ALBERT

Description: Background This study examined the effectiveness of using Physical Activity Consultation (PAC) as an addition to the standard smoking cessation treatment in Malaysia. We explored participants’ experiences in terms of physical activity and smoking abstinence with the combined PAC and smoking cessation intervention. Methods Walk-in smokers from a local smoking cessation clinic volunteered for the 8-week intervention program, while undergoing standard smoking cessation treatment. In Week 1, a facilitator conducted a face-to-face intervention to explore participants’ involvement in physical activity and helped to set physical activity strategies and goals for participants to increase physical activity levels. Participants were provided with follow-up phone calls at Weeks 3 and 6. Participants answered questionnaires that measured smoking withdrawal (Shiffman–Jarvik Withdrawal Scale), cessation self-efficacy (Cessation Self-efficacy Questionnaire), physical activity involvement (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and mood (Brunel Mood Scale) upon recruitment, at post-intervention and at follow-up 3 months after the intervention ended. Participants also responded to interviews about their experiences with the PAC and smoking cessation treatment at post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Results Seven participants completed the program until follow-up. All were successfully abstinent. Only two participants increased physical activity levels, whereas others maintained their physical activity levels or showed slight decreases. Several themes were identified in this study, including participants’ experiences with withdrawal symptoms, smoking cessation self-efficacy, triggers to smoking cessation, thoughts on standard smoking cessation treatment in Malaysia, physical activity involvement, mood, and thoughts and beliefs on combining smoking cessation and physical activity. Conclusions This study suggests PAC was helpful in maintaining or increasing the overall physical activity levels of participants and could assist with smoking abstinence. Findings showed that all participants who stayed in the program were successfully abstinent. In general, the findings in this study provided promising results for further research on PAC as an adjunct to smoking cessation treatments in Malaysia. Trial registration This intervention is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Trial registration number: ACTRN12616000269437).

Description: Background Ultrasound-guided cannulation of deep mid-arm veins by a modified Seldinger (US-Seldinger) technique has been demonstrated to yield better puncture success rates and lower postoperative complication rates than direct cannulation of superficial veins near the elbow with a short peripheral cannula and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion through the cannula (non-US conventional method). Economic factors have been evaluated across different operators (i.e. nurses, radiologists, and general practitioners) and different venous catheter types (i.e. PICCs vs. central venous catheters). However, to our knowledge, data describing the economic evaluation on the aforementioned modified Seldinger technique are lacking. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of US-Seldinger technique (experimental group) compared with that of the non-US conventional method based on direct vein visualization (control group). Results A cohort of 360 subjects were assigned randomly to the experimental and control groups. Cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) analyses indicated that the effectiveness index (EI) for the experimental group was 89.29% (final CER = 3732.75), whereas that for the control group was 59.18% (final CER = 2492.98). Conclusion The US-Seldinger technique was found to be more cost-effective than the non-US conventional method. These findings support the use of the former in place of the traditional latter technique as a routine puncture technique and suggest that the update would improve intravenous therapy treatment for patients needing PICCs. This study should serve as a reference for national healthcare policy. Trial registration ChiCTR-TRC-14004993

Description: In the current study, an attempt has been made to use water hyacinth plant ( Eichhornia crassipes ) as a raw material for production of bioethanol which is then blended with diesel to obtain biodiesel. To investigate the combustion performance, combustion simulation model was developed and compared with experimental results. Further, the combustion performance of bioethanol–diesel blends in diesel engine was evaluated using response surface methodology technique. Bioethanol extracted from water hyacinth is blended with commercial diesel fuel (BED) in different proportions (volume by volume (v/v)), i.e., 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25BED. This study illustrates the investigation of various compression ratio, loads and fuel injection pressures with different proportion of diesel bioethanol blends. The results show that single-cylinder diesel engine is capable to run up to 25 % bioethanol mixed with diesel by volume. The in-cylinder combustion pressure ( P max ) reduces while increasing bioethanol–diesel ratio. At higher engine loads, compression ratio and fuel injection pressure, bioethanol blends produce higher combustion pressure in comparison with pure diesel fuel. At lower load, compression ratio and fuel injection pressure, ignition delay increases and P max reduces. The 5BED (5 % bioethanol + 95 % diesel) and 10BED (10 % bioethanol + 90 % diesel) gave better combustion performance among all the bioethanol–diesel blends.

Description: The main purpose of the present work is the preparation of green dielectrics by solid-state reaction between two perovskites: CaTiO 3 (CTO) and KMgF 3 (KMF). Calcium titanate and potassium magnesium fluoride powders were previously synthesized, respectively, at 850 °C and 700 °C. Several chemical compositions (1– x ) CTO + x KMF were then prepared and dry-milled. The mixtures were pressed into pellets and sintered in free air at 950 °C for 2 h. The obtained ceramics were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA, DTGA) and dielectric measurements (DE). The XRD study revealed the formation of a fluorinated perovskite solid solution with general formula Ca 1– x K x (Ti 1– x Mg x )O 3–3 x F 3 x (CKTMOF) in the initial composition range 0 ≤  x  ≤ 0.20. The diffraction peaks of CKTMOF oxyfluorides were indexed in an orthorhombic lattice, and no significant change was observed in the unit cell parameters with increasing KMF amount. On the other hand, the addition of KMF to CTO allowed the ceramic’s densification at low temperature. The shrinkage increased from 1.9 % ( x  = 0) to 9.5 % ( x  = 0.20), and the grain’s size of the various ceramics was in the range 0.5–5μm. Several thermal phenomena were detected by DSC and DE. No weight loss and no peak were depicted on the TGA and the DTGA curves over all the temperature range investigated; therefore, the phenomena observed by DSC and DE could be ascribed to phase transitions. These dielectrics could be of interest for the fabrication of class I capacitors; however, the losses have to be improved.

Description: Background: The cerebellum plays a vital role in equilibrium, motor control, and motor learning. The discrete neural and glial fates of cerebellar cells are determined by the molecular specifications (e.g. transcription factors) of neuroprogenitor cells that are influenced by local microenvironment signals. In this study, we evaluated the expression and function of Sox3, a single-exon gene located on the X chromosome, in the developing cerebellum.ResultIn the embryonic and early postnatal cerebellum, SOX3-positive-cells were detected in the ventricular zone, indicating that SOX3 expression is present in a subset of the cerebellar precursor cell population. In the young adult cerebellum, this expression was diminished in cerebellar cells, suggesting its limited role in cerebellar progenitors. SOX3-positive-cells were also found in the cerebellar mantle zone. Further immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that SOX3 was not expressed in Purkinje neurons. Using glial markers in the early postnatal cerebellum, we found that virtually all of the SOX3-positive-cells were glial cells, although not all glial cells were SOX3-positive-cells. We also determined the impact of transgenic expression using a loss-of-function (Sox3 null) model. We did not observe any developmental defects in the cerebellum of the Sox3 null mice. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the SOX3 protein is not expressed in cerebellar neurons and is instead expressed exclusively in the cerebellar glial system in a subset of mature glial cells. Although the expression of Sox3 cerebellar glial development is lineage-restricted, it appears that the absence of Sox3 in the ventricular germinal epithelium and migrating glia does not affect cerebellar development, suggesting functional redundancy with other SoxB1 subgroup genes.

Description: The paper presents an effective nonlinear adaptive switching non-local filter for the restoration of impulse-corrupted digital images by using distinct impulse detection and correction stages. The correction scheme of the filter adaptively switches between details-preserving non-local mode and signal restoration-based local mode to facilitate high fidelity in the restored image. The non-local filtering operation replaces impulses with a remote pixel that better suits the local image conditions. The algorithm works in this non-local mode only when there are sufficient uncorrupted pixels in the local neighborhood of the corrupted pixel to be replaced. Otherwise, the algorithm replaces impulsive pixels with the median of the uncorrupted pixels from the local neighborhood. Experimental results from various impulse noise levels support the improved performance of the proposed algorithm over other algorithms both subjectively and objectively.

Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidation behavior of nickel-base superalloys (Inconel 600 and Hastelloy C-22) by the determination of the oxidation rates of alloys at elevated temperatures and at ambient air. The cyclic oxidation method was adapted by heating of alloys periodically in still air at 900, 1000 and \({1100^\circ{\rm C}}\) followed by cooling at ambient temperature. The weight change measurement was recorded during the cyclic oxidation tests. The X-ray diffraction and microstructure study were also used as characterization methods to illustrate the properties of studied alloys and oxide film that formed on the surface of oxidized alloys. Inconel 600 and Hastelloy C-22 showed their ability to develop a uniform protective oxide film. The oxide film that formed on both alloys was chromia oxide Cr 2 O 3 with smaller amount of spinel oxide NiCr 2 O 4 . The results of the weight gain measurements suggest that the oxidation kinetics of both alloys follows the parabolic behavior during the experimental tests. Also both alloys at \({1100^\circ{\rm C}}\) exhibited severe spallation of oxide film with linear decreasing in the weight change measurements. The p-kp model was implemented to describe the subsequent cyclic process of oxide growth and spalling.

Description: Contaminated high-voltage (HV) insulators in polluted areas may lead to flashovers if they are not cleaned periodically. Flashover often leads to lengthy service outages and thus has a considerable impact on power system reliability. Therefore, an accurate prediction of the contamination level of HV insulators is vital. In this study, a MATLAB-based algorithm for predicting the contamination level is proposed. The algorithm uses the extracted features (in this work, linear algebraic features) from images captured by digital cameras as an input to a neural network. When compared to existing methods reported in the literature, the designed neural network correlates successfully the captured insulator images and the contamination level when tested on unseen insulators.

Description: In this paper, analytical and simulation models were used to analyze the performance of the erbium-doped fiber amplifier in terms of its pump power, erbium-doped fiber length, overlap factor, erbium ions concentration, and input signal power. The analytical-based analysis was performed using MATLAB software, whereas the simulation-based analysis was performed using Optisystem software. Both the analytical- and simulation-based results agreed well. For example, both confirmed the followings: Maximum gain can be reached at a shorter fiber length as the overlap factor and erbium ions concentration increase; the gain is independent of the pump power at values of erbium-doped fiber lengths ≤10m; that almost equal erbium-doped fiber gains can be obtained as the pump power approaches its highest value and that the gain seems to be equal at low values of input signal powers; however, it starts to saturate as the input signal power increases.

Description: This paper presents the fabrication process of hybrid Mg/(Al 2 O 3p + SiC p + Gr p ) metal matrix composite on developed gas injection liquid stir casting setup. In this study, the microstructure, grain morphology and the presence of elements in fabricated composite are investigated through high-resolution scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. A gas injection liquid stir magnesium metal matrix composite casting setup has been designed, fabricated and utilized for the purpose. Different sets of experiments have been performed in a controlled environment of argon gas. Different tests have been conducted on the prepared Mg-MMC to investigate its physical and mechanical properties of the prepared MMC. The test results reveal that the micro-hardness of hybrid Mg/(4wt% SiC p + 2wt% Al 2 O 3p + 1wt% Gr p ) MMC is about 1.5 times of the pure Mg-matrix. Tensile strength of fabricated hybrid Mg/(8wt% SiC p + 2wt% Al 2 O 3p + 1wt% Gr p )-MMC has also increased to 1.4 times of pure Mg-matrix. From the results, it is concluded that the developed gas injection stir Mg-MMC casting setup can be effectively utilized for the fabrication of hybrid Mg/(Al 2 O 3p + SiC p + Gr p )-MMC and can be used for many industrial and engineering applications.

Description: Coal drying is a quite important process from both burning efficiency and granulation perspective. Therefore, coal drying experimentation processes always attract researchers from various fields. Those experiments are quite costly since they require expensive laboratory equipment and considerable labor hour. Even if the costs of experiments are tolerable, often long experiment periods and large number of experimentation will cause serious problems for prompt academic results. During the analysis of experiments, researchers convert the results into graphical form. However, when creating charts, it is observed that some of the results diverge from the others abnormally marking some measurement as outliers. In such cases, experiments should be repeated to eliminate the effects of these abnormalities. Due to high costs and time constraints, repetition of an experiment is not preferable in general. To predict the accurate values for outliers and overcome issues generated by these abnormalities, artificial neural network (ANN) is employed in this study and tolerable deviations and acceptable experimental costs are reached by using ANN.

Description: The first-order shear deformation theory is used to study the static behavior of a piezoelectric bimorph beam with delamination between its layers. This delamination is taken with several lengths and locations along the beam with different boundary conditions. The results show that the shape of the axial displacement field is not affected by either the length of the debonded zone or the variation in the ambient. However, this shape is deformed when an electrical field is applied.

Description: Greenhouses are complex and nonlinear systems in which the inside temperature and humidity are deterministic parameters for the optimal growth of the plants. Several control methods have been developed to get an optimized microclimate. Physically both parameters are strongly coupled; hence, this paper proposes a novel fuzzy controlling method considering the temperature and humidity’s coupling effects; the controller is based on a validated greenhouse physical model and an evaluation of the correlation of both parameters. The results show the high performance of the decoupling method and the effectiveness of the fuzzy controller to manage the inside climate while saving energy.

Description: This paper investigates the implementation and performance limits of conventional and odd-harmonic repetitive controllers used for current control of two-level grid-connected inverter. This research is motivated by the relatively poor performance of classical (PI) controller when utility voltage has high harmonic distortion. Repetitive controllers (RCs) have the ability to track or reject periodic signals. However, their effectiveness is limited severely by the scarce bandwidth of the plant. To address this issue, the relationship between plant bandwidth and the converter’s LCL filter is also investigated. In addition, the effects of variation in parameters of low-pass filter used in RC loop on the performance of the system are studied. Odd-harmonic repetitive controller (ORC) is used to overcome the excessive memory requirement in RC implementation. The performance of RC and ORC is tested for different total harmonic distortion (THD) values of utility voltage. The results show that RC improves steady state error and THD of the output current. Also, RC is found to be robust under variations in output-side inductance.

Description: In this study, Cu matrix nanocomposites with reinforced CNT particles (0.5–5 wt %) were successfully fabricated by employing flake powder metallurgy with warm-pressing and sintering technology at 950 °C for 2 h. The properties of the composite powders were analyzed using a hall flowmeter for the apparent density, a laser particle size analyzer for the particle size and a scanning electron microscopy for the powder morphology. The green and sintered density, hardness and electrical conductivity of Cu–CNT contact materials were determined utilizing Archimedes method, a hardness analyzer and an electrical conductivity measurement device, respectively. The results showed that both consolidation ability and electrical conductivity of the Cu–CNT nanocomposites decreased by increasing the CNT content. The lowest density was 6.3 and 6.73 g/cm 3 for green and sintered Cu–5wt% CNT nanocomposites, respectively, while the highest density value was 8 and 8.57 g/cm 3 for green and sintered Cu–0.5wt% CNT nanocomposites, respectively. The measured conductivity values were 74.56 IACs for 0.5 wt% CNT- reinforced sintered samples and decreased up to 46.3 for 2 wt% CNT-reinforced sintered samples and then decreased to 5.3 IACs for 5 wt% CNT-reinforced sintered samples.

Description: Steam injection in heavy oil reservoirs does not only change the fluid properties, but also affects the interfacial tension of aqueous phase/hydrocarbon and the wettability of sand/hydrocarbon systems. Understanding the alteration of those properties is crucial for a successful steam injection, and it is expected to play an important role in heavy oil recovery from sands. However, studies on the measurements of interfacial properties of steam, heavy oil, and sand systems have not been well documented in the literature. This paper describes a new experimental technique and procedure which have been developed for generating steam within a small optical cell at high saturated pressure and temperature conditions. After that, image processing technique was applied to measure the interfacial tension of heavy oil/steam and the contact angle of heavy oil/steam/quartz systems. They have several advantages which are fast, relatively cheap and reliable. They potentially would have a wide range of applications in steam injection such as measuring the rock wettability, examining the effects of steam acidity and steam quality, and optimization for the purposes of prevention and/or reduction in damages to the formation. The experimental results indicate that steam injection has caused the alteration of interfacial properties. Interfacial tension measured in steam/heavy oil systems tends to decrease, while contact angle measured in quartz/heavy oil/steam systems tends to increase at saturated temperature and pressure conditions. As the aging time increases, the quartz’s wettability changes from mixed-wet to more oil-wet.

Description: A heterogeneous network (HetNet) is one of the core features that have been introduced in the LTE-advanced standardization to meet the predicted requirements for higher data rates and capacity. An integrated picocellular–macrocellular networks is part of such HetNets. Most previous works have concentrated on solving the picocellular–macrocellular networks challenges, including optimal picocell deployment, interference coordination, cell association methods and frequency resource allocations. However, the resource allocation control issue for LTE macrocells integrated with underlying picocells owned by different operators that can allow macrocell user (MU) accommodation has not been investigated deeply. Therefore, this paper proposes and analyzes a new resource allocation control framework called a preemption-based call admission control scheme (PCAC) for integrating independent underlying picocells with macrocell networks. The proposed scheme aims to utilize the resource blocks (RBs) of picocells efficiently to improve MU performance by allowing its MU visitors to utilize unused picocell RBs without any degradation for picocell users. A developed simulation model and a multi-dimensional continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) model are used to model and analyze the proposed PCAC. The analytical model developed considers a limited-size buffer to store MUs, buffer time out and resource reservation. The MU connection-level performance metrics, including dropping and blocking probabilities, are derived and studied. The results indicate that better connection-level parameters for MUs and higher throughputs are achieved by using the proposed PCAC.

Description: A type of zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramic-lined composite steel pipe was fabricated by using self-propagation high-temperature synthesis and centrifugal casting technique. The microstructure and phase constituents of ZTA ceramic layer were analyzed by means of optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The fracture toughness of ceramic layers and mechanical shock of Al 2 O 3 and ZTA ceramic-lined composite pipes were measured using Vickers indentation microfracture method and the repetitive impacting method. The results show that the phase constituents of ZTA ceramic layer were Al 2 O 3 , FeAl 2 O 4 and t-ZrO 2 phases, and no m-ZrO 2 phase was detected by XRD. Addition of ZrO 2 reduced the width of Al 2 O 3 dendrites and led to formation of a microstructure with fine ZrO 2 particles distributed at boundaries of Al 2 O 3 dendrites. The fracture toughness was increased from 0.56 MPa m 1/2 of Al 2 O 3 ceramic layer to 5.74 MPa m 1/2 of ZTA ceramic layer. The mechanical shock resistance at the center of the ceramic-lined composite pipe was increased from twice to 19 times after addition of ZrO 2 into the Al 2 O 3 matrix.

Description: This paper presents the development of Holy Quran recitation recognizer. The decoder of recognizer performs sub-word level recognition at phoneme. The paper demonstrates high recognition accuracies achieved by applying incremental refinements to the HMM models of the phonemes during the training stage. The Maximum- likelihood (ML) criterion is first applied for HMMs parameter estimation, which produces average recognition accuracies of up to 83 %. This is followed by discriminative technique of minimum phone error (MPE), which is applied to minimize recognition error at phoneme level. Investigation shows that MPE based acoustic models improve generalization. The results show 3–4 % improvement in recognition accuracies, which are promising when compared with the case of ML approach applied alone.

Description: PurposePhysical activity (PA) has a myriad of benefits for breast cancer survivors, including a reduced risk of cancer recurrence. Latinas are less physically active than are women in the general population and little is known about Latina breast cancer survivors’ levels of PA or their beliefs related to PA. We conducted a survey of 50 Puerto Rican (PR), 50 Mexican-American (MA) and 50 non-Hispanic white (NHW) breast cancer survivors to investigate similarities and differences in PA and social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs associated with PA. Methods: We collected information on current PA using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ); comorbidities; anthropometric measures of body mass index [BMI (kg/m 2 )] and waist-to-hip (W:H) ratio; and SCT measures, including exercise self-efficacy, exercise barriers self-efficacy, modeling and social support from friends and family. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance of differences between groups and regression models of the predictors of PA were performed. Results: Survivors from the three groups were similar in age (M = 56.8, SD = 11.0), BMI (M = 29.0, SD = 5.7) and co-morbidity (M = 2.09, SD = 1.69). Survivors differed in PA (p 

Description: IntroductionWe provide this brief case report on Hamman’s sign, as a reminder that both pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax can cause sounds that may disclose the abnormal presence of air in these respective locations. Background: Attributed originally to the observations and report of Louis Hamman in 1937, abnormal sounds may emanate from air in the otherwise quiet mediastinum or pleural space.Case presentationOur patient, a 36 year old white male, reported the occurrence of an abnormal “rhythmic clicking” sound emanating from his upper body when lying on his left side, 3 weeks following nasal septal surgery. The patient’s clear report of particularly loud sounds, beginning post-operatively, was corroborated by the patient’s wife. A CT scan of the chest which confirmed the presence of air in the left pleural space. Conclusions: The presence of a sound, loud enough to be heard at a distance from the patient (corroborated by another individual) is unusual. The value of patient history is underscored by the finding of a pneumothorax, suggesting Hamman’s sign.

Description: Research on symmetry detection focuses on identifying and detecting new types of symmetry. The paper presents an algorithm that is capable of detecting any type of permutation-based symmetry, including many types for which there are no existing algorithms. General symmetry detection is library-based, but symmetries that can be parameterized, (i.e. total, partial, rotational, and dihedral symmetry), can be detected without using libraries. In many cases it is faster than existing techniques. Furthermore, it is simpler than most existing techniques, and can easily be incorporated into existing software. The algorithm can also be used with virtually any type of matrix-based symmetry, including conjugate symmetry.

Description: Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has gained pandemic proportions becoming a global threat within the last few decades. In parallel to the increasing prevalence, healthcare costs have become a huge economic burden for the hospital and governments. Bariatric surgery has been proven to induce glycemic control in obese type 2 diabetics. However, the cost effectiveness of metabolic surgery in overweight, obese and morbidly obese individuals has not been documented. We aimed to demonstrate the efficacy and reduced diabetic-medication cost after diverted sleeve gastrectomy with ileal interposition (DSIT) in type 2 diabetic individuals followed more than 1 year. Methods: Records of 116 type 2 diabetic patients operated by DSIT at a dedicated metabolic surgery clinic between October 2011 and April 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. A comparison was made between the annual diabetic medication cost before and after surgery using the paired t test. The alterations in BMI and HbA1c were recorded and analyzed. Results: Diverted sleeve gastrectomy with ileal interposition led to a marked reduction in BMI and improved glycemic control after 1 year follow-up. Mean HbA1c levels decreased from a mean of 8.9 ± 1.7 to 6.6 ± 1.1 1 year after surgery (p 

Description: We report on an infant who underwent gross total resection (GTR) of a posterior fossa ependymoblastoma in the second month of life followed by chemotherapy with uneventful long-term survival for 12 years. Postoperative radiotherapy has been considered obligate to have a chance for prolonged survival, but is inadvisable in infants. To our knowledge, this is the first reported long-term survival in an infant treated for ependymoblastoma.

Description: The use of enzymes in different industrial sectors increased significantly due to huge industrialization. Different types of protease and amylase are randomly used in industries including food, textile, and paper. For this purpose, purification of extracellular protease and amylase produced by the bacterium, Corynebacterium alkanolyticum ATH3 (Acc. No. JX656749) isolated from the distal intestine of a freshwater fish, Anabas testudineus , was carried out using column chromatography. The specific activity of protease and amylase significantly increased with each step of purification and finally became 93.73 and 88.1 U/mg protein with a purification fold 26.03 and 44.94, respectively. The sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed molecular weight of purified protease and amylase was ∼17 and ∼28 kDa, respectively. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of ∼17 kDa protease and ∼28 kDa amylase from the bacterial strain C . alkanolyticum ATH3. Further, enzyme activity was also evidenced by zymography analysis. The enzymes acted optimally at pH 7.5–8.0 and temperature 35–45  \({^{\circ}{\rm C}}\) , respectively. So, due to cheapest source, these two enzymes are very important for various purposes in industrial sectors.

Description: In this paper, the exponential synchronization problem of delayed coupled switched neural networks with individual node and network topology switching is investigated. By using the matrix decomposing approach and the switched system comparison principle, several synchronization criteria for such complex dynamical networks are obtained. Firstly, under the assumption that all subnetworks are self-synchronized, a sufficient condition is derived in terms of an algebraic inequality. Then, when some subnetworks are not self-synchronized, based on the maximal dwell time length, the exponential synchronization criteria are given in terms of algebraic inequalities. Finally, examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.

Description: IntroductionClostridium innocuum is an anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium, unable to produce toxins and rarely causes infections. We report the first case of C. innocuum osteomyelitis and bacteremia in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Findings were compared with previously reported cases of C. innocuum infections in immunocompromised patients, e.g., patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, leukemia, and organ transplantation.Case descriptionA 32-year-old Japanese male was admitted for persistent low-grade fever and purpura lasting for 1 month. Complete blood counts and cytogenetic analysis identified Ph1-positive ALL, which was successfully treated using chemotherapy. However, the patient developed high fever and lumbar pain during complete remission. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography demonstrated osteomyelitis. C. innocuum was identified as the causative agent and the patient was successfully treated using antibiotic therapy.Discussion and evaluationWe performed a literature review revealing a number of common aspects to the clinical presentation of C. innocuum infection and an association with various comorbidities. Further, we highlight the most efficient diagnostic and treatment strategies for C. innocuum osteomyelitis. Conclusions: Clostridium innocuum can be a causative pathogen of osteomyelitis and bacteremia in immunocompromised patients.

Description: Let E be a 2-uniformly convex real Banach space with uniformly Gâteaux differentiable norm, and E ∗ its dual space. Let A : E → E ∗ be a bounded strongly monotone mapping such that A - 1 ( 0 ) ≠ ∅ . For given x 1 ∈ E , let { x n } be generated by the algorithm:x n + 1 = J - 1 ( J x n - α n A x n ) , n ≥ 1 ,where J is the normalized duality mapping from E into E ∗ and { α n } is a real sequence in (0, 1) satisfying suitable conditions. Then it is proved that { x n } converges strongly to the unique point x ∗ ∈ A - 1 ( 0 ) . Finally, our theorems are applied to the convex minimization problem.

Description: Background: The search for new antimicrobial compounds able to overcome the global issue of microbial resistance to antibiotics is a priority worldwide. Moreover, several commensal microorganisms have been increasingly associated to opportunistic microbial infections. Having previously disclosed the green synthesis and preliminary characterization of the oligomers [linear oligo(ethylenimine) hydrochloride and oligo(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) quaternized with N,N-dimethyldodecylamine] we herein report on the screening of these oligomers against a battery of 69 clinical isolates of Aerococcus spp., Candida spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp.FindingsThe isolates’ susceptibility to both oligomers was evaluated by determining their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the biocidal effectiveness of each compound was further confirmed through spectrophotometric measurements and fluorescence microscopy. The MIC values of the 69 isolates were highly variable, yet favourably comparable with those of other antimicrobial polymers. The viability assays resulted in 100% of microbial killing rate after only 5 min, highlighting the promising antimicrobial action of these oligomers. Conclusions: Though further studies are required, evidence suggests that a strong effort should be done in order to confirm these compounds as valid alternatives for several clinical applications. This is reinforced by their well described biocompatibility with human tissues and by their proposed mechanism of action which difficult the development of microbial resistance to these compounds.

Description: Background: The microseminoprotein gene encoding prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94) harbours a potential risk allele (rs10993994) for prostate cancer (PCa) in its promoter region. However, studies on rs10993994 have been sparse in Asian Indians. Methods: The present study recruited a sample population of 44 benign prostatic hyperplasia patients, 33 PCa patients and 60 healthy participants, of which, participants without other confounding risk factors for PCa were retained. The serum PSP94 (sPSP94) levels were measured by a serum-based ELISA in an earlier study. A novel RFLP technique was developed to screen for rs10993994 which was validated with direct sequencing. Results: Sequencing showed additional 4 SNPs (rs41274660, rs141211965, rs12770171, rs10669586) and 2 novel variants (GenBank accession nos. KM265191 and KM265192). In silico DNA topographical studies predicted that KM265192 would have higher cleavage intensity and more accessibility for binding of transcription factors. Even though, similar frequencies were observed for all the variants in all the three study groups, the risk allele ‘T’ (rs10993994) was seen to be associated with reduced PSP94 expression both at mRNA and protein level. Further, mRNA expression as studied by real-time PCR correlated positively with sPSP94 levels. Interestingly, CC genotype of rs10993994 showed highest sPSP94 levels in all the three study groups and was associated with Gleason score ≤7 in PCa patients. In contrast, TT genotype of rs10993994 was associated with lesser sPSP94 levels and with aggressiveness of PCa. Conclusion: rs10993994 was found to be a functional SNP in the studied Asian Indian population.

Description: Halomonas smyrnensis AAD6T is a gram negative, aerobic, and moderately halophilic bacterium, and is known to produce high levels of levan with many potential uses in foods, feeds, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and chemical industries due to its outstanding properties. Here, the whole-genome analysis was performed to gain more insight about the biological mechanisms, and the whole-genome organization of the bacterium. Industrially crucial genes, including the levansucrase, were detected and the genome-scale metabolic model of H. smyrnensis AAD6T was reconstructed. The bacterium was found to have many potential applications in biotechnology not only being a levan producer, but also because of its capacity to produce Pel exopolysaccharide, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and osmoprotectants. The genomic information presented here will not only provide additional information to enhance our understanding of the genetic and metabolic network of halophilic bacteria, but also accelerate the research on systematical design of engineering strategies for biotechnology applications.

Description: Diatoms are unicellular algae responsible for approximately 20% of global carbon fixation. Their evolution by secondary endocytobiosis resulted in a complex cellular structure and metabolism compared to algae with primary plastids. The sulfate assimilation and methionine synthesis pathways provide S-containing amino acids for the synthesis of proteins and a range of metabolites such as dimethylsulfoniopropionate. To obtain an insight into the localization and organization of the sulfur metabolism pathways we surveyed the genome of Thalassiosira pseudonana—a model organism for diatom research. We have identified and annotated genes for enzymes involved in respective pathways. Protein localization was predicted using similarities to known signal peptide motifs. We performed detailed phylogenetic analyses of enzymes involved in sulfate uptake/reduction and methionine metabolism. Moreover, we have found in up-stream sequences of studied diatoms methionine biosynthesis genes a conserved motif, which shows similarity to the Met31, a cis-motif regulating expression of methionine biosynthesis genes in yeast.

Description: The classifications of uncertain data turned into one of the dreary procedures in the data mining domain. The uncertain data have tuples with distinctive probability distribution, which helps to find similar class of tuples. When we consider an uncertain data, the feature vector will not be a single valued but a function. In this paper, we proposed fuzzy entropy and similarity measure to characterize the uncertain data through binary decision tree algorithm. Fuzzy entropy is used to find the best split point for the decision tree to handle the uncertain data. Similarity measure is used to make the better decision for the uncertain data with high accuracy. Initially, fuzzy entropy for each feature vector is calculated to select the best feature vector. Then, best split is selected from the selected feature vector. With the help of trained uncertain data, the binary tree starts to grow. Once the split point is selected, then the constructed decision tree is evaluated by the testing phase of uncertain data. The testing data are subjected to the trained decision tree to obtain the classified data. The experimental analyses are made to evaluate the performance of the proposed FUDT approach. Proposed FUDT algorithm is compared with the existing classification algorithm UDT in terms of accuracy and running time. The experimental analysis finalizes that our FUDT algorithm outperforms the existing UDT algorithm.

Description: Metals, such as nickel, cobalt, chromium and zinc, are ubiquitous in the environment. Systemic reactions, including hand dermatitis and generalized eczematous reactions, can be caused by the dietary ingestion of metals. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from zinc allergy patients can be used as a sensitive marker to investigate zinc-allergic contact dermatitis. The diagnosis of sensitivity to metal was made based on the results of a metal patch test. The PBMCs were stimulated with various concentrations (5–100 μM) of zinc sulfate (ZnSO 4 ) for 24 h. The culture supernatants were collected and analyzed using ELISA for measurement of the cytokine production. The levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-13 and MIF were significantly higher in the zinc-allergic patients (n = 5) than in the healthy controls (n = 5) at 100 μM of ZnSO 4 stimulation. Although, patch testing is considered as standard test to diagnose metal allergy but false-positive and -negative reactions may limit its use in conditions of existing dermatitis. Therefore, this study suggest that in support of patch testing the determination of cytokine production using PBMCs cultures would be helpful for making an early diagnosis of such conditions.

Description: This paper presents a dark region detection and enhancement method with low computational complexity for low-cost imaging devices. Conventional contrast enhancement methods generally have an oversaturation problem while brightness of the dark region increases. To solve this problem, the proposed method first divides an input image into dark object and bright background regions using adaptively partitioned blocks. Next, the contrast stretching is performed only in the dark region. The major advantage of the proposed method is the minimized block artifacts using optimally partitioned blocks using fuzzy logic and a refining step to accurately detect boundaries between two regions. Experimental results show that the proposed method can efficiently enhance the contrast of backlit images without the oversaturation problem. Because of low computational complexity, the proposed method can be applied to enhance very low light-level video sequences for video surveillance systems.

Description: IntroductionThe gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are mesenchymal tumors, most commonly affecting the stomach and small bowel. Only few cases of port-site recurrence after laparoscopic treatment have been reported. We herein report the case of a parietal recurrence on the extraction incision site, 7 years after laparoscopic surgery for small bowel GIST.Case reportA 47 years-old female patient was hospitalized in November 2007 for isolated pelvic pain. CT scan showed an intestinal tumor with a benign aspect measuring 50 mm. A laparoscopy-assisted resection was performed. Surgical exploration found a 7 cm small bowel tumor. It was extracted through a supra-pubic transversal incision without a wound protector and then resected. Histologic analysis revealed an intestinal GIST with high aggressive potential (five mitosis per field), with CD117 positive at the immunohistochemical examination. The patient had no adjuvant chemotherapy. Seven years later, the patient was readmitted for an abdominal mass at the site of the supra-pubic scar. Abdomino-pelvic CT scan showed a 10 × 7.5 cm solid mass of the abdominal wall. Percutaneous biopsies were done and the pathological analysis revealed a mesenchymal-cell tumor, positive to CD117 and DOG1 at the immunohistochemical examination. Final diagnosis was abdominal wall recurrence of GIST secondary to tumor-contamination during the first surgery. Conclusion: Abdominal wall recurrence of GIST after laparoscopic surgery is rarely reported. This complication should be avoided with preventive measures such as the use of extraction bags or wound protectors.

Description: Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)) can be a pest in organic onion production on Prince Edward Island. This study was to examine the effect of planting time and variety on infestation levels and damage by onion thrips on cabbage (Brassicae oleracea capitala (L.)). A field site was planted with 2 main and 8 lesser varieties of cabbage over 4 planting dates. Some varieties were short season and harvested on July 31 with longer season varieties harvested on September 2. Blue sticky traps were used to capture thrips migrating into the field site from July 22–September 2. Traps were counted weekly and cabbage heads within the field site were visually surveyed for thrips. At harvest, heads were weighed and measured, thrips damage was assessed then the head was dissected and thrips counted on the first four layers of the head. Thrips exhibited a preference for Lennox over Bronco throughout the season although thrips populations were not high enough to effect economic damage in 2014. Planting date influenced cabbage head weight and size with later plantings yielding the largest heads. Use of planting date and variety to avoid thrips populations is discussed.

Description: Desmopressin (dDAVP) is a well-known peptide analog of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, used to prevent excessive bleeding during surgical procedures. dDAVP increases hemostatic mediators, such as the von Willebrand factor (vWF), recently considered a key element in resistance to metastasis. Studies in mouse models and veterinary trials in dogs with locally-advanced mammary tumors demonstrated that high doses of perioperative dDAVP inhibited lymph node and early blood-borne metastasis and significantly prolonged survival. We conducted a phase II dose-escalation trial in patients with breast cancer, administering a lyophilized formulation of dDAVP by intravenous infusion in saline, 30–60 min before and 24 h after surgical resection. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, as well as selection of the best dose for cancer surgery. Secondary endpoints included surgical bleeding, plasma levels of vWF, and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as measured by quantitative PCR of cytokeratin-19 transcripts. Only 2 of a total of 20 patients experienced reversible adverse events, including hyponatremia (grade 4) and hypersensitivity reaction (grade 2). Reactions were adequately managed by slowing the infusion rate. A reduced intraoperative bleeding was noted with increasing doses of dDAVP. Treatment was associated with higher vWF plasma levels and a postoperative drop in CTC counts. At the highest dose level evaluated (2 μg/kg) dDAVP appeared safe when administered in two slow infusions of 1 μg/kg, before and after surgery. Clinical trials to establish the effectiveness of adjunctive perioperative dDAVP therapy are warranted. This trial is registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01606072).

Description: Background: Hypertrophy (H) is an adaptive response of the heart to a hemodynamic overload. Severe left ventricular (LV) volume overload (VO) from valve regurgitations (aortic (AR) or mitral regurgitation) leads to eccentric LVH. Increased protein turnover is a major event during development of LVH and the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key molecule for its control. The role of mTOR inhibition in the development of LVH using rapamycin for relatively short periods of time (days to a few weeks) has been studied in the past in pressure overload models but not in VO models. We investigated if mTOR pathway was activated during LVH development in a model of severe VO (AR) in rats and if a rapamycin treatment can slow heart remodeling in this situation.Methods and ResultsMale rats with severe AR were studied acutely at 2 days, at 8 weeks (compensated phase) and 6 months (late phase) after VO induction. mTOR complex (mTORC) 1 (ribosomal S6 protein phosphorylation) was activated early after AR induction but not later in the disease whereas mTORC2 activity levels (Akt phosphorylation at Ser473) remained stable. We observed that a moderate dose of rapamycin (2 mg/kg/day; orally) for 8 weeks prevented severe LVH caused by AR (−46 %: p 

Description: PurposeAmong kidney transplant recipients with acute kidney injury, the differential diagnosis must be broadened to include conditions such as rejection, immunocompromised host infections, anatomic pathologies, and recurrent or de novo glomerular diseases. In this case report, we describe an unusual cause of acute renal allograft injury due to external compression of the allograft ureter. Methods: Retrospective review; case report. Results: The patient developed acute kidney injury of the renal allograft due to external compression of the allograft ureter coincident with a cecal volvulus. The patient underwent lysis of adhesions, right hemicolectomy, and end ileostomy creation with resolution of acute kidney injury. Conclusions: Cecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction and is often associated with adhesions following abdominal surgery. To our knowledge, cecal volvulus has not previously been reported as a direct contributor to acute kidney injury. This case highlights the need for a systematic approach to the patient with acute kidney injury and the special considerations involved in the diagnosis of renal failure in the kidney transplant population.

Description: PurposeDecision making regarding the urethra before and after radical cystectomy due to urothelial carcinoma has always been controversial. To determine whether anterior urethra sparing cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer is an oncologically-safe procedure, we evaluated the long-term oncologic clinical outcome.Patients and methodsA total of 51 male patients with cTa-4N0-2M0 bladder cancer were treated with anterior urethra sparing cystoprostatectomy and simultaneous urinary diversion between 2000 and 2013, and underwent follow up for 4 months or more. We assessed differences in the perioperative outcomes, oncologic outcomes and recurrence rates according to the urinary diversion. Results: The median patient age and follow-up period were 66 years and 35 months, respectively. The 5- and 10-year recurrence free survival (RFS) rates in ileal conduit (IC) group vs. orthotopic neobladder reconstruction (NB) group were 45.0 and 20.3% vs. 39.3 and 19.6%, respectively. Likewise, the 5- and 10-year disease specific survival (DSS) were 52.7 and 32.1% vs. 39.3 and 29.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed two independent prognostic factors for RFS and DSS, including age at surgery and lymph node status. Local recurrence in the remnant anterior urethra occurred in only 1 patient (2.0%) at 57 months after surgery. Conclusions: Our long-term data show that anterior urethra sparing cystoprostatectomy is an oncologically-safe procedure regardless of the type of urinary diversion in a subset of carefully selected patients with bladder cancer without evidence of urothelial carcinoma in the urethra/bladder neck and urethral surgical margin.

Description: This study aimed to determine the specific characterization of regional storage fat in the upper limb as compared to the lower limb of young healthy adults. The regional storage fat and skeletal muscle in upper and lower limbs were obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). For MRI measurements, images at the continuous anatomical cross-sectional areas of subcutaneous adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in the upper arm and thigh were selected for the analysis. Values measured by MRI were larger than those measured by BIA. MRI data showed that the percentage of fat was significantly higher in the upper arm compared to the thigh in both men and women. This study suggests that BIA results in a significantly different estimation of the whole body and limb composition when compared to MRI and that MRI is useful to determine regional specificities in the limb composition. From these quantified evaluation, we found significantly large amount of regional storage fat in upper limbs of young healthy adults, especially women.

Description: Candida sp contributes 33.1 % of fungal infections among HIV patients. Among the species of the genus Candida, Candida albicans is the most frequently isolated from HIV patients. This study aimed to analyze putative virulence factors of C. albicans isolated from oral cavities of HIV infected patients and healthy individuals. Twenty isolates from HIV infected patients and fourteen from healthy individuals were analyzed for phenotypic switching, cell growth rate, hyphae formation, hemolytic activity and biofilm formation characteristics. The frequency of phenotypic switching was low in both groups. The cell growth rate of C. albicans from HIV infected patients were significantly higher than those from healthy individuals (p 

Description: Background: Although humeral epicondylitis is a common health problem, there have been no reports that describe its prevalence in Japanese general population, and relatively little is known about its etiology and associated risk factors.Questions/purposesThis study aimed to clarify the prevalence of humeral epicondilitis in Japanese general population, and investigate the associated risk factors using the data from a cross-sectional study of the Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcome in Aizu Cohort Study (LOHAS). Methods: A total of 1,777 participants who participated in health checkups conducted at rural area in Japan in 2010 were enrolled. The prevalence of lateral and medial epicondylitis was investigated. Logistic regression models were performed to examine the relationship between lateral epicondylitis and correlated factors such as occupational status, smoking and alcohol preferences, and medical characteristics. Results: The overall prevalence of lateral and medial epicondylitis was 2.5 % and 0.3 %, respectively. A shortened version of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (The QuickDASH) score was significantly higher in subjects with lateral epicondylitis than in those without (15.0 ± 12.7 vs 8.5 ± 11.1). Subjects with definite chronic hyperglycemia (HbA1c ≥ 6.5) showed a 3.37-times higher risk of lateral epicondylitis than those with favorable glycemic control (HbA1c 

Description: ObjectiveMany surgeons currently use long cephomedullary nails for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. The optimal indications for deploying distal interlocks are still debatable. This study examined the torsional biomechanical properties of 3-part intertrochanteric femur fractures in a cadaveric bone model using two different distal fixation strategies, an unlocked long cephalomedullary nail versus a dynamically locked nail. Our hypothesis is that a long cephalomedullary nail does not require distal locking fixation when used for treatment of a 3-part intertrochanteric fracture. Methods: Five matched pairs of cadaveric femora were randomly assigned to one of two distal fixation treatment groups; a single distal interlock screw placed in the dynamic orientation or no distal fixation. A 3-part intertrochanteric fracture was produced. Specimens were potted and mounted in a double gimbal fixture facilitating unconstrained motion in the sagittal and coronal planes. Specimens were cyclically loaded dynamically in both internal and external rotation. Range of motion, internal and external rotation stiffness, torsion stiffness, torsion yield and ultimate torsion magnitude were calculated. Results: The samples instrumented with a distal locking screw reported statistically greater external rotational stiffness than the unlocked samples in nondestructive testing. The results of the destructive data demonstrated no statistical difference between the locked and unlocked group with regard to yield torque (p = 0.282), peak torque (p = 0.340), stiffness (p = 0.220), displacement at yield torque (p = 0.0605), and displacement at peak torque (p = 0.280). Conclusion: Distal locking of a long cephalomedullary nail increases the stiffness of the nail-femur construct in a 3-part biomechanical fracture model. However, our testing illustrates that an unlocked construct will tolerate at least equal stress before catastrophic failure in a torsional loading model.

Description: Meningoencephalitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) has become one of the leading causes of mortality in AIDS patients. Understanding the interactions between Cn and phagocytes is fundamental in exploring the pathogenicity of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Cn may be extracellular or contained in the monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells and even endothelial cells. The internalized Cn may proliferate inside the host cells, or cause the lysis of host cells, or leave the host cells via non-lytic exocytosis, or even hijack the host cells (Trojan horse) for the brain dissemination, which are regulated by microbe factors and also immune molecules. Coexistence of protective and deleterious roles of phagocytes in the progression of cryptococcosis warrant further investigation.

Description: Background: Low competency for determination of brain death (BD) and unfamiliarity with Japanese BD (JBD) criteria among pediatricians were highlighted in previous nationwide studies. Because the JBD criteria were amended in 2010 to allow organ donation from pediatric brain-dead donors, we created a 2-day training course to assess knowledge and improve skill in the determination and diagnosis of pediatric BD. Methods: The course consisted of two modules: a multistation round session and a group discussion session, and was bookended by a before and after 20-question test. In the multistation round session, participants rotated between stations staffed by expert faculty members. For hands-on skill development, we used the Sim Junior 3G™ simulation mannequin (Laerdal Medical, Wappingers Falls, NY, USA) for structured simulations. In the group discussion session, we implemented simulation-based role playing to practice decision making in prepared scenarios of complicated clinical situations. We investigated the participants’ impressions of the course by self-scoring and questionnaires. Results: Of 147 pediatric healthcare providers from multiple specialties who participated in this course, 145 completed the entire process. The course was evaluated in three aspects with self-scoring and questionnaires: (1) value (4.58 ± 0.64; range 1–5); (2) time schedule (2.40 ± 0.61; range 1–3); and (3) difficulty (2.89 ± 0.43; range 1–5). Finally, participants scored the entire course program (9.64 ± 1.69; range 1–11). Various positive feedbacks were obtained from a total of 93 participants. Post-test scores (83.6 %) were significantly higher than pre-test scores (62.9 %). Conclusion: This simulation-based course represents an effective method to train pediatric healthcare providers in determining BD in Japan and may improve baseline knowledge of BD among participants.

Description: PurposeTo evaluate the reliability of the Attitudes to Randomized Trial Questionnaire (ARTQ) in measuring perceptions of cancer clinical trials in a predominantly African American (AA) sample in South Carolina (SC). Methods: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cronbach’s alpha estimates were used to assess the reliability of the ARTQ in a convenience sample of 315 participants (81.4 % AA) who were recruited from 2008 to 2013, and who live in eleven different counties in South Carolina with high rates of racial disparities in cancer mortality rates. Results: Slightly more than half of the 315 participants had at least a college education (77.9 %), 84.8 % were female, and 53.1 % had an annual income of $40,000 or more. In this study, PCA confirmed that the ARTQ is unidimensional. Cronbach’s alpha for the ARTQ was 0.86. Conclusion: The ARTQ displayed strong evidence of high statistical reliability. This analysis has great implications for future research because it represents the first test of reliability of the ARTQ in a predominantly African American sample and lays the groundwork for use of the ARTQ in future studies in diverse populations.

Description: Tequila vinasses represent an acidic, highly concentrated pollutant effluent generated during the distillation step of Tequila production. Although acidogenesis of Tequila vinasses has been reported for some reactor configurations, a characterization of the bacteria present during this metabolic process is lacking in the literature. Hydraulic retention times (HRT) between 36 and 6 h and organic loading rates (OLR) from 5 to 30 g COD L −1  d −1 were assessed in a UASB reactor fed with Tequila vinasses. Results showed that OLR excerted a stronger effect (p ≤ 0.0001) on parameters such as gas production rate, pH, and acidity than HRT. While it was clear that shorter HRT were related to higher volatile fatty acid production levels. Figures above 2 L gas L reactor −1  d −1 (where “gas” could be a mixture of methane and hydrogen) were attained only with an OLR as high as 30 g COD L −1  d −1 . Bacterial identification of a sludge sample at the end of the experiment revealed that acid-tolerant microorganisms that remained in the reactor were exclusively affiliated to the Clostridium genera, being the first report of organisms identification for Tequila vinasses acidogenesis. These findings are relevant to the field of biotechnology since acidogenesis of Tequila vinasses using identified and studied microorganism abilities (i.e. Clostridium strains) presents the opportunity of optimizing processes intended for different metabolites production (butanol, volatile fatty acids, hydrogen, solvents).

Description: PurposeTo determine whether exercise training improves autonomic function in women with breast cancer (BC). Methods: Fifty-one patients (aged between 39 and 72 years) with a history of primary invasive BC within the previous 5 years and enrolled in the Mediterranean diet-based DIANA (Diet and Androgens)-5 Trial were subdivided in two groups: a ET group (n = 25) followed a formal ET program of moderate intensity (3 session/week on a bicycle at 60–70% VO 2peak for 3 months, followed by one session/week until 1-year follow-up), while a control group (n = 26) did not perform any formal ET. At baseline and after 1-year, all patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise stress test (CPET). Heart rate recovery (HRR) was calculated as the difference between heart rate at peak exercise and heart rate at first minute of the cool-down period. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in baseline anthropometrical, BC characteristics, metabolic profile, CPET parameters and HRR. Compared to controls, at 1-year follow-up ET group showed a significant improvement in VO 2peak (from 12.6 ± 3.0 to 14.5 ± 3.3 ml/kg/min, p 

Description: Fast pyrolysis was used to convert waste biomass into bio-oil, which has a benefit of storage and transportation with the potential as a fossil oil substitute. Pakistani cotton stalk was pyrolyzed in a bench-scale bubbling fluidized bed reactor. The effect of reaction conditions such as temperature and feed size on the bio-oil, char and gas yields was investigated. The optimal pyrolysis temperature for the production of bio-oil was 490 ° C which gave the maximum yield (36 wt%) of product at feed size of 1.0 mm. Bio-oil yield increased with the increase in temperature, while the yield of char decreased. The various properties of bio-oil attained under these pyrolysis conditions were defined. Chemical composition of bio-oil was determined using FTIR and GC–MS analysis, and major chemical compounds were phenols, carboxylic acids, ketones, aldehydes, furans and sugars.

Description: The Lower Senonian Matulla Formation is well developed in the southern and central Gulf of Suez. It can be subdivided into three depositional units (M1–M3). An obvious unconformity separated the middle unit (M2) from the upper unit (M3). The three units are corresponding to a second-order depositional sequence. This sequence consists of two systems tracts; the lower lowstand systems tract consists of slope fan, followed by a prograding complex. An erosion surface separated the lower from the upper transgressive systems tract. The Matulla Formation is mostly composed of sandstones and pelagic sediment intercalations. Such intercalations show obvious facies change throughout the study area, causing further subdivision of the Matulla Formation into seven rock types (RT1–RT7). The petrophysical reservoir evaluation has been achieved via determination of the effective porosity, permeability, shale content, water saturation and net-pay thickness from the environmentally corrected well log data. It indicates that the Matulla Formation can be considered as a good reservoir quality especially in its lower unit and sometimes in its middle unit as well. The available core data indicate a lithological heterogeneity of the studied Matulla Formation. Lithologically, it can be subdivided into four petrophysical and lithological facies; namely, they are sandstones, ferruginous sandstones, argillaceous sandstones and limestones. The best petrophysical properties were assigned for the ferruginous sandstones with good to excellent porosity, very good to excellent permeability, and poor to fair flow zone indicator.

Description: The purpose of the present work was to study the potential biotechnological use of Dunaliella species isolated from the solar saltern of Sfax (Tunisia). D. salina was grown in artificial seawater (3.4M NaCl) under a constant temperature (25°C) and light ( \({265 {\mu}{\rm mol} {\rm photons} {\rm m}^{-2} {\rm s}^{-1}}\) ). The maximal cellular density was about \({4.66\times 10^{6} {\rm cells/ml}}\) , and the growth rate ranged between 0.13 and 0.16 doublings/day. Chlorophyll a reached \({52.32 \pm 0.12 {\rm mg/l}}\) in the exponential phase. Protein and carbohydrates content reached maximum values in the lag phase ( \({52.4 \pm 0.2}\) and \({5.7 \pm 0.34\,{\rm mg/l}}\) , respectively). The maximal values of total lipids content were obtained at the decline phase ( \({92 \pm 0.87\,{\rm mg/l}}\) ). In addition, during this study, the analyses of the fatty acids profile have shown the presence of essential fatty acids that accumulate in D. salina during the stress phase.

Description: The aims of this research were to develop a Japanese version of Pearlin and Schooler’s Sense of Mastery Scale (SOMS) and evaluate its reliability and validity. This survey targeted 4,000 men and women aged 25–74 living in Japan as of January 1, 2014, categorized them according to the region and size of the city in which they lived, randomly extracted 200 municipalities, and randomly extracted individuals after categorizing for sex and age based on the resident registries of each municipality. 2,067 survey responses were collected (response rate 51.7%). We used weighted 7-item (SOMS-7) and 5-item (SOMS-5) versions that excludes two reverse items (item6 and 7) from SOMS-7 of the SOMS. From the item analysis, the item-total correlation coefficients of the two reverse items (items 6 and 7) were .03 and .34. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was also .69 in SOM-7 and .77 in SOMS-5. The partial correlation coefficients between SOMS and the sense of coherence, mental health inventory, self-rated health, and life satisfaction were all significant (p 

Description: Twelve lactating cattle × yak hybrids (B. taurus × B. grunniens) were investigated on five experimental pastures (Sites 1–5), following an up- and downward transhumance route (3,200, 4,000, 4,500, 4,000 and 2,600 m a.s.l.). Hybrids were kept in replicated groups of two (low SD) and four animals per paddock (high SD). As a control, yaks (with calves) were included at low SD at Sites 2–4. Performance was described by body weight, milk yield and composition. Herbage samples as selected by the animals were analyzed. Activity patterns of the hybrids were assessed at Sites 2–4. At similar body weight change and milk composition, the individual hybrids on average produced 26% less milk at high than at low SD. However, at high SD on average still 49% more milk/m 2 of pasture area was produced. Milk fat increased with time from 5.4 to 7.1%, milk protein decreased from 4.2 to 3.3%. At high SD, the hybrids spent less time standing and more time lying. The yaks gained weight at 4,500 m a.s.l. while the hybrids lost weight (+836 and −653 g/animal/day, respectively). In conclusion, high SD reduced individual milk yield and forced hybrids to spend more time for feeding. The yaks apparently had an advantage over the hybrids at very high altitude.

Description: This study investigates the variations in the mechanical properties of high-damping rubber bearings HDRBs on the dynamic response of multi-story seismic base-isolated building subjected to bidirectional near-fault ground motions. Variations in the mechanical properties of HDRB due to temperature, aging and scragging recovery are considered. Nonlinear response analyses of a six-story base-isolated building subjected to seven pairs of bidirectional near-fault ground motions with pulse type were conducted using finite element software. The nonlinear force–deformation behavior of isolator is modeled using a bilinear hysteretic curve considering non-deteriorating and deteriorating properties. Results of analyses are compared in terms of bearing displacement, base shear, force–displacement loops, top floor absolute acceleration and story drift. It was observed that the seismic response of base-isolated multi-story building is significantly influenced by the variation in mechanical properties of rubber bearing seismic isolators.

Description: In this paper, we propose an efficient heterogeneous network (HetNet) architecture with coexisting small cell technology to provide capacity and coverage expanding in 3G and 4G mobile networks. A hierarchical HetNet layout comprises of three layers macro-, metro- and femtocell. The metrocell is employed as an intermediate layer in the integrated femtocellular/macrocellular network, which operates in a complementary fashion, in order to manage the handover traffic between the edge layers. Consequently, the femtocell serves indoor traffic activity of femto users, while metrocell serves the outdoor traffic activities as well as the overflow traffic from femtocells. The overall HetNet is completed with the macrocell overlay layer, which serves only the macro users and the overflowed traffic from the underlay layer. Then, we develop a realistic teletraffic framework in order to evaluate the performance of the proposed HetNet. We show both analytically and by simulation that the proposed HetNet architecture with coexisting small cells is able to offload traffic from traditional macrocellular network in terms of reducing the blocking probability.

Description: Nanofluids have opened a new arena for researchers in the field of heat transfer with their exceptional heat transfer characteristics. Enhanced thermal conductivity and improved stability are the principal advantages of nanofluids for its applications in heat transfer. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the stability of silver–water nanofluids prepared by dispersing 0.1 % volume fraction of polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles in distilled water with and without the addition of surfactants. The surfactants used in the present study are polyvinylpyrrolidone and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The stability of the nanofluids was estimated from sedimentation time, pH value, zeta potential and particle size distribution. Thermal conductivity of the nanofluids was measured by thermal property analyzer. It has been found that the stability of nanofluids is influenced predominantly by the size of the particle and the surfactant characteristics. The stability of nanofluid increases with the decrease in the size of nanoparticles. Also, the stability increases with sodium dodecyl sulfate as surfactant as against polyvinylpyrrolidone. However, enhancement in the thermal conductivity is found to be higher with polyvinylpyrrolidone than with sodium dodecyl sulfate.

Description: Nuclear genome size, as measured by flow cytometry with propidium iodide, was used to investigate the relationships within the genus Gagea (Liliaceae), mainly from the Netherlands. The basic chromosome number for Gagea is x = 12. The inferred ploidy in the Dutch and German accessions varies from diploid to decaploid. Consequently there is a large range of genome sizes (DNA 2C-values) from 14.9 to 75.1 pg. Genome sizes are evaluated here in combination with the results of morphological observations. Five species and the hybrid G. × megapolitana are reported. Apart from 14 diploid G. villosa, six plants of G. villosa with an inferred tetraploidy were found. For the 186 Dutch accessions investigated 85 turned out to be the largely sterile G. pratensis (inferred to be pentaploid). Inferred tetraploid and hexaploid G. pratensis were found in 30 and 20 localities, respectively. In one locality an inferred decaploid (10×) plant was found that could represent a doubled pentaploid G. pratensis. An inferred decaploid G. pratensis was never reported before. The genome size of Gagea × megapolitana from Germany fitted with its origin as a cross between the two hexaploids G. pratensis and G. lutea. Gagea spathacea from the Netherlands was inferred to be nonaploid as was recorded from plants across Europe. The aim of the study was to use flow cytometry as a tool to elucidate the taxonomic position of the Dutch Gagea.

Description: PurposeOrchalgia is a common problem with varicoceles however the association between varicocele embolisation for the treatment of varicocele related pain has not been widely investigated. We aim to investigate the effectiveness of varicocele embolisation for the treatment of orchalgia secondary to varicoceles; and to see if pre-embolisation pain scores can be used to predict treatment outcomes. Methods: A prospectively collected database of patients undergoing varicocele embolisation for pain was analysed over a 10-year period. Pain scores were assessed with a 10-point visual analogue score. Analgesia requirements and satisfaction scores were assessed with questionnaires. Results: Total of 96 cases. Median age was 34 years old. Median pain scores reduced significantly following embolisation (p 

Description: The cylindrical Bessel differential equation and the spherical Bessel differential equation in the interval R ≤ r ≤ γ R with Neumann boundary conditions are considered. The eigenfunctions are linear combinations of the Bessel function Φ n , ν ( r ) = Y ν ′ ( λ n , ν ) J ν ( λ n , ν r / R ) - J ν ′ ( λ n , ν ) Y ν ( λ n , ν r / R ) or linear combinations of the spherical Bessel functions ψ m , ν ( r ) = y ν ′ ( λ m , ν ) j ν ( λ m , ν r / R ) - j ν ′ ( λ m , ν ) y ν ( λ m , ν r / R ) . The orthogonality relations with analytical expressions for the normalization constant are given. Explicit expressions for the Lommel integrals in terms of Lommel functions are derived. The cross product zeros Y ν ′ ( λ n , ν ) J ν ′ ( γ λ n , ν ) - J ν ′ ( λ n , ν ) Y ν ′ ( γ λ n , ν ) = 0 and y ν ′ ( λ m , ν ) j ν ′ ( γ λ m , ν ) - j ν ′ ( λ m , ν ) y ν ′ ( γ λ m , ν ) = 0 are considered in the complex plane for real as well as complex values of the index ν and approximations for the exceptional zero λ 1 , ν are obtained. A numerical scheme based on the discretization of the two-dimensional and three-dimensional Laplace operator with Neumann boundary conditions is presented. Explicit representations of the radial part of the Laplace operator in form of a tridiagonal matrix allow the simple computation of the cross product zeros.

Description: Introduction‘Ice Mile’ swimming is a new discipline in open-water swimming introduced in 2009. This case study investigated changes in body core temperature during preparation for and completion of two official ‘Ice Miles’, defined as swimming 1.609 km in water of 5°C or colder, in one swimmer.Case descriptionOne experienced ice swimmer (56 years old, 110.2 kg body mass, 1.76 m body height, BMI of 35.6 kg/m 2 , 44.8% body fat) recorded data including time, distance and body core temperature from 65 training units and two ‘Ice Miles’.Discussion and evaluationDuring training and the ‘Ice Miles’, body core temperature was measured using a thermoelectric probe before, during and after swimming. During trainings and the ‘Ice Miles’, body core temperature increased after start, dropped during swimming but was lowest during recovery. During training, body core temperature at start was the only predictor (ß = −0.233, p = 0.025) for the increase in body core temperature. Water temperature (ß = 0.07, p = 0.006) and body core temperature at start (ß = −0.90, p = 0.006) explained 61% of the variance for the non-significant decrease in body core temperature. Water temperature (ß = 0.077, p = 0.0059) and body core temperature at finish (ß = 0.444, p = 0.02) were the most important predictors for the lowest body core temperature. In ‘Ice Miles’, body core temperature was highest ~6–18 min after the start (38.3–38.4°C), dropped during swimming by 1.7°C to ~36.5°C and was lowest ~40–56 min after finish. The lowest body core temperature (34.5–35.0°C) was achieved ~100 min after start. Conclusions: In an experienced ice swimmer with a high BMI (〉35 kg/m 2 ) and a high percent body fat (~45%), body core temperature decreased by 1.7°C while swimming and by 3.2–3.7°C after the swim to reach the lowest temperature in an official ‘Ice Mile’. The swimmer suffered no hypothermia during ice swimming, but body core temperature dropped to

Description: Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a major dose-limiting toxicity of cancer chemotherapy resulting in considerable morbidity, mortality, and cost. This study evaluated the time course of neutropenic events and patterns of supportive care interventions in patients receiving chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer treated in oncology community practices. Methods: A prospective cohort study of adult cancer patients initiating a new chemotherapy regimen was conducted at 115 US sites. Toxicity associated with chemotherapy including neutropenic and infectious complications was recorded over four cycles. Clinical interventions were recorded including reductions in chemotherapy dose intensity and use of supportive care measures. Results: A total of 1,202 patients with stage I–III breast cancer were evaluated. The majority of neutropenic (116 of 196) and infection events (179 of 325) occurred in the initial cycle. A decrease in occurrence of FN and infection was observed in the subsequent cycles, along with an increase in utilization of colony stimulating factors (CSFs), antibiotics and reductions in chemotherapy dose intensity. The overall risk of FN in all patients was 16.3%. In patients who started treatment at or near full dose intensity, the FN risk reached 21.0% without primary CSF prophylaxis and it was 9.0% with prophylaxis. There was no significant difference in FN rates by menopausal or hormone receptors status. Conclusions: The risk of neutropenic complications is greatest in the initial cycle when most patients receive full-dose chemotherapy. A decrease in neutropenic events during subsequent cycles is associated with reduced dose intensity or increased use of supportive care measures. However, the cumulative risk of FN remains high in patients with early-stage breast cancer receiving full dose chemotherapy without prophylactic measures.

Description: The purpose of this short study was to identify the drivers of export orientation of firms in the subsea oil and gas industry in Western Norway. As the oil fields in the North Sea are approaching a stage of maturity, gaining knowledge of these drivers is crucial. An online survey was conducted of firms operating in the subsea oil and gas industry in the region. Consistent with previous research, the data reveal that product innovation and a majority share of international ownership increase firms’ export rates. The use of instrumental variables indicates that both product innovation and international ownership are causes of subsea petroleum exports. The study moreover finds that subcontractors have a lower rate of direct exports than system providers, but international ownership in particular boosts subcontractors’ export rates, probably by decreasing their market dependency on regional system providers. A clear recommendation for managers and stakeholders is that they should encourage foreign investments throughout the value chain. The results of such a strategy appear to be especially positive for subcontractors.

Description: This clinical vignette presents a 14 years old female, with a past medical history relevant only for migraine with typical aura of less than monthly frequency, complaining of a severe unilateral headache with rising intensity for the previous 4 h, associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia and phonophobia. This episode of migraine with aura in a patient with recurrent migraine was complicated by side effects of medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (extrapyramidal symptoms, delirium, post-lumbar puncture headache, hospital admission) all of which could have been prevented—quaternary prevention. This case illustrates several important messages in migraine management: (1) use of acetaminophen is not based in high-quality evidence and better options exist; (2) among youngsters, domperidone should be preferred over metoclopramide because it does not cross the blood–brain barrier; (3) moderate to severe migraine crisis can be managed with triptans in teenagers over 12 years old; (4) it is important to recognize adverse drug effects; (5) harmful consequences of medical interventions do occur; (6) the school community must be informed about chronic diseases of the young.

Description: IntroductionAdministration of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is recommended for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing hip surgery. In this context, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II is a complication of rare incidence but sometimes fatal outcome.Case descriptionA 52-year old obese patient undergoing antithrombotic therapy with Enoxaparin after hip surgery presented with a painful, swollen leg and thrombocytopenia on day eight after surgery. Medical history showed previous administration of Enoxaparin without complications 2 years ago. Further diagnostic investigation supplied evidence of multiple thromboembolic events and concomitant compartment syndrome. Administration of Enoxaparin was stopped immediately and treatment with Argatroban was initiated. Diagnosis of HIT was confirmed according to current guidelines. Despite interventional thrombectomy and fasciotomy, amputation of both lower limbs had to be performed due to ongoing necroses. After a 30-days-stay at the intensive care unit because of sepsis, respiratory and renal failure, clinical condition improved and the patient could be transferred for rehabilitation.Discussion and evaluationHIT II is known as complication of administration of LMWH in the perioperative setting. Diagnosis results from clinical findings and platelet count. Argatroban is recommended as an alternative therapeutic anticoagulant in HIT II. Inflammation and surgical trauma are discussed as priming factors to increase risk of HIT II. Conclusions: Administration of LMWH may result in HIT II despite prior uneventful drug exposure. Except for immediate diagnosis, only consequent anticoagulation can stop the course of disease. Hence, interdisciplinary awareness is inevitable for early diagnosis and accurate therapy to prevent from a catastrophic clinical course.

Description: A safe and appropriate surgical approach to the medial temporal structure is a prerequisite to perform surgeries for temporal lobe epilepsy. We used in vivo morphometry to identify the standard direction for entry into the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle via the Sylvian fissure: an important initial step in performing transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy. 3D magnetic resonance images obtained from 28 patients without intra-parenchymal lesions were re-oriented to demonstrate all points in the Talairach space of the brain. The limen insulae and the midpoint between the hippocampal sulcus and the innominate sulcus on the coronal slice through the posterior edge of the amygdala were defined as the start and target points, respectively. We evaluated the direction of the vector between these two points and its validity in the brain of 12 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The direction of the mean approach vector was 52.4° posteriorly and 16.2° inferiorly. The mean approach vector on the axial plane showed the approximate parallelism with the sphenoid ridge in individual cases. The computer simulation revealed that our average approach vector correctly entered the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle in all temporal lobe epilepsy brains. In vivo morphometry may contribute to the further development of safe and minimally-invasive neurosurgical procedures.

Description: Pseudomonas aeruginosa plays a major role in cystic fibrosis (CF) progression. Therefore, it is important to understand the initial steps of P. aeruginosa infection. The structure and dynamics of CF respiratory tract microbial communities during the early stages of P. aeruginosa colonization were characterized by pyrosequencing and cloning-sequencing. The respiratory microbiota showed high diversity, related to the young age of the CF cohort (mean age 10 years). Wide inter- and intra-individual variations were revealed. A common core microbiota of 5 phyla and 13 predominant genera was found, the majority of which were obligate anaerobes. A few genera were significantly more prevalent in patients never infected by P. aeruginosa. Persistence of an anaerobic core microbiota regardless of P. aeruginosa status suggests a major role of certain anaerobes in the pathophysiology of lung infections in CF. Some genera may be potential biomarkers of pulmonary infection state.

Description: ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors to development of focal pulmonary interstitial opacities adjacent to thoracic spine osteophytes among cases with right-sided aortic arch.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective review of our hospital information system on patients with right-sided aortic arch who underwent chest computed tomography (CT) from April 2003 to September 2014. CT were reviewed to evaluate the position and thickness of osteophytes and that of focal pulmonary opacities adjacent to osteophytes, comparing data between the patients with osteophytes with pulmonary opacity (group A) and patients with osteophytes without pulmonary opacity (group B). Results: There were 25 patients totally, 23 cases of left-sided thoracic osteophytes, two cases on both sides. Comparing Group A (n = 10) and Group B (n = 15), the presence of pulmonary opacities was significantly associated with thickness of osteophytes (Mann–Whitney U test, P 

Description: Background: Scimitar syndrome can present with a wide clinical spectrum of symptoms either early in the neonatal period or later in life.Case descriptionWe report a case of a 62-year-old woman with anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal lung with scimitar syndrome presenting as recurrent hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy revealed normal major bronchial branches without bronchial atresia, indicating that sequestration of the lung was not confirmed. The anomalous drainage of the scimitar vein was to the inferior vena cava, and an anomalous artery from the aorta supplied the right basal lung. There were no findings of pulmonary hypertension and arteriovenous malformation such as an anomalous artery to the scimitar vein. The distal portions of anomalous arteries were embolized using gelatin sponge particles and the proximal portion was embolized using fibered detachable coils. Although a small pulmonary infarction was observed as a complication, the patie nt has not experienced any subsequence recurrence of the hemoptysis during a follow-up period of 6 months.Discussion and evaluationDeformities of the blood vessels and the lungs are frequently complex in scimitar syndrome. Although patients treated with surgical repair of this disorder may be at higher risk than those treated less invasively, we believe that transcatheter embolization was a useful strategy for the treatment of the anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal lung, particularly in this patient with scimitar syndrome. Conclusion: Hemoptysis in a patient with scimitar syndrome associated with anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal lung was successfully treated with transcatheter arterial embolization. However, it might be better to avoid the use of gelatin sponge particles in patients with a similar anomaly without pulmonary artery distribution because of the possibility of causing severe pulmonary infarction.

Description: PurposeTo investigate and compare the trends in incidence and mortality of penile cancer between Australia, England and Wales, and the US, and provide hypotheses for these trends. Methods: Cancer registry data from 1982 to 2005 inclusive were obtained from Australia, England and Wales, and the United States. From these data, age-specific, -standardised and mortality:incidence ratios were calculated, and compared. Results: The overall incidence of penile cancer in England and Wales (1.44 per 100,000 man-years) was higher than in Australia (0.80 per 100,000), and the US (0.66 per 100,000). Incidence of penile cancer in all three countries has remained relatively stable over time. Similarly, although the mortality rates were also higher in England and Wales (0.37 per 100,000 man-years) compared to Australia (0.18 per 100,000) and the US (0.15 per 100,000), the mortality/incidence ratios were similar for all three countries. Conclusions: Penile cancer incidence is low, affecting mainly older men. Rates differ between the three countries, being twice as common in England and Wales as in the other studied regions. Circumcision rates have a potential influence on these rates but are not the sole explanation for the variation.

Description: Background: There are 62 million Americans currently residing in rural areas who are more likely to have multiple chronic conditions and be economically disadvantaged, and in poor health, receive less recommended preventive services and attend fewer visits to health care providers. Recent advances in mobile healthcare (mHealth) offer a promising new approach to solving health disparities and improving chronic illness care. It is now possible and affordable to transmit health information, including values from glucometers, automated blood pressure monitors, and scales, through Bluetooth-enabled devices. Additionally, audio and video communications technologies can allow healthcare providers to conduct many parts of a physical exam remotely from varied settings. These technologies could remove geographical distance as a barrier to care and diminish the access to care issues faced by patients who live rurally. However, currently there is lack of studies that provide evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of mHealth initiatives on improved outcomes of care, a needed step to make the translation to implementation studies in healthcare systems. The purpose of this paper is to present the protocol for the first study of mI SMART (mobile Improvement of Self-Management Ability through Rural Technology), a new integrated mHealth intervention. Methods: Our objective is to provide evidence of feasibility and acceptability for the use of mI SMART in an underserved population and establish evidence for the refinement of mI SMART. The proposed study will take place at Milan Puskar Health Right, a free primary care clinic in the state of West Virginia. The clinic provides health care at no cost to uninsured, low income; adults aged 18–64 living in West Virginia. We will enroll 30 participants into this feasibility study with plans of implementing a longitudinal randomized, comparative effectiveness design in the future. Data collection will include tracking of barriers and facilitators to using mI SMART on patient and provider feedback surveys, tracking of patient-provider communications, self-reports from patients on quality of life, adherence, and self-management ability, and capture of health record data on chronic illness measures.DiscussionWe expect that the mI SMART intervention, refined from participant and provider feedback, will be acceptable and feasible. We anticipate high patient-provider satisfaction, enhanced patient-provider communication, and improved health related quality of life, adherence to treatment, and self-management ability. In addition, we hypothesize that patients who use mI SMART will demonstrate improved physical outcomes such as blood glucose, blood pressure, and weight.

Description: Fructose, glucose, and an equimolar mixture of both sugars affected differently hyphae thickness, biomass production and secretion of β-fructofuranosidase in Penicillium janczewskii. Reduced growth, thinner hyphae and visible injuries were early observed during fungal cultivation in fructose-containing medium, reaching the maximum between 12 and 15 days of culture. Total sugar content from the cell wall was lower when fructose was supplied and polysaccharides lower than 10 kDa predominated, regardless the culture age. Maximal inulinase and invertase activities were detected in culture filtrates after 12 days, excepting in the glucose-containing medium. Structural changes in cell walls coincided with the increase of extracellular enzyme activity in the fructose-containing medium. The fragility of the hyphae might be related with both low carbohydrate content and predominance of low molecular weight glucans in the walls. Data presented here suggest changes in carbohydrate component of the cell walls are induced by the carbon source.

Description: Large herbivores may affect ecosystem processes and states, but such effects can be difficult to quantify, especially within multispecies assemblages. To better understand such processes and improve our predictive ability of systems undergoing change, herbivore diets can be studied using controlled feeding trials (or cafeteria tests). With some wildlife, such as large herbivores, it is impractical to empirically verify these findings, because it requires visually observing animals in forested environments, which can disturb them from their natural behaviors. Yet, in field-based cafeteria trials it is nearly impossible to differentiate selection between herbivore species that forage on similar plants and make very similar bite marks. However, during browsing ungulates leave saliva residue which includes some buccal cells and DNA that can be extracted for species identification. Here we used a newly developed eDNA-based method (biteDNA) to test the browsing preferences of four sympatric ungulate species in the wild. Overall, food preferences varied between species, but all species strongly preferred deciduous over coniferous species. Our method allows the study of plant-animal interactions in multispecies assemblages at very fine detail.

Description: ObjectivesRecombinant protein production processes in Escherichia coli are usually operated in fed-batch mode; therefore, the elaboration of a fed-batch cultivation protocol in microtiter plates that allows for screening under production like conditions is particularly appealing. Results: A highly reproducible fed-batch like microtiter plate cultivation protocol for E. coli in a micro-bioreactor system with advanced online monitoring capabilities was developed. A synthetic enzymatic glucose release medium was employed to provide carbon limited growth conditions without external substrate feed and the required buffer capacity to keep the pH value within 7 ± 1. Accurate process design allowed for cultivation up to cell densities of 10 g biomass l −1 without any limitations in oxygen supply [dissolved oxygen (DO) level above 30 %]. In the micro-bioreactor system (BioLector) online monitoring of cell growth, DO and pH was performed. Furthermore, the influence of the cultivation temperature, the applicability for different host strains as well as the transferability of results to lab-scale bioreactor cultivations was evaluated. Conclusion: This robust microtiter plate cultivation protocol allows for screening of E. coli systems under conditions comparable to lab-scale bioreactor cultivations.

Description: A combined pseudo-homogeneous and fractal geometry model was developed to simulate the process of a integrated technology. The technology was proposed to replace heat pipes and WFGD, which is based on the theory that liquid membrane and droplets grow in size by vapor heterogeneous condensation with they acting as nucleation centers and then the grown droplets are removed efficiently by using integrated diverse combinations of condenser pipes and a highly efficient scrubber. The model has been approached useful for both analyzing results and aiding in design of the technology by conducting a two-dimensional steady-state model by means of infinitesimal analysis, incorporating with the models of whole fine particles absorption efficiency of a regularly arranged liquid membrane and droplets column group, and the models of geometric classifications for liquid and solid based on the fractal dimension identified by different structural of radius of gyration of liquid–solid interface transition zone. The predicted values were also compared with the experimental results, and they are in excellent agreement. The results showed that: When the fractal dimension d f is 0.3, the calculation result is the most closer to actual experiment parameter. The PM 2.5 diffusion volume flux value V w ranges from 22 and 45 mm/s.

Description: In this paper, two classes of V-band substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) bends operating in V-band frequency in the range [58–63 GHz] for the \({90^{\circ}}\) SIW bend with inductive via and in the range [57–68 GHz] for the circular SIW bend and corporate \({1\times4}\) and \({1\times8}\) SIW power dividers that provide equal power split with high isolation in all output ports operating in V-band [45–80 GHz] are presented and studied. The advantages of the SIW technique are its low profile, low cost, mass production, ease of fabrication and full integration with planar circuits. All the SIW bend topologies are optimized and designed to operate in the V-band frequency range. The bends and dividers are analyzed using the two-dimensional finite element method (2D-FEM). The analysis was performed in H-plane using a powerful full-wave method based on the two-dimensional finite element method (2D-FEM) programmed under MATLAB environment. The return losses, transmission coefficients and the field’s distribution are exposed in this paper. To validate our results numerically, a comparison is made and the obtained results are compared with those given by the CST Microwave Studio. It is observed that the simulation computation time is reduced with good accuracy since the discretization was done only in two dimensions.

Description: Sentinel lymph nodes are mapped using 99m Technetium, injected on day of surgery (1-day protocol) or day before (2-day protocol). This retrospective cohort study compares efficacy between the two protocols. Histopathology for all unilateral sentinel lymph node biopsies (March 2012–March 2013) in a single centre were reviewed. Number of sentinel lymph nodes, non-sentinel lymph nodes and pathology was compared. 2/270 (0.7 %) in 1-day protocol and 8/192 (4 %) in 2-day protocol had no sentinel lymph nodes removed (p = 0.02). The median (range) number of sentinel lymph nodes removed per patient was 2 (0–7) and 1 (0–11) in the 1- and 2-day protocols respectively (p = 0.08). There was a trend for removing more non-sentinel lymph nodes in 2-day protocol [1-day: 52/270 (19 %); 2-day: 50/192 (26 %), p = 0.07]. Using 2-day, sentinel lymph node identification failure rate is higher, although within acceptable rates. The 1 and 2 day protocols are both effective, therefore choice of protocol should be driven by patient convenience and hospital efficiency. However, this study raises the possibility that 1-day may be preferable when higher sentinel lymph node count is beneficial, for example following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Description: Human and porcine cysticercosis is caused by the larval stage of the flatworm Taenia solium (Cestoda). Infestation of the human brain, also known as neurocysticercosis, is the most common parasite disease of the central nervous system worldwide. Significant advances in the understanding of the disease have been achieved using the Taenia crassiceps murine model. We describe here a successful transfection protocol of T. crassiceps cysticerci as the first step to approach a number of currently inaccessible biological questions on cysticercosis. T. crassiceps cysticerci (ORF strain) were microinjected with the plasmid pcDNA3.1/NT-GFP-TOPO, encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by a cytomegalovirus promoter (CMV). Twelve hours after the microinjection, GFP fluorescence gradually developed in patches associated to bud structures in the bladder wall of cysts. Fluorescence reached a peak at 24–48 h and lasted up to 72 h after the microinjection. Immunohistochemical studies on tissue sections of transfected cysts using an anti-GFP antibody, demonstrated co-localization of the antibody and the GFP fluorescence in the tegumentary cytoplasm and subtegumentary cytons. To validate at the mRNA level the expression of GFP, we carried out RT-PCR using two pairs of nested primers. Results showed expression of GFP-mRNA at 24 h post-transfection. Moreover, western blot assays of crude extracts of transfected cysts, carried out using the anti-GFP specific antibody, showed the expected protein band of 27 kDa, demonstrating that the GFP expression started at 24 after plasmid microinjection and was maintained up to 72 h. These findings will facilitate the development of functional genomics approaches applied to this model of cysticercosis.

Description: We have developed a highly sensitive and specific method for quantification of salivary 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), 3-hydroxyisobutyrate (3HIB), 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyrate (3HMB) and 2-hydroxybutyrate (2HB), which could be new non-invasive biomarkers for catabolic pathways of fatty acids/ketogenic amino acids, valine, leucine, and methionine/threonine/α-ketobutyrate, respectively. The four hydroxybutyrates (3HB, 3HIB, 3HMB, and 2HB) were extracted from 5 µl of saliva, converted to 2-pyridylmethyl (2PM) ester derivatives, and measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in positive electrospray ionization mode. [ 13 C 4 ]3HB was used as an internal standard. The detection limits for the 2PM esters were

Description: Dent disease (DD) is a rare X-linked recessive renal tubulopathy characterised by low-molecular-weight proteinuria (LMWP), hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis and/or nephrolithiasis. DD is caused by mutations in both the CLCN5 and OCRL genes. CLCN5 encodes the electrogenic chloride/proton exchanger ClC-5 which is involved in the tubular reabsorption of albumin and LMW proteins, OCRL encodes the inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase, and was initially associated with Lowe syndrome. In approximately 25 % of patients, no CLCN5 and OCRL mutations were detected. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether calcium phosphate metabolism disorders and their clinical complications are differently distributed among DD patients with and without CLCN5 mutations. Sixty-four male subjects were studied and classified into three groups: Group I (with CLCN5 mutations), Group II (without CLCN5 mutations) and Group III (family members with the same CLCN5 mutation). LMWP, hypercalciuria and phosphaturic tubulopathy and the consequent clinical complications nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, bone disorders, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were considered present or absent in each patient. We found that the distribution of nephrolithiasis, bone disorders and CKD differs among patients with and without CLCN5 mutations. Only in patients harbouring CLCN5 mutations was age-independent nephrolithiasis associated with hypercalciuria, suggesting that nephrolithiasis is linked to altered proximal tubular function caused by a loss of ClC-5 function, in agreement with ClC-5 KO animal models. Similarly, only in patients harbouring CLCN5 mutations was age-independent kidney failure associated with nephrocalcinosis, suggesting that kidney failure is the consequence of a ClC-5 dysfunction, as in ClC-5 KO animal models. Bone disorders are a relevant feature of DD phenotype, as patients were mainly young males and this complication occurred independently of age. The triad of symptoms, LMWP, hypercalciuria, and nephrocalcinosis, was present in almost all patients with CLCN5 mutations but not in those without CLCN5 mutations. This lack of homogeneity of clinical manifestations suggests that the difference in phenotypes between the two groups might reflect different pathophysiological mechanisms, probably depending on the diverse genes involved. Overall, our results might suggest that in patients without CLCN5 mutations several genes instead of the prospected third DD underpin patients’ phenotypes.

Description: Invasive American bullfrogs [Rana catesbeiana (Lithobates catesbeianus)] are outcompeting and predating on native biota and contributing to reductions in biodiversity worldwide. Current methods for controlling American bullfrogs are incapable of stopping their expansion, thus more cost-effective and broadly applicable methods are needed. Although chemical control compounds have been identified as effective for removing other invasive amphibians, none have been tested for American bullfrogs. Our objective was to expand on previous research and test the efficacy of 10 potential chemical control compounds for removing invasive American bullfrogs. After a dermal spray-application of 4 ml, we found 3 compounds (i.e., chloroxylenol, rotenone with permethrin, and caffeine) at 5–10 % concentrations in water were 100 % lethal for adult American bullfrogs. Chloroxylenol and rotenone with permethrin were fast acting with time-to-death

Description: Coordination of different business activities among units becomes vital as organizations pay much attention to their core activities. Thus, their fruitfulness constantly relies on their capacity to coordinate their internal and external activities in the supply chain outside their own boundaries. Giving consideration to these obvious reasons, this paper aims to investigate the determinants of supply chain coordination of milk and dairy industries. The data were collected from 330 milk suppliers, processors, and retailers in the central part of Ethiopia. The structural equation modeling has been employed to develop the structural relationship between key constructs and measured variables. In total, 15 measured variables for coordination in the supply chain have been identified. These are further grouped into four factors namely, non-price coordination, price coordination, relationships and product development decision. It has been observed that the implementation of these factors could maximize the coordination linkage among supply chain members. Thus, dairy sectors should take the identified coordination factors into account in each of their business dealings.

Description: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmic disorder world-wide, accounting for 15 % of all strokes. Management of stroke risk in AF is complicated by intolerance of anti-coagulation (AC) therapy and difficulty maintaining therapeutic range in patients treated with warfarin. The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a source of thrombus in AFrelated thrombo-embolic events and surgical LAA exclusion (LAAO) is commonly performed during cardiac surgery in AF patients. Surgical approaches are limited by a high incidence of incomplete closure with a potential for consequent thrombo-embolic events as well as the morbidity of an open-heart procedure. More recently, percutaneous approaches to LAAO have been developed. The LARIAT device is an epicardial LAA exclusion system that enables percutaneous suture ligation of the LAA via combined, pericardial and trans-septal access. The device has 510k Federal Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for soft-tissue ligation and has been studied in canine models in pre-clinical studies as well as published series of clinical experience with LARIAT LAAO. The history, patient selection, procedural technique and complications of LARIAT LAAO are reviewed here. Additionally, insights and procedural improvements that have been elucidated from clinical series and outcomes from the collective experience are discussed. The LARIAT’s epicardial approach to LAA ligation is unique compared with other percutaneous LAA exclusion devices, however more data regarding device safety and efficacy is needed for the LARIAT to emerge as an established therapy for stroke prevention in AF.

Description: Peptidomimetics based on hydrazino derivatives of α-amino acids represent an important class of peptidic foldamers with promising biological activities, like protease inhibition and antimicrobial activity. However, the lack of straightforward method for the synthesis of optically pure hydrazino acids and efficient incorporation of hydrazino building blocks into peptide sequence hamper wider exploitation of hydrazino peptidomimetics. Here we described the utility of N α -benzyl protected and unprotected hydrazino derivatives of natural α-amino acids in synthesis of peptidomimetics. While incorporation of N α -benzyl-hydrazino acids into peptide chain and deprotection of benzyl moiety proceeded with difficulties, unprotected hydrazino acids allowed fast and simple construction of hybrid peptidomimetics.

Description: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. The 5-year survival rate in patients with breast cancer ranges from 74 to 82 %. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has become an alternative to axillary lymph node dissection for nodal staging. We evaluated the detection of the sentinel lymph node and metastasis of the lymph node using contrast enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid. Between December 2013 and May 2014, 32 patients with operable breast cancer were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the detection of axillary sentinel lymph nodes and the evaluation of axillary lymph nodes metastasis using contrast enhanced computed tomography, color Doppler ultrasonography and contrast enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid. All the sentinel lymph nodes were identified, and the sentinel lymph nodes detected by contrast enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid corresponded with those detected by computed tomography lymphography and indigo carmine method. The detection of metastasis based on contrast enhanced computed tomography were sensitivity 20.0 %, specificity 88.2 %, PPV 60.0 %, NPV 55.6 %, accuracy 56.3 %. Based on color Doppler ultrasonography, the results were sensitivity 36.4 %, specificity 95.2 %, PPV 80.0 %, NPV 74.1 %, accuracy 75.0 %. Based on contrast enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid, the results were sensitivity 81.8 %, specificity 95.2 %, PPV 90.0 %, NPV 90.9 %, accuracy 90.6 %. The results suggested that contrast enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid was the most accurate among the evaluations of these modalities. In the future, we believe that our method would take the place of conventional sentinel lymph node biopsy for an axillary staging method.

Description: Background: The TAS2R38 gene is widely responsible for the well-known bimodal response to a family of bitter chemicals which includes 6-n-propylthiouracial (PROP). There are two common haplotypes of this gene, the recessive AVI and the dominant PAV, both of which are well studied. Conversely, the role of rare TAS2R38 haplotypes on bitter taste sensitivity has been notoriously difficult to study due to small sample sizes. Here we present PROP sensitivity data of 97 individuals that have been observed to carry rare haplotypes (AAV, AAI, PAI, PVI) of the TAS2R38 gene. Results: Participants rated their bitter taste perception to a PROP filter disc then provided a buccal DNA sample from which the TAS2R38 gene was sequenced and analyzed. We found the prevalence of the PAV haplotype to be 42.3 %, AVI 53.1 %, AAV 2.5 %, AAI 1.2 %, PAI 0.8 % and PVI 0.1 %. We found that the AAI, AAV, and PAI haplotypes present intermediate taste sensitivity. Conclusions: These data are further evidence that bitter taste sensitivity to PROP exists as a broad range, and not exclusively as nontasters, medium tasters, and supertasters.

Description: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the characteristics of increased bone marrow uptake of 18F-FDG in patients with leukemia who underwent whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT. The 18F-FDG PET/CT images of 9 patients with histologically proven leukemia were reviewed. The accumulation of 18F-FDG in the bone marrow was evaluated, and was compared with histological subtype, clinical course, and hematological findings. Nine patients (4 males, 5 females; age range, 5–58 years) had increased bone marrow uptake of 18F-FDG, including 6 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 1 with acute myeloid leukemia, 1 with chronic myeloid leukemia, and 1 with mature B cell neoplasm. Bone marrow uptake was generally diffuse but focal or inhomogeneous uptake was common, especially in the upper and lower extremities. Patients with increased bone marrow uptake of 18F-FDG commonly complained of fever and bone pain. No correlations between 18F-FDG uptake and peripheral blood findings were observed. Patients with leukemia may have increased bone marrow uptake of 18F-FDG on PET/CT, possibly reflecting leukemic cell activity. Leukemia can be included in the differential diagnosis when increased bone marrow uptake of 18F-FDG is observed.

Description: Several closely related branched structures related to the well-established benzyl ether dendrimers were tested as hosts for the removal of pyrene from water. Fluorescence spectroscopy based complexation studies showed that the first generation benzyl ether dendrimers removed on average 94 % of pyrene from a saturated aqueous solution after 30 min. By contrast, branched systems containing modified benzyl ether or cyclohexane functional groups removed between 0 and 75 % of pyrene at the same time point while systems with benzyl amine resulted in a 77 % decrease in pyrene. This selectivity eroded over two days after which time all dendrimeric types removed pyrene to approximately the same extent. Inclusion constants of 10 9 –10 11 M −1 were calculated for the branched systems studied.

Description: Euro-Canadians and Chinese typically hold different theories about change; Euro-Canadians often engage in linear thinking whereas Chinese often engage in non-linear thinking. The present research investigated the effects of culture-specific theories of change in two related gambling fallacies: the gambler’s fallacy (GF; the belief that one is due for a win after a run of losses) and the hot-hand fallacy (HHF; the belief that one’s winning streak is likely to continue). In Study 1, participants predicted the outcome of a coin toss following a sequence of tosses. Study 2 involved predicting and betting on the outcome of a basketball player’s shot following a sequence of shots. In Study 1, Asians (mainly Chinese) were significantly more likely than Euro-Canadians to believe that they would win (correctly predict the coin toss) after a series of losses (a non-linear thinking pattern), suggesting greater susceptibility to the gambler’s fallacy. In Study 2, Euro-Canadians were more likely than Chinese to predict outcomes consistent with a basketball player’s streaks (a linear thinking pattern), suggesting greater susceptibility to the hot hand fallacy. By illustrating the role of cultural differences in cognition, these findings contribute to our understanding of why certain cultural groups, such as Chinese, are more susceptible to gambling.

Description: This paper introduces a new averaged algorithm for finding a common fixed point of a countably infinite family of generalized k-strictly pseudocontractive multi-valued mappings. The new iterative sequence introduced is proved to be an approximating fixed point sequence for common fixed points of a countably infinite family of this class of mappings. Furthermore, under some mild assumptions, strong convergence theorems are also proved for this class of mappings. The method of proof used here is new and enables to overcome many strong restrictions appearing in contemporary literature. The stated theorems improve and generalize many recent works in iterative scheme for multi-valued mappings.Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H04, 47H09, 47H10.

Description: Recent developments in genetics and molecular biology have classified breast cancer into subtypes based on tumor markers of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and human epidermal growth Factor-2 receptors (Her-2), with the basal-like (ER−, PR−, Her2−) subtype commonly referred to as “triple negative” breast cancer (TNBC) being the most aggressive. Prior studies have provided evidence that higher socio-economic status (SES) is associated with increased breast cancer risk, likely due to hormone related risk factors such as parity and hormonal contraceptive use. However, it is unclear if the relationship between SES and overall breast cancer incidence exists within each subtype, and if this association varies by race/ethnicity. Analysis was based on data obtained from the SEER database linked to 2008–2012 American Community Survey data, and restricted to women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. The NCI SES census tract SES index based on measures of income, poverty, unemployment, occupational class, education and house value, was examined and categorized into quintiles. Age-adjusted incidence rate ratios were calculated comparing the lowest to the highest SES groups by subtype, separately for each race/ethnic group. We identified 47,586 women with breast cancer diagnosed in 2010. The majority was diagnosed with Her2−/HR+ tumors (73 %), while 12 % had triple negative tumors (TNBC). There was a significant trend of higher incidence with increasing SES for Her2−/HR+ (IRR Highest vs. Lowest SES: 1.32, 95 % CI 1.27–1.39; p value trend: 0.01) and Her2+/HR+ tumors (IRR Highest vs. Lowest SES: 1.46, 95 % CI 1.27–1.68; p value trend: 0.01) among White cases. There was no association between SES and incidence of HR− subtypes (Her2+/HR− or TNBC). Similar associations were observed among Black, Hispanic and Asian or Pacific Islander cases. The positive association between SES and breast cancer incidence is primarily driven by hormone receptor positive tumors. To the extent that neighborhood SES is a proxy for individual SES, future studies are still needed to identify etiologic risk factors for other breast cancer subtypes.

Description: Pollution by metals may adversely affect organisms through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we examined the sublethal effects of two metals, copper and cadmium, on horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) embryos. Exposure to copper or cadmium at concentrations of 0.01–10 mg/L for periods of 4, 8, 16 and 24 h had minimal effect on embryo survival except at 100 mg/L Cu. However, metal-exposed embryos took significantly longer to hatch into first instar (“trilobite”) larvae than seawater controls. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), believed to be important in the response to oxidative stress, were determined by Western blotting. Both the Cu/Zn and Mn cofactor forms of SOD tended to be somewhat elevated in metal-exposed embryos, but the increases were neither dose nor time-dependent. Likewise, SOD enzymatic activity showed no significant differences comparing embryos exposed to metals with seawater controls. We conclude that the protective role of SOD’s against ROS produced in response to metal exposure appears to be limited in horseshoe crab embryos, at least under our experimental conditions.

Description: Although, there exists numerous literature on the procedure for forecasting or predicting election results, in Ghana only opinion poll strategies have been used. To fill this gap, the paper develops Markov chain models for forecasting the 2016 presidential election results at the Regional, Zonal (i.e. Savannah, Coastal and Forest) and the National levels using past presidential election results of Ghana. The methodology develops a model for prediction of the 2016 presidential election results in Ghana using the Markov chains Monte Carlo (MCMC) methodology with bootstrap estimates. The results were that the ruling NDC may marginally win the 2016 Presidential Elections but would not obtain the more than 50 % votes to be declared an outright winner. This means that there is going to be a run-off election between the two giant political parties: the ruling NDC and the major opposition party, NPP. The prediction for the 2016 Presidential run-off election between the NDC and the NPP was rather in favour of the major opposition party, the NPP with a little over the 50 % votes obtained.

Description: The study investigated the diversity and genotypic features of alkane hydroxylase genes on rhizoplanes of grasses planted in artificial petroleum-contaminated soils to acquire new insights into the bacterial communities responsible for petroleum degradation in phytoremediation. Four types of grass (Cynodon dactylon, two phenotypes of Zoysia japonica, and Z. matrella) were used. The concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbon effectively decreased in the grass-planted systems compared with the unplanted system. Among the representative alkane hydroxylase genes alkB, CYP153, almA and ladA, the first two were detected in this study, and the genotypes of both genes were apparently different among the systems studied. Their diversity was also higher on the rhizoplanes of the grasses than in unplanted oil-contaminated soils. Actinobacteria-related genes in particular were among the most diverse alkane hydroxylase genes on the rhizoplane in this study, indicating that they are one of the main contributors to degrading alkanes in oil-contaminated soils during phytoremediation. Actinobacteria-related alkB genes and CYP153 genes close to the genera Parvibaculum and Aeromicrobium were found in significant numbers on the rhizoplanes of grasses. These results suggest that the increase in diversity and genotype differences of the alkB and CYP153 genes are important factors affecting petroleum hydrocarbon-degrading ability during phytoremediation.

Description: Changes or introductions of technology or equipment can affect how a sport is played or influence its performances. This article conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature to identify any case studies of controversial events surrounding the implementation or use of sports technology. 56 articles were identified that highlighted 31 different case studies found over a three decade time period. Thematic analysis revealed six distinctive themes when reviewing the articles. Whilst the sport of golf had the highest number of case studies, it was found that a significant level of attention had been recorded in the cases of Oscar Pistorius use of prosthetic legs in athletics and the use of full length swimsuits in swimming. The trend surrounding the number of articles was shown to be initially intermittent but saw a peak period from 2008 to 2010. However, the frequency of such articles since this peak has been more consistent. It is proposed that long periods of time without intervention or resolution by a governing body often increases the peer-reviewed attention paid to such cases in examples such as those identified in this systematic review.

Description: Participation and performance trends for age group marathoners have been investigated for large city marathons such as the ‘New York City Marathon’ but not for mountain marathons. This study investigated participation and trends in performance and sex difference in the mountain marathon ‘Jungfrau Marathon’ held in Switzerland from 2000 to 2014 using single and mixed effects regression analyses. Results were compared to a city marathon (Lausanne Marathon) also held in Switzerland during the same period. Sex difference was calculated using the equation ([race time in women] − [race time in men]/[race time in men] × 100). Changes in sex differences across calendar years and were investigated using linear regression models. In ‘Jungfrau Marathon’, participation in all female and male age groups increased with exception of women in age groups 18–24 and men in age groups 30–34, 40–44 and 60–64 years where participation remained unchanged. In ‘Lausanne Marathon’, participation increased in women in age groups 30–34 to 40–44 years. In men, participation increased in age groups 25–29 to 44–44 years and 50–54 years. In ‘Jungfrau Marathon’ runners became slower across years in age groups 18–24 to 70–74 years. In ‘Lausanne Marathon’, runners became slower across years in age groups 18–24 and 30–34 to 65–69 years, but not for 25–29, 70–74 and 75–79 years. In ‘Jungfrau Marathon’, sex difference increased in age groups 25–29 (from 4 to 10 %) and 60–64 years (from 3 to 8 %) but decreased in age group 40–44 years (from 12 to 6 %). In ‘Lausanne Marathon’, the sex difference showed no changes. In summary, participation increased in most female and male age groups but performance decreased in most age groups for both the mountain marathon ‘Jungfrau Marathon’ and the city marathon ‘Lausanne Marathon’. The sex differences were lower in the ‘Jungfrau Marathon’ (~6–7 %) compared to the ‘Lausanne Marathon’ where the sex difference was ~10–12 % from age groups 18–24 to 55–59 years. These unexpected findings might be a typical Swiss phenomenon. Future studies need to investigate whether this trend can also be found in other endurance sports events held in Switzerland and other mountain marathons held in other countries.

Description: Willingness to pay (WTP) is used to assess individuals’ value attribution to health-related quality of life interventions. Little is known about predictors of WTP for sport and physical activity in socially vulnerable groups in community-based physical activity (CBHEPA) programs. This study addresses the questions: What is the WTP for sport and physical activity of participants in CBHEPA programs, expressed in WTP money and WTP time ? Which factors predict WTP money and WTP time ? From the literature, predictors for WTP for sport and physical activity were identified: (1) personal and socio-economic predictors: income, education, age, and ethnic origin, (2) health-related predictors: perceived health, life satisfaction, sense of coherence, self-efficacy, (3) sport and physical activity-related predictors: duration and frequency of participation, leisure-time sport or physical activity, sport club membership, enjoyment, and membership fee. Data were gathered for WTP money and WTP time (n = 268) in 19 groups in an evaluation study of CBHEPA programs. Ordered probit was used for analyses. WTP money was a monthly average of €9.6. WTP time was on average 17.6 min travel time. Income was found as predictor for both WTP money and WTP time . Other predictors for WTP money were: duration and frequency of program participation, enjoyment, and (former) sport club membership. Low income and younger age were found as predictors for WTP time . Predictors for WTP money are related to income and sport and physical activity experiences, for WTP time to income and age. Short-term program satisfaction is probably more decisive for WTP money than long-term perspectives of improving health-related quality of life.

Description: Ocular surface or epibulbar dermoid lesions may present as limbal dermoids at the corneal limbus or dermolipomas in the conjunctival fornix. The purpose of this study is to review clinical features of ocular surface dermoids (grade I), with the visual axis unaffected, in pediatric patients, in order to find key features for making clinical decision, either resection or observation. The study involved 13 consecutive patients with limbal dermoids or fornix dermolipomas which did not affect the visual axis, seen in 11 years at a referral-based institution. Eight patients underwent surgical resection at the age, ranging from 1 to 18 (median, 4) years, with concurrent preauricular appendage resection in 3 patients. Limbal dermoids in 6 patients presented dome-shaped elevation from the ocular surface, and extended in inferotemporal quadrant for 1–2 clock hours. The remaining 2 patients showed dermolipomas in the temporal conjunctival fornix. Postoperative astigmatism at the final visit ranged from 0 to 7 (median, 2.9) diopters in 6 patients with limbal dermoids while ranged from 0 to 1 diopters in 2 patients with fornix dermolipomas. All patients with meaningful astigmatism wore glasses before and after the surgery, resulting in no apparent ametropic or anisometropic amblyopia. Observation was chosen in 5 patients with the age at initial visit, ranging from 0 to 2 (median, 1) years, and the age at the final visit, ranging from 2 to 6 (median, 3) years. Flat limbal dermoids, extending for 1–2 clock hours, were noted in 3 patients, a dome-shaped limbal dermoid for 1 clock hour in one, and a fornix dermolipoma in one. Three patients had preauricular appendages. No patient, except for one with a dome-shaped limbal dermoid, showed astigmatism, greater than one diopter. In conclusions, dome-shaped limbal dermoids were excised while flat limbal dermoids observed. The age at surgery varied largely in pediatric patients with limbal dermoids (grade I) or fornix dermolipomas which did not affect the visual axis. The surgical timing was influenced by surgical scheduling for preauricular appendage resection, determined by a plastic surgeon. Surgical decision was made for cosmetic purposes, but not for medical needs to avoid amblyopia.

Description: This study aimed to create a unique assessment tool to investigate the physical activity levels of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies have documented a lack of physical activity within patients living with CKD and patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT). Physical activity plays a key role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients with CKD are at high risk of developing CVD. Physical inactivity can be considered as a major modifiable risk factor for CVD in CKD patients. In this study 100 patients completed the 20 item questionnaire which produced a total activity score (TAS) and activity loss score for each patient. Bio-chemical markers, haemoglobin, erythropoietin therapy and co-morbidities were documented for each patient. Results were compared against 50 age, sex-matched controls. Results showed a significant difference in TAS between in-centre haemodialysis (ICHD) patients and the healthy control group. A significant difference was also seen with the home haemodialysis (HD) and ICHD patients against the transplant group (TX). Our quick assessment tool identified the ICHD patients as the most physically inactive group within the CKD and RRT population compared to a healthy control group. We therefore recommend that doctors encourage physical activity within this high risk group and start ‘prescribing exercise’ to their patients.