bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral ossifying fibroma
Authors: Rallan Mandeep , Pathivada Lumbini , Rallan Neelakshi Singh , Grover Neeraj
Published: May 2013

Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a gingival growth, usually arising from interdental papilla and occurring frequently in the anterior maxilla. It represents upto 2% of all lesions that are biopsied. Other terms used to describe this lesion include peripheral ossifying fibroma, peripheral cementifying fibroma and calcified or ossified fibrous epulis. Paediatric patients with such a lesion have special management considerations as it requires early recognition and treatment. It requires proper treatment protocol with close postoperative follow-up. This case report presents a 12-year-old boy with an unusually large lesion in relation to the palatal aspect of the maxillary anterior teeth and its management.
High-dose thiamine improves the symptoms of fibromyalgia
Authors: Costantini Antonio , Pala Maria Immacolata , Tundo Silvia , Matteucci Pietro
Published: May 2013

Living with fibromyalgia means living with chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disorders and other associated key symptoms. To date, pharmacotherapy generally produces modest benefits. Some observations indicate that the large majority of symptoms of fibromyalgia could be the clinical manifestation of a mild thiamine deficiency due to a dysfunction of the active transport of thiamine from the blood to the mitochondria or to enzymatic abnormalities. Between June and July 2011, we recruited three female patients affected by fibromyalgia. We proceeded with the study of the patients’ history, a physical examination, an evaluation of chronic widespread pain using the Visual Numeric Scale and an evaluation of the fatigue using the Fatigue Severity Scale were also performed. The levels of thiamine and thiamine pyrophosphate in the blood were determined. After the therapy with high doses of thiamine, in the patients, there was an appreciable improvement of the symptoms.
Ameloblastomatous calcifying odontogenic cyst: a rare histological variant
Authors: Samuel Soumi , V Sreelatha S , S Venkatesh , Nair Preeti P
Published: May 2013

The calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) occurs mainly as an intraosseous lesion in mandible or maxilla, but the peripheral variation of COC has also been reported. The confusion regarding its nature as cyst or tumour has not been resolved and a vast diversity has been noted in clinicopathological aspects of COC. We report a case of COCs with minimal mural ameloblastomatous proliferation in a 13-year-old girl, who presented with a painless swelling in the left jaw causing mild facial asymmetry.
Oesophageal atresia associated with congenital oesophageal stenosis
Authors: Escobar Mauricio Antonio , Pickens Michael K , Holland Randall M , Caty Michael G
Published: May 2013

Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is associated with oesophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF). Tracheobronchial (cartilaginous) rests are typically found within the area of stenosis. The authors present a case report of EA-TEF associated with CES and present a modification of a novel technique to facilitate the management of CES. The impact of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is discussed in this unique entity. Finally, the literature is reviewed for this unique entity.
Haemobilia due to iatrogenic portobiliary fistula after cholecystectomy
Authors: Hurtarte-Sandoval A R , Flores-Robles B J , Penate-Dardón J D , González-Galilea Á
Published: May 2013

Haemobilia, defined as bleeding into the biliary tree is a rare condition. We describe a case report of a patient who presented it as a complication of iatrogenic portobiliary fistula, followed after an open cholecystectomy. The patient presented to the emergency department with late onset symptoms of haematemesis and melena a month after surgery. Findings were confirmed by Doppler ultrasound that showed the appearance of intragallbladder mass with high echogenicity representing a blood clot. Also, next to the portal vein and the biliary duct a lesion with mixed blood flow was detected confirming a portobiliary fistula. This case was successfully managed by angiography and selective embolisation.
Assessment of the validity of the English National Health Service Adult In-Patient Survey for use within individual specialties
Authors: Sullivan P J , Harris M L , Doyle C , Bell D
Published: May 2013

Background

Healthcare improvement requires rigorous measurement. Patient experience is a key healthcare outcome and target for improvement. Its measurement requires psychometrically validated questionnaires. In England, the Adult In-Patient Survey (AIPS), which is validated for use across the entire acute inpatient population, is administered to unselected patients after discharge from National Health Service acute Trusts. The AIPS is reported at an organisational level, but subhospital level data are needed for local quality improvement; it is currently uncertain whether the AIPS retains validity in local specialty subgroups.

Methods

We analysed the results of AIPS for 2010 (n=56 931 returns) by specialty (medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, renal medicine, neurosurgery, obstetrics-gynaecology and oncology) to determine whether validity is retained at a suborganisational level.

Results

Criterion validity and internal consistency of AIPS were retained for most specialty subgroups. When small local samples were excluded, the results for Trust level specialty groups were similar over a 2-year period, indicating test stability. For oncology there was poor internal consistency in the ‘doctors’ domain and criterion validity, expressed as the relationship elements of experience and overall rating of care, was less than for other specialties.

Conclusions

The AIPS is suitable for use within many specialties, but our findings question some elements of validity for oncology inpatients. We recommend that future surveys are administered and reported by specialty, to inform local improvement and permit comparison of specialty units.
A comparison ofLobaria pulmonariapopulation structure between subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and mountain alder (Alnus incana) host-tree species in British Columbia’s inland temperate rainforest
Authors: MacDonald Asha , Coxson Darwyn
Published: May 2013

In a study using dated branch segments, we determined the size class distribution and reproductive status of Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. growing on subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa Nutt.) and mountain alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) alongside small streams in British Columbia’s inland temperate rainforest (ITR). The number of thalli per branch segment did not significantly differ between Abies and Alnus, although mean L. pulmonaria biomass on entire branches was 71.03 g on fir and 12.31 g on alder. Branch diameter was a significant predictor for reproductive status of thalli on fir, whereas branch age was a better predictor for thalli on mountain alder. The presence of sorediate and (or) isidiate individuals on branch segments <10 years old suggests a rapid generation time for L. pulmonaria in the ITR. Annual growth rates of L. pulmonaria thalli reached up to 1.16 cm2·cm−2·yr−1on branch segments less than 15 years in age. Specific thallus mass (STM) was significantly higher for thalli on alder. STM was strongly dependent on thallus size on both host-tree species, with values from above 10 mg.cm−2in large thalli (>100 cm2), to <3 mg.cm−2in small thalli (<0.1 cm2). These differences between host-tree species can be interpreted in context of both adjacent canopy structure and the differences in tree growth form between these two host-tree species, both of which factors lead to greater light availability at the surface of mountain alder branches. The fast growth rates and short generation time observed in L. pulmonaria thalli growing on both alder and fir highlights the favorable conditions riparian habitats create for lichen growth in British Columbia’s ITR.
A reevaluation ofSigilmassasaurus brevicollis(Dinosauria) from the Cretaceous of Morocco
Authors: McFeeters Bradley , Ryan Michael J. , Hinic-Frlog Sanja , Schröder-Adams Claudia
Published: May 2013

The original hypodigm of the controversial mid-Cretaceous Moroccan dinosaur Sigilmassasaurus brevicollis is redescribed, and the diagnosis of the taxon is revised. Unambiguously referred material is restricted to cervical and anterior dorsal vertebrae sharing apomorphies with the holotype. A newly recognized diagnostic character of Sigilmassasaurus is the absence of anterior and posterior interzygapophyseal laminae of the neural arch, so that the neural spine directly meets the dorsal margin of the neural canal. A phylogenetic analysis supports the inclusion of Sigilmassasaurus in Tetanurae but not in Carcharodontosauridae. Sigilmassasaurus is distinct from all other theropods known from comparable material and is thus retained as a valid taxon.
Tree-ring analysis of the fungal disease Swiss needle cast in western Oregon coastal forests
Authors: Lee E. Henry , Beedlow Peter A. , Waschmann Ronald S. , Burdick Connie A. , Shaw David C.
Published: May 2013

Swiss needle cast (SNC), an important fungal disease of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), has increased in severity throughout its natural and introduced range over the last half century. The role of climate change and forest management practices in the increase is unclear. We analyzed tree-ring chronologies from six late-successional Douglas-fir stands in the western Oregon Coast Range using time-series intervention analysis (TSIA) to address how climate relates to the impact of SNC on tree growth. Tree-ring chronologies of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), a species not susceptible to the fungus Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii (Rhode) Petrak, were used as a climate proxy in the TSIA. We found that growth reductions associated with SNC dated back to the 1590s, the earliest record in our dendritic data. Growth reductions were synchronous across the six sites, indicating that the disease severity was largely influenced by climatic conditions. SNC impact peaked in 1984–1986 at all six study sites, followed by unprecedented disease impacts of 100% in 1996 and 2004 at one site, while decreasing to previous levels at the other five sites. Our SNC index of impact significantly correlated with winter and summer temperatures and summer precipitation. Winter conditions were more strongly associated with disease impact at wetter, cooler sites, whereas summer conditions were more important at less humid, warmer sites. With climate change, SNC impacts are likely to increase in coastal areas where June–July precipitation is much higher than the P. gaeumannii-limiting threshold of ∼110 mm, and decrease where summer precipitation is at or below the threshold. Warmer winters will increase disease severity at higher elevation, north along the coast from northern Oregon to British Columbia, and at inland sites where current winter temperatures limit fungal growth.
su(2) -expansion of the Lorentz algebra so(3,1 )
Authors: Campoamor-Stursberg Rutwig , de Guise Hubert , de Montigny Marc
Published: May 2013

We exploit the Iwasawa decomposition to construct coherent state representations of [Formula: see text], the Lorentz algebra in 3 + 1 dimensions, expanded on representations of the maximal compact subalgebra [Formula: see text]. Examples of matrix elements computation for finite dimensional and infinite-dimensional unitary representations are given. We also discuss different base vectors and the equivalence between these different choices. The use of the [Formula: see text]-matrix formalism to truncate the representation or to enforce unitarity is discussed.
Photodetachment of H– ion in a nonuniform electric field
Authors: Wang Yi-hao , Wang De-hua , Li Jian-wei
Published: May 2013

The photodetachment of H– ions in a nonuniform electric field has been investigated on the basis of closed orbit theory. Firstly, we give a clear physical description of the detached electron's movement in a nonuniform electric field. Then we put forward an analytical formula for calculating the photodetachment cross section of this system. Our study suggests besides the closed orbit previously reported for the photodetachment of H– in a uniform electric field, some additional closed orbits are produced owing to the effect of the nonuniform electric field. Compared with the photodetachment cross section of H– in a uniform electric field, the oscillation in the cross section of our system becomes much more complicated and the cross section exhibits a multiperiodic oscillatory structure. To show the relation between the oscillation in the photodetachment cross section and the detached electron's classical closed orbits clearly, we make a Fourier transformation for the scaled photodetachment cross section of this system. Each peak in the Fourier transformed cross section corresponds to the contribution of one closed orbit. This study provides a new understanding of the photodetachment of negative ions in the presence of a nonuniform electric field.
Age-dependent costs of cowbird parasitism in Yellow Warblers (Setophaga petechia)
Authors: Rock C.A. , Quinlan S.P. , Martin M. , Green D.J.
Published: May 2013

Brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater (Boddaert, 1783)) often reduces the reproductive success of their hosts. We examined whether the ability of females to avoid or mitigate the costs of brood parasitism improved with age in a population of Yellow Warblers (Setophaga petechia (L., 1766)) breeding near Revelstoke, British Columbia, between 2004 and 2011. Cowbirds parasitized 18% of Yellow Warbler nesting attempts and females rejected 24% of parasitized nests, principally by deserting the nest and initiating a new breeding attempt. We found no evidence that older females were better at avoiding parasitism or more likely to reject parasitized nests than yearlings. On average, brood parasitism reduced clutch sizes by 0.8 eggs, had no effect on nest success, but reduced the number of young fledged from successful nests by 1.3 offspring. Despite age-related improvement in some measures of breeding performance, the costs of brood parasitism at each period of the breeding cycle did not vary with age. There was, however, some evidence, that brood parasitism reduced the annual productivity (total number of young fledged) of older females less than the annual productivity of yearlings suggesting that the cumulative costs of brood parasitism varied with age.
Quantitative trait loci analysis of flowering time related traits identified in recombinant inbred lines of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Andargie Mebeasealassie , Pasquet Remy S. , Muluvi Geoffrey M. , Timko Michael P.
Published: May 2013

Flowering time is a major adaptive trait in plants and an important selection criterion in the breeding for genetic improvement of crop species. QTLs for the time of flower opening and days to flower were identified in a cross between a short duration domesticated cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) variety, 524B, and a relatively long duration wild accession, 219-01. A set of 159 F7lines was grown under greenhouse conditions and scored for the flowering time associated phenotypes of time of flower opening and days to flower. Using a LOD threshold of 2.0, putative QTLs were identified and placed on a linkage map consisting of 202 SSR markers and four morphological loci. A total of five QTLs related to the time of flower opening were identified, accounting for 8.8%–29.8% of the phenotypic variation. Three QTLs for days to flower were detected, accounting for 5.7%–18.5% of the phenotypic variation. The major QTL of days to flower and time of flower opening were both mapped on linkage group 1. The QTLs identified in this study provide a strong foundation for further validation and fine mapping for developing an efficient way to restrain the gene flow between the cultivated and wild plants.
A METHOD FOR EXTRACTING THE RESONANCE PARAMETERS FROM EXPERIMENTAL CROSS-SECTIONS
Authors: RAKITYANSKY S. A. , ELANDER N.
Published: May 2013

Within the proposed method, a set of experimental data points are fitted using a multi-channel S-matrix. Then the resonance parameters are located as its poles on an appropriate sheet of the Riemann surface of the energy. The main advantage of the method is that the S-matrix is constructed in such a way that it has proper analytic structure, i.e. for any number of two-body channels, the branching at all the channel thresholds is represented via exact analytic expressions in terms of the channel momenta. The way the S-matrix is constructed makes it possible not only to locate multi-channel resonances but also to extract their partial widths as well as to obtain the scattering cross-section in the channels for which no data are available. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated by two model examples of a single-channel and a two-channel problems, where known resonance parameters are rather accurately reproduced by fitting the pseudo-data artificially generated using the corresponding potentials.
NGO INTERVENTIONS AND WOMEN DEVELOPMENT IN BANGLADESH: DO FEMINIST THEORIES WORK?
Authors: HOSSAIN ISMAIL , AL-AMIN  , ALAM JAHANGIR
Published: May 2013

This paper reviews the extent to which feminist viewpoints are incorporated in NGO interventions aimed at women's development in Bangladesh by examining major feminist perspectives alongside NGO intervention strategies. Based on fieldwork experiences in four NGOs, it determines that NGOs are not following any specific feminist theory, but rather interventions are influenced by development paradigms engrossed in western feminist perspectives. The paper finds that third world feminism is more pertinent to the socioeconomic context of Bangladesh. However, this perspective is alone insufficient to bring desired change, rather the blending of feminist views may be more conducive to women development in Bangladesh. It concludes that the understanding of feminist theories is of greater importance for NGO practitioners and social workers to effectively address the issue of women's development.
A PERTURBATION APPROACH TO TRANSLATIONAL GRAVITY
Authors: JULVE J. , TIEMBLO A.
Published: May 2013

Within a gauge formulation of 3+1 gravity relying on a nonlinear realization of the group of isometries of space-time, a natural expansion of the metric tensor arises and a simple choice of the gravity dynamical variables is possible. We show that the expansion parameter can be identified with the gravitational constant and that the first-order depends only on a diagonal matrix in the ensuing perturbation approach. The explicit first-order solution is calculated in the static isotropic case, and its general structure is worked out in the harmonic gauge.
MERITS OF COLLABORATION WITH POTENTIAL AND CURRENT USERS IN CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING
Authors: HEWING MARTIN
Published: May 2013

Identifying shifts in the needs and behavior of social systems and markets depicts promising new market opportunities for creative organizations. Potential users might be adept in reflecting those shifts and irregularities in collaboration due to their outsider perspective. This paper is a systematic inquiry into the unique contribution of potential users and its embodiment in communication in co-creation activities. Following the principles of grounded theory, contributions and strategies of potential users are contrasted with those of current users within varying dyadic compositions. Tentative propositions pertaining to the merits and limitations of collaboration with potential users and with regard to emergences in varying dyadic compositions are derived. The resulting core category "enriched compensation and improvisation" shows that potential users' contributions unintentionally pervade the collaboration with social, cultural and emotional values, which can be regarded as problem finding as opposed to problem solving creativity. Their willingness to improvise leads to a series of ad-hoc changes to initial ideas which foster transformation when combined. Collaboration with potential users therefore depicts ways to leverage technological competences and shape promising new market opportunities.
Pb isotopic domains from the Indian Ocean sector of Antarctica: implications for past Antarctica–India connections
Authors: Flowerdew M. J. , Tyrrell S. , Boger S. D. , Fitzsimons I. C. W. , Harley S. L. , Mikhalsky E. V. , Vaughan A. P. M.
Published: May 2013

New feldspar lead isotope compositions of crystalline rocks from the Indian Ocean sector of East Antarctica, in conjunction with the review of data from elsewhere within the continent and from continents formerly adjacent within Gondwana, refine boundaries and evolutionary histories of terranes previously inferred from geological mapping and complementary isotope studies. Coastal Archaean Vestfold and Napier complexes have overlapping compositions and had Pb isotopes homogenized at 2.5 Ga sourced from or within already fractionated protoliths with high and variable U–Pb. Identical compositions from the Dharwar Craton of India support a correlation with these Antarctic terranes. The Proterozoic–Palaeozoic Rayner Complex and Prydz Belt yield more radiogenic compositions and are broadly similar and strongly suggest these units correlate with parts of the Eastern Ghats Belt of India. A strikingly different signature is evident from the inboard Ruker Complex, which yielded unradiogenic compositions. This complex is unlike any unit within India or Australia, suggesting that these rocks represent exposures of an Antarctic (Crohn) Craton. Compositions from the enigmatic Rauer Terrane are consistent with a shared early history with the Ruker Complex but with a different post-Archaean evolution.

Supplementary material:

Feldspar LA-ICP-MS Pb isotope data are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18622
Boron- and phosphate-rich rocks in the Larsemann Hills, Prydz Bay, East Antarctica: tectonic implications
Authors: Grew Edward S. , Carson Christopher J. , Christy Andrew G. , Boger Steven D.
Published: May 2013

Granulite-facies paragneisses enriched in boron and phosphorus are exposed over
c.
15×5 km
2
in the Larsemann Hills, Antarctica. The most widespread are biotite gneisses containing centimetre-sized prismatine crystals, but tourmaline metaquartzite and borosilicate gneisses are richest in B (676–19 700 µg/g or 0.22–6.34 wt%; B
2
O
3
). Chondrite-normalized rare-earth element (REE) patterns give two groups: (1) La
N
>150, Eu*/Eu<0.4, which comprises most apatite-bearing metaquartzite and metapelite, tourmaline metaquartzite, and Fe-rich rocks (up to 2.3 wt%; P
2
O
5
); (2) La
N
<150, Eu*/Eu > 0.4, which comprises most borosilicate and sodic leucogneisses (2.5–7.4wt%; Na
2
O). Enrichment in boron and phosphorus is attributed to premetamorphic hydrothermal alteration, either in a rifted, most likely marine basin or in a mud volcanic system located inboard of a
c.
1000 Ma continental arc that was active along the leading edge of the Indo-Antarctic craton. This margin developed before collision with the Australo-Antarctic craton (
c.
530 Ma) merged these rocks into Gondwana and sutured them into their present position in Antarctica. Rocks lithologically similar to those in the Larsemann Hills include prismatine-bearing granulites in the Windmill Islands, Wilkes Land, and tourmaline–quartz rocks, sodic gneisses and apatitic iron formation in the Willyama Supergroup, Broken Hill, Australia.
Modeling reformulation using query distributions
Authors: Xue Xiaobing , Croft W. Bruce
Published: May 2013

Query reformulation modifies the original query with the aim of better matching the vocabulary of the relevant documents, and consequently improving ranking effectiveness. Previous models typically generate words and phrases related to the original query, but do not consider how these words and phrases would fit together in actual queries. In this article, a novel framework is proposed that models reformulation as a distribution of actual queries, where each query is a variation of the original query. This approach considers an actual query as the basic unit and thus captures important query-level dependencies between words and phrases. An implementation of this framework that only uses publicly available resources is proposed, which makes fair comparisons with other methods using TREC collections possible. Specifically, this implementation consists of a query generation step that analyzes the passages containing query words to generate reformulated queries and a probability estimation step that learns a distribution for reformulated queries by optimizing the retrieval performance. Experiments on TREC collections show that the proposed model can significantly outperform previous reformulation models.
Studying the clustering paradox and scalability of search in highly distributed environments
Authors: Ke Weimao , Mostafa Javed
Published: May 2013

With the ubiquitous production, distribution and consumption of information, today's digital environments such as the Web are increasingly large and decentralized. It is hardly possible to obtain central control over information collections and systems in these environments. Searching for information in these information spaces has brought about problems beyond traditional boundaries of information retrieval (IR) research. This article addresses one important aspect of scalability challenges facing information retrieval models and investigates a decentralized, organic view of information systems pertaining to search in large-scale networks. Drawing on observations from earlier studies, we conduct a series of experiments on decentralized searches in large-scale networked information spaces. Results show that how distributed systems interconnect is crucial to retrieval performance and scalability of searching. Particularly, in various experimental settings and retrieval tasks, we find a consistent phenomenon, namely, the
Clustering Paradox
, in which the level of network clustering (semantic overlay) imposes a scalability limit. Scalable searches are well supported by a specific, balanced level of network clustering emerging from local system interconnectivity. Departure from that level, either stronger or weaker clustering, leads to search performance degradation, which is dramatic in large-scale networks.
Efficient fuzzy search in large text collections
Authors: Bast Hannah , Celikik Marjan
Published: May 2013

We consider the problem of fuzzy full-text search in large text collections, that is, full-text search which is robust against errors both on the side of the query as well as on the side of the documents. Standard inverted-index techniques work extremely well for ordinary full-text search but fail to achieve interactive query times (below 100 milliseconds) for fuzzy full-text search even on moderately-sized text collections (above 10 GBs of text). We present new preprocessing techniques that achieve interactive query times on large text collections (100 GB of text, served by a single machine). We consider two similarity measures, one where the query terms match similar terms in the collection (e.g., algorithm matches algoritm or vice versa) and one where the query terms match terms with a similar prefix in the collection (e.g., alori matches algorithm). The latter is important when we want to display results instantly after each keystroke (search as you type). All algorithms have been fully integrated into the CompleteSearch engine.
Future directions task group
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Lisa
Published: May 2013

Just about a year ago, John Impagliazzo asked if I'd be willing to form a task group to put together a report on the future of this magazine. I suspect he asked me for a couple of reasons. First, because I've been involved with Inroads for several years in a variety of capacities. Second, because I'm ridiculously organized. Third, because I'm a sucker for interesting assignments. Fourth, because I'm rather fond of Inroads. Fifth, because I'm a sucker for interesting assignments.

What a wonderful group of people to work with. Mikey, Fran, Beth, Joe and I met every other week via Skype for half a year. John joined us when he was able. We formulated our recommendations, reformulated them, reformulated them some more, sent them out for feedback to the Associate Editors and the Editorial Advisory Board, revised them some more. Even though we never met in person, and in some cases had never met in person, everyone got along swimmingly; even when there were tough questions to address and differences of opinion. And get this: they wanted to keep on meeting even when we had completed our task! At one point, I received a plaintive email from John asking me if I could please offcially declare the task group: Dismissed. Sigh… (So we gathered at SIGCSE for a social hour and found out what we really looked like.)

If you are a reviewer for the magazine, you will no doubt have seen the new reviewer scorecard. The task group developed this scorecard to help you, and to help authors, have a better understanding of what sort of material Inroads is looking for. Still in pilot phase, we are working out the kinks but we sincerely hope it is helpful. If you have comments about the scorecard or any other part of the recommendations (which follow below) please let one of us know. That would provide us a reason to hold another Skype call.

Lisa Kaczmarczyk Task Group Chair
lisakacz@gmail.com
Digest of ACM educational activities
Authors: McGettrick Andrew , Timanovsky Yan
Published: May 2013

Welcome to the latest installment of "EduBits," your quarterly pipeline to new and exciting happenings in the world of ACM education. In this edition, the ACM Education Board kicks off a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded effort to advance cybersecurity education. Also, Cameron Wilson, Director of ACM's Public Policy Office, offers his perspectives from Capitol Hill, and Cherri M. Pancake, Chair of the ACM Special Interest Group on High Performance Computing (SIGHPC), shares key programs for HPC students, academics, and practitioners. When it comes to computing education, there are as many interests as there are challenges---and the Education Council strives to represent them all. Although the Council typically meets only once a year, members of the Board are involved in ongoing initiatives throughout the year, undertaking many projects between Council meetings.
Incorporating NoSQL into a database course
Authors: Sattar Abdul , Lorenzen Torben , Nallamaddi Keerthi
Published: May 2013

This article introduces the concepts of Big Data and NoSQL and describes a semester long web-based project that uses both a relational database (Oracle 11g) and a NoSQL (MongoDB) database for an undergraduate database course. The relational database stores the record information of an online sales system and the NoSQL database stores three manuals. The semester long assignment and its implementation are available as a download.
SLI
Authors: Maestro-Prieto José A. , Simon-Hurtado M. Aránzazu
Published: May 2013

This article describes the experience obtained from teaching computational logic in an introductory course for undergraduates. The proposed teaching approach helps students to reach a deeper level of understanding in first order logic representation, computational logic procedures and automated theorem proving. The article includes the description of SLI, a theorem prover with a graphical output, a feature appreciated by students.
The nature of software design and its teaching
Authors: Hu Chenglie
Published: May 2013

Design plays a critical role in the software's quality and long-term success. Yet, software design, as a systematic process, is not sufficiently understood, and its practice in the real world is highly varied. As a result, teaching software design remains a challenge in terms of lacking widely recognized and accepted pedagogy and even learning materials. These factors have played a role in persistently poor student learning achievement. The article makes an attempt to discuss what software design is and explore what teaching of software design may mean and entail. It also reviews published pedagogical studies and reports, composes heuristic suggestions, and searches directions of future research.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Is at the Crossroads of Autophagy, Inflammation, and Apoptosis Signaling Pathways and Participates in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Su Jing , Zhou Lei , Kong Xiaoxia , Yang Xiaochun , Xiang Xiyan , Zhang Yu , Li Xiaoning , Sun Liankun
Published: May 2013

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease, and its incidence is growing worldwide. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a central component of cellular functions and is involved in protein folding and trafficking, lipid synthesis, and maintenance of calcium homeostasis. The ER is also a sensor of both intra- and extracellular stress and thus participates in monitoring and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Therefore, the ER is one site of interaction between environmental signals and a cell’s biological function. The ER is tightly linked to autophagy, inflammation, and apoptosis, and recent evidence suggests that these processes are related to the pathogenesis of DM and its complications. Thus, the ER has been considered an intersection integrating multiple stress responses and playing an important role in metabolism-related diseases including DM. Here, we review the relationship between the ER and autophagy, inflammation, and apoptosis in DM to better understand the molecular mechanisms of this disease.
Serum Containing Tao-Hong-Si-Wu Decoction Induces Human Endothelial Cell VEGF Production via PI3K/Akt-eNOS Signaling
Authors: Yin DengKe , Liu ZhuQing , Peng DaiYin , Yang Ye , Gao XiangDong , Xu Fan , Han Lan
Published: May 2013

Tao-Hong-Si-Wu decoction (TSD) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and widely used for ischemic disease in China. TSD medicated serum was prepared after oral administration of TSD (1.6 g/kg) twice a day for 3 days in rats. TSD medicated serum induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation, VEGF secretion, and nitric oxide (NO) production. These promoted effects of TSD were partly inhibited by treatment with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) or eNOS inhibitor (L-NAME), respectively, and completely inhibited by treatment with LY294002 and L-NAME simultaneously. Western blot analysis findings further indicated that TSD medicated serum upregulated p-Akt and p-eNOS expressions, which were significantly inhibited by LY294002 or L-NAME and completely inhibited by both LY294002 and L-NAME; these results indicated that TSD medicated serum induced HUVECs VEGF expression via PI3K/Akt-eNOS signaling. TSD medicated serum contains hydroxysafflor yellow A, ferulic acid, and ligustilide detected by UPLC with standards, so these effect of TSD medicated serum may be associated with these three active compounds absorbed in serum.
Changing the Route of Hysterectomy into a Minimal Invasive Approach
Authors: Hoyer-Sorensen Christian , Hortemo Sigurd , Lieng Marit
Published: May 2013

Objective. To describe the route of hysterectomy in a county hospital and evaluate the shift towards a minimal invasive approach. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. A county hospital in Norway. Population. All women were scheduled for hysterectomy. Methods. Audit the route of hysterectomy in the period 2004–2012. Analyze the outcome of total laparoscopic hysterectomies. Main Outcome Measures. Complications after total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Results. A shift towards a minimal invasive approach has been achieved during the study period. In 2012 only 17.4% of the hysterectomies were performed abdominally, compared to yearly percentages of above 50% in the period 2004–2009. Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy was introduced in 2003, but the percentage of abdominal hysterectomy remained above 50% until total laparoscopic hysterectomy was introduced in 2010. Since the introduction of total laparoscopic hysterectomy in April 2010, 58 procedures have been performed. There have been no major complications. Two vaginal vault hematomas and one case of urinary tract infection were reported. Conclusions. It is possible for a county hospital to alter their praxis and perform mini-invasive hysterectomies, but it requires dedicated gynecologists. This change to an advanced procedure like total laparoscopic hysterectomy could be achieved without patients suffering from major complications.
An Efficient Data Aggregation Protocol Concentrated on Data Integrity in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhu Liehuang , Yang Zhen , Li Meng , Liu Dan
Published: May 2013

Wireless sensor networks consist of a great number of sensor nodes with strictly limited computation capability, storage, communication resources, and battery power. Because they are deployed in remote and hostile environments and hence are vulnerable to physical attacks, sensor networks face many practical challenges. Data confidentiality, data integrity, source authentication, and availability are all major security concerns. In this paper, we focus on the very problem of preserving data integrity and propose an Efficient Integrity-Preserving Data Aggregation Protocol (EIPDAP) to guarantee the integrity of aggregation result through aggregation in sensor networks. In EIPDAP, base station can immediately verify the integrity of aggregation result after receiving the aggregation result and corresponding authentication information. However, to check integrity, most existing protocols need an additional phase which will consume a lot of energy and cause network delay. Compared with other related schemes, EIPDAP reduces the communication overhead per node to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the degree of the aggregation tree for the network. To the best of our knowledge, EIPDAP has the most optimal upper bound on solving the integrity-preserving data aggregation problem.
Analytical Solutions for Steady Heat Transfer in Longitudinal Fins with Temperature-Dependent Properties
Authors: Ndlovu Partner L. , Moitsheki Raseelo J.
Published: May 2013

Explicit analytical expressions for the temperature profile, fin efficiency, and heat flux in a longitudinal fin are derived. Here, thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient depend on the temperature. The differential transform method (DTM) is employed to construct the analytical (series) solutions. Thermal conductivity is considered to be given by the power law in one case and by the linear function of temperature in the other, whereas heat transfer coefficient is only given by the power law. The analytical solutions constructed by the DTM agree very well with the exact solutions even when both the thermal conductivity and the heat transfer coefficient are given by the power law. The analytical solutions are obtained for the problems which cannot be solved exactly. The effects of some physical parameters such as the thermogeometric fin parameter and thermal conductivity gradient on temperature distribution are illustrated and explained.
Parametric Extension of the Most Preferred OWA Operator and Its Application in Search Engine's Rank
Authors: Sang Xiuzhi , Liu Xinwang
Published: May 2013

Most preferred ordered weighted average (MP-OWA) operator is a new kind of neat (dynamic weight) OWA operator in the aggregation operator families. It considers the preferences of all alternatives across the criteria and provides unique aggregation characteristics in decision making. In this paper, we propose the parametric form of the MP-OWA operator to deal with the uncertainty preference information, which includes MP-OWA operator as its special case, and it also includes the most commonly used maximum, minimum, and average aggregation operators. A special form of parametric MP-OWA operator with power function is proposed. Some properties of the parametric MP-OWA operator are provided and the advantages of them in decision making problems are summarized. The new proposed parametric MP-OWA operator can grasp the subtle preference information of the decision maker according to the application context through multiple aggregation results. They are applied to rank search engines considering the relevance of the retrieved queries. An search engine ranking example illustrates the application of parametric MP-OWA operator in various decision situations.
Micelle-Mediated Extraction Prior to LC-UV for Preconcentration and Determination of Trace Amounts of Bisphenol A in Environmental Samples
Authors: Saadatjou Naghi , Shariati Shahab , Golshekan Mostafa
Published: May 2013

A simple and high sensitive preconcentration method based on micelle-mediated extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography (LC-UV) was developed for preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of bisphenol A (BPA) in aqueous samples. The BPA was quantitatively extracted from aqueous samples in the presence of Triton X-114 as a nonionic surfactant and preconcentrated into the small volume (about 30 μL) of the surfactant-rich phase. Taguchi method, an orthogonal array design (OA16 (45)), was utilized to optimize the various factors affecting the micellar extraction of BPA. The maximum extraction efficiency of BPA was obtained at pH 3, 0.2% (w/v) Triton X-114, and 0.25 mol L−1 sodium acetate. For the preconcentration, the solutions were incubated in a thermostatic water bath at 50°C for 7 min. After centrifuge and separation of aqueous phase, the surfactant-rich phase was diluted with 100 μL acetone and injected in the chromatographic system. Under the optimum conditions, preconcentration factor of 34.9 was achieved for extraction from 10 mL of sample solution and the relative standard deviation (RSD%) of the method was lower than 6.6%. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.5–150 μg L−1 with reasonable linearity (r2>0.9987). The limit of detection (LOD) based on S/N = 3 was 0.13 μg L−1 for 10 mL sample volumes. The limit of quantification (LOQ) based on S/N = 10 was 0.43 μg L−1 for 10 mL sample volumes. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method was evaluated by the extraction and determination of BPA in the real samples, and satisfactory results were obtained.
Characterization of a Bifacial Photovoltaic Panel Integrated with External Diffuse and Semimirror Type Reflectors
Authors: Ooshaksaraei P. , Sopian K. , Zulkifli R. , Alghoul M. A. , Zaidi Saleem H.
Published: May 2013

Silicon wafer accounts for almost one-half the cost of a photovoltaic (PV) panel. A bifacial silicon solar cell is attractive due to its potential of enhancing power generation from the same silicon wafer in comparison with a conventional monofacial solar cell. The bifacial PV cell is able to capture solar radiation by back surface. This ability requires a suitable reflector appropriately oriented and separated from the cell’s rear surface. In order to optimize the bifacial solar cell performance with respect to an external back surface reflector, diffuse and semimirror reflectors were investigated at various angles and separations from the back surface. A simple bifacial solar panel, consisting of four monocrystalline Si solar cells, was designed and built. Reflection from the rear surface was provided by an extended semimirror and a white-painted diffuse reflector. Maximum power generation was observed at 30° with respect to ground for the semimirror reflector and 10° for diffuse reflector at an optimized reflector-panel separation of 115 mm. Output power enhancement of 20% and 15% from semimirror and diffuse reflectors, respectively, were observed. This loss from diffuse reflector is attributed to scattering of light beyond the rear surface capture cross-section of the bifacial solar panel.
Enhanced Performance of Membraneless Sodium Percarbonate Fuel Cells
Authors: Gowdhamamoorthi M. , Arun A. , Kiruthika S. , Muthukumaran B.
Published: May 2013

This paper presents the continuous flow operation of membraneless sodium percarbonate fuel cell (MLSPCFC) using acid/alkaline bipolar electrolyte. In the acid/alkaline bipolar electrolyte, percarbonate works both as an oxidant as well as reductant. Sodium percarbonate affords hydrogen peroxide in aqueous medium. The cell converts the energy released by H2O2 decomposition with H+ and OH− ions into electricity and produces water and oxygen. At room temperature, the laminar flow based microfluidic membraneless fuel cell can reach a maximum power density of 28 mW/cm2 with the molar ratio of [Percarbonate]/[NaOH] = 1 as fuel and [Percarbonate]/[H2SO4] = 2 as oxidant. The paper reports for the first time the use of sodium percarbonate as the oxidant and reductant. The developed fuel cell emits no CO2 and features no proton exchange membrane, inexpensive catalysts, and simple planar structure, which enables high design flexibility and easy integration of the microscale fuel cell into actual microfluidic systems and portable power applications.
An Efficient Approach for Fractional Harry Dym Equation by Using Sumudu Transform
Authors: Kumar Devendra , Singh Jagdev , Kılıçman A.
Published: May 2013

An efficient approach based on homotopy perturbation method by using sumudu transform is proposed to solve nonlinear fractional Harry Dym equation. This method is called homotopy perturbation sumudu transform (HPSTM). Furthermore, the same problem is solved by Adomian decomposition method (ADM). The results obtained by the two methods are in agreement, and, hence, this technique may be considered an alternative and efficient method for finding approximate solutions of both linear and nonlinear fractional differential equations. The HPSTM is a combined form of sumudu transform, homotopy perturbation method, and He’s polynomials. The nonlinear terms can be easily handled by the use of He’s polynomials. The numerical solutions obtained by the HPSTM show that the approach is easy to implement and computationally very attractive.
Molecular Identification and Ultrastructural and Phylogenetic Studies of Cyanobacteria from Association with the White Sea HydroidDynamena pumila(L., 1758)
Authors: Koksharova O. A. , Kravzova T. R. , Lazebnaya I. V. , Gorelova O. A. , Baulina O. I. , Lazebny O. E. , Fedorenko T. A. , Lobakova E. S.
Published: May 2013

Three new cyanobacterial strains, that have been previously purified from the hydroidDynamena pumila(L., 1758), isolated from the White Sea, were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy methods and were characterized by using almost complete sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer 16S-23S rRNA, and part of the gene for 23S rRNA. The full nucleotide sequences of the rRNA gene clusters were deposited to GenBank (HM064496.1, GU265558.1, JQ259187.1). Comparison of rRNA gene cluster sequences ofSynechococcuscyanobacterium 1Dp66E-1,Oscillatorialescyanobacterium 2Dp86E, andNostocsp. 10Dp66E with all sequences present at the GenBank shows that these cyanobacterial strains do not have 100% identity with any organisms investigated previously. Furthermore, for the first time heterotrophic bacterium, associated withNostocsp. 10Dp66E, was identified as a member of the new phylum Gemmatimonadetes, genus ofGemmatimonas(GenBank accession number is JX437625.1). Phylogenetic analysis showed that cyanobacteriumSynechococcussp. 1Dp66E-1 forms the unique branch and belongs to a cluster ofSynechococcus, including freshwater and sea strains.Oscillatorialescyanobacterium 2Dp86E belongs to a cluster ofLeptolyngbyastrains. IsolateNostocsp. 10Dp66E forms unique branch and belongs to a cluster of the genusNostoc, with the closest relative ofNostoc communeisolates.