bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of flooring to reduce injuries from falls in elderly care units: study protocol: Figure 1
Authors: Drahota Amy , Gal Diane , Windsor Julie , Dixon Simon , Udell Julie , Ward Derek , Soilemezi Dia , Dean Taraneh , Severs Martin
Published: September 2011

Falls are an issue disproportionately affecting older people who are at increased risk of falls and injury. This protocol describes a pilot study investigating shock-absorbing flooring for fall-related injuries in wards for older people.

Objectives

To inform future research by evaluating fall-related injuries on the intervention and existing flooring, assessing the sustainability of the flooring in ward environments, estimating the cost-effectiveness of the floor and assessing how the floor affects patients and other users.

Design

This study uses mixed methods: a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial, observation via mechanical testing and interviews. Eight participating wards (clusters) are randomised using a computer-generated list. No blinding is incorporated into the study. Each site has a baseline period of approximately 6 months. Then, four sites receive the intervention floor, while four continue using standard floors. Sites are then followed up for approximately 1 year.

Participants

Any person admitted to a bed in the ‘study area’ of a participating ward can be entered into the trial. Orientated patients, visitors and any hospital staff who use the floor in a study area are eligible for inclusion in an interview.

Intervention

An 8.3 mm thick vinyl floor covering with polyvinyl chloride foam backing (Tarkett Omnisports EXCEL).

Outcomes

The primary outcome is fall-related injuries. Severity of injuries, falls, cost-effectiveness, user views and mechanical performance (shock absorbency and slip resistance) are also being assessed.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT00817869; UKCRN ID: 5735.
Survey of Salmonella prevalence on commercial turkey breeding and fattening farms in the UK in 2006 to 2007
Authors: Snow L. C. , Davies R. H. , Christiansen K. H. , Carrique‐Mas J. J. , Cook A. J. C. , Evans S. J.
Published: September 2011

A total of 29 breeding turkey holdings and 317 fattening turkey holdings were sampled between October 2006 and September 2007 in order to establish the baseline prevalence of Salmonella in turkeys in the UK. The weighted holding level Salmonella prevalence was found to be 20.1 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 8.6 to 40.3 per cent) in breeding turkeys and 37.7 per cent (95 per cent CI 33.4 to 42.3 per cent) in fattening turkeys. For breeding turkeys, a weighted flock‐level prevalence, as more than one flock per holding was sampled, was estimated at 7.1 per cent (95 per cent CI 3.2 to 14.8 per cent). A total of 13 different serovars were identified in the survey. The most frequent serovar in both turkey flock classes was Salmonella Kottbus, which was found on two breeding holdings and 63 of the fattening holdings giving weighted prevalences of 10.4 per cent (95 per cent CI 2.6 to 34.1 per cent) and 23.0 per cent (95 per cent CI 19.3 to 27.3 per cent), respectively. On breeding holdings, a single isolate of Salmonella Typhimurium, identified as DT12 (weighted prevalence 3.5 per cent [95 per cent CI 0.7 to 15.8 per cent] [holding], 0.7 per cent [95 per cent CI 0.1 to 3.7 per cent] [flock)], was found. On fattening holdings, there were 55 isolates of S Typhimurium from 16 holdings, giving a weighted prevalence of this serovar of 5.4 per cent (95 per cent CI 3.6 to 8.0 per cent). There were no isolates of Salmonella serovars Enteritidis, Hadar, Infantis or Virchow.
Linked outbreaks and control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome and postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in a pig farm in Poland
Authors: Stadejek T. , Podgorska K. , Porowski M. , Jabłoński A. , Pejsak Z.
Published: September 2011

In a newly established farrow‐to‐finish farm (porcine reproductive and respiratory virus [PRRSV]‐free, porcine circovirus type 2 [PCV‐2]‐infected), reproductive failure was seen seven months after population. The conception rate dropped from 89 to 51 per cent, and the abortion rate increased from 0.5 to 11 per cent. The following month, characteristic lesions of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and elevated mortality were observed in weaned pigs. Laboratory examinations confirmed reproductive failure due to PRRSV and PMWS associated with apparent activation of the PCV‐2 circulating in the farm. The herd was closed for replacement and a number of measures to improve hygiene, environmental conditions and feeding were applied. The abortion rate returned to preoutbreak levels four months after the beginning of the PRRS outbreak and the conception rate returned to normal four months later. Slower improvement was observed regarding the PMWS outbreak, with PMWS‐related losses disappearing nine months after the detection of PMWS. Analysis of seroconversion profiles to PCV‐2 and PRRSV during the outbreak and after its control indicated that while PRRSV was eliminated from sows and weaners by the control measures, the time of PCV‐2 infection was unchanged and occurred at seven weeks of age during the PMWS outbreak as well as after its elimination. However, the elimination of PMWS from the herd coincided with increased levels of maternally derived antibodies to PCV‐2 in one‐ to five‐week‐old pigs and faster serological responses to infection with PCV‐2.
Web 2.0 and the veterinary profession: current trends and future implications for lifelong learning
Authors: Dale V. H. M. , Kinnison T. , Short N. , May S. A. , Baillie S.
Published: September 2011

The NOVICE project is an EU initiative under the Lifelong Learning Programme, which aims to develop an online, professional network to promote informal, lifelong learning within the veterinary profession, using Web 2.0 tools. To inform the development of the network, a need analysis study was undertaken with relevant stakeholders. Focus group discussions were undertaken with veterinary students and veterinarians and a survey was administered to first‐year students and recent graduates. The results indicate that use of computers and the internet is ubiquitous among junior members of the profession and that use of Web 2.0 tools is increasing. Concerns raised in relation to participation in online communities include verifying the quality of information and issues around professionalism. Compared with face‐to‐face communities, online communities were perceived to offer a number of advantages. These include convenient access to expert advice on an international scale, as well as helping to alleviate certain barriers to participation in formal, continuing education such as time, distance and cost.
ANOMALY CANCELLATION IMPLICATION FOR Z′ DECAY TO FERMION PAIR
Authors: ZHANG YING
Published: September 2011

Z′ boson vector and axial vector couplings to fermions are studied in terms of anomaly cancellation in the condition of small Z–Z′ mixing. The anomaly-free U(1)′ charge assignment that parametrized by two independent charges is proposed. Z′ decay width to fermion pair [Formula: see text], hadron-to-lepton ratio [Formula: see text], hadron branching ratio [Formula: see text], left–right asymmetry [Formula: see text] and forward–backward asymmetry [Formula: see text] are investigated. A special sum rule of Z′ decay widths is also derived.
QUANTIZATION OF BLACK HOLES
Authors: HE XIAO-GANG , MA BO-QIANG
Published: September 2011

We show that black holes can be quantized in an intuitive and elegant way with results in agreement with conventional knowledge of black holes by using Bohr's idea of quantizing the motion of an electron inside the atom in quantum mechanics. We find that properties of black holes can also be derived from an ansatz of quantized entropy [Formula: see text], which was suggested in a previous work to unify the black hole entropy formula and Verlinde's conjecture to explain gravity as an entropic force. Such an Ansatz also explains gravity as an entropic force from quantum effect. This suggests a way to unify gravity with quantum theory. Several interesting and surprising results of black holes are given from which we predict the existence of primordial black holes ranging from Planck scale both in size and energy to big ones in size but with low energy behaviors.
TACHYONS AND GRAVITATIONAL CHERENKOV RADIATION
Authors: SCHWARTZ CHARLES
Published: September 2011

We calculate the rate at which a free tachyon (faster than light particle) would emit gravitational radiation. It is very small.
DEVIATION FROM THE EXPONENTIAL DECAY LAW IN RELATIVISTIC QUANTUM FIELD THEORY: THE EXAMPLE OF STRONGLY DECAYING PARTICLES
Authors: GIACOSA FRANCESCO , PAGLIARA GIUSEPPE
Published: September 2011

We show that a short-time regime, in which a deviation from the exponential decay law occurs, exists also in the framework of a superrenormalizable relativistic quantum field theory. This, in turn, implies the possibility of a quantum Zeno effect also for elementary decays. The attention is then focused on the typical order of magnitude of strong decay rates of mesons: for these particles, strong deviations from the exponential decay law are present during a period of time comparable with their mean lifetime. As a concrete example, the case of the ρ meson is studied.
HELICITY CONSERVATION IN COULOMB SCATTERING OF THE DIRAC FIELD IN THE EXPANDING DE SITTER SPACE
Authors: NICOLAEVICI NISTOR
Published: September 2011

We comment on a previous calculation1 for the scattering amplitude for the Dirac field in an external Coulomb potential in the expanding de Sitter space. The result implies that for initial and final fermion states with identical momenta |pi|=|pf| the helicity of the particle is conserved. We make a classical analysis of the scattering problem in the small scattering angle approximation using the Bargmann–Michel–Telegdi equation and show that helicity conservation also manifests in the classical case. We also show that in Minkowski space there is a complete agreement between the classical and quantum polarization angle of the scattered particle.
IMPROVED CANONICAL QUANTIZATION METHOD OF SPINOR ELECTRODYNAMICS WITH SINGULAR LAGRANGIAN
Authors: FAN FENG-HUA , HUANG YONG-CHANG
Published: September 2011

This paper analyzes the general interaction of spinor field and electromagnetic field, i.e. spinor electrodynamics with singular Lagrangian, and the improved canonical quantization method of spinor electrodynamics is given in order to overcome the problems of the second-class constraint linear combination and the first-class constraint number maximization brought by the traditional canonical quantization method. In the improved canonical quantization method, there are no problems of artificial linear combination and first-class constraint number maximization, at the same time, the stability of the system is considered. The improved canonical quantization method is more natural than the traditional way and we show that the results of the canonical quantization of spinor electrodynamics are equal to the results of the traditional way. For a general dynamical system with singular Lagrangian, one can extendingly use the improved canonical quantization method to quantize the system.
BEE COLONY SYSTEM: PRECISENESS AND SPEED IN DISCRETE OPTIMIZATION
Authors: NOUROSSANA SADEGH , ERFANI HOSSEIN , JAVADI H. HAJ SEYYED , RAHMANI AMIR MASOUD
Published: September 2011

Foraging behavior of bees in finding food resource is one of the useful patterns to develop algorithms for solving complex problems. This article by simulation of such behavior and consider a memory for them proposed a method in discrete spaces. The proposed method is applied to Travel Salesman Problem (TSP) and successfully solved it. Simulation results have been proved the performance of our algorithm compared to similar strategies.
ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF INTRAVENOUS DRUG USE ON HEPATITIS C TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS
Authors: BHUNU C. P. , MUSHAYABASA S.
Published: September 2011

A mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been proposed and investigated. The model presented looks into preferential sexual contacts between intravenous drug users and non-drug users. The threshold parameters of the model are determined and stabilities analysed. Both analytic and numerical simulations show that increase in intravenous drug use in addition to sex results in an increase of HCV cases. Thus, safe sex and treatment of HCV alone are not enough to curtail the transmission of HCV. Effective control of HCV require strategies that are tailor made for intravenous drug users.
PROPERTY A AND GRAPHS WITH LARGE GIRTH
Authors: WILLETT RUFUS
Published: September 2011

This note gives new examples of spaces without property A: the main result is that a sequence of graphs with all vertex degrees bounded between three and some upper bound, and with girth tending to infinity, does not have property A.
A COMPARISON OF SYMPLECTIC HOMOGENIZATION AND CALABI QUASI-STATES
Authors: MONZNER ALEXANDRA , ZAPOLSKY FROL
Published: September 2011

A quasi-integral on a locally compact space is a certain kind of (not necessarily linear) functional on the space of continuous functions with compact support of that space. We compare two quasi-integrals on an open neighborhood of the zero section of the cotangent bundle of a circle. One comes from Viterbo's symplectic homogenization, the other from the Calabi quasi-state due to Entov and Polterovich. We provide an axiomatic description of the two functionals and a necessary and sufficient condition for them to equal. We also give a link to asymptotic Hofer geometry on T* S1. Proofs are based on the theory of quasi-integrals and topological measures. Finally, we give an elementary proof that a quasi-integral on a surface is symplectic.
A CLASSIFICATION OF NON-SIMPLE C*-ALGEBRAS OF TRACIAL RANK ONE: INDUCTIVE LIMITS OF FINITE DIRECT SUMS OF SIMPLE TAI C*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: JIANG CHUNLAN
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we will classify the class of C*-algebras which are inductive limits of finite direct sums of unital simple separable nuclear C*-algebras with tracial rank no more than one (or equivalently TAI algebras) with torsion K1-group which satisfy the UCT. The invariant consists of ordered total K-theory and the tracial state spaces of cutdown algebras (with certain compatibility conditions).
ABELIAN COVERS OF SURFACES AND THE HOMOLOGY OF THE LEVEL L MAPPING CLASS GROUP
Authors: PUTMAN ANDREW
Published: September 2011

We calculate the first homology group of the mapping class group with coefficients in the first rational homology group of the universal abelian ℤ/L-cover of the surface. If the surface has one marked point, then the answer is ℚτ(L), where τ(L) is the number of positive divisors of L. If the surface instead has one boundary component, then the answer is ℚ. We also perform the same calculation for the level L subgroup of the mapping class group. Set HL = H1(Σg; ℤ/L). If the surface has one marked point, then the answer is ℚ[HL], the rational group ring of HL. If the surface instead has one boundary component, then the answer is ℚ.
THE TOPOLOGY AND ANALYSIS OF THE HANNA NEUMANN CONJECTURE
Authors: MINEYEV IGOR
Published: September 2011

The statement of the Hanna Neumann Conjecture (HNC) is purely algebraic: for a free group Γ and any nontrivial finitely generated subgroups A and B of Γ, [Formula: see text]

The goal of this paper is to systematically develop machinery that would allow for generalizations of HNC and to exhibit their relations with topology and analysis. On the topological side we define immersions of complexes, leafages, systems of complexes, flowers, gardens, and atomic decompositions of graphs and surfaces. The analytic part involves working with the classical Murray–von Neumann (!) dimension of Hilbert modules.

This also gives an approach to the Strengthened Hanna Neumann Conjecture (SHNC) and to its generalizations. We present three faces of it named, respectively, the square approach, the diagonal approach, and the arrangement approach. Each of the three comes from the notion of a system, and each leads to questions beyond graphs and free groups. Partial results, sufficient conditions, and generalizations of the statement of SHNC are presented.
Strategic Analysis of Risk-Shifting Incentives with Convertible Debt
Authors: François Pascal , Hübner Georges , Papageorgiou Nicolas
Published: September 2011

Convertible debt eliminates asset substitution in a one-period setting (Green, 1984). But convertible debt terms are usually set before the asset substitution opportunity. This allows shareholders and convertible debtholders to play a strategic noncooperative game. Two risk-shifting Nash equilibria are attainable: pure asset substitution when, despite no conversion, shareholders benefit from shifting risk, and strategic conversion when, despite early conversion, convertible debtholders expropriate wealth from straight debtholders. Even when initial convertible debt is designed to minimize the risk-shifting likelihood, the risk of asset substitution remains economically substantial — contrasting with the agency theoretic rationale for issuing convertible debt.
Illiquidity Premia in Asset Returns: An Empirical Analysis of Hedge Funds, Mutual Funds, and US Equity Portfolios
Authors: Khandani Amir E. , Lo Andrew W.
Published: September 2011

We establish a link between illiquidity and positive autocorrelation in asset returns among a sample of hedge funds, mutual funds, and various equity portfolios. For hedge funds, this link can be confirmed by comparing the return autocorrelations of funds with shorter vs. longer redemption-notice periods. We also document significant positive return-autocorrelation in portfolios of securities that are generally considered less liquid, e.g., small-cap stocks, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and emerging-market investments. Using a sample of 2,927 hedge funds, 15,654 mutual funds, and 100 size- and book-to-market-sorted portfolios of US common stocks, we construct autocorrelation-sorted long/short portfolios and conclude that illiquidity premia are generally positive and significant, ranging from 2.74% to 9.91% per year among the various hedge funds and fixed-income mutual funds. We do not find evidence for this premium among equity and asset-allocation mutual funds, or among the 100 US equity portfolios. The time variation in our aggregated illiquidity premium shows that while 1998 was a difficult year for most funds with large illiquidity exposure, the following four years yielded significantly higher illiquidity premia that led to greater competition in credit markets, contributing to much lower illiquidity premia in the years leading up to the Financial Crisis of 2007–2008.
Herding and Delegated Portfolio Management: The Impact of Relative Performance Evaluation on Asset Allocation
Authors: Maug Ernst , Naik Narayan
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the effect of fund managers' performance evaluation on their asset allocation decisions. We derive optimal contracts for delegated portfolio management and show that they always contain relative performance elements. We then show that this biases fund managers to deviate from return-maximizing portfolio allocations and follow those of their benchmark (herding). In many cases, the trustees of the fund who employ the fund manager prefer such a policy. We also show that fund managers in some situations ignore their own superior information and "go with the flow" in order to reduce deviations from their benchmark. We conclude that incentive provisions for portfolio managers are an important factor in their asset allocation decisions.
The Uncertainty Premium in an Ambiguous Economy
Authors: Izhakian Yehuda , Benninga Simon
Published: September 2011

The uncertainty premium is the premium that is derived from not knowing the sure outcome (risk premium) and from not knowing the precise odds of outcomes (ambiguity premium). We generalize Pratt's risk premium to uncertainty premium based on Klibanoff et al.'s (2005) smooth model of ambiguity. We show that the uncertainty premium can decrease with an increase in decision maker's risk aversion. This happens because increasing risk aversion always results in a lower ambiguity premium. The positive ambiguity premium may provide an additional explanation to the equity premium puzzle.
Reliability of Nitrided Gate Oxides for N- and P-Type 4H-SiC(0001) Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Devices
Authors: Noborio Masato , Grieb Michael , Bauer Anton J. , Peters Dethard , Friedrichs Peter , Suda Jun , Kimoto Tsunenobu
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we have investigated reliability of n- and p-type 4H-SiC(0001) metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) devices with N2O-grown oxides and deposited oxides annealed in N2O. From the results of time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) tests, it is revealed that the N2O-grown oxides have relatively-high reliability (4–30 C cm-2 for n- and p-MOS structures). In addition, the deposited SiO2 on n- and p-SiC exhibited a high charge-to-breakdown of 70.0 and 54.9 C cm-2, respectively. The n/p-MOS structures with the deposited SiO2 maintained a high charge-to-breakdown of 19.9/15.1 C cm-2 even at 200 °C. The deposited SiO2 annealed in N2O has promise as the gate insulator for n- and p-channel 4H-SiC(0001) MOS devices because of its high charge-to-breakdown and good interface properties.
AC Stress-Induced Degradation of Amorphous InGaZnO Thin Film Transistor Inverter
Authors: Kim Dae-Hwan , Kong Dongsik , Kim Sungchul , Jeon Young Woo , Kim Yongsik , Kim Dong Myong , Kwon Hyuck-In
Published: September 2011

The degradation of amorphous indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistor (TFT) inverter operation is investigated under AC pulse stresses. From the extraction of subgap density of states (DOSs), the dominant mechanism of the pulse stress-induced degradation of driver TFT is considered as the increase of acceptor-like deep states, while that of the load TFT is attributed to the increased number of electrons trapped into the interface and/or a-IGZO thin films. We also observe that the rising and falling time of the induced pulse affects each TFT of the inverter in a different manner, and discuss the related mechanism of this phenomenon.
The Magnetic Properties of Hole-Doped MgO
Authors: Seike Masayoshi , Sato Kazunori , Katayama-Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

We present a first-principles study on a new class of diluted magnetic semiconductors based on MgO with no magnetic elements. It was found that hole-doping by Mg vacancies or Li impurities leads to a spin-polarized ground state, and Curie temperatures can reach room temperature at sufficient concentrations (in the range of 15 to 30 at. %) under a homogeneously distributed condition. However, an inhomogeneous dopant distribution in MgO is the favored configuration, which indicates that spinodal decomposition leads to the room-temperature blocking temperature at smaller impurity concentrations than those estimated for room-temperature ferromagnetism under the homogeneous distribution condition.
Impact of Site-Potential Asymmetry on Electron Transport in Graphene
Authors: Sano Eiichi
Published: September 2011

A Monte Carlo (MC) method taking account of electron–electron scattering is used to elucidate the site-potential asymmetry impact on electron transportation in graphene. Full-band and approximate treatments are used for electron–phonon scattering and electron–electron scattering, respectively. MC simulations reveal that the site-potential asymmetry degrades graphene's electron transport properties by about 20%.
Observation of Temporal Transition of Discharge with Water–Ceramic Electrode
Authors: Deguchi Mikio , Niki Toru
Published: September 2011

Temporal transitions of the discharge voltage and the aspect of discharge were synchronously observed in discharge with a water–ceramic electrode. Regardless of the polarity, the aspect of discharge markedly changes when the ceramic component becomes incandescent and melts. This mode change is more rapid when the water is negatively biased. However, the discharge voltage hardly changes at this moment, and gradually decreases as the degree of incandescence of the ceramic component intensifies and the molten state of the tip of the ceramic component grows.
Chronic hypoxia-induced acid-sensitive ion channel expression in chemoafferent neurons contributes to chemoreceptor hypersensitivity
Authors: Liu X. , He L. , Dinger B. , Fidone S. J.
Published: September 2011

Previously we demonstrated that chronic hypoxia (CH) induces an inflammatory condition characterized by immune cell invasion and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines in rat carotid body. It is well established that chronic inflammatory pain induces the expression of acid-sensitive ion channels (ASIC) in primary sensory neurons, where they contribute to hyperalgesia and allodynia. The present study examines the effect of CH on ASIC expression in petrosal ganglion (PG), which contains chemoafferent neurons that innervate oxygen-sensitive type I cells in the carotid body. Five isoforms of ASIC transcript were increased ∼1.5–2.5-fold in PG following exposure of rats to 1, 3, or 7 days of hypobaric hypoxia (380 Torr). ASIC transcript was not increased in the sympathetic superior cervical ganglion (SCG). In the PG, CH also increased the expression of channel-interacting PDZ domain protein, a scaffolding protein known to enhance the surface expression and the low pH-induced current density mediated by ASIC3. Western immunoblot analysis showed that CH elevated ASIC3 protein in PG, but not in SCG or the (sensory) nodose ganglion. ASIC3 transcript was likewise elevated in PG neurons cultured in the presence of inflammatory cytokines. Increased ASIC expression was blocked in CH rats concurrently treated with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen (4 mg·kg−1·day−1). Electrophysiological recording of carotid sinus nerve (CSN) activity in vitro showed that the specific ASIC antagonist A-317567 (100 μM) did not significantly alter hypoxia-evoked activity in normal preparations but blocked ∼50% of the hypoxic response following CH. Likewise, a high concentration of ibuprofen, which is known to block ASIC1a, reduced hypoxia-evoked CSN activity by ∼50% in CH preparations. Our findings indicate that CH induces inflammation-dependent phenotypic adjustments in chemoafferent neurons. Following CH, ASIC are important participants in chemotransmission between type I cells and chemoafferent nerve terminals, and these proton-gated channels appear to enhance chemoreceptor sensitivity.
Injury and repair in the very immature lung following brief mechanical ventilation
Authors: Brew Nadine , Hooper Stuart B. , Allison Beth J. , Wallace Megan J. , Harding Richard
Published: September 2011

Mechanical ventilation (MV) of very premature infants contributes to lung injury and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the effects of which can be long-lasting. Little is currently known about the ability of the very immature lung to recover from ventilator-induced lung injury. Our objective was to determine the ability of the injured very immature lung to repair in the absence of continued ventilation and to identify potential mechanisms. At 125 days gestational age (days GA, 0.85 of term), fetal sheep were partially exposed by hysterotomy under anesthesia and aseptic conditions; they were intubated and ventilated for 2 h with an injurious MV protocol and then returned to the uterus to continue development. Necropsy was performed at either 1 day (short-term group, 126 days GA, n = 6) or 15 days (long-term group, 140 days GA, n = 5) after MV; controls were unventilated ( n = 7–8). At 1 day after MV, lungs displayed signs of injury, including hemorrhage, disorganized elastin and collagen deposition in the distal airspaces, altered morphology, significantly reduced secondary septal crest density, and decreased airspace. Bronchioles had thickened epithelium with evidence of injury and sloughing. Relative mRNA levels of early response genes ( connective tissue growth factor, cysteine-rich 61, and early growth response-1) and proinflammatory cytokines [ interleukins ( IL)- 1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β] were not different between groups 1 day after MV. At 15 days after MV, lung structure was normal with no evidence of injury. We conclude that 2 h of MV induces severe injury in the very immature lung and that these lungs have the capacity to repair spontaneously in the absence of further ventilation.
Steady Thermal Analysis of Two‐Dimensional Cylindrical Pin Fin with a Nonconstant Base Temperature
Authors: Moitsheki Raseelo J. , Harley Charis
Published: September 2011

Steady heat transfer through a pin fin is studied. Thermal conductivity,
heat transfer coefficient, and the source or sink term are assumed to be
temperature dependent. In the model considered, the source or sink term is given
as an arbitrary function. We employ symmetry techniques to determine forms of
the source or sink term for which the extra Lie point symmetries are admitted.
Method of separation of variables is used to construct exact solutions when the
governing equation is linear. Symmetry reductions result in reduced ordinary differential
equations when the problem is nonlinear and some invariant solution for
the linear case. Furthermore, we analyze the heat flux, fin efficiency, and the entropy
generation.
On Some Combinatorial Structures Constructed from the Groups , , and
Authors: Crnković Dean , Mikulić Crnković Vedrana
Published: September 2011

We describe a construction of primitive 2-designs and strongly regular graphs from the simple groups , and . The designs and the graphs are constructed by defining incidence structures on conjugacy classes of maximal subgroups of , and . In addition, from the group , we construct 2-designs with parameters and having the full automorphism group isomorphic to .
Midinfrared InAsSbN/InAs Multiquantum Well Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Carrington P. J. , de la Mare M. , Cheetham K. J. , Zhuang Q. , Krier A.
Published: September 2011

Electroluminescence is reported from dilute nitride InAsSbN/InAs multiquantum well light-emitting diodes grown using nitrogen plasma source molecular beam epitaxy. The diodes exhibited bright emission in the midinfrared peaking at 3.56 μm at room temperature. Emission occurred from a type I transition from electrons in the InAsSbN to confined heavy and light hole states in the QW. Analysis of the temperature- and current-dependent electroluminescence shows that thermally activated hole leakage and Auger recombination are the performance limiting factors in these devices.
Selective Modification of Chitosan to Enable the Formation of Chitosan-DNA Condensates by Electron Donator Stabilization
Authors: Kador Karl E. , Subramanian Anuradha
Published: September 2011

Chitosan, a polyaminosaccharide, has been investigated for its use in the field of drug-delivery and biomaterial applications because of its natural biocompatibility and polycationic properties. Chemical modifications of chitosan have been attempted in an effort to increase the transfection efficiency with respect to gene delivery applications; however, it is unknown how these modifications affect the formation of the condensates. This study attempts to determine the effects of modification of the cationic center of chitosan on the ability to condense DNA. Specifically, electron-donating or -withdrawing groups were used as modifiers of the cationic charge on the chitosan backbone to stabilize the protonated form of chitosan, which is necessary to form condensates and increase the efficiency of the polymer to condense DNA by yielding condensates at a lower nitrogen to phosphorous (N : P) ratio. While an N : P ratio of 7 is needed to condense DNA with unmodified chitosan, phthalate-modified chitosan yielded condensates were obtained at an N : P ratio of 1.0.
Competitive Analysis for Online Leasing Problem with Compound Interest Rate
Authors: Yang Xingyu , Zhang Weiguo , Xu Weijun , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2011

We introduce the compound interest rate into the continuous version of the online leasing problem and discuss the generalized model by competitive analysis. On the one hand, the optimal deterministic strategy and its competitive ratio are obtained; on the other hand, a nearly optimal randomized strategy is constructed and a lower bound for the randomized competitive ratios is proved by Yao′s principle. With the help of numerical examples, the theoretical results show that the interest rate puts off the purchase date and diminishes the uncertainty involved in the decision making.
The Emergency Management and Treatment of Severe Burns
Authors: Stander Melanie , Wallis Lee Alan
Published: September 2011

Burn injuries continue to cause morbidity and mortality internationally. Despite international collaborations and preventative measures, there are still many cases reported in high- and low-income countries. The treatment of these patients is often protracted and requires extensive resources. The adequate resuscitation of these patients coupled with meticulous wound care can have a huge impact on their outcome. The authors present a simple guideline for the initial management of severe burns which is utilised by the South African Burn Society and is based on the guidelines of the American Burn Association and the Australian and New Zealand Burn Association.
Poole-Frenkel Conduction in Cu/Nano-SnO2/Cu Arrangement
Authors: Chenari Hossein Mahmoudi , Sedghi Hassan , Talebian Mohammad , Golzan Mir Maqsoud , Hassanzadeh Ali
Published: September 2011

It is well known that metal/Tin-dioxide/metal sandwich structures exhibit a field-assisted lowering of the potential barrier between donor-like center and the conduction band edge, known as the Poole-Frenkel effect. This behavior is indicated by a linear dependence of Iog  on , where is the current density, and is the applied voltage. In this study, the electrical properties of Cu/nano-SnO2/Cu sandwich structures were investigated through current-voltage measurements at room temperature. Also, an attempt to explore the governing current flow mechanism was tried. Our results indicate that noticeable feature appearing clearly in the current-voltage characterization is the Poole-Frenkel and space-charge-limited conduction mechanisms.
A Quantitative Comparison of Numerical Method for Solving Stiff Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Yatim S. A. M. , Ibrahim Z. B. , Othman K. I. , Suleiman M. B.
Published: September 2011

We derive a variable step of the implicit block methods based on the backward differentiation formulae (BDF) for solving stiff initial value problems (IVPs). A simplified strategy in controlling the step size is proposed with the aim of optimizing the performance in terms of precision and computation time. The numerical results obtained support the enhancement of the method proposed as compared to MATLAB′s suite of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) solvers, namely, ode15s and ode23s.
Transport of Carbon Dioxide through a Biomimetic Membrane
Authors: Matsaridis Efstathios , Savov Varban , Gritzkov Alexandre , Zheleva Nelie , Gutzov Stoyan
Published: September 2011

Biomimetic membranes (BMM) based on polymer filters impregnated with lipids or their analogues are widely applied in numerous areas of physics, biology, and medicine. In this paper we report the design and testing of an electrochemical system, which allows the investigation of CO2 transport through natural membranes such as alveoli barrier membrane system and also can be applied for solid‐state measurements. The experimental setup comprises a specially designed two‐compartment cell with BMM connected with an electrochemical workstation placed in a Faraday cage, two PH meters, and a nondispersive infrared gas analyzer. We prove, experimentally, that the CO2 transport through the natural membranes under different conditions depends on pH and displays a similar behavior as natural membranes. The influence of different drugs on the CO2 transport process through such membranes is discussed.
Influence of Cord Blood Fraction (below 5 kDa) on Reparative Processes during Subchronic Ulcerative Gastropathy
Authors: Gulevsky Alexander Kirillovich , Abakumova Yelena Sergeevna , Moiseyeva Natalya Nikolaevna , Ivanov Yevgeniy Gennadievich
Published: September 2011

The low molecular fraction (below 5 kDa) was extracted from cord blood by ultrafiltration. It has been shown that the cord blood fraction possesses antiulcer activity on the model subchronic stomach ulcer. The cord blood fraction injections caused a significant reduction in the area of ulcer lesions and promoted recovery of microcirculation, thickness, and structure of gland layer, which was accompanied by a decrease in leucocytes infiltration and an increase in glycosaminoglycans synthesis. That resulted in a faster recovery of mucus membrane of stomach as compared withActovegin. Application of the cord blood fraction in animals with stomach ulcer normalized the alkaline phosphatase activity and thiobarbituric acid-active product content. Gel-penetrating chromatography showed that the patterns of the low molecular substances from cord blood andActovegindiffered both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Gas-Phase Synthesis of Bimetallic Oxide Nanoparticles with Designed Elemental Compositions for Controlling the Explosive Reactivity of Nanoenergetic Materials
Authors: Ahn Ji Young , Kim Whi Dong , Kim Jae Hyun , Kim Ji Hoon , Lee Jae Keun , Kim Jong Man , Kim Soo H.
Published: September 2011

We demonstrate a simple and viable method for controlling the energy release rate and pressurization rate of nanoenergetic materials by controlling the relative elemental compositions of oxidizers. First, bimetallic oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with a homogeneous distribution of two different oxidizer components (CuO and Fe2O3) were generated by a conventional spray pyrolysis method. Next, the Al NPs employed as a fuel were mixed with CuO-Fe2O3bimetallic oxide NPs by an ultrasonication process in ethanol solution. Finally, after the removal of ethanol by a drying process, the NPs were converted into energetic materials (EMs). The effects of the mass fraction of CuO in the CuO-Fe2O3bimetallic oxide NPs on the explosive reactivity of the resulting EMs were examined by using a differential scanning calorimeter and pressure cell tester (PCT) systems. The results clearly indicate that the energy release rate and pressurization rate of EMs increased linearly as the mass fraction of CuO in the CuO-Fe2O3bimetallic oxide NPs increased. This suggests that the precise control of the stoichiometric proportions of the strong oxidizer (CuO) and mild oxidizer (Fe2O3) components in the bimetallic oxide NPs is a key factor in tuning the explosive reactivity of EMs.
Warped Product Semi‐Invariant Submanifolds of Nearly Cosymplectic Manifolds
Authors: Uddin Siraj , Kon S. H. , Khan M. A. , Singh Khushwant
Published: September 2011

We study warped product semi‐invariant submanifolds of nearly cosymplectic manifolds. We prove that the warped product of the type M⊥×fMT is a usual Riemannian product of M⊥ and MT, where M⊥ and MT are anti‐invariant and invariant submanifolds of a nearly cosymplectic manifold , respectively. Thus we consider the warped product of the type MT×fM⊥ and obtain a characterization for such type of warped product.
Bistable Wave Fronts in Integrodifference Equations
Authors: Pan Shuxia , Zhang Ping-An
Published: September 2011

This paper is concerned with the bistable wave fronts of integrodifference equations. The existence, uniqueness, and asymptotic stability of bistable wave fronts for such an equation are proved by the squeezing technique based on comparison principle.
Minimally Invasive Posterior Stabilization Improved Ambulation and Pain Scores in Patients with Plasmacytomas and/or Metastases of the Spine
Authors: Schwab Joseph H. , Gasbarrini Alessandro , Cappuccio Michele , Boriani Luca , De Iure Federico , Colangeli Simone , Boriani Stefano
Published: September 2011

Background. The incidence of spine metastasis is expected to increase as the population ages, and so is the number of palliative spinal procedures. Minimally invasive procedures are attractive options in that they offer the theoretical advantage of less morbidity.Purpose. The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether minimally invasive posterior spinal instrumentation provided significant pain relief and improved function.Study Design. We compared pre- and postoperative pain scores as well as ambulatory status in a population of patients suffering from oncologic conditions in the spine.Patient Sample. A consecutive series of patients with spine tumors treated minimally invasively with stabilization were reviewed.Outcome Measures. Visual analog pain scale as well as pre- and postoperative ambulatory status were used as outcome measures.Methods. Twenty-four patients who underwent minimally invasive posterior spinal instrumentation for metastasis were retrospectively reviewed.Results. Seven (29%) patients were unable to ambulate secondary to pain and instability prior to surgery. All patients were ambulating within 2 to 3 days after having surgery (P=0.01). The mean visual analog scale value for the preoperative patients was 2.8, and the mean postoperative value was 1.0 (P=0.001).Conclusion. Minimally invasive posterior spinal instrumentation significantly improved pain and ambulatory status in this series.
The Generalized Dahlquist Constant with Applications in Synchronization Analysis of Typical Neural Networks via General Intermittent Control
Authors: Qunli Zhang
Published: September 2011

A novel and effective approach to synchronization analysis of neural networks is
investigated by using the nonlinear operator named the generalized Dahlquist constant and the general
intermittent control. The proposed approach offers a design procedure for synchronization of a large
class of neural networks. The numerical simulations whose theoretical results are applied to typical neural
networks with and without delayed item demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed
technique.
Feasibility of Multiple Repeat Gamma Knife Radiosurgeries for Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jones Guy C. , Elaimy Ameer L. , Demakas John J. , Jiang Hansi , Lamoreaux Wayne T. , Fairbanks Robert K. , Mackay Alexander R. , Cooke Barton S. , Lee Christopher M.
Published: September 2011

Treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) must be customized for the individual patient, and physicians must be aware of the medical, surgical, and radiation treatment modalities to prescribe optimal treatment courses for specific patients. The following case illustrates the potential for gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) to be repeated multiple times for the purpose of achieving facial pain control in cases of TN that have been refractory to other medical and surgical options, as well as prior GKRS. The patient described failed to achieve pain control with initial GKRS, as well as medical and surgical treatments, but experienced significant pain relief for a period of time with a second GKRS procedure and later underwent a third procedure. Only a small subset of patients have reportedly undergone more than two GKRS for TN; thus, further research and long-term clinical followup will be valuable in determining its usefulness in specific clinical situations.
Fluctuation of Firm Size in the Long-Run and Bimodal Distribution
Authors: Aoyama Hideaki , Grüne Lars , Semmler Willi , Fujiwara Yoshi , Souma Wataru
Published: September 2011

We study empirically and analytically growth and fluctuation of firm size distribution. An empirical analysis is carried out on a US data set on firm size, with emphasis on one-time distribution as well as growth-rate probability distribution. Both Pareto's law and Gibrat's law are often used to study firm size distribution. Their theoretical relationship is discussed, and it is shown how they are complementable with a bimodal distribution of firm size. We introduce economic mechanisms that suggest a bimodal distribution of firm size in the long run. The mechanisms we study have been known in the economic literature since long. Yet, they have not been studied in the context of a dynamic decision problem of the firm. Allowing for these mechanism thus will give rise to heterogeneity of firms with respect to certain characteristics. We then present different types of tests on US data on firm size which indicate a bimodal distribution of firm size.
Strong Convergence Theorems for Equilibrium Problems and k‐Strict Pseudocontractions in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Wen Dao-Jun
Published: September 2011

We introduce a new iterative scheme for finding a common
element of the set of solutions of an equilibrium problem and the set of common fixed point
of a finite family of k‐strictly pseudo‐contractive nonself‐mappings. Strong convergence
theorems are established in a real Hilbert space under some suitable conditions. Our
theorems presented in this paper improve and extend the corresponding results announced
by many others.
Phylogeny-Directed Search for Murine Leukemia Virus-Like Retroviruses in Vertebrate Genomes and in Patients Suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Blomberg Jonas , Sheikholvaezin Ali , Elfaitouri Amal , Blomberg Fredrik , Sjösten Anna , Mattson Ulfstedt Johan , Pipkorn Rüdiger , Källander Clas , Öhrmalm Christina , Sperber Göran
Published: September 2011

Gammaretrovirus-like sequences occur in most vertebrate genomes. Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) like retroviruses (MLLVs) are a subset, which may be pathogenic and spread cross-species. Retroviruses highly similar to MLLVs (xenotropic murine retrovirus related virus (XMRV) and Human Mouse retrovirus-like RetroViruses (HMRVs)) reported from patients suffering from prostate cancer (PC) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) raise the possibility that also humans have been infected. Structurally intact, potentially infectious MLLVs occur in the genomes of some mammals, especially mouse. Mouse MLLVs contain three major groups. One, MERV G3, contained MLVs and XMRV/HMRV. Its presence in mouse DNA, and the abundance of xenotropic MLVs in biologicals, is a source of false positivity. Theoretically, XMRV/HMRV could be one of several MLLV transspecies infections. MLLV pathobiology and diversity indicate optimal strategies for investigating XMRV/HMRV in humans and raise ethical concerns. The alternatives that XMRV/HMRV may give a hard-to-detect “stealth” infection, or that XMRV/HMRV never reached humans, have to be considered.
Species Richness and Diversity of Resident and Migratory Landbirds in Remnant Forest Patches and Residential Areas in the Florida Keys, USA
Authors: Main Martin B. , Christman Mary C. , Karim Annisa , Hostetler Mark
Published: September 2011

Conservation of migratory birds necessitates protecting suitable stopover habitat along migratory routes as well as destination habitats, especially near large geographic barriers such as the Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Keys (Keys) are an important stopover and breeding destination for migratory landbirds. We documented 47 migratory and 21 resident landbird species via point counts during March–May 2004 and 2005. As a group, species richness, species diversity, and the effective number of species of migratory landbirds, including several species of conservation concern, was significantly and positively associated with percent cover of tropical hardwood hammock, a threatened upland forest type. The collective resident landbird community in the Keys was negatively associated with native hammock cover, although species diversity of the resident community was positively associated with the proximity of native hammock and several resident species, including species of conservation concern, were commonly or predominantly associated with native hammock. Consequently, conservation of native hammock habitat in the Keys is an important conservation priority for migratory birds and several resident species of conservation concern.