülebilmektedir. Amacımız talasemi majör tanısı olan hastalarda osteoporoz sıklığını değerlendirmektir.Yöntem: Çalışmaya talasemi majör tanısı alıp takipte olan bireyler dahil edildi. Kemik mineral dansitesi T ve Z skorunun -2.5’in altında olması osteoporoz, -1 ile -2.5 arasında olması ise osteopeni olarak kabul edildi. Hastaların osteoporoz açısından tedavi alıp almadıkları sorgulandı.Bulgular: Çalışmaya 14’ü erkek, 11’i kadın toplam 25 talasemi majör hastası alındı. Hastaların yaş ortalaması 22.0±0.90 yıldı. Kemik mineral dansitesi skorlarına göre hastaların 16’sında hem Z hem de T skorlarına göre osteoporoz, 9 hastada ise osteopeni saptandı. Bu hastaların hiçbirisine daha önce osteoporoz taraması yapılmamış ve herhangi bir destek tedavisi de başlanmamıştı.Sonuç: Talasemi majör hastalarının kalan hayatlarını ve yaşam kalitesine olan etkileri açısından kemik dansitometri ile taranmasının ve uygun tedavilere en erken dönemde başlanmasının önemli olduğu görüşündeyiz.
Exponential coordinates and regularity of groupoid heat kernels
Authors: So Bing
Published: November 2013

We prove that on an asymptotically Euclidean boundary groupoid, the heat kernel of the Laplacian is a smooth groupoid pseudo-differential operator.
Rationality of the quotient of ℙ2 by finite group of automorphisms over arbitrary field of characteristic zero
Authors: Trepalin Andrey
Published: November 2013

Let $$\Bbbk$$ be a field of characteristic zero and G be a finite group of automorphisms of projective plane over $$\Bbbk$$. Castelnuovo’s criterion implies that the quotient of projective plane by G is rational if the field $$\Bbbk$$ is algebraically closed. In this paper we prove that $${{\mathbb{P}_\Bbbk ^2 } \mathord{\left/
{\vphantom {{\mathbb{P}_\Bbbk ^2 } G}} \right.
\kern-\nulldelimiterspace} G}$$ is rational for an arbitrary field $$\Bbbk$$ of characteristic zero.
Induction Characteristics of Propofol in Children: Comparision with Thiopentone
Authors: Panta Sunita , Agashe Ashok Kamalakar
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Induction of anaesthesia has been dominated by intravenous induction agents. The commonest inductionagent in use is Sodium Thiopentone. However it is increasingly being replaced by Propofol. The advantage of propofolis faster induction, rapid and clear headed recovery and less postoperative nausea and vomiting. Very little research has been done to compare propofol with thiopentone in children. The aim of this study was to compare the anesthetic effects of thiopentone and propofol in children.Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted in 60 consecutive children undergoing elective surgery. The study compared induction characteristics between the two drugs. The aim and objectives was to compare the induction characteristics of 1% propofol with another popular intravenous anesthetic 2.5 % thiopentone.Results: The study showed that the drugs have similar induction characteristics but there was difference in terms of heart rate, hypotension, apnoea and pain on injection. The heart rate ranged from 103.9 to 107.2 beats per minute in propofol group and for the thiopentone group the changes in heart rate was from 96 to 101 beats per minute. The mean systolic blood pressure in the propofol group was between 91.63 to 97.9 mm of Hg and for thiopentone was between 94.63 and 95.73 mm of Hg. The diastolic blood pressure ranged from 55.5 to 60.23 mm of Hg in the propofol group whereas for thiopentone it ranged between 60.26 to 62.76 mm of Hg. The basal Spo2 being 99.06 in the propofol group dipped to 98.56 in the propofol group and for the thiopentone group the value remained between 98.7 to 99.3%.Conclusions: Propofol can safely be used as a replacement to thiopentone for pediatric day care surgeries.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/4-7http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.9082
Early Experience with Transobturator Tape in Management of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Hamal Bhairab Kumar , Bhandari Bharat Bahadur , Thapa Narayan
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a fairly common problem, with widely varying prevalence rates primarily due to inconsistencies in the definitions of SUI and also due to differences in the populations studied. Surgery is the definitive treatment for women who have failed a trial of conservative treatment. Although hundreds of different surgical procedures have been described, and published in literature, the ideal surgical technique that is simple, inexpensive and easy to learn and perform, with high efficacy needs yet to be established. One of the procedures, the transobturator sling (TOT), which is a subfascial sling, is a new, simple and most promising surgical technique with a good outcome. Methods: This is a prospective observational study undertaken in 20 patients of stress incontinence who underwent a TOT with outside-in technique between Jan 2010 and Jan 2012 . Various outcomes were recorded and patients were followed up for a period of at least 1 year post surgery. Results: Out of 20 patients, satisfactory outcome of TOT was observed in 85% of cases. A total of 17 patients were completely satisfied, whereas 3 patients were partially satisfied. There were a few procedure-related complications which could be managed either intraoperativelyor during the follow up. Conclusions: The transobturator tape (TOT) is an effective treatment of SUI with high patient satisfaction and less morbidity. However, a larger study and longer follow up is recommended to verify our initial results.  Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/18-22DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.9087
Ceftriaxone, ofloxacin or both in the treatment of enteric fever
Authors: Khatri Rishi , Deo Rajeeb Kumar , Karki Binod , Sharma Arun
Published: November 2013

Introduction: Enteric fever is a common diagnosis in febrile patients admitting to the hospital of Nepal. The treatment of enteric fever, though looks straightforward, in recent times has been complicated by emerging resistance to various antibiotics including fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins.Methods: This was a randomized clinical study done at Shree Birendra Hospital from January 2011 to December 2011. Patients with with high grade fever, headache, relative bradycardia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea  or constipation with normal to low leukocyte count were clinically diagnosed as Enteric fever and were randomized to either ofloxacin or ceftriaxone group, both well accepted first line treatment for enteric fever and observed for at least five days before the addition of the second drug that is ceftriaxone in ofloxacin group and ofloxacin in ceftriaxonegroup and the response to the drug was noted in terms of defervescence of fever.Results: Total 50 patients were enrolled, 25 in each treatment group. After five days, six patients in Ceftriaxone group needed addition of Ofloxacin and two patients in Ofloxacin group needed Ceftriaxone. The average fever defervescence time in Ceftriaxone group was 3.88 days and in Ofloxacin group was 3.04 days. All patients were afebrile by 9 days of antibiotics.Conclusions: Fever defervescence time with Ofloxacin was lesser than ceftriaxone group and need of supplementary antibiotic is lesser in ofloxacine group. So, ofloxacin can be recommended as 1st line drug for enteric fever.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/37-40DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.9092
Cardiotoxicity Caused by 5 Fluorouracil in a Patient with Adenocarcinoma of Colon
Authors: Deo Rajeeb Kumar , Khatri Rishi , Khatri Devendra , Karki Binod
Published: November 2013

From the time of inception, various chemotherapeutic agents are known to cause cardiotoxicity. The cardiotoxicity ranges from mild transient abnormality to irreversible cardiac tissue damage. Certain classes of drugs like anthracyclines are known to be cardiotoxic while some newer drugs like Transtuzumab also cause cardiotoxicity. 5 Fluorouracil is known to be cardiotoxic though the incidence is low. We present a case of cardiotoxicity due to prolonged 5 Fluorouracil infusion in a patient with adenocarcinoma of colon.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/43-46DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.9094
Localized Tetanus: Rare and Elusive
Authors: Chaudhary Raina , Karki Binod , Bhatta Sabita , Pradhan Manoj
Published: November 2013

Tetanus is acute and fatal infectious disease which is acquired due to contamination of wound with soil or animal feces containing spores of Clostridium tetani. In this case, 24 old male, serving personnel of Nepalese Army, developed localized tetanus, a rare form of tetanus nearly 3 weeks following crocodile bite in his left thigh. It was painful with involvement of only local flexor muscles at the site of injury. The aim is to incite awareness of the rare form of the Tetanus in adult which is often overlooked in clinical practice.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; January-June 2013/vol.12/Issue1/47-49DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v12i1.9095
Relationships of Nerve Conduction Parameters with the Thyroid Hormones in Hypothyroid Patients
Authors: Yeasmin Sabina , Begum Noorzahan , Begum Shelina , Rahman Shah Mohammed Hafizur
Published: November 2013

Background: Impairment of nerve conduction may occur in hypothyroidism which usually develops insidiously over a long period of time due to irregular taking of drugs or lack of thyroid hormone replacement. Objectives: To evaluate the thyroid hormone status and the clinical and electrophysiological changes in hypothyroid patients in order to observe their relationships with nerve conduction changes. Methods: Thirty healthy euthyroid subjects with the age range from 20 to 50 years of both sexes were as control and 15 hypothyroids with TSH with <60 MIU /L and the duration of 6 months to 5 years were as experimental. Serum TT3, TT4 were measured by RIA and IRMA method. The distal latency (D L) and Nerve Conduction Velocities (NCV) for sensory and motor function were measured by a standard electrophysiological technique in median and ulnar nerve for upper limb and for lower limb, in sural nerve for sensory function and common peroneal nerve for motor function. Data were analyzed statistically by unpaired t test, Z test, Pearsons correlation coefficient test. Results: Both TT3, TT4 levels were significantly (P<0.001) lower in hypothyroids. Again, 60% hypothyroids and 10% euthyroids (P<.001) had abnormal NCV. The relationships of TSH with both the median and ulnar sensory and motor distal latencies, common peroneal motor and sural sensory distal latencies and ulnar sensory conduction velocity were positive. But these relationships were negative with the median and common peroneal motor nerve conduction velocities, sural sensory conduction velocities. Only the relationships between median sensory distal latency and TSH was statistically significant (P <0.05). Again, a positive correlation of TT3 and TT4 with the median, and sural sensory and common peroneal motor conduction velocities, but negative correlation with median motor and sural sensory latencies were found. In addition, positive correlation between TT3 and ulnar sensory and between TT4 and Ulnar motor conduction velocities were observed. Again the relationships median and ulnar sensory latencies were negative with TT4 only. The value of coefficient between TT4 and sural distal latency and conduction velocities were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Results of this study showed that the impairment of nerve conduction occurs in hypothyroidism. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v8i1.16638 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2013, June; 8(1): 1-5
Possible Contribution of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activation on Glucocorticoid-Induced Left Ventricular Remodeling in Adrenalectomized Rat
Authors: Islam Kazi Rafiqul , Sherjee Shamshad J , Mori Hirohito , Kobara Hideki , Nishiyama Noriko , Moitry Nazia F , Nakano Daisuke , Mostofa Mahbub , Nishiyama Akira
Published: November 2013

Background: Chronic glucocorticoid treatment induces the development of renal injury via mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation in bilaterally adrenalectomized rats. It has been hypothesized that glucocorticoid contributes to the development of left ventricular (LV) remodeling through MR activation in bilaterally adrenalectomized rats (ADX). Methods: ADX rats were maintained with 1%NaCl in drinking water and randomly treated as follows for 8 weeks: vehicle (n=7), bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) + hydrocortisone (HYDRO) (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous, n=7), and ADX + HYDRO + eplerenone (0.125% in chow; approximately 75 mg/kg/day, n=7). An osmotic minipump was implanted subcutaneously for continuous infusion of HYDRO. Results: As compared with control vehicletreated uninephrectomized rats, ADX+HYDRO treatment for 8 weeks significantly increased systolic blood pressure, LV weight, collagen content and mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and collagen type 1 and III. These changes were associated with increase in LV thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content, dihydroethidium fluorescence and mRNA levels of NADPH oxidase subunits. Treatment with a selective MR antagonist, eplerenone significantly attenuated HYDRO induced changes in LV parameters. HYDRO-induced increases in mRNA and protein levels of serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinases 1 were prevented by eplerenone. Conclusion: These data suggest that chronic glucocorticoid treatment induces LV tissue remodeling through MR dependent mechanism in bilateral adrenalectomized rats. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v8i1.16639 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2013, June; 8(1): 6-15
Micronutrient Deficiency in Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Akhter Selina , Ali Taskina , Begum Shelina , Ferdousi Sultana
Published: November 2013

Background:. Micronutrient such as calcium, magnesium and zinc deficiency are associated with preeclampsia. Objective: To observe serum calcium, magnesium and zinc levels in severe preeclamptic women. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka from July 2009 to June 2010. 60 cases of preeclampsia, aged 18-39 years and >20th weeks of pregnancy were included in the study group. They were further sub divided into group B1 (30 mild preeclampsia) and group B2 (30 severe preeclampsia). Age and gestational period matched 30 normotensive pregnant women (Group A) were also studied as control. All the preeclamptic women were selected from the Obstetric and Gynaecology in and out patient Department of BSMMU and Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Serum calcium and magnesium was measured by colorimetric and serum zinc was measured by spectrophotometric method. For statistical analysis one way ANOVA, independent sample t test and ÷2 test were used. Results: The mean serum calcium, magnesium and zinc levels were significantly (p<0.001) lower in both group of preeclampsia than normotensive pregnant women. Again serum calcium and zinc levels were significantly lower (P<0.05) in severe preeclampsia compared to mild preeclampsia whereas serum magnesium levels were found almost similar in both group of preeclampsia (P>0.05). Again in this study, 40% mild, 73.3 % severe preeclamptic women and 20% normotensive pregnant women had hypocalcaemia. 36.7% mild, 30.0% severe preeclamptic women and 3.3% normotensive pregnant women had hypomagnesaemia and 6.7% mild, 20 % severe preeclamptic women and no normotensive pregnant women had hypozincemia. Conclusion: This study may conclude that micronutrient deficiency may be one of the risk factor of preeclampsia and increases the risk of its severity. Therefore early detection and supplementation to treat this deficiency may reduce the incidence of preeclampsia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsp.v8i1.16644 J Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2013, June; 8(1): 26-32
Hip-Hop Dance Theatre in London: Legitimising an Art Form
Authors: Prickett Stacey
Published: November 2013

Programming schedules in the West End and other prominent London venues are increasingly featuring hip-hop dance productions, marking innovative forays into the mainstream performance field by a former subcultural style. Choreography by Rennie Harris in the USA and Jonzi D, Kate Prince, Sandy ‘H20’ Kendrick and composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante in London offers material through which to consider developments in the theatricalisation of hip hop culture. Discussion also centres on mass media dissemination through television talent shows, films and cultural festivals such as the Olympic Games ceremonies. Analysis of reviews by professional critics reveals how some stereotypes are disrupted as the cultural capital of hip-hop dance rises. Key themes, including the use of narrative, characterisation and the disruption of dominant gender expectations, are drawn from a Society for Dance Research Study Day on ZooNation Dance Company in 2011. *
Structural Evidence for the Tetrameric Assembly of Chemokine CCL11 and the Glycosaminoglycan Arixtra™
Authors: Dykstra Andrew , Sweeney Matt , Leary Julie
Published: November 2013

Understanding chemokine interactions with glycosaminoglycans (GAG) is critical as these interactions have been linked to a number of inflammatory medical conditions, such as arthritis and asthma. To better characterize in vivo protein function, comprehensive knowledge of multimeric species, formed by chemokines under native conditions, is necessary. Herein is the first report of a tetrameric assembly of the human chemokine CCL11, which was shown bound to the GAG Arixtra™. Isothermal titration calorimetry data indicated that CCL11 interacts with Arixtra, and ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) was used to identify ions corresponding to the CCL11 tetrameric species bound to Arixtra. Collisional cross sections (CCS) of the CCL11 tetramer-Arixtra noncovalent complex were compared to theoretical CCS values calculated using a preliminary structure of the complex deduced using X-ray crystallography. Experimental CCS values were in agreement with theoretical values, strengthening the IM-MS evidence for the formation of the noncovalent complex. Tandem mass spectrometry data of the complex indicated that the tetramer-GAG complex dissociates into a monomer and a trimer-GAG species, suggesting that two CC-like dimers are bridged by Arixtra. As development of chemokine inhibitors is of utmost importance to treatment of medical inflammatory conditions, these results provide vital insights into chemokine-GAG interactions.
Biofilms’ Role in Planktonic Cell Proliferation
Authors: Bester Elanna , Wolfaardt Gideon , Aznaveh Nahid , Greener Jesse
Published: November 2013

The detachment of single cells from biofilms is an intrinsic part of this surface-associated mode of bacterial existence. Pseudomonas sp. strain CT07gfp biofilms, cultivated in microfluidic channels under continuous flow conditions, were subjected to a range of liquid shear stresses (9.42 mPa to 320 mPa). The number of detached planktonic cells was quantified from the effluent at 24-h intervals, while average biofilm thickness and biofilm surface area were determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis. Biofilm accumulation proceeded at the highest applied shear stress, while similar rates of planktonic cell detachment was maintained for biofilms of the same age subjected to the range of average shear rates. The conventional view of liquid-mediated shear leading to the passive erosion of single cells from the biofilm surface, disregards the active contribution of attached cell metabolism and growth to the observed detachment rates. As a complement to the conventional conceptual biofilm models, the existence of a biofilm surface-associated zone of planktonic cell proliferation is proposed to highlight the need to expand the traditional perception of biofilms as promoting microbial survival, to include the potential of biofilms to contribute to microbial proliferation.
Honey Bees Inspired Optimization Method: The Bees Algorithm
Authors: Yuce Baris , Packianather Michael , Mastrocinque Ernesto , Pham Duc , Lambiase Alfredo
Published: November 2013

Optimization algorithms are search methods where the goal is to find an optimal solution to a problem, in order to satisfy one or more objective functions, possibly subject to a set of constraints. Studies of social animals and social insects have resulted in a number of computational models of swarm intelligence. Within these swarms their collective behavior is usually very complex. The collective behavior of a swarm of social organisms emerges from the behaviors of the individuals of that swarm. Researchers have developed computational optimization methods based on biology such as Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Ant Colony. The aim of this paper is to describe an optimization algorithm called the Bees Algorithm, inspired from the natural foraging behavior of honey bees, to find the optimal solution. The algorithm performs both an exploitative neighborhood search combined with random explorative search. In this paper, after an explanation of the natural foraging behavior of honey bees, the basic Bees Algorithm and its improved versions are described and are implemented in order to optimize several benchmark functions, and the results are compared with those obtained with different optimization algorithms. The results show that the Bees Algorithm offering some advantage over other optimization methods according to the nature of the problem.
Copy Number Studies in Noisy Samples
Authors: Ginsbach Philip , Chen Bowang , Jiang Yanxiang , Engelter Stefan , Grond-Ginsbach Caspar
Published: November 2013

System noise was analyzed in 77 Affymetrix 6.0 samples from a previous clinical study of copy number variation (CNV). Twenty-three samples were classified as eligible for CNV detection, 29 samples as ineligible and 25 were classified as being of intermediate quality. New software (“noise-free-cnv”) was developed to visualize the data and reduce system noise. Fresh DNA preparations were more likely to yield eligible samples (p < 0.001). Eligible samples had higher rates of successfully genotyped SNPs (p < 0.001) and lower variance of signal intensities (p < 0.001), yielded fewer CNV findings after Birdview analysis (p < 0.001), and showed a tendency to yield fewer PennCNV calls (p = 0.053). The noise-free-cnv software visualized trend patterns of noise in the signal intensities across the ordered SNPs, including a wave pattern of noise, being co-linear with the banding pattern of metaphase chromosomes, as well as system deviations of individual probe sets (per-SNP noise). Wave noise and per-SNP noise occurred independently and could be separately removed from the samples. We recommend a two-step procedure of CNV validation, including noise reduction and visual inspection of all CNV calls, prior to molecular validation of a selected number of putative CNVs.
A Structurally Diverse Heterocyclic Library by Decoration of Oxcarbazepine Scaffold
Authors: Vaghi Luca , Gaudino Emanuela , Cravotto Giancarlo , Palmisano Giovanni , Penoni Andrea
Published: November 2013

A library of new heterocyclic systems was synthesized starting from oxcarbazepine (OXC, Trileptal®, 10-oxo-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide). The key for these transformations is the α-enolizable ketone present on the [d]-side of our starting material OXC, thus, an in depth investigation of the literature to find heteroannulation reactions for substrates carrying an α-enolizable ketone gave us a boost to discover an excellent derivatization strategy and [3+2], [4+2] and [4+1] approaches were successfully developed. Almost always a pre-functionalization was needed, but also the direct one-pot heterocycle construction was also explored.
Using Visible Spectral Information to Predict Long-Wave Infrared Spectral Emissivity: A Case Study over the Sokolov Area of the Czech Republic with an Airborne Hyperspectral Scanner Sensor
Authors: Adar Simon , Shkolnisky Yoel , Notesco Gila , Ben-Dor Eyal
Published: November 2013

Remote-sensing platforms are often comprised of a cluster of different spectral range detectors or sensors to benefit from the spectral identification capabilities of each range. Missing data from these platforms, caused by problematic weather conditions, such as clouds, sensor failure, low temporal coverage or a narrow field of view (FOV), is one of the problems preventing proper monitoring of the Earth. One of the possible solutions is predicting a detector or sensor’s missing data using another detector/sensor. In this paper, we propose a new method of predicting spectral emissivity in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral region using the visible (VIS) spectral region. The proposed method is suitable for two main scenarios of missing data: sensor malfunctions and narrow FOV. We demonstrate the usefulness and limitations of this prediction scheme using the airborne hyperspectral scanner (AHS) sensor, which consists of both VIS and LWIR spectral regions, in a case study over the Sokolov area, Czech Republic.
Multi-Sensor Platform for Indoor Mobile Mapping: System Calibration and Using a Total Station for Indoor Applications
Authors: Keller Friedrich , Sternberg Harald
Published: November 2013

This paper addresses the calibration of mobile mapping systems and the feasibility of using a total station as a sensor for indoor mobile mapping systems. For this purpose, the measuring system of HafenCity University in Hamburg is presented and discussed. In the second part of the calibration, the entire system will be described regarding the interaction of laser scanners and other parts of the system. Finally, the preliminary analysis of the use of a total station is presented in conjunction with the measurement system. The difficulty of time synchronization is also discussed. In multiple tests, a comparison was made versus a reference solution based on GNSS. Additionally, the suitability of the total station was also considered for indoor applications.
Vagos sin tierra de Renée Ferrer o la conquista de un nuevo territorio literario
Authors: Fernandes Carla
Published: November 2013

RESUMEN- Vagos sin tierra, novela histórica paraguaya publicada en 1999, se enfoca en el destino de una familia de campesinos que sufren las decisiones políticas coloniales primero, luego las de Gaspar de Francia, en cuanto a la posesión de la tierra. El género histórico y la visión del pasado que propone también permiten la evocación de la realidad social actual.
Liberté construite : Arthur Luiz Piza
Authors: Duarte Paulo Sergio
Published: November 2013

RÉSUMÉ- L'œuvre de Arthur Luiz Piza résout le conflit entre deux traditions du XXe siècle : le constructivisme et l'informel. Piza développe une poétique d'équilibre entre la raison et l'émotion, entre subjectivité et objectivité. Dans le monde contemporain, marqué par la vitesse et l'avidité de la consommation, son art restaure le droit à la contemplation, bannie par les exigences de l'hypermodernité.
Plant identification through images: Using feature extraction of key points on leaf contours1
Authors: Gwo Chih‐Ying , Wei Chia‐Hung
Published: November 2013

• Premise of the study: Because plant identification demands extensive knowledge and complex terminologies, even professional botanists require significant time in the field for mastery of the subject. As plant leaves are normally regarded as possessing useful characteristics for species identification, leaf recognition through images can be considered an important research issue for plant recognition.

• Methods: This study proposes a feature extraction method for leaf contours, which describes the lines between the centroid and each contour point on an image. A length histogram is created to represent the distribution of distances in the leaf contour. Thereafter, a classifier is applied from a statistical model to calculate the matching score of the template and query leaf.

• Results: The experimental results show that the top value achieves 92.7% and the first two values can achieve 97.3%. In the scale invariance test, those 45 correlation coefficients fall between the minimal value of 0.98611 and the maximal value of 0.99992. Like the scale invariance test, the rotation invariance test performed 45 comparison sets. The correlation coefficients range between 0.98071 and 0.99988.

• Discussion: This study shows that the extracted features from leaf images are invariant to scale and rotation because those features are close to positive correlation in terms of coefficient correlation. Moreover, the experimental results indicated that the proposed method outperforms two other methods, Zernike moments and curvature scale space.
A protecting group-free synthesis of the Colorado potato beetle pheromone
Authors: Wu Zhongtao , Jäger Manuel , Buter Jeffrey , Minnaard Adriaan J
Published: November 2013

A novel synthesis of the aggregation pheromone of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, has been developed based on a Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation in combination with a chemoselective alcohol oxidation using catalytic [(neocuproine)PdOAc]2OTf2. Employing this approach, the pheromone was synthesized in 3 steps, 80% yield and 86% ee from geraniol.
INFLATION, INFLATION UNCERTAINTY AND GROWTH IN THE IRANIAN ECONOMY: AN APPLICATION OF BGARCH-M MODEL WITH BEKK APPROACH
Authors: Heidari Hassan , Katircioglu Salih Turan , Bashiri Sahar
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the relationship between inflation, economic growth and their respective uncertainties in Iran for the period of 1988–2008 by using quarterly data. We employ a Bivariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity-in-Mean (BGARCH-M) model to examine in a unified empirical framework all the possible interactions between inflation uncertainty and growth in Iran. The model is simultaneously estimated by using the maximum log-likelihood method with the BEKK approach. The main findings of the present study are: (1) Inflation causes inflation uncertainty, supporting the Friedman-Ball hypothesis. (2) Inflation uncertainty affects the level of economic growth, supporting the Friedman (1977) hypothesis. (3) Growth uncertainty does not affect the level of economic growth, supporting the Friedman (1968) hypothesis. (4) And finally our empirical evidence shows that growth uncertainty affects the level of inflation, supporting the Deveraux (1989) hypothesis.
OVERDRAFT FACILITY POLICY AND FIRM'S PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS IN EASTERN EUROPEAN UNION INDUSTRIAL FIRMS
Authors: Castillo Leopoldo Laborda , Salem Daniel Sotelsek
Published: November 2013

This article evaluates the effect of the overdraft facility (or line of credit) policy by comparing a large sample of overdraft facilitated firms and matched non-overdraft facilitated firms from Eastern Europe at sector level. The sample firms are compared with respect to rates of different performance indicators including: technical efficiency (a Data Envelopment Analysis – DEA – approach is applied to estimate technical efficiency level for individual sectors), production workers trained, expenditures of R&D, and export activity. In order to avoid the selectivity problem, propensity score matching methodologies are adopted. Results suggest that a certain level of overdraft facility given to a firm would be needed to stimulate investment in R&D, which will eventually result in growth in productivity.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RETENTION FACTORS AND AFFECTIVE ORGANISATIONAL COMMITMENT AMONG KNOWLEDGE WORKERS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ahsan Nilufar , Fie David Yong Gun , Foong Yeap Peik , Alam Syed Shah
Published: November 2013

This research explores the issues that influence affective commitment among knowledge workers in Malaysia. The determinants of affective commitment among knowledge workers that have been examined from the Malaysian knowledge workers’ perspective under this study including compensation, career opportunity, training and development, supervisor support, job autonomy, work life policies and skill varieties. A conceptual framework is constructed based on the retention factors and research hypothesis are then developed in order to focus attention on sets of factors that influences affective commitment among knowledge workers in Malaysia. Results of regression analyses revealed that all but supervisor support and skill variety were significant predictors of affective commitment among knowledge workers in Malaysia. Recommendations for future research are presented for industry bodies involved in supporting retention of knowledge workers in Malaysia.