bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Serum Lipid in First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Moonmoon THJ , Begum K , Amanullah M , Rabeya S , Bari MA
Published: August 2013

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka to determine the changes in serum lipid in 1st trimester of pregnancy over a period I year. A total of 91 subjects (60 women at first trimester of pregnancy assigned to case and 31 nonpregnant women with regular menstruation assigned to control) were included in the study. The mean age was significantly higher in control group than in case group (27.0± 4.3vs 24.4± 3.6 years respectively, p = 0.002). Lower socioeconomic class was predominance in case group (58.3%) and middle class (53.7%) in control group. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in case group compared to control group. About 12% of patients had low HDL compared to 4.9% of controls (p=0.240). Raised LDL and raised triglycerides were found in 3.3% and 5% of the cases respectively while none of the control group had raised LDL and triglyceride (p = 0.350 and p = 0.25 respectively). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure was positively correlated with total cholesterol and HDL. However, LDL and triglyceride exhibit negative linear relationship in the both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. From this study, it can be concluded that pregnant mothers in their trimester had slightly altered serum lipids compared to their nonpregnant counterpart. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i1.16065 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(1): 25-27
Blood Pressure Parameters Among Smokers and Smokeless Tobacco Users in a Tertiary Level Hospital
Authors: Habib N , Rashid M , Begum USN , Ahter N , Akhter D
Published: August 2013

This cross-sectional study was carried out to assess blood pressure parameters among adult male smokers and smokeless tobacco users. For this purpose, 105 male respondents were selected. They were divided into two groups; Group A-consisting of 30 were smokeless tobacco users and group B consisting of 75 smoker patients The participants were selected from medicine outdoor of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. In this study, the mean (±SD) of systolic blood pressure were 154.50±26.793 mm of Hg in Group A and 151.67±19.248 mm of Hg in group B respectively. Statistical analysis was done by unpairedt test, there were no statistical significant differences (P>0.05) of systolic blood pressure between Group A and Group B. The mean (±SD) of diastolic blood pressure were 96.67±10.933 mm of Hg in Group A and 86.47±14.745 mm of Hg in group B respectively. The mean (± SD) of diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher (P<0.05) in Group A than Group B. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i1.16066 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(1): 28-31
Presentation of Tuberculous Meningitis Patients : Study of 30 Cases
Authors: Sarkar DN , Hossain MI , Shoab AKM , Quraishi FA
Published: August 2013

Tuberculosis is creating immense adverse social and economic burden in Bangladesh. Tuberculous Meningitis results from the haematogenous spread of primary or postprimary pulmonary disease or from the rupture of a subependymal tubercle into the subarachnoid space. Infection of the CNS is one of the most devastating clinical manifestations of tuberculosis This study aimed to see the presentation of tuberculous meningitis patients in tertiary level hospital of Bangladesh. This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Neurology, SSMC, Dhaka from June 2011 to July 2012. In the present study, thirty meningitis patients were enrolled, among the subjects 11.7 % were aged below 20 years, 53.3% were aged between 20 - 39 years, 16.7% were aged between 40 - 49 years and 18.3% were aged above 50 years. Regarding sex 56.7% were male and 43.3% were female. Most prevalent symptom was fever (91.7%). Among others, headache (70%), altered consciousness (45%), vomiting (43.3%) and neck stiffness (28.9%) were notable. The distribution of the study subjects by physical sign 55.0% had anemia, 95.0% had neck rigidity, 10.0% had cranial nerve palsy, 46.7% had kernig's sign and 20.0% had long tract sign. Regarding GCS score 10.0 % had GCS score less than 8, 18.3 % had between 9  12 and 71.7% had over> 12.The Laboratory finding among the study subjects 3.3% showed positive gram stain and 43.7% showed MT over 10 mm. In response to treatment 93.3% responded to anti TB out of 30 TBM subjects. This study demonstrated that presentation of tubercular meningitis is different in different patient.TBM is the severe form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis occurring in 7.0- 12.0% of TB patients in developing countries with high rate of mortality due to delay in diagnosis and proper treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i1.16069 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(1): 32-35
Proteinuria in Chronic Kidney Disease and its Management
Authors: Ahmed SS , Laila TR , Begum HA , Moniruzzaman M
Published: August 2013

Proteinuria is a marker of kidney damage and an important risk factor for progression of chronic kidney disease as well as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Albumin is the principal component of proteinuria in glomerular disease. The presence of persistent albumin in the urine is a clear sign of glomerular abnormality. Microalbuminuria describes the urinary excretion of small amounts of albumin which identifies the very early stage of diabetic kidney disease. The albumin creatinine ratio is the preferred method of detecting microalbuminuria. There is strong evidence that treatment in the early stages of chronic kidney disease reduces progression of kidney damage. The levels of proteinuria in both diabetic and non-diabetic kidney disease at which management should be addressed have been reviewed. This article also reviews the interventions recommended for early stages of chronic kidney disease to reduce the risk of progression to end stage kidney failure. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin 2 receptor blockers are more effective in reducing proteinuria and retarding the progression of kidney disease in comparison to other therapies which lower systemic blood pressure to a similar degree. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i1.16070 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(1): 36-41
Apexification with Calcium Hydroxide: 27 Months Follow Up of a Case
Authors: Chowdhury AFMA , Alam A , Sarkar UK , Mahmud AA , Habiba U , Rabby MAI
Published: August 2013

Dental trauma is common in young patients with immature teeth. When necrosis of pulp follows in such a tooth, apexification of the root is the most recognized and accepted treatment of choice. Calcium hydroxide paste is the most popular material used to induce the apical hard tissue barrier which may be composed of different tissues. Hertwigs epithelial root sheath and (or) its remnants, the cell rests of Malassez may contribute to the apical closure. In the presented case, careful multidisciplinary treatment approach helped to regain esthetic and function. After 27 months the tooth showed every sign of success. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i1.16071 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(1): 42-45
Post Caesarean Vesicouterine Fistula Causing Menouria
Authors: Sultana R , Haque N
Published: August 2013

Vesicouterine fistula is an uncommon urogenital fistula. The incidence is on the rise because of increasing incidence of Caesarean sections. Cyclical Haematuria or Menouria is an important clinical feature of this fistula which may or may not be associated with urinary incontinence depending on the location of the fistulous tract. We present a case report of Post caesarean section Vesicouterine fistula following 2 Caesarean sections. This was successfully managed by laparotomy with repair of fistulous tract in bladder wall and Total Abdominal Hysterectomy for multiple Fibroid uterus done. Menouria is a rare event in Gynecology and one should always keep this possibility in mind when there is cyclical haematuria. A 42 year old Bangladeshi woman was hospitalized with complaints of menorrhagia, lower abdominal pain for last 8 years, cyclical hematuria for last 20 years. She was mildly anemic, haemodynamically stable and regularly menstruating women. The primary Ultrasound scans suggested multiple fibroid with cystic ovary in left side. Cystoscopy was done and findings are a fistulous opening in the bladder measuring around 7mm in size. It was supratrigonal in position. The patient had no history of Endometriosis, Pelvic irradiation therapy, Inflammatory disease, Trauma or Malignancy. Initially there was dilemma in her diagnosis and the patient was diagnosed as a case of bladder Endometriosis besides fibroid uterus. So surgery was planned and Total Abdominal Hysterectomy & bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy done. There was a fistula about 3cm × 2cm in the lower part of the body of uterus connecting with the base of Bladder. Fistula repaired after dissection, patient follow up done and catheter removed after 14 days without any complications. Vesicouterine fistula can be prevented if care is taken to separate the bladder from the uterus during repeat Caesarean sections. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i1.16072 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(1): 46-48
Atypical Presentation of Thyroid Ophthalmopathy  A Case Report
Authors: Rabhani SMG , Rashid MA , Akhter R , Hossain M
Published: August 2013

This is a case report of atypical pesentation of thyroid ophthalmopathy. The case report presents a patient aged 32 years with the history of oligomenorrhoea for three years , dryness and grittiness of both eye for last one year and neck swelling for six month. She was diagnosed as thyroid ophthalmopathy. The case was treated with carbimazole and improved. Early diagnosis and treatment needs for better outcome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i1.16073 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(1): 49-51
Plunging Ranula (Right side): A Case Report
Authors: Bardhan A , Dev PK , Banerjee S , Islam S
Published: August 2013

Plunging ranulas, also known as deep, diving, cervical or deep plunging ranula, usually appear in conjunction with oral ranula. Rarely, these ranulas may arise independent of oral swelling. A rare case of plunging ranula without oral swelling is discussed along with review of literature. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/medtoday.v25i1.16074 Medicine Today 2013 Vol.25(1): 52-53
Linearized Transfer Entropy for Continuous Second Order Systems
Authors: Nichols Jonathan , Bucholtz Frank , Michalowicz Joe
Published: August 2013

The transfer entropy has proven a useful measure of coupling among components of a dynamical system. This measure effectively captures the influence of one system component on the transition probabilities (dynamics) of another. The original motivation for the measure was to quantify such relationships among signals collected from a nonlinear system. However, we have found the transfer entropy to also be a useful concept in describing linear coupling among system components. In this work we derive the analytical transfer entropy for the response of coupled, second order linear systems driven with a Gaussian random process. The resulting expression is a function of the auto- and cross-correlation functions associated with the system response for different degrees-of-freedom. We show clearly that the interpretation of the transfer entropy as a measure of "information flow" is not always valid. In fact, in certain instances the "flow" can appear to switch directions simply by altering the degree of linear coupling. A safer way to view the transfer entropy is as a measure of the ability of a given system component to predict the dynamics of another.
Numerical Investigation of the Thermal Management Performance of MEPCM Modules for PV Applications
Authors: Tanuwijava Abednego , Ho Ching , Lai Chi-Ming , Huang Chao-Yang
Published: August 2013

The efficiency of photovoltaic modules decreases as the cell temperature increases. It is necessary to have an adequate thermal management mechanism for a photovoltaic module, especially when combined with a building construction system. This study aims to investigate via computational fluid dynamics simulations the heat transfer characteristics and thermal management performance of microencapsulated phase change material modules for photovoltaic applications under temporal variations of daily solar irradiation. The results show that the aspect ratio of the microencapsulated phase change material layer has significant effects on the heat transfer characteristics and the overall thermal performance of the two cases examined with different melting points (26 °C and 34 °C) are approximately the same.
A Two-Stage Continuous Fermentation System for Conversion of Syngas into Ethanol
Authors: Richter Hanno , Martin Michael , Angenent Largus
Published: August 2013

We have established a two-stage continuous fermentation process for production of ethanol from synthesis gas (syngas) with Clostridium ljungdahlii. The system consists of a 1-L continuously stirred tank reactor as a growth stage and a 4-L bubble column equipped with a cell recycle module as an ethanol production stage. Operating conditions in both stages were optimized for the respective purpose (growth in stage one and alcohol formation in stage two). The system was fed with an artificial syngas mixture, mimicking the composition of syngas derived from lignocellulosic biomass (60% CO, 35% H2, and 5% CO2). Gas recycling was used to increase the contact area and retention time of gas in the liquid phase, improving mass transfer and metabolic rates. In stage two, the biocatalyst was maintained at high cell densities of up to 10 g DW/L. Ethanol was continuously produced at concentrations of up to 450 mM (2.1%) and ethanol production rates of up to 0.37 g/(L·h). Foam control was essential to maintain reactor stability. A stoichiometric evaluation of the optimized process revealed that the recovery of carbon and hydrogen from the provided carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the produced ethanol was 28% and 74%, respectively.
Insights from Parents about Caring for a Child with Birth Defects
Authors: Lemacks Jodi , Fowles Kristin , Mateus Amanda , Thomas Kayte
Published: August 2013

Birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies. Having a child with a birth defect impacts the whole family. Parents of children who have birth defects face unique challenges and desire to make life better for their kids. They also want to help to prevent birth defects in the future. Some of the challenges parents face involve communication with healthcare professionals, quality of life issues, creating awareness and advocating for research and funding, finding resources and support, and helping teens transition to appropriate, specialized adult care. This paper addresses these issues and their sub-issues, provides examples, and makes suggestions for improvement and research.
Extremophiles and Extreme Environments
Authors: Rampelotto Pabulo
Published: August 2013

Over the last decades, the study of extremophiles has providing ground breaking discoveries that challenge the paradigms of modern biology and make us rethink intriguing questions such as "what is life?", "what are the limits of life?", and "what are the fundamental features of life?". These findings and possibilities have made the study of life in extreme environments one of the most exciting areas of research in recent decades. However, despite the latest advances we are just in the beginning of exploring and characterizing the world of extremophiles. This special issue discusses several aspects of these fascinating organisms, exploring their habitats, biodiversity, ecology, evolution, genetics, biochemistry, and biotechnological applications in a collection of exciting reviews and original articles written by leading experts and research groups in the field. [...]
Microstructural Characterization of Calcite-Based Powder Materials Prepared by Planetary Ball Milling
Authors: Tsai Wen-Tien
Published: August 2013

In this work, a planetary ball milling was used to modify the surface properties of calcite-based material from waste oyster shell under the rotational speed of 200–600 rpm, grinding time of 5–180 min and sample mass of 1–10 g. The milling significantly changed the microstructural properties of the calcite-based minerals (i.e., surface area, pore volume, true density, and porosity). The surface characterization of the resulting powder should be macroporous and/or nonporous based on the nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. Under the optimal conditions at the rotational speed of 400 rpm, grinding time of 30 min and sample mass of 5 g, the resulting calcite-based powder had larger specific surface area (i.e., 10.64 m2·g−1) than the starting material (i.e., 4.05 m2·g−1). This finding was also consistent with the measurement of laser-diffraction (i.e., 9.7 vs. 15.0 μm of mean diameter). In addition, the results from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation indicated that surface roughness can be enhanced as particle size decreases as a result of particle-particle attrition. Thus, grinding the aquacultural bioresource by a high-energy ball milling can create the fine materials, which may be applied in the fields of inorganic minerals like aggregate and construction material.
Quantitative Determination of Common Urinary Odorants and Their Glucuronide Conjugates in Human Urine
Authors: Wagenstaller Maria , Buettner Andrea
Published: August 2013

Our previous study on the identification of common odorants and their conjugates in human urine demonstrated that this substance fraction is a little-understood but nonetheless a promising medium for analysis and diagnostics in this easily accessible physiological medium. Smell as an indicator for diseases, or volatile excretion in the course of dietary processes bares high potential for a series of physiological insights. Still, little is known today about the quantitative composition of odorous or volatile targets, as well as their non-volatile conjugates, both with regard to their common occurrence in urine of healthy subjects, as well as in that of individuals suffering from diseases or other physiological misbalancing. Accordingly, the aim of our study was to develop a highly sensitive and selective approach to determine the common quantitative composition of selected odorant markers in healthy human subjects, as well as their corresponding glucuronide conjugates. We used one- and two-dimensional high resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in combination with stable isotope dilution assays to quantify commonly occurring and potent odorants in human urine. The studies were carried out on both native urine and on urine that had been treated by glucuronidase assays, with analysis of the liberated odor-active compounds using the same techniques. Analytical data are discussed with regard to their potential translation as future diagnostic tool.
Synthesis of New Acadesine (AICA-riboside) Analogues Having Acyclic d-Ribityl or 4-Hydroxybutyl Chains in Place of the Ribose
Authors: D'Errico Stefano , Oliviero Giorgia , Borbone Nicola , Amato Jussara , Piccialli Vincenzo , Varra Michela , Mayol Luciano , Piccialli Gennaro
Published: August 2013

The antiviral activity of certain acyclic nucleosides drew our attention to the fact that the replacement of the furanose ring by an alkyl group bearing hydroxyl(s) could be a useful structural modification to modulate the biological properties of those nucleosides. Herein, we report on the synthesis of some novel acadesine analogues, where the ribose moiety is mimicked by a d-ribityl or by a hydroxybutyl chain.
Probing Early Misfolding Events in Prion Protein Mutants by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Giachin Gabriele , Biljan Ivana , Ilc Gregor , Plavec Janez , Legname Giuseppe
Published: August 2013

The post-translational conversion of the ubiquitously expressed cellular form of the prion protein, PrPC, into its misfolded and pathogenic isoform, known as prion or PrPSc, plays a key role in prion diseases. These maladies are denoted transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and affect both humans and animals. A prerequisite for understanding TSEs is unraveling the molecular mechanism leading to the conversion process whereby most α-helical motifs are replaced by β-sheet secondary structures. Importantly, most point mutations linked to inherited prion diseases are clustered in the C-terminal domain region of PrPC and cause spontaneous conversion to PrPSc. Structural studies with PrP variants promise new clues regarding the proposed conversion mechanism and may help identify “hot spots” in PrPC involved in the pathogenic conversion. These investigations may also shed light on the early structural rearrangements occurring in some PrPC epitopes thought to be involved in modulating prion susceptibility. Here we present a detailed overview of our solution-state NMR studies on human prion protein carrying different pathological point mutations and the implications that such findings may have for the future of prion research.
Magnetism of Amorphous and Nano-Crystallized Dc-Sputter-Deposited MgO Thin Films
Authors: Mahadeva Sreekanth , Fan Jincheng , Biswas Anis , Sreelatha K. , Belova Lyubov , Rao K.
Published: August 2013

We report a systematic study of room-temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) in pristine MgO thin films in their amorphous and nano-crystalline states. The as deposited dc-sputtered films of pristine MgO on Si substrates using a metallic Mg target in an O2 containing working gas atmosphere of (N2 + O2) are found to be X-ray amorphous. All these films obtained with oxygen partial pressure (PO2) ~10% to 80% while maintaining the same total pressure of the working gas are found to be ferromagnetic at room temperature. The room temperature saturation magnetization (MS) value of 2.68 emu/cm3 obtained for the MgO film deposited in PO2 of 10% increases to 9.62 emu/cm3 for film deposited at PO2 of 40%. However, the MS values decrease steadily for further increase of oxygen partial pressure during deposition. On thermal annealing at temperatures in the range 600 to 800 °C, the films become nanocrystalline and as the crystallite size grows with longer annealing times and higher temperature, MS decreases. Our study clearly points out that it is possible to tailor the magnetic properties of thin films of MgO. The room temperature ferromagnetism in MgO films is attributed to the presence of Mg cation vacancies.
Conducting Polyaniline Nanowire and Its Applications in Chemiresistive Sensing
Authors: Song Edward , Choi Jin-Woo
Published: August 2013

One dimensional polyaniline nanowire is an electrically conducting polymer that can be used as an active layer for sensors whose conductivity change can be used to detect chemical or biological species. In this review, the basic properties of polyaniline nanowires including chemical structures, redox chemistry, and method of synthesis are discussed. A comprehensive literature survey on chemiresistive/conductometric sensors based on polyaniline nanowires is presented and recent developments in polyaniline nanowire-based sensors are summarized. Finally, the current limitations and the future prospect of polyaniline nanowires are discussed.
Advancements of Data Anomaly Detection Research in Wireless Sensor Networks: A Survey and Open Issues
Authors: Rassam Murad , Zainal Anazida , Maarof Mohd
Published: August 2013

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are important and necessary platforms for the future as the concept “Internet of Things” has emerged lately. They are used for monitoring, tracking, or controlling of many applications in industry, health care, habitat, and military. However, the quality of data collected by sensor nodes is affected by anomalies that occur due to various reasons, such as node failures, reading errors, unusual events, and malicious attacks. Therefore, anomaly detection is a necessary process to ensure the quality of sensor data before it is utilized for making decisions. In this review, we present the challenges of anomaly detection in WSNs and state the requirements to design efficient and effective anomaly detection models. We then review the latest advancements of data anomaly detection research in WSNs and classify current detection approaches in five main classes based on the detection methods used to design these approaches. Varieties of the state-of-the-art models for each class are covered and their limitations are highlighted to provide ideas for potential future works. Furthermore, the reviewed approaches are compared and evaluated based on how well they meet the stated requirements. Finally, the general limitations of current approaches are mentioned and further research opportunities are suggested and discussed.
« Tolstoï est mort… »
Authors: Aucouturier Michel
Published: August 2013

Толстой умер…

Событие мирового значения

и его отклики во Франции

Хотя беспрецедентный мировой отклик на смерть Толстого несомненно связан с развитием современных средств коммуникации и с драматическими обстоятельствами его смерти, основная причина, конечно, лежит в его наследии. Но ни исключительное значение его художественного творчества, ни радикализм его религиозного учения не достаточны для объяснения этого резонанса. Он связан в первую очередь с произведениями последнего периода (в особенности с Воскресением), слившими проповедника с художником и сделавшими его голос воплощением чувства мирового кризиса и тревоги за судьбу человечества, охвативших мир в конце ХIХ века. Конец статьи посвящен особому отзвуку этой смерти во Франции, сыгравшей решающую роль в распространении его творчества во всем мире: чествование Толстого позволило «французско-русскому альянсу» выразить враждебное отношение к царской власти.
Aloe vera for Prevention of Radiation-Induced Dermatitis: A Self-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Haddad P. , Amouzgar–Hashemi F. , Samsami S. , Chinichian S. , Oghabian M.A.
Published: August 2013

To evaluate an Aloe vera lotion for prevention of radiation-induced dermatitis, all patients with a prescription of radiotherapy to a minimum dose of 40 Gy were eligible provided that their treatment area could be divided into two symmetrical halves. Patients were given a lotion of Aloe vera to use on one half of the irradiated area, with no medication to be used on the other half. The grade of dermatitis in each half was recorded weekly until 4 weeks after the end of radiotherapy. The trial enrolled 60 patients (mean age: 52 years; 67% women). Most patients had breast cancer (38%), followed by pelvic (32%), head-and-neck (22%), and other cancers (8%). Field size was 80–320 cm2 (mean: 177 cm2), and the dose of radiotherapy was 40–70 Gy (mean: 54 Gy). Concurrent chemotherapy was administered in 20 patients. From week 4 to week 6 of radiotherapy and then at weeks 2 and 4 after radiotherapy, the mean grade of dermatitis with and without Aloe vera was 0.81 and 1.10 (p < 0.001), 0.96 and 1.28 (p < 0.001), 1.00 and 1.57 (p = 0.006), 0.59 and 0.79 (p = 0.003), and 0.05 and 0.21 (p = 0.002) respectively. Age and radiation field size had a significant effect on the grade of dermatitis. Based on these results, we conclude that the prophylactic use of Aloe vera reduces the intensity of radiationinduced dermatitis.
Do We Need Another Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator for the Adjuvant Treatment of Breast Cancer?
Authors: Shenkier T.
Published: August 2013

In this issue of Current Oncology, Qin and colleagues from the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Centre in Guangzhou, China, report their experience using toremifene as adjuvant treatment for 396 premenopausal women with early endocrine-responsive breast cancer at a mean follow-up of 6.9 years. [...]
Survival of Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer after a Diagnosis of Brain Metastases
Authors: Ali A. , Goffin J.R. , Arnold A. , Ellis P.M.
Published: August 2013

Background: The prognosis of patients with brain metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poor. However, some reports suggest that patients with brain metastases at the time of initial diagnosis have a more favourable survival than do patients with advanced NSCLC without brain metastases. Methods: In a retrospective cohort of all new lung cancer patients seen at a Canadian tertiary centre between July 2005 and June 2007, we examined survival after a diagnosis of brain metastases for patients with brain metastases at initial diagnosis and patients who developed brain metastases later in their illness. Results: During the 2-year period, 91 of 878 patients (10.4%) developed brain metastases. Median age in this cohort was 64 years. In 45, brain metastases were present at initial diagnosis, and in 46, brain metastases developed later in the course of the illness. Median survival in the entire cohort was 7.8 months. Survival after the diagnosis of brain metastases was similar for patients with brain metastases at diagnosis and later in the illness (4.8 months vs. 3.7 months, p = 0.53). As a result, patients who developed brain metastases later in their illness had a longer overall survival than did patients with brain metastases at diagnosis (9.8 months vs. 4.8 months). Among patients who received chemotherapy, the survival of patients with brain metastases at diagnosis was still poor (6.2 months). Conclusions: Our data show limited survival in patients with brain metastases from NSCLC. Careful patient selection for more aggressive treatment approaches is necessary.
Nutrition and Exercise Interventions for Patients with Lung Cancer Appear Beneficial, but More Studies Are Required
Authors: Kiss N. , Isenring E.
Published: August 2013

Patients with lung cancer have a symptom burden— including fatigue, anorexia, and weight loss—that is among the highest for all types of cancer1.[...]
Impact of the College of American Pathologists, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and the Association for Molecular Pathology Clinical Practice Guidelines for Egfr and Alk Testing in Lung Cancer in Canada
Authors: Ionescu D.N.
Published: August 2013

This paper summarizes the practical impact of the College of American Pathologists, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and the Association for Molecular Pathology lung cancer biomarkers guidelines on the lung cancer approach in Canada, providing possible practical solutions for other similar health care systems in which scientific reality needs to be constantly balanced against economic reality.
hpv is Here to Stay
Authors: Corsten Martin
Published: August 2013

Human papillomavirus (HPV) was first detected in head-and-neck cancers in the 1980s1.[...]
Characterization of electroforming-free titanium dioxide memristors
Authors: Strachan John Paul , Yang J Joshua , Montoro L A , Ospina C A , Ramirez A J , Kilcoyne A L D , Medeiros-Ribeiro Gilberto , Williams R Stanley
Published: August 2013

Metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structures based on titanium dioxide have demonstrated reversible and non-volatile resistance-switching behavior and have been identified with the concept of the memristor. Microphysical studies suggest that the development of sub-oxide phases in the material drives the resistance changes. The creation of these phases, however, has a number of negative effects such as requiring an elevated voltage, increasing the device-to-device variability, damaging the electrodes due to oxygen evolution, and ultimately limiting the device lifetime. In this work we show that the deliberate inclusion of a sub-oxide layer in the MIM structure maintains the favorable switching properties of the device, while eliminating many of the negative effects. Electrical and microphysical characterization of the resulting structures was performed, utilizing X-ray and electron spectroscopy and microscopy. In contrast to structures which are not engineered with a sub-oxide layer, we observed dramatically reduced microphysical changes after electrical operation.
L'entourage familial pendant l'enfance et l'adolescence, entre faits et perceptions
Authors: Golaz Valérie , Lelièvre Éva
Published: August 2013

Résumé L’enquête Biographies et entourage , réalisée en 2000-2001 auprès de Franciliens nés entre 1930 et 1950, permet de reconstituer la composition de l’entourage des personnes au cours de leur vie. Elle a également recueilli une évaluation subjective des différentes parties des trajectoires individuelles. Dans cet article, nous analysons comment ces données subjectives reconstruites a posteriori et les situations factuelles qui caractérisent les périodes de l’enfance et de l’adolescence des enquêtés se conjuguent et se complètent. Les périodes caractérisées par la taille et la composition de l’entourage familial sont étudiées à l’aide d’approches complémentaires, de l’analyse textuelle jusqu’aux analyses inférentielles (régressions logistiques et multiniveau). Les résultats détaillent la façon dont l’entourage familial marque l’appréciation subjective que formulent les personnes. De l’analyse textuelle il ressort que l’entourage intervient largement dans la qualification des périodes de l’enfance et de l’adolescence. Même si d’autres facteurs interviennent, les périodes d’isolement relatif font l’objet d’une perception plus négative que les autres. Malgré des différences genrées qui voient le jour à l’adolescence, l’entourage a une influence significative sur l’ambiance de la période pour les garçons comme pour les filles, qui transparaît particulièrement à travers la présence ou l’absence des parents ou de figures parentales.
Mesurer la migration internationale par enquête : leçons de l'exemple espagnol
Authors: Martí Mónica , Ródenas Carmen
Published: August 2013

Résumé L’obtention d’informations démographiques et sociales sur la population immigrée par des techniques d’échantillonnage nécessite une enquête spécifique. Afin de garantir la fiabilité des résultats, le plan de sondage ne doit pas être limité aux caractéristiques démographiques habituelles, il doit aussi prendre en compte l’année d’arrivée des immigrants. Faute d’avoir inclus cette variable dans la conception initiale de l’enquête ou dans ses ajustements ultérieurs, les estimations risquent fortement d’être biaisées, et par conséquent celles de toutes les variables corrélées à l’année d’arrivée. Cet article analyse le cas espagnol pour deux raisons. La première est qu’il existe en Espagne une source administrative, les registres municipaux de la population, où sont enregistrés tous les migrants quel que soit leur statut légal, et dont les chiffres constituent une référence à laquelle peuvent être comparées les estimations tirées des enquêtes. La seconde est qu’à côté des informations sur la migration fournies par l’ Enquête sur les forces de travail espagnole, une nouvelle enquête spécialement consacrée à la population immigrée –?l’ Enquête nationale sur les immigrés , effectuée en 2007 (ENI-2007)?– est également disponible. La possibilité d’exploiter ces trois sources de données fait de l’Espagne le meilleur banc d’essai en Europe pour évaluer la fiabilité de la mesure des flux migratoires par technique d’échantillonnage.
Les dispenses de bans. Une source pour la démographie historique et l'histoire sociale
Authors: Congost Rosa , Portell Josep , Saguer Enric , Serramontmany Albert
Published: August 2013

Résumé Dans certaines régions d’Espagne, la coutume consistant à solliciter une dispense de proclamations de mariage était très répandue parmi la population catholique. Son étude depuis le xvii e  siècle en Catalogne permet d’aborder d’une autre façon les mariages. Cette note de recherche porte sur des séries documentaires du diocèse de Gérone et permet d’analyser le contenu, les caractéristiques et la continuité de cette source, d’évaluer son degré de représentativité ainsi que les motivations ayant conduit la plupart de la population, lors du mariage, à demander une dispense de bans. Par leur caractère sériel, par la richesse de l’information contenue dans les dossiers générés lors de leurs demandes, et par la possibilité qu’elles offrent de travailler à l’échelle d’un diocèse, c’est-à-dire un territoire relativement étendu comprenant un nombre considérable de paroisses, les dispenses de bans constituent une source exceptionnelle pour la démographie historique et l’histoire sociale.
The Switched Local Area Networks’ Delay Problem
Authors: Eyinagho Monday O. , Falaki Samuel O.
Published: August 2013

A large number of installed local area networks are sluggish in terms of speed of uploading and downloading of information. Researchers have, therefore, proposed the need for such networks to be designed with specified maximum end-to-end delay. This is because, if the maximum packet delay between any two nodes of a network is not known, it is impossible to provide a deterministic guarantee of worst case response times of packets’ flows. Therefore, the need for analytic and formal basis for designing such networks becomes very imperative. In this regard, this chapter has discussed the switched local area networks’ delay problem and related issues. It compared the two principal approaches for determining the end-to-end response times of flows in communication networks – stochastic approach and deterministic approach. The chapter goes on to demonstrate the superiority of the latter approach by using it to develop and validate the goodness of a general maximum delay packet switch model.
A Voice-Enabled Framework for Recommender and Adaptation Systems in E-Learning
Authors: Azeta A. A. , Ayo C. K. , Ikhu-Omoregbe N. A.
Published: August 2013

With the proliferation of learning resources on the Web, finding suitable content (using telephone) has become a rigorous task for voice-based online learners to achieve better performance. The problem with Finding Content Suitability (FCS) with voice E-Learning applications is more complex when the sight-impaired learner is involved. Existing voice-enabled applications in the domain of E-Learning lack the attributes of adaptive and reusable learning objects to be able to address the FCS problem. This study provides a Voice-enabled Framework for Recommender and Adaptation (VeFRA) Systems in E-learning and an implementation of a system based on the framework with dual user interfaces – voice and Web. A usability study was carried out in a visually impaired and non-visually impaired school using the International Standard Organization’s (ISO) 9241-11 specification to determine the level of effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction. The result of the usability evaluation reveals that the prototype application developed for the school has “Good Usability” rating of 4.13 out of 5 scale. This shows that the application will not only complement existing mobile and Web-based learning systems, but will be of immense benefit to users, based on the system’s capacity for taking autonomous decisions that are capable of adapting to the needs of both visually impaired and non-visually impaired learners.
Development of Nonlinear Filtering Algorithms of Digital Half-Tone Images
Authors: Petrov E. P. , Trubin I. S. , Medvedeva E. V. , Smolskiy S. M.
Published: August 2013

This chapter is devoted to solving the problem of algorithms and structures investigations for Radio Receiver Devices (RRD) with the aim of the nonlinear filtering of Digital Half-Tone Images (DHTI) representing the discrete-time and discrete-value random Markovian process with a number of states greater than two. At that, it is assumed that each value of the DHTI element is represented by the binary g-bit number, whose bits are transmitted via digital communication links in the presence of Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). The authors present the qualitative analysis of the optimal DHTI filtering algorithm. The noise immunity of the optimal radio receiver device for the DHTI filtering with varying quantization and dimension levels is investigated.
Performance Analysis of Traffic and Mobility Models on Mobile and Vehicular Ad Hoc Wireless Networks
Authors: Bello Lawal , Bakalis Panos
Published: August 2013

Advances in wireless communication technology and the proliferation of mobile devices enable the capabilities of communicating with each other even in areas with no pre-existing communication infrastructure. Traffic and mobility models play an important role in evaluating the performance of these communication networks. Despite criticism and assumption from various researches on Transmission Control Protocols (TCP), weaknesses on Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET), and Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET). A simulation was carried out to evaluate the performance of Constant Bit Rate, Variable Bit Rate and Transmission Control Protocol on MANET and VANET using DSR routing protocol. CBR, VBR, and TCP have different manufacturer operation mechanisms and these differences lead to significant performance of CBR and VBR over TCP with better throughput and less average maximal end-to-end delay. DSR was able to respond to link failure at low mobility which led to TCP’s performance in packets delivery.
Cross-Layer Optimization in OFDM Wireless Communication Network
Authors: Oshin Babasanjo , Alatishe Adeyemi
Published: August 2013

The wide use of OFDM systems in multiuser environments to overcome problem of communication over the wireless channel has gained prominence in recent years. Cross-layer Optimization technique is aimed to further improve the efficiency of this network. This chapter demonstrates that significant improvements in data traffic parameters can be achieved by applying cross-layer optimization techniques to packet switched wireless networks. This work compares the system capacity, delay time and data throughput of QoS traffic in a multiuser OFDM system using two algorithms. The first algorithm, Maximum Weighted Capacity, uses a cross-layer design to share resources and schedule traffic to users on the network, while the other algorithm (Maximum Capacity) simply allocates resources based only on the users channel quality. The results of the research shows that the delay time and data throughput of the Maximum Weighted Capacity algorithm in cross layer OFDM system is much better than that of the Maximum Capacity in simply based users channel quality system. The cost incurred for this gain is the increased complexity of the Maximum Weighted Capacity scheme.
Explaining International Land Transactions in Africa
Authors: Hailu Yohannes G. , Adelaja Adesoji , Akaeze Henry , Hanson Steve
Published: August 2013

Rising global food prices and demand for biofuels have recently heightened global interests in agricultural land resources in Africa, resulting in increased International Land Transactions (ILTs). While opponents of ILTs have dubbed it “land grabbing,” proponents welcome the opening of Africa’s agriculture to foreign direct investment. Limited empirical work exists explaining the motivations of investor and host countries. This chapter attempts to expand the literature by providing an empirical explanation of country land targeting behavior. As the debate on “land grabbing” intensifies, understanding motivations of various actors in the land market becomes relevant.
Simulating Impacts on Regional Economies
Authors: West Guy R. , Jackson Randall W.
Published: August 2013

Practitioners and academics apply a range of regional economic models for impacts assessment. These models extend from a simple economic base through to input-output and econometric models and computable general equilibrium models. All such models have strengths and weaknesses. Dimensions of which impact assessment models are often compared include level of industry detail, data availability, and complexity of behaviour modelled. This chapter presents a model for Simulating Impacts on Regional Economies (SIRE) that occupies an intermediate position between Input-Output (IO), arguably the most widely used model for regional impacts assessments, and Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) models. With greater behavioural detail than the typical regional IO model, the SIRE model incorporates many of the features of CGE models without enforcing the strictly linear behavioural relationships of IO. Like most CGE models, the simulation framework presented here borrows a subset of parameters from an existing econometric model for the same region. The SIRE model falls short, however, of the complexity of capturing the full range of behaviours of CGE models.
Embedding New Technologies and Extending Time Horizons in Input-Output Analysis
Authors: Jackson Randall W. , Court Christa D.
Published: August 2013

Input-output analysts are often confronted with requests for impacts assessments for economic shocks that stretch uncomfortably the assumptions of standard input-output modeling. This chapter presents an approach to confronting a subset of these challenges straightforwardly in a way that ameliorates some of the more restrictive input-output assumptions, maintains the inter-industry detail of the input-output model, and enhances the representation of certain economic behaviors without the additional complexities of moving to more complex computable general equilibrium or conjoined econometric input-output models. The authors conclude with the observation that direct changes to the input-output framework most often necessitate further modifications requiring additional behavioral assumptions and decisions on the part of the modeler.
Image Representation Using a Sparsely Sampled Codebook for Super-Resolution
Authors: Kim Hwa-Young , Park Rae-Hong , Lee Ji-Eun
Published: August 2013

In this chapter, the authors propose a Super-Resolution (SR) method using a vector quantization codebook and filter dictionary. In the process of SR, we use the idea of compressive sensing to represent a sparsely sampled signal under the assumption that a combination of a small number of codewords can represent an image patch. A low-resolution image is obtained from an original high-resolution image, degraded by blurring and down-sampling. The authors propose a resolution enhancement using an alternative l1 norm minimization to overcome the convexity of l0 norm and the sparsity of l1 norm at the same time, where an iterative reweighted l1 norm minimization is used for optimization. After the reconstruction stage, because the optimization is implemented on image patch basis, an additional deblurring or denoising step is used to globally enhance the image quality. Experiment results show that the proposed SR method provides highly efficient results.
An Introduction to Wavelet-Based Image Processing and its Applications
Authors: Kolekar Mahesh Kumar H. , Raja G. Lloyds , Sengupta Somnath
Published: August 2013

This chapter gives a brief introduction of wavelets and multi-resolution analysis. Wavelets overcome the limitations of Discrete Cosine Transform and hence found its application in JPEG 2000. In wavelet transform, the scaling functions provide approximations or low-pass filtering of the signal and the wavelet functions add the details at multiple resolutions or perform high-pass filtering of the signal. Applying Discrete Wavelet Transform to an image decomposes it into LL, LH, HL, and HH subbands. The low frequency LL band carries most of the significant information in the image. Wavlet transform allows us to analyse the local properties of a signal or image by shifting and scaling operations. The inherent properties of wavelets makes it useful in image denoising, edge detection, image compression, compressed sensing and illumination normalization. The wavelet coefficients at various levels of decomposition follows a parent-child relationship.