bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical effects and safety of different strategies for administering intravenous diuretics in acutely decompensated heart failure: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Llorens Pere , Miró Òscar , Herrero Pablo , Martín-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Jacob Javier , Valero Amparo , Alonso Héctor , Pérez-Durá María José , Noval Antonio , Gil-Román José Juan , Zapater Pedro , Llanos Lucía , Gil Víctor , Perelló Rafel
Published: June 2013

Background

The mainstay of treatment for acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is intravenous diuretic therapy either as a bolus or via continuous infusion.

Objectives

We evaluated the clinical effects and safety of three strategies of intravenous furosemide administration used in emergency departments (EDs) for ADHF.

Methods

We performed a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group study. Patients with ADHF were randomised within 2 h of ED arrival to receive furosemide by continuous infusion (10 mg/h, group 1) or boluses (20 mg/6 h, group 2; or 20 mg/8 h, group 3). The primary end point was total diuresis, and secondary end points were dyspnoea, orthopnoea, extension of rales and peripheral oedema, blood pressure, respiratory and heart rates, and pulse oximetry, which were measured at arrival and 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after treatment onset. We also measured serum creatinine, sodium and potassium levels at arrival and after 24 h.

Results

Group 1 patients (n=36) showed greater 24 h diuresis (3705 mL) than those in groups 2 (n=37) and 3 (n=36) (3093 and 2670 mL, respectively; p<0.01), and this greater diuretic effect was observed earlier. However, no differences were observed among groups in the nine secondary clinical end points evaluated. Creatinine deterioration developed in 15.6% of patients, hyponatraemia in 9.2%, and hypokalaemia in 19.3%, with the only difference among groups observed in hypokalaemia (group 1, 36.3%; group 2, 13.5%; group 3, 8.3%; p<0.01).

Conclusions

In patients with ADHF attending the ED, boluses of furosemide have a smaller diuretic effect but provide similar clinical relief, similar preservation of renal function, and a lower incidence of hypokalaemia than continuous infusion.

Trial registration number

This randomised trial was registered in the European Clinical Trial Database (EudraCT) with the reference number 2008-004488-20.
Comparison of three techniques using the Parkland Formula to aid fluid resuscitation in adult burns
Authors: Theron Abrie , Bodger Owen , Williams David
Published: June 2013

We performed a randomised study to compare the accuracy and speed of three different techniques (pen and paper, electronic calculator and a novel graphic device: ‘nomogram’) for calculation of resuscitation fluid requirements for adults in the first 24 h of burn injury, based on the Parkland Formula. We also assessed acceptability of each technique using visual analogue scores and qualitative analysis of free text responses. 28 participants performed 252 calculations using a series of computer generated simulated patient data. For nomogram, electronic calculator, pen and paper: Magnitude of error [low (≥25%), medium (≥50%), high (≥75%)]: [6.0%, 1.2%, 0%], [17.9%, 14.3%, 8.3%], [25%, 16.7%, 9.5%]; p<0.002. Calculation time: [sec: mean (SD)]: 94(34), 73(31), 214(103); p<0.001. The mean (SD) of the difficulty scores for each method were 23(17), 17(14) and 70(21) out of 100. Of the 28 participants 15 preferred the calculator, 12 preferred the nomogram and 1 scored the calculator and nomogram equally (table 3). The nomogram was significantly more accurate at all levels, almost as fast as an electronic calculator, and deemed easy to use. It is low cost and robust, and provides a rapid means of detecting and preventing the large errors that we have shown can occur when an electronic device is used as the only method of calculation. We therefore suggest that the Parkland Formula nomogram is a suitable method for calculation of resuscitation fluid requirements in adult burns. Fluid requirement should, however, be reviewed frequently, and adjusted to ensure adequate organ perfusion.
What features of images affect parents’ appraisal of safety messages? Examining images from theA Million Messagesprogramme in Canada
Authors: Morrongiello Barbara A , Bell Melissa , Butac Michael , Kane Alexa
Published: June 2013

Background

Enhancing caregivers’ awareness of children's injury risks and increasing knowledge about strategies for injury prevention often involve presenting parents with written materials and accompanying images.

Objectives

To assess parents’ appraisals of different variations of images and identify those features that enhance their attention to safety messages.

Methods

Eight images showing risk situations were taken from theA Million Messagessafety education parent-directed programme in Canada and modified to create a corresponding image that clearly showed negative consequences for the child, and facial expressions of fear and/or upset. Mothers with young children were presented with the eight pairs of images (negative consequence vs risk situation) and asked to select the best accompaniment to a safety message and to provide an explanation for their choice. Each image was then also rated for fit to the safety message, communication of danger, emotional arousal and attention elicitation.

Results

The images depicting negative consequences were chosen for most comparisons (78%) and higher scores were assigned to these images for all four features rated by parents (danger communicated, emotions evoked, attention elicitation and fit to the safety message). Moreover, ratings of danger, emotions and attention predicted ‘fit to safety message’ scores.

Conclusions

Depicting negative consequences and showing negative emotions is important to maximise the effectiveness of images in communicating danger and evoking attention and concern when targeting parents with child-safety messaging.
Hernia sacs: is histological examination necessary?
Authors: Wang Tao , Vajpeyi Rajkumar
Published: June 2013

The hernia sac is a common surgical pathology specimen which can occasionally yield unexpected diagnoses. The College of American Pathologists recommends microscopic examination of abdominal hernias, but leaves submission of inguinal hernias for histology to the discretion of the pathologist. To validate this approach at a tertiary care centre, we retrospectively reviewed 1426 hernia sacs derived from inguinal, femoral and abdominal wall hernias. The majority of pathologies noted were known to the clinician, including herniated bowel, lipomas and omentum. A malignancy was noted in three of 800 inguinal hernias and seven of 576 abdominal wall hernias; five of these lesions were not seen on gross examination. Other interesting findings in hernia sacs included appendices, endometriosis, a perivascular epithelioid cell tumour, and pseudomyxoma peritoneii. All hernia sacs should be examined grossly as most pathologies are grossly visible. The decision to submit inguinal hernias for histology may be left to the discretion of the pathologist, but abdominal and femoral hernias should be submitted for histology.
A conditional model for estimating the increase in suicides associated with the 2008–2010 economic recession in England
Authors: Saurina Carme , Bragulat Basili , Saez Marc , López-Casasnovas Guillem
Published: June 2013

Background

Although evidence of the effects of the economic crisis on suicides is quite low, a recent article shows that the increase in suicides in England between 2008 and 2010 could be associated with the rise in unemployment. Our study analysed whether this effect was the same for all regions of England, using a conditional model which explicitly allows estimation of regional time trends and the effects of unemployment on suicides at the regional level.

Methods

Hierarchical mixed models were used to assess both, suicides attributable to the financial crisis and the association between unemployment and suicides. The number and the (age-standardised) rate of suicides, for men and women separately, were the dependent variables. We considered the nine English regions based on the NUTS 2 level.

Results

There was an (not statistically significant) increase in the number of suicides between 2008 and 2010. The variation in rates was not statistically significant in England as a whole but there were statistically significant increases and decreases in some regions. Statistically significant associations between unemployment and suicides were only found at regional level. For men, statistically significant unemployment rates were positively associated with age-standardised suicide rates in the South West (0.384), North West (0.260) and North East (0.136), and negatively associated in the East of England (−0.444), East Midlands (−0.236) and London (−0.168).

Conclusions

The study provides evidence that, even with statistically significant associations, finding variability, but no clear pattern, between trends and associations and/or numbers and rates might in fact suggest relatively spurious relationships; this is a result of not controlling for confounders.
Carotid artery stenting outcomes: do they correlate with antiplatelet response assays?
Authors: Sorkin Grant C , Dumont Travis M , Wach Michael M , Eller Jorge L , Mokin Maxim , Natarajan Sabareesh K , Baxter Melissa S , Snyder Kenneth V , Levy Elad I , Hopkins L Nelson , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: June 2013

Objective

Limited data exist regarding the use of antiplatelet response assays during neuroendovascular intervention. We report outcomes after carotid artery stenting (CAS) based on aspirin and P2Y12 assays.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients who had aspirin and P2Y12 assays at the time of stenting. Aspirin (325 mg) and clopidogrel (75 mg) were started 7–10 days pre-intervention. If not possible, aspirin (650 mg) and clopidogrel (600 mg) loading doses were given pre-intervention. Assays were checked on postoperative day 0/1. Outcomes included neurological ischemic sequela at 30 days, 1 and 2 years, as well as 30 day death/hemorrhage/myocardial infarction.

Results

449 patients were included. Mean P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) values were higher in patients with an ipsilateral ischemic event (stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA)) or stroke (alone) at 1 and 2 years than in patients with no events: ischemic event versus no event at 1 year, 252 vs 202 (p=0.008); stroke versus no stroke at 1 year, 252 versus 203(p=0.029); ischemic event versus no event at 2 years, 244 vs 203 (p=0.047); stroke versus no stroke at 2 years, 243 versus 203 (p=0.082). Ischemic event free survival (stroke/TIA, p=0.0268) and overall survival (p=0.0291) post-CAS were longer in patients with PRU ≤198 compared with an initial threshold of PRU ≤237. Mean PRU values were higher in patients who died from all causes at 30 days than in survivors (p=0.031). No correlation was found between lower PRU values and hemorrhage. Aspirin reaction units did not correlate with outcome.

Conclusions

PRU ≤198 may be associated with a lower incidence of ischemic neurological sequela and death post-CAS. Prospective studies are needed to validate the relationship between antiplatelet assays and outcomes post-CAS.
Y stenting assisted coiling using a new low profile visible intraluminal support device for wide necked basilar tip aneurysms: a technical report
Authors: Conrad Marcelo D , Brasiliense Leonardo B C , Richie Alexa N , Hanel Ricardo A
Published: June 2013

Many endovascular techniques have been described in recent years for the management of wide necked aneurysms. The Y stent assisted technique has been generally used for coil embolization of wide necked bifurcation aneurysms. This technique was first described for the treatment of basilar tip aneurysms in combination with several different devices, demonstrating encouraging results. We report the results of the first two cases of wide necked basilar tip aneurysms treated with Y stent assisted coil embolization using a new low profile visible intraluminal stent (LVIS Jr; MicroVention, Tustin, California, USA) delivered through a 0.017 inch microcatheter. We also reviewed the literature comparing other endovascular techniques (coiling alone, stent assisted coiling, and Y stent assisted coiling) for wide necked aneurysms. The LVIS Jr device offers a new option for the treatment of these challenging lesions, with clear advantages over currently available intracranial stents. Larger series and long term results are needed to confirm the applicability and durability of this technique/technology.
Drug library screening against metronidazole-sensitive and metronidazole-resistantTrichomonas vaginalisisolates
Authors: Goodhew E Brook , Secor W Evan
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Metronidazole and tinidazole are effective treatments for most patients with trichomoniasis but not for individuals who are infected with very resistant strains ofTrichomonas vaginalisor persons with hypersensitivity to the 5-nitroimidazole drugs. Thus, there is a need for additional oral therapies to treat trichomoniasis.

Methods

We screened the US Drug Collection Library against metronidazole-susceptible and resistant strains ofT vaginalis.Activity was measured by incubating parasites and drugs for 48 h in the presence of tritiated thymidine. Growth inhibition was determined by the reduction of incorporated radioactivity by compounds at 20 μM in comparison to media control. Drugs that showed good initial activity were further tested to calculate IC50values. Drugs with the most promise were tested together with metronidazole to see if there was any combinatorial effect.

Results

Of the 1040 drugs in the library, 83 (8%) reduced growth of a metronidazole-susceptibleT vaginalisstrain by at least 20%. Of these, IC50values were calculated for 27 compounds and 8 drugs were evaluated in combination with metronidazole. Disulfiram and nithiamide were non-5-nitroimidazole drugs that showed the best activity against parasites when used alone. Albendazole and coenzyme B12 were the most promising compounds to boost the efficacy of metronidazole.

Conclusions

No one drug was as effective as any of the 5-nitroimidazole compounds. However, disulfiram and nithiamide may be useful to treat individuals with hypersensitivity to 5-nitroimidazole drugs and albendazole and coenzyme B12 may be helpful in combination with metronidazole or tinidazole for treatment of persons with highly resistantT vaginalisinfections.
NEW MASSIVE GRAVITY HOLOGRAPHY
Authors: SOTKOV G. , CONSTANTINIDIS C. P. , CAMARA DS U.
Published: June 2013

We investigate the holographic renormalization group flows and the classical phase transitions that occur in two-dimensional QFT model dual to the New Massive 3D Gravity coupled to scalar matter. Specific matter self-interactions generated by quadratic superpotential are considered. The off-critical AdS3/CFT2 correspondence determines the exact form of the QFT2's β-function and the singular part of the reduced free energy. The corresponding scaling laws and critical exponents characterizing the RG fixed points as well as the values of the mass gaps in the massive phases are obtained.
ELECTRO-OPTICAL STUDIES IN A FERROELECTRIC LIQUID CRYSTAL MIXTURE
Authors: SINGH RAJBIR , RAINA K. K.
Published: June 2013

Symmetric square and triangular wave pulses have been applied across planar cells of different thickness to a ferroelectric liquid crystal mixture in the SmC* phase. Dynamic processes of molecular reorientation associated with the helix unwinding and winding by applying bias (-10V -0V - +10V) and taking micrographs simultaneously have been studied. The spontaneous polarization (PS), response time (τR) and torsional viscosity (η) have been studied as a function of temperature, sample thickness and bias voltage. PS follows the relation PS = Po(Tc - T)β. η obeys the Arrhenius relation from 35°C to 60°C with an activation energy of 0.89 eV for 5.0 μm sample thickness. The surface switching in the thin cell is more dominant due to the strong surface pinning effect.
CONFINEMENT AND QUANTUM ANOMALY IN QUASI-1D SPINLESS FERMION CHAINS
Authors: PRUDÊNCIO THIAGO , FERRAZ ÁLVARO
Published: June 2013

We consider the field renormalization group (RG) of two coupled one-spatial dimension (1D) spinless fermion chains under intraforward, interforward, interbackscattering and interumklapp interactions until two-loops order. Up to this order, we demonstrate the quantum confinement in the RG flow, where the interband chiral Fermi points reduce to single chiral Fermi points and the renormalized interaction couplings have Luttinger liquid fixed points. We show that this quasi-1D system is equivalently described in terms of one- and two-color interactions and address the problem of quantum anomaly, inherent to this system, as a direct consequence of coupling 1+1 free Dirac fields to one- and two-color interactions.
MULTIPLE FUZZY RULES INTERPOLATION WITH WEIGHTED ANTECEDENT VARIABLES IN SPARSE FUZZY RULE-BASED SYSTEMS
Authors: CHEN SHYI-MING , CHANG YU-CHUAN , CHEN ZE-JIN , CHEN CHIA-LING
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a new method for multiple fuzzy rules interpolation with weighted antecedent variables in sparse fuzzy rule-based systems based on polygonal membership functions. First, the proposed method calculates the normalized weighting vector of each closest fuzzy rule. Then, it calculates the composite weight of each closest fuzzy rule. Then, it calculates the left normal point [Formula: see text] and the right normal point [Formula: see text] of the fuzzy interpolative reasoning result [Formula: see text], respectively. Finally, it calculates the characteristic points [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the fuzzy interpolative reasoning result B*, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed method can generate more reasonable fuzzy interpolative reasoning results than the existing methods for sparse fuzzy rule-based systems. The proposed method can overcome the drawbacks of Chang etal.'s method (IEEE Trans. Fuzzy Syst.16(5) (2008) 1285–1301), Chen and Ko's method (IEEE Trans. Fuzzy Syst.16(6) (2008) 1626–1648) and Huang and Shen's method (IEEE Trans. Fuzzy Syst.14(2) (2006) 340–359) for multiple fuzzy rules interpolation. It provides us with a useful way for dealing with multiple fuzzy rules interpolation in sparse fuzzy rule-based systems.
2- AND 3-VARIATIONS AND FINITE TYPE INVARIANTS OF DEGREE 2 AND 3
Authors: SAKURAI MIGIWA
Published: June 2013

Goussarov, Polyak and Viro defined a finite type invariant and a local move called an n-variation for virtual knots. In this paper, we give the differences of the values of the finite type invariants of degree 2 and 3 between two virtual knots which can be transformed into each other by a 2- and 3-variation, respectively. As a result, we obtain lower bounds of the distance between long virtual knots by 2-variations and the distance between virtual knots by 3-variations by using the values of the finite type invariants of degree 2 and 3, respectively.
ON THE EXPANSION OF A CONTINUED FRACTION OF ORDER TWELVE
Authors: LIN BERNARD L. S.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we study 2-, 3-, 4-, 6- and 12-dissections of a continued fraction of order twelve. Our main result is that when the aforementioned continued fraction and its reciprocal are expanded as power series, the sign of the coefficients is periodic, with period 12.
EFFECT OF DOPING ON THE ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF GRAPHYNE
Authors: MAJIDI ROYA
Published: June 2013

We have used density functional theory to study the effect of doping on the electronic properties of graphyne. The graphyne with alpha type has been considered since it is analogous to graphene. The electronic properties of graphynes containing B , N or O impurity have been compared with those of pure graphyne. It is found that the electronic properties of alpha graphyne change from semimetal to semiconductor by doping. The B -doped graphyne becomes a p-type semiconductor, while N -doped and O -doped graphynes are n-type semiconductors. Our results provide possibility of opening an energy gap in graphyne as required for fabricating high-performance nanoelectronic devices based on graphyne.
SEISMIC HAZARD ANALYSIS FOR MYANMAR
Authors: SOMSA-ARD NANTHAPORN , PAILOPLEE SANTI
Published: June 2013

In this study, the seismic hazards of Myanmar are analyzed based on both deterministic and probabilistic scenarios. The area of the Sumatra–Andaman Subduction Zone is newly defined and the lines of faults proposed previously are grouped into nine earthquake sources that might affect the Myanmar region. The earthquake parameters required for the seismic hazard analysis (SHA) were determined from seismicity data including paleoseismological information. Using previously determined suitable attenuation models, SHA maps were developed. For the deterministic SHA, the earthquake hazard in Myanmar varies between 0.1 g in the Eastern part up to 0.45 g along the Western part (Arakan Yoma Thrust Range). Moreover, probabilistic SHA revealed that for a 2% probability of exceedance in 50 and 100 years, the levels of ground shaking along the remote area of the Arakan Yoma Thrust Range are 0.35 and 0.45 g, respectively. Meanwhile, the main cities of Myanmar located nearby the Sagaing Fault Zone, such as Mandalay, Yangon, and Naypyidaw, may be subjected to peak horizontal ground acceleration levels of around 0.25 g.
Sharp bounds in stochastic network calculus
Authors: Ciucu Florin , Poloczek Felix , Schmitt Jens
Published: June 2013

The practicality of the stochastic network calculus (SNC) is often questioned on grounds of potential looseness of its performance bounds. In this paper it is uncovered that for bursty arrival processes (specifically Markov-Modulated On-Off (MMOO)), whose amenability to per-flow analysis is typically proclaimed as a highlight of SNC, the bounds can unfortunately indeed be very loose (e.g., by several orders of magnitude off). In response to this uncovered weakness of SNC, the (Standard) per-flow bounds are herein improved by deriving a general sample-path bound, using martingale based techniques, which accommodates FIFO, SP, and EDF scheduling disciplines. The obtained (Martingale) bounds capture an additional exponential decay factor of O(e-α n) in the number of flows $n$, and are remarkably accurate even in multiplexing scenarios with few flows.
Engagement in HIV Medical Care and Technology Use among Stimulant-Using and Nonstimulant-Using Men who have Sex with Men
Authors: Horvath Keith J. , Carrico Adam W. , Simoni Jane , Boyer Edward W. , Amico K. Rivet , Petroll Andy E.
Published: June 2013

Aims of this study were to assess the associations between stimulant use and attitudes toward and engagement in HIV medical care and to examine technology use among stimulant-using and nonstimulant-using men who have sex with men (MSM). HIV-positive MSM (n=276; mean age = 42 years; 71% white, non-Hispanic; 43% with college degree) completed an online survey in 2009. Most men (69%) had not missed any scheduled HIV medical appointments in the past year, while 23% had missed at least one, and 9% had not attended any appointments. Stimulant use was significantly associated with not attending any HIV medical appointments in the unadjusted model (relative risk ratio(RRR)=2.84, 95% CI [1.07, 7.58]), as well as in models adjusted for demographic (RRR=3.16, 95% CI [1.13, 8.84]) and psychosocial (RRR=3.44, 95% CI [1.17, 10.15]) factors (Ps<0.05). Fewer stimulant-using than non-stimulant-using men rated HIV medical care a high priority (57% versus 85%;P<0.01). Few significant differences were found in online social networking or mobile phone use between stimulant-using and non-stimulant-using MSM, even when stratified by engagement in HIV care. Findings indicate that stimulant use is uniquely associated with nonengagement in HIV medical care in this sample, and that it may be possible to reach stimulant-using MSM using online social networking and mobile technologies.
TLR2 and TLR4 in the Brain Injury Caused by Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion
Authors: Wang Ying , Ge Pengfei , Zhu Yuhong
Published: June 2013

Brain injury caused by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion is a complicated pathophysiological course, in which inflammation is thought to play an important role. Toll-like receptors are a type of transmembrane proteins, which can recognize either exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns or endogenous stress or damage-associated molecular patterns in the innate immune system and initiate inflammatory responses. Among Toll-like receptors, TLR2 and TLR4 are found to be more important than others in the pathological progression of cerebral injury due to ischemia and reperfusion. This review will focus on the biological characteristics and functions of TLR2 and TLR4 and their downstream signal pathways.
Design and Application of a Fiber Bragg Grating Tension Sensor for Anchor Rope
Authors: Huang Jun , Zhou Zude , Zhang Dongsheng , Chen Juntao , Li Litong , Deng Xiwang
Published: June 2013

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) tension sensor for anchor rope has been proposed and implemented in the full-scale impact test of rockfall protection barriers in this paper. According to the measurement principle of the tension sensor, the wavelength shift difference of the two FBGs which, respectively, measure the positive and negative strain in the spring element is utilized as sensing signal. Therefore, the force sensitivity is increased and the temperature cross-sensitivity is compensated. Experimental results indicate that the measurement sensitivity is 14.85 pm/kN in a range from 0 to 150 kN. The dynamic forces on anchor ropes in barriers have been clearly recorded by the designed sensors during the impact test, and the variation of the impact forces could be mainly divided into three stages. This kind of tension sensor is expected to be widely used for force's quasi-distributed measurement or remote monitoring in industrial and mechanical fields.
Uniform Bounds of Aliasing and Truncated Errors in Sampling Series of Functions from Anisotropic Besov Class
Authors: Ye Peixin , Han Yongjie
Published: June 2013

Errors appear when the Shannon sampling series is applied to approximate a signal in real life. This is because a signal may not be bandlimited, the sampling series may have to be truncated, and the sampled values may not be exact and may have to be quantized. In this paper, we truncate the multidimensional Shannon sampling series via localized sampling and obtain the uniform bounds of aliasing and truncation errors for functions from anisotropic Besov class without any decay assumption. The bounds are optimal up to a logarithmic factor. Moreover, we derive the corresponding results for the case that the sampled values are given by a linear functional and its integer translations. Finally we give some applications.
Population‐Based Study of the Association between Urbanization and Kawasaki Disease in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Wei-Pin , Wu Shyh-Jong , Chang Wei-Chiao , Kuo Ho-Chang
Published: June 2013

Background. It is unclear if the prevalence of Kawasaki disease (KD) correlates with the degree of urbanization. We hypothesized that the prevalence of KD is more pronounced in urban versus rural environments. Methods. The National Health Insurance (NHI) program was implemented in Taiwan in 1995 and covers most of the population (>99%). We used the NHI database to investigate the epidemiological features of KD. A total of 115 diagnosed patients with KD from 1997 to 2010 were included, together with 1,150 matched controls without KD. Chi‐square analyses were performed to investigate the difference between modern city and rural environments. Results. Of the 1265 sampled subjects (claims data from 1,000,000 random subjects), the mean age of the KD study group and control group was 2.08 ± 1.66 and 2.08 ± 1.64 years, respectively. After matching for age, sex, and same index date, no statistically significant differences in urbanization level and geographical location of the patients′ residence were observed. Conclusion. Urbanization did not appear to be an important effect modifier of Kawasaki disease in Taiwan.
Apocrine Carcinoma of Breast: A Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Wader Jyotsna V. , Jain Akash , Bhosale Suresh J. , Chougale Pandurang G. , Kumbhar Sujata S.
Published: June 2013

Apocrine carcinoma is a very rare form of breast malignancy with an incidence of <1% of female invasive breast carcinoma. We report a case of apocrine carcinoma in a 42-year female with marked adenosis showing apocrine metaplasia and discuss the criteria to diagnose apocrine carcinoma with the emerging concept of androgen receptor positivity with its implication on treatment and management of the patient.
An Especial Fractional Oscillator
Authors: Tofighi A.
Published: June 2013

We propose a peculiar fractional oscillator. By assuming that the motion takes
place in a complex media where the level of fractionality is low, we find that the time
rate of change of the energy of this system has an oscillatory behavior.
Spectacle Coverage and Spectacles Use among Elderly Population in Residential Care in the South Indian State of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Marmamula Srinivas , Ravuri L. V. Chandra Sekhar , Boon Mei Ying , Khanna Rohit C.
Published: June 2013

Background. There is limited research conducted on uncorrected refractive errors, presbyopia, and spectacles use among the elderly population in residential care in developing countries such as India. We conducted a cross-sectional study among elderly in residential care to assess the spectacle coverage and spectacles usage in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.Methods. All 524 residents in the 26 “homes for aged” institutions in the district were enumerated. Eye examination was performed that included visual acuity (VA) assessment for distant and near vision. A questionnaire was used to collect information on spectacles use.Results. 494/524 individuals were examined, 78% were women, and 72% had no education. The mean age of participants was 70 years. The spectacle coverage for refractive errors was 35.1% and 23.9% for presbyopia. The prevalence of current use and past use of spectacles was 38.5% (95% CI: 34.2–42.8;n=190) and 17.2% (95% CI: 13.9–42.8), respectively.Conclusions. There is low spectacle coverage for both refractive errors and presbyopia among elderly individuals in residential care in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Appropriate service delivery systems should be developed to reach out this vulnerable group of seniors on a priority basis.
Synergistic Anticancer Effects of Vorinostat and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate against HuCC-T1 Human Cholangiocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Kwak Tae Won , Kim Do Hyung , Chung Chung-Wook , Lee Hye Myeong , Kim Cy Hyun , Jeong Young-IL , Kang Dae Hwan
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the combination of vorinostat and epigallocatechin-3-gallate against HuCC-T1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells. A novel chemotherapy strategy is required as cholangiocarcinomas rarely respond to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Both vorinostat and EGCG induce apoptosis and suppress invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of tumor cells. The combination of vorinostat and EGCG showed synergistic growth inhibitory effects and induced apoptosis in tumor cells. The Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio and caspase-3 and -7 activity increased, but poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase expression decreased when compared to treatment with each agent alone. Furthermore, invasion, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and migration of tumor cells decreased following treatment with the vorinostat and EGCG combination compared to those of vorinostat or EGCG alone. Tube length and junction number of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) decreased as well as vascular endothelial growth factor expression following vorinostat and EGCG combined treatment. These results indicate that the combination of vorinostat and EGCG had a synergistic effect on inhibiting tumor cell angiogenesis potential. We suggest that the combination of vorinostat and EGCG is a novel option for cholangiocarcinoma chemotherapy.
Simulated Annealing-Based Krill Herd Algorithm for Global Optimization
Authors: Wang Gai-Ge , Guo Lihong , Gandomi Amir Hossein , Alavi Amir Hossein , Duan Hong
Published: June 2013

Recently, Gandomi and Alavi proposed a novel swarm intelligent method, called krill herd (KH), for global optimization. To enhance the performance of the KH method, in this paper, a new improved meta-heuristic simulated annealing-based krill herd (SKH) method is proposed for optimization tasks. A new krill selecting (KS) operator is used to refine krill behavior when updating krill’s position so as to enhance its reliability and robustness dealing with optimization problems. The introduced KS operator involves greedy strategy and accepting few not-so-good solutions with a low probability originally used in simulated annealing (SA). In addition, a kind of elitism scheme is used to save the best individuals in the population in the process of the krill updating. The merits of these improvements are verified by fourteen standard benchmarking functions and experimental results show that, in most cases, the performance of this improved meta-heuristic SKH method is superior to, or at least highly competitive with, the standard KH and other optimization methods.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor for Treatment of Onychomadesis with Delayed Regrowth of the Nail
Authors: Oji Tomito , Yazawa Masaki , Kishi Kazuo
Published: June 2013

Onychomadesis usually arises from an inflammation of the paronychium or as a result of blisters and hemorrhaging under a nail that has been struck or compressed. No documented interactions between basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and onychomadesis have hitherto been reported. This case report describes a 25-year-old woman with onychomadesis following infection of the ingrown nail of her left thumb. After ten months of observation with no treatment showed no regrowth of her left thumbnail, the external use of bFGF and antibiotic ointment was started. One month later, nail regrowth was observed up to the halfway point of the nail bed, and after treatment for three months, the regrown nail reached the top of the nail bed. Both thumbnails now looked identical. This case suggests that external use of bFGF can promote nail regrowth in cases of onychomadesis with delayed regrowth of the nail.
Materials for Future Quantum Dot‐Based Memories
Authors: Nowozin T. , Bimberg D. , Daqrouq K. , Ajour M. N. , Awedh M.
Published: June 2013

The present paper investigates the current status of the storage times in self‐organized QDs, surveying a variety of heterostructures advantageous for strong electron and/or hole confinement. Experimental data for the electronic properties, such as localization energies and capture cross‐sections, are listed. Based on the theory of thermal emission of carriers from QDs, we extrapolate the values for materials that would increase the storage time at room temperature to more than millions of years. For electron storage, GaSb/AlSb, GaN/AlN, and InAs/AlSb are proposed. For hole storage, GaSb/Al0.9Ga0.1As, GaSb/GaP, and GaSb/AlP are promising candidates.
Generalized Virtually Stable Maps and Their Associated Sequences
Authors: Chaoha P. , Iampiboonvatana S. , Intrakul J.
Published: June 2013

We extend the concept of virtual stability of continuous self-maps to arbitrary selfmaps and investigate the structure of sequences associated with uniformly virtually stable selfmaps. We also obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a uniformly virtually stable selfmap to have the largest possible associated sequence. Examples of a uniformly virtually stable selfmap having the prescribed largest sequence and a uniformly virtually stable selfmap having no largest sequence are given.
Multiobjective Optimization Design for Skew and Sweep Parameters of Two-Stage Blades of Axial Fan
Authors: Yue Wen-hui , Jin Yong-ping , Wen Ze-jun
Published: June 2013

Computer aided design and numerical simulation have been widely applied in optimization design of fan blades. In this paper, skew and sweep parameters of two-stage blades of an axial fan are optimized by using the particle swarm optimization algorithm. First, the skew and sweep parameters of two-stage blades of an axial fan are defined. Second, response surface methodology is used to study the relationship between the skew and sweep parameters of two-stage blades and the total pressure and the efficiency of the axial fan. The response surface model that describes the relationship between the skew and sweep of two-stage blades and the total pressure and the efficiency of the axial fan is established. Finally, with the skew and sweep of two-stage blades being design variables and the total pressure and the efficiency being the objectives, a particle swarm optimization algorithm is developed to solve this complex multiobjective optimization problem. The optimal result shows that the total pressure increases by 49.1 Pa and the efficiency increases by 1.55%. In addition, the aerodynamic performance of the axial fan is improved. This research has significance to optimization design of the axial fan.
Left-to-Right Shunt with Congenital Heart Disease: Single Center Experience
Authors: Cevik Ayhan , Olgunturk Rana , Kula Serdar , Saylan Berna , Pektas Ayhan , Oguz Deniz , Tunaoglu Sedef
Published: June 2013

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in congenital heart disease (CHD) with an isolated, large left-to-right shunt and to indicate the factors in the development of PAH. Methods. The pressure measurements in the cardiac chambers and the calculations based on the Fick’s principle were compared among 3 separate groups of patients, respectively, with PAH, with hyperkinetic pulmonary hypertension (HPH), and with neither PAH nor HPH. Results. PAH was diagnosed in 30 (12.3%) patients, HPH in 35 (14.4%), while 177 (73.1%) were free of either. The highest risk for the development of PAH was found in the presence of perimembranous ventricular septal defect. A statistically significant difference was seen among these groups as to their left atrial pressure (p=0.005) and the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPmean; p<0.001). While a correlation was present between RpI on one hand and age on the other (p=0.014), a multiple linear regression could not evidence any correlation among age (p=0.321), gender (p=0.929). Conclusion. Our findings do not allow establishing a correlation between the duration of the high pulmonary flow and pulmonary vascular resistance increase or PAH development in isolated left-to-right shunts with congenital heart diseases.
Assessing Bully/Victim Problems in Preschool Children: A Multimethod Approach
Authors: Vlachou Maria , Botsoglou Kafenia , Andreou Eleni
Published: June 2013

Studies addressing the issue of bullying during the preschool period are still extremely rare. The main aim of the present research was to study the prevalence rates of bullying in preschool children using a multimethod approach. Participants were 167 preschool children (ages 4–6) and 8 classroom teachers. Measures were four forms of bullying: verbal, physical, and relational bullying and rumour spreading. Data were collected through peer nominations, self- and teacher reports, and natural observations. Results have shown that the frequencies of bullying episodes vary greatly according to the source of information. Moreover, agreement between informants was either nonsignificant or moderate. This is extremely important when conducting relevant empirical research with preschool populations. It is probable that inconsistent results obtained in previous research may be due to the selection of one or another source of information. It is of primary importance to design methodological tools that are both valid and reliable if prevention programs against victimisation are to be consistent and effective.
The Viscoelasticity Model of Corn Straw under the Different Moisture Contents
Authors: Zhong-Zhen Sun , Huan-Xin Jiang , He-Ping Cai , Qiu-Sheng Yu , Li-Xin Lu , Li Wang , Guo-Lin Cai
Published: June 2013

Viscoelastic model of corn straw, based on different moisture contents, is set up to characterise the deformation through three-point bending test. The model contains a linear elastic element, a damping element, and a nonlinear elastic element. The parameters of the model are determined according to the features of three-point bending test curve and characteristic of the model. The relationships between mechanical properties, energy absorption behavior of corn stalk, and moisture content have been, respectively, analysed. And regression analysis and curve fitting have been conducted based on various parameters and moisture contents with Matlab. These parameters provide the basis for straw crushing equipment design.
Dried Human Amniotic Membrane Does Not Alleviate Inflammation and Fibrosis in Experimental Strabismus Surgery
Authors: Chun Bo Young , Kim Hong Kyun , Shin Jae Pil
Published: June 2013

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dried human amniotic membrane (AM) in reducing the postoperative inflammatory response and scarring after strabismus surgery.Methods. The inflammatory response at the extraocular muscle reattachment site was analyzed after superior rectus (SR) resection in 12 rabbits. Dried human AM (Ambiodry2) was applied between the resected SR muscle plane and Tenon’s capsule of the left eyes of rabbits. As a control, the right eyes of rabbits underwent SR resection only. The surgeon randomly ordered which eye gets operated first during the experiment. Two weeks later, enucleation was performed. Six sagittal sections were made for each eye at the insertion of the SR muscle. The grade of postoperative inflammation and the presence of fibrosis were evaluated in histological examinations.Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the intensity of inflammation and fibrous proliferation between the eyes treated with dried human AM after SR resection and those treated with SR resection only.Conclusions. The use of dried human AM was not effective in controlling the postoperative inflammation and scarring in rabbit eyes after extraocular muscle surgery. However, this may be due to the devitalized dry preparation of human AM (Ambiodry2), which may have lost the expected anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties, and further studies on humans may be necessary.
0.5 V Cardiac Sense Amplifier Realization Using Log-Domain Filtering
Authors: Giagkoulovits Christos , Psychalinos Costas
Published: June 2013

A novel configuration of a cardiac sense amplifier for pacemakers, realized using the concept of Log-Domain filtering, is introduced in this paper. The analog part of the amplifier operates under a single 0.5 V power supply voltage. Compared to the corresponding already published configuration, the proposed scheme offers the benefits of reduced operating voltage and dc power dissipation. The performance of the intermediate stages, as well as of the whole system, has been evaluated through the utilization of the Analog Design Environment of the Cadence software and, also, the design kit provided by the AMS 0.35 μm CMOS process.
Prevalence and Predictors of Self-Reported Sexual Abuse in Severely Obese Patients in a Population-Based Bariatric Program
Authors: Gabert Danielle L. , Majumdar Sumit R. , Sharma Arya M. , Rueda-Clausen Christian F. , Klarenbach Scott W. , Birch Daniel W. , Karmali Shahzeer , McCargar Linda , Fassbender Konrad , Padwal Raj S.
Published: June 2013

Background. Sexual abuse may be associated with poorer weight loss outcomes following bariatric treatment. Identifying predictors of abuse would enable focused screening and may increase weight management success.Methods. We analyzed data from 500 consecutively recruited obese subjects from a population-based, regional bariatric program. The prevalence of self-reported sexual abuse was ascertained using a single interview question. Health status was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify sexual abuse predictors.Results. The mean age was 43.7 y (SD 9.6), 441 (88.2%) were females, 458 (91.8%) were white, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 47.9 kg/m2(SD 8.1). The self-reported prevalence of past abuse was 21.8% (95% CI 18.4–25.4%). Abused subjects had worse health status (VAS score 53.1 (SD 21.2) versus 58.0 (SD 20.1),P=0.03). BMI was not associated with abuse (P>0.5). Age, sex, BMI, and covariate-adjusted independent predictors of abuse included alcohol addiction (adjusted odds ratio 15.8; 95% CI 4.0–62.8), posttraumatic stress disorder (4.9; 2.5–9.5), borderline personality (3.8; 1.0–13.8), depression (2.4; 1.3–4.3), and lower household income (3.4; 1.6–7.0).Conclusions. Abuse was common amongst obese patients managed in a population-based bariatric program; alcohol addiction, psychiatric comorbidities, and low-income status were highly associated with sexual abuse.
Emodin and Aloe-Emodin Suppress Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation through ERαInhibition
Authors: Huang Pao-Hsuan , Huang Chih-Yang , Chen Mei-Chih , Lee Yueh-Tsung , Yue Chia-Herng , Wang Hsin-Yi , Lin Ho
Published: June 2013

The anthraquinones emodin and aloe-emodin are abundant in rhubarb. Several lines of evidence indicate that emodin and aloe-emodin have estrogenic activity as phytoestrogens. However, their effects on estrogen receptorα(ERα) activation and breast cancer cell growth remain controversial. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of emodin and aloe-emodin on breast cancer cell proliferation. Our results indicate that both emodin and aloe-emodin are capable of inhibiting breast cancer cell proliferation by downregulating ERαprotein levels, thereby suppressing ERαtranscriptional activation. Furthermore, aloe-emodin treatment led to the dissociation of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and ERαand increased ERαubiquitination. Although emodin had similar effects to aloe-emodin, it was not capable of promoting HSP90/ERαdissociation and ERαubiquitination. Protein fractionation results suggest that aloe-emodin tended to induce cytosolic ERαdegradation. Although emodin might induce cytosolic ERαdegradation, it primarily affected nuclear ERαdistribution similar to the action of estrogen when protein degradation was blocked. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that emodin and aloe-emodin specifically suppress breast cancer cell proliferation by targeting ERαprotein stability through distinct mechanisms. These findings suggest a possible application of anthraquinones in preventing or treating breast cancer in the future.
Indian Traditional Ayurvedic System of Medicine and Nutritional Supplementation
Authors: Pandey M. M. , Rastogi Subha , Rawat A. K. S.
Published: June 2013

Food is the major source for serving the nutritional needs, but with growing modernization some traditional ways are being given up. Affluence of working population with changing lifestyles and reducing affordability of sick care, in terms of time and money involved, are some of the forces that are presently driving people towards thinking about their wellness. There has been increased global interest in traditional medicine. Efforts to monitor and regulate traditional herbal medicine are underway. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, remains the most ancient yet living traditions. Although India has been successful in promoting its therapies with more research and science-based approach, it still needs more extensive research and evidence base. Increased side effects, lack of curative treatment for several chronic diseases, high cost of new drugs, microbial resistance and emerging, diseases are some reasons for renewed public interest in complementary and alternative medicines. Numerous nutraceutical combinations have entered the international market through exploration of ethnopharmacological claims made by different traditional practices. This review gives an overview of the Ayurvedic system of medicine and its role in translational medicine in order to overcome malnutrition and related disorders.