bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teratogenic Effects of Coadministration of Fluoxetine and Olanzapine on Rat Fetuses
Authors: Bakhtiarian Azam , Takzare Nasrin , Sheykhi Mehdi , Sistany Narges , Jazaeri Farahnaz , Giorgi Mario , Nikoui Vahid
Published: January 2014

Objective. Depression during pregnancy is a relatively common problem. Since little is known about the teratogenic effects of concomitant administration of fluoxetine and olanzapine during the organogenesis period, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the teratogenic effects of coadministration of fluoxetine and olanzapine on rat fetuses.Method. Forty-two pregnant rats were divided into seven groups, randomly. The first group received 0.5 mL of normal saline as the control. The second and third groups received fluoxetine at doses of 9 mg/kg and 18 mg/kg, respectively. Olanzapine was injected at 3 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg to the fourth and fifth groups, respectively. The sixth group received 9 mg/kg fluoxetine and 3 mg/kg olanzapine. Finally, the seventh group was administrated with fluoxetine and olanzapine at 18 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg, respectively. Drugs were injected intraperitoneally between day eight and day 15 of the pregnancy. On the 17th day of pregnancy, the fetuses were removed and micro-/macroscopically studied.Results. Fetuses of rats receiving high doses of these drugs showed a significant rate of cleft palate development, premature eyelid opening and torsion anomalies, compared to the control group (P≤0.01). It is concluded that these drugs can lead to teratogenicity, so their concomitant use during pregnancy should be avoided, or if necessary their doses must be decreased.
Algorithms of Common Solutions for Generalized Mixed Equilibria, Variational Inclusions, and Constrained Convex Minimization
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Al-Homidan Suliman
Published: January 2014

We introduce new implicit and explicit iterative algorithms for finding a common element of the set of solutions of the minimization problem for a convex and continuously Fréchet differentiable functional, the set of solutions of a finite family of generalized mixed equilibrium problems, and the set of solutions of a finite family of variational inclusions in a real Hilbert space. Under suitable control conditions, we prove that the sequences generated by the proposed algorithms converge strongly to a common element of three sets, which is the unique solution of a variational inequality defined over the intersection of three sets.
Prognostic Value of C-Reactive Protein, Leukocytes, and Vitamin D in Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Moberg Mia , Vestbo Jørgen , Martinez Gerd , Lange Peter , Ringbaek Thomas
Published: January 2014

Inflammatory biomarkers predict mortality and hospitalisation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Yet, it remains uncertain if biomarkers in addition to reflecting disease severity add new prognostic information on severe COPD. We investigated if leukocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), and vitamin D were independent predictors of mortality and hospitalisation after adjusting for disease severity with an integrative index, the i-BODE index. In total, 423 patients participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme, with a mean value of FEV1of 38% of predicted, were included. Mean followup was 45 months. During the follow-up period, 149 deaths (35%) were observed and 330 patients (78.0%) had at least one acute hospitalisation; 244 patients (57.7%) had at least one hospitalisation due to an exacerbation of COPD. In the analysis (Cox proportional hazards model) fully adjusted for age, sex, and i-BODE index, the hazard ratio for 1 mg/L increase in CRP was 1.02(P=0.003)and for1×109/Lincrease in leukocytes was 1.43(P=0.03). Only leukocyte count was significantly associated with hospitalisation. Vitamin D was neither associated with mortality nor hospitalisation. Leukocytes and CRP add little information on prognosis and vitamin D does not seem to be a useful biomarker in severe COPD in a clinical setting.
The Use of Hemodialysis in Refractory Hypercalcemia Secondary to Parathyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Loh Huai Heng , Mohd Noor Nurain
Published: January 2014

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare cause of hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemic crisis is a medical emergency. Hemodialysis is rarely needed to treat hypercalcaemia. We report a case of refractory hypercalcaemia secondary to parathyroid carcinoma requiring haemodialysis.
Ethical, Socioeconomic, and Cultural Considerations in Gynecologic Cancer Care in Developing Countries
Authors: Aniebue Uzochukwu Uzoma , Onyeka Tonia Chinyelu
Published: January 2014

Gynaecologic cancers contribute significantly to the cancer burden in developing countries, resulting in higher mortality and morbidity rates among women in these nations. This situation is further compounded by the occurrence of wars, famine, poverty and natural disasters, and infectious diseases like hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. In addition, merge resources and manpower lack in these countries further compound this very delicate situation. Often times, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethical factors such as truth-telling, choice of place of care, place of death, treatment choices, medication use, and terminal sedation can interfere in patient management. Availability and use of oral morphine for pain relief, spiritual care and availability of palliative care services, the individuals’ autonomy, and family and community participation in care, end of life issues, and preservation of fertility are also big issues that determine the course of care. This review discusses these pertinent factors, discusses how they affect cancer care in women, and proffers ideas for healthcare workers and policy makers on implementation of sustainable models for cancer care in developing countries. Addressing socioeconomic, cultural, and ethical issues affecting gynaecologic cancer care will aid in ensuring development of viable models of cancer care in resource-limited countries.
Integration of High-Volume Molecular and Imaging Data for Composite Biomarker Discovery in the Study of Melanoma
Authors: Moutselos Konstantinos , Maglogiannis Ilias , Chatziioannou Aristotelis
Published: January 2014

In this work the effects of simple imputations are studied, regarding the integration of multimodal data originating from different patients. Two separate datasets of cutaneous melanoma are used, an image analysis (dermoscopy) dataset together with a transcriptomic one, specifically DNA microarrays. Each modality is related to a different set of patients, and four imputation methods are employed to the formation of a unified, integrative dataset. The application of backward selection together with ensemble classifiers (random forests), followed by principal components analysis and linear discriminant analysis, illustrates the implication of the imputations on feature selection and dimensionality reduction methods. The results suggest that the expansion of the feature space through the data integration, achieved by the exploitation of imputation schemes in general, aids the classification task, imparting stability as regards the derivation of putative classifiers. In particular, although the biased imputation methods increase significantly the predictive performance and the class discrimination of the datasets, they still contribute to the study of prominent features and their relations. The fusion of separate datasets, which provide a multimodal description of the same pathology, represents an innovative, promising avenue, enhancing robust composite biomarker derivation and promoting the interpretation of the biomedical problem studied.
Efficacy of a Botanical Supplement with Concentrated Echinacea purpurea for Increasing Aerobic Capacity
Authors: Bellar David , Moody Kaitlyn M. , Richard Nicholas S. , Judge Lawrence W.
Published: January 2014

The present investigation evaluated the efficacy of a botanical supplement that delivered a concentrated dose of Echinacea purpurea (8 grams day−1). The participants were 13 apparently healthy, recreationally active college students (VO2 max: 51 mL O2/kg*min). The participants were provided with a 30-day supplementation regime. Data regarding maximum aerobic capacity was collected through pre- and posttesting surrounding the 30-day supplementation regime. The participants were instructed to maintain normal levels of physical activity and exercise during the experimental period. The levels of physical activity and exercise were monitored via the Leisure and Physical Activity Survey. The participants did not report any significant increases in aerobic physical activity or exercise during the supplementation period. Paired samples t-test analysis did not reveal a significant difference in maximum aerobic capacity, t12=0.67, P=.516. Presupplementation maximum aerobic capacity (M=51.0, SD=6.8) was similar to postsupplementation values (M=51.8, SD=6.5). This study suggests that botanical supplements containing a concentrated dose of Echinacea purpurea is not an effective intervention to increase aerobic capacity of recreationally active individuals.
Best Proximity Point for Generalized Proximal Weak Contractions in Complete Metric Space
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Pragadeeswarar V. , Marudai M.
Published: January 2014

We introduce a new class of nonself-mappings, generalized proximal weak contraction mappings, and prove the existence and uniqueness of best proximity point for such mappings in the context of complete metric spaces. Moreover, we state an algorithm to determine such an optimal approximate solution designed as a best proximity point. We establish also an example to illustrate our main results. Our result provides an extension of the related results in the literature.
The Transcultural Diabetes Nutrition Algorithm: A Canadian Perspective
Authors: Gougeon Réjeanne , Sievenpiper John L. , Jenkins David , Yale Jean-François , Bell Rhonda , Després Jean-Pierre , Ransom Thomas P. P. , Camelon Kathryn , Dupre John , Kendall Cyril , Hegazi Refaat A. , Marchetti Albert , Hamdy Osama , Mechanick Jeffrey I.
Published: January 2014

The Transcultural Diabetes Nutrition Algorithm (tDNA) is a clinical tool designed to facilitate implementation of therapeutic lifestyle recommendations for people with or at risk for type 2 diabetes. Cultural adaptation of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPG) recommendations is essential to address varied patient populations within and among diverse regions worldwide. The Canadian version of tDNA supports and targets behavioural changes to improve nutritional quality and to promote regular daily physical activity consistent with Canadian Diabetes Association CPG, as well as channelling the concomitant management of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and dysglycaemia in primary care. Assessing glycaemic index (GI) (the ranking of foods by effects on postprandial blood glucose levels) and glycaemic load (GL) (the product of mean GI and the total carbohydrate content of a meal) will be a central part of the Canadian tDNA and complement nutrition therapy by facilitating glycaemic control using specific food selections. This component can also enhance other metabolic interventions, such as reducing the need for antihyperglycaemic medication and improving the effectiveness of weight loss programs. This tDNA strategy will be adapted to the cultural specificities of the Canadian population and incorporated into the tDNA validation methodology.
Inhibition of Corrosion of Aluminium in Potassium Hydroxide Solution by Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Patil D. B. , Sharma A. R.
Published: January 2014

The influence of 3-methylpyridine and 3-nitropyridine on the corrosion rate of aluminium in 1 mol L−1 potassium hydroxide solution was investigated using weight loss method. It was observed that both investigated derivatives behave as inhibitors. It was found that the inhibition efficiency increases with increasing inhibitor concentration. The inhibition mechanism is discussed on the basis of adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the metal surface. The inhibitors were adsorbed on the surface according to the Frumkin adsorption isotherm. The effect of temperature on the corrosion inhibition of Al was studied and thermodynamic functions for the dissolution and adsorption processes in the absence and in the presence of the inhibitors were computed and discussed.
A Service Chain Discovery and Recommendation Scheme Using Complex Network Theory
Authors: Liu Guoqi , Zhao Yuli , Wang Zhuang , Liu Ying
Published: January 2014

Service chain discovery and recommendation are significant in services composition. A complex network module based algorithm using services invocable relations is proposed to search useful service chains on the network. Furthermore, a new scheme for discovering composite services processes automatically and recommending service chains by ranking their QoS is provided. Simulations are carried out and the results indicate that some useful service chains in the dataset provided by the WSC2009 can be found by the new algorithm.
Partially Coherent, Radially Polarized Beam with Annular Apodization
Authors: Mariyal C. , Suresh P. , Rajesh K. B. , Pillai T. V. S.
Published: January 2014

Based on the vectorial Debye theory, the tight focusing properties of partially coherent, radially polarized vortex beams are investigated in detail. In this paper, we propose to use an amplitude modulated filter in combination with a high NA lens to generate long focal depth in the focal region. Numerical results show that the generation of long focal depth of FWHM (22.08λ) is achieved, which finds useful application in microscopy techniques such as particle acceleration, laser processing, optical micromanipulation, and beam shaping.
Biochemical Markers of Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Asymptomatic Women
Authors: Chan Ronna L.
Published: January 2014

Preterm birth is a delivery that occurs at less than 37 completed weeks of gestation and it is associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality. Spontaneous preterm birth accounts for up to 75% of all preterm births. A number of maternal or fetal characteristics have been associated with preterm birth, but the use of individual or group biochemical markers have advanced some of the understanding on the mechanisms leading to spontaneous preterm birth. This paper provides a summary on the current literature on the use of biochemical markers in predicting spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women. Evidence from the literature suggests fetal fibronectin, cervical interleukin-6, andα-fetoprotein as promising biochemical markers in predicting spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic women. The role of gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, as well as epigenetics, has the potential to further elucidate and improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms or pathways of spontaneous preterm birth. Refinement in study design and methodology is needed in future research for the development and validation of individual or group biochemical marker(s) for use independently or in conjunction with other potential risk factors such as genetic variants and environmental and behavioral factors in predicting spontaneous preterm birth across diverse populations.
Real-Time QoS-Aware Video Streaming: A Comparative and Experimental Study
Authors: Al-Madani Basem , Al-Roubaiey Anas , Baig Zubair A.
Published: January 2014

Due to its flexibility, scalability, real-time, and rich QoS features, Data Distribution Service (DDS) middleware provides seamless integration with high-performance, real-time, and mission-critical networks. Unlike traditional client-server communication models, DDS is based on the publish/subscribe communication model. DDS improves video streaming quality through its efficient and high-performance data delivery mechanism. This paper studies and investigates how DDS is suitable for streaming real-time full-motion video over a communication network. Experimental studies are conducted to compare video streaming using a the VLC player with the DDS overlay. Our results depict the superiority of DDS in provisioning quality video streams at the cost of low network bandwidth. The results also show that DDS is more scalable and flexible and is a promised technology for video distribution over IP networks where it uses much less bandwidth while maintaining high quality video stream delivery.
Genotypic Diversity and Virulence Traits ofStreptococcus mutansIsolated from Carious Dentin after Partial Caries Removal and Sealing
Authors: Damé-Teixeira Nailê , Arthur Rodrigo Alex , Parolo Clarissa Cavalcanti Fatturi , Maltz Marisa
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the genotypic diversity and virulence traits ofStreptococcus mutansisolated from carious dentin before and after partial dentin caries removal (PDR) and sealing. Carious dentin samples were obtained three months before and after the PDR and cavity sealing. Up to seven isolates of each morphological type ofS. mutanswere selected and strain identity was confirmed using gtfB primer. Genotyping was performed by arbitrary primer-PCR (AP-PCR). Acidogenesis and acidurance of the genotypes were evaluated as virulence traits. A pairedt-test and a Wilcoxon test were used to compare the virulence of genotypes. A total of 48 representativeS. mutansisolates were genotyped (31 before and 17 after the sealing). At least one of the genotypes found before the sealing was also found on dentin after the sealing. The number of genotypes found before the sealing ranged from 2 to 3 and after the sealing from 1 to 2 genotypes. No difference was observed in the acidogenesis and acidurance between genotypes isolated before and after the sealing. In conclusion, genotypic diversity ofS. mutansdecreased after the PDR and sealing, but the virulence traits ofS. mutansremained unchangeable.
Assessment of Total Phenolic, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities ofPassifloraSpecies
Authors: Ramaiya Shiamala Devi , Bujang Japar Sidik , Zakaria Muta Harah
Published: January 2014

This study focused on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the leaves and stems ofPassiflora quadrangularis,P. maliformis, andP. edulisextracted using three solvents: petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol. The maximum extraction yields of antioxidant components from the leaves and stems were isolated using methanol extracts ofP. edulis(24.28%) andP. quadrangularis(9.76%), respectively. Among the leaf extracts, the methanol extract ofP. maliformishad the significantly highest TPC and the strongest antioxidant activity, whereas among the stem extracts, the methanol extract ofP. quadrangularisshowed the highest phenolic amount and possessed the strongest antioxidant activity. The antibacterial properties of thePassifloraspecies were tested using the disc diffusion method against 10 human pathogenic bacteria. The largest inhibition zone was observed for the methanol extract ofP. maliformisagainstB. subtilis. Generally, extracts from thePassifloraspecies exhibit distinct inhibition against Gram-positive but not Gram-negative bacteria. Based on the generated biplot, three clusters of bacteria were designated according to their performance towards the tested extracts. The present study revealed that methanol extracts of thePassifloracontain constituents with significant phenolic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical uses.
The Association Study of Calmodulin 1 Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gu Zuchao , Qiu Guixing
Published: January 2014

Objective.Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common pediatric spinal deformity affecting 1% to 3% of the population, and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) accounts for approximately 80% of these cases; however, the etiology and pathogenesis of AIS are still uncertain. The current study aims to identify the relationship between calmodulin 1 (CALM1) gene and AIS predisposition, to identify the relationship between the genotypes of the SNPs and the clinical phenotypes of AIS.Methods.146 AIS patients and 146 healthy controls were enrolled into this case-control study. 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) candidates in CALM1 gene were selected to determine the relationship between CALM1 gene and AIS predisposition. Case-only study was performed to determine the effects of these variants on the severity of the condition.Results.Three SNPs from 12 candidates were found to be associated with AIS predisposition. The ORs were observed as 0.549 (95% CI 0.3519–0.8579,P=0.0079), 0.549 (95% CI 0.3519–0.8579,P=0.0079), and 1.6139 (95% CI 1.0576–2.4634,P=0.0257) for rs2300496, rs2300500, and rs3231718, respectively. There was no statistical difference between main curve, severity, and genotype distributions of all of 12 SNPs.Conclusion.Genetic variants of CALM1 gene are associated with AIS susceptibility.
Circulating Adipokines in Healthy versus Unhealthy Overweight and Obese Subjects
Authors: Alfadda Assim A.
Published: January 2014

It is now well established that not all obese subjects are at increased risk of cardiometabolic complications; such patients are termed the metabolically healthy obese. Despite their higher-than-normal body fat mass, they are still insulin sensitive, with a favorable inflammatory and lipid profile and no signs of hypertension. It remains unclear which factors determine an individual's metabolic health. Adipose tissue is known to secrete multiple bioactive substances, called adipokines, that can contribute to the development of obesity-associated complications. The goal of this study was to determine whether the circulating adipokine profiles differs between metabolically healthy and metabolically unhealthy overweight and obese subjects, thereby obtaining data that could help to explain the link between obesity and its related cardiometabolic complications. We defined metabolic health in terms of several metabolic and inflammatory risk factors. The serum adiponectin levels were higher in the healthy group and showed a positive correlation with HDL cholesterol levels in the unhealthy group. There were no differences between the two groups in the levels of serum leptin, chemerin and orosomucoid. Accordingly, adiponectin might play a role in protecting against obesity-associated cardiometabolic derangements. More studies are needed to clarify the role of different chemerin isoforms in this system.
Synthesis, Characterization andIn VitroAnticancer Evaluation of Itaconic Acid Based Random Copolyester
Authors: Gowsika J. , Nanthini R.
Published: January 2014

The present study deals with the synthesis and characterization of an aliphatic copolyester, poly [butylene fumarate-co-butylene itaconate] (PIFB) copolymer was obtained from itaconic acid, fumaric acid, and 1,4-butanediol using titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTiPO) through a two step process of transesterification and melt polycondensation. The synthesized aliphatic random copolyester was characterized with the help of FT-IR,1H-NMR,13C-NMR, viscosity measurements, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Thermal properties have been analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Hydrolytic degradation studies were carried out in acid and alkaline regions of various pH values. The synthesized copolymer was subjected toin vitroanticancer activity studies against human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line.
Performance Analysis of a Semiactive Suspension System with Particle Swarm Optimization and Fuzzy Logic Control
Authors: Qazi Abroon Jamal , de Silva Clarence W. , Khan Afzal , Khan Muhammad Tahir
Published: January 2014

This paper uses a quarter model of an automobile having passive and semiactive suspension systems to develop a scheme for an optimal suspension controller. Semi-active suspension is preferred over passive and active suspensions with regard to optimum performance within the constraints of weight and operational cost. A fuzzy logic controller is incorporated into the semi-active suspension system. It is able to handle nonlinearities through the use of heuristic rules. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is applied to determine the optimal gain parameters for the fuzzy logic controller, while maintaining within the normalized ranges of the controller inputs and output. The performance of resulting optimized system is compared with different systems that use various control algorithms, including a conventional passive system, choice options of feedback signals, and damping coefficient limits. Also, the optimized semi-active suspension system is evaluated for its performance in relation to variation in payload. Furthermore, the systems are compared with respect to the attributes of road handling and ride comfort. In all the simulation studies it is found that the optimized fuzzy logic controller surpasses the other types of control.
The Additional Information of Bitewing Radiographs in the Detection of Established or Severe Dentinal Decay in 14-Year Olds: A Cross-Sectional Study in Low-Caries Population
Authors: Hietala-Lenkkeri Aija-Maaria , Tolvanen Mimmi , Alanen Pentti , Pienihäkkinen Kaisu
Published: January 2014

Aim. To reveal the additional value of radiographic bitewings (BW) in detection of caries and in comparing the occurrence of clinically undetected severe decay between 14-year olds with and without clinically observed dentinal caries in a low-caries prevalence population.Design. The cross-sectional study used 363 pairs of radiographs read by one examiner without knowledge of the clinical findings. The yield was analyzed on a tooth surface level by cross tabulating the clinical and radiographic information and on an individual level by counting the number of yield surfaces for all subjects. Mann-WhitneyUtest was used.Results. On a tooth surface level, the contribution of BW was the greatest on the occlusal surfaces of the first molars, where established or severe dentinal decay was registered in BW in 11% of clinically sound surfaces and in 40% of established cavitated enamel lesions. On an individual level, 53% of subjects benefited from BW. The subjects clinically DMFS > 0 benefited more than the clinically DMFS = 0 subjects (P=.004), nearly 60% in relation to 47%, respectively.Conclusions. In a low-caries prevalence population a remarkable portion of both clinically DMFS = 0 and DMFS > 0 14-year olds benefit from BW examination. Most of the benefit is obtained on the occlusal surfaces of the first and the second permanent molars.
Q-Symmetry and ConditionalQ-Symmetries for Boussinesq Equation
Authors: Zedan Hassan A. , Tantawy Seham Sh.
Published: January 2014

We study in this paper theQ-symmetry and conditionalQ-symmetries of Boussinesq equation. The solutions which we obtain, in this case, are in the form of convergent power series with easily computable components.
Subpubic Cartilaginous Pseudocyst: Orthopedic Feature with Urological Consequences
Authors: Farag Fawzy , van der Geest Ingrid , Hulsbergen-van de Kaa Christina , Heesakkers John
Published: January 2014

Introduction. Masses arising from structures adjacent to the female urethra can cause obstructive urinary symptoms. Subpubic cartilaginous pseudocyst is a rare degenerative lesion of pubic symphysis that may cause these symptoms.Materials and Methods. A 61-year- and 57-year-old women presented with symptoms of difficult micturition and dyspareunia. Physical examination revealed a painless smooth, rounded, firm, and cystic mass, at the anterior vaginal wall of about 4 cm width. The mass caused inward deviation of the external urethral meatus. Cystoscopy and MRI were done.Results. Cystoscopy of case 1 (61 y) demonstrated anterior external urethral compression with normal urethral mucosa. Cystoscopy was not possible in case 2 (57 y) because the urethra could not be entered under local anesthesia. MRI showed almost the same findings in both cases: midline, rounded, and cystic mass~3×3×4 cm, anterosuperior to the urethra, and posteroinferior to the pubic symphysis, with normal features of the urinary bladder. Open surgical excision of theses lesions was performed in both patients. Histopathologic assessment of the specimen obtained from both patients showed degenerated hyaline with areas of fibrinous and mucoid degeneration, a picture suggestive of cartilaginous subpubic pseudocyst. After 11-month and 4-month followup of patients numbers 1 and 2, respectively, there is no evidence of local recurrence of the lesion, either clinically or radiologically and both patients void empty.Conclusions. Subpubic cartilaginous pseudocysts are rare benign lesions with only 13 cases were reported in the literature. Patients present with a spectrum of gynecological and/or urological manifestations. Sizable lesions severely compressing the urethra need surgical excision to restore the voiding function.
Hybrid Network Defense Model Based on Fuzzy Evaluation
Authors: Cho Ying-Chiang , Pan Jen-Yi
Published: January 2014

With sustained and rapid developments in the field of information technology, the issue of network security has become increasingly prominent. The theme of this study is network data security, with the test subject being a classified and sensitive network laboratory that belongs to the academic network. The analysis is based on the deficiencies and potential risks of the network’s existing defense technology, characteristics of cyber attacks, and network security technologies. Subsequently, a distributed network security architecture using the technology of an intrusion prevention system is designed and implemented. In this paper, first, the overall design approach is presented. This design is used as the basis to establish a network defense model, an improvement over the traditional single-technology model that addresses the latter’s inadequacies. Next, a distributed network security architecture is implemented, comprising a hybrid firewall, intrusion detection, virtual honeynet projects, and connectivity and interactivity between these three components. Finally, the proposed security system is tested. A statistical analysis of the test results verifies the feasibility and reliability of the proposed architecture. The findings of this study will potentially provide new ideas and stimuli for future designs of network security architecture.
A Coupled Thermo‐Hydro‐Mechanical Model of Jointed Hard Rock for Compressed Air Energy Storage
Authors: Zhuang Xiaoying , Huang Runqiu , Liang Chao , Rabczuk Timon
Published: January 2014

Renewable energy resources such as wind and solar are intermittent, which causes instability when being connected to utility grid of electricity. Compressed air energy storage (CAES) provides an economic and technical viable solution to this problem by utilizing subsurface rock cavern to store the electricity generated by renewable energy in the form of compressed air. Though CAES has been used for over three decades, it is only restricted to salt rock or aquifers for air tightness reason. In this paper, the technical feasibility of utilizing hard rock for CAES is investigated by using a coupled thermo‐hydro‐mechanical (THM) modelling of nonisothermal gas flow. Governing equations are derived from the rules of energy balance, mass balance, and static equilibrium. Cyclic volumetric mass source and heat source models are applied to simulate the gas injection and production. Evaluation is carried out for intact rock and rock with discrete crack, respectively. In both cases, the heat and pressure losses using air mass control and supplementary air injection are compared.
Urease Inhibitory Activity of Aerial Parts of Artemisia scoparia: Exploration in an In Vitro Study
Authors: Khan Murad Ali , Khan Haroon , Tariq Shafiq Ahmad , Pervez Samreen
Published: January 2014

Artimisia scoparia has been used in the treatment of different disorders including ulcers. The current study was therefore designed to investigate the aerial parts of  Artemisia scoparia (crude extract, total sterol and flavonoidal contents, and aqueous fraction) for its urease inhibitory potential. The crude of the plant evoked marked attenuation on urease activity, when tested in various concentrations with IC50 values of 4.06 mg/ml. The inhibitory potential was further augmented in the aqueous fraction (IC50: 2.30 mg/ml) of the plant. When the total sterol and flavonoidal contents were challenged against urease, both showed concentration dependent activity; the latter showed maximum potency with IC50 values of 8.04 and 2.10 mg/ml, respectively. In short, the aerial parts of the plant demonstrated marked antagonism on urease and thus our study validated the traditional use of Artemisia scoparia in the treatment of ulcer.
A New System of Skip-Lot Sampling Plans including Resampling
Authors: Balamurali Saminathan , Aslam Muhammad , Jun Chi-Hyuck
Published: January 2014

Skip-lot sampling plans have been widely used in industries to reduce the inspection efforts when products have good quality records. These schemes are known as economically advantageous and useful to minimize the cost of the inspection of the final lots. A new system of skip-lot sampling plan called SkSP-R is proposed in this paper. The performance measures for the proposed SkSP-R plan are derived using the Markov chain formulation. The proposed plan is found to be more efficient than the single sampling plan and the SkSP-2 plan.
Factors Related to Psychosocial Quality of Life for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Tessier D. W. , Hefner J. L. , Newmeyer A.
Published: January 2014

Background.Current health services interventions focus on the treatment of the musculoskeletal impairments of cerebral palsy (CP). The goal of this study was to explore whether the severity of physical symptoms correlates with psychosocial quality of life (QOL) among pediatric patients with CP.Methods.A sample of 53 caregivers of children with CP was surveyed and health status information was extracted from patient medical records. Descriptive analysis explored the association between the main outcome variable, psychosocial QOL (CP QOL-child), and patient demographics, comorbidity (e.g., visual, hearing and feeding impairments, language delays, and epilepsy), CP severity (GMFCS), and the receipt of family centered care (MPOC-20).Results.Child psychosocial QOL decreased with increasing comorbidity but was not associated with CP symptom severity or any measured demographic factors. Reporting high levels of family centered care (FCC) was associated with higher psychosocial QOL in univariate analysis but was not significant when controlling for comorbidities.Conclusion.There is no clear connection between symptom severity and psychosocial QOL in children with CP. Comorbidity however is strongly associated with psychosocial QOL. Focusing on reducing CP comorbidities could have a positive impact on psychosocial QOL.
Impact of BMI and Gender on Outcomes in DLBCL Patients Treated with R-CHOP: A Pooled Study from the LYSA
Authors: Sarkozy Clémentine , Mounier Nicolas , Delmer Alain , Van Hoof Achiel , Karsenti Jean Michel , Fleck Emmanuel , Maerevoet Marie , Eisenmann Jean Claude , Delarue Richard , Fabbro Michel , Coiffier Bertrand
Published: January 2014

In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (aaIPI) score is currently used to predict patient outcomes and to choose the best therapeutic treatment. Body mass index (BMI) and gender are occasionally sited as prognostic factors; however, their value has never been studied in a large series of patients included in prospective clinical trials in the rituximab era. To assess the impact of BMI and gender on OS and PFS independently of the aaIPI score, we pooled 985 patients that were prospectively included in GELA studies and uniformly treated with R-CHOP. Univariate analysis indicated that high aaIPI and male gender were associated with a worse PFS, whereas high (>25) or low (<18.5) BMI scores were not. High aaIPI score was the only factor predictive for OS. In a multivariate analysis, including aaIPI score, gender, BMI, and interaction between BMI and gender, aaIPI remained the strongest predictive factor, and BMI < 18.5 was significantly associated with a worse OS but not PFS. In conclusion, in the rituximab era, the aaIPI score remains the major predictor of outcome in DLBCL patients; however, male gender and low BMI seem to impact outcome.
The Influence of Wheel/Rail Contact Conditions on the Microstructure and Hardness of Railway Wheels
Authors: Molyneux-Berry Paul , Davis Claire , Bevan Adam
Published: January 2014

The susceptibility of railway wheels to wear and rolling contact fatigue damage is influenced by the properties of the wheel material. These are influenced by the steel composition, wheel manufacturing process, and thermal and mechanical loading during operation. The in-service properties therefore vary with depth below the surface and with position across the wheel tread. This paper discusses the stress history at the wheel/rail contact (derived from dynamic simulations) and observed variations in hardness and microstructure. It is shown that the hardness of an “in-service” wheel rim varies significantly, with three distinct effects. The underlying hardness trend with depth can be related to microstructural changes during manufacturing (proeutectoid ferrite fraction and pearlite lamellae spacing). The near-surface layer exhibits plastic flow and microstructural shear, especially in regions which experience high tangential forces when curving, with consequentially higher hardness values. Between 1 mm and 7 mm depth, the wheel/rail contacts cause stresses exceeding the material yield stress, leading to work hardening, without a macroscopic change in microstructure. These changes in material properties through the depth of the wheel rim would tend to increase the likelihood of crack initiation on wheels toward the end of their life. This correlates with observations from several train fleets.
An Anonymous Routing Protocol with Authenticated Key Establishment in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Yuan Wei
Published: January 2014

Anonymity is an important concern in wireless communications. Most anonymous routing protocols in ad hoc networks usually assume that a shared secret exists between the sender and the receiver. These protocols hide either the sender and the receiver or the intermediate nodes from the ad hoc network. Different from previous anonymous secure routing protocols, this paper proposes an anonymous routing protocol, ARAKE, which not only makes the sender and the receiver anonymous but also hides the intermediate nodes from the network simultaneously. To make the protocol more practical in dynamic network, ARAKE uses the public key to substitute the shared secret. In ARAKE, the receiver can authenticate the sender and gets a shared secret without extra key establishment processes. ARAKE can prevent packet analysis attack as well as most active attacks that are based on route information. The denial-of-service attack to specific session also can be restrained. The simulative results have shown that ARAKE outperforms a representative protocol ARAN in terms of both communication and energy overheads.
Security Visiting: RFID-Based Smartphone Indoor Guiding System
Authors: Zeng Hong , Zhang Jianhui , Dai Guojun , Gao Zhigang , Hu Haiyang
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a security visiting guiding system SVG composed of RFID, smart phone, and Wi-Fi signal widely available. The SVG system can provide visitors with the map of a given building, so that the visitor can easily find the target under its guide. It can also protect user's privacy location information by cryptographic two-dimension code and RFID. The two-dimension code can be easily obtained by a mobile phone and it authorizes a visitor to obtain the navigation service of SVG. The visitor receives the permission from his host and makes a date through SVG. Then, SVG will navigate both the persons to meet at any place in the building. Furthermore, this paper demonstrates and evaluates the SVG security scheme. We conduct an attacker model and test the ability of the scheme in protecting user's location security.
Associated Factors of Acute Chest Syndrome in Children with Sickle Cell Disease in French Guiana
Authors: Elenga Narcisse , Cuadro Emma , Martin Élise , Cohen-Addad Nicole , Basset Thierry
Published: January 2014

A matched case-control study was performed in order to identify some associated factors for ACS or to confirm the published data. Controls were children hospitalized during the same period for pain crisis who did not develop an ACS during hospitalization. Between January 2006 and October 2010, there were 24 episodes of ACS distributed among 19 patients (8 girls and 11 boys). The median age was 7.5 years (range: 3 to 17 years) for the cases and 7 years (range: 3–18 years) for the controls. Four cases and 11 controls were treated with hydroxyurea (HU). In 75% of the cases, the ACS had arisen 24–72 hours following admission. The independent factors associated with ACS were average Hb rate <8 g/dL (OR = 4.96, 95% CI = 1.29–27.34, andP=0.04), annual number of hospitalizations >3 (OR = 5.44, 95% CI = 3.59–8.21, andP=0.003), average length of hospitalization >7 days (OR = 3.69, 95% CI = 3.59–8.21, andP=0.003), and a pathological transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (OR = 13.77, 95% CI = 2.07–91.46, andP=0.003). Although the retrospective design and small sample size are weaknesses of the present study, these results are consistent with those of previous studies and allowed identifying associated factors such as a pathological TTE.
The Use of FTIR-ATR Spectrometry for Evaluation of Surgical Resection Margin in Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study of 56 Samples
Authors: Yao Hongwei , Shi Xueying , Zhang Yuanfu
Published: January 2014

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in human, and it is also one of the most leading causes of cancer-related death. Recently, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry is considered to develop into a new method for cancer diagnosis. In this study, colorectal cancer and mucosa 1 cm, 2 cm, and 5 cm away from tumor were measured by FTIR spectroscopy. FTIR spectra of colorectal cancer and mucosa 1 cm away from tumor were different from those of mucosa 2 cm and 5 cm away from tumor. According to the analysis of FTIR spectrometry, the decrease of lipid and the increase of protein and nucleic acid were observed in the former two sites. FTIR spectrometry, therefore, may be developed into a rapid promising method for judging surgical resection margin of colorectal cancer.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and DNA Damage Protection Activity of the Hydroalcoholic Extract ofDesmostachya bipinnataL. Stapf
Authors: Golla Upendarrao , Bhimathati Solomon Sunder Raj
Published: January 2014

Desmostachya bipinnataStapf (Poaceae/Gramineae) is an official drug of ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Various parts of this plant were used extensively in traditional and folklore medicine to cure various human ailments. The present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and DNA damage protection activity of hydroalcoholic extract ofDesmostachya bipinnatabothin vitroandin vivo, to provide scientific basis for traditional usage of this plant. The extract showed significant antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50value of264.18±3.47 μg/mL in H2O2scavenging assay and prevented the oxidative damage to DNA in presence of DNA damaging agent (Fenton’s reagent) at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. Also, the presence of extract protected yeast cells in a dose-dependent manner against DNA damaging agent (Hydroxyurea) in spot assay. Moreover, the presence of extract exhibited significant antioxidant activityin vivoby protecting yeast cells against oxidative stressing agent (H2O2). Altogether, the results of current study revealed thatDesmostachya bipinnatais a potential source of antioxidants and lends pharmacological credence to the ethnomedical use of this plant in traditional system of medicine, justifying its therapeutic application for free-radical-induced diseases.
Paradoxes of Poweshiek Skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek) (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae): Abundance Patterns and Management of a Highly Imperiled Prairie Species
Authors: Swengel Ann B. , Swengel Scott R.
Published: January 2014

Although Oarisma poweshiek sometimes occurred in localized abundance, its known range is centered on the highly decimated northern tallgrass prairie of North America. To aid its conservation, we analyze surveys from 1988 to 1997 of populations no longer being found. While we recorded 2403 individuals at 20 sites, five sites had 87% of individuals, while 12 sites had only 2% of individuals. Most surveys during O. poweshiek flight had zero individuals recorded. In peak vegetative characteristics for O. poweshiek, fire management had the highest mean abundance but the lowest median abundance and lowest percent occurrence compared to idling and haying. Mean abundance was by far the lowest in the first year postfire compared to longer since fire. Median abundance and percent unit surveys where O. poweshiek was found indicated higher abundances the longer since fire. Although this skipper occasionally exhibited super-recoveries after fire, the median result in fire-managed occupied sites was zero. In a few years, abundance appeared synchronized across many sites, either low (1993, 1997) or high (1994-1995). It is only through a constant focus on avoiding the worst-case scenario that the rare best-case scenario of long-term population persistence appears possible for O. poweshiek.
Cooling in Surgical Patients: Two Case Reports
Authors: Gurreebun Bibi F. , Zipitis Christos S. , Edi-Osagie Ngozi E. , Dady Ian M. , Sylvan Axel
Published: January 2014

Moderate induced hypothermia has become standard of care for children with peripartum hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy. However, children with congenital abnormalities and conditions requiring surgical intervention have been excluded from randomised controlled trials investigating this, in view of concerns regarding the potential side effects of cooling that can affect surgery. We report two cases of children, born with congenital conditions requiring surgery, who were successfully cooled and stabilised medically before undergoing surgery. Our first patient was diagnosed after birth with duodenal atresia after prolonged resuscitation, while the second had an antenatal diagnosis of left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia and suffered an episode of hypoxia at birth. They both met the criteria for cooling and after weighing the pros and cons, this was initiated. Both patients were medically stabilised and successfully underwent therapeutic hypothermia. Potential complications were investigated for and treated as required before they both underwent surgery successfully. We review the potential side effects of cooling, especially regarding coagulation defects. We conclude that newborns with conditions requiring surgery need not be excluded from therapeutic hypothermia if they might benefit from it.