bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chamber conditioning process development for improved inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching of GaAs/AlGaAs materials
Authors: Connors Michael K. , Plant Jason J. , Ray Kevin G. , Turner George W.
Published: February 2013

Dry-etch tool preparation, which is critical to ensuring reproducible etch conditions, is particularly important in multiple-user, multiple-process-tool settings. A reproducible dry-etch process has been developed, utilizing inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE) of GaAs and AlGaAs materials, for the fabrication of ridge structures in slab-coupled optical waveguide semiconductor diode lasers and amplifiers. A commercial ICP-RIE system was used, configured with aluminum-oxide-coated chamber components and a SiCl4/Cl/Ar etch gas mixture. Passivation of etch chamber component surfaces by preconditioning or “seasoning” contributed to a chemically stable etch environment as monitored by tracking the GaAs etch rate. The etched areas and sidewall profiles obtained using this process were smooth, and run-to-run etch depth control was ±2% of the desired target depth of ∼1.25 μm. Energy dispersive analysis x-ray of the etch chamber surfaces before and after chamber conditioning is reported.
Noether's theorem and the work-energy theorem for a charged particle in an electromagnetic field
Authors: Kobe Donald H.
Published: February 2013

Noether's theorem is based on two fundamental ideas. The first is the extremum of the action and the second is the invariance of the action under infinitesimal continuous transformations in space and time. The first gives Hamilton's principle of least action, which results in the Euler–Lagrange equations. The second gives the Rund–Trautman identity for the generators of infinitesimal transformations in space and time. We apply these ideas to a charged particle in an external electromagnetic field. A solution of the Rund–Trautman identity for the generators is obtained by solving generalized Killing equations. The Euler–Lagrange equations and the Rund–Trautman identity are combined to give Noether's theorem for a conserved quantity. When we use the Lagrangian and the generators of infinitesimal transformations for a charged particle in an external electromagnetic field, we obtain the work-energy theorem.
Simulation of a Brownian particle in an optical trap
Authors: Volpe Giorgio , Volpe Giovanni
Published: February 2013

An optically trapped Brownian particle is a sensitive probe of molecular and nanoscopic forces. An understanding of its motion, which is caused by the interplay of random and deterministic contributions, can lead to greater physical insight into the behavior of stochastic phenomena. The modeling of realistic stochastic processes typically requires advanced mathematical tools. We discuss a finite difference algorithm to compute the motion of an optically trapped particle and the numerical treatment of the white noise term. We then treat the transition from the ballistic to the diffusive regime due to the presence of inertial effects on short time scales and examine the effect of an optical trap on the motion of the particle. We also outline how to use simulations of optically trapped Brownian particles to gain understanding of nanoscale force and torque measurements, and of more complex phenomena, such as Kramers transitions, stochastic resonant damping, and stochastic resonance.
Promoting Biofilm Formation
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: February 2013

Bacteria use cyclic di-GMP as an allosteric activator of polysaccharide synthesis necessary for biofilm formation.
Draft Genome of Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 512, a Multidrug-Resistant Strain Isolated during a Recent KPC Outbreak in Italy
Authors: Comandatore Francesco , Gaibani Paolo , Ambretti Simone , Landini Maria Paola , Daffonchio Daniele , Marone Piero , Sambri Vittorio , Bandi Claudio , Sassera Davide
Published: February 2013

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
subsp.
pneumoniae
sequence type 512 (ST512) isolated during a KPC-producer outbreak. This strain is resistant to β-lactams, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, and carbapenems but susceptible to colistin. The ST512-K30BO genome is composed of 289 contigs for 5,392,844 bp with 56.9% G+C content.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Clinical Isolates of Lactobacillus rhamnosus from Initial Stages of Dental Pulp Infection
Authors: Chen Zhiliang , Wilkins Marc R. , Hunter Neil , Nadkarni Mangala A.
Published: February 2013

Here we report the draft genomic sequences of two clinical isolates of
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
from infected dental pulps representing the initial stages of infection of pulp tissue. Based on 454 FLX+ pyrosequencing, the two clinical isolates infecting vital pulp had a genome length of 2.9 Mbp with distinct genomic signatures.
Genome Sequence of Chlamydia psittaci Strain 01DC12 Originating from Swine
Authors: Seth-Smith Helena M. B. , Sait Michelle , Sachse Konrad , Gaede Wolfgang , Longbottom David , Thomson Nicholas R.
Published: February 2013

Chlamydia psittaci
is the etiological agent of psittacosis and is a zoonotic pathogen infecting birds and a variety of mammalian hosts. Here we report the genome sequence of the porcine strain 01DC12 which is representative of a novel clade of
C. psittaci
belonging to
ompA
genotype E.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Porcine Strain Brachyspira pilosicoli P43/6/78
T
Authors: Lin Changyou , den Bakker Henk C. , Suzuki Haruo , Lefébure Tristan , Ponnala Lalit , Sun Qi , Stanhope Michael J. , Wiedmann Martin , Duhamel Gérald E.
Published: February 2013

Reported herein is the complete genome sequence of
Brachyspira pilosicoli
strain P43/6/78
T
, isolated from a pig with clinical disease. This sequence will aid in the study of genome-wide comparison among
Brachyspira
species.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Halophilic Bacterium
Halobacillus
sp. Strain BAB-2008
Authors: Joshi M. N. , Pandit A. S. , Sharma A. , Pandya R. V. , Saxena A. K. , Bagatharia S. B.
Published: February 2013

The
Halobacillus
sp. strain BAB-2008 is a moderately halophilic, rod-shaped, Gram-positive, orange-pigmented, carotenoid-producing bacterium isolated from saline soil near Zazam-Solar Park Road, Gujarat, India. Here we present the 3.7-Mb genome sequence to provide insights into its functional genomics and potential applications for carotenoid and enzyme production.
Delayed extradural haemorrhage: a case for intracranial pressure monitoring in sedated children with traumatic brain injury within tertiary centres
Authors: Hughes Anna , Lee Conrad , Kirkham Fenella , Durnford Andrew J
Published: February 2013

A 15-year-old girl sustained a mild isolated traumatic brain injury  following a pedestrian road traffic accident. She was ventilated for head computed tomography (CT) scan which revealed no intracranial abnormalities. Ventilation was not withdrawn until 15 h later when poor neurological recovery prompted urgent repeat CT, which demonstrated a delayed extradural haemorrhage (EDH). She underwent surgical evacuation, and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring was initiated postoperatively. She developed persistently raised ICP resistant to medical therapy, prompting further CT. This showed a recurrence of the delayed EDH requiring further surgical drainage. She made a good neurological recovery. There should be a low threshold for repeat CT to exclude delayed EDH when neurological status is poor despite normal CT soon after initial primary injury. ICP monitoring should be undertaken in children and adolescents who have normal initial CT, but in whom serial neurological assessment is not possible owing to sedation.
Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma confirmed by brain biopsy: a case report
Authors: Renjen Pushpendra Nath , Khan Nadeem Israr , Gujrati Yogesh , Kumar Shakti
Published: February 2013

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is a rare variant of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterised by neoplastic lymphoid cells growing inside the lumina of medium and small vessels. The diversity of clinical presentation owing to the possibility of its occurrence in any organ often makes it a challenging diagnosis. We present an intriguing case of intravascular large B-cell central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in which the patient presented with a non-specific neurological symptom and had no systemic symptoms or dermatological manifestations. The patient deteriorated rapidly after presentation and succumbed to multi-organ failure within 2 weeks of admission.
Clinical challenges of an oligosecretory plasma cell dyscrasia
Authors: Rodrigues Luís , Neves Marta , Sá Helena , Campos Mário
Published: February 2013

Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) and immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis are uncommon, and heterogeneous clonal plasma cell (PC) proliferative disorders defined by the different biochemical characteristics of the underlying anomalous immunoglobulin. The deposits are usually multisystemic and the two diseases can coexist. The diagnosis is sometimes made difficult by the absence of a detectable paraprotein by routine immunofixation techniques, and the use of serum-free light chain (FLC) immunoassay brought new value in terms of their diagnosis, prognosis and assessment of treatment response. Association of LCDD and AL amyloidosis with multiple myeloma (MM) at the time of diagnosis is common, but further progression to this condition is considered rare. We present a case of a patient diagnosed with systemic LCDD and AL amyloidosis of atypical biochemical characteristics, with no paraprotein detected in immunoelectrophoresis and immunofixation techniques, who progressed to MM in the later course of her disease.
Wellens’ syndrome: a classical electrocardiographic sign of impending myocardial infarction
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Singh Yadvinder , Singla Vivek , Nanjappa Manjunath C
Published: February 2013

We describe a case of previously healthy 72-year-old man, who presented with rest angina. The ECG revealed sinus rhythm, biphasic T waves with preserved R waves in V1–V4 precordial leads. Subsequent evaluation revealed the normal serum cardiac marker levels and echocardiography with the coronary angiography showing a critical lesion in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Thus it was diagnosed as Wellens’ syndrome. In our case, we highlight the subtle though classical ECG findings of Wellens’ syndrome and its specific angiographic correlation. It can be of vital importance to identify these changes and intervene in time appropriately so as to avoid the development of myocardial infarction that carries a substantial morbidity and mortality. Important aspects of diagnosis and management have also been reviewed.
Elderly patient with ureteric colic: suspect leaking aneurysm
Authors: Sinha Yashashwi
Published: February 2013

Described below is a case of a 72-year-old man with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) presenting with symptoms of renal colic. This case illustrates the hazards of making a diagnosis of renal colic in an elderly patient without considering the diagnosis of a leaking AAA. The diagnosis of an AAA can be challenging and renal colic is the single most common misdiagnosis. The patient's initial presentation can be misleading as symptoms fit the features of renal colic or a leaking AAA. Despite normal haemoglobin, microscopic haematuria and a dilated ureter on intravenous urogram (IVU); a leaking AAA should still have been considered. An ultrasound or CT (rather than an IVU) scan would have confirmed the appropriate diagnosis. A high degree of suspicion, early identification and surgical intervention can help reduce the high incidence of mortality in such cases.
Examining fly ash as a sorbent for benzene, trichloroethylene, and ethylbenzene in cement-treated soils
Authors: Lake Craig B. , Arefi Ghazal , Yuet Pak K.
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to examine the potential for beneficial reuse of fly ash as a sorbent for benzene, trichloroethylene, and ethylbenzene in soils treated with cement (i.e., cement-based solidification/stabilization (S/S)). Batch testing was performed with soil–cement mixtures containing fly ash and compared with similar samples with humic acid as a source of organic carbon. The experimental batch test results were fit to the Freundlich sorption model assuming both linear and nonlinear behavior. It was found that the level of sorption is low for benzene and trichloroethylene, but relatively higher for ethylbenzene. Cement addition appeared to not only decrease sorption values obtained for fly ash, but also eliminate the nonlinear sorptive behavior, likely due to the blocking–coating of sorption sites. To demonstrate the practical application of the sorption observed, a hypothetical contaminated site is modeled with a one-dimensional contaminant transport program. It iss shown that the addition of fly ash can potentially reduce off-site migration of trichloroethylene (TCE), but is more effective at reducing ethylbenzene migration, for the time frames considered in the modeling.
Distribution choice for the assessment of design rainfall for the city of London (Ontario, Canada) under climate change
Authors: Das S. , Millington N. , Simonovic S.P.
Published: February 2013

With the effect of global climate change the rainfall intensity is changing, and in many places it is drastically increasing. The use of intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves based on historic rainfall data might, therefore, underestimate the risk associated with the design and assessment of drainage systems. The theoretical probability distribution function used in the establishment of IDF curves based on historical observations might need to be different for the future conditions. The Gumbel (EV1) distribution is the currently recommended distribution for use in Canada and the EV1 and the Log-Pearson type 3 (LP3) are routinely used in the US. This study investigates potential utility of the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution for use in climate change impact studies by the City of London that is located in the Upper Thames River Basin. All results point that GEV seems to be the best choice for the use with the Upper Thames River Basin data. We would like to use results of this study and open the discussion on the choice of most appropriate distribution for the development of IDF curves under changing climate conditions in Canada.
PCR–RFLP analysis of the diversity of phytate-degrading bacteria in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Miao Yu-Zhi , Xu Hui , Fei Bao-Jin , Qiao Dai-Rong , Cao Yi
Published: February 2013

Phytases play a very important role in increasing phytate digestion and reducing phosphorus pollution in the environment, and phytate-degrading bacteria have a ubiquitous distribution in the environment. Due to its extremely harsh environment, the Tibetan Plateau breeds possibly abundant, extreme microorganisms. In this research, 67 phytate-degrading bacteria were isolated from different habitats in the Tibetan Plateau. Among all isolates, 40.3% were screened from farmland, 25.3% from wetland, 4.5% from saline–alkaline soil, 7.5% from hot springs, and 22.4% from lawns, which showed that the distribution of the phytate-degrading bacteria varied with habitats. By the PCR–RFLP method, 16 different species were identified and named, 4 of which are reported for the first time as phytate-degrading bacteria, that is, Uncultured Enterococcus sp. GYPB01, Bacillaceae bacterium strain GYPB05, Endophytic bacterium strain GYPB16, and Shigella dysenteria strain GYPB22. Through the assay of phytase activity of 16 strains, Klebsiella sp. strain GYPB15 displayed the highest capability of phytase production. Through analysis of the optimum pH, the optimum temperature, and the thermal stability of enzyme from 16 strains, some especial phytate-degrading bacteria were obtained. Our findings clearly indicate a good relation between the composition of the soils from the different environments in the Tibetan Plateau and populations of cultivable phytate-degrading bacteria. Moreover, extreme harsh soils are logically the best soils in which to find some strains of phytate-degrading bacteria for exploiting in the fields of biotechnology and industry.
VALUATIONS OF CHANGES IN RISKS: THE REFERENCE STATE AND EVIDENCE OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE MEASURES
Authors: ZONG JICHUAN , KNETSCH JACK L.
Published: February 2013

Given the pervasive evidence that people typically value changes in terms of comparisons to a reference state, and that they commonly value losses and reductions of losses more than gains, current risk assessment and valuation practice is likely to lead to systematic bias and distorted guidance. Willingness to pay estimates of the value of reducing the risk of harm are, for example, likely to understate the value of actions to bring this about. Differences in valuations resulting from different measures are illustrated, and the criteria for the choice between measures of the value of positive and negative changes in risk are demonstrated with results from a new risk study in China.
DECOUPLING IN QED AND QCD
Authors: GROZIN ANDREY
Published: February 2013

Decoupling of a heavy flavor in QCD is discussed in a pedagogical way. First we consider a simpler case: decoupling of muons in QED. All calculations are done up to two loops.
CONDENSATION STATE OF ULTRA-COLD BOSE ATOMIC GASES WITH NONCONTACT INTERACTION
Authors: CHENG ZE
Published: February 2013

Within the framework of quantum field theory, we find that uniform Bose atomic gases with noncontact interaction can undergo a Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) condensation below a critical temperature. In the BCS condensation state, bare atoms with opposite wave vectors are bound into pairs, and unpaired bare atoms are transformed into a new kind of quasi-particle, i.e., the dressed atom. The atom-pair system is a condensate or a superfluid and the dressed-atom system is a normal fluid. At absolute zero temperature the condensate possesses a lowest negative energy. The critical temperature and the effective mass of dressed atoms are derived analytically. The transition from the BCS condensation state to the normal state is a first-order phase transition.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE ANALYSIS AND MODELING OF THE NON-IDEAL EFFECTS OF PIPELINED ADCs USING MATLAB
Authors: BARRA SAMIR , DENDOUGA ABDELGHANI , KOUDA SOUHIL , BOUGUECHAL NOUR-EDDINE
Published: February 2013

The present work analyses the non-ideal effects of pipelined analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), also sometimes referred to as pipeline ADCs, including the non-ideal effects in operational amplifiers (op-amps or OAs), switches and sampling circuits. We study these nonlinear effects in pipelined ADCs built using CMOS technology and switched-capacitor (SC) techniques. The proposed improved model of a pipelined ADC includes most of the non-idealities which affect its performance. This model, simulated using MATLAB, can determine the basic blocks specifications that allow the designer to meet given data converter requirements.
WARM-INTERMEDIATE INFLATIONARY UNIVERSES ON THE BRANE
Authors: HERRERA RAMÓN , MARTIN EUGENIO SAN
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we study warm-intermediate inflationary models in the context of the brane world models. We describe in great details the characteristics of these models in the high-energy limit. General conditions in the weak and strong dissipative regimes for these models are analyzed. The different parameters in both dissipative scenarios are constrained from the observational data.
THE RECALL DASH SCORE — A NOVEL RESEARCH TOOL
Authors: Reynolds Nicholas , Thirkannad Sunil
Published: February 2013

The DASH score is a universally accepted method for assessment of hand function. However, there are occasions when a pre-treatment DASH score is unavailable. This study provides a solution to this situation. An initial DASH score was obtained from all patients at the time of their first clinic visit. A second score was obtained at the time of final follow-up asking the patient to "Recall" their pre-treatment status. The two scores were compared with appropriate statistical analysis. Thirty-eight patients were included in the study and scores were obtained at an average time interval of 32 weeks (6–121 weeks). Excellent agreement was noted for the ability of the patient population to recall their scores with a group correlation of 0.86. This proves that the Recall DASH score is an excellent and useful research tool for use in hand surgery.
COMPARISON OF CLINICAL RESULTS BETWEEN ELDERLY AND YOUNGER PATIENTS FOLLOWING ENDOSCOPIC CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE SURGERY FOR IDIOPATHIC CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Authors: Yoshida Aya , Okutsu Ichiro , Hamanaka Ikki
Published: February 2013

We retrospectively analyzed clinical results of 107 hands of an elderly idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome group (65 years old and older) and 234 hands of a younger group (under 65 years old) following endoscopic carpal canal release surgery. There were statistical differences in recovery rates for tingling, pain sensation and touch sensation (p < 0.01) and recovery periods of touch sensation (p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences in recovery rates, periods of thumb abduction muscle power, and recovery rates of electrophysiological examination results. Cervical spondylosis may affect postoperative recovery of subjective sensory disturbance, especially in the elderly group. From these results, in elderly patients we recommend primary minimally invasive endoscopic carpal canal release surgery and only apply primary opponoplasty in cases when the patient strongly wishes reconstruction faster than six months.
TREATMENT OF ROLANDO FRACTURE BY CAPSULOLIGAMENTOTAXIS USING MINI EXTERNAL FIXATOR: A REPORT OF 16 CASES
Authors: Houshian Shirzad , Jing Shan Shan
Published: February 2013

Treatment of Rolando fractures remains a challenge for hand surgeons. We present a case series of 16 comminuted Rolando type fractures treated by controlled capsuloligamentous distraction (and over distraction by 2 mm) using the Pennig mini-external fixation system. Additional Kirschner wire(s) were used to maintain fracture reduction and stability. Average time of injury to surgery time was five days. Mean age of patients was 26 years. The mean follow-up was 20 months. Excellent fracture union was achieved in all cases. All except two patients were pain free at the final consultation. The mean grip and pinch strength of the affected thumb was 96% and 93%, respectively, of the unaffected thumb with a minimal loss of movements. This technique is simple and effective. It enables immediate mobilisation of the unaffected joints and prevents stiffness. We recommend this distraction technique for the treatment of significantly comminuted Rolando type fractures.
ROTATORY SUBLUXATION OF THE METACARPOPHALANGEAL INDEX FINGER JOINT: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Teo Ken , Berger Anthony
Published: February 2013

We report a case of rotatory subluxation of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) of the finger. A 40-year-old man sustained an open injury to his index finger following an explosive injury. Radiographs showed rotatory subluxation of the index finger MCPJ. The index finger extensor digitorium was found interposed in the MCPJ, with a complete tear of the radial collateral ligament. Treatment was by open reduction and repair of the collateral ligament and the extensor tendon. A high level of clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose this entity.
ANGIOLEIOMYOMA OF THE SUPERFICIAL PALMAR ARTERIAL ARCH
Authors: Kobayashi Koichi , Otsuka Hirotake , Fukasawa Katsuyasu
Published: February 2013

Angioleiomyomas are benign solitary soft-tissue tumors that originate from the vascular smooth muscle of vessels and rarely occur in the hand. Pain and tenderness are the only clinical characteristics. This report presents a rare case of angioleiomyoma arising from both the superficial palmar arch and a concomitant vein of the artery. The MRI findings lack specific radiological features. However, three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated the existence of a relationship between the tumor and its feeding vessels. The diagnosis was made after a histopathological study of the tumor. Adequate collateral circulation should be confirmed both before and during surgery if the lesion occurs within an artery. Angioleiomyoma should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis of painful vascular tumors with no neurological findings in the hand.
Factors in Managing Actuarial Assumptions for Pension Fair Value: Implications for IAS 19
Authors: Hsu Audrey Wen-hsin , Wu Chung-Fern , Lin Jui-Chia
Published: February 2013

Corporate managers make several discretionary assumptions (i.e., the rate of salary growth and assumed return rate of pension plan assets) in calculating the fair value of pension assets and value of pension liabilities. In this study, we examine the factors that can induce managers to increase (decrease) fair value of pension assets (liabilities) through pension assumptions. We use the Taiwan setting as a natural experiment because Taiwan is planning to adopt IFRS from 2013 on. The estimation of pension asset (liability) value is similar between Taiwan accounting standards (i.e., TFAS 18) and international accounting standards (IAS 19); however, fair value is only disclosed in the financial statements under TFAS 18, but is required to be recognized in the balance sheet under IAS 19. The findings under TFAS 18 can provide important implications for future adoption of IAS 19. Using two key inputs for pension pricing model, this study finds that companies are inclined to increase (decrease) the value of pension assets (liabilities) by rising (lowering) the assumed expected rate of asset returns (expected salary growth). The manipulation is more pronounced for firms with high distress risk and complex ownership structure. Prior studies find that once firms are required to recognize the fair value (i.e., adopting IAS 19) as opposed to disclose the information (i.e., TFAS 18), firms have higher incentives to manipulate the model inputs. This suggests that the regulator needs to specify the authoritative enforcement rules regarding fair value estimation, and provides more insights on firms with high distress risk and complex ownership structure.
THE PRICING OF EUROPEAN OPTIONS UNDER THE CONSTANT ELASTICITY OF VARIANCE WITH STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY
Authors: BOCK BOUNGHUN , CHOI SUN-YONG , KIM JEONG-HOON
Published: February 2013

This paper considers a hybrid risky asset price model given by a constant elasticity of variance multiplied by a stochastic volatility factor. A multiscale analysis leads to an asymptotic pricing formula for both European vanilla option and a Barrier option near the zero elasticity of variance. The accuracy of the approximation is provided in a rigorous manner. A numerical experiment for implied volatilities shows that the hybrid model improves some of the well-known models in view of fitting the data for different maturities.
SMOOTHNESS USING ANGULAR JERK COST OF THE KNEE JOINT MOVEMENT AFTER A REDUCTION IN WALKING SPEED
Authors: FUKAYA TAKASHI , MUTSUZAKI HIROTAKA , WADANO YASUYOSHI
Published: February 2013

The angular jerk cost (AJC) was proposed to objectively represent the smoothness of joint movement by calculating the time-dependent changes in acceleration during motion. There are currently no reports focusing on smoothness using AJC measurements of the knee joint movement during the stance phase of gait. The purpose of this study was to verify whether a reduced walking speed affects the smoothness of the knee joint movement during the stance phase of gait. The gaits of 12 healthy adults were assessed. A slower walker showed a significant reduction in the AJC value in the period between the initial contact and the loading response, as compared with someone walking at a comfortable speed.

The maximum ground reaction force of the stance phase at a comfortable walking speed was significantly larger than that at a slower walking speed. Thus, although the smoothness of the knee joint was impaired by a rapid load in the early stance phase, a slower walking speed reduced the ground reaction force and angular acceleration of the knee joint and created a smoother movement. The AJC can be an important index for understanding the smoothness of the knee joint in the early stance phase.
BEYOND THE GOLDENBERG–VAIDMAN PROTOCOL: SECURE AND EFFICIENT QUANTUM COMMUNICATION USING ARBITRARY, ORTHOGONAL, MULTI-PARTICLE QUANTUM STATES
Authors: SHUKLA CHITRA , PATHAK ANIRBAN , SRIKANTH R.
Published: February 2013

It is shown that maximally efficient protocols for secure direct quantum communications can be constructed using any arbitrary orthogonal basis. This establishes that no set of quantum states (e.g. GHZ states, W states, Brown states or Cluster states) has an advantage over the others, barring the relative difficulty in physical implementation. The work provides a wide choice of states for experimental realization of direct secure quantum communication protocols. We have also shown that this protocol can be generalized to a completely orthogonal-state-based protocol of Goldenberg–Vaidman (GV) type. The security of these protocols essentially arises from duality and monogamy of entanglement. This stands in contrast to protocols that employ nonorthogonal states, like Bennett–Brassard 1984 (BB84), where the security essentially comes from noncommutativity in the observable algebra.
Example-guided physically based modal sound synthesis
Authors: Ren Zhimin , Yeh Hengchin , Lin Ming C.
Published: February 2013

Linear modal synthesis methods have often been used to generate sounds for rigid bodies. One of the key challenges in widely adopting such techniques is the lack of automatic determination of satisfactory material parameters that recreate realistic audio quality of sounding materials. We introduce a novel method using prerecorded audio clips to estimate material parameters that capture the inherent quality of recorded sounding materials. Our method extracts perceptually salient features from audio examples. Based on psychoacoustic principles, we design a parameter estimation algorithm using an optimization framework and these salient features to guide the search of the best material parameters for modal synthesis. We also present a method that compensates for the differences between the real-world recording and sound synthesized using solely linear modal synthesis models to create the final synthesized audio. The resulting audio generated from this sound synthesis pipeline well preserves the same sense of material as a recorded audio example. Moreover, both the estimated material parameters and the residual compensation naturally transfer to virtual objects of different sizes and shapes, while the synthesized sounds vary accordingly. A perceptual study shows the results of this system compare well with real-world recordings in terms of material perception.
Cardiovascular Risk Profiles amongst Women in a Multiethnic Population in Inner City Britain: A Potential Impact of Anaemia
Authors: Chackathayil Julia , Patel Jeetesh V. , Gill Paramjit S. , Potluri Rahul , Natalwala Ammar , Uppal Hardeep , Lavu Deepthi , Heun Reinhard , Hughes Elizabeth A. , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: February 2013

The risk of diabetes is markedly reduced in men with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). The nature of this relationship in women is not clear, nor is there information about the influence of ethnicity, given the increased susceptibility of diabetes amongst South Asians and Afro-Caribbeans. We reviewed 3563 patients with a diagnosis of anaemia from 2000 to 2007. The age-adjusted prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and IDA was calculated, together with cardiovascular comorbidities amongst Caucasians, South Asians, and Afro-Caribbeans. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency (women only) or IDA was markedly higher in South Asians compared to Caucasians and Afro-Caribbeans. Among women with IDA, diabetes was more prevalent among South Asians (45%, 95% CI 39.0–51.0) compared to Caucasians (3.0%, 2.1–4.0);P<0.001. Among South Asian women with vitamin B12 deficiency, the prevalence of diabetes was reduced 8.5% (5.2–12.0). South Asian women with vitamin B12 deficiency had a higher prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic heart disease (IHD), but this relationship was reversed in IDA. IDA is associated with a greater prevalence of diabetes in South Asian women, but it is not coordinated by a greater risk of macrovascular complications. Given the cardiovascular impact of diabetes in South Asians, this association merits further study in relation to its pathophysiological implication.
Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndromes Involving the Neck and Back: A Review from a Clinical Perspective
Authors: Climent José M. , Kuan Ta-Shen , Fenollosa Pedro , Martin-del-Rosario Francisco
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Botulinum toxin inhibits acetylcholine (ACh) release and probably blocks some nociceptive neurotransmitters. It has been suggested that the development of myofascial trigger points (MTrP) is related to an excess release of ACh to increase the number of sensitized nociceptors. Although the use of botulinum toxin to treat myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) has been investigated in many clinical trials, the results are contradictory. The objective of this paper is to identify sources of variability that could explain these differences in the results.Material and Methods. We performed a content analysis of the clinical trials and systematic reviews of MPS.Results and Discussion. Sources of differences in studies were found in the diagnostic and selection criteria, the muscles injected, the injection technique, the number of trigger points injected, the dosage of botulinum toxin used, treatments for control group, outcome measures, and duration of followup. The contradictory results regarding the efficacy of botulinum toxin A in MPS associated with neck and back pain do not allow this treatment to be recommended or rejected. There is evidence that botulinum toxin could be useful in specific myofascial regions such as piriformis syndrome. It could also be useful in patients with refractory MPS that has not responded to other myofascial injection therapies.
Ischemic Bilateral Opercular Syndrome
Authors: Milanlioglu Aysel , Aydın Mehmet Nuri , Gökgül Alper , Hamamcı Mehmet , Erkuzu Mehmet Atilla , Tombul Temel
Published: February 2013

Opercular syndrome, also known as Foix-Chavany-Marie syndrome, is a paralysis of the facial, pharyngeal, masticatory, tongue, laryngeal, and brachial muscles. It is a rare cortical form of pseudobulbar palsies caused by vascular insults to bilateral operculum. Its clinical presentations include anarthria, weakness of voluntary muscles involving face, tongue, pharynx, larynx, and masticatory muscles. However, autonomic reflexes and emotional activities of these structures are preserved. In the present case, an 81-year-old male presented with acute onset of anarthria with difficulties in chewing, speaking, and swallowing that was diagnosed with opercular syndrome.
Modified Malmquist Productivity Index Based on Present Time Value of Money
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Lotfi Farhad , Jahanshahloo Golamreza , Vaez-Ghasemi Mohsen , Moghaddas Zohreh
Published: February 2013

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) models can calculate the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI). Classic Malmquist Productivity Index shows regress and progress of a DMU in different periods with efficiency and technology variations without considering the present value of money. This issue is of major importance since while a currency of in previous year is not equal to that of now this would yield bias results which can affect the correct interpretation. The index developed here is defined in terms of Modified Malmquist Productivity Index model, which can calculate progress and regress by using the factor of present time value of money. The incorporation of present time value of money is also calculated within the framework of data envelopment analysis. This factor is fundamental and should be considered in DEA Malmquist Productivity Index. Moreover, here, differences between presented models are compared to those of previous ones indeed, biased results will be shown in the case study in banks, and problem and solution have been investigated in the literature.
Genome‐Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Human Amnion
Authors: Kim Jinsil , Pitlick Mitchell M. , Christine Paul J. , Schaefer Amanda R. , Saleme Cesar , Comas Belén , Cosentino Viviana , Gadow Enrique , Murray Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2013

The amnion is a specialized tissue in contact with the amniotic fluid, which is in a constantly changing state. To investigate the importance of epigenetic events in this tissue in the physiology and pathophysiology of pregnancy, we performed genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling of human amnion from term (with and without labor) and preterm deliveries. Using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation27 BeadChip, we identified genes exhibiting differential methylation associated with normal labor and preterm birth. Functional analysis of the differentially methylated genes revealed biologically relevant enriched gene sets. Bisulfite sequencing analysis of the promoter region of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene detected two CpG dinucleotides showing significant methylation differences among the three groups of samples. Hypermethylation of the CpG island of the solute carrier family 30 member 3 (SLC30A3) gene in preterm amnion was confirmed by methylation‐specific PCR. This work provides preliminary evidence that DNA methylation changes in the amnion may be at least partially involved in the physiological process of labor and the etiology of preterm birth and suggests that DNA methylation profiles, in combination with other biological data, may provide valuable insight into the mechanisms underlying normal and pathological pregnancies.
Fractional Flow in Cerebrovascular Disorders
Authors: Liebeskind David S. , Feldmann Edward
Published: February 2013

There is an urgent need for stroke experts to advance the care of their patients, yet current approaches are outmoded and have not been successful. The traditional emphasis on the anatomical identification of disease, using percent luminal stenosis, results in suboptimal identification of lesions likely to produce recurrent ischemia and, consequently, results in poor patient selection, and thus hampers the development of new aggressive treatments. The traditional emphasis on time since symptom onset and alleged need to achieve complete revascularization in patients with acute ischemic stroke ignores the very nature and degree of the underlying culprit lesion and hinders our understanding of the relationships between the patient’s original ischemic state, revascularization, reperfusion, reperfusion injury, and hemorrhagic transformation. The trajectory for the study and care of cerebrovascular patients needs to adapt, as it has in cardiology, employing hemodynamics and pathophysiology as the new guideposts for advancement. We introduce fractional flow as one hemodynamic parameter to be utilized to set a course on this new path for the care of stroke patients.
Reliability, Validity, and Optimal Cutoff Score of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Changsha Version) in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease Patients of Hunan Province, China
Authors: Tu Qiu-yun , Jin Hui , Ding Bin-rong , Yang Xia , Lei Zeng-hui , Bai Song , Zhang Ying-dong , Tang Xiang-qi
Published: February 2013

Background/Aims: The goal of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Changsha version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-CS) in ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients of Hunan Province, China, and to explore the optimal cutoff score for detecting vascular cognitive impairment-no dementia (VCI-ND) and vascular dementia (VD). Methods: Three hundred and thirty-eight ischemic cerebrovascular disease patients (131 with normal cognition, 111 with VCI-ND, and 96 with VD) and 132 healthy controls were recruited. All participants accepted examination by the MoCA-CS, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and other related scales. A detailed neuropsychological battery was used for making a final cognitive diagnosis. SPSS 16.0 statistical software was used for reliability, validity examination, and optimal cutoff score detection. Results: Cronbach’s α of the MoCA-CS was 0.884, and test-retest and interrater reliability of the MoCA-CS were 0.966 and 0.926, respectively. MoCA-CS scores were highly correlated with MMSE scores (r = 0.867) and simplified intelligence quotients (r = 0.822). The results indicate that 1 point should be added for subjects with less than 6 years of education, and that the optimal cutoff score for detecting VCI-ND is 26/27 (sensitivity 96.1%, specificity 75.6%), whereas the optimal cutoff score for detecting VD is 16/17 (sensitivity 92.7%, specificity 96.3%). Conclusion: The MoCA-CS has good reliability and validity, and is a useful cognitive screening instrument for detecting VCI in the Chinese population.
Translocation t(X;11)(q22;q25) in a Woman with Premature Ovarian Failure
Authors: Saranya B. , Kavitha Devi D. , Chandra R.S. , Jayashankar M. , Santhiya S.T.
Published: February 2013

Genetic, autoimmune, environmental, iatrogenic, and idiopathic factors are known to cause premature ovarian failure (POF). This report describes an X;11 translocation, t(X;11)(q22;q25), in a woman diagnosed with POF. The FSH level was found to be elevated. Menstrual cycle was regular initially, and she had a spontaneous abortion at the 5th month of gestation at 16 years of age. Her mother was karyotypically normal while her father was not investigated. Male carriers of X;autosome translocations are mostly infertile, and hence the translocation is presumed to be of de novo origin. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using whole chromosome paint probes confirmed the rearrangement.
Rituximab Improves Subclinical Temporal Dispersion of Distal Compound Muscle Action Potential in Anti-MAG/SGPG Neuropathy Associated with Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: A Case Report
Authors: Yamamoto Kanji
Published: February 2013

Patients with anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG)/sulfated glucuronyl paragloboside (SGPG) neuropathy associated with Waldenström macroglobulinemia show demyelinating neuropathy, but the temporal dispersion of distal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in motor nerve conduction studies (NCS), which represents heterogeneous demyelination at the motor nerve terminal, is rare. We report on a 70-year-old man with anti-MAG/SGPG neuropathy associated with Waldenström macroglobulinemia; he had a 2-year history of mild dysesthesia of the foot sole without any motor symptoms. He showed marked temporal dispersion of distal CMAP in the tibial nerve with other demyelinating findings in the NCS. The temporal dispersion of distal CMAP in the tibial nerve improved significantly, and motor function was again normal 1 year after rituximab monotherapy. The temporal dispersion of distal CMAP in anti-MAG/SGPG neuropathy is rare, but it could occur from an early stage when the patients show mild or no motor symptoms. Rituximab therapy before secondary axonal degeneration has great potential to reverse the effects of the demyelination including the temporal dispersion of distal CMAP, and to prevent the deterioration of neuropathy in anti-MAG/SGPG neuropathy.
Staging Hyper-masculinity on Maundy Thursday: Christ of the Good Death, the Legion and Changing Gender Practices in Spain
Authors: Driessen Henk , Jansen Willy
Published: February 2013

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of Christ of the Good Death as a key figure and symbol in a masculine performance by the Spanish Legion in its religious, historical and social context. We explain the recently emerging controversy with regard to the Legion’s performance by pointing out the rapidly changing gender ideology and practice in Spain. The democratization of the Holy Week celebration and ‘gentrification’ of the carriers of the processional images (pasos) over the past few decades, hint at less martial and proletarian notions of manhood.
The Western Balkans and the EU in multilateral organisations: Foreign policy coordination and declaratory alignment in the OSCE
Authors: Marciacq Florent
Published: February 2013

This paper sheds light on the Europeanisation of Western Balkan states' multilateral diplomacy in the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). More specifically, it enquires into the politics of declaratory alignment of six Western Balkan states. It analyses the frequency at which those states have aligned themselves with the statements of the European Union (EU) between 2004 and 2011, and researches qualitatively the motives of their alignment. !e paper finds that the declaratory behaviour of most Western Balkan states in the OSCE has become distinctively convergent with EU positions. Although conditionality certainly fosters alignment, the paper shows that socialisation is a more powerful mechanism of diffusion for most Western Balkan states; that emulation should not be neglected amongst small-sized countries; and that coercion and, interestingly, persuasion do not play a significant role.
The past is not yet over: Remembrance, justice and security community in the Western Balkans
Authors: Subotić Jelena
Published: February 2013

Twenty years since the onset of the wars of Yugoslav secession, the countries of the Western Balkans continue to nurture narratives of the past that are mutually exclusive, contradictory, and irreconcilable. In this essay, I argue that there is a direct link between ways in which different states remember their pasts and obstacles to the building of long-term regional security community in the region. I propose that remembrance of the past and historical justice for past wrongs shape choices policymakers make, by making some options seem unimaginable, while others inevitable. 'e power that narratives of past violence and injustice hold on policymakers is particularly significant as the region advances toward European integration. 'e efforts to 'clean up' the past - through education reform and memorialization projects - should not be thought of as secondary initiatives, but as critically needed steps in pursuit of regional stability based on sustainable security community.
A new species and new records of Tachygerris Drake, 1957 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) from Colombia
Authors: MORALES-C. IRINA T. , CASTRO-VARGAS MARIA I.
Published: February 2013

A new species of the genus Tachygerris Drake, 1957 (Gerrinae: Tachygerrini) is described from the Amazon region of Colombia. Tachygerris tucanensis sp. nov. is differentiated from other species of the genus by features of the male geni-talia and of last abdominal sternite of female. New records of T. adamsoni, T. celocis, and T. opacus are also presented.