bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defect-Induced Mechanical Mode Splitting in Carbon Nanotube Resonators
Authors: Vallabhaneni Ajit K. , Rhoads Jeffrey F. , Murthy Jayathi Y. , Ruan Xiulin
Published: February 2013

This work examines the impact of defects on the resonant response of single-wall carbon nanotube (CNT) resonators using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The work demonstrates that the presence of defects in CNTs leads to appreciable resonant mode splitting. A dimensionless parameter has been introduced to quantify this phenomenon. It is observed that increasing the degree of asymmetry in the system generally increases the magnitude of splitting. Given the centrality of single-peak Lorentzian frequency responses in the current device design paradigm, which is utilized in applications such as resonant mass sensing, the non-Lorentzian response characteristics of imperfect devices could present both opportunities and challenges in the future design and development of resonant nanosystems.
Accelerated PET water activation acquisition with signal separation methodology
Authors: Verhaeghe Jeroen , Reader Andrew J.
Published: February 2013

Purpose:

Positron emission tomography (PET) water activation studies can be considerably accelerated when the time between the successive water bolus injections is reduced. However, when considering shorter interinjection times, as short as 5 min, there will be a contaminating residual PET signal in brain tissues attributed to the previous injections. In this paper a signal separation methodology is proposed to allow shorter (<10 min) interinjection times.

Methods:

The contaminating signal in the frames of interest is estimated by extrapolating the decaying tail of the previous signal. The method requires the dynamic PET recording of the decaying signals between two injections in order to extrapolate the tail, which can be done post‐reconstruction using a weighted least squares method. Several extrapolation functions are investigated, including a quadratic function, a decaying exponential, and a biologically inspired function. The biologically inspired function is based on the one‐tissue compartmental model for [15O]H2O and makes use of a generating function estimated from the total trues coincidence rate. To evaluate the proposed method and extrapolation functions, one‐ and two‐dimensional simulation studies were performed, using interinjection times as low as 5 min. The resulting corrected images are compared to the conventionally obtained images with an interinjection time of 10 min, which allows the previous signal to almost completely vanish.

Results:

Among all considered extrapolation functions the biologically inspired function was found to give the best results. The bias introduced when considering shorter interinjection times (<10 min) could be almost completely removed by subtracting the extrapolated remaining activity from the total measured signal of interest. Compared to the standard method of using longer interinjection times the resulting images have a slightly increased variance. Nonetheless the observed increases are small compared to the total variance and the resulting activation maps were visually very similar.

Conclusions:

The simulation results show that the proposed method can significantly reduce the total scan time (e.g., when considering 12 bolus injections, the total scan time can be reduced from 2 to 1 h). Extensive and very realistic simulations were used in this work, paving the way for futurein vivo validation of the method.
Statistics of Medical Imaging A Chapman & Hall/CRC Interdisciplinary Statistics Series. A Chapman & Hall/CRC Interdisciplinary Statistics Series.
Authors: Lin Teh
Published: February 2013

Statistics of Medical Imaging, Lei Tianhu, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2011. 438 pp. Price: $99.95. ISBN 9781420088427 (hardcover).
RELIABILITY ANALYSIS OF TEMPERATURE SENSOR SYSTEM
Authors: PANCHANGAM SWAJEETH PILOT , NAIKAN V. N. A.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, reliability analysis of thermocouple, RTD, and thermistor temperature sensing technologies and their corresponding systems used for controlling the main systems in many critical applications are carried out. Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) and the failure rate prediction of each component in the three temperature sensor systems are carried out and presented. All the major and critical failure modes and their respective corrective actions for preventing the same are established. This will help the designer to eliminate the occurrence of such failure modes by redesigning/design improvement. The concept of Pareto analysis is applied to the three temperature sensor systems for the failure rate analysis and prioritization for improvement of high failure rate components.
SODIUM TANTALATE SPHERES PREPARED VIA AN ELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESS AND THEIR PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: WANG XUEWEN , ZHOU LI
Published: February 2013

Photocatalytic activity can be improved through modified morphology and structure. Sodium tantalate ( NaTaO3 ) as a semiconductor photocatalyst is extensively used for photocatalytic water splitting. A novel electrochemical route was developed for preparing NaTaO3 spheres. The method can easily and fast synthesize high pure phase NaTaO3 spheres at room temperature. The NaTaO3 sphere structure consists of a crystalline core and an amorphous shell. After a thermal treatment, the NaTaO3 spheres show an enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting ability.
Extension of Object-Oriented Metrics Suite for Software Maintenance
Authors: Michura John , Capretz Miriam A. M. , Wang Shuying
Published: February 2013

Software developers require information to understand the characteristics of systems, such as complexity and maintainability. In order to further understand and determine characteristics of object-oriented (OO) systems, this paper describes research that identifies attributes that are valuable in determining the difficulty in implementing changes during maintenance, as well as the possible effects that such changes may produce. A set of metrics are proposed to quantify and measure these attributes. The proposed complexity metrics are used to determine the difficulty in implementing changes through the measurement of method complexity, method diversity, and complexity density. The paper establishes impact metrics to determine the potential effects of making changes to a class and dependence metrics that are used to measure the potential effects on a given class resulting from changes in other classes. The case study shows that the proposed metrics provide additional information not sufficiently provided by the related existing OO metrics. The metrics are also found to be useful in the investigation of large systems, correlating with project outcomes.
Thyroid Hormone and Tissue Repair: New Tricks for an Old Hormone?
Authors: Mourouzis Iordanis , Politi Efstathia , Pantos Constantinos
Published: February 2013

Although the role of thyroid hormone during embryonic development has long been recognized, its role later in adult life remains largely unknown. However, several lines of evidence show that thyroid hormone is crucial to the response to stress and to poststress recovery and repair. Along this line, TH administration in almost every tissue resulted in tissue repair after various injuries including ischemia, chemical insults, induction of inflammation, or exposure to radiation. This novel action may be of therapeutic relevance, and thyroid hormone may constitute a paradigm for pharmacologic-induced tissue repair/regeneration.
Numerical Investigation of Corrugated Wire Mesh Laminate
Authors: Choi Jeongho , Shankar Krishna , Tahtali Murat
Published: February 2013

The aim of this work is to develop a numerical model of Corrugated Wire Mesh Laminate (CWML) capturing all its complexities such as nonlinear material properties, nonlinear geometry and large deformation behaviour, and frictional behaviour. Development of such a model will facilitate numerical simulation of the mechanical behaviour of the wire mesh structure under various types of loading as well as the variation of the CWML configuration parameters to tailor its mechanical properties to suit the intended application. Starting with a single strand truss model consisting of four waves with a bilinear stress-strain model to represent the plastic behaviour of stainless steel, the finite element model is gradually built up to study single-layer structures with 18 strands of corrugated wire meshes consistency and double- and quadruple-layered laminates with alternating crossply orientations. The compressive behaviour of the CWML model is simulated using contact elements to model friction and is compared to the load-deflection behaviour determined experimentally in uniaxial compression tests. The numerical model of the CWML is then employed to conduct the aim of establishing the upper and lower bounds of stiffness and load capacity achievable by such structures.
Adrenal Insufficiency as a Cause of Acute Liver Failure: A Case Report
Authors: Vafaeimanesh Jamshid , Bagherzadeh Mohammad , Parham Mahmoud
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Many diseases and conditions can contribute to elevated liver enzymes. Common causes include viral and autoimmune hepatitis, fatty liver, and bile duct diseases, but, in uncommon cases like liver involvement in endocrine disorders, liver failure is also seen. Adrenal insufficiency is the rarest endocrine disorder complicating the liver. In the previously reported cases of adrenal insufficiency, mild liver enzymes elevation was seen but we report a case with severe elevated liver enzymes and liver failure due to adrenal insufficiency. Based on our knowledge, this is the first report in this field.Case Report. A 39-year-old woman was referred to emergency ward due to drowsiness and severe fatigue. Her laboratory tests revealed prothrombin time: 21 sec, alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 2339 IU/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST): 2002 IU/L, and ALP: 90 IU/L. No common cause of liver involvement was discovered, and eventually, with diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency and corticosteroid therapy, liver enzymes and function became normal. Finally, the patient was discharged with good general condition.Conclusion. With this report, we emphasize adrenal insufficiency (primary or secondary) as a reason of liver involvement in unexplainable cases and recommend that any increase in the liver enzymes, even liver failure, in these patients should be observed.
Diesel Engine Emission Reduction Using Catalytic Nanoparticles: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Sajeevan Ajin C. , Sajith V.
Published: February 2013

Cerium oxide being a rare earth metal with dual valance state existence has exceptional catalytic activity due to its oxygen buffering capability, especially in the nanosized form. Hence when used as an additive in the diesel fuel it leads to simultaneous reduction and oxidation of nitrogen dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions, respectively, from diesel engine. The present work investigates the effect of cerium oxide nanoparticles on performance and emissions of diesel engine. Cerium oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical method and techniques such as TEM, EDS, and XRD have been used for the characterization. Cerium oxide was mixed in diesel by means of standard ultrasonic shaker to obtain stable suspension, in a two-step process. The influence of nanoparticles on various physicochemical properties of diesel fuel has also been investigated through extensive experimentation by means of ASTM standard testing methods. Load test was done in the diesel engine to investigate the effect of nanoparticles on the efficiency and the emissions from the engine. Comparisons of fuel properties with and without additives are also presented.
Computational Approach to Seasonal Changes of Living Leaves
Authors: Tang Ying , Wu Dong-Yan , Fan Jing
Published: February 2013

This paper proposes a computational approach to seasonal changes of living leaves by combining the geometric deformations and textural color changes. The geometric model of a leaf is generated by triangulating the scanned image of a leaf using an optimized mesh. The triangular mesh of the leaf is deformed by the improved mass-spring model, while the deformation is controlled by setting different mass values for the vertices on the leaf model. In order to adaptively control the deformation of different regions in the leaf, the mass values of vertices are set to be in proportion to the pixels' intensities of the corresponding user-specified grayscale mask map. The geometric deformations as well as the textural color changes of a leaf are used to simulate the seasonal changing process of leaves based on Markov chain model with different environmental parameters including temperature, humidness, and time. Experimental results show that the method successfully simulates the seasonal changes of leaves.
A Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery Approach to Mesh Sacrohysteropexy
Authors: Behnia-Willison Fariba , Garg Anirudha , Keirse Marc J. N. C.
Published: February 2013

Although laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has spread across surgical disciplines, this has not been the case for the repair of uterovaginal prolapse. We describe the use of this technique for mesh sacrohysteropexy to correct a global prolapse classified as stage II on the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system. The procedure involved intraoperative modification of a commercially available single incision port. At the 18 months followup, the patient was free of symptoms and had no objective prolapse.
Revision: Variance Inflation in Regression
Authors: Jensen D. R. , Ramirez D. E.
Published: February 2013

Variance Inflation Factors (VIFs) are reexamined as conditioning diagnostics for models with intercept, with and without centering regressors to their means as oft debated. Conventional VIFs, both centered and uncentered, are flawed. To rectify matters, two types of orthogonality are noted: vector-space orthogonality and uncorrelated centered regressors. The key to our approach lies in feasible Reference models encoding orthogonalities of these types. For models with intercept it is found that (i) uncentered VIFs are not ratios of variances as claimed, owing to infeasible Reference models; (ii) instead they supply informative angles between subspaces of regressors; (iii) centered VIFs are incomplete if not misleading, masking collinearity of regressors with the intercept; and (iv)variance deflationmay occur, where ill-conditioned data yield smaller variances than their orthogonal surrogates. Conventional VIFs have all regressors linked, or none, often untenable in practice. Beyond these, our models enable the unlinking of regressors that can be unlinked, while preserving dependence among those intrinsically linked. Moreover, known collinearity indices are extended to encompass angles between subspaces of regressors. To reaccess ill-conditioned data, we consider case studies ranging from elementary examples to data from the literature.
Urologic Characteristics and Sexual Behaviors Associated with Prostate Cancer in an African-Caribbean Population in Barbados, West Indies
Authors: Hennis Anselm J. M. , Wu Suh-Yuh , Nemesure Barbara , Leske M. Cristina
Published: February 2013

Prostate cancer (PC) is the principal malignancy affecting African descent men in the Caribbean and the USA. Disparities in incidence, prevalence, and mortality in these populations are poorly understood. We evaluated the urologic characteristics and sexual behaviors of men with histologically confirmed PC (cases) and age-matched controls in the nationwide Prostate Cancer in a Black Population (PCBP) study conducted in Barbados. Cases were around 1.5 to 3 times more likely to report symptoms of prostatic enlargement, hematuria/hematospermia, and previous prostatitis. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were similar among cases (24.5%) and controls (26.7%). First sexual intercourse before the age of 16 was associated with an increased likelihood of both low- (Gleason score < 7; OR 1.63; 95% CI: 1.03–1.66) and high-grade PC (Gleason score ≥ 7; OR 1.82; 1.11–2.99). PC risk decreased with later age of sexual debut (P-trend=0.004). More lifetime sexual partners was associated with increased odds of high grade PC (P-trend=0.02). The contribution of sexual behaviors to the development and the outcomes of PC is likely due to multiple mechanisms, and further study will be necessary to elucidate the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms in this and similar populations.
Evolutionary Computation Techniques for Predicting Atmospheric Corrosion
Authors: Marref Amine , Basalamah Saleh , Al-Ghamdi Rami
Published: February 2013

Corrosion occurs in many engineering structures such as bridges, pipelines, and refineries and leads to the destruction of materials in a gradual manner and thus shortening their lifespan. It is therefore crucial to assess the structural integrity of engineering structures which are approaching or exceeding their designed lifespan in order to ensure their correct functioning, for example, carrying ability and safety. An understanding of corrosion and an ability to predict corrosion rate of a material in a particular environment plays a vital role in evaluating the residual life of the material. In this paper we investigate the use of genetic programming and genetic algorithms in the derivation of corrosion-rate expressions for steel and zinc. Genetic programming is used to automatically evolve corrosion-rate expressions while a genetic algorithm is used to evolve the parameters of an already engineered corrosion-rate expression. We show that both evolutionary techniques yield corrosion-rate expressions that have good accuracy.
Response of Herbicide-Resistant Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Accessions to Drought Stress
Authors: Chandi Aman , Jordan David L. , York Alan C. , Burton Jim , Milla-Lewis Susana R. , Spears Jan , Whitaker Jared R. , Wells Randy
Published: February 2013

Palmer amaranth is a very problematic weed in several crops in the southern USA due to its competitive ability and resistance to herbicides representing different mechanisms of action. Variation in growth and subsequent interference of North Carolina Palmer amaranth accessions has not been examined. A greenhouse experiment determined response of 15 North Carolina Palmer amaranth accessions to drought stress beginning 15 days after seedling emergence (DAE) for a duration of 3, 5, 7, and 9 days. Following exposure to drought, plants were grown under optimal moisture conditions until harvest at 30 DAE. Five accessions each of glyphosate-resistant (GR), acetolactate synthase inhibitor-resistant (ALSR), and acetolactate synthase inhibitor-susceptible and glyphosate-susceptible (ALSS/GS) were compared. Variation in response to drought stress, based on height and dry weight reduction relative to nonstressed controls, was noted among accessions. Stress for 3 or more days affected height and dry weight. Height and dry weight of GR and ALSR accession groups were reduced less by drought than the ALSS/GS accession group. Results suggest a possible relationship between herbicide resistance and ability of Palmer amaranth to withstand drought stress and thus a possible competitive advantage for resistant accessions under limited moisture availability.
Second Law Analysis of a Gas-Liquid Absorption Film
Authors: Hidouri Nejib , Chermiti Imen , Ben Brahim Ammar
Published: February 2013

This paper reports an analytical study of the second law in the case of gas absorption into a laminar falling viscous incompressible liquid film. Velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are determined and used for the entropy generation calculation. Irreversibilities due to heat transfer, fluid friction, and coupling effects between heat and mass transfer are derived. The obtained results show that entropy generation is mainly due to coupling effects between heat and mass transfer near the gas-liquid interface. Total irreversibility is minimum at the diffusion film thickness. On approaching the liquid film thickness, entropy generation is mainly due to viscous irreversibility.
Review of Protein-Bound Toxins, Possibility for Blood Purification Therapy
Authors: Neirynck N. , Glorieux G. , Schepers E. , Pletinck A. , Dhondt A. , Vanholder R.
Published: February 2013

Protein-bound uremic retention solutes, i.e. phenolic compounds, such as p-cresylsulfate, and indolic compounds, such as indoxyl sulfate, have been intensively studied in recent years and have been shown to be associated especially with cardiovascular toxicity and adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease. In this review, we will focus on their toxicity and their removal by dialysis strategies, which is hampered due to their protein binding. Hemodiafiltration slightly improves the removal of protein-bound solutes as compared to hemodialysis, although the clinical benefit on outcomes still needs to be demonstrated. Removal by means of absorption and interference with intestinal generation or renal tubular excretion are interesting alternative strategies under investigation.
Successful Endoscopic Therapy of Traumatic Bile Leaks
Authors: Spinn Matthew P. , Patel Mihir K. , Cotton Bryan A. , Lukens Frank J.
Published: February 2013

Traumatic bile leaks often result in high morbidity and prolonged hospital stay that requires multimodality management. Data on endoscopic management of traumatic bile leaks are scarce. Our study objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the endoscopic management of a traumatic bile leak. We performed a retrospective case review of patients who were referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) after traumatic bile duct injury secondary to blunt (motor vehicle accident) or penetrating (gunshot) trauma for management of bile leaks at our tertiary academic referral center. Fourteen patients underwent ERCP for the management of a traumatic bile leak over a 5-year period. The etiology included blunt trauma from motor vehicle accident in 8 patients, motorcycle accident in 3 patients and penetrating injury from a gunshot wound in 3 patients. Liver injuries were grade III in 1 patient, grade IV in 10 patients, and grade V in 3 patients. All patients were treated by biliary stent placement, and the outcome was successful in 14 of 14 cases (100%). The mean duration of follow-up was 85.6 days (range 54-175 days). There were no ERCP-related complications. In our case review, endoscopic management with endobiliary stent placement was found to be successful and resulted in resolution of the bile leak in all 14 patients. Based on our study results, ERCP should be considered as first-line therapy in the management of traumatic bile leaks.
A new Hydrometra (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Hydrometridae) from northeastern Brazil, with a key to the species recorded from the country
Authors: MOREIRA FELIPE FERRAZ FIGUEIREDO , BARBOSA JULIANNA FREIRES
Published: February 2013

Hydrometra sapiranga sp. nov. is described, illustrated, and compared with similar species. An identification key to the species of Hydrometra recorded fromBrazil is also presented.
Aberrant regulation of the integrin very late antigen-4 in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rahimi H , Maurer K , Song L , Akhter E , Petri M , Sullivan KE
Published: February 2013

Integrin very late antigen-4 (VLA4) is induced during inflammation and can regulate monocyte migration. It has been implicated in atherogenesis, a significant concern in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to define VLA4 expression in SLE monocytes. Flow cytometry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry staining with confocal microscopy were used to evaluate VLA4 expression in SLE patients and controls. We found elevated expression of VLA4 in SLE patients with significantly increased VLA4 staining intracellularly compared to control. Exposure of control monocytes to SLE sera or immune complexes led to increased intracellular expression, and immune complexes were capable of driving redistribution of surface VLA4 to the cytoplasm. Therefore, VLA4 was found to be subject to complex regulation with SLE sera driving both RNA expression and redistribution of protein. Stimulation of SLE monocytes with a VLA4 ligand induced significant TNFα expression, confirming a functional effect. This behavior may contribute to increased atherosclerosis and monocyte infiltrates in end organs.
Consumption of coffee associated with reduced risk of liver cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Sang Li-Xuan , Chang Bing , Li Xiao-Hang , Jiang Min
Published: February 2013

Background

Epidemiologic studies have reported inconsistent results regarding coffee consumption and the risk of liver cancer. We performed a meta-analysis of published case–control and cohort studies to investigate the association between coffee consumption and liver cancer.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science and the Cochrane library for studies published up to May 2012. We performed a meta-analysis of nine case–control studies and seven cohort studies.

Results

The summary odds ratio (OR) for high vs no/almost never drinkers was 0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42–0.59), with no significant heterogeneity across studies (Q = 16.71; P = 0.337; I2 = 10.2%). The ORs were 0.50 (95% CI: 0.40–0.63) for case–control studies and 0.48 (95% CI: 0.38–0.62) for cohort studies. The OR was 0.38 (95% CI: 0.25–0.56) in males and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.33–1.10) in females. The OR was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.36–0.56) in Asian studies and 0.57 (95% CI: 0.44–0.75) in European studies. The OR was 0.39 (95% CI: 0.28–0.54) with no adjustment for a history of liver disease and 0.54 (95% CI: 0.46–0.66) after adjustment for a history of liver disease.

Conclusions

The results of this meta-analysis suggested an inverse association between coffee consumption and liver cancer. Because of the small number of studies, further prospective studies are needed.
Impact of antigen specificity on CD4+T cell activation in chronic HIV-1 infection
Authors: Smith Miranda Z , Bastidas Sonia , Karrer Urs , Oxenius Annette
Published: February 2013

Background

HIV infection induces chronic immune activation which is associated with accelerated disease progression; the causes of this activation, however, are incompletely understood. We investigated the activation status of CD4+T cells specific for chronic herpes viruses and the non-persistent antigen tetanus toxoid (TT) in HIV positive and HIV negative donors to assess whether persistent infections contribute to chronic CD4+T cell activation.

Methods

Untreated HIV+patients and healthy, aged matched controls were recruited and activation levels assessed and compared between cells specific for persistent and non-persistent antigens. Activation levels on antigen-specific CD4+T cells were measured by intracellular cytokine staining followingin vitrostimulation with various recall antigens (CMV, EBV, HSV, VZV and TT) in conjunction with cell surface phenotyping.

Results

Activation levels of herpes virus-specific CD4+T cell populations, assessed by co-expression of CD38 and HLA-DR, were significantly elevated in HIV+individuals compared to normal controls and compared to TT-specific responses. In contrast, we found similar levels of activation of TT-specific CD4+T cells in HIV+and HIV-donors.

Conclusions

These results show a disparate distribution of immune activation within CD4+T cell populations depending on their specificity and suggest that the elevated level of immune activation that characterizes chronic HIV infection may be influenced by the persistence of other antigens.
Enhanced band-edge photoluminescence from ZnO-passivated ZnO nanoflowers by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Ai Zhi Wei , Wu Yun , Wu Hao , Wang Ti , Chen Chao , Xu Yang , Liu Chang
Published: February 2013

The ZnO nanoflowers were synthesized by reactive vapor deposition. A secondary nucleation in the stalk/leaves interface was suggested. The photoluminescence revealed that there were many oxygen vacancies in the nanoflowers. To tune the optical properties of ZnO nanoflowers, ZnO thin films with varying thicknesses were coated on the nanoflowers by atomic layer deposition, which can distinctly improve the band-edge photoluminescence properties.
Methods to compute fault images, extract fault surfaces, and estimate fault throws from 3D seismic images
Authors: Hale Dave
Published: February 2013

Fault interpretation enhances our understanding of complex geologic structures and stratigraphy apparent in 3D seismic images. Common steps in this interpretation include image processing to highlight faults, the construction of fault surfaces, and estimation of fault throws. Although all three of these steps have been automated to some extent by others, fault interpretation today typically requires significant manual effort, suggesting that further improvements in automatic methods are feasible and worthwhile. I first used an efficient algorithm to compute images of fault likelihoods, strikes, and dips from a 3D seismic image. From these three fault images, I then automatically extracted fault surfaces as meshes of quadrilaterals that coincide with ridges of fault likelihood. A quadrilateral mesh is a simple data structure alongside which one can easily gather samples of the 3D seismic image. I automatically estimated fault throws by minimizing differences in values of samples gathered from opposite sides of a fault, while constraining the variation of throw within a fault surface. I tested the fidelity of estimated fault throws by using them to undo faulting. After unfaulting, reflectors in 3D seismic images were more continuous than those in the original 3D seismic image. In one example, this unfaulting test supported the observation that some extracted fault surfaces have unusual conical shapes.
Aristotle (on fever) in Problemata I
Authors: Mayhew Robert
Published: February 2013

This paper argues that the source for a number of chapters of Book I (“On Medicine”) of the
Influence of the moisture content on the fracture characteristics of welded wood joint. Part 1: Mode I fracture
Authors: Rhême Martin , Botsis John , Cugnoni Joël , Navi Parviz
Published: February 2013

Friction welding is a joining technique for wood materials. The positive aspects of this technique are the speed of processing and the absence of chemical or mechanical agents, but the welded joints are not water resistant. To understand better the effect of moisture on the fracture behavior of welded joints, their fracture characteristics have been investigated. The double cantilever beam specimens were tested, which permit to compute the mode I energy release rate of a welded joint. The results confirm the negative effect of moisture on the fracture properties of the joint. The data concerning the maximal tensile strength of the joining material were collected by uniaxial tests and implemented in a finite element model to establish a cohesive law, which describes the behavior of welded pieces in terms of moisture content.
La problématique du pouvoir dans Esther hébreu (tm) et Esther grec (lxx)
Authors: Vialle Catherine
Published: February 2013

How and where is the problem of power played out in the two canonical forms of the book of Esther (mt and lxx)? That is the question to which this article seeks to respond. As far as the mt is concerned, four key points are given priority: Royal power, banquets as places where power is revealed, providence and, last but not least, the power of the reader. In the second part of the article the question of power in lxx Esther is approached through the special features of the Greek version. In line with this a close study is made of the effect of Mordecai’s dream and the two explicit interventions of God, which are found only in the lxx.

Comment et où se joue la problématique du pouvoir dans les deux formes canoniques du livre d’Esther (tm et lxx)? C’est la question à laquelle tente de répondre cet article. En ce qui concerne le tm, quatre angles d’approches sont privilégiés: le pouvoir royal, les banquets comme lieux révélateurs du pouvoir, la providence et enfin, le pouvoir, non négligeable, du lecteur. Dans une deuxième partie, la question du pouvoir dans Esther-lxx est abordée en fonction des particularités de la forme grecque. C’est ainsi que sont examinés l’impact du songe de Mardochée et des deux interventions explicites de Dieu, propres à Esther-lxx.

Wie und wo spiegelt sich die Problematik der Macht in den beiden kanonischen Formen des Estherbuches wider? Das ist die Frage, auf welche dieser Aufsatz eine Antwort sucht. Was den mt betrifft, stehen vier Eckpunkte im Vordergrund: Die königliche Macht, die Festmähler als Orte der Manifestation der Macht, die Vorsehung und, last not least, die Macht des Lesers. Im zweiten Teil wird auf die Frage der Macht in der lxx-Fassung, entsprechend deren Besonderheiten, eingegangen. Hier werden die Implikationen des Traums des Mordechai und der beiden Stellen, wo Gott in das Geschehen eingreift (jeweils Sondergut der Esther-lxx), untersucht.
Register und Textsorten in der Deutschen Gebärdensprache: Eine korpusbasierte Annäherung
Authors: Hansen Martje , Heßmann Jens
Published: February 2013

The article starts off by explaining characteristics of the German deafcommunity and its signed language with reference to relevant historical andsocial factors as well as in relation to spoken and written German. Thestate of research in the field of sign language-related text linguistics issummarized and the problematic notion of text is discussed in general aswell as in relation to signed languages. The aims and methods of a projectfocussing on text types in German Sign Language (Deutsche Gebärdensprache,DGS), carried out at the University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal, are presented. On the basis of data generated in this projectand taking so-called finger loci as an example, it is shown how text typesand registers in a signed language can tentatively be identified with referenceto the concept of linguistic distance (“Nähe- und Distanzsprache„,Koch/Oesterreicher 1990). In conclusion, the article looks at current trendsof development in signed text types.
Instrumental neutron activation analysis for the study of size-fractionated airborne particulate matter samples
Authors: Siddique Naila , Jawad M , Waheed Shahida
Published: February 2013

In order to devise methodology to study various environmental matrices 28 pairs of coarse and fine air particulate samples were collected in the vicinity of an automotive workshop located at Tasmasipabad on Chaklala Road, Rawalpindi. The samples were collected using a Gent sampler and polycarbonate filters during the period 7 to 27 April 2009. These samples were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) using the low power Pakistan Atomic Research Reactor-2 (PARR-2). Reference materials (RMs) IAEA-SL1 and IAEA-S7 were used for calibration and quality assurance (QA) purpose. The gravimetric data for these samples were found to exceed the PM2.5 and PM10 national limits. Up to 34 elements were measured using the INAA optimized procedure.
Preparing patients with chronic pulmonary disease for air travel
Authors: Felkai Péter , Böszörményi Nagy György , Gyarmati Ildikó
Published: February 2013

Flying is the most important way of travelling in the continually growing international tourism. Number of passengers and those with preexisting diseases, mainly with cardiopulmonary problems, is increasing over years. One of the main tasks of the pre-travel advice is to assess tolerance to hypoxia of the traveler, and specify the necessity, as well as the type and volume of supplementary oxygen therapy. It is indispensable to know the cabin-environment and impact of that on the travelers’ health. Travel medicine specialist has to be aware of the examinations which provide information for the appropriate decision on the fit-to-fly condition of the patient. The physician who prepares the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for repatriation by regular flight and the escorting doctor have to be fully aware of the possibilities, modalities, advantages and contraindications of the on-board oxygen supply and therapy. In this review, the authors give a summary of literature data, outline the tools of in-flight oxygen therapy as well as discuss possibilities for the preflight assessment of patients’ condition including blood gas parameters required for safe air travel, as recommended in international medical literature. The preparation process for repatriation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is also discussed. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 323–337.
Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence and Fluorescence Lifetime Spatial Heterogeneity of Poly (2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) in Presence of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric Acid Methyl Ester
Authors: Geng Hongwei , Pan Shanlin , Hu Dehong
Published: February 2013

We present electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) and fluorescence lifetime mapping of MEH-PPV/PCBM thin films. The ECL results show that the oxidation peak of MEH-PPV near 0.7 V (vs. SCE) and ECL response of films shifted positively towards 1.2 V in the presence of PCBM. At the same time, the oxidation current density of MEH-PPV increases along with the decrease of ECL intensity in the presence of PCBM. The fluorescence lifetime images clearly show that the lifetime spatial heterogeneities are affected by different substrates and MEH-PPV/PCBM ratios. Meanwhile, the lifetime of MEH-PPV decreases with the increasing of film thickness. The lifetimes of MEH-PPV films on TiO2 substrate are lower than films on glass.
What Is Cognitive Education? The View From 30,000 Feet
Authors: Haywood H. Carl
Published: February 2013

Cognitive education is defined and described according to aspects that are common to various curricula and programs as well as aspects that vary across programs. Its most basic and universal characteristic is its focus on processes of systematic logical thinking and especially the application of basic tools of learning. The application of fundamental cognitive and metacognitive concepts in teaching and learning is described with examples. Selected curricula, programs, and approaches are listed and briefly characterized. Criteria for evaluating cognitive education programs are proposed, and some examples of successful evaluation strategies are given. Evaluation of effectiveness across different cognitive education programs shows effects on cognitive development, IQ, school achievement, intrinsic motivation, and reductions in referral to special education, although such effects depend on age of learners, specific program characteristics, and effectiveness criteria.
Comparison of the mechanical characteristics of polymerized caprolactam and monofilament nylon loops constructed in parallel strands or as braided ropes versus cranial cruciate ligaments of cattle
Authors: Niehaus Andrew J. , Anderson David E. , Johnson Jed K. , Lannutti John J.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To compare the mechanical characteristics of polymerized caprolactam and monofilament nylon loops with those of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in cattle.

Sample—6 femorotibial joints harvested from 3 cows and suture constructs made from No. 8 polymerized caprolactam, 80-lb test monofilament nylon fishing line, and 450-lb test monofilament nylon fishing line.

Procedures—Joints were cleared of soft tissue structures except the CCL, connected to a load frame, and loaded to failure while measuring force and elongation. Synthetic constructs tested in a similar manner included single-stranded and 3-stranded No. 8 polymerized caprolactam, 3- and 6-stranded 80-lb test monofilament nylon fishing line, and 3- and 6-stranded 450-lb test monofilament nylon fishing line.

Results—The CCL ruptured at a mean ± SD force of 4,541 ± 1,417 N with an elongation of 2.0 ± 0.3 cm. The tensile strength of 3-stranded 450-lb test monofilament nylon fishing line was similar to that of the CCL, rupturing at loads of 5,310 ± 369 N (braided strands) and 6,260 ± 239 N (parallel strands). Elongation was greater for braided constructs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The 3-stranded cords of 450-lb test monofilament nylon fishing line most closely approximated the strength of the CCL. Marked increases in elongation occur when large-sized materials are constructed in braided configurations, and this elongation would likely not provide stability in CCL-deficient stifle joints. Additional studies are needed to determine whether any of these materials are suitable CCL replacements in cattle.
Effects of imidazoline and nonimidazoline alpha-adrenergic agents, including xylazine, medetomidine, yohimbine, tolazoline, and atipamezole, on aggregation of bovine and equine platelets
Authors: Yokota Shin-ichi , Hikasa Yoshiaki , Shimura Itsumi , Kusunose Shuei
Published: February 2013

Objective—To investigate effects of various imidazoline and nonimidazoline α-adrenergic agents on aggregation and antiaggregation of bovine and equine platelets.

Sample—Blood samples obtained from 8 healthy adult cattle and 16 healthy adult Thoroughbreds.

Procedures—Aggregation and antiaggregation effects of various imidazoline and nonimidazoline α-adrenergic agents on bovine and equine platelets were determined via a turbidimetric method. Collagen and ADP were used to initiate aggregation.

Results—Adrenaline, noradrenaline, or α-adrenoceptor agents alone did not induce changes in aggregation of bovine or equine platelets or potentiate ADP- or collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Adrenaline and the α2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine had an inhibitory effect on ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation of bovine platelets. The α2-adrenoceptor antagonists phentolamine and yohimbine also inhibited collagen-induced aggregation of bovine platelets. Noradrenaline, other α-adrenoceptor agonists (xylazine, oxymetazoline, and medetomidine), and α-adrenoceptor antagonists (atipamezole, idazoxan, tolazoline, and prazosin) were less effective or completely ineffective in inhibiting ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation of bovine platelets. The imidazoline α2-adrenoceptor agonist oxymetazoline submaximally inhibited collagen-induced aggregation of equine platelets, and the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan, along with phentolamine and yohimbine, also inhibited collagen-induced aggregation of equine platelets. The imidazoline compound antazoline inhibited both ADP- and collagen-induced aggregation of equine platelets.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Several drugs had effects on aggregation of platelets of cattle and horses, and effective doses of ADP and collagen also differed between species. The α2-adrenoceptor agonists (xylazine and medetomidine) and antagonists (tolazoline and atipamezole) may be used by bovine and equine practitioners without concern for adverse effects on platelet function and hemostasis.
Myocardial cytokine expression in dogs with systemic and naturally occurring cardiac diseases
Authors: Fonfara Sonja , Hetzel Udo , Tew Simon R. , Cripps Peter , Dukes-McEwan Joanna , Clegg Peter D.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To compare myocardial cytokine expression in dogs with naturally occurring cardiac or systemic diseases and dogs without cardiac or systemic diseases (control dogs)

Sample—Myocardial tissue samples from 7 systemic disease-affected dogs (SDDs), 7 cardiac disease-affected dogs (CDDs), and 8 control dogs.

Procedures—mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, and growth differentiation factor-15 in myocardial tissue samples obtained from CDDs, SDDs, and control dogs were analyzed via quantitative PCR assays.

Results—In control dogs, only mRNA for TNF-α, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 was detected; concentrations were significantly higher in male than in female dogs. In SDDs and CDDs, all cytokines, growth factors, and growth differentiation factor-15 were expressed. Compared with findings in SDDs, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ expression was significantly increased in CDDs; specifically, IL-1, IL-8, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 expression was increased in the atria and IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ expression was increased in the ventricles of CDDs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Data suggested that the alterations in cytokine expression in SDDs and CDDs, compared with control dog findings, were a result of inflammatory system activation. The differences in cytokine expression in atria and ventricles between SDDs and CDDs were suggestive of different remodeling processes. A better knowledge of myocardial involvement in SDDs and of immune regulation in CDDs might beneficially affect morbidity and mortality rates and provide new treatment approaches.
Orthotopic model of canine osteosarcoma in athymic rats for evaluation of stereotactic radiotherapy
Authors: Schwartz Anthony L. , Custis James T. , Harmon Joseph F. , Powers Barbara E. , Chubb Laura S. , LaRue Susan M. , Ehrhart Nicole P. , Ryan Stewart D.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To develop an orthotopic model of canine osteosarcoma in athymic rats as a model for evaluating the effects of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) on osteosarcoma cells.

Animals—26 athymic nude rats.

Procedures—3 experiments were performed. In the first 2 experiments, rats were injected with 1 × 106 Abrams canine osteosarcoma cells into the proximal aspect of the tibia (n = 12) or distal aspect of the femur (6). Tumor engraftment and progression were monitored weekly via radiography, luciferase imaging, and measurement of urine pyridinoline concentration for 5 weeks and histologic evaluation after euthanasia. In the third experiment, 8 rats underwent canine osteosarcoma cell injection into the distal aspect of the femur and SRT was administered to the affected area in three 12-Gy fractions delivered on consecutive days (total radiation dose, 36 Gy). Percentage tumor necrosis and urinary pyridinoline concentrations were used to assess local tumor control. The short-term effect of SRT on skin was also evaluated.

Results—Tumors developed in 10 of 12 tibial sites and all 14 femoral sites. Administration of SRT to rats with femoral osteosarcoma was feasible and successful. Mean tumor necrosis of 95% was achieved histologically, and minimal adverse skin effects were observed.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The orthotopic model of canine osteosarcoma in rats developed in this study was suitable for evaluating the effects of local tumor control and can be used in future studies to evaluate optimization of SRT duration, dose, and fractionation schemes. The model could also allow evaluation of other treatments in combination with SRT, such as chemotherapy or bisphosphonate, radioprotectant, or parathyroid hormone treatment.