bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delay-Dependent Exponential Optimal Synchronization for Nonidentical Chaotic Systems via Neural-Network-Based Approach
Authors: Hsiao Feng-Hsiag
Published: March 2013

A novel approach is presented to realize the optimal exponential synchronization of nonidentical multiple time-delay chaotic (MTDC) systems via fuzzy control scheme. A neural-network (NN) model is first constructed for the MTDC system. Then, a linear differential inclusion (LDI) state-space representation is established for the dynamics of the NN model. Based on this LDI state-space representation, a delay-dependent exponential stability criterion of the error system derived in terms of Lyapunov's direct method is proposed to guarantee that the trajectories of the slave system can approach those of the master system. Subsequently, the stability condition of this criterion is reformulated into a linear matrix inequality (LMI). According to the LMI, a fuzzy controller is synthesized not only to realize the exponential synchronization but also to achieve the optimal performance by minimizing the disturbance attenuation level at the same time. Finally, a numerical example with simulations is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.
Arresting Strategy Based on Dynamic Criminal Networks Changing over Time
Authors: Yuan Junqing , Cao Jinde , Xia Bila
Published: March 2013

We investigate a sequence of dynamic criminal networks on a time series based on the dynamic network analysis (DNA). According to the change of networks’ structure, networks’ variation trend is analyzed to forecast its future structure. Finally, an optimal arresting time and priority list are designed based on our analysis. Better results can be expected than that based on social network analysis (SNA).
Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Toxicity Is Mediated by Lowering of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorδExpression in Rats
Authors: Chen Zhih-Cherng , Chen Li-Jen , Cheng Juei-Tang
Published: March 2013

The present study investigates the changes of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorsδ(PPARδ) expression and troponin phosphorylation in heart of rats which were treated with doxorubicin (DOX). Wistar rats which were treated with DOX according to a previous method. The protein levels of PPARδand troponin phosphorylation were measured using Western blot. The PPARδexpression in heart was markedly reduced in DOX-treated rats showing a marked decrease in cardiac dP/dT and cardiac output. Also, cardiac troponin phosphorylation was lowered in DOX-treated rats. Meanwhile, combined treatment with the agonist of PPARδ(GW0742) reversed the decrease of cardiac dP/dT and cardiac output in DOX-treated rats. Then, primary cultured cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats were used to measure the changes of calcium concentration in cells. In addition to both decrease of PPARδexpression and troponin phosphorylation in neonatal cardiomyocytes by DOX, a marked decrease of calcium concentration was also observed. Our results suggest the mediation of cardiac PPARδin DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Thus, activation of PPARδmay restore the expression of p-TnI and the cardiac performance in DOX-induced cardio toxicity in rats.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations of Contrast Agent Bolus Dispersion in a Coronary Bifurcation: Impact on MRI-Based Quantification of Myocardial Perfusion
Authors: Schmidt Regine , Graafen Dirk , Weber Stefan , Schreiber Laura M.
Published: March 2013

Contrast-enhanced first-pass magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with a tracer kinetic model, for example, MMID4, can be used to determine myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR). Typically, the arterial input function (AIF) required for this methodology is estimated from the left ventricle (LV). Dispersion of the contrast agent bolus might occur between the LV and the myocardial tissue. Negligence of bolus dispersion could cause an error in MBF determination. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of bolus dispersion in a simplified coronary bifurcation geometry including one healthy and one stenotic branch on the quantification of MBF and MPR. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were combined with MMID4. Different inlet boundary conditions describing pulsatile and constant flows for rest and hyperemia and differing outflow conditions have been investigated. In the bifurcation region, the increase of the dispersion was smaller than inside the straight vessels. A systematic underestimation of MBF values up to −16.1% for pulsatile flow and an overestimation of MPR up to 7.5% were found. It was shown that, under the conditions considered in this study, bolus dispersion can significantly influence the results of quantitative myocardial MR-perfusion measurements.
Estimation of Performance Indices for the Planning of Sustainable Transportation Systems
Authors: Paz Alexander , Maheshwari Pankaj , Kachroo Pushkin , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: March 2013

In the context of sustainable transportation systems, previous studies have either focused only on the transportation system or have not used a methodology that enables the treatment of incomplete, vague, and qualitative information associated with the available data. This study proposes a system of systems (SOS) and a fuzzy logic modeling approach. The SOS includes the Transportation, Activity, and Environment systems. The fuzzy logic modeling approach enables the treatment of the vagueness associated with some of the relevant data. Performance Indices (PIs) are computed for each system using a number of performance measures. The PIs illustrate the aggregated performance of each system as well as the interactions among them. The proposed methodology also enables the estimation of a Composite Sustainability Index to summarize the aggregated performance of the overall SOS. Existing data was used to analyze sustainability in the entire United States. The results showed that the Transportation and Activity systems follow a positive trend, with similar periods of growth and contractions; in contrast, the environmental system follows a reverse pattern. The results are intuitive and are associated with a series of historic events, such as depressions in the economy as well as policy changes and regulations.
Optimizing Industrial Robots for Accurate High-Speed Applications
Authors: Gattringer Hubert , Riepl Roland , Neubauer Matthias
Published: March 2013

Today’s standard robotic systems often do not meet the industry’s demands for accurate high-speed robotic
applications. Any machine, be it an existing or a new one, should be pushed to its limits to provide “optimal” efficiency. However, due to the high complexity of modern applications, a one-step overall optimization is not possible. Therefore, this contribution introduces a step-by-step sequence of multiple nonlinear optimizations. Included
are optimal configurations for geometric calibration, best-exciting trajectories for parameter identification, model-based
control, and time/energy optimal trajectory planning for continuous path and point-to-point trajectories. Each
of these optimizations contributes to the improvement of the overall system. Existing optimization techniques are
adapted and extended for use with a standard industrial robot scenario and combined with a comprehensive toolkit
with discussions on the interplay between the separate components. Most importantly, all procedures are evaluated
in practical experiments on a standard robot with industrial control hardware and the recorded measurements are
presented, a step often missing in publications in this area.
Scientific Challenges and Implementation Barriers to Translation of Pharmacogenomics in Clinical Practice
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: March 2013

The mapping of the human genome and subsequent advancements in genetic technology had provided clinicians and scientists an understanding of the genetic basis of altered drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as some examples of applying genomic data in clinical practice. This has raised the public expectation that predicting patients’ responses to drug therapy is now possible in every therapeutic area, and personalized drug therapy would come sooner than later. However, debate continues among most stakeholders involved in drug development and clinical decision-making on whether pharmacogenomic biomarkers should be used in patient assessment, as well as when and in whom to use the biomarker-based diagnostic tests. Currently, most would agree that achieving the goal of personalized therapy remains years, if not decades, away. Realistic application of genomic findings and technologies in clinical practice and drug development require addressing multiple logistics and challenges that go beyond discovery of gene variants and/or completion of prospective controlled clinical trials. The goal of personalized medicine can only be achieved when all stakeholders in the field work together, with willingness to accept occasional paradigm change in their current approach.
Escape-Route Planning of Underground Coal Mine Based on Improved Ant Algorithm
Authors: Yan Guangwei , Feng Dandan
Published: March 2013

When a mine disaster occurs, to lessen disaster losses and improve survival chances of the trapped miners, good escape routes need to be found and used. Based on the improved ant algorithm, we proposed a new escape-route planning method of underground mines. At first, six factors which influence escape difficulty are evaluated and a weight calculation model is built to form a weighted graph of the underground tunnels. Then an improved ant algorithm is designed and used to find good escape routes. We proposed a tunnel network zoning method to improve the searching efficiency of the ant algorithm. We use max-min ant system method to optimize the meeting strategy of ants and improve the performance of the ant algorithm. In addition, when a small part of the mine tunnel network changes, the system may fix the optimal routes and avoid starting a new processing procedure. Experiments show that the proposed method can find good escape routes efficiently and can be used in the escape-route planning of large and medium underground coal mines.
Mathematical Simulation of Temperature Profiles within Microwave Heated Wood Made for Wood‐Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Li Xianjun , Luo Yongfeng , Chen Hongbin , He Xia , Lv Jianxiong , Wu Yiqiang
Published: March 2013

High intensive microwave pretreatment is a new method to modify wood for the fabrication of wood‐based nanocomposites. Based on the physical law on heat transfer, a mathematical model to describe the temperature profiles within wood heated by high intensive microwave was established and simulated in this research. The results showed that the temperature profiles within wood were related to microwave heating methods; The temperature inside wood firstly increased and then gradually decreased along the direction of microwave transmission when the unilateral microwave heating was applied, and the temperature difference along the thickness direction of wood was very significant; The temperature with wood firstly increased and then gradually decreased from the wood surface to interior when the bilateral microwave heating was applied. Compared with the unilateral microwave heating, bilateral microwave heating is a better microwave heating method for the more uniform wood microwave pretreatment.
Functions of BCL-XLat the Interface between Cell Death and Metabolism
Authors: Michels Judith , Kepp Oliver , Senovilla Laura , Lissa Delphine , Castedo Maria , Kroemer Guido , Galluzzi Lorenzo
Published: March 2013

The BCL-2 homolog BCL-XL, one of the two protein products ofBCL2L1, has originally been characterized for its prominent prosurvival functions. Similar to BCL-2, BCL-XLbinds to its multidomain proapoptotic counterparts BAX and BAK, hence preventing the formation of lethal pores in the mitochondrial outer membrane, as well as to multiple BH3-only proteins, thus interrupting apical proapoptotic signals. In addition, BCL-XLhas been suggested to exert cytoprotective functions by sequestering a cytosolic pool of the pro-apoptotic transcription factor p53 and by binding to the voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1), thereby inhibiting the so-called mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). Thus, BCL-XLappears to play a prominent role in the regulation of multiple distinct types of cell death, including apoptosis and regulated necrosis. More recently, great attention has been given to the cell death-unrelated functions of BCL-2-like proteins. In particular, BCL-XLhas been shown to modulate a number of pathophysiological processes, including—but not limited to—mitochondrial ATP synthesis, protein acetylation, autophagy and mitosis. In this short review article, we will discuss the functions of BCL-XLat the interface between cell death and metabolism.
Malariometric Indices among Nigerian Children in a Rural Setting
Authors: Udoh Ekong E. , Oyo-ita Angela E. , Odey Friday A. , Eyong Komomo I. , Oringanje Chioma  M. , Oduwole Olabisi A. , Okebe Joseph  U. , Esu Ekpereonne B. , Meremikwu Martin M. , Asindi Asindi  A.
Published: March 2013

Malaria contributes to high childhood morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. To determine its endemicity in a rural farming community in the south-south of Nigeria, the following malariometric indices, namely, malaria parasitaemia, spleen rates, and anaemia were evaluated in children aged 2–10 years. This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey among school-age children residing in a rubber plantation settlement. The children were selected from six primary schools using a multistaged stratified cluster sampling technique. They were all examined for pallor, enlarged spleen, or liver among other clinical parameters and had blood films for malaria parasites. Of the 461 children recruited, 329 (71.4%) had malaria parasites. The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia was slightly higher in the under fives than that of those ≥5 years, 76.2% and 70.3%, respectively. Splenic enlargement was present in 133 children (28.9%). The overall prevalence of anaemia was 35.7%. Anaemia was more common in the under-fives (48.8%) than in those ≥5 years (32.8%). The odds of anaemia in the under fives were significantly higher than the odds of those ≥5 years (OR=1.95 [1.19–3.18]). Malaria is highly endemic in this farming community and calls for intensification of control interventions in the area with special attention to school-age children.
Pulmonary Embolism Related to Amisulpride Treatment: A Case Report
Authors: Skokou Maria , Gourzis Philippos
Published: March 2013

Venous thromboembolism has been associated with antipsychotic drugs, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Hypotheses that have been made include body weight gain, sedation, enhanced platelet aggregation, increased levels of antiphospholipid antibodies, hyperhomocysteinemia, whereas hyperprolactinemia has recently attracted attention as a potential contributing factor. The highest risk has been demonstrated for clozapine, olanzapine, and low-potency first-generation antipsychotics; however, presently there is no data for amisulpride. In the present paper we describe a case of pulmonary embolism in a female bipolar patient, receiving treatment with amisulpride, aripiprazole, and paroxetine. Although a contribution of aripiprazole and paroxetine cannot completely be ruled out, the most probable factor underlying the thromboembolic event seems to be hyperprolactinemia, which was caused by amisulpride treatment. Increased plasma levels of prolactin should probably be taken into account during the monitoring of antipsychotic treatment as well as in future research concerning venous thromboembolism in psychiatric settings.
Innate Immune Responses in House Dust Mite Allergy
Authors: Jacquet Alain
Published: March 2013

Sensitizations to house dust mites (HDM) trigger strong exacerbated allergen-induced inflammation of the skin and airways mucosa from atopic subjects resulting in atopic dermatitis as well as allergic rhinitis and asthma. Initially, the Th2-biased HDM allergic response was considered to be mediated only by allergen B- and T-cell epitopes to promote allergen-specific IgE production as well as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 to recruit inflammatory cells. But this general molecular model of HDM allergenicity must be revisited as a growing literature suggests that stimulations of innate immune activation pathways by HDM allergens offer new answers to the following question: what makes an HDM allergen an allergen? Indeed, HDM is a carrier not only for allergenic proteins but also microbial adjuvant compounds, both of which are able to stimulate innate signaling pathways leading to allergy. This paper will describe the multiple ways used by HDM allergens together with microbial compounds to control the initiation of the allergic response through engagement of innate immunity.
Developing Multipurpose Reproductive Health Technologies: An Integrated Strategy
Authors: Harrison P. F. , Hemmerling A. , Romano J. , Whaley K. J. , Young Holt B.
Published: March 2013

Women worldwide confront two frequently concurrent reproductive health challenges: the need for contraception and for protection from sexually transmitted infections, importantly HIV/AIDS. While conception and infection share the same anatomical site and mode of transmission, there are no reproductive health technologies to date thatsimultaneouslyaddress that reality. Relevant available technologies are either contraceptive or anti-infective, are limited in number, and require different modes of administration and management. These “single-indication” technologies do not therefore fully respond to what is a substantial reproductive health need intimately linked to pivotal events in many women's lives. This paper reviews an integrated attempt to develop multipurpose prevention technologies—“MPTs”—products explicitly designed tosimultaneouslyaddress the need for both contraception and protection from sexually transmitted infections. It describes an innovative and iterative MPT product development strategy with the following components: identifying different needs for such technologies and global variations in reproductive health priorities, defining “Target Product Profiles” as the framework for a research and development “roadmap,” collating an integrated MPT pipeline and characterizing significant pipeline gaps, exploring anticipated regulatory requirements, prioritizing candidates for problem-solving and resource investments, and implementing an ancillary advocacy agenda to support this breadth of effort.
A Balanced-Fed Dual Inverted-F Antenna with Reduced Human Body Effects
Authors: Lee Wang-Sang , Tae Hyun-Sung , Oh Kyoung-Sub , Yu Jong-Won
Published: March 2013

A balanced-fed dual inverted-F antenna with reduced human body effects for WLAN applications at 2.45 GHz is presented. In order to reduce the influence by a close proximity or a touch of a human body, the proposed antenna employs an impedance matching using a lumped LC-balun which has the simple and compact structure applying for mobile handsets. The resonant frequency of the proposed antenna is fixed at 2.45 GHz regardless of the close proximity of a human body. By applying for the L-shape ground plane, the proposed antenna has the wide impedance bandwidth of about 150 MHz and the peak realized gain of about 4 dBi.
Epidemiological Study of Animal Leptospirosis in New Caledonia
Authors: Roqueplo Cédric , Cabre Olivier , Davoust Bernard , Kodjo Angeli
Published: March 2013

Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease in the world and a real public health concern for many years in New Caledonia. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on domestic and wild animals from New Caledonia in April 2009. Blood samples were collected from 30 cattle, 29 deers, (Cervus timorensis russa), 25 horses, 51 dogs, and 8 cats and were tested for 23 serovars of pathogenicLeptospiraspecies by the microscopic agglutination test. From the total number of 143 samples, 84 (58.7%) were found to be positive towards one or several serovars of pathogenic leptospires. According to the species, the positive sera were obtained from 43% of 30 cattle, 72% of 29 Rusa deer, 80% of 25 horses, and 43% of 51 dogs, and fromall of the 8 cats tested. This study shows the broad dispersion and the high prevalence of the different serogroups of pathogenicLeptospiraspecies tested, particularly among deer and horses. The disease is endemic in domestic animals and concerns all the species.
Ligation of Left Renal Vein for Spontaneous Splenorenal Shunt to Prevent Portal Hypoperfusion after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kousoulas Lampros , Ringe Kristina Imeen , Winkler Michael , Lehner Frank , Richter Nicolas , Klempnauer Juergen , Helfritz Fabian
Published: March 2013

We report a case of recovered portal flow by ligation of the left renal vein on the first postoperative day after orthotopic liver transplantation of a 54-year-old female with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, and spontaneous splenorenal shunt. After reperfusion, Doppler ultrasonography showed almost total diversion of the portal flow into the existing splenorenal shunt, but because of severe coagulopathy and diffuse bleeding, ligation of the shunt was not attempted. A programmed relaparotomy was performed on the first postoperative day, and the left renal vein was ligated just to the left of the inferior vena cava. Portal flows subsequently increased to 37 cm/sec, and the patient presented a good and stable liver function. We conclude that patients with known preoperative splenorenal shunts should be closely monitored, and if the portal flow becomes insufficient, ligation of the left renal vein should be attempted in order to optimize the portal perfusion of the liver.
Best Polynomial Approximation in -Norm and -Growth of Entire Functions
Authors: El Kadiri Mohamed , Harfaoui Mohammed
Published: March 2013

The classical growth has been characterized in terms of approximation errors for a continuous function on by Reddy (1970), and a compact of positive capacity by Nguyen (1982) and Winiarski (1970) with respect to the maximum norm. The aim of this paper is to give the general growth (-growth) of entire functions in by means of the best polynomial approximation in terms of -norm, with respect to the set , where is the Siciak's extremal function on an -regular nonpluripolar compact is not pluripolar.
Optimization of Injectors Location in a Water Reservoirs Aeration Problem
Authors: Abdelwahed Mohamed
Published: March 2013

The aeration process via injectors is used to combat the lack of oxygen in water reservoirs due to the eutrophication problem. The optimization of the injectors location allows to generate a better flow dynamic in order to remedy to this phenomena an preserve the water quality. We propose to adapt the topological gradient method to this problem. The idea consists of studing the topological sensitivity analysis of the considered model based on the three-dimensional-dependent time Navier-Stokes equation with respect to the insertion of an injector in the flow domain. Finally the obtained results are used in a numerical algorithm and some numerical tests are presented to validate the used approach.
Gene Expression Profile Analysis of T1 and T2 Breast Cancer Reveals Different Activation Pathways
Authors: Riis Margit L. H. , Zhao Xi , Kaveh Fateme , Vollan Hilde S. , Nesbakken Anne-Jorunn , Solvang Hiroko K. , Lüders Torben , Bukholm Ida R. K. , Kristensen Vessela N.
Published: March 2013

Breast cancers today are of predominantly T1 (0.1≥2.0 cm) or T2 (>2≤5 cm) categories due to early diagnosis. Molecular profiling using microarrays has led to the notion of breast cancer as a heterogeneous disease both clinically and molecularly. Given the prognostic power and clinical use of tumor size, the purpose of this study was to search for molecular signatures characterizing clinical T1 and T2. In total 46 samples were included in the discovery dataset. After adjusting for hormone receptor status, lymph node status, grade, and tumor subclass 441 genes were differently expressed between T1 and T2 tumors. Focal adhesion and extracellular matrix receptor interaction were upregulated in the smaller tumors while p38MAPK signaling and immune-related pathways were more dominant in the larger tumors.
The T-size signature was then tested on a validation set of 947 breast tumor samples. Using the T-size expression signatures instead of tumor size leads to a significant difference in risk for distant metastases (P<0.001). If further confirmed, this molecular signature can be used to select patients with tumor category T1 who may need more aggressive treatment and patients with tumor category T2 who may have less benefit from it.
Amicrobial Pustulosis of the Folds Associated with Autoimmune Disorders: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Case Series and First Report on the Association with Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Méndez-Flores Silvia , Charli-Joseph Yann , Saeb-Lima Marcela , Orozco-Topete Rocío , Fernández Sánchez Mónica
Published: March 2013

Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds (APF) associated with autoimmune disorders is an infrequent entity characterized by the recurrent appearance of follicular and nonfollicular sterile pustules in the context of autoimmune disease. Most reports on APF suggest systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as the major immunological associated disorder but the association with autoimmune hepatitis (AH) has not been previously documented. We describe the clinical and histological characteristics of 5 patients with APF: 4 with SLE and 1 with AH. As APF is an exclusion diagnosis, in order to establish an opportune diagnosis and treatment, physicians should be aware of patients with any autoimmune disease who develop a pustular dermatosis for which cultures and stains are negative. We propose the inclusion of anti-liver kidney microsome antibodies in the minor criteria for APF diagnosis.
Identification of a Genetic Locus on Chromosome 11 That Regulates Leukocyte Infiltration in Mouse Carotid Artery
Authors: Smolock Elaine M. , Machleder Dietrich E. , Korshunov Vyacheslav A. , Berk Bradford C.
Published: March 2013

Objective—

We demonstrated that inflammatory cells and intima–media thickening are increased in carotids exposed to low-blood flow in the SJL/J (SJL) strain compared with other mouse strains. We hypothesized that the extent of inflammation associated with intima–media thickening is a genetically regulated trait.

Approach and Results—

We performed a whole genome approach to measure leukocyte infiltration in the carotid intima as a quantitative trait in a genetic cross between C3HeB/FeJ (C3H/F) and SJL mice. Immunostaining for CD45
+
(a pan-specific leukocyte marker) was performed on carotids from C3H/F, SJL, F1, and N2 progeny to measure leukocyte infiltration. We identified a nearly significant quantitative trait locus for CD45
+
on chromosome (chr) 11 (17 cM, LOD=2.3; significance was considered at threshold
P
=0.05). Interval mapping showed that the CD45
+
locus on chr 11 accounted for 8% of the variation in the logarithm of odds backcross. Importantly, the CD45
+
locus colocalized with the intima-modifier 2 (
Im
2) locus, which controls 17% of intima variation. We created 2
Im
2 congenic lines of mice (C3H/F.SJL.11.1 and C3H/F.SJL.11.2) to better understand the regulation of intima–media thickening by the chr 11 locus. The C3H/F.SJL.11.1 congenic mouse showed ≈30% of the SJL trait, confirming that CD45
+
cell infiltration contributed to the intima trait.

Conclusions—

We discovered a novel locus on chr 11 that controls leukocyte infiltration in the carotid. Importantly, this locus overlaps with our previously published
Im
2 locus on chr 11. Our study reveals a potential mechanistic relationship between leukocyte infiltration and intima–media thickening in response to decreased blood flow.
Rotors and the Dynamics of Cardiac Fibrillation
Authors: Pandit Sandeep V. , Jalife José
Published: March 2013

The objective of this article is to present a broad review of the role of cardiac electric rotors and their accompanying spiral waves in the mechanism of cardiac fibrillation. At the outset, we present a brief historical overview regarding reentry and then discuss the basic concepts and terminologies pertaining to rotors and their initiation. Thereafter, the intrinsic properties of rotors and spiral waves, including phase singularities, wavefront curvature, and dominant frequency maps, are discussed. The implications of rotor dynamics for the spatiotemporal organization of fibrillation, independent of the species being studied, are described next. The knowledge gained regarding the role of cardiac structure in the initiation or maintenance of rotors and the ionic bases of spiral waves in the past 2 decades, as well as the significance for drug therapy, is reviewed subsequently. We conclude by examining recent evidence suggesting that rotors are critical in sustaining both atrial and ventricular fibrillation in the human heart and its implications for treatment with radiofrequency ablation.
Temperature Profiles and Lapse Rate Climatology in Altostratus and Nimbostratus Clouds Derived from GPS RO Data
Authors: Yang S. , Zou X.
Published: March 2013

Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) radio occultation (RO) refractivity profiles in altostratus and nimbostratus clouds from 2007 to 2010 are first identified based on collocated CloudSat data. Vertical temperature profiles in these clouds are then retrieved from cloudy refractivity profiles. Contributions of cloud liquid water content and ice water content are also included in the retrieval algorithm. The temperature profiles and their lapse rates are compared with those from a standard GPS RO wet retrieval without including cloud effects. On average, the temperatures from cloudy retrieval are about 0.5–1.0 K warmer than the GPS RO wet retrieval, except for the altitudes near the nimbostratus base. The differences of temperature between the two methods are largest in summer and smallest in winter. The lapse rate in altostratus clouds is around 6.5°–7.5°C km−1 and does not vary greatly with height. On the contrary, the lapse rate increases significantly with height in nimbostratus clouds, from about 2.5°–3.5°C km−1 near the cloud base to about 5.0°–6.0°C km−1 at cloud center and 6.5°–7.5°C km−1 below the cloud top. Seasonal variability of lapse rate derived from the cloudy retrieval is larger than that derived from the wet retrieval. The lapse rate within clouds is smaller in summer and larger in winter. The mean lapse rate decreases with temperature in all seasons.
Evaluating Low-Cloud Simulation from an Upgraded Multiscale Modeling Framework Model. Part III: Tropical and Subtropical Cloud Transitions over the Northern Pacific
Authors: Cheng Anning , Xu Kuan-Man
Published: March 2013

An analysis of simulated cloud regime transitions along a transect from the subtropical California coast to the tropics for the northern summer season (June–August) is presented in this study. The Community Atmosphere Model, version 5 (CAM5), superparameterized CAM (SPCAM), and an upgraded SPCAM with intermediately prognostic higher-order closure (SPCAM-IPHOC) are used to perform global simulations by imposing climatological sea surface temperature and sea ice distributions. The seasonal-mean properties are compared with recent observations of clouds, radiation, and precipitation and with multimodel intercomparison results. There are qualitative agreements in the characteristics of cloud regimes along the transect among the three models. CAM5 simulates precipitation and shortwave radiative fluxes well but the stratocumulus-to-cumulus transition occurs too close to the coast of California. SPCAM-IPHOC simulates longwave radiative fluxes and precipitable water well, but with systematic biases in shortwave radiative fluxes. The broad, stronger ascending band in SPCAM is related to the large biases in the convective region but the characteristics of the stratocumulus region are still more realistic and the transition occurs slightly farther away from the coast than in CAM5. Even though SPCAM-IPHOC produces the most realistic seasonal-mean transition, it underestimates the mean gradient in low-cloud cover (LCC) across the mean transition location because of an overestimate of LCC in the transition and convective regions that shifts the transition locations farther from the coast. Analysis of two decoupling measures shows consistency in the mean location and the histogram of decoupling locations with those of LCC transition. CAM5, however, lacks such a consistency, suggesting a need for further refinement of its boundary layer cloud parameterization.
A Modeling Study of Irrigation Effects on Surface Fluxes and Land–Air–Cloud Interactions in the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Qian Yun , Huang Maoyi , Yang Ben , Berg Larry K.
Published: March 2013

In this study, the authors incorporate an operational-like irrigation scheme into the Noah land surface model as part of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). A series of simulations, with and without irrigation, is conducted over the Southern Great Plains (SGP) for an extremely dry (2006) and wet (2007) year. The results show that including irrigation reduces model bias in soil moisture and surface latent heat (LH) and sensible heat (SH) fluxes, especially during a dry year. Irrigation adds additional water to the surface, leading to changes in the planetary boundary layer. The increase in soil moisture leads to increases in the surface evapotranspiration and near-surface specific humidity but decreases in the SH and surface temperature. Those changes are local and occur during daytime. There is an irrigation-induced decrease in both the lifting condensation level (ZLCL) and mixed-layer depth. The decrease in ZLCL is larger than the decrease in mixed-layer depth, suggesting an increasing probability of shallow clouds. The simulated changes in precipitation induced by irrigation are highly variable in space, and the average precipitation over the SGP region only slightly increases. A high correlation is found among soil moisture, SH, and ZLCL. Larger values of soil moisture in the irrigated simulation due to irrigation in late spring and summer persist into the early fall, suggesting that irrigation-induced soil memory could last a few weeks to months. The results demonstrate the importance of irrigation parameterization for climate studies and improve the process-level understanding on the role of human activity in modulating land–air–cloud interactions.
Estimation of the Effect of Eddies on Coastal El Niño Flows Using Along-Track Satellite Altimeter Data
Authors: Giunipero Emma M. , Clarke Allan J.
Published: March 2013

Previous work has shown that the El Niño sea level signal leaks through the gappy western equatorial Pacific to the coasts of western and southern Australia. South of about 22°S, in the region of the Leeuwin Current, the amplitude of this El Niño signal falls. Using coastal sea level measurements and along-track altimetry data from the Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Poseidon, Jason-1, and OSTM/Jason-2 satellites, this study finds that the interannual divergence of the eddy momentum flux D′ is correlated with the southward along-shelf sea level amplitude decay, consistent with the eddies removing energy from the large-scale sea level signal. The quantity D′ is also correlated with the interannual flow with a surprisingly short dissipation time scale of only 2 days, much shorter than the interannual time scale.

A similar analysis off the western coast of South America, site of the originally named “El Niño” current, was carried out. Interannual sea level decay along the shelf edge is observed, and the interannual southward flow along the shelf edge is found to be highly positively correlated with the along-shelf sea level decay with a dissipation time scale of a few days. Dynamics similar to the Australian case likely apply.
Intracranial Dual-Mode IVUS and Hyperthermia Using Circular Arrays
Authors: Patel Vivek , Light Edward , Herickhoff Carl , Grant Gerald , Britz Gavin , Wilson Christy , Palmeri Mark , Smith Stephen
Published: March 2013

In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using 3.5-Fr (3 Fr = 1 mm) circular phased-array intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheters for minimally invasive, image-guided hyperthermia treatment of tumors in the brain. Feasibility was demonstrated in two ways: (1) by inserting a 3.5-Fr IVUS catheter through skull burr holes, for 20 MHz brain imaging in the pig model, and (2) by testing a modified circular array for therapy potential with 18.5-MHz and 9-MHz continuous wave (CW) excitation. The imaging transducer’s performance was superior to our previous 9-MHz mechanical IVUS prototype. The therapy catheter transducer was driven by CW electrical power at 18.5 MHz, achieving temperature changes reaching +8°C at a depth of 2 mm in a human glioblastoma grown on the flank of a mouse with minimal transducer resistive heating of +2°C. Further hyperthermia trials showed that 9-MHz CW excitation produced temperature changes of +4.5°C at a depth of 12 mm—a sufficient temperature rise for our long-term goal of targeted, controlled drug release via thermosensitive liposomes for therapeutic treatment of 1-cm-diameter glioblastomas.
Delineation of Atherosclerotic Plaque Using Subharmonic Imaging Filtering Techniques and a Commercial Intravascular Ultrasound System
Authors: Sridharan Anush , Eisenbrey John R. , Machado Priscilla , deMuinck Ebo D. , Doyley Marvin M. , Forsberg Flemming
Published: March 2013

The ability to delineate atherosclerotic plaque from the surrounding tissue using custom-developed subharmonic imaging (SHI) digital filtering techniques was investigated in vivo using a commercially available system. Atherosclerosis was induced in the aorta of two Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic rabbits following which injections of an ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) Definity (Lantheus Medical Imaging, N Billerica, Massachusetts) were administered. Imaging was performed using a Galaxy intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) scanner (Boston Scientific, Natick, Massachusetts) equipped with an Atlantis® SR Pro Imaging Catheter (Boston Scientific). Four preliminary band-pass filters were designed to isolate the subharmonic signal (from surrounding tissue) and applied to the radio-frequency (RF) data. Preliminary filter performances were compared in terms of vessel-tissue contrast-to-tissue ratio (CTR) and visual examination. Based on preliminary results, a subharmonic adaptive filter and a stopband (SB) filter were designed and applied to the RF data. Images were classified as fundamental, SHI, and SB. Four readers performed qualitative analysis of 168 randomly selected images (across all three imaging modes). The images were scored for overall image quality, image noise, plaque visualization, and vessel lumen visualization. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the scores followed by intraclass correlation (ICC) evaluation. Quantitative analysis was performed by calculating the CTRs for the vessel-to-plaque and vessel-to-tissue (compared using a paired student’s t test). Qualitative analysis showed SHI and SB to have significantly less image noise relative to the fundamental mode ( p < 0.001). Fundamental mode scored significantly higher than SHI and SB for the remaining three categories. ICC showed mixed results among reader evaluation for delineation of plaque. However, quantitatively, SHI produced the best vessel-plaque CTR.
The Relationship of Infants' Physical Environment to Their Binet Performance at 21/2 Years
Authors: Wachs Theodore D.
Published: March 2013

Most of the available evidence relating early experience to subsequent cognitive development has been concerned with interpersonal interaction variables. In the present paper the relationship of physical environment parameters to development was considered. Subjects were 23 infants who had previously taken part in a longitudinal project which included measurements of the child's physical environment between 12 and 24 months. These measurements were related to the infant's Binet performance at 31 months of age. Results indicated that some physical environment parameters including the presence of audio-visually responsive toys and a lack of overcrowding were related to subsequent Binet performance all across the second year of life. Other items were related to subsequent development only at certain time periods. A breakdown by sex suggested that female development was sensitive to environmental parameters at an earlier age than males and that females were uniquely sensitive to variety/change in their environment. Implications of these findings for early remediation were considered.
Infants at Risk: Perinatal and Neonatal Factors
Authors: Lipsitt Lewis P.
Published: March 2013

Studies have been reviewed to indicate that (a) prematurity and other perinatal hazards impose congenital constraints upon the behavior of the young infant, (b) experimental deficits within the earliest days and weeks of life can compound the risk, (c) infants who succumb to crib death (sudden infant death syndrome) have demonstrably more risk factors present in their prenatal and neonatal histories than matched controls, and (d) premature and other high-risk infants can benefit from early stimulation and learning experiences.

Present indications are that the interdisciplinary field of infant behavior and development has just recently warmed to its urgent task of more completely documenting the full capabilities of infants, both normal and those at risk, and exploring the interactions of biological and experiential factors.

The significance of infancy lies in its importance as a training period for the exercise of sensory capacities and congenital reflexes. The mutual dependence of experience and neurostructural development suggests that infancy is a period of critical learning experiences, from which the young child who traverses the period successfully will emerge capable of defending himself or herself against threats, and able to maximize the pleasures of sensation and of attachment to others.
Two Tests of Piaget's Equilibration Model: A Replication and an Extension
Authors: Silverman Irwin W. , Litman Ruth
Published: March 2013

Pairs of children at different levels of concept development were given problems to discuss that reflected the differences in their thinking. Their task was to arrive at a common answer to each of the problems. In Study I, the children (average age 9;1 years) were divided into those who conserved area and those who did not. For each of two problems, the joint answer was significantly more often that of the conserver. In Study II, the children (average age 7;2 years) were divided into those with a predominantly objective moral orientation and those with a predominantly subjective moral orientation. For each of two story-pairs, the answer agreed upon was significantly more often that of the child with the subjective orientation. The results of both studies were consistent with a prediction derived from Piaget's model of equilibration.
Advisement to Take Risk: A Study of Attitudes toward the Old
Authors: Hutchison Sam L. , Lilienthal Richard A.
Published: March 2013

An investigation of young persons' attitudes toward older individuals was undertaken by obtaining risk scores on a modified form of the Choice Dilemmas Decision Questionnaire (CDQ). College student subjects scoring low on this measure were more risky in giving advice to a fictitious character to make a gamble on a life situation than subjects scoring high. A series of 12 choice dilemma situations were constructed so as to be interchangeable as to the age (young or old) and sex of the central character. Groups of subjects subdivided by sex (8 groups total) advised old men, young men, old women, or young women central characters. An 'ageism-sexism' dimension was uncovered among the male subjects advising old women. The relation of this finding to the literature and suggestions for further research were discussed.
Preschool Children's Performance with Perceptual and Conceptual Recognition Criteria
Authors: Scott Marcia S. , Scott Keith G. , Serchuk Rose
Published: March 2013

In two picture recognition experiments preschool children were required to make three different recognition decisions to a single study picture. In both experiments one of the three tests was based on perceptual identity (level 1), one on common objectclass (level 2), and the third on either taxonomic category or complementary pair formation (level 3). In experiment 1 it was found that the preschool children (X age = 4-10) could make both level 3 recognition decisions with equal ease and at 90% accuracy although there was a significant decline in performance as level of abstraction increased. In experiment 2, three-, four-, and five-year-olds' recognition accuracy improved with age and decreased as level of abstraction increased. Category decisions were associated with lower accuracy levels than those based on complementary pairs. For the category pairs, inferior choice explanations lagged well behind accuracy and improved with age in contrast with the acceptable explanations given by all age groups for the complementary pair solutions. Commonalities in the children's perceptions of the two level 3 grouping principles were discussed, as was the possible confounding of the comparison of the two organizational principles by differential picture pair difficulty.
Follow-Up Study of Children Born from Unwanted Pregnancies
Authors: Matějček Zdeněk , Dytrych Zdeněk , Schüller Vratislav
Published: March 2013

220 children born in Prague in 1961-63 when their mothers applied twice and were refused twice an interruption of this pregnancy were matched to children born from accepted pregnancies. The findings at the children's ninth year of age revealed some important differences in the disfavour of 'unwanted children'.

Both groups have been examined after a further six years. Differences in school achievement and in ratings of child's personality are more pronounced now than before. In Schludermann's CRPBI, unwanted children score significantly lower in 'mother's positive interest' and in 'directivity'.

The period of adolescence seems to enhance the social risk of children once born from unwanted pregnancies.
Early Child Development and the Home Environment: Consistencies at and Between Four Pre-School Stages
Authors: McGlaughlin Alex , Empson Janet , Morrissey Maura , Sever Jill
Published: March 2013

A longitudinal study of disadvantages children is described. At six-montly intervals, starting when each chld was twelve months of age, and continuing until he was thirty months old, sixty mother-child pairs were observed, and recorded on videotape, playing together at home. The child's language competence was assessed using the Reynell Developmental Language Scales when he was thirty months of age. Certain variables of observed interactions between mother and child show a significant relationship to the child's developmental status. In particular, the occurrence of intellectual interactions, a maternal technique using speech and a teaching approach are consistently related to development for each age recorded, and are highly stable measures at each age. These results are discussed in terms of causal links between variables of observed interaction, assessed using panel analysis.