bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the characteristics of geoelectric field signals prior to earthquakes using adaptive STFT techniques
Authors: Astuti W. , Sediono W. , Akmeliawati R. , Aibinu A. M. , Salami M. J. E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. An earthquake is one of the most destructive natural disasters that can occur, often killing many people and causing large material losses. Hence, the ability to predict earthquakes may reduce the catastrophic effects caused by this phenomenon. The geoelectric field is a feature that can be used to predict earthquakes (EQs) because of significant changes in the amplitude of the signal prior to an earthquake. This paper presents a detailed analysis of geoelectric field signals of earthquakes which occurred in 2008 in Greece. In 2008, 12 earthquakes occurred in Greece. Five of them were recorded with magnitudes greater than Ms = 5R (5R), while seven of them were recorded with magnitudes greater than Ms = 6R (6R). In the analysis, the 1st significant changes of the geoelectric field signal are detected. Then, the signal is segmented and windowed. The adaptive short-time Fourier transform (adaptive STFT) technique is then applied to the windowed signal, and the spectral analysis is performed thereafter. The results show that the 1st significant changes of the geoelectric field prior to an earthquake have a significant amplitude frequency spectrum compared to other conditions, i.e. normal days and the day of the earthquake, which can be used as input parameters for earthquake prediction.
Collisions of two breathers at the surface of deep water
Authors: Dyachenko A. I. , Kachulin D. I. , Zakharov V. E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. We present results of numerical experiments on long time evolution and collisions of breathers (which correspond to envelope solitons in the NLSE approximation) at the surface of deep ideal fluid. The collision happens to be nonelastic. In the numerical experiment it can be observed only after many acts of interactions. This supports the hypothesis of "deep water nonintegrability". The experiments were performed in the framework of the new and refined version of the Zakharov equation free of nonessential terms in the quartic Hamiltonian. Simplification is possible due to exact cancellation of nonelastic four-wave interaction.
Prediction of indoor radon concentrations in dwellings in the Oslo region – a model based on geographical information systems
Authors: Kollerud R. , Blaasaas K. , Ganerød G. , Daviknes H. K. , Aune E. , Claussen B.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to develop a method to estimate the radon concentration inside each dwelling in the Oslo region, Norway. The model was based on indoor radon measurements from dwellings at predefined distances from the unmeasured dwellings. The results were evaluated by comparing them with actual indoor measurements, airborne gamma ray spectrometry measurements and bedrock geology. It is the first study to evaluate the reliability between estimated indoor radon in each dwelling with airborne measurements (eK, eTh and eU) and underlying geology around the house in a large population. A total of 28 396 indoor radon measurements showed that 42.2% of the dwellings had a radon value higher than the threshold limit of 100 Bq m−3. 18.9% of the dwellings were above the maximum action level of 200 Bq m−3. A positive correlation was found between indoor radon concentration, bedrock geology and airborne gamma measurements (Pearson correlation: eK: 0.42, eTh: 0.67 and eU: 0.65). Highest correlation was found in areas with alum shale (eU: 0.74). Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) showed a good agreement between radon estimates from our method and radon estimates from the regression model with ICC values between 0.54 and 0.67.
An objective rationale for the choice of regularisation parameter with application to global multiple-frequency S-wave tomography
Authors: Zaroli C. , Sambridge M. , Lévêque J.-J. , Debayle E. , Nolet G.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In a linear ill-posed inverse problem, the regularisation parameter (damping) controls the balance between minimising both the residual data misfit and the model norm. Poor knowledge of data uncertainties often makes the selection of damping rather arbitrary. To go beyond that subjectivity, an objective rationale for the choice of damping is presented, which is based on the coherency of delay-time estimates in different frequency bands. Our method is tailored to the problem of global Multiple-Frequency Tomography (MFT), using a data set of 287 078 S-wave delay-times measured in five frequency bands (10, 15, 22, 34, 51 s central periods). Whereas for each ray path the delay-time estimates should vary coherently from one period to the other, the noise most likely is not coherent. Thus, the lack of coherency of the information in different frequency bands is exploited, using an analogy with the cross-validation method, to identify models dominated by noise. In addition, a sharp change of behaviour of the model ℓ∞-norm, as the damping becomes lower than a threshold value, is interpreted as the signature of data noise starting to significantly pollute at least one model component. Models with damping larger than this threshold are diagnosed as being constructed with poor data exploitation. Finally, a preferred model is selected from the remaining range of permitted model solutions. This choice is quasi-objective in terms of model interpretation, as the selected model shows a high degree of similarity with almost all other permitted models (correlation superior to 98% up to spherical harmonic degree 80). The obtained tomographic model is displayed in mid lower-mantle (660–1910 km depth), and is shown to be compatible with three other recent global shear-velocity models. A wider application of the presented rationale should permit us to converge towards more objective seismic imaging of the Earth's mantle.
Law, Power, and Principles
Authors: Glennon Michael J.
Published: June 2013

Daniel Bethlehem’s proposed principles grapple bravely with the familiar
tension between law and power, between the aspirational and the real, between
states’ words and irreconcilable acts. His principles “are proposed with the
intention of stimulating a wider debate on these issues.” With that invitation in
mind, I offer this thought: while Bethlehem posits a need for objectivity—by which
he appears to mean neutral principles indifferent to power disparities—his
proposed principles nonetheless substitute the opinio
juris of the powerful for the practice of all, and they aim to
bridge a division among states that he supposes merely to be a division among
publicists.
Territorial and Maritime Dispute
Authors: Grossman Nienke
Published: June 2013

On November 19, 2012, the International Court of Justice rendered its
judgment in a dispute involving territorial and maritime claims raised by
Nicaragua against Colombia in the Caribbean Sea. The Court considered Nicaragua’s
requests for a declaration of Nicaraguan sovereignty over seven disputed maritime
features and delimitation of a single maritime boundary between the continental
shelves and exclusive economic zones appertaining to Nicaragua and Colombia. The
Court awarded all disputed territory to Colombia and delimited the maritime
boundary between the states’ continental shelves and exclusive economic zones by
using a novel mix of weighted base points, geodetic lines, parallels of latitude,
and enclaving.
Hirsi Jamaa v. Italy. Application No. 27765/09
Authors: Papanicolopulu Irini
Published: June 2013

In a unanimous judgment in the case Hirsi Jamaa v.
Italy, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights
(Court) held that Italy’s “push back” operations interdicting intending migrants
and refugees at sea and returning them to Libya amounted to a violation of the
prohibition of torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment under Article 3 of
the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
(ECHR or Convention), the prohibition of collective expulsions under Article 4 of
Protocol 4 to the Convention, and the right to an effective remedy under Article
13 of the Convention. Hirsi Jamaa is the Court’s first
judgment on the interception of migrants at sea and it addresses issues concerning
the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1979
International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, as well as the 1951
Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
Before the Comuneros: Castilian and Genoese Traditions of “Liberty” in the 1516 Málaga Rebellion
Authors: Coleman David
Published: June 2013

Following its Christian conquest in 1487, Málaga became the Crown of Castile's busiest Mediterranean seaport. The influence of Genoese merchants in Málaga's commercial and political life led historian López de Coca to suggest that the city's 1516 rebellion against the Cisneros regency reflected the influence of Genoese ideas. Using previously unexamined evidence, I conclude that while Genoese influence was important, the Málaga rebellion reflected Castilian traditions more than Genoese. Royal letters concerning the revolt also reveal that the administration of King Charles I exhibited remarkable sympathy toward the Málaga rebels' demands, which resembled those of the Comuneros rebellion in 1520.
An Ojibwe Daphnis and Chloe: David Treuer's The Translation of Dr. Apelles
Authors: Freiert William K.
Published: June 2013

In The Translation of Dr. Apelles, Ojibwe novelist David Treuer creates a reclusive scholar named Dr. Apelles who translates a newly discovered Native American manuscript. This manuscript turns out to be an Ojibwe version of Longus's second-century Greek novel Daphnis and Chloe. As he translates the work, Dr. Apelles falls in love with a beautiful woman named Campaspe, just as his namesake, the famous Hellenistic painter, did. Treuer's novel serves as a postmodern exemplum of his literary theory that Native literature should be judged by aesthetic rather than anthropological criteria and that all reality is a text to be “translated.”
LÉVY-BASED ERROR PREDICTION IN CIRCULAR SYSTEMATIC SAMPLING
Authors: Jónsdóttir Kristjana Ýr , Jensen Eva B. Vedel
Published: June 2013

In the present paper, Lévy-based error prediction in circular systematic sampling is developed. A model-based statistical setting as in Hobolth and Jensen (2002) is used, but the assumption that the measurement function is Gaussian is relaxed. The measurement function is represented as a periodic stationary stochastic process X obtained by a kernel smoothing of a Lévy basis. The process X may have an arbitrary covariance function. The distribution of the error predictor, based on measurements in n systematic directions is derived. Statistical inference is developed for the model parameters in the case where the covariance function follows the celebrated p-order covariance model.
Bone Marrow Examination for Unexplained Cytopenias Reveals Nonspecific Findings in Patients With Collagen Vascular Disease
Authors: Hunt Kristin E. , Salama Mohamed E. , Sever Cordelia E. , Foucar Kathryn
Published: June 2013

Context.—Collagen vascular diseases are frequently included in the differential diagnosis for unexplained cytopenias and often prompt a bone marrow biopsy in this patient population to exclude malignancy. Few large-scale studies have characterized the bone marrow morphology in patients with collagen vascular disease, and most are limited to systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective.—To identify morphologic and immunohistochemical abnormalities specific to each of a wide range of collagen vascular disease cases.

Design.—We examined 102 cases of collagen vascular disease and 38 controls and evaluated the complete blood count, peripheral blood morphology, bone marrow morphology, as well as immunohistochemical staining, for numerous cell lineages.

Results.—Bone marrow findings, including abnormalities such as lymphoid aggregates, lipogranulomas, or abnormal localization of immature precursors, were not significantly different as compared to the control group.

Conclusions.—Bone marrow examination in patients with collagen vascular disease with cytopenias seldom provides new information. Caution should be exercised in interpreting morphologic findings suggestive of myelodysplasia since these are of a reactive nature in up to 27% of patients with collagen vascular disease. In a cost-effective diagnostic strategy, successful utilization may favor postponing a bone marrow biopsy while a more standardized autoimmune diagnostic panel is being performed.
Benign Glomus Tumor of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Sergio Antonio Tripodi , Bruno Jim Rocca , Vasileios Mourmouras , Gabriele Barbanti , Maurizio Colecchia , Maria Raffaella Ambrosio
Published: June 2013

Glomus tumors are rare, mesenchymal neoplasms of adulthood, which occur in both the sexes with equal frequency. Most of these tumors are benign, but some cases with atypical/malignant behavior have been reported. They most often occur in the extremities, typically in the subungual region of the fingers, and rarely involve the internal organs. We report the case of a 63-year-old man who presented with hematuria. The cystoscopy showed a polypoid lesion of the anterior wall of the bladder, which was diagnosed on biopsy as a benign glomus tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of benign glomus tumor of the bladder described in the literature. This report widens the spectrum of the differential diagnoses of bladder neoplasms.
Clinical Implications of Current Developments in Genitourinary Pathology
Authors: Zhou Amy G. , Owens Christopher L. , Cosar Ediz F. , Jiang Zhong
Published: June 2013

Context.—Several developments in genitourinary pathology are likely to change our understanding and management of some genitourinary cancers considerably.

Objective.—To review 5 stories in genitourinary pathology: (1) fusion in the ETS (E26) gene family in prostatic adenocarcinoma; (2) insulin-like growth factor II messenger RNA-binding protein 3 (IMP3), an important prognostic biomarker for kidney and bladder cancers; (3) translocation renal cell carcinoma; (4) UroVysion fluorescence in situ hybridization test in urine cytology for detection of bladder cancer; and (5) the use of triple immunostaining for diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Data Sources.—Literature review and authors' personal experiences.

Conclusions.—Many scientific findings have contributed recently to the understanding of the natural pathogenesis and progression of genitourinary cancers. This translational research helps in diagnosing, predicting, and potentially, treating genitourinary cancers.
Five Top Stories in Cytopathology
Authors: Fischer Andrew H. , Benedict Cynthia C. , Amrikachi Mojgan
Published: June 2013

Context.—Cytology relies heavily on morphology to make diagnoses, and morphologic criteria have not changed much in recent years. The field is being shaped predominantly by new techniques for imaging and for acquiring and processing samples, advances in molecular diagnosis and therapeutics, and regulatory issues.

Objective.—To review the importance of classical morphology in the future of cytopathology, to identify areas in which cytology is expanding or contracting in its scope, and to identify factors that are shaping the field.

Data Sources.—Literature review.

Conclusions.—Five stories paint a picture in which classical cytomorphology will continue to have essential importance, both for diagnosis and for improving our understanding of cancer biology. New endoscopy and imaging techniques are replacing surgical biopsies with cytology samples. New molecularly targeted therapies offer a chance for cytology to play a major role, but they pose new challenges. New molecular tests have the potential to synergize with, but not replace, morphologic interpretation of thyroid fine-needle aspirations. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration performed by cytopathologists is opening a new field of “interventional cytopathology” with unique value. For the productive evolution of the field, it will be important for cytopathologists to play an active role in clinical trials that document the ability of cytology to achieve cost-effective health care outcomes.
Adrenal Schwannoma: A Rare Type of Adrenal Incidentaloma
Authors: Mohiuddin Yaseen , Gilliland Mary G. F.
Published: June 2013

Adrenal schwannoma is a rare type of adrenal incidentaloma, an adrenal lesion found incidentally, usually on imaging or autopsy. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are tools used to evaluate adrenal lesions. The diagnosis of adrenal schwannoma, however, cannot be made on imaging alone. Surgical resection is the primary means of management of adrenal schwannomas, as it is not possible to distinguish the schwannoma from malignant entities simply based on imaging. Histopathologic features of adrenal schwannomas are similar to those of schwannomas found at other sites. Conventional schwannomas, consisting of alternating Antoni A and Antoni B areas as well as Verocay bodies, have distinct microscopic features and can be readily distinguished from other entities. Cellular schwannomas, on the other hand, consist only of intersecting fascicles of spindle cells or Antoni A areas, resulting in a wide differential diagnosis. Ancillary studies such as immunohistochemical analysis and electron microscopy can help to provide a specific diagnosis.
Pathologic Upgrade Rates on Subsequent Excision When Lobular Carcinoma In Situ Is the Primary Diagnosis in the Needle Core Biopsy With Special Attention to the Radiographic Target
Authors: D'Alfonso Timothy M. , Wang Karin , Chiu Ya-Lin , Shin Sandra J.
Published: June 2013

Context.—Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) as the primary pathologic diagnosis in a needle core biopsy is an infrequent finding, and the management of patients in this setting is controversial.

Objective.—To determine the rate of pathologic upgrade (defined as the presence of a clinically more-significant lesion in the subsequent excision) in patients with a primary pathologic diagnosis of LCIS in the needle core biopsy.

Design.—Patients with a primary diagnosis of LCIS in a needle core biopsy who underwent subsequent excision were identified. Core biopsies containing a concurrent high-risk lesion and cases with radiologic-pathologic discordance were excluded. The presence of selected microscopic features in the needle core biopsy was correlated with pathologic upgrade. Microscopic findings were correlated with the radiographic target in the needle core biopsy.

Results.—Sixty-one women with primary LCIS in their needle core biopsy showed a 10% pathologic upgrade rate. The percentage of cores involved by LCIS was significantly associated with pathologic upgrade (P= .04), whereas the remaining measured parameters were not. When LCIS represented the radiographic target, the pathologic upgrade rate was 18%, whereas when it was an incidental finding, the pathologic upgrade rate was 4%.

Conclusions.—It may be reasonable for patients with primary, yet incidental, LCIS on needle core biopsy to be managed in a nonsurgical fashion. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Screening for Down Syndrome in the United States: Results of Surveys in 2011 and 2012
Authors: Palomaki Glenn E. , Knight George J. , Ashwood Edward R. , Best Robert G. , Haddow James E.
Published: June 2013

Context.—Participants in a College of American Pathologists external proficiency testing program for first and second trimester Down syndrome screening.

Objectives.—To determine the number of women screened for Down syndrome in the United States, along with the type of test received and to compare those results to earlier surveys in 1988 and 1992.

Design.—Questionnaires regarding the type and number of Down syndrome tests performed per month were completed by participants in early 2011 and again in early 2012.

Results.—After accounting for some of the missing responses, data from up to 131 laboratories indicated that 67% (2 764 020 of 4 130 000) to 72% (2012: 2 963 592 of 4 130 000) of US pregnancies received prenatal screening for Down syndrome. Second trimester tests were most common (2012: 60%; 1 770 024 of 2 963 592), followed by integrated (2012: 21%; 627 876 of 2 963 592), and first trimester (2012: 19%; 565 692 of 2 963 592). The 6 largest laboratories tested 61% of screened pregnancies and offered the widest array of tests, while the smallest 32 tested 1% and almost always offered only second trimester tests.

Conclusions.—The current population estimate of 72% pregnancies screened annually is higher than estimates from 1988 (25%) and 1992 (50%). Available testing choices are also more varied, and all testing methods perform better than those methods available 10 years ago. Clinicians should ensure that women are offered tests that follow recommended best-practice testing protocols, and screening laboratories should assess whether patient needs are being met.
Ultralow Contact Resistivity for a Metal/p-Type Silicon Interface by High-Concentration Germanium and Boron Doping Combined with Low-Temperature Annealing
Authors: Murakoshi Atsushi , Iwase Masao , Niiyama Hiromi , Koike Mitsuo , Suguro Kyoichi
Published: June 2013

A contact resistivity of 6.9×10-9 Ω·cm2 has been obtained in an AlSi (1 wt %)–Cu (0.5 wt %) alloy/silicon system by using heavy-dose ion implantations of germanium and boron combined with low-temperature annealing. The analysis of the combined state showed that B12 cluster was incorporated and the supersaturation activation layer was formed into the region where germanium separated. Separated germanium is expected to have high interface state density. It is considered that this interface state density also has a Fermi level, and in order to reduce the difference from the Fermi level of the substrate, the charge moves to interface state density from the substrate. As a result, it is not based on a metallic material but a work function becomes small because pinning by which a Fermi level is fixed to interface state density occurs owing to the substrate/metal interface. It is considered to be attributable to the existence of a Ge-rich layer formed by low-temperature annealing, and a supersaturation activation layer that lowers contact resistance was formed.
Boundary control synthesis for a lithium‐ion battery thermal regulation problem
Authors: Ng James , Dubljevic Stevan
Published: June 2013

The thermal regulation problem for a lithium ion (Li‐ion) battery with boundary control actuation is considered. The model of the transient temperature dynamics of the battery is given by a nonhomogeneous parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) on a two‐dimensional spatial domain which accounts for the time‐varying heat generation during the battery discharge cycle. The spatial domain is given as a disk with radial and angular coordinates which captures the nonradially symmetric heat‐transfer phenomena due to the application of the control input along a portion of the spatial domain boundary. The Li‐ion battery model is formulated within an appropriately defined infinite‐dimensional function space setting which is suitable for spectral controller synthesis. The key challenges in the output feedback model‐based controller design addressed in this work are: the dependence of the state on time‐varying system parameters, the restriction of the input along a portion of the battery domain boundary, the observer‐based optimal boundary control design where the separation principle is utilized to demonstrate the stability of the closed loop system, and the realization of the outback feedback control problem based on state measurement and interpolation of the temperature field. Numerical results for simulation case studies are presented. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3782–3796, 2013
Chemotherapie gegen Schistosomiasis
Authors: Thétiot‐Laurent Sophie A.‐L. , Boissier Jérôme , Robert Anne , Meunier Bernard
Published: June 2013

Schistosomiasis (Bilharziose) ist nach Malaria die zweithäufigste Krankheit in Afrika. Schätzungsweise 600 Millionen Menschen in über 70 Ländern in den Tropen und Subtropen haben ein hohes Ansteckungsrisiko mit mindestens 200 000 Todesfällen aus 200 Millionen Infizierten pro Jahr. Der Übertragungsweg sämtlicher Schistosoma‐Arten ist der direkte Kontakt mit der in Süßwasser frei schwimmenden Form des Parasiten, den in Schnecken heranwachsenden Zerkarien. In den Blutgefäßen des Wirts versorgen sich die Schistosoma‐Larven und adulte Schistosomen durch den Verdau von roten Blutkörperchen mit Aminosäuren. Impfungen gegen Schistosomiasis waren bislang nicht erfolgreich, und zur Eindämmung der Krankheit existiert zurzeit nur ein einziger Arzneistoff, das seit über 35 Jahren im Einsatz befindliche Praziquantel. Neuerdings kommen zudem Bedenken über ein mögliches Nachlassen der Wirksamkeit der Substanz auf. Deshalb müssen unbedingt neue und sichere antischistosomale Arzneistoffe entwickelt werden, die in Zweifachtherapien zusammen mit Praziquantel eingesetzt werden.
Formation and structure of polytetrafluoroethylene fibrils
Authors: Dong‐na Zhang , Kai‐chang Kou , Yu Zhang , Qing‐xin Zhao , Zhen‐chao Zheng
Published: June 2013

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a semi‐crystalline polymer whose fibrils can be easily formed by stretching because of its low tensile activation energy. We prepared two series of PTFE samples with different elongations and degrees of crystallinity, respectively. The morphology analysis of the first series determined that cavities were formed in the PTFE matrix under stretching, and this was a prerequisite for forming fibrils. The barrier between cavities became long and slim under tension, and grew into fibrils finally. It could be found that higher crystallinity is more suitable for forming fibrils. The main part of the fibrils' structure was semi‐crystalline, and the degree of crystallinity could grow under stretching. Besides, the thickness of the lamellae decreased, while the crystalline grain refined at the same time. In the measurement of X‐ray diffraction, it could be found that the lattice plane (108) was more sensitive to stretching, which could rotate to other positions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3710–3717, 2013
The effect of pentaerythritol‐aluminum on the thermal stability of rigid poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Xie Linghua , Li Degang , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2013

Pentaerythritol‐aluminum (PE‐Al) was synthesized by a solid‐phase reaction in this study. The formation and characteristics of PE‐Al were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM images showed that the shapes of PE‐Al particles were spherical and the average size was around 23 nm. The thermal properties of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with PE‐Al were tested by Congo red test, thermal aging test, conductivity test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and UV–visible spectroscopy test. The results showed that combination of PE‐Al, in comparison with commercial thermal stabilizers, presented an obvious improvement in stabilization efficiency of PVC. Moreover, addition of PE‐Al could significantly prolong static stability time of PVC, reduce weight loss, and improve the initial color of PVC films. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3704–3709, 2013
Grey‐Box Model‐Based Vibration Isolation Using a Dielectric Elastomer Actuator
Authors: Jones Richard W. , Sarban Rahimullah
Published: June 2013

This contribution reviews the use of a grey‐box model of a tubular dielectric elastomer actuator for active vibration isolation of a payload, subject to ground vibrations. Two different scenarios, measurable ground vibration plus varying payload and unmeasurable ground vibration with constant payload, are examined. The choice of control approach is tailored to the two scenarios. The overall aims of the work are to (i) provide insight into the possible usefulness of the grey‐box model for active vibration isolation (AVI) for the two different scenarios, and (ii) to provide a qualitative assessment of the practicalities of each control approach examined. The initial part of the paper provides a validation of the grey‐box model for three different sizes of tubular DE actuator indicating that the model is good over the frequency range of interest. For the first scenario, measurable ground vibration with time‐varying payload, adaptive feedforward control, which is an accepted approach for AVI with a measureable disturbance, is used. Here the grey‐box model is only used within the cancellation path, which filters the reference signal by the plant dynamics in order to provide stable estimator performance. As the plant dynamics change with the changing payload the possibility of the estimator becoming unstable arises. Auto‐tuning of the grey‐box model as the payload changes, and hence the cancellation path, is shown to maintain stable estimator performance, though the auto‐tuning procedure is currently taking too long. For the second scenario the ground vibrations are assumed unmeasurable though the payload is assumed constant. The internal model control (IMC) approach was chosen not only because its design is model dependent but also to generally consider the appropriateness of IMC for active vibration applications. Process/model mismatch studies provided a choice of robustness filter time constant to satisfy stability considerations for all three actuators. Compared to adaptive feedforward control the vibration attenuation performance is likely to be slightly inferior because there is always a tendency to be conservative with the choice of robustness filter. Overall, the IMC approach tends to provide a degree of transparency in the design process as well as providing greater flexibility, which implies it is a useful approach for active vibration control applications, as long as a good model is available.
Global Exponential Stability Analysis of Discrete‐Time Genetic Regulatory Networks with Time Delays
Authors: Li Yanjiang , Zhang Xian , Tan Chong
Published: June 2013

This paper focuses on the study of global robust exponential stability of discrete‐time genetic regulatory networks (GRNs) with time‐invariant/time‐varying delays and parameter uncertainties. Many existing results on this problem are based on the linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach, which needs to verify whether there exists a feasible solution of a set of LMIs. Along with the increase in the number of genes, dimensions of LMIs will increase accordingly, which will lead to a large amount of calculation. Based on M‐matrix theory, sufficient conditions ensuring the global robust exponential stability of a class of discrete‐time GRNs with time‐invariant/time‐varying delays and parameter uncertainties are presented. These given conditions are to check whether a constructed constant matrix is a nonsingular M‐matrix. Simulation results of several examples are given to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
Osmotic second virial cross‐coefficient measurements for binary combination of lysozyme, ovalbumin, and α‐amylase in salt solutions
Authors: Mehta Chirag M. , White Edward T. , Litster James D.
Published: June 2013

Interactions measurement is a valuable tool to predict equilibrium phase separation of a desired protein in the presence of unwanted macromolecules. In this study, cross‐interactions were measured as the osmotic second virial cross‐coefficients (B23) for the three binary protein systems involving lysozyme, ovalbumin, and α‐amylase in salt solutions (sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate). They were correlated with solubility for the binary protein mixtures. The cross‐interaction behavior at different salt concentrations was interpreted by either electrostatic or hydrophobic interaction forces. At low salt concentrations, the protein surface charge dominates cross‐interaction behavior as a function of pH. With added ovalbumin, the lysozyme solubility decreased linearly at low salt concentration in sodium chloride and increased at high salt concentration in ammonium sulfate. The B23 value was found to be proportional to the slope of the lysozyme solubility against ovalbumin concentration and the correlation was explained by preferential interaction theory. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1203–1211, 2013
The adductor part of the adductor magnus is innervated by both obturator and sciatic nerves
Authors: Takizawa Megumi , Suzuki Daisuke , Ito Hajime , Fujimiya Mineko , Uchiyama Eiichi
Published: June 2013

The hip adductor group, innervated predominantly by the obturator nerve, occupies a large volume of the lower limb. However, case reports of patients with obturator nerve palsy or denervation have described no more than minimal gait disturbance. Those facts are surprising, given the architectural characteristics of the hip adductors. Our aim was to investigate which regions of the adductor magnus are innervated by the obturator nerve and by which sciatic nerve and to consider the clinical implications. Twenty‐one lower limbs were examined from 21 formalin‐fixed cadavers, 18 males and 3 females. The adductor magnus was dissected and was divided into four parts (AM1‐AM4) based on the locations of the perforating arteries and the adductor hiatus. AM1 was supplied solely by the obturator nerve. AM2, AM3, and AM4 received innervation from both the posterior branch of the obturator nerve and the tibial nerve portion of the sciatic nerve in 2 (9.5%), 20 (95.2%), and 6 (28.6%) of the cadavers, respectively. The double innervation in more than 90% of the AM3s is especially noteworthy. Generally, AM1–AM3 corresponds to the adductor part, traditionally characterized as innervated by the obturator nerve, and AM4 corresponds to the hamstrings part, innervated by the sciatic nerve. Here, we showed that the sciatic nerve supplies not only the hamstrings part but also the adductor part. These two nerves spread more widely than has generally been believed, which could have practical implications for the assessment and treatment of motor disability. Clin. Anat. 27:778–782, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pneumomediastinum and the aortic nipple: The clinical relevance of the left superior intercostal vein
Authors: Walters Andy , Cassidy Lindsey , Muhleman Mitchel , Peterson Ashley , Blaak Christa , Loukas Marios
Published: June 2013

This article discusses the appearance of the “aortic nipple” in chest radiography, and reviews the embryology and anatomy of the left superior intercostal vein which causes the appearance of an “aortic nipple.” This radiological sign is useful in differentiating certain thoracic pathologies, such as pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and medial pneumothorax. Pneumomediastinum is an encompassing term describing the presence of air in the mediastinum, and may arise from a wide range of pathological conditions. Despite the well‐described imaging of pneumomediastinum, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate from other conditions such as pneumopericardium and medial pneumothorax. A separate finding, “aortic nipple” is the radiographic term used to describe the lateral nipple‐like projection from the aortic knob present in a small number of individuals. The aortic nipple corresponds to the end‐on appearance of the left superior intercostal vein coursing around the aortic knob, and may be mistaken radiologically for lymphadenopathy or a neoplasm. Despite their relative independence, the aortic nipple is defined by new contours in cases of pneumomediastinum, taking on an “inverted aortic nipple” appearance. In this position, the inverted aortic nipple may facilitate radiographic discrimination of pneumomediastinum from similar conditions. This study aims to review the common clinical and radiographic features of both pneumomediastinum and the aortic nipple. The radiologic appearance of the aortic nipple occurring in unison with pneumomediastinum, and its potential role as a tool in the differentiation of pneumomediastinum from similarly presenting conditions will also be described. Clin. Anat. 27:757–763, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blood Supply to the human spinal cord: Part II. Imaging and pathology
Authors: Bosmia Anand N. , Tubbs R. Shane , Hogan Elizabeth , Bohnstedt Bradley N. , Denardo Andrew J. , Loukas Marios , Cohen‐Gadol Aaron A.
Published: June 2013

The blood supply of the spinal cord is a complex system based on multilevel sources and anastomoses. Diseases often affect this vascular supply and imaging has been developed that better investigates these structures. The authors review the literature regarding pathology and imaging modalities for the blood supply of the spinal cord. Knowledge of the disease processes and imaging modalities used to investigate these arterial lesions of the spinal cord will assist the clinician when treating patients with spinal cord lesions. Clin. Anat. 28:65–74, 2015. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feedback network analysis: an eclectic approach
Authors: Fontana Giuseppe
Published: June 2013

Based on new results in circuit theory, a novel approach to feedback in linear electrical networks is proposed that generalizes the elementary one and circumvents some drawbacks and limitations that may be encountered with other general methods. It applies to all linear circuits and, differently from other approaches, does not demand two‐port models or the feedback to be referred to some controlled source. Also, it evades the necessity to construct an equivalent network or to use null double injection conditions. Instead, it allows the feedback to be detected virtually in any point of the network and seems to be more effective at ‘opening the loop’ and agevolating an analysis by inspection on less complex subcircuits. Though simple and readily applicable, the present approach is rigorous, general and provides exact formulas for overall transfer functions and immittances as well as a general model of feedback. Moreover, it allows some of the most relevant achievements of other general approaches to be generalized and rederived as particular cases. Further results, such as a generalization of the virtual short‐circuit method as well as a geometric interpretation of its limits of validity and of closed‐loop −3 dB band limits, are achieved. Practical examples of application and comparison with other methods are also given. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptation strategies of desert riparian forest vegetation in response to drought stress
Authors: Chen Yaning , Zhou Honghua , Chen Yapeng
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we discuss the adaptation mechanisms of desert riparian forest vegetation's responses to drought stress. Ecological and physiological parameters are presented, including coverage, density and species diversity. Also investigated are the photosynthesis, fluorescent parameters, leaf water potential, leaf proline (PRO), soluble sugar, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and abscisic acid (ABA) of the main constructive species at various buried groundwater depths of the Tarim River's lower reaches. The results reveal a close relationship between vegetation and groundwater depth and show that the most appropriate groundwater depths for the optimal composition and structure of plant communities is 2–6 m. For the main constructive species, Populus euphratica and Tamarix spp., the most appropriate groundwater depths and the critical depths are 4 and 8 m for P. euphratica and 6 and 10 m for Tamarix spp., respectively. However, when groundwater depths exceed 4 m for P. euphratica or 6 m for Tamarix spp., the plants suffer drought stress. During moderate or extreme drought stress, P. euphratica and Tamarix spp. rapidly accumulate PRO, soluble sugar, SOD and ABA in their leaves, thereby reducing leaf water potential and stomatal conductance, enhancing osmoregulation and alleviating the esterification of cell membranes. Such a response decreases the yield as well as the photosynthetic and electron transport rate, thus improving the efficiency of water utilization. Complementary actions in resisting drought stress likewise occurred between SOD activity and POD activity, and between the contents of PRO and soluble sugar in P. euphratica and Tamarix spp. leaf cells. In the main, P. euphratica accumulated a large amount of soluble sugar for osmoregulation to counter drought stress, whereas Tamarix spp. accumulated a large volume of PRO. When suffering extreme drought stress, Tamarix spp. enhanced its POD activity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Damage assessment through structural identification of a three‐story large‐scale precast concrete structure
Authors: Belleri Andrea , Moaveni Babak , Restrepo José I.
Published: June 2013

This paper investigates the damage assessment of a three‐story half‐scale precast concrete building resembling a parking garage through structural identification. The structure was tested under earthquake‐type loading on the NEES large high‐performance outdoor shake table at the University of California San Diego in 2008. The tests provide a unique opportunity to capture the dynamic performance of precast concrete structures built under realistic boundary conditions. The effective modal parameters of the structure at different damage states have been identified from white‐noise and scaled earthquake test data with the assumption that the structure responded in a quasi‐linear manner. Modal identification has been performed using the deterministic‐stochastic subspace identification method based on the measured input–output data. The changes in the identified modal parameters are correlated to the observed damage. In general, the natural frequencies decrease, and the damping ratios increase as the structure is exposed to larger base excitations, indicating loss of stiffness, development/propagation of cracks, and failure in joint connections. The analysis of the modal rotations and curvatures allowed the localization of shear and flexural damages respectively and the checking of the effectiveness of repair actions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hexamethoxycyclotriphosphazene as a flame retardant for polyurethane foams
Authors: Käbisch Bert , Fehrenbacher Ulrich , Kroke Edwin
Published: June 2013

Polyurethane (PU) foams were protected by phosphorous and nitrogen‐based molecular flame retardant hexamethoxycyclotriphosphazene c‐[N = P(OMe)2]3 (HMCPT). This compound was synthesized, analyzed, and investigated with respect to its thermal behavior, compatibility, and efficiency as a flame retardant (FR) for PU foams. The decomposition of HMCPT starts at 186 °C in air and under argon, as indicated by TG/DSC measurements. It was possible to introduce 5 per hundred parts polyol (phpp) of HMCPT into the PU foams. The mechanical and morphological characteristics of the protected foams—compression load deflection, tenacity, tensile elongation, air perviousness, and raw density—were investigated indicating that the FR has an impact on all of these properties. The flame retardancy was evaluated with the FM VSS 302 test, where an self‐extinguishing classification was reached with 5 phpp of HMCPT. Cone calorimeter measurements provide evidence for a flame poisoning mechanism. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multivariate logistic regression analysis for prediction of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula in the early phase after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Kosaka Hisashi , Kuroda Nobukazu , Suzumura Kazuhiro , Asano Yasukane , Okada Toshihiro , Fujimoto Jiro
Published: June 2013

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) remains a major complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We aimed to investigate the predictors of clinically relevant PF after PD.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the predictive factors of relevant grade B/C PF using logistic regression analysis of 100 consecutive patients who underwent PD. PF was defined in accordance with the International Study Group on PF (ISGPF).

Results

White blood cell count (WBC) of 73.6 × 102/μl, C‐reactive protein (CRP) of 9.3 mg/dl and amylase value in drains (d‐amylase) of 647 U/I on postoperative day (POD) 4 were proposed as the cut‐off values for predicting grade B/C PF with high accuracy by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the three factors as significant predictive factors and the predicted probability of detecting grade B/C PF was calculated by the following formula; P = 1/[1 + exp{‐(2.033 × WBC+3.269 × CRP+2.698 × d‐amylase‐4.122)}]. P > 0.5 indicates the prospective incidence of the PF. When the cut‐off values of the three significant predictors were substituted into the formula, P always showed above 0.5 if more than two predictors were above their cut‐off values, indicating a high probability of grade B/C PF.

Conclusions

White blood cell count, CRP and d‐amylase on POD4 were predictive factors for clinically relevant PF after PD. These findings indicate that our formula is useful for management of drain after PD.
Challenges in implementing clinical liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods – seeing the light at the end of the tunnel
Authors: Clarke William , Rhea Jeanne M. , Molinaro Ross
Published: June 2013

The use of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in the clinical setting is a relatively new application. One of the significant barriers hampering the transition of LC–MS/MS from the research lab into a clinical setting is the uncertainty of how to successfully develop and validate a method that meets guidelines for clinical applications. Here, we have taken this seemingly overwhelming process and broken it into five general stages for consideration: assessing the clinical validity of a new LC–MS/MS assay, determination of feasibility, assay development, assay validation and post‐implementation monitoring. Although various publications are available and serve as resources for determining development processes and acceptability criteria for specific LC–MS/MS assays, many of them are general recommendations or are specific to research applications that may not translate either practically or clinically. In this perspective special feature article, a resource is compiled that describes key differences between LC–MS/MS methods for research use versus clinical use. In addition, the challenges facing the expanding role of this technique in the clinical setting are discussed, including instrumentation/automation challenges, potential regulation of laboratory developed tests by the US Food and Drug Administration and standardization and harmonization of MS methods through the use of traceable materials and availability of guidance documents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.