bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterising emergency department high-frequency users in a rural hospital
Authors: Hardie Thomas L , Polek Carolee , Wheeler Erlinda , McCamant Karen , Dixson Melinda , Gailey Robert , Lafrak Karen
Published: December 2013

Objective

Patients who are frequent users (≥4 visits/year) comprise ∼10% of patients, but account for ∼34% of total yearly emergency department (ED) visits. Non-emergent care provided to frequent ED users affects operating costs and usage. The majority of reports characterising frequent ED use are from urban teaching centres. This study describes frequent users of ED services in a rural community setting and the association between counts of patient's visits and discrete diagnoses.

Design

Retrospective study of 1652 frequent ED adult patients from a rural US hospital over a one-year period. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression were used to explore the characteristics of frequent users and their patterns of diagnoses.

Results

Frequent user visits ranged from 4 to 66 per patient. Frequent users were 9.41% of patient volume accounting for 33.94% of the total visits and were younger compared with patients with <4 visits. Approximately 36% of frequent user visits were generated by 20 diagnoses when the diagnoses were concatenated into domains which covered ∼76% of the visits. There was a high correlation between the number of visits and discrete diagnoses in frequent users.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a more complex picture of rural ED services and their relationship with primary care and dental services, which needs to be defined before policy development to reduce ED use.
Non-resuscitative first-aid training for children and laypeople: a systematic review
Authors: He Zhimin , Wynn Persephone , Kendrick Denise
Published: December 2013

Background

Relatively little is currently known about the effectiveness of first-aid training for children and laypeople. We have undertaken a systematic review to synthesise the evidence and inform policy and practice in this area.

Methods

A range of bibliographic databases were searched. Studies were eligible if they used experimental designs, provided first-aid training to laypeople or children and reported first-aid knowledge, skills behaviours or confidence. Studies were selected for inclusion, data extracted and risk of bias assessed by two independent reviewers. Findings were synthesised narratively.

Results

23 studies (14 randomised controlled trials and 9 non-randomised studies) were included, 12 of which recruited children or young people (≤19 years old). Most studies reported significant effects favouring the intervention group; 11 out of 16 studies reported significant increases in first-aid knowledge; 11 out of 13 studies reported significant increases in first-aid skills; 2 out of 5 studies reported significant improvements in helping behaviour; and 2 out of 3 studies reported significant increases in confidence in undertaking first aid. Only one study undertook an economic evaluation; finding an intensive instructor-led course was more effective, but had significantly higher costs than either a less-intensive instructor-led course or a video-delivered course. Most studies were at risk of bias, particularly selection, performance or detection bias.

Conclusions

There is some evidence to support provision of first-aid training, particularly for children or young people, but many studies were judged to be at risk of bias. Conclusions cannot be drawn about which first-aid training courses or programmes are most effective or the age at which training can be most effectively provided. Few studies evaluated training in adult laypeople. High-quality studies are required assessing effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of standardised first-aid training to inform policy development and provision of first-aid training.
Translational toxicological research: investigating and preventing acute lung injury in organophosphorus insecticide poisoning
Authors: Hulse Elspeth J , Clutton R E , Drummond G , Eddleston M
Published: December 2013

Poisoning through ingestion of organophosphorus (OP) insecticide is a leading cause of suicide globally. Severe poisoning with OP compounds creates an unconscious, paralysed patient with respiratory failure. These symptoms make pulmonary aspiration of stomach contents highly likely, potentially causing an acute lung injury. To explore this hypothesis, we created a Gottingen minipig pulmonary aspiration model (n=26) to investigate the mechanism and severity of lung injury created through pulmonary instillation of 0.5 mL/kg mixtures of porcine gastric juice (GJ), OP and/or its solvent. Early results show that aspiration of OP and GJ causes pulmonary neutrophil sequestration, alveolar haemorrhage and interstitial oedema, with disruption of the alveolar–capillary membrane. Further measurements will include quantitative CT imaging, histopathology scoring, acute lung injury biomarkers and respiratory function. In order to test the validity of the minipig model, a pilot study in Sri Lanka has been devised to observe signs of lung injury in human patients who have ingested OP insecticide with or without clinical evidence of pulmonary aspiration. Lung injury will be assessed with PaO2/FIO2ratios and physiological dead space measurement. Blood, bronchoalveolar lavage and urine will be taken at 24 and 48 h after poisoning and at 3–4 h in surgical control patients to measure acute lung injury biomarkers. An unpublished toxicology study from Sri Lanka, 2011–2012, showed that over 40% of unconscious poisoned patients with a GCS <9 were not intubated for ambulance transfer between rural and district hospitals. Delay in intubation leads to aspiration pneumonitis and pneumonia in 38%–45% of unconscious poisoned patients. We hypothesise that non-drug assisted placement of supraglottic airways may be a good tool for use in unconscious poisoned patients requiring transfer from small rural hospitals in Asia. They could confer better airway protection than no airway intervention and reduce both morbidity and mortality.
Case suitability for definitive through knee amputation following lower extremity blast trauma: analysis of 146 combat casualties, 2008–2010
Authors: Singleton James A G , Walker N M , Gibb I E , Bull A M J , Clasper J C
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Analysis of recent UK Armed Forces combat casualty data has highlighted a significant number of through joint traumatic amputations (TAs), most commonly through knee (through knee amputations (TKAs)). Previously, a consensus statement on lower limb amputation from the UK Defence Medical Services reported better outcomes in some patients with TKAs when compared with those with above knee amputations. This study sought to define the proportion of recent combat casualties sustaining severe lower extremity trauma with acute osseous and soft tissue injury anatomy amenable to definitive TKA.

Methods

The UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry and post mortem CT (PM-CT) databases were used to identify all UK Armed Forces personnel (survivors and fatalities) sustaining a major extremity TA (through/proximal to wrist or ankle joint) between August 2008 and August 2010. Through knee and all below knee TAs were grouped as ‘potential TKAs’ (pTKAs), that is, possible candidates for definitive TKA.

Results

146 Cases (75 survivors and 71 fatalities) sustaining 271 TAs (130 in survivors, 141 in fatalities) were identified. The through-joint TA rate was 47/271 (17.3%); 34/47 through-joint injuries (72.3%) were TKAs. Overall, 63/130 TAs in survivors and 66/140 TAs in fatalities merited analysis as the pTKA group. Detailed anatomical data on pre-debridement osseous and soft tissue injury levels were only consistently available for fatalities through PM-CT findings. Further analysis of the soft tissue injury profile revealed that a definitive TKA in the pTKA group (all BKAs as well as TKAs) would have been proximal to the zone of injury (ZOI) in only 3/66 cases.

Conclusions

Traumatic TKAs following explosive blast are more common than previously reported. The majority of lower limb TAs are skeletally amenable to a definitive TKA. Maximising residual stump length carries the risks of definitive level amputation within the original ZOI but this study demonstrates that the proximal extent of the soft tissue injury may frequently make this unavoidable. Further work is required to determine the relative merits of definitive below, through and above knee amputations in the short, medium and long term to ensure survivors are subject to minimal complications while maintaining capacity to achieve optimal functional outcomes.
Posterior fossa dural arteriovenous fistula presenting clinically as a carotid–cavernous fistula treated by a direct access cavernous sinus approach
Authors: Tan Ai Peng , Taneja Manish , Hui Francis
Published: December 2013

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) represent approximately 10–15% of all cerebral vascular malformations. Although dAVFs can occur anywhere in the brain, they occur most frequently in the cavernous and transverse-sigmoid sinuses. Posterior fossa dAVFs presenting clinically as carotid–cavernous fistulae (CCF) are rarely encountered in clinical practice. We discuss and illustrate an unusual case of a left posterior fossa dAVF that presented clinically with chemosis and early visual impairment, similar to that of CCF. This was subsequently treated by a direct access cavernous sinus approach. We describe the technique used to access the cavernous sinus directly in cases where conventional transvenous and transarterial routes have been exhausted.
Do childhood excess weight and family food insecurity share common risk factors in the local environment? An examination using a Quebec birth cohort
Authors: Carter Megan Ann
Published: December 2013

Childhood excess weight and family food insecurity are food-system related public health problems that exist in Canada. Since both relate to issues of food accessibility, availability and utilization, which have elements of “place”, they may share common risk factors in the local environment that are amenable to intervention. In this area of research, the literature derives mostly from an American context, and there is a dearth of high-quality evidence, specifically from longitudinal studies. The main objectives of this thesis were to examine the adjusted associations between the place factors: material deprivation, social deprivation, social cohesion, disorder, and living location, with change in child body mass index (BMI) Z score and with change in family food insecurity status in a Canadian cohort of children. The Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development was used to meet the main objectives of this thesis. Response data from 6 collection cycles (4–10 years of age) were used in 3 main analyses. The first analysis examined change in child BMI Z score as a function of the place factors using mixed models regression. The second analysis examined change in child BMI Z score as a function of place factors using group-based trajectory modeling. The third and final analysis examined change in family food insecurity status as a function of the place factors using generalized estimating equations. Social deprivation, social cohesion and disorder were strongly and positively associated with family food insecurity, increasing the odds by 45%–76%. These place factors, on the other hand, were not consistently associated with child weight status. Material deprivation was not important for either outcome, except for a slight positive association in the mixed models analysis of child weight status. Living location was not important in explaining family food insecurity. On the other hand, it was associated with child weight status in both analyses, but the nature of the relationship is still unclear. Results do not suggest that addressing similar place factors may alleviate both child excess weight and family food insecurity. More high-quality longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to clarify relationships between the local environment and child weight status and family food insecurity.
A GEOMETRIC PERSPECTIVE ON COUNTERTERMS RELATED TO DYSON–SCHWINGER EQUATIONS
Authors: SHOJAEI-FARD ALI
Published: December 2013

We study Dyson–Schwinger equations (DSEs) in terms of some groups of diffeographisms to provide a new geometric formulation for their corresponding counterterms on the basis of systems of ordinary differential equations.
INVESTIGATION OF THE SUPERCONDUCTING PHASE IN METALLIC HYDROGEN NEAR THE PRESSURE OF METALLIZATION
Authors: JAROSIK MARCIN W. , DURAJSKI ARTUR P.
Published: December 2013

In this paper, the thermodynamic properties of the superconducting state in the metallic hydrogen under the pressure at 347 GPa have been determined. In the framework of the Eliashberg formalism, it has been shown that the characteristic thermodynamic parameters deviate from the predictions of the BCS theory. In particular, the ratio ΔC(TC)/CN(TC) decreases from 1.96 to 1.72 depending on the assumed value of the Coulomb pseudopotential (μ* ∈ 〈0.08, 0.15〉). On the other hand, the ratio [Formula: see text] increases from 0.150 to 0.158.
EFFECT OF POTENTIAL SHAPE ON DENSITY OF STATES FOR A LIGHT-HOLE EXCITON IN A MICROTUBE OF AlGaAs/GaAs
Authors: GONZÁLEZ J. D. , JOYA MIRYAM R. , BARBA-ORTEGA J.
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we propose a theoretical model to calculate the ground-state energy of light-hole exciton and its density of states in a microtube. This heterostructure has been fabricated and studied experimentally, and contains a double quantum well of AlGaAs / GaAs and large radius of curvature. The exciton trial function is taken as a product of the ground state wave functions of both the unbound electron and hole in the heterostructure, with an arbitrary correlation function that depends only on electron–hole separation. A renormalized Schrödinger equation for the correlation function is derived and coincides with the corresponding equation for a hydrogen atom in an effective isotropic and nonhomogeneous space. The binding energy of the ground state for an exciton in this heterostructure is calculated by the variational model proposed. The contribution to the energy given by the sublevels and the density of states is determined as a function of the width of the well and the aluminum concentration. The obtained results show good agreement with recent experimental observations.
A LOW POWER CURRENT RECYCLING CONSTANT-gm RAIL-TO-RAIL OTA
Authors: ZHAO XIAO , FANG HUAJUN , XU JUN
Published: December 2013

A low power current recycling constant-gm rail-to-rail (RtR) OTA is presented. The proposed amplifier has the benefit of delivering the same performance while consuming half the power compared to the conventional RtR amplifier. This is achieved by recycling the bias current of idle devices, which results in an enhanced transconductance, gain and slew rate. The proposed amplifier was implemented in CSMC standard 0.18 um CMOS process. Simulation results show that the proposed amplifier achieves 10.2 MHz unity-gain bandwidth, 59.4 dB DC gain, 4.8 V/us slew rate and less than 8% deviation in transconductance, but the power consumption reduced by 50% compared to the conventional RtR amplifier with the same design specifications.
A 10-BIT 0.5 V 100 kS/s SAR ADC WITH A NEW RAIL-TO-RAIL COMPARATOR FOR ENERGY LIMITED APPLICATIONS
Authors: INANLOU REZA , YAVARI MOHAMMAD
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a 10-bit 0.5 V 100 kS/s successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a new fully dynamic rail-to-rail comparator is presented. The proposed comparator enhances the input signal range to the rail-to-rail mode, and hence, improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the ADC in low supply voltages. The effect of the latch offset voltage is reduced by providing a higher voltage gain in the regenerative latch. To reduce the ADC power consumption further, the binary-weighted capacitive array with an attenuation capacitor (BWA) is employed as the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in this design. The ADC is designed and simulated in a 90 nm CMOS process with a single 0.5 V power supply. Spectre simulation results show that the average power consumption of the proposed ADC is about 400 nW and the peak signal-to-noise plus distortion ratio (SNDR) is 56 dB. By considering 10% increase in total ADC power consumption due to the parasitics and a loss of 0.22 LSB in ENOB due to the DAC capacitors mismatch, the achieved figure of merit (FoM) is 11.4 fJ/conversion-step.
COMPLEMENTARY AND DOUBLE-EDGE BASED: A 5-BIT CMOS DIGITAL PULSE-WIDTH MODULATION (PWM) DESIGN WITH MULTIPLE OUTPUTS FOR LED DIMMING APPLICATION
Authors: HUNG YU-CHERNG
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a compact high-precision digital pulse-width modulation (DPWM) CMOS circuit is proposed. The circuit, with multiple output capability, allows brightness control of red, green, and blue (RGB) light emitting diode (LED) lighting. The PWM technique is used for LED dimming control to avoid the problem of color shifting. In this design, complementary concepts and hardware sharing are utilized to achieve a compact architecture and small chip area. A double-edge triggered technique is adopted to enhance the capability of high-speed operation. An experimental chip has been realized by using TSMC 0.18-μm CMOS technology. Simulation results show that the proposed 5-bit PWM circuit can operate at 200 MHz, 32 duty cycles adjustable, and within only 1-ns time error. The chip's measured results show that the new PWM circuit with three output channels works successfully at a supply voltage of 1.8-V, clock of 50-MHz, and resolution of 32 adjustable per channel. The core area of the chip is only 280 × 52.5 μm2.
EVOLUTION OF THE SOFTWARE-AS-A-SERVICE INNOVATION SYSTEM THROUGH COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE
Authors: KIM KIBAE , ALTMANN JÖRN
Published: December 2013

One of the notable trends in the software industry is that software vendors provide their software on a platform as a service. Software users consume those software services or compose new services by combining those existing software services. The software vendors, their services, software users, and the platform represent an open innovation system. Collective intelligence is the underlying mechanism for the cooperation between the users of the system, i.e. their continuous reuse of existing software services for the creation of new services. A successfully working software services system (i.e. collective intelligence system) is a system that is continuously adapted by its users to meet their needs. The evolution of this software-as-a-service (SaaS) innovation system and the behavior of SaaS users within this system are still unknown. In this paper, we describe the evolution of a SaaS network. The SaaS network consists of nodes (i.e. software services with open interfaces) and links (i.e. the co-development relationships of software services with open interfaces). The results suggest that the SaaS network has gradually grown into a scale-free network with a slight concavity in its cumulative degree distribution. The results also suggest that the topology characteristics are invariant over time except for the early time periods. Furthermore, the results suggest that the SaaS network is not as open (i.e. inter-operable) as its technology let us expect. Considering these results, we imply that SaaS innovation is achieved by platform providers striving to capture users with a few, leading SaaS services. That means, SaaS innovation is not achieved through the possibilities of potential combinations between any kind of SaaS services as could be expected theoretically. These findings are expected to stir further research on the actual structure of open innovation systems that are driven by collective intelligence.
BUSINESS MODELS IN THE COMMERCIALIZATION PROCESSES OF INNOVATION AMONG SMALL HIGH-TECHNOLOGY FIRMS
Authors: PELLIKKA JARKKO TAPANI , MALINEN PASI
Published: December 2013

Small technology firms are currently facing increasingly severe competition in a dynamic business environment where an effective commercialization process may secure the survival of a venture and provide key benefits such as increases in turnover, profits and market share. However, technology firms have to be able to create the suitable business model for a new product commercialization in order to realize the economical potential and value. Therefore, it is important to increase our knowledge about the utilized business models in high technology sectors and their role as a part of new product commercialization and innovation management. Using data from 12 small technology firms, this study shows that business model creates an operational level of commercialization process and it can help managers to plan the value delivery through the process phases. Despite the trend toward opening up research and development and commercialization processes in the high technology fields, small high technology firms in this study seems to pursue more closed approaches to R&D than in other business functions such as marketing and sales.
Synthesis of porphyrin monomers on the basis of meso-mono-hydroxy- and aminophenylporphyrins
Authors: Pechnikova Nadezhda , Lyubimtsev Alexey , Ageeva Tatiana , Syrbu Sergey , Semeikin Alexander , Koifman Oskar
Published: December 2013

The methods for the synthesis of porphyrins containing active vinyl groups on a periphery of the tetrapyrrole macroheterocycle are described. The possibility of their usage as comonomers in a copolymerization reaction with methyl methacrylate is given.
AIR PRESSURE CONTROLLED MASS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
Authors: ZHONG RUILIN , WANG JIAN , CAI CHANGQING , YAO HONG , DING JIN'AN , ZHANG YUE , WANG XIAOLEI
Published: December 2013

Mass measurement is influenced by air pressure, temperature, humidity and other facts. In order to reduce the influence, mass laboratory of National Institute of Metrology, China has developed an air pressure controlled mass measurement system. In this system, an automatic mass comparator is installed in an airtight chamber. The Chamber is equipped with a pressure controller and associate valves, thus the air pressure can be changed and stabilized to the pre-set value, the preferred pressure range is from 200 hPa to 1100 hPa. In order to keep the environment inside the chamber stable, the display and control part of the mass comparator are moved outside the chamber, and connected to the mass comparator by feed-throughs. Also a lifting device is designed for this system which can easily lift up the upper part of the chamber, thus weights can be easily put inside the mass comparator. The whole system is put on a marble platform, and the temperature and humidity of the laboratory is very stable. The temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide content inside the chamber are measured in real time and can be used to get air density. Mass measurement cycle from 1100 hPa to 200 hPa and back to 1100 hPa shows the effective of the system.
FORCE MEASUREMENT SERVICES AT KEBS: AN OVERVIEW OF EQUIPMENT, PROCEDURES AND UNCERTAINTY
Authors: BANGI J. O. , MARANGA S. M. , NGANGA S. P. , MUTULI S. M.
Published: December 2013

This paper describes the facilities, instrumentation and procedures currently used in the force laboratory at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for force measurement services. The laboratory uses the Force Calibration Machine (FCM) to calibrate force-measuring instruments. The FCM derives its traceability via comparisons using reference transfer force transducers calibrated by the Force Standard Machines (FSM) of a National Metrology Institute (NMI). The force laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the Germany Accreditation Body (DAkkS). The accredited measurement scope of the laboratory is 1 MN to calibrate force transducers in both compression and tension modes. ISO 376 procedures are used while calibrating force transducers. The KEBS reference transfer standards have capacities of 10, 50, 300 and 1000 kN to cover the full range of the FCM. The uncertainty in the forces measured by the FCM were reviewed and determined in accordance to the new EURAMET calibration guide. The relative expanded uncertainty of force W realized by FCM was evaluated in a range from 10 kN−1 MN, and was found to be 5.0 × 10−4 with the coverage factor k being equal to 2. The overall normalized error (En) of the comparison results was also found to be less than 1. The accredited Calibration and Measurement Capability (CMC) of the KEBS force laboratory was based on the results of those intercomparisons. The FCM enables KEBS to provide traceability for the calibration of class ‘1’ force instruments as per the ISO 376.
RENOVATION OF NMIJ'S 5 MN HYDRAULIC AMPLIFICATION TYPE FORCE STANDARD MACHINE
Authors: HAYASHI TOSHIYUKI , MAEJIMA HIROSHI , UEDA KAZUNAGA , AOKITSU MITSUHARU
Published: December 2013

The 5 MN hydraulic amplification type force standard machine was renovated by replacing its hydraulic pressure control system, measuring ram and cylinder. For re-evaluation of uncertainty of force amplification factor, diameters of the main and mearsuring rams and cylinders were re-measured. A programmable logic controller with a personal computer is used to control the weight motion and the valve actuation, to monitor various kinds of sensors output, and to record readings of a force transducer under calibration. Fluctuation of calibration force was suppressed by using a quartz-resonance type pressure gauge, and measurement repeatability was improved to some extent. However, there remains room for improvement to further stabilize the calibration force by modifying the measuring ram.
ACCURATE DETERMINATION OF TORSION AND PURE BENDING MOMENT FOR VISCOELASTIC MEASUREMENTS
Authors: WANG YUN-CHE , KO CHIH-CHIN , SHIAU LI-MING
Published: December 2013

Measurements of time-dependent material properties in the context of linear viscoelasticity, at a given frequency and temperature, require accurate determination of both loading and deformation that are subjected to the testing materials. A pendulum-type viscoelastic spectroscopy is developed to experimentally measure loss tangent and the magnitude of dynamic modulus of solid materials. The mechanical system of the device is based on the behavior of the cantilever beam, and torsion and pure bending moment are generated from the interaction between a permanent magnet and the Helmholtz coils. The strength of the magnetic interactions may be determined with a material with known mechanical properties, such as aluminum 6061T4 alloy. The sensitivity of the torque measurement is on the order of one micro N-m level. With the high accurate torque measurement and deformation detection from a laser-based displacement measurement system, viscoelastic properties of materials can be experimentally measured in different frequency regimes. Sinusoidal driving signals are adopted for measuring complex modulus in the sub-resonant regime, and dc bias driving for creep tests in the low frequency limit. At structural resonant frequencies, the full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) method or Lorentzian curve fitting method is adopted to extract material properties. The completion of determining material properties in the wide frequency spectrum may help to identify the deformation mechanisms of the material and to create better models for simulation work.
DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW SMALL-RATED-CAPACITY REFERENCE TORQUE WRENCH
Authors: NISHINO ATSUHIRO , OGUSHI KOJI , UEDA KAZUNAGA
Published: December 2013

It is imperative that torque standard of small rated capacity is established and disseminated throughout Japanese industry. A 10 N·m dead weight torque standard machine (10-N·m-DWTSM) has been developed and evaluated at the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), part of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). By 2012, the relative expanded uncertainty of torque realized by the 10-N·m-DWTSM was estimated to be 6.6 × 10−5, with the coverage factor k begin equal to 2, in a range from 0.1 N·m to 10 N·m for calibrations of the torque measuring devices (TMDs). Calibration service for small-rated-capacity TMDs was started to disseminate the torque standard throughout Japanese industry. Here, there are two routes in the torque traceability system in Japan. One is the route for TMDs and the other one is the route for reference torque wrenches (RTWs). The torque standard in the form of RTWs has been disseminated in the range from 5 N·m to 5 kN·m by using the TSMs owned by NMIJ. There remains a strong demand to expand the calibration range of RTWs. To expand the range, we should develop the new high-accuracy small-rated-capacity RTW and evaluate its calibration method. In this study, a high-accuracy RTW (TP-5N-1109), which had a rated capacity of 5 N·m, was newly developed and calibrated with the 10-N·m-DWTSM to evaluate its characteristics. The ordinary calibration procedures adopted at NMIJ was investigated whether it was applicable to the small-rated-capacity RTWs. As a result, the TP-5N-1109 showed good performance in the creep testing, and its characteristic curves were draw for all cases of the calibration procedures. The repeatability in the calibration results was good. We clarified the problem with the calibration conditions of the small-rated-capacity RTW to calibrate it by three cases.
FIVE PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAMS FOR THE JCSS WEIGHT CALIBRATION LABORATORIES
Authors: UEKI MASAAKI , SUN JIANXIN , UEDA KAZUNAGA
Published: December 2013

The Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS) organized in 1993 accredits the measurement capability of calibration laboratories and ensures the traceability to the national measurement standards. As an essential part of accreditation of the measurement capability of calibration laboratories for the weights, the International Accreditation Japan (IAJapan) of National Institute of Technology and Evaluation has been operating the JCSS proficiency testing programs with the technical support of the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ/AIST). Up to now, five proficiency testing programs have been carried out for the JCSS weight calibration laboratories in the range of 2 mg to 10 kg. The proficiency testing programs organized by the IAJapan were carried out in accordance with ISO/IEC Guide 43 (JIS Q 17043), and the NMIJ was responsible for the technical aspect as a reference laboratory. This paper describes the methods of the five proficiency testing programs during the period from 1997 to 2009, and outlines assessment of the measurement capability of the JCSS weight calibration laboratories.
APPLICATION OF MASS MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE IN CALIBRATION AND CONTROL FOR GAS CYLINDERS
Authors: LIN YI-CHING , TUAN CHIN-FEN
Published: December 2013

This paper deals with measurement and control of the standard gas cylinder. In CMS (Center of Measurement Standard), the mass measurement technology is used to calibrate the concentration of standard gas cylinders. This measurement method is based on the mass change of gas cylinder before and after filling. By using balance and calculating air buoyancy the mass difference of gas cylinder before and after filling could be obtained. In order to understand stability of the gas cylinder, we use statistical control techniques to monitor the change of concentration of the standard gas cylinders, to take immediate measures when the concentration of the standard gas cylinders is changed.
Effect of chronic metabolic acidosis on bone density and bone architecture in vivo in rats
Authors: Gasser Jürg A. , Hulter Henry N. , Imboden Peter , Krapf Reto
Published: December 2013

Chronic metabolic acidosis (CMA) might result in a decrease in vivo in bone mass based on its reported in vitro inhibition of bone mineralization, bone formation, or stimulation of bone resorption, but such data, in the absence of other disorders, have not been reported. CMA also results in negative nitrogen balance, which might decrease skeletal muscle mass. This study analyzed the net in vivo effects of CMA's cellular and physicochemical processes on bone turnover, trabecular and cortical bone density, and bone microarchitecture using both peripheral quantitative computed tomography and μCT. CMA induced by NH4Cl administration (15 mEq/kg body wt/day) in intact and ovariectomized (OVX) rats resulted in stable CMA (mean Δ[HCO3−]p = 10 mmol/l). CMA decreased plasma osteocalcin and increased TRAP5b in intact and OVX animals. CMA decreased total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) after 6 and 10 wk ( week 10: intact normal +2.1 ± 0.9% vs. intact acidosis −3.6 ± 1.2%, P < 0.001), an effect attributable to a decrease in cortical thickness and, thus, cortical bone mass (no significant effect on cancellous vBMD, week 10) attributed to an increase in endosteal bone resorption (nominally increased endosteal circumference). Trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) decreased significantly in both CMA groups at 6 and 10 wk, associated with a decrease in trabecular number. CMA significantly decreased muscle cross-sectional area in the proximal hindlimb at 6 and 10 wk. In conclusion, chronic metabolic acidosis induces a large decrease in cortical bone mass (a prime determinant of bone fragility) in intact and OVX rats and impairs bone microarchitecture characterized by a decrease in trabecular number.
Validation of lower body negative pressure as an experimental model of hemorrhage
Authors: Hinojosa-Laborde Carmen , Shade Robert E. , Muniz Gary W. , Bauer Cassondra , Goei Kathleen A. , Pidcoke Heather F. , Chung Kevin K. , Cap Andrew P. , Convertino Victor A.
Published: December 2013

Lower body negative pressure (LBNP), a model of hemorrhage (Hem), shifts blood to the legs and elicits central hypovolemia. This study compared responses to LBNP and actual Hem in sedated baboons. Arterial pressure, pulse pressure (PP), central venous pressure (CVP), heart rate, stroke volume (SV), and +dP/d t were measured. Hem steps were 6.25%, 12.5%, 18.75%, and 25% of total estimated blood volume. Shed blood was returned, and 4 wk after Hem, the same animals were subjected to four LBNP levels which elicited equivalent changes in PP and CVP observed during Hem. Blood gases, hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), plasma renin activity (PRA), vasopressin (AVP), epinephrine (EPI), and norepinephrine (NE) were measured at baseline and maximum Hem or LBNP. LBNP levels matched with 6.25%, 12.5%, 18.75%, and 25% hemorrhage were −22 ± 6, −41 ± 7, −54 ± 10, and −71 ± 7 mmHg, respectively (mean ± SD). Hemodynamic responses to Hem and LBNP were similar. SV decreased linearly such that 25% Hem and matching LBNP caused a 50% reduction in SV. Hem caused a decrease in Hct, Hb, and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). In contrast, LBNP increased Hct and Hb, while ScvO2 remained unchanged. Hem caused greater elevations in AVP and NE than LBNP, while PRA, EPI, and other hematologic indexes did not differ between studies. These results indicate that while LBNP does not elicit the same effect on blood cell loss as Hem, LBNP mimics the integrative cardiovascular response to Hem, and validates the use of LBNP as an experimental model of central hypovolemia associated with Hem.
Effects of muscimol inactivations of functional domains in motor, premotor, and posterior parietal cortex on complex movements evoked by electrical stimulation
Authors: Stepniewska Iwona , Gharbawie Omar A. , Burish Mark J. , Kaas Jon H.
Published: December 2013

Parietal and frontal cortex are central to controlling forelimb movements. We previously showed that movements such as reach, grasp, and defense can be evoked from primary motor (M1), premotor (PMC), and posterior parietal (PPC) cortex when 500-ms trains of electrical pulses are delivered via microelectrodes. Stimulation sites that evoked a specific movement clustered into domains, which shared a topographic pattern in New World monkeys and prosimian galagos. Matched functional domains in parietal and frontal cortex were preferentially interconnected. We reasoned that matched functional domains form parallel networks involved in specific movements. To test the roles of domains in M1, PMC, and PPC, we systematically inactivated with muscimol domains in one region and determined if functional changes occurred in matching domains in other regions. The most common changes were higher current thresholds for stimulation-evoked movements and shorter, not fully developed, trajectories of movements. Inactivations of an M1 functional domain greatly reduced or abolished movements evoked from the matching domains in PMC or PPC, whereas movements evoked from nonmatching domains remained mostly unaffected. In contrast, inactivating PMC or PPC domains did not consistently abolish the ability to evoke movements from matching M1 domains. However, inactivation of PMC domains suppressed or altered the movements evoked from PPC domains. Thus movement sequences evoked from PMC depend on M1 and movement sequences evoked from PPC depend on both M1 and PMC. Overall, the results support the conclusion that PPC, PMC, and M1 are subdivided into functional domains that are hierarchically related within parallel networks.
Large-scale, high-density (up to 512 channels) recording of local circuits in behaving animals
Authors: Berényi Antal , Somogyvári Zoltán , Nagy Anett J. , Roux Lisa , Long John D. , Fujisawa Shigeyoshi , Stark Eran , Leonardo Anthony , Harris Timothy D. , Buzsáki György
Published: December 2013

Monitoring representative fractions of neurons from multiple brain circuits in behaving animals is necessary for understanding neuronal computation. Here, we describe a system that allows high-channel-count recordings from a small volume of neuronal tissue using a lightweight signal multiplexing headstage that permits free behavior of small rodents. The system integrates multishank, high-density recording silicon probes, ultraflexible interconnects, and a miniaturized microdrive. These improvements allowed for simultaneous recordings of local field potentials and unit activity from hundreds of sites without confining free movements of the animal. The advantages of large-scale recordings are illustrated by determining the electroanatomic boundaries of layers and regions in the hippocampus and neocortex and constructing a circuit diagram of functional connections among neurons in real anatomic space. These methods will allow the investigation of circuit operations and behavior-dependent interregional interactions for testing hypotheses of neural networks and brain function.
New Exact Solutions for a Higher-Order Wave Equation of KdV Type Using Extended F-Expansion Method
Authors: He Yinghui , Zhao Yun-Mei , Long Yao
Published: December 2013

The F-expansion method is used to find traveling wave solutions to various wave equations. By giving more solutions of the general subequation, an extended F-expansion method is introduced by Emmanuel. In our work, a generalized KdV type equation of neglecting the highest-order infinitesimal term, which is an important water wave model, is discussed by using the extended F-expansion method. And when the parameters satisfy certain relations, some new exact solutions expressed by Jacobi elliptic function, hyperbolic function, and trigonometric function are obtained. The related results are enriched.
Comparison between Intravitreal Triamcinolone with Grid Laser Photocoagulation versus Bevacizumab with Grid Laser Photocoagulation Combinations for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Ozkaya Abdullah , Celik Ugur , Alkin Zeynep , Faiz Turan Miray , Yazici Ahmet Taylan , Demirok Ahmet
Published: December 2013

Purpose. To compare the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone (IVT) and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), both combined with grid laser photocoagulation (GLP) for macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods. Retrospective, comparative study. The newly diagnosed patients with ME secondary to BRVO who were treated with IVT and GLP or IVB and GLP were included. The main outcome measures were changed in the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) from the baseline to month 24. Results. Ninety-nine eyes of 99 patients were included. The change in BCVA was not statistically different in any time points between the two groups (P>0.05, for all). The change in CRT was not statistically different in any time points between the two groups (P>0.05, for all). The mean number of injections at month 24 was 2.38±1.06 in the IVT+GLP group and 4.17±1.30 in the IVB+GLP group (P=0.0001). The need for cataract surgery (P=0.01) and secondary glaucoma (P=0.03) occurrence were more common in IVT group. Conclusion. Both treatment modalities were effective in the treatment of ME secondary to BRVO. The number of injections was significantly lower in the IVT group than in the IVB group; however cataract and secondary glaucoma were more frequent in the IVT+GLP group than in the IVB+GLP group.
A C21-Steroidal Glycoside Isolated from the Roots ofCynanchum auriculatumInduces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Gastric Cancer SGC-7901 Cells
Authors: Wang Yi-Qi , Zhang Shui-Juan , Lu Hong , Yang Bo , Ye Liang-Fei , Zhang Ru-Song
Published: December 2013

Caudatin 3-O-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside (CGII) is one of the C21-steroidal glycosides isolated from the roots ofCynanchum auriculatumROYLE ex WIGHT. This study aimed to determine the cell growth, cell proliferation, and apoptotic cell death of human gastric cancer cells after CGII treatment. MTT assay was used to determine cell growth; fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis was used to evaluate cell cycle distribution and apoptotic cell death. Immunoblotting was applied for measuring the expression of proteins involved in the cell cycle progression. The activities of caspase-3, -8, and -9 were detected by colorimetric caspase activity assays. CGII inhibited cell growth of human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Treatment of SGC-7901 cells with CGII resulted in G1 phase cell cycle arrest, accompanied with decreased expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6. CGII induced cell apoptosis and activated caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9. In contrast, pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk partially abolished the CGII-induced growth inhibition of SGC-7901 cells. In conclusion, CGII inhibits cell growth of human gastric cancer cells by inducing G1 phase cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent apoptosis cascades.
Thyroid Metastasis from Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Namad Tariq , Wang Jiang , Shipley Ralph , Abdel Karim Nagla
Published: December 2013

Background. Thyroid metastases are rare. Clinically, they represent less than 4% of thyroid malignancy in clinical studies.Aim. To assess various presentations and therapy for patients with lung cancer metastatic in the thyroid.Materials and Methods. We report a case of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung to the thyroid. We reviewed similar reports through PubmMed search from 1997 until 2013.Case Presentation. A 48-year-old lady was seen in the clinic for an adenocarcinoma of left upper lobe (LUL) of the lung; she received neoadjuvant chemotherapy then LUL lobectomy. After 9 months she presented with diffuse goiter initially believed to be a solitary metastatic lesion as it was positive for adenocarcinoma of lung origin on histopathological exam with TTF-1 positivity. Unfortunately, PET scan showed additional mediastinal lymphadenopathy.Conclusion. The treatment strategy for metastatic thyroid disease is based on a multidisciplinary approach, where thyroidectomy would have been considered in case of a solitary metastatic involvement, but further metastatic workup is mandated to direct further systemic therapy versus palliative radiation therapy.
Prenatal Diagnosis of 4p and 4q Subtelomeric Microdeletion in De Novo Ring Chromosome 4
Authors: Akbas Halit , Cine Naci , Erdemoglu Mahmut , Atay Ahmet Engin , Simsek Selda , Turkyilmaz Aysegul , Fidanboy Mehmet
Published: December 2013

Ring chromosomes are unusual abnormalities that are observed in prenatal diagnosis. A 23-year-old patient (gravida 1, para 0) referred for amniocentesis due to abnormal maternal serum screening result in the 16th week of second pregnancy. Cytogenetic analysis of cultured amniyotic fluid cells revealed out ring chromosome 4. Both maternal and paternal karyotypes were normal. Terminal deletion was observed in both 4p and 4q arms of ring chromosome 4 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). However deletion was not observed in the WHS critical region of both normal and ring chromosome 4 by an additional FISH study. These results were confirmed by means of array-CGH showing terminal deletions on 4p16.3 (130 kb) and 4q35.2 (2.449 Mb). In the 21th week of pregnancy, no gross anomalia, except two weeks symmetric growth retardation, was present in the fetal ultrasonographic examination. According to our review of literature, this is the first prenatal case with 4p and 4q subtelomeric deletion of ring chromosome 4 without the involvement of WHS critical region. Our report describes the prenatal case with a ring chromosome 4 abnormality completely characterized by array-CGH which provided complementary data for genetic counseling of prenatal diagnosis.
Decentralized Reinforcement Learning Robust Optimal Tracking Control for Time Varying Constrained Reconfigurable Modular Robot Based on ACI andQ-Function
Authors: Dong Bo , Li Yuanchun
Published: December 2013

A novel decentralized reinforcement learning robust optimal tracking control theory for time varying constrained reconfigurable modular robots based on action-critic-identifier (ACI) and state-action value function (Q-function) has been presented to solve the problem of the continuous time nonlinear optimal control policy for strongly coupled uncertainty robotic system. The dynamics of time varying constrained reconfigurable modular robot is described as a synthesis of interconnected subsystem, and continuous time state equation andQ-function have been designed in this paper. Combining with ACI and RBF network, the global uncertainty of the subsystem and the HJB (Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman) equation have been estimated, where critic-NN and action-NN are used to approximate the optimalQ-function and the optimal control policy, and the identifier is adopted to identify the global uncertainty as well as RBF-NN which is used to update the weights of ACI-NN. On this basis, a novel decentralized robust optimal tracking controller of the subsystem is proposed, so that the subsystem can track the desired trajectory and the tracking error can converge to zero in a finite time. The stability of ACI and the robust optimal tracking controller are confirmed by Lyapunov theory. Finally, comparative simulation examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed ACI and decentralized control theory.
Vitamin D Supplementation for the Treatment of Acute Childhood Pneumonia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Das Rashmi Ranjan , Singh Meenu , Panigrahi Inusha , Naik Sushree Samiksha
Published: December 2013

Background. Studies have found an increased incidence of vitamin D deficiency in children with pneumonia; however, there is no conclusive data regarding the direct effect of vitamin D supplementation in acute pneumonia. Methods. A comprehensive search was performed of the major electronic databases till September 2013. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatment with vitamin D3 versus placebo in children ≤5 years old with pneumonia were included. Results. Out of 32 full text articles, 2 RCTs including 653 children were eligible for inclusion. One trial used a single 100,000 unit of oral vitamin D3 at the onset of pneumonia. There was no significant difference in the mean (±SD) number of days to recovery between the vitamin D3 and placebo arms (P=0.17). Another trial used oral vitamin D3 (1000 IU for <1 year and 2000 IU for >1 year) for 5 days in children with severe pneumonia. Median duration of resolution of severe pneumonia was similar in the two groups (intervention, 72 hours; placebo, 64 hours). Duration of hospitalization and time to resolution of tachypnea, chest retractions, and inability to feed were also comparable between the two groups. Conclusions. Oral vitamin D supplementation does not help children under-five with acute pneumonia.