bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2014 ASPA Teaching and Learning Conference
Authors: Mealy Kimberly A.
Published: December 2013

APSA is looking forward to the 2014 APSA Teaching and Learning Conference (TLC). Registration opened in November 2013, including a new graduate student rate. The theme of the meeting is “Teaching Inclusively: Integrating Multiple Approaches into the Curriculum.” The meeting will be held on February 7–9, 2014 in Philadelphia. This will be the 11th annual meeting of the teaching conference.
Kaluza-Klein Multidimensional Models with Ricci-Flat Internal Spaces: The Absence of the KK Particles
Authors: Chopovsky Alexey , Eingorn Maxim , Zhuk Alexander
Published: December 2013

We consider a multidimensional Kaluza-Klein (KK) model with a Ricci-flat internal space, for example, a Calabi-Yau manifold. We perturb this background metrics by a system of gravitating masses, for example, astrophysical objects such as our Sun. We suppose that these masses are pressureless in the external space but they have relativistic pressure in the internal space. We show that metric perturbations do not depend on coordinates of the internal space and gravitating masses should be uniformly smeared over the internal space. This means, first, that KK modes corresponding to the metric fluctuations are absent and, second, particles should be only in the ground quantum state with respect to the internal space. In our opinion, these results look very unnatural. According to statistical physics, any nonzero temperature should result in fluctuations, that is, in KK modes. We also get formulae for the metric correction terms which enable us to calculate the gravitational tests: the deflection of light, the time-delay of the radar echoes, and the perihelion advance.
A Hybrid Genetic‐Simulated Annealing Algorithm for the Location‐Inventory‐Routing Problem Considering Returns under E‐Supply Chain Environment
Authors: Li Yanhui , Guo Hao , Wang Lin , Fu Jing
Published: December 2013

Facility location, inventory control, and vehicle routes scheduling are critical and highly related problems in the design of logistics system for e‐business. Meanwhile, the return ratio in Internet sales was significantly higher than in the traditional business. Many of returned merchandise have no quality defects, which can reenter sales channels just after a simple repackaging process. Focusing on the existing problem in e‐commerce logistics system, we formulate a location‐inventory‐routing problem model with no quality defects returns. To solve this NP‐hard problem, an effective hybrid genetic simulated annealing algorithm (HGSAA) is proposed. Results of numerical examples show that HGSAA outperforms GA on computing time, optimal solution, and computing stability. The proposed model is very useful to help managers make the right decisions under e‐supply chain environment.
Analysis of Visual Appearance of Retinal Nerve Fibers in High Resolution Fundus Images: A Study on Normal Subjects
Authors: Kolar Radim , Tornow Ralf P. , Laemmer Robert , Odstrcilik Jan , Mayer Markus A. , Gazarek Jiri , Jan Jiri , Kubena Tomas , Cernosek Pavel
Published: December 2013

The retinal ganglion axons are an important part of the visual system, which can be directly observed by fundus camera. The layer they form together inside the retina is the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). This paper describes results of a texture RNFL analysis in color fundus photographs and compares these results with quantitative measurement of RNFL thickness obtained from optical coherence tomography on normal subjects. It is shown that local mean value, standard deviation, and Shannon entropy extracted from the green and blue channel of fundus images are correlated with corresponding RNFL thickness. The linear correlation coefficients achieved values 0.694, 0.547, and 0.512 for respective features measured on 439 retinal positions in the peripapillary area from 23 eyes of 15 different normal subjects.
A Model to Describe the Dynamic Influence Length of the Vehicles on the Main Road at the Upstream Sections of Off-Street Parking Access
Authors: Shejun Deng , Jun Chen
Published: December 2013

We research into the upstream sections of off-street parking access in the city. When the parking car turns right from the main road of the rightest lanes into the access, the vehicles which are the upstream of the access on the main road may be affected and the influence length can be presented as two parts: one is the deceleration distance of the parking car and the other is the propagation distance of traffic wave caused by the following vehicles. By the way of theoretical analysis and field investigation, we present a model that represents the dynamic influence length under the condition of different entering time and moderate saturation. Parameters were specialized to represent the characters of parking car and the vehicles following it, including park entering time and speed variation rate. Some conclusions were drawn by contrasting the simulation of VISSIM 5.3 and the model. First, when entering time was between 4 s to 8 s, saturation and the influence length were in inverse proportion; while the entering time was more than 8 s, saturation and the influence length were in direct proportion. Second, when the saturation was between 0.46 and −0.5 and entering time was between 4 s and 15 s, parking car had no effect on the vehicles. Third, when the saturation was more than 0.6 and entering time was more than 9 s, the effect of parking car on the vehicle's influential length increased significantly.
Effect ofCrataegusUsage in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: An Evidence-Based Approach
Authors: Wang Jie , Xiong Xingjiang , Feng Bo
Published: December 2013

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) is a widely used Chinese herb for treatment of gastrointestinal ailments and heart problems and consumed as food. In North America, the role of treatment for heart problems dates back to 1800. Currently, evidence is accumulating from various in vivo and in vitro studies that hawthorn extracts exert a wide range of cardiovascular pharmacological properties, including antioxidant activity, positive inotropic effect, anti-inflammatory effect, anticardiac remodeling effect, antiplatelet aggregation effect, vasodilating effect, endothelial protective effect, reduction of smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation, protective effect against ischemia/reperfusion injury, antiarrhythmic effect, lipid-lowering effect and decrease of arterial blood pressure effect. On the other hand, reviews of placebo-controlled trials have reported both subjective and objective improvement in patients with mild forms of heart failure (NYHA I–III), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. This paper discussed the underlying pharmacology mechanisms in potential cardioprotective effects and elucidated the clinical applications ofCrataegusand its various extracts.
Coefficient Estimates for Initial Taylor‐Maclaurin Coefficients for a Subclass of Analytic and Bi‐Univalent Functions Defined by Al‐Oboudi Differential Operator
Authors: Bulut Serap
Published: December 2013

We introduce and investigate an interesting subclass of analytic and bi‐univalent functions in the open unit disk 𝕌. For functions belonging to the class , we obtain estimates on the first two Taylor‐Maclaurin coefficients |a2| and |a3|.
Intercomparison of Vertical Structure of Storms Revealed by Ground‐Based (NMQ) and Spaceborne Radars (CloudSat‐CPR and TRMM‐PR)
Authors: Fall Veronica M. , Cao Qing , Hong Yang
Published: December 2013

Spaceborne radars provide great opportunities to investigate the vertical structure of clouds and precipitation. Two typical spaceborne radars for such a study are the W‐band Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) and Ku‐band Precipitation Radar (PR), which are onboard NASA’s CloudSat and TRMM satellites, respectively. Compared to S‐band ground‐based radars, they have distinct scattering characteristics for different hydrometeors in clouds and precipitation. The combination of spaceborne and ground‐based radar observations can help in the identification of hydrometeors and improve the radar‐based quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE). This study analyzes the vertical structure of the 18 January, 2009 storm using data from the CloudSat CPR, TRMM PR, and a NEXRAD‐based National Mosaic and Multisensor QPE (NMQ) system. Microphysics above, within, and below the melting layer are studied through an intercomparison of multifrequency measurements. Hydrometeors’ type and their radar scattering characteristics are analyzed. Additionally, the study of the vertical profile of reflectivity (VPR) reveals the brightband properties in the cold‐season precipitation and its effect on the radar‐based QPE. In all, the joint analysis of spaceborne and ground‐based radar data increases the understanding of the vertical structure of storm systems and provides a good insight into the microphysical modeling for weather forecasts.
Radiobiology of Radiosurgery for the Central Nervous System
Authors: Santacroce Antonio , Kamp Marcel A. , Budach Wilfried , Hänggi Daniel
Published: December 2013

According to Leksell radiosurgery is defined as “the delivery of a single, high dose of irradiation to a small and critically located intracranial volume through the intact skull.” Before its birth in the early 60s and its introduction in clinical therapeutic protocols in late the 80s dose application in radiation therapy of the brain for benign and malignant lesions was based on the administration of cumulative dose into a variable number of fractions. The rationale of dose fractionation is to lessen the risk of injury of normal tissue surrounding the target volume. Radiobiological studies of cell culture lines of malignant tumors and clinical experience with patients treated with conventional fractionated radiotherapy helped establishing this radiobiological principle. Radiosurgery provides a single high dose of radiation which translates into a specific toxic radiobiological response. Radiobiological investigations to study the effect of high dose focused radiation on the central nervous system began in late the 50s. It is well known currently that radiobiological principles applied for dose fractionation are not reproducible when single high dose of ionizing radiation is delivered. A review of the literature about radiobiology of radiosurgery for the central nervous system is presented.
A Review of Forest Resources and Forest Biodiversity Evaluation System in China
Authors: Wu Jinzhuo , Lin Wenshu , Peng Xuanyi , Liu Weiguo
Published: December 2013

China is a country rich in diverse forest ecosystems due to the large span of the country, complex topography, and multiple climate regimes. In this paper, the basic information of forest resources in China was briefly introduced and the current state in the measurements of forest biodiversity and the establishment of forest biodiversity index systems in related studies were reviewed. The results showed that a lot of studies on forest biodiversity have been conducted mostly at landscape or stand level in China and the commonly used biodiversity indicators were identified and compared. Several comprehensive forest biodiversity index systems were proposed. However, there are still some problems during the construction of forest biodiversity assessment system. Due to the late establishment of biodiversity monitoring system in China, the availability of data that could be included in a forest biodiversity index system is limited, which hurdles the precise assessment of forest biodiversity. It is suggested to develop long-term monitoring stations and keep data recording consistently. Concerns should also be given to the construction of the framework of the forest biodiversity index system and the determination of the indicators’ weight. The results will provide reference for the establishment of national or regional forest biodiversity evaluation indicator systems in China.
Characterizing Derivations on Von Neumann Algebras by Local Actions
Authors: Qi Xiaofei , Ji Jia
Published: December 2013

Letℳbe any von Neumann algebra without central summands of typeI1andPa core-free projection with the central carrierI. For any scalarξ, it is shown that every additive mapLonℳsatisfiesL(AB-ξBA)=L(A)B-ξBL(A)+AL(B)-ξL(B)AwheneverAB=Pif and only if (1)ξ=1,L=φ+h, whereφis an additive derivation andhis a central valued additive map vanishing onAB-BAwithAB=P; (2)ξ≠1,Lis a derivation withL(ξA)=ξL(A)for eachA∈ℳ.
Cascading Dynamics of Heterogenous Scale-Free Networks with Recovery Mechanism
Authors: Li Shudong , Jia Zhongtian , Li Aiping , Li Lixiang , Liu Xinran , Yang Yixian
Published: December 2013

In network security, how to use efficient response methods against cascading failures of complex networks is very important. In this paper, concerned with the highest-load attack (HL) and random attack (RA) on one edge, we define five kinds of weighting strategies to assign the external resources for recovering the edges from cascading failures in heterogeneous scale-free (SF) networks. The influence of external resources, the tolerance parameter, and the different weighting strategies on SF networks against cascading failures is investigated carefully. We find that, under HL attack, the fourth kind of weighting method can more effectively improve the integral robustness of SF networks, simultaneously control the spreading velocity, and control the outburst of cascading failures in SF networks than other methods. Moreover, the third method is optimal if we only knew the local structure of SF networks and the uniform assignment is the worst. The simulations of the real-world autonomous system in, Internet have also supported our findings. The results are useful for using efficient response strategy against the emergent accidents and controlling the cascading failures in the real-world networks.
Exploitation of Bacterial Activities in Mineral Industry and Environmental Preservation: An Overview
Authors: Seifelnassr Ahmed A. S. , Abouzeid Abdel-Zaher M.
Published: December 2013

Since the identification and characterization of iron and sulfur oxidizing bacteria in the 1940s, a rapid progress is being made in minerals engineering based on biological activities. Microorganisms can play a beneficial role in all facets of minerals processing, from mining to waste disposal and management. Some of the applications, such as biologically assisted leaching of copper sulfide ores, uranium ores, and biooxidation of refractory sulfide gold ores, are now established on the scale of commercial processes. A variety of other bioleaching opportunities exist for nickel, cobalt, cadmium, and zinc sulfide leaching. Recently, other uses of microorganisms are potentially possible. These include the bioleaching of nonsulfide ores, bioflotation, and bioflocculation of minerals, and bioremediation of toxic chemicals discharged from mineral engineering operations. These activities acquire considerable opportunities for further research and development in these areas. This paper is an attempt to provide a critical summary on the most important efforts in the area of bacterial activities in the mineral and mining industry.
Severe Skin Forms of Psoriasis in Black Africans: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Histological Aspects Related to 56 Cases
Authors: Kassi Komenan , Mienwoley Oussou Armel , Kouyate Mohamed , Koui Sylvanus , Kouassi Kouame A.
Published: December 2013

Bacground. Psoriasis is an erythematosquamous dermatosis of chronic development. In sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have been focused on complicated forms of psoriasis.Objective. The aim is to describe epidemiological, clinical, and histological features of severe skin forms of psoriasis in Cote d’Ivoire.Material and Methods. The study was both cross-sectional and descriptive, that focused on patient admitted to the dermatology unit for complicated psoriasis, from January 1st, 1986, to December 31th, 2007.Results. Fifty-six patients admitted to hospital for severe skin forms of psoriasis were recorded and included in our study over 7.503 patients hospitalized during the study period. They represented 0.75% of cases. The average age was 39.6 ± 3.3 years. There were 49 male (87.5%) and 7 female patients (12.5%) with a sex ratio of 7. At socioprofessional level, 48 patients (87.5%) were from category 1. Patients’ history was dominated by the psoriasis vulgaris. Physical and general signs were dominated by itching (58.9%). The three severe skin forms were observed with predominant erythrodermic psoriasis (60.7%). Fifteen patients (34.9%) were HIV positive.Conclusion. Severe skin forms of psoriasis are rare in our setting. But in the quarter of HIV-positive patients, they are dominated by the erythrodermic psoriasis.
A Comparison of Tumor Biology in Primary Ductal CarcinomaIn SituRecurring as Invasive Carcinoma versus a NewIn Situ
Authors: Zhou Wenjing , Johansson Christine , Jirström Karin , Ringberg Anita , Blomqvist Carl , Amini Rose-Marie , Fjallskog Marie-Louise , Wärnberg Fredrik
Published: December 2013

Introduction. About half of all new ipsilateral events after a primary ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS) are invasive carcinoma. We studied tumor markers in the primary DCIS in relation to type of event (invasive versusin situ).Methods. Two hundred and sixty-six women with a primary DCIS from two source populations, all with a known ipsilateral event, were included. All new events were regarded as recurrences. Patient and primary tumor characteristics (estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, EGFR, and Ki67) were evaluated. Logistic regression was used to calculate odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals in univariate and multivariate analyses.Results. One hundred and thirty-six of the recurrences were invasive carcinoma and 130 werein situ. The recurrence was more often invasive if the primary DCIS was ER+ (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.1). Primary DCIS being HER2+ (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.9), EGFR+ (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.9), and ER95−/HER2+ (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1–0.6) had a lower risk of a recurrence being invasive.Conclusions. In this study, comparing type of recurrence after a DCIS showed that the ER−/HER2+ tumors were related to a recurrence being a new DCIS. And surprisingly, tumors being ER+, HER2−, and EGFR− were related to a recurrence being invasive cancer.
Interleukin 1-β, Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist, and Interleukin 18 in Children with Acute Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Machura E. , Szczepańska M. , Mazur B. , Barć-Czarnecka M. , Kasperska-Zając A.
Published: December 2013

Very little is known about the role of interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in urticaria.Material and Methods. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and IL-18 were measured in 56 children with urticaria and in 41 healthy subjects.Results. Serum IL-1βdid not differ between children with acute urticaria and controls. Children with single episode of urticaria had higher levels of IL-1RA and IL-18 than healthy subjects. In children with single episode of urticaria, level of IL-1RA correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and IL-1βlevels. In subjects with recurrence of urticaria IL-1RA was positively correlated with WBC and D-dimer levels. No correlation of cytokine levels and urticaria severity scores (UAS) in all children with urticaria was observed. In children with single episode of urticaria UAS correlated with CRP level. In the group with single episode of urticaria and in children with symptoms of upper respiratory infection, IL-1RA and IL-18 levels were higher than in controls. The former was higher than in noninfected children with urticaria. In conclusion, this preliminary study documents that serum IL-1RA and IL-18 levels are increased in some children with acute urticaria. However further studies are necessary to define a pathogenic role of IL-1β, IL-1RA, and IL-18 in urticaria.
Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Control for a Class of Nonaffine Nonlinear Systems with Uncertainty
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yu Hongliang , Wang Xiaohong
Published: December 2013

This paper is concerned with an integral terminal sliding mode tracking control for a class of uncertain nonaffine nonlinear systems. Firstly, the nonaffine nonlinear systems is approximated to facilitate the desired control design via a novel dynamic modeling technique. Next, for the unmeasured disturbance of nonlinear systems, integral terminal sliding mode disturbance observer is presented. The developed disturbance observer can guarantee the disturbance approximation error to converge to zero in the finite time. Subsequently, based on approximated nonlinear model and the designed disturbance observer, the integral terminal sliding mode tracking control is presented for nonaffine nonlinear systems with uncertainty. Different from traditional terminal sliding-mode control, this paper accomplishes finite convergence time for nonaffine nonlinear systems and avoids the singular problem in the controller design. Furthermore, the control system is forced to start on the terminal sliding hyperplane, so that the reaching time of the sliding modes is eliminated. Finally, two numerical simulation results are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Biomass Combustion Control and Stabilization Using Low-Cost Sensors
Authors: Piteľ Ján , Mižáková Jana , Hošovský Alexander
Published: December 2013

The paper describes methods for biomass combustion process control and burning stabilization based on low-cost sensing of carbon monoxide emissions and oxygen concentration in the flue gas. The designed control system was tested on medium-scale biomass-fired boilers and some results are evaluated and presented in the paper.
Effect of Cooling Rate on the Microstructure of Al-Zn Alloys with Addition of Silicon as Nanocomposite
Authors: García-Villarreal S. , Arizmendi-Morquecho A. , Chávez-Valdez A. , Aguilar-Martínez J. A. , Esneider-Alcalá M. A. , Falcón-Franco L.
Published: December 2013

Al-43.5Zn-1.5Si (wt%) alloys are widely used as coatings on steel substrates. This kind of coatings is manufactured by hot-dip process, in which Si is added as solid particles or master alloy. The role of Si during formation of the coating is to control the metallurgical reactions between solid steel and liquid Al-Zn-Si alloy initially forming an AlZnFeSi intermetallic layer and next the excess of Si forms intermetallic compounds, which grows over this alloy layer, segregates into the Zn rich interdendritic regions, and solidifies as eutectic reaction product as massive particles with needle like morphology. Therefore, during the experimental procedure is very difficult to control the final morphology and distribution of the silicon phase. The acicular morphology of this phase greatly affects the mechanical properties of the alloy because it acts as stress concentrators. When the coated steel sheet is subjected to bending, the coating presents huge cracks due to the presence of silicon phase. Therefore, the aim of the paper was to propose a new methodology to control the silicon phase through its addition to Al-Zn alloy as nanocomposite and additionally determine the effect of cooling rate (between 10 and 50°Cs−1) on the solidification microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Zn alloy.
Stochastic Analysis of a Hassell-Varley Type Predation Model
Authors: Rao Feng , Jiang Shunjun , Li Yanqiu , Liu Hao
Published: December 2013

We investigate a Hassell-Varley type predator-prey model with stochastic perturbations. By perturbing the growth rate of prey population and death rate of predator population with white noise terms, we construct a stochastic differential equation model to discuss the effects of the environmental noise on the dynamical behaviors. Applying the comparison theorem of stochastic equations and Itô’s formula, the unique positive global solution to the model for any positive initial value is obtained. We find out some sufficient conditions for stochastically asymptotically boundedness, permanence, persistence in mean and extinction of the solution. Furthermore, a series of numerical simulations to illustrate our mathematical findings are presented. The results indicate that the stochastic perturbations do not cause drastic changes of the dynamics in the deterministic model when the noise intensity is small under some conditions, but while the noise intensity is sufficiently large, the species may die out, which does not happen in the deterministic model.
Atrophy and Primary Somatosensory Cortical Reorganization after Unilateral Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: A Longitudinal Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Rao Jia-Sheng , Manxiu Ma , Zhao Can , Xi Yue , Yang Zhao-Yang , Zuxiang Liu , Li Xiao-Guang
Published: December 2013

The effects of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) on the changes in the central nervous system (CNS) over time may depend on the dynamic interaction between the structural integrity of the spinal cord and the capacity of the brain plasticity. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used in a longitudinal study on five rhesus monkeys to observe cerebral activation during upper limb somatosensory tasks in healthy animals and after unilateral thoracic SCI. The changes in the spinal cord diameters were measured, and the correlations among time after the lesion, structural changes in the spinal cord, and primary somatosensory cortex (S1) reorganization were also determined. After SCI, activation of the upper limb in S1 shifted to the region which generally dominates the lower limb, and the rostral spinal cord transverse diameter adjacent to the lesion exhibited obvious atrophy, which reflects the SCI-induced changes in the CNS. A significant correlation was found among the time after the lesion, the spinal cord atrophy, and the degree of contralateral S1 reorganization. The results indicate the structural changes in the spinal cord and the dynamic reorganization of the cerebral activation following early SCI stage, which may help to further understand the neural plasticity in the CNS.
Site-Specific Distribution of CD68-Positive Microglial Cells in the Brains of Human Midterm Fetuses: A Topographical Relationship with Growing Axons
Authors: Cho Kwang Ho , Cheong Jin Sung , Kim Ji Hyun , Abe Hiroshi , Murakami Gen , Cho Baik Hwan
Published: December 2013

Using 5 fetuses of gestational age (GA) of 15-16 weeks and 4 of GA of 22–25 weeks, we examined site- and stage-dependent differences in CD68-positive microglial cell distribution in human fetal brains. CD68 positive cells were evident in the floor of the fourth ventricle and the pons and olive at 15-16 weeks, accumulating in and around the hippocampus at 22–25 weeks. At both stages, the accumulation of these cells was evident around the optic tract and the anterior limb of the internal capsule. When we compared CD68-positive cell distribution with the topographical anatomy of GAP43-positive developing axons, we found that positive axons were usually unaccompanied by CD68-positive cells, except in the transpontine corticofugal tract and the anterior limb of the internal capsule. Likewise, microglial cell distribution did not correspond with habenulointerpeduncular tract. Therefore, the distribution of CD68-positive cells during normal brain development may not reflect a supportive role of these microglia in axonogenesis of midterm human fetuses.
The Retentivity of Chaos under Topological Conjugation
Authors: Lu Tianxiu , Zhu Peiyong , Wu Xinxing
Published: December 2013

The definitions of Devaney chaos (DevC), exact Devaney chaos (EDevC), mixing Devaney chaos (MDevC), and weak mixing Devaney chaos (WMDevC) are extended to topological spaces. This paper proves that these chaotic properties are all preserved under topological conjugation. Besides, an example is given to show that the Li-Yorke chaos is not preserved under topological conjugation if the domain is extended to a general metric space.
A Discrete-Time UnreliableGeo/G/1Retrial Queue with Balking Customers, Second Optional Service, and General Retrial Times
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhu Zhifeng
Published: December 2013

This paper deals with the steady-state behavior of a discrete-time unreliableGeo/G/1retrial queueing system with balking customers and second optional service. The server may break down randomly while serving the customers. If the server breaks down, the server is sent to be repaired immediately. We analyze the Markov chain underlying the considered system and its ergodicity condition. Then, we obtain some performance measures based on the generating functions. Moreover, a stochastic decomposition result of the system size is investigated. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effect of some parameters on main performance measures of the system.
Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Pathogenesis of Radiocontrast-Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Pisani Antonio , Riccio Eleonora , Andreucci Michele , Faga Teresa , Ashour Michael , Di Nuzzi Antonella , Mancini Aldo , Sabbatini Massimo
Published: December 2013

In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated enhanced hypoxia and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the kidney following the administration of iodinated contrast media, which play a relevant role in the development of contrast media-induced nephropathy. Many studies indeed support this possibility, suggesting a protective effect of ROS scavenging or reduced ROS formation with the administration of N-acetylcysteine and bicarbonate infusion, respectively. Furthermore, most risk factors, predisposing to contrast-induced nephropathy, are prone to enhanced renal parenchymal hypoxia and ROS formation. In this review, the association of renal hypoxia and ROS-mediated injury is outlined. Generated during contrast-induced renal parenchymal hypoxia, ROS may exert direct tubular and vascular endothelial injury and might further intensify renal parenchymal hypoxia by virtue of endothelial dysfunction and dysregulation of tubular transport. Preventive strategies conceivably should include inhibition of ROS generation or ROS scavenging.
Intersections of Translation of a Class of Self-Affine Sets
Authors: Lu Jian , Zou Yuru , Wang Lijing
Published: December 2013

Intersections of translation of a class of self-affine sets are investigated by constructing sofic affine-invariant sets which coincide with these sets and then a scheme for computing the Hausdorff dimensions of these intersections is given.
Conservative Management of Major Liver Necrosis after Angioembolization in a Patient with Blunt Trauma
Authors: Abdelrahman Husham , Ajaj Ahmad , Atique Sajid , El-Menyar Ayman , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: December 2013

Management of liver injury is challenging particularly for the advanced grades. Increased utility of nonoperative management strategies increases the risk of developing massive liver necrosis (MLN). We reported a case of a 19-year-old male who presented with a history of motor vehicle crash. Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed large liver laceration (Grade 4) with blush and moderate free hemoperitoneum in 3 quadrants. Patient was managed nonoperatively by angioembolization. Two anomalies in hepatic arteries origin were reported and both vessels were selectively cannulated and bilateral gel foam embolization was achieved successfully. The patient developed MLN which was successfully treated conservatively. The follow-up CT showed progressive resolution of necrotic areas with fluid replacement and showed remarkable regeneration of liver tissues. We assume that patients with high-grade liver injuries could be managed successfully with a carefully designed protocol. Special attention should be given to the potential major associated complications. A tailored multidisciplinary approach to manage the subsequent complications would represent the best recommended strategy for favorable outcomes.
Occult Bacteraemia and Aortic Graft Infection: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Authors: Trautt E. , Thomas S. , Ghosh J. , Newton P. , Cockcroft A.
Published: December 2013

We report a case of late-onset aortic prosthetic vascular graft infection. We stress the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for any patient presenting with fever on the background of in situ prosthetic material. We present the difficulties in managing these extremely complicated, often life and limb threatening infections and suggest that a multidisciplinary team approach, involving specialist centre referral, may be key to success. We highlight the difficulties in diagnosing late-onset PVGI, where presentation can be subacute with subtle signs and confusing microbiology. In this case the presentation was pyrexia of unknown origin with multiple positive blood cultures isolating a variety of gut-associated organisms;a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
First Trimester Typhoid Fever with Vertical Transmission ofSalmonellaTyphi, an Intracellular Organism
Authors: Vigliani Marguerite B. , Bakardjiev Anna I.
Published: December 2013

We report a case in which placental abruption occurred at 16 weeks following first trimester diagnosis and treatment for typhoid fever. UnexpectedlySalmonella entericaserovar Typhi (S.Typhi) was found in fetal tissues at autopsy. Using information from the murine model of typhoid fever in pregnancy, we draw parallels betweenS.Typhi andL. monocytogenesto develop a plausible hypothesis to explain how this organism was able to cross the placenta in the first trimester to cause abruption, inflammation, and expulsion of the fetus and placenta. We hope that this model for understanding placental infections by the hematogenous route helps to raise awareness that organisms not typically associated with TORCH infection can nevertheless cause placental infection and pregnancy loss.
Performance of commercial dengue NS1 ELISA and molecular analysis of NS1 gene of dengue viruses obtained during surveillance in Indonesia
Authors: Aryati Aryati , Trimarsanto Hidayat , Yohan Benediktus , Wardhani Puspa , Fahri Sukmal , Sasmono R Tedjo
Published: December 2013

Background

Early diagnosis of dengue infection is crucial for better management of the disease. Diagnostic tests based on the detection of dengue virus (DENV) Non Structural Protein 1 (NS1) antigen are commercially available with different sensitivities and specificities observed in various settings. Dengue is endemic in Indonesia and clinicians are increasingly using the NS1 detection for dengue confirmation. This study described the performance of Panbio Dengue Early NS1 and IgM Capture ELISA assays for dengue detection during our surveillance in eight cities in Indonesia as well as the genetic diversity of DENV NS1 genes and its relationship with the NS1 detection.

Methods

The NS1 and IgM/IgG ELISA assays were used for screening and confirmation of dengue infection during surveillance in 2010–2012. Collected serum samples (n = 440) were subjected to RT-PCR and virus isolation, in which 188 samples were confirmed for dengue infection. The positivity of the ELISA assays were correlated with the RT-PCR results to obtain the sensitivity of the assays. The NS1 genes of 48 Indonesian virus isolates were sequenced and their genetic characteristics were studied.

Results

Using molecular data as gold standard, the sensitivity of NS1 ELISA assay for samples from Indonesia was 56.4% while IgM ELISA was 73.7%. When both NS1 and IgM results were combined, the sensitivity increased to 89.4%. The NS1 sensitivity varied when correlated with city/geographical origins and DENV serotype, in which the lowest sensitivity was observed for DENV-4 (19.0%). NS1 sensitivity was higher in primary (67.6%) compared to secondary infection (48.2%). The specificity of NS1 assay for non-dengue samples were 100%. The NS1 gene sequence analysis of 48 isolates revealed the presence of polymorphisms of the NS1 genes which apparently did not influence the NS1 sensitivity.

Conclusions

We observed a relatively low sensitivity of NS1 ELISA for dengue detection on RT-PCR-positive dengue samples. The detection rate increased significantly when NS1 data was combined with IgM. In our study, the low sensitivity of NS1 antigen detection did not relate to NS1 genetic diversity. Rather, the performance of the NS1 antigen test was affected by the infection status of patients and geographical origin of samples.
THE IMPACT OF CHINESE BUSINESS ON MARKET ENTRY IN GHANA AND SENEGAL
Authors: Marfaing Laurence , Thiel Alena
Published: December 2013

In this article we analyse the currently observable changes in the norms and orders that regulate market entry in the Ghanaian and Senegalese trade sectors. We portray the three distinct ways in which – facilitated by the presence of independent Chinese migrants – previously excluded actors are now able to enter the market, without needing to rely on the networks that typically mediate access to start-up capital needs – such as selling space, marketing skills and, not least, capital stock. Creatively appropriating the new situation, these previously excluded actors have thus found in the Chinese presence a means of bypassing restrictive economic, social and religious networks. In-depth ethnographic fieldwork in 2011 and 2012 has revealed that while aspiring traders from Ghana and Senegal applaud the newly opened pathways to gainful economic activity, more established local merchants in the urban centres of both countries feel and express, in contrast, a discontent with the growing Chinese presence – as they see their role as gatekeepers of the market order being increasingly undermined.
‘TARMACKING’ IN THE MILLENNIUM CITY: SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL TRAJECTORIES OF EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN KISUMU, KENYA
Authors: Prince Ruth J.
Published: December 2013

Over the past fifteen years, the city of Kisumu in western Kenya has emerged as an epicentre of ‘global health’ interventions, organized by non-governmental and transnational groups. These interventions involve concrete, practical engagements with the city's populations, but also imaginations and desires, as they intersect with residents’ expectations of development. This article follows the hopes, aspirations and trajectories of people who attach themselves as volunteers to these interventions, or who hope to do so through a process they describe as ‘tarmacking’. In exploring how volunteers orient themselves to ideas of ‘empowerment’ that are promoted by NGOs and also have influence outside institutional settings, it examines the relations between the landscapes of intervention, the spatial-temporal horizons, and the geographies of responsibility emergent in the city. Through its association with ‘moving ahead’ and with development, empowerment implies movement towards some kind of future. While there is a widely shared sense among volunteers that they are going somewhere, just where that might be is not clearly articulated. Rather than attempt to pinpoint this destination, this article follows their trajectories in an attempt to grasp why and how it remains obscure.
STUCK IN RUINS, OR UP AND COMING? THE SHIFTING GEOGRAPHY OF URBAN PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH IN KISUMU, KENYA
Authors: Geissler P. Wenzel
Published: December 2013

Since the Second World War, the Kenyan city of Kisumu has been an important site of medical research and public health interventions – on malaria and other vector-borne diseases, and lately on HIV and related infections. This article compares the work and lives of two generations of local workers in public health research, each central to science in the city at their time: staff of the Ministry of Health's Division of Vector Borne Disease (DVBD) in the decades after independence, and temporary employees of the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in its collaboration with the US government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the early twenty-first century. Against the backdrop of changes to the city, which stagnated during the 1970s and 1980s, became an epicentre of the East African AIDS epidemic, and underwent an economic boom of sorts from the late 1990s – at least partly driven by HIV research and intervention programmes – the article examines the spaces and movements of health research workers, and their experience of the city in time. The now elderly DVBD workers' accounts are pervaded by memories of anticipated progress and the convergence of life and work in the civic wholes of nation and city; by chagrin about decay; and by nostalgia for lost hopes. Today's young KEMRI/CDC workers' short-term contracts, and the fragmented city they inhabit and study, make for less bounded and predictable spaces and temporalities. Their urban lives and work take shape between remainders and remembrances of past projects, the exhaustion of everyday struggles to make a living and a meaningful life, and the search for new forms of urban order and civic purpose.
The Specter of the Turk in Early Modern French Court Entertainments
Authors: Welch Ellen R.
Published: December 2013

This essay demonstrates key differences between dramatic impersonations and purely verbal evocations of the Turk in early modern French court entertainment. Although both kinds of representation drew on stereotypical imagery, they performed different cultural work. Exotic performances of Turkishness could provoke admiration or laughter in the audience, but the spectral Turk conjured through poetry aroused hate and fear, creating a heightened sense of threat that often failed to correspond to French policy toward the Ottomans. Examples studied include the Bayonne Interview entertainments, Ballet de Madame , Ballet de la paix , Ballet de la nuit , Ballet de l’impatience , and Le Bourgeois gentilhomme .
An Ottoman “Fixer” in Marguerite de Navarre’s Heptaméron
Authors: McKinley Mary
Published: December 2013

Story 13 portrays the death of its French protagonist, a naval captain serving Marguerite’s brother, King Francis I. The captain dies in a battle against Ottoman forces near Beirut, but the narrator blames the captain’s second-in-command, a French naval officer. A character known only as the ‘Turk’ becomes the loyal companion who survives to tell the story to the French court. The Turk becomes a ‘fixer,’ a figure of mediation between cultures. Marguerite presents documented historical events, but the narrator portrays those events in ways that complicate a simple portrait of the Ottomans as enemies.
“I Was Made to Eat”: Food and Brillat-Savarin’s Genesiac Sense in A Farewell to Arms
Authors: Camastra Nicole J.
Published: December 2013

This essay uses a seminal treatise, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin’s Physiology of Taste (1825), as a touchstone for reading the gastronomical subtext in A Farewell to Arms . Applying some of Brillat-Savarin’s principles to the novel, it posits that Frederic’s relationship with the priest is inextricably connected to Frederic’s manner of consumption, which shifts after his epiphany: “I was made to eat. My God, yes. Eat and drink and sleep with Catherine.” Eating subsequently grants more than sustenance; it offers teleology.
“Is It Unmaidenly?”: Courtly and Carnal Language in Hemingway’s Across the River and into the Trees
Authors: Keener Andrew S.
Published: December 2013

Scholars have traditionally located Across the River and into the Trees among Ernest Hemingway’s least successful works. Central to their criticism is the character of Renata and her attachment to the American Colonel Cantwell; some argue that she provides gentle assurance to the male protagonist, while others emphasize her selfish sexual demands. To complicate this prevailing dichotomy, the present essay examines Cantwell and Renata’s language as it alternates between the registers of courtly romance and carnal desire. Modeled in part on Hemingway’s exchange of letters with Adriana Ivancich, chivalrous although infused with his unrequited sexual desire, the romance in Across the River and into the Trees evinces a remarkable amount of discursive complexity that deserves deeper appreciation from readers.
Reinterpreting “Papa(á) in Cuba: On the Social Dimensions of Hemingway’s Translingual Nickname
Authors: Herlihy-Mera Jeffrey
Published: December 2013

Is it possible to speak English with Spanish meanings, or vice versa? Are the two languages incompatible? How does a bilingual person maintain stable use of a word when it has different meanings in each language? Are dual linguistic registers separate or complementary? What establishes a division between the two languages? Is this linguistic border ever crossed? This note examines these questions in the context of Ernest Hemingway’s use of the words “Papa,” “ papa ,” and “ papá ” in Cuba and Key West after 1930. Through a multi-competence perspective of bilingualism, it argues that Hemingway’s use of “Papa/á” after 1930 corresponded to its meanings in Caribbean Spanish as well as English, a reading that nuances and complicates the powerful paternalist notions generally associated with Hemingway’s famous nickname.
Introduction
Authors: Camastra Nicole J.
Published: December 2013

Camastra introduces this special section comprised of five papers on Hemingway and Food presented at the 2012 International Hemingway Conference in Petoskey, Michigan.
“Watch Out How that Egg Runs”: Hemingway and the Rhetoric of American Road Food
Authors: Stubbs Neil
Published: December 2013

Focusing on Hemingway’s experience before his Lost Generation years, this essay examines the gendered implications of “road food” in some of the Nick Adams stories and looks at how local culinary knowledge can forge both male autonomy and friendships, aiding survival in a world where, as Nick says in “The Battler,” “you got to be tough.”
Jewish Elements in the Operas of Giacomo Meyerbeer
Authors: Pencak William
Published: December 2013

Although they are well hidden, Giacomo Meyerbeer did include Jewish musical and literary references in his three great operas, Les Huguenots, Vasco da Gama (incorrectly called L'Africaine ), and Le Prophète . His first opera, Jephthas Gelüdbe , was based on Jewish themes. This essay looks at these Jewish elements and shows they stand in the Jewish tradition going back to biblical times of having two meanings (one for the general public, one for those possessing elite knowledge). The essay's conclusion attempts to explain why Meyerbeer may have been reticent to express Jewish themes in music as opposed to the other major French operatic Jewish composer of his time, Jacques Fromental Halévy. In any case, knowledge of these elements can counter interpretations of Meyerbeer as a defender of imperialism and a facile composer unconcerned with profound ideas. This is only an initial survey, based on the Jewish themes and ideas I could discover. There are probably other examples, but only those with a thorough knowledge of nineteenth-century Jewish musical culture who wish to explore his works will be able to discover them.
Opinions of teachers about orientation and preparation activities
Authors: Gündoğan Çögenli Aslı , Uçansoy Aybüke
Published: December 2013

The main purpose of this study is to determine the teachers' opinions about orientation and preparation activities. The data of the study in which qualitative research method is used is confined by semi-structure interview with ten primary school teachers. In the process of analyzing the data, description-analyze method has been used. In the research, some themes including activity, time, student, preparing for other courses, teacher, parents and suggestions have been reached. Sub-themes and codes belonging to the each theme have been identified and some example views are taken place by quoting from teachers to explain the codes which are identified. As a result of the research, teachers notified that activities are simple and also inadequate for preparing students for the other lessons and time is inadequate and unplanned as well, and they also emphasized that the activities are difficult for students, and finally, due to their class-roles, teachers commented that they have some difficulties on class-management and they also commented on some different attitudes of parents.