bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Serial Qualitative and Quantitative Assessments of Caval Index and Left Ventricular Systolic Function During Early Fluid Resuscitation of Hypotensive Emergency Department Patients
Authors: Weekes Anthony J. , Tassone Heather M. , Babcock Alan , Quirke Dale P. , Norton H. James , Jayarama Krishnaraj , Tayal Vivek S.
Published: September 2011

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:912–921 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The objective was to determine whether serial bedside visual estimates of left ventricular systolic function (LVF) and respiratory variation of the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter would agree with quantitative measurements of LVF and caval index in hypotensive emergency department (ED) patients during fluid challenges. The authors hypothesized that there would be moderate inter‐rater agreement on the visual estimates.

Methods:  This prospective observational study was performed at an urban, regional ED. Patients were eligible for enrollment if they were hypotensive in the ED as defined by a systolic blood pressure (sBP) of <100 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure of ≤65 mm Hg, exhibited signs or symptoms of shock, and the treating physician intended to administer intravenous (IV) fluid boluses for resuscitation. Sonologists performed a sequence of echocardiographic assessments at the beginning, during, and toward the end of fluid challenge. Both caval index and LVF were determined by the sonologist in qualitative then quantitative manners. Deidentified digital video clips of two‐dimensional IVC and LVF assessments were later presented, in random order, to an ultrasound (US) fellowship–trained emergency physician using a standardized rating system for review. Statistical analysis included both descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.

Results:  Twenty‐four patients were enrolled and yielded 72 caval index and LVF videos that were scored at the bedside prior to any measurements and then reviewed later. Visual estimates of caval index compared to measured caval index yielded a correlation of 0.81 (p < 0.0001). Visual estimates of LVF compared to fractional shortening yielded a correlation of 0.84 (p < 0.0001). Inter‐rater agreement of respiratory variation of IVC diameter and LVF scores had simple kappa values of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56 to 0.85) and 0.46 (95% CI = 0.29 to 0.63), respectively. Significant differences in mean values between time 0 and time 2 were found for caval index measurements, the visual scores of IVC diameter variation, and both maximum and minimum IVC diameters.

Conclusions:  This study showed that serial visual estimations of the respiratory variation of IVC diameter and LVF agreed with bedside measurements of caval index and LVF during early fluid challenges to symptomatic hypotensive ED patients. There was moderate inter‐rater agreement in both visual estimates. In addition, acute volume loading was associated with detectable acute changes in IVC measurements.
Meeting report: Current cancer perspectives from the 9th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology
Authors: Nurwidya Fariz , Takahashi Fumiyuki , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: September 2011

The purposes of Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO) are to provide a scientific forum among scientists and oncologist, and to bridge research findings from the molecular to clinical application. Cancer treatments can immediately benefit from all areas of oncology: the discovery and clinical application of biomarkers; development of more personalized anticancer therapy including molecular targeted agents; recent findings from clinical trials; and strategies for overcoming drug resistance. International sessions at the 9th Annual Meeting of the JSMO, held in Yokohama, Japan from July 21 to 23, 2011 addressed these issues. The meeting also held a joint symposium with the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Due to space constraints this report will highlight only topics related to thoracic cancer, including controversies in the treatment of advanced cancer, thoracic‐related cancer, such as lung cancer and esophageal carcinoma, and biomarkers.
Characterization of a Feedback-Resistant Mevalonate Kinase from the Archaeon Methanosarcina mazei
Authors: Primak Yuliya A. , Du Mai , Miller Michael C. , Wells Derek H. , Nielsen Alex T. , Weyler Walter , Beck Zachary Q.
Published: September 2011

The mevalonate pathway is utilized for the biosynthesis of isoprenoids in many bacterial, eukaryotic, and archaeal organisms. Based on previous reports of its feedback inhibition, mevalonate kinase (MVK) may play an important regulatory role in the biosynthesis of mevalonate pathway-derived compounds. Here we report the purification, kinetic characterization, and inhibition analysis of the MVK from the archaeon
Methanosarcina mazei
. The inhibition of the
M. mazei
MVK by the following metabolites derived from the mevalonate pathway was explored: dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP), farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), isopentenyl monophosphate (IP), and diphosphomevalonate.
M. mazei
MVK was not inhibited by DMAPP, GPP, FPP, diphosphomevalonate, or IP, a proposed intermediate in an alternative isoprenoid pathway present in archaea. Our findings suggest that the
M. mazei
MVK represents a distinct class of mevalonate kinases that can be differentiated from previously characterized MVKs based on its inhibition profile.
Posttranslocation Chaperone PrsA2 Regulates the Maturation and Secretion of Listeria monocytogenes Proprotein Virulence Factors
Authors: Forster Brian M. , Zemansky Jason , Portnoy Daniel A. , Marquis Hélène
Published: September 2011

PrsA2 is a conserved posttranslocation chaperone and a peptidyl prolylcis-transisomerase (PPIase) that contributes to the virulence of the Gram-positive intracellular pathogenListeria monocytogenes. One of the phenotypes associated with aprsA2mutant is decreased activity of the broad-range phospholipase C (PC-PLC). PC-PLC is made as a proenzyme whose maturation is mediated by a metalloprotease (Mpl). The proforms of PC-PLC and Mpl accumulate at the membrane-cell wall interface until a decrease in pH triggers their maturation and rapid secretion into the host cell. In this study, we examined the mechanism by which PrsA2 regulates the activity of PC-PLC. We observed that in the absence of PrsA2, the proenzymes are secreted at physiological pH and do not mature upon a decrease in pH. The sensitivity of theprsA2mutant to cell wall hydrolases was modified. However, no apparent changes in cell wall porosity were detected. Interestingly, synthesis of PC-PLC in the absence of its propeptide lead to the secretion of a fully active enzyme in the cytosol of host cells independent of PrsA2, indicating that neither the propeptide of PC-PLC nor PrsA2 is required for native folding of the catalytic domain, although both influence secretion of the enzyme. Taken together, these results suggest that PrsA2 regulates compartmentalization of Mpl and PC-PLC, possibly by influencing cell wall properties and interacting with the PC-PLC propeptide. Moreover, the ability of these proproteins to respond to a decrease in pH during intracellular growth depends on their localization at the membrane-cell wall interface.
Coordinated Regulation by AgrA, SarA, and SarR To Control
agr
Expression in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Reyes Dindo , Andrey Diego O. , Monod Antoinette , Kelley William L. , Zhang Gongyi , Cheung Ambrose L.
Published: September 2011

The
agr
locus of
Staphylococcus aureus
is composed of two divergent transcripts (RNAII and RNAIII) driven by the P2 and P3 promoters. The P2-P3 intergenic region comprises the SarA/SarR binding sites and the four AgrA boxes to which AgrA binds. We reported here the role of AgrA, SarA, and SarR on
agr
P2 and P3 transcription. Using real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and promoter fusion studies with selected single, double, triple, and complemented mutants, we showed that AgrA is indispensable to
agr
P2 and P3 transcription, whereas SarA activates and SarR represses P2 transcription.
In vitro
runoff transcription assays revealed that AgrA alone promoted transcription from the
agr
P2 promoter, with SarA enhancing it and SarR inhibiting
agr
P2 transcription in the presence of AgrA or with SarA and AgrA. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis disclosed that SarR binds more avidly to the
agr
promoter than SarA and displaces SarA from the
agr
promoter. Additionally, SarA and AgrA bend the
agr
P2 promoter, whereas SarR does not. Collectively, these data indicated that AgrA activates
agr
P2 and P3 promoters while SarA activates the P2 promoter, presumably via bending of promoter DNA to bring together AgrA dimers to facilitate engagement of RNA polymerase (RNAP) to initiate transcription.
Redefining Escherichia coli σ
70
Promoter Elements: −15 Motif as a Complement of the −10 Motif
Authors: Djordjevic Marko
Published: September 2011

Classical elements of σ
70
bacterial promoters include the −35 element (
−35
TTGACA
−30
), the −10 element (
−12
TATAAT
−7
), and the extended −10 element (
−15
TG
−14
). Although the −35 element, the extended −10 element, and the upstream-most base in the −10 element (
−12
T) interact with σ
70
in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) form, the downstream bases in the −10 motif (
−11
ATAAT
−7
) are responsible for σ
70
-single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interactions. In order to directly reflect this correspondence, an extension of the extended −10 element to a so-called −15 element (
−15
TGnT
−12
) has been recently proposed. I investigated here the sequence specificity of the proposed −15 element and its relationship to other promoter elements. I found a previously undetected significant conservation of
−13
G and a high degeneracy at
−15
T. I therefore defined the −15 element as a degenerate motif, which, together with the conserved stretch of sequence between −15 and −12, allows treating this element analogously to −35 and −10 elements. Furthermore, the strength of the −15 element inversely correlates with the strengths of the −35 element and −10 element, whereas no such complementation between other promoter elements was found. Despite the direct involvement of −15 element in σ
70
-dsDNA interactions, I found a significantly stronger tendency of this element to complement weak −10 elements that are involved in σ
70
-ssDNA interactions. This finding is in contrast to the established view, according to which the −15 element provides a sufficient number of σ
70
-dsDNA interactions, and suggests that the main parameter determining a functional promoter is the overall promoter strength.
The Ax21 Protein Is a Cell-Cell Signal That Regulates Virulence in the Nosocomial Pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: McCarthy Yvonne , Dow J. Maxwell , Ryan Robert P.
Published: September 2011

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
encodes proteins related to the Rax proteins of
Xanthomonas oryzae
, which are required for the synthesis and secretion of the Ax21 protein. Here we show that Ax21 acts as a cell-cell signal to regulate a diverse range of functions, including virulence, in this nosocomial pathogen.
Identification and Functional Analysis of CT069 as a Novel Transcriptional Regulator in Chlamydia
Authors: Akers Johnny C. , HoDac HoangMinh , Lathrop Richard H. , Tan Ming
Published: September 2011

Only a small number of transcription factors have been predicted in
Chlamydia
spp., which are obligate intracellular bacteria that include a number of important human pathogens. We used a bioinformatics strategy to identify novel transcriptional regulators from the
Chlamydia trachomatis
genome by predicting proteins with the general structure and characteristic functional domains of a bacterial transcription factor. With this approach, we identified CT069 as a candidate transcription factor with sequence similarity at its C terminus to
Treponema pallidum
TroR. Like TroR, the gene for CT069 belongs to an operon that encodes components of a putative ABC transporter for importing divalent metal cations. However, CT069 has been annotated as YtgC because of sequence similarity at its N terminus to TroC, a transmembrane component of this metal ion transporter. Instead, CT069 appears to be a fusion protein composed of YtgC and a TroR ortholog that we have called YtgR. Although it has not been previously reported, a similar YtgC-YtgR fusion protein is predicted to be encoded by other
Chlamydia
spp. and several other bacteria, including
Bacillus subtilis
. We show that recombinant YtgR polypeptide bound specifically to an operator sequence upstream of the
ytg
operon and that binding was enhanced by Zn
2+
. We also demonstrate that YtgR repressed transcription from the
ytg
promoter in a heterologous
in vivo
reporter assay. These results provide evidence that CT069 is a negative regulator of the
ytg
operon, which encodes a putative metal ion transporter in
C. trachomatis
.
Correlation of the summary method with learning styles
Authors: Sarikcioglu Levent , Senol Yesim , Yildirim Fatos B. , Hizay Arzu
Published: September 2011

The summary is the last part of the lesson but one of the most important. We aimed to study the relationship between the preference of the summary method (video demonstration, question-answer, or brief review of slides) and learning styles. A total of 131 students were included in the present study. An inventory was prepared to understand the students' learning styles, and a satisfaction questionnaire was provided to determine the summary method selection. The questionnaire and inventory were collected and analyzed. A comparison of the data revealed that the summary method with video demonstration received the highest score among all the methods tested. Additionally, there were no significant differences between learning styles and summary method with video demonstration. We suggest that such a summary method should be incorporated into neuroanatomy lessons. Since anatomy has a large amount of visual material, we think that it is ideally suited for this summary method.
Chronic oral exposure to the aldehyde pollutant acrolein induces dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ismahil Mohamed Ameen , Hamid Tariq , Haberzettl Petra , Gu Yan , Chandrasekar Bysani , Srivastava Sanjay , Bhatnagar Aruni , Prabhu Sumanth D.
Published: September 2011

Environmental triggers of dilated cardiomyopathy are poorly understood. Acute exposure to acrolein, a ubiquitous aldehyde pollutant, impairs cardiac function and cardioprotective responses in mice. Here, we tested the hypothesis that chronic oral exposure to acrolein induces inflammation and cardiomyopathy. C57BL/6 mice were gavage-fed acrolein (1 mg/kg) or water (vehicle) daily for 48 days. The dose was chosen based on estimates of human daily unsaturated aldehyde consumption. Compared with vehicle-fed mice, acrolein-fed mice exhibited significant ( P < 0.05) left ventricular (LV) dilatation (LV end-diastolic volume 36 ± 8 vs. 17 ± 5 μl), contractile dysfunction (dP/d tmax 4,697 ± 1,498 vs. 7,016 ± 1,757 mmHg/s), and impaired relaxation (tau 15.4 ± 4.3 vs. 10.4 ± 2.2 ms). Histological and biochemical evaluation revealed myocardial oxidative stress (membrane-localized protein-4-hydroxy- trans-2-nonenal adducts) and nitrative stress (increased protein-nitrotyrosine) and varying degrees of plasma and myocardial protein-acrolein adduct formation indicative of physical translocation of ingested acrolein to the heart. Acrolein also induced myocyte hypertrophy (∼2.2-fold increased myocyte area, P < 0.05), increased apoptosis (∼7.5-fold), and disrupted endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the heart. DNA binding studies, immunohistochemistry, and PCR revealed significant ( P < 0.05) activation of nuclear factor-κB in acrolein-exposed hearts, along with upregulated gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. Long-term oral exposure to acrolein, at an amount within the range of human unsaturated aldehyde intake, induces a phenotype of dilated cardiomyopathy in the mouse. Human exposure to acrolein may have analogous effects and raise consideration of an environmental, aldehyde-mediated basis for heart failure.
Oncoplastic Surgery in Japanese Patients with Breast Cancer Close to the Areola: Partial Mastectomy Using Periareolar Mammoplasty: A Case Report
Authors: Kijima Yuko , Yoshinaka Heiji , Hirata Munetsugu , Mizoguchi Tadao , Ishigami Sumiya , Nakajo Akihiro , Arima Hideo , Ueno Shinichi , Natsugoe Shoji
Published: September 2011

We report the results of oncoplastic surgery in two Japanese patients with early breast cancer. Their breasts were large and ptotic, and their lesions, which were close to the areola, were considered to be suitable for breast conservative surgery. Oncoplastic surgery involving partial resection of the gland and a periareolar mammoplasty were performed. The technique was easy to perform, and the cosmetic outcome was excellent.
CTLA-4 Gene Polymorphism and the Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the Chinese Population
Authors: Taha Khalaf Ahmad , Song Ji-Quan , Gao Ting-Ting , Yu Xiang-Ping , Lei Tie-Chi
Published: September 2011

Several variants of CTLA-4 have been reported to be associated with susceptibility systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, findings have been inconsistent across different populations. Using a case‐control study design, we have investigated the role of CTLA-4 polymorphism at positions −1661 and −1722 on SLE susceptibility in our Chinese SLE population in central China′s Hubei province. Samples were collected from 148 SLE patients and 170 healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) was used to analyze the genotypes of the two sites. Statistically significant difference was observed in genotypes for −1722, but not for −1661. The frequency of the T allele on the −1722 SNP was significantly increased in SLE patients: 57.8% versus 40.6% in controls (P < 0.001, OR = 2.002). While the detected C allele frequency in the controls was significantly elevated in comparison to that in the SLE patients (59.4% versus 42.2%). On the contrary, no association was found between SLE and CTLA-4 polymorphism at position −1661.
Prevalence and Types of Coinfections in Sleeping Sickness Patients in Kenya (2000/2009)
Authors: Kagira J. M. , Maina N. , Njenga J. , Karanja S. M. , Karori S. M. , Ngotho J. M.
Published: September 2011

The occurrence of coinfections in human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) patients was investigated using a retrospective data of hospital records at the National Sleeping Sickness Referral Hospital in Alupe, Kenya. A total of 31 patients, 19 males and 12 females, were diagnosed with HAT between the years 2000 and 2009. The observed co-infections included malaria (100%), helminthosis (64.5%), typhoid (22.5%), urinary tract infections (16.1%), HIV (12.9%), and tuberculosis (3.2%). The species of helminthes observed includedAncylostoma duodenale(38.7%),Ascaris lumbricoides(45.7%),Strongyloides stercoralis(9.7%), andTaeniaspp. (3.2%). The patients were also infected withEntamoebaspp. (32.3%) andTrichomonas hominis(22.6%) protozoan parasites. The main clinical signs observed at the point of admission included headache (74.2%), fever (48.4%), sleep disorders (45.2%), and general body pain (41.9%). The HAT patients were treated with suramin (early stage, 9/31) and melarsoprol (late stage, 22/31). In conclusion, the study has shown that HAT patients have multiple co-infections which may influence the disease pathogenesis and complicate management of HAT.
A Note on Operator Sampling and Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Zhang Qingyue
Published: September 2011

This paper presents that the kernel of the fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) satisfies the operator version of Kramer′s Lemma (Hong and Pfander, 2010), which gives a new applicability of Kramer′s Lemma. Moreover, we give a new sampling formulae for reconstructing the operators which are bandlimited in the FRFT sense.
Severe Clostridial Pyomyoma following an Abortion Does Not Always Require Surgical Intervention
Authors: Stroumsa Daphna , Ben-David Eliel , Hiller Nurith , Hochner-Celnikier Drorith
Published: September 2011

Background. Clostridial infection following pregnancy may be fatal, and surgery is considered as the treatment of choice. We suggest a conservative management in selected cases when preservation of fertility is of major importance.Case. A 41-year-old primigravida presented with abdominal pain and fever, one day following dilatation and curettage at 20 weeks of gestation. Her abdomen was diffusely tender, with a uterus enlarged to 20 weeks' gestation. Laboratory studies were consistent with sepsis and hemolysis. CT demonstrated a gas-containing mass compressing the uterine cavity, and presence of air in pelvic veins. Blood cultures were positive forClostridium perfringens. The patient was treated conservatively, with IV antibiotics and fluid resuscitation, and recovered.Conclusion. In selected cases of infected myoma complicated by clostridial sepsis, refraining from surgical intervention is a possible therapeutic approach.
MR Spectroscopy in Gliomatosis: Is there a Sensitivity Issue?
Authors: Szewczyk-Bieda M. , Kanodia A. K. , Main G. , Eljamel M. S.
Published: September 2011

Objective.1H MR spectroscopy (MRS) is widely performed for assessment of brain tumours and is considered a highly sensitive technique capable of differentiating benign from malignant conditions and tumour grading.Method. We present a case of a 69 year old woman who was suspected to have gliomatosis on MRI.Results. MRS performed using single voxel and chemical shift/multivoxel techniques was within normal limits. A repeat scan 6 months later showed progressive disease, and biopsy was performed that proved the diagnosis of glioblastoma.Conclusion. Normal MRS in a patient with suspicion of gliomatosis on MRI should not reassure clinicians into assuming a benign aetiology or a good prognosis in short term.
Case of Hypercalcemia Secondary to Hypervitaminosis A in a 6-Year-Old Boy with Autism
Authors: Vyas Arpita Kalla , White Neil H.
Published: September 2011

Vitamin A intoxication secondary to over-the-counter nutritional supplements and from its use in acne treatment has been described. However, there have been very few case reports of chronic hypervitaminosis A leading to hypercalcemia in the pediatric population. This paper describes a boy with hypercalcemia secondary to chronic vitamin A intoxication in the context of vitamin A usage for therapy of autism. In addition to discontinuation of vitamin A, hyperhydration, and furosemide, the hypercalcemia in this patient required the use of prednisone and pamidronate to normalize the calcium.
AADL Extension to Model Classical FPGA and FPGA Embedded within a SoC
Authors: Blouin Dominique , Chillet Daniel , Senn Eric , Bilavarn Sébastien , Bonamy Robin , Samoyeau Christian
Published: September 2011

With the evolution of technology, the system complexity increased and the application fields of the embedded system expanded. Current applications need a high degree of performance, flexibility, and efficient development environments. Today, reconfigurable logic allows to meet the on-chip processing requirements with new benefits resulting from partial and dynamic reconfiguration. But the dimension introduced in the design of these systems requires more abstraction to manage their complexity and efficient models to provide reliable preliminary estimations. While classical multiprocessor systems can be modeled without difficulty, the use of partial run-time reconfiguration in heterogeneous flexible system-on-chips is generally not covered. The contribution of this paper is to address this with an extension of the AADL language able to model the reconfigurable logic, possibly considering dynamic reconfiguration and power consumption requirements. The proposed AADL model is divided into three levels to provide a generic and hierarchical approach separating the static and dynamic parts of current FPGAs. These levels are exposed in detail and illustrated on a concrete example of FPGA device. The design space exploration of an application deployment using this model is also presented.
A Review of Electronic Band Structure of Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes Using Tight Binding
Authors: Fathi Davood
Published: September 2011

The electronic band structure variations of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) using Huckle/tight binding approximation theory are studied. According to the chirality indices, the related expressions for energy dispersion variations of these elements are derived and plotted for zigzag and chiral nanotubes.
Do Not Stop: The Importance of Seamless Monitoring and Enforcement in an Indonesian Marine Protected Area
Authors: Mangubhai Sangeeta , Saleh Muhammad , Suprayitno  , Muljadi Andreas , Purwanto  , Rhodes Kevin L. , Tjandra Katherina
Published: September 2011

The harvesting of groupers (Serranidae) in Indonesia for the live reef food fish trade (LRFFT) has been ongoing since the late 1980s. Eight sites in Komodo National Park that included two fish spawning aggregation (FSA) sites were monitored for groupers and humphead wrasse,Cheilinus undulatus, from 1998 to 2003 and from 2005 to 2008 to examine temporal changes in abundance and assess the effectiveness of conservation and management efforts. Monitoring identified FSA sites for squaretail coralgrouper,Plectropomus areolatus, and brown-marbled grouper,Epinephelus fuscoguttatus. Both species formed aggregations before and during full moon from September to December, prior to lapses in monitoring (2003–2005) and in enforcement (2004-2005). Following these lapses, data reveal substantial declines inP. areolatusabundance and the apparent extirpation of one aggregation at one site. Other non-aggregating species targeted by the LRFFT showed similar declines at three of eight monitored sites. This paper highlights the impact of FSA fishing and the need for a seamless monitoring and enforcement protocol in areas where aggregation fishing pressure is high. Within Komodo National Park, local fishers, particularly those operating on behalf of the LRFFT, pose a serious threat to population persistence of species targeted by this trade.
Dynamic Range Consideration in MIMO Systems with Hybrid Antenna Selection
Authors: Ahmadi-Shokouh Javad
Published: September 2011

A Hybrid Antenna Selection (HAS), also called Soft Antenna Selection (SAS), method is basically implemented by a Linear Network (LN) located in RF domain of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems. In this paper, we evaluate the SAS-MIMO system, which is optimally tuned based on spatial multiplexing/diversity transmissions, in terms of receiver dynamic range issue. To this end, an SNR analysis is first performed for a reference point that is the input of Receiver Chain Block (RCB). Different systems are then compared based on a standard receiver, that is, WLAN 802.11 b. A three Dimensional (3D) ray-tracing modeling is applied to assist this evaluation. The simulation results for a case study show that although the optimum post-LNA SAS works like a full-complexity MIMO in the spatial multiplexing/diversity transmission strategies, it provides even a better SNR to the baseband, that is, it reveals a receiver dynamic range improvement.
Unusual Presentation of Acute Annular Urticaria: A Case Report
Authors: Guerrier Gilles , Daronat Jean-Marc , Deltour Roger
Published: September 2011

Acute urticarial lesions may display central clearing with ecchymotic or haemorrhagic hue, often misdiagnosed as erythema multiforme, serum-sickness-like reactions, or urticarial vasculitis. We report a case of acute annular urticaria with unusual presentation occurring in a 20-month-old child to emphasize the distinctive morphologic manifestations in a single disease. Clinicians who care for children should be able to differentiate acute urticaria from its clinical mimics. A directed history and physical examination can reliably orientate necessary diagnostic testing and allow for appropriate treatment.
Pathways of Metastases from Primary Organs to the Ovaries
Authors: Yamanishi Yukio , Koshiyama Masafumi , Ohnaka Megumi , Ueda Masashi , Ukita Shingo , Hishikawa Kenji , Nagura Michikazu , Kim Tomoko , Hirose Masaya , Ozasa Hiroshi , Shirase Tomoyuki
Published: September 2011

To investigate the metastatic pathways from the primary organs to the ovaries, we examined the microscopic findings from 18 original and 18 metastatic ovarian tumors carefully. In addition, we examined the immunohistochemical findings (Victoria blue stain for vascular invasion and D2-40 expression for lymphangio invasion) of metastatic ovarian tumors carefully. There were 4 (57%) ovarian lymphangio invasion cases in the 7 gastric cancers, but there were no cases in the 6 colorectal cancers (P< 0.05). There were 4 (67%) ovarian vascular invasion cases and one (17%) liver metastasis case in the 6 colorectal cancers, while there were no ovarian vascular invasions (P< 0.05) or no liver metastases in the 7 gastric cancers. The patients with metastatic ovarian tumors originating from distant organs who were treated at the same time as the original cancers had a significantly poorer prognosis than the patients with ovarian tumors treated later (P< 0.05). The rate of lymphatic metastasis from the stomach to the ovary was significantly higher than from the colon to the ovary. In addition we hypothesized that the rate of intravascular metastasis from the colorectum to the ovary was relatively higher than from the stomach to the ovary.
Efficient and Reliable Dissemination in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks by Location Extrapolation
Authors: Agbaria Adnan , Hugerat Muhamad , Friedman Roy
Published: September 2011

Data dissemination is an important service in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The main objective of this paper is to present a dissemination protocol, calledlocBcast, which utilizes positioning information to obtain efficient dissemination trees with low-control overhead. This paper includes an extensive simulation study that compares locBast with selfP, dominantP, fooding, and a couple of probabilistic-/counter-based protocols. It is shown that locBcast behaves similar to or better than those protocols and is especially useful in the following challenging environments: the message sizes are large, the network is dense, and nodes are highly mobile.
Distributed Algorithm for Traffic Data Collection and Data Quality Analysis Based on Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ding Nan , Tan Guozhen , Zhang Wei , Ge Hongwei
Published: September 2011

The growing need of the real-time traffic data has spurred the deployment of large-scale dedicated monitoring infrastructure systems, which mainly consist of the use of inductive loop detectors. However, the loop sensor data is prone to be noised or even missed under harsh environment. The state-of-the-art wireless sensor networks provide an appealing and low-cost alternative to inductive loops for traffic surveillance. Focusing on the urban traffic data collection, this paper proposes a distributed algorithm to collect the traffic data based on sensor networks and improve the reliability of data by quality analysis. Considering the certain correlated characteristics, this algorithm firstly processes the data samples with an aggregation model based on the mean filter, and then, the data quality is analyzed, and partial bad data are repaired by the cusp catastrophe theory. The performance of this algorithm is analyzed with a number of simulations based on data set obtain in urban roadway, and the comparative results show that this algorithm could obtain the better performance.
Characteristics of Effective Collaboration in Response to Diversified Transportation Planning Authority
Authors: S. Miller John
Published: September 2011

Advantages of decentralized transportation planning responsibilities may include reduced project delivery cost, the integration of comprehensive long-range planning with regional land use, and greater accountability regarding local concerns. Yet disadvantages may include a tendency for operations to dominate longer-term planning, inconsistent operational standards, and difficulty in achieving network benefits, since some transportation links may provide benefits to the entire system but not to the immediate area where the link is located. To surmount these challenges in a decentralized environment, agencies need to cooperate effectively. Characteristics of effective collaboration include (1) experienced personnel, (2) credibility of the deciding entity, (3) transparency of decision-making processes, (4) an authority with sufficient power and/or funding to encourage implementation of key initiatives, (5) clear incentives for cooperation, and, of special importance given limited resources, and (6) an ability to evaluate tradeoffs. An access management case study demonstrates how agencies may use these characteristics to advance challenging projects in a decentralized environment.
Evaluation of Clinical Outcome after Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery in Clinical Practice: Still a Controversial Issue
Authors: Contini Sandro , Scarpignato Carmelo
Published: September 2011

Background. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has shown to be effective in controlling gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Yet, a universally accepted definition and evaluation for treatment success/failure in GERD is still controversial. The purpose of this paper is to assess if and how the outcome variables used in the different studies could possibly lead to an homogeneous appraisal of the limits and indications of LARS.Methods. We analyzed papers focusing on the efficacy and outcome of LARS and published in English literature over the last 10 years.Results. Symptoms scores and outcome variables reported are dissimilar and not uniform. The most consistent parameter was patient's satisfaction (mean satisfaction rate: 88.9%). Antireflux medications are not a trustworthy outcome index. Endoscopy and esophageal manometry do not appear very helpful. Twenty-four hours pH metry is recommended in patients difficult to manage for recurrent typical symptoms.Conclusions. More uniform symptoms scales and quality of life tools are needed for assessing the clinical outcome after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. In an era of cost containment, objective evaluation tests should be more specifically addressed. Relying on patient's satisfaction may be ambiguous, yet from this study it can be considered a practical and simple tool.
A Comparative Study of Biologically Inspired Walking Gaits through Waypoint Navigation
Authors: Asif Umar , Iqbal Javaid
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the locomotion of a walking robot by delivering a comparative study of three different biologically inspired walking gaits, namely: tripod, ripple, and wave, in terms of ground slippage they experience while walking. The objective of this study is to identify the gait model which experiences the minimum slippage while walking on a ground with a specific coefficient of friction. To accomplish this feat, the robot is steered over a reference path using a waypoint navigation algorithm, and the divergence of the robot from the reference path is investigated in terms of slip errors. Experiments are conducted through closed-loop simulations using an open dynamics engine which emphasizes the fact that due to uneven and unsymmetrical distribution of payload in tripod and ripple gait models, the robot experiences comparatively larger drift in these gaits than when using the wave gait model in which the distribution of payload is even and symmetrical on both sides of the robot body. The paper investigates this phenomenon on the basis of force distribution of supporting legs in each gait model.
Friction Induced Wear of Rapid Prototyping Generated Materials: A Review
Authors: Tsouknidas A.
Published: September 2011

Additive manufacturing has been introduced in the early 80s and has gained importance as a manufacturing process ever since. Even though the inception of the implicated processes predominantly focused on prototyping purposes, during the last years rapid prototyping (RP) has emerged as a key enabling technology for the fabrication of highly customized, functionally gradient materials. This paper reviews friction-related wear phenomena and the corresponding deterioration mechanisms of RP-generated components as well as the potential of improving the implicated materials' wear resistance without significantly altering the process itself. The paper briefly introduces the concept of RP technologies and the implicated materials, as a premises to the process-dependent wear progression of the generated components for various degeneration scenarios (dry sliding, fretting, etc.).
Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy by Using a 2 mm Atraumatic Grasper without Trocar
Authors: Gulpinar Kamil , Ozdemir Suleyman , Ozis S. Erpulat , Aydin Turgut , Korkmaz Atila
Published: September 2011

Purpose. We present our experience in single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy by using a grasper directly without using a trocar in five patients. Methods and Results. The technique involves the use of Karl Storz 27290F grasper in order to perform gallbladder retraction in single port cholecystectomy. The grasper was introduced directly into the skin through abdominal wall without using any trocar and used to mobilize gallbladder whenever needed during surgery without causing any perforation or leakage of the gallbladder. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications in 5 patients with the advantages of shorter operation time and almost invisible postoperative skin scar formation. Conclusion. We claim that the use of this instrument in SILS surgery might be advantageous than the conventional placement of sutures for the gallbladder mobilization.
On the Completeness of the System {zλnlog jz} in La2
Authors: Yang Xiangdong
Published: September 2011

Let
denote a Hilbert space consisting of analytic functions on an unbounded domain Ω
located outside an angle domain with vertex at the origin. We obtain a completeness theorem for the system MΛ = , in .
Fuzzy Stability of a General Quadratic Functional Equation
Authors: Jin Sun Sook , Lee Yang-Hi
Published: September 2011

We investigate a fuzzy version of stability for the functional equation in the sense of M. Mirmostafaee and M. S. Moslehian.
Mapping Iterative Medical Imaging Algorithm on Cell Accelerator
Authors: Xu Meilian , Thulasiraman Parimala
Published: September 2011

Algebraic reconstruction techniques require about half the number of projections as that of Fourier backprojection methods, which makes these methods safer in terms of required radiation dose. Algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) and its variant OS-SART (ordered subset simultaneous ART) are techniques that provide faster convergence with comparatively good image quality. However, the prohibitively long processing time of these techniques prevents their adoption in commercial CT machines. Parallel computing is one solution to this problem. With the advent of heterogeneous multicore architectures that exploit data parallel applications, medical imaging algorithms such as OS-SART can be studied to produce increased performance. In this paper, we map OS-SART on cell broadband engine (Cell BE). We effectively use the architectural features of Cell BE to provide an efficient mapping. The Cell BE consists of one powerPC processor element (PPE) and eight SIMD coprocessors known as synergetic processor elements (SPEs). The limited memory storage on each of the SPEs makes the mapping challenging. Therefore, we present optimization techniques to efficiently map the algorithm on the Cell BE for improved performance over CPU version. We compare the performance of our proposed algorithm on Cell BE to that of Sun Fire×4600, a shared memory machine. The Cell BE is five times faster than AMD Opteron dual-core processor. The speedup of the algorithm on Cell BE increases with the increase in the number of SPEs. We also experiment with various parameters, such as number of subsets, number of processing elements, and number of DMA transfers between main memory and local memory, that impact the performance of the algorithm.
Statistical Design of Genetic Algorithms for Combinatorial Optimization Problems
Authors: Shahsavar Moslem , Najafi Amir Abbas , Niaki Seyed Taghi Akhavan
Published: September 2011

Many genetic algorithms (GA) have been applied to solve different NP‐complete combinatorial optimization problems so far. The striking point of using GA refers to selecting a combination of appropriate patterns in crossover, mutation, and and so forth and fine tuning of some parameters such as crossover probability, mutation probability, and and so forth. One way to design a robust GA is to select an optimal pattern and then to search for its parameter values using a tuning procedure. This paper addresses a methodology to both optimal pattern selection and the tuning phases by taking advantage of design of experiments and response surface methodology. To show the performances of the proposed procedure and demonstrate its applications, it is employed to design a robust GA to solve a project scheduling problem. Through the statistical comparison analyses between the performances of the proposed method and an existing GA, the effectiveness of the methodology is shown.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Souto Filho João Tadeu Damian , de Barros Philipe Vianna , da Silva Aline Maria Yamaguti Rios Paes , Barbosa Fernanda Alves , Ribas Gustavo Fernandes
Published: September 2011

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a multisystemic disorder characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, which may be accompanied by fever, renal, or neurologic abnormalities. Cases are divided into acute idiopathic TTP and secondary TTP. Autoimmune diseases, especially systemic lupus erythematosus, in association with TTP have been described so far in many patients. In contrast, TTP occurring in a patient with mixed connected tissue disease (MCTD) is extremely rare and has only been described in nine patients. We describe the case of a 42-year-old female with MCTD who developed thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, fever, and neurological symptoms. The patient had a good clinical evolution with infusion of high volume of fresh frozen plasma, steroid therapy, and support in an intensive care unit. Although the occurrence of TTP is rare in MCTD patients, it is important to recognize TTP as a cause of thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia in any patient with autoimmune diseases. Prompt institution of treatment remains the cornerstone of treatment of TTP even if plasma exchange is not available like what frequently happens in developing countries.
Common Solutions of Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems, Variational Inclusions, and Common Fixed Points for Nonexpansive Semigroups and Strictly Pseudocontractive Mappings
Authors: Kumam Poom , Hamphries Usa , Katchang Phayap
Published: September 2011

We introduce a new iterative scheme by shrinking projection method for finding a common
element of the set of solutions of generalized mixed equilibrium problems, the set of common solutions of
variational inclusion problems with set‐valued maximal monotone mappings and inverse‐strongly monotone
mappings, the set of solutions of fixed points for nonexpansive semigroups, and the set of common fixed
points for an infinite family of strictly pseudocontractive mappings in a real Hilbert space. We prove that
the sequence converges strongly to a common element of the above four sets under some mind conditions.
Furthermore, by using the above result, an iterative algorithm for solution of an optimization problem was
obtained. Our results improve and extend the corresponding results of Martinez‐Yanes and Xu (2006), Shehu
(2011), Zhang et al. (2008), and many authors.
A New System of Generalized Mixed Quasivariational Inclusions with Relaxed Cocoercive Operators and Applications
Authors: Wan Zhongping , Chen Jia-Wei , Sun Hai , Yuan Liuyang
Published: September 2011

A new system of generalized mixed quasivariational inclusions
(for short, SGMQVI) with relaxed cocoercive operators, which develop some preexisting
variational inequalities, is introduced and investigated in Banach spaces. Next, the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the problem (SGMQVI) are established in real Banach
spaces. From fixed point perspective, we propose some new iterative algorithms for solving
the system of generalized mixed quasivariational inclusion problem (SGMQVI). Moreover,
strong convergence theorems of these iterative sequences generated by the corresponding
algorithms are proved under suitable conditions. As an application, the strong convergence
theorem for a class of bilevel variational inequalities is derived in Hilbert space. The main
results in this paper develop, improve, and unify some well‐known results in the literature.
Producing a “Successful City”: Neoliberal Urbanism and Gentrification in the Tourist City—The Case of Palma (Majorca)
Authors: Vives Miró Sònia
Published: September 2011

Since the 1990s, the intensification of capital accumulation, especially in its financial dimension, has been one of the keystones for the triumph of neoliberalism. Spanish neoliberal policies have focused on the flexibilization of the real estate sector, leading to the specialization in the secondary circuit of accumulation. This has generated a third real estate boom which has been accompanied with an outstanding housing bubble. The Balearic Islands are a paradigmatic case within these logics, tourist specialization being the main trigger of the process. In Palma, the region′s capital, neoliberal urban planning policies have been implemented in order to convert it into a “successful city” within the global urban network competition. These policies have led to Palma′s uneven geographical development through processes like gentrification, as is the case of the Gerreria, a neighborhood of Palma′s city center.
The Importance of Psychological and Social Factors in Influencing the Uptake and Maintenance of Physical Activity after Stroke: A Structured Review of the Empirical Literature
Authors: Morris Jacqui , Oliver Tracey , Kroll Thilo , MacGillivray Steve
Published: September 2011

Background. People with stroke are not maintaining adequate engagement in physical activity (PA) for health and functional benefit. This paper sought to describe any psychological and social factors that may influence physical activity engagement after stroke.Methods. A structured literature review of studies indexed in MEDLINE, CinAHL, P&BSC, and PsycINFO using search terms relevant to stroke, physical disabilities, and PA. Publications reporting empirical findings (quantitative or qualitative) regarding psychological and/or social factors were included.Results. Twenty studies from 19 publications (9 surveys, 1 RCT, and 10 qualitative studies) were included. Seventeen studies reported findings pertinent to psychological factors and fourteen findings pertinent to social factors.Conclusion. Self-efficacy, physical activity beliefs, and social support appear particularly relevant to physical activity behaviour after stroke and should be included in theoretically based physical interventions. The Transtheoretical Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour are candidate behavioural models that may support intervention development.