bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology‐assisted and sutureless microvascular anastomoses: Evidence for current techniques
Authors: Pratt George F. , Rozen Warren M. , Westwood Angie , Hancock Angela , Chubb Daniel , Ashton Mark W. , Whitaker Iain S.
Published: November 2011

Background: Since the birth of reconstructive microvascular surgery, attempts have been made to shorten the operative time while maintaining patency and efficacy. Several devices have been developed to aid microsurgical anastomoses. This article investigates each of the currently available technologies and attempts to provide objective evidence supporting their use. Methods: Techniques of microvascular anastomosis were investigated by performing searches of the online databases Medline and Pubmed. Returned results were assessed according to the criteria for ranking medical evidence advocated by the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. Emphasis was placed on publications with quantifiable endpoints such as unplanned return to theatre, flap salvage, and complication rates. Results: There is a relative paucity of high‐level evidence supporting any form of assisted microvascular anastomosis. Specifically, there are no randomized prospective trials comparing outcomes using one method versus any other. However, comparative retrospective cohort studies do exist and have demonstrated convincing advantages of certain techniques. In particular, the Unilink™/3M™ coupler and the Autosuture™ Vessel Closure System® (VCS®) clip applicator have been shown to have level 2b evidence supporting their use, meaning that the body of evidence achieves a level of comparative cohort studies. Conclusion: Of the available forms of assisted microvascular anastomoses, there is level 2b evidence suggesting a positive outcome with the use of the Unilink™/3M™ coupler and the Autosuture™ VCS® clip applicator. Other techniques such as cyanoacrylates, fibrin glues, the Medtronic™ U‐Clip®, and laser bonding have low levels of evidence supporting their use. Further research is required to establish any role for these techniques. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Clinical and laboratory features of neuropathies with serum IgM binding to TS‐HDS
Authors: Pestronk Alan , Schmidt Robert E. , Choksi Rati M. , Sommerville R. Brian , Al‐Lozi Muhammad T.
Published: November 2011

Introduction:

In this investigation we studied clinical and laboratory features of polyneuropathies in patients with serum IgM binding to the trisulfated disaccharide IdoA2S‐GlcNS‐6S (TS‐HDS).

Methods:

We retrospectively compared 58 patients with selective IgM binding to TS‐HDS to 41 consecutive patients with polyneuropathies without TS‐HDS binding.

Results:

Patients with IgM vs. TS‐HDS commonly had distal, sensory, axonal neuropathies. Weakness was associated with IgM M‐proteins. Hand pain and serum IgM M‐proteins were more common than in control neuropathy patients. TS‐HDS antibody binding was often selectively κ class. Biopsies showed capillary pathology with thickened basal lamina and C5b9 complement deposition. IgM in sera with TS‐HDS antibodies often bound to capillaries.

Conclusions:

Serum IgM binding to TS‐HDS is associated with painful, sensory > motor, polyneuropathies with an increased frequency of persistent hand discomfort, serum IgM M‐proteins, and capillary pathology. Serum IgM binding to TS‐HDS suggests a possible immune etiology underlying some otherwise idiopathic sensory polyneuropathies. Muscle Nerve 45: 866–872, 2012
Revisiting the matrix‐free solution of Markov regenerative processes
Authors: Amparore Elvio Gilberto , Donatelli Susanna
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we revisit the steady‐state solution method for Markov Regenerative Processes (MRP) proposed in the work by German. This method solves the embedded Markov chain P of the MRP without storing the matrix P explicitly. We address three issues left open in German's Work: 1) the solution method is restricted to Power method; 2) it has been defined only for ergodic MRPs; and 3) no preconditioning is available to speed‐up the computation.

This paper discusses how to lift these limitations by extending the algorithm to preconditioned Krylov‐subspace methods and by generalizing it to the non‐ergodic case. An MRP‐specific preconditioner is also proposed, which is built from a sparse approximation of the MRP matrix, computed via simulation. An experimental assessment of the proposed preconditioner is then provided. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of thickness variation effect on resin transfer molding process
Authors: Saad A. , Echchelh A. , Hattabi M. , El Ganaoui M.
Published: November 2011

In this work, a computer model has been developed to investigate the effect of reinforcement thickness variation and edge effect on infiltration and mold filling in resin transfer molding (RTM) process. The developed code is able to predict the flow front location of the resin, the pressure, and the temperature distribution at each time step in a mold with complex geometries. It can also optimize the positioning of injection ports and vents. The filling stage is simulated in a full two‐dimensional space by using control volume/finite element method CV/FEM and based upon an appropriate filling algorithm. Results show that the injection time as well as flow front progression depends on the edge effect, the variation of reinforcement thickness, and the position of injection ports; this highlights that the inclusion of these effects in RTM simulation is of definite need for the better prediction and optimization of the process parameters. The validity of our developed model is evaluated in comparison with analytical solutions for simple geometries, and excellent agreements are observed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrical actuation of ionic hydrogels based on polyvinyl alcohol grafted with poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid‐co‐acrylonitrile) chains
Authors: Mahloniya R.G. , Bajpai J. , Bajpai A.K.
Published: November 2011

Novel electrically conducting composite materials consisting of poly(pyrrole) (PPy) nanoparticles dispersed in a poly(vinyl alcohol)‐g‐poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid‐co‐acrylonitrile) hydrogels were prepared within the polymer matrix by in situ polymerization of pyrrole. The conversion yield of pyrrole into PPy particles was determined gravimetrically while structural confirmation of the synthesized polymer was sought by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and UV‐visible spectroscopy. The morphology of PPy nanoparticles containing hydrogel matrix was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. Electrical conductivity of nanocomposite hydrogels of different compositions was determined by LCR meter while electroactive behavior of nanocomposite hydrogels swollen in electrolyte solutions was investigated by effective bend angle measurements. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and polymerizations of phosphonated‐bis(methacrylamide)s for dental applications
Authors: Akgun Burcin , Savci Emre , Avci Duygu
Published: November 2011

Novel phosphonate and phosphonic acid‐containing bis(methacrylamide)s were synthesized. The phosphonate‐containing monomers (1a and 1b) were synthesized by amidation of 2‐(2‐chlorocarbonyl‐allyloxymethyl)‐acryloylchloride with diethyl 2‐aminoethylphosphonate and diethyl 1‐aminomethylphosphonate. The phosphonic acid‐containing monomers (2a and 2b) were synthesized by hydrolysis of 1a and 1b with trimethylsilyl bromide (TMSBr). All monomers were liquids and dissolved in water and ethanol. Thermal homopolymerization of 1a and 1b in bulk and solution using 2,2′‐azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) at 80 °C gave crosslinked polymers indicating low cyclization tendencies of these monomers. They were also homopolymerized using photo‐DSC with 2,2′‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenyl acetophenone (DMPA) as photoinitator, and their maximum rates of polymerization were found to be higher than commercial monomers 2,2‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloyloxy propyloxy) phenyl] propane (Bis‐GMA) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), indicating their potential as reactive diluents or crosslinkers in dental materials. In fact, copolymerization with monomer 1a resulted in improvements in photopolymerization kinetics of both Bis‐GMA and HEMA. The acidic nature of the aqueous solutions (pH of 2a: 1.42, 2b: 1.53), stability under aqueous conditions after 1 month of study at 37 °C, interaction of 2a with hydroxyapatite (HAP) as representative of both monomers, and copolymerizability of the same with HEMA make these monomers suitable as adhesive monomers in dental adhesives, although their low observed reactivities may present a drawback. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
One‐pot direct synthesis of fluorescent polyaniline‐porphyrin macrospheres from porphyrin
Authors: Ajit Singh , Palaniappan Srinivasan , Kumar Putcha Uday , Madhusudhanachary Perikati
Published: November 2011

Porphyrins are very important chromophores as sensitizer in solar cell. Hole and electron transport layers are being used as an important layer to move the electrons and holes away from the sensitizer molecule to electrodes. In this work, a simple process has been developed for the synthesis of one layer combination of sensitizer and hole transport, that is, polyaniline‐porphyrin (PANI‐TPPS4) system as a bulk heterojunction. Macrospheres of fluorescent PANI‐TPPS4 materials were synthesized by one‐pot as well as two step processes directly from porphyrin for the first time. The advantage of this process is no need to isolate sulfonated porphyrin (TPPS4), which is a difficult process. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Breakfast Cereal, Digestive Problems and Well‐being
Authors: Smith Andrew P.
Published: November 2011

Previous research has shown that regular breakfast cereal consumption is associated with better well‐being (subjective reports of health and functioning). Digestive problems are also associated with reduced well‐being, and given that consumption of breakfast cereals often improves digestive function, it is possible that the effect of breakfast cereal on well‐being reflects better digestion in regular breakfast consumers. The present study examined this issue by conducting secondary analyses of a large community sample (N = 14,952). Breakfast cereal consumption was measured using a five‐point frequency scale (from never to everyday), and digestive disorders were measured by self‐reports of problems such as constipation, indigestion and diarrhoea over the last year. Well‐being measures included reports of general mental health, depression, anxiety and stress. The results showed that well‐being scores (lower stress, anxiety, depression and mental health problems in general) were greater in those who consumed breakfast cereal on most days or every day. Digestive problems were also associated with higher stress levels, greater psychopathology in general and higher anxiety and depression scores. The effects of breakfast cereal consumption and digestive problems were independent, and further research is required to identify the mechanisms underlying these effects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methamphetamine self‐administration acutely decreases monoaminergic transporter function
Authors: McFadden Lisa M. , Stout Kristen A. , Vieira‐Brock Paula L. , Allen Scott C. , Nielsen Shannon M. , Wilkins Diana G. , Hanson Glen R. , Fleckenstein Annette E.
Published: November 2011

Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that noncontingent methamphetamine (METH) administration rapidly decreases both dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine‐2 transporter (VMAT‐2) function. Because of the importance of transporter function to the abuse and neurotoxic liabilities of METH, and previous research indicating that the effects of noncontingent METH treatment do not necessarily predict effects of contingent exposure, the present study examined the acute impact of METH self‐administration on these transporters. Results revealed that five days of METH self‐administration (4 h/session; 0.06 mg/infusion) decreased DAT and VMAT‐2 activity, as assessed in synaptosomes and vesicles, respectively, prepared from striatal tissue 1 h after the final self‐administration session. METH self‐administration increased core body temperatures as well. Brain METH and amphetamine (AMPH) levels, assessed 1 h after the final self‐administration session, were approximately twice greater in high‐pressing rats compared to low‐pressing rats despite similar changes in DAT function. In conclusion, the present manuscript is the first to describe transporter function and METH/AMPH levels after self‐administration in rodents. These data provide a foundation to investigate complex questions including how the response of dopaminergic systems to METH self‐administration contributes to contingent‐related processes such as dependence. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of the insulation structure and electrical distribution of 1100‐kV OIP condenser transformer bushings in China
Authors: Liu Peng , Peng Zong‐ren , Zhang Xu‐hong
Published: November 2011

In this paper, the technical parameters, main dimensions, structural design, and the electrical field distribution of a 1100‐kV AC oil‐impregnated paper (OIP) condenser transformer bushing used in the Wuhan (China) ultrahigh‐voltage (UHV) experiment are presented. The electrical field calculations of the bushing, which is composed of the condenser, the lower porcelain housing, the grading ball, the transformer lifting seat, and the insulated oil, are performed and the parameters of the grading rings are optimized. The electrical field distribution curves of the bushing at 1.5 m height to ground are also drawn. By studying and experimenting on the 1100‐kV bushing, the inner and the outer insulation structure of the bushing were found to be proper; the radial and the axial electrical fields meet the design requirement; the performance parameters of the bushing are in accord with the corresponding standards and technical specifications. The bushing has already passed the type tests and works well at the Wuhan UHV AC experimental base. This establishes a good foundation for the design, manufacture, and experimentation on the 1100‐kV AC OIP condenser transformer bushing. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Deliverable‐power dependence on distribution‐line resistance and number of loads in low‐voltage DC distribution system
Authors: Yehia Doaa Mokhtar , Yokomizu Yasunobu , Iioka Daisuke , Matsumura Toshiro
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we show that in a low‐voltage DC distribution system the deliverable power to a load has an upper limit Plim due to the voltage instability at the receiving ends. On the basis of the previously derived concept of Plim, we obtain the dependence of Plim on the distribution line resistance R. In addition, we investigate the influence of the number of loads on Plim. The result shows that a distribution line of lower R causes Plim to be lower. This reduction in Plim becomes more distinct for a larger number of loads. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Approximate linear amplitude model based algorithm for measuring power system frequency
Authors: Xu Qingshan , Xu Qingqiang , Yukita Kazuto , Ichiyanagi Katsuhiro
Published: November 2011

A novel algorithm for measuring the power system frequency during a very short time is presented in this paper, based on an approximate linear current amplitude model. The presented measuring frequency algorithm is used to get the instantaneous value of the parameter accurately. In the algorithm, the amplitudes of four consecutive sampled currents are supposed to be linear. After rigorous mathematical deduction, including Taylor series expansion and the geometric proportion theorem, the instantaneous frequency could be derived. The errors arising from the linearization in the model are analyzed qualitatively, and then the errors of A/D conversion and Taylor series expansion are considered. By the proposed technique, the measured frequency can be derived easily, quickly, and accurately, without any digital filters. The results after simulation show that the proposed algorithm has high accuracy and noise immunity during power swings and in the normal state. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hyponym extraction from the web by bootstrapping
Authors: Tian Fang , Yuan Caixia , Ren Fuji
Published: November 2011

This paper proposes an effective method to automatically extract hyponym from the Web for Chinese. The method extracts hyponyms for a given hypernym through weak supervision in two stages: the first stage is submitting a hypernym and a seed hyponym as a query to Web search engine, and automatically extracting hyponyms matching with a Chinese doubly anchored hyponymy pattern from the Web by bootstrapping. In order to reduce noise data in bootstrapping extraction, we propose a set of filtering rules to ensure matching of the proper hypernym in the extracted sentence. The second stage is ranking all the extracted candidate hyponyms by an integrated ranking algorithm which takes into account measures both of linkage frequency between coordinate hyponyms and of semantic similarity between the hypernym and candidate hyponym based on co‐occurrence statistics. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Common‐mode gain reduction technique and its applications
Authors: Silawan Nawatt , Retdian Nicodimus , Takagi Shigetaka
Published: November 2011

This paper proposes a common‐mode gain reduction technique and a new approach for a balanced‐type system design. Two design examples of a balanced‐type operational transconductance amplifier and a balanced‐type filter are given. The proposed scheme employs the proposed common‐mode gain reduction technique together with the common‐mode feedback (CMFB) network, which is used only to set a bias, to meet requirements of common‐mode rejection. Compared with the conventional method, which uses the CMFB that has a higher gain than the one used in the proposed scheme, the proposed method shows reduction in design complexities and relaxation of the stability conditions. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Method of revising parameters of brushless doubly fed machine taking into account the interaction of fields
Authors: Cheng Yuan , Wang Xuefan
Published: November 2011

The most remarkable feature of the brushless doubly fed machine (BDFM) field is that the magnetic path is shared by two types of magnetic fields differing in pole number and rotational speed, which brings difficulties in the analysis and calculation of the magnetic field. As the traditional analytical model does not take into account the interaction between the two types of magnetic fields, its calculation results do not agree with the test results well. In order to give an explanation to the error and amend the analytical model parameters, a family of calibration curves derived from the finite‐element model is presented in this paper. The method is verified using measurements made on a test machine. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Measurement of electrical characteristics of ZnO microvaristors
Authors: Kabir Mahmudul , Suzuki Masafumi , Yoshimura Noboru , Shiozawa Kayo , Ogishima Miyuki , Shintate Hitoshi , Andoh Hideyasu
Published: November 2011

A measurement technique is developed to measure the characteristics of zinc oxide (ZnO) microvaristors directly. We used Cu wires, a micromanipulator, and an optical microscope to gain ohmic contact of the measurement apparatus with ZnO particles. With our system, the I−V characteristics and C−2−V characteristics were measured for 25 µm ZnO microvaristors. Our measurements show that these microparticles behave as varistors. Further measurement on the ZnO microvaristors and observation of their fine structure may help to understand the varistor behavior. It also can pave the way to the understanding of the electrical characteristics of grain boundaries as well as the double Schottky barrier formed at the grain boundaries. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Functional and morphological differences following Monarc and TVT‐O procedures
Authors: Huang W.‐C. , Yang S.‐H. , Yang J.‐M. , Tzeng C.‐R.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To explore function of the lower urinary tract and morphology of tape and urethra following Monarc or TVT‐O suburethral tape placement for urodynamic stress incontinence (USI).

Methods

We recruited prospectively women undergoing either Monarc or TVT‐O placement for USI. Before and 3  months after the procedure, participants were evaluated by a question‐directed interview, the measures of Sandvik Incontinence Severity Index (SISI), Incontinence Bother Scale (IBS), Ingelman‐Sundberg Score (ISS) and short forms of Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7), physical examination, a cough stress test and 4D ultrasound investigation. The primary outcome was participants' responses to clinical assessments and the secondary outcome was ultrasound findings.

Results

A total of 67 women with Monarc procedures and 60 women with TVT‐O procedures completed the survey both preoperatively and 3  months postoperatively. There were significant improvements in scores of SISI, IBS, ISS, UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 after both Monarc and TVT‐O procedures. At the 3‐month follow‐up, both procedures had similar success rates, SISI scores, IBS scores, ISS scores, UDI‐6 scores and IIQ‐7 scores, and similar incidences of postoperative voiding difficulty and overactive bladder symptoms. After Bonferroni correction, all ultrasound parameters representing tape location, tape tension and urethral mobility were similar between the two procedures.

Conclusions

At short‐term follow‐up, Monarc and TVT‐O procedures are comparable in both functional outcome of the lower urinary tract and morphology on ultrasound as assessed by parameters representing tape location, tape tension and urethral mobility.
I. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Authors: Seville Catherine
Published: November 2011

Community activity in this field continues to be extensive. Intellectual property is seen as a key resource for the European Union (‘EU’), and crucial to its position in the global economy. The EU's manufacturing sector is much decreased in importance in comparison with the services sector. New information and communications technologies have transformed the economic environment. The Commission repeatedly emphasises the importance of intellectual property rights for innovation, employment, competition, and economic growth. Intellectual assets are regarded as central to success in the new ‘knowledge economy’. There are two main strands to the Commission's work with intellectual property. One is the harmonisation of the laws of Member States, in order to eliminate barriers to trade. The other is the creation of unitary systems to protect intellectual property rights throughout the Community on the basis of a single application for protection. The Commission also demonstrates particular concern regarding counterfeiting.
I. An Imperfect Improvement: The New Conflict of Laws Act of the People's Republic of China
Authors: Huo Zhengxin
Published: November 2011

On 28 October 2010, the Standing Committee of the Eleventh National People's Congress adopted China's first statute on the Conflict of Laws: the ‘Act on the Application of Laws over Foreign-related Civil Relationships’ (‘Conflicts Act’).1 The adoption was an historic event in Chinese legislative history, as it indicates China has modernised its conflict-of-law rules after many years of unremitting efforts made by legislators and scholars. More importantly, it means that ‘a socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics’ has been successfully established, and allows China to claim to have a systematic legal system.2
Education and outreach bring NASA heliophysics to the public
Authors: Barbier Beth
Published: November 2011

Educating and inspiring students, teachers, and the public by communicating advances in heliophysics science is the objective of the education and public outreach (E/PO) specialists at the Heliophysics Science Division (HSD) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Md. The specialists carry out NASA's E/PO goal to enhance the nation's formal education system and contribute to the broad public understanding of science, math, and technology. HSD E/PO projects exploit community best practices to meet or surpass NASA's requirements, which include attention to quality; leverage through internal and external partnerships; and a focus on customer needs, project sustainability, and audience diversity. One key to the group's success is the involvement of enthusiastic HSD research scientists who directly interface with E/PO specialists and various audiences, verify scientific content, and/or provide data access or other resources. Scientists also mentor interns from high school to graduate school through NASA and GSFC programs, and several have shared their science with the public via appearances on national media, including the National Geographic and History channels as well as local news.
Recent advances in aminostratigraphic methods and data management
Authors: Wehmiller John , Penkman Kirsty , Kaufman Darrell
Published: November 2011

Amino Acid Racemization Workshop; Bern, Switzerland, 23 July 2011 Over the past several years, numerous communities of scientists have recognized the need for preservation of data in formats that will be widely accessible in the future (see, e.g., AGU Position Statements; http://www.agu.org/sci_pol/positions/geodata.shtml). This effort also extends to preservation of important samples and the documentation of their storage location for future use. Within the history of any discipline, laboratories and collections will be active and then become inactive, often with the loss of material and unpublished data. For labs active prior to the digital era, this issue is often quite serious, as even published data may be difficult to access.
On structuring of the plasmapause
Authors: Kelley M. C. , Franz J. , Jacobson A.
Published: November 2011

Irregularities have been observed on the plasmapause by radio wave techniques and by in situ density, electric field, and magnetic field measurements. We review these data sets and show that Alfvén waves are present and could lead to the observed fluctuations through mixing of the gradient in plasma density at the plasmapause.
An isotopic view on the connection between photolytic emissions of NOx from the Arctic snowpack and its oxidation by reactive halogens
Authors: Morin S. , Erbland J. , Savarino J. , Domine F. , Bock J. , Friess U. , Jacobi H.‐W. , Sihler H. , Martins J. M. F.
Published: November 2011

We report on dual isotopic analyses (δ15N and Δ17O) of atmospheric nitrate at daily time‐resolution during the OASIS intensive field campaign at Barrow, Alaska, in March–April 2009. Such measurements allow for the examination of the coupling between snowpack emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and their involvement in reactive halogen‐mediated chemical reactions in the Arctic atmosphere. The measurements reveal that during the spring, lowδ15N values in atmospheric nitrate, indicative of snowpack emissions of NOx, are almost systematically associated with local oxidation of NOx by reactive halogens such as BrO, as indicated by 17O‐excess measurements (Δ17O). The high time‐resolution data from the intensive field campaign were complemented by weekly aerosol sampling between April 2009 and February 2010. The dual isotopic composition of nitrate (δ15N and Δ17O) obtained throughout this nearly full seasonal cycle is presented and compared to other seasonal‐scale measurements carried out in the Arctic and in non‐polar locations. In particular, the data allow for the investigation of the seasonal variations of reactive halogen chemistry and photochemical snowpack NOx emissions in the Arctic. In addition to the well characterized peak of snowpack NOx emissions during springtime in the Arctic (April to May), the data reveal that photochemical NOx emissions from the snowpack may also occur in other seasons as long as snow is present and there is sufficient UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
Refined numerical modeling of the 1979 tsunami in Nice (French Riviera): Comparison with coastal data
Authors: Labbé M. , Donnadieu C. , Daubord C. , Hébert H.
Published: November 2011

The 16 October 1979 landslide at Nice airport, France, produced tsunami waves observed in several harbors, and the city of Antibes was significantly flooded. A new simulation of this event is presented in this paper to assess the sensitivity of the tsunami to the properties of the slide and to evaluate how local bathymetry and harbor resonance influence the effects of the tsunami at the coast. A study of slide viscosity and water incorporation is performed using a detailed numerical model with a single initial volume of about 107 m3. The propagation of the tsunami is then simulated with a multigrid finite difference code, using high‐resolution bathymetry in the harbors, to a greater level of detail than previous studies. We show that while the slide parameters are of great importance to properly model the later stages of the slide, the initial volume and early dynamics of the slide are the relevant factors for determining the characteristics of the tsunami. Numerical results are compared with tide recordings in Nice and Villefranche, as well as a mapping of the flood. Computed maximum elevation maps are compared with witness reports, highlighting a focusing of the waves on Antibes, which explains its vulnerability. This kind of focusing pattern should be considered when assessing the tsunami hazard for coastal regions. Calculated resonant periods in Nice, Villefranche, Port Vauban, and La Salis are matched with components present in both observed and computed waveforms. Most of the observed waves in Nice and Villefranche can be attributed to resonance.
Ornithine decarboxylase activity, a clinical biomarker for evaluating cancer chemopreventive efficacy of phytomolecules
Authors: Masood Nusrat , Dubey Vijaya , Luqman Suaib
Published: November 2011

Biomarkers of cancer have made a strong traipse in predicting the disease pattern and contributed significantly to the understanding of tumour state, progression, characteristics and response to therapies. Polyamines such as putrescine, spermine and spermidine are cationic biomolecules essential for the cell cycle function and serve as excellent biomarkers of tumour progression. The polyamine biosynthesis is tightly regulated by ornithine decarboxylase, a highly inducible enzyme specific to pH, temperature, time and substrate concentration. The expression of this enzyme is very high during cell transformation and tumour progression leading to elevated level of polyamines. To measure the activity of ornithine decarboxylase an improved, easy, simple, reliable and cost-effective method has been developed utilizing small quantity of chemicals. The methodology is based on the cognizance that enzyme transforms L-ornithine hydrochloride substrate to a yellow coloured product putrescine soluble in pentanol, the absorbance of which was measured spectrophotometrically. The procedure is being utilized for evaluating cancer chemopreventive efficacy of phytomolecules. We have analyzed hundreds of molecules belonging to flavonoid, terpenes and alkaloid groups and very few were found to inhibit enzyme activity in a concentration dependent manner (0.4-50µg/mL). In addition, the molecules were also tested for their radical scavenging properties. Our results depict that molecules having phenolic groups and lactone rings in their structure are better inhibitors than their counterparts. The comparative analysis of the groups reassures flavonoids as better scavengers of radical formation and a positive correlation was observed among the nitric oxide and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition (p<0.01). Further evaluation and augmentation may reveal novel ornthine decarboxylase inhibitors and cancer chemopreventive agents from plants.
Anticancer efficacy of phenolics based structurally related compounds and their radical scavenging action
Authors: Dubey Vijaya , Masood Nusrat , Luqman Suaib , Negi Arvind
Published: November 2011

Cancer, one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is an abnormal cell proliferation that fails to respond to the normal signals. In an effort to eradicate the growing menace of cancer, a clear understanding of fundamental biology and molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis is essential for targeted therapies. Among the devised strategies in use for cancer treatment, the one that is of immense interest is the development of plant based novel anticancer agents. Due to their tremendous availability, biological activity and efficacy, the phytochemicals deemed a gibbous future in chemoprevention. In the present study, several phenolics based structurally related compounds of steroidal and non-steroidal skeleton were synthesized and tested for their modulatory effect on ornithine decarboxylase activity, an enzyme highly upregulated in cancer. Additionally, these compounds were also examined for radical scavenging extent to establish a correlation with the anticancer property. Our result suggests that the tested compounds possessed radical scavenging activity, for being the inherent property of the phenolics. 3-(3’,4’5’-trimethoxyphenyl)-4,5,6-trimethoxyindan-1-one oxime exhibited highest inhibition of enzyme activity (91%) followed by 1-(2,4-dibromophenyl)-3-[3-methoxyestra 1,3,5(10)-trien-17-acetate,2-yl]-2-propen-1-one (85%), 2-Hydroxy, 3-(3’,4’,5’-trimethoxy phenyl)-4,5,6-trimethoxy ind-2-en-1-one (80%), 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-one (74%) and 1-(3,-methoxy, 4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-[3-methoxyestra 1,3,5(10)-trien-17-acetate, 2-yl]-2-propen-1-one (67%). Furthermore, it was observed that 1-(3-Methoxy, 4- hydroxyphenyl)-3-[3-methoxyestra 1,3,5 (10)-trien-17-acetate, 2-yl]-2-propen-1-one showed the highest scavenging effect (67%) in nitric oxide assay, whereas 1-(3-methylphenyl)-3-[3-methoxy, 17-hydroxyestra 1,3,5(10)-trien, 2-yl]-2-propen-1-one showed maximum inhibition of radical formation in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl analysis. Most of these compounds possessed a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl unit which might be inducing enzyme inhibition and scavenging radical formation. Further investigations are on the way to establish the structure-activity relationship, so that these compounds can be developed as anticancer agents.
Rasch Modeling of Revised Token Test Performance: Validity and Sensitivity to Change
Authors: Hula William , Doyle Patrick J. , McNeil Malcolm R. , Mikolic Joseph M.
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this research was to examine the validity of the 55-item Revised Token Test (RTT) and to compare traditional and Rasch-based scores in their ability to detect group differences and change over time. The 55-item RTT was administered to108 left- and right-hemisphere stroke survivors, and the data were submitted to Rasch analysis. Traditional and Rasch-based scores for a subsample of 60 stroke survivors were submitted to analyses of variance with group (left hemisphere with aphasia vs. right hemisphere) and time post onset (3 vs. 6 months post onset) as factors. The 2 scoring methods were compared using an index of relative precision. Forty-eight items demonstrated acceptable model fit. Misfitting items came primarily from Subtest IX. The Rasch model accounted for 71% of the variance in the responses to the remaining items. Intersubtest patterns of item difficulty were well predicted by item content, but unexpected within-subtest differences were found. Both traditional and Rasch person scores demonstrated significant group differences, but only the latter demonstrated statistically significant change over time. Analysis of relative precision, however, failed to confirm a significant difference between the 2 methods. The findings generally support the RTT’s validity, but a minority of items appears to respond to a different construct. Also, within-subtest differences in item difficulty suggest the need for further examination of variability in impaired language performance. Finally, the results suggest an equivocal advantage for Rasch scores in detecting change over time.
The Application of Tissue Engineering Procedures to Repair the Larynx
Authors: Ringel Robert L. , Kahane Joel C. , Hillsamer Peter J. , Lee Annie S. , Badylak Stephen F.
Published: November 2011

The field of tissue engineering/regenerative medicine combines the quantitative principles of engineering with the principles of the life sciences toward the goal of reconstituting structurally and functionally normal tissues and organs. There has been relatively little application of tissue engineering efforts toward the organs of speech, voice, and hearing. The present manuscript describes a study that was conducted in which a biologic scaffold derived from porcine (pig) extracellular matrix (ECM) was used to repair the defect following a hemilaryngectomy procedure in dogs. The ECM-augmented repair was compared with a control standard strap muscle (STM) procedure. The animals were sacrificed after 24 weeks at which time anatomic and histologic analyses were conducted. The ECM repair resulted in a macroscopic and microscopic reconstruction of laryngeal tissue that was superior to that observed with the STM procedure. The importance of regenerated tissue having the same structural and functional characteristics of native tissue is emphasized. A discussion of the mechanisms of ECM remodeling is presented along with the implications of such remodeling in the repair of laryngeal structures.
The Hardy Effect
Authors: Hixon Thomas J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The late James C. Hardy completed an extensive investigation of respiratory muscle activity during speech production. The data set that resulted was probably the most comprehensive and instructive that has ever existed. One aspect of the data puzzled Hardy and caused him to question the validity of his findings and withhold his observations from publication.

Method

This research note chronicles Hardy’s thinking at the time (based on personal communications) and points out how the aspect of the data that puzzled him turned out to be a seminal discovery of a fundamental mechanism of speech breathing.

Conclusion

It is proposed that, in his honor, this discovery be referred to as the Hardy Effect.
Rib Torque Does Not Assist Resting Tidal Expiration or Most Conversational Speech Expiration
Authors: Hixon Thomas J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

This research note discusses a common misconception in speech science and speech-language pathology textbooks that rib torque (i.e.,
rotational stress
) assists resting tidal expiration and conversational speech production.

Method

The nature of this misconception is considered.

Conclusion

An alternate conceptualization is offered that is consistent with knowledge from respiratory biomechanics.
Healthy People 2020
Authors: Aungst Roberta B.
Published: November 2011

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched Healthy People 2020 in December 2010, announcing the new 10-year goals and objectives for health promotion and disease prevention. Healthy People is designed to improve the quality of the nation’s health and provide a framework for public health prevention priorities and actions. A newly redesigned website (
http://www.healthypeople.gov
) allows users to tailor information to individual or community needs and to explore evidence-based resources. A major principle states that national objectives and monitoring progress are critical factors in motivating action. An extensive feedback process was initiated by the Department of Health and Human Services to develop comprehensive objectives; previous topic areas were carried forward, and new areas were identified. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park stated, “This milestone in disease prevention and health promotion creates an opportunity to leverage information technology to make Healthy People come alive for all Americans in their communities and workplaces” (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). Healthy People 2020 includes initiatives to hearing and communication disorders which are considered important to the overall well being of the population.
Quantitative Relation between Server Motion and Receiver Anticipation in Tennis: Implications of Responses to Computer-Simulated Motions
Authors: Ida Hirofumi , Fukuhara Kazunobu , Sawada Misako , Ishii Motonobu
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the quantitative relationships between the server's motion and the receiver's anticipation using a computer graphic animation of tennis serves. The test motions were determined by capturing the motion of a model player and estimating the computational perturbations caused by modulating the rotation of the player's elbow and forearm joints. Eight experienced and eight novice players rated their anticipation of the speed, direction, and spin of the ball on a visual analogue scale. The experienced players significantly altered some of their anticipatory judgment depending on the percentage of both the forearm and elbow modulations, while the novice players indicated no significant changes. Multiple regression analyses, including that of the racket's kinematic parameters immediately before racket – ball impact as independent variables, showed that the experienced players demonstrated a higher coefficient of determination than the novice players in their anticipatory judgment of the ball direction. The results have implications on the understanding of the functional relation between a player's motion and the opponent's anticipatory judgment during real play.
On the Estimation of Atmospheric Aerosol Extinction Parameters from Measurements in the Johnson–Cousins Photometric System
Authors: Sánchez-Bajo F. , Álvarez D. Rodríguez-Estecha
Published: November 2011

A procedure to estimate the aerosol extinction parameters of Angstrom's formula using data acquired with photometric broadband standard filters, the Johnson–Cousins filters, is presented. The method is based on the transformation of the heterochromatic magnitudes to the equivalent mean wavelength monochromatic magnitudes by an iterative approach, correcting subsequently the effects of water-vapour extinction in the longer-wavelength filters. As an example, the procedure has been used in the determination of the extinction parameters at the location of our observatory using the filters B, V, Rc and Ic on the night of 2008 August 28.
The Unification of the Senses: Intermediality in Video Art-Music
Authors: Rogers Holly
Published: November 2011

The electromagnetic basis of video technology allowed sound and image to be recorded simultaneously: as a result, composers could visualize their music and artists could sound their images. Many believed that such intermedial audio-visuality signalled a brand-new art form that was free from lineage. Using Nam June Paik as an example, this article suggests that this is inaccurate. During the twentieth century, composers were experimenting with spatializing their sounds, while artists were attempting to include time as a creative element in their visual work. The intermedial capabilities of video technology allowed these two disciplines to come together, acting as a conduit that facilitated the fusion and manipulation of pre-existing elements. Understood in this way, music and art in the twentieth century cannot coherently be discussed as individual disciplines, but rather encourage a more lateral history – or spatial sensibility – that moves fluidly through the space between them.
Mg2+ binding to open and closed states can activate BK channels provided that the voltage sensors are elevated
Authors: Chen Ren-Shiang , Geng Yanyan , Magleby Karl L.
Published: November 2011

BK channels are activated by intracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ as well as by depolarization. Such activation is possible because each of the four subunits has two high-affinity Ca2+ sites, one low-affinity Mg2+ site, and a voltage sensor. This study further investigates the mechanism of Mg2+ activation by using single-channel recording to determine separately the action of Mg2+ on the open and closed states of the channel. To limit Mg2+ action to the Mg2+ sites, the two high-affinity Ca2+ sites are disabled by mutation. When the voltage is stepped from negative holding potentials to +100 mV, we find that 10 mM Mg2+ decreases the mean closed latency to the first channel opening 2.1-fold, decreases the mean closed interval duration 8.7-fold, increases mean burst duration 10.1-fold, increases the number of openings per burst 4.4-fold, and increases mean open interval duration 2.3-fold. Hence, Mg2+ can bind to closed BK channels, increasing their opening rates, and to open BK channels, decreasing their closing rates. To explore the relationship between Mg2+ action and voltage sensor activation, we record single-channel activity in macropatches containing hundreds of channels. Open probability (Po) is dramatically increased by 10 mM Mg2+ when voltage sensors are activated with either depolarization or the mutation R210C. The increased Po arises from large decreases in mean closed interval durations and moderate increases in mean open interval durations. In contrast, 10 mM Mg2+ has no detectable effects on Po or interval durations when voltage sensors are deactivated with very negative potentials or the mutation R167E. These observations are consistent with a model in which Mg2+ can bind to and alter the gating of both closed and open states to increase Po, provided that one or more voltage sensors are activated.
Alpha heating in ITER L-mode and H-mode plasmas
Authors: Budny R.V.
Published: November 2011

Predictions of alpha heating in ITER L-mode and H-mode DT plasmas are generated using the PTRANSP code. The baseline toroidal field (5.3 T), plasma current ramped to 15 MA and a flat electron density profile ramped to Greenwald fraction 0.85 are assumed. Various combinations of external heating by negative ion neutral beam injection, ion cyclotron resonance and electron cyclotron resonance are assumed to start half-way up the density ramp with the full power planned (P
ext = 73 MW). 50 s later the power is reduced to 50 MW to increase Q
DT, and to prevent excessive heat flow to the divertor and walls as the alpha heating increases. The time evolution of plasma temperatures and bulk toroidal rotation v
ϕ are predicted assuming GLF23 and boundary parameters. Conservatively low temperatures (≃0.6 keV) and v
ϕ ≃ 400 rad s−1 at the boundary (r/a ≃ 0.85) are assumed.

Alternative options are used to predict v
ϕ and the flow-shearing rates induced by the neutral beam torques in order to assess effects of uncertainties. Option 1 assumes the momentum transport coefficient χϕ is half the energy transport coefficient χi predicted consistently with the GLF23-predicted temperatures. With this assumption flow shearing does not have large effects on the energy transport, plasma temperatures and alpha heating. Option 2 uses GLF23 to predict v
ϕ directly. Higher flow-shearing rates and alpha heating powers are predicted for heating mixes with neutral beam heating. If the L → H power threshold is twice the ITPA fit then the heating mixes with the highest neutral beam power (and the most alpha heating) transition to H-mode during the density ramp. Other heating mixes remain in L-mode.

Predictions of H-mode temperatures and alpha heating depend sensitively on the assumed pedestal pressures. A scan in pedestal pressures is presented using the more pessimistic option 1. A linear increase in alpha heating with pedestal temperature and pressure is predicted.