bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Candida carriage and species prevalence amongst habitual gutka‐chewers and non‐chewers
Authors: Javed Fawad , Tenenbaum Howard C , Nogueira‐Filho Getulio , Nooh Nasser , Taiyeb Ali Tara B , Samaranayake Lakshman P , Al‐Hezaimi Khalid
Published: August 2012

Oral Candida colonisation is higher in tobacco smokers as compared to non‐smokers; however, it remains unknown whether smokeless tobacco chewers are susceptible to increased oral Candida colonisation. The aim was to determine the oral Candida carriage and species prevalence amongst habitual gutka‐chewers and non‐chewers in a cohort from Karachi, Pakistan. Forty‐five gutka‐chewers and 45 non‐chewers were included. Information regarding age, sex, duration of gutka‐chewing habit, daily frequency of gutka consumption, duration of holding gutka in the mouth, daily frequency of tooth‐brushing and tongue brushing was collected using a questionnaire. Oral yeast samples were collected by scraping the dorsum of the tongue and bilateral buccal mucosa with a sterile cotton swab. Identification of yeast species was performed using standard techniques. Tongue lesions were identified and recorded. Unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) was also measured. There was no significant difference in the mean age, UWSFR and oral Candida carriage among gutka‐chewers and non‐chewers. Individuals were chewing gutka since 4·4 years and were consuming five gutka sachets daily. Candida albicans (C. albicans) was the most common yeast species isolated from 57·8% gutka‐chewers and 64.4% non‐chewers. In 24.4% gutka‐chewers and 22·2% non‐chewers, two candidal strains (C. albicans and Candida tropicalis) were isolated. In conclusion, the present results indicated no significant difference in oral Candida carriage in habitual gutka‐chewers and non‐chewers.
Methotrexate‐paclitaxel‐epirubicin‐carboplatin as second‐line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder pretreated with cisplatin‐gemcitabine: A phase II study
Authors: Halim Amal , Abotouk Niveen
Published: August 2012

Aims

To assess the efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate‐paclitaxel‐epirubicin‐carboplatin combination as second‐line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder pretreated with cisplatin‐gemcitabine.

Methods

In this prospective phase II study, patients with metastatic TCC of the bladder pretreated with first‐line cisplatin‐gemcitabine received on progression paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 i.v. and carboplatin (area under curve of 5) on day 1, and methotrexate 40 mg/m2 and epirubicin 40 mg/m2 on day 15. The whole course was repeated every 28 days. The end‐points included clinical tumor response, treatment toxicity, quality of life and survival.

Results

A total of 40, predominantly male, patients were enrolled (median age 62 years [range 46–69]). Efficacy and survival were assessed in 38 patients only, as two patients refused treatment after the first cycle. Grade 3 neutropenia was the commonest acute severe toxicity (12/40 patients; 30%). The overall response rate was 39% (15/38 patients). The median follow up was 14 months (range 3–45). The median progression‐free and overall survival were 12 and 12.5 months, respectively. The 1‐year progression‐free and overall survival were 24 and 35%, respectively.

Conclusion

Methotrexate‐paclitaxel‐epirubicin‐carboplatin combination as second‐line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic TCC of the bladder results in a modest response rate with acceptable toxicity.
Role of human papillomaviruses in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liyanage Surabhi S , Segelov Eva , Garland Suzanne M , Tabrizi Sepehr N , Seale Holly , Crowe Philip J , Dwyer Dominic E , Barbour Andrew , Newall Anthony T , Malik Aisha , Macintyre C Raina
Published: August 2012

Esophageal cancer (EC) is responsible for almost half a million deaths worldwide annually and has a multifactorial etiology, which may account for its geographical variation in incidence. In the last 30 years the potential of human papillomaviruses (HPV) as oncogenes or co‐factors in the tumorigenic process of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been widely studied. While the etiology of HPV in cervical and certain other anogenital and aerodigestive cancers has been established, results regarding its role in EC have been largely inconclusive. A causal association can be evaluated only with a case‐control study, where normal controls are compared to ESCC cases for the presence of HPV. We reviewed all studies investigating ESCC tissue for HPV DNA and identified 139 that met our inclusion criteria, of which only 22 were case‐control studies. Our results support previous findings of higher levels of HPV detection in high‐risk ESCC regions than in areas of low risk. In addition, we confirm that the role of HPV in ESCC remains unclear, despite an accumulation of studies on the subject. The variations in investigative technique, study design and sample types tested may account for the lack of consistency in results. There is a need for a meta‐analysis of all case‐control studies to date, and for large, well‐designed case‐control studies with adequate power to investigate the association. The potential benefits of prophylactic HPV vaccines could be evaluated if HPV is identified as an etiological factor in EC, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Expected Utility, Risk, and Marketing Behavior: Theory and Evidence from the Fed Cattle Market
Authors: Fausti Scott W. , Wang Zhiguang , Lange Brent
Published: August 2012

The effect of carcass quality uncertainty on the structure of the slaughter cattle market is investigated. A theoretical extension of the “Theory of Factor Price Disparity” is provided. It is demonstrated that the coexistence of a risk premium wedge between marketing channel (live weight, dressed weight, and grid) pricing mechanisms, in conjunction with varying degrees of producer risk aversion or producer perception of carcass quality uncertainty, contributes to the coexistence of multiple marketing channels. It is also demonstrated that risk and risk preference provide the linkage between carcass quality uncertainty and producer marketing decisions. We demonstrate how this linkage can affect the structure of the fed cattle market and the variability in slaughter volume across marketing channels. We also confirm the linkage between value‐based production techniques that increase seller information on carcass quality and seller increased usage of grid pricing regardless of actual carcass quality. Empirical evidence is provided in support of the supposition that carcass quality uncertainty plays a role in grid market share variability.
Willingness to Pay for Multiple Quantities of Animal Welfare Dairy Products: Results from Random Nth‐, Second‐Price, and Incremental Second‐Price Auctions
Authors: Elbakidze Levan , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Li Hao
Published: August 2012

Nonhypothetical experimental auctions are used to elicit willingness to pay for humane animal care‐certified dairy products: cheese and ice cream. We use second‐price, random Nth‐price, and incremental second‐price auctions in multiproduct, multiquantity, and multiround contexts. The results contrast participants’ bids across different auction mechanisms and different products. Differences in bidding patterns are detected across auction mechanisms as well as products. Our results suggest that subjects on average are only willing to pay a premium price for one unit of humane animal case‐certified ice cream but not for multiple quantities.
The Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) Study: Initial Description of the Completed Database
Authors: Thaler David E. , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , Di Tullio Marco R. , Donovan Jennifer S. , Griffith John , Homma Shunichi , Jaigobin Cheryl , Mas Jean-Louis , Mattle Heinrich P. , Michel Patrik , Mono Marie-Luise , Nedeltchev Krassen , Papetti Federica , Ruthazer Robin , Serena Joaquín , Weimar Christian , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Kent David M.
Published: August 2012

Background

Detecting a benefit from closure of patent foramen ovale in patients with cryptogenic stroke is hampered by low rates of stroke recurrence and uncertainty about the causal role of patent foramen ovale in the index event. A method to predict patent foramen ovale-attributable recurrence risk is needed. However, individual databases generally have too few stroke recurrences to support risk modeling. Prior studies of this population have been limited by low statistical power for examining factors related to recurrence.

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop a database to support modeling of patent foramen ovale-attributable recurrence risk by combining extant data sets.

Methods

We identified investigators with extant databases including subjects with cryptogenic stroke investigated for patent foramen ovale, determined the availability and characteristics of data in each database, collaboratively specified the variables to be included in the Risk of Paradoxical Embolism database, harmonized the variables across databases, and collected new primary data when necessary and feasible. Results The Risk of Paradoxical Embolism database has individual clinical, radiologic, and echocardiographic data from 12 component databases, including subjects with cryptogenic stroke both with ( n = 1925) and without ( n = 1749) patent foramen ovale. In the patent foramen ovale subjects, a total of 381 outcomes (stroke, transient ischemic attack, death) occurred (median follow-up 2·2 years). While there were substantial variations in data collection between studies, there was sufficient overlap to define a common set of variables suitable for risk modeling.

Conclusion

While individual studies are inadequate for modeling patent foramen ovale-attributable recurrence risk, collaboration between investigators has yielded a database with sufficient power to identify those patients at highest risk for a patent foramen ovale-related stroke recurrence who may have the greatest potential benefit from patent foramen ovale closure.
Low‐Level Laser Therapy Restores the Oxidative Stress Balance in Acute Lung Injury Induced by Gut Ischemia and Reperfusion
Authors: de Lima Flávia Mafra , Albertini Regiane , Dantas Yvana , Maia‐Filho Antonio Luis , de Loura Santana Cristiano , Castro‐Faria‐Neto Hugo Caire , França Cristiane , Villaverde Antonio Balbin , Aimbire Flávio
Published: August 2012

It remains unknown if the oxidative stress can be regulated by low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) in lung inflammation induced by intestinal reperfusion (i‐I/R). A study was developed in which rats were irradiated (660 nm, 30 mW, 5.4 J) on the skin over the bronchus and euthanized 2 h after the initial of intestinal reperfusion. Lung edema and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid neutrophils were measured by the Evans blue extravasation and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity respectively. Lung histology was used for analyzing the injury score. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by fluorescence. Both expression intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐y (PPARy) were measured by RT‐PCR. The lung immunohistochemical localization of ICAM‐1 was visualized as a brown stain. Both lung HSP70 and glutathione protein were evaluated by ELISA. LLLT reduced neatly the edema, neutrophils influx, MPO activity and ICAM‐1 mRNA expression. LLLT also reduced the ROS formation and oppositely increased GSH concentration in lung from i‐I/R groups. Both HSP70 and PPARy expression also were elevated after laser irradiation. Results indicate that laser effect in attenuating the acute lung inflammation is driven to restore the balance between the pro‐ and antioxidants mediators rising of PPARy expression and consequently the HSP70 production.
Profiling Group Dynamics within Business and Design Student Teams: Relationships among Personality Traits, Problem–Solving Styles, and Creative Performance
Authors: Chung Susan Sung Eun , Meneely Jason
Published: August 2012

This study examined relationships among personality traits, problem–solving styles, and creative performance of business and design student teams. Forty–two business, merchandising, and interior design students, divided into six teams of seven, participated in an interdisciplinary competition to solve a real–world retail design problem. Students completed the Adjective Check List (ACL) and the Creative Problem–Solving Profile to gauge personality traits and problem–solving style, respectively. The ACL was scored using Domino's Creativity Scale (ACL–Cr) to identify personality traits associated with creative behavior and seven additional subscales associated with team dynamics. The sample also completed a Team Process Survey (TPS), created by the researchers to identify team strengths, challenges, conflicts, and resolutions during the process. Finally, a panel of judges with business, merchandising, and design expertise rank ordered the final design solutions and accompanying business proposals to determine the winning competition entry. Findings indicated that individual creative personality traits might be a necessary but not sufficient condition for creative team performance. Also, teams that displayed more diversified problem–solving profiles outperformed less diverse teams, with the winning team having the most equal representation of all problem–solving styles. All teams reported conflicts and challenges during the process; however, the bottom three placing teams took conflicts personally, whereas the top three placing teams perceived emerging conflicts as a positive force to develop their thinking and strategy.
Suicidal Ideation and Sexual Orientation in College Students: The Roles of Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Perceived Rejection Due to Sexual Orientation
Authors: Hill Ryan M. , Pettit Jeremy W.
Published: August 2012

A theoretical model in which perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness were hypothesized to account for the association between sexual orientation and suicidal ideation among college students was tested. Among 198 college students (mean age 21.28 years), gay, lesbian, and bisexual students (n = 50) reported significantly higher levels of perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation than heterosexual students. The relationship between sexual orientation and suicidal ideation was partially accounted for by perceived burdensomeness, but not thwarted belongingness. This indirect effect was stronger at higher levels of perceived or anticipated rejection due to one’s sexual orientation. Implications for intervention and prevention science are discussed.
The Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between China and Taiwan and Its Implications for South Korea*
Authors: Heo Uk , Cho Wondeuk
Published: August 2012

In June 2010, the People's Republic of China and Taiwan signed the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), a preferential trade agreement, which is arguably the most important agreement between China and Taiwan. In this paper, we analyze ECFA and investigate its implications for South Korea since China is South Korea's largest trade partner and Taiwan is its sixth largest. We find that ECFA will have significant political and economic implications for South Korea due to China's role in East Asia and South Korea's competition with Taiwan in the China market.
Regional Leadership Dynamics and the Evolution of East Asian Regionalism
Authors: Park Jinsoo
Published: August 2012

This study argues that the concept of a regional leader is particularly promising for explaining the development of East Asian regionalism, albeit not the sole determining factor. It shows that regional leadership dynamics in East Asia have shifted from the absence of regional leaders to Sino–Japanese cooperative competition to their conflictive competition, which has been determined not only by the material power structure but also by social interactions. It argues that this shifting dynamics has proved crucial for the evolution of East Asian regionalism, determining its fate and degree. The last argument is that the nature of regional leadership dynamics has served as an important determining factor for the strategy and the influence of the USA towards East Asia. This study not only helps us understand the evolution of East Asian regionalism but also provides profound implications for its future trajectory.
Significance of renal biopsy in patients with presumed diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Harada Koji , Akai Yasuhiro , Sumida Koichi , Yoshikawa Mikiko , Takahashi Hiroki , Yamaguchi Yukinari , Kubo Atsushi , Iwano Masayuki , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: August 2012

Aims/Introduction

Patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) typically show varying degrees of proteinuria and renal impairment. Because these clinical signs are frequently observed in other glomerulopathies, renal biopsy is required to make a definitive diagnosis of DN. We carried out the present study to evaluate the significance of renal biopsy for patients who have been presumptively diagnosed with DN.

Materials and Methods

A total of 55 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and proteinuria, hematuria and/or renal impairment were enrolled in this study.

Results

Renal biopsy showed that just 30 patients (54.5%) were histologically diagnosed with DN. Fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels were associated with the presence of DN, whereas baseline renal function showed no statistically significant relationship to DN. The duration of DM was not associated with the presence of DN. Patients with DN had a higher rate of diabetic retinopathy (DR) than those with non‐DN (DN 18 patients vs non‐DN three patients, P = 0.00029). DN patients with DR showed a more severe renal histology than those without.

Conclusions

These data suggest that, even for patients with long‐term DM, renal biopsy should be carried out in patients with presumed DN. Because treatment options differ between DN and primary glomerulopathies, renal biopsy should especially be considered for presumed DN without DR.
FlexParamCurve: R package for flexible fitting of nonlinear parametric curves
Authors: Oswald Stephen A. , Nisbet Ian C. T. , Chiaradia Andre , Arnold Jennifer M.
Published: August 2012

1. Nonlinear, parametric curve‐fitting provides a framework for understanding diverse ecological and evolutionary trends (e.g. growth patterns and seasonal cycles). Currently, parametric curve‐fitting requires a priori assumptions of curve trajectories, restricting their use for exploratory analyses. Furthermore, use of analytical techniques [nonlinear least‐squares (NLS) and nonlinear mixed‐effects models] for complex parametric curves requires efficient choice of starting parameters.

2. We illustrate the new R package FlexParamCurve that automates curve selection and provides tools to analyse nonmonotonic curve data in NLS and nonlinear mixed‐effects models. Examples include empirical and simulated data sets for the growth of seabird chicks.

3. By automating curve selection and parameterization during curve‐fitting, FlexParamCurve extends current possibilities for parametric analysis in ecological and evolutionary studies.
THE ELEPHANT AND THE SCAFFOLD: RESPONSE TO KELLY OLIVER
Authors: MARDER ELISSA
Published: August 2012

abstract

This paper responds to Kelly Oliver's “See Topsy ‘Ride the Lightning’: The Scopic Machinery of Death” by questioning the presuppositions and implications of her discussion of the spectacle of elephant executions and their relation to Derrida's writings about animals and the death penalty. This paper proposes to reframe the approach to Derrida's reflections on the death penalty and its problematic relation to the category of the human by focusing on the double function of the concept of the scaffold in his writings. Rather than looking at it as a spectacle or as an object for visual studies, I show that the scaffold is a paradoxical concept and has a double (and duplicitous) function in the conceptual founding of human law and human rights, as it is both the architectonic philosophical principle of the rational executive function of the law and the name for the purely mechanical technological machine that carries out the death penalty. In either case, however, the scaffold serves as a nonhuman prosthetic without which the concept of a just and humane and properly “human” law is shown to be untenable.
RIGOR; OR, STUPID USELESSNESS
Authors: BENNINGTON GEOFFREY
Published: August 2012

abstract

In his seminars on the death penalty, Derrida consistently describes Kant's arguments in favor of capital punishment as “rigorous” and explicitly relates that rigor to the mechanisms of execution and the subsequent rigor mortis of the corpse. ‘Rigor’ has also often been a contested term in descriptions of deconstruction: different commentators have either deplored or celebrated the presence or the absence of rigor in Derrida's work. Derrida himself uses the term a good deal throughout his career, usually in a positive sense, although he also at least once, in passing, suggests the need to question the rigor of the concept of rigor itself. In this paper, I will outline the place of Kant in the Death Penalty Seminars and suggest that it is the very rigor attributed to Kant that makes him (rather than some other writers—whether supporters or opponents of the death penalty—whose arguments seem less rigorous to Derrida) an exemplary object for deconstructive attention, not for the first time in Derrida's work. Broadening the focus beyond the texts Derrida explicitly analyzes, I suggest that this kind of attention can also be fruitfully brought to bear on some more general arguments in Kant about right and justice. In conclusion, I suggest some implications of this situation for the still difficult issue of the more general relation between deconstruction and critique in the Kantian sense.
KANT'S RETREAT, HUGO'S ADVANCE, FREUD'S ERECTION; OR, DERRIDA'S DISPLACEMENTS IN HIS DEATH PENALTY LECTURES
Authors: DUTOIT THOMAS
Published: August 2012

abstract

This article analyzes the role played by Immanuel Kant's defense of the death penalty, in the first and the second years of Jacques Derrida's Death Penalty Seminars, delivered from 1999 to 2001. Regarding the first year, the initial part of this article charts how Derrida introduces Kant's writings that purport to elaborate the categorical imperative of the death penalty, not by Kant's primary arguments but rather precisely through Kant's concession of an exception to this categorical imperative, concerning the impunity of a mother's infanticide. Derrida's lectures juxtapose Kant's philosophy of the death penalty with Victor Hugo's claim for the inviolability of life, and in doing so, the sessions introduce other examples of the applicability of the death penalty to mothers who have killed their children. What is at stake is the status of philosophy relative to the death penalty. Concerning the second year, the latter part of this article isolates the logic of Kant's categorical imperative, as deconstructed by Derrida, through recourse to the additions that Kant was obliged to append to his initial argument—those involving precisely sex crimes. The article follows how Derrida thoroughly takes apart both the simplicity of Kant's categorical imperative of the death penalty by means of the complications that are its abyssal foundation and the phallogocentrism of Freud's sexual oppositions through the extraction of insights into another thinking of sexual difference that Freud's categories foreclosed.
Cusp Points in the Parameter Space of Degenerate 3-RPR Planar Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Manubens Montserrat , Moroz Guillaume , Chablat Damien , Wenger Philippe , Rouillier Fabrice
Published: August 2012

This paper investigates the conditions in the design parameter space for the existence and distribution of the cusp locus for planar parallel manipulators. Cusp points make possible nonsingular assembly-mode changing motion, which increases the maximum singularity-free workspace. An accurate algorithm for the determination is proposed amending some imprecisions done by previous existing algorithms. This is combined with methods of cylindric algebraic decomposition, Gröbner bases, and discriminant varieties in order to partition the parameter space into cells with constant number of cusp points. These algorithms will allow us to classify a family of degenerate 3-RPR manipulators.
A New Approach for Singularity Analysis and Closeness Measurement to Singularities of Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Liu Xin-Jun , Wu Chao , Wang Jinsong
Published: August 2012

Singularity analysis is one of the most important issues in the field of parallel manipulators. An approach for singularity analysis should be able to not only identify all possible singularities but also explain their physical meanings. Since a parallel manipulator is always out of control at a singularity and its neighborhood, it should work far from singular configurations. However, how to measure the closeness between a pose and a singular configuration is still a challenging problem. This paper presents a new approach for singularity analysis of parallel manipulators by taking into account motion/force transmissibility. Several performance indices are introduced to measure the closeness to singularities. By using these indices, a uniform “metric” can be found to represent the closeness to singularities for different types of nonredundant parallel manipulators.
Inclined Links Hyper-Redundant Elephant Trunk-Like Robot
Authors: Salomon Oded , Wolf Alon
Published: August 2012

Hyper-redundant robots (HRR) have many more degrees of freedom (DOF) than required, which enable them to handle more constraints, such as those present in highly convoluted volumes. Consequently, they can serve in many robotic applications, while extending the reachability and maneuverability of the operator. Many degrees of freedom that furnish the HRR with its wide range of capabilities also provide its major challenges: mechanism design, control, and path planning. In this paper, we present a novel design of a HRR composed of 16DOF. The HRR is composed of two concentric structures: a passive backbone and an exoskeleton which carries self-weight as well as external loads. The HRR is 80 cm long, 7.7 cm in diameter, achieves high rigidity and accuracy and is capable of 180 deg bending. The forward kinematics of the HRR is presented along with the inverse kinematics of a link.
A Family of Biped Mechanisms With Two Revolute and Two Cylindric Joints
Authors: Liu Chao , Yang Hui-Hui , Yao Yan-An
Published: August 2012

A family of biped spatial four-link mechanisms with two revolute and two cylindric joints is proposed in this paper. Three main categories, including eight configurations are put forward. The primary feature of these mechanisms is that they are made up of four links that are connected end to end through two revolute and cylindric joints, and among the links, two of them are designed as feet. These novel configurations are revealed by different methods and ways: The basic configurations are enumerated by traditional mechanism synthesis method; the conventional configurations are obtained by repetitious trial; the unique configurations are accidentally achieved by inspiration or intuition. Each of them has its own characteristic and can be an alternative option for biped robot design. Compared with most of the existing biped mechanisms, these configurations are simpler in structure and thus easier to control. The singular configuration is cleverly used rather than avoided to perform the walking and turning. Their structure descriptions and walking simulations are accomplished. Afterwards, the kinematic and stability analyses are studied, the design considerations are discussed, and foot-workspace analyses are carried out. Finally, four prototypes are developed to preliminary verify the feasibility of these proposed concepts.
In situ grown Ge in an arsenic-free environment for GaAs/Ge/GaAs heterostructures on off-oriented (100) GaAs substrates using molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Hudait Mantu K. , Zhu Yan , Jain Nikhil , Vijayaraghavan Siddharth , Saha Avijit , Merritt Travis , Khodaparast Giti A.
Published: August 2012

High-quality epitaxial Ge layers for GaAs/Ge/GaAs heterostructures were grown in situ in an arsenic-free environment on (100) off-oriented GaAs substrates using two separate molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) chambers, connected via vacuum transfer chamber. The structural, morphological, and band offset properties of these heterostructures are investigated. Reflection high energy electron diffraction studies exhibited (2 × 2) Ge surface reconstruction after the growth at 450  °C and also revealed a smooth surface for the growth of GaAs on Ge. High-resolution triple crystal x-ray rocking curve demonstrated high-quality Ge epilayer as well as GaAs/Ge/(001)GaAs heterostructures by observing Pendellösung oscillations and that the Ge epilayer is pseudomorphic. Atomic force microscopy reveals smooth and uniform morphology with surface roughness of ∼0.45 nm and room temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy exhibited direct bandgap emission at 1583 nm. Dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry depth profiles of Ga, As, and Ge display a low value of Ga, As, and Ge intermixing at the Ge/GaAs interface and a transition between Ge/GaAs of less than 15 nm. The valence band offset at the upper GaAs/Ge-(2 × 2) and bottom Ge/(001)GaAs-(2 × 4) heterointerface of GaAs/Ge/GaAs double heterostructure is about 0.20 eV and 0.40 eV, respectively. Thus, the high-quality heterointerface and band offset for carrier confinement in MBE grown GaAs/Ge/GaAs heterostructures offer a promising candidate for Ge-based p-channel high-hole mobility quantum well field effect transistors.
Equations for CT dose calculations on axial lines based on the principle of symmetry
Authors: Li Xinhua , Zhang Da , Liu Bob
Published: August 2012

Purpose:

Radiation dose from CT examination depends on the position relative to the irradiated region in the longitudinal direction. The objective of this work is to present a mechanism for calculating dose at any point on a line parallel to the axis of rotation.

Methods:

In a medium that is uniform in the z direction, the cumulative dose at the midpointDL(0) of the irradiated length (L) increases with L
until the equilibrium dose (Deq) is reached. Using the approach to equilibrium function, H(L) = DL(0)/Deq, the authors formulated equations for calculating dose at an arbitrary point on an axial line.

Results:

Dose calculation examples are presented for multidetector CT (MDCT) and micro‐CT.

Conclusions:

The new equations are suited for any functional form ofH(L), and can be used for dose evaluations in MDCT, micro‐CT, cone‐beam CT, and other cases with media that are approximately uniform along the z direction.
Conformational Control of the Ste5 Scaffold Protein Insulates Against MAP Kinase Misactivation
Authors: Zalatan Jesse G. , Coyle Scott M. , Rajan Saravanan , Sidhu Sachdev S. , Lim Wendell A.
Published: August 2012

Recycle MAP, Rewind Ste5

Components of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway for cell signaling in yeast are reused in related pathways that produce very different biological outcomes. So how does a cell know, for example, whether it should grow or mate? Enter Ste5, the prototypical scaffold protein, which binds the set of components from the mating pathway, presumably to sequester them so they can be activated specifically. But

Zalatan
et al.

(p.
1218
, published online 9 August; see the Perspective by

Davis

) found something rather different. Ste5 is not just an inert support structure; it apparently has an active role in the regulatory pathway as an allosteric inhibitor of the MAP kinase, Fus3. It only unclamps Fus3 function when a signal unique to the mating pathway brings Ste5 to the cell membrane.
Loss of the Tumor Suppressor BAP1 Causes Myeloid Transformation
Authors: Dey Anwesha , Seshasayee Dhaya , Noubade Rajkumar , French Dorothy M. , Liu Jinfeng , Chaurushiya Mira S. , Kirkpatrick Donald S. , Pham Victoria C. , Lill Jennie R. , Bakalarski Corey E. , Wu Jiansheng , Phu Lilian , Katavolos Paula , LaFave Lindsay M. , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Modrusan Zora , Seshagiri Somasekar , Dong Ken , Lin Zhonghua , Balazs Mercedesz , Suriben Rowena , Newton Kim , Hymowitz Sarah , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Martin Flavius , Levine Ross L. , Dixit Vishva M.
Published: August 2012

Identifying BAP1 Targets

Inactivating mutations in the deubiquitinating enzyme BAP1 have been associated with cancer.

Dey
et al.

(p.
1541
, published online 9 August; see the Perspective by

White and Harper

) reveal molecular targets of the enzyme and show evidence for a role in leukemia. Mice specifically lacking the target of BAP1, HCF-1, in the bone marrow developed myeloid leukemia. BAP1 appears to be part of a complex that regulates modification of histones and gene expression important for normal hematopoiesis and tumor suppression.
Is hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement only for athletes?
Authors: Malviya Ajay , Stafford Giles H , Villar Richard N
Published: August 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) between athletes and non-athletes.

Methods

The authors prospectively collected data on 122 patients, the largest comparative series reported, who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI. Of these, 80 actively participated in sporting activities (athletes), while 42 did not (non-athletes). Patients were asked to complete questionnaires for the modified Harris hip score (MHHS), non-arthritic hip score (NAHS), patient satisfaction on a visual analogue scale (VAS). This was collected immediately before surgery, and at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after the procedure. The responses to the MHHS questionnaire were used to calculate the quality-of-life (QoL) score using the Rosser index matrix.

Results

A significant improvement in the MHHS, NAHS and QoL was observed at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after surgery (p<0.001). The 6-week MHHS (p=0.01) and NAHS (p=0.04) for the athletes were significantly better as compared with non-athletes. However, the 6-month and 1-year MHHS, NAHS and QoL scores were statistically similar for both groups.

Conclusions

In this large, prospective series of patients we have demonstrated the positive impact of arthroscopic surgery for FAI in both the athletic and non-athletic population. Arthroscopic management of FAI is thus not the sole domain of the athletic patient. Non-athletes can do just as well.
Determinants of success of quality improvement collaboratives: what does the literature show?
Authors: Hulscher Marlies E J L , Schouten Loes M T , Grol Richard P T M , Buchan Heather
Published: August 2012

Context

The apparent inconsistency between the widespread use of quality improvement collaboratives and the available evidence heightens the importance of thoroughly understanding the relative strength of the approach. More insight into factors influencing outcome would mean future collaboratives could be tailored in ways designed to increase their chances of success. This review describes potential determinants of team success and how they relate to effectiveness.

Method

We searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO databases from January 1995 to June 2006. The 1995–2006 search was updated in June 2009. Reference lists of included papers were reviewed to identify additional papers. We included papers that were written in English, contained data about the effectiveness of collaboratives, had a healthcare setting, met our definition for collaborative, and quantitatively assessed a relationship between any determinant and any effect parameter.

Findings

Of 1367 abstracts identified, 23 papers (reporting on 26 collaboratives) provided information on potential determinants and their relationship with effectiveness. We categorised potential determinants of success using the definition for collaboratives as a template. Numerous potential determinants were tested, but only a few related to empirical effectiveness. Some aspects of teamwork and participation in specific collaborative activities enhanced short-term success. If teams remained intact and continued to gather data, chances of long-term success were higher. There is no empirical evidence of positive effects of leadership support, time and resources.

Conclusions

These outcomes provide guidance to organisers, participants and researchers of collaboratives. To advance knowledge in this area we propose a more systematic exploration of potential determinants by applying theory and practice-based knowledge and by performing methodologically sound studies that clearly set out to test such determinants.
Reciprocal peer review for quality improvement: an ethnographic case study of the Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes Project
Authors: Aveling Emma-Louise , Martin Graham , Jiménez García Senai , Martin Lisa , Herbert Georgia , Armstrong Natalie , Dixon-Woods Mary , Woolhouse Ian
Published: August 2012

Background

Peer review offers a promising way of promoting improvement in health systems, but the optimal model is not yet clear. We aimed to describe a specific peer review model—reciprocal peer-to-peer review (RP2PR)—to identify the features that appeared to support optimal functioning.

Methods

We conducted an ethnographic study involving observations, interviews and documentary analysis of the Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes Project, which involved 30 paired multidisciplinary lung cancer teams participating in facilitated reciprocal site visits. Analysis was based on the constant comparative method.

Results

Fundamental features of the model include multidisciplinary participation, a focus on discussion and observation of teams in action, rather than paperwork; facilitated reflection and discussion on data and observations; support to develop focused improvement plans. Five key features were identified as important in optimising this model: peers and pairing methods; minimising logistic burden; structure of visits; independent facilitation; and credibility of the process. Facilitated RP2PR was generally a positive experience for participants, but implementing improvement plans was challenging and required substantial support. RP2PR appears to be optimised when it is well organised; a safe environment for learning is created; credibility is maximised; implementation and impact are supported.

Discussion

RP2PR is seen as credible and legitimate by lung cancer teams and can act as a powerful stimulus to produce focused quality improvement plans and to support implementation. Our findings have identified how RP2PR functioned and may be optimised to provide a constructive, open space for identifying opportunities for improvement and solutions.
RIBBON TORUS KNOTS PRESENTED BY VIRTUAL KNOTS WITH UP TO FOUR CROSSINGS
Authors: ICHIMORI ATSUSHI , KANENOBU TAIZO
Published: August 2012

A ribbon torus knot embedded in the 4-space is presented by a welded virtual knot through the tube operation due to Shin Satoh. We make an attempt of classification of ribbon torus knots presented by virtual knots with up to four crossings, where we use the list of virtual knots enumerated by Jeremy Green. We mainly investigate the groups of virtual knots.
ROGUE WAVE SOLUTIONS OF THE GENERALIZED ONE-DIMENSIONAL GROSS–PITAEVSKII EQUATION
Authors: ZHONG WEI-PING
Published: August 2012

By considering a simple one-dimensional Gross–Pitaevskii equation with variable coefficient, we study various rogue waves by the choice of different trapping potential coefficient. The trapping potential coefficient is used as an independent parameter function; a simple procedure is established to obtain different chasses of the scattering length and rogue wave solutions by using similarity transformation. A few properties of rogue wave solutions are also discussed. Our results demonstrate that the rogue waves can be controlled by selecting appropriate trapping potential coefficients.
EXPANSILE LYTIC LESION IN MEDIAL END CLAVICLE IN AN ADOLESCENT GIRL: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Vijay Vipul , Sud Alok , Mehtani Anil , Nangia Anita
Published: August 2012

Clavicle has a number of peculiar features in the human skeleton. It is the only long bone lying horizontally and the first bone to begin ossification, among other features. It is also a peculiar and unusual site for an expansile lytic lesion which, if present, would raise multiple diagnostic possibilities. We present this unusual case of an expansile lytic lesion in the medial end of clavicle in an adolescent girl and the possible differential diagnoses.
EXACT SIMULATION OF THE 3/2 MODEL
Authors: BALDEAUX JAN
Published: August 2012

This paper discusses the exact simulation of the stock price process underlying the 3/2 model. Using a result derived by Craddock and Lennox using Lie Symmetry Analysis, we adapt the Broadie-Kaya algorithm for the simulation of affine processes to the 3/2 model. We also discuss variance reduction techniques and find that conditional Monte Carlo techniques combined with quasi-Monte Carlo point sets result in significant variance reductions.
ON PRICING CONTINGENT CLAIMS UNDER THE DOUBLE HESTON MODEL
Authors: COSTABILE M. , MASSABÒ I. , RUSSO E.
Published: August 2012

This article presents a lattice based approach for pricing contingent claims when the underlying asset evolves according to the double Heston (dH) stochastic volatility model introduced by Christoffersen et al. (2009). We discretize the continuous evolution of both squared volatilities by a "binomial pyramid", and consider the asset value as an auxiliary state variable for which a subset of possible realizations is attached to each node of the pyramid. The elements of the subset cover the range of asset prices at each time slice, and claim price is computed solving backward through the "binomial pyramid". Numerical experiments confirm the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed model.
DYNAMIC MODELING OF HIGH-DIMENSIONAL CORRELATION MATRICES IN FINANCE
Authors: GOLOSNOY VASYL , HERWARTZ HELMUT
Published: August 2012

A class of dynamic factor and dynamic panel models is proposed for daily high dimensional correlation matrices of asset returns. These flexible semiparametric predictors process ultra high frequency information and allow to exploit both realized correlation matrices and exogenous factors for forecasting purposes. The Fisher-z transformation offers the transmission from (factor and panel) time series models operating on unrestricted random variables to bounded correlation forecasts. Our methodology is contrasted with prominent alternative correlation models. Based on economic performance criteria dynamic factor models turn out to carry the highest predictive content.
STOCHASTIC DOMINANCE: CONVEXITY AND SOME EFFICIENCY TESTS
Authors: LIZYAYEV ANDREY
Published: August 2012

This paper points out the importance of Stochastic Dominance (SD) efficient sets being convex. We review classic convexity and efficient set characterization results on SD efficiency of a given portfolio relative to a diversified set of assets and generalize them in the following aspects. First, we propose a linear programming SSD test that is more efficient than that of Post (2003). Secondly, we expand the SSD efficiency criteria developed by Dybvig and Ross (1982) onto the Third Order Stochastic Dominance and further to Decreasing Absolute and Increasing Relative Risk Aversion Stochastic Dominance. The efficient sets for those are finite unions of convex sets.
FOURIER TRANSFORM METHODS FOR REGIME-SWITCHING JUMP-DIFFUSIONS AND THE PRICING OF FORWARD STARTING OPTIONS
Authors: RAMPONI ALESSANDRO
Published: August 2012

In this paper we consider a jump-diffusion dynamic whose parameters are driven by a continuous time and stationary Markov Chain on a finite state space as a model for the underlying of European contingent claims. For this class of processes we firstly outline the Fourier transform method both in log-price and log-strike to efficiently calculate the value of various types of options and as a concrete example of application, we present some numerical results within a two-state regime switching version of the Merton jump-diffusion model. Then we develop a closed-form solution to the problem of pricing a Forward Starting Option and use this result to approximate the value of such a derivative in a general stochastic volatility framework.
MODULARITY, DEPENDENCE AND CHANGE
Authors: GEIPEL MARKUS MICHAEL
Published: August 2012

Technological artifacts such as software often comprise a large number of modules; more than twenty thousand in the case of the Java software Eclipse. While on the micro-level this system is modular, how should the building blocks be arranged on the macro-level? In the literature this question has mainly been addressed with the same arguments already used to advocate modularity on the micro-level: Dependencies should be minimized as they impede optimization and flexibility of the system. In contrast to this I argue that along with a change from the micro view to the macro view also the argumentation has to change. In this paper, I analyze the theoretical ramifications of dependency between modules on the macro-level. In particular, I argue that macro-level dependencies are first weak dependencies, and second, foster flexibility and change efficiency. This argumentation is supported by an empirical analysis of 35 software architectures. Data show that dependency relations seldom cause change propagation. Furthermore, high dependency in the architecture negatively correlates with the occurrence of large change events. Thus, higher interdependency is associated with higher evolvability and more efficient change.
COGNITIVE NETWORK STRUCTURE: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: GUAZZINI ANDREA , VILONE DANIELE , BAGNOLI FRANCO , CARLETTI TIMOTEO , GROTTO ROSAPIA LAURO
Published: August 2012

In this paper, first we present the experimental results about a small group of people exchanging private and public messages in a virtual community. Our goal is to study the cognitive network that emerges during a chat seance. We used the Derrida coefficient and the triangle structure under the working assumption that moods and perceived mutual affinity can produce results complementary to a full semantic analysis. The most outstanding outcome is the difference between the network obtained considering publicly exchanged messages and the one considering only privately exchanged messages: In the former case, the network is very homogeneous, in the sense that each individual interacts in the same way with all the participants, whilst in the latter the interactions among different agents are very heterogeneous, and are based on "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" strategy. Finally, a recent characterization of the triangular cliques has been considered in order to describe the intimate structure of the network. Experimental results confirm recent theoretical studies indicating that certain three-vertex structures can be used as indicators for the network aging and some relevant dynamical features.
EFFECT OF AGING ON THE MARTENSITIC TRANSFORMATION CHARACTERISTICS OF A Ni-RICH NiTiHf HIGH TEMPERATURE SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY
Authors: EVIRGEN ALPER , BASNER FABIAN , KARAMAN IBRAHIM , NOEBE RONALD D. , PONS JAUME , SANTAMARTA RUBEN
Published: August 2012

The effect of aging on the microstructure and transformation temperatures of Ni 50.3 Ti 34.7 Hf 15 was studied. Small interparticle spacing induced by the precipitation of very fine particles, 4–5 nm in size, decreases Ms after short term aging at 450°C and 500°C. The precipitate size and volume fraction increase with aging at longer times and higher temperatures, and as a consequence, Ms increases due to Ni -depletion of the matrix. In general, thermal stability is improved due to precipitation hardening.