bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a primary care patient measure of safety (PC PMOS): a modified Delphi process and face validity testing
Authors: Hernan Andrea L , Giles Sally J , O'Hara Jane K , Fuller Jeffrey , Johnson Julie K , Dunbar James A
Published: July 2015

Background

Patients are a valuable source of information about ways to prevent harm in primary care and are in a unique position to provide feedback about the factors that contribute to safety incidents. Unlike in the hospital setting, there are currently no tools that allow the systematic capture of this information from patients. The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative primary care patient measure of safety (PC PMOS).

Methods

A two-stage approach was undertaken to develop questionnaire domains and items. Stage 1 involved a modified Delphi process. An expert panel reached consensus on domains and items based on three sources of information (validated hospital PMOS, previous research conducted by our study team and literature on threats to patient safety). Stage 2 involved testing the face validity of the questionnaire developed during stage 1 with patients and primary care staff using the ‘think aloud’ method. Following this process, the questionnaire was revised accordingly.

Results

The PC PMOS was received positively by both patients and staff during face validity testing. Barriers to completion included the length, relevance and clarity of questions. The final PC PMOS consisted of 50 items across 15 domains. The contributory factors to safety incidents centred on communication, access to care, patient-related factors, organisation and care planning, task performance and information flow.

Discussion

This is the first tool specifically designed for primary care settings, which allows patients to provide feedback about factors contributing to potential safety incidents. The PC PMOS provides a way for primary care organisations to learn about safety from the patient perspective and make service improvements with the aim of reducing harm in this setting. Future research will explore the reliability and construct validity of the PC PMOS.
Concise Care Bundles In Acute Medicine
Authors: Kivlin Jude , Altemimi Harith
Published: July 2015

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk is a 488 bed hospital providing services to approximately 331,000 people across 750 square miles. In 2012 a need was recognised for documentation (pathways) in a practical format to increase usage of national guidelines and facilitate adherence to best practice (gold standards of care) that could be easily version controlled, auditable and provide support in clinical decision-making by junior doctors.

BMJ Action Sets[1] fulfilled the brief with expert knowledge, version control and support, though they were deemed too lengthy and unworkable in fast paced settings like the medical assessment unit; they formed the base creation of concise care bundles (CCB). CCB were introduced for 21 clinical presentations and one procedure. Outcomes were fully audited and showed significant improvement in a range of measures, including an increase in completions of CHADVASC score in atrial fibrillation, antibiotics prescribed per protocol in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Blatchford score recorded for patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleed.
Ambient air pollution and racial/ethnic differences in carotid intima-media thickness in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Jones Miranda R , Diez-Roux Ana V , O'Neill Marie S , Guallar Eliseo , Sharrett A Richey , Post Wendy , Kaufman Joel D , Navas-Acien Ana
Published: July 2015

Background

In the USA, ethnic disparities in atherosclerosis persist after accounting for known risk factors. Ambient air pollution is associated with increased levels of atherosclerosis and differs in the USA by race/ethnicity. We estimated the influence of ambient air pollution exposure to ethnic differences in common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).

Methods

We cross-sectionally studied 6347 Caucasian-American, African-American, Hispanic and Chinese adults across 6 US cities in 2000–2002. Annual ambient air pollution concentrations (fine particulate matter [PM2.5] and oxides of nitrogen [NOX]) were estimated at each participant's residence. IMT was assessed by ultrasound.

Results

The mean IMT was 19.4 and 37.6 μm smaller for Hispanic women and men, 53.6 and 7.1 μm smaller for Chinese women and men, and 23.4 and 38.7 μm higher for African-American women and men compared with Caucasian-American women and men. After adjustment for PM2.5, the differences in IMT remained similar for Hispanic and African-American participants but was even more negative for Chinese participants (mean IMT difference of −58.4 μm for women and −15.7 μm for men) compared with Caucasian-American participants. The IMT difference in Chinese participants compared with Caucasian-American participants related to their higher PM2.5exposures was 4.8 μm (95% CI 0.2 to 10.8) for women and 8.6 μm (95% CI 3.4 to 15.3) for men. NOXwas not related to ethnic differences in IMT.

Conclusions

The smaller carotid IMT levels in Chinese participants were even smaller after accounting for higher PM2.5concentrations in Chinese participants compared with Caucasian-American participants. Air pollution was not related to IMT differences in African-American and Hispanic participants compared with Caucasian-American participants.
Soil geochemical survey of abandoned mining sites in the Eastern-Central Peloritani Mountains, Sicily, Italy
Authors: Cosenza A. , Lima A. , Ayuso R. A. , Foley N. K. , Albanese S. , Messina A. , De Vivo B.
Published: July 2015

This investigation focused on topsoils (
n
 = 122) and vertical profiles (
n
 = 6) distributed over an area of 250 km
2
in the eastern-central Peloritani Mountains, northeastern Sicily. Georeferenced concentration of 53 elements (including potentially harmful ones), determined by ICP-MS after an aqua regia leach, were used to produce geochemical maps by means of a GIS-aided spatial interpolation process. Results show that there are two distinct areas: the larger, located between the Fiumendinisi, Budali and Ali villages, and the other between C. Postlioni and Femmina Morta, which contain anomalous As (up to 727 mg/kg), Sb (up to 60 mg/kg), Ag (up to 1 mg/kg) and Au (up to 0.1 mg/kg) concentrations. Most of the investigated areas have high contamination levels for As, Zn, Sb, and Pb that exceed the threshold values (As = 20 mg/kg, Zn = 150 mg/kg, Sb = 10 mg/kg and Pb = 100 mg/kg) established for soils by the Italian Environmental Law (
Decreto Legislativo 2006
, number 152).

The isotopic ratios of
206
Pb/
207
Pb and
208
Pb/
207
Pb have been measured in selected soils on both leaches [using 1M HNO
3
–1.75M HCl (50:50)] and residues thereof. Soil leach reflects possible anthropogenic contamination, whereas soil residues indicate geogenic contributions. Results suggest that most of contamination in the soils is related to the presence of sulphide and sulphosalt rock-forming minerals in the surveyed area. The soil fraction contains a Pb value >1600 mg/kg and has ratios of 1.1695 for
206
Pb/
207
Pb and 2.4606 for
208
Pb/
207
Pb. Only one soil leach isotopic composition could reflect possible anthropogenic contamination. The correlation among As, Zn, Pb contents v. Pb isotopic signatures of
206
Pb/
207
Pb indicates that surface and deep soils collected from profiles are dominated by geogenic compositions.
Automatic Freeway Incident Detection for Free Flow Conditions: A Vehicle Reidentification Based Approach Using Image Data from Sparsely Distributed Video Cameras
Authors: Wang Jiankai , Sumalee Agachai
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a vehicle reidentification (VRI) based automatic incident algorithm (AID) for freeway system under free flow condition. An enhanced vehicle feature matching technique is adopted in the VRI component of the proposed system. In this study, arrival time interval, which is estimated based on the historical database, is introduced into the VRI component to improve the matching accuracy and reduce the incident detection time. Also, a screening method, which is based on the ratios of the matching probabilities, is introduced to the VRI component to further reduce false alarm rate. The proposed AID algorithm is tested on a 3.6 km segment of a closed freeway system in Bangkok, Thailand. The results show that in terms of incident detection time, the proposed AID algorithm outperforms the traditional vehicle count approach.
Regadenoson-Stress Dynamic Myocardial Perfusion Improves Diagnostic Performance of CT Angiography in Assessment of Intermediate Coronary Artery Stenosis in Asymptomatic Patients
Authors: Baxa Jan , Hromádka Milan , Šedivý Jakub , Štěpánková Lucie , Moláček Jiří , Schmidt Bernhard , Flohr Thomas , Ferda Jiří
Published: July 2015

The prospective study included 54 asymptomatic high-risk patients who underwent coronary CT angiography (CTA) and regadenoson-induced stress CT perfusion (rsCTP). Diagnostic accuracy of significant stenosis (≥50%) determination was evaluated for CTA alone and CTA + rsCTP in 27 patients referred to ICA due to the positive rsCTP findings. Combined evaluation of CTA + rsCTP had higher diagnostic accuracy over CTA alone (per-segment: specificity 96 versus 68%,p=0.002; per-vessel: specificity 95 versus 75%,p=0.012) and high overruling rate of rsCTP was proved in intermediate stenosis (40–70%). Results demonstrate a significant additional value of rsCTP in the assessment of intermediate coronary artery stenosis found with CTA.
Highly Flexible Silicone Coated Neural Array for Intracochlear Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Bhatti P. , Van Beek-King J. , Sharpe A. , Crawford J. , Tridandapani S. , McKinnon B. , Blake D.
Published: July 2015

We present an effective method for tailoring the flexibility of a commercial thin-film polymer electrode array for intracochlear electrical stimulation. Using a pneumatically driven dispensing system, an average232±64 μm (mean ± SD) thickness layer of silicone adhesive coating was applied to stiffen the underside of polyimide multisite arrays. Additional silicone was applied to the tip to protect neural tissue during insertion and along the array to improve surgical handling. Each array supported 20 platinum sites (180 μm dia., 250 μm pitch), spanning nearly 28 mm in length and 400 μm in width. We report an average intracochlear stimulating current threshold of170±93 μA to evoke an auditory brainstem response in 7 acutely deafened felines. A total of 10 arrays were each inserted through a round window approach into the cochlea’s basal turn of eight felines with one delamination occurring upon insertion (preliminary results of thein vivodata presented at the 48th Annual Meeting American Neurotology Society, Orlando, FL, April 2013, and reported in Van Beek-King 2014). Using microcomputed tomography imaging (50 μm resolution), distances ranging from 100 to 565 μm from the cochlea’s central modiolus were measured. Our method combines the utility of readily available commercial devices with a straightforward postprocessing step on the order of 24 hours.
Peristaltic Creeping Flow of Power Law Physiological Fluids through a Nonuniform Channel with Slip Effect
Authors: Chaube M. K. , Tripathi D. , Bég O. Anwar , Sharma Shashi , Pandey V. S.
Published: July 2015

A mathematical study on creeping flow of non-Newtonian fluids (power law model) through a nonuniform peristaltic channel, in which amplitude is varying across axial displacement, is presented, with slip effects included. The governing equations are simplified by employing the long wavelength and low Reynolds number approximations. The expressions for axial velocity, stream function, pressure gradient, and pressure difference are obtained. Computational and numerical results for velocity profile, pressure gradient, and trapping under the effects of slip parameter, fluid behavior index, angle between the walls, and wave number are discussed with the help ofMathematicagraphs. The present model is applicable to study the behavior of intestinal flow (chyme movement from small intestine to large intestine). It is also relevant to simulations of biomimetic pumps conveying hazardous materials, polymers, and so forth.
Decomposition and Mineralization of Dimethyl Phthalate in an Aqueous Solution by Wet Oxidation
Authors: Ji Dar-Ren , Chang Chia-Chi , Chen Shih-Yun , Chiu Chun-Yu , Tseng Jyi-Yeong , Chang Ching-Yuan , Chang Chiung-Fen , Chiang Sheng-Wei , Hung Zang-Sie , Shie Je-Lueng , Chen Yi-Hung , Yuan Min-Hao
Published: July 2015

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) was treated via wet oxygen oxidation process (WOP). The decomposition efficiency ηDMP of DMP and mineralization efficiency ηTOC of total organic carbons were measured to evaluate the effects of operation parameters on the performance of WOP. The results revealed that reaction temperature T is the most affecting factor, with a higher T offering higher ηDMP and ηTOC as expected. The ηDMP increases as rotating speed increases from 300 to 500 rpm with stirring enhancement of gas liquid mass transfer. However, it exhibits reduction effect at 700 rpm due to purging of dissolved oxygen by overstirring. Regarding the effects of pressure PT, a higher PT provides more oxygen for the forward reaction with DMP, while overhigh PT increases the absorption of gaseous products such as CO2 and decomposes short‐chain hydrocarbon fragments back into the solution thus hindering the forward reaction. For the tested PT of 2.41 to 3.45 MPa, the results indicated that 2.41 MPa is appropriate. A longer reaction time of course gives better performance. At 500 rpm, 483 K, 2.41 MPa, and 180 min, the ηDMP and ηTOC are 93 and 36%, respectively.
Automated Delineation of Vessel Wall and Thrombus Boundaries of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using Multispectral MR Images
Authors: Rodriguez-Vila B. , Tarjuelo-Gutierrez J. , Sánchez-González P. , Verbrugghe P. , Fourneau I. , Maleux G. , Herijgers P. , Gomez E. J.
Published: July 2015

A correct patient-specific identification of the abdominal aortic aneurysm is useful for both diagnosis and treatment stages, as it locates the disease and represents its geometry. The actual thickness and shape of the arterial wall and the intraluminal thrombus are of great importance when predicting the rupture of the abdominal aortic aneurysms. The authors describe a novel method for delineating both the internal and external contours of the aortic wall, which allows distinguishing between vessel wall and intraluminal thrombus. The method is based on active shape model and texture statistical information. The method was validated with eight MR patient studies. There was high correspondence between automatic and manual measurements for the vessel wall area. Resulting segmented images presented a mean Dice coefficient with respect to manual segmentations of 0.88 and a mean modified Hausdorff distance of 1.14 mm for the internal face and 0.86 and 1.33 mm for the external face of the arterial wall. Preliminary results of the segmentation show high correspondence between automatic and manual measurements for the vessel wall and thrombus areas. However, since the dataset is small the conclusions cannot be generalized.
Optimization of Zoom Lens with Discrete State of Liquid Lens Elements by Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Mu
Published: July 2015

This paper is to employ liquid lens elements to design a lens with zoom function by using the genetic algorithm (GA) optimization. The liquid lens elements used in the proposal can apply voltage adjustment to generate the electrical field that induces the liquid with electric conductivity to vary the surface curvature between two different kinds of liquids. According to the voltage level, the liquid lens element makes the discrete variation of the curvature and thickness realize the zoom function without moving the lens groups so that the overall length can be reduced. However, it is difficult to design the zoom lens under the discrete variation of the curvature and thickness in the liquid lens elements and the mechanical space that is constantly limited. The GA offers a flexible way for lens optimization. We regarded the spot size as the fitness function to look for the optimum curvatures, thickness, and the corresponding statuses of liquid lens elements for the zoom lens. As a result, the zoom lens with constant space can be realized by running the selection, crossover, and mutation operation in the GA optimization.
Evaluation of Intracochlear Trauma Caused by Insertion of Cochlear Implant Electrode Arrays through Different Quadrants of the Round Window
Authors: Martins Graziela de Souza Queiroz , Brito Neto Rubens Vuono , Tsuji Robinson Koji , Gebrim Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago , Bento Ricardo Ferreira
Published: July 2015

Hypothesis. This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a difference in the degree of intracochlear trauma when the cochlear implant electrode arrays is inserted through different quadrants of the round window membrane.Background. The benefits of residual hearing preservation in cochlear implant recipients have promoted the development of atraumatic surgeries. Minimal trauma during electrode insertion is crucial for residual hearing preservation.Methods. In total, 25 fresh human temporal bones were subjected to mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy. The cochlear implant electrode array was inserted through the anterosuperior quadrant of the round window membrane in 50% of the bones and through the anteroinferior quadrant in the remaining 50%. The temporal bones were dehydrated, embedded in epoxy, serially polished, stained, viewed through a stereomicroscope, and photographed with the electrode arraysin situ. The resulting images were analyzed for signs of intracochlear trauma.Results. Histological examinations revealed varying degrees of damage to the intracochlear structures, although the incidence and severity of intracochlear trauma were not influenced by the quadrant of insertion.Conclusions. The incidence and severity of intracochlear trauma were similar in all samples, irrespective of electrode array insertion through the anterosuperior or anteroinferior quadrant of the round window membrane.
Written Language Ability in Mandarin-Speaking Children with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Wu Che-Ming , Ko Hui-Chen , Chen Yen-An , Tsou Yung-Ting , Chao Wei-Chieh
Published: July 2015

Objectives. To examine narrative writing in cochlear implant (CI) children and understand the factors associated with unfavorable outcomes.Materials and Methods. Forty-five CI children in grades 2–6 participated in this study. They received CIs at 4.1 ± 2.1 years of age and had used them for 6.5 ± 2.7 years. A story-writing test was conducted and scored on 4 subscales: Total Number of Words, Words per Sentence, Morphosyntax, and Semantics. Scores more than 1.5 SD lower than the mean of the normal-hearing normative sample were considered problematic. Language and speech skills were examined.Results. Significantly more implanted students were problematic on “Total Number of Words” (p<0.001), “Words per Sentence” (p=0.049), and “Semantics” (p<0.001). Poorer receptive language and auditory performance were independently associated with problematic “Total Number of Words” (R2=0.489) and “Semantics” (R2=0.213), respectively. “Semantics” problem was more common in lower graders (grades 2–4) than in higher graders (grades 5-6;p=0.016).Conclusion. Implanted children tend to write stories that are shorter, worse-organized, and without a plot, while formulating morphosyntactically correct sentences. Special attention is required on their auditory and language performances, which could lead to written language problems.
The Pitting Susceptibility Investigation of Passive Films Formed on X70, X80, and X100 Pipeline Steels by Electrochemical Noise and Mott-Schottky Measurements
Authors: Zhao Yang , Liang Ping , Shi Yanhua , Zhang Yunxia , Yang Tao
Published: July 2015

The pitting susceptibility of passive films formed on X70, X80, and X100 pipeline steels was investigated by means of electrochemical noise (EN) and Mott-Schottky measurements. The EN results were analyzed according to the shot-noise theory and stochastic theory. Pit initiation process was analyzed quantitatively using the Weibull distribution function. Pit growth process was simulated by Gumbel distribution function. The experimental results of Mott-Schottky plots showed that the passive films formed on the three pipeline steels displayed an n-type semiconductor character, and the passive film for X100 pipeline steel has the lowest donor density (ND) among the three passive films. The EN results demonstrated that X100 pipeline steel had the lowest pit initiation rate and pit growth probability, which implied that the X100 pipeline steel had the lowest pitting susceptibility.
Formation of Nanoporous Tin Oxide Layers on Different Substrates during Anodic Oxidation in Oxalic Acid Electrolyte
Authors: Zaraska Leszek , Bobruk Michał , Sulka Grzegorz D.
Published: July 2015

Nanoporous tin oxide layers were obtained on various Sn substrates including high- and low-purity foils and wire by one-step anodic oxidation carried out in a 0.3 M oxalic acid electrolyte at various anodizing potentials. In general, amorphous oxide layers with the atomic ratio of Sn : O (1 : 1) were grown during anodization, and a typical structure of the as-obtained film consists of the “outer” layer with less regular, interconnetted pores and the “inner” layer with much more uniform and regular channels formed as a result of vigorous gas evolution. It was found that the use of electrochemical cell with the sample placed horizontally on the metallic support and stabilized by the Teflon cover, instead of the typical two-electrode system with vertically arranged electrodes, can affect the morphology of as-obtained layers and allows fabrication of nanoporous oxides even at anodizing potentials up to 11 V. An average pore diameter in the “outer” oxide layer increases with increasing anodizing potential, and no significant effect of substrate purity on the structure of anodic film was proved, except better uniformity of the oxides grown on high-purity Sn. A strong linear relationship between the average steady-state current density and anodizing potential was also observed.
Conventional, Hybrid, or Electric Vehicles: Which Technology for an Urban Distribution Centre?
Authors: Lebeau Philippe , De Cauwer Cedric , Van Mierlo Joeri , Macharis Cathy , Verbeke Wouter , Coosemans Thierry
Published: July 2015

Freight transport has an important impact on urban welfare. It is estimated to be responsible for 25% of CO2 emissions and up to 50% of particles matters generated by the transport sector in cities. Facing that problem, the European Commission set the objective of reaching free CO2 city logistics by 2030 in major urban areas. In order to achieve this goal, electric vehicles could be an important part of the solution. However, this technology still faces a number of barriers, in particular high purchase costs and limited driving range. This paper explores the possible integration of electric vehicles in urban logistics operations. In order to answer this research question, the authors have developed a fleet size and mix vehicle routing problem with time windows for electric vehicles. In particular, an energy consumption model is integrated in order to consider variable range of electric vehicles. Based on generated instances, the authors analyse different sets of vehicles in terms of vehicle class (quadricycles, small vans, large vans, and trucks) and vehicle technology (petrol, hybrid, diesel, and electric vehicles). Results show that a fleet with different technologies has the opportunity of reducing costs of the last mile.
Topology Identification of Coupling Map Lattice under Sparsity Condition
Authors: Yu Jiangni , Li Lixiang , Yang Yixian
Published: July 2015

Coupling map lattice is an efficient mathematical model for studying complex systems. This paper studies the topology identification of coupled map lattice (CML) under the sparsity condition. We convert the identification problem into the problem of solving the underdetermined linear equations. Thel1norm method is used to solve the underdetermined equations. The requirement of data characters and sampling times are discussed in detail. We find that the high entropy and small coupling coefficient data are suitable for the identification. When the measurement time is more than 2.86 times sparsity, the accuracy of identification can reach an acceptable level. And when the measurement time reaches 4 times sparsity, we can receive a fairly good accuracy.
Charging Guidance of Electric Taxis Based on Adaptive Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Niu Liyong , Zhang Di
Published: July 2015

Electric taxis are playing an important role in the application of electric vehicles. The actual operational data of electric taxis in Shenzhen, China, is analyzed, and, in allusion to the unbalanced time availability of the charging station equipment, the electric taxis charging guidance system is proposed basing on the charging station information and vehicle information. An electric taxis charging guidance model is established and guides the charging based on the positions of taxis and charging stations with adaptive mutation particle swarm optimization. The simulation is based on the actual data of Shenzhen charging stations, and the results show that electric taxis can be evenly distributed to the appropriate charging stations according to the charging pile numbers in charging stations after the charging guidance. The even distribution among the charging stations in the area will be achieved and the utilization of charging equipment will be improved, so the proposed charging guidance method is verified to be feasible. The improved utilization of charging equipment can save public charging infrastructure resources greatly.
Efficient Photoluminescence of Mn2+-Doped ZnS Quantum Dots Sensitized by Hypocrellin A
Authors: Chen Xianlan , Liu Wei , Zhang Guowei , Wu Na , Shi Ling , Pan Shanqing
Published: July 2015

Mn2+-doped ZnS semiconductor quantum dots reveal remarkably intense photoluminescence with the4T1(4G) f6A1(6S) transition. In this study, following growth doping technique, Mn2+-doped ZnS quantum dots (ZnS:Mn2+QDs) with high-quality optical properties and narrow size distribution were synthesized successfully. The dopant emission has been optimized with various reaction parameters, and it has been found that the percentage of introduced dopant, reaction temperature, and time as well as the pH of a reaction mixture are key factors for controlling the intensity. Photoluminescence emission (PL) measurements of ZnS:Mn2+QDs show Mn2+d-d orange luminescence along with band-edge blue luminescence. Moreover, the electron transfer from singlet states of hypocrellin A (HA) to colloidal ZnS:Mn2+QDs has been examined by absorption spectra and fluorescence quenching. The absorption spectrum gave an evidence of the increases in the extinction coefficient and the red-shift of the absorption maxima in the absorption spectra of HA in the presence of ZnS:Mn2+QDs, demonstrating the occurrence of surface interactions between the sensitizer and the particle surface. Fluorescence quenching by ZnS:Mn2+QDs also suggested that there were a complex association between HA and ZnS:Mn2+QDs, which was necessary for observing the heterogeneous electron-transfer process at the interface of sensitizer-semiconductor.
Collapsing Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in a Patient with Acute Malaria
Authors: Sehar Najamus , Gobran Emad , Elsayegh Suzanne
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is most commonly seen in association with HIV infection. Rare data is available about the association between collapsing FSGS and malaria.Case Description. A 72-year-old African male patient presented to the hospital for generalized body aches, fatigue, fever, and night sweats for three days. He had history of recent travel to Ghana. Patient looked in acute distress and was shivering. Laboratory tests showed elevated serum creatinine (Cr) of 2.09 mg/dL (baseline was 1.5 mg/dL in 2012). Hospital course was significant for rapid elevation of Cr to 9.5 mg/dL and proteinuria of 7.9 grams. Autoimmune studies resulted negative. Blood smear resulted positive forPlasmodium falciparumand patient was treated with Artemether/Lumefantrine. Patient’s fever and pain improved, but kidney function continued to deteriorate and he became oliguric. On day seven, he was started on Hemodialysis. Tests for different causes of glomerular pathology were also negative. He underwent left kidney biopsy which resulted in findings consistent with severe collapsing glomerulopathy.Discussion. This case illustrates a biopsy proven collapsing FSGS likely secondary to malarial infection requiring renal replacement therapy. Literature review revealed only few case reports that suggested the possible association of malaria with secondary form of FSGS.
Unexpected Bone Metastases from Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Gibiezaite Sandra , Ozdemir Savas , Shuja Sania , McCook Barry , Plazarte Monica , Sheikh-Ali Mae
Published: July 2015

Objective. To present a complicated case of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) with metastases to the skull that was evident on I-131 whole body scan (WBS) but negative on other imaging modalities in a low risk patient.Methods. We will discuss clinical course, imaging, pathological findings, and treatment of the patient with skull metastasis from DTC. Pertinent literature on imaging and pathology findings as well as radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment impact on quality of life and survival in patients with bone metastases from DTC will be reviewed.Results. The patient is a 37-year-old woman with a diagnosis of DTC who had focal areas of increased uptake in the head on WBS with no correlative findings on CT and MRI. Initially, false positive findings were suspected since patient had a low risk for developing metastases. However, the persistent findings on post-RAI treatment WBS, following two courses of treatment, were highly concerning for metastatic bone disease. WBC performed 6 months following the second RAI treatment revealed resolution of the findings.Conclusions. False positive findings in WBS are frequent and may be due to contamination, perspiration, or folliculitis of the scalp as well as benign lesions such as meningioma, hematoma, cavernous angioma, and metallic sutures. However, metastatic disease should always be considered even if the patient has low risk of distant metastatic disease and correlative images do not support the diagnosis. RAI therapy appears to improve the survival rates and quality of life of thyroid cancer patients with bone metastases based on retrospective studies.
A Study on the Conductivity Variation of Au Coated Conductive Particles in ACF Packaging Process
Authors: Kuang Jao-Hwa , Hsu Chao-Ming , Lin Ah-Der
Published: July 2015

In the ACF packaging process, a bonding force will be applied to the ACF structure. The finite element analysis is used to simulate the ACF packaging process. Material behavior is assumed to be superelastic for resin, viscoelastic for polymer matrix, and elastic‐plastic for metal, such as bump, pad, chip, and Au‐film. The axis‐symmetric model is employed in FEA simulation with time‐varying bonding force and operating temperature. In this study, the parameters, including conductive particle diameter, Au‐film thickness, and bonding force, are analyzed with nonliner and temperature‐dependent material properties. The simulation results indicate that bonding force and operating temperature have strong effects on the formation of concave on Au‐film. In addition, surface wrinkle of Au‐film will be induced by the bonding force. Both of the concaving and the wrinkling on Au‐film will decrease the contact area between the conductive particle and the bump and the contact area between the conductive particle and the pad. Decrease of the contact area means increase of the total resistance for the ACF structure. The results show that the smaller the conductive particle diameter, the smaller the contact area. Generally, increasing the thickness of Au‐film will decrease the contact areas, except at the Au‐film thickness of 0.05 μm.
Quantum Chemical Study on the Corrosion Inhibition of Some Oxadiazoles
Authors: Ju Hong , Ding Li , Sun Can , Chen Jie-jing
Published: July 2015

Quantum chemical calculations based on DFT method were performed on three nitrogen-bearing heterocyclic compounds used as corrosion inhibitors for the mild steel in acid media to determine the relationship between the molecular structure of inhibitors and inhibition efficiency. The structural parameters, such as energy and distribution of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), the charge distribution of the studied inhibitors, the absolute electronegativity (χ) values, and the fraction of electrons (ΔN) transfer from inhibitors to mild steel were also calculated and correlated with inhibition efficiencies. The results showed that the inhibition efficiency of inhibitors increased with the increase in energy of HOMO and decrease in energy gap of frontier molecular orbital, and the areas containing N and O atoms are most possible sites for bonding the steel surface by donating electrons to the mild steel.
Enhancing Algal Growth by Stimulation with LED Lighting and Ultrasound
Authors: Hsia Shao-Yi , Yang Shiuh-Kuang
Published: July 2015

Algae are not only rich in natural nutrients, but are also a high‐priced health food. An important constituent called “growth factor” is extracted from algae and used as an ingredient in medical drugs, foods, cosmetics, and other products. Its enormous potential market should not be taken lightly. Algae are mostly found near coastal areas and their habitats are limited by a number of natural factors, leading to large labor and financial expenditures to harvest. This report describes our study of indoor algae production using LED lights and ultrasound and manipulating other growth factors at different temperatures. Ultrasound treatment at the alga’s natural resonant frequency was varied to determine optimal algal growth using the Taguchi method to plan and to analyze the experiments. The results were very satisfying, showing an 8.23% increase in the growth rate by the fifth day due to ultrasound treatment and an amazing 27.01% growth rate due to biomechanical stimulation.
Multiple Bronchogenic and Gastroenteric Cysts Arising from the Stomach in a Patient with Abdominal Pain
Authors: Leepalao Maykong , Wernberg Jessica
Published: July 2015

Bronchogenic cysts arising from the stomach are uncommon. We discuss a young female patient with presumed enteric duplication cysts who was found to have three bronchogenic and gastroenteric cysts upon pathologic review. We discuss the pathophysiology of bronchogenic cysts and their malignant potential.
EDSS Change Relates to Physical HRQoL While Relapse Occurrence Relates to Overall HRQoL in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Receiving Subcutaneous Interferonβ-1a
Authors: Vickrey Barbara G. , Lee Liesly , Moore Fraser , Moriarty Patrick
Published: July 2015

Objective. To compare patterns of associations of changes in mental and physical health dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over time with relapse occurrence and changes in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).Methods. This 24-month, phase IV, observational study enrolled 334 patients with RMS who received interferonβ-1a 44 μg or 22 μg subcutaneously three times weekly. At each 6-month visit, patients completed the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQOL-54) and site investigators assessed EDSS and recorded relapse occurrence. A generalized linear model procedure was used for multivariable analyses (per protocol) that explored unique associations of EDSS score change and relapse occurrence with MSQOL-54 physical health composite score (PCS) and mental health composite score (MCS).Results. HRQoL improved over 2 years among those who completed the study. Occurrence of ≥1 relapse was significantly associated with lower MSQOL-54 PCS and MCS. Changes in EDSS score were significantly associated with MSQOL-54 PCS, but not MCS.Conclusions. HRQoL assessments, particularly those that examine mental health, may provide information on the general health status of patients with RMS that would not be recognized using traditional clinician-assessed measures of disease severity and activity. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier:NCT01141751.
Diabetic Muscle Infarction of the Tibialis Anterior and Extensor Hallucis Longus Muscles Mimicking the Malignant Soft-Tissue Tumor
Authors: Mimata Yoshikuni , Sato Kotaro , Tokunaga Karen , Tsukimura Itsuko , Tada Hiroshi , Doita Minoru
Published: July 2015

One of the most common causes of skeletal muscle infarction is diabetic muscle infarction (DMI), a rare complication associated with poorly controlled diabetes. We report an atypical case of DMI localized in the tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor hallucis longus (EHL) muscles of an elderly individual. A 64-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with a 6-month history of a palpable mass in his lower left leg. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the mass exhibited heterogeneous signals on T1- and T2-weighted images and slight heterogeneous enhancement within the muscles on fat suppressed T1-weighted images. Because histopathological analysis revealed mostly necrotic muscle tissues but no neoplastic cells, we resected the affected muscles. A typical symptom of DMI is severe abrupt-onset pain in the region of the affected muscles, but the patient did not complain of pain. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment for DMI were delayed, and widespread irreversible muscle necrosis developed. MRI findings of DMI can be similar to that of a malignant soft-tissue tumor. So, it is necessary to consider the malignant soft-tissue tumor as one of the differential diagnoses of DMI.
Hypobaric Hypoxia Imbalances Mitochondrial Dynamics in Rat Brain Hippocampus
Authors: Jain Khushbu , Prasad Dipti , Singh Shashi Bala , Kohli Ekta
Published: July 2015

Brain is predominantly susceptible to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction during hypobaric hypoxia, and therefore undergoes neurodegeneration due to energy crisis. Evidences illustrate a high degree of association for mitochondrial fusion/fission imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial fusion/fission is a recently reported dynamic mechanism which frequently occurs among cellular mitochondrial network. Hence, the study investigated the temporal alteration and involvement of abnormal mitochondrial dynamics (fusion/fission) along with disturbed mitochondrial functionality during chronic exposure to hypobaric hypoxia (HH). The Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to simulated high altitude equivalent to 25000 ft for 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Mitochondrial morphology, distribution within neurons, enzyme activity of respiratory complexes,Δψm, ADP: ATP, and expression of fission/fusion key proteins were determined. Results demonstrated HH induced alteration in mitochondrial morphology by damaged, small mitochondria observed in neurons with disturbance of mitochondrial functionality and reduced mitochondrial density in neuronal processes manifested by excessive mitochondrial fragmentation (fission) and decreased mitochondrial fusion as compared to unexposed rat brain hippocampus. The study suggested that imbalance in mitochondrial dynamics is one of the noteworthy mechanisms occurring in hippocampal neurons during HH insult.
One-Stop Clinic Utilization in Plastic Surgery: Our Local Experience and the Results of a UK-Wide National Survey
Authors: Gorman Mark , Coelho James , Gujral Sameer , McKay Alastair
Published: July 2015

Introduction. “See and treat” one-stop clinics (OSCs) are an advocated NHS initiative to modernise care, reducing cancer treatment waiting times. Little studied in plastic surgery, the existing evidence suggests that though they improve care, they are rarely implemented. We present our experience setting up a plastic surgery OSC for minor skin surgery and survey their use across the UK. Methods. The OSC was evaluated by 18-week wait target compliance, measures of departmental capacity, and patient satisfaction. Data was obtained from 32 of the 47 UK plastic surgery departments to investigate the prevalence of OSCs for minor skin cancer surgery. Results. The OSC improved 18-week waiting times, from a noncompliant mean of 80% to a compliant 95% average. Department capacity increased 15%. 95% of patients were highly satisfied with and preferred the OSC to a conventional service. Only 25% of UK plastic surgery units run OSCs, offering varying reasons for not doing so, 42% having not considered their use. Conclusions. OSCs are underutilised within UK plastic surgery, where a significant proportion of units have not even considered their benefit. This is despite associated improvements in waiting times, department capacity, and levels of high patient satisfaction. We offer our considerations and local experience instituting an OSC service.
Diphenyl Ditelluride Intoxication Triggers Histological Changes in Liver, Kidney, and Lung of Mice
Authors: da Luz Sônia Cristina Almeida , Daubermann Melissa Falster , Thomé Gustavo Roberto , dos Santos Matheus Mülling , Ramos Angelica , Torres Salazar Gerson , da Rocha João Batista Teixeira , Barbosa Nilda Vargas
Published: July 2015

Tellurium compounds may be cytotoxic to different cells types. Thus, this work evaluated the effect of diphenyl ditelluride ((PhTe)2), an organotellurium commonly used in organic synthesis, on the morphology of liver, kidney, and lung. Adult mice were acutely (a subcutaneous single dose: 250 μmol/kg) or subchronically (one daily subcutaneous dose: 10 or 50 μmol/kg for 7 and 14 days) exposed to (PhTe)2. Afterwards, the histological analyses of liver, kidney, and lungs were performed. Liver histology revealed that the hepatocytes of mice subchronically exposed to (PhTe)2presented cytoplasmic vacuolization, hydropic degeneration, and hyperchromatic nuclei. Subchronic exposure to 50 μmol/kg (PhTe)2also caused hepatic necrosis. Microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis were identified in liver of mice acutely exposed to (PhTe)2. Acute and subchronic intoxication with (PhTe)2induced changes on epithelial cells of renal tubules, namely, loss of brush border and cytoplasmatic vacuolization. Atrophy and hypertrophy, cast proteinaceous formation, and acute tubular necrosis were also identified in renal tissue. Mice subchronically exposed to 50 μmol/kg (PhTe)2developed intra-alveolar edema and alveolar wall congestion in some areas of lungs. Acute exposure to (PhTe)2did not cause histological changes in lungs. Our data show that (PhTe)2may be considered a histotoxic agent for liver, kidney, and lung.
Controlled Orientation and Improved Photovoltaic Characteristics of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells via Using In2Se3 Seeding Layers
Authors: Chen Fu-Shan , Yang Che-Yuan , Sung Jen-Cheng , Lu Chung-Hsin
Published: July 2015

In2Se3 films were utilized as seeding layers in the synthesis of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films via the spin‐coating route. Selenizing the indium‐containing precursors at 400°C resulted in the formation of the hexagonal γ‐In2Se3 with the preferred (006) orientation. Increasing the selenization temperature to 500°C yielded the (300)‐oriented γ‐In2Se3. Using the preferred (006)‐oriented In2Se3 as seeding layers produced the preferred (112)‐oriented Cu(In,Ga)Se2 film because of the crystalline symmetry. In contrast, the use of the (300)‐oriented In2Se3 as seeding layers yielded the (220/204)‐oriented Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films. According to results obtained using SEM and the Hall effect, (112)‐oriented Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films had a denser morphology and more favorable electrical properties. Using the (112)‐oriented Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films as the absorber layer in the solar devices resulted in a significant increase in the conversion efficiency.
Elementary Superconductivity in Nonlinear Electrodynamics Coupled to Gravity
Authors: Dymnikova Irina
Published: July 2015

Source-free equations of nonlinear electrodynamics minimally coupled to gravity admit regular axially symmetric asymptotically Kerr-Newman solutions which describe charged rotating black holes and electromagnetic spinning solitons (lumps). Asymptotic analysis of solutions shows, for both black holes and solitons, the existence of de Sitter vacuum interior which has the properties of a perfect conductor and ideal diamagnetic and displays superconducting behaviour which can be responsible for practically unlimited lifetime of the electron. Superconducting current flows on the equatorial ring replacing the Kerr ring singularity of the Kerr-Newman geometry. Interior de Sitter vacuum supplies the electron with the finite positive electromagnetic mass related to the interior de Sitter vacuum of the electroweak scale and to breaking of space-time symmetry, which allows explaining the mass-square
differences for neutrino and the appearance of the minimal length scale in the annihilation reaction e+e-→γγ(γ).
Parameter Optimization of a Temperature and Relative Humidity Based Transmission Power Control Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ortega-Corral César , Palafox Luis E. , García-Macías J. Antonio , Sánchez-García Jaime , Aguilar Leocundo , Nieto-Hipólito Juan Iván
Published: July 2015

We present refinements of a novel transmission power control (TPC) algorithm based on temperature and relative humidity (TRH). Previously, we deployed a prototype TRH TPC algorithm on wireless sensor nodes operating in real harsh environmental conditions and reported promising results. Since then, we have made enhancements of the TRH TPC model, which we will show here. Furthermore, in order to develop an understanding of the nonlinear behavior that we observed from this TRH TPC scheme, we developed a simulation platform that uses real radio frequency (RF) signal and interference samples and actual T and RH sensor data acquired simultaneously. Afterwards, we logged results of repeated experiments and determined the algorithms operating ranges and behaviors, varying its main parameters, such as (1) its gain factor, (2) the average time period to recalculate power level updates, and (3) proper received signal threshold selection. We then summarize optimal parameter ranges from the analytical results that reflect where this TRH TPC technique works best. And finally, we report results of the TRH TPC algorithm running on long range WSN systems deployed in harsh environmental conditions, corroborating behaviors observed through simulation.
Analysis of Ageing Effect on Li‐Polymer Batteries
Authors: Barcellona Simone , Brenna Morris , Foiadelli Federica , Longo Michela , Piegari Luigi
Published: July 2015

Lithium‐ion batteries are a key technology for current and future energy storage in mobile and stationary application. In particular, they play an important role in the electrification of mobility and therefore the battery lifetime prediction is a fundamental aspect for successful market introduction. Numerous studies developed ageing models capable of predicting battery life span. Most of the previous works compared the effect of the ageing factors to a battery’s cycle life. These cycles are identical, which is not the case for electric vehicles applications. Indeed, most of the available information is based on results from laboratory testing, under very controlled environments, and using ageing protocols, which may not correctly reflect the actual utilization. For this reason, it is important to link the effect of duty cycles with the ageing of the batteries. This paper proposes a simple method to investigate the effect of the duty cycle on the batteries lifetime through tests performed on different cells for different kinds of cycle. In this way, a generic complex cycle can be seen as a composition of elemental cycles by means of Rainflow procedures. Consequently, the ageing due to any cycle can be estimated starting from the knowledge of simpler cycles.