bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complicated Sporadic Cardiac Myxomas: A Second Recurrence and Myxomatous Cerebral Aneurysms in One Patient
Authors: Iskandar Mazen E. , Dimitrova Kamellia , Geller Charles M. , Hoffman Darryl M. , Tranbaugh Robert F.
Published: December 2013

A second recurrence of an excised nonfamilial cardiac myxoma is rare. Myxomatous cerebral aneurysms as a complication of cardiac myxomas are equally rare. A unique case of a patient with a total of 4 myxomas over a 20-year interval is presented. Her most recent presentation was a second recurrence of a left atrial myxoma, a de novo right atrial myxoma, and multiple cerebral myxomatous aneurysms. The challenging reconstruction of the normal anatomy was achieved with the use of porcine extracellular matrix patches. A diagnostic cerebral angiogram was later performed, and the aneurysms will be monitored for growth and possible intervention.
Solvation Effects on the Static and Dynamic First‐Order Electronic and Vibrational Hyperpolarizabilities of Uracil: A Polarized Continuum Model Investigation
Authors: Alparone Andrea
Published: December 2013

Electronic (βe) and vibrational (βv) first‐order hyperpolarizabilities of uracil were determined in gas and water solution using the Coulomb‐attenuating Density Functional Theory level with the Dunning’s correlation‐consistent aug‐cc‐pVDZ basis set. Frequency‐dependent βe values were computed for the Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) and Electric Optical Pockels Effect (EOPE) nonlinear optical phenomena. The Polarized Continuum Model was employed to study the solvent effects on the electronic and vibrational properties. The introduction of solvation contributions increases the βe(static) value by ca. 110%. In comparison, smaller enhancements are found for the βe(EOPE) and βe(SHG) data evaluated at the typical wavelength of 694 nm (by 40–50%). The gas‐water hyperpolarizability difference was rationalised through a density analysis study. The magnitudes of the vibrational first‐order hyperpolarizabilities are comparable to their electronic counterparts and noticeably increase in solution: βv(EOPE) ~ βe(EOPE) in aqueous phase at λ = 694 nm. Analysis of the IR and Raman spectra is useful to elucidate the most important contributing modes to the vibrational first‐order hyperpolarizabilities.
A Novel Self-Adaptive Harmony Search Algorithm
Authors: Luo Kaiping
Published: December 2013

The harmony search algorithm is a music-inspired optimization technology and has been successfully applied to diverse scientific and engineering problems. However, like other metaheuristic algorithms, it still faces two difficulties: parameter setting and finding the optimal balance between diversity and intensity in searching. This paper proposes a novel, self-adaptive search mechanism for optimization problems with continuous variables. This new variant can automatically configure the evolutionary parameters in accordance with problem characteristics, such as the scale and the boundaries, and dynamically select evolutionary strategies in accordance with its search performance. The new variant simplifies the parameter setting and efficiently solves all types of optimization problems with continuous variables. Statistical test results show that this variant is considerably robust and outperforms the original harmony search (HS), improved harmony search (IHS), and other self-adaptive variants for large-scale optimization problems and constrained problems.
Two Ellipsoidal Inhomogeneous Inclusions in Dissimilar Media by the Modified Equivalent Inclusion Method
Authors: Hwan Yaw Chia , Lai Jia Huan , Ming Liu
Published: December 2013

The elastic stress field for multiple ellipsoidal inhomogeneous inclusions in one of two perfectly bonded semi-infinite solids subjected to external stress is investigated by the modified equivalent inclusion method. Using the general solution for the inhomogeneous inclusion in bimaterial expressed in terms of Garlekin stress vectors, the potential functions necessary to solve the problem are obtained. The elastic field induced by multiple inclusions in dissimilar media could be found from the superposition of the separate solutions of individual precipitate. The effects of the planner interface with parameters of depth from the interface and both pairs of elastic moduli and also shapes of the inclusion on the solution are given as numerical example, which is of great significance in physical applications.
A Novel Machine Learning Strategy Based on Two-Dimensional Numerical Models in Financial Engineering
Authors: Xu Qingzhen
Published: December 2013

Machine learning is the most commonly used technique to address larger and more complex tasks by analyzing the most relevant information already present in databases. In order to better predict the future trend of the index, this paper proposes a two-dimensional numerical model for machine learning to simulate major U.S. stock market index and uses a nonlinear implicit finite-difference method to find numerical solutions of the two-dimensional simulation model. The proposed machine learning method uses partial differential equations to predict the stock market and can be extensively used to accelerate large-scale data processing on the history database. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm reduces the prediction error and improves forecasting precision.
Prediction of Substrate-Enzyme-Product Interaction Based on Molecular Descriptors and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Niu Bing , Huang Guohua , Zheng Linfeng , Wang Xueyuan , Chen Fuxue , Zhang Yuhui , Huang Tao
Published: December 2013

It is important to correctly and efficiently predict the interaction of substrate-enzyme and to predict their product in metabolic pathway. In this work, a novel approach was introduced to encode substrate/product and enzyme molecules with molecular descriptors and physicochemical properties, respectively. Based on this encoding method, KNN was adopted to build the substrate-enzyme-product interaction network. After selecting the optimal features that are able to represent the main factors of substrate-enzyme-product interaction in our prediction, totally 160 features out of 290 features were attained which can be clustered into ten categories: elemental analysis, geometry, chemistry, amino acid composition, predicted secondary structure, hydrophobicity, polarizability, solvent accessibility, normalized van der Waals volume, and polarity. As a result, our predicting model achieved an MCC of 0.423 and an overall prediction accuracy of 89.1% for 10-fold cross-validation test.
Chemotherapy-Induced Regression of an Adrenocorticotropin-Secreting Pituitary Carcinoma Accompanied by Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency
Authors: Cornell Robert Frank , Kelly Daniel F. , Bordo Gal , Carroll Ty B. , Duong Huy T. , Kim Julie , Takasumi Yuki , Thomas James P. , Wong Yee Lan , Findling James W.
Published: December 2013

Purpose. Adrenocorticotropin- (ACTH-) secreting pituitary carcinomas are rare and require multimodality treatment. The aim of this study was to report the response to various therapies and discuss the potential development of secondary adrenal insufficiency with cytotoxic chemotherapy.Methods. This report describes a man with a large silent corticotroph adenoma progressing to endogenous hypercortisolism and metastatic ACTH-secreting pituitary carcinoma over a period of 14 years.Results. Seven years after initial presentation, progressive tumor enlargement associated with the development of hypercortisolism mandated multiple pituitary tumor debulking procedures and radiotherapy. Testing of the Ki-67 proliferation index was markedly high and he developed a hepatic metastasis. Combination therapy with cisplatin and etoposide resulted in a substantial reduction in tumor size, near-complete regression of his liver metastasis, and dramatic decrease in ACTH secretion. This unexpectedly resulted in symptomatic secondary adrenal insufficiency.Conclusions. This is the first reported case of secondary adrenal insufficiency after use of cytotoxic chemotherapy for metastatic ACTH-secreting pituitary carcinoma. High proliferative indices may be predictive of dramatic responses to chemotherapy. Given the potential for such responses, the development of secondary adrenal insufficiency may occur and patients should be monitored accordingly.
Electrochemical Studies of Betti Base and Its Copper(II) Complex by Cyclic and Elimination Voltammetry
Authors: Bhatt Shardul , Trivedi Bhavna
Published: December 2013

The electrochemical behavior of Betti base 1-(α-amino benzyl)-2-naphthol (BB) and its copper(II) complex by cyclic and elimination voltammetry (EVLS) is reported in the present study. The cyclic voltammetric studies carried out at a glassy carbon working electrode, Ag/Ag+reference electrode (0.01 M AgNO3in acetonitrile) in DCM at 100 mV/sec, 200 mV/sec, and 400 mV/sec scan rates indicated a preceding chemical oxidation of the adsorbed BB species to form an iminium ion followed by formation of a carbanion via two-step quasireversible reduction. The suggested reaction mechanism has been supported by the elimination voltammetry. The CV and EVLS studies revealed Cu(II)BB complex to undergo a chemical or a surface reaction before electron transfer from the electrode at −0.49 V to form Cu(I)BB species. The oxidation of Cu(I)BB species has been observed to be CV silent.
Modeling and Parameter Analysis of the OC3-Hywind Floating Wind Turbine with a Tuned Mass Damper in Nacelle
Authors: Si Yulin , Karimi Hamid Reza , Gao Huijun
Published: December 2013

Floating wind turbine will suffer from more fatigue and ultimate loads compared with fixed-bottom installation due to its floating foundation, while structural control offers a possible solution for direct load reduction. This paper deals with the modelling and parameter tuning of a spar-type floating wind turbine with a tuned mass damper (TMD) installed in nacelle. First of all, a mathematical model for the platform surge-heave-pitch motion and TMD-nacelle interaction is established based on D’Alembert’s principle. Both intrinsic dynamics and external hydro and mooring effects are captured in the model, while tower flexibility is also featured. Then, different parameter tuning methods are adopted to determine the TMD parameters for effective load reduction. Finally, fully coupled nonlinear wind turbine simulations with different designs are conducted in different wind and wave conditions. The results demonstrate that the design of TMD with small spring and damping coefficients will achieve much load reduction in the above rated condition. However, it will deteriorate system performance when the turbine is working in the below rated or parked situations. In contrast, the design with large spring and damping constants will produce moderate load reduction in all working conditions.
Antibiotic Resistance ofSalmonellaspp. Isolated from Shrimp Farming Freshwater Environment in Northeast Region of Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Fátima C. T. , Sousa Oscarina V. , Carvalho Edirsana M. R. , Hofer Ernesto , Vieira Regine H. S. F.
Published: December 2013

This study investigated the presence and antibiotic resistance ofSalmonellaspp. in a shrimp farming environment in Northeast Region of Brazil. Samples of water and sediments from two farms rearing freshwater-acclimatedLitopenaeus vannameiwere examined for the presence ofSalmonella. Afterwards,Salmonellaisolates were serotyped, the antimicrobial resistance was determined by a disk diffusion method, and the plasmid curing was performed for resistant isolates. A total of 30 (16.12%) of the 186 isolates were confirmed to beSalmonellaspp., belonging to five serovars:S. serovar Saintpaul,S. serovar Infantis,S. serovar Panama,S. serovar Madelia, andS. serovar Braenderup, along with 2 subspecies:S. entericaserovar houtenae andS. entericaserovar enterica. About twenty-three percent of the isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and twenty percent were resistant to at least two antibiotics. Three strains isolated from water samples (pond and inlet canal) exhibited multiresistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and nitrofurantoin. One of them had a plasmid with genes conferring resistance to nitrofurantoin and ampicillin. The incidence of bacteria pathogenic to humans in a shrimp farming environment, as well as their drug-resistance pattern revealed in this study, emphasizes the need for a more rigorous attention to this area.
Nitrogen Release in Pristine and Drained Peat Profiles in Response to Water Table Fluctuations: A Mesocosm Experiment
Authors: Laine Merjo P. P. , Strömmer Rauni , Arvola Lauri
Published: December 2013

In the northern hemisphere, variability in hydrological conditions was suggested to increase as a consequence of climate warming, which may result in longer droughts than the area has experienced before. Due to their predominately anoxic conditions, peatlands are expected to respond to changes in hydrological conditions, such as successive drying and rewetting periods. As peatlands are rich in organic matter, any major changes in water table may influence the decomposition of it. The hydrological conditions may also influence release of nutrients from peat profiles as well as affect their transport to downstream ecosystems. In our mesocosm experiment, artificial water table fluctuations in pristine peat profiles caused an increase in dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and ammonium(NH4+-N)concentrations, while no response was found in drained peat profiles, although originating from the same peatland complex.
Community Based Assessment of Biochemical Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases in Rural and Tribal Area of Himalayan Region, India
Authors: Bhardwaj Ashok Kumar , Kumar Dinesh , Raina Sunil Kumar , Bansal Pradeep , Bhushan Satya , Chander Vishav
Published: December 2013

Context. Evident change in nutrition and lifestyle among individuals of urban and rural areas raises suspicion for similar change in tribal area population of India.Aim. To study the biochemical risk factor for CVDs in rural and tribal population of Sub-Himalayan state of India.Settings and Design. Cross-sectional study in rural (low altitude) and tribal (high altitude) area of Himachal Pradesh, India.Methodology. Blood lipid profile using standard laboratory methods.Statistical Analysis. Chi-square test and multiple linear regression analysis.Results. Total of 900 individuals were studied in both areas. As per Asian criteria, obesity (BMI 27.5–30.0 kg/m2) was observed to be significantly high (P=0.00) as 13.7% in tribal area as compared to 5.5% in rural area. Normal level of TC (<200 mg/dL) and LDL (<130 mg/dL) was observed in the majority of the population of both areas, whereas, at risk level of HDL (<40 mg/dL) was present in half of the population of both rural and tribal areas. The prevalence of borderline to high level of TGs was observed to be 60.2% and 55.2% in rural and tribal (P=0.10) area, respectively.Conclusion. Prevalent abnormal lipid profile in tribal area demands establishment of an effective surveillance system for development of chronic diseases.
A Difference-Index Based Ranking Bilinear Programming Approach to Solving Bimatrix Games with Payoffs of Trapezoidal Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Li Deng-Feng , Yang Jie
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to develop a bilinear programming method for solving bimatrix games in which the payoffs are expressed with trapezoidal intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TrIFNs), which are called TrIFN bimatrix games for short. In this method, we define the value index and ambiguity index for a TrIFN and propose a new order relation of TrIFNs based on the difference index of value index to ambiguity index, which is proven to be a total order relation. Hereby, we introduce the concepts of solutions of TrIFN bimatrix games and parametric bimatrix games. It is proven that any TrIFN bimatrix game has at least one satisfying Nash equilibrium solution, which is equivalent to the Nash equilibrium solution of corresponding parametric bimatrix game. The latter can be obtained through solving the auxiliary parametric bilinear programming model. The method proposed in this paper is demonstrated with a real example of the commerce retailers’ strategy choice problem.
Genetic Algorithm for Biobjective Urban Transit Routing Problem
Authors: Chew J. S. C. , Lee L. S. , Seow H. V.
Published: December 2013

This paper considers solving a biobjective urban transit routing problem with a genetic algorithm approach. The objectives are to minimize the passengers’ and operators’ costs where the quality of the route sets is evaluated by a set of parameters. The proposed algorithm employs an adding-node procedure which helps in converting an infeasible solution to a feasible solution. A simple yet effective route crossover operator is proposed by utilizing a set of feasibility criteria to reduce the possibility of producing an infeasible network. The computational results from Mandl’s benchmark problems are compared with other published results in the literature and the computational experiments show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the previous best published results in most cases.
Global Dynamic Behavior of a Multigroup Cholera Model with Indirect Transmission
Authors: Li Ming-Tao , Sun Gui-Quan , Zhang Juan , Jin Zhen
Published: December 2013

For a multigroup cholera model with indirect transmission, the infection for a susceptible person is almost invariably transmitted by drinking contaminated water in which pathogens,V. cholerae, are present. The basic reproduction numberℛ0is identified and global dynamics are completely determined byℛ0. It shows thatℛ0is a globally threshold parameter in the sense that if it is less than one, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable; whereas if it is larger than one, there is a unique endemic equilibrium which is global asymptotically stable. For the proof of global stability with the disease-free equilibrium, we use the comparison principle; and for the endemic equilibrium we use the classical method of Lyapunov function and the graph-theoretic approach.
CMOS: Efficient Clustered Data Monitoring in Sensor Networks
Authors: Min Jun-Ki
Published: December 2013

Tiny and smart sensors enable applications that access a network of hundreds or thousands of sensors. Thus, recently, many researchers have paid attention to wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The limitation of energy is critical since most sensors are battery‐powered and it is very difficult to replace batteries in cases that sensor networks are utilized outdoors. Data transmission between sensor nodes needs more energy than computation in a sensor node. In order to reduce the energy consumption of sensors, we present an approximate data gathering technique, called CMOS, based on the Kalman filter. The goal of CMOS is to efficiently obtain the sensor readings within a certain error bound. In our approach, spatially close sensors are grouped as a cluster. Since a cluster header generates approximate readings of member nodes, a user query can be answered efficiently using the cluster headers. In addition, we suggest an energy efficient clustering method to distribute the energy consumption of cluster headers. Our simulation results with synthetic data demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of our proposed technique.
Simultaneous Determination of Prasugrel and Aspirin by Second Order and Ratio First Order Derivative Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry
Authors: Alvi Shahabuddin N. , Patel Mehul N. , Kathiriya Prakash B. , Patel Bhavna A. , Parmar Shraddha J.
Published: December 2013

Two simple, accurate, and precise UV derivative spectrophotometric methods for the simultaneous determination of Prasugrel and Aspirin in synthetic mixture form have been developed. The first method involves measurement of second order derivative spectra of Prasugrel and Aspirin. The zero crossing wavelengths 267.62 nm and 252.40 nm were selected for estimation of Prasugrel and Aspirin, respectively. In the second method, the first order derivatives of ratio spectra were calculated and used for the determination of Prasugrel and Aspirin by measuring the peak intensity at 268 nm and 290 nm, respectively. The methods were validated as per the ICH guideline Q2 (R1). Beer’s law is followed in the range of 5–45 μg/mL for Prasugrel and 25–150 μg/mL for Aspirin by second order derivative method and 6–22 μg/mL for Prasugrel and 45–165 μg/mL for Aspirin by ratio first order derivative method. The recovery studies confirmed the accuracy of the methods. Relative standard deviations for repeatability and inter- and intraday assays were less than 2%. Hence, the described derivative spectrophotometric methods are simple, accurate, precise, and excellent alternatives to sophisticated chromatographic techniques and can be potentially used for the simultaneous determination of Prasugrel and Aspirin in combined dosage form.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Kanagesan S. , Hashim M. , Tamilselvan S. , Alitheen N. B. , Ismail I. , Hajalilou A. , Ahsanul K.
Published: December 2013

In order to study the response of human breast cancer cells' exposure to nanoparticle, iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple low temperature combustion method using Fe(NO3)3·9H2O as raw material. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed that the resultant powders are pureα-Fe2O3. Transmission electron microscopy study revealed the spherical shape of the primary particles, and the size of the iron oxide nanoparticles is in the range of 19 nm. The magnetic hysteresis loops demonstrated that the sample exposed ferromagnetic behaviors with a relatively low coercivity. The cytotoxicity ofα-Fe2O3nanoparticle was also evaluated on human breast cancer cells to address the current deficient knowledge of cellular response to nanoparticle exposure.
Ventricular Habronemiasis in Aviary Passerines
Authors: Niemuth Jennifer N. , Allgood Joni V. , Flowers James R. , De Voe Ryan S. , Troan Brigid V.
Published: December 2013

A variety of Habronematidae parasites (order Spirurida) have been described as occasional parasites of avian species; however, reports on passerines are relatively uncommon. From 2007 to 2008, 11 passerine deaths at The North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro, NC, USA, were associated with ventricular habronemiasis, which was determined to be the cause of death or a major contributing factor in 10 of the 11 individuals. The number and species affected were 5 Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea), 2 Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus), 2 Golden-headed Manakin (Pipra erythrocephala), 1 Blue-grey Tanager (Thraupis episcopus), and 1 Emerald Starling (Coccycolius iris). Affected animals displayed nonspecific clinical signs or were found dead. The ventricular nematodes were consistent in morphology withProcyrneasp. Koilin fragmentation with secondary bacterial and fungal infections was the most frequently observed pathologic lesion. Secondary visceral amyloidosis, attributed to chronic inflammation associated with nematodiasis, was present in 4 individuals. An insect intermediate host is suspected but was not identified. Native passerine species within or around the aviary may be serving as sylvatic hosts.
Kudriasov Type Univalence Criteria for Some Integral Operators
Authors: Pescar Virgil , Breaz Nicoleta
Published: December 2013

We consider some integral operators defined by analytic functions in the open unit disk and derive new univalence criteria for these operators, using Kudriasov condition for a function to be univalent.
Urolastic—A New Bulking Agent for the Treatment of Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence: Outcome of 12 Months Follow Up
Authors: Zajda Janusz , Farag Fawzy
Published: December 2013

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new injectable implant, Urolastic, in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after 12-month followup.Materials and Methods. A prospective, cohort study included adult women with SUI. Patients were treated with Urolastic periurethral injections under local anaesthesia. The injection procedure was repeated after 6 weeks when indicated. Patients were evaluated for efficacy and safety parameters 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after therapy.Results. Twenty women 56 (33–71) years old were included. Thirteen patients (65%) received one injection each (overall average of 2,1 mL); 7 patients (35%) received a second injection. Nineteen patients complete the 12-month followup. The mean Stamey incontinence grade significantly decreased from 1.9 at baseline to 0.4 at 12 months (visit IV) (P<0.001). None of the patients were dry at baseline; 68% of them were dry at 12 months. The mean number of incontinence episodes significantly decreased from 6/day at baseline to 1.6/day at visit IV (P<0.001). Reduction in pad weight went from 20.2 to 7.8 g at one year. The mean I-QoL score significantly increased from 51 at baseline to 76 at visit IV (P<0.001). Six patients (30%) developed minor complications related to the injection procedure.Conclusions.Urolastic is effective and long-standing urethral bulking agent with moderate adverse events.
Lung Adenocarcinoma in a Patient with Plasmacytoma
Authors: Hiasa Atsunori , Nakase Kazunori , Fukutome Kazuo , Nomura Hideki , Ueno Setsuko , Mizuno Toshiro , Katayama Naoyuki , Takeuchi Toshiaki
Published: December 2013

An increased risk of second malignancy is well recognized in patients treated for plasma cell neoplasms. However, second solid tumor is very rare in such patients. We report a case of a 68-year-old woman with plasmacytoma who developed lung adenocarcinoma.
Tensor Product Model Transformation Based Adaptive Integral‐Sliding Mode Controller: Equivalent Control Method
Authors: Zhao Guoliang , Sun Kaibiao , Li Hongxing
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes new methodologies for the design of adaptive integral‐sliding mode control. A tensor product model transformation based adaptive integral‐sliding mode control law with respect to uncertainties and perturbations is studied, while upper bounds on the perturbations and uncertainties are assumed to be unknown. The advantage of proposed controllers consists in having a dynamical adaptive control gain to establish a sliding mode right at the beginning of the process. Gain dynamics ensure a reasonable adaptive gain with respect to the uncertainties. Finally, efficacy of the proposed controller is verified by simulations on an uncertain nonlinear system model.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Acute Mountain Sickness: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Jie , Xiong Xingjiang , Xing Yanwei , Liu Zhen , Jiang Wenrui , Huang Junyi , Feng Bo
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We aimed to assess the current clinical evidence of Chinese herbal medicine for AMS.Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched until January 2013. We included randomized clinical trials testing Chinese herbal medicine against placebo, no drugs, Western drugs, or a combination of routine treatment drugs against routine treatment drugs. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were conducted according to Cochrane standards.Results. Nine randomized trials were included. The methodological quality of the included trials was evaluated as low. Two trials compared prescriptions of Chinese formula used alone with Western drugs. A meta-analysis showed a beneficial effect in decreasing the score of AMS (MD: −2.23 [−3.98, −0.49],P=0.01). Only one trial compared prescriptions of Chinese formula used alone with no drugs. A meta-analysis showed a significant beneficial effect in decreasing the score of AMS (MD: −6.00 [−6.45, −5.55],P<0.00001). Four trials compared Chinese formula used alone with placebo. A meta-analysis also showed a significant beneficial effect in decreasing the score of AMS (MD: −1.10 [−1.64, −0.55],P<0.0001). Two trials compared the combination of Chinese formula plus routine treatment drugs with routine treatment drugs. A meta-analysis showed a beneficial effect in decreasing the score of AMS (MD: −5.99 [−11.11, −0.86],P=0.02).Conclusions. No firm conclusion on the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for AMS can be made. More rigorous high-quality trials are required to generate a high level of evidence and to confirm the results.
Primary Breast Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Amaadour L. , Benbrahim Z. , Moumna K. , Boudahna L. , Amarti A. , Arifi S. , Mellas N. , El Mesbahi O.
Published: December 2013

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast is an extremely rare neoplasm. Only few cases have been reported in the literature. We report here a case of breast leiomyosarcoma in a 44-years-old female and we discuss the data of the existing literature.
Burn Injuries Resulting from Hot Water Bottle Use: A Retrospective Review of Cases Presenting to a Regional Burns Unit in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jabir Shehab , Frew Quentin , El-Muttardi Naguib , Dziewulski Peter
Published: December 2013

Introduction. Hot water bottles are commonly used to relieve pain and for warmth during the colder months of the year. However, they pose a risk of serious burn injuries. The aim of this study is to retrospectively review all burn injuries caused by hot water bottles presenting to our regional burns unit. Methods. Patients with burns injuries resulting from hot water bottle use were identified from our burns database between the periods of January 2004 and March 2013 and their cases notes reviewed retrospectively. Results. Identified cases involved 39 children (aged 17 years or younger) and 46 adults (aged 18 years or older). The majority of burns were scald injuries. The mean %TBSA was 3.07% (SD ± 3.40). Seven patients (8.24%) required debridement and skin grafting while 3 (3.60%) required debridement and application of Biobrane. One patient (1.18%) required local flap reconstruction. Spontaneous rupture accounted for 48.20% of injuries while accidental spilling and contact accounted for 33% and 18.80% of injuries, respectively. The mean time to heal was 28.87 days (SD ± 21.60). Conclusions. This study highlights the typical distribution of hot water bottle burns and the high rate of spontaneous rupture of hot water bottles, which have the potential for significant burn injuries.
Electrochemical Sandwich Immunoassay for the Ultrasensitive Detection of Human MUC1 Cancer Biomarker
Authors: Taleat Zahra , Cristea Cecilia , Marrazza Giovanna , Săndulescu Robert
Published: December 2013

A new electrochemical sandwich immunoassay for the ultrasensitive detection of human MUC1 cancer biomarker using protein G-functionalized magnetic beads (MBs) and graphite-based screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) was developed. Magnetic beads were employed as the platforms for the immobilization and immunoreaction process. A pair of primary and secondary antibodies was used to capture the MUC1 protein. After labeling with a third antibody conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), the resulting conjugate was trapped at the surface of the graphite-based SPEs and MUC1 determination was carried out by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) at 0.4 V upon H2O2addition using acetaminophen (APAP) as the redox mediator. A linear relationship was obtained for the detection of human MUC1 over a range of 0–25 ppb with the lowest detection limit of 1.34 ppb when HRP was applied as a label. Preliminary experiments were performed using disposable electrochemical sensors in order to optimize some parameters (i.e., incubation times, concentrations, and blocking agent).
Immunotherapy of Neuromyelitis Optica
Authors: Bienia Benjamin , Balabanov Roumen
Published: December 2013

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects the optic nerves and spinal cord resulting in visual impairment and myelopathy. There is a growing body of evidence that immunotherapeutic agents targeting T and B cell functions, as well as active elimination of proinflammatory molecules from the peripheral blood circulation, can attenuate disease progression. In this review, we discuss the immunotherapeutic options and the treatment strategies in NMO. We also analyze the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease in order to provide recommendations regarding treatments.
Estimation Trajectory of the Low-Frequency Floating Car Considering the Traffic Control
Authors: Wang Zhijian , Li Min , Wang Li , Liu Xiaoming
Published: December 2013

Floating car equipped with GPS to detect traffic flow has been widely used in ITS research and applications. The trajectory estimation is the most critical and complex part in the floating vehicle information processing system. However, the trajectory estimation would be more difficult when using the low-frequency data sampling because of the high communication cost and the numerous data. Specifically, the ordinary algorithm cannot determine the specific vehicle paths with two anchor points across multiple intersections. Considering the accuracy in map matching, this paper used a delay matching algorithm and studied the trajectory estimation algorithm focusing on the issue of existence of a small road network between two anchor points. A method considering the three multiobjective factors of signal control and driving distance and number of intersections was developed. Firstly, an optimal solution set was acquired according to multiobjective decision theory and Pareto optimal principles in game theory. Then, the optimal solution set was evaluated synthetically based on the fuzzy set theory. Finally, the candidate trajectory which is the core evaluation factor was identified as the best possible travel path. The algorithm was validated by using the real traffic data in Wangjing area of Beijing. The results showed that the algorithm can get a better trajectory estimation and provide more traffic information to traffic management department.
Drug Utilization Study in Ophthalmology Outpatients at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Jadhav Pradeep R. , Moghe Vijay V. , Deshmukh Yeshwant A.
Published: December 2013

In view of the advancement in drug development and availability of new ocular therapeutics in the discipline of ophthalmology, we attempted to study the drug utilization and describe the prescribing practices of ophthalmologists in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Method. A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on patients attending Outpatient Department of Ophthalmology for curative complaints. Prescriptions of 600 patients treated were analyzed by the WHO prescribing indicators and additional indices.
Results. Analysis showed that the average number of drugs per prescription was 1.49. Percentage of drugs prescribed by generic name was 2.35%. Percentage of encounters with antibiotics was 44.83%. Percentage of drugs prescribed from National Essential drug list (NEDL)/National Formulary of India (NFI) was 19.48%. Patient's knowledge of correct dosage was 93.83%. Antimicrobial agents were the most commonly prescribed drugs followed by antiallergy drugs and ocular lubricants. Fluoroquinolones accounted for 60% of the total antimicrobial drugs, of which gatifloxacin was the most frequently prescribed fluoroquinolone. Conclusion. The study indicated an awareness of polypharmacy, but showed ample scope for improvement in encouraging the ophthalmologists to prescribe by generic name and selection of essential drugs from NEDL/NFI.
Assessing the Continuous Impact of Tributyltin from Antifouling Paints in a Brazilian Mangrove Area Using Intersex in Littoraria angulifera (Lamarck, 1822) as Biomarker
Authors: Costa M. B. , Zamprogno G. C. , Pedruzzi F. C. , Dalbem G. B. , Tognella M. M. P.
Published: December 2013

Intersex is a sensitive biomarker of TBT exposure and effects in littorinid gastropods and described for the mangrove periwinkle Littoraria angulifera for the first time in this study. The objective was to describe the occurrence of intersex in L. angulifera, to propose the species as a sentinel organism to assess TBT contamination, and to characterize the contamination in mangroves. The study was carried out in 2009 by sampling at 20 stations near harbors and marinas and at a reference station on the coast of Espírito Santo Estate, Brazil. At the reference station, no intersex specimens were found, while at 20 sampling stations 51% of the females exhibited different degrees of intersex development, including the occurrence of functionally sterilized females. The highest incidence of intersex and greatest intersex intensities was found in areas close to marinas and shipyards indicating that vessel-related activities are still the main source of TBT contamination. L. angulifera collected from stations in areas with well-preserved mangroves was larger than specimens collected from other areas. These differences are attributed to environmental quality and not to occurrence of intersex. The results indicate that this region is still affected by TBT contamination and that L. angulifera has the required sensitivity to be used as a bioindicator.
Immunohistochemical Patterns in the Interfollicular Caucasian Scalps: Influences of Age, Gender, and Alopecia
Authors: Piérard-Franchimont Claudine , Loussouarn Geneviève , Panhard Ségolène , Saint Léger Didier , Mellul Myriam , Piérard Gérald E.
Published: December 2013

Skin ageing and gender influences on the scalp have been seldom studied. We revisited the changes in the interfollicular scalp. The study was performed on a population of 650 volunteers (300 women and 350 men) for over 7 years. Three age groups were selected in both genders, namely, subjects aged 20–35, 50–60, and 60–70 years. The hair status was further considered according to nonalopecic and alopecic patterns and severity (discrete, moderate, and severe). Biopsies from the parietal area were processed for immunohistochemistry. Stromal cells were distinguished according to the presence of vimentin, Factor XIIIa, CD117, and versican. Blood and lymphatic vessels were highlighted by Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1 and human podoplanin immunoreactivities, respectively. Actinic elastosis was identified by the lysozyme coating of elastic fibres. The epidermis was explored using the CD44 variant 3 and Ki67 immunolabellings. Biplot analyses were performed. Immunohistochemistry revealed a prominent gender effect in young adults. Both Factor XIIIa+ dermal dendrocytes and the microvasculature size decreased with scalp ageing. Alopecia changes mimicked stress-induced premature senescence.
Power Quality Control and Design of Power Converter for Variable‐Speed Wind Energy Conversion System with Permanent‐Magnet Synchronous Generator
Authors: Oğuz Yüksel , Güney İrfan , Çalık Hüseyin
Published: December 2013

The control strategy and design of an AC/DC/AC IGBT‐PMW power converter for PMSG‐based variable‐speed wind energy conversion systems (VSWECS) operation in grid/load‐connected mode are presented. VSWECS consists of a PMSG connected to a AC‐DC IGBT‐based PWM rectifier and a DC/AC IGBT‐based PWM inverter with LCL filter. In VSWECS, AC/DC/AC power converter is employed to convert the variable frequency variable speed generator output to the fixed frequency fixed voltage grid. The DC/AC power conversion has been managed out using adaptive neurofuzzy controlled inverter located at the output of controlled AC/DC IGBT‐based PWM rectifier. In this study, the dynamic performance and power quality of the proposed power converter connected to the grid/load by output LCL filter is focused on. Dynamic modeling and control of the VSWECS with the proposed power converter is performed by using MATLAB/Simulink. Simulation results show that the output voltage, power, and frequency of VSWECS reach to desirable operation values in a very short time. In addition, when PMSG based VSWECS works continuously with the 4.5 kHz switching frequency, the THD rate of voltage in the load terminal is 0.00672%.
A Novel Optimization-Based Approach for Content-Based Image Retrieval
Authors: Xiao Manyu , Lu Jianghu , Xie Gongnan
Published: December 2013

Content-based image retrieval is nowadays one of the possible and promising solutions to manage image databases effectively. However, with the large number of images, there still exists a great discrepancy between the users’ expectations (accuracy and efficiency) and the real performance in image retrieval. In this work, new optimization strategies are proposed on vocabulary tree building, retrieval, and matching methods. More precisely, a new clustering strategy combining classification and conventionalK-Means method is firstly redefined. Then a new matching technique is built to eliminate the error caused by large-scaled scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT). Additionally, a new unit mechanism is proposed to reduce the cost of indexing time. Finally, the numerical results show that excellent performances are obtained in both accuracy and efficiency based on the proposed improvements for image retrieval.
Diagnostic Concordance Characteristics of Oral Cavity Lesions
Authors: Tatli Ufuk , Erdoğan Özgür , Uğuz Aysun , Üstün Yakup , Sertdemır Yaşar , Damlar İbrahim
Published: December 2013

Purpose. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic concordance characteristics of oral cavity lesions by comparing the clinical diagnosis of the lesions with the histopathologic diagnosis. Material and Method. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the patients, who were admitted with oral cavity pathology and underwent biopsy procedure between 2007 and 2011. The oral cavity lesions were classified into 6 different groups as odontogenic cysts, nonodontogenic cysts, odontogenic tumors, nonodontogenic tumors, malignant tumors, and precancerous lesions in accordance with the 2005 WHO classification. The diagnoses were also recategorized into 3 groups expressing prognostic implications as benign, precancerous, and malignant. The initial clinical diagnoses were compared with the histopathologic diagnoses. Data were analyzed statistically. Results. A total of 2718 cases were included. Histopathologic diagnosis did not match the clinical diagnosis in 6.7% of the cases. Nonodontogenic tumors and malignant tumors had the highest misdiagnosis rates (11.5% and 9%, resp.), followed by odontogenic tumors (7.7%), precancerous lesions (6.9%), and odontogenic cysts (4.4%). Clinicians were excelled in diagnosis of benign and precancerous lesions in clinical setting. Conclusion. The detailed discordance characteristics for each specific lesion should be considered during oral pathology practice to provide early detection without delay.
Primordial Dark Energy from a Condensate of Spinors in a 5D Vacuum
Authors: Sánchez Pablo Alejandro , Bellini Mauricio
Published: December 2013

We explore the possibility that the expansion of the universe can be driven by a condensate of spinors which are free of interactions in a 5D relativistic vacuum defined in an extended de Sitter spacetime which is Riemann flat. The extra coordinate is considered as noncompact. After making a static foliation on the extra coordinate, we obtain an effective 4D (inflationary) de Sitter expansion which describes an inflationary universe. We found that the condensate of spinors studied here could be an interesting candidate to explain the presence of dark energy in the early universe. The dark energy density which we are talking about is poured into smaller subhorizon scales with the evolution of the inflationary expansion.
A Coverage Hole Healing Strategy with Awareness of Data Delivery Time in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lin Fu-Tian , Sung Tien-Wen , Yang Chu-Sing
Published: December 2013

An efficient wireless sensor network (WSN) should maintain full sensing coverage and topology connectivity within its sensing field. Once holes occur due to failed sensors, the functionality and performance of the WSN will be affected. In this work, the proposed hole healing strategy aims to shorten the delivery hop count by a dynamic hole healing process in order to improve the data delivery time while maintaining the coverage ratio and topology connectivity. The criteria used to determine which hole should have the highest priority for healing in the next round include the weighted distance, angle magnitude, and depth of the hole. This study proposes a mobile robot, operating within the WSN, which carries redundant sensors to patch the holes by an optimum healing path. This path is determined based on the proposed EDPS (equally divided path selection) algorithm. Simulation results show the superiority of the proposed hole healing scheme over other general methods.
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography in the Diagnosis of Haemobilia
Authors: Casazza Ines , Guglietta Mara Angela , Argento Giuseppe
Published: December 2013

Haemobilia is a rare cause of unrecognized gastrointestinal bleeding and is hard to diagnose. Through the present case report we aim to corroborate magnetic resonance relevance in the evaluation of biliary system and bile features, investigating on its role in patients with acute biliary diseases. We report a case of a Caucasian 48-year-old man who was admitted due to abdominal pain and fever. After an ultrasonography exam we detected multiple cysts in the hepatic left lobe: imaging features, laboratory findings, and patient past work experience (woodcutter) suggested a diagnosis of hepatic Echinococcosis. Once surgery decision was taken, patient underwent an intervention of cystopericystectomy. On the 8th postoperative day, the procedure was complicated by black stool, jaundice, and severe anaemia. Acomputed tomography revealed an inhomogeneous collection with some air bubbles in the area of previous surgical intervention, but it was not able to solve the diagnosis question. At this stage a magnetic resonance study was mandatory. On T2-weighted images we observed an expanse gallbladder with hypointense intraluminal material and a considerable intrahepatic biliary system dilatation due to bloody material. On the basis of these examination results, we supposed haemobilia arising from previous surgical intervention. A therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedure led to decompression of biliary system through a major papilla sphincterotomy with spillage of bile mixed with blood clots.
Symptomatic Pneumocephalus Associated with Lumbar Dural Tear and Reverse Trendelenburg Positioning: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pirris Stephen M. , Nottmeier Eric W.
Published: December 2013

Symptomatic pneumocephalus is a rare complication of degenerative lumbar spine surgery. This is a case report of a patient who developed transient diplopia associated with pneumocephalus following lumbar spine surgery complicated by a dural tear. The diplopia improved as the pneumocephalus resolved. Factors involved in the development of pneumocephalus include an unintended durotomy and intraoperative reverse Trendelenburg positioning that was utilized to decrease the risk of postoperative vision loss. When encountering cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage intraoperatively, spine surgeons should level the operating table until closure of the dural defect to prevent potential complications associated with pneumocephalus. If postoperative patients complain of severe headaches or display a focal cranial neurologic deficit, then a computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain should be ordered and evaluated. Consulting neurologists should be aware of the circumstances surrounding this rare complication.