bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Mechanisms of Audiovisual Integration in Integrated Processing for Verbal Perception and Spatial Factors
Authors: Gao Yulin , Yang Weiping , Yang Jingjing , Satoshi Takahashi , Wu Jinglong
Published: August 2012

People perceive information from the outside world using several sensory organs rather than through a single one. First, relevant information is processed in the corresponding sensory area independently and then integrated in a multi-sensory processing cerebral region. The integration process influences the later behavioral responses to the sensory stimuli. Based on previous research, this chapter summarizes the neural mechanisms and the influencing factors of audiovisual integration. These include the relationship between the spatial location of auditory stimuli, visual stimuli, and verbal perception. According to research in neurology, the main neural mechanisms of audiovisual integration are from the superior temporal sulcus in the rear left region of the human brain. In the future, research on the combination of virtual reality technology and audiovisual integration should be continued to enable the research achievements to have more ecological effects.
Audiovisual Integration of Natural Auditory and Visual Stimuli in the Real-World Situation
Authors: Tang Xiaoyu , Gao Yulin , Yang Weiping , Zhang Ming , Wu Jinglong
Published: August 2012

Bimodal audiovisual (AV) stimuli are detected or discriminated faster and more accurately than either visual or auditory unimodal stimuli. This effect is called audiovisual integration. Recently, researchers have been increasingly focused on the audiovisual integration of natural, auditory, and visual stimuli in real-world situations. There are some differences between audiovisual integration of naturalistic stimuli and non-naturalistic stimuli, such as the time of occurrence of audiovisual integration, and the neural mechanism. Factors affecting audiovisual integration in real-world situations are summarized here, with particular focus on temporal asynchrony and semantic matching. Stimuli of audiovisual integration in the real-world situation should be controlled strictly, especially emotional factors, familiarity factors, semantic matching, and the match of the naturalistic stimuli and non-naturalistic stimuli. In the future, researchers should study the influence of attention on audiovisual integration and the mechanism of audiovisual integration with naturalistic stimuli in the real-world situation.
Workers’ Mental Health Problems and Future Perspectives in Japan
Authors: Tamba Hideo
Published: August 2012

This chapter reviews data on the mental health problems of Japanese workers. Some of the main theories that analyze mental health problems are introduced, including occupational/job stress theory, work motivation, work engagement, and social skills. In light of Japan’s disgraceful record of more than 30,000 suicides every year the past ten years or more—a level that is rare in developed nations—an issue related to work circumstances, represented by the term Karoshi, is suggested. This chapter presents an argument toward a solution to the mental health problem in Japan.
Discovering Key Factors in ERP Implementation through Success and Failure Cases
Authors: Kiran Selcuk
Published: August 2012

In the last two decades, ERP Systems became vital in the organizations. It is not enough to find out the appropriate ERP system for the company, to resolve the problems completely. The success of an ERP system is dependent on the performance of the ERP installation project. In this paper, at the beginning the definition of the ERP systems is given briefly and then the structure of a successful and effectively working ERP system is analyzed in the light of a case from the business world. At the end, the critical success factors of an ERP installation project are identified and examined with the help of three distinct ERP cases with different outcomes.
A De Novo Germline APC Mutation (3927del5) in a Patient with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zeichner Simon B. , Raj Naveen , Cusnir Mike , Francavilla Michael , Hirzel Alicia
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Characterized by the development of hundreds to thousands of colonic adenomas, classic familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is one of the most common hereditary syndromes associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Several studies have attempted to correlate specific APC mutations with clinical phenotype. 6 However, there is considerable variability in the expression of specific phenotypes within families and among individuals with identical mutations. 7

Case Presentation

A 30 year-old Hispanic female presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of persistent, worsening, left lower quadrant abdominal pain. She had no family history of malignancy. Sigmoidoscopy revealed innumerable polyps in the rectum and sigmoid colon and a large mass in the sigmoid colon. Biopsy of the mass revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma invading the subserosa. Endoscopy revealed innumerable polyps. Genetic testing of the patient via southern blot revealed a germline APC mutation 3927del5, resulting in a premature truncation of the APC protein at amino acid position 1312.

Conclusion

Genetic information has only recently started being incorporated into clinical care. More research and randomized clinical trials need to be conducted to definitively characterize random mutations. Once these mutations are further understood, FAP patients may be able to be risk stratified and this may ultimately improve the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare condition.
Adding Diet and Exercise Counseling to the Health Promotion Plan Alleviates Anthropometric and Metabolic Complications in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Morita-Suzuki S. , Fujioka Y. , Mitsuoka H. , Tashiro M. , Harada M.
Published: August 2012

We investigated the effects of individual (IC) and group (GC) diet and exercise counseling in men with metabolic syndrome. Participants received exercise instruction and exercise load was monitored. IC participants received individual diet counseling sessions and general consultations at baseline and monthly. GC participants received a group diet counseling session at baseline and general consultations at baseline and monthly. In the IC group, body mass index (BMI) percent body fat, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, and liver function levels were reduced significantly after 3 months, whereas in the GC group, waist circumference and levels of liver function were reduced. Exercise load was negatively correlated with change in BMI and waist circumference in the IC group, and positively correlated with changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in all subjects and in the GC group. Diet and exercise counseling, especially IC, may benefit patients with metabolic syndrome.
A tight quantitative version of Arrow’s impossibility theorem
Authors: Keller Nathan
Published: August 2012

The well-known Impossibility Theorem of Arrow asserts that any generalized social welfare function (GSWF) with at least three alternatives, which satisfies Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives (IIA) and Unanimity and is not a dictatorship, is necessarily non-transitive. In 2002, Kalai asked whether one can obtain the following quantitative version of the theorem: For any

\epsilon>0

, there exists

\delta=\delta(\epsilon)

such that if a GSWF on three alternatives satisfies the IIA condition and its probability of non-transitive outcome is at most

\delta

, then the GSWF is at most

\epsilon

-far from being a dictatorship or from breaching the Unanimity condition. In 2009, Mossel proved such quantitative version, with

\delta(\epsilon)=\exp(-C/\epsilon^{21})

, and generalized it to GSWFs with

k

alternatives, for all

k \geq 3

. In this paper we show that the quantitative version holds with

\delta(\epsilon)=C \cdot \epsilon^3

, and that this result is tight up to logarithmic factors. Furthermore, our result (like Mossel's) generalizes to GSWFs with

k

alternatives. Our proof is based on the works of Kalai and Mossel, but uses also an additional ingredient: a combination of the Bonami-Beckner hypercontractive inequality with a reverse hypercontractive inequality due to Borell, applied to find simultaneously upper bounds and lower bounds on the "noise correlation'' between Boolean functions on the discrete cube.
Counterexamples to the Strichartz inequalities for the wave equation in general domains with boundary
Authors: Ivanovici Oana
Published: August 2012

In this paper we consider a smooth and bounded domain

\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^d

of dimension

d\geq 2

with boundary and we construct sequences of solutions to the wave equation with Dirichlet boundary condition which contradict the Strichartz estimates of the free space, providing losses of derivatives at least for a subset of the usual range of indices. This is due to microlocal phenomena such as caustics generated in arbitrarily small time near the boundary. Moreover, the result holds for microlocally strictly convex domains in

\mathbb{R}^d

.
Universality of the blow-up profile for small type II blow-up solutions of the energy-critical wave equation: the nonradial case
Authors: Duyckaerts Thomas , Kenig Carlos E. , Merle Frank
Published: August 2012

Following our previous paper in the radial case, we consider type II blow-up solutions to the energy-critical focusing wave equation. Let W be the unique radial positive stationary solution of the equation. Up to the symmetries of the equation, under an appropriate smallness assumption, any type II blow-up solution is asymptotically a regular solution plus a rescaled Lorentz transform of

W

concentrating at the origin.
Pairings, duality, amenability and bounded cohomology
Authors: Brodzki Jacek , Niblo Graham A. , Wright Nick
Published: August 2012

We give a new perspective on the homological characterizations of amenability given by Johnson & Ringrose in the context of bounded cohomology and by Block & Weinberger in the context of uniformly finite homology. We examine the interaction between their theories and explain the relationship between these characterizations. We apply these ideas to give a new proof of non-vanishing for the bounded cohomology of a free group.
Geometric rigidity of $\times m$ invariant measures
Authors: Hochman Michael
Published: August 2012

Let

\mu

be a probability measure on

[0,1]

which is invariant and ergodic for

T_{a}(x)=ax\bmod1

, and

0<\dim\mu<1

. Let

f

be a local diffeomorphism on some open set. We show that if

E\subseteq\mathbb{R}

and

(f\mu)|_{E}\sim\mu|_{E}

, then

f'(x)\in\{\pm a^{r}\,:\, r\in\mathbb{Q}\}

at

\mu

-a.e. point

x\in f^{-1}E

. In particular, if

g

is a piecewise-analytic map preserving

\mu

then there is an open

g

-invariant set

U

containing supp

\mu

such that

g|_{U}

is piecewise-linear with slopes which are rational powers of

a

. In a similar vein, for

\mu

as above, if

b

is another integer and

a,b

are not powers of a common integer, and if

\nu

is a

T_{b}

-invariant measure, then

f\mu\perp\nu

for all local diffeomorphisms

f

of class

C^{2}

. This generalizes the Rudolph-Johnson Theorem and shows that measure rigidity of

T_{a},T_{b}

is a result not of the structure of the abelian action, but rather of their smooth conjugacy classes: if

U,V

are maps of

\mathbb{R}/\mathbb{Z}

which are

C^{2}

-conjugate to

T_{a},T_{b}

then they have no common measures of positive dimension which are ergodic for both.
Extension of germs of holomorphic isometries up to normalizing constants with respect to the Bergman metric
Authors: Mok Ngaiming
Published: August 2012

We study the extension problem for germs of holomorphic isometries

f: (D;x_0) \to (\Omega;f(x_0))

up to normalizing constants between bounded domains in Euclidean spaces equipped with Bergman metrics

ds_D^2

on

D

and

ds_\Omega^2

on

\Omega

. Our main focus is on boundary extension for pairs of bounded domains

(D,\Omega)

such that the Bergman kernel

K_D(z,w)

extends meromorphically in

(z,\overline w)

to a neighborhood of

\overline D \times D

, and such that the analogous statement holds true for the Bergman kernel

K_{\Omega}(\zeta,\xi)

on

\Omega

. Assuming that

(D;ds_D^2)

and

(\Omega;ds_\Omega^2)

are complete Kähler manifolds, we prove that the germ of map

f

extends to a proper holomorphic isometric embedding such that Graph

(f)

extends to a complex-analytic subvariety on some neigborhood of

\overline D \times \overline{\Omega}

. In the event that the Bergman kernel

K_D(z,w)

extends to a rational function in

(z;\overline w)

and the analogue holds true for the Bergman kernel

K_{\Omega}(\zeta,\xi)

, we show that Graph

(f)

extends to an affine-algebraic variety. Our results apply especially to pairs

(D,\Omega)

of bounded symmetric domains in their Harish-Chandra realizations. When

D

is the complex unit ball

B^n

of dimension

n \ge 2

, we obtain a new rigidity result which guarantees the total geodesy of the map under certain conditions. On the other hand, we construct examples of holomorphic isometries of the unit disk into polydisks which are not totally geodesic, answering in the negative a conjecture of Clozel-Ullmo's.
Rank gradient, cost of groups and the rank versus Heegaard genus problem
Authors: Abért Miklós , Nikolov Nikolay
Published: August 2012

We study the growth of the rank of subgroups of finite index in residually finite groups, by relating it to the notion of cost. As a by-product, we show that the ‘rank vs. Heegaard genus’ conjecture on hyperbolic 3-manifolds is incompatible with the ‘fixed price problem’ in topological dynamics.
Fuzzy Clustering: Application on Organizational Metaphors in Brazilian Companies
Authors: Cobo Angel , Rocha Rocío , Vanti Adolfo Alberto , Schneider Gustavo
Published: August 2012

Different theories of organization and management are based on implicit images or metaphors. Nevertheless, a quantitative approach is needed to minimize human subjectivity or bias on metaphors studies. Hence, this paper analyzed the presence of metaphors and clustered them using fuzzy data mining techniques in a sample of 61 Brazilian companies that operate in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. For this purpose the results of a questionnaire answered by 198 employees of companies in the sample were analyzed by R free software. The results show that it is difficult to find a clear image in most organizations. In most cases characteristics of different images or metaphors are observed, so soft computing techniques are particularly appropriate for this type of analysis. However, according to these results, it is noted that the most present image in the organizations studied is that of “organisms” and the least present image is that of a “political system” and of an “instrument of domination”
Information Retrieval System Using Multiwords Expressions (MWE) as Descriptors
Authors: Silva Edson Marchetti da , Souza Renato Rocha
Published: August 2012

This paper aims to propose an alternative method for retrieving documents using Multiwords Expressions (MWE) extracted from a document base to be used as descriptors in search of an Information Retrieval System (IRS). In this sense, unlike methods that consider the text as a set of words, bag of words, we propose a method that takes into account the characteristics of the physical structure of the document in the extraction process of MWE. From this set of terms comparing pre-processed using an exhaustive algorithmic technique proposed by the authors with the results obtained for thirteen different measures of association statistics generated by the software Ngram Statistics Package (NSP). To perform this experiment was set up with a corpus of documents in digital format
The 3C Cooperation Model Applied to the Classical Requirement Analysis
Authors: Gava Vagner Luiz , Spinola Mauro de Mesquita , Tonini Antonio Carlos , Medina José Cardenas
Published: August 2012

Aspects related to the users' cooperative work are not considered in the traditional approach of software engineering, since the user is viewed independently of his/her workplace environment or group, with the individual model generalized to the study of collective behavior of all users. This work proposes a process for software requirements to address issues involving cooperative work in information systems that provide distributed coordination in the users' actions and the communication among them occurs indirectly through the data entered while using the software. To achieve this goal, this research uses ergonomics, the 3C cooperation model, awareness and software engineering concepts. Action-research is used as a research methodology applied in three cycles during the development of a corporate workflow system in a technological research company. This article discusses the third cycle, which corresponds to the process that deals with the refinement of the cooperative work requirements with the software in actual use in the workplace, where the inclusion of a computer system changes the users’ workplace, from the face to face interaction to the interaction mediated by the software. The results showed that the highest degree of users' awareness about their activities and other system users contribute to a decrease in their errors and in the inappropriate use of the system
Investigation of gaseous and particulate emissions from various marine vessel types measured on the banks of the Elbe in Northern Germany
Authors: Diesch J.-M. , Drewnick F. , Klimach T. , Borrmann S.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Measurements of the ambient aerosol, various trace gases and meteorological parameters using a mobile laboratory (MoLa) were performed on the banks of the Lower Elbe in an emission control area (ECA) which is passed by numerous private and commercial marine vessels reaching and leaving the port of Hamburg, Germany. From 25–30 April 2011 a total of 178 vessels were probed at a distance of about 0.8–2 km with high temporal resolution. 139 ship emission plumes were of sufficient quality to be analyzed further and to determine emission factors (EFs). Concentrations of aerosol number and mass as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and black carbon were measured in PM1 and size distribution instruments covered the size diameter range from 6 nm up to 32 μm. The chemical composition of the non-refractory submicron aerosol was measured by means of an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (Aerodyne HR-ToF-AMS). Gas phase species analyzers monitored various trace gases (O3, SO2, NO, NO2, CO2) in the air and a weather station provided wind, precipitation, solar radiation and other parameters. Together with ship information for each vessel obtained from Automatic Identification System (AIS) broadcasts a detailed characterization of the individual ship types and of features affecting gas and particulate emissions is provided. Particle number EFs (average 2.6×1016 # kg −1) and PM1 mass EFs (average 2.4 g kg −1) positively correlate with the fuel sulfur content and depend on the engine type and performance. Observed PM1 composition of the vessel emissions was dominated by organic matter (72%), sulfate (22%) and black carbon (6%) while PAHs only account for 0.2% of the submicron aerosol mass. Measurements of gaseous components showed an increase of SO2 (average EF: 7.7 g kg−1) and NOx (average EF: 53 g kg−1) while O3 decreased when a ship plume reached the sampling site. The particle number size distributions of the vessels are generally characterized by a bimodal size distribution, with the nucleation mode in the 10–20 nm diameter range and a combustion aerosol mode centered at about 35 nm while particles >1 μm were not found. "High particle number emitters" are characterized by a dominant nucleation mode. By contrast, a third weaker mode at 150 nm primarily occurred for "high black carbon emitters". Classifying the vessels according to their gross tonnage shows a decrease of the number, black carbon and PAH EFs while EFs of SO2, NO, NO2, NOx, AMS species (particulate organics, sulfate) and PM1 mass concentration increase with increasing gross tonnages.
The diurnal variability of atmospheric nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) above the Antarctic Plateau driven by atmospheric stability and snow emissions
Authors: Frey M. M. , Brough N. , France J. L. , Traulle O. , Anderson P. S. , King M. D. , Jones A. E. , Wolff E. W. , Savarino J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) were observed at Dome C, East Antarctica (75.1° S, 123.3° E, 3233 m) during austral summer 2009–2010. Average (±1σ) mixing ratios at 1.0 m of NO and NO2, the latter measured for the first time on the East Antarctic Plateau, were 111 (±89) and 102 (±88) pptv, respectively. Atmospheric mixing ratios are on average comparable to those observed previously at South Pole, but in contrast show strong diurnal variability, with a minimum around local noon and a maximum in the early evening. The asymmetry in the diel cycle of NOx concentrations and likely any other chemical tracer with a photolytic surface source is driven by the diffusivity and height of the atmospheric boundary layer, with the former controlling the magnitude of the vertical flux and the latter the size of the volume snow emissions are diffusing into. In particular, the NOx emission flux estimated from concentration gradients was on average (±1σ) of 6.9 (±7.2) ×1012 molecule m−2 s−2 and is consistent with the 3-fold increase in mixing ratios in the early evening when the atmospheric boundary layer becomes very shallow. Dome C is likely not representative for the entire East Antarctic Plateau but illustrates the need of accurate descriptions for atmospheric boundary layer physics in atmospheric chemistry models. Calculated mean potential NO2 production rates from nitrate (NO3−) photolysis are only about 62% of the observed NOx flux and highlight uncertainties in the parameterization of the photolytic NOx snow source above Antarctica. A steady-state analysis of the NO2:NO ratios indicates high concentrations of peroxy radicals (HO2 + RO2) in the air above the snow and confirms the existence of a strongly oxidising canopy enveloping the East Antarctic Plateau in summer.
Combining ground-based and airborne EM through Artificial Neural Networks for modelling glacial till under saline groundwater conditions
Authors: Gunnink J. L. , Bosch J. H. A. , Siemon B. , Roth B. , Auken E.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) methods supply data over large areas in a cost-effective way. We used Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) to classify the geophysical signal into a meaningful geological parameter. By using examples of known relations between ground-based geophysical data (in this case electrical conductivity, EC, from electrical cone penetration tests) and geological parameters (presence of glacial till), we extracted learning rules that could be applied to map the presence of a glacial till using the EC profiles from the airborne EM data. The saline groundwater in the area was obscuring the EC signal from the till but by using ANN we were able to extract subtle and often non-linear, relations in EC that were representative of the presence of the till. The ANN results were interpreted as the probability of having till and showed a good agreement with drilling data. The glacial till is acting as a layer that inhibits groundwater flow, due to its high clay-content, and is therefore an important layer in hydrogeological modelling and for predicting the effects of climate change on groundwater quantity and quality.
Effects of rating-curve uncertainty on probabilistic flood mapping
Authors: Domeneghetti A. , Vorogushyn S. , Castellarin A. , Merz B. , Brath A.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Comprehensive flood risk assessment studies should quantify the global uncertainty in flood hazard estimation, for instance by mapping inundation extents together with their confidence intervals. This appears of particular importance in case of flood hazard assessments along dike-protected reaches where the possibility of occurrence of dike failures may considerably enhance the uncertainty. We present a methodology to derive probabilistic flood maps in dike-protected flood prone areas, where several sources of uncertainty are taken into account. In particular, this paper focuses on a 50 km reach of River Po (Italy) and three major sources of uncertainty in hydraulic modelling and flood mapping: uncertainties in the (i) upstream and (ii) downstream boundary conditions, and (iii) uncertainties in dike failures. Uncertainties in the definition of upstream boundary conditions (i.e. design-hydrographs) are assessed by applying different bivariate copula families to model the frequency regime of flood peaks and volumes. Uncertainties in the definition of downstream boundary conditions are characterised by associating the rating-curve used as downstream boundary condition with confidence intervals which reflect discharge measurements errors and interpolation errors. The effects of uncertainties in boundary conditions and randomness of dike failures are assessed by means of the Inundation Hazard Assessment Model (IHAM), a recently proposed hybrid probabilistic-deterministic model that considers three different failure mechanisms: overtopping, piping and micro-instability due to seepage. The results of the study show that the IHAM-based analysis enables probabilistic flood hazard mapping and provides decision makers with a fundamental piece of information for devising and implementing flood risk mitigation strategies in the presence of various sources of uncertainty.
Action Research on a WebQuest as an Instructional Tool for Writing Abstracts of Research Articles
Authors: Latuperissa Krismiyati
Published: August 2012

The massive growth of and access to information technology (IT) has enabled the integration of technology into classrooms. One such integration is the use of WebQuests as an instructional tool in teaching targeted learning activities such as writing abstracts of research articles in English for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. In the academic world, writing an abstract of a research paper or final project in English can be challenging for EFL students. This article presents an action research project on the process and outcomes of using a WebQuest designed to help 20 Indonesian university IT students write a research article’s abstract in English. Findings reveal that despite positive feedback, changes need to be made to make the WebQuest a more effective instructional tool for the purpose it was designed.
Potential of Small-Scale Hydropower for Electricity Generation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kaunda Chiyembekezo S. , Kimambo Cuthbert Z. , Nielsen Torbjorn K.
Published: August 2012

The importance of renewable energy such as small hydropower for sustainable power generation in relation to its capacity to contribute towards alleviating acute shortage of rural electricity supply in the sub-Saharan African region has been discussed. A relatively comprehensive small hydropower technology review has been presented. Rural electricity supply scenario in the region has been presented and, in general, the region has very low electricity access levels coupled with various challenges. Small hydropower technology has been discussed as one of the promising decentralised power generation system for rural electricity supply in the region. Despite challenges in data acquisition, this paper has shown that the SSA has significant hydropower resources, but the level of installation is very low. Challenges hampering SHP technology development in the region have been identified and discussed, such as those concerning technology, climate change, finance, and policy. This is basically a paper where the authors consulted a wide range of literature including journals, conference proceedings, and reports as well as expert knowledge in the area. It is hoped that this paper contributes to the information base on SHP technology which is quite lacking in the region.
The Use of Ketogenic Diet in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy
Authors: Misiewicz Runyon Amanda , So Tsz-Yin
Published: August 2012

A ketogenic diet is a nonpharmacologic treatment strategy to control refractory epilepsy in children. Although this diet has been used successfully to reduce seizures since the 1920s, the anticonvulsant mechanism of ketosis remains unknown. The initiation of the diet requires an average four-day hospitalization to achieve ketosis in the patient as well as to provide thorough education on diet maintenance for both the patient and the caregivers. A ketogenic diet, consisting of low carbohydrate and high fat intake, leaves little room for additional carbohydrates supplied by medications. Patients on ketogenic diets who exceed their daily carbohydrate limit have the risk of seizure relapse, necessitating hospital readmission to repeat the diet initiation process. These patients are at a high risk for diversion from the diet. Patients admitted to the hospital setting are often initiated on multiple medications, and many hospital systems are not equipped with appropriate monitoring systems to prevent clinicians from introducing medications with high carbohydrate contents. Pharmacists have the resources and the expertise to help identify and prevent the initiation of medications with high carbohydrate content in patients on ketogenic diets.
Doxorubicin and NRG-1/erbB4-Deficiency Affect Gene Expression Profile: Involving Protein Homeostasis in Mouse
Authors: Vasti Cecilia , Witt Henning , Said Matilde , Sorroche Patricia , García-Rivello Hernán , Ruiz-Noppinger Patricia , Hertig Cecilia M.
Published: August 2012

The accumulating evidence demonstrates the essential role of neuregulin-1 signaling in the adult heart, and, moreover, indicates that an impaired neuregulin signaling exacerbates the doxorubicin-mediated cardiac toxicity. Despite this strong data, the specific cardiomyocyte targets of the active erbB2/erbB4 heterodimer remain unknown. In this paper, we examined pathways involved in cardiomyocyte damage as a result of the cardiac sensitization to anthracycline toxicity in the ventricular muscle-specific erbB4 knockout mouse. We performed morphological analyses to evaluate the ventricular remodeling and employed a cDNA microarray to assess the characteristic gene expression profile, verified data by real-time RT-PCR, and then grouped into functional categories and pathways. We confirm the upregulation of genes related to the classical signature of a hypertrophic response, implicating an erbB2-dependent mechanism in doxorubicin-treated erbB4-KO hearts. Our results indicate the remarkable downregulation of IGF-I/PI-3′ kinase pathway and extends our current knowledge by uncovering an altered ubiquitin-proteasome system leading to cardiomyocyte autophagic vacuolization.
Bioelectric Activity in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus—Pineal Gland System in Children with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Pinchuk Dmitry Yu , Bekshaev Sergey S. , Bumakova Svetlana A. , Dudin Mikhail G. , Pinchuk Olga D.
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this work is to identify a role of the pineal gland/suprachiasmatic nucleus system in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) aetiology and pathogenesis. To analyze electroencephalograms of 292 children with AIS and in 46 healthy subjects, a processing method was used to assess three-dimensional coordinates of electric equivalent dipole sources (EEDSs) within the brain. Amounts of EEDSs in the pineal gland and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) area were assessed in different age groups and during the progress of orthopaedic pathology. It was shown that children with AIS, compared with healthy children, were characterized by a higher level of electric activity (as judged by EEDS values) in the pineal gland area. It was also revealed that the number of EEDS in the pineal gland area increases significantly with increased severity of spinal deformation, while their number in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) area decreases compared with the number in healthy peers. Changes in electric activity and changes in the pineal gland and SCN area suggest that mechanisms of AIS aetiology and pathogenesis involve functional disturbances in brain areas responsible for the formation and maintenance of normal biorhythms, including osteogenesis and bone growth.
Antimicrobial Pressure of Ciprofloxacin and Gentamicin on Biofilm Development by an Endoscope-Isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Machado Idalina , Graça Joana , Lopes Hélder , Lopes Susana , Pereira Maria O.
Published: August 2012

This work aims at characterizing endoscope biofilm-isolated (PAI) and reference strain P. aeruginosa (PA) adhesion, biofilm formation and sensitivity to antibiotics. The recovery ability of the biofilm-growing bacteria subjected to intermittent antibiotic pressure (ciprofloxacin (CIP) and gentamicin (GM)), as well as the development of resistance towards antibiotics and benzalkonium chloride (BC), were also determined. The capacity of both strains to develop biofilms was greatly impaired in the presence of CIP and GM. Sanitization was not complete allowing biofilm recovery after the intermittent cycles of antibiotic pressure. The environmental pressure exerted by CIP and GM did not develop P. aeruginosa resistance to antibiotics nor cross-resistance towards BC. However, data highlighted that none of the antimicrobials led to complete biofilm eradication, allowing the recovery of the remaining adhered population possibly due to the selection of persister cells. This feature may lead to biofilm recalcitrance, reinforcement of bacterial attachment, and recolonization of other sites.
Palette of Problems – September 2012
Authors: Rock David , Amidon Joel
Published: August 2012

A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Defining Supports Geometry
Authors: Stephan Michelle L. , McManus George E. , Dickey Ashley L. , Arb Maxwell S.
Published: August 2012

The process of developing definitions is underemphasized in most mathematics instruction. Investing time in constructing meaning is well worth the return in terms of the knowledge it imparts.
Math for Real: Comfortable Construction
Authors: Hosten Melissa , Disney Andria R.
Published: August 2012

Finding the best step and tread for stairs provides the real-life tie in to this activity on slope and graphing.
Best Practices: Complying With the Stage 2 D/DBP Rule
Authors: Fiske Peter , Moore Randy
Published: August 2012

Based on a series of AWWA webcasts, this article is the third of three on important distribution system issues. This article provides operations and maintenance options for complying with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule. The first article (Opflow, July 2012) focused on storage tank operations and maintenance, and the second article (Opflow, August 2012) focused on best practices for cleaning water mains.
AMI Helps City Achieve Unprecedented Meter‐Read Success
Authors: McCall Doug , Bries Dave
Published: August 2012

Needing to reduce water loss, increase operational efficiency, and improve customer service, Olathe, Kansas, officials turned to a smart water network. Approaching the project with a prepared team ensured Olathe's success.
How Can We Manage Water Main Breaks to Maintain Customer Confidence?
Authors: Morgan Kenneth C.
Published: August 2012

Water main breaks are a distribution system reality, and they're unpredictable. When a water main break occurs, the primary focus often is to restore service as quickly as possible without much regard for what caused the break or whether another in the same area is likely. Utility employees can identify key details about breaks that will help them better manage system and customer impacts. This article discusses causes, impacts, repair, and documentation of main breaks.
PVC Pipe Assembly Aids Cathodic Protection Testing
Authors: Lee Brad C. , Nguyen Trung
Published: August 2012

Rather than lugging a telescopic pole to the top of a water storage tank to measure cathodic protection (CP) potentials, operators at California Water Service Company installed a PVC pipe assembly inside the tank for sliding a cathodic protection testing mechanism down inside the PVC tube to measure CP potentials. The PVC pipe assembly consists of several pieces of 3‐in.‐diameter PVC pipe configured to act as a conduit guide from the roof access hatch to the surface of the inner shell wall and is attached to the tank's interior ladder.
High-Yield Synthesis of Cubic and Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoparticles by Laser Chemical Vapor Decomposition of Borazine
Authors: Hidalgo A. , Makarov V. , Morell G. , Weiner B. R.
Published: August 2012

We report a new method for the synthesis of boron nitride nanostructures (nBN) using laser chemical vapor decomposition (LCVD). Borazine was used as precursor and excited with two simultaneous radiations, the fundamental and second YAG laser harmonics. If only one of the two radiations is employed, no reaction takes place. Abundant BN powder is obtained after one hour of laser radiation. The BN yield obtained with the LCVD technique is about 83% by weight. The BN material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. They all indicate that the BN powder consists of a mixture of hexagonal and cubic BN nanostructures. No other BN phases or stoichiometries were found. The size of the resulting BN nanostructures is in the range of 20–100 nm and their B : N composition is 1 : 1. A simplified mechanism involving laser-excited states followed by photoinduced removal of hydrogen is proposed to understand the synthesis of BN nanopowder by LCVD of borazine.
Robust exponential stability and H ∞  control for switched neutral‐type neural networks
Authors: Mathiyalagan K. , Sakthivel R. , Marshal Anthoni S.
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we consider the problem of robust exponential stability for a class of uncertain switched delayed neutral‐type neural networks with an H ∞  performance level γ > 0. Further, the result is extended to design an H ∞  control law to ensure the robust exponential stabilization of the closed‐loop neural networks about its equilibrium point with the guaranteed H ∞  performance level γ, for all norm bounded parameter uncertainties. On the basis of a new set of Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, linear matrix inequality technique, and average dwell time approach, a set of novel sufficient conditions is derived for the existence of H ∞  performance and as well as existence of H ∞  control problem. The obtained results are derived in the form of convex optimization problems, which can be solved easily by the standard Matlab control toolbox. Numerical examples with simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing the Process Parameters for Encapsulation of Linamarin into PLGA Nanoparticles Using Double Emulsion Solvent Evaporation Technique
Authors: Hussein Ahmed S. , Abdullah Norhafizah , Fakru'l‐razi A.
Published: August 2012

Linamarin‐loaded poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles were prepared by using a double emulsion solvent evaporation method using polyvinyl alcohol as a surfactant. A two‐factor full factorial design, Box–Behnken design and surface response methodology, were employed to improve the nanoparticle yield, particle size, and drug encapsulation efficiency by determining the optimum levels of the process parameters, namely the polymer concentration, surfactant concentration, and homogenization speed. Both linear and quadratic empirical models were developed to express each response parameter as a function of the studied factors. A total of 12 and 17 experimental runs were necessary to obtain adequate empirical models (p < 0.05) for both factorial and Box–Behnken designs, respectively. The final optimum values for the polymer concentration, surfactant concentration, and homogenization speed were determined at 9.8 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 23,000 rpm, respectively. Formulations obtained at this optimum preparing condition resulted on average 96% yield, 61.2% drug encapsulation efficiency, and 144.6 nm particle size. However, all prepared nanoparticles showed some kind of controlled drug release; most likely the final optimized nanoparticles exhibited the most biphasic controlled drug release profile with a minimal burst release and overall drug release of <30% in 120 h of incubation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 32: E486–E504, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21295
Ends Justify Means? Organic Cotton Products’ Purchasing Motivations
Authors: Chen Nai‐Hua , Wei Sherrie
Published: August 2012

In green marketing, the motivations for purchasing environmentally friendly products are often elusive, e.g., altruism mixed with some egoism, or a mixed‐up means and ends. The purpose of this study was to apply the means–end‐chain framework to build a model for the different motivations that consumers would have in favor of organic cotton products in Taiwan. Three hierarchical levels of means–end were included in the framework for organic cotton products: product attributes, consequences of using products possessing certain attributes, and fulfillment of personal values achieved through positive consequences after using the organic product possessing certain attributes. A survey questionnaire was designed based on product attributes and consequences identified from the Kahle, Beatty, and Homer's List of Values (LOVs; 1986) for respondents to rate their importance on a 5‐point Likert scale. The LOVs included nine values of common purchasing motivations, such as sense of belonging, excitement, and warm relationship with others, etc. For the 399 usable cases, fuzzy logic association mining rules were applied. The findings indicated that there were four significant routes by which respondents could achieve the personal value of security. However, knowing respondents’ personal value of security as the ultimate motivation for favoring organic cotton is only part of the picture. Only through a full understanding of different paths that lead to security can firms effectively design communication strategies to reach potential consumers. [EconLit Citations: C440, C610, M300, Q130].
Are Minimum Quality Standards Imposed by Federal Marketing Orders Acting as Nontariff Trade Barriers?
Authors: Saitone Tina L.
Published: August 2012

As the pressure to liberalize agricultural trade both regionally and globally increases, the regulation and control of nontariff trade barriers becomes of paramount concern. The legislation regulating federal marketing orders in the United States allows these producer organizations to propose minimum quality standards (MQS) on domestic production, as well as imports, raising the possibility of using MQS as a nontariff trade barrier (NTB). Industry proposals, however, are subject to approval by the federal government. This paper presents an analytical model that examines domestic producers’ incentives and opportunities to use MQS as a NTB and government's incentives to approve or reject such regulations. In the first empirical investigation of the hypothesis that MQS act as NTB, a modified gravity equation model is used to examine the impacts of MQS on imports into the U.S. Results provide little support for the claims that MQS are acting as NTB. [JEL Codes: Q18, F13]
Terrestrial Activity in Pitheciins (Cacajao,Chiropotes, andPithecia)
Authors: BARNETT ADRIAN A. , BOYLE SARAH A. , NORCONK MARILYN M. , PALMINTERI SUZANNE , SANTOS RICARDO R. , VEIGA LIZA M. , ALVIM THIAGO H.G. , BOWLER MARK , CHISM JANICE , DI FIORE ANTHONY , FERNANDEZ‐DUQUE EDUARDO , GUIMARÃES ANA C. P. , HARRISON‐LEVINE AMY , HAUGAASEN TORBJØRN , LEHMAN SHAWN , MACKINNON KATHERINE C. , DE MELO FABIANO R. , MOREIRA LEANDRO S. , MOURA VIVIANE S. , PHILLIPS CARSON R. , PINTO LILIAM P. , PORT‐CARVALHO MARCIO , SETZ ELEONORE Z. F. , SHAFFER CHRISTOPHER , DA SILVA LÍVIA RODRIGUES , DA SILVA SULEIMA DO S. B. , SOARES RAFAELA F. , THOMPSON CYNTHIA L. , VIEIRA TATIANA M. , VREEDZAAM ARIOENE , WALKER‐PACHECO SUZANNE E. , SPIRONELLO WILSON R. , MACLARNON ANN , FERRARI STEPHEN F.
Published: August 2012

Neotropical monkeys of the generaCacajao,Chiropotes, andPithecia(Pitheciidae) are considered to be highly arboreal, spending most of their time feeding and traveling in the upper canopy. Until now, the use of terrestrial substrates has not been analyzed in detail in this group. Here, we review the frequency of terrestrial use among pitheciin taxa to determine the ecological and social conditions that might lead to such behavior. We collated published and unpublished data from 14 taxa in the three genera. Data were gleaned from 53 published studies (including five on multiple pitheciin genera) and personal communications of unpublished data distributed across 31 localities. Terrestrial activity was reported in 61% ofPitheciafield studies (11 of 18), in 34% ofChiropotesstudies (10 of 29), and 36% ofCacajaostudies (4 of 11). WithinPithecia, terrestrial behavior was more frequently reported in smaller species (e.g.P. pithecia) that are vertical clingers and leapers and make extensive use of the understory than in in the larger bodied canopy dwellers of the westernAmazon (e.g.P. irrorata). Terrestrial behavior inPitheciaalso occurred more frequently and lasted longer than inCacajaoorChiropotes. An apparent association was found between flooded habitats and terrestrial activity and there is evidence of the development of a “local pattern” of terrestrial use in some populations. Seasonal fruit availability also may stimulate terrestrial behavior. Individuals also descended to the ground when visiting mineral licks, escaping predators, and responding to accidents such as a dropped infant. Overall, the results of this review emphasize that terrestrial use is rare among the pitheciins in general and is usually associated with the exploitation of specific resources or habitat types. Am. J. Primatol. 74:1106‐1127, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Body Temperature and Physical Activity Correlates of the Menstrual Cycle in Chacma Baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus)
Authors: NYAKUDYA TREVOR T. , FULLER ANDREA , MEYER LEITH C. R. , MALONEY SHANE K. , MITCHELL DUNCAN
Published: August 2012

We investigated the temporal relationship between abdominal temperature, physical activity, perineal swelling, and urinary progesterone and estradiol concentrations over the menstrual cycle in unrestrained captive baboons. Using a miniature temperature‐sensitive data logger surgically implanted in the abdominal cavity and an activity data logger implanted subcutaneously on the trunk, we measured, continuously over 6 months at 10‐min intervals, abdominal temperature and physical activity patterns in four female adult baboons Papio hamadryas ursinus (12.9–19.9 kg), in cages in an indoor animal facility (22–25°C). We monitored menstrual bleeding and perineal swelling changes, and measured urinary progesterone and estradiol concentrations, daily for up to 6 months, to ascertain the stage and length of the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle was 36 ± 2 days (mean ± SD) long and the baboons exhibited cyclic changes in perineal swellings, abdominal temperature, physical activity, urinary progesterone, and estradiol concentrations over the cycle. Mean 24‐hr abdominal temperature during the luteal phase was significantly higher than during the periovulatory phase (ANOVA, F(2, 9) = 4.7; P = 0.04), but not different to that during the proliferative phase. Physical activity followed a similar pattern, with mean 24‐hr physical activity almost twice as high in the luteal than in the periovulatory phase (ANOVA, P = 0.58; F(2, 12) = 5.8). We have characterized correlates of the menstrual cycle in baboons and shown, for the first time, a rhythm of physical activity and abdominal temperature over the menstrual cycle, with a nadir of temperature and activity at ovulation. Am. J. Primatol. 74:1143‐1153, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.