bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The target plot: a new way of displaying the performance of a screening test
Authors: Wald N.J. , Watt H.C.
Published: May 2013

Objectives To produce a graphical method to represent the performance of a screening test that illustrates the prevalence of the disorder being screened for, as well as its discriminatory potential.

Concept A target plot was constructed in which the risk of the disorder is represented by a series of concentric circles of constant risk (isorisks) equivalent to specified false positive rates, with the highest risk in the centre and lower risks spreading outwards towards the circumference. Dots were drawn to represent cases of the disorder; these were of a size such that their total area as a proportion of the area of the whole target plot equalled the prevalence of the disorder in the screened population. The discriminatory power of the test was seen as the clustering of dots around the centre or bull's eye of the target. The detection rate could be estimated as the proportion of dots which fell within the isorisk corresponding to a specified false positive rate.

Application The target plot was applied to second trimester antenatal screening for Down's syndrome using different combinations of screening markers, and also to screening for ischaemic heart disease using protein components of cholesterol (apolipoproteins A I and B and Lp(a) lipoprotein), systolic blood pressure, and smoking status.

Discussion The efficacy of the different methods of screening for Down's syndrome is readily apparent using the target plot, as is the poorer performance of screening for ischaemic heart disease.

Conclusions The target plot is a simple and quantitative way of displaying the performance of a screening test that may be useful in teaching and educational material.
Identifying and screening patients at high risk of colorectal cancer in general practice
Authors: House W. , Sharp D. , Sheridan E.
Published: May 2013

Objectives To determine the feasibility and acceptability of selecting patients at risk of colorectal cancer by taking family histories by means of a postal questionnaire. To determine if this information could be translated into simple risk categories to guide subsequent management.

Setting Patients aged between 30 and 69 years inclusive, registered with a mixed suburban and rural training general practice in south west England.

Method A postal questionnaire survey seeking demographic information and family history of colorectal cancer was sent to all eligible patients. Personal risk of colorectal cancer was stratified according to predetermined criteria. Risk assessment was modified if necessary after the general practitioner conferred with a geneticist. Patients were subsequently offered colonoscopy (high risk) or faecal occult blood testing (intermediate risk).

Results Response to the questionnaire was 84.7%. 250 patients had a family history of colorectal cancer, of whom 52 were assigned to the high risk group, 104 to the intermediate group, and 94 to the low risk group. The geneticist reassigned five intermediate risk patients to the high risk group. Of 27 patients who had a colonoscopy, two were found to have an adenocarcinoma and a further two adenomatous polyps. In the group given faecal occult blood testing, two patients presented with colorectal cancer before being screened.

Conclusions A postal questionnaire is feasible and acceptable for the collection of information about a family history of colorectal cancer from patients in general practice. The personal risk of developing the disease according to standard criteria can be estimated and then managed by a simple protocol.
Peak power is reduced following lengthening contractions despite a maintenance of shortening velocity
Authors: Power Geoffrey A. , Dalton Brian H. , Rice Charles L. , Vandervoort Anthony A.
Published: May 2013

Following repetitive lengthening contractions, power (the product of torque and velocity) is impaired during shortening contractions. However, the relative contribution of each component to power loss and the underlying factors are unclear. We investigated neuromuscular properties of the dorsiflexors in 8 males (27 ± 3 years) and 8 females (26 ± 4 years) for a potential sex-related difference before, during, and after 150 unaccustomed maximal lengthening actions. Velocity-dependent power was determined from shortening contractions at 8 levels (1 N·m to 70% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC)) before, after, and throughout recovery assessed at 0–30 min, 24 h, and 48 h. Immediately following task termination, both sexes displayed similar impairments of 30%, 4%, and 10% in MVC torque, shortening velocity, and overall peak power, respectively (P < 0.05). Peak rate of isometric torque development (RTD) was reduced by 10% in males, but females exhibited a 35% reduction (P < 0.05). Rate of torque development for the MVC remained depressed in both sexes throughout the 30 min recovery period; however, the RTD returned to normal by 24 h in males but did not recover by 48 h in females. Power was reduced preferentially at higher loads (i.e., 60% MVC), with a greater loss in females (65%) than males (45%). For lower loads (<20% MVC), power was impaired minimally (4%–8%; P < 0.05) and recovered within 30 min in both groups. The reduction in maximal angular velocity persisted until 30 min of recovery, and peak power did not recover until 24 h for both sexes. Unaccustomed lengthening contractions decreased power preferentially at higher loads, whereas peak power was reduced minimally owing to maintenance of maximal shortening velocity.
Phytochemicals targeting genes relevant for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Anuradha Carani Venkatraman
Published: May 2013

Nutrigenomic approaches based on ethnopharmacology and phytotherapy concepts have revealed that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may be susceptible to dietary intervention. Interaction between bioactive food components and the genome may influence cell processes and modulate the onset and progression of the disease. T2DM, characterized by insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction, is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Despite the great advances that have been made in the understanding and management of this complex, multifactorial disease, T2DM has become a worldwide epidemic in the 21st century. Population and family studies have revealed a strong genetic component of T2DM, and a number of candidate genes have been identified in humans. Variations in the gene sequences such as single nucleotide polymorphisms, explain the individual differences in traits like disease susceptibility and response to treatment. A clear understanding of how nutrients affect the expression of genes should facilitate the development of individualized intervention and, eventually, treatment strategies for T2DM. Review of the literature identified many phytochemicals/extracts from traditional medicinal plants that can target diabetogenic genes. This review focuses on the genetic aspects of T2DM, nutrient modification of genes relevant for diabetes, and future prospects of nutritional therapy of T2DM.
THERMODYNAMICS IN KALUZA–KLEIN UNIVERSE
Authors: SHARIF M. , SALEEM RABIA
Published: May 2013

This paper is devoted to check the validity of laws of thermodynamics for Kaluza–Klein universe in the state of thermal equilibrium, composed of dark matter and dark energy. The generalized holographic dark energy and generalized Ricci dark energy models are considered here. It is proved that the first and generalized second law of thermodynamics are valid on the apparent horizon for both of these models. Further, we take a horizon of radius L with modified holographic or Ricci dark energy. We conclude that these models do not obey the first and generalized second law of thermodynamics on the horizon of fixed radius L for a specific range of model parameters.
ON THE REPRESENTATION OF THE WIGNER ALGEBRA AND WIGNER DEFORMATION OF THE FERMION ALGEBRA
Authors: CHUNG WON SANG
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we investigate the representation of the Wigner algebra by using the q-calculus like approach. For this algebra, the coherent state is constructed and the uncertainty relation for the ground state is discussed. Following Wigner's approach, the Wigner deformation of the fermion algebra is obtained and its Fock space is shown to have finite dimension.
ELIMINATING AMBIGUITIES FOR QUANTUM CORRECTIONS TO STRINGS MOVING IN AdS4×ℂℙ3
Authors: LOPEZ-ARCOS CRISTHIAM , NASTASE HORATIU
Published: May 2013

We apply a physical principle, previously used to eliminate ambiguities in quantum corrections to the two-dimensional kink, to the case of spinning strings moving in AdS 4×ℂℙ3, thought of as another kind of two-dimensional soliton. We find that this eliminates the ambiguities and selects the result compatible with AdS/CFT, providing a solid foundation for one of the previous calculations, which found agreement. The method can be applied to other classical string "solitons."
EFFECTS OF OXYGEN VACANCY ON MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF COBALT-DOPED ZnO DILUTE MAGNETIC SEMICONDUCTORS
Authors: TAO H. L. , ZHANG Z. H. , PAN L. L. , HE M. , SONG B. , LI Q.
Published: May 2013

Effects of oxygen vacancy (Vo) on magnetic properties of Co -doped ZnO are investigated by first principle calculations. The calculated formation energies of Vo with different bonding to Co atom indicate that Vo prefers location near Co atom, implying a strong local interaction between the Co atom and O -vacancy. Induced by Vo, the Co -3d and O -2p valence bands upward shift towards the Fermi level, leading to the presence of additional carriers at the Fermi level. The delocalized carriers and the substitutional Co ion play a key role in the occurrence and stability of ferromagnetism of Co -doped ZnO .
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE ABSORBING TECHNIQUE USING PERIODIC PATTERNS FOR LOW RCS PATCH ARRAY ANTENNA
Authors: JANG HONG-KYU , LEE YEON-GWAN , SHIN JAE-HWAN , KIM CHUN-GON
Published: May 2013

This paper presents an electromagnetic wave absorbing technique to reduce a radar cross-section (RCS) of a patch array antenna without compromising their antenna performance. The technique is based on periodic patterns, which is made of resistive materials. The 2×2 patch array antenna with a resonance frequency of 3.0 GHz was designed and fabricated. To reduce the RCS of the patch array antenna, the periodic patterns using a square patch element were proposed and applied to the surface between the four antenna patches. The printed lossy periodic patterns have radar absorbing performance at 12.0 GHz frequency. The measured results show that the lossy periodic patterns have no significant effect on the antenna radiation performance. On the other hand, the RCS is reduced by more than 98% compared to the conventional antenna at the target frequency.
TOWARDS AN INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT
Authors: ZWECK AXEL
Published: May 2013

The issues of innovation accompanying measures like technology forecasting, technology assessment, evaluation, technology transfer, and others are discussed frequently but handled more or less separately in practice. The lack of adjustment between these innovation accompanying measures causes a suboptimal result in supporting the innovation process. The development of the nanotechnology funding strategy in Germany which was guided by an integrated approach of technology and innovation management activities is presented in the following article. This approach is discussed as a way to overcome this deficit of insufficient conjunction between innovation accompanying measures. This activity ranges from technological forecasting activities, the definition of application fields and market surveys to early technological assessment activities in different dimensions combined with communication measures. The integrated approach facilitated the early detection of relevant actors of further innovation process as well as possible "show stoppers" and corresponding actions. Herewith, the importance of accompanying innovation measures and their adjustment in research funding of new technologies is underlined.
SOLVING THE US HEALTHCARE PROBLEMS: THE ACTION STRATEGY
Authors: CHANG C. M.
Published: May 2013

The US healthcare system costs more and delivers less service quality, in comparison with several industrialized nations. This paper describes the critical problems facing the US healthcare system, offers a comprehensive review of various best practices and emerging solutions to address the cost and quality issues, identifies a set of empirical observations from this review, and outlines a rational strategy, the ACTION strategy, to solve some of the noted US healthcare problems.

The ACTION strategy, as proposed, takes into account the decision factors, which are important to any healthcare organizations, such as economic viability, technological feasibility, ease of implementation, operational efficiency, as well as being patient-focused, regulatory compliant and risk optimized. When adopted, this strategy should allow a majority of healthcare organizations to achieve steady progress toward cost reduction, quality enhancement, cycle time shortening and patient satisfaction. Practitioners in technology management are well prepared to assist healthcare organizations in implementing the elements of this strategy.
Striated muscle activator of Rho signaling is required for myotube survival but does not influence basal protein synthesis or degradation
Authors: Wallace Marita A. , Russell Aaron P.
Published: May 2013

Skeletal muscle mass is regulated by sensing and transmitting extracellular mechanical stress signals to intracellular signaling pathways controlling protein synthesis and degradation. Striated muscle activator of Rho signaling (STARS) is a muscle-specific actin-binding protein that is sensitive to extracellular stress signals. STARS stimulates actin polymerization and influences serum response factor (SRF) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α transcription of genes involved in muscle growth, structure, and contraction. The role of STARS in skeletal muscle cells is not well understood. This study investigated whether STARS influenced C2C12 myotube growth by regulating protein synthesis and degradation. The influence of STARS on Pgc-1α, Srf, and Errα mRNA levels, as well as several of their downstream targets involved in muscle cell growth, contraction, and metabolism, was also investigated. STARS overexpression increased actin polymerization, with no effect on protein synthesis, protein degradation, or Akt phosphorylation. STARS overexpression increased Pgc-1α, Srf, Ckmt2, Cpt-1β, and Mhc1 mRNA. STARS knockdown reduced actin polymerization and increased cell death and dead cell protease activity. It also increased markers of inflammation ( Casp1, Il-1β, and Mcp-1), regeneration ( Socs3 and Myh8), and fast myosin isoforms ( Mhc2a and Mhc2x). We show for the first time in muscle cells that STARS overexpression increases actin polymerization and shifts the muscle cell to a more oxidative phenotype. The suppression of STARS causes cell death and increases markers of necrosis, inflammation, and regeneration. As STARS levels are suppressed in clinical models associated with increased necrosis and inflammation, such as aging and limb immobilization, rescuing STARS maybe a future therapeutic strategy to maintain skeletal muscle function and attenuate contraction-induced muscle damage.
Neural integration and enhancement from the inferior colliculus up to different layers of auditory cortex
Authors: Straka Malgorzata M. , Schendel Dillon , Lim Hubert H.
Published: May 2013

While the cochlear implant has successfully restored hearing to many deaf patients, it cannot benefit those without a functional auditory nerve or an implantable cochlea. As an alternative, the auditory midbrain implant (AMI) has been developed and implanted into deaf patients. Consisting of a single-shank array, the AMI is designed for stimulation along the tonotopic gradient of the inferior colliculus (ICC). Although the AMI can provide frequency cues, it appears to insufficiently transmit temporal cues for speech understanding because repeated stimulation of a single site causes strong suppressive and refractory effects. Applying the electrical stimulation to at least two sites within an isofrequency lamina can circumvent these refractory processes. Moreover, coactivation with short intersite delays (<5 ms) can elicit cortical activation which is enhanced beyond the summation of activity induced by the individual sites. The goal of our study was to further investigate the role of the auditory cortex in this enhancement effect. In guinea pigs, we electrically stimulated two locations within an ICC lamina or along different laminae with varying interpulse intervals (0–10 ms) and recorded activity in different locations and layers of primary auditory cortex (A1). Our findings reveal a neural mechanism that integrates activity only from neurons located within the same ICC lamina for short spiking intervals (<6 ms). This mechanism leads to enhanced activity into layers III–V of A1 that is further magnified in supragranular layers. This integration mechanism may contribute to perceptual coding of different sound features that are relevant for improving AMI performance.
Anodic Materials for Electrocatalytic Ozone Generation
Authors: Wang Yun-Hai , Chen Qing-Yun
Published: May 2013

Ozone has wide applications in various fields. Electrocatalytic ozone generation technology as an alternative method to produce ozone is attractive. Anodic materials have significant effect on the ozone generation efficiency. The research progress on anodic materials for electrocatalytic ozone generation including the cell configuration and mechanism is addressed in this review. The lead dioxide and nickel-antimony-doped tin dioxide anode materials are introduced in detail, including their structure, property, and preparation. Advantages and disadvantages of different anode materials are also discussed.
The Effects of Five‐Order Nonlinear on the Dynamics of Dark Solitons in Optical Fiber
Authors: He Feng-Tao , Wang Xiao-Lin , Duan Zuo-Liang
Published: May 2013

We study the influence of five‐order nonlinear on the dynamic of dark soliton. Starting from the cubic‐quintic nonlinear Schrodinger equation with the quadratic phase chirp term, by using a similarity transformation technique, we give the exact solution of dark soliton and calculate the precise expressions of dark soliton′s width, amplitude, wave central position, and wave velocity which can describe the dynamic behavior of soliton′s evolution. From two different kinds of quadratic phase chirps, we mainly analyze the effect on dark soliton’s dynamics which different fiver‐order nonlinear term generates. The results show the following two points with quintic nonlinearities coefficient increasing: (1) if the coefficients of the quadratic phase chirp term relate to the propagation distance, the solitary wave displays a periodic change and the soliton’s width increases, while its amplitude and wave velocity reduce. (2) If the coefficients of the quadratic phase chirp term do not depend on propagation distance, the wave function only emerges in a fixed area. The soliton’s width increases, while its amplitude and the wave velocity reduce.
The Probability of a Confidence Interval Based on Minimal Estimates of the Mean and the Standard Deviation
Authors: Houston Louis M.
Published: May 2013

Using two measurements, we produce an estimate of the mean and the sample standard deviation. We construct a confidence interval with these parameters and compute the probability of the confidence interval by using the cumulative distribution function and averaging over the parameters. The probability is in the form of an integral that we compare to a computer simulation.
Acanthosis Nigricans Associated with an Adrenocortical Tumor in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Isaacoff Elizabeth , Dimitriadi Filippina Filia , Barrows Frank , Pawel Bruce , Mattei Peter , Mostoufi-Moab Sogol
Published: May 2013

Malignant acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome seen primarily in adults with an underlying diagnosis of gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. Malignant AN is characterized by hyperpigmentation and velvety hyperplasia of the epidermis. This condition is generally not associated with tumors in pediatric populations or in the adrenal gland. We present a case of malignant AN in a pediatric patient with a nonmalignant, functional adrenocortical tumor.
The Effective Convectivity Model for Simulation of Molten Metal Layer Heat Transfer in a Boiling Water Reactor Lower Head
Authors: Tran Chi-Thanh , Kudinov Pavel
Published: May 2013

This paper is concerned with the development of approaches for assessment of core debris heat transfer and Control Rod Guide Tube (CRGT) cooling effectiveness in case of a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) severe accident. We consider a hypothetical scenario with stratified (metal layer atop) melt pool in the lower plenum. Effective Convectivity Model (ECM) and Phase-Change ECM (PECM) are developed for the modeling of molten metal layer heat transfer. The PECM model takes into account reduced convection heat transfer in mushy zone and compositional convection that enables simulations of noneutectic binary mixture solidification and melting. The ECM and PECM are (i) validated against relevant experiments for both eutectic and noneutectic mixtures and (ii) benchmarked against CFD-generated data including the local heat transfer characteristics. The PECM is then applied to the analysis of heat transfer in a stratified heterogeneous debris pool taking into account CRGT cooling. The PECM simulation results show apparent efficacy of the CRGT cooling which can be utilized as Severe Accident Management (SAM) measure to protect the vessel wall from focusing effect caused by metallic layer.
Application of S-UTD-CH Model into Multiple Diffraction Scenarios
Authors: Tabakcioglu Mehmet Baris , Cansiz Ahmet
Published: May 2013

Propagation prediction models based on ray tracing in coverage estimation for digital broadcasting systems are compared. Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD), Slope Uniform Theory of Diffraction (S-UTD), and Slope UTD with Convex Hull (S-UTD-CH) models are compared for computation time and propagation path loss. S-UTD-CH model is optimum model with respect to computation time and relative path loss.
Peer-to-Peer Multicasting Inspired by Huffman Coding
Authors: Polaczyk Bartosz , Chołda Piotr , Jajszczyk Andrzej
Published: May 2013

Stringent QoS requirements of video streaming are not addressed by the delay characteristics of highly dynamic peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. To solve this problem, a novel locality-aware method for choosing optimal neighbors in live streaming multicast P2P overlays is presented in this paper. To create the appropriate multicast tree topology, a round-trip-time (RTT) value is used as a parameter distinguishing peers capabilities. The multicast tree construction is based on the Huffman source coding algorithm. First, a centrally managed version is presented, and then an effective use of a distributed paradigm is shown. Performance evaluation results prove that the proposed approach considerably improves the overlay efficiency from the viewpoint of end-users and content providers. Moreover, the proposed technique ensures a high level of resilience against gateway-link failures and adaptively reorganizes the overlay topology in case of dynamic, transient network fluctuations.
NonspecificErysipelothrix rhusiopathiaeBacteremia in a Patient with Subclinical Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Kichloo Asim Ahmed , Hallac Alexander , Mousavi Ben , Hirekhan Omkar
Published: May 2013

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a pleomorphic gram-positive bacillus, is found widely in nature or as a commensal pathogen. It infects domestic animals such as swine, which may be the major reservoir of the organism.E. rhusiopathiaeis primarily an occupational illness; 89% of the cases are linked to high-risk epidemiological situations. Humans that are infected by this bacillus typically present with one or a combination of the following symptoms: localized skin lesion (erysipeloid), diffuse cutaneous eruptions with systemic symptoms, or bacteremia, which is often followed by endocarditis. We report a case ofE. rhusiopathiaebacteremia that was present without severe clinical illness such as endocarditis, arthritis, or skin lesions. The patient was a 64-year-old male with a complicated past medical history including subclinical alcoholic liver disease. Penicillin-G therapy completely resolved the patients bacteremia. The case presented has exceptional clinical merit due to 2 key factors: the patient does not fit the occupational demographic typically affected by this bacterium, and the patient presented with subclinical septicemia, which has a high correlation with fatal endocarditis. This case brings a new prospective toE. rhusiopathiaebacteremia.
Tension Pneumothorax, Pneumoperitoneum, and Cervical Emphysema following a Diagnostic Colonoscopy
Authors: Pourmand Ali , Shokoohi Hamid
Published: May 2013

Colonoscopy is currently a widespread procedure used in screening for colorectal cancer. Iatrogenic colonic perforation during colonoscopy is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. “Triple pneumo” (a combination of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumoperitoneum) following colonoscopy is a rare but a serious condition requiring immediate diagnosis and emergent intervention. In majority of these cases a colonic perforation is the initial injury that is followed by pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum through the potential anatomical connection with retroperitoneal and mediastinal spaces. In this rare case report we are presenting a case of “triple pneumo” with no evidence of colonic perforation. This patient developed a simultaneous pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, and a tension pneumothorax requiring immediate tube thoracostomy. This case may raise the awareness on the likelihood of these serious complications after colonoscopy.
Performance Assessment of Fuzzy Logic Power System Stabilizer on North Benghazi Power Plant
Authors: Hussein T. , Shamekh A.
Published: May 2013

Fuzzy logic design has been implemented online to tune the power system stabilizer gain (KPSS). To assess the performance of the proposed technique, Benghazi North Power Plant (BNPP), at eastern Libyan network, has been utilized as a power system stabilizer (PSS) benchmark. The design considers different operating conditions and large disturbance. A selection of fuzzy rules is derived by means of system output power to tune KPSS, whereas Particle Swarm Optimization technique (PSO) is exploited to calculate the PSS parameters offline according to real-time measurements of the considered plant. Several simulation scenarios have been conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed PSS in damping of local and interarea modes of oscillation of one-machine infinite-bus system. The study also contains comparison between the proposed technique and conventional PSS (CPSS).
The Effect of In Vitro Oxidative Stress on the Female Rabbit Bladder Contractile Response and Antioxidant Levels
Authors: Malone Lisa , Schuler Catherine , Leggett Robert E. , Levin Robert M.
Published: May 2013

Introduction. There are several bladder dysfunctions that are associated with oxidative stress to the urinary bladder. Two experimental models are known to cause this type of bladder damage. The first is direct oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The second is oxidative damage caused by ischemia followed by reperfusion (I/R). The specific aim of this study is to directly compare these two models of oxidative stress. Methods. Six adult female NZW rabbits were divided into two groups of three rabbits each. Eight full thickness strips from three rabbit bladders were taken for in vitro ischemia/reperfusion physiological analysis, while eight strips from three rabbit bladders were taken for in vitro H2O2 physiological analysis. All tissue was analyzed for total antioxidant activity (AA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, samples of the water baths were also analyzed for AA. Results. In vitro I/R reduced the response to field stimulation (FS) to a significantly greater extent than the inhibition of the response to carbachol. In vitro H2O2 decreased all responses to approximately the same degree. Total AA levels at higher concentrations of H2O2 for all bath fluids were significantly higher than controls. MDA levels were significantly elevated in both models of oxidative stress.
New Iterative Algorithm for Two Infinite Families of Multivalued Quasi-Nonexpansive Mappings in Uniformly Convex Banach Spaces
Authors: Zhang Fang , Zhang Huan , Zhang Yulong
Published: May 2013

We introduce a new iterative scheme for finding a common fixed point of two countable families of multivalued quasi-nonexpansive mappings and prove a weak convergence theorem under the suitable control conditions in a uniformly convex Banach space. We also give a new proof method to the iteration in the paper of Abbas et al. (2011).
MIMO OTA Testing Based on Transmit Signal Processing
Authors: Gutiérrez Jesús , Ibáñez Jesús , Pérez Jesús
Published: May 2013

Usually, multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) testbeds are combined with channel emulators for testing devices and algorithms under controlled channel conditions. In this work, we propose a simple methodology that allows over-the-air (OTA) MIMO testing using a MIMO testbed solely, avoiding the use of channel emulators. The MIMO channel is emulated by linearly combining the signals at the testbed transmitter. The method is fully flexible, so it is able to emulate any equivalent baseband narrowband MIMO channel by adequately selecting the weights of the linear combination. We derive closed-form expressions for the computation of such weights. To prove its feasibility, the method has been implemented and tested over a commercial MIMO testbed.
Potential Pitfall in the Assessment of Lung Cancer with FDG-PET/CT: Talc Pleurodesis Causes Intrathoracic Nodal FDG Avidity
Authors: Wang Yingbing , Carter Brett W. , Muse Victorine , Digumarthy Subba , Shepard Jo-Anne , Sharma Amita
Published: May 2013

Objective. Talc pleurodesis is a common procedure performed to treat complications related to lung cancer. The purpose of our study was to characterize any thoracic nodal findings on FDG PET/CT associated with prior talc pleurodesis. Materials and Methods. The electronic medical record identified 44 patients who underwent PET/CT between January 2006 and December 2010 and had a history of talc pleurodesis. For each exam, we evaluated the distribution pattern, size, and attenuation of intrathoracic lymph nodes and the associated standardized uptake value. Results. High-attenuation intrathoracic lymph nodes were noted in 11 patients (25%), and all had corresponding increased FDG uptake (range 2–9 mm). Involved nodal groups were anterior peridiaphragmatic (100%), paracardiac (45%), internal mammary (25%), and peri-IVC (18%) nodal stations. Seven of the 11 patients (63%) had involvement of multiple lymph nodal groups. Mean longitudinal PET/CT and standalone CT followups of 15±11 months showed persistence of both high-attenuation and increased uptake at these sites, without increase in nodal size suggesting metastatic disease involvement. Conclusions. FDG avid, high-attenuation lymph nodes along the lymphatic drainage pathway for parietal pleura are a relatively common finding following talc pleurodesis and should not be mistaken for nodal metastases during the evaluation of patients with history of lung cancer.
A Novel Miniaturized Electromagnetic Bandgap Structure and Its Effects on Signal Integrity and Electromagnetic Emission
Authors: Yan Zhaowen , Wang Yansheng
Published: May 2013

A miniaturized planar electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure with embedded meander line as bridge is proposed in this paper. The dimensions of the unit cell of the proposed EBG structure are 15 mm × 15 mm × 0.36 mm. Simulation and measurement of the noise transmission coefficient (S21) have been performed for the structure, and good agreement can be seen. According to the measured results, the −30 dB noise suppression bandwidth ranges from 0.97 to 21.54 GHz, which cover almost the whole noise band in ultrawideband applications. Moreover, its effects on signal integrity and electromagnetic emission are also analyzed.
Acute Gastric Dilatation: A Transient Cause of Hepatic Portal Venous Gas—Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Allaparthi Satya B. , Anand Curuchi P.
Published: May 2013

Gastric pneumatosis (GP) and hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) have typically been thought of as an ominous radiological sign associated with a grave prognosis, and the observation of HPVG on plain abdominal radiography, ultrasonography, or computed tomography is viewed as a significant finding. It is often associated with severe or potentially lethal conditions warranting urgent diagnosis and possible surgical intervention. Early studies of HPVG based on plain abdominal radiography found an associated mortality rate of 75% primarily due to ischemic bowel. However, modern abdominal computed tomography (CT) has resulted in the detection of HPVG in an increased proportion of nonfatal and benign conditions. We report a nonfatal case of HPVG in a patient with Noonan’s syndrome due to acute gastric dilatation in the setting of gastric outlet obstruction caused by a congenital band that is extremely rare in adults.
Oral Care of Hospitalised Older Patients in the Acute Medical Setting
Authors: Salamone Kathryn , Yacoub Elaine , Mahoney Anne-Marie , Edward Karen-leigh
Published: May 2013

Oral health care is an essential aspect of nursing care. There are many variances in the quality and frequency of the oral care that is delivered to patients by nursing staff, such as oral care being given a low priority when compared to other nursing care elements, oral care being neglected, and oral care delivery being dependent on the nurse’s knowledge of oral hygiene. Additionally, there are some particular patient groups known to be at risk of oral health problems or who have existing oral diseases and conditions. As people age their susceptibility increases to chronic and life-threatening diseases, and they can be at increased risk of acute infections increases compromised by ageing immune systems. The aim of this literature review was to ignite the discussion related to the oral care practices of nurses for older acute medical hospitalised patients. The review revealed that nursing staff know that good nursing includes oral health care, but this knowledge does not always mean that oral health care is administered. Oral health care seems to be separated from other nursing activities and is not discussed when nursing care plans are written, only when oral problems are obvious.
Artificial Neural Networks in Mammography Interpretation and Diagnostic Decision Making
Authors: Ayer Turgay , Chen Qiushi , Burnside Elizabeth S.
Published: May 2013

Screening mammography is the most effective means for early detection of breast cancer. Although general rules for discriminating malignant and benign lesions exist, radiologists are unable to perfectly detect and classify all lesions as malignant and benign, for many reasons which include, but are not limited to, overlap of features that distinguish malignancy, difficulty in estimating disease risk, and variability in recommended management. When predictive variables are numerous and interact, ad hoc decision making strategies based on experience and memory may lead to systematic errors and variability in practice. The integration of computer models to help radiologists increase the accuracy of mammography examinations in diagnostic decision making has gained increasing attention in the last two decades. In this study, we provide an overview of one of the most commonly used models, artificial neural networks (ANNs), in mammography interpretation and diagnostic decision making and discuss important features in mammography interpretation. We conclude by discussing several common limitations of existing research on ANN-based detection and diagnostic models and provide possible future research directions.
Species Diversity and Tree Regeneration Patterns in Tropical Forests of the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Jayakumar R. , Nair K. K. N.
Published: May 2013

Study Aim. To assess species diversity and tree regeneration patterns of different vegetation types of Western Ghats, India. Rarefaction was used to estimate species diversity of different vegetation types. One-wayANOVAwas used to test for differences in tree density and basal area of different vegetation types. Sorenson index of similarity was used to calculate change in species composition between mature trees and regenerating individuals. Results showed that species diversity and regeneration pattern of trees differ in different vegetation types of the forest landscape. Species-area and species-individual accumulation curve (rarefaction) against equal-sized sampling area in different vegetation types showed that species heterogeneity was higher in vegetation types at mid elevations while their abundance was higher in vegetation types at higher elevations. All the vegetation types of the study area were heterogeneously distributed. Tree regeneration was higher in species rich vegetation type with no sign of human disturbances. Change in species composition across mature and regenerating phase was more frequent in disturbed forest as compared to undisturbed or less disturbed forests. New entry species occur in all the vegetation types.
Existence Results for apx-Kirchhoff-Type Equation without Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz Condition
Authors: Wang Libo , Pei Minghe
Published: May 2013

We consider the existence and multiplicity of solutions for thepx-Kirchhoff-type equations without Ambrosetti-Rabinowitz condition. Using the Mountain Pass Lemma, the Fountain Theorem, and its dual, the existence of solutions and infinitely many solutions were obtained, respectively.
Children of the Golden Minster: St. Oswald’s Priory and the Impact of Industrialisation on Child Health
Authors: Lewis Mary E.
Published: May 2013

This study explores the disease experience of children buried within the cemetery of St. Oswald’s Priory, Gloucester from AD1153 to 1857. Evidence for ages-at-death, infant mortality, and the prevalence of stress indicators, trauma, and pathology were compared between the early and postmedieval periods. The skeletal remains of these children provide evidence for child health spanning the economic expansion of Gloucester at St. Oswald’s, from a mostly rural parish to a graveyard catering for families from the poorer northern part of the town and the workhouse. Results showed that the children from the postmedieval period in Gloucester suffered higher rates of dental caries (38%) and congenital conditions (17.3%) than their counterparts from the early and later medieval period. This paper serves to highlight the value of nonadult skeletal material in the interpretation of past human health in transitional societies and illustrates the wide variety of pathological conditions that can be observed in nonadult skeletons.
Determination of the Fundamental Frequency of Perforated Rectangular Plates: Concentrated Negative Mass Approach for the Perforation
Authors: Mali Kiran D. , Singru Pravin M.
Published: May 2013

This paper is concerned with a vibration analysis of perforated rectangular plates with rectangular perforation pattern of circular holes. The study is particularly useful in the understanding of the vibration of sound absorbing screens, head plates, end covers, or supports for tube bundles typically including tube sheets and support plates used in the mechanical devices. An energy method is developed to obtain analytical frequencies of the perforated plates with clamped edge, support conditions. Perforated plate is considered as plate with uniformly distributed mass. Holes are considered as concentrated negative masses. The analytical procedure using the Galerkin method is adopted. The deflected surface of the plate is approximated by the cosine series which satisfies the boundary conditions. Finite element method (FEM) results have been used to illustrate the validity of the analytical model. The comparisons show that the analytical model predicts natural frequencies reasonably well for holes of small size.
Verkorte notulen
Authors: KITLV Redactie
Published: May 2013

Bestuursvergadering van 17 Juni 1950; Bestuursvergadering van 21 October 1950; Bestuursvergadering van 18 November 1950; Bestuursvergadering van 16 December 1950
Isentropic Transport within the Antarctic Polar-Night Vortex: Rossby Wave Breaking Evidence and Lagrangian Structures
Authors: Cámara Alvaro de la , Mechoso Carlos R. , Mancho Ana M. , Serrano Encarna , Ide Kayo
Published: May 2013

The trajectories in the lower stratosphere of isopycnic balloons released from Antarctica by Vorcore and Concordiasi field campaigns during the southern springs of 2005 and 2010 showed events of latitudinal transport inside the stratospheric polar vortex, both away from and toward the poleward flank of the polar-night jet. The present paper applies trajectory-based diagnostic techniques to examine mechanisms at work during such events. Reverse domain-filling calculations of potential vorticity (PV) fields from the ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) dataset during the events show irreversible filamentation of the PV fields in the inner side of the polar-night jet, which is a signature of planetary (Rossby) wave breaking. Balloon motions during the events are fairly consistent with the PV filaments. Events of both large (~15° of arc length) and small (~5° of arc length) balloon displacements from the vortex edge are associated, respectively, with deep and shallow penetration into the core of the elongated PV contours. Additionally, the Lagrangian descriptor M is applied to study the configuration of Lagrangian structures during the events. Breaking Rossby waves inside the vortex lead to the presence of hyperbolic points. The geometric configuration of the invariant manifolds associated with the hyperbolic trajectories helps to understand the apparent chaotic behavior of balloons' motions and to identify and analyze balloon transport events not captured by reverse domain-filling calculations.

The Antarctic polar vortex edge is an effective barrier to air parcel crossings. Rossby wave breaking inside the vortex, however, can contribute to tracer mixing inside the vortex and to occasional air crossings of the edge.
An Adjoint-Based Adaptive Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Song Hajoon , Hoteit Ibrahim , Cornuelle Bruce D. , Luo Xiaodong , Subramanian Aneesh C.
Published: May 2013

A new hybrid ensemble Kalman filter/four-dimensional variational data assimilation (EnKF/4D-VAR) approach is introduced to mitigate background covariance limitations in the EnKF. The work is based on the adaptive EnKF (AEnKF) method, which bears a strong resemblance to the hybrid EnKF/three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3D-VAR) method. In the AEnKF, the representativeness of the EnKF ensemble is regularly enhanced with new members generated after back projection of the EnKF analysis residuals to state space using a 3D-VAR [or optimal interpolation (OI)] scheme with a preselected background covariance matrix. The idea here is to reformulate the transformation of the residuals as a 4D-VAR problem, constraining the new member with model dynamics and the previous observations. This should provide more information for the estimation of the new member and reduce dependence of the AEnKF on the assumed stationary background covariance matrix. This is done by integrating the analysis residuals backward in time with the adjoint model. Numerical experiments are performed with the Lorenz-96 model under different scenarios to test the new approach and to evaluate its performance with respect to the EnKF and the hybrid EnKF/3D-VAR. The new method leads to the least root-mean-square estimation errors as long as the linear assumption guaranteeing the stability of the adjoint model holds. It is also found to be less sensitive to choices of the assimilation system inputs and parameters.
Measuring Mutual Dependence between State Repressive Actions
Authors: Fariss Christopher J. , Schnakenberg Keith E.
Published: May 2013

This study explores the relationships between state violations of different human rights. Though most quantitative studies in international relations treat different types of repressive behaviors as either independent or arising from the same underlying process, significant insights are gained by conceptualizing different human rights violations as separate but dependent processes. We present a theoretical framework for conceptualizing the mechanisms relating human rights practices and produce a novel measurement strategy based on network analysis for exploring these relationships. We illustrate high levels of complementarity between most human rights practices. Substitution effects, in contrast, are occasionally substantial but relatively rare. Finally, using empirically informed Monte Carlo analyses, we present predictions regarding likely sequences of rights violations resulting in extreme violations of different physical integrity rights.
Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, genital symptoms and health-care seeking behaviour among HIV-negative female sex workers in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Veldhuijzen N J , Van Steijn M , Nyinawabega J , Kestelyn E , Uwineza M , Vyankandondera J , Van De Wijgert J H H M
Published: May 2013

Timely diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is often hampered by the lack of symptoms, inadequate diagnostics and/or poor availability, accessibility and quality of treatment in resource-limited settings. Female sex workers (FSW) are highly vulnerable for HIV and key transmitters of STIs. Among FSW ( n = 400) participating in a prospective HIV incidence study in Kigali, Rwanda, only 15% (17/116) of women with laboratory-diagnosed non-ulcerative STIs at baseline reported symptoms. Only 27% (20/74) of women self-reporting genital symptoms sought care at enrolment, and 39% (46/117) of women with self-reported genital symptoms during follow-up. During focus group discussions, FSW considered treatment-seeking and partner notification important. Shame and feeling disrespected by doctors or other health-care workers were identified as barriers to seeking health care. A comprehensive STI control programme targeting both symptomatic and asymptomatic FSW should be considered in this setting.