Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center

This was an experimental study of 14 alcoholic outpatients using the Peniston and Kulkosky (1989, 1991) brainwave treatment protocol for alcohol abuse. After temperature biofeedback pretraining, experimental subjects completed 20 40-minute sessions of alpha-theta brainwave neurofeedback training (BWNT). Experimentally treated alcoholics with depressive syndrome showed sharp reductions in self-assessed depression (Beck's Depression Inventory). On the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-I, the experimental subjects showed significant decreases on the BR scores: schizoid, avoidant, dependent, histrionic, passive-aggression, schizotypal, borderline, anxiety, somatoform, hypomanic, dysthmic, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, psychotic thinking, and psychotic depression. Twenty-one-month follow-up data indicated sustained prevention of relapse in alcoholics who completed BWNT.

BACKGROUND: Since its emergence in 2013, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) spread rapidly throughout the country due, in part, to contaminated livestock trailers. The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of an accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) disinfectant for inactivating PEDV in swine feces on metal surfaces under freezing conditions. One 15.24 X 15.24 X 2.54 cm aluminum coupon, contaminated with swine feces, and randomly matched to one pig was the experimental unit. Eight treatment groups representing two AHP concentrations (1:16 and 1:32) in a 10% propylene glycol solution, two contact times in a -10 °C freezer (40 min and 60 min), and two levels of fecal contamination (5 mL and 10 mL) in addition to negative and positive control groups were evaluated. Forty 3-week-old pigs, intragastrically inoculated with the contents of the coupons after treatment, were used as a bioassay to determine the infectivity of PEDV after treatment. Infectivity was determined by detection of virus with a nucleocapsid (N) gene-based quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) on rectal swabs collected from the inoculated pigs on days three and seven post-inoculation. RESULTS: All post-treatment swabs from the negative control coupons were negative for PEDV via RT-qPCR. All post-treatment swabs collected from coupons in the AHP disinfectant treatment groups and the positive control group were positive for PEDV via RT-qPCR. For the bioassay, no rectal swabs from pigs in the negative control (0 of 4) or the AHP disinfectant treatment groups (0 of 32) were positive for PEDV. Rectal swabs from all pigs within the positive control group (4 of 4) were positive for PEDV by RT-qPCR. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, 1:16 and 1:32 dilutions of the AHP disinfectant successfully inactivated PEDV in swine feces on metal surfaces when applied at -10 °C with 40 or 60 min of contact time. This study also suggests that a positive RT-qPCR result for PEDV on an environmental sample should be expected when the AHP disinfectant is applied under freezing conditions, but does not necessarily indicate that an infectious dose of PEDV remains after disinfection.

The surge in population has led to an increase in construction industries and other infrastructure developments, which has affected the environment by various means. These pollutants are harmful to the ecosystem and unhealthy for living organisms, including human lives. To address these issues, the envisaged sensing materials should have a greater surface area, low energy consumption, and a durable surface to increase gas molecule adsorption. The Ru-doped ceria oxide gas sensor detects formaldehyde gas over a wide range of 5–30 ppm at room temperature (RT). The impact of dopants on gas molecules and the quantity of the sensor material are investigated, where Ru-doped ceria oxide facilitates a high response to formaldehyde gas sensing. The current work provides a route to develop an RT formaldehyde gas sensor and exhibits the relationship between RuO2 and Ru–CeO2, indicating that more active sites are needed for sensing materials to exhibit a better sensing performance. The Ru-doped ceria sensor demonstrated the highest reproducibility, revealing a longer life of the sensor material. Efficient charge transfer is achieved, where the noble metal Ru is proven to swiftly effect the gas reaction on the surface. The as-fabricated sensor shows effective sensing at 20–50% RH, delivers a considerable signal at higher humidity, and detects an ultralow concentration of 10 ppb gas, which can dispel the problems of metal oxide gas sensors to some extent.

Several refinements in performing a cesarean delivery have been proposed in recent years. The surgeon is now more aware of the potential of HIV virus exposure and is inclined to use techniques to minimize contact with sharp objects. Wide incisions of the skin and fascia are encouraged for greater ease in delivering the fetus. When possible, a low transverse uterine incision is attempted to allow for an improved chance of undergoing successful labor with any subsequent pregnancy. Spontaneous delivery of the placenta may reduce blood loss and decrease the chance of postoperative endometritis. Single layer closure of the uterus without closure of the peritoneum is as safe and effective as a two-layer closure. Not closing the visceral or parietal peritoneum appears to be an acceptable alternative. Superficial wound disruption may be minimized by either closing large, nondraining subcutaneous spaces or using continuous drainage. Limitations with descriptive experiences and randomized clinical trials should be appreciated when translating this information into routine surgical practice.

Abstract In this study, undoped and Magnesium doped TiO 2 nanoparticles (Mg-TiO 2 NPs) were successfully synthesized via a simple sol-gel method cost-effectively. The prepared Mg- TiO 2 NPs were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, PL, XRD, FESEM, TEM, and EDAX. UV – Visible Spectroscopy showed that an increase in the optical bandgap concerning the concentration of dopant Mg increases. The bandgap values were found to be 3.57-3.54 eV. FTIR spectra showed that the presence of the characteristic stretching and bending vibrational band of Ti – O bonding at 468 cm-1 and shifts in vibrational bands were observed for Mg-TiO 2 NPs. PL spectra of Mg- TiO 2 NPs at different concentrations exhibit a strong UV emission band. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the tetragonal anatase phase. The average crystallite size of prepared samples was found to be 22-19 nm. The average crystallite size of Mg- TiO 2 NPs decreases with increasing the concentration of dopant Mg. The FESEM and TEM analysis confirmed that the spherical morphology for both TiO 2 and Mg-TiO 2 NPs. SAED pattern confirms the crystalline nature of prepared samples. EDAX spectra confirm the presence of Ti, O, and Mg and confirm that Mg 2+ ions are present in the TiO 2 lattices. The prepared samples were investigated against gram-positive ( B. subtilis and S. aureus ) and gram-negative ( P. eugenia and K. Pneumonia ) bacteria. The prepared samples showed potent antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria than the gram-positive bacteria. The prepared samples show the excellent photocatalytic degradation for Methylene blue.

In this paper, we consider a class of second-order evolution differential inclusions in Hilbert spaces. This paper deals with the approximate controllability for a class of second-order control systems. First, we establish a set of sufficient conditions for the approximate controllability for a class of second-order evolution differential inclusions in Hilbert spaces. We use Bohnenblust-Karlin's fixed point theorem to prove our main results. Further, we extend the result to study the approximate controllability concept with nonlocal conditions and extend the result to study the approximate controllability for impulsive control systems with nonlocal conditions. An example is also given to illustrate our main results.

Abstract Children's literature provides information about societal values, norms, and views of deviant childhood behavior. In this study, 27 contemporary fiction books written in the past three decades for children aged 9–12 years were randomly chosen and content analyzed to determine salient patterns, causes, and outcomes of deviance on the part of story characters. Within the context of the collective stories, it was found that children's behavior is designated unacceptable and abnormal primarily and most effectively by peers, who have powerful effects on the deviants by rejecting them and/or by seeking to understand them. Children kelp their deviant peers by developing a rapport with them on a one‐to‐one basis. Parents are potent causes of children's deviance, but are remote and disengaged from the deviance they induce, and provide minimal help in the resolution of problems. Teachers are notably absent as helpful adults. Girls exhibit more deviant behavior than boys, in frequency, intensity, and scope, and are also more susceptible to peer influences. Their deviance is highly consistent with traditional and stereotyped sex‐roles and sex‐linked behaviors. The study suggests further research on the attribution of childhood deviance, given that it is a relative and variable phenomenon.

Neutralizing antibodies to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) can be detected by 3 weeks post-infection and remain detectable through at least 24 weeks post-infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of neutralizing antibodies in sow and piglet serum and sow milk to determine the duration of neutralizing antibodies following PEDV outbreaks. Two farms were selected for the study following outbreaks of PEDV. Monthly, cohorts of sows were sampled and followed through two farrowings. Following each farrowing, samples from piglets and milk were collected. Samples were evaluated for PEDV-neutralizing antibodies by a high-throughput fluorescent neutralization assay. Although neutralizing antibodies to PEDV can be detected throughout 15 months post-outbreak, a decrease in circulating neutralizing antibody levels is noted in farms beginning at six months post-outbreak. With decreasing levels, farms may become more vulnerable to PEDV outbreaks, and practitioners can focus on this time window to implement intervention strategies.

This paper is willing to present the obtaining of diet bread using caraway. The features studied (H/D ratio, volume, porosity) are superior to the blank assay in the case of samples with 5% caraway added as infusion. The products obtained have a supplementary content in fibers due to the add of type 1250 flour, unlike the products obtained using type 650 flour.

Risperidone is a second-generation antipsychotic with common adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal symptoms, weight gain, hyperprolactinemia, and sedation. Angioedema, although generally considered to be uncommon, has previously been documented to occur following administration of some antipsychotics, including risperidone. This report describes a case of risperidone-induced angioedema in an older male patient.

Copper doped Tungsten disulphide (CuWS2) thin films have been synthesized on to glass substrates at 400°C temperatures by spray pyrolysis technique from aqueous solution using cupric acetate Cu (CH3COO)2.H2O as a precursor. The structure of the deposited CuWS2 thin films characterized by X-ray diffraction, the surface morphology was observed by a scanning electron microscope,the optical transmission and absorption spectra was recorded by ultraviolet visible spectroscopy was studied. All the CuWS2 thin films, irrespective of growth temperature, showed a monoclinic structure with the main CuO (111) orientation, and the crystallite size was about 8.9954 A for the thin film synthesized at 300°C. The optical transmission of the as deposited film is found to decrease with the increase of substrate temperature, the optical band gap of the thin films varies from 1.60 to 2.43 eV and the electrical resistivity varies from 5 to 8 Ohm-cm for the films grown at the substrate temperatures.

The “Cluj” cultivar (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, has been created at USAMV Cluj-Napoca through repeated mass selection from echinacea that had been imported to our contry and studied in yield trials (with the temporary name CN - 15/92). The biological material from which the “Cluj” cultivar was obtained was presented in terms of morpho-psysiological features, content of active principles in our former papers (3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11). The breeding activities connected to this cultivar were initiated in 1992 by the Centre for Research in Hop and Medicinal Plants at USAMV Cluj-Napoca and developed after 1995. In 2006 the “Cluj” cultivar was registred for the examination by the National Institute for Cultivar Testing and Certifying in order to be certified and included in the Official list of cultivars. Here are some of the morpho-physiological, productivity and quality features of this cultivar: it is semi late, with a vegetation period of 155-160 days in the second and third years, in the first year the root system is formed and also o leaf rosette and flower stems with a reduced number of flowers, the complete flowering only beginning in the second year of vegetation; it has fibrous roots, gray-brownish; the part above the soil looks like a bush with 100 (120) cm long stems, with branches, with 8-12 internodes, the last one ended in an inflorescence; the leaves of the rosette are oval lanceolate, with a petiole of 6-12 cm, with a blade of 12-16 (20) cm in length, and 4-8 cm in width, with 5 nervures on the dorsal side; the leaves bush are oval lanceolate, with a short petiole (3-9 cm), a blade of 10-15 (18) cm long, and 4-8 cm wide, with 5 nervures on the dorsal side; the inflorescence (8-15/pl) is ovoid, flat, with an involucres leaflet at the bottom (in 3 - rows), conical receptacle (3-4 cm high, with a diameter of 3-5 cm), the ray flowers are bright red in colors, sterile (4-7 cm in length and 2-4 mm in width), the disc flowers are tubular, orange and hermaphrodite (5-8 mm in length); the flowering takes place in July-August, pollination is made by insects; the fruit (180-210/infl.) is a sided achene, 3-5 mm in length, whitish with rudimentary pappus; the whole plant is covered with rough hair; the yield of herba is 18-22 t/ha; the content of active principles is high in phenil-propanic derivates (2,3-2,5 g %), immunostimulent polysacharides (1-1,5 %) etc., which enhance the immunity sistem, the row material being used for obtaining anti-virus, immunostimulent products etc.

The actual number of the magazine intitled „Hop and medicinal Plants” (XVI, no. 31-32/2008) contains workpapers regarding the cultivation and valorification domain at hop and medicinal plants, presented in 27-28.06.2007, at the fith scientific manifestation organized (once in three years) by The Centre of Hop Culture and Medicinal Plants Research from The University of Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca.

The greenhouse whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood) is one of the most important pests present in protected spaces, producing major damages to medicinal plants, vegetable crops and also to the flower crops. This pest, besides the damage produced in greenhouse crops, in hot years during summer, it also can be seen in field crops, where produce great damages by stinging and sucking the cell juice from the leaves tissues and young offshoot of different crop plants. Researchers all over the world where this pest has been identified were and still are preoccupied by all the aspects concerning its origin, spreading areas, morphology, biology and control. The present paper proposes a study about the control of whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood with aid of coloured traps, experiments being made at the USAMV Cluj-Napoca greenhouse.

Xanthohumol (3’-[3,3–dimetyl allyl]-2’,4’,4-trihydroxy-6’-methoxychalcone) is the principal prenylated flavonoid of the female inflorescences of the hop plant (‘ Humulus lupulus L.), an ingredient of beer. Xanthohumol has been characterized a cancer chromoprotective agent in in vitro studies, while other prenylate compounds are potent phitoestrogen know to date. These biological activities suggest that prenylflavonoids from hops have potential for application in cancer prevention program, in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, methabolic sindroms and other farmaceutical applications. Human explosure to xanthohumol and related prenylflavonoids is primarily through beer consumption.

In order to obtain agricultural products as "clean" as we can and less polluted with pesticides, a new series of methods for plant protection agains weeds, deseases and mechanical, phisical or biological pests is being tested. In this paper we present some results regarding the reduction of the pesticide utilization in the hop cultivation technology. For the maintainance of the reduced weeding, without herbicides, we recomand the application of some mechanical tillage of the soil from within the hop rows, hilling and rehilling of the hop rows. One of the most efficient methods to prevent the sickening of plants is the selection, at the plantation constitution, of the hop varieties that are rezistent or toleranted to the diseases or pests. For the eccological rebuttal of the hop pests we obtained at USAMV Cluj-Napoca encouraging results with a leaf extract from the French marigolds (Tagetes patula) variety.

The paper present the foremost medicinal plant species (biological aspects, take in culture, the content in actives principles, technological elements and the initiation in breeding works) studied from year 1904 until nowadays at University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Cluj-Napoca. Medicinal and aromatically plants take in study are: Solanum laciniatum Ait., Papaver bracteatum Lindl., Colchicum autumnale L., Echinacea pallida Nutt., Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench., Valeriana officinalis L., Aconitum napellus L., Angelica archangelica L., Hermiana glabra L., Calendula officinalis L., Cnicus benedictus L., Galega officinalis L., Adonis aestivalis L., Gen?iana lutea L., Gentiana asclepiadea L., Centaurium umbelatum L., Hypericum perforatum L., Oenothera biennis L. etc. In this paper are presented the PhD. Studies regarding medicinal and aromatically plants elaborated at USAMV Cluj-Napoca and also are presented the books which present the medicinal and aromatically culture, elaborated by the teachers from USAMV Cluj-Napoca. Also is mentioned the activity of the Research Centre for Hop and Medicinal Plants from USAMV Cluj-Napoca, which was founded in year 1993 and its publication “Hop and Medicinal Plants” (in the 10th year from its establish).

The "Napoca" cultivar (Echinacea pallida Nutt.) has been created at U.S.A.M.V. Cluj-Napoca through repeated mass selection from echinacea that had been imported to our country and studied in yield trials (with the temporary name of CN 11/992). Here are some of the morpho-physiological, productivity and quality features of this cultivar: it is semilate, with a vegetation period of 134-145 days in the second and third years, in the first year the root system is formed, and also a leaf rosette and flower stems with a reduced number of flowers, the complete flowering only beginning in the second year of vegetation; it have a tap root, with 1-3 vertical gray-brownish main roots (which are the actual raw material, harvested in the year 2-3); the part above the soil looks like a bush with 80-120 cm long stems, sometimes with branches, 6-8 mm thick, with 8-12 internodes, the last one being 30-40 cm long, ended with a inflorescence; the leaves from the rosette are linear lanceolate with a petiole of 8-18 cm length, with a blade of 8 cm length and 3-6 cm width, with three nervures on the dorsal side; the inflorescence is ovoid, thorny when dry with involucral leaflet at the bottom (in two rows), conical receptacle (1,5-2 cm high, with a diametre of 2-3 cm); the ray flowers are pink-violet in colour, steril (5-8 cm length and 2-5 mm in width); the disc flowers are tubular, orange and hermaphrodite (4-6 mm in length); the flowering takes place in July-August, pollination is made by insects, the fruit is a sided achene, 2-4 mm in length, whitish with rudimentary pappus; the whole plant is covered with rough hair, 1.8-2 mm long (made of 3-5 cells), wider-bottomed and narrow-ended, that give rigidity to the plant; the raw root yield is of 4,5-5,2 t/ha (1,3-1,5 t/ha when dry); the content of active principles is high: imuno stimulent polysacharides (6,1-6,4 g %), phenil-propanic derivates (0,5 - 0,6 g %), volatile oil (0,9-1,2 ml/100g) etc., which enhance the immunity system, the raw material being used for obtaining anti-virus, imunostimulents, antitumorale products etc.

The exposition wants to be a brief presentation of the particularities of the activity of Plafar in medicinal and aromatic plants utilization. The result of research and detailed study of great number of plant species, both cultivated and spontaneous flora, turns Plafar in to a consistent beneficiary. It is remarcable the efficient cooperation between researchers teachers of University of Agricultural Studies Cluj of Faculty of Pharmaceutics Cluj and the specialists of Plafar. As a result of the cooperation, a lot of drugs and cosmetic products were brought in the Romanian and foreign market. In the exposition, it is also presented the situation of the main indicators, which represent the dynamics of production and harvest in the last ten years.

The processors have to develop his own chain for the trasability of raw material to final product. The law 672/2002 stipulates the demands regarding the beer trasability from raw material to beer. Thus the aim of the production and commercialisation of products with high lupulin content, hop cones, hop powder or hop extract, is the trasability of raw materials from producer to processor.