bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angiographic and Clinical Impact of Successful Manual Thrombus Aspiration in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Primary PCI
Authors: Shehata Mohamed
Published: April 2014

Background. Diabetes mellitus is associated with worse angiographic and clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Aim. To investigate the impact of manual thrombus aspiration on in-stent restenosis (ISR) and clinical outcome in patients treated by bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods. 100 diabetic patients were prospectively enrolled. They were randomly assigned to undergo either standard primary PCI (group A, 50 patients) or PCI with thrombus aspiration using Export catheter (group B, 50 patients). The primary endpoint was the rate of eight-month ISR. The secondary endpoint included follow-up for major adverse cardiac events (MACE).Results. Mean age of the study cohort was59.86±8.3years, with 64 (64%) being males. Baseline characteristics did not differ between both groups. Eight-month angiogram showed that group B patients had significantly less late lumen loss (0.17±0.35versus0.60±0.42 mm,P<0.001), with lower incidence of ISR (4% versus 16.6%,P<0.001). There was a trend towards lower rate of MACE in the same group of patients.Conclusion. In diabetic patients undergoing primary PCI, manual thrombus aspiration (compared with standard PCI) was associated with better ISR rate after BMS implantation.
An Improved Quantum‐Inspired Genetic Algorithm for Image Multilevel Thresholding Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Huanzhou , Tang Zhangguo , Lu Qiuping , Zheng Xiuqing , Zhou Jiliu
Published: April 2014

A multilevel thresholding algorithm for histogram‐based image segmentation is presented in this paper. The proposed algorithm introduces an adaptive adjustment strategy of the rotation angle and a cooperative learning strategy into quantum genetic algorithm (called IQGA). An adaptive adjustment strategy of the quantum rotation which is introduced in this study helps improving the convergence speed, search ability, and stability. Cooperative learning enhances the search ability in the high‐dimensional solution space by splitting a high‐dimensional vector into several one‐dimensional vectors. The experimental results demonstrate good performance of the IQGA in solving multilevel thresholding segmentation problem by compared with QGA, GA and PSO.
Self‐Adapting Routing Overlay Network for Frequently Changing Application Traffic in Content‐Based Publish/Subscribe System
Authors: Chi Meng , Liu Shufen , Hu Changhong
Published: April 2014

In the large‐scale distributed simulation area, the topology of the overlay network cannot always rapidly adapt to frequently changing application traffic to reduce the overall traffic cost. In this paper, we propose a self‐adapting routing strategy for frequently changing application traffic in content‐based publish/subscribe system. The strategy firstly trains the traffic information and then uses this training information to predict the application traffic in the future. Finally, the strategy reconfigures the topology of the overlay network based on this predicting information to reduce the overall traffic cost. A predicting path is also introduced in this paper to reduce the reconfiguration numbers in the process of the reconfigurations. Compared to other strategies, the experimental results show that the strategy proposed in this paper could reduce the overall traffic cost of the publish/subscribe system in less reconfigurations.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Thin Films of Bismuth Triiodide for Semiconductor Radiation Detectors
Authors: Garg Alka , Tomar Monika , Gupta Vinay
Published: April 2014

Bismuth iodide is a potentially active material for room temperature radiation detector, as it is well reported in the literature that it has both wide energy band gap and high atomic absorption coefficient. Crystalline films of high atomic number and high radiation absorption coefficient can absorb the X-rays and convert them directly into electrical charges which can be read by imaging devices. Therefore, it was proposed to grow thin films of Bismuth iodide on glass substrate using thermal evaporation technique in vacuum to avoid the inclusion of impurities in the films. The structural studies of the films were carried out using XRD and optical absorption measurement was carried out in the UV/VIS region using spectrophotometer. All Bismuth iodide films grown at room temperature are polycrystalline and show X-ray diffraction peaks at angles reported in research papers. The optical transmission spectra of BiI3 films show a high transmission of about 80% in visible region with a sharp fall near the fundamental absorption at 650 nm. Resistivity of the as-grown film was found to be around 1012 ohm-cm suitable value for X-ray detection application. Films were subjected to scanning electron microscopy to study the growth features of both as-grown and annealed films.
Application of Real-Time Tissue Elastography with a Low Frequency Convex Array Probe: A Noninvasive Approach to Differential Diagnosis of Liver Tumors
Authors: Wang Juan , Ai Hong , Guo Long , Tan Lifang , Gong Huilin , Wei Wei , Ruan Litao
Published: April 2014

To evaluate diagnostic performance of real-time tissue elastography (RTE) with a low frequency convex array probe for distinguishing benign from malignant hepatic tumors through trans-abdominal examination, elasticity images of 210 liver tumors were obtained by EUB-7500 (Hitachi Medical Systems and 3.5 MHz probe) and eventually 121 liver tumors were analyzed in the study. Elasticity images were classified into four types, from type a to d. Regarding type a or b as benign tumors and type c or d as malignant ones, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated and the consistency between the findings of RTE and the pathohistological diagnosis was evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were separately 97.2%, 88.0%, and 93.4% (P<0.001). Moreover, there was a good consistency between the findings of RTE and the pathological diagnosis (kappa value 0.86). Among elasticity images of all the malignant tumors, the hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) mainly appeared in type c, and liver metastatic cancers in type d. Thus, RTE utilized as a novel noninvasive imaging examination method enables us to distinguish benign from malignant liver tumors. Moreover, it provides certain information for the differential diagnosis between HCCs and liver metastatic cancers.
A Generalized Solow-Swan Model
Authors: Cai Donghan , Ye Hui , Gu Longfei
Published: April 2014

We set up a generalized Solow-Swan model to study the exogenous impact of population, saving rate, technological change, and labor participation rate on economic growth. By introducing generalized exogenous variables into the classical Solow-Swan model, we obtain a nonautomatic differential equation. It is proved that the solution of the differential equation is asymptotically stable if the generalized exogenous variables converge and does not converge when one of the generalized exogenous variables persistently oscillates.
On the Ideal Convergence of Double Sequences in Locally Solid Riesz Spaces
Authors: Alotaibi A. , Hazarika B. , Mohiuddine S. A.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to define the notions of ideal convergence,I-bounded for double sequences in setting of locally solid Riesz spaces and study some results related to these notions. We also define the notion ofI*-convergence for double sequences in locally solid Riesz spaces and establish its relationship with ideal convergence.
A Review of the Antiviral Susceptibility of Human and Avian Influenza Viruses over the Last Decade
Authors: Oh Ding Yuan , Hurt Aeron C.
Published: April 2014

Antivirals play an important role in the prevention and treatment of influenza infections, particularly in high-risk or severely ill patients. Two classes of influenza antivirals have been available in many countries over the last decade (2004–2013), the adamantanes and the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs). During this period, widespread adamantane resistance has developed in circulating influenza viruses rendering these drugs useless, resulting in the reliance on the most widely available NAI, oseltamivir. However, the emergence of oseltamivir-resistant seasonal A(H1N1) viruses in 2008 demonstrated that NAI-resistant viruses could also emerge and spread globally in a similar manner to that seen for adamantane-resistant viruses. Previously, it was believed that NAI-resistant viruses had compromised replication and/or transmission. Fortunately, in 2013, the majority of circulating human influenza viruses remain sensitive to all of the NAIs, but significant work by our laboratory and others is now underway to understand what enables NAI-resistant viruses to retain the capacity to replicate and transmit. In this review, we describe how the susceptibility of circulating human and avian influenza viruses has changed over the last ten years and describe some research studies that aim to understand how NAI-resistant human and avian influenza viruses may emerge in the future.
Driver Behavior on Combination of Vertical and Horizontal Curves of Mountainous Freeways
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhang Miao , Wei Lang
Published: April 2014

The study of driver behavior is of great importance to the traffic safety of mountainous freeways. In order to study the characteristics of driver behavior on combination of vertical and horizontal curves (CVHCs) of mountainous freeways in free flow conditions, designated speed measurement tests of two typical segments of the upgrade direction of Xi’an‐Hanzhong freeway were carried out. After data processing, vehicles in free flow were screened out and classified into two groups by K‐means clustering method, and then the driver behavior with different lanes, different size vehicles, and different CVHCs was analyzed, respectively. Finally, a vehicle distribution prediction model and a speed prediction model were built which were applied to CVHCs, and a verification test was made to test the accuracy of the models. Research results show that the driver behavior is mainly different among vehicle size, longitudinal slopes, and horizontal curves, and the characteristics of speed control and lane distribution on CVHCs vary according to lanes and combination of road alignment. Also, the prediction results of the models are highly consistent with the measured test results.
Orbital Volumetry in Graves' Orbitopathy: Muscle and Fat Involvement in relation to Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Al-Bakri Moug , Rasmussen Åse Krogh , Thomsen Carsten , Toft Peter Bjerre
Published: April 2014

Purpose. We wanted to investigate the relative significance of fat and muscle enlargement in the development of dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) in Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). Methods. Preoperative coronal CT scans of 13 patients with and without DON who subsequently underwent orbital decompression were retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen patients imaged for unilateral orbital fractures served as controls. Results. The retrobulbar muscle volume was 2.1 ± 0.5 cm3 (mean ± SD) in controls, 4.3 ± 1.5 cm3 in GO without DON, and 4.7 ± 1.7 cm3 in GO with DON. The retrobulbar fat volume was 5.4 ± 1.6 cm3 in controls, 8.7 ± 8.0 cm3 in GO without DON, and 9.4 ± 3.1 cm3 in GO with DON. The muscle and fat volumes were higher in patients with GO than in controls (P<0.001), but the volumes in orbits with and without DON were not significantly different. The volume of the optic nerve were similar in the 3 groups. The number of apical, coronal 2 mm thick slices with no fat was 2.9 ± 0.9 in normal orbits, it was 4.1 ± 1.0 in GO orbits without DON and 5.3 ± 0.8 in GO orbits with DON (P=0.007). Conclusion. Apical muscle enlargement may be more important than orbital fat enlargement in the development of DON. However, the fact that apical crowding and muscle enlargement also occur in orbits without DON suggests that other factors also play a role in the development of DON.
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction after Pharmacologic Persantine Stress Test in a Patient with Wellens’ Syndrome
Authors: Patel Kunal , Alattar Fady , Koneru Jayanth , Shamoon Fayez
Published: April 2014

Wellens’ syndrome, also known as LAD coronary T-wave inversion syndrome, is a characteristic ECG pattern that highly suggests critical stenosis of the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. 75% of patients with this finding go on to develop acute anterior wall myocardial infarction within one week unless prevented by early intervention on the culprit lesion. Most instances of ST-elevation occurring during cardiac stress testing have been observed with exercise, with only seven cases reported in the literature with pharmacologic stress. We present a case of a patient with no known cardiac disease who presented with chest pain and an ECG consistent with Wellens’ syndrome that developed an acute anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction after pharmacologic stress test.
An Improved Clustering Algorithm of Tunnel Monitoring Data for Cloud Computing
Authors: Zhong Luo , Tang KunHao , Li Lin , Yang Guang , Ye JingJing
Published: April 2014

With the rapid development of urban construction, the number of urban tunnels is increasing and the data they produce become more and more complex. It results in the fact that the traditional clustering algorithm cannot handle the mass data of the tunnel. To solve this problem, an improved parallel clustering algorithm based onk-means has been proposed. It is a clustering algorithm using the MapReduce within cloud computing that deals with data. It not only has the advantage of being used to deal with mass data but also is more efficient. Moreover, it is able to compute the average dissimilarity degree of each cluster in order to clean the abnormal data.
Exponential Stability of Periodic Solution to Wilson-Cowan Networks with Time-Varying Delays on Time Scales
Authors: Cai Jinxiang , Huang Zhenkun , Bin Honghua
Published: April 2014

We present stability analysis of delayed Wilson-Cowan networks on time scales. By applying the theory of calculus on time scales, the contraction mapping principle, and Lyapunov functional, new sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the existence and exponential stability of periodic solution to the considered system. The obtained results are general and can be applied to discrete-time or continuous-time Wilson-Cowan networks.
A Novel Joint Problem of Routing, Scheduling, and Variable-Width Channel Allocation in WMNs
Authors: Lin Chun-Cheng , Liu Wan-Yu , Chou Chun-Hung , Deng Der-Jiunn
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates a novel joint problem of routing, scheduling, and channel allocation for single-radio multichannel wireless mesh networks in which multiple channel widths can be adjusted dynamically through a new software technology so that more concurrent transmissions and suppressed overlapping channel interference can be achieved. Although the previous works have studied this joint problem, their linear programming models for the problem were not incorporated with some delicate constraints. As a result, this paper first constructs a linear programming model with more practical concerns and then proposes a simulated annealing approach with a novel encoding mechanism, in which the configurations of multiple time slots are devised to characterize the dynamic transmission process. Experimental results show that our approach can find the same or similar solutions as the optimal solutions for smaller-scale problems and can efficiently find good-quality solutions for a variety of larger-scale problems.
Grey Game Model for Energy Conservation Strategies
Authors: Li Si-Huan , Zhang Wei-Guo , Tang Lian-Sheng
Published: April 2014

A grey game model is constructed for enterprise carbon emissions reduction and government policies on energy conservation, which explains the interaction equilibrium strategies between government and enterprises with resource constraints. The MATLAB tools are used to simulate the game process, and the result shows that the optimal strategy is consistent with the operation result. Finally, macroscopic countermeasures and suggestions are proposed for government and enterprise.
A Fast Imaging Technique Applied to 2D Electrical Resistivity Data
Authors: Martorana Raffaele , Capizzi Patrizia
Published: April 2014

A new technique is proposed to process 2D apparent resistivity datasets, in order to obtain a fast and contrasted resistivity image, useful for a rapid data check in field or as a starting model to constrain the inversion procedure. In the past some modifications to the back-projection algorithm, as well as the use of filtering techniques for the sensitivity matrix were proposed. An implementation of this technique is proposed here, considering a two-step approach. Initially a damped least squares solution is obtained after a full matrix inversion of the linearized geoelectrical problem. Furthermore, on the basis of the results, a subsequent filtering algorithm is applied to the Jacobian matrix, aiming at reducing smoothness, and the linearized damped least square inversion is repeated to get the final result. This fast imaging technique aims at increasing the resistivity contrasts and practically, since it does not require a parameter set optimization, it can be used to easily obtain fast and preliminary results. The proposed technique is tested on synthetic data, the objective of which is to find the optimal parameter set. Finally, two field cases are discussed and the comparison between back-projection and inversion is shown.
Potential Biomarkers and Their Applications for Rapid and Reliable Detection of Malaria
Authors: Jain Priyamvada , Chakma Babina , Patra Sanjukta , Goswami Pranab
Published: April 2014

Malaria has been responsible for the highest mortality in most malaria endemic countries. Even after decades of malaria control campaigns, it still persists as a disease of high mortality due to improper diagnosis and rapidly evolving drug resistant malarial parasites. For efficient and economical malaria management, WHO recommends that all malaria suspected patients should receive proper diagnosis before administering drugs. It is thus imperative to develop fast, economical, and accurate techniques for diagnosis of malaria. In this regard an in-depth knowledge on malaria biomarkers is important to identify an appropriate biorecognition element and utilize it prudently to develop a reliable detection technique for diagnosis of the disease. Among the various biomarkers, plasmodial lactate dehydrogenase and histidine-rich protein II (HRP II) have received increasing attention for developing rapid and reliable detection techniques for malaria. The widely used rapid detection tests (RDTs) for malaria succumb to many drawbacks which promotes exploration of more efficient economical detection techniques. This paper provides an overview on the current status of malaria biomarkers, along with their potential utilization for developing different malaria diagnostic techniques and advanced biosensors.
An Effective News Recommendation Method for Microblog User
Authors: Gu Wanrong , Dong Shoubin , Zeng Zhizhao , He Jinchao
Published: April 2014

Recommending news stories to users, based on their preferences, has long been a favourite domain for recommender systems research. Traditional systems strive to satisfy their user by tracing users' reading history and choosing the proper candidate news articles to recommend. However, most of news websites hardly require any user to register before reading news. Besides, the latent relations between news and microblog, the popularity of particular news, and the news organization are not addressed or solved efficiently in previous approaches. In order to solve these issues, we propose an effective personalized news recommendation method based on microblog user profile building and sub class popularity prediction, in which we propose a news organization method using hybrid classification and clustering, implement a sub class popularity prediction method, and construct user profile according to our actual situation. We had designed several experiments compared to the state-of-the-art approaches on a real world dataset, and the experimental results demonstrate that our system significantly improves the accuracy and diversity in mass text data.
Natural Radioactivity Measurements and Radiation Dose Estimation in Some Sedimentary Rock Samples in Turkey
Authors: Akkurt I. , Günoğlu K.
Published: April 2014

The natural radioactivity existed since creation of the universe due to the long life time of some radionuclides. This natural radioactivity is caused byγ-radiation originating from the uranium and thorium series and40K. In this study, the gamma radiation has been measured to determine natural radioactivity of238U,232Th, and40K in collected sedimentary rock samples in different places of Turkey. The measurements have been performed usingγ-ray spectrometer containing NaI(Tl) detector and multichannel analyser (MCA). Absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose (AED), radium equivalent activities (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), and internal hazard index (Hin) associated with the natural radionuclide were calculated to assess the radiation hazard of the natural radioactivity in the sedimentary rock samples. The average values of absorbed dose rate in air (D), annual effective dose (AED), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), and internal hazard index (Hin) were calculated and these were 45.425 nGy/h, 0.056 mSv/y, 99.014 Bq/kg, 0.267, and 0.361, respectively.
Safety Evaluation ofArtocarpus altilisas Pharmaceutical Agent in Wistar Rats
Authors: Sairam Sudha , Urooj Asna
Published: April 2014

This study was designed to elucidate the acute toxicity ofArtocarpus altilisleaf and bark extracts. In acute toxicity study, no mortality or any toxic reaction was recorded in any group after 14 days of administering the extracts (2000 mg Kg−1BW). The extracts (ALA, ABA, ALM, and ABM) did not cause any behavioural or physical changes in experimental rats. There was no significant (P≤0.05) difference in the biochemical parameters analysed between the groups. Slight elevation in activities of AST and ALT in extract treated groups was observed, but this did not exert any deleterious effect on the normal metabolism which was supported by the histopathology of liver. Histopathological studies showed no remarkable changes after 14 days of oral administration of ALA, ABA, ALM, and ABM extracts. The study contributes to establishing the nontoxic quality parameters ofArtocarpus altilisleaf and bark parts and the results suggest the safety of the extracts in therapeutic uses.
miR-194 as a Predictor for Adenoma Recurrence in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Adenoma after Polypectomy
Authors: Wang Zhen-Hua , Ren Lin-Lin , Zheng Ping , Zheng Hai-Ming , Yu Ya-Nan , Wang Ji-Lin , Lin Yan-Wei , Chen Ying-Xuan , Ge Zhi-Zheng , Chen Xiao-Yu , Hong Jie , Fang Jing-Yuan
Published: April 2014

microRNAs (miRNA) are promising predictors in colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated whether miRNAs could predict adenoma recurrence in patients with advanced colorectal adenoma (ACRA) after polypectomy. miRNA expression profiling was performed by miRNA microarray to identify recurrence-related miRNAs. Candidate miRNAs extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of patients with ACRA were measured using real-time PCR. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate whether validated miRNA expression profiles were independent from other known adenoma recurrence risk factors. The prognostic values of six miRNAs and three independent risk factors were assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The expressions of six candidate miRNAs were significantly decreased from levels in normal colorectal tissue compared with ARCA with adenoma recurrence (RACRA) in this retrospective cohort. However, only miRNA (miR)-194 emerged as a practical predictor. The sensitivity and specificity of miR-194 as a predictor were 71.0% and 78.0%, respectively, at a cutoff value of 0.1311 in the retrospective cohort. Sensitivity and specificity were 76.1% and 77.2%, respectively, in the prospective cohort using the same cutoff value. Low expression levels of miR-194, adenoma size ≥2 cm, and ≥3 adenomas were independent risk factors for adenoma recurrence. Moreover, low expression of miR-194 was a better predictor of adenoma recurrence than the adenoma size and numbers according to ROC curve analysis. miR-194 may be an independent predictor for adenoma recurrence in patients with ACRA after polypectomy. Cancer Prev Res; 7(6); 607–16. ©2014 AACR.
Ciliary Beating Plane and Wave Propagation in the Bovine Oviduct
Authors: Schätz G. , Schneiter M. , Rička J. , Kühni-Boghenbor K. , Tschanz S.A. , Doherr M.G. , Frenz M. , Stoffel M.H.
Published: April 2014

The uterine tube is an essential conduit for the gametes and zygote during reproduction. The necessary bidirectional conveyance occurs through peristalsis and ciliary activity, but unlike in respiratory tract, little is known about mucociliary transport in the uterine tube, and the direction of transport and the alignment of oviductal cilia have not been conclusively characterized. This study aimed to determine the uniformity in the axonemal orientation of motile cilia in the bovine uterine tube, to identify the direction of mucociliary transport and to relate the presumptive beating plane and the mucociliary transport direction to the long axis of the uterine tube. The angular spread of oviductal motile cilia was determined by electron microscopy, and by maintaining the accurate alignment of the samples throughout the processing steps, axonemal orientation was determined relative to the long axis of the oviduct. The direction of the effective mucociliary transport was determined by the analysis of video microscopic data recorded on explants. Vector-based analysis of electron micrographs yielded the mean angle of deviation between the ‘effective ciliary stroke', as derived from axonemal orientation, and the tubal longitudinal axis pointing towards the uterus to be 0.8°, with a standard deviation of 35.2°. The corresponding angular deviation of the short-wave propagation was -6.8° (SD 34.6°). These results show that oviductal motile cilia are rigorously aligned, that the beating plane of the cilia is parallel to the long axis of the uterine tube and that the ‘effective stroke' and mucociliary transport are directed towards the uterus.
The Role of B Regulatory Cells and Semaphorin3A in Atopic Diseases
Authors: Vadasz Zahava , Haj Tharwat , Toubi Elias
Published: April 2014

When the pathogenesis of allergic inflammatory diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis is discussed, one should take into consideration the involvement of regulatory cells/molecules whose role is to prevent the induction and/or deterioration of such diseases. The involvement of T regulatory cells and FoxPp3 is well established in asthma, but only little is known about the involvement of B regulatory cells (Bregs) and the soluble regulatory molecule semaphorin3A (sema3A) in atopic diseases. During the last decade, research has sought to better define the various subtypes of Breg cells and how similar they are to their parallel subtypes of Tregs. In this review, we focus on the newly reported role of Bregs in both experimental and human models of asthma. Bregs are also involved in the pathophysiology of food allergy. We also show how sema3A plays a role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Determining the above processes could facilitate the use of regulatory molecules as therapeutic tools in treating these diseases.
The Glasgow Prognostic Score Is an Independent Prognostic Predictor of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Radical Resection
Authors: Pan Qun-Xiong , Zhang Jian-Hua , Su Zi-Jian , Wang Chong-Ren , Ke Shao-Ying
Published: April 2014

Background: Some prognostic evaluation systems were developed to postoperatively predict the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, mainly based on the cancer itself and the underlying liver diseases. However, none of these prognostic evaluation systems have so far been universally accepted. A simple and feasible scoring system is still lacking for the prediction of prognosis of HCC patients following resection. We aimed to uncover the correlation between the preoperative Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and the clinical outcome of HCC patients after radical resection. Methods: The patients were separated into 3 subgroups on the basis of their GPSs. The prognostic significance of the GPS in the patient cohort was evaluated by survival analysis. Results: On univariate analysis, the levels of C-reactive protein and albumin, the Child-Pugh class, vascular invasion, tumor number, tumor size, the tumor/node/metastasis (TNM) stage, and the GPS were associated with overall survival and time to recurrence of HCC patients after radical resection. On multivariate analysis, the tumor size, albumin level, and GPS were independently associated with the outcome of HCC postoperatively. Conclusion: The GPS is an independent biomarker for prognostic prediction of HCC following radical resection.
Cerebral Perfusion and Blood Pressure Do Not Affect Perihematoma Edema Growth in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: McCourt Rebecca , Gould Bronwen , Gioia Laura , Kate Mahesh , Coutts Shelagh B. , Dowlatshahi Dariush , Asdaghi Negar , Jeerakathil Thomas , Hill Michael D. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Buck Brian , Emery Derek , Butcher Kenneth
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—

The pathogenesis of perihematoma edema in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown but has been hypothesized to be ischemic. In the ICH Acutely Decreasing Arterial Pressure Trial (ICH ADAPT), perihematoma cerebral blood flow (CBF) was reduced but was unaffected by blood pressure (BP) reduction. Using ICH ADAPT data, we tested the hypotheses that edema growth is associated with reduced CBF and lower systolic BP.

Methods—

Noncontrast computed tomographic scans in patients with ICH were obtained at baseline, 2 hours, and 24 hours after randomization to target systolic BPs of <150 or <180 mm Hg. Computed tomography perfusion imaging was performed at 2 hours, and mean relative CBF was calculated in visibly edematous perihematoma tissue. Edema volumes were measured using a Hounsfield unit threshold of 5 to 23 at each time-point.

Results—

Patients were randomized at a median (interquartile range) of 7.4 (12.8) hours after onset. Treatment groups (n=34, <150 and n=33, <180 target) were balanced with respect to baseline systolic BP and acute ICH volume. Relative edema growth at 24 hours in the <150 group (0.11±0.19) was similar to that in the <180 group (0.09±0.16 mL;
P
=0.727). Absolute CBF was lower in the edematous region (35.67±13.1 mL/100 g per minute) when compared with that in the contralateral tissue (43.7±11.7 mL/100 g per minute;
P
<0.0001). Linear regression indicated that neither systolic BP change (β=–0.022; 95% confidence interval, –0.002 to 0.001) nor perihematoma relative CBF (β=–0.144; 95% confidence interval, –0.647 to 0.167) predicted edema growth.

Conclusions—

Lower perihematoma CBF and BP treatment do not exacerbate edema growth. These data do not support a cytotoxic edema pathogenesis.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00963976.
Early Intensive Versus Minimally Invasive Approach to Postoperative Hemodynamic Management After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Mutoh Tatsushi , Kazumata Ken , Terasaka Shunsuke , Taki Yasuyuki , Suzuki Akifumi , Ishikawa Tatsuya
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—

The results of previous studies suggest that early goal-directed fluid therapy (EGDT) reduces delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, but the effects of EGDT on clinical outcomes are still unclear. This study aimed to determine whether EGDT improves outcomes compared with standard less-invasive hemodynamic therapy.

Methods—

This study included 160 patients treated within 24 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage, randomized to receive either (1) EGDT guided by preload volume and cardiac output monitored by transpulmonary thermodilution (treatment group) or (2) standard therapy guided by fluid balance or central venous pressure, assisted by uncalibrated less-invasive cardiac output monitoring during hyperdynamic therapy in patients with clinical or radiological indications of DCI (control group). DCI determined by clinical or radiological findings and functional outcome determined by the modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months were compared between groups.

Results—

For all clinical grades combined, there were no significant differences in the rates of DCI (33% versus 42%;
P
=0.33) or modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 3 at 3 months (67% versus 57%;
P
=0.22) between the 2 groups. For patients with poor clinical grade, those who received EGDT had a significantly lower rate of DCI (5% versus 14%;
P
=0.036), modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 3 at 3 months (52% versus 36%;
P
=0.026), and shorter length of intensive care unit stay (14 versus 17 days;
P
=0.043) than those who received standard therapy.

Conclusions—

EGDT is beneficial for reducing DCI and improving postoperative functional outcome in patients with poor clinical grade.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: UMIN000007509.
Usual Approximations to the Equations of Atmospheric Motion: A Variational Perspective
Authors: Tort Marine , Dubos Thomas
Published: April 2014

The usual geophysical approximations are reframed within a variational framework. Starting from the Lagrangian of the fully compressible Euler equations expressed in a general curvilinear coordinates system, Hamilton’s principle of least action yields Euler–Lagrange equations of motion. Instead of directly making approximations in these equations, the approach followed is that of Hamilton’s principle asymptotics; that is, all approximations are performed in the Lagrangian. Using a coordinate system where the geopotential is the third coordinate, diverse approximations are considered. The assumptions and approximations covered are 1) particular shapes of the geopotential; 2) shallowness of the atmosphere, which allows for the approximation of the relative and planetary kinetic energy; 3) small vertical velocities, implying quasi-hydrostatic systems; and 4) pseudoincompressibility, enforced by introducing a Lagangian multiplier.

This variational approach greatly facilitates the derivation of the equations and systematically ensures their dynamical consistency. Indeed, the symmetry properties of the approximated Lagrangian imply the conservation of energy, potential vorticity, and momentum. Justification of the equations then relies, as usual, on a proper order-of-magnitude analysis. As an illustrative example, the asymptotic consistency of recently introduced shallow-atmosphere equations with a complete Coriolis force is discussed, suggesting additional corrections to the pressure gradient and gravity.
The Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclone Edisoana (1990)
Authors: Griffin Kyle S. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: April 2014

Documentation of southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) tropical cyclones (TCs) and extratropical transition (ET) events is sparse in the refereed literature. The authors present a climatology of SWIO TC and ET events for 1989–2013. The SWIO averages ~9 tropical cyclones (TCs) per year in this modern era. Of these TCs, ~44% undergo extratropical transition (ET), or ~four per year. A case study of TC Edisoana (1990), the most rapidly intensifying SWIO post-ET TC between 1989 and 2013, shows that extratropical interactions began when an approaching trough embedded in the subtropical jet stream (STJ) induced ET on 7 March. As Edisoana underwent ET, a subtropical ridge downstream amplified in response to poleward-directed positive potential vorticity (PV) advection associated with diabatically (convectively) driven upper-level outflow from TC Edisoana. This amplifying lower-latitude ridge phased with a lower-amplitude higher-latitude ridge embedded in the polar front jet (PFJ), resulting in the merger of the two jets. This ridge phasing and jet merger, combined with the approach of an upstream trough embedded in the PFJ, resulted in a decrease in the half-wavelength between the approaching trough and the downstream phased ridges and provided extratropical cyclone Edisoana with a prime environment for rapid reintensification (RI). Poleward-directed positive PV advection into the phased ridge strengthened the upper-level jet downstream of Edisoana, which provided the primary baroclinic forcing throughout the RI phase. A backward trajectory analysis suggests that strong diabatic heating enhanced favorable synoptic-scale forcing for ascent from the upstream and downstream jet streaks and played a crucial role in the deepening of Edisoana through the ET and RI periods.
Laryngeal Papillomatosis Associated Dysplasia in the Adult Population
Authors: Davids Taryn , Muller Susan , Wise Justin C. , Johns Michael M. , Klein Adam
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

The objectives were to determine the prevalence of laryngeal dysplasia and associated human papilloma virus (HPV) subtypes in adult patients, 18 years or older, suffering from laryngeal papillomatosis at a tertiary care institution.

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Patients with biopsy proven laryngeal papillomatosis were identified via chart review. All available pathology specimens were reviewed by a dedicated head and neck pathologist to confirm/refute the diagnosis of laryngeal dysplasia, and grade the level of dysplasia. Interrater agreement was compared using cross-tabulation methods. Specimens identified to be positive for dysplasia underwent further testing via in situ hybridization for low-risk (6/11) or high-risk (16/18) HPV subtypes.

Results:

Of the 85 subjects identified to have laryngeal papillomatosis, 24(28%) demonstrated laryngeal dysplasia. There was good interrater agreement on the presence of dysplasia; however, there was only fair agreement on the grade of dysplasia. Of the pathology specimens tested for HPV subtype, the majority of patients (62%) were positive for HPV 6/11, including all high-grade dysplasia patients. Three (12%) dysplasia specimens were negative for both high- and low-risk HPV subtypes.

Conclusions:

We found a 28% prevalence of dysplasia in our patient population with the majority of patients positive for low-risk HPV subtypes indicating that high-risk HPV subtypes do not predispose laryngeal papilloma patients to dysplasia.
Prediction of the Attachment Site of Sinonasal Inverted Papillomas by Preoperative Imaging
Authors: Nakamaru Yuji , Fujima Noriyuki , Takagi Dai , Tsukahara Akiko , Yoshida Daisuke , Fukuda Satoshi
Published: April 2014

Objective:

Accurate preoperative identification of the attachment site is the key to the successful surgical management of sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs). This study investigated the value of preoperative imaging to identify the attachment sites of IPs.

Methods:

We analyzed 10 consecutive patients with pathologically proven IPs. Two radiologists predicted the attachment sites of IPs from computed tomography (CT), 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3.0T MRI), 1.5T MRI, and CT plus 3.0T MRI. The actual tumor attachment sites were confirmed via pathological examination of specimens and compared with the predicted sites.

Results:

Computed tomography showed the highest sensitivity ( P < .0001), although both MRI formats showed greater specificity ( P < .0001). The sensitivity of MRI plus CT was equal to that of CT and better than that of MRI ( P < .0001), whereas its specificity was better than that of CT ( P < .0001) and comparable to that of MRI. Prediction using 3.0T MRI appeared slightly superior to that using 1.5T MRI in terms of sensitivity and specificity, although the differences were not significant.

Conclusion:

Computed tomography and MRI had different features for prediction of sinonasal IP attachment sites. Preoperative CT plus MRI provided more useful information than CT or MRI alone.
Morphologic Variations of Clinically Normal Mallei and Incudes
Authors: Todd Norman Wendell , Daraei Pedram
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

Various features and shapes of malleus and incus are reported. Partially or unaddressed are their bilateral symmetry, correlation with otitis media, and concordance of features and shapes. Such information may contribute to the understanding of malleus and incus ontogeny and the installation and function of implantable middle ear devices. We sought to address the following hypotheses: (1) a cranium’s malleus and incus have bilateral symmetry, with respect to their features and shapes; (2) features and shapes of malleus and incus are unrelated to the mastoid size indicator of childhood otitis media; and (3) an ear’s malleus and incus have concordant features and shapes (ie, the presence or absence of a feature or shape of a malleus or incus is associated with the presence or absence of another feature or shape in that ear’s malleus or incus).

Methods:

Postmortem material-analysis prevalence study of 41 adult crania without clinical otitis media. Mastoid sizes were assessed radiographically.

Results:

Most mallei had lateral processes and inflected manubrium tips. Most incudes had concave superior borders of their short processes, non-notched inferior borders of their short processes, and anteriorly curved anterior edges of their long processes. Only 1 feature, absence of the lateral process of the malleus, was suggested to have a relationship to small mastoid size. Concordance was not found for any shape or feature of the malleus or incus.

Conclusion:

Clinically normal mallei and incudes have feature and shape variations that are mostly bilaterally symmetric.
Adherence therapy following acute exacerbation of schizophrenia: A randomised controlled trial in Thailand
Authors: von Bormann Suparpit , Robson Deborah , Gray Richard
Published: April 2014

Background:

Up to 50% of patients with schizophrenia are non-adherent with antipsychotic medication.

Aims:

To establish the efficacy of adherence therapy (AT) compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in improving clinical outcomes in patients with schizophrenia following an acute exacerbation of illness.

Method:

A parallel-group, single-blind, randomised controlled trial. Fieldwork was conducted in Thailand. Patients received eight weekly sessions of AT in addition to TAU. The primary outcome was improvement in psychopathology (measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)) at 26-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes included patient attitudes towards medication, global functioning and side-effects.

Results:

In total, 70 inpatients with schizophrenia were recruited to the trial. At 26-week follow-up, PANSS total scores improved in the AT compared to the TAU group by a mean of −3.94 points (effect size = 0.24). The number needed to treat (NNT) was 5. There was no significant effect on patients’ attitudes towards treatment, functioning or medication side-effects. No treatment-related adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion:

AT improves psychopathology in Asian patients with schizophrenia following an acute exacerbation of illness.
Attached to monogamy? Avoidance predicts willingness to engage (but not actual engagement) in consensual non-monogamy
Authors: Moors Amy C. , Conley Terri D. , Edelstein Robin S. , Chopik William J.
Published: April 2014

People view monogamy as the optimal form of partnering and stigmatize consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships. Likewise, attachment researchers often equate romantic love (and security) with sexual exclusivity. Interestingly, a sizeable minority of people engage in CNM and report high levels of satisfaction. Across two studies, we examined how individual differences in attachment were associated with attitudes toward CNM, willingness to engage in CNM, and current involvement in CNM. Among individuals who had never engaged in CNM, avoidance was robustly linked to more positive attitudes and greater willingness to engage in CNM. However, avoidant individuals were less likely to engage in CNM than in monogamous relationships. Understanding attachment in multiple partner relationships can provide new avenues for exploring the complexities of relationships.
Relationship between mean platelet volume elevation and left ventricular mass index in hypertensive patients
Authors: Yavuzkir Mustafa Ferzeyn , Kurtoğlu Ertuğrul , Yilmaz Mücahid , Korkmaz Hasan , Çakmak Tolga , Dogdu Orhan , Dagli Necati , Uysal Ayhan , Özgüler Murat , Gürel Ali , Akbulut Mehmet
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

To compare the mean platelet volume (MPV; a general marker of platelet activation) in groups of patients with and without hypertension and to analyse its relationship with left ventricular mass index (LVMI).

Methods:

This cross-sectional, observational study enrolled newly diagnosed patients with untreated stage I–II hypertension and healthy control subjects without hypertension. MPV was measured using a haematology analyser. Echocardiography was performed on all of the study participants.

Results:

A total of 50 newly diagnosed patients with hypertension and 50 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. The majority of the demographic characteristics and laboratory findings were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean ± SD MPV was significantly higher in the hypertensive group compared with the control group (10.3 ± 1.4 fl versus 9.2 ± 1.8 fl, respectively). The mean ± SD LVMI was significantly higher in the hypertensive group compared with the control group (115.9 ± 23.0 g/m2 versus 95.7 ± 23.4 g/m2, respectively). There was no significant correlation between MPV and LVMI.

Conclusion:

In patients with untreated hypertension, despite elevated MPV levels there was no correlation between LVMI and MPV.
Structural Stigma and the Health of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Populations
Authors: Hatzenbuehler Mark L.
Published: April 2014

Psychological research has made significant advancements in the study of stigma but has tended to focus on individual and interpersonal stigma processes. Recently, researchers have expanded the stigma construct to consider how broader, macrosocial forms of stigma—termed structural stigma—also disadvantage stigmatized individuals. In this article, I review cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, and longitudinal studies demonstrating that structural stigma is a risk indicator for psychiatric and physical-health morbidities among lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations. As this work is still in its infancy, the next generation of research will benefit from identifying mediators and moderators of the structural stigma–health association and from examining direct and synergistic relationships between structural and individual forms of stigma.
The Psychology of Eating Animals
Authors: Loughnan Steve , Bastian Brock , Haslam Nick
Published: April 2014

Most people both eat animals and care about animals. Research has begun to examine the psychological processes that allow people to negotiate this “meat paradox.” To understand the psychology of eating animals, we examine characteristics of the eaters (people), the eaten (animals), and the eating (the behavior). People who value masculinity, enjoy meat and do not see it as a moral issue, and find dominance and inequality acceptable are most likely to consume animals. Perceiving animals as highly dissimilar to humans and as lacking mental attributes, such as the capacity for pain, also supports meat-eating. In addition to these beliefs, values, and perceptions, the act of eating meat triggers psychological processes that regulate negative emotions associated with eating animals. We conclude by discussing the implications of this research for understanding the psychology of morality.