bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodiesel as a Plasticizer of a SBR-Based Tire Tread Formulation
Authors: Cataldo Franco , Ursini Ornella , Angelini Giancarlo
Published: March 2013

The solubility parameter of a series of methyl esters of fatty acids, the components of biodiesel, was calculated using the group incremental method proposed by Van Krevelen. The solubility parameter of biodiesel was compared with that of a series of rubbers like EPDM, butyl rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, SBR (with different content of styrene), and nitrile rubber (with different content of acrylonitrile) showing that biodiesel is an effective solvent of all the above mentioned rubbers with the exclusion of nitrile rubber. Indeed, it was experimentally verified that polyisoprene, polybutadiene and SBR are easily soluble in biodiesel while polystyrene gives a cloudy solution. Considerations on the solubility parameter of the biodiesel and of a series of rubbers have led to the conclusion that biodiesel behaves essentially as an internal lubricant in a diene rubber matrix, the same situation occurs with the common aromatic mineral oil plasticizer known as T-RAE. The experimental evaluation of biodiesel as plasticizer in an SBR-based rubber compound in comparison to an aromatic mineral oil have led to the primary conclusion that biodiesel is reactive with the sulphur curing agent subtracting sulphur to the crosslinking polymer chains and leading to a vulcanizatewith lower moduli, tensile and hardness and higher elongationsin comparison to a reference compound fully plasticized with an aromatic mineral oil. However, biodiesel seems a good low temperature plasticizer because the low elastic modulus observed is desired in a winter tire tread for a good grip on snow and ice. The present work is only an exploratory work, and the tire tread formulation with biodiesel was not optimized.
Multidecompositions of the Balanced Complete Bipartite Graph into Paths and Stars
Authors: Lee Hung-Chih , Chu Yen-Po
Published: March 2013

Let
and denote a path and a star with edges, respectively. For graphs , , and , a -multidecomposition of is a partition of the edge set of into copies of and copies of with at least one copy of and at least one copy of . In this paper, necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of the (, )-multidecomposition of the balanced complete bipartite graph are given.
Biochemical Evidence for a Putative Inositol 1,3,4,5-Tetrakisphosphate Receptor in the Olfactory System of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Pang Jiongdong , Rhoads Dennis E.
Published: March 2013

Olfactory receptor neurons in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) appear to use a phosphoinositide-directed phospholipase C (PLC) in odorant signal transduction. The consequences of odor-activated PLC depend on its product, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). Therefore, a plasma membrane rich (PMR) fraction, previously characterized from salmon olfactory rosettes, was used to study binding sites for IP3and its phosphorylation product, inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (IP4). Binding sites for IP3were present at the lower limit for detection in the PMR fraction but were abundant in a microsomal fraction. Binding sites for IP4were abundant in the PMR fraction and thus colocalized in the same subcellular fraction with odorant receptors for amino acids and bile acids. Binding of IP4was saturable and high affinity (Kd = 83 nM). The rank order for potency of inhibition of IP4by other inositol polyphosphates (InsPx) followed the phosphorylation number with InsP6> InsP5> other InsP4isomers > InsP3isomers > InsP2isomers, with the latter showing no activity. The consequences of PLC activity in this system may be dictated in part by a putative receptor for IP4.
Synergism between cAMP and PPARγSignalling in the Initiation of UCP1 Gene Expression in HIB1B Brown Adipocytes
Authors: Chen H. Y. , Liu Q. , Salter A. M. , Lomax M. A.
Published: March 2013

Expression of the brown adipocyte-specific gene, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), is increased by both PPARγstimulation and cAMP activation through their ability to stimulate the expression of the PPAR coactivator PGC1α. In HIB1B brown preadipocytes, combination of the PPARγagonist, rosiglitazone, and the cAMP stimulator forskolin synergistically increased UCP1 mRNA expression, but PGC1αexpression was only increased additively by the two drugs. The PPARγantagonist, GW9662, and the PKA inhibitor, H89, both inhibited UCP1 expression stimulated by rosiglitazone and forskolin but PGC1αexpression was not altered to the same extent. Reporter studies demonstrated that combined rosiglitazone and forskolin synergistically activated transcription from a full length 3.1 kbp UCP1 luciferase promoter construct, but the response was only additive and much reduced when a minimal 260 bp proximal UCP1 promoter was examined. Rosiglitazone and forskolin in combination were able to synergistically stimulate promoters comprising of tandem repeats of either PPREs or CREs. We conclude that rosiglitazone and forskolin act together to synergistically activate the UCP1 promoter directly rather than by increasing PGC1αexpression and by a mechanism involving cross-talk between the signalling systems regulating the CRE and PPRE on the promoters.
Incremental Optimization Mechanism for Constructing a Decision Tree in Data Stream Mining
Authors: Yang Hang , Fong Simon
Published: March 2013

Imperfect data stream leads to tree size explosion and detrimental accuracy problems. Overfitting problem and the imbalanced class distribution reduce the performance of the original decision-tree algorithm for stream mining. In this paper, we propose an incremental optimization mechanism to solve these problems. The mechanism is called Optimized Very Fast Decision Tree (OVFDT) that possesses an optimized node-splitting control mechanism. Accuracy, tree size, and the learning time are the significant factors influencing the algorithm’s performance. Naturally a bigger tree size takes longer computation time. OVFDT is a pioneer model equipped with an incremental optimization mechanism that seeks for a balance between accuracy and tree size for data stream mining. It operates incrementally by a test-then-train approach. Three types of functional tree leaves improve the accuracy with which the tree model makes a prediction for a new data stream in the testing phase. The optimized node-splitting mechanism controls the tree model growth in the training phase. The experiment shows that OVFDT obtains an optimal tree structure in both numeric and nominal datasets.
Nonsingularity Conditions for FB System of Reformulating Nonlinear Second-Order Cone Programming
Authors: Pan Shaohua , Bi Shujun , Chen Jein-Shan
Published: March 2013

This paper is a counterpart of Bi et al., 2011. For a locally optimal solution to the nonlinear second-order cone programming (SOCP), specifically, under Robinson’s constraint qualification, we establish the equivalence among the following three conditions: the nonsingularity of Clarke’s Jacobian of Fischer-Burmeister (FB) nonsmooth system for the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker conditions, the strong second-order sufficient condition and constraint nondegeneracy, and the strong regularity of the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker point.
Fabrication of High Transparency Diamond-Like Carbon Film Coating on D263T Glass at Room Temperature as an Antireflection Layer
Authors: Lin Chii-Ruey , Chang Hong-Ming , Chang Chien-Kuo
Published: March 2013

This study intends to deposit high transmittance diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films on D263T glass substrate at room temperature via a diamond powder target using the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique. Moreover, various process parameters were used to tune the properties of the thin films by using the Taguchi method. Experimental results show that the content of sp3bonded carbon decreases in accordance with the effect of the substrate temperature. In addition, the hardness of all as-deposited single-layer DLC films ranges from 13.2 to 22.5 GPa, and the RMS surface roughness was improved significantly with the decrease in sputtering pressure. The water repellent of the deposited DLC films improved significantly with the increase of the sp3content, and its contact angle was larger than that of the noncoated one by 1.45 times. Furthermore, the refraction index (n) of all as-deposited DLC films ranges from 1.95 to 2.1 atλ= 600 nm. These results demonstrate that the thickness increased as the reflectance increased. DLC film under an RF power of 150 W possesses high transmissive ability (>81%) and low average reflectance ability (<9.5%) in the visible wavelengths (atλ= 400–700 nm).
Exploring Antiurolithic Effects of Gokshuradi Polyherbal Ayurvedic Formulation in Ethylene-Glycol-Induced Urolithic Rats
Authors: Shirfule Amol L. , Racharla Venkatesh , Qadri S. S. Y. H. , Khandare Arjun L.
Published: March 2013

Gokshuradi Yog (GY)is a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation used traditionally for several decades in India for the treatment of urolithiasis. The aim of the present study was to determine the underlying mechanism ofGYaction in the management of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. The effect ofGokshuradi polyherbal aqueous extracts(GPAEs) was studied on various biochemical parameters involved in calcium oxalate formation by employingin vitroandin vivomethods.GPAEexhibited significant antioxidant activity against 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical and inhibited lipid peroxidation in thein vitroexperiments. The rat model of urolithiasis induced by 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1% ammonium chloride (AC) in water caused polyuria, weight loss, impairment of renal function, and oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in untreated control groups. However,GPAE-(25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) treated groups caused diuresis accompanied by a saluretic effect and revealed significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activities along with decreased oxalate synthesizing biochemical parameters at higher doses. This study revealed the antiurolithic effect ofGPAEmediated possibly through inhibiting biochemical parameters involved in calcium oxalate formation, along with its diuretic and antioxidant effects, hence supporting its use in the treatment of calcium oxalate urolithiasis.
Modeling the Dynamic Failure of Railroad Tank Cars Using a Physically Motivated Internal State Variable Plasticity/Damage Nonlocal Model
Authors: Ahad Fazle R. , Enakoutsa Koffi , Solanki Kiran N. , Tjiptowidjojo Yustianto , Bammann Douglas J.
Published: March 2013

We used a physically motivated internal state variable plasticity/damage model containing a mathematical length scale to idealize the material response in finite element simulations of a large-scale boundary value problem. The problem consists of a moving striker colliding against a stationary hazmat tank car. The motivations are (1) to reproduce with high fidelity finite deformation and temperature histories, damage, and high rate phenomena that may arise during the impact accident and (2) to address the material postbifurcation regime pathological mesh size issues. We introduce the mathematical length scale in the model by adopting a nonlocal evolution equation for the damage, as suggested by Pijaudier-Cabot and Bazant in the context of concrete. We implement this evolution equation into existing finite element subroutines of the plasticity/failure model. The results of the simulations, carried out with the aid of Abaqus/Explicit finite element code, show that the material model, accounting for temperature histories and nonlocal damage effects, satisfactorily predicts the damage progression during the tank car impact accident and significantly reduces the pathological mesh size effects.
Limit Cycles and Integrability in a Class of Systems with High-Order Nilpotent Critical Points
Authors: Li Feng , Qiu Jianlong
Published: March 2013

A class of polynomial differential systems with high-order nilpotent critical points are investigated in this paper. Those systems could be changed into systems with an element critical point. The center conditions and bifurcation of limit cycles could be obtained by classical methods. Finally, an example was given; with the help of computer algebra system MATHEMATICA, the first 5 Lyapunov constants are deduced. As a result, sufficient and necessary conditions in order to have a center are obtained. The fact that there exist 5 small amplitude limit cycles created from the high-order nilpotent critical point is also proved.
Expression of Glutathione Peroxidase and Glutathione Reductase and Level of Free Radical Processes under Toxic Hepatitis in Rats
Authors: Iskusnykh Igor Y. , Popova Tatyana N. , Agarkov Aleksander A. , Pinheiro de Carvalho Miguel Â. A. , Rjevskiy Stanislav G.
Published: March 2013

Correlation between intensity of free radical processes estimated by biochemiluminesce parameters, content of lipoperoxidation products, and changes of glutathione peroxidase (GP, EC 1.11.1.9) and glutathione reductase (GR, EC 1.6.4.2) activities at rats liver injury, after 12, 36, 70, 96, 110, and 125 hours & tetrachloromethane administration have been investigated. The histological examination of the liver sections of rats showed that prominent hepatocytes with marked vacuolisation and inflammatory cells which were arranged around the necrotic tissue are more at 96 h after exposure to CCl4. Moreover maximum increase in GR and GP activities, 2.1 and 2.5 times, respectively, was observed at 96 h after exposure to CCl4, what coincided with the maximum of free radical oxidation processes. Using a combination of reverse transcription and real-time polymerase chain reaction, expression of the glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase genes (Gpx1 and Gsr) was analyzed by the determination of their respective mRNAs in the rat liver tissue under toxic hepatitis conditions. The analyses of Gpx1 and Gsr expression revealed that the transcript levels increased in 2.5- and 3.0-folds, respectively. Western blot analysis revealed that the amounts of hepatic Gpx1 and Gsr proteins increased considerably after CCl4administration. It can be proposed that the overexpression of these enzymes could be a mechanism of enhancement of hepatocytes tolerance to oxidative stress.
The Effects of High-Dose Qinggan Huoxue Recipe on Acute Liver Failure Induced by D-Galactosamine in Rats
Authors: Zhu Hong , Zhang Yang , Hu Xiaoyu , Yi Cheng , Zhong Sen , Wang Yanyan , Yang Fang
Published: March 2013

Qinggan Huoxue Recipe is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has been usually used to improve liver function in hepatitis. In order to investigate the effects of high-dose Qinggan Huoxue Recipe on acute liver failure and explore the potential mechanism, we had built acute liver failure models in rats by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (D-GalN). High-dose Qinggan Huoxue Recipe was delivered by gavage. After treatment, the blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), cholinesterase (CHE), and prothrombin time (PT) were determined. The pathological score of liver tissue was recorded. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry staining and fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and Caspase-3 were performed. The survival curve was also depicted. Our results demonstrated that high-dose Qinggan Huoxue Recipe could significantly improve liver function and increase survival rates in rats with acute liver failure. These effects were supposed to be mediated by suppressing inflammatory reaction and apoptosis.
Applying LU Decomposition of Matrices to Design Anonymity Bilateral Remote User Authentication Scheme
Authors: Li Xiong , Niu Jianwei , Khan Muhammad Khurram , Wang Zhibo
Published: March 2013

We apply LU decomposition of matrices to present an anonymous bilateral authentication scheme. This paper aims at improving security and providing more excellent performances for remote user authentication scheme. The proposed scheme can provide bilateral authentication and session key agreement, can quickly check the validity of the input password, and can really protect the user anonymity. The security of the proposed scheme is based on the discrete logarithm problem (DLP), Diffie-Hellman problem (DHP), and the one-way hash function. It can resist various attacks such as insider attack, impersonation attack, server spoofing attack, and stolen smart card attack. Moreover, the presented scheme is computationally efficient for real-life implementation.
Transmitted Waveform Design Based on Iterative Methods
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Jinkuan , Song Xin , Xin Fengming
Published: March 2013

In intelligent radar, it is an important problem for the transmitted waveform to adapt to the environment in which radar works. In this paper, we propose mutual information model of adaptive waveform design, which can convert the problem of adaptive waveform design into the problem of optimization. We consider two situations of no clutter and clutter and use Newton method and interior point method to solve the optimization problem. Then we can draw the design criterion for the transmitted waveform in cognitive radar and get a greater mutual information from the simulation results. Finally, the whole paper is summarized.
Improved Method forEx Ovo-Cultivation of Developing Chicken Embryos for Human Stem Cell Xenografts
Authors: Schomann Timo , Qunneis Firas , Widera Darius , Kaltschmidt Christian , Kaltschmidt Barbara
Published: March 2013

The characterization of human stem cells for the usability in regenerative medicine is particularly based on investigations regarding their differentiation potentialin vivo. In this regard, the chicken embryo model represents an ideal model organism. However, the access to the chicken embryo is only achievable by windowing the eggshell resulting in limited visibility and accessibility in subsequent experiments. On the contrary,ex ovo-culture systems avoid such negative side effects. Here, we present an improvedex ovo-cultivation method enabling the embryos to survive 13 daysin vitro. Optimized cultivation of chicken embryos resulted in a normal development regarding their size and weight. Ourex ovo-approach closely resembles the development of chicken embryosin ovo, as demonstrated by properly developed nervous system, bones, and cartilage at expected time points. Finally, we investigated the usability of our method for trans-species transplantation of adult stem cells by injecting human neural crest-derived stem cells into late Hamburger and Hamilton stages (HH26–HH28/E5—E6) ofex ovo-incubated embryos. We demonstrated the integration of human cells allowing experimentally easy investigation of the differentiation potential in the proper developmental context. Taken together, thisex ovo-method supports the prolonged cultivation of properly developing chicken embryos enabling integration studies of xenografted mammalian stem cells at late developmental stages.
Oscillation Criteria for Some New Generalized Emden-Fowler Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Liu Haidong , Liu Puchen
Published: March 2013

By means of novel analytical techniques, we have established several new oscillation criteria for the generalized Emden-Fowler dynamic equation on a time scale𝕋, that is,(r(t)|ZΔ(t)|α-1ZΔ(t))Δ+f(t,x(δ(t)))=0, with respect to the case∫t0∞r-1/α(s)Δs=∞and the case∫t0∞r-1/α(s)Δs<∞, whereZ(t)=x(t)+p(t)x(τ(t)),  αis a constant,|f(t,u)|⩾q(t)|uβ|,βis a constant satisfyingα⩾β>0, andr,p, andqare real valued right-dense continuous nonnegative functions defined on𝕋. Noting the parameter valueαprobably unequal toβ, our equation factually includes the existing models as special cases; our results are more general and have wider adaptive range than others' work in the literature.
Controllability of Linear Discrete-Time Systems with Both Delayed States and Delayed Inputs
Authors: Shi Hong , Xie Guangming , Luo Wenguang
Published: March 2013

The controllability issues for discrete-time linear systems with delay in state and control are addressed. By introducing a new concept, the controllability realization index (CRI), the characteristic of controllability is revealed. An easily testable necessary and sufficient condition for the controllability of discrete-time linear systems with state and control delay is established.
Application ofGlycyrrhiza glabraRoot as a Novel Adsorbent in the Removal of Toluene Vapors: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Study
Authors: Mohammadi-Moghadam Fazel , Amin Mohammad Mehdi , Khiadani (Hajian) Mehdi , Momenbeik Fariborz , Nourmoradi Heshmatollah , Hatamipour Mohammad Sadegh
Published: March 2013

The aim of this paper is to investigate the removal of toluene from gaseous solution throughGlycyrrhiza glabraroot (GGR) as a waste material. The batch adsorption experiments were conducted at various conditions including contact time, adsorbate concentration, humidity, and temperature. The adsorption capacity was increased by raising the sorbent humidity up to 50 percent. The adsorption of toluene was also increased over contact time by 12 h when the sorbent was saturated. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich model fitted the adsorption data better than other kinetic and isotherm models, respectively. The Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm also showed that the sorption by GGR was physical in nature. The results of the thermodynamic analysis illustrated that the adsorption process is exothermic. GGR as a novel adsorbent has not previously been used for the adsorption of pollutants.
Composite Three-Marker Assay for Early Detection of Kidney Cancer
Authors: Su Kim Dong , Choi Young Deuk , Moon Mihyang , Kang Suki , Lim Jong-Baeck , Kim Kyung Min , Park Kyung Mok , Cho Nam Hoon
Published: March 2013

Background: Early detection of renal cell carcinoma using serum/plasma biomarkers remains challenging. To validate clinical performance of potential candidate markers for kidney tumors, three-marker assay composed of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), L-plastin (LCP1), and nonmetastatic cells 1 protein (NM23A) was evaluated.

Methods: Patients with kidney cancer and control group were included in the clinical evaluation. Participants were divided into cohorts representing the training group of control group including healthy and benign tumors (n = 102) and patients with kidney cancer (n = 87) that were used to identify criteria for scoring. Then, we developed a three-marker assay that was validated with a cohort of test group samples (n = 100). A scoring method based on the cut-point of each of the three markers was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the marker combination.

Results: Plasma levels of NNMT, LCP1, and NM23A were highly elevated in patients with kidney cancer (P < 0.0001). In 289 blind sample tests with control subjects (n = 175) and patients with kidney cancer (n = 114), the diagnostic accuracy of NNMT alone and the three-marker assay was 0.913 and 0.932, respectively. When 90% specificity was defined, the sensitivity of NNMT and the three-marker assay was 71.9% and 95.7%, respectively. The predictive value of the three-marker assay was 87.2% (+PPV) and 97% (−PPV).

Conclusions: The composite assay with NNMT, LCP1, and NM23A was a promising novel serum marker assay for the early detection of malignant kidney tumors covering subtypes of RCC with high diagnostic characteristics.

Impact: NNMT/LCP1/NM23A triple markers could be a helpful screening assay to detect early RCC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(3); 390–8. ©2013 AACR.
Sagittal Area of the Vocal Tract in Young Female Children
Authors: Denny Margaret , McGowan Richard S.
Published: March 2013

Objective: To measure the sagittal areas of the front and back cavities of the vocal tract in children acquiring speech. Patients and Methods: Ten female children were selected from the Serial Experimental collection of the Burlington Growth Centre in Toronto, Canada. Each of the 10 children was seen annually from ages 3 through 8. Data collections included lateral cephalograms in occlusion. We traced those cephalograms and identified landmarks to delineate the front and back cavities. The sagittal areas of the front and back cavities were calculated. A measure of the angle of the head to the cervical vertebrae was made. Results: Front cavities were larger and grew faster. For both front and back cavities, age, angle measure, and the interaction of age and angle measure were significant. Conclusion: Space available for the tongue to maneuver is greater anteriorly than posteriorly even when the jaw is maximally elevated.
Therapieziel Motivkongruenz: Eine Kasuistik
Authors: Gieselmann Annika , Schneider Ronald
Published: March 2013

Die gängigen Behandlungsmanuale zur Therapie der Sozialen Phobie legen einen großen Schwerpunkt auf die Durchführung von Verhaltensexperimenten. Jedoch ist das Methodenspektrum dieses störungsspezifischen Ansatzes wesentlich begrenzter, wenn sich ein Patient nicht auf Verhaltensexperimente einlassen will und kann. Im Rahmen dieser Kasuistik wird die Behandlung eines 23-jährigen sozialphobischen Patienten mit komorbider ängstlich (vermeidender) Persönlichkeitsstörung beschrieben, in der ergänzend zu den gängigen verhaltenstherapeutischen Manualen auf störungsübergreifende Rationale von Grawe und Kuhl zurückgegriffen wurde. Der anfänglich gezeigte Widerstand des Patienten wurde als Ausdruck von Inkonsistenzerleben und Selbstentfremdung verstanden. Die Falldarstellung zeigt, dass die Behandlung profitiert, wenn der Patient frustrierte Grundbedürfnisse und Erwartungen des sozialen Umfelds, die nicht zu den eigenen Motiven passen, besser erkennt und lernt, entsprechend gegenzusteuern.
Comparative Analysis of the Organization of the Cholinergic System in the Brains of Two Holostean Fishes, the Florida Gar Lepisosteus platyrhincus and the Bowfin Amia calva
Authors: Morona Ruth , López Jesús M. , Northcutt R. Glenn , González Agustín
Published: March 2013

The cholinergic system in the brain has been widely studied in most vertebrate groups, but there is no information available about this neurotransmission system in the brains of holostean fishes, a primitive and poorly understood group of actinopterygian fishes. The present study provides the first detailed information on the distribution of cholinergic cell bodies and fibers in the central nervous system in two holostean species, the Florida gar, Lepisosteus platyrhincus, and the bowfin, Amia calva. Immmunohistochemistry against the enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) revealed distinct groups of ChAT-immunoreactive (ChAT-ir) cells in the habenula, isthmic nucleus, laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, octavolateral area, reticular formation, cranial nerve motor nuclei and the motor column of the spinal cord, all of which seem to be highly conserved among vertebrates. Some ChAT-ir cells were detected in the basal telencephalon that appear in actinopterygians for the first time in the evolution of this neurotransmission system, whereas the remarkable cholinergic population in the optic tectum is a peculiar characteristic, the presence of which varies throughout evolution, although it is present in all teleosts studied. Abundant cholinergic fibers were found in the pretectal region and optic tectum, where they probably modulate vision, and in the hypothalamus and the interpeduncular neuropil. Some interspecific differences were also observed, such as the presence of ChAT-ir cells in the supraoptoparaventricular band only in Lepisosteus and in in the nucleus subglomerulosus only in Amia. In addition, ChAT-ir fibers in the olfactory bulb were detected only in Amia. Comparison of these results with those from other classes of vertebrates, and a segmental analysis to correlate cell populations, reveal that the pattern of the cholinergic system in holosteans is very close to that in ancestral actinopterygian fishes, as recently described in the bichir (Cladistia), although an important evolutionary novelty in holosteans is the presence of cholinergic cells in the basal telencephalon.
Elevated Head Circumference-to-Height Ratio Is an Early and Frequent Feature in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Karvonen Marjo , Saari Antti , Hannila Marja-Leena , Lönnqvist Tuula , Dunkel Leo , Sankilampi Ulla
Published: March 2013

Background/Aims: Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) tend to be macrocephalic and short. Our aim was to define the incidence and diagnostic accuracy of elevated head circumference-to-height ratio (HCHR) in children with NF1 and to assess if elevated HCHR would facilitate early diagnosis of NF1. Methods: Retrospective analysis of growth and health data of 80 NF1 patients aged 0-7 years was performed. The incidence and diagnostic accuracy of elevated HCHR for NF1 was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: The median age when the first elevated (≥2.0 SDS) HCHR value was detected was 0.3 years (range 0.0-5.3). At the median age of diagnosis (3.6 years), 53.8% of NF1 children exhibited elevated HCHR. The diagnostic accuracy of HCHR alone was 0.78 (95% CI 0.72-0.84), but in comparison with the seven National Institutes of Health diagnostic criteria for NF1, elevated HCHR was the second most prevalent feature. Conclusion: Elevated HCHR is an early and frequent feature in NF1 children. Taking HCHR into account would facilitate the early detection of NF1.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Prepubertal Children Born Small for Gestational Age: Influence of Rapid Weight Catch-Up Growth
Authors: Faienza Maria Felicia , Brunetti Giacomina , Ventura Annamaria , D'Aniello Mariangela , Pepe Tiziana , Giordano Paola , Monteduro Mariantonietta , Cavallo Luciano
Published: March 2013

Background/Aims: We studied the association of low birth weight with ultrasound-assessed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to test the hypothesis that fetal growth retardation followed by a rapid weight catch-up growth might be an additional factor responsible for liver steatosis via insulin resistance (IR) and/or intra-abdominal fat. Methods: We enrolled 23 children born small for gestational age (SGA) with a rapid catch-up growth within the first 6-12 months, and 24 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children as controls. All children underwent anthropometric, body composition measurements and evaluation of liver function tests, lipid profile, plasma glucose and insulin levels. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in order to asses liver steatosis and thickness of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue. Results: NAFLD were observed in 8 out of the 23 SGA children (34.8%). IR and visceral fat were significantly increased in children with hepatic steatosis compared to those without. IR index was significantly related to liver steatosis, independently of body mass index standard deviation score and visceral fat. Conclusions: NAFLD should be recognized as an emerging problem in SGA prepubertal children who presented a rapid weight gain in postnatal life, and IR plays the key role. An appropriate diet during pregnancy and in the first year of life might prevent metabolic syndrome and NAFLD in these subjects.
Nahtinsuffizienz intestinaler Anastomosen: Endoskopische und laparoskopische Therapieoptionen
Authors: Werner Jens , Sauer Peter
Published: March 2013

Hintergrund: Anastomoseninsuffizienzen stellen die schwerwiegendste septische Komplikation nach viszeralchirurgischen Eingriffen dar. Neben der chirurgischen Therapie sind zunehmend endoskopische Behandlungsoptionen möglich. Methode: Literaturübersicht. Ergebnisse: Therapieoptionen von Anastomoseninsuffizienzen sind abhängig von der klinischen Symptomatik, der Art der Anastomose, der Defektgröße, den lokalen Gewebeverhältnissen sowie dem Zeitpunkt der Diagnose. Bei einer Nekrose oder Minderdurchblutung der Viszeralorgane müssen diese operativ reseziert werden. Prinzipiell sind alle operativen Revisionseingriffe auch laparoskopisch durchführbar. Bei erhaltener Gewebeperfusion können die Leckagen lokal übernäht oder endoskopisch verschlossen werden. Die Ergebnisse für die Stenttherapie nach Ösophagus- und Magenresektionen sind für moderne Stents sehr Erfolg versprechend. Im Gegensatz dazu sind die Ergebnisse der endoskopischen Stenttherapie bei Insuffizienz nach kolorektalen Eingriffen enttäuschend; dafür steht hier mit der Schwammtherapie eine vielversprechende endoskopische Alternative zur Verfügung. Schlussfolgerung: Die aktuellen Daten zeigen, dass neue laparoskopische und endoskopische Optionen zur Therapie von Anastomoseninsuffizienzen bestehen, die jedoch noch in prospektiven und randomisierten Studien evaluiert werden müssen.
Endoskopie als Baustein der interventionellen Therapie infizierter Pankreasnekrosen
Authors: Fellermann Klaus
Published: March 2013

Hintergrund: Die Mortalität von Pankreatitiden wird - abgesehen vom Organversagen - meist nicht durch akute Komplikationen, sondern durch Spätfolgen bestimmt. Gefürchtet sind hierbei die infektbedingten Veränderungen wie z.B. die infizierten Nekrosen. Eine Nekrosektomie gilt dabei nach wie vor als das Verfahren der Wahl, wohl wissend, dass sich die Prognose des Patienten damit verschlechtert. Methode und Ergebnisse: Unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Literatur - speziell der neuen Einteilung pankreatischer Flüssigkeitskollektionen - werden die derzeit verfügbaren Techniken und Herangehensweisen gegenübergestellt. Schlussfolgerung: Weniger invasive oder beeinträchtigende Verfahren lösen ein radikales Vorgehen mehr und mehr ab, wobei nicht jeder größere Eingriff verhindert werden kann. Das Zusammenspiel diverser Fachrichtungen ist gefordert und sollte bestmöglich nach einem Step-up-Ansatz erfolgen, indem minimal invasiv begonnen wird und die offene Nekrosektomie eine Ausnahme bleiben sollte. Es gilt nach wie vor der Leitspruch «ubi pus, ibi evacua».
Synchronous Occurrence of Advanced Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Tubular Adenocarcinoma of the Rectum
Authors: Nakayama Yoshifumi , Torigoe Takayuki , Minagawa Noritaka , Uehara Toshihito , Yamaguchi Koji
Published: March 2013

This report presents a rare case with the synchronous occurrence of advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) and tubular adenocarcinoma of the rectum. A 52-year-old Japanese male presented with general fatigue and bloody stool. Endoscopic examination showed an ulcerated lesion of the lower rectum. The pathological diagnosis of biopsy specimens from this lesion indicated moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. He was referred to the surgical outpatient clinic with advanced rectal cancer. Barium enema indicated two lesions in the upper and lower rectum. Computed tomography revealed multiple hepatic metastases. A low anterior resection was performed with lymph node dissection. The resected specimen indicated an elevated lesion with ulceration in the upper rectum and an ulcerated lesion in the lower rectum. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed NEC from the upper rectum and moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma from the lower rectum. These two lesions were completely separated from each other. Therefore, this case demonstrates the synchronous occurrence of advanced NEC and tubular adenocarcinoma in the rectum.
Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of the endemic Asian salamander family Hynobiidae (Amphibia, Caudata)
Authors: WEISROCK DAVID W. , MACEY J. ROBERT , MATSUI MASAFUMI , MULCAHY DANIEL G.
Published: March 2013

The salamander family Hynobiidae contains over 50 species and has been the subject of a number of molecular phylo-genetic investigations aimed at reconstructing branches across the entire family. In general, studies using the greatest amount of sequence data have used reduced taxon sampling, while the study with the greatest taxon sampling has used a limited sequence data set. Here, we provide insights into the phylogenetic history of the Hynobiidae using both dense taxon sampling and a large mitochondrial DNA sequence data set. We report exclusive new mitochondrial DNA data of 2566 aligned bases (with 151 excluded sites, of included sites 1157 are variable with 957 parsimony informative). This is sampled from two genic regions encoding a 12S–16S region (the 3’ end of 12S rRNA, tRNAVAl, and the 5’ end of 16S rRNA), and a ND2–COI region (ND2, tRNATrp, tRNAAla, tRNAAsn, the origin for light strand replication—OL, tRNACys, tRNATyr, and the 5’ end of COI). Analyses using parsimony, Bayesian, and maximum likelihood optimality criteria produce similar phylogenetic trees, with discordant branches generally receiving low levels of branch support. Monophyly of the Hynobiidae is strongly supported across all analyses, as is the sister relationship and deep divergence between the genus Onychodactylus with all remaining hynobiids. Within this latter grouping our phylogenetic results identify six clades that are relatively divergent from one another, but for which there is minimal support for their phy-logenetic placement. This includes the genus Batrachuperus, the genus Hynobius, the genus Pachyhynobius, the genus Salamandrella, a clade containing the genera Ranodon and Paradactylodon, and a clade containing the genera Liua and Pseudohynobius. This latter clade receives low bootstrap support in the parsimony analysis, but is consistent across all three analytical methods. Our results also clarify a number of well-supported relationships within the larger Batrachu-perus and Hynobius clades. While the relationships identified in this study do much to clarify the phylogenetic history of the Hynobiidae, the poor resolution among major hynobiid clades, and the contrast of mtDNA-derived relationships with recent phylogenetic results from a small number of nuclear genes, highlights the need for continued phylogenetic study with larger numbers of nuclear loci.
Four new species of Polycirrus Grube, 1850 (Polychaeta: Terebellidae) from Campos Basin, southeastern Brazil
Authors: CARRERETTE ORLEMIR , NOGUEIRA JOÃO MIGUEL DE MATOS
Published: March 2013

Four new species of Polycirrus were collected at the Campos Basin, state of Rio de Janeiro, during a survey coordinated by CENPES/PETROBRAS under the scope of the project, "Environmental Heterogeneity in the Campos Basin". These species are P. nonatoi sp. nov., P. papillosus sp. nov., P. breviuncinatus sp. nov., and P. habitats sp. nov. All these species are herein described and compared with the morphologically most similar congeners. In addition, a key is provided for the identification of the species of Polycirrus which have been originally described for the Brazilian coast.
A review of the Colletes succinctus-group (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) from China with redescription of the male of C. gigas
Authors: NIU ZE-QING , KUHLMANN MICHAEL , ZHU CHAO-DONG
Published: March 2013

Four species of the Colletes succinctus-group known from China are reviewed and a key to species is provided. Colletes gigas Cockerell, 1918 is recognized as a member of the Colletes succinctus-group for the first time based on a redescrip-tion of the male.
Liquid Water Cloud Measurements Using the Raman Lidar Technique: Current Understanding and Future Research Needs
Authors: Sakai Tetsu , Whiteman David N. , Russo Felicita , Turner David D. , Veselovskii Igor , Melfi S. Harvey , Nagai Tomohiro , Mano Yuzo
Published: March 2013

This paper describes recent work in the Raman lidar liquid water cloud measurement technique. The range-resolved spectral measurements at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Space Flight Center indicate that the Raman backscattering spectra measured in and below low clouds agree well with theoretical spectra for vapor and liquid water. The calibration coefficients of the liquid water measurement for the Raman lidar at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Southern Great Plains site of the U.S. Department of Energy were determined by comparison with the liquid water path (LWP) obtained with Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) and the liquid water content (LWC) obtained with the millimeter wavelength cloud radar and water vapor radiometer (MMCR–WVR) together. These comparisons were used to estimate the Raman liquid water cross-sectional value. The results indicate a bias consistent with an effective liquid water Raman cross-sectional value that is 28%–46% lower than published, which may be explained by the fact that the difference in the detectors' sensitivity has not been accounted for. The LWP of a thin altostratus cloud showed good qualitative agreement between lidar retrievals and AERI. However, the overall ensemble of comparisons of LWP showed considerable scatter, possibly because of the different fields of view of the instruments, the 350-m distance between the instruments, and the horizontal inhomogeneity of the clouds. The LWC profiles for a thick stratus cloud showed agreement between lidar retrievals and MMCR–WVR between the cloud base and 150 m above that where the optical depth was less than 3. Areas requiring further research in this technique are discussed.
Why Not Non-native Varieties of English as Listening Comprehension Test Input?
Authors: Abeywickrama Priyanvada
Published: March 2013

The existence of different varieties of English in target language use (TLU) domains calls into question the usefulness of listening comprehension tests whose input is limited only to a native speaker variety. This study investigated the impact of non-native varieties or accented English speech on test takers from three different English use contexts: Korea, Sri Lanka and Brazil. The findings showed that the variety of English or accented speech used had no impact on test taker’s performance on a listening test for academic purposes. Also test takers from the three different countries performed similarly even when the speakers shared the same native languages as the test takers. Despite these findings students still perceived that a native variety of English should be used in listening comprehension tests. Though the study suggests the use of non-native varieties as test input, it also raises questions of fairness in the use of such varieties.
Examining Transcription, Autonomy and Reflective Practice in Language Development
Authors: Cooke Simon D.
Published: March 2013

This pilot study explores language development among a class of L2 students who were required to transcribe and reflect upon spoken performances. The class was given tasks for self and peer-evaluation and afforded the opportunity to assume more responsibility for assessing language development of both themselves and their peers. Several studies (Lynch, 2001; Lynch, 2007; Mennim, 2003) have promoted the use of student transcription activities to help students make their output ‘more comprehensible, elaborate or sophisticated’ (Stillwell et al., 2010: 446) and reflection and reflective learning models have been described as key psychological components of autonomy (Benson, 2011: 104; Kohonen,1992). In examining these concepts, this study focuses on students’ perceived input, or noticing of weaknesses in their speaking skills as evidenced through transcription activities. The research shows how transcription and reflective practice can help support the development of noticing, arguably a key element in the autonomous acquisition of new language and language development.
Examining English Language Learning Motivation of Adult International Learners Studying Abroad in the US
Authors: Weger Heather D.
Published: March 2013

The present study reports on the motivations of adult, international learners of English, studying English 20 hours a week in a US-based Intensive English Program (IEP). Though often used as participants in language acquisition studies, there are few studies of these learners’ motivational profiles. In the current study, a questionnaire designed to measure language attitudes, learning orientations, and learning confidence was administered to 131 IEP learners. Factor analysis of the responses revealed five motivation components: Learning Self-Confidence, Attitudes toward English Language Learning/Community, Personal English Use, Value of English Learning, and International Posture. The results attest to a dualistic nature of instrumentality and suggest that even in a study abroad setting, international English learners are less motivated by positive attitudes toward the English community and more motivated by a sense of personal pride in learning and using English, even when learning confidence is low.
Two Mentor Practices that Generate Teacher Reflection without Explicit Solicitations: Some Preliminary Considerations
Authors: Waring Hansun Zhang
Published: March 2013

Despite the push for fostering reflective practices in teacher education in the last 20 years, true reflection remains rare (Farr, 2011). Based on a detailed analysis of four mentor-teacher meetings in a graduate TESOL program, I show how specific mentor practices generate teacher reflection without explicit solicitations. Findings of this study provide some much needed specifications of what transpires at the level of interaction in mentor-teacher meetings in the context of second language teacher education. By engaging video as opposed to audio data, the study also offers an important methodological extension to the existing work.
Aging, irony, and wisdom: On the narrative psychology of later life
Authors: Randall William L.
Published: March 2013

This paper introduces the idea that aging inclines us naturally toward an ironic stance on life. The conscious cultivation of that stance through some form of narrative reflection is linked to the development of wisdom, where wisdom is understood in terms of deepened knowledge of the “stories” of our lives. Such reflection heightens our awareness of the inherently ironic nature of our inner world—a complex, quasi-literary world toward which we occupy multiple points of view. In exploring these ideas, the concept of narrative foreclosure is discussed, as is that of “positive aging.”
Inferring musical structure through bodily gestures
Authors: MacRitchie Jennifer , Buck Bryony , Bailey Nicholas J.
Published: March 2013

Despite the idiosyncrasies present in bodily motion during musical performances, it is suggested that these movements are not incidental but instead contribute to the meaning of performed music. Nine pianists performing two Chopin Preludes are recorded using Vicon motion capture, in synchrony with audio and MIDI recordings. Using principal components analysis (PCA) on the recorded upper body motion, motion profiles for each pianist are formed from the weighted combinations of these components. This measure of global body movement produces a comparable measure across performers and pieces, whilst keeping the performers’ interpretative gestures in view of their whole concept of the piece intact. This study proposes that performers use these motions as a way of corporeally manifesting their interpretative choices. It is suggested that their overall body motion is underscored by such structures as interpreted from the written music. Results show evident underlying musical structure across performers’ motion profiles. These profiles are seen to be constructed from functions of harmonic and melodic relationships in the score. These findings hold significant implications for research into music perception, pedagogy and development of computational technologies for the analysis of music performance.
‘This New Mode of Expression’: The Idea of Animation in 1930s France
Authors: Moen Kristian
Published: March 2013

In France during the 1930s, the popular press and film journals offered a lively and multifaceted discussion of animation. This article examines how, within this discourse, animation was envisioned as a new form of art with its own expressive potentials. The author traces how ideas of the form were articulated in terms of animation aesthetics, animation’s relationship to other artistic and cultural forms, and animation’s history. Developing an approach to animation history that focuses on its reception and discourse, this article elaborates on the cultural formation of an idea of animation.