bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yield Response of Drip-Irrigated Onion under Full and Deficit Irrigation with Saline Water in Arid Regions of Tunisia
Authors: Nagaz K. , Masmoudi M. M. , Ben Mechlia N.
Published: July 2012

A two-year study was conducted in arid region of Tunisia to evaluate the effects of deficit irrigation regimes with saline water on soil salinity, yield, and water use efficiency of onion grown in a commercial farm on a sandy soil and drip-irrigated with water having an of 3.6 dS/m. Irrigation treatments consisted in water replacements of accumulated at levels of 100% (SWB-100, full irrigation), 80% (DI-80), 60% (DI-60), when the readily available water in the control treatment (SWB-100) is depleted, deficit irrigation during ripening stage (SWB100-MDI60) and farmer method corresponding to irrigation practices implemented by the local farmers. Results on onion production and soil salinization are globally coherent between the two-year experiments and show significant difference between irrigation regimes. Higher soil salinity was maintained in the root zone with DI-60 and farmer treatments than full irrigation (SWB-100). SWB100-MDI60 and DI-80 treatments resulted also in low values. No significant differences were observed in bulbs fresh and dry yields, bulbs number·ha−1and weight from the comparison between full irrigation (SWB-100) and deficit treatments (DI-80, SWB100-MDI60). DI-60 irrigation treatment caused significant reductions in the four parameters considered in comparison with SWB-100. The farmer method caused significant reductions in yield components and resulted in increase of water usage 45 and 33% in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Water use efficiency was found to vary significantly among treatments, where the highest and the lowest values were observed for DI-60 and farmer treatments, respectively. The full irrigation (SWB-100) and deficit irrigation (DI-80 and SWB100-MDI60) strategies were found to be a useful practice for scheduling onion irrigation with saline water under the arid Mediterranean conditions of southern Tunisia.
Convergence of a General Composite Iterative Method for a
Countable Family of Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Wang Shuang
Published: July 2012

We propose a general composite iterative method for computing common fixed
points of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings in the framework of Hilbert spaces. Our results
improve and complement the corresponding ones announced by many others.
An Efficient Adaptive Technique with Low Complexity for Reducing PAPR in OFDM-Based Cognitive Radio
Authors: Sakran Hefdhallah , Nasr Omar , Shokair Mona
Published: July 2012

Cognitive radio (CR) is considered nowadays as a strong candidate solution for the spectrum scarcity problem. On standards level, many cognitive radio standards have chosen Non-Contiguous Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (NC-OFDM) as their modulation scheme. Similar to OFDM, NC-OFDM suffers from the problem of having a high Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR). If not solved, either the transmitted signal will be distorted, which will cause interference to primary (licensed) users, or the effeciency of the power amplifier will be seriously degraded. The effect of the PAPR problem in NC-OFDM based cognitive radio networks is worse than normal OFDM systems. In this paper, we propose enhanced techniques to reduce the PAPR in NC-OFDM systems. We start by showing that combining two standard PAPR reduction techniques (interleaver-based and selective mapping) results in a lower PAPR than using them individually. Then, an “adaptive number of interleavers” will be proposed that achieves the same performance of conventional interleaver-based PAPR reduction while reducing the CPU time by 41.3%. Finally, adaptive joint interleaver with selective mapping is presented, and we show that it gives the same performance as conventional interleaver-based technique, with reduction in CPU time by a factor of 50.1%.
Some Properties of Complex Harmonic Mapping
Authors: Eljamal E. A. , Darus M.
Published: July 2012

We introduce new class of harmonic functions by using certain generalized differential operator of harmonic. Some results which generalize problems considered by many researchers are present. The main results are concerned with the starlikeness and convexity of certain class of harmonic functions.
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Materials on Soil Acidity and Phosphorus Availability in a Soil Incubation Study
Authors: Opala P. A. , Okalebo J. R. , Othieno C. O.
Published: July 2012

We tested the effects of two organic materials (OMs) of varying chemical characteristics that is, farmyard manure (FYM) and Tithonia diversifolia (tithonia), when applied alone or in combination with three inorganic P sources, that is, triple superphosphate (TSP), Minjingu phosphate rock (MPR), and Busumbu phosphate rock (BPR) on soil pH, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable Al, and P availability in an incubation study. FYM and tithonia increased the soil pH and reduced the exchangeable acidity and Al in the short term, but the inorganic P sources did not significantly affect these parameters. The effectiveness of the inorganic P sources in increasing P availability followed the order, TSP > MPR > BPR, while among the OMs, FYM was more effective than tithonia. There was no evidence of synergism in terms of increased available P when organic and inorganic P sources were combined. The combination of OMs with inorganic P fertilizers may, however, have other benefits associated with integrated soil fertility management.
Determination of Oxygen Solubility in Liquid Media
Authors: Vendruscolo Francielo , Rossi Márcio José , Schmidell Willibaldo , Ninow Jorge Luiz
Published: July 2012

The present work aimed at determining the oxygen saturation in culture medium used in the production of pigments by Monascus ruber CCT 3802. This estimation allows the correction and the minimization of errors on the specific oxygen uptake rates determination because the conversion of oxygen partial pressure to oxygen concentration requires accurate information on oxygen solubility in experimental incubation media. By adding hydrogen peroxide and then transforming into water and oxygen using catalase, it was possible to determinate the saturation concentration of 7.677 and 6.772 mgO2 L−1 in distilled water and in growth medium, respectively. The determination of these parameters makes possible the minimization of errors on the specific oxygen uptake rates determination, once many studies consider the saturation concentration in distilled water.
Comparison of Patient's Satisfaction Level after Different Types of Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Waseem Muhammad , Humayun Sadia , Farooq Omer , Humayun Quratulain , Sadiq Sheikh Sana
Published: July 2012

Objective. To compare patient’s satisfaction level in performing routine activities during daylight and night vision after implantation with rigid, foldable, or rollable posterior chamber intraocular lens implants in uneventful cataract surgery. Design. Retrospective, cross-sectional. Place and Duration of Study. PNS SHIFA Hospital, Karachi, from Nov. 2009 to Nov. 2010. Methodology. 91 cataract surgery patients who had uneventful phacoemulsification, within the bag placement of intraocular lens and achieved best corrected visual acuity 6/9 or better were included in the study. Patients who developed postoperative complications were excluded. A specially designed questionnaire was used to assess patient’s satisfaction level of vision for those who underwent cataract surgery at least 3 months ago. Finally, they were categorized into five groups ranging from “very good” to “very poor.” SPSS version 16 was used to analyze the results. Results. There was a difference in satisfaction level between three groups. Vision was good in the day and the night with foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implants. Conclusion. It was concluded that visual satisfaction level of patients who had foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was better during the day and night as compared to patients who had rigid or rollable posterior chamber intraocular lenses implantation.
Lung Function Tests in Sickle-Cell Patients in Benin City
Authors: Oko-Ose J. N. , Iyawe V. , Egbagbe E. , Ebomoyi M.
Published: July 2012

Background. Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is a life-long haematological disorder characterized by red blood cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, sickle shape and with high prevalence in West Africa. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic disorders among Africans as indicated in Akinyanju (1989). 61.4% of the children born annually with haemoglobinopathies worldwide have been reported to have SCD and they are from Africa as shown in World Health Organization Report (1987). Hypoxaemia is the hallmark of pulmonary abnormality in SCD patients of all age groups. This was first documented by Klinefelter (1942), and has since been corroborated by other workers. The hypoxaemia of stable SCD patients is said to result from the combined effects of perfusion and diffusion defect. Materials and Methods. This study was carried out to determine the changes in lung functions in relation to gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) of sickle-cell patients in a stable state. 60 subjects made up of 30 patients and 30 control groups were used in this study. Both test and control groups were 13 men and 17 women, aged 19–35 years. Lung Function Test was done with the aid of a digital spirometer (Spirolab II, Italy). Weight was measured using Avery scales (Avery Berkel, 2003, UK). Height was measured using a wall-mounted stadiometer. Data were collected and analyzed using Student's t-test and Pearson correlation. was statistically significant. Results. The results revealed that adults with SCD had a significantly lower mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) compared to the control. The lung function indices were lower in females than males in the sickle cell patients. The FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC correlated positively with BMI statistically in the patients. The lung function declined with age. This work has also shown that the most common pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormality was restrictive disease pattern (76.7%). Conclusion. The result of this work suggested that lung function differs significantly in subjects with SCD compared with matched controls of a similar age and gender.
The Information Content in Bank Currency Mismatches in Fixed Exchange Rate Regimes
Authors: Miller Victoria
Published: July 2012

Banks tend to leave their currency exposures uncovered in fixed and “intermediate” exchange rate regimes. The paper asks why this is the case. There are three possible explanations: First, hedges are costly and the currency peg is credible; Second, financial markets are incomplete and so hedging instruments are unavailable; or third, hedges are costly and banks expect a bailout should currency gyrations threaten their solvency. The paper demonstrates that the third argument is not time consistent and therefore that uncovered currency exposures reflect currency peg credibility or financial incompleteness and not moral-hazard risk taking.
Antiplane Shear Crack Normal to and Terminating at the Interface of Two Bonded Piezo-Electro-Magneto-Elastic Materials
Authors: Rogowski Bogdan
Published: July 2012

The magnetoelectroelastic analysis of two bonded dissimilar piezo-electro-magneto-elastic ceramics with a crack perpendicular to and terminating at the interface is made. By using the Fourier integral transform (in perpendicular directions in each materials), the mixed boundary conditions and continuity conditions are transformed to a singular integral equation with generalized Cauchy kernel, the solution of which has been well studied, and classical methods are directly applicable here to obtain the closed form solution. The results are presented for a permeable crack under anti-plane shear loading and in-plane electric and magnetic loadings, as prescribed electric displacement and magnetic inductions or electric and magnetic fields. Obtained results indicate that the magnetoelectroelastic field near the crack tip in the homogeneous PEMO-elastic ceramic is dominated by a traditional inverse square-root singularity, while the coupled field near the crack tip at the interface exhibits the singularity of power law , being distant from the interface crack tip and depending on the material constants of a bimaterial. In particular, electric and magnetic fields have no singularity at the crack tip in a homogeneous solid, whereas they are singular around the interface crack tip. Numerical results are given graphically to show the effects of the material properties on the singularity order, field intensity factors and energy release rates. Results presented in this paper should have potential applications to the design of multilayered magnetoelectroelastic structures.
Interaction of Herbs and Glibenclamide: A Review
Authors: Rai Amita , Eapen Cicy , Prasanth V. G.
Published: July 2012

Herbs and herbal products are considered to be safer and people mix it often with the oral hypoglycemic agent in diabetes therapy. But numerous reports say that every combination of herbs and drugs is not safe. Some combinations may be beneficial and some may be harmful also. So before taking any herbal remedies with oral hypoglycemic agent, patient should consult physician. In this paper we are summarizing the reports available on the interaction of herbal remedies to one of the oral hypoglycemic agents (glibenclamide) and categorizing the effect of the combination is beneficial and harmful.
Mental Fatigue and Cognitive Impairment after an Almost Neurological Recovered Stroke
Authors: Johansson Birgitta , Rönnbäck Lars
Published: July 2012

Mental fatigue is for many a distressing and long-term problem after stroke. This mental fatigue will make it more difficult for the person to return to work and previous activities. The intention with this study is to investigate mental fatigue in relation to depression and cognitive functions. We examined 24 well-rehabilitated stroke subjects, who suffered from mental fatigue one year or more after a stroke, and 24 healthy controls. Subjects were examined using self-assessment scales for mental fatigue, depression and anxiety, and cognitive tests. The results showed a highly increased rating for mental fatigue for the stroke group (P<0.001). These participants also had a significantly higher rating on the depression (P<0.001) and anxiety (P<0.001) scales. Furthermore, they had a slower information processing speed (P<0.001) and made more errors in a demanding attention and speed test (P<0.05). Among the cognitive tests, processing speed and errors made in an attention and speed test were significant predictors for mental fatigue. We suggest mental fatigue following a stroke to be related to cognitive impairments, primarily information processing speed. Mental fatigue should also be treated as a separate phenomenon and should be differentiated from, and not confused with, depression, even if overlapping symptoms exist.
Preparation, Characterization, and H2S Sensing Performance of Sprayed Nanostructured SnO2 Thin Films
Authors: Bari R. H. , Khadayate R. S. , Patil S. B. , Bari A. R. , Jain G. H. , Patil L. A. , Kale B. B.
Published: July 2012

Nanostructured SnO2 thin films were prepared by spraying tin chloride dihydrate onto the heated glass substrate at 250°C. The films were fired at 500°C. As-prepared thin films were studied using XRD and FESEM to know crystal structure and surface morphology. The average crystallite and grain size observed from XRD and FF-SEM was found to be less than 33 and 67 nm, respectively. The films sprayed for 30 min were observed to be most sensitive to H2S at 250°C. The results are discussed and interpreted.
Characterization of a Methanogenic Community within an Algal Fed Anaerobic Digester
Authors: Ellis Joshua T. , Tramp Cody , Sims Ronald C. , Miller Charles D.
Published: July 2012

The microbial diversity and metabolic potential of a methanogenic consortium residing in a 3785-liter anaerobic digester, fed with wastewater algae, was analyzed using 454 pyrosequencing technology. DNA was extracted from anaerobic sludge material and used in metagenomic analysis through PCR amplification of the methyl-coenzyme M reductase α subunit (mcrA) gene using primer sets ML, MCR, and ME. The majority of annotated mcrA sequences were assigned taxonomically to the genera Methanosaeta in the order Methanosarcinales. Methanogens from the genus Methanosaeta are obligate acetotrophs, suggesting this genus plays a dominant role in methane production from the analyzed fermentation sample. Numerous analyzed sequences within the algae fed anaerobic digester were unclassified and could not be assigned taxonomically. Relative amplicon frequencies were determined for each primer set to determine the utility of each in pyrosequencing. Primer sets ML and MCR performed better quantitatively (representing the large majority of analyzed sequences) than primer set ME. However, each of these primer sets was shown to provide a quantitatively unique community structure, and thus they are of equal importance in mcrA metagenomic analysis.
Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: Prevention and Management
Authors: Bhagya Rao Bhavana , Kalayarasan R. , Kate Vikram , Ananthakrishnan N.
Published: July 2012

Cancer is an important risk factor for venous thrombosis. Venous thromboembolism is one of the most common complications of cancer and the second leading cause of death in these patients. Recent research has given insight into mechanism and various risk factors in cancer patients which predispose to thromboembolism. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the prophylaxis, diagnosis, and management of venous thromboembolism in these patients.
Developmental Neurotoxicity: Some Old and New Issues
Authors: Giordano Gennaro , Costa Lucio G.
Published: July 2012

The developing central nervous system is often more vulnerable to injury than the adult one. Of the almost 200 chemicals known to be neurotoxic, many are developmental neurotoxicants. Exposure to these compounds in utero or during childhood can contribute to a variety of neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders. Two established developmental neurotoxicants, methylmercury and lead, and two classes of chemicals, the polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants and the organophosphorus insecticides, which are emerging as potential developmental neurotoxicants, are discussed in this paper. Developmental neurotoxicants may also cause silent damage, which would manifest itself only as the individual ages, and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases. Guidelines for developmental neurotoxicity testing have been implemented, but there is still room for their improvement and for searching and validating alternative testing approaches.
Central Venous Line Placement prior to Gastric Bypass Improves Operating Room Efficiency
Authors: Overby D. Wayne , Kohn Geoffrey P. , Colton Karen J. , Stavas Joseph M. , Dixon Robert G. , Passannante Anthony , Farrell Timothy M.
Published: July 2012

Background. Bariatric surgery has increased across America. Venous access is difficult in these patients. Anesthesiologists often utilize valuable operating room (OR) time acquiring reliable intravenous lines. Our objective was to determine if outpatient central venous line (CVL) placement improves OR efficiency and professional reimbursement for CVL insertion. Methods. In our bariatric practice, selected surgery patients have outpatient CVLs placed during prophylactic vena cava filter placement. In a cohort of 268 gastric bypass patients operated between 1/01 and 11/06, we compared time-to-incision between 106 with pre-established CVLs and 162 without. In addition, we determined professional compensation rates for CVLs placed outpatient versus CVLs inserted in the OR. Results. Patients with preoperative (outpatient) CVLs required minutes to skin incision compared with minutes for controls (), and 34.9% had skin incision in <30 minutes compared with 16.4% of controls. Radiologists collected 28.2% of outpatient billings for CPT code 36556, compared with anesthesiologists who collected <1% when placing CVLs in the OR. Conclusions. Outpatient CVLs prior to gastric bypass improve efficiency in the OR with earlier skin incision. Professional reimbursement is better for outpatient CVLs than intraoperative inpatient CVLs.
Caval Aorta Index and Central Venous Pressure Correlation in Assessing Fluid Status! “Ultrasound Bridging the Gap”
Authors: Sridhar Harshitha , Mangalore Pavan , Chandrasekaran V. P. , Manikam Rishya
Published: July 2012

Accurate body fluid assessment and estimation of fluid status are essential in guiding fluid therapy in emergency setup. This prospective cross-sectional descriptive study conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of inferior vena cava and aorta (IVC/Aorta) index in assessing the fluid status by comparing it with the central venous pressure (CVP). Results showed the mean IVC/Aorta index in patients who had normal CVP range was 1.2 ± 0.12 SD, while in patients with low CVP, the mean index was 0.7 ± 0.09 SD, and, patients with high CVP, the mean index was 1.6 ± 0.05 SD. In conclusion, the sonographic IVC/Aorta index assessment seems to be a quick, simple, noninvasive, and reliable method to access the fluid status in a busy setup like an emergency room.
Predictors of Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy: Results from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Authors: Baldassarre Randall L. , Chang David C. , Brumund Kevin T. , Bouvet Michael
Published: July 2012

Hypocalcemia is a common complication following thyroidectomy. However, the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia varies widely in the literature, and factors associated with hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery are not well established. We aimed to identify incidence trends and independent risk factors of postoperative hypocalcemia using the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS) database from 1998 to 2008. Overall, 6,605 (5.5%) of 119,567 patients who underwent thyroidectomy developed hypocalcemia. Total thyroidectomy resulted in a significantly higher increased incidence (9.0%) of hypocalcemia when compared with unilateral thyroid lobectomy (1.9%; ). Thyroidectomy with bilateral neck dissection, the strongest independent risk factor of postoperative hypocalcemia (odds ratio, 9.42; ), resulted in an incidence of 23.4%. Patients aged 45 years to 84 years were less likely to have postoperative hypocalcemia compared with their younger and older counterparts (). Hispanic () and Asian () patients were more likely, and black patients were less likely () than white patients to develop hypocalcemia. Additional factors independently associated with postoperative hypocalcemia included female gender, nonteaching hospitals, and malignant neoplasms of thyroid gland. Hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy resulted in 1.47 days of extended hospital stay (3.33 versus 1.85 days ).
Neural Network Implementations for PCA and Its
Extensions
Authors: Qiu Jialin , Wang Hui , Lu Jiabin , Zhang Biaobiao , Du K.-L.
Published: July 2012

Many information processing problems can be transformed into some form of eigenvalue or singular value problems. Eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) and singular value decomposition (SVD) are usually used for solving these problems. In this paper, we give an introduction to various neural network implementations and algorithms for principal component analysis (PCA) and its various extensions. PCA is a statistical method that is directly related to EVD and SVD. Minor component analysis (MCA) is a variant of PCA, which is useful for solving total least squares (TLSs) problems. The algorithms are typical unsupervised learning methods. Some other neural network models for feature extraction, such as localized methods, complex-domain methods, generalized EVD, and SVD, are also described. Topics associated with PCA, such as independent component analysis (ICA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA), are mentioned in passing in the conclusion. These methods are useful in adaptive signal processing, blind signal separation (BSS), pattern recognition, and information compression.
Another Proof of the Faithfulness of the Lawrence-Krammer Representation of the Braid Group
Authors: Abdulrahim Mohammad N. , Hariri Mariam
Published: July 2012

The Lawrence-Krammer representation of the braid group was proved to be faithful for by Bigelow and Krammer. In our paper, we give a new proof in the case by using matrix computations. First, we prove that the representation of the braid group is unitary relative to a positive definite Hermitian form. Then we show the faithfulness of the representation by specializing the indeterminates q and t to complex numbers on the unit circle rather than specializing them to real numbers as what was done by Krammer.
Compression-Induced Solidification: A Novel Processing Technique for Precise Thermoplastic Optical Components with Negligible Internal Stresses
Authors: Jungmeier Ariane , Wildner Wolfgang , Drummer Dietmar , Kühnert Ines
Published: July 2012

In the field of optical components, thermoplastics are replacing more and more glass mainly because of their better freedom of design and their cost-effective processing techniques. Nevertheless, especially lenses do not have an ideal design for plastic processing, because of their varying thickness from the centre to the edge. These lead to great differences in shrinkage due to the dif-ferent coefficients of thermal expansion of melt and solid state and, consequently, directly lead to warpage and residual stresses with state-of-the-art processing techniques. A promising solution is a new, innovative technique—compression-induced solidification (CIS)—where the melt is compressed at constant temperature until it solidifies. This results in isochronic solidification of the whole part even at high temperatures and reduces residual stresses and warpage due to the cooling of a body with homogenous shrinkage. In this paper, CIS integrated in the injection molding process is introduced, and the influence of process parameters on inner properties and dimensional accuracy of CIS polycarbonate parts are illustrated. Trials carried out indicate that an optimum level of compression pressure at the end of glass transition range and a sufficiently long period of holding time (hereinafter the adapting time) for reaching homogeneous temperatures within the melt until pressure is applied will generate parts with low residual stresses and high dimensional accuracy.
K3EDTA Vacuum Tubes Validation for Routine Hematological Testing
Authors: Lima-Oliveira Gabriel , Lippi Giuseppe , Salvagno Gian Luca , Montagnana Martina , Poli Giovanni , Solero Giovanni Pietro , Picheth Geraldo , Guidi Gian Cesare
Published: July 2012

Background and Objective. Some in vitro diagnostic devices (e.g, blood collection vacuum tubes and syringes for blood analyses) are not validated before the quality laboratory managers decide to start using or to change the brand. Frequently, the laboratory or hospital managers select the vacuum tubes for blood collection based on cost considerations or on relevance of a brand. The aim of this study was to validate two dry K3EDTA vacuum tubes of different brands for routine hematological testing. Methods. Blood specimens from 100 volunteers in two different K3EDTA vacuum tubes were collected by a single, expert phlebotomist. The routine hematological testing was done on Advia 2120i hematology system. The significance of the differences between samples was assessed by paired Student’s t-test after checking for normality. The level of statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results and Conclusions. Different brand’s tubes evaluated can represent a clinically relevant source of variations only on mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW). Basically, our validation will permit the laboratory or hospital managers to select the brand’s vacuum tubes validated according to him/her technical or economical reasons for routine hematological tests.
The Use of Nurse Checklists in a Bedside Computer-Based Information System to Focus on Avoiding Secondary Insults in Neurointensive Care
Authors: Nyholm Lena , Lewén Anders , Fröjd Camilla , Howells Tim , Nilsson Pelle , Enblad Per
Published: July 2012

The feasibility and accuracy of using checklists after every working shift in a bedside computer-based information system for documentation of secondary insults in the neurointensive care unit were evaluated. The ultimate goal was to get maximal attention to avoid secondary insults. Feasibility was investigated by assessing if the checklists were filled in as prescribed. Accuracy was evaluated by comparing the checklists with recorded minute-by-minute monitoring data for intracranial pressure-ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure CPP, systolic blood pressure SBP, and temperature. The total number of checklist assessments was 2,184. In 85% of the shifts, the checklists were filled in. There was significantly longer duration of monitoring time at insult level when Yes was filled in regarding ICP (mean 134 versus 30 min), CPP (mean 125 versus 26 min) and temperature (mean 315 versus 120 min). When a secondary insult was defined as >5% of monitoring time spent at insult level, the sensitivity/specificity for the checklist assessments was 31%/100% for ICP, 38%/99% for CPP, and 66%/88% for temperature. Checklists were feasible and appeared relatively accurate. Checklists may elevate the alertness for avoiding secondary insults and help in the evaluation of the patients. This concept may be the next step towards tomorrow critical care.
Potentiodynamic Polarization Behaviour of Electroless Ni-P-W Coatings
Authors: Roy Supriyo , Sahoo Prasanta
Published: July 2012

This paper deals with the synthesis of electroless Ni-P-W coatings on mild steel substrate followed by furnace-annealing process. Corrosion behaviors of the coatings after heat treatments at various annealing temperatures are evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization test using 3.5% sodium chloride solution. The electrochemical parameters, that is, corrosion potential and corrosion current density, are optimized for maximum corrosion resistance using Taguchi-based grey relational analysis, considering four coating parameters, namely, concentration of nickel, concentration of reducing agent, concentration of tungsten, and annealing temperature as main design factors. The optimum combination of these four design factors is obtained from the analysis. The analysis of variance reveals that the concentration of tungsten source and annealing temperature play the most important role on the corrosion performance of the coating. Effects of the operating parameters on microstructures, in terms of porosity formation, crystallization, phase transformation, grain growth, are investigated using SEM, EDX, and XRD techniques.
A Method for theIn VivoMeasurement of Zebrafish Tissue Neutrophil Lifespan
Authors: Dixon Giles , Elks Philip M. , Loynes Catherine A. , Whyte Moira K. B. , Renshaw Stephen A.
Published: July 2012

Neutrophil function is thought to be regulated, in large part, by limitation of lifespan by apoptosis. A number of studies suggest that circulating neutrophils have a half-life of approximately 6 hours, although contradictory evidence exists. Measuring tissue neutrophil lifespan, however, is more problematic. It is thought that tissue neutrophils survive longer, perhaps with a half-life in the order of 3–5 days, but this has never been directly measured. Zebrafish are an emerging model organism, with several advantages for the study of vertebrate immunity. In zebrafish, neutrophils constitutively assume tissue locations allowing their direct studyin vivo. Using a transgenic approach, neutrophils were labelled with a photoconvertible pigment, Kaede. Photoconversion parameters were optimised and the stability of the Kaede confirmed. Individual neutrophils were photoconverted by scanning a confocal 405 nm laser specifically over each cell and their survival monitored for 48 hours, revealing anin vivohalf-life for zebrafish tissue neutrophils of around 120 hours (117.7 hrs, 95% CI 95.67–157.8). Laser energy did not extend neutrophil lifespan, and we conclude that this represents a lower bound for the lifespan of a resting tissue neutrophil in the developing zebrafish larva. This is the first direct measurement of the lifespan of anin vivotissue neutrophil.
Intratumoral TLR-4 Agonist Injection Is Critical for Modulation of Tumor Microenvironment and Tumor Rejection
Authors: Maito Fabio Luiz Dal Moro , Souza Ana Paula Duarte de , Pereira Luciana , Smithey Megan , Hinrichs David , Bouwer Archie , Bonorino Cristina
Published: July 2012

The tumor microenvironment shelters a complex network of mechanisms that enables local Immunosuppression to support tumor growth. In this study we found that, B16F10 melanoma growth is inversely correlated with peritumoral infiltrate cell number and with cell numbers in draining lymph nodes. Tumor growth ensued even when a foreign antigen was expressed by B16F10 cells in the presence of naïve specific CD8+ T cells. Treatment with TLR agonists has shown to sometimes result in tumor regression, however, not always with long-lasting effects. We compared the relevance of different injection regimens of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tumor growth was arrested only by intratumoral LPS injection after the tumor was already established. This result was accompanied by a dramatic change in DC activation inside the tumor. Intratumoral LPS also enhanced antigen presentation and tumor-specific CD4+ T cell production of IFN-γ. Injection of LPS before tumor challenge or codelivery of tumor cells and LPS did not have any effect on tumor progression. Our results suggest that an efficient antitumor immune response leading to tumor regression can be achieved with proper TLR4 activation inside the tumor tissue, impacting the tumor microenvironment. These findings are relevant for the design of treatment for patients with malignant melanomas.
T-817MA, but Not Haloperidol and Risperidone, Restores Parvalbumin-Positive γ-Aminobutyric Acid Neurons in the Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus of Rats Transiently Exposed to MK-801 at the Neonatal Period
Authors: Uehara Takashi , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , Seo Tomonori , Matsuoka Tadasu , Itoh Hiroko , Kurachi Masayoshi
Published: July 2012

The number of parvalbumin (PV)-positive γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons is decreased in the brain of rats transiently exposed to MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker, in the neonatal stage (Uehara et al. (2012)). T-817MA [1-{3-[2-(1-benzothiophen-5-yl)ethoxy]propyl} azetidin-3-ol maleate] is a neuroprotective agent synthesized for the treatment of psychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive disturbances, such as dementia. We herein sought to determine whether T-817MA, haloperidol (HPD), or risperidone (RPD) would ameliorate the decrease in the number of PV-positive GABA neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus of the model animals. Rats were treated with MK-801 (0.2 mg/kg/day) or vehicle on postnatal days (PD) 7–10, and the number of PV-positive neurons in the mPFC and hippocampus were measured on PDs 63. T-817MA (20 mg/kg), HPD (1 mg/kg), or RPD (1 mg/kg) were administered during PDs 49–62. Fourteen-day administration of T-817MA reversed the decrease in the number of PV-positive neurons in the above brain regions of rats given MK-801, whereas HPD and RPD were ineffective. These results indicate that T-817MA provides a novel pharmacologic strategy to enhance cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.
Design of Velocity Map Imaging Spectrometer Equipped with a Mass Gate Discriminating Particular Photofragments
Authors: Mitsuke Koichiro , Katayanagi Hideki , Kafle Bhim P. , Prodhan Md. Serajul I.
Published: July 2012

A photoionization spectrometer for velocity map imaging has been developed for measuring the scattering distribution of fragment ions from polyatomic molecules. The spectrometer contains a mass gate and an ion reflector which are able to discriminate ions with a particular mass-to-charge ratio m/z. The basic functions and feasibility of these devices were tested experimentally and theoretically. First, the photoions from Kr and C60 were extracted into a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer by a transient or continuous electrostatic field. When the pulse application on the mass gate was tuned to the arrival timing of ions with a specific m/z, the peak of the selected ions alone was present on a TOF spectrum. Second, compatibility between velocity map imaging and ion discrimination was investigated by the computer simulations of the ion trajectories of photofragments from C60. A pulsed voltage was applied to the mass gate synchronously with the arrival timing of C58+ ions. The initial three-dimensional velocity distribution of C58+ was projected onto the image plane with an energy resolution better than 10 meV. The C58+ image was free from the contamination of other ions such as C60+ and C56+.
A Convenient, TiCl4/SnCl4-Mediated Synthesis of N-Phenyl or N-Aryl Benzamidines and N-Phenylpicolinamidines
Authors: Patil Umesh D. , Mahulikar Pramod P.
Published: July 2012

A new, TiCl4-or SnCl4-mediated, solvent-free method was developed for the synthesis of N-Aryl benzamidines and N-phenylpicolinamidines, in moderate-to-good yield, using suitable amines and nitriles as starting materials.
Approximation of Solutions of Nonlinear Integral Equations of Hammerstein Type with Lipschitz and Bounded Nonlinear Operators
Authors: Djitte N. , Sene M.
Published: July 2012

Let E be a reflexive real Banach space with uniformly Gâteaux differentiable norm and F, K : be Lipschitz accretive maps with Suppose that the Hammerstein equation has a solution. An explicit iteration method is shown to converge strongly to a solution of the equation. No invertibility assumption is imposed on K and the operator F is not restricted to be angle-bounded. Our theorems are significant improvements on important recent results (e.g., (Chiume and Djitte, 2012)).
Effects of a Physical Activity Program on Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Status in Adolescents with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Camarillo-Romero Eneida , Dominguez-Garcia Ma Victoria , Amaya-Chavez Araceli , Camarillo-Romero Maria del Socorro , Talavera-Piña Juan , Huitron-Bravo Gerardo , Majluf-Cruz Abraham
Published: July 2012

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a precursor of diabetes. Physical activity (PA) improves endothelial dysfunction and may benefit patients with MetS.Aims. To evaluate the effect of a physical activity (PA) program on markers of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in adolescents with (MetS).Methods. We carried out a cohort study of 38 adolescents with and without MetS (18 females and 20 males). All participants completed a 3-month PA program. All variables of the MetS as well as markers of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress tests were evaluated.Results. Females with and without MetS showed significant differences for almost all components of the MetS, whereas males were significantly different in half of the components. After the PA program, components of the MetS were not different from baseline values except for HDL-C levels. Some baseline endothelial dysfunction markers were significantly different among adolescents with and without MetS; however, after the PA program, most of these markers significantly improved in subjects with and without MetS.Conclusion. PA improves the markers of endothelial dysfunction in adolescents with MetS although other changes in the components of the MetS were not observed. Perhaps the benefits of PA on all components of MetS would appear after a PA program with a longer duration.
Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Authors: Chintamaneni Meena , Bhaskar Manju
Published: July 2012

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is currently diagnosed only via clinical assessments and confirmed by postmortem brain pathology. The development of validated biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease is essential to improve diagnosis and accelerate the development of new therapies. Biochemical and neuroimaging markers could facilitate diagnosis, predict AD progression from a pre-AD state of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and be used to monitor efficacies of disease-modifying therapies. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of Aβ40, Aβ42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau have diagnostic values in AD. Measurements of the above CSF markers in combination are useful in predicting the risk of progression from MCI to AD. New potential biomarkers are emerging, and CSF or plasma marker profiles may eventually become part of the clinician's toolkit for accurate AD diagnosis and management. These biomarkers along with clinical assessment, neuropsychological testing, and neuroimaging could achieve a much higher diagnostic accuracy for AD and related disorders in the future.
A Survey for Escherichia coli Virulence Factors in Asymptomatic Free-Ranging Parrots
Authors: Becker Saidenberg André , Robaldo Guedes Neiva Maria , Fernandes Seixas Gláucia Helena , da Costa Allgayer Mariangela , Pacífico de Assis Erica , Fabio Silveira Luis , Anne Melville Priscilla , Benites Nilson Roberti
Published: July 2012

Parrots in captivity are frequently affected by Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections. The objective of this study was to collect information on the carrier state for E. coli pathotypes in asymptomatic free-ranging parrots. Cloacal swabs were collected from nestlings of Hyacinth, Lear’s macaws and Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for virulence factors commonly found in enteropathogenic, avian pathogenic, and uropathogenic E. coli strains. In total, 44 samples were cultured and E. coli isolates were yielded, from which DNA was extracted and processed by PCR. Genes commonly found in APEC isolates from Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and Hyacinth macaws were expressed in 14 of these 44 samples. One atypical EPEC isolate was obtained from a sample from Lear’s macaw. The most commonly found gene was the increased serum survival (iss) gene. This is the first report, that describes such pathotypes in asymptomatic free-living parrots. The findings of this study suggest the presence of a stable host/parasite relationship at the time of the sampling brings a new understanding to the role that E. coli plays in captive and wild parrots. Such information can be used to improve husbandry protocols as well as help conservation efforts of free-living populations.
Behaviour and Optimization Aids of Composite Stiffened Hypar Shell Roofs with Cutout under Free Vibration
Authors: Sahoo Sarmila
Published: July 2012

A scrutiny of the literature reveals that the free vibration characteristics of stiffened composite hypar shell with cutout are missing. So a generalized finite element formulation for the stiffened hyperbolic paraboloidal shells bounded by straight edges (commonly called as hypar shells) is attempted using an eight-noded curved quadratic isoparametric element for shell with a three-noded beam element for stiffener. Numerical problems of earlier investigators are solved as benchmark problems to validate the approach. A number of problems are further solved by varying the size of the cutouts and their positions with respect to the shell centre for different edge constraints. The results are presented in the form of figures and tables. The results are further analysed to suggest guidelines to select optimum size and position of the cutout with respect to shell centre considering the different practical constraints.
Effect of Extruder Screw Speed, Temperature, and Enzyme Levels on Sugar Recovery from Different Biomasses
Authors: Karunanithy Chinnadurai , Muthukumarappan Kasiviswanathan , Gibbons William R.
Published: July 2012

Biofuels from biomass have the potential to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. An efficient pretreatment method is required to accomplish the target of the Energy Act 2005. Extrusion could be a viable continuous pretreatment method to be explored. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the influence of screw speed and barrel temperature on sugar recovery from the selected warm season grasses and to select a suitable enzyme combination and dose for enzymatic hydrolysis. The ground, moisture-balanced biomasses were pretreated using a single screw extruder at various screw speeds (100, 150, and 200 rpm) and barrel temperatures (50, 75, 100, 150, and 200°C). Cellulase or multienzyme with β-glucosidase was varied from 1 : 1 to 1 : 4 during enzymatic hydrolysis to accomplish the second objective. Screw speed, barrel temperature, and their interaction had a significant influence on sugar recovery from the selected biomasses. A maximum of 28.2, 66.2, and 49.2% of combined sugar recoverywasachieved for switchgrass, big bluestem, prairie cord grass when pretreated at a screw speed of 200, 200, and 150 rpm and at a barrel temperature of 75, 150, and 100°C, respectively, using cellulase and β-glucosidase at a ratio of 1 :  4. Extrusion pretreatment of these biomasses used only 28–37% of the rated extruder power.
Different Behaviour of Plasma Antioxidant Status after Red Wine Consumption in Subjects of the Same Sex: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Giammanco Marco , Majo Danila Di , Leto Gaetano , Flandina Carla , Guardia Maurizio La
Published: July 2012

Several studies report that the plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) increases after a single ingestion of red wine. However, data on the different behaviour of PAC after food intake in subjects of the same sex are still lacking. On the basis of these observations some investigations were undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of red wine intake on PAC in a homogeneous groups of healthy female volunteers (n=18). Additionally, the possible correlation between increase of PAC values and increase in uric acid levels was also assessed. PAC and uric acid concentrations were determined before wine intake and 50, 120 and 240 minutes thereafter. The results obtained following these studied highlighted two different patterns of variation of plasma AC values after red wine intake in women. Group “A” exhibits a significant increase in PAC at 120 minutes after wine consumption while group “B” showed a peak level of AC 50 minutes after wine intake. However, no significant correlation was highlighted between increased levels of uric acid and PAC. These results provide a strong argument for the hypothesis that sampling procedures may be one of the confounding factor in studies on the plasma antioxidant status after food or beverage consumption. These preliminary observations indicate that sex-based selection of volunteers should be considered in further investigations.