bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE CONSISTENCY OF REGRESSION‐BASED MONTE CARLO METHODS FOR PRICING BERMUDAN OPTIONS IN CASE OF ESTIMATED FINANCIAL MODELS
Authors: Fromkorth Andreas , Kohler Michael
Published: February 2013

In many applications of regression‐based Monte Carlo methods for pricing, American options in discrete time parameters of the underlying financial model have to be estimated from observed data. In this paper suitably defined nonparametric regression‐based Monte Carlo methods are applied to paths of financial models where the parameters converge toward true values of the parameters. For various Black–Scholes, GARCH, and Levy models it is shown that in this case the price estimated from the approximate model converges to the true price.
Addiction and corticotropin‐releasing hormone type 1 receptor antagonist medications
Authors: Contoreggi Carlo , Lee Mary R. , Chrousos George
Published: February 2013

Derangements in corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) through its type 1 receptor (CRHR1) have been identified in many pathologic conditions. Preclinical models of addiction find that small‐molecule antagonists of CRHR1 can limit induction, maintenance, and relapse to drugs of abuse. Neuropsychiatric clinical trials of CRHR1 antagonists have shown mixed efficacy; treatment of addictive disorders has not been established, but finding effective treatments for addictive disorders is critical. Establishing effectiveness for substance abuse treatment will require a different design approach than was used for depression and anxiety trials. Focusing on active versus passive outcome measures, such as resilience to external stressful stimuli, may provide signals in curbing craving and relapse. Study design should include measures of abstinence and drug exposure, but additional elements of stress prevention should also be incorporated. Agents that could provide preemptive protection from drug use and relapse are novel and untested. An understanding of the evolutionary significance of the stress system and preclinical models suggests that these agents may provide protection in this manner. Investigators designing future trials might refocus their understanding of addiction and treatment in this new direction.
Ecology and conservation of ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in a changing world
Authors: McGraw James B. , Lubbers Anne E. , Van der Voort Martha , Mooney Emily H. , Furedi Mary Ann , Souther Sara , Turner Jessica B. , Chandler Jennifer
Published: February 2013

American ginseng (Panax quinquefoliusL.) is an uncommon to rare understory plant of the eastern deciduous forest. Harvesting to supply the Asian traditional medicine market made ginseng North America's most harvested wild plant for two centuries, eventually prompting a listing on CITES Appendix II. The prominence of this representative understory plant has led to its use as a phytometer to better understand how environmental changes are affecting many lesser‐known species that constitute the diverse temperate flora of eastern North America. We review recent scientific findings concerning this remarkable phytometer species, identifying factors through its history of direct and indirect interactions with humans that have led to the current condition of the species. Harvest, deer browse, and climate change effects have been studied in detail, and all represent unique interacting threats to ginseng's long‐term persistence. Finally, we synthesize our current understanding by portraying ginseng's existence in thousands of small populations, precariously poised to either escape or be drawn further toward extinction by the actions of our own species.
How much do residential aged care staff members know about the nutritional needs of residents?
Authors: Beattie Elizabeth , O'Reilly Maria , Strange Elise , Franklin Sara , Isenring Elisabeth
Published: February 2013

Background

Undernutrition, weight loss and dehydration are major clinical issues for people with dementia in residential care, with excessive weight loss contributing to increased risk of frailty, immobility, illness and premature morbidity. This paper discusses a nutritional knowledge and attitudes survey conducted as part of a larger project focused on improving nutritional intake of people with dementia within a residential care facility in Brisbane, Australia.

Aims

The specific aims of the survey were to identify (i) knowledge of the nutritional needs of aged care facility residents; (ii) mealtime practices; and (iii) attitudes towards mealtime practices and organisation.

Methods

A survey based on those used in other healthcare settings was completed by 76 staff members. The survey included questions about nutritional knowledge, opinions of the food service, frequency of feeding assistance provided and feeding assessment practices.

Results

Nutritional knowledge scores ranged from 1 to 9 of a possible 10, with a mean score of 4.67. While 76% of respondents correctly identified risk factors associated with malnutrition in nursing home residents, only 38% of participants correctly identified the need for increased protein and energy in residents with pressure ulcers, and just 15% exhibited correct knowledge of fluid requirements. Further, while nutritional assessment was considered an important part of practice by 83% of respondents, just 53% indicated that they actually carried out such assessments. Identified barriers to promoting optimal nutrition included insufficient time to observe residents (56%); being unaware of residents' feeding issues (46%); poor knowledge of nutritional assessments (44%); and unappetising appearance of food served (57%).

Conclusion

An important step towards improving health and quality of life for residents of aged care facilities would be to enhance staff nutritional awareness and assessment skills. This should be carried out through increased attention to both preservice curricula and on‐the‐job training.

Implications for practice

The residential facility staff surveyed demonstrated low levels of nutrition knowledge, which reflects findings from the international literature. This has implications for the provision of responsive care to residents of these facilities and should be explored further.
Overexpression of plastidial thioredoxin f leads to enhanced starch accumulation in tobacco leaves
Authors: Sanz‐Barrio Ruth , Corral‐Martinez Patricia , Ancin Maria , Segui‐Simarro Jose M. , Farran Inmaculada
Published: February 2013

Starch, the most abundant storage carbohydrate in plants, has been a major feedstock for first‐generation biofuels. Growing fuel demands require, however, that the starch yields of energy crops be improved. Leaf starch is synthesised during the day and degraded at night to power nonphotosynthetic metabolism. Redox regulation has been associated with the coordination of the enzymes involved in starch metabolism, but neither the signals nor mechanisms that regulate this metabolism are entirely clear. In this work, the thioredoxin (Trx) f and m genes, which code for key enzymes in plastid redox regulation, were overexpressed from the plastid genome. Tobacco plants overexpressing Trx f, but not Trx m, showed an increase of up to 700% in leaf starch accumulation, accompanied by an increase in leaf sugars, specific leaf weight (SLW), and leaf biomass yield. To test the potential of these plants as a nonfood energy crop, tobacco leaves overexpressing Trx f were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis, and around a 500% increase in the release of fermentable sugars was recorded. The results show that Trx f is a more effective regulator of photosynthetic carbon metabolism in planta than Trx m. The overexpression of Trx f might therefore provide a means of increasing the carbohydrate content of plants destined for use in biofuel production. It might also provide a means of improving the nutritional properties of staple food crops.
A Contingent Approach to the Organization and Management of Public–Private Partnerships: An Empirical Study of English Health Care
Authors: Waring Justin , Currie Graeme , Bishop Simon
Published: February 2013

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) have become a prominent feature of contemporary public policy. Although research shows variation in the contractual configuration of partnerships, there is little evidence of how these shape service and workforce organization. Through comparative ethnographic research on two PPP health care providers in the English National Health Service, this article develops the idea that PPPs exhibit “tight” and “loose” arrangements that relate to “downstream” service and workforce management. It induces four empirically grounded mediating factors to describe this relationship. The first relates to the “dependence” between partners in terms of financing, strategy, and resource sharing; the second to the “strategic orientation” of leaders; the third to the composition of the “professional workforce”; and the fourth to the “management approach” to service and workforce organization. The article contributes to the research literature by exploring the contingencies in how PPPs are operationalized on the ground.
Association of KIR genes and HLA‐C alleles with HPV‐related uterine cervical disease in Korean women
Authors: Song M. J. , Lee C. W. , Kim J. H. , Lee S. J. , Kim C. J. , Hur S. Y. , Park T. C. , Kim T. G. , Park J. S.
Published: February 2013

This study investigated whether killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) genes and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐C alleles, receptors and ligands of natural killer cells are associated with the development of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related cervical disease in Korean women. Blood samples from 132 women with HPV‐related cervical disease and 159 women without HPV infection were collected for genotyping of KIR genes and HLA‐C alleles. Although no relationship was found between KIR genes and HPV‐related cervical disease, a significant relationship was found between HLA‐C alleles as ligands of KIR and HPV‐related cervical disease. Women with HPV‐related cervical disease were found to be significantly more likely to carry HLA‐C*0303, particularly those with HPV 16 or 18 infection, and less likely to carry HLA‐C*01 compared to women without HPV infection. HLA‐C*0303 was found to confer susceptibility to HPV‐related cervical disease, whereas HLA‐C*01 was found to confer a protective effect against HPV‐related cervical disease.
A one‐step DNA sequencing strategy to HLA type hematopoietic stem cell donors at recruitment – rethinking typing strategies
Authors: Tu B. , Cha N. , Yang R. , Ng J. , Hurley C. K.
Published: February 2013

In order to reduce the time required to identify a match for unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a one‐step DNA sequencing strategy was employed at the time of recruitment. The impact of this strategy on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing resolution and the effect of current registry requirements on resolution and coding of assignments were evaluated. Sanger‐based DNA sequencing was used to obtain diploid exons 2 and 3 HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐C assignments of 2747 unrelated African American and 1822 European American volunteers at recruitment. The results demonstrate the high resolution of the approach and challenge several aspects of the current registry typing strategy. Of the 46% of African American and 74% of European American individuals whose HLA typing resulted in alternative genotypes, the majority (≥93%) was predicted to have only a single ‘common’ genotype among the alternatives. The common practice of adding secondary assays to resolve alternative genotype assignments that include more than two antigen groups was also evaluated. While the percentage of assignments with greater than two antigen groups reached as high as 21% (HLA‐A in European Americans), only 1.8% of individuals at most carried two common genotypes encompassing three antigen groups. The assignment of (National Marrow Donor Program) NMDP‐designated allele codes to the one‐pass results reduced the resolution substantially and introduced genotypes that were not included in the laboratory's assignments. We suggest the alternative strategy of using the exons 2–3 diploid nucleotide sequence as the assignment submitted to the registry with the added benefit of immortalizing the assignment in time regardless of the introduction of novel alleles. To keep pace with current donor selection criteria and with the increasing number of new alleles, it is time to rethink our recruitment typing strategies.
Evaluation of the Level of Gaseous Fuel-Bound Sulfur on Fine Particulate Emission From a Low Emission Gas Turbine Engine
Authors: Spang Brent , Yoshimura Sayaka , Hack Richard , McDonell Vincent , Samuelsen Scott
Published: February 2013

The present work investigates the effect of natural gas fuel sulfur on particulate emissions from stationary gas turbine engines used for electricity generation. Fuel sulfur from standard line gas was scrubbed using a system of fluidized reactor beds containing a specially designed activated carbon purposely built for sulfur absorption. A sulfur injection system using sonic orifices was designed and constructed to inject methyl mercaptan into the scrubbed gas stream at varying concentrations. Using these systems, particulate emissions created by various fuel sulfur levels between 0 and 15 ppmv were investigated. Particulate samples were collected from a Capstone C65 microturbine generator system using a Horiba MDLT-1302TA microdilution tunnel and analyzed using a Horiba MEXA-1370PM particulate analyzer. In addition, ambient air samples were collected to determine incoming particulate levels in the combustion air. The Capstone C65 engine air filter was also tested for particulate removal efficiency by sampling downstream of the filter. To further differentiate the particulate entering the engine in the combustion air from particulate being emitted from the exhaust stack, two high efficiency high-efficiency particulate air filters were installed to eliminate a large portion of incoming particulate. Variable fuel sulfur testing showed that there was a strong correlation between total particulate emission factor and fuel sulfur concentration. Using eleven variable sulfur tests, it was determined that an increase of 1 ppmv fuel sulfur will produce an increase of approximately 2.8 μg/m3 total particulate. Also, the correlation predicted that, for this particular engine, the total particulate emission factor for zero fuel sulfur was approximately 19.1 μg/m3. With the elemental carbon and organic carbon data removed, the correlation became 2.5 μg/m3 of sulfur particulate produced for each ppmv of fuel sulfur. The correlation also predicted that with no fuel sulfur present, 7.8 μg/m3 of particulate will be produced by sulfur passing through the engine air filter.
Numerical Investigation of Ash Deposition on Nozzle Guide Vane Endwalls
Authors: Casaday Brian P. , Ameri Ali A. , Bons Jeffrey P.
Published: February 2013

A computational study was performed to determine the factors that affect ash deposition rates on the endwalls in a nozzle guide vane passage. Deposition tests were simulated in flow around a flat plate with a cylindrical leading edge, as well as through a modern, high-performance turbine vane passage. The flow solution was first obtained independent of the presence of particulates, and individual ash particles were subsequently tracked using a Lagrangian tracking model. Two turbulence models were applied, and their differences were discussed. The critical viscosity model was used to determine particle deposition. Features that contribute to endwall deposition, such as secondary flows, turbulent dispersion, or ballistic trajectories, were discussed, and deposition was quantified. Particle sizes were varied to reflect Stokes numbers ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 to determine the effect on endwall deposition. Results showed that endwall deposition rates can be as high as deposition on the leading edge for particles with a Stokes number less than 0.1, but endwall deposition rates for a Stokes number of 1.0 were less than 25% of the deposition rates on the leading edge or pressure surface of the turbine vane. Deposition rates on endwalls were largest near the leading edge stagnation region on both the cylinder and vane geometries, with significant deposition rates downstream showing a strong correlation to the secondary flows.
Heat Transfer Investigation of Air Flow in Microtubes—Part I: Effects of Heat Loss, Viscous Heating, and Axial Conduction
Authors: Lin Ting-Yu , Kandlikar Satish G.
Published: February 2013

Experiments were conducted to investigate local heat transfer coefficients and flow characteristics of air flow in a 962 μm inner diameter stainless steel microtube (minichannel). The effects of heat loss, axial heat conduction and viscous heating were systematically analyzed. Heat losses during the experiments with gas flow in small diameter tubes vary considerably along the flow length, causing the uncertainties to be very large in the downstream region. Axial heat conduction was found to have a significant effect on heat transfer at low Re. Viscous heating was negligible at low Re, but the effect was found to be significant at higher Re. After accounting for varying heat losses, viscous heating and axial conduction, Nu was found to agree very well with the predictions from conventional heat transfer correlations both in laminar and turbulent flow regions. No early transition to turbulent flow was found in the present study.
Maxwell Fluids Unsteady Mixed Flow and Radiation Heat Transfer Over a Stretching Permeable Plate With Boundary Slip and Nonuniform Heat Source/Sink
Authors: Zheng Liancun , Liu Ning , Zhang Xinxin
Published: February 2013

This paper presents an analysis for the unsteady mixed boundary-layer flow and radiation heat transfer of generalized Maxwell fluids toward an unsteady stretching permeable surface in presence of boundary slip and nonuniform heat source/sink. The governing partial differential equations are converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations and analytical approximations of solutions are derived by homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of the unsteadiness parameter, nonuniform heat source/sink parameter, suction/injection parameter, thermal radiation parameter and slip parameter on the fluid flow, and heat transfer characteristics are shown graphically and analyzed.
Quasi-Steady Prediction of Coupled Bending-Torsion Flutter Under Classic Surge
Authors: Ananth S. M. , Kushari A.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a quasi-steady method is developed for predicting the coupled bending-torsion flutter in a compressor cascade during classic surge. The classic surge is one of the major compressor flow field instabilities involving pulsation of the main flow through the compressor. The primary reason for the occurrence of the classic surge is the stalling of the blade rows and if the conditions are favorable this can trigger flutter, which is a self-excited aero elastic instability. The classic surge flow is modeled by using the well-established model of Moore and Greitzer and the obtained flow condition is used to determine the aerodynamic loads of the cascade using the linearized Whitehead's theory. The cascade stability is then examined by solving the two dimensional structural model by treating it as a complex eigenvalue problem. The structural stability is analyzed for a range of values of the frequency ratio and primary emphasis is given for the frequency ratio value of 0.9 as many interesting features could be revealed. The cascade shows a bifurcation from bending flutter to the torsional one signifying that only one of the flutter modes are favored at any instant in time. The torsional flutter is found to be the dominant flutter mode for a range of frequency ratios during classic surge whereas the bending flutter is found to occur only for some values of frequency ratio very close to unity as the torsional loads acting on the blades are found to be orders of magnitude higher than the bending loads. A rapid initiation of torsional flutter is seen to occur during classic surge for frequency ratio values very close to unity and it is perceived that during blade design, frequency ratios should be kept below 0.9 to prevent the flutter possibilities. An estimate of structural energy variation with time indicates that even if the total structural energy is negative one of the modes can go unstable during classic surge.
The Shape of Helically Creased Cylinders
Authors: Seffen K. A. , Borner N.
Published: February 2013

Creasing in thin shells admits large deformation by concentrating curvatures while relieving stretching strains over the bulk of the shell: after unloading, the creases remain as narrow ridges and the rest of the shell is flat or simply curved. We present a helically creased unloaded shell that is doubly curved everywhere, which is formed by cylindrically wrapping a flat sheet with embedded fold-lines not axially aligned. The finished shell is in a state of uniform self-stress and this is responsible for maintaining the Gaussian curvature outside of the creases in a controllable and persistent manner. We describe the overall shape of the shell using the familiar geometrical concept of a Mohr's circle applied to each of its constituent features—the creases, the regions between the creases, and the overall cylindrical form. These Mohr's circles can be combined in view of geometrical compatibility, which enables the observed shape to be accurately and completely described in terms of the helical pitch angle alone.
Transrectal ultrasound based prostate volume determination: Is the frustum algorithm more accurate than planimetry?
Authors: Liu Derek , Usmani Nawaid , Sloboda Ron S.
Published: February 2013

Purpose:

To compare reconstructed volumes calculated via planimetry and frustum algorithms in the context of stepped transrectal ultrasound (US) imaging, and to estimate the reconstruction error for prostate volumes.

Methods:

Prostate contours for 40 permanent implant patients were delineated on magnetic resonance (MR) and transrectal US images by a radiation oncologist. Simulated images of ellipsoid and truncated cone geometrical objects were constructed to determine volume calculation accuracy. Simulation results were used to deduce the algorithm‐associated error made when calculating transrectal US prostate volumes.

Results:

For imaging without deliberate slice positioning, planimetry reconstruction was mostly accurate while the frustum algorithm underestimated the volume. The discrepancy was mostly due to the end slice reconstruction. For slice positioning that reflected US image acquisition, planimetry overestimated by half the superior slice volume on average while frustum underestimated by half the inferior slice volume. The estimated algorithm errors for prostate contours were 4% and −3%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The planimetry and frustum algorithms offer different interpretations for reconstruction and yield systematic differences in calculated volumes. Both algorithms introduce bias into transrectal US prostate volume determinations that may have clinical implications, planimetry overestimating and frustum underestimating the volume.
Optimization of temporal versus spatial replication in the development of habitat use models to explain among-reach variations of fish density estimates in rivers
Authors: Lanthier Gabriel , Boisclair Daniel , Bourque Guillaume , Legendre Pierre , Lapointe Michel , Angers Bernard
Published: February 2013

We evaluated the effects of temporal variation of fish density estimates on the explanatory power of habitat use models. Fish density estimates were obtained using visual surveys (10 visits) in eighteen 100 m reaches over a 7-week period. Physical attributes of reaches were estimated. Field data were used to develop a simulation domain (10 000 reaches) that reflected the spatio-temporal variability of fish density estimates and physical attributes. Simulations indicated that for a sampling effort of approximately 200 surveys, the number of reaches surveyed (25 to 200) and the number of surveys per reach (1 to 8) affected the adjusted R2of models by 5% to 42%. The established practice of sampling a maximized number of reaches once did not appear necessarily optimal for developing habitat use models. Analysis of temporal coefficients of variation suggests that species within the same family may require a similar survey design. Hence, for salmonids, it may be more appropriate to sample more reaches once, and for cyprinids, it may be more optimal to repeatedly sample fewer reaches.
Early detection of anthracycline-mediated cardiotoxicity: the value of considering both global longitudinal left ventricular strain and twist
Authors: Mornoş Cristian , Petrescu Lucian
Published: February 2013

Anthracyclines are important anticancer drugs, but their use is limited by cardiotoxicity. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is often inadequate to detect myocardial disease induced by chemotherapy. Tissue Doppler and bidimensional-strain imaging could detect LV myocardial dysfunction earlier than LVEF. In drug-induced cardiotoxicity, torsional and longitudinal LV deformations [LV twist (LVtw), radial strain (GRS), global longitudinal strain (GLS)] are damaged. We assessed whether a new index, GLS×LVtw, could predict future anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. Echocardiography, troponin, and natriuretic peptide determination were prospectively performed in 74 patients before and after 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks of anthracycline treatment. These patients were treated for breast cancer, Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic or myeloblastic leukaemia, or osteosarcoma. At 6 weeks after initiation of chemotherapy, isovolumic relaxation time, systolic mitral annular velocity, LVGLS, LVGRS, LV apical rotation, LVtw, and GLS×LVtw deteriorated, and troponin levels became elevated (all p < 0.05 by ANOVA) before LVEF decreased. The receiver operating characteristic curves identified early deterioration of GLS×LVtw as the best predictor of later cardiotoxicity (area under curve = 0.93), followed by GLS (0.84) and LV apical rotation (0.81) deterioration. In conclusion, early change in the GLS×LVtw index seems to be a good predictor of future development of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.
Diet history of ice seals using stable isotope ratios in claw growth bands
Authors: Carroll Sara S. , Horstmann-Dehn Larissa , Norcross Brenda L.
Published: February 2013

Climate change and sea-ice reduction may lead to modifications of food-web structure in the Arctic, and this may impact foraging of ice-associated predators. We examined the dietary history recorded in cornified claw sheaths of ringed seals (Pusa hispida (Schreber, 1775)) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus (Erxleben, 1777)) to describe potential seasonal and interannual changes in their foraging. Seasonal layers of cornified cells deposited in claws can document trophic history up to about 10 years; thereafter, the claws start to wear at the distal end. A total of 38 claws were collected during Alaska Native subsistence harvests in 2008–2010 and seasonal growth bands were examined for stable nitrogen and carbon isotope ratios to assess long-term diet patterns. During 2007 (record ice minimum), proportionally more ringed seals fed at a lower trophic level. Bearded seals may have been foraging more pelagically from 2008 to 2010. Interannual variations and high variability between the two ice seal species and among individual diets illustrate the opportunistic nature and flexibility of ice seals to changes in prey.
A New Hybrid Projection Algorithm for System of Equilibrium Problems and Variational Inequality Problems and Two Finite Families of Quasi-ϕ-Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Phuangphoo Pongrus , Kumam Poom
Published: February 2013

We introduce a modified Mann’s iterative procedure by using the hybrid projection method for solving the common solution of the system of equilibrium problems for a finite family of bifunctions satisfying certain condition, the common solution of fixed point problems for two finite families of quasi-ϕ-nonexpansive mappings, and the common solution of variational inequality problems for a finite family of continuous monotone mappings in a uniformly smooth and strictly convex real Banach space. Then, we prove a strong convergence theorem of the iterative procedure generated by some mild conditions. Our result presented in this paper improves and generalizes some well-known results in the literature.
Autotransplantation of a Supernumerary Tooth to Replace a Misaligned Incisor with Abnormal Dimensions and Morphology: 2-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Tirali R. Ebru , Sar Cagla , Ates Ufuk , Kizilkaya Metin , Cehreli S. Burcak
Published: February 2013

Autotransplantation is a viable treatment option to restore esthetics and function impaired by abnormally shaped teeth when a suitable donors tooth is available. This paper describes the autotransplantation and 2-year follow-up of a supernumerary maxillary incisor as a replacement to a misaligned maxillary incisor with abnormal crown morphology and size. The supernumerary incisor was immediately autotransplanted into the extraction site of the large incisor and was stabilized with a bonded semirigid splint for 2 weeks. Fixed orthodontic therapy was initiated 3 months after autotransplantation. Ideal alignment of the incisors was accomplished after 6 months along with radiographic evidence of apical closure and osseous/periodontal regeneration. In autogenous tooth transplantation, a successful clinical outcome can be achieved if the cases are selected and treated properly.
Intravenous Laser Blood Irradiation, Interstitial Laser Acupuncture, and Electroacupuncture in an Animal Experimental Setting: Preliminary Results from Heart Rate Variability and Electrocorticographic Recordings
Authors: He Wei , Litscher Gerhard , Wang Xiaoyu , Jing Xianghong , Shi Hong , Shang Hongyan , Zhu Bing
Published: February 2013

This is the first study to investigate intravenous (i.v.) laser blood irradiation, interstitial (i.st.) laser acupuncture, and electroacupuncture (EA) in combination with heart rate variability (HRV) and electrocorticogram. We investigated 10 male anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats under the three conditions mentioned previously in Beijing, China, and data analysis was performed in Graz, Europe. For i.v. laser stimulation in the femoral vein and i.st. laser acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6), we used a European system (Modulas needle, Schwa-Medico, Germany; 658 nm, 50 mW, continuous wave mode), and for EA at Neiguan, a Chinese system (Hanshi-100A; Nanjing Jisheng Medical Technology Company, China; 15 Hz, 1 mA). HR, HRV, and electrocorticogram were recorded using a biophysical amplifier AVB-10 (Nihon-Kohden, Japan). HR changed significantly during i.st. laser acupuncture stimulation of Neiguan in anesthetized rats. Total HRV increased insignificantly during i.v. and i.st. laser stimulation. The LF/HF ratio showed significant changes only during i.v. laser blood irradiation. Integrated cortical EEG (electrocorticogram) decreased insignificantly during EA and i.v. laser blood irradiation. Further studies concerning dosage-dependent alterations are in progress.
Determination of Mobility and Charge Carriers Concentration from Ionic Conductivity in Sodium Germanate Glasses above and below Tg
Authors: Ferreira Nascimento Marcio Luis
Published: February 2013

The ionic conductivity and viscous flow data of xNa2O·(1−x)GeO2, 0.05<x<0.296, have been collected in a large temperature range, below and above their glass transition temperatures (Tg). A microscopic model is proposed, assuming that the ionic displacement would result from the migration of interstitial positively charged cationic pairs whose concentration is an activated function of temperature. Below Tg, their migration is also an activated mechanism, but a “free volume” would prevail above this temperature. This discontinuity in the migration mechanism justifies a Dienes-Macedo-Litovitz (DML) relationship to be representative of conductivity data above Tg and an Arrhenius law below. According to this model, the enthalpy deduced by the fit of high temperature data using a DML equation would correspond to the charge carrier formation, whose migration enthalpy, below Tg, could be deduced by the difference between the activation energy measured in the Arrhenius domain and the charge carrier formation enthalpy. To reduce the number of adjustable parameters numerical values were physically justified. We also applied a complete test for conductivity below Tg, using the so-called weak electrolyte model, splitting activation enthalpy EσA into formation and migration enthalpies and also explaining the variation of pre-exponential term of conductivity with composition.
A Morphological Model for Extracting Road Networks from High-Resolution Satellite Images
Authors: Awad Mohamad M.
Published: February 2013

Urban planning depends strongly on information extracted from high-resolution satellite images such as buildings and roads features. Nowadays, most of the available extraction techniques and methods are supervised, and they require intensive labor work to clean irrelevant features and to correct shapes and boundaries. In this paper, a new model is implemented to overcome the limitations and to correct the problems of the known and conventional techniques of urban feature extraction specifically road network. The major steps in the model are the enhancement of the image, the segmentation of the enhanced image, the application of the morphological operators, and finally the extraction of the road network. The new model is more accurate position wise and requires less effort and time compared to the traditional supervised and semi-supervised urban extraction methods such as simple edge detection techniques or manual digitization. Experiments conducted on high-resolution satellite images prove the high accuracy and the efficiency of the new model. The positional accuracy of the extracted road features compared to the manual digitized ones, the counted number of detected road segments, and the percentage of completely closed and partially closed curves prove the efficiency and accuracy of the new model.
Complex Dynamics of a Diffusive Holling-Tanner Predator-Prey Model with the Allee Effect
Authors: Yue Zongmin , Wang Xiaoqin , Liu Haifeng
Published: February 2013

We investigate the complex dynamics of a diffusive Holling-Tanner predation model with the Allee effect on prey analytically and numerically. We examine the existence of the positive equilibria and the related dynamical behaviors of the model and find that when the model is with weak Allee effect, the solutions are local and global stability for some conditions around the positive equilibrium. In contrast, when the model is with strong Allee effect, this may lead to the phenomenon of bistability; that is to say, there is a separatrix curve that separates the behavior of trajectories of the system, implying that the model is highly sensitive to the initial conditions. Furthermore, we give the conditions of Turing instability and determine the Turing space in the parameters space. Based on these results, we perform a series of numerical simulations and find that the model exhibits complex pattern replication: spots, spots-stripes mixtures, and stripes patterns. The results show that the impact of the Allee effect essentially increases the models spatiotemporal complexity.
Antiulcer Activity of Indigenous PlantOperculina turpethumLinn.
Authors: Ignatius Vidya , Narayanan Madhusudhanan , Subramanian Venkataraman , Periyasamy Balasubramanian Maruthaiveeran
Published: February 2013

In the Indian traditional system of medicineOperculina turpethumis commonly used to treat various ailments including peptic ulcer, inflammation, and pain. Ulcer preventive and ulcer protective activities of HAOP and MOP stem bark extracts ofOperculina turpethum(100 mg/kg, b.w., orally) were evaluated employing aspirin + pylorus ligation (APL) model in experimental rats. The results suggested that both extracts (HAOP and MOP) possess enhanced ulcer preventive and protective activities when compared with the standard drug ranitidine. HAOP showed more pronounced effect when compared to MOP. Further the result of the histopathological and biochemical studies also confirms potent ulcer preventive and protective nature of a extracts in a similar manner.
A Culture-Proven Case of Community-AcquiredLegionellaPneumonia Apparently Classified as Nosocomial: Diagnostic and Public Health Implications
Authors: Bargellini Annalisa , Marchesi Isabella , Marchegiano Patrizia , Richeldi Luca , Cagarelli Roberto , Ferranti Greta , Borella Paola
Published: February 2013

We report a case ofLegionellapneumonia in a 78-year-old patient affected by cerebellar haemangioblastoma continuously hospitalised for 24 days prior to the onset of overt symptoms. According to the established case definition, this woman should have been definitely classified as a nosocomial case (patient spending all of the ten days in hospital before onset of symptoms). Water samples from the oncology ward were negative, notably the patient’s room and the oxygen bubbler, and the revision of the case history induced us to verify possible contamination in water samples collected at home. We found that the clinical strain had identical rep-PCR fingerprint ofL. pneumophilaserogroup 1 isolated at home. The description of this culture-proven case of Legionnaires’ disease has major clinical, legal, and public health consequences as the complexity of hospitalised patients poses limitations to the rule-of-thumb surveillance definition of nosocomial pneumonia based on 2–10-day incubation period.
Impact of Split Gate in a Novel SOI MOSFET (SPG SOI) for Reduction of Short-Channel Effects: Analytical Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Anvarifard Mohammad K. , Orouji Ali A.
Published: February 2013

In this paper a comprehensive investigation of a novel device called split-gate silicon-on-insulator MOSFET (SPG SOI MOSFET) is proposed to reduce short-channel effects (SCEs). Studying the device has been done by analytical approach and simulation. In the proposed structure the gate is split into two parts. A voltage difference exists between the two parts. It is demonstrated that the surface potential in the channel region exhibits a step function. Some improvements are obtained on parameters such as SCEs, hot-carrier effect (HCE), and drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL). The accuracy of the results obtained by use of the analytical model is verified by ATLAS device simulation software. The obtained results of the model are compared with those of the single-gate (SG) SOI MOSFET. The simulation results show that the SPG SOI MOSFET performance is superior.
Treatment for Wear and Osteolysis in Well-Fixed Uncemented TKR
Authors: Nunez Leah , Broome Brandon , Pace Tom , Harman Melinda
Published: February 2013

Background. Traditionally, osteolysis around total knee replacements (TKRs) is treated with complete revision. In certain subsets, polyethylene insert exchange and bone grafting may be applicable. This study reports the clinical outcomes for selective bone grafting in patients with osteolysis without complete revision of the TKR. Methods. This retrospective study analyzes 10 TKRs (9 patients, 66.5 ± 6.1 years old) presenting with osteolysis and revised after 8.7 ± 1.9 years of in vivo function. At index TKR, all patients were implanted with uncemented prosthesis and modular polyethylene insert with anteroposterior articular constraint (Ultracongruent, Natural Knee II, Sulzer Medica). The surgical technique for treating the osteolysis included removal of necrotic bone tissue using curettage, filling of the defect with bone graft materials, and polyethylene insert exchange. Results. Patients have not exhibited any further complications associated with osteolysis after 5.1 ± 2.4 years of followup. Routine radiographic exams show total incorporation of the graft material into the previously lytic regions in all patients. Conclusion. In some TKRs with osteolysis and firmly fixed components, the removal of lytic tissue and subsequent defect filling with bone graft materials can be a viable solution. This case series shows complete resolution of osteolysis in all patients with no complications.
Multimodal Markov Random Field for Image Reranking Based on Relevance Feedback
Authors: Chávez Ricardo Omar , Escalante Hugo Jair , Montes-y-Gómez Manuel , Sucar Luis Enrique
Published: February 2013

This paper introduces a multimodal approach for reranking of image retrieval results based on relevance feedback. We consider the problem of reordering the ranked list of images returned by an image retrieval system, in such a way that relevant images to a query are moved to the first positions of the list. We propose a Markov random field (MRF) model that aims at classifying the images in the initial retrieval-result list as relevant or irrelevant; the output of the MRF is used to generate a new list of ranked images. The MRF takes into account (1) the rank information provided by the initial retrieval system, (2) similarities among images in the list, and (3) relevance feedback information. Hence, the problem of image reranking is reduced to that of minimizing an energy function that represents a trade-off between image relevance and interimage similarity. The proposed MRF is a multimodal as it can take advantage of both visual and textual information by which images are described with. We report experimental results in the IAPR TC12 collection using visual and textual features to represent images. Experimental results show that our method is able to improve the ranking provided by the base retrieval system. Also, the multimodal MRF outperforms unimodal (i.e., either text-based or image-based) MRFs that we have developed in previous work. Furthermore, the proposed MRF outperforms baseline multimodal methods that combine information from unimodal MRFs.
Solid Solutions ofLiCo1−xNixO2(x=0,0.1,…,0.9) Obtained via a Combustion Synthesis Route and Their Electrochemical Characteristics
Authors: Elong Kelimah , Kamarulzaman Norlida , Rusdi Roshidah , Badar Nurhanna , Jaafar Mohd Hilmi
Published: February 2013

Pure, single-phase and layeredLiCo1−xNixO2materials with good cation ordering are not easy to synthesize. In this work, solid solutions ofLiCo1−xNixO2(x= 0, 0.1, …, 0.9) are synthesized using a self-propagating combustion route and characterized. All the materials are observed to be phase pure giving materials of hexagonal crystal system withR-3mspace group. The RIR andRfactor values of stoichiometries ofLiCo1−xNixO2(x= 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) show good cation ordering. Their electrochemical properties are investigated by a series of charge-discharge cycling in the voltage range of 3.0 to 4.3 V. It is found that some of the stoichiometries exhibit specific capacities comparable or better than those of LiCoO2, but the voltage plateau is slightly more slopping than that for the LiCoO2reference material.
Modeling to Optimize Terminal Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Gallicano G. Ian
Published: February 2013

Embryonic stem cell (ESC), iPCs, and adult stem cells (ASCs) all are among the most promising potential treatments for heart failure, spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. However, considerable uncertainty in the production of ESC-derived terminally differentiated cell types has limited the efficiency of their development. To address this uncertainty, we and other investigators have begun to employ a comprehensive statistical model of ESC differentiation for determining the role of intracellular pathways (e.g., STAT3) in ESC differentiation and determination of germ layer fate. The approach discussed here applies the Baysian statistical model to cell/developmental biology combining traditional flow cytometry methodology and specific morphological observations with advanced statistical and probabilistic modeling and experimental design. The final result of this study is a unique tool and model that enhances the understanding of how and when specific cell fates are determined during differentiation. This model provides a guideline for increasing the production efficiency of therapeutically viable ESCs/iPSCs/ASC derived neurons or any other cell type and will eventually lead to advances in stem cell therapy.
Large Clothing Size in Children Is Associated with High Body Mass Index and Clustering of Medical Comorbidities
Authors: Nafiu Olubukola O. , Burke Constance
Published: February 2013

Background. Since most people are aware of their clothing size (CS), this prospective study explored the potential utility of CS as a proxy for body size and as a predictor of incident obesity-related health conditions in children. Methods. This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of 725 children aged 6–18 yr. We collected clinical, anthropometric, and sartorial data on all study subjects. Parents reported their children’s usual CS. This was compared with US clothing chart for children. Based on this we determined whether a child’s CS was appropriate or large for age. Results. The prevalence of overweight/obese was 31.4%. Among the study subjects, 36% usually wore large CS. Children who wore large CS were more likely to be overweight/obese compared to those in the normal CS group (OR = 5.6; 95% CI = 4.0–8.0, ). Similarly, large CS was associated with higher rates of incident asthma (), obstructive sleep apnea (), habitual snoring (), and elevated preoperative blood pressure (). Conclusion. CS in children is associated with higher indices of adiposity and increased rates of obesity-related comorbidities.
Perforation of a Retrocecal Appendix Resulting in Retroperitoneal Air: A Case Report
Authors: Litkouhi Behrang , Huang Alicia S. , Lundy David J. , Solis Maria
Published: February 2013

There have been several case reports documenting acute appendicitis complicated by perforation presenting with retroperitoneal abscess formation. To date, there are no case reports of acute appendicitis in which the only sign for retroperitoneal perforation is the presence of retroperitoneal air as detected by computed tomography (CT). In the case presented, an 18-year-old male presented to the emergency department with clinical symptoms of acute appendicitis. CT exam demonstrated an inflamed appendix with multiple collections of air in the retroperitoneum, without abscess. Laparotomy revealed perforation of a retrocecal appendix into the retroperitoneum.
Study on Space-Time Fractional Nonlinear Biological Equation in Radial Symmetry
Authors: Liu Yanqin
Published: February 2013

We consider the initial stage of space-time fractional generalized biological equation in radial symmetry. Dimensionless multiorder fractional nonlinear equation was first given, and approximate solutions were derived in the form of series using the homotopy perturbation method with a new modification. And the influence of fractional derivative is also discussed.
In SilicoExpressed Sequence Tag Analysis in Identification of Probable Diabetic Genes as Virtual Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Behera Pabitra Mohan , Behera Deepak Kumar , Panda Aparajeya , Dixit Anshuman , Padhi Payodhar
Published: February 2013

The expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are major entities for gene discovery, molecular transcripts, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) analysis as well as functional annotation of putative gene products. In our quest for identification of novel diabetic genes as virtual targets for type II diabetes, we searched various publicly available databases and found 7 reported genes. Thein silicoEST analysis of these reported genes produced 6 consensus contigs which illustrated some good matches to a number of chromosomes of the human genome. Again the conceptual translation of these contigs produced 3 protein sequences. The functional and structural annotations of these proteins revealed some important features which may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of diabetes.