bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SAR Experiments Using a Conformal Antenna Array Radar Demonstrator
Authors: Knott Peter , Bertuch Thomas , Wilden Helmut , Peters Olaf , Brenner Andreas R. , Walterscheid Ingo
Published: November 2012

Conformal antenna arrays have been studied for several years but only few examples of applications in modern radar or communication systems may be found up to date due to technological difficulties. The objective of the “Electronic Radar with Conformal Array Antenna” (ERAKO) demonstrator system which has been developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques (FHR) is to demonstrate the feasibility of an active electronically scanned antenna for conformal integration into small and medium sized airborne platforms. For practical trials the antenna has been adapted for operation with the Phased Array Multifunctional Imaging Radar (PAMIR) system developed at the institute. The antenna in combination with the PAMIR front-end needed to undergo a special calibration procedure for beam forming and imaging post-processing. The present paper describes the design and development of the conformal antenna array of the demonstrator system, its connection to the PAMIR system and results of recently conducted synthetic aperture radar (SAR) experiments.
Evolution of the Heme Peroxidases of Culicidae (Diptera)
Authors: Hughes Austin L.
Published: November 2012

Phylogenetic analysis of heme peroxidases (HPXs) of Culicidae and other insects revealed six highly conserved ancient HPX lineages, each of which originated by gene duplication prior to the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of Hemimetabola and Holmetabola. In addition, culicid HPX7 and HPX12 arose by gene duplication after the MRCA of Culicidae and Drosophilidae, while HPX2 orthologs were not found in any other order analyzed except Diptera. Within Diptera, HPX2, HPX7, and HPX12 were relatively poorly conserved at the amino acid level in comparison to the six ancient lineages. The genome ofAnopheles gambiaeincluded genes ecoding five proteins (HPX10, HPX11, HPX13, HXP14, and HPX15) without ortholgs in other genomes analyzed. Overall, gene expression patterns did not seem to reflect phylogenetic relationships, but genes that evolved rapidly at the amino acid sequence level tended to have divergent expression patterns as well. The uniquely high level of duplication of HPXs inA. gambiaemay have played a role in coevolution with malaria parasites.
Comparison of Some Tests of Fit for the Inverse Gaussian Distribution
Authors: Best D. J. , Rayner J. C. W. , Thas O.
Published: November 2012

This paper gives an empirical investigation of some tests of goodness of fit for the inverse Gaussian distribution.
State-of-the-Art Review on Relevance of Genetic Algorithm to Internet Web Search
Authors: Agbele Kehinde , Adesina Ademola , Ekong Daniel , Ayangbekun Oluwafemi
Published: November 2012

People use search engines to find information they desire with the aim that their information needs will be met. Information retrieval (IR) is a field that is concerned primarily with the searching and retrieving of information in the documents and also searching the search engine, online databases, and Internet. Genetic algorithms (GAs) are robust, efficient, and optimizated methods in a wide area of search problems motivated by Darwin’s principles of natural selection and survival of the fittest. This paper describes information retrieval systems (IRS) components. This paper looks at how GAs can be applied in the field of IR and specifically the relevance of genetic algorithms to internet web search. Finally, from the proposals surveyed it turns out that GA is applied to diverse problem fields of internet web search.
Investigating the Relationship between Self-Injurious Behavior, Social Deficits, and Cooccurring Behaviors in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Waters Paul , Healy Olive
Published: November 2012

Research suggests that self-injurious behavior (SIB) is related to social deficits and cooccurring problem behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. A sample of 95 participants with ASD was assessed on presence and frequency of SIB (Behavior Problems Inventory), social deficits (the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters-II) and cooccurring problem behaviors (ASD-Comorbidity-Child version). A model was created and tested to explain the relationship between these variables. Results showed that the model was acceptable in presenting the relationships between these variables. This information could be used to help predict which individuals are at risk of developing further cooccurring behavioral problems and determine risk markers for the development of social deficits.
Clinical Responses to Rituximab in a Case of Neuroblastoma with Refractory Opsoclonus Myoclonus Ataxia Syndrome
Authors: Alavi Samin , Kord Valeshabad Ali , Moradveisi Borhan , Aminasnafi Ali , Arzanian Mohammad Taghi
Published: November 2012

Opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome (OMS) is a rare neurologic syndrome. In a high proportion of children, it is associated with neuroblastoma. The etiology of this condition is thought to be immune mediated. In children, immunotherapy with conventional treatments such as corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and even antiepileptic drugs has been tried. Recently rituximab has been used safely for refractory OMS in children with neuroblastoma. Our patient was a 3.5-year-old girl referred for ataxia and dancing eye movements starting since 1.5 years ago. She was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on imaging studies on admission. The OMS was refractory to surgical resection, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, and intravenous immunoglobulin. Patient received rituximab simultaneously with chemotherapy. The total severity score decreased by 61.1% after rituximab. Patient's ataxia markedly improved that she was able to walk independently after 6 months. Our case confirmed the clinical efficacy and safety of rituximab in a refractory case of OMS.
On a Novel Fourth‐Order Algorithm for Solving Systems of Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Babajee Diyashvir K. R. , Cordero Alicia , Soleymani Fazlollah , Torregrosa Juan R.
Published: November 2012

This paper focuses on solving systems of nonlinear equations numerically. We propose an efficient iterative scheme including two steps and fourth order of convergence. The proposed method does not require the evaluation of second or higher order Frechet derivatives per iteration to proceed and reach fourth order of convergence. Finally, numerical results illustrate the efficiency of the method.
Scaffolds for Growth Factor Delivery as Applied to Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Blackwood Keith A. , Bock Nathalie , Dargaville Tim R. , Ann Woodruff Maria
Published: November 2012

There remains a substantial shortfall in the treatment of severe skeletal injuries. The current gold standard of autologous bone grafting from the same patient has many undesirable side effects associated such as donor site morbidity. Tissue engineering seeks to offer a solution to this problem. The primary requirements for tissue-engineered scaffolds have already been well established, and many materials, such as polyesters, present themselves as potential candidates for bone defects; they have comparable structural features, but they often lack the required osteoconductivity to promote adequate bone regeneration. By combining these materials with biological growth factors, which promote the infiltration of cells into the scaffold as well as the differentiation into the specific cell and tissue type, it is possible to increase the formation of new bone. However due to the cost and potential complications associated with growth factors, controlling the rate of release is an important design consideration when developing new bone tissue engineering strategies. This paper will cover recent research in the area of encapsulation and release of growth factors within a variety of different polymeric scaffolds.
Association of Mesiodentes and Dens Invaginatus in a Child: A Rare Entity
Authors: Sulabha A. N. , Sameer C.
Published: November 2012

Supernumerary teeth are defined as any teeth in excess of normal number. Mesiodens is a supernumerary tooth, in the central region of premaxilla between two central incisors. Dens invaginatus is a developmental anomaly resulting from invagination in the surface of tooth crown before calcification has occurred. Radiographically, it is observed as infolding of a radioopaque ribbon like structure, with equal density as enamel, extending from cingulum into a root canal and sometimes reaching the root apex. This paper aims to present a rare association of dens invaginatus with two mesiodentes in a child causing the eruption disturbance and unaesthetic appearance in anterior maxilla.
Asymptomatic Malaria Correlates with Anaemia in Pregnant Women at Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Douamba Zoenabo , Bisseye Cyrille , Djigma Florencia W. , Compaoré Tegwinde R. , Bazie Valérie Jean Telesphore , Pietra Virginio , Nikiema Jean-Baptiste , Simpore Jacques
Published: November 2012

Sub-Saharan Africa records each year about thirty-two million pregnant women living in areas of high transmission ofPlasmodium falciparumcausing malaria. The aim of this study was to carve out the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among pregnant women and to emphasize its influence on haematological markers. The prevalence ofPlasmodium falciparumasymptomatic infection among pregnant women was 30% and 24% with rapid detection test (RDT) and microscopy, respectively. The prevalence ofP. falciparumasymptomatic malaria was reduced among pregnant women using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine's intermittent preventive treatment and 61% of them were anaemic. Anaemia was significantly more common in women infected withP. falciparumcompared with the uninfected pregnant women. Most of the women had normal levels of homocysteine and low levels of folate, respectively. Therefore, the systematic diagnosis of malaria should be introduced to pregnant women as a part of the antenatal care.
Fuzzy RAM Analysis of the Screening Unit in a Paper Industry by Utilizing Uncertain Data
Authors: Garg Harish , Rani Monica , Sharma S. P.
Published: November 2012

Reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) analysis has helped to identify the critical and sensitive subsystems in the production systems that have a major effect on system performance. But the collected or available data, reflecting the system failure and repair patterns, are vague, uncertain, and imprecise due to various practical constraints. Under these circumstances it is difficult, if not possible, to analyze the system performance up to desired degree of accuracy. For this, Artificial Bee Colony based Lambda-Tau (ABCBLT) technique has been used for computing the RAM parameters by utilizing uncertain data up to a desired degree of accuracy. Results obtained are compared with the existing Fuzzy Lambda-Tau results and we conclude that proposed results have a less range of uncertainties. Also ranking the subcomponents for improving the performance of the system has been done using RAM-Index. The approach has been illustrated through analyzing the performance of the screening unit of a paper industry.
What, in Fact, Is the Evidence That Vaccinating Healthcare Workers against Seasonal Influenza Protects Their Patients? A Critical Review
Authors: Abramson Zvi Howard
Published: November 2012

Background and Methods. Vaccination of all healthcare workers is widely recommended by health authorities and medical institutions and support for mandatory vaccination is increasing. This paper presents the relevant literature and examines the evidence for patient benefit from healthcare worker vaccination. Articles identified by Medline searches and citation lists were inspected for internal and external validity. Emphasis was put on RCTs. The literature on self-protection from vaccination is also presented.
Results. Published research shows that personal benefit from vaccinating healthy nonelderly adults is small and there is no evidence that it is any different for HCWs. The studies aiming to prove the widespread belief that healthcare worker vaccination decreases patient morbidity and mortality are heavily flawed and the recommendations for vaccination biased. No reliable published evidence shows that healthcare workers' vaccination has substantial benefit for their patients—not in reducing patient morbidity or mortality and not even in increasing patient vaccination rates. Conclusion. The arguments for uniform healthcare worker influenza vaccination are not supported by existing literature. The decision whether to get vaccinated should, except possibly in extreme situations, be that of the individual healthcare worker, without legal, institutional, or peer coercion.
The Mask of Odd Points n‐Ary Interpolating Subdivision Scheme
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Deng Jiansong , Ashraf Pakeeza , Abdul Rehman Najma
Published: November 2012

We present an explicit formula for the mask of odd points n‐ary, for any odd n⩾3, interpolating subdivision schemes. This formula provides the mask of lower and higher arity schemes. The 3‐point and 5‐point a‐ary schemes introduced by Lian, 2008, and (2m + 1)‐point a‐ary schemes introduced by, Lian, 2009, are special cases of our explicit formula. Moreover, other well‐known existing odd point n‐ary schemes including the schemes introduced by Zheng et al., 2009, can easily be generated by our formula. In addition, error bounds between subdivision curves and control polygons of schemes are computed. It has been noticed that error bounds decrease when the complexity of the scheme decreases and vice versa. Also, as we increase arity of the schemes the error bounds decrease. Furthermore, we present brief comparison of total absolute curvature of subdivision schemes having different arity with different complexity. Convexity preservation property of scheme is also presented.
Renal Trauma: Case Reports and Overview
Authors: Tait Campbell D. , Somani B. K.
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Renal trauma patients are largely managed conservatively but on occasion have to be embolised or taken to theatre for definitive surgical management, usually in the form of emergency nephrectomy.Review. We present an overview of renal trauma as illustrated by three interesting cases of blunt renal trauma who presented in quick succession of each other to the Emergency Department. The first case—a 48-year-old-female passenger in a road traffic accident—was treated with life-saving emergency nephrectomy. The second patient—a 47-year-old man who sustained a high impact injury whilst sledging—was managed conservatively on HDU and subsequently on the urology ward. The third patient—an 18-year-old man involved in a road traffic accident—underwent selective embolisation of a pseudoaneurysm after conservative therapy.Discussion. This case series illustrates the surgical, radiological, and conservative approaches to the management of significant renal trauma, which is potentially life threatening.
Characterization of Mechanical Properties: Low‐Density Polyethylene Nanocomposite Using Nanoalumina Particle as Filler
Authors: Chee Ching Yern , Song N. L. , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Choong Thomas S. Y. , Ibrahim Azowa , Chantara T. R.
Published: November 2012

Nanocomposites based on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), containing 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 wt% of nanoalumina, were prepared by melt‐mixing at 125°C and hot melt‐pressing to thin polymer film at 125°C. To enhance the interfacial interaction between alumina and LDPE, alumina surface was treated with silane which acts as coupling agent. The effects of alumina additions to the structure and morphology of LDPE matrix were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The mechanical behaviour of nanoalumina‐reinforced LDPE composite was studied using tensile tests, flexural tests, and impact tests. The interfacial adhesion between nano alumina particle and LDPE matrix was investigated. The result showed that the reinforcement performance of nano alumina to LDPE matrix was attributed to the interfacial adhesion between nanoparticle and polymer matrix. The addition of 1 wt% nano alumina has successfully enhanced the mechanical properties of LDPE material.
Hepatoprotective Activity of the Total Saponins fromActinidia valvataDunn Root against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Damage in Mice
Authors: Qu Liping , Xin Hailiang , Zheng Guoyin , Su Yonghua , Ling Changquan
Published: November 2012

The protective activity of the total saponins fromActinidia valvataDunn root (TSAV) was studied against carbon-tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced acute liver injury in mice. Mice were orally administered TSAV (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) for five days and then given CCl4. TSAV pretreatment significantly prevented the CCl4-induced hepatic damage as indicated by the serum marker enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP). Parallel to these changes, TSAV also prevented CCl4-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation (MDA) and restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GR, and GPX), GSH and GSSG. In addition, TSAV attenuated the serum TNF-αand IL-6 levels and inhibited the serum iNOS and NO levels. Liver histopathology indicated that TSAV alleviated CCl4-induced inflammatory infiltration and focal necrosis. TSAV (200 mg/kg) also significantly decreased Bak, Bax mRNA and Fas, FasL, p53, and NF-κB p65 protein expressions and increased Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expressions. Meanwhile, TSAV significantly downregulated caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities and prevented CCl4-induced hepatic cell apoptosis. In addition, TSAV exhibited antioxidant activity through scavenging hydroxyl and DPPH free radicalsin vitro. These results indicated that TSAV could protect mice against CCl4-induced acute liver damage possibly through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and regulating apoptotic-related genes.
A Note on the Growth of Meromorphic Functions with a Radially Distributed Value
Authors: Chen Jun-Fan
Published: November 2012

This note is to investigate the growth of transcendental meromorphic functions with radially distributed values. We generalize a more recent result of Chen et al. (2011). The paper is closely related to some previous results due to Fang and Zalcman (2008), and Xu et al. (2009).
Determinants of Ownership and Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets for Malaria Control in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Biadgilign Sibhatu , Reda Ayalu , Kedir Haji
Published: November 2012

Background. Malaria remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the world, and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine ownership and utilization of ITNs among households with children under five in the previous night.Methods. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gursum district in Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 335 households were surveyed using a pretested structured questionnaire administered though house-to-house interviews.Results. Household ownership for at least one mosquito net and use of nets were 62.4% (95% CI 57.2–67.6%) and 21.5% (95% CI 17.1–25.9%), respectively. Households who received or were told about ITN in the last 6 months were three times more likely to have used it than those who were not (OR 3.25; 95% CI 1.5–7.10). Households whose heads were engaged as a farmer (adjusted OR 0.137; 95% CI: 0.04–0.50) and housewife (OR 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08–0.82) were less likely to use ITN than those of other occupations.Conclusion. The findings indicate low ITN ownership and utilization among the households. Intensive health education and community mobilization effort should be employed to increase the possession and proper utilization of insecticide treated bed nets.
Prostaglandins and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Fattahi Mohammad Javad , Mirshafiey Abbas
Published: November 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune, and complex inflammatory disease leading to bone and cartilage destruction, whose cause remains obscure. Accumulation of genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and dysregulated immune responses are necessary for mounting this self-reacting disease. Inflamed joints are infiltrated by a heterogeneous population of cellular and soluble mediators of the immune system, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, cytokines, and prostaglandins (PGs). Prostaglandins are lipid inflammatory mediators derived from the arachidonic acid by multienzymatic reactions. They both sustain homeostatic mechanisms and mediate pathogenic processes, including the inflammatory reaction. They play both beneficial and harmful roles during inflammation, according to their site of action and the etiology of the inflammatory response. With respect to the role of PGs in inflammation, they can be effective mediators in the pathophysiology of RA. Thus the use of agonists or antagonists of PG receptors may be considered as a new therapeutic protocol in RA. In this paper, we try to elucidate the role of PGs in the immunopathology of RA.
Translating Policy into Practice for Community-Based Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Targeting Professional Development Needs among Physiotherapists
Authors: Fary Robyn E. , Slater Helen , Chua Jason , Briggs Andrew M.
Published: November 2012

Introduction. Contemporary health policy promotes delivery of community-based health services to people with musculoskeletal conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This emphasis requires a skilled workforce to deliver safe, effective care. We aimed to explore physiotherapy workforce readiness to co-manage consumers with RA by determining the RA-specific professional development (PD) needs in relation to work and educational characteristics of physiotherapists in Western Australia (WA).Methods. An e-survey was sent to physiotherapists regarding their confidence in co-managing people with RA and their PD needs. Data including years of clinical experience, current RA clinical caseload, professional qualifications, and primary clinical area of practice were collected.Results. 273 physiotherapists completed the survey. Overall confidence in managing people with RA was low (22.7–58.2%) and need for PD was high (45.1–95.2%). Physiotherapists with greater years of clinical experience, a caseload of consumers with RA, postgraduate qualifications in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, or who worked in the musculoskeletal area were more confident in managing people with RA and less likely to need PD. Online and face-to-face formats were preferred modes of PD delivery.Discussion. To enable community-based RA service delivery to be effectively established, subgroups within the current physiotherapy workforce require upskilling in the evidence-based management of consumers with RA.
Comparative Effects of Er-Xian Decoction,EpimediumHerbs, and Icariin with Estrogen on Bone and Reproductive Tissue in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Xue Liming , Wang Yin , Jiang Yiping , Han Ting , Nie Yan , Zhao Lu , Zhang Qiaoyan , Qin Luping
Published: November 2012

Er-Xian Decoction (EXD),Epimediumherbs (herbs ofEpimedium brevicornumMaxim, EBH), and icariin (ICA) have been proven to have estrogen-like and antiosteoporotic activity and are used for the treatment of osteoporosis, menopausal syndrome, and age-associated diseases. The present study found that EXD, EBH, and ICA treatments, emulating estrogen, significantly contributed to bone density and architecture in OVX rats and that EXD is similar to estrogen and exerts a concomitant effect on bone formation and bone resorption at the tissue level, while EBH and ICA produced bone-protective effects mainly by inhibiting bone resorption. Nevertheless, EXD, EBH, and ICA treatments manifested a fewer adverse effects on the uterus, mammary gland, and vagina compared to estrogen administrations. Among the EXD, EBH, and ICA, EXD was found to have superior efficacy and safety profile.
LC-MS-MS Measurements of Urinary Creatinine and the Application of Creatinine Normalization Technique on Cotinine in Smokers’ 24 Hour Urine
Authors: Hou Hongwei , Xiong Wei , Zhang Xiaotao , Song Dongkui , Tang Gangling , Hu Qingyuan
Published: November 2012

A simple and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS-MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of creatinine in human urine. The analysis was carried out on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column (2.1×150 mm, 3.5 μm). The mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (50/50, v/v). Linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range of 1–2000.0 ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantification of 0.99 ng/mL. The intra- and interday precision (RSD) values were below 3%. The method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study of creatinine in Chinese smokers and nonsmokers. The total cotinine in 24 h urine and cotinine : creatinine ratio were also positively associated (PearsonR=0.942,P<0.0001). However, cotinine : creatinine ratio varied significantly across smoking groups for the difference of individual. 24 h urinary cotinine was more appropriate for expressing correlation with tar than cotinine : creatinine ratio.
Analysis of Gas Permeability Characteristics of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Butylene Succinate) Nanocomposites
Authors: Bhatia Amita , Gupta Rahul K. , Bhattacharya Sati N. , Choi Hyoung Jin
Published: November 2012

Gas permeability and morphological properties of nanocomposites prepared by the mixing of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and clay was investigated. While the composition of PLA and PBS polymers was fixed as 80% and 20% by weight, respectively, for all the nanocomposites, clay contents varied from 1 to 10 wt%. From the morphological studies using both wide angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, the nanocomposite having 1 wt% of clay was considered to have a mixed morphology of intercalated and delaminated structure, while some clusters or agglomerated particles were detected for nanocomposites having 3 and more than 3 wt% of clay content. However, the average particle size of the dispersed PBS phase was reduced significantly from 7 μm to 30–40 nm with the addition of clay in the blend. The oxygen barrier property was improved significantly as compared to the water vapor. A model based on gas barrier property was used for the validation of the oxygen relative permeabilities of PLA/PBS/clay nanocomposites. PLA/PBS/clay nanocomposites validated the Bharadwaj model up to 3 wt% of clay contents only, while for nanocomposites of higher clay contents the Bharadwaj model was invalid due to the clusters and agglomerates formed.
The Optimal L2 Error Estimate of Stabilized Finite Volume Method for the Stationary Navier-Stokes Problem
Authors: He Guoliang , Su Jian , Dai Wenqiang
Published: November 2012

A finite volume method based on stabilized finite element for the two-dimensional
stationary Navier-Stokes equations is analyzed. For the P1–P0
element, we obtain the optimal L2 error estimates of the finite volume solution uh and ph. We also provide some numerical examples
to confirm the efficiency of the FVM. Furthermore, the effect of initial value for iterative method
is analyzed carefully.
Multiple Myeloma of the Orbit
Authors: Hassan Mona , Alirhayim Zaid , Sroujieh Laila , Hassan Syed
Published: November 2012

The authors report a case of a 62-year-old female with history of multiple myeloma who presents with complains of swelling and pain in her right eye. On examination, it was found that she has proptosis, chemosis, and diplopia along with decreased vision. Initial workup and treatment did not yield significant results, eventually she was found to have myelomatous changes in her right orbit on MRI and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma of the orbit which resolved solely with radiation. This case tends to highlight the importance of considering myeloma of the orbit as a very important and early differential diagnosis in a patient with a history of multiple myeloma presenting with a swollen and painful eye.
Recurrent Amaurosis Fugax in a Patient after Stanford Type A Dissection Depending on Blood Pressure and Haemoglobin Level
Authors: Tomaschütz L. , Dos Santos M. , Schill J. , Palm F. , Grau A.
Published: November 2012

Purpose. A transient painless monocular visual loss due to a decrease in retinal circulation—also known as “amaurosis fugax”—often precedes acute territorial cerebral ischaemia. The case we present underlines the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic workup in patients with amaurosis fugax.Case Report. A 44-year-old man who had suffered from a dissection of the ascending aorta (Stanford Type A) five months ago presented with recurrent monocular vision problems. Episodes with sectional vision loss mainly occurred in combination with low blood pressure levels. Furthermore, the haemoglobin level was chronically low (Hb 9.7 mg/dL), and the patient was by mistake on a simultaneous therapy with phenprocoumon and unfractionated heparin. Carotid artery duplex scanning revealed a high-grade stenosis of the proximal right common carotid artery. MR imaging corroborated hypoperfusion in brain area corresponding to the right MCA.Conclusion. Our patient is an example in whom transient retinal ischaemic attacks may originate from haemodynamic reasons.
Applying Randomness Effectively Based on Random Forests for Classification Task of Datasets of Insufficient Information
Authors: Sug Hyontai
Published: November 2012

Random forests are known to be good for data mining of classification tasks, because random forests are robust for datasets having insufficient information possibly with some errors. But applying random forests blindly may not produce good results, and a dataset in the domain of rotogravure printing is one of such datasets. Hence, in this paper, some best classification accuracy based on clever application of random forests to predict the occurrence of cylinder bands in rotogravure printing is investigated. Since random forests could generate good results with an appropriate combination of parameters like the number of randomly selected attributes for each split and the number of trees in the forests, an effective data mining procedure considering the property of the target dataset by way of trial random forests is investigated. The effectiveness of the suggested procedure is shown by experiments with very good results.
Characteristic Functions and Borel Exceptional Values of E‐Valued Meromorphic Functions
Authors: Wu Zhaojun , Xuan Zuxing
Published: November 2012

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the characteristic functions and Borel exceptional values of E‐valued meromorphic functions from the ℂR = {z:|z | < R}, 0 < R ≤ +∞ to an infinite‐dimensional complex Banach space E with a Schauder basis. Results obtained extend the relative results by Xuan, Wu and Yang, Bhoosnurmath, and Pujari.
Contrast-Induced Neurotoxicity following Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Law Susan , Panichpisal Kessarin , Demede Melaku , John Sabu , Marmur Jonathan D. , Nath Jaya , Baird Alison E.
Published: November 2012

We report a case of probable contrast-induced neurotoxicity that followed a technically challenging cardiac catheterization in a 69-year-old woman. The procedure had involved the administration of a large cumulative dose of an iodinated, nonionic contrast medium into the innominate artery: twelve hours following the catheterization, the patient developed a seizure followed by a left hemiplegia, and an initial computed tomography (CT) scan showed sulcal effacement in the right cerebral hemisphere due to cerebral swelling. The patient’s clinical symptoms resolved within 24 hours, and magnetic resonance imaging at 32 hours showed resolution of swelling. Contrast-induced neurotoxicity should be found in the differential diagnosis of acute neurological deficits occurring after radiological procedures involving iodinated contrast media, whether ionic or nonionic.
Effects of Structural Parameters on the Dynamics of a Beam Structure with a Beam-Type Vibration Absorber
Authors: Abd Mothanna Y. , Putra Azma , Jalil Nawal A. A. , Noorzaei Jamaludin
Published: November 2012

A beam-type absorber has been known as one of the dynamic vibration absorbers used to suppress excessive vibration of an engineering structure. This paper studies an absorbing beam which is attached through a visco-elastic layer on a primary beam structure. Solutions of the dynamic response are presented at the midspan of the primary and absorbing beams in simply supported edges subjected to a stationary harmonic load. The effect of structural parameters, namely, rigidity ratio, mass ratio, and damping of the layer and the structure as well as the layer stiffness on the response is investigated to reduce the vibration amplitude at the fundamental frequency of the original single primary beam. It is found that this can considerably reduce the amplitude at the corresponding troublesome frequency, but compromised situation should be noted by controlling the structural parameters. The model is also validated with measured data with reasonable agreement.
Ecofriendly Synthesis of Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticles: A Potential Candidate of SERS Studies
Authors: Gaware Ujjwala , Kamble Vaishali , Ankamwar Balaprasad
Published: November 2012

Ecofriendly synthesis of nanoparticles has been inspiring to nanotechnologists especially for biomedical applications. Moreover, anisotropic particle synthesis is an attractive option due to decreased symmetry of such particles often leads to new and unusual chemical and physical behaviour. This paper reports a single-step room-temperature synthesis of gold nanotriangles using a cheap bioresource of reducing and stabilizing agentPiper betleleaf extract. On treating aqueous chloroauric acid solution withPiper betleleaf extract, after 12 hr, complete reduction of the chloroaurate ions was observed leading to the formation of flat and single crystalline gold nanotriangles. These gold nanotriangles can be exploited in photonics, optical coating, optoelectronics, magnetism, catalysis, chemical sensing, and so forth, and are a potential candidate of SERS studies.
The Influence of Resistance Exercise Training on the Levels of Anxiety in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Aidar Felipe José , de Oliveira Ricardo Jacó , Silva António José , de Matos Dihogo Gama , Mazini Filho Mauro Lúcio , Hickner Robert C. , Machado Reis Victor
Published: November 2012

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the effect of a strength training program on indicators of trait and state anxiety in patients with ischemic stroke. The subjects were divided into two groups: experimental group (EG) consisting of 11 subjects aged years and a control group (CG) with 13 subjects aged years. EG underwent 12 weeks of strength training, with a frequency of three times a week. For data collection, a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used. Significant differences were found between pre- and posttest in EG for trait anxiety ( pretest posttest) and state anxiety ( pretest posttest) with no differences in CG for trait anxiety ( pretest posttest) and state anxiety ( pretest posttest). In the evaluation between the groups, significant differences were found for all indicators of trait anxiety ( EG; CG) and state anxiety ( EG; CG). This pilot study indicates that strength training may provide an improvement in trait and state anxiety more than one year after stroke.
Primary Pulmonary Synovial Sarcoma in Pregnancy
Authors: Bunch K. , Deering S. H.
Published: November 2012

Background. Primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Surgical resection and postoperative management of these tumors has not been previously described in pregnancy.Case. A 38-year-old pregnant woman was admitted for evaluation of a right thoracic mass found on chest radiography at 26 weeks of gestation. A computed tomography-guided biopsy was subsequently completed and demonstrated a high-grade neoplasm. A right pneumonectomy was performed at 28 weeks of gestation due to pulmonary decompensation, and pathological examination revealed a pulmonary synovial sarcoma. The patient developed a postpartum pulmonary embolism and expired 6 weeks after delivery.Conclusion. Aggressive intervention for pulmonary malignancies during pregnancy may be necessary. Complete tumor resection is the most important prognostic factor in primary pulmonary synovial sarcoma.
Experimental Study on the Compressive Strength of Big Mobility Concrete with Nondestructive Testing Method
Authors: Shang Huai-Shuai , Yi Ting-Hua , Yang Lu-Sheng
Published: November 2012

An experimental study of C20, C25, C30, C40, and C50 big mobility concrete cubes that came from laboratory and construction site was completed. Nondestructive testing (NDT) was carried out using impact rebound hammer (IRH) techniques to establish a correlation between the compressive strengths and the rebound number. The local curve for measuring strength of the regression method is set up and its superiority is proved. The rebound method presented is simple, quick, and reliable and covers wide ranges of concrete strengths. The rebound method can be easily applied to concrete specimens as well as existing concrete structures. The final results were compared with previous ones from the literature and also with actual results obtained from samples extracted from existing structures.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in a Renal Transplant Recipient: Do not Forget Metapneumovirus
Authors: Noel N. , Rammaert B. , Zuber J. , Sayre N. , Mamzer-Bruneel M. F. , Leruez-Ville M. , Mascard L. , Lecuit M. , Lortholary O.
Published: November 2012

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is emerging as a cause of a severe respiratory tract infection in immunocompromised patients. hMPVpneumonia has only been seldom reported in nonpulmonary solid organ transplanted patients, such as renal transplant recipients. We report here a case of a 39-year-old patient presenting with fever, cough, and interstitial opacities on CT scan diagnosed as a nonsevere hMPVpneumonia 11 years after a renal transplantation. Infection resolved spontaneously. Differential diagnosis withPneumocystispneumonia was discussed. We review the medical literature and discuss clinical presentation and detection methods that can be proposed in solid organ transplant recipients.
Lidar Measurements for Desert Dust Characterization: An Overview
Authors: Mona L. , Liu Z. , Müller D. , Omar A. , Papayannis A. , Pappalardo G. , Sugimoto N. , Vaughan M.
Published: November 2012

We provide an overview of light detection and ranging (lidar) capability for describing and characterizing desert dust. This paper summarizes lidar techniques, observations, and fallouts of desert dust lidar measurements. The main objective is to provide the scientific community, including nonpractitioners of lidar observations with a reference paper on dust lidar measurements. In particular, it will fill the current gap of communication between research-oriented lidar community and potential desert dust data users, such as air quality monitoring agencies and aviation advisory centers. The current capability of the different lidar techniques for the characterization of aerosol in general and desert dust in particular is presented. Technical aspects and required assumptions of these techniques are discussed, providing readers with the pros and cons of each technique. Information about desert dust collected up to date using lidar techniques is reviewed. Lidar techniques for aerosol characterization have a maturity level appropriate for addressing air quality and transportation issues, as demonstrated by some first results reported in this paper.
Modified Chaplygin Gas Cosmology
Authors: Benaoum H. B.
Published: November 2012

Modified Chaplygin gas as an exotic fluid has been introduced by H. B. Benaoum (2002). Essential features of the modified Chaplygin gas as a cosmological model are discussed. Observational constraints on the parameters of the model have been included. The relationship between the modified Chaplygin gas and a homogeneous minimally coupled scalar field is reevaluated by constructing its self-interacting potential. In addition, we study the role of the tachyonic field in the modified Chaplygin gas cosmological model and the mapping between scalar field and tachyonic field is also considered.
Industrial Qualification Process for Optical Fibers Distributed Strain and Temperature Sensing in Nuclear Waste Repositories
Authors: Delepine-Lesoille S. , Phéron X. , Bertrand J. , Pilorget G. , Hermand G. , Farhoud R. , Ouerdane Y. , Boukenter A. , Girard S. , Lablonde L. , Sporea D. , Lanticq V.
Published: November 2012

Temperature and strain monitoring will be implemented in the envisioned French geological repository for high- and intermediate-level long-lived nuclear wastes. Raman and Brillouin scatterings in optical fibers are efficient industrial methods to provide distributed temperature and strain measurements. Gamma radiation and hydrogen release from nuclear wastes can however affect the measurements. An industrial qualification process is successfully proposed and implemented. Induced measurement uncertainties and their physical origins are quantified. The optical fiber composition influence is assessed. Based on radiation-hard fibers and carbon-primary coatings, we showed that the proposed system can provide accurate temperature and strain measurements up to 0.5 MGy and 100% hydrogen concentration in the atmosphere, over 200 m distance range. The selected system was successfully implemented in the Andra underground laboratory, in one-to-one scale mockup of future cells, into concrete liners. We demonstrated the efficiency of simultaneous Raman and Brillouin scattering measurements to provide both strain and temperature distributed measurements. We showed that 1.3 μm working wavelength is in favor of hazardous environment monitoring.
Diversity and Nesting Substrates of Stingless Bees (Hymenoptera, Meliponina) in a Forest Remnant
Authors: Siqueira Estefane Nascimento Leoncini , Bartelli Bruno Ferreira , Nascimento André Rosalvo Terra , Nogueira-Ferreira Fernanda Helena
Published: November 2012

Stingless bees are abundant and diverse key actors in several plant-pollinator networks in the neotropics, but little is known about their natural history and ecology. This study aims to contribute to knowledge about the diversity and dispersion of stingless bees and discusses the importance of nesting substrates. It was carried out in the Araguari river valley in Minas Gerais, Brazil, where a nest site survey was conducted in an area of 100 ha during 11 alternate months from 2006 to 2008, for a total of 1,200 observation hours. Sixty-nine nests were found, belonging to 12 genera and 20 different species. Nests ofMelipona rufiventriswere by far the most abundant. Stingless bees nested more frequently in hollows of live trees (64%), and 11 different substrates were identified. Seventeen plant species were used as nesting substrates andAnadenanthera macrocarpa(Fabaceae) was the main host, encompassing 23% of the surveyed nests. The area studied is important for the maintenance of stingless bees because it provides nesting sites for them. Without nesting sites the reproductive division of colonies is compromised, affecting the nests' survival.
Geoelectric Exploration of the Purísima-Rumicruz District, Jujuy Province, Argentina
Authors: López Luciano , Echeveste Horacio , Tessone Mario , Alperín Marta , Etcheverry Ricardo
Published: November 2012

Purísima-Rumicruz district consists of several polymetallic veins, rich in copper and lead. The veins have a breccia texture and are located in shear bands, with locally high concentrations of sulfides in a carbonatic gangue. The host rock of the veins consists of a black shale sequence with thin levels of fine sands, with a low degree of metamorphism, and corresponds to the Acoite formation (Lower Ordovician). The depositional environment was an open clastic platform where storm processes prevailed. An exploratory program using induced polarization and resistivity with the dipole-dipole method was carried out with the objective of establishing geoelectric anomalies in depth, which would permit the identification of exploratory targets. The group of veins was divided into three sectors:Purísima,El Brechón, andLa Nueva. Low-resistivity values correspond to faulty zones, some of which are related to surface veins. The presence of diagenetic pyrite in the shales of Acoite formation considerably increases background chargeability (induced polarization) values. However, small chargeability anomalies associated to low-resistivity values represent exploratory targets for the Purísima-Rumicruz district.
Effects of Sangu Decoction on Osteoclast Activity in a Rat Model of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis
Authors: Deng Bo , Jia Li-qun , Tan Huang-ying , Yao Xuan , Gao Fu-yun , Pan Lin , Cui Jian , Xiang Qing
Published: November 2012

Bone metastasis (BM) is a major clinical problem for which current treatments lack full efficacy. The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Sangu Decoction (SGD) has been widely used to treat BM in China. However, no in vivo experiments to date have investigated the effects of TCM on osteoclast activity in BM. In this study, the protective effect and probable mechanism of SGD were evaluated. The model was established using the breast cancer MRMT-1 cells injected into the tibia of rat. SGD was administrated, compared with Zoledronic acid as a positive control. The development of the bone tumor and osteoclast activity was monitored by radiological analysis. TRAP stain was used to identify osteoclasts quantity and activity. TRAP-5b in serum or bone tumor and TRAP mRNA were also quantified. Radiological examination showed that SGD inhibited tumor proliferation and preserved the cortical and trabecular bone structure. In addition, a dramatic reduction of TRAP positive osteoclasts was observed and TRAP-5b levels in serum and bone tumor decreased significantly. It also reduced the mRNA expression of TRAP. The results indicated that SGD exerted potent antiosteoclast property that could be directly related to its TRAP inhibited activity. In addition it prevented bone tumor proliferation in BM model.
An Optimal Returned Policy for a Reverse Logistics Inventory Model with Backorders
Authors: Singh S. R. , Saxena Neha
Published: November 2012

Environmental responsibility plays a significant role in the firm’s agendas nowadays. In this paper, we address the environmental operations of reverse logistics. Here we developed an integrated supply chain model with coordinated production and remanufacturing due to time-dependent rates. To study the problem we consider the demand to be satisfied with newly manufactured (produced) and the remanufactured products, so there is no difference between manufactured and remanufactured items. The shortages are allowed and excess demand is backlogged as well. The returned items are collected from the end user to be remanufactured. Optimal expression is obtained for the acceptable returned quantity, maximum inventory level, production and remanufacturing scheduling period, and the total average cost. Illustrative examples, which explain the application of the theoretical results as well as their numerical verifications, are given. The sensitivity of these solutions to change in underling parameter values is also discussed.