bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Radical Surgery in the Management of Acquired Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Moulder Janelle K. , Garrett Leslie A. , Salazar Gloria M. , Goodman Annekathryn
Published: June 2013

Background: Acquired arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can develop after uterine instrumentation. The increased risks of vascular changes, including abnormal placentation, after repeated cesarean sections are well studied. Herein, we describe a patient with delayed hemorrhage from a uterine AVM, following dilation and curettage for a cesarean scar pregnancy. Case: A 32-year-old G3P2 presented with a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy managed with dilation and curettage, which incurred a 1,500-ml blood loss. Within 6 weeks, she returned with 2 episodes of vaginal bleeding. Initial angiography demonstrated a high-flow arteriovenous fistula, which was coiled. Vaginal hemorrhage recurred; repeat angiography demonstrated a large AVM. Gelfoam embolization of the bilateral internal iliac arteries reduced the vascularity of the AVM. The AVM's location, starting at the left lateral apex of the cesarean scar and extending into the parametrium, necessitated a radical hysterectomy. Pathologic examination revealed a placenta percreta extending into the parametrium. Conclusion: The prevalence of uterine AVMs has increased with the rise in surgical obstetrics. In patients with a failed prior interventional procedure, surgical management is necessary to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage. The location of the AVM within the abnormal uterine scar tissue requires familiarity with radical pelvic surgical techniques that are normally used in cancer surgery in order to definitively treat this delayed obstetrical complication.
Multifocal Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Associated with Steroids in a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Stefaniotou Maria , Vourda Eleni , Katsanos Andreas , Aspiotis Miltiadis
Published: June 2013

We present a case of bilateral multifocal central serous chorioretinopathy in a 40-year-old male who suffered from myasthenia gravis and was receiving oral prednisolone. Due to the severity of the underlying disease, it was not possible to reduce the corticosteroid dose. After initial unsuccessful treatment with an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, low-fluence photodynamic therapy was performed, followed by gradual tapering of the corticosteroids. Visual acuity improved significantly in both eyes. Different therapeutic approaches are discussed.
Improving the Lot of the Farmer: Development Challenges in Timor-Leste during the Second Decade of Independence
Authors: Lundahl Mats , Sjöholm Fredrik
Published: June 2013

Large segments of the rural Timorese population survive on subsistence farming characterized by simple production methods and low output. Broad-based improvements in Timorese living standards require increased agricultural output. This article discusses what determines agricultural development in Timor-Leste and how such development can be achieved. The main causes of low agricultural output are found to be scarcity of land and capital, poor technology and education, and lack of government support, such as extension services and provision of infrastructure. We construct a model of an agricultural household to examine how increased market incentives will affect agricultural output and incomes. The effects of different price changes on household production, consumption, sales, income, and leisure are investigated. We find that the objective of increasing the living standard of Timorese farmers may in part be achieved via increased earning opportunities outside agriculture.
An annotated checklist of the Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) from India
Authors: CHATTERJEE TAPAS , KOTOV ALEXEY A. , DAMME3 KAY VAN , CHANDRASEKHAR S. V.A. , PADHYE SAMEER
Published: June 2013

Based on a revision of available literature on the Indian Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda), we present an updated checklist, with taxonomical updates and comments for all taxa recorded since the start of research of this group in the country since 1860. We have listed a total of 137 valid taxa, of which most records belong to species groups that need revision worldwide. The situation in Indian Cladocera taxonomy is, at present, insufficient for realistic conclusions on biodiversity, ecology and biogeography. We list suggestions for an improvement of the current situation.
Grandaustralis, a new genus and Grandaustralis boomerang, a new species of Cetoniinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from Western Australia
Authors: HUTCHINSON PAUL M. , MOESENEDER CHRISTIAN H.
Published: June 2013

Grandaustralis new genus and Grandaustralis boomerang new species are described from Western Australia. Grandaus-tralis is placed in the tribe Schizorhinini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae).
X-Band Polarimetric Weather Radar Observations of a Hailstorm
Authors: Figueras i Ventura Jordi , Honoré Françoise , Tabary Pierre
Published: June 2013

This paper presents an analysis of a hail event that occurred 27 May 2012 over Brignoles, located in southeastern France. The event was observed by an X-band polarimetric radar located in Mont Maurel, 75 km northeast of the hailstorm. Lightning data from the French national network (owned and operated by Météorage) are also used in the study. The analysis highlights that the lightning and radar data provide complementary information that may allow a better microphysical interpretation of the hailstorm and potentially increase the probability of its detection.
Measuring Workload in Collaborative Contexts
Authors: Helton William S. , Funke Gregory J. , Knott Benjamin A.
Published: June 2013

Objective:

In the present study, we explored the state versus trait aspects of measures of task and team workload in a disaster simulation.

Background:

There is often a need to assess workload in both individual and collaborative settings. Researchers in this field often use the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) as a global measure of workload by aggregating the NASA-TLX’s component items. Using this practice, one may overlook the distinction between traits and states.

Method:

Fifteen dyadic teams (11 inexperienced, 4 experienced) completed five sessions of a tsunami disaster simulator. After every session, individuals completed a modified version of the NASA-TLX that included team workload measures. We then examined the workload items by using a between-subjects and within-subjects perspective.

Results:

Between-subjects and within-subjects correlations among the items indicated the workload items are more independent within subjects (as states) than between subjects (as traits). Correlations between the workload items and simulation performance were also different at the trait and state levels.

Conclusion:

Workload may behave differently at trait (between-subjects) and state (within-subjects) levels.

Application:

Researchers interested in workload measurement as a state should take a within-subjects perspective in their analyses.
Numerical simulation of a three-dimensional flow field in compact spinning with a perforated drum: Effect of a guiding device
Authors: Su Xuzhong , Gao Weidong , Liu Xinjin , Xie Chunping , Xu Bojun
Published: June 2013

Compact spinning with a perforated drum is one of the most important kinds of pneumatic compacting. It utilizes the transverse air force in a perforated drum to condense the fiber bundle in order to effectively eliminate the spinning triangle and improve the qualities of spun yarns. Therefore, the emphasis in research on a flow field in the condensing zone is always on the difficulty of pneumatic compact spinning. In this paper, the three-dimensional flow field of compact spinning of a perforated drum with a guiding device is investigated using Fluent software. First, a three-dimensional model, using AutoCAD Software, of the condensing zone is given. Then, the numerical simulations, by using Fluent software, of the three-dimensional flow field in compact spinning of a perforated drum with three guiding devices (type A, type B, and type C) and without a guiding device are presented, respectively. It is shown that the effective range of the negative pressure in the condensing zone of the compact spinning system with a perforated drum and guiding device increases significantly as compared with that of compact spinning without a guiding device. The flow field distribution is symmetric with respect to the central line of air-suction flume. The fiber strands move toward the center under the left–right symmetric transverse air force, which achieves transverse converging effects. Meanwhile, the static pressure shows a wavy distribution due to the influence of round holes. Furthermore, it is proved that the comprehensive effect of the type C guiding device is the best. Finally, the theoretical results obtained are illustrated by spinning experiments.
Statistical approach to study the interactive effects of process parameters for enhanced xylitol production by Candida tropicalis and its potential for the synthesis of xylitol monoesters
Authors: Misra Swati , Raghuwanshi Shailendra , Saxena Rajendra Kumar
Published: June 2013

Previous results showed that an indigenously isolated yeast strain of Candida tropicalis was found to produce 12.11 g/L of xylitol under unoptimized conditions in presence of 50 g/L of xylose. In the present study, optimizing the process using one-variable at-a-time resulted in the production of 59.07 g/L of xylitol in 96 h in presence of 100 g/L xylose. Further optimization using response surface methodology led to the production of 65.45 g/L in medium containing 100 g/L xylose, 0.5% yeast extract, 0.03% MgSO4.7H2O and 0.2% KH2PO4, pH-4.5, 30 °C, 200 r/min for 96 h with 4% inoculum level. Addition of 1% methanol in response surface methodology optimized–medium led to the production of 67.12 g/L. Scaling up in 10 L fermentor resulted in productivity of 0.80 g/Lh with yield of 0.68 g/g. Efficient synthesis of xylitol esters was achieved with butyric acid (50.32%) and caproic acid (38.36%) in 4 h using Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipase in t-butanol: tetrahydrofuran (1:1 v/v).
Effectiveness of almond gum trees exudate as a novel edible coating for improving postharvest quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits
Authors: Mahfoudhi Nesrine , Chouaibi Moncef , Hamdi Salem
Published: June 2013

The use of coatings is a technique used to increase postharvest life of the fruit. Almond gum exudate was used, in comparison with gum arabic, at concentrations of 10% as a novel edible coating, to preserve the quality parameters of tomato ( Solanumlycopersicum). Fruits were harvested at the mature-green stage of ripening. Results showed that the coatings delayed significantly ( p < 0.05) the changes in color, weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, soluble solids concentration, and decay percentage compared to uncoated control fruits. Sensory evaluation proved the efficacy of 10% almond gum and gum arabic coatings to maintain the overall quality of tomato fruits during storage period (20 days). In addition, the difference between gum arabic and almond gum coatings was not significant ( p > 0.05) except for pulp color. Therefore, we can suggest the use of almond gum exudate as a novel edible coating extends the shelf-life of tomato fruits on postharvest.
Study of process variables in supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of soybeans
Authors: Wilkinson Nikolas , Hilton Ramsey , Hendry Doug , Venkitasamy Chandrasekar , Jacoby William
Published: June 2013

Soybean flakes were extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide at 48.3 MPa and 80 ℃, which is a higher temperature than previously reported. Several operational parameters were explored to determine their effect on extractions. Flakes, as typically used in this industry, provided the best extraction performance. Particle size distributions were created through grinding. Reducing average particle diameters smaller than 0.069 mm had no appreciable effect on increasing extraction efficiencies. Exploration of flow rate indicated that a residence time of less than 60 s for the supercritical carbon dioxide would be sufficient for complete extractions. A solvent mass to load mass ratio of 10:1 was found to be sufficient for extraction of oils from soybean flakes. Increasing moisture in the soybeans led to decreasing extraction efficiency of oils. Finally, soybean hulls had no effect on extraction efficiency. Thus, the de-hulling procedure can be removed from the extraction process without decreasing extraction efficiency.
A more balanced composition of the European Parliament with degressive proportionality
Authors: Delgado-Márquez Blanca L , Kaeding Michael , Palomares Antonio
Published: June 2013

Degressive proportionality constitutes the main conceptual criterion to determine the composition of the European Parliament (EP). In reality, however, this concept entails serious practical problems as exemplified by the current distribution of seats in the EP. This article takes up the call and presents a new method for a better balanced seat allocation in the EP after the 2014 elections. Comparing with recent methods in the field, our results reveal that the method proposed yields a more balanced and juster parliamentary seat distribution among all European member states by joining the strengths of the existing methods and avoiding their weaknesses. In light of upcoming rounds of enlargement and possible amendments to the EP's internal rules of procedure and existing EU Treaties, we contend that our results are not only of interest to the academic world.
Impact of a smoking ban in hospitality venues on second hand smoke exposure: a comparison of exposure assessment methods
Authors: Rajkumar Sarah , Huynh Cong Khanh , Bauer Georg F , Hoffmann Susanne , Röösli Martin
Published: June 2013

Background

In May 2010, Switzerland introduced a heterogeneous smoking ban in the hospitality sector. While the law leaves room for exceptions in some cantons, it is comprehensive in others. This longitudinal study uses different measurement methods to examine airborne nicotine levels in hospitality venues and the level of personal exposure of non-smoking hospitality workers before and after implementation of the law.

Methods

Personal exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) was measured by three different methods. We compared a passive sampler called MoNIC (Monitor of NICotine) badge, to salivary cotinine and nicotine concentration as well as questionnaire data. Badges allowed the number of passively smoked cigarettes to be estimated. They were placed at the venues as well as distributed to the participants for personal measurements. To assess personal exposure at work, a time-weighted average of the workplace badge measurements was calculated.

Results

Prior to the ban, smoke-exposed hospitality venues yielded a mean badge value of 4.48 (95%-CI: 3.7 to 5.25; n = 214) cigarette equivalents/day. At follow-up, measurements in venues that had implemented a smoking ban significantly declined to an average of 0.31 (0.17 to 0.45; n = 37) (p = 0.001). Personal badge measurements also significantly decreased from an average of 2.18 (1.31-3.05 n = 53) to 0.25 (0.13-0.36; n = 41) (p = 0.001). Spearman rank correlations between badge exposure measures and salivary measures were small to moderate (0.3 at maximum).

Conclusions

Nicotine levels significantly decreased in all types of hospitality venues after implementation of the smoking ban. In-depth analyses demonstrated that a time-weighted average of the workplace badge measurements represented typical personal SHS exposure at work more reliably than personal exposure measures such as salivary cotinine and nicotine.
High incidence of prostate cancer metastasis in Afro-Brazilian men with low educational levels: a retrospective observational study
Authors: de Souza Alexandre Barbosa Câmara , Guedes Hugo Gonçalo , Oliveira Victor Carbone Bernardes , de Araújo Fábio Aires , Ramos Carlos Cesar Oliveira , Medeiros Karina Carla Paula , Araújo Raimundo Fernandes
Published: June 2013

Background

This study investigated factors related to ethnicity and educational level, their correlation with tumor stage at the time of diagnosis, and their influence on treatment outcomes in patients with prostate cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed the medical records of 1,349 male patients treated for prostatic adenocarcinoma. We collected information about sociodemographic variables, including educational level and self-reported skin color. We also classified the disease according whether it was to more likely to present with metastasis and measured the tumor response to treatment.

Results

Less-educated (<8 years of education) individuals were 4.8 times more likely to develop metastasis than those with more education (>11 years of education; p < 0.001). Similarly, patients with a self-reported black skin color had a 300% increased risk of metastasis at diagnosis (p = 0.001). Distant metastasis was independently correlated with worse outcomes, such that individuals with distant metastasis were 10 times more likely to die than were those without distant metastasis.

Conclusions

Patients with self-reported black skin color and <8 years of education were more likely to display advanced disease at the time of diagnosis compared with their counterparts. Only the presence of metastasis was independently associated with mortality or progressive disease.
Gastroesophageal reflux in Bronchiectasis and the effect of anti-reflux treatment
Authors: Hu Zhi-Wei , Wang Zhong-Gao , Zhang Yu , Wu Ji-Min , Liu Jian-Jun , Lu Fang-Fang , Zhu Guang-Chang , Liang Wei-Tao
Published: June 2013

Background

Bronchiectasis is a progressive and fatal disease despite the available treatment regimens. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) may play an important role in the progression of bronchiectasis. However, active anti-reflux intervention such as Stretta radiofrequency (SRF) and/or laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) have rarely been used to treat Bronchiectasis.

Case Presentation

Seven patients’ clinical outcomes for treating GER-related deteriorated bronchiectasis were retrospective reviewed. All patients were treated by SRF and/or LF, and had follow-up periods ranging from one to five years. Typical GER symptoms, respiratory symptoms, medication consumption and general health status were assessed during the follow-ups. At the latest follow-up all patients were alive. The typical GER symptoms disappeared in five people and were significantly improved in the other two. Two had complete remissions of both respiratory symptoms and bronchiectasis exacerbations; four had significantly improved respiratory symptoms to mild/moderate degrees as well as reduced or zero bronchiectasis exacerbations, which allowed them to resume the physical and social functions; one’s respiratory symptoms and bronchiectasis exacerbations were not much improved, yet she was in stable condition and satisfied with the results.

Conclusions

Potentially, GER plays an important role in some patients with bronchiectasis, and active anti-reflux treatments can be beneficial. Future clinical studies are suggested to clarify GER’s role in bronchiectasis and to further determine whether anti-reflux interventions for GER can improve the outcomes of patients with bronchiectasis.
A screening for antimicrobial activities of Caribbean herbal remedies
Authors: Luciano-Montalvo Claribel , Boulogne Isabelle , Gavillán-Suárez Jannette
Published: June 2013

Background

The TRAMIL program aims to understand, validate and expand health practices based on the use of medicinal plants in the Caribbean, which is a “biodiversity hotspot” due to high species endemism, intense development pressure and habitat loss. The antibacterial activity was examined for thirteen plant species from several genera that were identified as a result of TRAMIL ethnopharmacological surveys or were reported in ethnobotanical accounts from Puerto Rico. The aim of this study was to validate the traditional use of these plant species for the treatment of bacterial infections, such as conjunctivitis, fever, otitis media and furuncles.

Methods

An agar disc diffusion assay was used to examine five bacterial strains that are associated with the reported infections, including Staphylococcus saprophyticus (ATCC 15305), S. aureus (ATCC 6341), Escherichia coli (ATCC 4157), Haemophilus influenzae (ATCC 8142), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 7700) and Proteus vulgaris (ATCC 6896), as well as the fungus Candida albicans (ATCC 752). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined for each of the extracts that showed inhibitory activity.

Results

The decoctions of Pityrogramma calomelanos, Tapeinochilus ananassae, and Syzygium jambos, as well as the juice of Gossypium barbadense, showed > 20% growth inhibition against several bacteria relative to the positive control, which was the antibiotic Streptomycin. Extracts with the best antimicrobial activities were S. jambos that showed MIC = 31 μg/mL and MBC = 1.0 mg/mL against P. vulgaris and T. ananassae that showed MIC = 15 μg/mL against S. aureus.

Conclusion

This report confirms the traditional use of P. calomelanos for the treatment of kidney infections that are associated with stones, as well as the antimicrobial and bactericidal effects of T. ananassae against P. vulgaris and S. saprophyticus and the effects of S. jambos against S. aureus and S. saprophyticus.
Reduced fractional shortening of right ventricular outflow tract is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Yamaguchi Masashi , Tsuruda Toshihiro , Watanabe Yuki , Onitsuka Hisamitsu , Furukawa Kuniko , Ideguchi Takeshi , Kawagoe Junji , Ishikawa Tetsunori , Kato Johji , Takenaga Makoto , Kitamura Kazuo
Published: June 2013

Background

Recent studies suggest the significance of right ventricular (RV) function in the outcome in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVSD); however, global assessment of RV remains to be determined by echocardiogram because of its complex geometry. This study aimed to validate RV outflow tract fractional shortening (RVOT-FS) in the evaluation of RV function and its prognostic value in patients with LVSD.

Methods

This study included eighty-one patients (62 ± 17 years, mean ± SD, male 79%) with reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (≤40%). Two-dimensional echocardiogram of the parasternal short axis view was obtained at the level of the aortic root, and RVOT-FS was calculated as the ratio of end-diastole minus end-systole dimension to end-diastole dimension.

Results

RVOT-FS ranged from 0.04 to 0.8 (0.3 ± 0.2, mean ± SD), and correlated with LVEF (r = 0.33, p = 0.0028), RV fractional area change (r = 0.37, p = 0.0008) and brain natriuretic peptide level (r = -0.38, p = 0.0005). In Cox multivariate regression analysis, RVOT-FS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.028, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.002-0.397]; p = 0.008] and New York Heart Association functional class III-IV [HR 2.233, 95% CI: 1.048-4.761]; p = 0.037] were independent factors to predict the events. During a median follow-up period of 319 days (1 to 1862 days), patients with RVOT-FS ≥ 0.2 showed a higher event-free rate than those < 0.2 by Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank test, p = 0.0016).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that RVOT-FS is a simple parameter reflecting the severity of both ventricular function in patients with LVSD. In addition, RVOT-FS might be useful to predict adverse outcomes in such a patient population.
Prevalence and characterization of verotoxigenic-Escherichia coli isolates from pigs in Malaysia
Authors: Ho Wing Sze , Tan Lai Kuan , Ooi Peck Toung , Yeo Chew Chieng , Thong Kwai Lin
Published: June 2013

Background

Postweaning diarrhea caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli, in particular verotoxigenic E. coli (VTEC), has caused significant economic losses in the pig farming industry worldwide. However, there is limited information on VTEC in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to characterize pathogenic E. coli isolated from post-weaning piglets and growers with respect to their antibiograms, carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases, pathotypes, production of hemolysins and fimbrial adhesins, serotypes, and genotypes.

Results

PCR detection of virulence factors associated with different E. coli pathotypes (ETEC, EPEC, EHEC, and VTEC) revealed that VTEC was the only pathotype identified from six swine farms located at north-western Peninsular Malaysia. A low prevalence rate of VTEC was found among the swine samples (n = 7/345) and all 7 VTEC isolates were multidrug resistant. Five of these isolates from different hosts raised in the same pen were likely to be of the same clone as they shared identical sero-pathotypes (O139:H1, VT2e/α-hly/F18), resistance profiles and DNA fingerprinting profiles. Two other serotypes, O130: H26 (n = 1) and O168: H21 (n = 1) carrying virulence factors were also identified. O168: H21 is possibly a new serotype as this has not been previously reported.

Conclusions

The occurrence of VTEC with infrequently encountered serotypes that are multidrug resistant and harbouring virulence factors may be of public health concern. The detection of possible clones in this study also showed that the combination of different typing tools including phenotyping and genotyping methods is useful for molecular epidemiologic surveillance and studies.
Multiplex PCR followed by restriction length polymorphism analysis for the subtyping of bovine herpesvirus 5 isolates
Authors: Maidana Silvina Soledad , Morano Cintia Débora , Cianfrini Daniela , Campos Fabrício Souza , Roehe Paulo Michel , Siedler Bianca , De Stefano Gabriel , Mauroy Axel , Thiry Etienne , Romera Sonia Alejandra
Published: June 2013

Background

Several types and subtypes of bovine herpesviruses 1 and 5 (BoHV-1 and BoHV-5) have been associated to different clinical conditions of cattle, making type/subtype differentiation essential to understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of BoHV infections. BoHV-5 subtyping is currently carried out byBstEII restriction enzyme analysis (REA) of the complete virus genome. This method allowed the description of three subtypes, one of which is the most widespread while the remaining two have so far only been found in South America. The present work describes a multiplex PCR followed by REA for BoHV-5 subtyping.

Results

The method consists in the simultaneous amplification of glycoprotein B and UL54 gene fragments of 534 and 669 base pairs (bp), respectively,BstEII digestion of amplicons, separation of products in 1% agarose gels, and analysis of fragment length polymorphims. The multiplex PCR detected up to 227 BoHV-5 genome copies and 9.2 × 105BoHV-5 genome copies when DNA was extracted from purified virus or infected tissue homogenates, respectively. The applicability of multiplex PCR-REA was demonstrated on 3 BoHV-5 reference strains. In addition, subtyping of two new isolates and seventeen previously reported ones (17 BHV-5a and 2 BHV-5b) by this method gave coincident results with those obtained with the classicBstEII REA assay.

Conclusions

Multiplex PCR-REA provides a new tool for the fast and simple diagnosis and subtyping of BoHV-5.
Targeted therapy for HER2 positive breast cancer
Authors: Incorvati Jason A , Shah Shilpan , Mu Ying , Lu Janice
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death for women behind lung cancer and the most common cause of cancer deaths for women aged 45–55 years old (CDC.gov 2012). Although there continue to be enormously large numbers of disease incidence, deaths have been declining due to the disease with two hallmark time frames. The first occurred during the mid to late 1980’s when hormonal therapy was introduced as a treatment for ER/PR positive breast cancer. The second occurred in the late 1990’s when trastuzumab was introduced in treating HER2 positive breast cancer. These remarkable accomplishments in developing novel targeted therapies for breast cancer, along with a better understanding of the disease biology have improved disease outcome over the past 20 years.

This article reviews the data presented at 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology and 2012 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium regarding progress made in the field of HER2 positive breast cancer and examines the future of HER2 targeted therapy.
A study on the painting techniques and materials of the murals in the Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall, Ziyang, China
Authors: Hu Kejia , Bai Chongbin , Ma Linyan , Bai Ke , Liu Dongbo , Fan Binbin
Published: June 2013

A limited amount of analytical data is available on the techniques and materials used in the murals of the Qing dynasty (1636–1911) in China. The Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall (1861–1874) is located in Wafangdian on the confluence of two rivers. It has the largest murals in Shaanxi Province. This paper presents the first comprehensive investigation of the painting techniques and materials of the murals in the Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall. The analytical methods include polarized light microscopy (PLM), microscopic examination on cross-sections, x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-RS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDX), which have been used to examine the paint layer stratigraphy, plaster layers, the priming layer and inorganic pigments composition. The results show that the carrier was firstly prepared with two levels of coarse layers, which are made of clay, sand and rice straw applied onto the brick wall, and a fine coat layer made of lime, clay, sand and cotton follows. Then a kaolin-pigmented priming layer was painted on the fine coat, which was finally painted with red lead, red ochre, cinnabar, atacamite, malachite, botallackite, orpiment, yellow ochre, Prussian blue, smalt, azurite, lead white and flame carbons on top. The research suggests that the painting materials of the murals of the Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall are original and the techniques were well implemented and followed the traditional and standard way in ancient China. But a few details present strong local characteristics, such as using rice straw, cotton and kaolin as original materials which were more convenient to obtain. This study also indicates that only one red dyestuff was found, and the other colourants are all inorganic. Except Prussian blue, smalt and botallackite used in ancient mural in China were less reported, and the rest of the pigments represent traditional Chinese painting materials. In addition, the usage of the imported pigments Prussian blue and smalt proves that the geographic position of the Five Northern Provinces’ Assembly Hall was of crucial importance for trade.
Using a Physics Experiment in a Lecture Setting to Engage Biology Students with the Concepts of Poiseuille's Law
Authors: Breckler Jennifer L. , Christensen Tina , Sun Wendy
Published: June 2013

Biology students enrolled in a typical undergraduate physiology course encounter Poiseuille's law, a physics equation that describes the properties governing the flow of blood through the circulation. According to the equation, a small change in vessel radius has an exponential effect on resistance, resulting in a larger than expected change in blood flow. To help engage students in this important concept, we performed a physics experiment as a lecture demonstration to mimic the original research by the 19th-century French scientist. We tested its impact as a research project and found that students who viewed the demonstration reacted very positively and showed an immediate increase in test performance, while the control group was able to independently “catch up” at the fourth week posttest. We further examined whether students’ math skills mapped to learning gains. The students with lower math scores who viewed the demonstration had slightly more improvement in test performance than those students who did not view the demonstration. Our data suggest that watching a lecture demonstration may be of even greater benefit to biology students with lower math achievement.
Automatic velocity analysis with reverse-time migration
Authors: Weibull Wiktor Waldemar , Arntsen Børge
Published: June 2013

We apply a method to automatically estimate the background velocities using reverse-time migration. The method uses a combination of differential semblance and similarity-index (a.k.a., “semblance” or “stacking-power”) to measure the focusing error in imaging and a nonlinear optimization procedure to obtain the background velocities. A challenge in this procedure is that, for media consisting of complex and strongly refracting velocities, artifacts in the reverse-time migrated image (low-frequency noise) can cause the velocity analysis to diverge. We successfully overcome this issue by applying a simple vertical derivative filter to the image that is input to velocity analysis. The resultant velocity analysis method is tested in two 2D synthetic examples and one 2D field data example. Due to the assumptions inherent to prestack depth migration, the data that are input to velocity analysis must be singly scattered. To apply the method to multiple-rich data, we propose an image-based demultiple method. The method consists of muting events in the subsurface offset common image point gathers constructed with reverse-time migration, and remodeling the data using a kinematic demigration. A field data example shows how the image-based demultiple of the data helps to improve the velocity analysis in the presence of multiple scattering.
Coupling in amplitude variation with offset and the Wiggins approximation
Authors: Innanen Kristopher A.
Published: June 2013

Linear amplitude-variation-with-offset (AVO) approximations, which experience a reduction in accuracy as elastic parameter contrasts become large, may be adjusted with second- and higher-order corrections. Corrective terms can be expressed in many ways, but they only serve a meaningful purpose if they provide the same qualitative interpretability as did the linearization. Some aspects of nonlinear AVO can be understood, quantitatively and qualitatively, in terms of coupling — the interdependence of elastic parameter contrasts amongst themselves in their determination of reflection strengths. Coupling, for instance, explains the weak but nonnegligible dependence of the converted wave reflection coefficient on the lower half-space P-wave velocity. This fact can be exposed by expanding the solutions of the Zoeppritz equations in a particular hierarchy of series. Also explainable through this approach is the mathematical importance of what is sometimes referred to as the “Wiggins approximation,” under which [Formula: see text]. This special number is seen to coincide with a full decoupling of density contrasts from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] contrasts at the second order. The decoupling persists across several variations of the nonlinear AVO approximations, including both expressions in terms of the relative changes [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], and expressions in terms of single-parameter reflectivities.
3D coupled acoustic-elastic migration with topography and bathymetry based on spectral-element and adjoint methods
Authors: Luo Yang , Tromp Jeroen , Denel Bertrand , Calandra Henri
Published: June 2013

In the context of the adjoint method, we considered 3D coupled acoustic-elastic migration in the presence of surface topography and/or bathymetry. Isotropic elastic imaging involves three primary kernels, related to mass density and shear and bulk moduli, and various secondary kernels, for example, related to P-wave impedance and compressional and shear-wave speeds. Similar to reverse-time migration, these kernels reflect the constructive interference between a forward wavefield generated by active sources and an adjoint wavefield triggered by simultaneously back propagating recorded reflections from all receivers. Forward and adjoint wavefields were simulated using a spectral-element method, which, due to its weak nature, captures free-surface topography in land surveys and bathymetry in marine acquisition. To avoid storing the entire 3D forward wavefield, required for calculating its interaction with the adjoint wavefield, we only saved information on domain boundaries and reconstructed the forward wavefield while simulating the adjoint wavefield. Their interactions were calculated and integrated on the fly, thereby eliminating storage issues but doubling memory and CPU requirements. Our 3D images confirmed a previous conclusion based on 2D simulations, namely, that the impedance kernel best highlights reflectors, whereas wave-speed kernels constrain large-scale structures, i.e., the background model.
Risk of cardiovascular malformations after exposure to paroxetine in pregnancy: meta-analysis
Authors: Painuly Nitesh , Painuly Ritu , Heun Reinhard , Sharan Pratap
Published: June 2013

Aims and method

To examine the association between the use of paroxetine during pregnancy and the risk of cardiovascular defects in the newborn. A systematic review of nine electronic databases was carried out and bibliographies were hand-searched for other relevant articles. Inclusion criteria for studies were the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the first trimester of pregnancy, with separate data available for paroxetine and cardiovascular defects in newborn babies. A random-effect model was used to combine the data.

Results

A total of 11 studies were included in the analysis, concerning 4515 offspring who were exposed to paroxetine in the first trimester and 1 469 302 controls. In pooled analysis, paroxetine in the first trimester of pregnancy was slightly, but significantly, associated with a risk of cardiovascular malformations in the offspring (relative risk= 1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.54). Separate analyses of case-control and cohort studies made this difference non-significant.

Clinical implications

This meta-analysis supports current guidelines advising not to use paroxetine in early pregnancy.
Library use by patients in an English maximum security hospital
Authors: Milton John , Ruck Rosemary
Published: June 2013

Aims and method

Scant clinical attention is usually paid to (a) forensic patients' reading interests or (b) the potential that library services may offer in providing information and therapy to patients. We undertook a cross-sectional service evaluation of patients' library attendance and use at Rampton high secure hospital in a 12-month period between July 2009 and June 2010.

Results

We collected information for 326 patients across all 28 wards. Almost 79% used the library service in some way, 66% borrowing music, 67% borrowing books and some borrowing both. Factual books were borrowed more than fiction, with graphic novels, talking books and self-help books about mental disorder all proving popular.

Clinical implications

Reading and library use should be considered by clinicians in terms of the positive impact of improving literacy to enhance wider recovery, in relation to the impact of illness and medication effects on reading ability and the potential for providing health-related messages, illness education and reading therapy.
Underuse of Hospice Care by Medicaid-Insured Patients With Stage IV Lung Cancer in New York and California
Authors: Mack Jennifer W. , Chen Kun , Boscoe Francis P. , Gesten Foster C. , Roohan Patrick J. , Weeks Jane C. , Schymura Maria J. , Schrag Deborah
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Medicare patients with advanced cancer have low rates of hospice use. We sought to evaluate hospice use among patients in Medicaid, which insures younger and indigent patients, relative to those in Medicare.

Patients and Methods

Using linked patient-level data from California (CA) and New York (NY) state cancer registries, state Medicaid programs, NY Medicare, and CA Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data, we identified 4,797 CA Medicaid patients and 4,001 NY Medicaid patients ages 21 to 64 years, as well as 27,416 CA Medicare patients and 16,496 NY Medicare patients ages ≥ 65 years who were diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer between 2002 and 2006. We evaluated hospice use, timing of enrollment, and location of death (inpatient hospice; long-term care facility or skilled nursing facility; acute care facility; home with hospice; or home without hospice). We used multiple logistic regressions to evaluate clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with hospice use.

Results

Although 53% (CA) and 44% (NY) of Medicare patients ages ≥ 65 years used hospice, fewer than one third of Medicaid-insured patients ages 21 to 64 years enrolled in hospice after a diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer (CA, 32%; NY, 24%). A minority of Medicaid patient deaths (CA, 19%; NY, 14%) occurred at home with hospice. Most Medicaid patient deaths were either in acute-care facilities (CA, 28%; NY, 36%) or at home without hospice (CA, 39%; NY, 41%). Patient race/ethnicity was not associated with hospice use among Medicaid patients.

Conclusion

Given low rates of hospice use among Medicaid enrollees and considerable evidence of suffering at the end of life, opportunities to improve palliative care delivery should be prioritized.
Fluorouracil, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide (FAC) Versus FAC Followed by Weekly Paclitaxel As Adjuvant Therapy for High-Risk, Node-Negative Breast Cancer: Results From the GEICAM/2003-02 Study
Authors: Martín Miguel , Ruiz Amparo , Borrego Manuel Ruiz , Barnadas Agustí , González Sonia , Calvo Lourdes , Vila Mireia Margelí , Antón Antonio , Rodríguez-Lescure Alvaro , Seguí-Palmer Miguel Angel , Muñoz-Mateu Montserrat , Ribugent Joan Dorca , López-Vega José Manuel , Jara Carlos , Espinosa Enrique , Fernández César Mendiola , Andrés Raquel , Ribelles Nuria , Plazaola Arrate , Sánchez-Rovira Pedro , Bofill Javier Salvador , Crespo Carmen , Carabantes Francisco J. , Servitja Sonia , Chacón José Ignacio , Rodríguez César A. , Hernando Blanca , Álvarez Isabel , Carrasco Eva , Lluch Ana
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Adding taxanes to anthracycline-based adjuvant therapy improves survival outcomes of patients with node-positive breast cancer (BC). Currently, however, most patients with BC are node negative at diagnosis. The only pure node-negative study (Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group 9805) reported so far showed a docetaxel benefit but significant toxicity. Here we tested the efficacy and safety of weekly paclitaxel (wP) in node-negative patients, which is yet to be established.

Patients and Methods

Patients with BC having T1-T3/N0 tumors and at least one high-risk factor for recurrence (according to St. Gallen 1998 criteria) were eligible. After primary surgery, 1,925 patients were randomly assigned to receive fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) × 6 or FAC × 4 followed by wP × 8 (FAC-wP). The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS) after a median follow-up of 5 years. Secondary end points included toxicity and overall survival.

Results

After a median follow-up of 63.3 months, 93% and 90.3% of patients receiving FAC-wP or FAC regimens, respectively, remained disease free (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.99; log-rank P = .04). Thirty-one patients receiving FAC-wP versus 40 patients receiving FAC died (one and seven from cardiovascular diseases, respectively; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.26; log-rank P = .31). The most relevant grade 3 and 4 adverse events in the FAC-wP versus the FAC arm were febrile neutropenia (2.7% v 3.6%), fatigue (7.9% v 3.4%), and sensory neuropathy (5.5% v 0%).

Conclusion

For patients with high-risk node-negative BC, the adjuvant FAC-wP regimen was associated with a small but significant improvement in DFS compared with FAC therapy, in addition to manageable toxicity, especially regarding long-term cardiac effects.
Indium Triflate-promoted Synthesis of Novel 1,2,3-Triazole-, and Isoxazole-substituted Xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione Derivatives
Authors: Rao P Sambasiva , Reddy K Rathnakar , Nagender P , Kumar Royya Naresh , Rao Pamulaparthy Shanthan , Narsaiah Banda
Published: June 2013

An efficient synthetic protocol has been developed for the synthesis of the novel 1,2,3-triazole- and isoxazole-substituted xanthene-1,8(2H)-dione derivatives 3 and 5, respectively, from the reaction of 1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde 2 or isoxazole-5-aldehyde 4 with cyclohexanedione 1, using indium triflate as a catalyst.
Suitable Location to Control Electron Transfer and Gap-mode Plasmon Interactions: Photocurrent Generation from Silver Nanoparticle–Porphyrin Composite Layers
Authors: Kanaizuka Katsuhiko , Yagyu Shigeta , Kajikawa Azusa , Kakuta Takayoshi , Kon Hiroki , Togashi Takanari , Uruma Keirei , Ishizaki Manabu , Sakamoto Masatomi , Kurihara Masato
Published: June 2013

Two types of silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)–dye nanocomposite layers were prepared on an indium-tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrode, where porphyrins were fixed on the Ag NPs by chemical bonding through their carboxylate moieties or by hydrophobic interactions. Stable cathodic photocurrents were generated from the nanocomposite layer structures and were specifically enhanced by the overlap of the Q-band excitation of the porphyrins between 500 and 600 nm with the gap-mode plasmon band of the Ag NPs. The photocurrent efficiency of the chemical bonding system was significantly higher than that from the hydrophobic interaction system.
Selective Synthesis of [6]-, [8]-, and [10]Cycloparaphenylenes
Authors: Kayahara Eiichi , Iwamoto Takahiro , Suzuki Toshiyasu , Yamago Shigeru
Published: June 2013

The selective synthesis of [6]-, [8]-, and [10]cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) was achieved by a new synthetic route involving Ni(0)-mediated coupling of bis(para-haloaryl)dinuclear arylplatinum complexes and the reductive elimination of the complexes. Importantly, the highly strained [6]CPP was prepared in good overall yield.
Effect of Temperature on Carbon-coated Graphene for Lithium-ion Batteries with Improved Performance
Authors: Zhu Biyu , Wang Yongchen , Wang Haibo , Ni Jiangfeng , Gao Lijun
Published: June 2013

Carbon-coated graphene was synthesized through pyrolysis of a polyaniline–graphite oxide (PANI–GO) precursor by annealing in an Ar and H2 atmosphere at various temperatures. X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopies, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the pyrolyzed PANI–GO at different temperatures. The PANI on the graphene at temperatures above 650 °C was completely converted into a nanocarbon film. Galvanostatic charge–discharge tests revealed that PANI–GO-800 exhibited improved rate and cycle capabilities over that of graphene due to the increased conductivity in the out-of-plane direction.
Calcium Phosphate Coating on a Bioresorbable Hydroxyapatite/Collagen Nanocomposite for Surface Functionalization
Authors: Bodhak Subhadip , Kikuchi Masanori , Sogo Yu , Tsurushima Hideo , Ito Atsuo , Oyane Ayako
Published: June 2013

Surface functionalization of highly bioresorbable biomaterials has been a challenging subject. The objective of our research is to establish a calcium phosphate (CaP) coating technique on a bioresorbable bone substitute material: hydroxyapatite and collagen nanocomposite for surface functionalization using supersaturated solutions. A coating technique using a metastable supersaturated solution could not be applied on the nanocomposite. In contrast, CaP coating was successfully prepared on the nanocomposite by using labile supersaturated solutions when the solution concentration was adjusted to a certain range.