bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STroke imAging pRevention and Treatment (START): A Longitudinal Stroke Cohort Study: Clinical Trials Protocol
Authors: Carey Leeanne M. , Crewther Sheila , Salvado Olivier , Lindén Thomas , Connelly Alan , Wilson William , Howells David W. , Churilov Leonid , Ma Henry , Tse Tamara , Rose Stephen , Palmer Susan , Bougeat Pierrick , Campbell Bruce C. V. , Christensen Soren , Macaulay S. Lance , Favaloro Jenny , Collins Victoria O' , McBride Simon , Bates Susan , Cowley Elise , Dewey Helen , Wijeratne Tissa , Gerraty Richard , Phan Thanh G. , Yan Bernard , Parsons Mark W. , Bladin Chris , Barber P. Alan , Read Stephen , Wong Andrew , Lee Andrew , Kleinig Tim , Hankey Graeme J. , Blacker David , Markus Romesh , Leyden James , Krause Martin , Grimley Rohan , Mahant Neil , Jannes Jim , Sturm Jonathan , Davis Stephen M. , Donnan Geoffrey A. ,   START Research Team (http://www.START.csiro.au)
Published: November 2013

Rationale

Stroke and poststroke depression are common and have a profound and ongoing impact on an individual's quality of life. However, reliable biological correlates of poststroke depression and functional outcome have not been well established in humans.

Aims

Our aim is to identify biological factors, molecular and imaging, associated with poststroke depression and recovery that may be used to guide more targeted interventions.

Design

In a longitudinal cohort study of 200 stroke survivors, the START – STroke imAging pRevention and Treatment cohort, we will examine the relationship between gene expression, regulator proteins, depression, and functional outcome. Stroke survivors will be investigated at baseline, 24 h, three-days, three-months, and 12 months poststroke for blood-based biological associates and at days 3–7, three-months, and 12 months for depression and functional outcomes. A sub-group ( n = 100), the PrePARE: Prediction and Prevention to Achieve optimal Recovery Endpoints after stroke cohort, will also be investigated for functional and structural changes in putative depression-related brain networks and for additional cognition and activity participation outcomes. Stroke severity, diet, and lifestyle factors that may influence depression will be monitored. The impact of depression on stroke outcomes and participation in previous life activities will be quantified.

Study Outcomes

Clinical significance lies in the identification of biological factors associated with functional outcome to guide prevention and inform personalized and targeted treatments. Evidence of associations between depression, gene expression and regulator proteins, functional and structural brain changes, lifestyle and functional outcome will provide new insights for mechanism-based models of poststroke depression.
Validation of a TIA Recognition Tool in Primary and Secondary Care: Implications for Generalizability
Authors: Lasserson Daniel S. , Mant David , Hobbs F. D. Richard , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: November 2013

Background

In spite of public education campaigns, patients with transient ischemic attack still present to primary care where accurate recognition of transient ischemic attack is essential so that specialist referral can be expedited to reduce stroke risk. The complex task of diagnosing transient ischemic attack is challenging in time-limited settings in primary care yet the potential for a transient ischemic attack recognition tool to improve diagnosis has not been determined.

Aims

We set out to examine the potential utility in primary care of the only existing transient ischemic attack recognition tool.

Methods

All primary care referrals with suspected transient ischemic attack from a total population of 91 000 people were analyzed over a four-year period from 2002 to 2006. Clinical and research records from the transient ischemic attack clinic and consultation notes and referral letters from primary care physicians were used to populate the Dawson recognition score.

Results

Of 513 referrals, 209 (47%) had a clinic confirmed diagnosis of transient ischemic attack. Agreement between primary care assessments and specialist assessments was greater for speech disturbance (kappa 0·68) than for unilateral facial weakness (0·58) and unilateral limb weakness (0·51). The Dawson score had greater accuracy in diagnosing all transient ischemic attack in specialist assessments than in primary care assessments (c statistics 0·80 vs. 0·70, P < 0·0001) and performed particularly poorly in primary care for detecting posterior circulation territory transient ischemic attack with a c statistic (95% confidence interval) of 0·52 (0·43–0·61).

Conclusion

The Dawson transient ischemic attack recognition score is less accurate in primary care than in its derivation setting of specialist care. Improving the recognition of transient ischemic attack by providers of first contact health care requires derivation of rules in the clinical setting in which they are to be used.
Second‐hand Emotion? Exploring the Contagion and Impact of Trauma and Distress in the Asylum Law Context
Authors: Baillot Helen , Cowan Sharon , Munro Vanessa E.
Published: November 2013

Applicants' accounts of experiences of fear, trauma, violence, and persecution are central to the process of claiming asylum. These narratives are, at a human level, primed to provoke emotional responses, not only in the narrator but also in those to whom the account is relayed. In this article, we explore the vectors of emotionality that permeate asylum decision‐making in the United Kingdom, focusing particularly on the risk faced by the professionals involved of suffering vicarious trauma. More specifically, based on a series of 104 semi‐structured interviews with asylum stakeholders and observation of 48 appeals to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First‐tier Tribunal, this article identifies the adoption by legal and quasi‐legal professionals of emotional coping strategies – of detachment and denial of responsibility – that risk being deployed in maladaptive ways that jeopardize the prospects for justice.
Revisiting the condition‐dependence of melanin‐based plumage
Authors: Guindre‐Parker Sarah , Love Oliver P.
Published: November 2013

Support against the condition‐dependence of melanin plumage signals has relied on data from species exhibiting both melanin‐ and carotenoid‐based plumage ornaments. As the mechanisms leading to variation in carotenoid‐ and melanin‐based plumage differ fundamentally, these systems may not be ideal to assess the condition‐dependence of melanin signals. Instead, we hypothesized that melanin‐plumage is more likely to signal condition in purely achromatic species. We performed a meta‐analysis reviewing evidence for condition‐dependent melanic plumage: we compared the net effect size for the relationship between melanin traits and condition in species that are achromatic versus species that also display a carotenoid‐based trait. Our results indicate that melanin plumage is condition‐dependent in species of both plumage types. Contrarily to our prediction, this finding suggests that melanin ornament condition‐dependence is not conditional on the context of other ornaments within a species. Instead, melanin ornaments should be viewed as potential condition‐dependent signals in all species.
Relative contribution of lipid sources to eggs of lesser scaup
Authors: Cutting Kyle A. , Hobson Keith A. , Rotella Jay J. , Warren Jeffrey M. , Takekawa John Y. , De La Cruz Susan E. W. , Parker Michael
Published: November 2013

Studies of how birds mobilize nutrients to eggs have traditionally considered a continuum of possible allocation strategies ranging from income breeding (rely on food sources found on the breeding grounds) to capital breeding (rely on body reserves stored prior to the breeding season). For capital breeding, stored body reserves can be acquired either on or away from the breeding grounds, but it has been difficult to quantify the relative contribution of each, precluding identification of key habitats for acquiring nutrients for clutch formation. During 2006–2009, we explored the importance of spring‐staging habitats versus breeding‐area habitats for egg‐lipid formation in female lesser scaup Aythya affinis using stable carbon (δ13C) isotope analyses. Although δ13C values for abdominal lipid reserves brought to the breeding grounds overlapped those of local amphipods, we were able to quantify the importance of local plant carbohydrates (seeds of emergent wetland plants) to the production of eggs. We compared the importance of local wetland seeds (overall δ13C: −29.1 ± 0.9‰ SD) to combined lipid stores and lipids from local amphipods (overall δ13C: −23.8 ± 2.2‰). Local seeds and stored body lipids contributed equally to egg lipid formation across years but we found evidence of annual variation in their relative importance. Wetland seeds contributed 39% (SE = 10%) to egg lipid production, and the importance of this source varied by year (90% CI = 47–75% in 2006, 13–42% in 2007, 29–65% in 2008, and 7–30% in 2009). In contrast to earlier studies that suggest lesser scaup predominantly employ a capital breeding strategy, our results suggest that in some years females may attain half of their energy for clutch formation from foods on the breeding grounds.
Amylostereum orientale sp. nov. (Basidiomycota, Russulales) and first report of A. areolatum in China based on morphological and molecular characters
Authors: He Shuang‐Hui , Li Hai‐Jiao
Published: November 2013

Amylostereum orientale S. H. He & Hai J. Li on Cunninghamia lanceolata is described from China as a new species, and A. areolatum is reported for the first time from China. Amylostereum orientale is very similar to A. laevigatum in mor phology, but the former has distinctly ellipsoid basidiospores and the host is a plant native in China. Representatives of the new taxon form a distinct clade in the phylogenetic tree inferred from the analysis of ITS rDNA sequences. A complete description with illustrations of the new species is provided.
The influence of cold pack on labour pain relief and birth outcomes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shirvani Marjan Ahmad , Ganji Jila
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectives

(1) To evaluate the influence of local cold on severity of labour pain and (2) to identify the effect of local cold on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Background

Fear of labour pain results in an increase in pain and duration of labour, maternal discontent and demand for caesarean section. Regarding maternal and foetal complications of analgesic medications, the attention to application of nonpharmacological methods including cold therapy is increased.

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Sixty‐four pregnant women, at initiation of active phase of labour, were allocated randomly to cold therapy and control groups (n = 64). Null parity, term pregnancy, presence of single foetus, cephalic presentation and completing informed consent were considered as inclusion criteria. Administration of analgesic and anaesthesia, foetal distress, skin lesions in regions of cold therapy and high‐risk pregnancy provided exclusion criteria. Cold pack was applied over abdomen and back, for 10 minutes every 30 minutes during first phase of labour. Additionally, cold pack was placed over perineum, for 5 minutes every 15 minutes during second phase. Pain severity was assessed based on the visual analogue scale.

Results

The two groups were not significantly different considering demographic data, gestational age, foetal weight, rupture of membranes and primary severity of pain. Degree of pain was lower in cold therapy group during all parts of active phase and second stage. Duration of all phases was shorter in cold therapy group in all phases. Foetal heart rate, perineal laceration, type of birth, application of oxytocin and APGAR score were not significantly different between two groups.

Conclusion

Labour pain is probably reduced based on gate theory using cold. Pain control by cold maybe improves labour progression without affecting mother and foetus adversely.

Relevance to clinical practice

Local cold therapy could be included in labour pain management.
The role of androgen receptor gene in cyclosporine induced gingival overgrowth
Authors: AL Sayed A. A. , Al Sulaiman M. H. , Mishriky A. , Anil S.
Published: November 2013

Background and Objective

Gingival overgrowth is a prominent side effect of cyclosporine (CsA) therapy in renal transplant patients. Although the exact mechanism by which this drug induces gingival overgrowth is uncertain, marked variations in individual susceptibility to this drug suggest a genetic predisposition. Studies have shown that genetic variation (polymorphism) in the trinucleotide cytosine‐adenine‐ guanine (CAG) sequence in exon 1 of the androgen receptor (AR) gene is related to altered activity of the AR as a transcription factor. However, the relationship between the length of the CAG repeat and gingival overgrowth has not yet been studied. The present study was carried out to determine whether there is an association between CsA‐induced gingival overgrowth and the length of the CAG repeats in theARgene.

Material and Methods

Genomic DNA samples were prepared from the blood of 50 renal transplant patients with CsA‐induced gingival overgrowth and from the blood of 100 renal transplant patients on CsA with no gingival overgrowth.

Results

The difference in allele distribution among the subjects with gingival overgrowth and control samples was statistically significant (p= 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings suggest a link between CsA7induced gingival overgrowth and a smaller size of CAG repeat in theARgene.
Hepatitis B: global scientific development from a critical point of view
Authors: Schmidt S. , Bundschuh M. , Scutaru C. , Klingelhoefer D. , Groneberg D. A. , Gerber A.
Published: November 2013

Hepatitis B is the tenth leading cause of death worldwide. Countries with high endemicity, such as China and Taiwan show high scientific productivity in this field and dominate the top ten list of the most productive authors worldwide, providing four of them. This is remarkable, as the USA and Europe usually maintain leading positions, not only regarding country‐specific scientific productivity, but also top ten ranking of most productive and most cited authors in other important medical sectors. So far, a scientometric analysis of the topic ‘hepatitis B’ has not been generated despite an increased need for it in times of modified evaluation criteria for academic personnel and a subsequent tendency to co‐authorship and author self‐citation. In this study, scientometric methods and large‐scale data analysis were used to evaluate quality and quantity of scientific research dealing with the topic ‘hepatitis B’ and to contribute to distinguish relevant research output. Data were gained from Pubmed and ISI‐Web. In the time span of 1971–2011, 49 166 items were published by 250 countries, of which the USA have been the most productive supplier with 28% of all publications, followed in considerable distance by Germany, China, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Italy and Taiwan, respectively. The USA have established their position as centre of international cooperation. Their cooperation with China proves to be the most productive one. The most prolific journals in the field of hepatitis b were ‘Hepatology’, the ‘Journal of Hepatology’ and the ‘Journal of Medical Virology’. h‐index, citation rate and impact factor, commonly used for assessment of scientific quality, were determined and discussed critically with regard to distortion by bias of self‐citation and co‐authorship.
Above‐ground woody carbon sequestration measured from tree rings is coherent with net ecosystem productivity at five eddy‐covariance sites
Authors: Babst Flurin , Bouriaud Olivier , Papale Dario , Gielen Bert , Janssens Ivan A. , Nikinmaa Eero , Ibrom Andreas , Wu Jian , Bernhofer Christian , Köstner Barbara , Grünwald Thomas , Seufert Günther , Ciais Philippe , Frank David
Published: November 2013

Attempts to combine biometric and eddy‐covariance (EC) quantifications of carbon allocation to different storage pools in forests have been inconsistent and variably successful in the past.

We assessed above‐ground biomass changes at five long‐termECforest stations based on tree‐ring width and wood density measurements, together with multiple allometric models. Measurements were validated with site‐specific biomass estimates and compared with the sum of monthlyCO2fluxes between 1997 and 2009.

Biometric measurements and seasonal net ecosystem productivity (NEP) proved largely compatible and suggested that carbon sequestered between January and July is mainly used for volume increase, whereas that taken up between August and September supports a combination of cell wall thickening and storage. The inter‐annual variability in above‐ground woody carbon uptake was significantly linked with wood production at the sites, ranging between 110 and 370 g C m−2 yr−1, thereby accounting for 10–25% of gross primary productivity (GPP), 15–32% of terrestrial ecosystem respiration (TER) and 25–80% ofNEP.

The observed seasonal partitioning of carbon used to support different wood formation processes refines our knowledge on the dynamics and magnitude of carbon allocation in forests across the major European climatic zones. It may thus contribute, for example, to improved vegetation model parameterization and provides an enhanced framework to link tree‐ring parameters withECmeasurements.
The Benefit of a Second Burst Antitachycardia Sequence for Fast Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: ANGUERA IGNASI , DALLAGLIO PAOLO , SABATÉ XAVIER , NUÑEZ ELAINE , GRACIDA MONTSERRAT , DI MARCO ANDREA , SUGRAÑES GEMA , CEQUIER ANGEL
Published: November 2013

Background

In patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), an empirical burst of antitachycardia pacing (ATP) is moderately effective in terminating fast ventricular tachycardias (FVTs). It is unknown whether, in the case of failure of a first burst, a second burst attempt increases the efficacy of the intervention, without increasing morbidity. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a strategy of programming successive ATP sequences for FVT episodes.

Methods

A prospective study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of programming successive ATP sequences for termination of FVT episodes (cycle lengths [CLs] 250–320 ms) treated by one ATP sequence and, in the event of failure, by successive ATP attempts or shocks.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 54 months, 267 FVT episodes (mean CL of 295 ± 18 ms) were detected in 35 patients. Effectiveness of the first burst ATP was 64% (65% GEE‐adjusted, where GEE is generalized estimating equation) and increased significantly to 83% (75% GEE‐adjusted) with the second burst ATP sequence (P = 0.01). In the remaining 17% of FVT episodes with failure of the second ATP, successive bursts and shocks were required. Multivariate analysis showed that primary prevention ICD (odds ratio [OR] 5.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–14.5, P = 0.001), sinus rhythm (OR 4.34, 95% CI 1.4–13.4, P = 0.01), nonischemic cardiomyopathy (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.2–4.8, P = 0.02), and longer VT CL (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.1–1.6, P = 0.002) were independently associated with effectiveness of the first or second burst pacing sequence.

Conclusion

The addition of a second burst pacing attempt increases the effectiveness of ATP for FVT and, therefore, reduces the need for high‐energy shocks.
The Relationship between Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Spasm
Authors: KAWAKAMI TOHRU , OHNO HIROYOSHI , TANAKA NOBUKIYO , ISHIHARA HIROKI , KOBAYAKAWA HIROKO , SAKURAI TOMOHIRO
Published: November 2013

Background

Coronary artery spasm has recently been reported as a complication of the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). It may be induced by cardiac autonomic nervous dysfunction during radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF. However, the underlying mechanism is not clear. We hypothesized that patients with paroxysmal AF coincidentally exhibit coronary artery spasm.

Methods

A total of 51 patients were enrolled in a case control study to clarify the relationship between paroxysmal AF and coronary artery spasm. We evaluated 17 patients with paroxysmal AF (AF group) and 34 patients without paroxysmal AF (control group). Drug‐induced coronary artery spasm provocation tests were performed by intracoronary administration of acetylcholine or ergonovine.

Results

The AF group consisted of nine males and eight females, mean age 67 ± 10 years. The control group consisted of 16 males and 18 females, mean age 60 ± 14 years. In the AF group, coronary artery spasm was induced in 13 patients (76.5%) before AF ablation. In the control group, coronary artery spasm was induced in three patients (8.8%). Coronary artery spasm was more frequently induced in patients with AF (76.5% vs 8.8%; odds ratio, 33.583; 95% confidence interval, 6.5732–171.58; P < 0.0001). In the AF group, ventricular fibrillation and AF were recorded immediately after right coronary artery spasm induction in one patient.

Conclusions

Paroxysmal AF patients have high positive rates of drug‐provoked coronary artery spasm. Patients with paroxysmal AF may coincidentally exhibit coronary artery spasm
The coarse wrinkle layer ofPalaeozoic ammonoids: new evidence from theEarlyCarboniferous ofMorocco
Authors: Korn Dieter , Klug Christian , Mapes Royal H.
Published: November 2013

The wrinkle layer is a dorsal shell structure occurring in a number of ammonoids, but its function is still debated. Here, we describe, from Moroccan material of the Early Carboniferous speciesMaxigoniatites saourensis(Pareyn,), the most conspicuous wrinkle layer known within theAmmonoidea. This additional shell layer occurs in the ventrolateral portion of the adult body chamber and forms continuous lamellae, which range about two millimetres into the lumen of the body chamber. Possible functions are discussed and the most likely interpretation for the structure is ‘fabricational noise’, which is related to the coarsening of the shell ornament of the terminal body chamber.
Sexual differences in defensive and protective mechanisms ofPopulus cathayanaexposed to highUV‐B radiation and low soil nutrient status
Authors: Feng Lihua , Jiang Hao , Zhang Yuanbin , Zhang Sheng
Published: November 2013

Previous studies have indicated thatPopulus cathayanaRehder females are more sensitive and less tolerant to stressful environments than males, but it is still unknown whether there are sexual differences in defensive and protective traits under highUV‐B (HUVB) radiation and low soil nutrient status. In this study,P. cathayanawas employed as a model species to investigate sex‐related physiological and biochemical responses toUV‐B radiation under different soil nutrient conditions. Cuttings were exposed to twoUV‐B radiation regimes (ambientUV‐B radiation and decreasedUV‐B radiation) under two soil nutrient status (topsoil and deep soil) for 100 days over one growing season. Both HUVB radiation and low soil nutrient status induced greater decreases in plant growth, dry mass accumulation, gas exchange and leaf nitrogen use efficiency in females than in males, and greater increases in lipid peroxide and antioxidant enzyme activities, and secondary defense capacities in males than in females. Moreover, sexually different responses happened also in organelle ultrastructure. Our results showed that: (1) females suffered greater negative effects and exhibited lower defense capacities than did males under HUVB radiation, low soil nutrient status and their combination; (2) low soil nutrient status reduced plant's sensitivity to HUVB radiation by increasing allocation to defense and decreasing allocation to growth compared with high soil nutrient status. These results provide evidence that sexually different tradeoffs happen between growth and defense inP. cathayanaunder HUVB radiation and low soil nutrient status.
Canine oral mucosal mast cell tumours
Authors: Elliott J. W. , Cripps P. , Blackwood L. , Berlato D. , Murphy S. , Grant I. A.
Published: November 2013

Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are the most common cutaneous tumours of dogs, however rarely they can arise from the oral mucosa. This subset ofMCTis reported to demonstrate a more aggressive clinical course than those tumours on the haired skin and the authors hypothesised that dogs with oral, mucosalMCTwould have a high incidence of local lymph node metastasis at presentation and that this would be a negative prognostic factor. An additional hypothesis was that mitotic index (MI) would be prognostic. This retrospective study examines 33 dogs withMCTsarising from the oral mucosa. The results suggest that oral mucosalMCTsin the dog have a high incidence of lymph node metastasis at diagnosis (55%) which results in a poor prognosis. MI and nodal metastasis is highly prognostic. Loco‐regional progression is common in these patients and dogs with adequate local control of their tumour had an improved outcome. Despite a more aggressive clinical course, treatment can result in protracted survivals, even when metastasis is present.
Feedforward Input Generation Based on Neural Network Prediction in Multi-Joint Robots1
Authors: Asensio Jonathan , Chen Wenjie , Tomizuka Masayoshi
Published: November 2013

Learning feedforward control based on the available dynamic/kinematic system model and sensor information is generally effective for reducing the tracking error for a learned trajectory. For new trajectories, however, the system cannot benefit from previous learning data and it has to go through the learning process again to regain its performance. In industrial applications, this means production line has to stop for learning, and the overall productivity of the process is compromised. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a feedforward input generation scheme based on neural network (NN) prediction. Learning/training is performed for the NNs for a set of trajectories in advance. Then the feedforward torque input for any trajectory in the predefined workspace can be calculated according to the predicted error from multiple NNs managed with expert logic. Experimental study on a 6-DOF industrial robot has shown the superior performance of the proposed NN based feedforward control scheme in the position tracking as well as the residual vibration reduction, without any further learning or end-effector sensors during operation.
Modally Tuned Influence Coefficients for Low-Speed Balancing of Flexible Rotors
Authors: Khulief Y. A. , Oke Wasiu , Mohiuddin M. A.
Published: November 2013

The need to devise a low-speed balancing method for balancing high-speed rotors was recognized and addressed. In this paper, a scheme that combines both the influence coefficients and modal balancing techniques is presented. The scheme is developed for low-speed balancing of high-speed rotors, and relies on knowledge of the modal characteristics of the rotor. The conditions for applicability of the method were stated in the light of the experientially estimated rotor deflection mode shapes. An experimental test rig of a flexible rotor was constructed to verify the applicability and reliability of the low-speed balancing scheme.
Effects of Inlet Turbulence and End-Wall Boundary Layer on Aerothermal Performance of a Transonic Turbine Blade Tip
Authors: Zhang Q. , He L. , Rawlinson A.
Published: November 2013

Most of the previous researches of inlet turbulence effects on blade tip have been carried out for low speed situations. Recent work has indicated that for a transonic turbine tip, turbulent diffusion tends to have a distinctively different impact on tip heat transfer than for its subsonic counterpart. It is hence of interest to examine how inlet turbulence flow conditioning would affect heat transfer characteristics for a transonic tip. The present work is aimed to identify and understand the effects of both inlet freestream turbulence and end wall boundary layer on a transonic turbine blade tip aerothermal performance. Spatially-resolved heat transfer data are obtained at aerodynamic conditions representative of a high-pressure turbine, using the transient infrared thermography technique with the Oxford High-Speed Linear Cascade research facility. With and without turbulence grids, the turbulence levels achieved are 7%–9% and 1%, respectively. On the blade tip surface, no apparent change in heat transfer was observed with high and low inlet turbulence intensity levels investigated. On the blade suction surface, however, substantially different local heat transfer distributions for the suction side near tip surface have been observed, indicating a strong local dependence of the local vortical flow structure on the freestream turbulence. These experimentally observed trends have also been confirmed by CFD examinations using the Rolls-Royce HYDRA. A further CFD analysis suggests that the level of inflow turbulence alters the balance between the passage vortex associated secondary flow and the over tip leakage (OTL) flow. Consequently, an enhanced inertia of near wall fluid at a higher inflow turbulence weakens the cross-passage flow. As such, the weaker passage vortex leads the tip leakage vortex to move further into the mid passage, with the less spanwise coverage on the suction surface, as consistently indicated by the heat transfer signature. Different inlet end wall boundary layer profiles are employed in the computational study with HYDRA. All CFD results indicate the inlet boundary layer thickness has little impact on the heat transfer over the tip surface as well as the pressure side near-tip surface. However, noticeable changes in heat transfer are observed for the suction side near-tip surface. Similar to the inlet turbulence effect, such changes can be attributed to the interaction between the passage vortex and the OTL flow.
Enhanced Cooling of Electronic Components Using Fluid Flow Under High Adverse Pressure Gradient
Authors: Ravishankar S. , Arul Prakash K.
Published: November 2013

Heat transfer in electronic systems is studied by simulating flow in a two pass channel with the divider representing a circuit board. Bypass holes are introduced on the circuit board to obtain detailed physical insights of the reversed flows in the second pass and thereby improve the cooling effect. The time-dependent governing equations are solved using an in-house code based on Streamline upwind/Petrov-Galerkin finite element method for Reynolds number ranging from 100 to 900. It is observed that stagnant zones are formed in the return path along the upper heated wall due to the formation of primary recirculation region on the divider plate. These stagnant zones are convected downstream by introducing bypass slots thereby enhancing the convective cooling. A parametric study on the location and number of bypass slots reveals that for a particular combination, the flow becomes unsteady thereby the heat transfer is increased. The presence of multiple slot jets also reduces the overall pressure drop required to drive the flow and heat transfer is very high at the point of impingement between the slots.
Pulmonary lobe segmentation based on ridge surface sampling and shape model fitting
Authors: Ross James C. , Kindlmann Gordon L. , Okajima Yuka , Hatabu Hiroto , Díaz Alejandro A. , Silverman Edwin K. , Washko George R. , Dy Jennifer , Estépar Raúl San José
Published: November 2013

Purpose:

Performing lobe‐based quantitative analysis of the lung in computed tomography (CT) scans can assist in efforts to better characterize complex diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While airways and vessels can help to indicate the location of lobe boundaries, segmentations of these structures are not always available, so methods to define the lobes in the absence of these structures are desirable.

Methods:

The authors present a fully automatic lung lobe segmentation algorithm that is effective in volumetric inspiratory and expiratory computed tomography (CT) datasets. The authors rely on ridge surface image features indicating fissure locations and a novel approach to modeling shape variation in the surfaces defining the lobe boundaries. The authors employ a particle system that efficiently samples ridge surfaces in the image domain and provides a set of candidate fissure locations based on the Hessian matrix. Following this, lobe boundary shape models generated from principal component analysis (PCA) are fit to the particles data to discriminate between fissure and nonfissure candidates. The resulting set of particle points are used to fit thin plate spline (TPS) interpolating surfaces to form the final boundaries between the lung lobes.

Results:

The authors tested algorithm performance on 50 inspiratory and 50 expiratory CT scans taken from the COPDGene study. Results indicate that the authorsˈ algorithm performs comparably to pulmonologist‐generated lung lobe segmentations and can produce good results in cases with accessory fissures, incomplete fissures, advanced emphysema, and low dose acquisition protocols. Dice scores indicate that only 29 out of 500 (5.85%) lobes showed Dice scores lower than 0.9. Two different approaches for evaluating lobe boundary surface discrepancies were applied and indicate that algorithm boundary identification is most accurate in the vicinity of fissures detectable on CT.

Conclusions:

The proposed algorithm is effective for lung lobe segmentation in absence of auxiliary structures such as vessels and airways. The most challenging cases are those with mostly incomplete, absent, or near‐absent fissures and in cases with poorly revealed fissures due to high image noise. However, the authors observe good performance even in the majority of these cases.
Mouth rinsing improves cycling endurance performance during Ramadan fasting in a hot humid environment
Authors: Che Muhamed Ahmad Munir , Mohamed Nazirah Gulam , Ismail Norjana , Aziz Abdul Rashid , Singh Rabindarjeet
Published: November 2013

This study examined the effect of mouth rinsing during endurance cycling in a hot humid environment (32 °C and 75% relative humidity) on athletes in the Ramadan fasted state. Nine trained adolescent male cyclists completed 3 trials that consisted of a carbohydrate mouth-rinse (CMR), a placebo mouth-rinse (PMR), and a no-rinse (NOR) trial during the last 2 weeks of Ramadan. Each trial consisted of a preloading cycle at 65% peak rate of oxygen consumption for 30 min followed by a 10-km time trial (TT10 km) under hot humid condition. During the CMR and PMR trials, each cyclist rinsed his mouth with 25 mL of the solution for 5 s before expectorating the solution pre-exercise, after 5, 15, and 25 min of the preloading cycle, and 15 s prior to the start of TT10 km. Time to complete the TT10 km was significantly faster in the CMR and PMR trials compared with the NOR trial (12.9 ± 1.7 and 12.6 ± 1.7 vs. 16.8 ± 1.6 min, respectively; p < 0.017). Ratings of perceived exertion taken at the end of the TT10 km was lower in both CMR and PMR trials compared with the NOR trial, although the difference was significant only between CMR and NOR (p < 0.05). In conclusion, mouth rinsing with either carbohydrate or placebo solution provided ergogenic benefits compared with a no-rinse condition on TT10 km performance in acute Ramadan fasted subjects during endurance cycling in a heat stress environment.
Efficient synthesis of bicyclo[6.3.0]undecadienones by Nazarov cyclization/regioselective elimination
Authors: Matier Carson D. , Kwon Yonghoon , West F.G.
Published: November 2013

Easily accessible cyclooctadienyl vinyl ketones can generate fused bicyclic 8-5 (bicyclo[6.3.0]undecadienone) ring systems via the Nazarov cyclization when treated with Lewis acid. The resultant products contain three new stereocenters as well as olefins suitably situated to allow further structural elaboration. This concise sequence allows for the rapid preparation of intermediates that should be applicable to a variety of natural product targets containing this bicyclic core.
COORDINATE BETHE ANSÄTZE FOR NON-DIAGONAL BOUNDARIES
Authors: RAGOUCY ERIC
Published: November 2013

Bethe ansatz goes back to 1931, when H. Bethe invented it to solve some one-dimensional models, such as XXX spin chain, proposed by W. Heisenberg in 1928. Although it is a very powerful method to compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the corresponding Hamiltonian, it can be applied only for very specific boundary conditions: periodic boundary ones, and so-called open-diagonal boundary ones. After reviewing this method, we will present a generalization of it that applies also to open-triangular boundary conditions. This short note presents only the basic ideas of the technique, and does not attend to give a general overview of the subject. Interested readers should refer to the original papers and references therein.
A POLYNOMIAL INVARIANT OF VIRTUAL LINKS
Authors: CHENG ZHIYUN , GAO HONGZHU
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we define some polynomial invariants for virtual knots and links. In the first part we use Manturov's parity axioms [Parity in knot theory, Sb. Math.201 (2010) 693–733] to obtain a new polynomial invariant of virtual knots. This invariant can be regarded as a generalization of the odd writhe polynomial defined by the first author in [A polynomial invariant of virtual knots, preprint (2012), arXiv:math.GT/1202.3850v1]. The relation between this new polynomial invariant and the affine index polynomial [An affine index polynomial invariant of virtual knots, J. Knot Theory Ramification22 (2013) 1340007; A linking number definition of the affine index polynomial and applications, preprint (2012), arXiv:1211.1747v1] is discussed. In the second part we introduce a polynomial invariant for long flat virtual knots. In the third part we define a polynomial invariant for 2-component virtual links. This polynomial invariant can be regarded as a generalization of the linking number.
OPTIMAL RISK CONTROL UNDER MARKED POINT PROCESSES SHOCKS: A DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING DUALITY APPROACH
Authors: MNIF MOHAMED
Published: November 2013

We study the stochastic control problem of maximizing expected utility from terminal wealth under a nonbankruptcy constraint. The problem of the agent is to derive the optimal insurance strategy which reduces his exposure to the risk. This optimization problem is related to a suitable dual stochastic control problem in which the delicate boundary constraints disappear. We characterize the dual value function as the unique viscosity solution of the corresponding Hamilton Jacobi Bellman Variational Inequality (HJBVI in short). We characterize the optimal insurance strategy by the solution of the variational inequality which we solve numerically by using an algorithm based on policy iterations.
ALGORITHMS FOR SINGULARITIES AND REAL STRUCTURES OF WEAK DEL PEZZO SURFACES
Authors: LUBBES NIELS
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we consider the classification of singularities [P. Du Val, On isolated singularities of surfaces which do not affect the conditions of adjunction. I, II, III, Proc. Camb. Philos. Soc.30 (1934) 453–491] and real structures [C. T. C. Wall, Real forms of smooth del Pezzo surfaces, J. Reine Angew. Math.1987(375/376) (1987) 47–66, ISSN 0075-4102] of weak Del Pezzo surfaces from an algorithmic point of view. It is well-known that the singularities of weak Del Pezzo surfaces correspond to root subsystems. We present an algorithm which computes the classification of these root subsystems. We represent equivalence classes of root subsystems by unique labels. These labels allow us to construct examples of weak Del Pezzo surfaces with the corresponding singularity configuration. Equivalence classes of real structures of weak Del Pezzo surfaces are also represented by root subsystems. We present an algorithm which computes the classification of real structures. This leads to an alternative proof of the known classification for Del Pezzo surfaces and extends this classification to singular weak Del Pezzo surfaces. As an application we classify families of real conics on cyclides.
MODULES WITH PURE RESOLUTIONS OVER KOSZUL ALGEBRAS
Authors: LÜ JIAFENG
Published: November 2013

Let A be a Koszul algebra and M a finitely generated graded A-module. Suppose that M is generated in degree 0 and has a pure resolution. We prove that, if rℰ(M) ≠ 0 then M is Koszul; and if in addition M is not projective, then the converse is true as well, where r denotes the graded Jacobson radical of the Yoneda algebra [Formula: see text] of A, and [Formula: see text] denotes the Ext module of M.
HUMAN VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES: AFFINITY AND COMMUNICATION DYNAMICS
Authors: CINI ALESSANDRO , GUAZZINI ANDREA
Published: November 2013

The modeling of small group dynamics represents a hard challenge despite the effort of disciplines such as sociophysics and social psychology. The interaction between the complex topology of human social structures/communities and the cognitive processes characterizing humans at the microscopic level, are the focus of the classical social cognition paradigm, and it has been deeply researched in the last century. In the present study we used a web based Chat room as an experimental environment for the study of social interactions within a small group of people. The target of the present study is to explore the relations between the affinity among individual and their communication dynamics. We designed three different experimental tasks (social problem), with a crescent degree of social complexity, in order to test the impact of different social constraints on the evolution of the affinity network, as well as on the dynamics of communication. Our aim is to define the "cognitive recipes" used by the subjects to solve the required social problems. Our results show that the complexity of the social problem affects the relation between affinity and communication networks, influencing at the same time both affinity and opinion. We use the sociophysics and social cognitive models in order to interpret the results, showing the limits of the most diffused sociophysics models when aiming at forecasting the dynamics of a small group.
SPECTRA OF RADIATION EMITTED FROM OPEN-ENDED AND CLOSED CARBON NANOTUBES EXPOSED TO MICROWAVE FIELDS
Authors: CAVNESS B. , McGARA N. , WILLIAMS S.
Published: November 2013

We performed experiments in which both open-ended and closed carbon nanotubes were exposed to 2.46 GHz microwaves over the course of several irradiation and cooling cycles at a pressure of ~ 10-6 torr. The spectra of the radiation emitted from the nanotubes indicate that the intensity of the emitted radiation with wavelengths of 650–1000 nm increased during the irradiation cycles. However, the intensity of the radiation emitted from untreated nanotubes increased substantially more than the intensity of the radiation emitted from nanotubes that had been chemically treated in order to open nanotube ends. As open-ended nanotubes have a lower work function than closed nanotubes, and as nanotube ends are known to open as they are heated, our results suggest that the mechanism responsible for the emission of infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiation from carbon nanotubes exposed to microwaves is field emission-induced luminescence.
On non-abelian Brumer and Brumer–Stark conjecture for monomial CM-extensions
Authors: Nomura Jiro
Published: November 2013

Let K/k be a finite Galois CM-extension of number fields whose Galois group G is monomial and S a finite set of places of k. Then the "Stickelberger element" θK/k,S is defined. Concerning this element, Andreas Nickel formulated the non-abelian Brumer and Brumer–Stark conjectures and their "weak" versions. In this paper, when G is a monomial group, we prove that the weak non-abelian conjectures are reduced to the weak conjectures for abelian subextensions. We write D4p, Q2n+2 and A4 for the dihedral group of order 4p for any odd prime p, the generalized quaternion group of order 2n+2 for any natural number n and the alternating group on four letters respectively. Suppose that G is isomorphic to D4p, Q2n+2 or A4 × ℤ/2ℤ. Then we prove the l-parts of the weak non-abelian conjectures, where l = 2 in the quaternion case, and l is an arbitrary prime which does not split in ℚ(ζp) in the dihedral case and in ℚ(ζ3) in the alternating case. In particular, we do not exclude the 2-part of the conjectures and do not assume that S contains all finite places which ramify in K/k in contrast with Nickel's formulation.
Study on evaluation of gamma oryzanol of germinated brown rice by near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Kaewsorn Kannapot , Sirisomboon Panmanas
Published: November 2013

Germinated brown rice (GBR) is rich in gamma oryzanol which increase its consumption popularity, particularly in the health food market. The objective of this research was to apply the near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for evaluation of gamma oryzanol of the germinated brown rice. The germinated brown rice samples were prepared from germinated rough rice (soaked for 24 and 48 h, incubated for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 h) and purchased from local supermarkets. The germinated brown rice samples were subjected to NIR scanning before the evaluation of gamma oryzanol by using partial extraction methodology. The prediction model was established by partial least square regression (PLSR) and validated by full cross validation method. The NIRS model established from various varieties of germinated brown rice bought from different markets by first derivatives+vector normalization pretreated spectra showed the optimal prediction with the correlation of determination (R2), root mean squared error of cross validation (RMSECV) and bias of 0.934, 8.84 × 10-5 mg/100 g dry matter and 1.06 × 10-5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively. This is the first report on the application of NIRS in the evaluation of gamma oryzanol of the germinated brown rice. This information is very useful to the germinated brown rice production factory and consumers.
Noninvasive study of structural and functional features of neonatal skin
Authors: Shlivko I. L. , Kamensky V. A. , Kirillin M. Y. , Agrba P. D. , Garanina O. E. , Neznakhina M. S. , Ellinsky D. O. , Maksimova A. S. , Donchenko E. V.
Published: November 2013

In the present paper, we describe the first complex multifocal noninvasive morphological and functional study that enabled us to define specific qualitative and quantitative features of neonatal skin. A complex morphofunctional examination of 10 infants aging from 1 to 28 days was performed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) device with a flexible probe at the wavelength of 920 nm with longitudinal resolution of 20 μm and transverse resolution of 25 μm with simultaneous measurement of skin functional parameters. The OCT images of neonatal thin skin have organized layered structure with four horizontally oriented layers. Thick skin of newborns has no structure typical for adult skin and no clear transition from the papillary to the cellular dermis. Thus, we show for the first time to our knowledge that neonatal thick skin differs structurally and functionally from adult skin. Structurally, it differs by a loose arrangement of stratum corneum squamae and thinner epidermis and papillary layer of dermis. The functional differences are lower transepidermal water loss, localization-dependent humidity, higher erythema level, and lower pigmentation. The principal structural differences between neonatal and adult skin show that skin structure formation is not completed by the moment of birth.
A NEW ITERATIVE SCHEME FOR MULTIVALUED MAPPINGS IN CAT(0) SPACES
Authors: Ritika  , Rathee Savita
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we employ the idea of exclusion of a condition given by Shahzad and Zegeye [on Mann and Ishikawa iteration schemes for multivalued maps in Banach spaces, Nonlinear Anal. Theory Methods Appl.71(3–4) (2009) 838–844] to our iterative process which converges much faster than Mann, Ishikawa and Agarwal's iterative processes.