bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEW EDGE CHARACTERISTICS FOR SCENE AND OBJECT CLASSIFICATION
Authors: SHIVAKUMARA PALAIAHNAKOTE , RAJAN DEEPU , SADANANTHAN SURESH ANAND
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we show that simple edge characteristics in images, when judiciously combined, can result in improved scene and object classification. Unlike existing methods that require a large number of training samples and complex learning schemes, our method discovers simple edge properties. We introduce three sets of edge properties, namely, centroid, compactness and aspect ratio of edges in the image. The combinations of these edge properties are used to discriminate among images in each class. A class representative is calculated for each class according to the average percentage of edges that satisfy the property of a particular class. This percentage for an unknown image is compared to the class representative to assign a label to it. It is shown that this simple edge properties-based method outperforms some of the state-of-the-art results on scene and object classification on standard databases.
LIFTING FILLING DEHN SPHERES
Authors: VIGARA RUBEN
Published: January 2012

A Dehn sphere Σ [C. D. Papakyriakopoulos, On Dehn's Lemma and the asphericity of knots, Ann. Math. (2) 66 (1957) 1–26] in a closed 3-manifold M is a sphere immersed in M with only double curve and triple point singularities. The Dehn sphere Σ ⊂ M lifts to M × I, where I is an interval, if there exists an embedded sphere in M × I that projects onto Σ. Every closed 3-manifold has a filling Dehn sphere [J. M. Montesinos-Amilibia, Representing 3-Manifold by Dehn Spheres, Contribuciones Matemáticas: Homenaje a Joaquín Arregui Fernández (Editorial Complutense, 2000), pp. 239–247], i.e. a Dehn sphere that defines a cell decomposition of M. In [R. Vigara, Representación de 3-variedades por esferas de Dehn rellenantes, Ph.D. Thesis, UNED, Madrid (2006)], it is shown that every closed 3-manifold M has a filling Dehn sphere that lifts to M × I. In this paper it is proved that every closed 3-manifold has a filling Dehn sphere that does not lift to M × I. These results solve a question of Roger Fenn.
PROPERTIES OF MAGNETIZED QUARK-HYBRID STARS
Authors: ORSARIA MILVA , RANEA-SANDOVAL IGNACIO F. , VUCETICH H. , WEBER FRIDOLIN
Published: January 2012

The structure of a magnetized quark-hybrid stars (QHS) is modeled using a standard relativistic mean-field equation of state (EoS) for the description of hadronic matter. For quark matter we consider a bag model EoS which is modified perturbatively to account for the presence of a uniform magnetic field. The mass-radius (M-R) relationship, gravitational redshift and rotational Kepler periods of such stars are compared with those of standard neutron stars (NS).
COSMOLOGICAL PHASE TRANSITIONS FROM LATTICE FIELD THEORY
Authors: JANSEN KARL
Published: January 2012

In this proceedings contribution we discuss the fate of the electroweak and the quantum chromodynamics phase transitions relevant for the early stage of the universe at non-zero temperature. These phase transitions are related to the Higgs mechanism and the breaking of chiral symmetry, respectively. We will review that non-perturbative lattice field theory simulations show that these phase transitions actually do not occur in nature and that physical observables show a completely smooth behaviour as a function of the temperature.
A RELATIVISTIC EFFECTIVE MODEL WITH PARAMETERIZED COUPLINGS FOR NEUTRON STARS: THE ROLE OF ANTIKAON CONDENSATES
Authors: MESQUITA ALEXANDRE , RAZEIRA MOISÉS , HADJIMICHEF DIMITER , VASCONCELLOS CÉSAR A. Z. , GOMES ROSANA O. , PÉREZ MARTÍNEZ AURORA , PÉREZ ROJAS HUGO , MANREZA PARET DARYEL
Published: January 2012

We study the effects of antikaon condensates in neutron stars in the framework of a relativistic effective model with derivative couplings which includes genuine many-body forces simulated by nonlinear interaction terms involving scalar-isoscalar (σ, σ*), vector-isoscalar (ω, ɸ), vector-isovector (ϱ), scalar-isovector (δ) mesons. The effective model presented in this work has a philosophy quite similar to the original version of the model with parameterized couplings. But unlike that, in which the parametrization is directly inserted in the coupling constants of the Glendenning model, we present here a method for the derivation of the parametric dependence of the coupling terms, in a way that allows in one side to consistently justify this parametrization and in the other to extend in a coherent way the range of possibilities of parameterizations in effective models with derivative couplings. The extended model is then applied to the description of the mass of neutron stars.
RELATIVISTIC URCA PROCESSES IN NEUTRON STARS WITH AN ANTIKAON CONDESATE
Authors: RAZEIRA MOISÉS , MESQUITA ALEXANDRE , VASCONCELLOS CÉSAR A. Z. , GOMES ROSANA O. , PÉREZ MARTÍNEZ AURORA , PÉREZ ROJAS HUGO , MANREZA PARET DARYEL
Published: January 2012

A recently developed effective relativistic theory for nuclear matter is applied to the description of the cooling process of baryon degenerate neutron star matter through neutrino emission considering direct URCA processes. In our approach nucleons and antikaon condensates interact with σ, ω, ρ, δ and ς meson fields. Our results indicate a substantial decrease of the critical threshold density for the URCA process. This is because the presence of these interacting degrees of freedom increase the proportion of protons, producing simultaneously the reduction of the isospin asymmetry in nuclear matter. Our results also indicate that neutron stars with larger masses than MNE ~ 0.9M⊙, which represents the stellar critical threshold (the mass of the neutron star whose baryon central density reached the critical density) would be cooled efficiently and be outside the possibility of observation by heat radiation in a few years.
ENERGY SPECTRA OF GLUINONIUM
Authors: VASCONCELLOS CÉSAR A. Z. , HADJIMICHEF DIMITER , DA SILVA MÁRIO L. L. , RAZEIRA MOISÉS , MESQUITA ALEXANDRE , RODRIGUEZ MARCOS C.
Published: January 2012

We investigate relativistic bound states for a hypothetical light scalar gluino pair (gluinonium), in the framework of the covariant Bethe-Salpeter equation (BSE). In this paper, we derive, from the covariant BSE for a fermion-anti-fermion system, using charge conjugation, the corresponding bound-state equation for a gluino pair and we then formulate, for a static harmonic kernel, the coupled differential equations for the corresponding static Bethe-Salpeter amplitude. The steps of our approach then include a numerical solution of the Bethe-Salpeter amplitude for a two-body interaction consisting of scalar, pseudo-scalar, and four-vector components and the determination of the energy spectrum for the ground and the radially excited states of massive gluinonium. We found the energy spectrum and radial distributions of fundamental and excited states of gluinonium. The comparison of the values obtained in the extreme relativistic case with the corresponding values predicted by a harmonic oscillator potential model shows that there is good agreement between the two formulations. The predictions of the binding energy of glunionium in the non-relativistic model are however systematically higher.
Cross talk between NADPH oxidase and autophagy in pulmonary artery endothelial cells with intrauterine persistent pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Teng Ru-Jeng , Du Jianhai , Welak Scott , Guan Tongju , Eis Annie , Shi Yang , Konduri Girija G.
Published: January 2012

Autophagy is a process for cells to degrade proteins or entire organelles to maintain a balance in the synthesis, degradation, and subsequent recycling of cellular products. Increased reactive oxygen species formation is known to induce autophagy. We previously reported that increased NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) from fetal lambs with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) contributes to impaired angiogenesis in PPHN-PAEC compared with normal PAEC. We hypothesized that increased NOX activity in PPHN-PAEC is associated with increased autophagy, which, in turn, contributes to impaired angiogenesis in PPHN-PAEC. In the present study, we detected increased autophagy in PPHN-PAEC as shown by increased ratio of the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain (LC3)-II to LC3-I and increased percentage of green fluorescent protein-LC3 punctate positive cells. Inhibiting autophagy by 3-methyladenine, chloroquine, and beclin-1 knockdown in PPHN-PAEC has led to decreased autophagy and increased in vitro angiogenesis. Inhibition of autophagy also decreased the association between gp91phox and p47phox, NOX activity, and superoxide generation. A nonspecific antioxidant N-acetylcysteine and a NOX inhibitor apocynin decreased autophagy in PPHN-PAEC. In conclusion, autophagy may contribute to impaired angiogenesis in PPHN-PAEC through increasing NOX activity. Our results suggest that, in PPHN-PAEC, a positive feedback relationship between autophagy and NOX activity may regulate angiogenesis.
Pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension in acute lung injury
Authors: Price Laura C. , McAuley Danny F. , Marino Philip S. , Finney Simon J. , Griffiths Mark J. , Wort Stephen John
Published: January 2012

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome are characterized by protein rich alveolar edema, reduced lung compliance, and acute severe hypoxemia. A degree of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is also characteristic, higher levels of which are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The increase in right ventricular (RV) afterload causes RV dysfunction and failure in some patients, with associated adverse effects on oxygen delivery. Although the introduction of lung protective ventilation strategies has probably reduced the severity of PH in ALI, a recent invasive hemodynamic analysis suggests that even in the modern era, its presence remains clinically important. We therefore sought to summarize current knowledge of the pathophysiology of PH in ALI.
Downregulation of SMG-1 in HPV-Positive Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Due to Promoter Hypermethylation Correlates with Improved Survival
Authors: Gubanova Evgenia , Brown Brandee , Ivanov Sergei V. , Helleday Thomas , Mills Gordon B. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Issaeva Natalia
Published: January 2012

Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked with a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). HPV-positive HNSCCs show a better prognosis than HPV-negative HNSCCs, which may be explained by sensitivity of the HPV-positive HNSCCs to ionizing radiation (IR). Although the molecular mechanism behind sensitivity to IR in HPV-positive HNSCCs is unresolved, DNA damage response (DDR) might be a significant determinant of IR sensitivity. An important player in the DDR, SMG-1 (suppressor with morphogenetic effect on genitalia), is a potential tumor suppressor and may therefore be deregulated in cancer. No studies have yet been conducted linking defects in SMG-1 expression with cancer. We investigated whether deregulation of SMG-1 could be responsible for defects in the DDR in oropharyngeal HNSCC.

Experimental Design: Expression and promoter methylation status of SMG-1 were investigated in HNSCCs. To identify a functional link between HPV infection and SMG-1, we transfected the HPV-negative cells with an E6/E7 expression construct. SMG-1 short hairpin RNAs were expressed in HPV-negative cells to estimate survival upon IR.

Results: Forced E6/E7 expression in HPV-negative cells resulted in SMG-1 promoter hypermethylation and decreased SMG-1 expression. Due to promoter hypermethylation, HPV-positive HNSCC cells and tumors express SMG-1 at lower levels than HPV-negative SCCs. Depletion of SMG-1 in HPV-negative HNSCC cells resulted in increased radiation sensitivity, whereas SMG-1 overexpression protected HPV-positive tumor cells from irradiation.

Conclusions: Levels of SMG-1 expression negatively correlated with HPV status in cancer cell lines and tumors. Diminished SMG-1 expression may contribute to the enhanced response to therapy exhibited by HPV-positive HNSCCs. Clin Cancer Res; 18(5); 1257–67. ©2012 AACR.
Organic vapor permeation through membranes based on ethylene propylene diene monomer and polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Kutty CP Mohamed , Jahfar M , Sunilkumar M , Sujith A , Unnikrishnan G
Published: January 2012

Composite membranes based on ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been prepared. The vapor permeation studies were conducted with aromatic hydrocarbons and aliphatic alcohols for the membrane characterization. Special attention has been given to the amount of PVC in the membrane, size of penetrant and also type of vulcanization. The permeability was found to decrease with increase in PVC content due to the stiff and rigid nature of PVC. The field emission scanning electron microscopy of the membranes showed a two-phase morphology. Here, the PVC is dispersed in the continuous EPDM phase. It was found that the permeability decreased with increase in the size of the penetrant. Different types of miscible liquid mixtures have been analyzed for finding out the separation efficiency of the membranes. In the case of benzene/propanol mixture, it has been found that when the concentration of benzene increases, the vapor permeation rate increases, indicating high interaction of benzene toward the composites.
Michel Foucault and the enigmatic origins of bio-politics and governmentality
Authors: Ojakangas Mika
Published: January 2012

Even a superficial look at the classical ideas and practices of government of populations makes it immediately apparent that there is a peculiarity in Foucault’s genealogy of western bio-politics and governmentality. According to Foucault, western governmental rationality can be traced back to the Judeo-Christian tradition in general and to the Christian ideology and practice of the pastorate in particular. In this article, my purpose is to show that Christianity was not the prelude to what Foucault calls governmentality but rather marked a rupture in the development that started in classical Greece and Rome and continued in early modern Europe. With the rise of Christianity, the majority of these classical practices, including negative eugenics and even family policies, either faded into the background or they were rejected outright.
Liberty, necessity and the foundations of Hume’s ‘science of man’
Authors: Demeter Tamás
Published: January 2012

In this article I suggest that section VIII of Hume’s Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding could be read as a contribution to the foundational issues of a characteristic 18th-century enterprise, namely the ‘science of man’. More specifically, it can be read as a summary of his attempt to place this science on an experimental footing, with an awareness of the lessons he has drawn in the previous sections of the Enquiry. This interpretation fits with an overall reading of the work as responding to the epistemological problems that arise in the context of then-contemporary ways of knowledge production. As I argue, this section is relevant for the methodology of a science of human nature. The main problems it addresses are the following. What kind of knowledge can we hope for about human beings, and how should we pursue it? What are the meaningful questions that can be asked, and what is beyond the reach of this kind of inquiry? Answering these questions sets the scope and limits of this science.
A case of lupus erythematosus profundus with multiple arc-shaped erythematous plaques on the scalp and a review of the literature
Authors: Tsuzaka S , Ishiguro N , Akashi R , Kawashima M
Published: January 2012

A 26-year-old Japanese female presented to us with a 2-year history of multiple arc-shaped erythematous lesions on her scalp and the right side of her forehead. Histopathological examination of two of the lesions showed lobular and septal panniculitis with deposits of IgG in the basement membrane zone. We diagnosed the case as lupus erythematosus profundus, and successfully treated her with 20 mg/day prednisolone. To our knowledge, there has been only one previously reported case of lupus erythematosus profundus with annular-shaped erythematous lesions and six cases with linear configuration.
Association Between Vision Impairment and Health Among a National Cohort of 87 134 Thai Adults
Authors: Yiengprugsawan Vasoontara , Seubsman Sam-ang , Sleigh Adrian C. ,   The Thai Cohort Study Team
Published: January 2012

To date, more than 300 million people worldwide live with low vision and blindness, imposing social and economic burdens on individuals and families. This study analyzes a cohort of 87 134 Thai adults, reporting odds ratios (ORs) and calculating population attributable fractions (PAFs). PAF estimates the proportion of the disease or condition that would not occur if no one in the population had the risk factor. Approximately 28% and 8% reported having refractive errors and vision impairment not correctable by visual aids. Both types of vision impairment were positively associated with poor self-assessed health (adjusted ORs = 1.23 to 2.03) and poor psychological health (adjusted ORs = 1.13 to 1.63). PAFs show that refractive errors explain 6.1% of poor self-assessed health, 3.5% of poor psychological health, and 2.2% of falls in the last year. PAFs for vision impairment not correctable by visual aids explain 7.5%, 4.7%, and 3.1%, respectively. Incorporating early detection and prevention of vision impairment at the primary health care level will contribute to promoting the health of Thais.
Describing Variation in Home Health Care Episodes for Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Riggs Jennifer S. , Madigan Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2012

This cohort study used Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) data to describe home health care episode variation for patients ( N = 103 869) with heart failure (HF), according to prior site of care. The most common episode is admission followed by discharge home, occurring for 63% of patients in the hospital, and 58% of patients at home, prior to home health care admission. Hospitalization with no return to home health care comprised the next most frequent pattern, occurring most often (16%) for patients with skilled nursing facility as prior site of care, and least often (11%) for patients at home prior to admission. Home health care episodes vary for patients with HF according to prior site of care, perhaps a reflection of variation in patients’ care needs (restorative, maintenance, palliative).
The Role of Transformational Leadership Styles in the Home Health Care Industry
Authors: Lee Doohee
Published: January 2012

The concept of transformational leadership styles has been popular in medical communities in recent years but very limited information is available in the literature on the role of transformational leadership in relation to workplace performance among home health aides. A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2007 National Home Health Aides Survey ( n = 1,828). A multivariate regression analysis was performed to estimate the association of transformational leadership styles with workplace performance among home health aides. Transformational leadership styles were positively linked to performance in reducing injury, increasing career satisfaction, and choosing their career again if they had to choose. Our finding suggests that introducing transformational leadership practices may benefit home health aides in improving their workplace performance.
Perceptions on the Use of Telehealth by Homecare Nurses and Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kavita , Jacelon Cynthia , Roche Joan
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions on effectiveness of telehealth for Heart Failure (HF) management beyond the initial acceptance phase in a home care setting. Participants included 31 home care nurses for surveys, 9 nurses for focus groups and 4 patients with HF and the telehealth nurse for interviews. Telehealth was perceived to benefit by contributing objective assessments, timely information regarding patient status, a sense of security, and patient accountability. However, barriers to use of telehealth included inadequate staff training, lack of guidelines for client referrals and integration of telehealth in nursing workflow, lack of trust in equipment’s accuracy, and certain patient characteristics. The study exposed the role played by inadequate systemic guidelines and patient characteristics as factors affecting long-term use of telehealth for HF.
Extremes, uncertainty, and responsibility across boundaries
Authors: Manhas Kiran Pohar , Mitchell Ian
Published: January 2012

The availability of complex, pediatric home care (CPHC) allows ventilator-dependent children to live at home not hospital. The process of transition from hospital to home encompasses the morphing of responsibilities from uniquely hospital based to CPHC based. This study promoted contextualized understanding of transition using in-depth case-study methodology. A total of 26 adults were interviewed for their roles and responsibilities in transition; they represented members of the family, hospital team, home team, and government programs. Interview analyses revealed four major facets of transition, each accompanied by a significant challenge. Transition (a) was a continuous shift in responsibility challenged by precarious human resources, (b) was peppered with losses producing uncertainty and grief, (c) was focused on crossing jurisdictions in the face of polarization around knowledge, and (d) was heavily reliant on mothers leading to expectations of maternal extraordinariness. The overarching conceptualization emerged that transition entailed extremes and uncertainty in the bridging of boundaries.
Independent magazines and the rejuvenation of print
Authors: Le Masurier Megan
Published: January 2012

In current discussions of the democratization of media production, of ‘we the media’, where everyone is a journalist, everyone a publisher, the focus has been on digital culture. Yet in the shadows of this explosion of digital-led creativity and media making, there has been a resurgence in the production of one of the oldest forms of media, the small-scale independently owned printed magazine. These magazines are being made by the young ‘digital natives’, informed and aided by digital literacy, but the medium of choice remains print. This article aims to describe and define these independent magazines (indies), distinguishing them from DIY zines, fanzines and mainstream niche consumer magazines. In their choice to rejuvenate rather than reject print, the indies allow us to explore the appeals of medium specificity and material culture, and how some of the current themes of media democratization – digital and design literacy, Pro-Ams, the DIWO ethos – are played out in this renewal of ‘heritage’ media.
It’s not your fault: The social costs of claiming discrimination on behalf of someone else
Authors: Eliezer Dina , Major Brenda
Published: January 2012

Two experiments examined responses to bystanders who claimed that another person experienced discrimination. Participants read about a woman or man who experienced sexism and whose co-worker (male or female) either expressed sympathy or claimed that the target experienced sexism. Participants then evaluated the co-worker (bystander). Overall, participants evaluated bystanders who claimed that someone else experienced discrimination more negatively than they evaluated bystanders who did not claim discrimination. Furthermore, female bystanders who claimed discrimination on behalf of someone else were derogated more than male bystanders who did the same. Additional analyses indicated that female bystanders who claimed that another person experienced discrimination were derogated more than male bystanders who did so because the former threatened participants’ beliefs about the fairness of status differences to a greater extent than the later.
Playing with ‘Scottishness’: musical performance, non-representational thinking and the ‘doings’ of national identity
Authors: Wood Nichola
Published: January 2012

From the mid-1980s the influence of identity politics and poststructuralism has sought to replace the idea of a ‘unified’ identity with the concept of dynamic, multiple and fractured identities. However, it has been suggested that there is an ontological problem with researching dynamic conceptions of identity and that all too often people treat forming and formative processes (such as the makings and doings of identity) as fixed and formed wholes. This article attempts to address this concern through an exploration of the ‘doings’ of Scottish national identities. Drawing on a nonrepresentational inspired study of (‘Scottish’) musical performances the project presented in this article seeks to explore how a study of the ephemeral, emotionally charged moments of (‘Scottish’) musical performance might shed new light on the nature and (re)production of Scottish national identities in the making or the doing. This article therefore makes a contribution to understandings of ‘Scottishness’ (as lived experiences), but, it also makes a contribution to the geographies of music literature by highlighting the need to further explore the practical and performative dimensions of ‘musicking’.
Antisense inhibition of coagulation factor XI prolongs APTT without increased bleeding risk in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Younis Husam S. , Crosby Jeff , Huh Jung-Im , Lee Hong Soo , Rime Soyub , Monia Brett , Henry Scott P.
Published: January 2012

A strategy to produce sufficient anticoagulant properties with reduced risk of bleeding may be possible through inhibition of factor XI (FXI), a component of the intrinsic coagulation cascade. The objective of this work was to determine the safety profile of ISIS 416858, a 2′-methoxyethoxy (2′-MOE) antisense oligonucleotide inhibitor of FXI, with focus on assessment of bleeding risk. Cynomolgus monkeys administered ISIS 416858 (4, 8, 12, and 40 mg/kg/wk, subcutaneous) for up to 13 weeks produced a dose-dependent reduction in FXI (mRNA in liver and plasma activity) and a concomitant increase in activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). ISIS 416858 (20 or 40 mg/kg/wk) reduced plasma FXI activity by 80% at 4 weeks of treatment that resulted in a 33% increase in APTT by 13 weeks with no effects on PT, platelets, or increased bleeding following partial tail amputation or gum and skin laceration. The dose-dependent presence of basophilic granules in multiple tissues in ISIS 416858–treated animals was an expected histologic change for a 2′-MOE antisense oligonucleotide, and no toxicity was attributed to hepatic FXI reduction. Basophilic granules reflect cellular drug uptake and subsequent visualization on hematoxylin staining. These results suggest that ISIS 416858 has an acceptable preclinical safety profile and is a promising clinical candidate to treat thrombotic disease.
Initial bone marrow reticulin fibrosis in polycythemia vera exerts an impact on clinical outcome
Authors: Barbui Tiziano , Thiele Jürgen , Passamonti Francesco , Rumi Elisa , Boveri Emanuela , Randi Maria Luigia , Bertozzi Irene , Marino Filippo , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Pieri Lisa , Rotunno Giada , Gisslinger Heinz , Gisslinger Bettina , Müllauer Leonhard , Finazzi Guido , Carobbio Alessandra , Gianatti Andrea , Ruggeri Marco , Nichele Ilaria , D'Amore Emanuele , Rambaldi Alessandro , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: January 2012

We examined the prevalence and prognostic relevance of bone marrow reticulin fibrosis in 526 patients with World Health Organization–defined polycythemia vera evaluated at the time of initial diagnosis. Seventy-four patients (14%) displayed mostly grade 1 reticulin fibrosis, with only 2 cases showing higher-grade fibrosis. Presenting clinical and laboratory characteristics, including JAK2V617F allele burden, between patients with and without fibrosis were similar for the most part, with the exception of a higher prevalence of palpable splenomegaly in patients with fibrosis (P < .01). Patients with fibrosis were less prone to experience thrombosis during their clinical course (1.1 vs 2.7 per 100 patient-years; P = .03) and more prone to develop post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis (2.2 vs 0.8 per 100 patient-years; P = .01). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of overall or leukemia-free survival. The present study clarifies the incidence, degree, and prognostic relevance of bone marrow fibrosis obtained at time of initial diagnosis of polycythemia vera.
Demand-adapted regulation of early hematopoiesis in infection and inflammation
Authors: Takizawa Hitoshi , Boettcher Steffen , Manz Markus G.
Published: January 2012

During systemic infection and inflammation, immune effector cells are in high demand and are rapidly consumed at sites of need. Although adaptive immune cells have high proliferative potential, innate immune cells are mostly postmitotic and need to be replenished from bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. We here review how early hematopoiesis has been shaped to deliver efficient responses to increased need. On the basis of most recent findings, we develop an integrated view of how cytokines, chemokines, as well as conserved pathogen structures, are sensed, leading to divisional activation, proliferation, differentiation, and migration of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, all aimed at efficient contribution to immune responses and rapid reestablishment of hematopoietic homeostasis. We also outline how chronic inflammatory processes might impinge on hematopoiesis, potentially fostering hematopoietic stem cell diseases, and, how clinical benefit is and could be achieved by learning from nature.
Evolution, expansion and expression of the Kunitz/BPTI gene family associated with long-term blood feeding in Ixodes Scapularis
Authors: Dai Shao-Xing , Zhang Ai-Di , Huang Jing-Fei
Published: January 2012

Background

Recent studies of the tick saliva transcriptome have revealed the profound role of salivary proteins in blood feeding. Kunitz/BPTI proteins are abundant in the salivary glands of ticks and perform multiple functions in blood feeding, such as inhibiting blood coagulation, regulating host blood supply and disrupting host angiogenesis. However, Kunitz/BPTI proteins in soft and hard ticks have different functions and molecular mechanisms. How these differences emerged and whether they are associated with the evolution of long-term blood feeding in hard ticks remain unknown.

Results

In this study, the evolution, expansion and expression of Kunitz/BPTI family in Ixodes scapularis were investigated. Single- and multi-domain Kunitz/BPTI proteins have similar gene structures. Single-domain proteins were classified into three groups (groups I, II and III) based on their cysteine patterns. Group I represents the ancestral branch of the Kunitz/BPTI family, and members of this group function as serine protease inhibitors. The group I domain was used as a module to create multi-domain proteins in hard ticks after the split between hard and soft ticks. However, groups II and III, which evolved from group I, are only present and expanded in the genus Ixodes. These lineage-specific expanded genes exhibit significantly higher expression during long-term blood feeding in Ixodes scapularis. Interestingly, functional site analysis suggested that group II proteins lost the ability to inhibit serine proteases and evolved a new function of modulating ion channels. Finally, evolutionary analyses revealed that the expansion and diversification of the Kunitz/BPTI family in the genus Ixodes were driven by positive selection.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the differences in the Kunitz/BPTI family between soft and hard ticks may be linked to the evolution of long-term blood feeding in hard ticks. In Ixodes, the lineage-specific expanded genes (Group II and III) lost the ancient function of inhibiting serine proteases and evolved new functions to adapt to long-term blood feeding. Therefore, these genes may play a profound role in the long-term blood feeding of hard ticks. Based our analysis, we propose that the six genes identified in our study may be candidate target genes for tick control.
Transvaginal ultrasound ovarian diathermy: sheep as an experimental model
Authors: Pimentel Anita M , Kobayashi Danielle , Kliemann Lucia M , Franjdlich Renato , Capp Edison , Corleta Helena VE
Published: January 2012

Background

Some techniques of transvaginal ovarian drilling have been previously described. Nevertheless a monopolar transvaginal ovarian cauterization, that use the expertise and safety of transvaginal puncture for oocyte captation seems to be an easier and feasible approach. The aim of this study was to develop a minimally invasive ovarian cauterization technique under transvaginal ultrasound control, and to evaluate the safety of the transvaginal ovarian monopolar cauterization, female sheep at reproductive age were used as an experimental model.

Findings

An experimental study was performed in a university research center. Seventeen female sheep (15 Corriedale e 2 Suffolk) in reproductive age were submitted to transvaginal ovarian cauterization with a monopolar Valleylab Force 2 electrocautery. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions were assessed. Ovarian size were 1.31 cm2 ± 0,43 (Corriedale) and 3.41 cm2 ± 0,64 (Suffolk). From 30 ovaries from Corriedale sheep punctured, only 3 were cauterized, presenting macroscopic and typical microscopic lesion. In the Suffolk sheep group, only one ovary was cauterized. No lesion could be found in the needle path.

Conclusions

This is the first experimental animal model described for ovarian cauterization needle guided by transvaginal ultrasound. The sheep does not seem to be the ideal animal model to study this technique. Another animal model, whose ovaries are better identified by transvaginal ultrasound should be sought for this technique, theoretically less invasive, before it could be offered safely to women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Inversion of low-induction number conductivity meter data to predict seasonal saturation variation
Authors: Smiarowski Adam , Macnae James , Bann Glen
Published: January 2012

Our research introduced a method to monitor saturation in the near surface. In agricultural settings, methods measuring electrical conductivity can provide useful information about soil type, moisture content, and salinity extent. Electrical conductivity meters have been used in a number of studies to determine soil properties in a qualitative sense. We examined the range of structures in which the use of low-induction number instruments can be used successfully to determine layered-earth electrical conductivity. We used an inversion routine which employs a Bayesian modification to the ridge-regression technique with a priori conductivity assumptions typical of agricultural areas. We performed joint inversion of horizontal and vertical dipole configurations at two coil separations for layer over half-space models with electrical properties of silt, loam, clay, and saline waters. Generally, the inversion code resolved layer thickness to better than 25% and electrical conductivity to better than 20% if the layer is less than 3-m thick. We then inverted field measurements acquired in salt-scalded areas in the Yass River Valley, New South Wales, Australia, to determine a layer over a half-space. With Kennedy’s formulation concerning the relationship between porosity, water saturation and electrical conductivity, we used the field results to predict autumn water saturation for the top layer to be 13% and the bottom layer to be 15%. In the spring, we used the field results to predict saturation of 50% for the top layer and 51% for the bottom layer, leading to a seasonal variation in soil saturation of approximately 36%. Predicted saturation was spatially consistent across the traverse line, suggesting that the developed methodology was successful.
Elastic properties of microporous cemented grainstones
Authors: Fournier François , Leonide Philippe , Biscarrat Kévin , Gallois Arnaud , Borgomano Jean , Foubert Anneleen
Published: January 2012

We investigated the effect of porosity, pore geometry, and diagenetic history on the elastic properties of dry, tightly cemented grainstones whose pore space consists dominantly of intragranular microporosity within micritic grains. The integration of laboratory petrophysical measurements (porosity, P- and S-wave velocity), petrographic analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging of micropore space of 80 Lower Cretaceous microporous carbonate samples from Provence (south-east France) allows (1) the changes in porosity and pore geometry during the diagenetic history to be related to changes in elastic properties, and (2) the impact of micritic grain diagenesis on the elastic properties of microporous grainstones to be quantified by means of fitting parameters derived from equivalent elastic medium modeling. The Urgonian microporous cemented grainstones are elastically equivalent to a homogeneous calcitic host with spherical calcitic inclusions comprising spheroidal pores. The best fit is obtained when porous spheres are modelled using the differential effective medium (DEM) approach and the whole composite using the self-consistent (SC) method (DEM-SC model). At lower porosity values ([Formula: see text]), when the micropore volume is controlled by intercrystalline cementation processes without compaction, the equivalent pore aspect ratio (EPAR) derived from DEM-SC modelling is nearly constant and averages 0.15. At higher porosities, changes in micropore space architecture related to leaching processes result in slightly increasing EPAR. The recognition of EPAR-preserving versus EPAR-non preserving elastic property evolution is proposed as a tool for diagenetic pattern detection in microporous carbonate reservoirs.
Multiple Sclerosis or Neuromyelitis Optica? Re-evaluating an 18th-century Illness Using 21st-century Software
Authors: Garrard Peter , Peters Timothy J
Published: January 2012

In this paper we report the application of an extensive database of symptoms, signs, laboratory findings and illnesses, to the diagnosis of an historical figure. The medical diagnosis of Augustus d'Este (1794–1848) – widely held to be the first documented case of multiple sclerosis – is reviewed, using the detailed symptom diary, which he kept over many years, as clinical data. Some of the reported features prompted the competing claim that d'Este suffered from acute porphyria, which in turn was used in support of the hypothesis that his grandfather, King George III, also suffered from the disease. We find that multiple sclerosis is statistically the most likely diagnosis, with neuromyelitis optica a strong alternative possibility. The database did not support a diagnosis of any of the acute porphyrias.
How Influences on Teenage Smoking Reflect Gender and Society in Mali, West Africa
Authors: Kirk Anna
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To provide further understanding and discussion on the influences on smoking in young people in Mali.

Design

A generic qualitative methodological approach was used following Caelli's generic principles. Six focus group discussions were conducted with a total of 31 participants followed by two semi-structured interviews. A reflexive account was kept to record development in the researcher's theoretical position

Setting

The setting was recreational areas of Bamako, capital city of Mali, West Africa.

Participants

Participants aged 13–15 years were recruited opportunistically in a recreational area of Bamako.

Mainoutcome measures

To develop further understanding of the influences of teenage smoking in Mali, West Africa.

Results

Five main categories that explained influences on youth smoking emerged: knowledge and awareness of smoking; associations with smoking; influential people; key messages in Malian society; and access to tobacco. The results showed that influences were complex and interwoven, notable gender differences were revealed, and the role of elder members of the community proved decisive in participants’ smoking experiences. Participants described vague knowledge of the impact on health of smoking and reported trying smoking from an early age. Often contact with smoking was through elders and being sent to buy and sometimes light cigarettes for them. Associations with smoking were influenced by gender with smoking more desirable for boys than girls.

Conclusions

Any approach to preventing smoking initiation in young people requires an understanding of the social influences and pressures on young people. A tobacco control strategy is required to look at all areas of influence on smoking behaviours. Different needs should also account for the differing characteristics and perceptions of specific population groups.
A Transaction-Level Analysis of Spatial Arbitrage: The Role of Habit, Attention, and Electronic Trading
Authors: Overby Eric , Clarke Jonathan
Published: January 2012

Despite the central role of arbitrage in finance and economic theory, there is limited evidence of the factors that create and eliminate arbitrage opportunities, how often arbitrage occurs, and how profitable it is. We address these gaps via a transaction-level analysis of spatial arbitrage in the wholesale automotive market. We investigate why arbitrage opportunities are created by analyzing how sellers choose where to sell vehicles. We find that the attention sellers pay to the distribution of a vehicle is negatively related to the probability that it is arbitraged. Arbitrage occurs in approximately 1% of transactions, although electronic trading is making arbitrage less prevalent by improving buyer/seller matching across locations. Arbitrage yields a 5.6% return on average, although arbitrageurs take a loss 14% of the time. Our results contribute to the literature on arbitrage, the effect of attention allocation on market outcomes, and the effect of information technology on market efficiency.

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, Teck Ho, and Terrance Odean, special issue editors.
Optimal Symmetric Rendezvous Search on Three Locations
Authors: Weber Richard
Published: January 2012

In the symmetric rendezvous search game played on n locations two players are initially placed at two distinct locations. The game is played in discrete steps, at each of which each player can either stay where he is or move to a different location. The players share no common labelling of the locations. We wish to find a strategy such that, if both players follow it independently, then the expected number of steps until they are in the same location is minimized. Informal versions of the rendezvous problem have received considerable attention in the popular press. The problem was proposed by Alpern in 1976 [Alpern, S. 1976. Hide and seek games. Seminar at the Institut für Höhere Studien, Vienna], and it has proved notoriously difficult to analyse. In this paper we prove a 20-year-old conjecture that the following strategy is optimal for the game on three locations: in each block of two steps, stay where you are, or search the other two locations in random order, doing these with probabilities 1/3 and 2/3, respectively. This is now the first nontrivial symmetric rendezvous game of any type to be fully solved.
Queues with Many Servers and Impatient Customers
Authors: Mandelbaum Avishai , Momčilović Petar
Published: January 2012

The asymptotic many-server queue with abandonments, G/GI/N + GI, is considered in the quality- and efficiency-driven (QED) regime. Here the number of servers and the offered load are related via the square-root rule, as the number of servers increases indefinitely. QED performance entails short waiting times and scarce abandonments (high quality) jointly with high servers' utilization (high efficiency), which is feasible when many servers cater to a single queue. For the G/GI/N + GI queue, we derive diffusion approximations for both its queue-length and virtual-waiting-time processes. Special cases, for which closed-form analysis is provided, are the G/M/N + GI and G/D/N + GI queues, thus expanding and generalizing existing results.
Comic panel layout: A Peircean analysis
Authors: CALDWELL JOSHUA
Published: January 2012

In the study of visual design, comics have been infrequently analyzed. Major theoretical contributions have come from non-academics until recently. While Groensteen and Cohn have developed 'standard stimulisequence' systems for analyzing comics, I propose that a more comprehensive technique
would be to follow Magnussen in applying the theories of C. S. Peirce, specifically the Peircean visual design paradigm as explained by Amare and Manning. This study will expand on Peeters' four-category framework to show a variety of complex and explanatory relationships that can exist between
the rhetorical content of a comic and the panel design.
Influences of hydrogen passivation on NIR photodetection of n-type β-FeSi2/p-type Si heterojunction photodiodes fabricated by facing-targets direct-current sputtering
Authors: Yamashita Kyohei , Promros Nathaporn , Iwasaki Ryūhei , Izumi Shota , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2012

Hydrogen passivation was applied to the initial epitaxial growth of n-type β-FeSi2 thin films on p-type Si(111) substrates by facing-targets direct-current sputtering (FTDCS) in order to reduced the formation of interface states and terminate dangling bonds in the β-FeSi2 films, and the passivation effects were studied on basis of the electrical evaluation results of the formed n-type β-FeSi2/p-type Si heterojunction photodiodes. The initial growth was made at different gas inflow H2/Ar ratios ranging from 0 to 0.2. The photodetection performance of the photodiode fabricated at the ratio of 0.2 was markedly improved as compared to those of the other samples. The quantum efficiency and detectivity were 2.08 % and 1.75 × 1010 cm√Hz/W, respectively. The sample exhibited the minimum junction capacitance density of 9.2 nF/cm2. The enhanced photodetective performance should be mainly because dangling bonds that act as trap centers for photocarriers are effectively inactivated by the passivation.
Resultados maternos e neonatais em centro de parto normal peri-hospitalar e hospital
Authors: Schneck Camilla Alexsandra , Riesco Maria Luiza Gonzalez , Bonadio Isabel Cristina , Diniz Carmem Simone Grilo , Oliveira Sonia Maria Junqueira Vasconcellos de
Published: January 2012

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados maternos e neonatais em mulheres de baixo risco atendidas em centro de parto normal peri-hospitalar e hospital. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostra representativa de mulheres de baixo risco atendidas em São Paulo, SP, de 2003 a 2006. Foram incluídas 991 mulheres que tiveram o parto no centro de parto normal e 325 que deram à luz no hospital. Os dados foram obtidos dos prontuários. A análise comparativa foi realizada para o total de mulheres e estratificada segundo a paridade. Foram aplicados os testes qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Houve distribuição homogênea das mulheres segundo a paridade (45,4% nulíparas e 54,6% mulheres com um ou mais partos anteriores). Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes em relação às seguintes intervenções: amniotomia (mais freqüente entre nulíparas do hospital); utilização de ocitocina no trabalho de parto e utilização de analgésico no pós-parto (mais freqüentes no hospital entre as mulheres de todas as paridades). A taxa de episiotomia foi maior entre as nulíparas, tanto no centro de parto como no hospital. Houve maior freqüência de intervenções com o neonato no hospital: aspiração das vias aéreas superiores, aspiração gástrica, lavagem gástrica, oxigênio por máscara aberta. Também ocorreram com mais freqüência no hospital bossa serossanguínea, desconforto respiratório e internação na unidade neonatal. Não houve diferença nos valores de Apgar no quinto minuto nem casos de morte materna ou perinatal. CONCLUSÕES: A assistência no centro de parto normal foi realizada com menos intervenções e com resultados maternos e neonatais semelhantes aos do hospital.