bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to and facilitators of sports participation for people with physical disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Jaarsma E. A. , Dijkstra P. U. , Geertzen J. H. B. , Dekker R.
Published: April 2014

Most people with physical disabilities do not participate in sports regularly, which could increase the chances of developing secondary health conditions. Therefore, knowledge about barriers to and facilitators of sports participation is needed. Barriers and facilitators for people with physical disabilities other than amputation or spinal cord injuries (SCI) are unknown. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the literature focusing on barriers to and facilitators of sports participation for all people with various physical disabilities. Four databases were searched using MeSH terms and free texts up to April 2012. The inclusion criteria were articles focusing on people with physical disabilities, sports and barriers and/or facilitators. The exclusion criteria were articles solely focusing on people with cognitive disabilities, sensory impairments or disabilities related to a recent organ transplant or similar condition. Fifty‐two articles were included in this review, with 27 focusing on people with SCI. Personal barriers were disability and health; environmental barriers were lack of facilities, transport and difficulties with accessibility. Personal facilitators were fun and health, and the environmental facilitator was social contacts. Experiencing barriers to and facilitators of sports participation depends on age and type of disability and should be considered when advising people about sports. The extent of sports participation for people with physical disabilities also increases with the selection of the most appropriate sport.
Evolution of the Malagasy endemic genus NanosWestwood, 1842 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Epilissini)
Authors: MONTREUIL OLIVIER , VILJANEN HEIDI , MIRALDO ANDREIA
Published: April 2014

The traditionally defined ‘Nanos group’, composed of the genera Nanos Westwood, 1842, Cambefortantus Paulian, 1986 and Apotolamprus Olsoufieff, 1947, represents the most recent Malagasy dung beetle radiation. Species in this group have been ecologically very successful with many being numerically dominant in local dung beetle communities in Madagascar. In this study the phylogenetic relationships of species in this group are inferred using molecular data from mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase I) and nuclear (rudimentary, topoisomerase I and 28S) genes.The monophyly of Apotolamprus is supported both by molecular and morphological characters, but that of Nanos, supported by only one morphological character, is questioned. Congruent species groups can be defined within Nanos on the base of morphology and molecular results. In addition to the phylogenetic study, the revision of the genus Nanos Westwood, 1842, s.l., is presented. Nanos antsihanakensis (Lebis, 1953) stat.n. is re‐established. Thirteen new species – Nanos pseudofusconitens sp.n., Nanos magnus sp.n., Nanos marojejyensis sp.n., Nanos bemarahaensis sp.n., Nanos andreiae sp.n., Nanos mirjae sp.n., Nanos pseudorubromaculatus sp.n., Nanos pseudominutus sp.n., Nanos mixtus sp.n., Nanos ranomafanaensis sp.n., Nanos manongorivoensis sp.n., N. pseudoviettei sp.n. and N. constricticollis sp.n. – are described and compared with their most closely related taxa. Sphaerocanthon fallaciosus Lebis, 1953, is synonymised with Nanos fusconitens (Fairmaire, 1899) syn.n. and Nanos neoelectrinus Montreuil & Viljanen, 2007, with Nanos humeralis Paulian, 1975 syn.n. Lectotypes are designated for Epilissus fusconitens var. agaboides Boucomont, 1937, Epilissus punctatus Boucomont, 1937, Epilissus sinuatipes Boucomont, 1937, Epilissus semiscribrosus Fairmaire, 1898, Epilissus fusconitens Fairmaire, 1899, and Sphaerocanthon vadoni Lebis, 1953. Aedeagus and male pro‐ and metatibiae are illustrated for each species.

This published work has been registered in Zoobank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C1F29A37‐E380‐4D87‐871F‐039227547156.
Quality and safety of red blood cells stored in two additive solutions subjected to multiple room temperature exposures
Authors: de Grandmont M. J. , Ducas É. , Girard M. , Méthot M. , Brien M. , Thibault L.
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives

Many international standards state that red blood cell (RBC) products should be discarded if left out of controlled temperature storage for longer than 30 min to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and RBC loss of viability. This study aimed to verify whether repeated short‐time exposures to room temperature (RT) influence RBCs quality and bacterial proliferation.

Materials and Methods

Saline–adenine–glucose–mannitol (SAGM) and AS‐3 RBC units were split and exposed to RT for 30 or 60 min on day 2, 7, 14, 21, and 42 of storage while reference units remained stored at 1–6°C. Red blood cell in vitro quality parameters were evaluated after each exposure. In a second experiment, SAGM and AS‐3 RBC units were split and inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis (5 CFU/ml), Serratia marcescens (1 CFU/ml), and Serratia liquefaciens (1 CFU/ml). Reference units remained in storage while test units were exposed as described previously. Bacterial concentrations were investigated after each exposure.

Results

No differences were noticed between reference and test units in any of the in vitro parameters investigated. S. epidermidis did not grow in either reference or exposed RBCs. While S. marcescens did not grow in AS‐3, bacterial growth was observed in RT‐exposed SAGM RBCs on day 42. Similar growth was obtained for S. liquefaciens in the two additive solutions for both reference and test units.

Conclusion

Short‐time exposures to RT do not affect RBC quality and do not significantly influence bacterial growth. An expansion of the ‘30‐minute’ rule to 60 min should be considered by regulatory agencies.
Multilocus phylogeny of the widely distributed South American lizard clade Eulaemus (Liolaemini, Liolaemus)
Authors: Olave Melisa , Avila Luciano J. , Sites Jack W. , Morando Mariana
Published: April 2014

The lizard genus Liolaemus and different clades within it have been the focus of several recent phylogenetic studies mainly based on morphology and mtDNA. Although there is general consensus for recognizing two clades (subgenera) within the genus, [Liolaemus (sensu stricto) and Eulaemus], phylogenetic relationships within each subgenus remain difficult to elucidate, given incomplete taxonomic sampling and large discordance between published studies. Here, new phylogenetic relationships for the Eulaemus subgenus are proposed based on the largest molecular data set ever used for this clade, which includes 188 individuals and 14 loci representing different parts of the genome (mtDNA, anonymous nuclear loci and nuclear protein‐coding loci). This data set was analysed using two species tree approaches (*beast and MDC). Levels of discordance among methods were found, and with previously published studies, but results are robust enough to propose new phylogenetic hypotheses for the Eulaemus clade. Specifically well‐resolved and well‐supported novel hypotheses are provided within the lineomaculatus section, and we formally recognize the zullyae clade, the sarmientoi clade and the hatcheri group. We also resolve species relationships within the montanus section, and particularly within the melanops series. We found discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear trees and discussed alternative hypotheses for the lineomaculatus and montanus sections, as well as the challenge in resolving phylogenetic relationships for large clades in general.
Excitability and responsiveness of rat barrel cortex neurons in the presence and absence of spontaneous synaptic activity in vivo
Authors: Altwegg‐Boussac Tristan , Chavez Mario , Mahon Séverine , Charpier Stéphane
Published: April 2014

Key points

The brain continuously and endogenously generates electrical activities that fluctuate as a function of vigilance states.

In cortical neurons, this spontaneous activity takes the form of complex synaptic barrages, with distinct temporal profiles and amplitudes during sleep and wakefulness.

In this study, we explored in vivo how these two types of ongoing synaptic activities control the excitability and action potential responses of cortical neurons and analysed the subsequent effect of a complete suppression of brain electrical activity.

We found that waking‐ and sleep‐like activities facilitate similarly the integration of weak excitatory inputs and cause a similar trial‐to‐trial variability in firing patterns; compared to sleep‐like pattern, the waking‐type synaptic profile amplifies the neuronal gain to inputs of increasing magnitude.

During the isoelectric brain state, neurons still fire action potentials in response to excitations but their sensitivity to weak inputs is reduced.

The amplitude and temporal dynamics of spontaneous synaptic activity in the cerebral cortex vary as a function of brain states. To directly assess the impact of different ongoing synaptic activities on neocortical function, we performed in vivo intracellular recordings from barrel cortex neurons in rats under two pharmacological conditions generating either oscillatory or tonic synaptic drive. Cortical neurons membrane excitability and firing responses were compared, in the same neurons, before and after complete suppression of background synaptic drive following systemic injection of a high dose of anaesthetic. Compared to the oscillatory state, the tonic pattern resulted in a more depolarized and less fluctuating membrane potential (Vm), a lower input resistance (Rm) and steeper relations of firing frequency versus injected current (F–I). Whatever their temporal dynamics, suppression of background synaptic activities increased mean Vm, without affecting Rm, and induced a rightward shift of F–I curves. Both types of synaptic drive generated a high variability in current‐induced firing rate and patterns in cortical neurons, which was much reduced after removal of spontaneous activity. These findings suggest that oscillatory and tonic synaptic patterns differentially facilitate the input–output function of cortical neurons but result in a similar moment‐to‐moment variability in spike responses to incoming depolarizing inputs.
Tripeptide Maternal Support
Authors: Hines Pamela
Published: April 2014

Within plant seeds, signaling functions from the endosperm regulate development of the embryonic plant suspensor.
T Cells Hurt the Brain
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: April 2014

Blocking interleukin-21 signaling may alleviate the tissue damage caused by T cells that infiltrate the brain early after ischemic stroke.
Positions and Numbers of
FKS
Mutations in Candida albicans Selectively Influence
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Susceptibilities to Echinocandin Treatment
Authors: Lackner M. , Tscherner M. , Schaller M. , Kuchler K. , Mair C. , Sartori B. , Istel F. , Arendrup M. C. , Lass-Flörl C.
Published: April 2014

Candidemia is the fourth most common kind of microbial bloodstream infection, with
Candida albicans
being the most common causative species. Echinocandins are employed as the first-line treatment for invasive candidiasis until the fungal species is determined and confirmed by clinical diagnosis. Echinocandins block the
FKS
glucan synthases responsible for embedding β-(1,3)-
d
-glucan in the cell wall. The increasing use of these drugs has led to the emergence of antifungal resistance, and elevated MICs have been associated with single-residue substitutions in specific hot spot regions of
FKS1
and
FKS2
. Here, we show for the first time the caspofungin-mediated
in vivo
selection of a double mutation within one allele of the
FKS1
hot spot 1 in a clinical isolate. We created a set of isogenic mutants and used a hematogenous murine model to evaluate the
in vivo
outcomes of echinocandin treatment. Heterozygous and homozygous double mutations significantly enhance the
in vivo
resistance of
C. albicans
compared with the resistance seen with heterozygous single mutations. The various
FKS1
hot spot mutations differ in the degree of their MIC increase, substance-dependent
in vivo
response, and impact on virulence. Our results demonstrate that echinocandin EUCAST breakpoint definitions correlate with the
in vivo
response when a standard dosing regimen is used but cannot predict the
in vivo
response after a dose escalation. Moreover, patients colonized by a
C. albicans
strain with multiple mutations in
FKS1
have a higher risk for therapeutic failure.
Prevalence and Molecular Characteristics of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Hunan, China
Authors: Zhao Li-li , Chen Yan , Chen Zhong-nan , Liu Hai-can , Hu Pei-lei , Sun Qing , Zhao Xiu-qin , Jiang Yi , Li Gui-lian , Tan Yun-hong , Wan Kang-lin
Published: April 2014

To determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Hunan province, drug susceptibility testing and spoligotyping methods were performed among 171
M. tuberculosis
isolates. In addition, the mutated characteristics of 12 loci, including
katG
,
inhA
,
rpoB
,
rpsL
, nucleotides 388 to 1084 of the
rrs
gene [
rrs
(388–1084)],
embB
,
pncA
,
tlyA
,
eis
, nucleotides 1158 to 1674 of the
rrs
gene [
rrs
(1158–1674)],
gyrA
, and
gyrB
, among drug-resistant isolates were also analyzed by DNA sequencing. Our results indicated that the prevalences of isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), streptomycin (SM), ethambutol (EMB), pyrazinamide (PZA), capreomycin (CAP), kanamycin (KAN), amikacin (AKM), and ofloxacin (OFX) resistance in Hunan province were 35.7%, 26.9%, 20.5%, 9.9% 15.2%, 2.3%, 1.8%, 1.2%, and 10.5%, respectively. The previously treated patients presented significantly increased risks for developing drug resistance. The majority of
M. tuberculosis
isolates belonged to the Beijing family. Almost all the drug resistance results demonstrated no association with genotype. The most frequent mutations of drug-resistant isolates were
katG
codon 315 (
katG
315
),
inhA15
,
rpoB
531
,
rpoB
526
,
rpoB
516
,
rpsL
43
,
rrs
514
,
embB
306
,
pncA
96
,
rrs
1401
,
gyrA
94
, and
gyrA
90
. These results contribute to the knowledge of the prevalence of drug resistance in Hunan province and also expand the molecular characteristics of drug resistance in China.
Uptake of Polymyxin B into Renal Cells
Authors: Abdelraouf Kamilia , Chang Kai-Tai , Yin Taijun , Hu Ming , Tam Vincent H.
Published: April 2014

Polymyxin B is increasingly used as a treatment of last resort against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. Using a mammalian kidney cell line, we demonstrated that polymyxin B uptake into proximal tubular epithelial cells was saturable and occurred primarily through the apical membrane, suggesting the involvement of transporters in the renal uptake of polymyxin B. Megalin might play a role in the uptake and accumulation of polymyxin B into renal cells.
Pharmacokinetics of Prophylactic Cefazolin in Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Elkomy Mohammed H. , Sultan Pervez , Drover David R. , Epshtein Ekaterina , Galinkin Jeffery L. , Carvalho Brendan
Published: April 2014

The objectives of this work were (i) to characterize the pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean delivery and in their neonates; (ii) to assess cefazolin transplacental transmission; (iii) to evaluate the dosing and timing of preoperative, prophylactic administration of cefazolin to pregnant women; and (iv) to investigate the impact of maternal dosing on therapeutic duration and exposure in newborns. Twenty women received 1 g of cefazolin preoperatively. Plasma concentrations of total cefazolin were analyzed from maternal blood samples taken before, during, and after delivery; umbilical cord blood samples obtained at delivery; and neonatal blood samples collected 24 h after birth. The distribution volume of cefazolin was 9.44 liters/h. The values for pre- and postdelivery clearance were 7.18 and 4.12 liters/h, respectively. Computer simulations revealed that the probability of maintaining free cefazolin concentrations in plasma above 8 mg/liter during scheduled caesarean surgery was <50% in the cord blood when cefazolin was administered in doses of <2 g or when it was administered <1 h before delivery. Therapeutic concentrations of cefazolin persisted in neonates >5 h after birth. Cefazolin clearance increases during pregnancy, and larger doses are recommended for surgical prophylaxis in pregnant women to obtain the same antibacterial effect as in nonpregnant patients. Cefazolin has a longer half-life in neonates than in adults. Maternal administration of up to 2 g of cefazolin is effective and produces exposure within clinically approved limits in neonates.
Reversal of TTTS after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for communicating vessels
Authors: Miyazaki Masahide , Honda Naotoshi , Yokoyama Motofumi , Nakata Masahiko
Published: April 2014

We report a case of reversal of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (Stage IV TTTS) at 24  weeks of gestation after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) for communicating vessels. The pathology of reversal of TTTS found that the ‘initial’ donor developed polyhydramnios whereas the ‘initial’ recipient developed oligohydramnios. With careful follow-up, the hydrops fetalis of the ‘initial’ recipient improved at 31 weeks of gestation. Because of the onset of labour pain at 34  weeks of gestation, two live and healthy babies were delivered by emergency caesarean section.
Tuberculosis of the patella imitating chronic knee synovitis
Authors: Prakash Jatin , Vijay Vipul
Published: April 2014

Tuberculosis of patella is a rare occurrence with incidence of less than 0.15% in the literature. Owing to its rarity the diagnosis is usually missed. Here we present a case of tuberculosis of the patella, being treated as chronic synovitis elsewhere. An 11-year-old boy presented to us with chronic knee swelling and a draining sinus of 5 months duration. He was being treated with broad spectrum antibiotics and incision and drainage. Standard X-rays revealed a lytic area with surrounding coke such as sequestrum in patella. MRI was suggestive of osteomyelitis of the patella with soft tissue oedema. Diagnosis was confirmed on biopsy. The patient was managed by curettage and excision of the sinus tract along with antitubercular treatment. The patient responded well to antitubercular therapy and gained excellent functional range of movement. In today's era of potent antituberculous drugs and decreasing tuberculosis incidence the rare and unusual locations of tuberculosis such as patella should be borne in mind while dealing with chronic lesions of the knee especially in tubercular endemic areas. A timely diagnosis helps in regaining good range of motion and a satisfactory outcome.
Salt reduction in England from 2003 to 2011: its relationship to blood pressure, stroke and ischaemic heart disease mortality
Authors: He Feng J , Pombo-Rodrigues Sonia , MacGregor Graham A
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To determine the relationship between the reduction in salt intake that occurred in England, and blood pressure (BP), as well as mortality from stroke and ischaemic heart disease (IHD).

Design

Analysis of the data from the Health Survey for England.

Setting and participants

England, 2003 N=9183, 2006 N=8762, 2008 N=8974 and 2011 N=4753, aged ≥16 years.

Outcomes

BP, stroke and IHD mortality.

Results

From 2003 to 2011, there was a decrease in mortality from stroke by 42% (p<0.001) and IHD by 40% (p<0.001). In parallel, there was a fall in BP of 3.0±0.33/1.4±0.20 mm Hg (p<0.001/p<0.001), a decrease of 0.4±0.02 mmol/L (p<0.001) in cholesterol, a reduction in smoking prevalence from 19% to 14% (p<0.001), an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption (0.2±0.05 portion/day, p<0.001) and an increase in body mass index (BMI; 0.5±0.09 kg/m2, p<0.001). Salt intake, as measured by 24 h urinary sodium, decreased by 1.4 g/day (p<0.01). It is likely that all of these factors (with the exception of BMI), along with improvements in the treatments of BP, cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, contributed to the falls in stroke and IHD mortality. In individuals who were not on antihypertensive medication, there was a fall in BP of 2.7±0.34/1.1±0.23 mm Hg (p<0.001/p<0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, ethnic group, education, household income, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake and BMI. Although salt intake was not measured in these participants, the fact that the average salt intake in a random sample of the population fell by 15% during the same period suggests that the falls in BP would be largely attributable to the reduction in salt intake rather than antihypertensive medications.

Conclusions

The reduction in salt intake is likely to be an important contributor to the falls in BP from 2003 to 2011 in England. As a result, it would have contributed substantially to the decreases in stroke and IHD mortality.
The effect of sudden aspen decline on understory microclimate and vegetation in southwestern Colorado
Authors: Korb J.E. , Bombaci S. , Siegel R.
Published: April 2014

Sudden aspen decline (SAD), present in many parts of North America, is the sudden dieback of branches, crown loss, and rapid mortality of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). We surveyed 21 plots in southwestern Colorado and categorized each plot by the mean percentage of recent crown loss (RCL) into three SAD levels: low SAD (0%–25% RCL), moderate SAD (25.1%–50% RCL), and high SAD (50.1%–100% RCL). Our research quantified the effects of SAD on microclimate and understory vegetation at the individual species and community level. Mean day surface, day subsurface, and night subsurface temperatures were warmer in high SAD stands than in low ones. High SAD stands had lower soil moisture, lower litter and duff depth, higher bare soil cover, higher photosynthetically active radiation, higher arbuscular mycorrhizal propagule densities, and higher grass biomass. Indicator plant species were uniquely associated with low and high SAD. Our study illustrates that SAD has multiple ecological effects on aspen understories, including a potential positive feedback in which warmer temperatures and decreased soil moisture, consequences of SAD, may lead to increased branch dieback and tree mortality, which would alter microclimate-making conditions more favorable to SAD and escalate the effects of SAD on understory vegetation.
DETERMINANTS OF LEISURE-TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIA
Authors: CHEAH YONG KANG , TAN ANDREW K. G.
Published: April 2014

This paper examines how socio-demographic and health-lifestyle factors determine participation and duration of leisure-time physical activity in Malaysia. Based on the Malaysia Non-Communicable Disease Surveillance-1 data, Heckman's sample selection model is employed to estimate the probability to participate and duration on physical activity. Results indicate that gender, age, years of education and family illness history are significant in explaining participation probability in leisure-time physical activity. Gender, income level, smoking-status and years of education are significant in explaining the weekly duration conditional on participation, whereas smoking-status and years of education are significant in determining the unconditional level of leisure-time physical activity.
A MULTIPROCESSOR Nios II IMPLEMENTATION OF DUFFING OSCILLATOR ARRAY FOR WEAK SIGNAL DETECTION
Authors: RASHTCHI VAHID , NOURAZAR MOHSEN
Published: April 2014

Field programmable gate array (FPGA) implemented array of Duffing oscillators for weak signal detection in noisy environments is presented in this paper. The array of Duffing oscillators is an efficient method for detecting weak signals with unknown exact frequency and phase delay. Because of the high computation resource requirement, especially for online weak signal detection, hardware implementation is a proper solution. In this FPGA implementation, the array was constructed using multiprocessor Nios II system. In the proposed multiprocessor system, each oscillator was implemented by a separate Nios II processor. Also, a separate Nios II processor was dedicated to control and detect the state of other oscillators. The proposed system was implemented using one of the Altera's Cyclone IV GX FPGAs. In this paper, beside the structure and resource utilization of the array of oscillators, an experimental result was also presented in order to show effectiveness of the implementation.
EFFECTS OF ADDING BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING TO ACTIVE EXERCISES AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: Shanb Al-Sayed A. , Youssef Enas F.
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding biofeedback training to active exercise training on quadriceps torque, voluntary activation and functional activity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 45 patients with unilateral TKA participated in this study; their ages ranged from 58 to 67 years. They were assigned randomly to two groups. Group I comprised 21 patients who practiced an active exercise training program for 30 to 45 min/session, two sessions/week, for 4 months. Group II contained 24 patients who practiced biofeedback training in addition to the active exercise training program for 30 to 45 min/session, two sessions/week, for 4 months. Isometric peak torque of the quadriceps, voluntary activation and knee functional activity were measured. The results revealed significant improvements in quadriceps torque, voluntary activation and knee functional activity for both groups, with more improvement in knee functional activities in group II. There were nonsignificant differences between the two groups in both quadriceps peak torque and voluntary activation after training (p > 0.05). Conclusion: An active exercise program can enhance quadriceps peak torque, voluntary activation and knee functional activity after unilateral TKA. The addition of biofeedback training increases the benefits for the knee functional activity of a patient.
The obstacle problem for semilinear parabolic partial integro-differential equations
Authors: Matoussi Anis , Sabbagh Wissal , Zhou Chao
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a probabilistic interpretation for the weak Sobolev solution of the obstacle problem for semilinear parabolic partial integro-differential equations (PIDEs). The results of Léandre [32] concerning the homeomorphic property for the solution of SDEs with jumps are used to construct random test functions for the variational equation for such PIDEs. This results in the natural connection with the associated Reflected Backward Stochastic Differential Equations with jumps (RBSDEs), namely Feynman–Kac's formula for the solution of the PIDEs. Moreover, it gives an application to the pricing and hedging of contingent claims with constraints in the wealth or portfolio processes in financial markets including jumps.
First-order calculus and option pricing
Authors: Carr Peter
Published: April 2014

The modern theory of option pricing rests on Itô calculus, which is a second-order calculus based on the quadratic variation of a stochastic process. One can instead develop a first-order stochastic calculus, which is based on the running minimum of a stochastic process, rather than its quadratic variation. We focus here on the analog of geometric Brownian motion (GBM) in this alternative stochastic calculus. The resulting stochastic process is a positive continuous martingale whose laws are easy to calculate. We show that this analog behaves locally like a GBM whenever its running minimum decreases, but behaves locally like an arithmetic Brownian motion otherwise. We provide closed form valuation formulas for vanilla and barrier options written on this process. We also develop a reflection principle for the process and use it to show how a barrier option on this process can be hedged by a static postion in vanilla options.
Interactive Statistics withIllmo
Authors: Martens Jean-Bernard
Published: April 2014

Progress in empirical research relies on adequate statistical analysis and reporting. This article proposes an alternative approach to statistical modeling that is based on an old but mostly forgotten idea, namely Thurstone modeling. Traditional statistical methods assume that either the measured data, in the case of parametric statistics, or the rank-order transformed data, in the case of nonparametric statistics, are samples from a specific (usually Gaussian) distribution with unknown parameters. Consequently, such methods should not be applied when this assumption is not valid. Thurstone modeling similarly assumes the existence of anunderlying processthat obeys an a priori assumed distribution with unknown parameters, but combines this underlying process with a flexibleresponse mechanismthat can be either continuous or discrete and either linear or nonlinear. One important advantage of Thurstone modeling is that traditional statistical methods can still be applied on the underlying process, irrespective of the nature of the measured data itself. Another advantage is that Thurstone models can be graphically represented, which helps to communicate them to a broad audience. A new interactive statistical package, Interactive Log Likelihood MOdeling (Illmo), was specifically designed for estimating and rendering Thurstone models and is intended to bring Thurstone modeling within the reach of persons who are not experts in statistics.Illmois unique in the sense that it provides not only extensive graphical renderings of the data analysis results but also an interface for navigating between different model options. In this way, users can interactively explore different models and decide on an adequate balance between model complexity and agreement with the experimental data. Hypothesis testing on model parameters is also made intuitive and is supported by both textual and graphical feedback. The flexibility and ease of use ofIllmomeans that it is also potentially useful as a didactic tool for teaching statistics.
Ultra-efficiency via sublinearity
Authors: Daruki Samira
Published: April 2014

The XRDS blog highlights a range of topics from security and privacy to neuroscience. Selected blog posts, edited for print, will be featured in every issue. Please visit xrds.acm.org/blog to read each post in its entirety.
Storm-chasing drones
Authors: Frew Eric
Published: April 2014

Unmanned aircraft systems. Aerial robots. Drones. Regardless of the name, this new technology is being developed to revolutionize the sampling and understanding of complex atmospheric phenomena.
Edit propagation using geometric relationship functions
Authors: Guerrero Paul , Jeschke Stefan , Wimmer Michael , Wonka Peter
Published: April 2014

We propose a method for propagating edit operations in 2D vector graphics, based on geometric relationship functions. These functions quantify the geometric relationship of a point to a polygon, such as the distance to the boundary or the direction to the closest corner vertex. The level sets of the relationship functions describe points with the same relationship to a polygon. For a given query point, we first determine a set of relationships to local features, construct all level sets for these relationships, and accumulate them. The maxima of the resulting distribution are points with similar geometric relationships. We show extensions to handle mirror symmetries, and discuss the use of relationship functions as local coordinate systems. Our method can be applied, for example, to interactive floorplan editing, and it is especially useful for large layouts, where individual edits would be cumbersome. We demonstrate populating 2D layouts with tens to hundreds of objects by propagating relatively few edit operations.
Evaluation of Normal Model Visualization for Anomaly Detection in Maritime Traffic
Authors: Riveiro Maria
Published: April 2014

Monitoring dynamic objects in surveillance applications is normally a demanding activity for operators, not only because of the complexity and high dimensionality of the data but also because of other factors like time constraints and uncertainty. Timely detection of anomalous objects or situations that need further investigation may reduce operators’ cognitive load. Surveillance applications may include anomaly detection capabilities, but their use is not widespread, as they usually generate a high number of false alarms, they do not provide appropriate cognitive support for operators, and their outcomes can be difficult to comprehend and trust. Visual analytics can bridge the gap between computational and human approaches to detecting anomalous behavior in traffic data, making this process more transparent. As a step toward this goal of transparency, this article presents an evaluation that assesses whether visualizations of normal behavioral models of vessel traffic support two of the main analytical tasks specified during our field work in maritime control centers. The evaluation combines quantitative and qualitative usability assessments. The quantitative evaluation, which was carried out with a proof-of-concept prototype, reveals that participants who used the visualization of normal behavioral models outperformed the group that did not do so. The qualitative assessment shows that domain experts have a positive attitude toward the provision of automatic support and the visualization of normal behavioral models, as these aids may reduce reaction time and increase trust in and comprehensibility of the system.
Studies on Thermophysical Properties of CaO and MgO by γ-Ray Attenuation
Authors: Rao A. S. Madhusudhan , Narender K.
Published: April 2014

The study on temperature dependent γ-ray attenuation and thermophysical properties of CaO and MgO has been carried out in the temperature range 300 K–1250 K using different energies of γ-beam, namely, Am (0.0595 MeV), Cs (0.66 MeV), and Co (1.173 MeV and 1.332 MeV) on γ-ray densitometer fabricated in our laboratory. The linear attenuation coefficients (μl) for the pellets of CaO and MgO as a function of temperature have been determined using γ-beam of different energies. The coefficients of temperature dependence of density have been reported. The variation of density and linear thermal expansion of CaO and MgO in the temperature range of 300 K–1250 K has been studied and compared with the results available in the literature. The temperature dependence of linear attenuation coefficients, density, and thermal expansion has been represented by second degree polynomial. Volume thermal expansion coefficients have been reported.
The Visualization of Biofilms in Chronic Diabetic Foot Wounds Using Routine Diagnostic Microscopy Methods
Authors: Oates Angela , Bowling Frank L. , Boulton Andrew J. M. , Bowler Philip G. , Metcalf Daniel G. , McBain Andrew J.
Published: April 2014

Diabetic foot wounds are commonly colonised by taxonomically diverse microbial communities and may additionally be infected with specific pathogens. Since biofilms are demonstrably less susceptible to antimicrobial agents than are planktonic bacteria, and may be present in chronic wounds, there is increasing interest in their aetiological role. In the current investigation, the presence of structured microbial assemblages in chronic diabetic foot wounds is demonstrated using several visualization methods. Debridement samples, collected from the foot wounds of diabetic patients, were histologically sectioned and examined using bright-field, fluorescence, and environmental scanning electron microscopy and assessed by quantitative differential viable counting. All samples (n= 26) harboured bioburdens in excess of 5 log10CFU/g. Microcolonies were identified in 4/4 samples by all three microscopy methods, although bright-field and fluorescence microscopy were more effective at highlighting putative biofilm morphology than ESEM. Results in this pilot study indicate that bacterial microcolonies and putative biofilm matrix can be visualized in chronic wounds using florescence microscopy and ESEM, but also using the simple Gram stain.
Regulation of p63 Protein Stability via Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway
Authors: Li Chenghua , Xiao Zhi-Xiong
Published: April 2014

The p53-related p63 gene encodes multiple protein isoforms, which are involved in a variety of biological activities. p63 protein stability is mainly regulated by the ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation pathway. Several ubiquitin E3 ligases have been identified and some protein kinases as well as other kinds of proteins are involved in regulation of p63 protein stability. These regulators are responsive to diverse extracellular signaling, resulting in changes of the p63 protein levels and impacting different biological processes.
One-Year Follow-Up of a Series of 100 Patients Treated for Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis by Means of HeliFix Interspinous Process Decompression Device
Authors: Alexandre Alberto , Alexandre Andrea Maria , De Pretto Mario , Corò Luca , Saggini Raul
Published: April 2014

Purpose.New interspinous process decompression devices (IPDs) provide an alternative to conservative treatment and decompressive surgery for patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC) due to degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS). HeliFix is a minimally invasive IPD that can be implanted percutaneously. This is a preliminary evaluation of safety and effectiveness of this IPD up to 12 months after implantation.Methods.After percutaneous implantation in 100 patients with NIC due to DLSS, data on symptoms, quality of life, pain, and use of pain medication were obtained for up to 12 months.Results.Early symptoms and physical function improvements were maintained for up to 12 months. Leg, buttock/groin, and back pain were eased throughout, and the use and strength of related pain medication were reduced. Devices were removed from 2% of patients due to lack of effectiveness.Conclusions.Overall, in a period of up to 12-month follow-up, the safety and effectiveness of the HeliFix offered a minimally invasive option for the relief of NIC complaints in a high proportion of patients. Further studies are undertaken in order to provide insight on outcomes and effectiveness compared to other decompression methods and to develop guidance on optimal patient selection.
Ischemic Retinal Vasculitis and Its Management
Authors: Talat Lazha , Lightman Sue , Tomkins-Netzer Oren
Published: April 2014

Ischemic retinal vasculitis is an inflammation of retinal blood vessels associated with vascular occlusion and subsequent retinal hypoperfusion. It can cause visual loss secondary to macular ischemia, macular edema, and neovascularization leading to vitreous hemorrhage, fibrovascular proliferation, and tractional retinal detachment. Ischemic retinal vasculitis can be idiopathic or secondary to systemic disease such as in Behçet’s disease, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Corticosteroids with or without immunosuppressive medication are the mainstay treatment in retinal vasculitis together with laser photocoagulation of retinal ischemic areas. Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab are used to treat neovascularization secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus but should be timed with retinal laser photocoagulation to prevent further progression of retinal ischemia. Antitumor necrosis factor agents have shown promising results in controlling refractory retinal vasculitis excluding multiple sclerosis. Interferon has been useful to control inflammation and induce neovascular regression in retinal vasculitis secondary to Behçet’s disease and multiple sclerosis. The long term effect of these management strategies in preventing the progression of retinal ischemia and preserving vision is not well understood and needs to be further studied.
A Two-Step Lyssavirus Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Using Degenerate Primers with Superior Sensitivity to the Fluorescent Antigen Test
Authors: Suin Vanessa , Nazé Florence , Francart Aurélie , Lamoral Sophie , De Craeye Stéphane , Kalai Michael , Van Gucht Steven
Published: April 2014

A generic two-step lyssavirus real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), based on a nested PCR strategy, was validated for the detection of different lyssavirus species. Primers with 17 to 30% of degenerate bases were used in both consecutive steps. The assay could accurately detect RABV, LBV, MOKV, DUVV, EBLV-1, EBLV-2, and ABLV.In silicosequence alignment showed a functional match with the remaining lyssavirus species. The diagnostic specificity was 100% and the sensitivity proved to be superior to that of the fluorescent antigen test. The limit of detection was ≤1 50% tissue culture infectious dose. The related vesicular stomatitis virus was not recognized, confirming the selectivity for lyssaviruses. The assay was applied to follow the evolution of rabies virus infection in the brain of mice from 0 to 10 days after intranasal inoculation. The obtained RNA curve corresponded well with the curves obtained by a one-step monospecific RABV-qRT-PCR, the fluorescent antigen test, and virus titration. Despite the presence of degenerate bases, the assay proved to be highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Microlubrication Using a Vegetable Oil-Based Metal Working Fluid during End Milling AISI 1018 Steel
Authors: Shaikh Vasim , Boubekri Nourredine , Scharf Thomas W.
Published: April 2014

Microlubrication minimizes the exposure of metal working fluids to the machining operators leading to an economical, safer, and healthier workplace environment. In this study, a vegetable oil-based lubricant was used to conduct wear analysis and to analyze the effectiveness of microlubrication during end milling AISI 1018 steel. A solid carbide cutting tool with bright oxide finish was used with varying cutting speed and feed rate having a constant depth of cut. Abrasion was the dominant wear mechanism for all the cutting tools under consideration. Other than abrasion, sliding adhesive wear of the workpiece materials was also observed. The scanning electron microscope investigation of the used cutting tools revealed microfatigue cracks, welded microchips, and unusual built-up edges on the cutting tools flank and rake side. A full factorial experiment was conducted and regression models were generated for both the sides of tool flank wear. The study shows that with a proper selection of the cutting parameters it is possible to obtain higher tool life.
Semisupervised Location Awareness in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Laplacian Support Vector Regression
Authors: Yoo Jaehyun , Kim H. Jin
Published: April 2014

Supervised machine learning has been widely used in context-aware wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to discover context descriptions from sensor data. However, collecting a lot of labeled training data in order to guarantee good performance requires much cost and time. For this reason, the semisupervised learning has been recently developed due to its superior performance despite using only a small amount of the labeled data. In this paper, we extend the standard support vector regression (SVR) to the semisupervised SVR by employing manifold regularization, which we call Laplacian SVR (LapSVR). The LapSVR is compared with the standard SVR and the semisupervised least square algorithm that is another recently developed semisupervised regression algorithm. The algorithms are evaluated for location awareness of multiple mobile robots in a WSN. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm yields more accurate location estimates than the other algorithms.
Visual Quality Assessment after Network Transmission Incorporating NS2 and Evalvid
Authors: Wang Zhengyou , Wang Wan , Xia Yanhui , Wan Zheng , Wang Jin , Li Liying , Cai Cong
Published: April 2014

On the basis of Evalvid tool integrated in NS2 (Network Simulator version 2), the paper gets new set of tools, myEvalvid, to establish the simulation and evaluation platform for multimedia transmission. Then the paper investigates the effects of various influence factors when multimedia information is transmitted in the network and the relationships among these factors. Based on the analysis, the paper gets different evaluation models, respectively. In this paper, we study the impact on performance of several basic source and network parameters of video streams, namely, GOP (Group of Pictures) pattern, compression quantitative parameters, packet length, and packet error rate. Simulation results show that different parameters lead to different distortion levels which are calculated according to the reconstruction images at the receiver and the original images. The experimental results show that the video transmission and quality evaluation model we designed can evaluate multimedia transmission performance over complex environment very well.
Immunomodulatory Properties of HLA-G in Infectious Diseases
Authors: Amiot Laurence , Vu Nicolas , Samson Michel
Published: April 2014

HLA-G is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex molecule first described at the maternal-fetal interface, on extravillous cytotrophoblasts. Its expression is restricted to some tissues in normal conditions but increases strongly in pathological conditions. The expression of this molecule has been studied in detail in cancers and is now also beginning to be described in infectious diseases. The relevance of studies on HLA-G expression lies in the well known inhibitory effect of this molecule on all cell types involved in innate and adaptive immunity, favoring escape from immune control. In this review, we summarize the features of HLA-G expression by type of infections (i.e, bacterial, viral, or parasitic) detailing the state of knowledge for each pathogenic agent. The polymorphism, the interference of viral proteins with HLA-G intracellular trafficking, and various cytokines have been described to modulate HLA-G expression during infections. We also discuss the cellular source of HLA-G, according to the type of infection and the potential role of HLA-G. New therapeutic approaches based on synthetic HLA-G-derived proteins or antibodies are emerging in mouse models of cancer or transplantation, and these new therapeutic tools may eventually prove useful for the treatment of infectious diseases.
The Experimental and Simulation Study of Selective Catalytic Reduction System in a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine Using NH3as a Reducing Agent
Authors: Athrashalil Phaily Manoj Kumar , Sreekala Sreekumar Jayachandra , Mohanan Padmanabha
Published: April 2014

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology has been widely used in automotive applications in order to meet the stringent limits on emission standards. The maximum NOxconversion efficiency of an SCR depends on temperature and mass flow rate of an exhaust gas. In order to assess the suitability of Cordierite/Pt catalyst for low temperature application, an experimental work is carried out using single cylinder diesel engine for different load conditions by varying ammonia induction rate from 0.2 kg/hr to 0.8 kg/hr. The simulation is carried out using AVL FIRE for the validation of experimental results. From the study, it has been found that for 0.6 kg/hr ammonia induction rate the maximum conversion is achieved, whereas, for 0.8 kg/hr, conversion is reduced due to desorption of ammonia. Also it has been found that, at 75% of load, for all mass flow rates of ammonia the conversion was drastically reduced due to higher exhaust gas temperature and higher emission of unburnt hydrocarbons. More than 55% of NOxconversion was achieved using Cordierite/Pt catalyst at a temperature of 320°C.
Oscillation Results for Second-Order Nonlinear Damped Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Qiu Yang-Cong , Wang Qi-Ru
Published: April 2014

This paper is concerned with second-order nonlinear damped dynamic equations on time scales of the following more general form(p(t)k1(x(t),xΔ(t)))Δ+r(t)k2(x(t),xΔ(t))xΔ(t)+f(t,x(σ(t)))=0. New oscillation results are given to handle some cases not covered by known criteria. An illustrative example is also presented.