bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transoral Robotic Surgery in Retrostyloid Parapharyngeal Space Schwannomas
Authors: Ansarin Mohssen , Tagliabue Marta , Chu Francesco , Zorzi Stefano , Proh Michele , Preda Lorenzo
Published: August 2014

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are very rare, representing about 0.5% of head and neck neoplasms. An external surgical approach is mainly used. Several recent papers show how transoral robotic surgery (TORS) excision could be a prospective tool to remove mainly benign lesions in PPS; no cases of neurogenic tumors from the retrostyloid space treated with TORS have been reported. We present two cases which underwent TORS for schwannomas from the retrostyloid compartment of the parapharyngeal space. Clinical diagnosis of schwannoma was performed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the first case a 6 cm neurogenic tumor arose from the vagus nerve and in the second case a 5 cm mass from the sympathetic chain was observed. Both cases were treated successfully by the TORS approach using a new “J”-shaped incision through the mucosa and superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. Left vocal cord palsy and the Claude Bernard Horner syndrome, respectively, were observed as expected postsurgical sequelae. In case 1 the first bite syndrome developed after three months, while no complications were observed in case 2. Both patients regained a normal swallowing function. TORS seems to be a feasible mini-invasive procedure for benign PPS masses including masses in the poststyloid space.
Optimal Pole Assignment of Linear Systems by the Sylvester Matrix Equations
Authors: He Hua-Feng , Cai Guang-Bin , Han Xiao-Jun
Published: August 2014

The problem of state feedback optimal pole assignment is to design a feedback gain such that the closed-loop system has desired eigenvalues and such that certain quadratic performance index is minimized. Optimal pole assignment controller can guarantee both good dynamic response and well robustness properties of the closed-loop system. With the help of a class of linear matrix equations, necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution to the optimal pole assignment problem are proposed in this paper. By properly choosing the free parameters in the parametric solutions to this class of linear matrix equations, complete solutions to the optimal pole assignment problem can be obtained. A numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Effect ofγ-Irradiation and Calcination Temperature of Nanosized ZnO/TiO2System on Its Structural and Electrical Properties
Authors: Badawy Abdelrahman A. , El-Shafey Shaymaa E. , Abd El All Suzan , El-Shobaky Gamil A.
Published: August 2014

ZnO/TiO2powders were synthesized by sol-gel method using ammonium hydroxide. The effects of calcination temperature (500–1000°C) and gamma rays (with doses from 25 to 150 kGy) on the phases present and their electrical properties were investigated. The results revealed that heating the system investigated at 500°C led to the formation of ZnTiO3-rohom and TiO2-rutile. The degree of crystallinity of the phases produced increased by increasing the calcination temperature. When heating at 1000°C, ZnTiO3-rohom turned to ZnTiO3-cubic but the rutile phase remained stable.γ-Irradiation decreased considerably the crystallite size of the rutile phase from 146 to 63 nm and that of ZnTiO3-cubic decreased from 101 to 39 nm. This treatment led also to the creation of holes in the matrix of irradiated solids which increased the mobility of charge carriers (electrons) leading to a significant increase in the electrical conductivity reaching to 102to 103-fold.
On the Bivariate Nakagami-Lognormal Distribution and Its Correlation Properties
Authors: Reig Juan , Rubio Lorenzo , Rodrigo-Peñarrocha Vicent M.
Published: August 2014

The bivariate Nakagami-lognormal distribution used to model the composite fast fading and shadowing has been examined exhaustively. In particular, we have derived the joint probability density function, the cross-moments, and the correlation coefficient in power terms. Also, two procedures to generate two correlated Nakagami-lognormal random variables are described. These procedures can be used to evaluate the robustness of the sample correlation coefficient distribution in both macro- and microdiversity scenarios. It is shown that the bias and the standard deviation of this sample correlation coefficient are substantially high for large shadowing standard deviations found in wireless communication measurements, even if the number of observations is considerable.
New Conditions for Obtaining the Exact Solutions of the General Riccati Equation
Authors: Bougoffa Lazhar
Published: August 2014

We propose a direct method for solving the general Riccati equationy′=f(x)+g(x)y+h(x)y2. We first reduce it into an equivalent equation, and then we formulate the relations between the coefficients functionsf(x),g(x), andh(x)of the equation to obtain an equivalent separable equation from which the previous equation can be solved in closed form. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of this method.
On Some Approximation Theorems for Powerq-Bounded Operators on Locally Convex Vector Spaces
Authors: Lemle Ludovic Dan
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with the study of some operator inequalities involving the powerq-bounded operators along with the most known properties and results, in the more general framework of locally convex vector spaces.
Fabrication ofγ-Fe2O3Nanoparticles by Solid-State Thermolysis of a Metal-Organic Framework, MIL-100(Fe), for Heavy Metal Ions Removal
Authors: Hei Shengtao , Jin Yan , Zhang Fumin
Published: August 2014

Porousγ-Fe2O3nanoparticles were prepared via a solid-state conversion process of a mesoporous iron(III) carboxylate crystal, MIL-100(Fe). First, the MIL-100(Fe) crystal that served as the template of the metal oxide was synthesized by a low-temperature (<100°C) synthesis route. Subsequently, the porousγ-Fe2O3nanoparticles were fabricated by facile thermolysis of the MIL-100(Fe) powders via a two-step calcination treatment. The obtainedγ-Fe2O3was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques, and then used as an adsorbent for heavy metal ions removal in water treatment. This study illustrates that the metal-organic frameworks may be suitable precursors for the fabrication of metal oxides nanomaterials with large specific surface area, and the prepared porousγ-Fe2O3exhibits a superior adsorption performance for As(V) and As(III) ions removal in water treatment.
Towards Enhancement of Performance of K-Means Clustering Using Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Fong Simon , Deb Suash , Yang Xin-She , Zhuang Yan
Published: August 2014

Traditional K-means clustering algorithms have the drawback of getting stuck at local optima that depend on the random values of initial centroids. Optimization algorithms have their advantages in guiding iterative computation to search for global optima while avoiding local optima. The algorithms help speed up the clustering process by converging into a global optimum early with multiple search agents in action. Inspired by nature, some contemporary optimization algorithms which include Ant, Bat, Cuckoo, Firefly, and Wolf search algorithms mimic the swarming behavior allowing them to cooperatively steer towards an optimal objective within a reasonable time. It is known that these so-called nature-inspired optimization algorithms have their own characteristics as well as pros and cons in different applications. When these algorithms are combined with K-means clustering mechanism for the sake of enhancing its clustering quality by avoiding local optima and finding global optima, the new hybrids are anticipated to produce unprecedented performance. In this paper, we report the results of our evaluation experiments on the integration of nature-inspired optimization methods into K-means algorithms. In addition to the standard evaluation metrics in evaluating clustering quality, the extended K-means algorithms that are empowered by nature-inspired optimization methods are applied on image segmentation as a case study of application scenario.
Glycemic Control Outcomes by Gender in the Pay-for-Performance System: A Retrospective Database Analysis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yuan Shao-Ping , Huang Chien-Ning , Liao Hung-Chang , Lin Yu-Tzu , Wang Ya-huei
Published: August 2014

Background. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the degree of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes associated with lifestyle interventions as well as sociodemographic factors and further examine the differences by gender.Methods. This was a retrospective study using data collected from a diabetes quality improvement plan that began in 2002 in a medical center in Taiwan. Statistic analysis was used to determine the associations of sociodemographic data, lifestyle intervention, and treatment regimens with changes in HbA1c levels (between the initial visit and the latest follow-up measured level), and the differences were then sorted by the sex of the patients.Results. Our results showed that HbA1c averaged 7.50% for males and 7.80% for females at the initial visit, compared to levels averaging 7.50% for males and 7.70% for females at the most recent follow-up visit. There was no significant change (P=0.541) in HbA1c in males, but there was a 0.10% (P=0.384) reduction in females. The duration of the diabetes and medication regimen was associated with the decrease seen in the females.Conclusions. The results of these analyses provide important insights for policy makers to formulate healthcare policies related to chronic diseases or illnesses.
Monotone Iterative Technique and Symmetric Positive Solutions to Fourth-Order Boundary Value Problem with Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Pang Huihui , Cai Chen
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the existence of symmetric positive solutions for a class of fourth-order boundary value problem:u4(t)+βu′′(t)=f(t,u(t),u′′(t)),0<t<1,u(0)=u(1)=∫01‍p(s)u(s)ds,u′′(0)=u′′(1)=∫01‍qsu′′(s)ds, wherep,q∈L1[0,1],f∈C([0,1]×[0,∞)×(-∞,0],[0,∞)). By using a monotone iterative technique, we prove that the above boundary value problem has symmetric positive solutions under certain conditions. In particular, these solutions are obtained via the iteration procedures.
Primary TKA Patients with Quantifiably Balanced Soft-Tissue Achieve Significant Clinical Gains Sooner than Unbalanced Patients
Authors: Gustke Kenneth A. , Golladay Gregory J. , Roche Martin W. , Elson Leah C. , Anderson Christopher R.
Published: August 2014

Although total knee arthroplasty has a high success rate, poor outcomes and early revision are associated with ligament imbalance. This multicenter evaluation was performed in order to provide 1-year followup of a previously reported group of patients who had sensor-assisted TKA, comparing the clinical outcomes of quantitatively balanced versus unbalanced patients. At 1 year, the balanced cohort scored 179.3 and 10.4 in KSS and WOMAC, respectively; the unbalanced cohort scored 156.1 and 17.9 in KSS and WOMAC (P<0.001;P=0.085). The average activity level scores of quantitatively balanced patients were 68.6 (corresponding to tennis, light jogging, and heavy yard work), while the average activity level of unbalanced patients was 46.7 (corresponding to light housework, and limited walking distances) (P=0.015). Out of all confounding variables, a balanced articulation was the most significant contributing factor to improved postoperative outcomes (P<0.001).
A Novel Design and Optimization Software for Autonomous PV/Wind/Battery Hybrid Power Systems
Authors: Eltamaly Ali M. , Mohamed Mohamed A.
Published: August 2014

This paper introduces a design and optimization computer simulation program for autonomous hybrid PV/wind/battery energy system. The main function of the new proposed computer program is to determine the optimum size of each component of the hybrid energy system for the lowest price of kWh generated and the best loss of load probability at highest reliability. This computer program uses the hourly wind speed, hourly radiation, and hourly load power with several numbers of wind turbine (WT) and PV module types. The proposed computer program changes the penetration ratio of wind/PV with certain increments and calculates the required size of all components and the optimum battery size to get the predefined lowest acceptable probability. This computer program has been designed in flexible fashion that is not available in market available software like HOMER and RETScreen. Actual data for Saudi sites have been used with this computer program. The data obtained have been compared with these market available software. The comparison shows the superiority of this computer program in the optimal design of the autonomous PV/wind/battery hybrid system. The proposed computer program performed the optimal design steps in very short time and with accurate results. Many valuable results can be extracted from this computer program that can help researchers and decision makers.
Sensitization of Perovskite Strontium Stannate SrSnO3towards Visible-Light Absorption by Doping
Authors: Chen Hungru , Umezawa Naoto
Published: August 2014

Perovskite strontium stannate SrSnO3is a promising photocatalyst. However, its band gap is too large for efficient solar energy conversion. In order to sensitize SrSnO3toward visible-light activities, the effects of doping with various selected cations and anions are investigated by using hybrid density functional calculations. Results show that doping can result in dopant level to conduction band transitions which lie lower in energy compared to the original band gap transition. Therefore, it is expected that doping SrSnO3can induce visible-light absorption.
Mikania glomerata: Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Neurochemical Study
Authors: Santana Lorena C. L. R. , Brito Maria R. M. , Oliveira George L. S. , Citó Antônia M. G. L. , Alves Clayton Q. , David Juceni P. , David Jorge M. , de Freitas Rivelilson M.
Published: August 2014

The present study primarily aims to identify the relative density and the fatty acids (methyl esters) content present in the standardized ethanol extract of leaves of M. glomerata (EPMG). Meanwhile, in a second moment, this study evaluated the effects of the EPMG on the levels of amino acids in the hippocampus, and the mechanism of sedative and anxiolytic action. Adult mice were treated with doses of 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg and evaluated in open field, elevated plus‐maze, light dark, and rotarod tests. Moreover, in the behavioral tests diazepam (GABAergic anxiolytic, 2 mg/kg) as positive control and flumazenil (GABA antagonist, 2.5 mg/kg) were used to identify mechanism of sedative and anxiolytic action produced by EPMG. The EPMG is constituted by the following compounds: methyl cinnamate, 2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one, (2‐hydroxyphenyl)methyl propionate, (Z)‐methyl‐hexadec‐7‐enoate, methyl hexadecanoate, hexadecanoic acid, (Z)‐methyl‐octadec‐9‐enoate, octadecanoic acid, and squalene. This extract demonstrated anxiolytic effects, which may be mediated by GABAergic system, and was able to increase GABA levels and reduce of glutamate and aspartate concentrations in mice hippocampus, which can directly and/or indirectly assist in their anxiolytic effect. Although more studies are needed, the EPMG could represent an interesting therapeutical strategy in the treatment of anxiety.
Evaluation of the Effect of Andrographolide on Atherosclerotic Rabbits Induced byPorphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Al Batran Rami , Al-Bayaty Fouad , Al-Obaidi Mazen M. Jamil , Hussain Saba F. , Mulok Tengku Z.
Published: August 2014

Epidemiologic evidence has demonstrated significant associations between atherosclerosis andPorphyromonas gingivalis(Pg). We had investigated the effect of andrographolide (AND) on atherosclerosis induced byPgin rabbits. For experimental purpose, we separated thirty male white New Zealand rabbits into 5 groups. Group 1 received standard food pellets; Groups 2–5 were orally challenged withPg; Group 3 received atorvastatin (AV, 5 mg/kg), and Groups 4-5 received 10 and 20 mg/kg of AND, respectively, over 12 weeks. Groups treated with AND showed significant decrease in TC, TG, and LDL levels (P<0.05) and significant increase in HDL level in the serum of rabbits. Furthermore, the treated groups (G3–G5) exhibited reductions in interleukins (IL-1βand IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as compared to atherogenicgroup (G2). The histological results showed that the thickening of atherosclerotic plaques were less significant in treated groups (G3–G5) compared with atherogenicgroup (G2). Also, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining decreased within the plaques of atherogenicgroup (G2), while it was increased in treated groups (G3–G5). Lastly, groups treated with AV and AND (G3–G5) showed significant reduction of CD36 expression (P<0.05) compared to atherogenicgroup (G2). These results substantially proved that AND contain antiatherogenic activity.
Bifurcation of a Microelectromechanical Nonlinear Coupling System with Delay Feedback
Authors: Li Yanqiu , Duan Wei , Ma Shujian , Li Pengfei
Published: August 2014

The dynamics of a kind of electromechanical coupling deformable micromirror device torsion micromirror with delay are investigated. Based on the distribution of eigenvalues, we prove that a sequence of Hopf bifurcation occurs at the equilibrium as the delay increases and obtain the critical values of Hopf bifurcation. Explicit algorithms for determining the direction of the Hopf bifurcation and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are derived, using the theories of normal form and center manifold.
Antibacterial Activity of As-Annealed TiO2Nanotubes Doped with Ag Nanoparticles against Periodontal Pathogens
Authors: Yeniyol Sinem , He Zhiming , Yüksel Behiye , Boylan Robert Joseph , Ürgen Mustafa , Özdemir Tayfun , Ricci John Lawrence
Published: August 2014

It is important to develop functional transmucosal implant surfaces that reduce the number of initially adhering bacteria and they need to be modified to improve the anti-bacterial performance. Commercially pure Ti sheets were anodized in an electrolyte containing ethylene glycol, distilled water and ammonium fluoride at room temperature to produce TiO2nanotubes. These structures were then annealed at 450°C to transform them to anatase. As-annealed TiO2nanotubes were then treated in an electrolyte containing 80.7 g/L NiSO4·7H2O, 41 g/L MgSO4·7H2O, 45 g/L H3BO3, and 1.44 g/L Ag2SO4at 20°C by the application of 9 V AC voltage for doping them with silver. As-annealed TiO2nanotubes and as-annealed Ag doped TiO2nanotubes were evaluated by SEM, FESEM, and XRD. Antibacterial activity was assessed by determining the adherence ofA. actinomycetemcomitans,T. forsythia, andC. rectusto the surface of the nanotubes. Bacterial morphology was examined using an SEM. As-annealed Ag doped TiO2nanotubes revealed intense peak of Ag. Bacterial death against the as-annealed Ag doped TiO2nanotubes were detected againstA. actinomycetemcomitans,T. forsythia, andC. rectusindicating antibacterial efficacy.
Sustained Release of Prostaglandin E2in Fibroblasts Expressing Ectopically Cyclooxygenase 2 Impairs P2Y-Dependent Ca2+-Mobilization
Authors: Pimentel-Santillana María , Través Paqui G. , Pérez-Sen Raquel , Delicado Esmerilda G. , Martín-Sanz Paloma , Miras-Portugal María Teresa , Boscá Lisardo
Published: August 2014

The nucleotide uridine trisphosphate (UTP) released to the extracellular milieu acts as a signaling moleculeviaactivation of specific pyrimidine receptors (P2Y). P2Y receptors are G protein-coupled receptors expressed in many cell types. These receptors mediate several cell responses and they are involved in intracellular calcium mobilization. We investigated the role of the prostanoid PGE2in P2Y signaling in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), since these cells are involved in different ontogenic and physiopathological processes, among them is tissue repair following proinflammatory activation. Interestingly, Ca2+-mobilization induced by UTP-dependent P2Y activation was reduced by PGE2when this prostanoid was produced by MEFs transfected with COX-2 or when PGE2was added exogenously to the culture medium. This Ca2+-mobilization was important for the activation of different metabolic pathways in fibroblasts. Moreover, inhibition of COX-2 with selective coxibs prevented UTP-dependent P2Y activation in these cells. The inhibition of P2Y responses by PGE2involves the activation of PKCs and PKD, a response that can be suppressed after pharmacological inhibition of these protein kinases. In addition to this, PGE2reduces the fibroblast migration induced by P2Y-agonists such as UTP. Taken together, these data demonstrate that PGE2is involved in the regulation of P2Y signaling in these cells.
Theoretical Basis, Laboratory Evidence, and Clinical Research of Chemical Surgery of the Cornea: Cross-Linking
Authors: Paz Amanda C. da , Bersanetti Patrícia A. , Salomão Marcella Q. , Ambrósio Renato , Schor Paulo
Published: August 2014

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is increasingly performed in ophthalmology with high success rates for progressive keratoconus and other types of ectasia. Despite being an established procedure, some molecular and clinical aspects still require additional studies. This review presents a critical analysis of some established topics and others that are still controversial. In addition, this review examines new technologies and techniques (transepithelial and ultrafast CXL), uses of corneal CXL including natural products and biomolecules as CXL promoters, and evidence forin vitroandin vivoindirect effectiveness.
Transformation Matrix for Time Discretization Based on Tustin’s Method
Authors: Jiang Yiming , Hu Xiaodong , Wu Sen
Published: August 2014

This paper studies rules in transformation of transfer function through time discretization. A method of using transformation matrix to realize bilinear transform (also known as Tustin’s method) is presented. This method can be described as the conversion between the coefficients of transfer functions, which are expressed as transform by certain matrix. For a polynomial of degree n, the corresponding transformation matrix of order n exists and is unique. Furthermore, the transformation matrix can be decomposed into an upper triangular matrix multiplied with another lower triangular matrix. And both have obvious regularity. The proposed method can achieve rapid bilinear transform used in automatic design of digital filter. The result of numerical simulation verifies the correctness of the theoretical results. Moreover, it also can be extended to other similar problems. Example in the last throws light on this point.
(α-ψ)-Contractive Mappings on Generalized Quasimetric Spaces
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Lakzian Hosein
Published: August 2014

We consider the existence of a fixed point of(α-ψ)-contractive mappings in the context of generalized quasimetric spaces without Hausdorff assumption. The obtained results extend several results on the topic in the literature.
Involvement of p53 Mutation and Mismatch Repair Proteins Dysregulation in NNK-Induced Malignant Transformation of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Shen Ying , Zhang Shuilian , Huang Xiaobin , Chen Kailin , Shen Jing , Wang Zhengyang
Published: August 2014

Genome integrity is essential for normal cellular functions and cell survival. Its instability can cause genetic aberrations and is considered as a hallmark of most cancers. To investigate the carcinogenesis process induced by tobacco-specific carcinogen NNK, we studied the dynamic changes of two important protectors of genome integrity, p53 and MMR system, in malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells after NNK exposure. Our results showed that the expression of MLH1, one of the important MMR proteins, was decreased early and maintained the downregulation during the transformation in a histone modification involved and DNA methylation-independent manner. Another MMR protein PMS2 also displayed a declined expression while being in a later stage of transformation. Moreover, we conducted p53 mutation analysis and revealed a mutation at codon 273 which led to the replacement of arginine by histidine. With the mutation, DNA damage-induced activation of p53 was significantly impaired. We further reintroduced the wild-type p53 into the transformed cells, and the malignant proliferation can be abrogated by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These findings indicate that p53 and MMR system play an important role in the initiation and progression of NNK-induced transformation, and p53 could be a potential therapeutic target for tobacco-related cancers.
A New Method of Improving Low-Speed Performance of Variable Speed Hydraulic Systems: By Leaking Parallel Valve Control
Authors: Ding Haigang , Zhao Jiyun
Published: August 2014

Aiming at improving low-speed performance of variable speed hydraulic systems, the leaking parallel valve control is applied to the system during low-speed period. This method increases system damping ratios by increasing leakage controlled by the valve. In addition, the increase of damping ratios just compensates the reduction of damping ratios due to the friction negative slop, which helps to improve low-speed stability and achieve lower critical speed. In the whole process of closed loop control, the system in leaking parallel valve control has good speed performance with more stable and suitable damping ratios and basically avoids pressure impact at start and stop stages and still keeps comparatively high efficiency because the pump provides total flow and the valve only leaks out few flows.
Ten Years of Experience with First-Trimester Screening for Fetal Aneuploidy Employing Biochemistry from Gestational Weeks 6+0 to 13+6
Authors: Tørring Niels , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Uldbjerg Niels
Published: August 2014

Objectives: To validate the performance of first-trimester screening for fetal aneuploidy employing blood samples drawn in gestational weeks 6-13. Methods: Prospective combined first-trimester screening for fetal aneuploidy in Denmark was validated in two large datasets: (1) a dataset from the Central Denmark Region including 147,768 pregnancies from October 2003 to October 2013, and (2) a national dataset including 220,739 pregnancies from January 2008 to August 2011. Results: For trisomy 21, the weekly median multiple of the median (MoM) increased from 0.37 in week 6 to 0.70 in week 13 (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A), and from 0.99 in week 6 to 2.68 in week 13 (free βhCG). The overall detection rate (DR) for fetal trisomy 21 was 91.2%. Employing blood samples from gestational week 9, the DR was 97% (p = 0.05). For fetal trisomy 18, trisomy 13 and triploidy, the overall DRs after first-trimester screening were 79.5, 86 and 85%. In the national dataset, the overall DR for trisomy 21 was 86.3% ranging from 89 (weeks 9 and 10) to 80% (weeks 12 and 13). Conclusion: The results from both datasets show that blood sampling in gestational weeks 9-10 is a robust and high-performance strategy, which can be applied for routine first-trimester screening in clinical practice.
Itching in Patients with Chronic Hand Eczema: Data from the CARPE Registry
Authors: Ruppert Linda , Apfelbacher Christian , Molin Sonja , Bauer Andrea , Mahler Vera , Schmitt Jochen , Elsner Peter , Diepgen Thomas L. , Weisshaar Elke
Published: August 2014

Background: Itching is a leading symptom of chronic hand eczema (CHE) having a great impact on patients. The determinants of itching in CHE are unclear. Objective: We performed a cross-sectional analysis investigating factors associated with the presence and severity of itch in CHE patients from the CARPE registry. Methods: We present baseline data on itch in relationship with sociodemographic factors, severity of CHE, atopy, contact allergy, treatment and patient- reported outcomes including health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Results: Of 1,051 patients with CHE, 78.1% reported itching. Significant positive associations with itching were observed for younger age groups (17-25 and 26-45 years), for moderate, severe and very severe CHE and for small/moderate impairment in HRQoL. Atopic skin diathesis, hardly being able to realize treatment recommendations and very or extremely large impairments in HRQoL were associated with itch severity. Conclusion: Taking the identified variables into account may help identify vulnerable groups most affected by (severe) itch.
Deviation of Sonographic Estimated Fetal Weight from Actual Birth Weight in Two Consecutive Pregnancies of the Same Parturients
Authors: Aviram Amir , Aviram Rami , Tenenbaum-Gavish Kinneret , Hiersch Liran , Ashwal Eran , Yogev Yariv , Ben-Haroush Avi
Published: August 2014

Objective: To determine whether maternal features affect the accuracy of sonographic estimated fetal weight (SEFW) by evaluating the consistency of the systematic error of SEFW with regards to the birth weight (BW) in two consecutive pregnancies of the same gravida. Methods: The cohort included women with SEFW within 1 week of delivery (32-42 weeks' gestation) in two consecutive singleton pregnancies from 2007 to 2012. The systematic error was calculated as (SEFW - BW)/BW × 100 and expressed as a percentage of the BW. Results: A total of 636 pregnancies (318 gravidas) were eligible for analysis. The BW and SEFW were correlated in both first examined (r = 0.873, p < 0.001) and consecutive (r = 0.843, p < 0.001) pregnancies. There was a significant difference in mean systematic error between first examined and consecutive pregnancies (3.13 ± 8.95 vs. 0.34 ± 8.75%, p < 0.001), with a very weak correlation between the two (r = 0.135, p = 0.16). Nulliparity or multiparity at the first examined pregnancy was not found to be a significant factor, and in both groups the error was higher in the first examined pregnancy. There were no significant differences between parturients with a minor (10% and below) or major (>10%) difference in the systematic error between the two pregnancies. Conclusion: The systematic error between the SEFW and BW in two consecutive pregnancies is inconsistent, suggesting that it is unaffected by maternal biometric features.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Secondary to Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treated Successfully with Combination Chemotherapy
Authors: Mast Cathy , Ramanathan Ramesh K. , Feinstein Donald I. , Rosen Peter
Published: August 2014

Both solid and hematologic malignancies may be complicated by coagulopathies. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in the presence of pancreatic cancer is generally unrecognized and may have fatal consequences. The diagnosis of DIC in a patient with advanced cancer is a poor prognostic indicator. Presented here is a case study consisting of two patients presenting with a new diagnosis of pancreatic cancer complicated by DIC. Aggressive supportive treatment in addition to systemic chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel was initiated and DIC was controlled. An early diagnosis of DIC and the administration of systemic chemotherapy with a high response rate and an ability to reduce tumor bulk rapidly may offer some patients the probability of recovery.
Electromagnetic Compatibility of Cochlear Implant with an Aircraft Cockpit
Authors: Caldeira Juliana Maria Araujo , de Almeida Fabio Andrade , Ribeiro Marcos Antônio , Alonso Jana D'Arc Abdalla , Schmidt Goffi-Gomez Maria Valéria , Bento Ricardo Ferreira
Published: August 2014

Background: For the cochlear implant (CI) to be an option for aircraft pilot rehabilitation, the objective of this study was to rule out the possibility of interference between the implant and the aircraft equipment. Method: All security instruments of the EMB120 aircraft on the ground with the engine running were tested with a bilateral CI user sitting in the copilot's seat. Results: The presence of the CI user had no effect on any of the navigation equipment during the test flight. The volunteer reported no discomfort, diminished hearing, headache or neurological symptoms during or after the test flight. Conclusion: There is an electromagnetic compatibility between the EMB120 aircraft instruments and the bilateral CI user in the cockpit.
Long-Term Tumor Control despite Late Pseudoprogression on 18F-FDG-PET following Extremely Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Retropharyngeal Lymph Node Metastasis from Esthesioneuroblastoma
Authors: Ohtakara Kazuhiro , Hoshi Hiroaki
Published: August 2014

18F-FDG-PET is a valuable adjunct to conventional imaging for evaluating treatment response following stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for head and neck malignancies (HNM). The effect of treatment-related inflammation is generally deemed negligible after 12 weeks following conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. Herein, we describe an unusual case showing pseudoprogression on 18F-FDG-PET 2 years after SBRT for retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis (RPLNm) from esthesioneuroblastoma. A 36-year-old man presented with right RPLNm 32 months after the diagnosis of esthesioneuroblastoma associated with ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone production. The RPLNm was treated with SBRT in 2 fractions over 8 days using dynamic conformal arcs with concomitant chemotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide. Although follow-up MRI showed sustained lesion regression, the early/delayed maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) values on dual-time-point 18F-FDG-PET obtained 1 and 2 years after SBRT were 7.7/8.3 and 8.5/10.1, respectively, suggesting local progression. Despite no subsequent focal or systemic treatment, the SUVmax values gradually decreased thereafter over a period of 4 years (3.3/3.4 at 76 months). MRI obtained 7 years after SBRT revealed sustained tumor regression. No obvious relevant toxicities have occurred. Thus, caution should be exercised in the interpretation of the SUVmax change following ablative irradiation for HNM.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Urinary Bladder with Benign Pelvic Lymph Node Enlargement: A Case Report
Authors: Machioka Kazuaki , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Izumi Kouji , Kitamura Seiko , Ikeda Hiroko , Namiki Mikio
Published: August 2014

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) rarely occur in the urinary bladder. It is apparently difficult to distinguish these tumors from other malignant spindle cell proliferations. Herein, we report a case of IMT of the urinary bladder with enlarged pelvic lymph nodes. The definitive pathological diagnosis could not be established by biopsy. Instead, the diagnosis of IMT of the urinary bladder was determined by a positive reaction to anaplastic lymphoma kinase by immunohistochemistry after radical cystectomy. No malignant findings were observed on histopathological evaluations of the enlarged lymph nodes.
Efficacy of Catheter Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wynn Gareth J. , Das Moloy , Bonnett Laura J. , Panikker Sandeep , Wong Tom , Gupta Dhiraj
Published: August 2014

Background—

Catheter ablation (CA) is commonly performed for persistent atrial fibrillation, but few high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist, leading to funding restrictions being proposed in several countries. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of RCTs and non-RCTs to assess the efficacy of CA for persistent atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results—

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, OpenGrey, and
clinicaltrials.gov
for RCTs and non-RCTs reporting clinical outcomes after CA for persistent atrial fibrillation. Forty-six eligible studies were identified containing 3819 patients. After a single procedure, CA significantly reduced the risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation compared with medical therapy (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20–0.53;
P
<0.001). Outcomes were better if the pulmonary veins were encircled (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09–0.74;
P
=0.01), and electrical isolation reduced AF recurrence compared with purely anatomic encirclement (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.13–0.86;
P
=0.02). Linear ablation within the left atrium (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10–0.49;
P
<0.001), but not complex fractionated atrial electrogram ablation (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.35–1.18;
P
=0.15), significantly reduced AF recurrence. Results were not improved by performing more extensive linear lesion sets (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.41–1.43;
P
=0.40) or from biatrial ablation (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.31–1.24;
P
=0.17). Where data were available, the relative benefits seen held true both after a single or multiple procedure(s). Sensitivity analyses showed that inclusion of non-RCTs increased statistical power without biasing the calculated effect sizes.

Conclusions—

For patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, CA achieves significantly greater freedom from recurrent atrial fibrillation compared with medical therapy. The most efficacious strategy is likely to combine isolation of the pulmonary veins with limited linear ablation within the left atrium.
Salmoneus yoyo nov. sp., a peculiar new infaunal shrimp from Lombok, Indonesia (Decapoda, Caridea, Alpheidae)
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR , FIRDAUS MUHAMMAD , PRATAMA IDHAM SUMARTO
Published: August 2014

An unusual new species of the alpheid shrimp genus Salmoneus Holthuis, 1955 is described from Sekotong Bay, southwestern Lombok, Indonesia. The holotype and single known specimen of Salmoneus yoyo sp. nov. was collected with a suction pump from a burrow of unknown host, on a seagrass flat partly exposed at low tide. The new species presents three characters on the chelipeds that are unique within Salmoneus: a conspicuous, mesially curved, hook-like process on the distomesial margin of the merus, a row of blunt teeth on the ventromesial margin of the merus, and a series of blunt teeth on the ventromesial margin of the propodus. Salmoneus yoyo sp. nov. also has a characteristic colour pattern consisting of bright red chromatophores occupying most of the carapace surface, except for the frontal and post-frontal areas.
Moist Static Energy Budget of the MJO during DYNAMO
Authors: Sobel Adam , Wang Shuguang , Kim Daehyun
Published: August 2014

The authors analyze the column-integrated moist static energy budget over the region of the tropical Indian Ocean covered by the sounding array during the Cooperative Indian Ocean Experiment on Intraseasonal Variability in the Year 2011 (CINDY2011)/Dynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) field experiment in late 2011. The analysis is performed using data from the sounding array complemented by additional observational datasets for surface turbulent fluxes and atmospheric radiative heating. The entire analysis is repeated using the ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim). The roles of surface turbulent fluxes, radiative heating, and advection are quantified for the two MJO events that occurred in October and November using the sounding data; a third event in December is also studied in the ERA-Interim data.

These results are consistent with the view that the MJO’s moist static energy anomalies grow and are sustained to a significant extent by the radiative feedbacks associated with MJO water vapor and cloud anomalies and that propagation of the MJO is associated with advection of moist static energy. Both horizontal and vertical advection appear to play significant roles in the events studied here. Horizontal advection strongly moistens the atmosphere during the buildup to the active phase of the October event when the low-level winds switch from westerly to easterly. Horizontal advection strongly dries the atmosphere in the wake of the active phases of the November and December events as the westerlies associated with off-equatorial cyclonic gyres bring subtropical dry air into the convective region from the west and north. Vertical advection provides relative moistening ahead of the active phase and drying behind it, associated with an increase of the normalized gross moist stability.
Atmospheric Kinetic Energy Spectra from Global High-Resolution Nonhydrostatic Simulations
Authors: Skamarock William C. , Park Sang-Hun , Klemp Joseph B. , Snyder Chris
Published: August 2014

Kinetic energy (KE) spectra derived from global high-resolution atmospheric simulations from the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) are presented. The simulations are produced using quasi-uniform global Voronoi horizontal meshes with 3-, 7.5-, and 15-km mean cell spacings. KE spectra from the MPAS simulations compare well with observations and other simulations in the literature and possess the canonical KE spectra structure including a very-well-resolved shallow-sloped mesoscale region in the 3-km simulation. There is a peak in the vertical velocity variance at the model filter scale for all simulations, indicating the underresolved nature of updrafts even with the 3-km mesh. The KE spectra reveal that the MPAS configuration produces an effective model resolution (filter scale) of approximately 6Δx. Comparison with other published model KE spectra highlight model filtering issues, specifically insufficient filtering that can lead to spectral blocking and the production of erroneous shallow-sloped mesoscale tails in the KE spectra. The mesoscale regions in the MPAS KE spectra are produced without use of kinetic energy backscatter, in contrast to other results reported in the literature. No substantive difference is found in KE spectra computed on constant height or constant pressure surfaces. Stratified turbulence is not resolved with the vertical resolution used in this study; hence, the results do not support recent conjecture that stratified turbulence explains the mesoscale portion of the KE spectrum.
Curl-Free Pressure Gradients over Orography in a Solution of the Fully Compressible Euler Equations with Implicit Treatment of Acoustic and Gravity Waves
Authors: Weller Hilary , Shahrokhi Ava
Published: August 2014

Steep orography can cause noisy solutions and instability in models of the atmosphere. A new technique for modeling flow over orography is introduced that guarantees curl-free gradients on arbitrary grids, implying that the pressure gradient term is not a spurious source of vorticity. This mimetic property leads to better hydrostatic balance and better energy conservation on test cases using terrain-following grids. Curl-free gradients are achieved by using the covariant components of velocity over orography rather than the usual horizontal and vertical components.

In addition, gravity and acoustic waves are treated implicitly without the need for mean and perturbation variables or a hydrostatic reference profile. This enables a straightforward description of the implicit treatment of gravity waves.

Results are presented of a resting atmosphere over orography and the curl-free pressure gradient formulation is advantageous. Results of gravity waves over orography are insensitive to the placement of terrain-following layers. The model with implicit gravity waves is stable in strongly stratified conditions, with NΔt up to at least 10 (where N is the Brunt–Väisälä frequency). A warm bubble rising over orography is simulated and the curl-free pressure gradient formulation gives much more accurate results for this test case than a model without this mimetic property.
A Revised Tornado Definition and Changes in Tornado Taxonomy
Authors: Agee Ernest M.
Published: August 2014

The tornado taxonomy presented by Agee and Jones is revised to account for the new definition of a tornado provided by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in October 2013, resulting in the elimination of shear-driven vortices from the taxonomy, such as gustnadoes and vortices in the eyewall of hurricanes. Other relevant research findings since the initial issuance of the taxonomy are also considered and incorporated, where appropriate, to help improve the classification system. Multiple misoscale shear-driven vortices in a single tornado event, when resulting from an inertial instability, are also viewed to not meet the definition of a tornado.
The New Developmentalism and the Challenges to Long-Term Stability in Brazil
Authors: Carrillo Ian R.
Published: August 2014

A new developmentalism is said to have taken hold in Brazil over the past decade. Incorporating multiple policy strategies, it has three main pillars: promoting inclusive growth in the home economy, engaging the international economy to underpin national development and to sustain long-term growth, and pursuing internal and external objectives through the collaboration of a strong state and a strong market. In spite of several major accomplishments, this approach has disproportionately used industrial policy tools to privilege firms in traditional sectors and foster increased reliance on commodities, tendencies that have been enabled by bureaucratic incoherence and weak oversight of public financing. This makes it unlikely that deep productive transformation, a key developmentalist objective as defined by the East Asian experience, will materialize.

Dizem que nesta última década, um novo desenvolvimentalismo tomou posse no Brasil. Incorpora muitas estratégias, as quais tem três suportes principais: a promoção dum crescimento globalmente compreensivo no mercado nacional, o aumento das relações com a economia internacional para apoiar o desenvolvimento interno e sustentar o crescimento a longo prazo, e a alcance de objetivos pela colaboração entre um Estado e um mercado fortes. A pesar de várias realizações importantes, este política há empregado, desproporcionalmente, instrumentos de política industrial no sentido de favorecer as empresas dos setores tradicionais e aumentar dependência nas materias primas: uma tendência possibilidada pela incoerência nos procedimentos burocráticos e pela fiscalização fraca dos gastos públicos. Por isso é pouco provável que se realizar qualquer transformação da produção, a que deve ser um objetivo chave desenvolvimentista segundo as padrões da experiências recentes da Ásia oriental.
Affirmative Action and Political Dispute in Today’s Brazilian Academe
Authors: dos Santos Sales Augusto
Published: August 2014

The current discussion about the quota system being introduced to increase access by black students to public universities in Brazil has at least two components. The first is who can acquire one of the prerequisites to entering Brazil’s ruling establishment: a degree from a Brazilian public university. The second is what paradigm for interpreting race relations is most pertinent to the real situation in Brazil.

Neste artigo discute-se o que está sob disputa na sociedade brasileira com a implementação do sistema de cotas para estudantes negros ingressarem nas universidades públicas b rasileiras. Levanta-se a hipótese de que há pelo menos duas disputas. A primeira é sobre quem poderá adquirir um dos pré-requisitos para aspirar fazer parte das elites dirigentes deste país: o diploma de uma universidade pública brasileira. A segunda disputa é sobre qual paradigma de interpretação das relações raciais é mais pertinente para a realidade brasileira.
Pearlite growth rate in Fe–C and Fe–Mn–C steels
Authors: Seo S.-W. , Bhadeshia H. K. D. H. , Suh D.-W.
Published: August 2014

The kinetic theory for the growth of pearlite in binary and ternary steels is implemented to ensure local equilibrium at the transformation front with austenite, while accounting for both boundary and volume diffusion of solutes. Good agreement is on the whole observed with published experimental data, although the reported growth rate at the lowest of temperatures is much smaller than predicted. To investigate this, experiments were conducted to replicate the published data. It is found that the cooperation between cementite and ferrite breaks down at these temperatures, and surface relief experiments are reported to verify that the resulting transformation product is not bainite.