bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic Behaviour of Eigenvalues and Eigenfunctions of a Sturm-Liouville Problem with Retarded Argument
Authors: Şen Erdoğan , Seo Jong Jin , Araci Serkan
Published: April 2013

In the present paper, a discontinuous boundary-value problem with retarded argument at the two points of discontinuities is investigated. We obtained asymptotic formulas for the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. This is the first work containing two discontinuities points in the theory of differential equations with retarded argument. In that special case the transmission coefficients and retarded argument in the results obtained in this work coincide with corresponding results in the classical Sturm-Liouville operator.
Singular Value Decomposition-Based Method for Sliding Mode Control and Optimization of Nonlinear Neutral Systems
Authors: Hu Heli , Zhao Dan , Zhang Qingling
Published: April 2013

The sliding mode control and optimization are investigated for a class of nonlinear neutral systems with the unmatched nonlinear term. In the framework of Lyapunov stability theory, the existence conditions for the designed sliding surface and the stability boundα∗are derived via twice transformations. The further results are to develop an efficient sliding mode control law with tuned parameters to attract the state trajectories onto the sliding surface in finite time and remain there for all the subsequent time. Finally, some comparisons are made to show the advantages of our proposed method.
Parameter Optimization in the Synthesis of BZT Ceramics to Achieve Good Dielectric Properties
Authors: Frattini A. , Di Loreto A. , De Sanctis O.
Published: April 2013

The powder synthesis of barium zirconate titanate (BZT) (BaZrTiO3) from the mechanochemical activation of BaCO3, ZrO2, and TiO2 was studied. The grinding effect, by using a planetary ball milling, on the crystallization temperature of BZT powders was analyzed. X-ray diffractometry, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) were used as characterization methods. The crystallization behavior of powders activated by high-energy grinding and the effect of grinding time on the BZT crystallization were analyzed. After grinding by 4 h, the BaZr(0.05)Ti(0.95)O3 sample was almost fully crystallized at . The results of dielectric and ferroelectric properties show that high-energy ball milling is a practical and promising way to prepare BZT ceramics.
Quality Parameters of Six Cultivars of Blueberry Using Computer Vision
Authors: Matiacevich Silvia , Celis Cofré Daniela , Silva Patricia , Enrione Javier , Osorio Fernando
Published: April 2013

Background. Blueberries are considered an important source of health benefits. This work studied six blueberry cultivars: “Duke,” “Brigitta”, “Elliott”, “Centurion”, “Star,” and “Jewel”, measuring quality parameters such as °Brix, pH, moisture content using standard techniques and shape, color, and fungal presence obtained by computer vision. The storage conditions were time (0–21 days), temperature (4 and 15°C), and relative humidity (75 and 90%).Results. Significant differences (P<0.05) were detected between fresh cultivars in pH, °Brix, shape, and color. However, the main parameters which changed depending on storage conditions, increasing at higher temperature, were color (from blue to red) and fungal presence (from 0 to 15%), both detected using computer vision, which is important to determine a shelf life of 14 days for all cultivars. Similar behavior during storage was obtained for all cultivars.Conclusion. Computer vision proved to be a reliable and simple method to objectively determine blueberry decay during storage that can be used as an alternative approach to currently used subjective measurements.
Modified Mann-Halpern Algorithms for Pseudocontractive Mappings
Authors: Du Hong-bo
Published: April 2013

Modified Mann-Halpern algorithms for finding the fixed points of pseudocontractive mappings are presented. Strong convergence theorems are obtained.
A New Second-Order Iteration Method for Solving Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Kang Shin Min , Rafiq Arif , Kwun Young Chel
Published: April 2013

We establish a new second-order iteration method for solving nonlinear equations. The efficiency index of the method is 1.4142 which is the same as the Newton-Raphson method. By using some examples, the efficiency of the method is also discussed. It is worth to note that (i) our method is performing very well in comparison to the fixed point method and the method discussed in Babolian and Biazar (2002) and (ii) our method is so simple to apply in comparison to the method discussed in Babolian and Biazar (2002) and involves only first-order derivative but showing second-order convergence and this is not the case in Babolian and Biazar (2002), where the method requires the computations of higher-order derivatives of the nonlinear operator involved in the functional equation.
Augmented Arnoldi-Tikhonov Regularization Methods for Solving Large-Scale Linear Ill-Posed Systems
Authors: Lin Yiqin , Bao Liang , Cao Yanhua
Published: April 2013

We propose an augmented Arnoldi-Tikhonov regularization method for the solution of large-scale linear ill-posed systems. This method augments the Krylov subspace by a user-supplied low-dimensional subspace, which contains a rough approximation of the desired solution. The augmentation is implemented by a modified Arnoldi process. Some useful results are also presented. Numerical experiments illustrate that the augmented method outperforms the corresponding method without augmentation on some real-world examples.
Longitudinal Neuropsychological Profile in a Patient with Triple A Syndrome
Authors: Mazzone Luigi , Postorino Valentina , De Peppo Lavinia , Vassena Lia , Fatta Laura , Armando Marco , Scirè Giuseppe , Cappa Marco , Vicari Stefano
Published: April 2013

Triple A syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the triad of adrenocorticotropic hormone resistant adrenal insufficiency, achalasia, and alacrima. Our aim was to describe the neuropsychological characteristics and the cooccurring psychopathological and neurological disorders in an Italian male child suffering from Triple A syndrome at the time of admission (T0) and after one year of follow-up (T1). Many difficulties were observed in the motor domain, as well as in manual dexterity and static/dynamic balance domains of the motor task over time. In sharp contrast with previous literature reports on frequent mild cognitive dysfunction in patients with Triple A syndrome, our child did not show any mental retardation. By contrast, he showed an average IQ at T0 with a slight improvement at T1. To our knowledge, this report is the first describing neuropsychological profile and co-occurring psychopathological problems in a child with Triple A syndrome. Considering that the Triple A syndrome is a progressive disorder which can take years to develop the full-blown clinical picture, these patients require periodical medical controls. Moreover, assessment of neuropsychological and psychopathological features should be performed in patients with this disease, in order to underline the variability of this syndrome.
Concerning Asymptotic Behavior for Extremal Polynomials Associated to Nondiagonal Sobolev Norms
Authors: Portilla Ana , Quintana Yamilet , Rodríguez José M. , Tourís Eva
Published: April 2013

Let ℙ be the space of polynomials with complex coefficients endowed with a nondiagonal Sobolev norm∥ · ∥W1,p(Vμ), where the matrixVand the measureμconstitute ap-admissible pair for1≤p≤∞. In this paper we establish the zero location and asymptotic behavior of extremal polynomials associated to∥ · ∥W1,p(Vμ), stating hypothesis on the matrixVrather than on the diagonal matrix appearing in its unitary factorization.
A Leydig Cell Tumour in a Cat: Histological and Immunohistochemical Findings
Authors: Asproni Pietro , Millanta Francesca , Lorenzi Davide , Poli Alessandro
Published: April 2013

A 13-year-old intact male cat was submitted to castration after the finding of the enlargement of the right testis during the clinical visit. Macroscopically, a nodule of 2 cm of diameter was observed on the cut surface of the enlarged testis. Histologically, the nodule was composed by polyhedral to elongated cells with a large, eosinophilic, and vacuolated cytoplasm and small, round, and dark nuclei. These cells were arranged in acinar structures and solid sheets. The tumour was diagnosed as a Leydig cell tumour. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that neoplastic cells were vimentin, calretinin, and melan-A positive, whereas a lack of immunoreactivity to cytokeratins confirmed the diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a feline Leydig cells tumour without any concurrent testicular neoplasm or in a nonretained testis.
A Collocation Method Based on the Bernoulli Operational Matrix for Solving Nonlinear BVPs Which Arise from the Problems in Calculus of Variation
Authors: Tohidi Emran , Kılıçman Adem
Published: April 2013

A new collocation method is developed for solving BVPs which arise from the problems in calculus of variation. These BVPs result from the Euler-Lagrange equations, which are the necessary conditions of the extremums of problems in calculus of variation. The proposed method is based upon the Bernoulli polynomials approximation together with their operational matrix of differentiation. After imposing the collocation nodes to the main BVPs, we reduce the variational problems to the solution of algebraic equations. It should be noted that the robustness of operational matrices of differentiation with respect to the integration ones is shown through illustrative examples. Complete comparisons with other methods and superior results confirm the validity and applicability of the presented method.
Reduced Multivariate Polynomial Model for Manufacturing Costs Estimation of Piping Elements
Authors: Rodriguez Nibaldo , Duran Orlando
Published: April 2013

This paper discusses the development and evaluation of an estimation model of manufacturing costs of piping elements through the application of a Reduced Multivariate Polynomial (RMP). The model allows obtaining accurate estimations, even when enough and adequate information is not available. This situation typically occurs in the early stages of the design process of industrial products. The experimental evaluations show that the approach is capable, with a low complexity, of reducing uncertainties and to predict costs with significant precision. Comparisons with a neural network showed also that the RMP performs better considering a set of classical performance measures with the corresponding lower complexity and higher accuracy.
Cough Test during Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Procedure in Preventing Postoperative Urinary Retention
Authors: Kang Jian , Gou Xin , Zhao Qing-hua , He Wei-yang , Xiao Ming-zhao , Wang Ming , Deng Yuan-zhong
Published: April 2013

Objective. To discuss the practical value of the cough test during the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure.Methods. In the first group, 41 patients of female stress incontinence received TVT operations which were performed according to the Ulmsten’s method strictly, only that the stress of tape was adjusted in light of the cough test. In the second group, 44 patients of female stress incontinence received TVT operations in which the tape was put under the urethral tract without stress, not adjusted by cough test.Results. The cure rate was 38/41 (92.6%) in the cough test group and 41/44 (93.1%) in the noncough test group; detrusor pressure-uroflow study indicated that there were 11 cases in the obstruction zone in the cough test group while only 3 cases were in the obstruction zone in the noncough test group; 4 cases of urinary retention and 5 cases of voiding dysfunction were found in the cough test group, while difficulties of urination were not found in the non-cough test group.Conclusion. Adjusting the tape stress in accordance with the cough test during the TVT can increase the opportunity of urinary retention or difficulty of urination after operation. So there is no benefit of the cough test during tension-free vaginal tape procedure in preventing post-operative urinary retention.
Intake of Blueberry Fermented byLactobacillus plantarumAffects the Gut Microbiota of L-NAME Treated Rats
Authors: Xu Jie , Ahrén Irini Lazou , Prykhodko Olena , Olsson Crister , Ahrné Siv , Molin Göran
Published: April 2013

Prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics can be used as means to regulate the microbiota to exert preventative or beneficial effects to the host. However, not much is known about the effect of the gut microbiota on hypertension which is a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease and also a symptom of the metabolic syndrome. TheNG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive rats were used in order to test the effect of a synbiotic dietary supplement ofLactobacillus plantarumHEAL19 either together with fermented blueberry or with three phenolic compounds synthesized during fermentation. The experimental diets did not lower the blood pressure after 4 weeks. However, the fermented blueberries together with liveL. plantarumshowed protective effect on liver cells indicated by suppressed increase of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) levels. The diversity of the caecal microbiota was neither affected by L-NAME nor the experimental diets. However, inhibition of the nitric oxide synthesis by L-NAME exerted a selection pressure that led to a shift in the bacterial composition. The mixture of fermented blueberries with the bacterial strain altered the caecal microbiota in different direction compared to L-NAME, while the three phenolic compounds together with the bacteria eliminated the selection pressure from the L-NAME.
An Efficient Key-Policy Attribute-Based Encryption Scheme with Constant Ciphertext Length
Authors: Wang Changji , Luo Jianfa
Published: April 2013

There is an acceleration of adoption of cloud computing among enterprises. However, moving the infrastructure and sensitive data from trusted domain of the data owner to public cloud will pose severe security and privacy risks. Attribute-based encryption (ABE) is a new cryptographic primitive which provides a promising tool for addressing the problem of secure and fine-grained data sharing and decentralized access control. Key-policy attribute-based encryption (KP-ABE) is an important type of ABE, which enables senders to encrypt messages under a set of attributes and private keys are associated with access structures that specify which ciphertexts the key holder will be allowed to decrypt. In most existing KP-ABE scheme, the ciphertext size grows linearly with the number of attributes embedded in ciphertext. In this paper, we propose a new KP-ABE construction with constant ciphertext size. In our construction, the access policy can be expressed as any monotone access structure. Meanwhile, the ciphertext size is independent of the number of ciphertext attributes, and the number of bilinear pairing evaluations is reduced to a constant. We prove that our scheme is semantically secure in the selective-set model based on the general Diffie-Hellman exponent assumption.
Comparison Theorems for Single and Double Splittings of Matrices
Authors: Li Cui-Xia , Cui Qun-Fa , Wu Shi-Liang
Published: April 2013

Some comparison theorems for the spectral radius of double splittings of different matrices under suitable conditions are presented, which are superior to the corresponding results in the recent paper by Miao and Zheng (2009). Some comparison theorems between the spectral radius of single and double splittings of matrices are established and are applied to the Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel double SOR method.
Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Electricity Sector Using Smart Electric Grid Applications
Authors: Abdallah Lamiaa , El-Shennawy Tarek
Published: April 2013

Approximately 40% of global CO2emissions are emitted from electricity generation through the combustion of fossil fuels to generate heat needed to power steam turbines. Burning these fuels results in the production of carbon dioxide (CO2)—the primary heat-trapping, “greenhouse gas” responsible for global warming. Applying smart electric grid technologies can potentially reduce CO2emissions. Electric grid comprises three major sectors: generation, transmission and distribution grid, and consumption. Smart generation includes the use of renewable energy sources (wind, solar, or hydropower). Smart transmission and distribution relies on optimizing the existing assets of overhead transmission lines, underground cables, transformers, and substations such that minimum generating capacities are required in the future. Smart consumption will depend on the use of more efficient equipment like energy-saving lighting lamps, enabling smart homes and hybrid plug-in electric vehicles technologies. A special interest is given to the Egyptian case study. Main opportunities for Egypt include generating electricity from wind and solar energy sources and its geographical location that makes it a perfect center for interconnecting electrical systems from the Nile basin, North Africa, Gulf, and Europe. Challenges include shortage of investments, absence of political will, aging of transmission and distribution infrastructure, and lack of consumer awareness for power utilization.
Possible Mechanisms by Which Topical 5-Fluorouracil and Dermabrasion Could Induce Pigment Spread in Vitiligo Skin: An Experimental Study
Authors: Gauthier Y. , Anbar T. , Lepreux S. , Cario-André M. , Benzekri L.
Published: April 2013

The combination of skin ablation and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) ointment was previously tried in the treatment of vitiligo, and good results were specifically reported in glabrous skin without follicular melanocyte reservoirs.Methods. This study was carried out on the skins of seven guinea pigs: three were treated with mechanical dermabrasion plus topical 5-FU in an achromic area contiguous to a pigmented area; two were treated by only dermabrasion in a similar area; and two were treated by topical 5-FU alone. Clinical, histological, and ultrastructural studies were performed over two months.Results. In guinea pigs treated with dermabrasion plus 5-FU, we observed firstly a delay of wound healing with an obvious inflammatory reaction, and, after two months, evident pigment spread from the pigmented into the achromic area. After six months, we noticed black hair regrowing in the achromic area. Pigment spread was not seen in the guinea pigs skin treated by either dermabrasion or topical 5-FU. We suggest that the inflammatory mediators and enzymes (metalloproteinases), which are locally released over a long time, could stimulate and facilitate melanocyte proliferation and migration through the enlarged intercellular spaces of the epidermis. This sequence of events may be applied to vitiligo patients treated with 5-FU on ablated lesions.
Dynamical Properties of Discrete-Time Background Neural Networks with Uniform Firing Rate
Authors: Wan Min , Gou Jianping , Wang Desong , Wang Xiaoming
Published: April 2013

The dynamics of a discrete-time background network with uniform firing rate and background input is investigated. The conditions for stability are firstly derived. An invariant set is then obtained so that the nondivergence of the network can be guaranteed. In the invariant set, it is proved that all trajectories of the network starting from any nonnegative value will converge to a fixed point under some conditions. In addition, bifurcation and chaos are discussed. It is shown that the network can engender bifurcation and chaos with the increase of background input. The computations of Lyapunov exponents confirm the chaotic behaviors.
Unilateral Open-Angle Glaucoma Associated with the Ipsilateral Nevus of Ota
Authors: Magarasevic Lidija , Abazi Zihret
Published: April 2013

The nevus of Ota also known as “congenital melanosis bulbi” and “oculodermal melanocytosis” is a blue-gray hyperpigmentation that occurs on the face and eyes. The sclera is involved in two-thirds of cases (causing an increased risk of glaucoma). Women are nearly five times more likely to be affected than men. It is rare among Caucasian people. The nevus of Ota is congenital or acquired. Most cases of the nevus of Ota are unilateral (90%), although pigmentation is present bilaterally in 5%–10%. Ocular abnormalities included pigmentation of the sclera, cornea, retina, and optic disc and cavernous hemangiomas of the optic disc, elevated intraocular pressure, glaucoma, and ocular melanoma. We reported an appearance of unilateral glaucoma in a Caucasian female patient with the acquired, ipsilateral nevus of Ota.
Nrf2 Deficiency in Dendritic Cells Enhances the Adjuvant Effect of Ambient Ultrafine Particles on Allergic Sensitization
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Meiying , Barajas Berenice , Sioutas Constantinos , Williams Marc A. , Nel Andre E.
Published: April 2013

Particulate matter (PM) is an important risk factor for asthma. Generation of oxidative stress by PM is a major mechanism of its health effects. Transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) mediates antioxidant and phase II enzymes and is essential in protecting against oxidative stress and lung inflammation. We have previously shown that ambient ultrafine particles (UFP) could exert a potent adjuvant effect on allergic sensitization to ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. We hypothesized that Nrf2 deficiency in dendritic cells (DC) could enhance the adjuvant potential of UFP on allergic sensitization. We show that the adjuvant effect of intranasally instilled UFP is significantly enhanced in Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2-/-) mice compared with their wild-type (Nrf2+/+) counterparts. Under resting conditions, Nrf2-/- DC displayed an intrinsic predilection to a T helper 2-favoring cytokine profile characterized by a low level of IL-12p70 and a high level of IL-6 as compared to Nrf2+/+ DC. Adoptive transfer of OVA/UFP-treated Nrf2-/- DC provoked a more severe allergic inflammation in the lung than Nrf2+/+ DC in the same treatment group. We conclude that Nrf2 deficiency in DC may promote a constitutive immune-polarizing cytokine milieu, which we propose may have contributed to the augmented adjuvant effect of UFP on allergic sensitization.
Using Hemoglobin A1c to Derive Mean Blood Glucose in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Hoshino Junichi , Mehrotra Rajnish , Rhee Connie M. , Yamagata Kunihiro , Ubara Yoshifumi , Takaichi Kenmei , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Molnar Miklos Z. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: April 2013

Background: Although hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has been widely used as a clinical assessment tool for outcome analyses related to glycemic control, the relationship between HbA1c and average blood glucose (BG) specific to peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with diabetes has not been characterized. We sought to develop HbA1c-BG equation models for PD patients. Methods: We examined associations between HbA1c and random serum BG values over time in a contemporary 5-year (2001-2006) cohort of DaVita PD patients with diabetes. We identified 850 patients (mean age: 58 ± 13 years, 56% male) with 4,566 paired measurements of HbA1c and BG. The bootstrapping method was used to estimate average BG and corresponding HbA1c. Results: Linear regression analyses yielded the following HbA1c-BG equations: (1) BG (mg/dl) = 24.1 + 28.6 × HbA1c - 12.2 × albumin [adjusted R2 (R2adj = 0.454)], (2) BG = 55.3 + 28.8 × HbA1c - 10.2 × albumin - 3.3 × Hb (R2adj = 0.457), and (3) BG = 69.5 + 28.7 × HbA1c - 10.1 × albumin - 3.7 × Hb - 0.1 × age + race/ethnicity (-10.1 African Americans, -5.4 other race/ethnicities; R2adj = 0.457). All models showed greater explanatory power of BG variation than previously established HbA1c-BG equation models defined within non-PD cohorts [R2adj = 0.446 for both the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and the A1c-Derived Average Glucose (ADAG) equations]. Conclusions: The association between HbA1c and BG in PD patients is different than that of patients with normal kidney function. Our analysis suggests that equations incorporating serum albumin and/or Hb values better estimate the HbA1c-BG relationship in PD patients compared to equations using HbA1c alone.
Posterior Reversible Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome Associated with Pazopanib
Authors: Foerster Robert , Welzel Thomas , Debus Juergen , Gruellich Carsten , Jaeger Dirk , Potthoff Karin
Published: April 2013

A 62-year-old female patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma under third-line treatment with pazopanib for 8 weeks suddenly developed severe headaches, grand mal seizures and paresis of the left arm in combination with gait instability as well as nausea and vomiting during her vacation abroad. The emergency physician measured systolic blood pressure values over 300 mm Hg and suspected a stroke. The CT imaging without contrast agent in a local hospital did not show any pathologic findings despite bone metastases. The colleagues suspected cerebral metastases or meningeosis carcinomatosa and referred the patient to our department for further diagnostics and treatment planning. An MRI scan ruled out the suspected cerebral metastases or meningeosis carcinomatosa, but showed signs of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) in the form of band-like hyperintensities as a sign of cytotoxic edema in the gray and white matter of the left parietal lobe. The patient then reported that similar blood pressure values had been measured shortly after the start of a first-line therapy with sunitinib, so that we discontinued the current treatment with pazopanib. Within 6 days the neurologic symptoms vanished and the patient was discharged. An intermittent hypertension persisted. A follow-up MRI 3 weeks later showed an RPLS-typical cortical infarction in the affected area. RPLS should be considered as the actual reason for neurologic findings in hypertensive patients with known metastatic cancers under tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
Treatment of a Frail Older Patient with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma on Maintenance Dialysis: Attenuated Immunochemotherapy and Adapted Care Plan
Authors: Pontes Luciola de Barros , Todaro Juliana , Karnakis Theodora , Bollman Patricia Weinschenker , Santos Bento Fortunato Cardoso , Kaliks Rafael Aliosha , Del Giglio Auro
Published: April 2013

Purpose of the Study: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy worldwide. Its incidence increases with age and about 40% of cases occur in patients over 70 years. Herein, we describe a case of a frail elderly patient with renal insufficiency and DLBCL treated with R-mini-CHOP. Case Report: A 77-year-old man on maintenance hemodialysis started experiencing persistent fatigue. He was diagnosed with a large mass on the left lobe of the lung. Biopsy demonstrated a DLBCL, CD20 positive. The patient was assigned clinical stage IIBX, with a high age-adjusted international prognosis index. A proper geriatric assessment revealed a frail patient. Thus, an adapted chemotherapy regimen was proposed which consisted of R-mini-CHOP every 21 days, with a reduction of 10% in the doses of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. During the treatment, the patient went through regular dialysis sessions, 3 times per week, with an extra session performed 12 h after each chemotherapy administration. The patient experienced no adverse events or grade 3/4 toxicities. After 6 cycles of R-mini-CHOP, the patient achieved unconfirmed complete remission, and consolidation radiotherapy was performed. At the last follow-up, he was still in unconfirmed complete remission, with a progression-free survival of 11.3 months. Conclusions: R-mini-CHOP represented a reasonable treatment option for this patient with renal failure. The oncogeriatric approach led to a successful management of this frail patient, highlighting that an adapted plan of care is a key issue to improve the outcomes of elderly cancer patients.
Chronic Portal-SystemicShunt Encephalopathy in a Hemodialysis Patient Treated with Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration
Authors: Yasukawa Ryota , Akiyama Fumihiro , Tsukishiro Takashi , Narita Ichiei
Published: April 2013

We report a case of chronic portal-systemic shunt encephalopathy in a 79-year-old female hemodialysis patient with end-stage renal disease. Approximately 1 month before admission, she occasionally had a discrepant conversation. It was considered that hepatic encephalopathy was caused by an increase in the ammonia level in the blood flow of the shunt, which had been diagnosed 7 years previously between the splenic vein and the left renal vein. On admission, disturbed consciousness and an elevated serum ammonia level (221 μg/dl) were observed. No change in the shunt diameter was noted. Consciousness improved with conservative treatment, whereas hyperammonemia remained. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) was performed on the shunt. As a result, hyperammonemia resolved immediately, and the level of ammonia was maintained at approximately 60 μg/dl. The patient often complained of drug-induced constipation; therefore, an increase in the intra-abdominal pressure in addition to ammonia production in the intestinal tract was suspected as the cause of encephalopathy. More than 23 months have passed since the B-RTO therapy, and no symptoms of encephalopathy have been observed yet.
Musa velutina subsp. markkuana (Musaceae): a new subspecies from northeastern India
Authors: SABU Mamiyil , JOE ALFRED , SREEJITH Puravannoor E.
Published: April 2013

A new subspecies of Musa velutina belonging to section Rhodochlamys from northeastern India is described and illustrated as Musa velutina subsp. markkuana. A detailed description, distribution, ecology, phenology and relevant taxonomic notes are provided.
New species of hippolytid shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Hippolytidae) from a southwest Indian Ocean seamount
Authors: NYE VERITY
Published: April 2013

Two specimens representing two hippolytid genera were sampled recently from the Coral Seamount, southwest Indian Ocean, at 732 m water depth. Lebbeus ketophilos sp. nov. and Eualus oreios sp. nov. are described and illustrated and their morphologies are compared with those of previously described species. The new species are closest in morphology to L. indicus Holthuis, 1947 and E. kinzeri Tiefenbacher, 1990 respectively. They are distinguished clearly from these and other species by a suite of morphological features. This record enhances our present knowledge of seamount biodiversity and species richness of decapod crustaceans in the Indian Ocean.
Two new species of Papeocoris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae: Coreinae: Nematopodini) from Peru
Authors: BRAILOVSKY HARRY
Published: April 2013

Two new species of Papeocoris are described from Peru, P. nitens sp. nov. and P. vittatus sp. nov. A key to species is provided together with dorsal view photographs.
Phytocoetes sinensis n. sp. and Telmatactis clavata (Stimpson, 1855), two poorly known species of Metridioidea (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Actiniaria) from Chinese waters
Authors: LI YANG , LIU RUI-YU , XU KUIDONG
Published: April 2013

Two acontiate sea anemones, Phytocoetes sinensis n. sp. within the family Halcampactinidae and Telmatactis clavata (Stimpson, 1855) within the family Andvakiidae, are described from the coastal region of Chinese waters. Phytocoetes sinensis is an elongated sea anemone discovered from the intertidal mudflat in the East China Sea. The new species is very similar to its only congener P. gangeticus, but differs distinctly by the larger body size (length usually 61–130 mm vs. no more than 30 mm) and a higher number of mesenteries (48 pairs vs. 12 or probably 24 pairs) and tentacles (usually 72–118 vs. 50–65). This is the first record of Halcampactinidae in China. Telmatactis clavata has been reported only from the warm waters of Japan. We redescribed the species in more details based on specimens collected from the South China Sea. So far the species is known only from warm waters in the western Pacific.
A new species of cat snake (Reptilia: Serpentes: Colubridae: Boiga) from dry forests of eastern Peninsular India
Authors: VOGEL GERNOT , GANESH S. R.
Published: April 2013

A new species of cat snake, related to Boiga beddomei (Wall, 1909), is described from the dry forests of eastern Peninsular India. It occupies a large geographic range from Berhampore (type locality), near the River Mahanadi in the northeast to Kaigal near the southern Eastern Ghats in the southwest. The new species is diagnosed by having the following combination of characters: 19 dorsal scale rows at midbody, a high number of ventral scales for the genus Boiga (248–259), a yellowish-green dorsal colouration with numerous faint black bands, an uniform, unpatterned yellow-coloured venter and a relatively short tail (0.180–0.200 of the total length).
A retrospective quasi-experimental study of a community crisis house for patients with severe and persistent mental illness
Authors: Siskind Dan , Harris Meredith , Kisely Steve , Brogan James , Pirkis Jane , Crompton David , Whiteford Harvey
Published: April 2013

Objective:

There is increasing international evidence that crisis houses can reduce the time spent in acute psychiatric inpatient units for patients with severe and persistent mental illness, at a lower cost and in an environment preferable to patients. We evaluated the Alternatives to Hospitalisation (AtH) program, a crisis house operating in outer suburban Brisbane.

Methods:

One hundred and ninety-three AtH patients were compared to 371 matched controls admitted to a peer hospital district acute psychiatric unit. Hospitalisations, demographics and illness acuity were compared one year before and after an acute index episode of residential care involving hospital and/or AtH. Hospital bed-days during the index episode were compared between AtH participants and controls. The cost of bed-days averted was compared to the cost of providing the AtH program.

Results:

AtH participants spent 5.35 fewer days in hospital during the index episode than controls, after adjustment for illness acuity, living conditions, marital status and emergency department (ED) presentations. Per patient cost of averted psychiatric inpatient bed-days, $5948.22, was higher than the per patient cost of providing AtH, $3071.44. AtH participants had higher levels of illness acuity, ED presentations and acute psychiatric admissions than controls in the year after the index episode.

Conclusions:

For acutely unwell, stably housed patients, able to be managed outside of a secure facility, a crisis house program can reduce acute psychiatric bed-days, providing a cost saving for mental health services.
Rheological properties of sodium alginate and xanthan pastes on cotton with reactive dye in screen printing
Authors: Wang Lili , Zhu Furong , Lu Danian
Published: April 2013

In this study, sodium alginate (SA) and xanthan (XG), selected as two typical pastes, were intensively investigated by steady, transient, and dynamic rheological methods. Compared with SA, in the steady-shear tests it was found that XG showed a prominent shear-thinning feature at low shear rates and low concentrations. In addition, the transient tests suggested that XG had more remarkable hysteresis thixotropy and that the structural viscosity needed more time to return to its original level after shears. What is more, two pastes in the same concentration performed totally different viscoelastic behaviors from the dynamic tests. SA exhibited more viscous behavior and XG more elastic behavior. Furthermore, experimental data have been correlated with different models: flow curves with the Cross and power-law model, mechanical spectra with the Friedrich–Braun model and Generalized Maxwell model. The relationship between dynamic and steady-shear properties (Cox–Merz rule) was satisfactory for SA while undesirable for XG. Through the rheological properties, it may be inferred that those who show weaker elasticity, stronger viscosity, relatively steady viscoelasticity, and the structural viscosity liable to restore the original level after shears may be more appropriate as the pastes to achieve better printing qualities on cotton printing with reactive dye.
Development and characterization of textile-processable actuators based on shape-memory alloys for adaptive fiber-reinforced plastics
Authors: Kluge Axel , Nocke Andreas , Paul Christian , Cherif Chokri , Linse Thomas , Ulbricht Volker
Published: April 2013

Fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs) with adaptive properties make lightweight structures feasible that not only possess a high mechanical force absorption but are also able to adapt their mechanical characteristics, such as geometry and rigidity, to external influences. Within the framework of the basic research presented here, new adaptive FRPs are developed on a basis of textile reinforcement semi-finished products integrated with actuators made from shape-memory alloys (SMAs). The realization of adaptive FRPs requires not only knowledge of the material-specific actuatory properties of the functional materials. It also necessitates the development of textile-technical solutions fully exploiting the actuatory potential of the SMAs within the composite. Promising approaches are hybrid yarn structures based on friction spinning technology. In order to reduce the great experimental effort, modeling and simulation of the SMA's material behavior and of the adaptive FRPs' complex composite behavior are carried out by means of finite element methods. It is shown that the developed actuators generate sufficiently high tensions of about 700–800 N/mm2, to bend the FRP specimen up to 45°.
How our Frames Direct Us: A Poker Experiment
Authors: Miller Danny , Sardais Cyrille
Published: April 2013

We adapt Erving Goffman’s (1974) frame analysis to discover how frames shape individuals’ decisions in a poker-based experiment. The frames that surfaced in our subjects’ verbalizations suggest the ways in which they form very different impressions of “what is going on” in an identical situation. Our findings revealed that people’s frames drive the information they attend to in a situation, the interpretation they put on that information, and the way they synthesize the information to make a decision. The thematic frames that emerged differed dramatically across groups of individuals; they also were cohesive, multifaceted, and relatively few in number. As a result they were predictive: one could foretell a person’s behavior across multiple situations given the consistency in the frame adopted. In most cases, frames also revealed a significant mismatch with the requirements of the situation. Management scholars and practitioners would be wise to be more alert to frames which can do as much to derail effective decision-making as to facilitate it.
Learning from success, learning from failure
Authors: Arato Andrew , Tombuş Ertuğ
Published: April 2013

The article has several theses. First we propose that there is a new method of constitution-making today, the two-stage, post-sovereign one perfected in South Africa. Second, we admit the path-dependent nature, and difficult pre-conditions, of this method. Third, we maintain that even when the full method is unlikely in a given context, its legitimating principles nevertheless can play a role through international dissemination. We explore that possibility in the context of the projected comprehensive reform of Turkey, and the constitutional revolution in Egypt. It is our belief that in these contexts one can learn both from successes of the new method and also from its failures typified by the Hungarian case that we briefly present. We are unfortunately not optimistic about the success of the new method especially where actors maintain their strong belief in the constituent power of the popular sovereign. This is likely to be the case in revolutions, but can happen in reform or even during the last state of the post-sovereign method itself.
Friends with money? Owner’s financial network and new venture internationalization in a transition economy
Authors: Manolova Tatiana S. , Manev Ivan M. , Gyoshev Bojidar S.
Published: April 2013

This article explores the role of the diversity of the domestic financial networks for the internationalization of entrepreneurial ventures in transition economies. Building on network theories of social exchange and resource dependency, it hypothesizes that the diversity of the entrepreneurial venture’s financial network will have a positive effect on internationalization and this effect will be amplified by the diversity of the entrepreneur’s personal network and the size of the new venture. A survey data collection methodology is used and three hypotheses are tested on a sample of new and small ventures in Bulgaria. Regression results show that the diversity of the domestic financial network has a positive effect on internationalization, and that its role increases with the size of the new venture. Implications for the theory of small firm internationalization, managerial practice and public policy are discussed.
Psychological and physiological effects of singing in a choir
Authors: Sanal Ahmet Muhip , Gorsev Selahattin
Published: April 2013

This randomized controlled trial aimed to quantify the effects of choir singing on emotional state and anxiety levels of singers. Salivary amylase, PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) and STAI-s/-t(State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) were applied before and after a 1-hour single choir session for an experimental group ( n = 35) and unstructured time for control group ( n = 35). Amylase decreased in the experimental group but increased in the control group ( p > 0.05 for F group; p = 0.014 for F testbygroup). Follow-up analysis showed this interaction to be due to baseline differences between the two groups. Negative affect decreased in the experimental group and increased in the control group ( p > 0.05 for F test and F group; p = 0.006 for F test by group). A decrease in positive affect was found between the pre- and post-test for the control group ( p = 0.023 for F test; p = 0.004 for F test by group). State anxiety decreased in the experimental group and increased in the control group ( p > 0.05 for F test and F group; p = 0.001 for F test by group). Singing in a choir was found to have a positive impact on psychological indicators of affect and anxiety, however, its physiological effect could not be shown using salivary amylase in this study.
Investigating the effect of geometrical parameters on distortions in butt-welded plates
Authors: Choobi Mahsa Seyyedian
Published: April 2013

Welding-induced distortions are one of the major problems frequently encountered in industry. Different geometrical and welding process parameters are believed to influence distortions. One of the most common types of distortions frequently observed in butt-welded plates is angular distortion. In this study, the effect of geometrical parameters on angular distortions in butt-welded plates has been investigated numerically and experimentally. A comprehensive study has been performed, and several cases with different plate lengths, widths and thicknesses have been studied. Distortions have been predicted by three-dimensional thermo-elastic-plastic finite element simulation. The finite element results have been verified by a series of experimental measurements for temperatures and angular distortions. The results of this study revealed that plate thickness, length and width influence the magnitude and mode of distortions greatly. The results revealed that decreasing the plate thickness or increasing the weld length results in higher and nonlinear angular distortions. Increasing the plate width has an adverse effect and reduces the angular distortion. In addition, the thickness of the plate has a key role on distortion behavior and can lead to buckling in thin plates.
Prediction of hole characteristics and hole productivity during pulsed Nd:YAG laser beam percussion drilling
Authors: Mishra Sanjay , Yadava Vinod
Published: April 2013

A thermal finite element model is proposed to simulate and predict hole taper ( Ta), heat-affected zone and material removal rate during laser beam percussion drilling in two difficult-to-laser-drill materials having wide difference in their thermophysical and optical properties. The developed model incorporates temperature-dependent thermal properties, optical properties and phase change phenomena of the sheet materials to predict the hole profile through the isotherm generated along the depth of the hole due to repeated laser pulses. Hole characteristics and hole productivity parameters are compared for both the sheet materials. The predicted values of hole taper with respect to pulse width have been compared with the experimentally obtained values. It is observed that hole characteristics are mainly affected by pulse width in the Aluminium alloy sheet and pulse frequency in the Inconel sheet, whereas peak power has prominent effect on material removal rate for both the sheet materials.
Design and evaluation of soft abrasive grinding wheels for silicon wafers
Authors: Gao Shang , Dong Zhigang , Kang Renke , Guo Dongming
Published: April 2013

The objective of this study is to design and evaluate soft abrasive wheels for silicon wafer grinding. In this study, CeO2, SiO2, Fe2O3 and MgO soft abrasives are used in the design of soft abrasive grinding wheels. The soft abrasive grinding wheels are then used to grind silicon wafers and compared with diamond wheel grinding and chemomechanical polishing. This study demonstrates that the newly designed soft abrasive grinding wheels are generally superior to diamond wheel grinding or chemomechanical polishing in terms of wafer surface/subsurface quality, wheel dressability, grinding ratio and material removal rate. This study further identifies the MgO soft abrasive grinding wheel as the best of the four soft abrasive grinding wheels. Discussion is provided to explore material removal mechanisms, wheel dressing characteristics and wafer surface finish and quality of the newly designed soft abrasive grinding wheels.
“I’ve Stamped My Personality All Over It”
Authors: Lincoln Siân
Published: April 2013

“Private,” personal spaces such as the teenage bedroom are arguably one of the first spaces within which young people are able to articulate and represent their social and cultural lives, their transitions, experiences, aspirations, and identities. In this article, the author explores how bedrooms can be understood as constantly evolving and changing “material” spaces within which objects play an important role for young people in their articulations of youth culture in everyday life. Using Henri Lefebvre’s work on social space as a framework, the author argues that such spaces can be understood both as complex, rich “containers of meaning” within which teenagers articulate their current youth biographies as well as spaces within which “residual trails” can be found, thus a teenage bedroom takes on an important historical dimension, the space of which tells tales about its occupants, present and past.