bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sewer ventilation model applying conservation of momentum
Authors: Ward M. , Hamer G. , McDonald A. , Witherspoon J. , Loh E. , Parker W.
Published: September 2011

The work presented herein was completed in an effort to characterize the forces influencing ventilation in gravity sewers and to develop a mathematical model, based on conservation of momentum, capable of accounting for friction at the headspace/pipe interface, drag at the air/water interface, and buoyancy caused by air density differences between a sewer headspace and ambient. Experiments were completed on two full scale sewer reaches in Australia. A carbon monoxide-based tracer technique was used to measure the ventilation rate within the sewer headspaces. Additionally, measurements of pressure, relative humidity, and temperature were measured in the ambient air and sewer headspace. The first location was a five kilometre long sewer outfall beginning at a wastewater treatment plant and terminating at the ocean. The second location was a large gravity sewer reach fitted with ventilation fans. At the first location the headspace was entirely sealed except for openings that were controlled during the experiments. In this situation forces acting on the headspace air manifested mostly as a pressure distribution within the reach, effectively eliminating friction at the pipe wall. At the second location, air was forced to move near the same velocity as the wastewater, effectively eliminating drag at the air/water interface. These experiments allowed individual terms of the momentum equation to be evaluated. Experimental results were compared to the proposed mathematical model. Conclusions regarding model accuracy are provided along with model application guidance and assumptions.
CPVL/CHN2 Genetic Variant Is Associated With Diabetic Retinopathy in Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Hu Cheng , Zhang Rong , Yu Weihui , Wang Jie , Wang Congrong , Pang Can , Ma Xiaojing , Bao Yuqian , Xiang Kunsan , Jia Weiping
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy are two important microvascular diabetes complications with a high concordance rate in diabetic patients. A recent genome-wide association study in type 1 diabetic patients of European descent identified four loci to be associated with diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to test the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from these four loci on diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In stage 1, we recruited 1,276 type 2 diabetic patients, including 378 patients with diabetic nephropathy but no retinopathy, 374 patients with diabetic retinopathy but no nephropathy, 244 patients with both diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, and 280 control subjects with diabetes for >10 years and no diabetic retinopathy or nephropathy. Fifty-five SNPs from four loci (CPVL/CHN2, FRMD3, CARS, and IRS2) were genotyped. The SNPs that showed associations to diabetic retinopathy or nephropathy were genotyped in stage 2 samples for replication.

RESULTS

SNPs from CPVL/CHN2 and FRMD3 were associated with diabetic retinopathy with rs39059 and rs10868025 as the top SNPs (odds ratio [OR] 1.292, 95% CI 1.097–1.523, P = 0.0022, for rs39059; 1.201, 1.014–1.422, P = 0.0343, for rs10868025) in stage 1 samples. In stage 2 analysis, only rs39059 showed similar effect to diabetic retinopathy (OR 1.269, 0.989–1.628, P = 0.0689), and meta-analysis showed a significant association between rs39059 and diabetic retinopathy, with an OR of 1.285 (1.120–1.474, P = 0.0003). CPVL/CHN2 rs39059 was also associated with levels of diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.0007 for trend). However, no association was detected between these SNPs and diabetic nephropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we found CPVL/CHN2 rs39059 was associated with diabetic retinopathy in the Chinese type 2 diabetic patients.
High Prevalence of Microvascular Complications in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease
Authors: Leeds John S. , Hopper Andrew D. , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Tesfaye Solomon , Sanders David S.
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

The implications of celiac disease (CD) in adult patients with type 1 diabetes are unknown, with respect to diabetes-related outcomes including glycemic control, lipids, microvascular complications, quality of life, and the effect of a gluten-free diet (GFD). We identified CD in adults with type 1 diabetes and investigated the effect of a GFD on diabetes-related complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a case-control study conducted at a U.K. teaching hospital. Patients with type 1 diabetes aged >16 years (n = 1,000) were assessed for CD. HbA1c, lipid profile, quality of life, retinopathy stage, nephropathy stage, and degree of neuropathy before and after 1 year on a GFD were assessed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CD was 33 per 1,000 subjects (3.3% [95% CI 2.3–4.6]). At diagnosis of CD, adult type 1 diabetic patients had worse glycemic control (8.2 vs. 7.5%, P = 0.05), lower total cholesterol (4.1 vs. 4.9, P = 0.014), lower HDL cholesterol (1.1 vs. 1.6, P = 0.017), and a higher prevalence of retinopathy (58.3 vs. 25%, P = 0.02), nephropathy (41.6 vs. 4.2%, P = 0.009), and peripheral neuropathy (41.6 vs. 16.6%, P = 0.11). There was no difference in quality of life (P > 0.1). After 1 year on a GFD, only the lipid profile improved overall, but in adherent individuals HbA1c and markers for nephropathy improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with undetected CD and type 1 diabetes have worse glycemic control and a higher prevalence of retinopathy and nephropathy. Treatment with a GFD for 1 year is safe in adults with type 1 diabetes and does not have a negative impact on the quality of life.
Effect of Conventional and Resin-modified Glass-Ionomer Liner on Dentin Adhesive Interface of Class I Cavity Walls After Thermocycling
Authors: Sampaio PCP , de Almeida Júnior AA , Francisconi LF , Casas-Apayco LC , Pereira JC , Wang L , Atta MT
Published: September 2011

Clinical Relevance

The long-term quality of a dentin adhesive interface appears to be maintained when a resin-modified glass-ionomer liner is used.
Patterns of Adult-Onset Epilepsy Attended in an Epilepsy Clinic in a Specialised Hospital: A Prospective Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Sardar MH , Howlader MAR , Mallik MU , Appolo AM , Islam MS , Azad KAK
Published: September 2011

A prospective cross sectional study was designed to assess the patterns of adult-onset epilepsy and determine the types of epilepsy which develop after complex febrile convulsion (CFC) and find out the causes of epilepsy, from January to December 2008, in Epilepsy Clinic of the Department of Neurology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. 106 consecutive adult (age>13 years) patients with adult-onset epilepsy receiving treatment from Epilepsy Clinic of the Department of Neurology of BSMMU, Dhaka, were the sample of this study. Records of these patients were reviewed & the patients & their family members were interviewed to assess the medical history. The data obtained from the records and the interviews formed the basis of this study. Chi-Square test was applied to analysis the data. Interviewed results and records of 106 patients were analyzed. Of the 106 patients with adult- onset epilepsy, the epilepsy categories [median age: 20 years, range: 14-46 years] were: generalized epilepsies in 51 (54.06%), partial epilepsies in 45 (47.7%), & undetermined epilepsies in 10 (10.6%) Thirty one (32.86%) of the 106 patients had history of CFC in the childhood (71% male, 29% female). Partial epilepsies were significantly associated with history of CFC [Odds Ratio: 3.29; (95% CI 1.30-8.06), (c2=5.49, df=1, p=0.012)] when compared to other epilepsies and epilepsy syndromes. An initial unprovoked simple partial seizure was also significantly associated with a positive history of CFC [Odds Ratio: 8.05; (95% CI 2.88-22.45), (c2=15.86, df=1, p<0.001)]. Generalized epilepsies are more common than partial epilepsies. Partial epilepsies seem to be associated with a history of CFC in childhood. The mechanism & pathophysiology of association between CFC and epilepsy in affected probands requires further investigations. Identification of the basic defect in relation to CFC & epilepsy may have important implication for the prevention of adult- onset epilepsy in patients with history of CFC. But the risk of epilepsy after febrile convulsions is much less than reported in many hospital studies & if febrile convulsion causes brain damage that leads to later epilepsy, this is a rare occurrence. Keywords: Generalized epilepsy; partial epilepsy; febrile convulsion; afebrile seizures; genetic. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i1.8567 J Dhaka Med Coll. 2011; 20(1) :20-24
Relaparotomy After Cesarean Delivery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Akther R , Hossain T , Rashid M
Published: September 2011

The present study aimed at exploring the causes of re laparotomy following Caesarean section and to find out the pathway how to avoid these complications. This is a hospital based prospective study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from August 2007 to August 2008. Bangladeshi pregnant women are at risk of serious complications during pregnancy and labor due to lack of antenatal, intra natal and postnatal care. DMCH is the largest referral hospital in Bangladesh and more than ten thousand patients admitted here each year with different pregnancy and child birth related complications. Among them, 54 puerpera needed re laparotomy after Caesarean section within 6 weeks of Caesarean Section. Of the 54 cases, 28 had primary PPH, 14 patients had secondary post-partum hemorrhage (PPH), 4 cases had puerperal sepsis and 3 women had wound dehiscence, and 5 cases had sub rectus hematoma. Irreversible hemorrhagic shock (12cases), cardio genic shock (1 case), not reversed from anesthesia (1 case), acute renal failure (3cases) and puerperal sepsis (1 case) were causes maternal death. It gave the overall case fatality rate was 33.33%. Obstetric patients who return to the operation theater face potential death. This study will help us to identify the risk situations where re laparotomy may be needed and due precautions and prevention may be taken as far as possible to avoid this complications following caesarean section and thereby reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. Key word: Cesarean section; laparotomy; maternal morbidity; maternal mortality; case fatality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i1.8583 J Dhaka Med Coll. 2011; 20(1) :57-62
CNS Lupus Presenting As Encephalitis : A Case Report
Authors: Azad KAK , Sardar MH , Appolo AM , Mallik MU , Sarker M
Published: September 2011

An 18 years old female presented with several episodes of convulsions followed by unconsciousness. On admission, her Glasgow Coma Scale was 3, and other neurological and systemic examination revealed no abnormality. Initially it appeared to be a case of viral encephalitis with a background probability of glomerulonephritis. Differential diagnosis was uraemic encephalopathy and seizure disorder. However, finally it was diagnosed as a case of CNS Lupus - a rare presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Key words: Convulsion; glomerulonephritis; encephalitis; lupus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v20i1.8588 J Dhaka Med Coll. 2011; 20(1) :82-85
An Intelligent Storage Determining Method for Unloaded Containers in a Cycling Trailer Deployment Mode
Authors: Zhao Ning , Mi Wei Jian , Wang Dong Sheng
Published: September 2011

This paper discusses the problem of determining a storage location for each unloaded container in the principle of cycling trailer deployment. A mixed-integer programming model, which considers various constraints related to the operation of yard cranes and trailers, was formulated according to lots of operators’ experience in different container terminals.
Process Preparation Resources Integration Service Mode and Semantic Description in Manufacturing Grid
Authors: Tong Yi Fei , Li Dong Bo , He Yong
Published: September 2011

Manufacturing enterprises are now facing serious challenges and pressures from the tide of globalization. After analyzing the features of process preparation resource, the integration service mode and semantic description for process preparation based on manufacturing grid is studied. Firstly, process preparation resources are defined and classified. Secondly, information modeling of process preparation in manufacturing grid is discussed. Thirdly, the integrated service mode of process preparation resources in manufacturing grid is discussed. Finally, an example of one kind of process preparation resource is given to illustrate the resource semantic description based on XML. Above research is benefit for application of manufacturing grid and the information progress of national defense industry.
Empirical Mode Decomposition De-Noising Method Based on Improved Soft-Threshold
Authors: Xi Jian Hui , Chen Jia
Published: September 2011

In this paper, an improved soft-threshold function is constructed, combined the improved function and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) methods, a new de-noising method has been proposed. Set the adaptive threshold for the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) of the EMD, and then de-noise the each IMF respectively. Finally, the de-noised signal is reconstructed by the de-noised IMF components. Through the simulation results of quantitative analysis by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and mean square error (MSE), the algorithm in this paper has better de-noising effect. Also, this method can effectively improve the constant deviation between the original signal and the de-noised signal by traditional soft-threshold.
Research on Subject Trust Evaluation Based on Fuzzy Theory
Authors: Liao Xin Fei
Published: September 2011

Trust management is now one of the interesting research topics in the field of web security. Firstly, several existing trust models are analyzed. Aiming at flaws of these models, the subject trust model based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation is proposed, thus solving the evaluation problem of subjects trust degree in trust model. An effective evaluation strategy for trust degree vector of subject trust model is given. Finally, a concrete example is provided and has proved the rationality and feasibility of the model.
Research and Design of a Fusion Technology in Highway Engineering Measurement and Payment System
Authors: Liang Jun Qing , Zhao Shao Hua , Wang Jin Long , Du Zhong Guo
Published: September 2011

For the request that was proposed in research and design for measurement research and payment system of the highway engineering: flexible business process control and integration management issues of spatial and attribute data and so on. The article proposed a method in which GIS integrated with workflow: using construction supervision for highway measurement and payment workflow as main line, using component software technology as basis ,and with a development platform achieving the integration of workflow with GIS. Based on the fusion technology, the article completed the technical framework and design of the system. The feasibility and effectiveness of this fusion technology was verified in the practical application.
Optimal Coverage Model in Clifford 3-Connected Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Cao Wen Ming , He Tian Cheng
Published: September 2011

While moderate loss of coverage can be tolerated by WSN applications, loss of connectivity can be fatal. Moreover, since sensors are subject to unanticipated failures after deployment, it is not sufficient for a wireless sensor network to just be connected, it should be Clifford 3-connected . In this dissertation, we propose optimal deployment patterns to achieve both full coverage and Cliford 3-connectivity, and analyses their optimality for all values of , where is the communication radius and is the sensing radius.
Growth and Magnetism of Natural Multilayers
Authors: Poulopoulos Panagiotis , Pappas S.D. , Kapaklis Vassilios , Jönsson P.E. , Papaioannou E.T. , Delimitis A. , Trachylis D. , Velgakis M.J. , Meletis Efstathios I. , Politis C.
Published: September 2011

. In this work, we present a simple method to fabricate high quality Ni/NiO multilayers with the use of a single magnetron sputtering head. Namely, at the end of the deposition of each single Ni layer, air is let to flow into the vacuum chamber through a leak valve. Then, a very thin NiO layer (~ 1nm) is formed by natural oxidation. The process is reproducible and the result is the formation of a multilayer with excellent layering. Magnetization hysteresis loops recorded at 5 K and room temperature reveal a tendency for perpendicular magnetic anisotropy as the thickness of the individual Ni layers decreases. It is shown that the Ni/NiO interface has sizeable positive surface/interface anisotropy, i.e. it favors the development of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. This is rather unusual for a Ni-based multilayered system and may render Ni/NiO multilayers useful for magneto-optical recording applications.
Genetic Markers Used for Risk Stratification in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Segges Priscilla , Braggio Esteban
Published: September 2011

While no specific genetic markers are required in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM), multiple genetic abnormalities and gene signatures are used in disease prognostication and risk stratification. This is particularly important for the adequate identification of the high-risk MM group, which does not benefit from any of the current therapies, and novel approaches need to be proposed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been employed for establishing risk-based stratification and still remains the most used genetic technique in the clinical routine. The incorporation of gene expression profiling (GEP) in the study of MM has shown to be a very powerful test in the patient stratification, but its incorporation in clinical routine depends on some technical and logistic resolutions. Thus, FISH still remains the gold standard test for detecting genomic abnormalities and outcome discrimination in MM.
Low-frequency variability of European runoff
Authors: Gudmundsson L. , Tallaksen L. M. , Stahl K. , Fleig A. K.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. This study investigates the low-frequency components of observed monthly river flow from a large number of small catchments in Europe. The low-frequency components, defined as fluctuations on time scales longer than one year, were analysed both with respect to their dominant space-time patterns as well as their contribution to the variance of monthly runoff. The analysis of observed streamflow and corresponding time series of precipitation and temperature, showed that the fraction of low-frequency variance of runoff is on average larger than, and not correlated to, the fraction of low-frequency variance of precipitation and temperature. However, it is correlated with mean climatic conditions and is on average lowest in catchments with significant influence of snow. Furthermore, it increases (decreases) under drier (wetter) conditions – indicating that the average degree of catchment wetness may be a primary control of low-frequency runoff dynamics. The fraction of low-frequency variance of runoff is consistently lower in responsive catchments, with a high variability of daily runoff. The dominant space-time patterns of low-frequency runoff in Europe, identified using nonlinear dimension reduction, revealed that low-frequency runoff can be described with three modes, explaining together 80.6% of the variance. The dominant mode has opposing centres of simultaneous variations in northern and southern Europe. The secondary mode features a west-east pattern and the third mode has its centre of influence in central Europe. All modes are closely related to the space-time patterns extracted from time series of precipitation and temperature. In summary, it is shown that the dynamics of low-frequency runoff follows well known continental-scale atmospheric features, whereas the proportion of variance attributed to low-frequency fluctuations is controlled by catchment processes and varies with mean climatic conditions. The results may have implications for interpreting the impact of changes in temperature and precipitation on river-flow dynamics.
Plasticizers
Authors: Reinecke Helmut , Navarro Rodrigo , Pérez Mónica
Published: September 2011

A plasticizer is an additive that is mixed with a polymer in order to make it more flexible, durable, and processable by lowering the second‐order transition temperature of the macromolecule. Plasticizers (1–3) are generally low molecular weight (Mw) resins or liquids, which form secondary bonds to polymer chains and spread them apart increasing the “free volume.” Thus, plasticizers reduce polymer‐polymer chain secondary bonding and provide more mobility for the macromolecules, resulting in a softer, more easily deformable mass.

Plasticizers are incorporated in the amorphous parts of polymers while the structure and size of any crystalline part remains unaffected. Plasticizers are expected to reduce the modulus, tensile strength, hardness, density, melt viscosity, glass transition temperature, electrostatic chargeability, and volume resistivity of a polymer, while at the same time increasing its flexibility, elongation at break, toughness, dielectric constant, and power factor. Ideal plasticizers should be highly compatible with the polymer, stable in both high and low temperature environments, sufficiently lubricating over a wide temperature range, insensitive to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leaching, and migration resistant, inexpensive, and should fulfill health and safety regulations.
Polyurethanes
Authors: Sonnenschein Mark F. , Koonce William
Published: September 2011

Polyurethanes are among the most widespread polymer technologies and account for about 5% of all plastics produced worldwide. This review covers the technology of polyurethane building block production and physical properties, the fundamental science underlying reactivity and polymer properties and industrial applications. Specifically covered are isocyanates, polyols, elastomers, foams, coatings, adhesives, thermoplastics, recycling, and health and environmental issues. Industrial size, participants, and trends are also reviewed.
Theory of pseudogap and superconductivity in doped Mott insulators
Authors: Imada M. , Yamaji Y. , Sakai S. , Motome Y.
Published: September 2011

Underdoped Mott insulators provide us with a challenge of many‐body physics. Recent renewed understanding is discussed in terms of the evolution of pole and zero structure of the single‐particle Green's function. Pseudogap as well as Fermi arc/pocket structure in the underdoped cuprates is well reproduced from the recent cluster extension of the dynamical mean‐field theory. Emergent coexisting zeros and poles set the underdoped Mott insulator apart from the Fermi liquid, separated by topological transitions. The cofermion proposed as a generalization of exciton in the slave‐boson framework accounts for the origin of the zero surface formation. The cofermion‐quasiparticle hybridization gap offers a natural understanding of the pseudogap and various unusual Mottness. Furthermore the cofermion offers a novel pairing mechanism, where the cofermion has two roles: It reinforces the Cooper pair as a pair partner of the quasiparticle and acts as a glue as well. It provides a strong insight for solving the puzzle found in the dichotomy of the gap structure.
From transporter to transceptor: Signaling from transporters provokes re‐evaluation of complex trafficking and regulatory controls
Authors: Kriel Johan , Haesendonckx Steven , Rubio‐Texeira Marta , Van Zeebroeck Griet , Thevelein Johan M.
Published: September 2011

When cells are starved of their substrate, many nutrient transporters are induced. These undergo rapid endocytosis and redirection of their intracellular trafficking when their substrate becomes available again. The discovery that some of these transporters also act as receptors, or transceptors, suggests that at least part of the sophisticated controls governing the trafficking of these proteins has to do with their signaling function rather than with control of transport. In yeast, the general amino acid permease Gap1 mediates signaling to the protein kinase A pathway. Its endocytic internalization and intracellular trafficking are subject to amino acid control. Other nutrient transceptors controlling this signal transduction pathway appear to be subject to similar trafficking regulation. Transporters with complex regulatory control have also been suggested to function as transceptors in other organisms. Hence, precise regulation of intracellular trafficking in nutrient transporters may be related to the need for tight control of nutrient‐induced signaling.
Co‐expression of Arabidopsis thaliana phytochelatin synthase and Treponema denticola cysteine desulfhydrase for enhanced arsenic accumulation
Authors: Tsai Shen‐Long , Singh Shailendra , DaSilva Nancy A. , Chen Wilfred
Published: September 2011

Arsenic is one of the most hazardous pollutants found in aqueous environments and has been shown to be a carcinogen. Phytochelatins (PCs), which are cysteine‐rich and thio‐reactive peptides, have high binding affinities for various metals including arsenic. Previously, we demonstrated that genetically engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains expressing phytochelatin synthase (AtPCS) produced PCs and accumulated arsenic. In an effort to further improve the overall accumulation of arsenic, cysteine desulfhydrase, an aminotransferase that converts cysteine into hydrogen sulfide under aerobic condition, was co‐expressed in order to promote the formation of larger AsS complexes. Yeast cells producing both AtPCS and cysteine desulfhydrase showed a higher level of arsenic accumulation than a simple cumulative effect of expressing both enzymes, confirming the coordinated action of hydrogen sulfide and PCs in the overall bioaccumulation of arsenic. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:605–608. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Riemannian formulation and comparison of color difference formulas
Authors: Raj Pant Dibakar , Farup Ivar
Published: September 2011

Study of various color difference formulas by the Riemannian approach is useful. By this approach, it is possible to evaluate the performance of various color difference formulas having different color spaces for measuring visual color difference. In this article, the authors present mathematical formulations of CIELAB (ΔE), CIELUV (ΔE), OSA‐UCS (ΔEE) and infinitesimal approximation of CIEDE2000 (ΔE00) as Riemannian metric tensors in a color space. It is shown how such metrics are transformed in other color spaces by means of Jacobian matrices. The coefficients of such metrics give equi‐distance ellipsoids in three dimensions and ellipses in two dimensions. A method is also proposed for comparing the similarity between a pair of ellipses. The technique works by calculating the ratio of the area of intersection and the area of union of a pair of ellipses. The performance of these four color difference formulas is evaluated by comparing computed ellipses with experimentally observed ellipses in the xy chromaticity diagram. The result shows that there is no significant difference between the Riemannized ΔE00 and the ΔEE at small color difference, but they are both notably better than ΔE and ΔE. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011;
An experimental study of discharge partitioning and flow structure at symmetrical bifurcations
Authors: Thomas Robert E. , Parsons Daniel R. , Sandbach Steven D. , Keevil Gareth M. , Marra Wouter A. , Hardy Richard J. , Best James L. , Lane Stuart N. , Ross Jessica A.
Published: September 2011

Recent research has examined the factors controlling the geometrical configuration of bifurcations, determined the range of stability conditions for a number of bifurcation types and assessed the impact of perturbations on bifurcation evolution. However, the flow division process and the parameters that influence flow and sediment partitioning are still poorly characterized. To identify and isolate these parameters, three‐dimensional velocities were measured at 11 cross‐sections in a fixed‐walled experimental bifurcation. Water surface gradients were controlled, and systematically varied, using a weir in each distributary.

As may be expected, the steepest distributary conveyed the most discharge (was dominant) while the mildest distributary conveyed the least discharge (was subordinate). A zone of water surface super‐elevation was co‐located with the bifurcation in symmetric cases or displaced into the subordinate branch in asymmetric cases. Downstream of a relatively acute‐angled bifurcation, primary velocity cores were near to the water surface and against the inner banks, with near‐bed zones of lower primary velocity at the outer banks. Downstream of an obtuse‐angled bifurcation, velocity cores were initially at the outer banks, with near‐bed zones of lower velocities at the inner banks, but patterns soon reverted to match the acute‐angled case. A single secondary flow cell was generated in each distributary, with water flowing inwards at the water surface and outwards at the bed. Circulation was relatively enhanced within the subordinate branch, which may help explain why subordinate distributaries remain open, may play a role in determining the size of commonly‐observed topographic features, and may thus exert some control on the stability of asymmetric bifurcations. Further, because larger values of circulation result from larger gradient disadvantages, the length of confluence–diffluence units in braided rivers or between diffluences within delta distributary networks may vary depending upon flow structures inherited from upstream and whether, and how, they are fed by dominant or subordinate distributaries. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of neuromagnetic brain rhythms over time scales of minutes using spatial independent component analysis
Authors: Ramkumar Pavan , Parkkonen Lauri , Hari Riitta , Hyvärinen Aapo
Published: September 2011

Independent component analysis (ICA) of electroencephalographic (EEG) and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data is usually performed over the temporal dimension: each channel is one row of the data matrix, and a linear transformation maximizing the independence of component time courses is sought. In functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), by contrast, most studies use spatial ICA: each time point constitutes a row of the data matrix, and independence of the spatial patterns is maximized. Here, we show the utility of spatial ICA in characterizing oscillatory neuromagnetic signals. We project the sensor data into cortical space using a standard minimum‐norm estimate and apply a sparsifying transform to focus on oscillatory signals. The resulting method, spatial Fourier‐ICA, provides a concise summary of the spatiotemporal and spectral content of spontaneous neuromagnetic oscillations in cortical source space over time scales of minutes. Spatial Fourier‐ICA applied to resting‐state and naturalistic stimulation MEG data from nine healthy subjects revealed consistent components covering the early visual, somatosensory and motor cortices with spectral peaks at ∼10 and ∼20 Hz. The proposed method seems valuable for inferring functional connectivity, stimulus‐related modulation of rhythmic activity, and their commonalities across subjects from nonaveraged MEG data. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
EASING THE PAIN OF AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN: MACROECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Authors: Dávalos María E. , Fang Hai , French Michael T.
Published: September 2011

Individuals can react to financial stress in a variety of ways, such as reducing discretionary spending or engaging in risky behaviors. This article investigates the effect of changing macroeconomic conditions (measured by the unemployment rate in the state of residence) on one type of risky behavior: excessive alcohol consumption. Using unique and recent panel data from waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) and estimating fixed‐effects models, we find that changes in the unemployment rate are positively related to changes in binge drinking, alcohol‐involved driving, and alcohol abuse and/or dependence. Some differences are present among demographic groups, primarily in the magnitude of the estimated effects. These results contradict previous studies and suggest that problematic drinking may be an indirect and unfortunate consequence of an economic downturn. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prognosis in adenocarcinomas of lower oesophagus, gastro‐oesophageal junction and cardia evaluated by uPAR‐immunohistochemistry
Authors: Lærum Ole Didrik , Ovrebo Kjell , Skarstein Arne , Christensen Ib Jarle , Alpízar‐Alpízar Warner , Helgeland Lars , Danø Keld , Nielsen Boye Schnack , Illemann Martin
Published: September 2011

Adenocarcinomas of lower oesophagus, gastro‐oesophageal junction and cardia in humans are highly invasive tumours with poor prognosis. The localisation of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) was determined in 66 patients; 60 with adenocarcinomas and six cases with Barrett's oesophagus. uPAR was expressed in nearly all cases of invasive adenocarcinomas by populations of cancer cells, macrophages and myofibroblasts at both the invasion front and the tumour core. In areas with high‐grade dysplasia or with Barrett's metaplasia adjacent to the tumour tissue, no uPAR‐immunoreactivity was found. High local expression of uPAR, therefore, appears to be a characteristic marker for invasive behaviour in this tumour, suggesting that uPAR's contribution to matrix degradation during invasive growth is a late event in carcinogenesis. Using a scoring system for semiquantitative estimation of uPAR‐positivity on immmunohistochemically stained specimens, a significant association was found between poor overall survival and high uPAR‐score for cancer cells in the tumour core and for macrophages peripherally at the tumour invasion zone. In multivariate analysis, these two uPAR‐scores were confirmed as highly significant prognostic parameters independent of Tumour, Node, Metastasis (TNM)‐stage and World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The proteolytic action of these malignant and nonmalignant accessory cells thus seemed to follow two main patterns: one dominated by uPAR positive cancer cells and one by uPAR‐positive macrophages. Scoring of uPAR‐positivity might be a useful parameter for onset of invasion and prognosis in these adenocarcinomas.
Comparison of Two Chemicals for Removing an Entocytherid (Ostracoda: Crustacea) Species from Its Host Crayfish (Cambaridae: Crustacea)
Authors: Mestre Alexandre , Monrós Juan Salvador , Mesquita‐Joanes Francesc
Published: September 2011

Entocytherids are epifauna on larger crustaceans. We assessed the effectiveness of chlorobutanol and carbonated water for removing entocytherid, Ankylocythere sinuosa, from crayfish, Procambarus clarkii. This was done using different exposure times and by assessing entocytherid and crayfish survival, together with the number of entocytherids removed. According to our results, chlorobutanol submersion of crayfishes in shorter time periods is more effective for removing entocytherids without killing the crayfish host. However, carbonated water submersion is better to extract larger amounts of living entocytherids. Finally, both chemicals are appropriate tools to establish standardised protocols for removing entocytherids from crayfish for ecological studies because the proportions of removed entocytherids per crayfish become constant whatever the entocytherid load of the crayfish. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Aluminum(III)‐selective PVC Membrane Electrode Based on Salicylaldehyde Salicyloyl Hydrazone
Authors: Liu X. L. , Yuan R. , Xu W. J. , Ma Y. H. , Chai Y. Q.
Published: September 2011

A highly selective PVC membrane electrode for Al3+ based on salicylaldehyde salicyloyl hydrazone as a neutral carrier has been prepared and studied. The sensor exhibits a good response for Al3+ over a linear range of 9.0 × 10‐6 to 1.0 × 10‐1 mol/L, with a Nernstian slope of 20.0 ± 0.2 mV/decade and detection limit of 7.0 × 10‐6 mol/L. Selectivity coefficients determined by the method of separate solution indicate high selectivity for Al3+. The response mechanism was discussed in view of UV‐Vis spectroscopy technique and the A.C. impedance technique. It was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of Al3+ with EDTA and in the determination of Al3+ in real samples. The electrode has a relatively fast response time, long life time and satisfactory stability.
The problem of natural funnel asymmetries: a simulation analysis of meta‐analysis in macroeconomics
Authors: Callot Laurent , Paldam Martin
Published: September 2011

Effect sizes in macroeconomic are estimated by regressions on data published by statistical agencies. Funnel plots are a representation of the distribution of the resulting regression coefficients. They are normally much wider than predicted by the t‐ratio of the coefficients and often asymmetric. The standard method of meta‐analysts in economics assumes that the asymmetries are because of publication bias causing censoring and adjusts the average accordingly. The paper shows that some funnel asymmetries may be ‘natural’ so that they occur without censoring. We investigate such asymmetries by simulating funnels by pairs of data generating processes (DGPs) and estimating models (EMs), in which the EM has the problem that it disregards a property of the DGP. The problems are data dependency, structural breaks, non‐normal residuals, non‐linearity, and omitted variables. We show that some of these problems generate funnel asymmetries. When they do, the standard method often fails. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing errors of wind speed forecasts by an optimal combination of post‐processing methods
Authors: Sweeney Conor P. , Lynch Peter , Nolan Paul
Published: September 2011

Seven adaptive approaches to post‐processing wind speed forecasts are discussed and compared. Forecasts of the wind speed over 48 h are run at horizontal resolutions of 7 and 3 km for a domain centred over Ireland. Forecast wind speeds over a 2 year period are compared to observed wind speeds at seven synoptic stations around Ireland and skill scores calculated. Two automatic methods for combining forecast streams are applied. The forecasts produced by the combined methods give bias and root mean squared errors that are better than the numerical weather prediction forecasts at all station locations. One of the combined forecast methods results in skill scores that are equal to or better than all of its component forecast streams. This method is straightforward to apply and should prove beneficial in operational wind forecasting. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A dual‐primal FETI method for solving a class of fluid–structure interaction problems in the frequency domain
Authors: Li Jing , Farhat Charbel , Avery Philip , Tezaur Radek
Published: September 2011

The dual‐primal finite element tearing and interconnecting method (FETI‐DP) is extended to systems of linear equations arising from a finite element discretization for a class of fluid–structure interaction problems in the frequency domain. A preconditioned generalized minimal residual method is used to solve the linear equations for the Lagrange multipliers introduced on the subdomain boundaries to enforce continuity of the solution. The coupling between the fluid and the structure on the fluid–structure interface requires an appropriate choice of coarse level degrees of freedom in the FETI‐DP algorithm to achieve fast convergence. Several choices are proposed and tested by numerical experiments on three‐dimensional fluid–structure interaction problems in the mid‐frequency regime that demonstrate the greatly improved performance of the proposed algorithm over the standard FETI‐DP method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Drug certainty‐response in interview‐based studies
Authors: Yau Wai‐Ping , Lin Kueiyu Joshua , Werler Martha M. , Louik Carol , Mitchell Allen A. , Hernández‐Díaz Sonia
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Imperfect recall of exposure timing challenges the ascertainment of medications in interview‐based studies.

Methods

We propose an algorithm to classify medication exposure, taking into account recall certainty. The availability of medication use details, including duration of use, start and stop dates, and maternal estimates of how certain they were about these dates, allowed classification of subjects as either likely or possibly exposed in the first trimester of pregnancy. We applied the algorithm to study an association between prenatal tetracycline exposure and risk of congenital heart defects previously reported by the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, using 1993–2008 data from 11 517 subjects in the Slone Epidemiology Center Birth Defects Study.

Results

Among women exposed to tetracyclines during pregnancy (n = 58), 50% and 19% were likely and possibly exposed, respectively, in the first trimester, and 31% were exposed outside the first trimester. Compared with non‐use during pregnancy, the crude OR for exposure outside the first trimester was 1.0 (95%CI 0.4–2.5), and that for exposed (likely or possibly, combined) in the first trimester was 1.7 (95%CI 0.9–3.2); however, the ORs based on the algorithms were 0.9 (95%CI 0.3–3.0) for possibly exposed and 2.2 (95%CI 1.0–4.6) for likely exposed.

Conclusions

A “certainty‐response” (stronger association with higher level of certainty) was found within exposures in the window of etiological interest. Algorithms for exposure classification that incorporate recall certainty may be useful in interview‐based studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Countering hepatitis B virus infection using RNAi: how far are we from the clinic?
Authors: Ivacik Dejana , Ely Abdullah , Arbuthnot Patrick
Published: September 2011

Globally, persistent HBV infection is a significant cause of public health problems. Currently available HBV therapies have variable efficacy and there is a need to develop improved treatment to prevent cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although RNA interference (RNAi)‐based approaches have shown promise, accomplishing safe and sustained silencing by RNAi activators, as well as their efficient delivery to hepatocytes have hampered clinical translation of this very promising technology. Expressed silencers may be produced in a sustained manner from stable DNA templates, which makes them suited to treatment of chronic HBV infection. DNA expression cassettes can be incorporated into both viral and non‐viral vectors, but in vivo delivery of these cassettes with non‐viral vectors is currently inefficient. Synthetic short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which may be chemically modified to improve stability, specificity and efficacy, are more conveniently delivered to their cytoplasmic sites of action with synthetic non‐viral vectors. However, the short duration of action of this class of RNAi activator is a drawback for treatment of chronic HBV infection. Despite the impressive progress that has been made in developing highly effective HBV gene silencers, challenges continue to face implementation of RNAi‐based HBV therapy. This review will discuss the current status of the topic and consider the developments that are required to advance RNAi‐based HBV therapy to clinical application. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long-term effects of a protein-enriched diet on blood pressure in older women
Authors: Hodgson Jonathan M. , Zhu Kun , Lewis Joshua R. , Kerr Deborah , Meng Xingqiong , Solah Vicky , Devine Amanda , Binns Colin W. , Woodman Richard J. , Prince Richard L.
Published: September 2011

Short-term randomised, controlled trials have found that dietary protein relative to carbohydrate can reduce blood pressure. Our objective was to investigate the effects on blood pressure of an increase in protein intake from whey over 2 years in women aged over 70 years. From the general population, 219 women aged between 70 and 80 years were recruited to a 2-year randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-design trial: 181 women completed the trial to the end of year 2. Participants were randomly assigned to consume a daily whey protein-based beverage (protein) or an energy-matched low-protein high-carbohydrate beverage (control). Blood pressure measurements were performed at baseline, year 1 and year 2. For protein relative to control, the estimated mean net differences in protein and carbohydrate intakes were 18 (95 % CI 13, 23) and − 22 (95 % CI − 9, − 35) g/d at year 1, and 22 (95 % CI 17, 28) and − 18 (95 % CI − 6, − 31) g/d at year 2. Intention-to-treat analysis found no overall differences between groups in blood pressure (P>0·5). Net differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were − 2·3 (95 % CI − 5·3, 0·7) and − 1·5 (95 % CI − 3·6, 0·6) mmHg at year 1, and 1·6 (95 % CI − 1·5, 4·7) and 0·3 (95 % CI − 1·9, 2·4) mmHg at year 2. Similar differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure at years 1 and 2 were observed with per-protocol analysis. Therefore, the present study did not provide evidence that a higher whey protein intake in older women can have prolonged effects on blood pressure.
EFFICIENT TILLAGE AND NUTRIENT PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE PEARL MILLET PRODUCTIVITY IN DIFFERENT SOIL AND AGRO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Authors: MARUTHI SANKAR G. R. , MISHRA P. K. , SHARMA K. L. , SINGH S. P. , NEMA A. K. , KATHMALE D. K. , UPADHYE S. K. , SIDHPURIA M. S. , OSMAN M. , RAVINDRA CHARY G. , KUSUMA GRACE J. , VENKATESWARLU B. , SINGH A. K.
Published: September 2011

Long-term field experiments were conducted at Agra, Solapur and Hisar from 2000 to 2008 to identify efficient tillage and nutrient management practices and to develop predictive models that would describe the relationship between crop yields and monthly rainfall for rainfed pearl millet grown on arid and semi-arid Inceptisol, Vertisol and Aridisol soils. Nine treatments comprising a factorial combination of three tillage practices, viz., conventional tillage (CT), low tillage + interculture (LT1) and low tillage + herbicide (LT2) and three fertilizer treatments viz., 100% N from an organic source (F1), 50% organic N + 50% inorganic N (F2) and 100% inorganic N (F3) were tested in a split-plot design at the three locations. Studies revealed that tillage and fertilizer treatments, and their interactions, significantly influenced pearl millet grain yields at the three locations. Prediction models describing the relation between grain yield and monthly rainfall indicated that rainfall occurring in June, July and August at Agra; June and July at Solapur; and June and August at Hisar significantly influenced pearl millet grain yield attained by different treatments. The R2 values of the model ranged from 0.64 to 0.81 at Agra; 0.63 to 0.92 at Solapur, and 0.75 to 0.89 at Hisar. When averaged over all the treatment combinations, mean pearl millet grain yields varied from 1590 to 1744 kg ha−1 at Agra; 1424 to 1786 kg ha−1 at Solapur; and 1675 to 1766 kg ha−1 at Hisar while their corresponding sustainability yield indice (SYI) varied from 35.4 to 42.2%, 19.9 to 45.6% and 64.1 to 68.3%, respectively. At Agra (Inceptisol), CTF3 resulted in significantly higher mean net returns (Rs 11 439 ha−1), benefit-cost ratio (2.33), rainwater use efficiency (RWUE) (3.52 kg ha−1 mm−1) and the second best SYI (39.9%). At Solapur (Vertisol), the LT1F3 resulted in significantly higher net returns (Rs 12 818 ha−1), benefit-cost ratio (3.52), RWUE (3.89 kg ha−1 mm−1) and the fourth best SYI (42.6%). At Hisar (Aridisol), the LT1F3 treatment gave higher net returns (Rs 3866 ha−1), benefit-cost ratio (1.26), RWUE (5.05 kg ha−1 mm−1) and the fourth best SYI (67.8%). These treatment combinations can be recommended for their respective locations to achieve maximum RWUE, productivity and profitability.