bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Effect of Internals on Slugging Fluidization and Analysis of Nonuniformity Index
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Yu Liang , Wang Jun
Published: September 2012

The Two-Fluid Model (TFM) using the Kinetic Theory of Granular Flow (KTGF) was applied to simulate 3-D dense fluidized beds with different complex internals. The slugging fluidization was found in the simulated results. When the internals were placed into the reactors, the simulated results showed that the slugs were broken up and bubbling fluidization was formed instead of slugging fluidization. The formation, growth, size, and shape of bubbles were validated to ensure a reasonable prediction. Furthermore, the simulated pressure drop was compared with the corresponding experimental data from the dense fluidized beds with different complex internals, and good agreements were observed. Finally, the flow nonuniformity in the dense fluidized beds was evaluated by a developed method. This method extended Radial Nonuniformity Index (RNI) to Face Nonuniformity Index (FNI) and Volume Nonuniformity Index (VNI). From the calculated FNI and VNI, the fluidization quality of the fluidized beds was quantitatively judged as follows: No.3 > No.1> No.2 > No.4 > Without Internal.
Determination of the fatty acid profile of neutral lipids, free fatty acids and phospholipids in human plasma
Authors: Firl Nina , Kienberger Hermine , Hauser Teresa , Rychlik Michael
Published: September 2012

Background:Knowledge of the fatty acid composition of lipid classes in human plasma is an important factor in the investigation of human metabolism. Therefore, a method for the analysis of neutral lipid (NL), phospholipid (PL) and free fatty acids (FFA) in human plasma has been developed and validated.

Methods:Separation of lipid classes was carried out by solid phase extraction of the lipid extract. The fractions were transesterified and the resulting fatty acid methyl esters were determined by GC/FID. For the method to be validated, precision, detection and quantification limits, as well as recovery, were determined for combined lipid extraction, solid phase extraction and GC analysis.

Results:The lipid extraction was miniaturized and simplified by application of an ultrasound ‘Sonotrode’. The resolution of lipid classes was optimized with appropriate standards added to a representative plasma sample. In addition, a rapid derivatization procedure using trimethylsulfoniumhydroxide was established. Low determination limits (1.5, 0.2 and 1.3 μg/g plasma for NL, PL and FFA, respectively) indicate that the method’s sensitivity is sufficient to quantify even minor components. Furthermore, recovery for NL and PL fatty acids was found to range from 80% to 110%. The results were similar for FFA apart from more polar free fatty acids due to their higher solubility in water. Repetitive measurements showed very good precision apart from the long chain PUFA for which the coefficients of variation were significantly higher.

Conclusions:The present method is applicable to the quantitation of fatty acids in lipid classes of human plasma including several minor components.
CA125 reference values change in male and postmenopausal female subjects
Authors: Cartei Giuseppe , Cartei Francesco , Bertin Martina , Padoan Andrea , Zustovich Fable , Nicoletto Maria Ornella , Plebani Mario
Published: September 2012

Background:In cancer patients, including women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is used to evaluate the presence of peritoneal involvement. The aims of the present study were to assess CA125 reference intervals and reference change values (RCV) in postmenopausal reference women, postmenopausal women breast cancer free, reference men and cancer free men.

Methods:The series consisted of 433 subjects: 105 postmenopausal breast cancer free women and 56 cancer free men in addition to a total of 272 reference subjects (145 postmenopausal women and 127 men). Repeated CA125 measurements were made in a subset of 149 women and 54 men to calculate RCV and index of individuality. Serum CA125 levels were evaluated by a chemiluminescent assay.

Results:In postmenopausal reference women, the mean CA125 value and 2.5th–97.5th percentiles were 6.70, 2.60–11.00 kU/L, respectively, with a unidirectional RCV of 38.4%. In postmenopausal breast cancer free women, the mean CA125 value and 2.5th–97.5th percentile were 7.45, 4.09–10.92 kU/L, respectively, with a RCV of 34.5%. The difference between the means was statistically significant (t=–3.02, p=0.003). In the two male subgroups, the difference between the means for CA125 was not statistically significant (t=0.43, p=0.665). On considering the entire male population, the mean CA125 value and 2.5th–97.5th percentiles were 7.50 and 2.40–13.2 kU/L, respectively, while the unidirectional RCV was 34.3%. In all the studied groups, the indices of individuality were equal to or below 0.6.

Conclusions:The extremely low index of individuality found underlines the importance of using the RCV instead of absolute values as a parameter when interpreting the CA125 data in the monitoring and follow-up of patients with ovarian cancer.
A common generalization of metric, ultrametric and topological fixed point theorems
Authors: Kuhlmann Katarzyna , Kuhlmann Franz-Viktor
Published: September 2012

We present a general fixed point theorem which can be seen as the
quintessence of the principles of proof for Banach's fixed point
theorem, ultrametric and certain topological fixed point theorems. It
works in a minimal setting, not involving any metrics. We demonstrate
its applications to the metric, ultrametric and topological cases, and
to ordered abelian groups and fields.
Rapid microwave-assisted acid extraction of southern pine waste wood to remove metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treatment
Authors: Hse Chung Y. , Shupe Todd F. , Yu Bin
Published: September 2012

Recovery of metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated southern pine wood particles was investigated by extraction in a microwave reactor with binary combinations of acetic acid (AA), oxalic acid (OxA), and phosphoric acid (PhA). Use of OxA was not successful, as insoluble copper oxalate complexes impeded copper removal. The combination of OxA and AA also had adverse effects on copper extraction. In contrast, the combination of AA and PhA enhanced the chromium recovery rate. The highest recovery rate of metals could be achieved with a mixture of 2.75% PhA and 0.5% AA at 130°C for 10 min in the microwave oven. The total recovery rate approached 100% for arsenic, 96.7% for chromium, and 98.6% for copper in a one-step process.
Effect of Wood Biomass Addition on the Char Making Process of Waste Plastic for Controlling the Combustion Efficiency
Authors: Ito Y. , Hasegawa M. , Kashiwaya Y. , Iwase M.
Published: September 2012

After Kyoto protocol, many companies and institutions in the industrialized countries focused on the energy saving and the utilization of waste heat and materials widely for reducing the CO2 emission. In such a circumstance, it is key technology for reducing CO2 emission by using the waste materials efficiently such as a plastic and wood biomass.

In this paper, a method for improving the reactivity of plastic char using wood biomass was investigated. The XRD analysis was performed for elucidating the carbon structure change by addition of wood to PE (polyethylene) and reactivity test with O2 gas was carried out to clarify the reaction rates of the mixtures of PE and wood.

It was found that the crystallization degree of char decreased continuously with the addition of wood to polyethylene, which meant that the reactivity of polyethylene char increased.
The Rate of Boron Removal from Molten Silicon by CaO-SiO2 Slag and Cl2 Treatment
Authors: Nishimoto Hiroshi , Kang Youngjo , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Morita Kazuki
Published: September 2012

In order to optimize a boron removal process by slag refining to obtain solar grade silicon, the rate of boron removal from molten silicon using CaO-SiO2 slag was investigated at 1823 K in an Ar atmosphere. The rate of boron removal was found to be controlled by mass transfer in molten slags, and the mass-transfer coefficient of boron in molten slag in the present experimental condition was evaluated. Some experiments on chlorination of boron in silicon and that of borate in slag using Cl2 gas were also carried out. Experimental results showed that the slag refining process with chlorination was proposed as a promising method for the boron removal from molten silicon.
Advances in Transient-Liquid-Phase Bonding of Ultra-high Temperature ZrC Ceramics
Authors: Sciti Diletta , Silvestroni Laura , Esposito Laura , Nakashima Kunihiko , Saito Noritaka , Yamaoka Yoshinori , Glaeser Andreas M.
Published: September 2012

Full exploitation of the many attractive engineering properties of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) requires that they can be joined. This paper explores progress in identifying joining strategies based on the use of transient liquid phases (TLPs). Wetting studies are used to explore the suitability of specific liquids for joining, while bonding studies provide the ultimate test. Sintering aids in the UHTC provide a major potential obstacle to successful joining, and dissolved impurities in the TLP can also complicate the joining process. Nonetheless, we show that well-bonding interfaces can be achieved when ZrC ceramics are bonded at 1673 K using a Ni/Nb/Ni multilayer interlayer.
Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis of La1−xSrxMnyFe1−yO3 Perovskites for Soot Combustion Catalyst
Authors: Hirano T. , Tosho T. , Watanabe T. , Akiyama T.
Published: September 2012

The La1−xSrxMnyFe1−yO3 samples of perovskite-type oxides were synthesized by Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) method. In this study, first, we synthesized B-site substituted perovskite-type oxides, LaMnxFe1−xO3. The SHS method successfully synthesized LaMnxFe1−xO3. The most active composition for soot combustion among synthesized samples of LaMnxFe1−xO3 was x = 0.4, LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3, from model-soot combustion experiment with TG/DTA analysis. We then examined the effect of A-site substitution by Sr on LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3 perovskite. The SHS of La1−xSrxMn0.4Fe0.6O3 was successfully ignited, propagated and completed. XRD peaks of perovskite-type oxide phase was detected in all the synthesized La1−xSrxMn0.4Fe0.6O3 but unreacted material, SrCO3, was also detected in the sample above x = 0.6 from XRD analysis. The soot combustion activity of Sr-doped LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3 was not enhanced according to the impurity in the samples. The most active composition among synthesized samples of La1−xSrxMnyFe1−yO3 was LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3 which exhibited lower activation energy than conventional Pt/Al2O3 catalyst, that is, LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3 synthesized by SHS method had superior soot combustion activity despite its relatively small specific area.
Accelerated examination, prioritized examination, and other petitions to make special: what’s right for you?
Authors: Pham Chinh H. , Garsson Ross Spencer
Published: September 2012

With the enactment of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act on September 16, 2011, there are now multiple opportunities to speed up the patenting process for which companies, such as those focusing on nanotechnology-related inventions, can take advantage. The three main options include (1) prioritized examination, (2) accelerated examination, and (3) certain categories under petition to make special. This article provides an overview of each option, so nanotech companies can decide which strategy is right for them.
β-Catenin/Tcf signaling in murine oocytes identifies nonovulatory follicles
Authors: Usongo Macalister , Rizk Aida , Farookhi Riaz
Published: September 2012

WNTS are secreted glycoprotein molecules that signal through one of three signaling pathways. The best-characterized pathway involves stabilization of the multifunctional protein β-catenin, which in concert with members of the T-cell factor (Tcf) family activates specific gene transcription. We have examined putative Wnt/β-catenin in the murine ovary using transgenic mice harboring a reporter construct that activates β-galactosidase (lacZ) expression in response to β-catenin/Tcf binding (TopGal mice). Primordial and primary follicles did not stain for lacZ, and the proportion of β-catenin/Tcf signaling oocytes was lower than that of nonsignaling oocytes throughout estrous cycle. β-Catenin/Tcf signaling oocytes were observed in follicles from the secondary stage of development and their proportion increased with follicular maturation (secondary follicles, 20%; early antral and antral follicles, 70%). In contrast, the majority (>90%) of ovulated oocytes did not stain for lacZ. As the oocyte possesses components for WNT signal transduction, our data suggest that β-catenin/Tcf signaling is involved in the development of follicular ovulatory capability and identifies nonovulatory follicles.
Antibiotic Exposure and IBD Development Among Children: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Kronman Matthew P. , Zaoutis Theoklis E. , Haynes Kevin , Feng Rui , Coffin Susan E.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether childhood antianaerobic antibiotic exposure is associated with the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study employed data from 464 UK ambulatory practices participating in The Health Improvement Network. All children with ≥2 years of follow-up from 1994 to 2009 were followed between practice enrollment and IBD development, practice deregistration, 19 years of age, or death; those with previous IBD were excluded. All antibiotic prescriptions were captured. Antianaerobic antibiotic agents were defined as penicillin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, tetracyclines, clindamycin, metronidazole, cefoxitin, carbapenems, and oral vancomycin.

RESULTS:

A total of 1 072 426 subjects contributed 6.6 million person-years of follow-up; 748 developed IBD. IBD incidence rates among antianaerobic antibiotic unexposed and exposed subjects were 0.83 and 1.52/10 000 person-years, respectively, for an 84% relative risk increase. Exposure throughout childhood was associated with developing IBD, but this relationship decreased with increasing age at exposure. Exposure before 1 year of age had an adjusted hazard ratio of 5.51 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66–18.28) but decreased to 2.62 (95% CI: 1.61–4.25) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.35–1.84) by 5 and 15 years, respectively. Each antibiotic course increased the IBD hazard by 6% (4%–8%). A dose-response effect existed, with receipt of >2 antibiotic courses more highly associated with IBD development than receipt of 1 to 2 courses, with adjusted hazard ratios of 4.77 (95% CI: 2.13–10.68) versus 3.33 (95% CI: 1.69–6.58).

CONCLUSIONS:

Childhood antianaerobic antibiotic exposure is associated with IBD development.
Vitamin D Status of Exclusively Breastfed 4-Month-Old Infants Supplemented During Different Seasons
Authors: Halicioglu Oya , Sutcuoglu Sumer , Koc Feyza , Yildiz Omur , Akman Sezin A. , Aksit Sadik
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the vitamin D status of 4-month-old exclusively breastfed infants supplemented with 400 IU daily of vitamin D and to determine whether there was any seasonal variation in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels of infants.

METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study, serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, and 25(OH)D levels of 143 exclusively breastfed 4-month-old infants supplemented daily with 400 IU of vitamin D were measured in a temperate latitude, Izmir, Turkey, between May 2008 and April 2009. A questionnaire on demographic characteristics of infants and mothers, vitamin D supplementation of infants after birth, mothers' multivitamin supplementation, dressing habits, and consumption of dairy products during pregnancy was used.

RESULTS:

Vitamin D deficiency (≤50 nmol/L) and insufficiency (51–74 nmol/L) were determined in 40 (28%) and 55 (38.5%) infants, respectively. During winter days, serum 25(OH)D levels were <20 ng/mL in 45.4% of infants and <10 ng/mL in 10.6% of infants. Season of blood sampling, compliance of vitamin D supplementation, maternal education level, and consumption of dairy products were highly predictive of serum 25(OH)D levels in multiple linear regression analysis (P < .05). The use of the Pearson correlation test found a statistically significant negative correlation between 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone levels (r = −0.419, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite supplementation with 400 IU of vitamin D daily, the rate of vitamin D deficiency was worryingly high in 4-month-old exclusively breastfed infants living in Izmir, Turkey. So, additional studies are needed to clarify optimal amount of vitamin D supplementation to the infants, especially during winter days.
Phase I Study and Biomarker Analysis of Lapatinib and Concurrent Radiation for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Kimple Randall J. , Horton Janet K. , Livasy Chad A. , Shields Janiel M. , Lawrence Julia A. , Chiu WingKeung M. , Ivanova Anastasia , Ollila David W. , Carey Lisa A. , Halle Jan S. , Sartor Carolyn I. , Dees E. Claire
Published: September 2012

Purpose.

This phase I study assessed the toxicity and safety of combining daily lapatinib with radiation therapy. Sequential tumor biopsies were obtained to evaluate changes in biomarkers, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human EGFR-2 (HER2) signaling pathways.

Methods.

Eligibility for this dose-escalation study included unresectable and locally recurrent or chemotherapy-refractory and locally advanced breast cancer, and adequate organ function. Patients underwent three serial biopsies: at baseline, after 1 week of lapatinib alone, and after 1 week of lapatinib and radiation. Endpoints included determination of toxicity, maximum tolerated dose, and analysis of the effect of lapatinib with or without radiation on EGFR and HER2 signaling pathways by immunohistochemistry.

Results.

Doses of lapatinib up to 1,500 mg/day were well tolerated. Toxicity of grade 3 or more was limited to radiation dermatitis and pain. Out of 19 patients treated, in field responses per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria were complete in four patients and partial in six patients. Serial biopsies were obtained in 16 patients with no complications. Total Her2 was relatively unchanged while phospho-Her2, phospho-Akt, and phospho-ERK showed variable responses to both lapatinib alone and dual therapy with lapatinib and radiation.

Conclusions.

The combination of lapatinib and radiation was well tolerated in this patient cohort. Overall local response rates were comparable to those reported in other studies in this patient population. Biopsies were safely performed at all time points. Inhibition of HER2 and downstream signaling pathways was identified, although no strong correlation with response was seen.
Is Radical Prostatectomy a Useful Therapeutic Option for High-Risk Prostate Cancer in Older Men?
Authors: Graefen Markus , Schlomm Thorsten
Published: September 2012

Prostate cancer affects a high proportion of men over 70 years of age, who are likely to have high-risk disease and a substantial risk of prostate-cancer-specific death. With life expectancy increasing worldwide, the burden of prostate cancer is also expected to rise. Thus, effective management of this high-risk senior patient group is increasingly important. Radical prostatectomy can increase survival and decrease the risk of metastatic progression. Postsurgery complications are affected more by comorbidity than by age. In patients without comorbidities, surgery is associated with a low risk of mortality. Advanced age may increase the likelihood of incontinence following radical prostatectomy, but patients with higher risk disease are no more likely to experience this complication compared with lower risk groups. Treatment decisions should be made after considering the health status and life expectancy of the individual patient. If eligible, the patient should be offered radical prostatectomy as a potentially curative treatment, without a rigid restriction to a certain chronological age.
Radical Radiotherapy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer in Older Men
Authors: Payne Heather A. , Hughes Simon
Published: September 2012

Historical data for older men with high-risk nonmetastatic prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy alone have demonstrated a 10-year prostate-cancer-specific mortality of around 30%. The development of dose escalation, using techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, has enabled more targeted delivery of treatment with improved efficacy and a reduction in the risk of toxicity compared with conventional radiotherapy. The combination of radiotherapy and androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) has been shown to improve overall survival compared with radiotherapy or ADT alone without a significant increase in toxicity in patients with minimal comorbidities. There is evidence that patient age has only a marginal effect on genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicities following radiotherapy. Further research has shown that although age does have an effect on the likelihood of sexual dysfunction after radiation therapy, there is no significant difference in the proportion of men aged ≥75 years who feel that sexual dysfunction is a moderate or serious problem before or 24 months after diagnosis. Radical radiotherapy is effective and well tolerated in senior men with high-risk prostate cancer and should be offered in combination with long-term ADT to patients with minimal comorbidities. In case of significant comorbid conditions, shorter durations of ADT may be considered.
The Importance of Supportive Care in Optimizing Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Scotté Florian
Published: September 2012

Optimal oncologic care of older men with prostate cancer, including effective prevention and management of the disease and treatment side effects (so-called best supportive care measures) can prolong survival, improve quality of life, and reduce depressive symptoms. In addition, the proportion of treatment discontinuations can be reduced through early reporting and management of side effects. Pharmacologic care may be offered to manage the side effects of androgen-deprivation therapy and chemotherapy, which may include hot flashes, febrile neutropenia, fatigue, and diarrhea. Nonpharmacologic care (e.g., physical exercise, acupuncture, relaxation) has also been shown to benefit patients. At the Georges Pompidou European Hospital, the Program of Optimization of Chemotherapy Administration has demonstrated that improved outpatient follow-up by supportive care measures can reduce the occurrence of chemotherapy-related side effects, reduce cancellations and modifications of treatment, reduce chemotherapy wastage, and reduce the length of stay in the outpatient unit. The importance of supportive care measures to optimize management and outcomes of older men with advanced prostate cancer should not be overlooked.
The implications of assuming independent tag loss in southern elephant seals
Authors: Schwarz L. K. , Hindell M. A. , McMahon C. R. , Costa D. P.
Published: September 2012

Survival and reproductive rate estimation requires following uniquely identified individuals through time, and many statistical models assume markings used to identify individuals are permanent. However, survival rates are underestimated when single marks are lost, since the models will effectively score those animals as dead. In order to account for mark loss, some researchers use a double‐mark approach, assuming the probability of losing one mark is independent of losing the other one. Therefore, mark loss can be estimated using animals that have lost one mark. Using a 17‐year dataset of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) marked with permanent brands and two cattle tags in their hind flippers, we were able to compare tag loss and survival rate estimates with and without the assumption of independent tag loss with respect to age, sex, and wean mass. We demonstrate the assumption of independent tag loss is not valid, showing it is more likely for an animal to lose both tags than just one or the other. The assumption of independent tag loss leads to an underestimate of survival rates which in turn leads to underestimates of population growth rate. In addition, tag loss rates are different by sex and age, with older males more likely to lose tags. Tag loss is also a quadratic function of wean mass through age two, with smaller and larger animals more likely to lose both tags. Such differences are possibly due to differences in behavior, flipper growth, and immune response. Using a Bayesian approach, we will be able to use our tag loss estimates as priors in future analyses for a subset of marked animals that only have flipper tags. With this population, the independent tag loss models are more likely to incorrectly estimate a declining population (growth rate < 1.0), potentially leading to unwarranted management action. To account for non‐independent mark loss in survival rate studies, we recommend researchers use at least two forms of marking on at least a subset of animals. However, neither form of marking need be permanent as long as mark loss is independent between the different forms.
The Difficulty in Measuring Suitable Targets When Modeling Victimization
Authors: Popp Ann Marie
Published: September 2012

Target suitability is a critical theoretical concept for opportunity theory. Previous research has primarily measured this concept using demographic characteristics of the study participant, which is problematic. This study corrects the measurement problem by employing bullying variables as alternative measures of target suitability because they are arguably better at capturing the social and psychological vulnerability of the individual that is attracting motivated offenders. Using three waves (1999, 2001, & 2003) of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) School Crime Supplement (SCS), this research explores the impact of the bullying measures along with demographic characteristics and lifestyle measures on the likelihood that a student will experience victimization in school. The findings suggest that the bullying measures are better predictors of victimization over the demographic characteristics and lifestyle measures for all three waves. The findings highlight the need for better measures of target suitability, which capture the social and psychological vulnerability of victims to explain victimization.
Does the Relationship Between Depression and Intimate Partner Aggression Vary by Gender, Victim–Perpetrator Role, and Aggression Severity?
Authors: Graham Kathryn , Bernards Sharon , Flynn Andrea , Tremblay Paul F. , Wells Samantha
Published: September 2012

Research has shown a consistent link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and depression, although this association may vary by gender, role in IPV (victim, perpetrator, or bidirectional), and aggression severity. We evaluated these factors in a telephone survey of 14,063 Canadians. All three factors were found to affect the association of depression with IPV. Specifically, depression was more strongly associated with IPV by a partner (i.e., victimization) for women but with aggression toward a partner (i.e., perpetration) for men. Severity of aggression was associated with increased risk of depression for both one-sided and bidirectional aggression by a partner but more strongly for one-sided aggression toward a partner. These findings suggest that research, prevention, and treatment should focus on all roles in IPV, not just male-to-female aggression.
Assessing the Relationship Between Alcohol Outlets and Domestic Violence: Routine Activities and the Neighborhood Environment
Authors: Roman Caterina G. , Reid Shannon E.
Published: September 2012

Studies have consistently found a positive relationship between alcohol outlet density and assault, but only a handful of studies have examined whether outlet density has an influence on domestic violence. Using a framework based in crime opportunity theories, this study estimates spatial econometric regression models to test whether the density of alcohol outlets across neighborhoods is positively associated with police calls for service for domestic violence. Models also were developed to test whether the relationships found were consistent across time periods associated with the use of alcohol outlets (weeknights and weekends). The findings indicate that off-premise outlets were associated with a significant increase in domestic violence, but on-premise outlets (specifically restaurants and nightclubs) were associated with a decrease in domestic violence. The risk for domestic violence in areas of high densities of off-premise outlets was found to be high during the weekend but not during the weeknight, suggesting different routine activities for domestic violence offenders during the week.
Enhancing Guided Tissue Regeneration of Periodontal Defects by Using a Novel Perforated Barrier Membrane
Authors: Gamal Ahmed Y. , Iacono Vincent J.
Published: September 2012

Background: The present study was designed to determine whether exclusion of the gingival connective tissue (CT) and periosteum with contained stem cells has a positive or negative effect on periodontal regeneration by comparing the use of a novel modified perforated collagen membrane with a traditional cell occlusive barrier membrane.

Methods: Twenty non‐smoking patients with severe chronic periodontitis were included in the study. Single deep intrabony defects from each of the patients were randomly divided into two groups, as follows: occlusive bovine collagen membranes (OM control group, 10 sites) and modified perforated bovine collagen membranes (MPM test group, 10 sites). Plaque index, gingival index, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), defect base level (DBL), and crestal bone level (CBL) were measured at baseline and were reassessed at 6 and 9 months after therapy to evaluate the quantitative changes in the defect.

Results: At 6‐ and 9‐month observation periods, the MPM‐treated sites showed a statistically significant improvement in PD reduction and CAL gain compared with the OM control group. DBL was significantly reduced with no significant difference between the two groups at 6‐ and 9‐month observation periods. CBL was significantly higher in the MPM group when compared with that of the OM group at both observation periods. The postoperative differences between the two groups were 2 and 1.7 mm at 6 and 9 months, respectively, in favor of the MPM‐treated sites.

Conclusions: The present study demonstrated enhanced clinical outcomes when using novel MPMs compared to OMs in guided tissue regeneration procedures. These results may be affected by the penetration of gingival CT contained stem cells and periosteal cells and their differentiation into components of the attachment apparatus.
Mast Cells in Periodontal Disease of Individuals With and Without HIV Undergoing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Segundo Takeshi Kato , Souto Giovanna Ribeiro , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Mesquita Ricardo Alves
Published: September 2012

Background: Mast cells appear to be associated with human periodontal disease. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the presence of mast cells in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods: Gingival samples were obtained from 50 individuals with and without HIV who presented with chronic gingivitis and periodontitis. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to identify c‐kit and tryptase mast cells. Inflammatory infiltrate was evaluated and quantified in the specimens of gingival tissue. In the inflammatory infiltrate subjacent to the pocket epithelium, the densities of the mast cells were calculated. These results were compared between the groups with and without HIV. Correlations could be drawn between the densities of c‐kit and tryptase mast cells and the density of inflammatory infiltrate, cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4)‐positive and CD8+ T‐lymphocyte levels, and viral loads.

Results: Although the individuals with HIV had higher densities of c‐kit or tryptase mast cells than those without HIV, both groups presented with chronic gingivitis or periodontitis, and no statistically significant differences could be observed. Both strong and negative correlations could be observed among the inflammatory infiltrate, c‐kit, and tryptase in individuals both with and without HIV. Concerning the chronic gingivitis of the individuals with HIV, both strong and positive correlations could be observed between the density of c‐kit and CD8+ T‐lymphocyte levels.

Conclusions: Individuals with HIV undergoing HAART, compared with individuals without HIV, had no statistically significant differences in mast cell densities in gingival tissue.
Comparative Studies on Microvascular Endothelial Cells Isolated From Periodontal Tissue
Authors: Suphasiriroj Wiroj , Mikami Masato , Sato Soh
Published: September 2012

Background: Most available periodontal studies regarding the endothelial cell (EC) were investigated by using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs); however, ECs can display remarkable heterogeneity in vascular beds of different origins. The aim of the present study, therefore, is to characterize microvascular ECs isolated from periodontal tissue and investigate their growth and gene expression compared to HUVECs (macrovascular).

Methods: Periodontal ligament ECs (PDL‐ECs) and gingiva ECs (G‐ECs) were isolated by coupling to monoclonal anti‐CD31 antibody magnetic beads. Both PDL‐ECs and G‐ECs were characterized to definitively demonstrate that the culture represented pure ECs. Their growth was determined by resazurin reduction assay. Interleukin (IL)‐8, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), and E‐selectin gene expression were determined by real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction after treatment with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Results: PDL‐ECs and G‐ECs revealed specific EC characteristics but formed tube‐like structures and had slower growth rates than HUVECs. After E. coli LPS treatment, PDL‐ECs and G‐ECs showed similar dose‐dependently increased levels of IL‐8, ICAM‐1, and E‐selectin mRNA expression; however, their expressions were in contrast to HUVECs. PDL‐ECs and G‐ECs showed obviously increased ICAM‐1 mRNA expression, whereas HUVECs showed markedly increased E‐selectin mRNA expression after treatment with 0.1 μg/mL E. coli LPS.

Conclusions: ECs isolated from periodontal tissue show different growth and gene expression from those of HUVECs. Thus, these microvascular ECs appear to be a more valuable in vitro model system than HUVECs (macrovascular) to further study pathogenesis and angiogenesis of periodontal disease.
Improving Visualization of Large Scale Reservoir Models
Authors: Dale Stein Inge , Sjaastad Magne , Høgstøl Håkon , Rustad Alf Birger
Published: September 2012

ResInsight is an open source project developing a cross-platform 3D visualization application for reservoir models and simulations. The main motivation of the development work is to improve key aspects of the human interaction when working with large scale reservoir models. The paper illustrates visualizations of properties, faults and wells designed for efficient interpretation of reservoir simulation data. To be highly responsive during visualization of large datasets, the system exploits multi-core CPUs and GPUs by a new core visualization library and a limited-intrusive multi-threading approach. Powerful and flexible mechanisms for result manipulation and numerical computations are established based on GNU Octave. Derived results can be returned to ResInsight for further handling and visualization. Eventually, derived and computed properties can be directly exported to form input to new simulations, thereby reducing the time needed for simulation cycles and parameter studies.
Advances in Modeling of Giant Reservoirs
Authors: Dzyuba Vladislav I. , Bogachev Kirill Yu. , Bogaty Anton S. , Lyapin Alexander R. , Mirgasimov Almaz R. , Semenko Alexey E.
Published: September 2012

In order to create an efficient system for modeling giant reservoir models, there is a whole range of technical challenges which have to be addressed. In this paper we concentrate on the topic of parallel scalability of complex computing systems like multi-CPU clusters and workstations with GPU processing cards. For multi-CPU distributed memory computing systems, it is shown that about 10 times improvement in parallel performance can be achieved if a new so called "hybrid" approach is used. In this "hybrid" approach, the usual MPI synchronization between the cluster nodes is being interleaved with a shared memory system thread based synchronization at the node level. It is demonstrated, that for some "black oil" models of real oil and gas fields, the parallel acceleration factor can exceed 1300 times for 4096 CPU cores. Even for the extreme example of a giant full field model containing over 14,000 production and injection wells, it is shown that a parallel acceleration of over 350 times can be achieved. For CPU-GPU, and CPU-CPU based systems, we compare the parallel performance of simple iterative and realistic pre-conditioner based algorithms typically used in oil and gas simulations. Hardware systems equipped with AMD FirePro, nVidia TESLA and 16-core dual Intel Xeon E2580 systems are compared in this study.
Integration of urban runoff and storm sewer models using the OpenMI framework
Authors: Liao Ying-Po , Lin Shiu-Shin , Chou Hung-Sung
Published: September 2012

This paper presents an integrated modeling approach that combines the legacy urban runoff and the legacy storm sewer models with data exchange at runtime to simulate sewer flows with real-time rainfalls. A software system called IRES has been developed to demonstrate the proposed approach. IRES uses the RUNOFF and the EXTRAN block of Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) as the legacy urban runoff and storm sewer models, respectively. This study uses the Open Modeling Interface and Environment (OpenMI) framework, which is the standard interface for model integration, as the platform for dynamic data exchange in IRES. The Jhong-Kang drainage system located in Taipei, Taiwan, is taken as the case study to verify the proposed approach. Simulated results show that IRES is valid, and the proposed approach can be successfully applied to legacy model integration with dynamic data exchange.
Community modeling systems: classification and relevance to hydrologic modeling
Authors: Lu Bo , Piasecki Michael
Published: September 2012

Numerical modeling in the water sciences has been shifting from developing single or specific purpose-oriented tightly intertwined model applications to integrated model systems addressing more complex and interlinked geo-physical, -chemical and -biological processes across all strata of the critical zone geo-volume. This is a response to a number of important issues that span from preservation of legacy software, to a higher degree of development cost efficiency, to the realization that processes in one strata depend on others, to harmonizing software system usage, and to improving code provenance and repeatability of model runs. Consequently, a number of community modeling systems (CMS) have either been proposed or are being developed with individual communities typically taking the lead to develop a CMS for their constituency. While the development of CMS is a major step forward in trying to harmonize modeling efforts, chosen approaches vary with numerous efforts underway to arrive at a workable and functional CMS. This review seeks to provide an overview of these efforts, with a focus on those that address processes located in the critical zone, and tries to assess their degree of success based on some general criteria for the development of CMS.
Semantic model for flood management
Authors: Garrido Julián , Requena Ignacio , Mambretti Stefano
Published: September 2012

Risk assessment involves the study of vulnerability and hazards. When focused on flood events, such an analysis should evidently include the theoretical and practical study of floods and their behavior. Nevertheless, risk assessment is not useful if the results are not subsequently used for more effective management and planning by local authorities and qualified personnel. The risk evaluation process is composed of a set of actions, each of which requires different inputs. In fact, the results of one action are used as the input for another. This paper describes a semantic model for the study and management of floods with a view to elaborating a conceptual framework and designing a knowledge base. The model is based on the environmental assessment ontology and demonstrates how a brief ontology can be generated.
Leakage fault detection in district metered areas of water distribution systems
Authors: Eliades D. G. , Polycarpou M. M.
Published: September 2012

Fault tolerance and security in drinking water distribution operations are important issues that have received increased attention in the last few years. In this work the problem of leakage detection is formulated within a systems engineering framework, and a solution methodology to detect leakages in a class of distribution systems is proposed. Specifically, the case where water utilities use standard flow sensors to monitor the water inflow in a District Metered Area (DMA) is considered. The goal is to design algorithms which analyze the discrete inflow signal and determine as early as possible whether a leakage has occurred in the system. The inflow signal is normalized to remove yearly seasonal effects, and a leakage fault detection algorithm is presented, which is based on learning the unknown, time-varying, weekly periodic DMA inflow dynamics using an adaptive approximation methodology for updating the coefficients of a Fourier series; for detection logic the Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) algorithm is utilized. For reference and comparison, a second solution methodology based on night-flow analysis using the normalized inflow signal is presented. To illustrate the solution methodology, results are presented based on randomized simulated leakages and real hydraulic data measured at a DMA in Limassol, Cyprus.
Modelling provenance in hydrologic science: a case study on streamflow forecasting
Authors: Shu Yanfeng , Taylor Kerry , Hapuarachchi Prasantha , Peters Chris
Published: September 2012

The web, and more recently the concept and technology of the Semantic Web, has created a wealth of new ideas and innovative tools for data management, integration and computation in an open framework and at a very large scale. One area of particular interest to the science of hydrology is the capture, representation, inference and presentation of provenance information: information that helps to explain how data were computed and how they should be interpreted. This paper is among the first to bring recent developments in the management of provenance developed for e-science and the Semantic Web to the problems of hydrology. Our main result is a formal ontological model for the representation of provenance information driven by a hydrologic case study. Along the way, we support usability, extensibility and reusability for provenance representation, relying on the concept of modelling both domain-independent and domain-specific aspects of provenance. We evaluate our model with respect to its ability to satisfy identified requirements arising from the case study on streamflow forecasting for the South Esk River catchment in Tasmania, Australia.
Improving prediction accuracy of river discharge time series using a Wavelet-NAR artificial neural network
Authors: Wei Shouke , Zuo Depeng , Song Jinxi
Published: September 2012

This study developed a wavelet transformation and nonlinear autoregressive (NAR) artificial neural network (ANN) hybrid modeling approach to improve the prediction accuracy of river discharge time series. Daubechies 5 discrete wavelet was employed to decompose the time series data into subseries with low and high frequency, and these subseries were then used instead of the original data series as the input vectors for the designed NAR network (NARN) with the Bayesian regularization (BR) optimization algorithm. The proposed hybrid approach was applied to make multi-step-ahead predictions of monthly river discharge series in the Weihe River in China. The prediction results of this hybrid model were compared with those of signal NARNs and the traditional Wavelet-Artificial Neural Network hybrid approach (WNN). The comparison results revealed that the proposed hybrid model could significantly increase the prediction accuracy and prediction period of the river discharge time series in the current case study.
On the prediction of underground water pipe failures: zero inflation and pipe-specific effects
Authors: Economou Theodoros , Kapelan Zoran , Bailey Trevor C.
Published: September 2012

The prediction of pipe failures in water distribution systems is an essential planning tool for water companies. Previous methods focus on the prediction of either future failure numbers or aspects of pipe condition. However, most of these only predict at the level of large pipe groups (of similar characteristics) and often cannot provide uncertainty bounds. Here, a new statistical method is developed to predict the probability of failure at the single pipe level. The method extends the Non-Homogeneous Poisson Process (NHPP) in two ways: firstly, it incorporates pipe-specific random effects to account for unmeasured information on the factors affecting the pipe failures. Secondly, the method explicitly accounts for zero inflation, that is the possibility that more zero failures occur than expected from a simple Poisson assumption. This zero-inflated NHPP (ZINHPP) model was applied to two real-life datasets, one from North America and one from New Zealand. The results clearly demonstrate improved prediction capability, especially in the New Zealand data, which contain a much larger percentage of pipes with zero failures.
GSM-enabled remote monitoring of rural handpumps: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Thomson Patrick , Hope Rob , Foster Tim
Published: September 2012

The continued expansion of mobile network coverage in rural Africa provides an opportunity for simple and low-cost hydroinformatic innovations to measure and transmit data on handpump use for policy and management improvements. We design, build and test a Waterpoint Data Transmitter to determine its robustness, functionality and scalability. Results demonstrate that this novel application using simple microprocessor, accelerometer and global system for mobile communications (GSM) components has significant potential in recording graduated time-step information flows of lever pumps which can be modelled into a reasonable water volume use approximation. Given the systemic informational deficit for rural waterpoints in Africa, where one in three handpumps is likely to be non-functioning, this innovation has the potential to provide universal, low-cost and immediate data to guide timely maintenance responses and planning decisions, as well as drive greater accountability and transparency in donor and government behaviour.
A fuzzy approach for considering uncertainty in transient analysis of pipe networks
Authors: Haghighi Ali , Keramat Alireza
Published: September 2012

Uncertain parameters in the transient analysis of pipe networks lead to uncertain responses. Typical uncertainties are nodal demand, pipe friction coefficient and wave speed, which not only are imprecise in nature but also change significantly over time. Exploiting the fuzzy set theory and a simple scheme of the simulated annealing method, a conceptual model is developed. It can take into account the uncertainties of conventional transient analysis. This model helps designers of pipe systems in finding out the extent to which uncertainties in the inputs can spread to the transient highest and lowest pressures. A real piping system is analyzed herein as the case study. The results show that the transient extreme pressures can be highly affected by the uncertainties.