bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual presentations of osteoarticular tuberculosis in two paediatric patients
Authors: Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Ho Kenneth Wai Yip , Lam Ying Lee , Shek Tony Wai Hung
Published: October 2012

Tuberculosis is a universal mimicker and thus could be a differential diagnosis of any osteolytic lesion. Bone biopsy is crucial in these cases for culture and histological proof of tuberculous infection. This is a case report of two paediatric patients with unusual presentations of tuberculosis. One patient presented with knee pain and had imaged findings of an osteolytic lesion at the epiphysis. Interval scan showed spread of the lesion through the physis to the metaphyseal region. The second patient presented with hip pain and an osteolytic lesion of the acetabulum. He was subsequently found to have involvement of the brain and spine as well. Both patients were diagnosed with tuberculosis by bone biopsy for culture and pathological examination. They were treated successfully with antituberculous medications without chronic sequelae. These two patients showed that early recognition and prompt treatment are critical for management of tuberculosis to avoid chronic sequelae.
Primary orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Amit Sonal , Purwar Neetu , Agarwal Asha , Kanchan Shrivastava
Published: October 2012

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) can have extra-nodal presentation in approximately 25% of cases unlike Hodgkin's lymphoma which rarely involves extra-nodal sites. Extra-nodal lymphoma in the head and neck region is extremely rare. We report a case of 6-year-old girl who presented with medial canthus mass with proptosis, lagophthalmos and no significant loss of vision. CT findings showed an extra-conal homogenous mass lesion in the left orbit along superior and medial orbital wall with extensive destruction of surrounding tissue. Histological sections showed polymorphous population of atypical lymphoid cells accompanied by plasma cells, eosinophils and proliferation of small blood vessels with plump endothelial cells. A diagnosis of NHL was rendered. Further, immunohistochemistry confirmed the lesion as peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The lesion was aggressive in course and the patient succumbed within one-and-half  months of diagnosis.
Pancreatic extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumour masquerading as a bleeding duodenal mass
Authors: Wegge Jacqueline , Bartholomew David M , Burke Leandra H , Miller Lisa A
Published: October 2012

We describe a 55-year-old man presenting to our institution with a gastrointestinal bleed. He was found to have a 5 cm pancreatic extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumours (EGISTs) eroding into the duodenum and ampulla of Vater. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed and the tumour was noted to be positive for CD117 and CD34 with six mitotic figures per 50/high-powered field. At 5 months postoperatively he is receiving treatment with imatinib and doing well. To the best of our knowledge, our patient is only the 18th case reported in the literature to date.
Unilateral facial palsy in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS): a rare occurrence
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Chaudhari Tejendra S , Giri Prithvi
Published: October 2012

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a postinfectious, autoimmune disorder which, apart from limb weakness, is characterised by cranial nerve involvement. Bilateral facial nerve palsy is the most common pattern of cranial nerve involvement in GBS. However, unilateral facial palsy, although uncommon, can be seen in GBS. We report a rare case of unilateral facial palsy in GBS and importance of electrophysiological tests including blink study in such cases has been emphasised.
Piriformis muscle metastasis from a rectal polyp
Authors: Salar Omer , Flockton Helen , Singh Rajeev , Reynolds Jonathan
Published: October 2012

Rectal cancers constitute over a quarter of all colorectal cancers. Spread of rectal cancer is usually to liver, lung and brain from high risk rectal cancers. Cases have rarely been reported of spread to soft tissue structures. Here we present a case of metastatic spread of a previously excised, early invasive adenocarcinomatous polyp to piriformis.
Allopurinol-induced hepatomegaly
Authors: Childs Lucy , Dow Claire
Published: October 2012

Allopurinol has long been recognised as a cause of hepatotoxicity; however, severe side effects remain rare. We report a case of allopurinol-induced hepatomegaly causing abdominal symptoms in an elderly woman after long-term allopurinol use.
An investigation into the epidemiology of feline obesity in Great Britain: results of a cross‐sectional study of 47 companion animal practises
Authors: Courcier E. A. , Mellor D. J. , Pendlebury E. , Evans C. , Yam P. S.
Published: October 2012

Previous epidemiological studies of feline obesity have been restricted to small geographical areas of Great Britain. This study represents the first published description of the prevalence and risk factors for obesity from a nationally distributed population of cats. Data were gathered from 3227 cats through 47 primary companion animal veterinary practises. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity was 11.5 per cent (95% confidence interval 10.4 per cent to 12.6 per cent) in cats attending the charity's clinics. Cats in Scotland appeared to have a greater age and neutered‐adjusted prevalence compared with cats in England. Neutered status, being male and middle age (around 7 years), were all significant risk factors for feline overweight/obesity, although they did not fully explain an individual cat's risk of overweight/obesity. Breed was not found to be a statistically significant risk factor. Partial attributable fractions were calculated from each of the significant risk factors. Neutered status appeared to contribute the most to the prevalence of obesity, followed by prime/mature lifestage (3–10 years of age). Any interpretations of these findings should take into account the multitude of biases inherent in this study. Nevertheless, weight management following neutering appears to be very important to reduce the overall prevalence of overweight/obesity in this population of cats.
Static and dynamic properties of a lightly cemented silicate-grouted sand
Authors: Porcino Daniela , Marcianò Vincenzo , Granata Raffaella
Published: October 2012

This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation on the behaviour of a lightly grouted loose medium sand under both monotonic and cyclic loading. The experimental programme in the present study was carried out on both untreated and treated sand specimens stabilized with a silica-based grout, and comprises isotropic triaxial compression tests equipped with bender elements, drained triaxial monotonic shearing tests, and undrained cyclic tests in a simple shear (SS) apparatus. The results highlight that the weak cementation level induced by chemical treatment was sufficient to moderately increase small-strain stiffness and stress–dilatancy of the grouted sand during drained monotonic shear. A small cohesion intercept was observed in the analyzed failure envelope, while cyclic liquefaction resistance exhibited a much more significant increase, with a different pattern of behaviour between low and high stress levels. Finally, undrained cyclic SS test results evidenced that silicate grout employed in this research improves undrained cyclic shear strength in a manner similar to densification of the same material up to a density index of approximately 75%.
A simplified plane strain analysis of lateral wall deflection for excavations with cross walls
Authors: Hsieh Pio-Go , Ou Chang-Yu , Shih Chiang
Published: October 2012

Previous studies have shown that installation of cross walls in deep excavations can reduce lateral wall deflection to a very small amount. To predict the lateral wall deflection for excavations with cross walls, it is necessary to perform a three-dimensional numerical analysis because the deflection behavior of the diaphragm wall with cross walls is by nature three dimensional. However for the analysis and design of excavations, two-dimensional plane strain analysis is mostly used in practice . For this reason, based on the deflection behavior of continuous beams and the superimposition principle, an equivalent beam model suitable for two-dimensional plane strain analysis was derived to predict lateral wall deflection for excavations with cross walls. Three excavation cases were employed to verify the proposed model. Case studies confirm the proposed equivalent beam model for excavations with cross walls installed from near the ground surface down to at least more than half the embedded depth of the diaphragm wall. For the case with a limited cross-wall depth, the proposed model yields a conservative predicted lateral wall deflection.
Microstructural characterization of a Canadian oil sand
Authors: Doan Dinh Hong , Delage Pierre , Nauroy Jean François , Tang Anh Minh , Youssef Souhail
Published: October 2012

The microstructure of oil sand samples extracted at a depth of 75 m from the estuarine Middle McMurray Formation (Alberta, Canada) has been investigated using high resolution three-dimensional (3D) X-ray microtomography (µCT) and cryo scanning electron microscopy (CryoSEM). µCT images evidenced some dense areas composed of highly angular grains surrounded by fluids, which are separated by larger pores full of gas. In dense areas, 3D image analysis provided porosity values comparable with in situ log data and macroscopic laboratory determinations, showing that they are representative of intact states. µCT hence provided some information on the morphology of the cracks and disturbance created by gas expansion. The CryoSEM technique, in which the sample is freeze fractured within the SEM chamber prior to observation, provided pictures in which the (frozen) bitumen clearly appears between the sand grains. No evidence of the existence of a thin connate water layer between grains and the bitumen, frequently mentioned in the literature, has been obtained. Bitumen appears to strongly adhere to the grains, with some grains being completely coated. The curved shape of some bitumen menisci suggests a bitumen wet behaviour.
Summary of collapsible behaviour of artificially structured loess in oedometer and triaxial wetting tests
Authors: Jiang Mingjing , Hu Haijun , Liu Fang
Published: October 2012

This paper summarizes experimental studies on wetting-induced collapsibility in loess using single-oedometer, double-oedometer, and triaxial wetting tests. Artificially structural loess samples with interparticle bonding calcite (CaCO3) and a large void ratio were tested in the laboratory to avoid sampling disturbance of natural loess. The comparison between the single- and double-oedometer tests confirms that the wetting-induced deformation is independent of the sequence of wetting and loading. The conventional triaxial apparatus was enhanced for investigating the collapse deformation in response to different water content increments when subjected to different stress levels. The wetting-induced strain subjected to high confining pressure develops in two steps. It increases with increasing water content and reaches a relatively stable plateau, and then increases rapidly again until a final stable state is reached. The initial collapse surface was found by plotting the wetting-induced strain vectors observed in triaxial wetting tests. The wetting-induced strain is negligible when a specimen is wetted at a stress point inside this surface, while it becomes significant when wetted beyond this surface.
Thermal–hydraulic–mechanical (THM) behaviour of a large-scale in situ heating experiment during cooling and dismantling
Authors: Sánchez M. , Gens A. , Guimarães L.
Published: October 2012

A geological disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste (HLW) encompasses both natural (host rock) and (generally clay-based) engineered barriers. Many processes can influence, either positively or negatively, the effectiveness of the safety functions of isolation and retardation. This paper focuses on the analysis of a large-scale heating test when subjected to cooling and subsequent partial dismantling. The experiment reproduces the conditions of an HLW repository at full scale under realistic conditions. Key thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical (THM) variables, such as temperature, relative humidity, stresses, and fluid pressures, were measured in the clay barrier and surrounding rock. The experimental observations recorded during the cooling down and clay barrier excavation are analyzed in light of a fully coupled THM finite element formulation. This analysis has provided the opportunity to explore the behaviour of the clay and natural barriers under conditions very relevant for the repository performance but not analyzed previously. Overall, the model predictions are quite satisfactory when compared against experimental observations. Furthermore, model predictions for a period of 20 years, including the transient phase induced by the partial dismantling, are also presented. This additional analysis has allowed a better understanding of the effect of thermal gradient on long-term clay hydration.
COHERENT STATES AND THE CLASSICAL-QUANTUM LIMIT CONSIDERED FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF ENTANGLEMENT
Authors: DURT THOMAS , DEBIERRE VINCENT
Published: October 2012

We consider the quasi-classical situation in which a quantum system interacts with another quantum system or with a quantum environment without getting entangled with it. We show how this regime is intimately linked to three paradigms commonly used in classical, pre-quantum physics to describe particles (that is, the material point, the test particle and the diluted particle (droplet model)). This entanglement-free regime also provides a simplified insight on what is called in the decoherence approach "islands of classicality", that is, preferred bases that would be selected through evolution by a Darwinist mechanism which aims at optimizing information. We show how, under very general conditions, coherent states are natural candidates for classical pointer states. This occurs essentially because, when a (supposedly bosonic) system coherently exchanges only one quantum at a time with its (supposedly bosonic) environment, coherent states of the system do not get entangled with the environment, due to the bosonic symmetry.
CORRELATIONS OF DECAY TIMES OF ENTANGLED COMPOSITE UNSTABLE SYSTEMS
Authors: DURT THOMAS
Published: October 2012

The role played by time in the quantum theory is still mysterious by many aspects. In particular it is not clear today whether the distribution of decay times of unstable particles could be described by a time operator (TO). As we shall discuss, different approaches to this problem (one could say interpretations) can be found in the literature on the subject. As we shall show, it is possible to conceive crucial experiments aimed at distinguishing the different approaches, by measuring with accuracy the statistical distribution of decay times of entangled particles. Such experiments can be realized in principle with entangled kaon pairs.
A NOTE ON AMPHICHEIRAL ALTERNATING LINKS
Authors: KAUFFMAN LOUIS H. , JABLAN SLAVIK V.
Published: October 2012

After reconsidering the Dasbach–Hougardy counterexample to the Kauffman conjecture on alternating knots, we reformulate the conjecture and consider Dasbach–Hougardy counterexample and similar counterexamples in the light of the reformulated conjecture.
GRADED CARTAN MATRICES OF DEFECT 2 BLOCKS OF SYMMETRIC GROUPS
Authors: BOGDANIC DUSKO
Published: October 2012

In this paper we show how the LLT algorithm for computation of crystal decomposition numbers can be used to construct quivers of defect 2 blocks of symmetric groups. We do this by establishing a connection between tight gradings on blocks of symmetric groups and crystal decomposition numbers.
ON LIFTINGS OF POWERS OF IRREDUCIBLE POLYNOMIALS
Authors: BISHNOI ANUJ , KUMAR SANJEEV , KHANDUJA SUDESH K.
Published: October 2012

Let v be a henselian valuation of arbitrary rank of a field K with valuation ring Rv having maximal ideal Mv. Using the canonical homomorphism from Rv onto Rv/Mv, one can lift any monic irreducible polynomial with coefficients in Rv/Mv to yield monic irreducible polynomials over Rv. Popescu and Zaharescu extended this approach and introduced the notion of lifting with respect to a residually transcendental prolongation w of v to a simple transcendental extension K(x) of K. As it is well known, the residue field of such a prolongation w is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the residue field of the unique prolongation of v to a finite simple extension L of K and Y is transcendental over [Formula: see text] (see [V. Alexandru, N. Popescu and A. Zaharescu, A theorem of characterization of residual transcendental extension of a valuation, J. Math. Kyoto Univ.28 (1988) 579–592]). It is known that a lifting of an irreducible polynomial belonging to [Formula: see text] with respect to w, is irreducible over K. In this paper, we give some sufficient conditions to ensure that a given polynomial in K[x] satisfying these conditions which is a lifting of a power of some irreducible polynomial belonging to [Formula: see text] with respect to w, is irreducible over K. Our results extend Eisenstein–Dumas and generalized Schönemann irreducibility criteria.
THE HOPF AUTOMORPHISM GROUP AND THE QUANTUM BRAUER GROUP IN BRAIDED MONOIDAL CATEGORIES
Authors: FEMIĆ B.
Published: October 2012

With the motivation of giving a more precise estimation of the quantum Brauer group of a Hopf algebra H over a field k we construct an exact sequence containing the quantum Brauer group of a Hopf algebra in a certain braided monoidal category. Let B be a Hopf algebra in [Formula: see text], the category of Yetter–Drinfel'd modules over H. We consider the quantum Brauer group [Formula: see text] of B in [Formula: see text], which is isomorphic to the usual quantum Brauer group BQ(k; B ⋊ H) of the Radford biproduct Hopf algebra B ⋊ H. We show that under certain symmetricity condition on the braiding in [Formula: see text] there is an inner action of the Hopf automorphism group of B on the former. We prove that the subgroup [Formula: see text] — the Brauer group of module algebras over B in [Formula: see text] — is invariant under this action for a family of Radford biproduct Hopf algebras. The analogous invariance we study for BM(k; B ⋊ H). We apply our recent results on the latter group and generate a new subgroup of the quantum Brauer group of B ⋊ H. In particular, we get new information on the quantum Brauer groups of some known Hopf algebras.
TEMPLATE-DIRECTED BIOPOLYMERIZATION: TAPE-COPYING TURING MACHINES
Authors: SHARMA AJEET K. , CHOWDHURY DEBASHISH
Published: October 2012

DNA, RNA and proteins are among the most important macromolecules in a living cell. These molecules are polymerized by molecular machines. These natural nano-machines polymerize such macromolecules, adding one monomer at a time, using another linear polymer as the corresponding template. The machine utilizes input chemical energy to move along the template which also serves as a track for the movements of the machine. In the Alan Turing year 2012, it is worth pointing out that these machines are "tape-copying Turing machines". We review the operational mechanisms of the polymerizer machines and their collective behavior from the perspective of statistical physics, emphasizing their common features in spite of the crucial differences in their biological functions. We also draw the attention of the physics community to another class of modular machines that carry out a different type of template-directed polymerization. We hope this review will inspire new kinetic models for these modular machines.
Stabilization of a railway embankment using electrokinetic geosynthetics
Authors: Lamont-Black John , Hall Jean A. , Glendinning Stephanie , White Chris P. , Jones Colin J. F. P.
Published: October 2012

A trial was conducted on a Victorian embankment to evaluate the use of electrokinetic geosynthetics for embankment stabilization. The embankment had been constructed by end tipping London Clay fill onto unprepared ground and has a history of instability. Ground investigations indicated a core of firm material underlain by softened embankment fill and alluvium and overlain by softened material towards the ground surface. The slope was treated to a maximum of depth of 7 m using electrokinetic geosynthetics and electrokinetic soil nails. Over a period of 42 days, electrokinetic treatment forced water out of the ground by raising it >4 m above the initial groundwater level such that discharge from activated electrokinetic prefabricated vertical drains (ePVDs) was >25 times that of control drains. Cation exchange processes were active as part of the treatment and correlated with reductions in plasticity and shrinkage. Overall DC power consumption was approximately 11.5 kWh m
−3
of soil treated. Post treatment boreholes demonstrated that the soft material beneath the embankment had become firm and exhibited apparent improvements in both undrained and drained strength parameters. Pull-out tests on electrokinetic soil nails demonstrated an improvement in the bond strength of the nails by an average of 263%. Inclinometer data showed a significant reduction of movement tending to zero after treatment.
Measuring and mitigating the environmental impact of earthworks and other geotechnical processes
Authors: O'Riordan Nick , Phear Alan
Published: October 2012

Considerable progress has been made in the assessment, management and maintenance of existing earthworks and in the selection of methods of construction of new earthworks. Techniques involving multi-criteria analysis, carbon-footprinting and life cycle assessment of competing schemes provide transparent methodologies for use in environmental impact assessment.

This review paper provides examples of use of the various techniques, and in particular concentrates on areas of innovation including:

reuse of excavated tunnel spoil

methods of ground treatment to minimise earthwork impact (e.g.
in-situ
soil strengthening, green walls etc).

combining performance-based design, under environmental load cases such as earthquake and flood, with carbon footprint and cost analyses
Spanish technical regulation for road construction
Authors: Dapena E. , Parrilla A.
Published: October 2012

The new
Technical Regulation for Road Construction
(PG3) has applied in Spain since 2002 and governs execution of all the highways, expressways and motorways run by State Administration.

The most important aspects introduced in this regulation in terms of the construction of fills are (1) extending the characteristics of the fill material to use as large a quantity as possible of the excavated ground
in situ
and to keep the amount sent to dump sites to a minimum; (2) to set up standards to regulate finished fills; and (3) to define a new type of random or quarry-run fill consisting of materials with a grading between earth and rock fill that were not in the earlier PG3 regulation.

The new PG3 regulation refers to the construction of earth, rock and random fills, and pays particular attention to the placement, installation and the relevant control of the methods involved. In the case of earth fills, the control method involves fixing some preliminary characteristics for the soils to be used in fills, determined by laboratory tests, whereas for random and rock fills, the control consists of first creating test fills through which the previously established compaction procedure is accepted or modified. For random and rock fills, the control of the finished fill requires dividing the layers into set-sized sections and running tests on predetermined strips. The regulation also defines the criterion for acceptance or rejection of the zone being tested.
OCaml for the Masses
Authors: Minsky Yaron
Published: October 2012

Functional programming is an old idea with a distinguished history. Lisp, a functional language inspired by Alonzo Church’s lambda calculus, was one of the first programming languages developed at the dawn of the computing age. Statically typed functional languages such as OCaml and Haskell are newer, but their roots go deep.
SAGE: Whitebox Fuzzing for Security Testing
Authors: Godefroid Patrice , Levin Michael Y. , Molnar David
Published: October 2012

Most
ACM Queue
readers might think of "program verification research" as mostly theoretical with little impact on the world at large. Think again. If you are reading these lines on a PC running some form of Windows (like 93-plus percent of PC users--that is, more than a billion people), then you have been affected by this line of work--without knowing it, which is precisely the way we want it to be.
β-Catenin Does Not Confer Tumorigenicity When Introduced into Partially Transformed Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Piperdi Sajida , Austin-Page Lukas , Geller David , Ahluwalia Manpreet , Gorlick Sarah , Gill Jonathan , Park Amy , Zhang Wendong , Li Nan , Chung So Hak , Gorlick Richard
Published: October 2012

Although osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, its cell of origin and the genetic alterations are unclear. Previous studies have shown that serially introducing hTERT, SV40 large TAg, and H-Ras transforms human mesenchymal stem cells into two distinct sarcomas cell populations, but they do not form osteoid. In this study,β-catenin was introduced into mesenchymal stem cells already containing hTERT and SV40 large TAg to analyze if this resulted in a model which more closely recapitulated osteosarcoma.Results. Regardless of the level of inducedβ-catenin expression in the stable transfectants, there were no marked differences induced in their phenotype or invasion and migration capacity. Perhaps more importantly, none of them formed tumors when injected into immunocompromised mice. Moreover, the resulting transformed cells could be induced to osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation but not to adipogenic differentiation.Conclusions.β-catenin, although fostering osteogenic differentiation, does not induce the malignant features and tumorigenicity conveyed by oncogenic H-RAS when introduced into partly transformed mesenchymal stem cells. This may have implications for the role ofβ-catenin in osteosarcoma pathogenesis. It also may suggest that adipogenesis is an earlier branch point than osteogenesis and chondrogenesis in normal mesenchymal differentiation.
NOD2 Polymorphisms and Their Impact on Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Outcome
Authors: Mayor Neema P. , Shaw Bronwen E. , Madrigal J. Alejandro , Marsh Steven G. E.
Published: October 2012

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a valuable tool in the treatment of many haematological disorders. Advances in understanding HLA matching have improved prognoses. However, many recipients of well-matched HSCT develop posttransplant complications, and survival is far from absolute. The pursuit of novel genetic factors that may impact on HSCT outcome has resulted in the publication of many articles on a multitude of genes. Three NOD2 polymorphisms, identified as disease-associated variants in Crohn’s disease, have recently been suggested as important candidate gene markers in the outcome of HSCT. It was originally postulated that as the clinical manifestation of inflammatory responses characteristic of several post-transplant complications was of notable similarity to those seen in Crohn’s disease, it was possible that they shared a common cause. Since the publication of this first paper, numerous studies have attempted to replicate the results in different transplant settings. The data has varied considerably between studies, and as yet no consensus on the impact of NOD2 SNPs on HSCT outcome has been achieved. Here, we will review the existing literature, summarise current theories as to why the data differs, and suggest possible mechanisms by which the SNPs affect HSCT outcome.
In Vitro Propagation of Muña-Muña (Clinopodium odorum (Griseb.) Harley)
Authors: Diaz María Soledad , Palacio Lorena , Figueroa Ana Cristina , Goleniowski Marta Ester
Published: October 2012

A micropropagation protocol was developed which may assist in the safeguarding and augmentation of dwindling natural populations of Clinopodium odorum (Griseb.) Harley, a critically and endangered medicinal plant. Factors affecting culture initiation bud sprouting and growth, rooting, and acclimatization were studied, using nodal segments of in vitro germinated seedling as primary explants on six media supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.5–1.5 and 2-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (0.5–1.5). Best results for culture initiation with sustainable multiplication rates (100%) were obtained on WP medium without any growth regulator. WP with the addition of 0.5 : 1 or 0.5 : 1.5) of BAP and NAA promoted a higher elongation; however, the optimum number of nodes were obtained in plantlets grown on 1/2 MS with the addition of 1 : 1.5 of BAP and NAA. Culture of sectioned individual nodes transferred to the media with different rates of BAP and NAA 1/2 MS-9 (1.5 : 1.5), SH-8 (1.5 : 1.0), and 1/2 B5-4 (1.0 : 0.5) media resulted in no proliferated shoots. The in vitro plants were successfully acclimatized garden soil and sand (2 : 1) in the greenhouse, with over 90% survival rate. The in vitro-grown plants could be transferred to ex vitro conditions and the efficacy in supporting ex vitro growth was assessed, with a view to develope longer-term strategies for the transfer and reintroduction into natural habitats.
A Longstaff and Schwartz Approach to the Early Election Problem
Authors: Tonkes Elliot , Lesmono Dharma
Published: October 2012

In many democratic parliamentary systems, election timing is an important decision availed to governments according to sovereign political systems. Prudent governments can take advantage of this constitutional option in order to maximize their expected remaining life in power. The problem of establishing the optimal time to call an election based on observed poll data has been well studied with several solution methods and various degrees of modeling complexity. The derivation of the optimal exercise boundary holds strong similarities with the American option valuation problem from mathematical finance. A seminal technique refined by Longstaff and Schwartz in 2001 provided a method to estimate the exercise boundary of the American options using a Monte Carlo method and a least squares objective. In this paper, we modify the basic technique to establish the optimal exercise boundary for calling a political election. Several innovative adaptations are required to make the method work with the additional complexity in the electoral problem. The transfer of Monte Carlo methods from finance to determine the optimal exercise of real-options appears to be a new approach.
Treatment of Infected Pseudoaneurysm of Femoral Artery after Vascular Closure Device Deployment: A Practical Solution
Authors: Matic Predrag , Babic Srdjan , Tanaskovic Slobodan , Jocic Dario , Radak Djordje
Published: October 2012

Like other invasive procedures, percutaneous coronary interventions are associated with complications. Most common access site for these procedures is common femoral artery. Complications such as groin and retroperitoneal hematoma can be encountered as well as pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, acute arterial occlusion, and infection. When infected pseudoaneurysm occurs, surgical treatment can be extremely difficult. We present a case of the patient in whom infected pseudoaneurysm of common femoral artery developed after percutaneous coronary intervention and was successfully treated by surgical excision and autoarterial graft insertion.
Ruptured Noncommunicating Rudimentary Horn Pregnancy at 19 Weeks with Previous Cesarean Delivery: A Case Report
Authors: Thakur Sita , Sood Ajay , Sharma Chanderdeep
Published: October 2012

Unicornuate uterus with noncommunicating rudimentary horn occurs due to incomplete fusion of mullerian ducts. Pregnancy in this horn is a rare phenomenon usually resulting in rupture during second trimester of pregnancy. Prerupture diagnosis of pregnancy in rudimentary horn with ultrasonography is technically difficult, with sensitivity of 30%. We report a case of ruptured non-communicating rudimentary horn at 19 weeks in a woman with previous Cesarean delivery. She had a routine malformation scan in which diagnosis was missed. Later she presented to emergency in shock, with massive hemoperitoneum and ruptured horn. So a high index of suspicion is required to save this catastrophic event and associated maternal morbidity and mortality. In our opinion, routine excision of rudimentary horn should be undertaken during nonpregnant state laparoscopically. However, those women who refuse should be adequately counseled regarding potential complications and if pregnancy occurs in rudimentary horn, first trimester laparoscopic excision should be done.
Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice Overexpressing Neuropeptide Y in Noradrenergic Neurons
Authors: Ruohonen Suvi T. , Vähätalo Laura H. , Savontaus Eriika
Published: October 2012

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a neurotransmitter associated with feeding and obesity. We have constructed an NPY transgenic mouse model (OE- mouse), where targeted overexpression leads to increased levels of NPY in noradrenergic and adrenergic neurons. We previously showed that these mice become obese on a normal chow. Now we aimed to study the effect of a Western-type diet in OE- and wildtype (WT) mice, and to compare the genotype differences in the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Weight gain, glucose, and insulin tolerance tests, fasted plasma insulin, and cholesterol levels were assayed. We found that female OE- mice gained significantly more weight without hyperphagia or decreased activity, and showed larger white and brown fat depots with no difference in UCP-1 levels. They also displayed impaired glucose tolerance and decreased insulin sensitivity. OE- and WT males gained weight robustly, but no difference in the degree of adiposity was observed. However, 40% of but none of the WT males developed hyperglycaemia while on the diet. The present study shows that female OE- mice were not protected from the obesogenic effect of the diet suggesting that increased NPY release may predispose females to a greater risk of weight gain under high caloric conditions.
Structural Analysis of LP-CM Facing Heat Flux in Tokamak and Evaluation of Stress Field and Displacement Field
Authors: Lin Huang-bin , Zeng Qi-fang , Qiu Hai-yuan , Wang Tao
Published: October 2012

Langmuir Probes attached to plasma-facing components in a Tokamak are used to diagnose high-temperature plasma during fusion experiments. In this work, a finite element model of Langmuir Probe-Cooling Monoblock (LP-CM) is established, and structural analysis of the LP-CM is carried out. The maximum von Mises stress during the 400 s incident heat flux has been given in detail, and the relationship between the sliding friction coefficient and thermal stress has been investigated systematically. A contact design is employed between Langmuir Probe and Cooling Monoblock, which is an effective method to lower the thermal stress. The thermal stress reaches the peak on the edge of the aluminium oxide ceramic interlayer. The damaged displacement field of the LP-CM has been examined fully, and the maximum global displacement is 0.444 mm.
Impact of Antenna Placement on Frequency Domain Adaptive Antenna Array in Hybrid FRF Cellular System
Authors: Hari Asti Sri Maldia , Peng Wei , Adachi Fumiyuki
Published: October 2012

Frequency domain adaptive antenna array (FDAAA) is an effective method to suppress interference caused by frequency selective fading and multiple-access interference (MAI) in single-carrier (SC) transmission. However, the performance of FDAAA receiver will be affected by the antenna placement parameters such as antenna separation and spread of angle of arrival (AOA). On the other hand, hybrid frequency reuse can be adopted in cellular system to improve the cellular capacity. However, optimal frequency reuse factor (FRF) depends on the channel propagation and transceiver scheme as well. In this paper, we analyze the impact of antenna separation and AOA spread on FDAAA receiver and optimize the cellular capacity by using hybrid FRF.
Complete Coverage Path Planning in an Unknown Underwater Environment Based on D-S Data Fusion Real-Time Map Building
Authors: Yan Mingzhong , Zhu Daqi , Yang Simon X.
Published: October 2012

A real-time map-building system is proposed for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to build a map of an unknown underwater environment. The system, using the AUV's onboard sensor information, includes a neurodynamics model proposed for complete coverage path planning and an evidence theoretic method proposed for map building. The complete coverage of the environment guarantees that the AUV can acquire adequate environment information. The evidence theory is used to handle the noise and uncertainty of the sensor data. The AUV dynamically plans its path with obstacle avoidance through the landscape of neural activity. Concurrently, real-time sensor data are “fused” into a two-dimensional (2D) occupancy grid map of the environment using evidence inference rule based on the Dempster-Shafer theory. Simulation results show a good quality of map-building capabilities and path-planning behaviors of the AUV.
Hepatitis C Virus Clearance after Discontinuation of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a Monotherapy in a Child
Authors: Endo Takeshi , Ito Koichi , Sugiura Tokio , Goto Kenji
Published: October 2012

The present patient was a 4-year-old boy. His hepatitis C virus genotype was 2a, and his viral load was high (1400,000 U/mL). The pretreatment liver biopsy revealed no fibrosis or malignancy and mild chronic hepatitis; his Knodell's histological activity (HAI) score was 4. Single nucleotide polymorphism of IL28B (rs8099917) was major type. The patient began antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon alpha 2a (90 μg/week). At week 9, serum HCV RNA became undetectable, with a sensitivity of 50 copies/mL. Antiviral treatment was discontinued at week 11 because the ALT level increased to 610 U/L. After discontinuation of therapy, the patient’s serum HCV RNA status became positive again. The serum viral load increased to 100,000 U/mL. During this period, he had been observed without medication. Sixteen months after stopping treatment, serum HCV became undetectable. Over a 4-year period, HCV RNA became negative and his anti-HCV antibody titer gradually decreased. In conclusion, though antiviral therapy resulted in failure or incomplete therapy, a reduced viral load resulted in viral clearance in the present patient. Interleukin 28B genotype might have association with the clearance of hepatitis C virus after discontinuation of antiviral therapy.
Levothyroxine and Prednisone Causing Generalized Weakness in a Middle-Aged Man
Authors: Word Andrew , Davidson Kevin , Elsayed Essam
Published: October 2012

Thyrotoxic induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare disorder that had been described in middle-aged men, predominantly Asians and Hispanics. This case presented with generalized weakness and hypokalemia after changing prescription for levothyroxine and starting prednisone to treat upper respiratory infection in a previously asymptomatic middle-aged Hispanic male. In this paper, we will go over the clinical presentation, mechanisms, and treatment of thyrotoxic induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Our objectives are to identify the classic constellation of findings in thyrotoxic periodic paralysis and to recognize the importance of considering thyrotoxic periodic paralysis among patients with hypokalemia.
Developments in Diagnosis and Antileishmanial Drugs
Authors: Bhargava Prachi , Singh Rajni
Published: October 2012

Leishmaniasis ranks the third in disease burden in disability-adjusted life years caused by neglected tropical diseases and is the second cause of parasite-related deaths after malaria; but for a variety of reasons, it is not receiving the attention that would be justified seeing its importance. Leishmaniasis is a diverse group of clinical syndromes caused by protozoan parasites of the genusLeishmania. It is estimated that 350 million people are at risk in 88 countries, with a global incidence of 1–1.5 million cases of cutaneous and 500,000 cases of visceral leishmaniasis. Improvements in diagnostic methods for early case detection and latest combitorial chemotherapeutic methods have given a new hope for combating this deadly disease. The cell biology ofLeishmaniaand mammalian cells differs considerably and this distinctness extends to the biochemical level. This provides the promise that many of the parasite’s proteins should be sufficiently different from hosts and can be successfully exploited as drug targets. This paper gives a brief overview of recent developments in the diagnosis and approaches in antileishmanial drug discovery and development.
A New Generation Microarray for the Simultaneous Detection and Identification ofYersinia pestisandBacillus anthracisin Food
Authors: Goji Noriko , MacMillan Trevor , Amoako Kingsley Kwaku
Published: October 2012

The use of microarrays as a multiple analytic system has generated increased interest and provided a powerful analytical tool for the simultaneous detection of pathogens in a single experiment. A wide array of applications for this technology has been reported. A low density oligonucleotide microarray was generated from the genetic sequences ofY. pestisandB. anthracisand used to fabricate a microarray chip. The new generation chip, consisting of 2,240 spots in 4 quadrants with the capability of stripping/rehybridization, was designated as “Y-PESTIS/B-ANTHRACIS 4x2K Array.” The chip was tested for specificity using DNA from a panel of bacteria that may be potentially present in food. In all, 37 uniqueY. pestis-specific and 83B. anthracis-specific probes were identified. The microarray assay distinguishedY. pestisandB. anthracisfrom the other bacterial species tested and correctly identified theY. pestis-specific oligonucleotide probes using DNA extracted from experimentally inoculated milk samples. Using a whole genome amplification method, the assay was able to detect as low as 1 ng genomic DNA as the start sample. The results suggest that oligonucleotide microarray can specifically detect and identifyY. pestisandB. anthracisand may be a potentially useful diagnostic tool for detecting and confirming the organisms in food during a bioterrorism event.
Multidisciplinary Service Utilization Pattern by Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Single Institution Study
Authors: Junn Jacqueline C. , Kim Irene A. , Zahurak Marianna L. , Tan Marietta , Fan Katherine Y. , Lake Spencer T. , Zaboli David , Messing Barbara P. , Ulmer Karen , Harrer Karen B. , Gold Dorothy , Ryniak Keri L. , Zinreich Eva S. , Tang Mei , Levine Marshall A. , Blanco Ray G. , Saunders John R. , Califano Joseph A. , Ha Patrick K.
Published: October 2012

Purpose. To analyze the patterns and associations of adjunctive service visits by head and neck cancer patients receiving primary, concurrent chemoradiation therapy.Methods. Retrospective chart review of patients receiving adjunctive support during a uniform chemoradiation regimen for stages III-IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Univariate and multivariate models for each outcome were obtained from simple and multivariate linear regression analyses.Results. Fifty-two consecutive patients were assessed. Female gender, single marital status, and nonprivate insurance were factors associated with an increased number of social work visits. In a multivariate analysis, female gender and marital status were related to increased social work services. Female gender and stage IV disease were significant for increased nursing visits. In a multivariate analysis for nursing visits, living greater than 20 miles between home and hospital was a negative predictive factor.Conclusion. Treatment of advanced stage head and neck cancer with concurrent chemoradiation warrants a multidisciplinary approach. Female gender, single marital status, and stage IV disease were correlated with increased utilization of social work and nursing services. Distance over 20 miles from the center was a negative factor. This information may help guide the treatment team to allocate resources for the comprehensive care of patients.
Yoga & Cancer Interventions: A Review of the Clinical Significance of Patient Reported Outcomes for Cancer Survivors
Authors: Culos-Reed S. Nicole , Mackenzie Michael J. , Sohl Stephanie J. , Jesse Michelle T. , Zahavich Ashley N. Ross , Danhauer Suzanne C.
Published: October 2012

Limited research suggests yoga may be a viable gentle physical activity option with a variety of health-related quality of life, psychosocial and symptom management benefits. The purpose of this review was to determine the clinical significance of patient-reported outcomes from yoga interventions conducted with cancer survivors. A total of 25 published yoga intervention studies for cancer survivors from 2004–2011 had patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life, psychosocial or symptom measures. Thirteen of these studies met the necessary criteria to assess clinical significance. Clinical significance for each of the outcomes of interest was examined based on 1 standard error of the measurement, 0.5 standard deviation, and relative comparative effect sizes and their respective confidence intervals. This review describes in detail these patient-reported outcomes, how they were obtained, their relative clinical significance and implications for both clinical and research settings. Overall, clinically significant changes in patient-reported outcomes suggest that yoga interventions hold promise for improving cancer survivors' well-being. This research overview provides new directions for examining how clinical significance can provide a unique context for describing changes in patient-reported outcomes from yoga interventions. Researchers are encouraged to employ indices of clinical significance in the interpretation and discussion of results from yoga studies.
Multiscale Acceleration-Dynamic Strain-Impedance Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Ho Duc-Duy , Nguyen Khac-Duy , Yoon Han-Sam , Kim Jeong-Tae
Published: October 2012

A multiscale wireless sensor system is designed for vibration- and impedance-based structural health monitoring. In order to achieve the objective, the following approaches are implemented. Firstly, smart sensor nodes for vibration and impedance monitoring are designed. In the design, Imote2 platform which has high performance microcontroller, large amount of memory, and flexible radio communication is implemented to acceleration and impedance sensor nodes. Acceleration sensor node is modified to measure PZT's dynamic strain along with acceleration. A solar-power harvesting unit is implemented for power supply to the sensor system. Secondly, operation logics of the multi-scale sensor nodes are programmed based on the concept of the decentralized sensor network. Finally, the performance of the multi-scale sensor system is evaluated on a lab-scale beam to examine the long-term monitoring capacities under various weather conditions.