bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fever of unknown origin and pancytopenia caused by culture-proven delayed onset disseminated bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infection after intravesical instillation
Authors: Dammert Pedro , Boujaoude Ziad , Rafferty William , Kass Jonathan
Published: April 2013

A 78-year-old man was diagnosed with bladder carcinoma in situ and was successfully treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillations. At 6 months after the last dose, he developed fever, weight loss and malaise. He had an extensive negative workup at an outside hospital and was treated empirically with ciprofloxacin for 2 weeks. The fever resolved but returned months later and he was readmitted with pancytopenia, elevated alkaline phosphatase and ground glass opacities on the chest CT. Bone marrow and liver biopsies showed non-caseating granulomas and were negative for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) and fungal stains.Mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex PCR of the bone marrow was negative. Owing to the high clinical suspicion of disseminated BCG infection, the patient was treated empirically. After 9 weeks of incubation, the bone marrow AFB culture grewMycobacterium bovis. Within 2 months of treatment his symptoms resolved and his laboratory results normalised.
Anything rare is possible here: Brucellosis in London in 2012
Authors: Javaid Mahvesh Rana , Farrugia Mark , Noeman Ahmed Yasser
Published: April 2013

Brucellosis is a rare zoonotic disease in the UK but endemic in parts of the world, including the Mediterranean region, South and Central America, Caribbean, Africa and Persian Gulf. Therefore, the most common routes of transmission to the UK are either through emigration or by vacationing in such endemic regions. This provides us the challenge even today, especially in the extensive multi-ethnic area of East London, in recognising the signs and symptoms of the rare disease of Brucellosis. Here, we report such a patient case of Brucellosis.
(123I)FP-CIT SPECT in suspected dementia with Lewy bodies: a longitudinal case study
Authors: Siepel Françoise J , Rongve Arvid , Buter Tirza C , Beyer Mona K , Ballard Clive G , Booij Jan , Aarsland Dag
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Little is known regarding the ‘false-negative’ or ‘false-positive’ striatal dopamine transporter binding on SPECT for the diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). We explored the clinical course in patients fulfilling the criteria for clinical DLB with a normal (123I)FP-CIT SPECT (ie, SPECT scan negative, clinical features positive (S−CF+)) and patients not fulfilling DLB criteria with an abnormal scan (S+CF−).

Design

Longitudinal case study over 2–5 years.

Setting

Consecutive referrals of patients with mild dementia to dementia clinics in western Norway.

Participants

50 patients (27 men and 23 women; mean age at baseline of 74 (range 52–88)) with (123I)FP-CIT SPECT images underwent cluster analysis: 20/50 patients allocated to a ‘DLB’ and 8 to a ‘non-DLB’ cluster were included.

Outcome measures

Scores on standardised clinical rating scales for hallucinations, parkinsonism, fluctuations, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder and visually rated (123I)FP-CIT SPECT.

Results

During the follow-up period, in the S+CF− group (n=7), frequency and severity of DLB symptoms tended to increase, particularly parkinsonism (7/7) and cognitive fluctuations (7/7), while severity of visual hallucinations and REM sleep behaviour disorder remained stable. The S−CF+ (n=3) fulfilled the operationalised criteria for probable DLB both at baseline and at the end of the follow-up.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that systematic visual analyses of (123I)FP-CIT SPECT can detect people with DLB prior to the development of the full clinical syndrome. In addition, the study indicates that some patients fulfilling clinical criteria for probable DLB have a normal scan, and further studies are required to characterise these patients better.
An epidemiological survey on the determination of Taenia saginata cysticercosis in Iran, using a PCR assay
Authors: Hosseinzadeh S. , Setayesh A. , Shekarforoush S. S. , Fariman S. H.
Published: April 2013

Bovine cysticercosis caused by Taenia saginata is a zoonotic disease affirming routine inspection measures for the postmortem detection of cysticerci (cysts) in beef destined for human consumption. Detection is based on gross examination of traditional carcase predilection sites; although there is evidence to suggest that examination of other sites may offer improvements in sensitivity. In the current study, a biomolecular‐based assay was employed to confirm and differentiate T saginata cysticercosis from other comparable parasitic infection in cattle carcases. Out of 7371 cattle carcases routinely inspected, 72 (0.97 per cent) were initially detected, from which 57 (79.16 per cent), 11(15.27 per cent) and 4 (5.55 per cent) were recorded in masseter muscle, heart and diaphragm, respectively. The PCR assay was also conducted to confirm different stages of the cysts, being able to detect the cyst, and to discriminate its various degenerative stages with other parasitic structures. The technique was proposed as a reliable tool to differentiate the cysticerci and, thus, could be used in further epidemiological studies as there was no difference in view of negative PCR results in lesions found by routine inspection.
Intensity selection and regulation using the OMNI scale of perceived exertion during intermittent exercise
Authors: Schafer Mark A. , Goss Fredric L. , Robertson Robert J. , Nagle-Stilley Elizabeth F. , Kim Kevin
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if subjects can self-regulate exercise intensity during intermittent exercise by using ratings of perceived exertion. Thirty-one subjects completed an estimation trial maximal treadmill graded exercise test (GXT). Using the oxygen uptake and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) from the GXT, target RPEs that corresponded to 50% and 70% of oxygen uptake reserve were determined. During the subsequent 20 min production trial, subjects titrated treadmill speed and grade to elicit the target RPEs that were presented in 2 counterbalanced orders (counterbalance order I (70%–50% of oxygen uptake reserve) or counterbalance order II (50%–70% of oxygen uptake reserve)). Heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake were higher in the production trial compared with the estimation trial for counterbalance order I (p < 0.001) at an RPE that corresponded to 50% of oxygen uptake reserve. There was no difference in HR and oxygen uptake between the estimation and production trial for counterbalance order II (p < 0.05). HR was higher in the production trial compared with estimation trial for counterbalance order I (p < 0.05) at an RPE that corresponded to 70% of oxygen uptake reserve. There was no difference in HR between the estimation and production trials for counterbalance order II (p < 0.05). At an RPE that corresponded to 70% of oxygen uptake reserve, there was no difference in the oxygen uptake between the estimation and production trials (p < 0.05). A difference in HR (p < 0.05) and oxygen uptake (p < 0.05) between the 2 prescribed production trial intensities was indicated. The subjects were able to utilize RPE to self-regulate intensity during 20 min of exercise at varying intensity when beginning with the target RPE that corresponded to 50% of oxygen uptake reserve.
An efficient synthesis of novel 3-hydroxy-12-arylbenzo[a]xanthen-11-ones and 5,12-diarylxantheno[2,1-a]xanthene-4,12-diones using pTSA in [bmim]BF4
Authors: Yadav Sneha , Nand Bhaskara , Khurana Jitender M.
Published: April 2013

We introduce a simple, efficient, and environmentally benign synthesis of a series of novel xanthenes via one-pot condensation of 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene, aldehydes, and dimedone in [bmim]BF4 with pTSA as catalyst in high yields.
Climatic and economic drivers of the Bering Sea walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) fishery: implications for the future
Authors: Haynie Alan C. , Pfeiffer Lisa
Published: April 2013

This paper illustrates how climate, management, and economic drivers of a fishery interact to affect fishing. Retrospective data from the Bering Sea walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) catcher–processer fishery were used to model the impact of climate on spatial and temporal variation in catch and fishing locations and make inferences about harvester behavior in a warmer climate. Models based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios predict a 40% decrease in sea ice by 2050, resulting in warmer Bering Sea temperatures. We find that differences in the value of catch result in disparate behavior between winter and summer seasons. In winter, warm temperatures and high abundances drive intensive effort early in the season to harvest earlier-maturing roe. In summer, warmer ocean temperatures were associated with lower catch rates and approximately 4% less fishing in the northern fishing grounds, contrary to expectations derived from climate-envelope-type models that suggest fisheries will follow fish poleward. Production-related spatial price differences affected the effort distribution by a similar magnitude. However, warm, low-abundance years have not been historically observed, increasing uncertainty about future fishing conditions. Overall, annual variation in ocean temperatures and economic factors has thus far been more significant than long-term climate change-related shifts in the fishery's distribution of effort.
TWISTED COMMUTING SQUARES
Authors: NICOARA REMUS , WHITE JOSEPH
Published: April 2013

We consider generalizations of commuting squares, called twisted commuting squares, obtained by having the commuting square orthogonality condition hold with respect to the inner product given by a faithful state on a finite-dimensional *-algebra. We present various examples of twisted commuting squares, most of which are computationally easy to work with, and we prove an isolation result. We also show how parametric families of (not necessarily) twisted commuting squares yield associative deformations of the matrix multiplication.
BALANCE PROPERTIES OF ARNOUX–RAUZY WORDS
Authors: BERTHÉ VALÉRIE , CASSAIGNE JULIEN , STEINER WOLFGANG
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with balances and imbalances in Arnoux–Rauzy words. We provide sufficient conditions for C-balancedness, but our results indicate that even a characterization of 2-balanced Arnoux–Rauzy words on a 3-letter alphabet is not immediate.
ON SOME NONCOMMUTATIVE SYMMETRIC FUNCTIONS ANALOGOUS TO HALL–LITTLEWOOD AND MACDONALD POLYNOMIALS
Authors: NOVELLI JEAN-CHRISTOPHE , TEVLIN LENNY , THIBON JEAN-YVES
Published: April 2013

We investigate the connections between various noncommutative analogues of Hall–Littlewood and Macdonald polynomials, and define some new families of noncommutative symmetric functions depending on two sequences of parameters.
POLYNOMIAL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE HECKE ALGEBRA OF THE SYMMETRIC GROUP
Authors: LASCOUX ALAIN
Published: April 2013

We give a polynomial basis of each irreducible representation of the Hecke algebra, as well as an adjoint basis. Decompositions in these bases are obtained by mere specializations.
ON AN ACTION OF THE BRAID GROUP B2g+2ON THE FREE GROUP F2g
Authors: KASSEL CHRISTIAN
Published: April 2013

We construct an action of the braid group B2g+2on the free group F2gextending an action of B4on F2introduced earlier by Reutenauer and the author. Our action induces a homomorphism from B2g+2into the symplectic modular group Sp2g(ℤ). In the special case g = 2 we show that the latter homomorphism is surjective and determine its kernel, thus obtaining a braid-like presentation of Sp4(ℤ).
AN EFFICIENT ENTITY RESOLUTION METHOD FOR LARGE RELATIONS
Authors: LI YAKUN , WANG HONGZHI , GAO HONG , LI JIANZHONG
Published: April 2013

Entity resolution (ER) is to find the data objects referring to the same real-world entity. When ER is performed on relations, the crucial operator is record matching, which is to judge whether two tuples refer to the same real-world entity. Record matching is a longstanding issue. However, with massive and complex data in applications, current methods cannot satisfy the requirements. A Sequence-rule-based record matching (SeReMatching) is presented with the consideration of both which attributes should be used and their importance in record matching. We have changed the Bloom filter and therefore the checking speed is greatly increased. The best performance of the algorithm makes the complexity of entity resolution O (n). And extensive experiments were performed to evaluate our methods.
SOME NONSTANDARD FEATURES OF BARGAINING PROBLEMS
Authors: AGNETIS ALESSANDRO , FRAGNELLI VITO
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we present two real-world situations in which the standard hypotheses of a bargaining problem do not hold, and discuss how to tackle these situations.
CURRENT RESEARCH
Authors: OWEN GUILLERMO
Published: April 2013

The paper presents some issues currently under studying in the field of Cooperative Games. The related open problems are also mentioned.
THE RIVER SHARING PROBLEM: A SURVEY
Authors: BEAL SYLVAIN , GHINTRAN AMANDINE , REMILA ERIC , SOLAL PHILIPPE
Published: April 2013

The river sharing problem deals with the fair distribution of welfare resulting from the optimal allocation of water among a set of riparian agents. Ambec and Sprumont [Sharing a river, J. Econ. Theor. 107, 453–462] address this problem by modeling it as a cooperative TU-game on the set of riparian agents. Solutions to that problem are reviewed in this article. These solutions are obtained via an axiomatic study on the class of river TU-games or via a market mechanism.
AN OVERVIEW ON GAME THEORY APPLICATIONS TO ENGINEERING
Authors: SANCHEZ-SORIANO JOAQUIN
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we review some of the literature in which different applications to engineering problems are analyzed from a game-theoretic point of view. The revision is far from exhaustive and the sole purpose of this paper is to provide an approximate state-of-the-art on this topic. Likewise, we try throughout the paper to highlight what game theory could contribute to the study of engineering problems.
STABILITY ANALYSIS AND VIBRATION REDUCTION FOR A TWO-DIMENSIONAL NONLINEAR SYSTEM
Authors: WANG YI-REN , LIN HAN-SHIANG
Published: April 2013

This study examines how the vibration absorbers influence the stability of nonlinear flow-solid interaction systems. A novel approach is proposed for the analysis of dynamic stability of the two-dimensional nonlinear system using the internal resonance contour plot (IRCP) and flutter speed contour plot (FSCP). The system considered is a planar rigid-body with plunge and pitch vibrations. The two ends of the body are supported by cubic nonlinear springs with quadratic damping. The vibration absorber attached beneath is also considered as a rigid body, with the mass and position of the absorber adjusted for optimization of vibration reduction. The method of multiple scales (MOMS) is employed to obtain a fixed point solution. The P-method is also adopted to obtain the eigen plot and Poincaré Map for comparison. Finally, both the IRCP with FSCP are cross-referenced to provide guide-lines for identifying the optimal location for the absorber with regard to stability and vibration reduction without the need to alter the framework of the main body.
AN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SMOOTHED PARTICLE HYDRODYNAMICS FOR HYPERVELOCITY IMPACTS AND PENETRATION TO LAYERED COMPOSITES
Authors: LIU G. R. , ZHOU C. E. , WANG G. Y.
Published: April 2013

Driven by applications in the design of protective structure systems, the need to model high velocity impact is becoming of great importance. This paper presents a Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) procedure for 3D simulation of high velocity impacts where high rate hydrodynamics and material strength are of great concern. The formulations and implementations of the Johnson–Cook strength and damage model considering temperature effect, and Mie–Gruneison and Tilloton equations of state are discussed. The performance of the procedure is demonstrated through two example analyses, one modeling a cubic tungsten projectile penetrating a multi-layered target panel and the other involving a sphere perforating a thin plate. The results obtained, with comparisons made to both experimental results and other numerical solutions previously reported, show that our SPH-3D implementation is accurate and reliable for modeling the overall behavior of the high rate hydrodynamics with material strength.
Aminoprocalcitonin-mediated suppression of feeding involves the hypothalamic melanocortin system
Authors: Tavares Eva , Maldonado Rosario , Miñano Francisco J.
Published: April 2013

Aminoprocalcitonin (N-PCT), a neuroendocrine peptide encoded by the calcitonin-I (CALC-I) gene, suppresses food intake when administered centrally in rats. However, the neural pathways underlying this effect remain unclear. N-PCT and calcitonin receptors (CT-R) have been identified in hypothalamic regions involved in energy homeostasis, including the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Here, we hypothesized an involvement of the hypothalamic ARC in mediating the anorexic effects of central N-PCT based on its content of peptidergic neurons involved in feeding and its expression of N-PCT and CT-R. Fasting strongly reduced expression of the N-PCT precursor gene CALC-I in the ARC, and central immunoneutralization of endogenous N-PCT increased food intake. Intracerebroventricular administration of N-PCT reduced food intake in fed and fasted rats, and its effect was attenuated by a neutralizing anti-N-PCT antibody. Immunohistochemistry for N-PCT showed that it is expressed in astrocytes and neurons in the ARC and is colocalized with anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. Fasting reduced coexpression of N-PCT and POMC, and N-PCT administration activated hypothalamic neurons, including rostral POMC neurons. We also found that N-PCT stimulates POMC mRNA expression in fed and fasted rats, whereas it reduced the expression of orexigenic peptides neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) only in fasted rats in which those mRNAs are normally elevated. Finally, we showed that the melanocortin-3/4 receptor antagonist SHU 9119 attenuates the intake-suppressive effect of N-PCT. These data demonstrate that hypothalamic N-PCT is involved in control of energy balance and that its anorexigenic effects are mediated through the melanocortin system.
Connective tissue growth factor/CCN-2 is upregulated in epididymal and subcutaneous fat depots in a dietary-induced obesity model
Authors: Tan Joanne T. M. , McLennan Susan V. , Williams Paul F. , Rezaeizadeh Alireza , Lo Lisa W.-Y. , Bonner James G. , Twigg Stephen M.
Published: April 2013

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), also known as CCN-2, is a cysteine-rich secreted protein that is involved in a range of biological processes, including regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Our previous in vitro studies have shown that CCN-2 inhibits adipocyte differentiation, although whether CCN-2 is regulated in vivo in adipogenesis is undetermined and was investigated in this study. C57BL/6 male mice were fed either standard laboratory chow (ND) or a diet high in fat (HFD; 45% fat) for 15 or 24 wk. HFD animals that gained >5 g in weight (termed HFD-fat) were insulin resistant and were compared with HFD-fed animals, which failed to gain weight (termed HFD-lean). HFD-fat mice had significantly increased CCN-2 mRNA levels in both the subcutaneous and epididymal fat pads, whereas CCN-2 mRNA was not induced in the epididymal site in HFD-lean mice. Also in HFD-fed animals, epididymal CCN-2 mRNA correlated positively with key genes involved in adipocyte differentiation, adiponectin and PPARγ ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.002, respectively). Additionally, epididymal CCN-2 mRNA correlated positively with two markers of tissue turnover, PAI-1 in HFD-fat mice only and TIMP-1, but only in the HFD-lean mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that CCN-2 plays a role in adipocyte differentiation in vivo and thus in the pathogenesis of obesity linked with insulin resistance.
Impaired autophagy, chaperone expression, and protein synthesis in response to critical illness interventions in porcine skeletal muscle
Authors: Banduseela Varuna C. , Chen Yi-Wen , Kultima Hanna Göransson , Norman Holly S. , Aare Sudhakar , Radell Peter , Eriksson Lars I. , Hoffman Eric P. , Larsson Lars
Published: April 2013

Critical illness myopathy (CIM) is characterized by a preferential loss of the motor protein myosin, muscle wasting, and impaired muscle function in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients. CIM is associated with severe morbidity and mortality and has a significant negative socioeconomic effect. Neuromuscular blocking agents, corticosteroids, sepsis, mechanical ventilation, and immobilization have been implicated as important risk factors, but the causal relationship between CIM and the risk factors has not been established. A porcine ICU model has been used to determine the immediate molecular and cellular cascades that may contribute to the pathogenesis prior to myosin loss and extensive muscle wasting. Expression profiles have been compared between pigs exposed to the ICU interventions, i.e., mechanically ventilated, sedated, and immobilized for 5 days, with pigs exposed to critical illness interventions, i.e., neuromuscular blocking agents, corticosteroids, and induced sepsis in addition to the ICU interventions for 5 days. Impaired autophagy as well as impaired chaperone expression and protein synthesis were observed in the skeletal muscle in response to critical illness interventions. A novel finding in this study is impaired core autophagy machinery in response to critical illness interventions, which when in concert with downregulated chaperone expression and protein synthesis may collectively affect the proteostasis in skeletal muscle and may exacerbate the disease progression in CIM.
Prioritization of candidate genes for cattle reproductive traits, based on protein-protein interactions, gene expression, and text-mining
Authors: Hulsegge Ina , Woelders Henri , Smits Mari , Schokker Dirkjan , Jiang Li , Sørensen Peter
Published: April 2013

Reproduction is of significant economic importance in dairy cattle. Improved understanding of mechanisms that control estrous behavior and other reproduction traits could help in developing strategies to improve and/or monitor these traits. The objective of this study was to predict and rank genes and processes in brain areas and pituitary involved in reproductive traits in cattle using information derived from three different data sources: gene expression, protein-protein interactions, and literature. We identified 59, 89, 53, 23, and 71 genes in bovine amygdala, dorsal hypothalamus, hippocampus, pituitary, and ventral hypothalamus, respectively, potentially involved in processes underlying estrus and estrous behavior. Functional annotation of the candidate genes points to a number of tissue-specific processes of which the “neurotransmitter/ion channel/synapse” process in the amygdala, “steroid hormone receptor activity/ion binding” in the pituitary, “extracellular region” in the ventral hypothalamus, and “positive regulation of transcription/metabolic process” in the dorsal hypothalamus are most prominent. The regulation of the functional processes in the various tissues operate at different biological levels, including transcriptional, posttranscriptional, extracellular, and intercellular signaling levels.
Completing a2×2Block Matrix of Real Quaternions with a Partial Specified Inverse
Authors: Lin Yong , Wang Qing-Wen
Published: April 2013

This paper considers a completion problem of a nonsingular2×2block matrix over the real quaternion algebraℍ: Letm1,  m2,  n1,  n2be nonnegative integers,m1+m2=n1+n2=n>0, andA12∈ℍm1×n2, A21∈ℍm2×n1, A22∈ℍm2×n2, B11∈ℍn1×m1be given. We determine necessary and sufficient conditions so that there exists a variant block entry matrixA11∈ℍm1×n1such thatA=(A11A12A21A22)∈ℍn×nis nonsingular, andB11is the upper left block of a partitioning ofA-1. The general expression forA11is also obtained. Finally, a numerical example is presented to verify the theoretical findings.
Vaginal Myomectomy for a Thirteen-Centimeter Anterior Myoma
Authors: Deval Bruno , Rousset Pascal , Kayani Salma
Published: April 2013

Vaginal myomectomy is an uncommon but advantageous approach for large interstitial uterine fibroids. Myomectomy is performed via laparotomy and laparoscopy; however, in selected cases, vaginal myomectomy has been proven to be a safe and an effective surgical procedure. We report the case of a 38-year-old para one woman with complaints of chronic lower abdominal pain. Preoperative workup revealed a thirteen-centimeter interstitial uterine myoma in the anterior wall. Successful myomectomy was performed via the vaginal route. We will share the preoperative images, operative technique, and postoperative images.
How to Estimate Fat Mass in Overweight and Obese Subjects
Authors: Donini Lorenzo Maria , Poggiogalle Eleonora , del Balzo Valeria , Lubrano Carla , Faliva Milena , Opizzi Annalisa , Perna Simone , Pinto Alessandro , Rondanelli Mariangela
Published: April 2013

Background. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing and represents a primary health concern. Body composition evaluation is rarely performed in overweight/obese subjects, and the diagnosis is almost always achieved just considering body mass index (BMI). In fact, whereas BMI can be considered an important tool in epidemiological surveys, different papers stated the limitations of the use of BMI in single individuals.Aim. To assess the determinants of body composition in overweight and obese subjects.Methods.In 103 overweight or obese subjects (74 women, aged 41.5 ± 10 years, and 29 men, aged 43.8 ± 8 years), a multidimensional evaluation was performed including the assessment of body composition using Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA), anthropometry, bioimpedance analysis (BIA), and biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, free fatty acids and glycerol, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, plasma acylated and unacylated ghrelin, adiponectin, and leptin serum levels).Results.BMI does not represent the main predictor of FM estimated by DXA; FM from BIA and hip circumference showed a better association with FM from DXA. Moreover, models omitting BMI explained a greater part of variance. These data are confirmed by the predictive value analysis where BMI showed a performance similar to a “coin flip.”
Application of Dual Mask for Postoperative Respiratory Support in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patient
Authors: Porhomayon Jahan , Zadeii Gino , Nader Nader D. , Bancroft George R. , Yarahamadi Alireza
Published: April 2013

In some conditions continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP) therapy alone fails to provide satisfactory oxygenation. In these situations oxygen (O2) is often being added to CPAP/BIPAP mask or hose. Central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are often present along with other chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, pulmonary fibrosis, neuromuscular disorders, chronic narcotic use, or central hypoventilation syndrome. Any of these conditions may lead to the need for supplemental O2administration during the titration process. Maximization of comfort, by delivering O2directly via a nasal cannula through the mask, will provide better oxygenation and ultimately treat the patient with lower CPAP/BIPAP pressure.
Applications of Soft Sets in BE-Algebras
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Ahn Sun Shin
Published: April 2013

The notion of intersectional soft subalgebras of a BE-algebra is introduced, and related properties are investigated. Characterization of an intersectional soft subalgebra is discussed. The problem of classifying intersectional soft subalgebras by their inclusive subalgebras will be solved.
Adrenal Incidentalomas in Cancer Patients Are Not Always “Innocent”: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Economopoulou Panagiota , Mountzios Giannis , Kotsantis Ioannis , Bakogeorgos Marios , Ramfidis Vassilios , Kapiris Ioannis , Patsouris Efstratios , Kentepozidis Nikolaos
Published: April 2013

Herein, we report an unusual case of a 78-year-old woman with synchronous presentation of sigmoid cancer and a nonfunctioning primary adrenal cortex carcinoma, who developed superior vena cava syndrome due to metastatic lymphadenopathy from the latter malignancy. Our case suggests that adrenal incidentalomas during initial staging evaluation after cancer diagnosis are not always “innocent” and should not be “a priori” considered incidental findings attributed to hyperplasia, adenoma or even a non life-threatening metastasis from the primary tumor. It also emphasizes the importance of a continuous assessment of patients with synchronous primary malignancies, in order to timely evaluate changes in clinical or biological behavior and administrate the appropriate treatment.
Cloud-Point Extraction Combined with Liquid Chromatography for the Determination of Ergosterol, a Natural Product with Diuretic Activity, in Rat Plasma, Urine, and Faeces
Authors: Chen Dan-Qian , An Jun-Min , Feng Ya-Long , Tian Ting , Qin Xiang-Yang , Zhao Ying-Yong
Published: April 2013

Ergosterol from many medicinal fungi has been demonstrated to possess a variety of pharmacological activitiesin vivoandin vitro. A new method based on cloud-point extraction has been developed, optimized and validated for the determination of ergosterol in rat plasma, urine and faeces by liquid chromatography. The non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114 was chosen as the extract solvent. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Inertsil ODS-3 analytical column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and water (98 : 2, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The methodology was validated completely. The results indicated good performance in terms of specificity, linearity, detection and quantification limits, precision and accuracy. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic studies of ergosterol in rats. The results indicate that the ergosterol levels in feces are much higher than those in plasma and urine of the rat.
The Asymptotic Behavior for a Class of Impulsive Delay Differential Equations
Authors: Yang Zhichun
Published: April 2013

This paper is concerned with asymptotical behavior for a class of impulsive delay differential equations. The new criteria for determining attracting sets and attracting basin of the impulsive system are obtained by developing the properties of quasi-invariant sets. Examples and numerical simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of our results. In addition, we show that the impulsive effects may play a key role to these asymptotical properties even though the solutions of corresponding nonimpulsive systems are unbounded.
Uniqueness of Meromorphic Functions Sharing Fixed Point
Authors: Bhoosnurmath Subhas S. , Pujari Veena L.
Published: April 2013

We study the uniqueness of meromorphic functions concerning differential polynomials sharing fixed point and obtain some significant results , which improve the results due to Lin and Yi (2004).
Idiopathic Unilateral Adrenal Haemorrhage and Adrenal Mass: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Christoforides Christos , Petrou Athanasios , Loizou Marios
Published: April 2013

We report an unusual case of idiopathic unilateral adrenal haemorrhage (AH) in a 55-year-old patient. This rare case had two characteristics that made it worth of report. First, idiopathic adrenal haemorrhage is very uncommon, and second it was presented as a huge, 23 cm diameter and 2,123 gr weight, “silent” adrenal mass. It is important to distinguish a benign lesion like this from a neoplasm, although we were not able to identify it preoperatively and the diagnosis was only made after the excised specimen was examined by a group of experienced histopathologists. Only a few similar published cases, to our knowledge, are described in the worldwide literature and even fewer of this size.
In VitroAntimicrobial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Polish Propolis against Biofilm FormingStaphylococcus epidermidisStrains
Authors: Wojtyczka Robert D. , Kępa Małgorzata , Idzik Danuta , Kubina Robert , Kabała-Dzik Agata , Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Wąsik Tomasz J.
Published: April 2013

The aim of the presented study was to examine the antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of Polish propolis (EEPP) against biofilm-forming CoNS strainsin vitro. Our results revealed that EEPP displayed varying degrees of activity against CoNS with MIC values ranging from 1.56 to 0.78 mg/mL. The average MIC was 1.13 ± 0.39 mg/mL while calculated MIC50and MIC90values were 0.78 mg/mL and 1.56 mg/mL, respectively. The biofilm formation ability by all testedS. epidermidisstrains was inhibited at EEPP concentrations ranging from 0.39 to 1.56 mg/mL. The degree of reduction of AlamarBlue was directly associated with the proliferation ofS. epidermidisstrains. The increased proliferation ofS. epidermidisstrains was observed after 12 and 24 hours of incubation in the presence of EEPP concentrations ranging from 0.025 to 0.39 mg/mL. These results suggest that antimicrobial activities of EEPP againstS. epidermidisexpressed as the reduction of bacterial growth, reduction of biofilm formation ability, and the intensity of proliferation were significantly affected by incubation time and EEPP concentration used as well as the interactions between these factors.
Kinship and Leprosy in the Contacts of Leprosy Patients: Cohort at the Souza Araújo Outpatient Clinic, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 1987–2010
Authors: dos Santos Daiane Santos , Duppre Nadia Cristina , Sales Anna Maria , Nery José Augusto da Costa , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Hacker Mariana Andréa
Published: April 2013

A broad variety of factors have been associated with leprosy among contacts, including socioeconomic, epidemiological, and genetic characteristics. Data from 7,174 contacts of leprosy patients from a leprosy outpatient clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1987–2010, were analyzed to investigate the effects of kinship, individual, and contextual factors on leprosy. Multivariate analyses were performed using a robust estimation method. In the prevalence analysis, close kinship (sibling OR = 2.75, offspring OR = 2.00, and other relatives OR = 1.70), socioeconomic factors, and the duration of exposure to the bacillus were associated to leprosy. In the incidence analysis, significant risks were found for all categories of kinship (parents RR = 10.93, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, and bride/groom RR = 7.53, sibling RR = 7.03, offspring RR = 5.34, and other relatives RR = 3.71). Once the treatment of the index case was initiated, other factors lost their significance, and the index case bacteriological index and BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine) protection had a greater impact. Our findings suggested that both genetic susceptibility and physical exposure play an important role in the epidemiology of leprosy, but it was not possible establishing the role of genetic factor. Analyses of other factors related to the genotype of individuals, such as genetic polymorphisms, are needed.
Practical Stability of Control Processes Governed by Semiexplicit DAEs
Authors: Juárez R. , Azhmyakov V. , Poznyak A.
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with a new approach to robust control design for a class of nonlinearly affine control systems. The dynamical models under consideration are described by a special class of structured implicit differential equations called semi-explicit differential-algebraic equations (of index one), in the presence of additive bounded uncertainties. The proposed robust feedback design procedure is based on an extended version of the classical invariant ellipsoid technique that we call the Attractive Ellipsoid (AE) method. The theoretic schemes elaborated in our contribution are illustrated by a simple computational example.
Internal Energy Level Population Redistribution of Carbon Dioxide in Laminar and Turbulent Flow
Authors: Wong Wisely , Yang Zhiyu , Muriel Amador
Published: April 2013

We show clear experimental evidence that in the laminar flow regime, there is a continuous redistribution of population on different vibrorotational energy levels as the flow rate increases. Such redistribution comes to an abrupt stop when the flow changes to turbulence. The population distribution then remains almost unchanged even up to the flow rate 10 times the laminar to turbulent transition. The flow status of carbon dioxide is therefore closely related to its internal energy level population distribution.
Distal Humeral Fixation of an Intramedullary Nail Periprosthetic Fracture
Authors: Divecha Hiren M. , Marynissen Hans A. J.
Published: April 2013

Distal humeral periprosthetic fractures below intramedullary nail devices are complex and challenging to treat, in particular due to the osteopenic/porotic nature of bone found in these patients. Fixation is often difficult to satisfactorily achieve around the intramedullary device, whilst minimising soft tissue disruption. Descriptions of such cases in the current literature are very rare. We present the case of a midshaft humeral fracture treated with a locking compression plate that developed a nonunion, in a 60-year old female. This went on to successful union after exchange for an intramedullary humeral nail. Unfortunately, the patient developed a distal 1/5th humeral periprosthetic fracture, which was then successfully addressed with a single-contoured, extra-articular, distal humeral locking compression plate (Synthes) with unicortical locking screws and cerclage cables proximally around the distal nail tip region. An excellent postoperative range of motion was achieved.
Relaxation Problems Involving Second-Order Differential Inclusions
Authors: Gomaa Adel Mahmoud
Published: April 2013

We present relaxation problems in control theory for the second-order differential inclusions, with four boundary conditions,u¨(t)∈F(t,u(t),u˙(t))a.e. on[0,1];u(0)=0,  u(η)=u(θ)=u(1)and, withm≥3boundary conditions,u¨(t)∈F(t,u(t),u˙(t))a.e. on[0,1];  u˙(0)=0,  u(1)=∑i=1m-2‍aiu(ξi), where0<η<θ<1,0<ξ1<ξ2<⋯<ξm-2<1andFis a multifunction from[0,1]×ℝn×ℝnto the nonempty compact convex subsets ofℝn. We have results that improve earlier theorems.
An Improved Walsh Function Algorithm for Use in Sinusoidal and Nonsinusoidal Power Components Measurement
Authors: Abdul Khalid Saifulnizam Bin , Aliyu Garba , Mustafa Mohd Wazir , Shareef Hussein
Published: April 2013

This paper presents an improved Walsh function IWF algorithms as an alternative approach for active and reactive powers measurement in linear and nonlinear, balanced and unbalanced sinusoidal three-phase load system. It takes advantage of Walsh function unified approach, simple algorithm and its intrinsic high level of accuracy as a result of coefficient characteristics and energy behaviour representation. The developed algorithm was modeled on the Matlab Simulink software; different types of load, linear and nonlinear, were also modeled based on practical voltage and current waveforms and tested with the proposed improved Walsh algorithms. The IEEE standard 1459–2000 which is based on fast Fourier transform FFT approach was used as benchmark for the linear load system. The data obtained from laboratory experiment to determine power components in harmonic load systems using Fluke 435 power quality analyzer PQA which complies with IEC/EN61010-1-2001 standard was modeled and used to validate the improved algorithm for nonlinear load measurement. The results showed that the algorithm has the potential to effectively measure three-phase power components under different load conditions.
A Fast High-Order Total Variation Minimization Method for Multiplicative Noise Removal
Authors: Lv Xiao-Guang , Le Jiang , Huang Jin , Jun Liu
Published: April 2013

Multiplicative noise removal problem has received considerable attention in recent years. The total variation regularization method for the solution of the noise removal problem can preserve edges well but has the sometimes undesirable staircase effect. In this paper, we propose a fast high-order total variation minimization method to restore multiplicative noisy images. The proposed method is able to preserve edges and at the same time avoid the staircase effect in the smooth regions. An alternating minimization algorithm is employed to solve the proposed high-order total variation minimization problem. We discuss the convergence of the alternating minimization algorithm. Some numerical results show that the proposed method gives restored images of higher quality than some existing multiplicative noise removal methods.
A Novel Technique for the Assessment of Preoperative Cardiovascular Risk: Reactive Hyperemic Response to Short-Term Exercise
Authors: Schier Robert , Hinkelbein Jochen , Marcus Hanke , Smallwood Ashley , Correa Arlene M. , Mehran Reza , El-Zein Randa , Riedel Bernhard
Published: April 2013

Background. Perioperative vascular function has been widely studied using noninvasive techniques that measure reactive hyperemia as a surrogate marker of vascular function. However, studies are limited to a static setting with patients tested at rest. We hypothesized that exercise would increase reactive hyperemia as measured by digital thermal monitoring (DTM) in association to patients' cardiometabolic risk.Methods. Thirty patients (58 ± 9 years) scheduled for noncardiac surgery were studied prospectively. Preoperatively, temperature rebound (TR) following upper arm cuff occlusion was measured before and 10 minutes after exercise. Data are presented as means ± SD. Statistical analysis utilized ANOVA and Fisher’s exact test, withPvalues <0.05 regarded as significant.Results. Following exercise, TR-derived parameters increased significantly (absolute: 0.53 ± 0.95 versus 0.04 ± 0.42∘C,P=0.04, and % change: 1.78 ± 3.29 versus 0.14 ± 1.27 %,P=0.03). All patients with preoperative cardiac risk factors had a change in TR (after/before exercise, ΔTR) with values falling in the lower two tertiles of the study population (ΔTR<1.1%).Conclusion. Exercise increased the reactive hyperemic response to ischemia. This dynamic response was blunted in patients with cardiac risk factors. The usability of this short-term effect for the preoperative assessment of endothelial function warrants further study.
Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis after Preterm Birth: The Role of Early Life Factors and Nutrition
Authors: Wood Claire L. , Wood Alexander M. , Harker Caroline , Embleton Nicholas D.
Published: April 2013

The effects of preterm birth and perinatal events on bone health in later life remain largely unknown. Bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis risk may be programmed by early life factors. We summarise the existing literature relating to the effects of prematurity on adult BMD and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis and programming of bone growth. Metabolic bone disease of prematurity and the influence of epigenetics on bone metabolism are discussed and current evidence regarding the effects of breastfeeding and aluminium exposure on bone metabolism is summarised. This review highlights the need for further research into modifiable early life factors and their effect on long-term bone health after preterm birth.
Clinical Outcome Prediction in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Using Bayesian Neural Networks with Fuzzy Logic Inferences
Authors: Lo Benjamin W. Y. , Macdonald R. Loch , Baker Andrew , Levine Mitchell A. H.
Published: April 2013

Objective. The novel clinical prediction approach of Bayesian neural networks with fuzzy logic inferences is created and applied to derive prognostic decision rules in cerebral aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).Methods. The approach of Bayesian neural networks with fuzzy logic inferences was applied to data from five trials of Tirilazad for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (3551 patients).Results. Bayesian meta-analyses of observational studies on aSAH prognostic factors gave generalizable posterior distributions of population mean log odd ratios (ORs). Similar trends were noted in Bayesian and linear regression ORs. Significant outcome predictors include normal motor response, cerebral infarction, history of myocardial infarction, cerebral edema, history of diabetes mellitus, fever on day 8, prior subarachnoid hemorrhage, admission angiographic vasospasm, neurological grade, intraventricular hemorrhage, ruptured aneurysm size, history of hypertension, vasospasm day, age and mean arterial pressure. Heteroscedasticity was present in the nontransformed dataset. Artificial neural networks found nonlinear relationships with 11 hidden variables in 1 layer, using the multilayer perceptron model. Fuzzy logic decision rules (centroid defuzzification technique) denoted cut-off points for poor prognosis at greater than 2.5 clusters.Discussion. This aSAH prognostic system makes use of existing knowledge, recognizes unknown areas, incorporates one's clinical reasoning, and compensates for uncertainty in prognostication.
Septicemia and Aortic Valve Endocarditis due toErysipelothrix rhusiopathiaein a Homeless Man
Authors: Campbell Dean , Cowan Mark
Published: April 2013

We report a case of bacterial endocarditis due toErysipelothrix rhusiopathiaein a homeless man with no animal exposure. His course was complicated by an allergic reaction to ampicillin, urinary bladder infection, respiratory failure, and acute kidney injury. He recovered completely after aortic valve replacement and a 6-week course of intravenous ceftriaxone.
Shock in the Yarn during Unwinding from Packages
Authors: Praček Stanislav , Možina Klemen , Sluga Franci
Published: April 2013

Tension in the yarn and its oscillations during the over-end unwinding of the yarn from stationary packages depend on the unwinding speed, the shape and the winding type of the package, the air drag coefficient, and also the coefficient of friction between the yarn and the package. The yarn does not leave the surface package immediately at the unwinding point. Instead, it first slides on the surface and then lifts off to form the balloon. The problem of simulating the unwinding process can be split into two smaller subproblems: the first task is to describe the motion of the yarn in the balloon; the second one is to solve the sliding motion. In spite of the seemingly complex form of the equations, they can be partially analytically solved as we show in the paper.