bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The new mature red cell parameter, low haemoglobin density of the Beckman‐Coulter LH750: clinical utility in the diagnosis of iron deficiency
Authors: URRECHAGA E.
Published: February 2009

The percentage of hypochromic red cells (%Hypo) is a diagnostic tool that has been used with biochemical markers to diagnose iron disturbances and is incorporated to National Kidney Foundation KDOQI guidelines for monitoring recombinant human erythropoietin therapy. %Hypo measurement has been restricted to analysers manufactured by Siemens. Low haemoglobin density (LHD%), a new parameter provided by Beckman‐Coulter, is derived from the traditional mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), using the mathematical sigmoid transformation
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This study aimed to establish LHD% values in the normal population and in different types of anaemia, to investigate its clinical usefulness in the study of iron status and its correlation with %Hypo. Samples from 449 patients [120 healthy individuals, 86 iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), 102 chronic kidney disease, 58 anaemia of chronic disease and 83 β‐thalassaemia carriers] were run sequentially on the LH 750 (Beckman‐Coulter) and Advia 2120 (Siemens) analysers. The reliability of LHD% as a marker of iron deficiency was evaluated on a group of 152 consecutive patients with IDA. Good correlation was observed between %Hypo and LHD%, r2 = 0.869. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for LHD% and the diagnosis of iron deficiency was: cut‐off point 4.0%; area under the curve 0.976; sensitivity 95.2%; specificity 93.3%. There was a good level of agreement between LHD% and %Hypo. Both are suitable parameters for determining iron status and its availability for erythropoiesis, with the same clinical significance.
Right or wrong sample received for coagulation testing? Tentative algorithms for detection of an incorrect type of sample
Authors: LIPPI G. , SALVAGNO G. L. , ADCOCK D. M. , GELATI M. , GUIDI G. C. , FAVALORO E. J.
Published: February 2009

Inappropriate blood collection potentially comprises the major pre‐analytical problem for coagulation testing. Inappropriate samples are most difficult to detect when received as secondary aliquots, common for referred tests. This study aimed to identify a simple, quick and inexpensive process to help laboratories distinguish the type of sample, should there be suspicion of inappropriate collection. Samples from 15 patients [selected on the basis that four different primary tubes were available: serum, citrated plasma, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) plasma, lithium‐heparin plasma], were tested for common electrolytes that might substantially differ according to the type of sample. In citrated plasma, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium were significantly decreased compared with serum and lithium‐heparin plasma, while sodium was markedly increased. In EDTA plasma, sodium and chloride were significantly decreased compared with both serum and lithium‐heparin plasma, potassium was always >14 mmol/l, whereas magnesium and calcium were virtually undetectable. These data allowed development of two algorithms for differential identification of citrated plasma vs. other samples with 100% sensitivity and specificity, the former based on the sequential measurement of potassium, calcium and sodium, the latter on potassium and sodium. These simple assays can supplement classical coagulation test methods to identify most inappropriate blood collections and validate sample rejection.
Effect of Geometrical Parameters on Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Splitter Plate
Authors: Pärssinen T. , Eloranta H. , Saarenrinne P.
Published: February 2009

An experimental study on the effects of various geometrical parameters to the characteristics of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a splitter plate is presented. The dynamic response of the fluid-structure system was measured using particle image velocimetry and laser telemetry simultaneously. Combined data of these techniques allow the assessment of the variation in the VIV response due to geometrical parameters, such as channel geometry, aspect ratio (AR), and trailing-edge thickness (d) as well as the imprint of the excited vibration mode on the flow. The effects of AR and d were both investigated with three different plate geometries and the effect of channel convergence was studied with a single plate geometry. Measurements were performed over a range of Reynolds numbers (Re). The results show that the vibrational response of the combined fluid-structure system is affected by the VIV instability in all cases. Within the measured Re range, a characteristic stepwise behavior of the frequency of the dominant vibration mode is observed. This behavior is explained by the synchronization between the vortex shedding frequency (f0) and a natural frequency (fN) of the fluid-structure system. The results further indicate that this response is modified by geometrical parameters. Channel convergence, i.e., flow acceleration, enhances the vortex shedding, which, in turn, increases the excitation level leading to stronger VIV. Channel convergence does not have a significant effect on f0 or on the dimensionless vibration amplitude (A∕d). An increase of both the number of excited fN’s and the level of synchronization was observed with the lowest AR case. The results also suggest that d is the dominant geometrical parameter. It reduces both the A∕d of the plate and the number of synchronization regions. This stronger effect on the response of the VIV system is due to the direct effect of d on the excitation mechanism.
Nonlinear Control of the Viscous Burgers Equation: Trajectory Generation, Tracking, and Observer Design
Authors: Krstic Miroslav , Magnis Lionel , Vazquez Rafael
Published: February 2009

In a companion paper we have solved the basic problem of full-state stabilization of unstable “shock-like” equilibrium profiles of the viscous Burgers equation with actuation at the boundaries. In this paper we consider several advanced problems for this nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) system. We start with the problems of trajectory generation and tracking. Our algorithm is applicable to a large class of functions of time as reference trajectories of the boundary output, though we focus in more detail on the special case of sinusoidal references. Since the Burgers equation is not globally controllable, the reference amplitudes cannot be arbitrarily large. We provide a sufficient condition that characterizes the allowable amplitudes and frequencies, under which the state trajectory is bounded and tracking is achieved. We then consider the problem of output feedback stabilization. We design a nonlinear observer for the Burgers equation that employs only boundary sensing. We employ its state estimates in an output feedback control law, which we prove to be locally stabilizing. The output feedback law is illustrated with numerical simulations of the closed-loop system.
Slip-Flow Pressure Drop in Microchannels of General Cross Section
Authors: Bahrami M. , Tamayol A. , Taheri P.
Published: February 2009

In the present study, a compact analytical model is developed to determine the pressure drop of fully-developed, incompressible, and constant properties slip-flow through arbitrary cross section microchannels. An averaged first-order Maxwell slip boundary condition is considered. Introducing a relative velocity, the difference between the bulk flow and the boundary velocities, the axial momentum reduces to Poisson’s equation with homogeneous boundary condition. Square root of area is selected as the characteristic length scale. The model of Bahrami et al. (2006, “Pressure Drop of Laminar, Fully Developed Flow in Microchannels of Arbitrary Cross Section,” ASME J. Fluids Eng., 128, pp. 1036–1044), which was developed for no-slip boundary condition, is extended to cover the slip-flow regime in this study. The proposed model for pressure drop is a function of geometrical parameters of the channel: cross sectional area, perimeter, polar moment of inertia, and the Knudsen number. The model is successfully validated against existing numerical and experimental data collected from different sources in literature for several shapes, including circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, and double-trapezoidal cross sections and a variety of gases such as nitrogen, argon, and helium.
Long-Wave Instabilities in a Non-Newtonian Film on a Nonuniformly Heated Inclined Plane
Authors: Sadiq I. Mohammed Rizwan , Usha R.
Published: February 2009

A thin liquid layer of a non-Newtonian film falling down an inclined plane that is subjected to nonuniform heating has been considered. The temperature of the inclined plane is assumed to be linearly distributed and the case when the temperature gradient is positive or negative is investigated. The film flow is influenced by gravity, mean surface tension, and thermocapillary forces acting along the free surface. The coupling of thermocapillary instability and surface-wave instabilities is studied for two-dimensional disturbances. A nonlinear evolution equation is derived by applying the long-wave theory, and the equation governs the evolution of a power-law film flowing down a nonuniformly heated inclined plane. The linear stability analysis shows that the film flow system is stable when the plate temperature decreases in the downstream direction while it is less stable for increasing temperature along the plate. Weakly nonlinear stability analysis using the method of multiple scales has been investigated and this leads to a secular equation of the Ginzburg–Landau type. The analysis shows that both supercritical stability and subcritical instability are possible for the film flow system. The results indicate the existence of finite-amplitude waves, and the threshold amplitude and nonlinear speed of these waves are influenced by thermocapillarity. The nonlinear evolution equation for the film thickness is solved numerically in a periodic domain in the supercritical stable region, and the results show that the shape of the wave is influenced by the choice of wave number, non-Newtonian rheology, and nonuniform heating.
Electrohydraulic Fully Flexible Valve Actuation System With Internal Feedback
Authors: Sun Zongxuan
Published: February 2009

Fully flexible valve actuation (FFVA) system, often referred to as camless valvetrain, employs electronically controlled actuators in place of the camshaft to drive the intake or exhaust valves for internal combustion engines (ICEs). This system offers significant fuel economy benefits, emissions reduction, and better torque output performance for the ICE. It could also enable a number of advanced combustion concepts, such as homogeneous charge compression ignition. It further provides a common platform that incorporates the functions of cam phasing, two/three step cam or continuously variable lift, cylinder deactivation, port deactivation, etc. Therefore it is desirable to develop FFVA systems for future engines. In this paper, we first outline the technical barriers for developing production-viable FFVA systems. To address those challenges, a new electrohydraulic valve actuation concept with the “internal feedback” mechanism is presented. Key technical issues, such as dynamic range capability, valve motion performance, and energy consumption, are analyzed. Experimental results based on a prototype system are shown to demonstrate the capabilities and performance of the proposed system.
Perspective: Validation—What Does It Mean?
Authors: Roache Patrick J.
Published: February 2009

Ambiguities, inconsistencies, and recommended interpretations of the commonly cited definition of validation for computational fluid dynamics codes/models are examined. It is shown that the definition-deduction approach is prone to misinterpretation, and that bottom-up descriptions rather than top-down legalistic definitions are to be preferred for science-based engineering and journal policies, though legalistic definitions are necessary for contracts.
Active acoustical impedance using distributed electrodynamical transducers
Authors: Collet M. , David P. , Berthillier M.
Published: February 2009

New miniaturization and integration capabilities available from emerging microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology will allow silicon-based artificial skins involving thousands of elementary actuators to be developed in the near future. SMART structures combining large arrays of elementary motion pixels coated with macroscopic components are thus being studied so that fundamental properties such as shape, stiffness, and even reflectivity of light and sound could be dynamically adjusted. This paper investigates the acoustic impedance capabilities of a set of distributed transducers connected with a suitable controlling strategy. Research in this domain aims at designing integrated active interfaces with a desired acoustical impedance for reaching an appropriate global acoustical behavior. This generic problem is intrinsically connected with the control of multiphysical systems based on partial differential equations (PDEs) and with the notion of multiscaled physics when a dense array of electromechanical systems (or MEMS) is considered. By using specific techniques based on PDE control theory, a simple boundary control equation capable of annihilating the wave reflections has been built. The obtained strategy is also discretized as a low order time-space operator for experimental implementation by using a dense network of interlaced microphones and loudspeakers. The resulting quasicollocated architecture guarantees robustness and stability margins. This paper aims at showing how a well controlled semidistributed active skin can substantially modify the sound transmissibility or reflectivity of the corresponding homogeneous passive interface. In Sec. IV, numerical and experimental results demonstrate the capabilities of such a method for controlling sound propagation in ducts. Finally, in Sec. V, an energy-based comparison with a classical open-loop strategy underlines the system’s efficiency.
Transient motion of a circular plate after an impact
Authors: Moore Thomas R. , Zietlow Daniel W. , Gorman Christopher W. , Griffin Donald C. , Ballance Connor P. , Parker David J.
Published: February 2009

The transient response of a flat circular plate to a sudden impact has been studied experimentally and theoretically. High-speed electronic speckle pattern interferometry reveals the presence of pulses that travel around the edge of the plate ahead of the bending motion initiated by the strike. It is found that the transient motion of the plate is well described by Kirchhoff thin-plate theory over a time approximately equal to the time required for the initial impulse to circumvent the plate; however, a more sophisticated model is required to describe the motion after this time has elapsed.
Acoustic metafluids
Authors: Norris Andrew N.
Published: February 2009

Acoustic metafluids are defined as the class of fluids that allow one domain of fluid to acoustically mimic another, as exemplified by acoustic cloaks. It is shown that the most general class of acoustic metafluids are materials with anisotropic inertia and the elastic properties of what are known as pentamode materials. The derivation uses the notion of finite deformation to define the transformation of one region to another. The main result is found by considering energy density in the original and transformed regions. Properties of acoustic metafluids are discussed, and general conditions are found which ensure that the mapped fluid has isotropic inertia, which potentially opens up the possibility of achieving broadband cloaking.
The interaction of vocal characteristics and audibility in the recognition of concurrent syllables
Authors: Vestergaard Martin D. , Fyson Nicholas R. C. , Patterson Roy D.
Published: February 2009

In concurrent-speech recognition, performance is enhanced when either the glottal pulse rate (GPR) or the vocal tract length (VTL) of the target speaker differs from that of the distracter, but relatively little is known about the trading relationship between the two variables, or how they interact with other cues such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This paper presents a study in which listeners were asked to identify a target syllable in the presence of a distracter syllable, with carefully matched temporal envelopes. The syllables varied in GPR and VTL over a large range, and they were presented at different SNRs. The results showed that performance is particularly sensitive to the combination of GPR and VTL when the SNR is 0dB. Equal-performance contours showed that when there are no other cues, a two-semitone difference in GPR produced the same advantage in performance as a 20% difference in VTL. This corresponds to a trading relationship between GPR and VTL of 1.6. The results illustrate that the auditory system can use any combination of differences in GPR, VTL, and SNR to segregate competing speech signals.
Validation of theoretical models of phonation threshold pressure with data from a vocal fold mechanical replica
Authors: Lucero Jorge C. , Van Hirtum Annemie , Ruty Nicolas , Cisonni Julien , Pelorson Xavier
Published: February 2009

This paper analyzes the capability of a mucosal wave model of the vocal fold to predict values of phonation threshold lung pressure. Equations derived from the model are fitted to pressure data collected from a mechanical replica of the vocal folds. The results show that a recent extension of the model to include an arbitrary delay of the mucosal wave in its travel along the glottal channel provides a better approximation to the data than the original version of the model, which assumed a small delay. They also show that modeling the vocal tract as a simple inertive load, as has been proposed in recent analytical studies of phonation, fails to capture the effect of the vocal tract on the phonation threshold pressure with reasonable accuracy.
Range-dependent geoacoustic inversion of vertical line array data using matched beam processing
Authors: Kim Kyungseop , Seong Woojae , Lee Keunhwa , Kim Seongil , Shim Taebo
Published: February 2009

This paper describes the results of range-dependent geoacoustic inversion using vertical line array data obtained from the 4th Matched Acoustic Properties and Localization Experiment conducted in the East Sea of Korea. The narrowband multitone continuous-wave signal from the towed source was analyzed to estimate the range-dependent geoacoustic properties along the radial track. The primary approach is based on the sectorwise inversion scheme. The inversion region up to 7.5 km from the vertical line array was divided into several segments, and the subinversions for each segment were performed sequentially. To reduce the dominance of low-angle arrivals, which bears little information for the bottom segment in question, matched beam processing with beam filtering was used for the cost function. The performance of proposed algorithm was tested using simulated data for an environment representative of the experimental site. The inversion results for the experimental data were consistent with the geophysical database and were validated from matched-field source localization using frequencies different from those used in the inversion.
Model selection and Bayesian inference for high-resolution seabed reflection inversion
Authors: Dettmer Jan , Dosso Stan E. , Holland Charles W.
Published: February 2009

This paper applies Bayesian inference, including model selection and posterior parameter inference, to inversion of seabed reflection data to resolve sediment structure at a spatial scale below the pulse length of the acoustic source. A practical approach to model selection is used, employing the Bayesian information criterion to decide on the number of sediment layers needed to sufficiently fit the data while satisfying parsimony to avoid overparametrization. Posterior parameter inference is carried out using an efficient Metropolis–Hastings algorithm for high-dimensional models, and results are presented as marginal-probability depth distributions for sound velocity, density, and attenuation. The approach is applied to plane-wave reflection-coefficient inversion of single-bounce data collected on the Malta Plateau, Mediterranean Sea, which indicate complex fine structure close to the water-sediment interface. This fine structure is resolved in the geoacoustic inversion results in terms of four layers within the upper meter of sediments. The inversion results are in good agreement with parameter estimates from a gravity core taken at the experiment site.
Green's function approximation from cross-correlations of 20–100Hz noise during a tropical storm
Authors: Brooks Laura A. , Gerstoft Peter
Published: February 2009

Approximation of Green’s functions through cross-correlation of acoustic signals in the ocean, a method referred to as ocean acoustic interferometry, is potentially useful for estimating parameters in the ocean environment. Travel times of the main propagation paths between hydrophone pairs were estimated from interferometry of ocean noise data that were collected on three L-shaped arrays off the New Jersey coast while Tropical Storm Ernesto passed nearby. Examination of the individual noise spectra and their mutual coherence reveals that the coherently propagating noise is dominated by signals of less than 100Hz. Several time and frequency noise normalization techniques were applied to the low frequency data in order to determine the effectiveness of each technique for ocean acoustic applications. Travel times corresponding to the envelope peaks of the noise cross-correlation time derivatives of data were extracted from all three arrays, and are shown to be in agreement with the expected direct, surface-reflected, and surface-bottom-reflected interarray hydrophone travel times. The extracted Green’s function depends on the propagating noise. The Green’s function paths that propagate horizontally are extracted from long distance shipping noise, and during the storm the more vertical paths are extracted from breaking waves.
A characterization of Guyana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) whistles from Costa Rica: The importance of broadband recording systems
Authors: May-Collado Laura J. , Wartzok Douglas
Published: February 2009

Knowledge of the whistle structure in Guyana dolphins comes mostly from Brazilian populations where recordings have been made using limited bandwidth systems (18 and 24kHz). In Brazil, Guyana dolphin whistle frequency span is 1.34–23.89kHz, but authors have suggested that limits of their recording system may underestimate frequency span. Whistles of Guyana dolphins from Costa Rica were studied using a broadband recording system. How bandwidth limitations affect the understanding of whistle structure and species classification between sympatric dolphin species was evaluated. In addition, whistles were compared to Brazilian populations. Guyana dolphin whistle frequency span was 1.38 up to 48.40kHz, greater than previously reported. Bandwidth limitations explained 89% of the whistle variation between studies, and increase in bandwidth improved the whistle classification of Guyana dolphins. Whistle duration and minimum frequency were the most important variables in dolphin species classification. Finally, after accounting for differences in recording systems, Costa Rican Guyana dolphins whistled with significantly higher frequency than Brazilian populations, providing evidence for a postulated increase in frequency from south to north. The study concludes that equipment with an upper frequency limit of at least 50kHz (150kHz for harmonics) is required to capture the entire whistle repertoire of the Guyana dolphin.
The eigenspectra of Indian musical drums
Authors: Sathej G. , Adhikari R.
Published: February 2009

In a family of drums used in the Indian subcontinent, the circular drum head is made of material of nonuniform density. Remarkably, and in contrast to a circular membrane of uniform density, the low eigenmodes of the nonuniform membrane are harmonic. In this work the drum head is modeled as a nonuniform membrane whose density varies smoothly between two prescribed values. The eigenmodes and eigenvalues of the drum head are obtained using a high-resolution numerical method. The mathematical model and the numerical method are able to handle both concentric and eccentric nonuniformities, which correspond, respectively, to the dayan and the bayan drums. For a suitable choice of parameters, which are found by optimizing the harmonicity of the drum, the eigenspectra obtained from the model are in excellent agreement with experiment. The model and the numerical method should find application in numerical sound synthesis.
Response to a change in transport noise exposure: Competing explanations of change effects
Authors: Brown A. L. , van Kamp Irene
Published: February 2009

Annoyance response to a change in noise exposure appears to demonstrate an excess response relative to those predicted from exposure-response curves obtained under steady-state conditions. This change effect also appears to persist well after the change. Numerous explanations have been postulated for this phenomenon. This paper catalogs the different explanations and reviews the evidence for each. The evidence is of limited and variable quality but, while inadequate to endorse any one explanation, is sufficient to reject some notions and to identify a residual set of plausible explanations. These include two explanations based on modifiers of exposure-response relationships that potentially change between before and after conditions, an explanation based on differential response criteria of respondents chronically exposed to different steady-state levels of noise, and an explanation based on retention of coping strategies. All have ramifications for the assessment of human response (annoyance) where noise exposure changes, and some have wider implications for the interpretation of generalized exposure-response curves obtained in the steady state.
Expert diagnostic system for moving-coil loudspeakers using nonlinear modeling
Authors: Bai Mingsian R. , Huang Chau-Min
Published: February 2009

This work aims at the development of an expert diagnostic system for moving-coil loudspeakers. Special emphasis is placed on the defects resulting from loudspeaker nonlinearities. As a loudspeaker operates in the large signal domain, nonlinear distortions may arise and impair sound quality. Analysis of nonlinear responses can shed light on potential design faults of a loudspeaker. By exploiting this fact, this expert diagnostic system enables classification of design faults using a defect database alongside an intelligent fault inference module. Six types of defects are investigated in this paper. A large signal model based on electromechanical analogous circuits is employed for generating the defect database, through which a neural-fuzzy network is utilized for inferring the defect types. Numerical simulations and experimental investigations were undertaken for validating the loudspeaker diagnostic system.
NONCLASSICAL TRIPARTITE FIELD WITH MACROSCOPIC INTENSITY
Authors: ALLEVI ALESSIA , BONDANI MARIA , ANDREONI ALESSANDRA
Published: February 2009

We realize two interlinked nonlinear interactions by injecting two intense pumps in a single nonlinear crystal. Starting from the vacuum state, the process yields a tripartite entangled state. We investigate the evolution of the mean number of photons in the three generated fields as a function of the pump-field intensities and obtain a good agreement with the predictions of a single-mode theoretical description.
QUANTUM BIT ERROR RATE IN MODELED ATMOSPHERES
Authors: ANTONIETTI N. , MONDIN M. , DANESHGARAN F. , GIOVANELLI G. , KOSTADINOV I. , LUNELLI B. , BRIDA G. , GENOVESE M. , GRAMEGNA M.
Published: February 2009

The quantum bit error rate is a key quantity in quantum communications. If the quantum channel is the atmosphere, the information is usually encoded in the polarization of a photon. A link budget is required, which takes into account the depolarization of the photon after its interaction with the atmosphere as well as absorption, scattering and atmospheric emissions. An experimental setup for the reproduction of a simple model of the atmosphere is used to evaluate the quantum bit error rate in a BB84 protocol and the results are presented. This result represents a first step toward the realization of an optical bench experiment where atmospheric effects are simulated and controlled for reproducing the effects on a quantum channel in different meteorological situations.
COMBATING ENTANGLEMENT SUDDEN DEATH WITH NON-LOCAL QUANTUM-ERROR CORRECTION
Authors: SAINZ ISABEL , BJÖRK GUNNAR
Published: February 2009

We study the possibility of preventing finite-time disentanglement caused by dissipation by making use of non-local quantum error correction. This is made in comparison to previous results, where it was shown that local quantum error correction can delay disentanglement, but can also cause entanglement sudden death when it is not originally present.
TOWARDS HYPERENTANGLED STATES OF TWO PHOTONS AND SIX QUBITS
Authors: VALLONE G. , ROSSI A. , CECCARELLI R. , DE MARTINI F. , MATALONI P.
Published: February 2009

We discuss two possible ways to increase the dimension of a 4-qubit hyperentangled state of two photons generated through the spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) process. The two techniques are respectively based on the continuum of k-modes generated by a type I phase matched crystal and on the adoption of the time-energy entanglement as a further degree of freedom of the photons. The realization of an entangled state of two photons encoded in six (or even more) qubits, which can be transformed in a cluster state by suitable C-Phase gates, may represent a significant step towards the realization of efficient quantum computation based on the one-way model.
NON-MARKOVIAN DYNAMICS OF CAVITY LOSSES
Authors: SCALA MATTEO , MILITELLO BENEDETTO , MESSINA ANTONINO , PIILO JYRKI , MANISCALCO SABRINA , SUOMINEN KALLE-ANTTI
Published: February 2009

We provide a microscopic derivation for the non-Markovian master equation for an atom-cavity system with cavity losses and show that they can induce population trapping in the atomic excited state, when the environment outside the cavity has a non-flat spectrum. Our results apply to hybrid solid state systems and can turn out to be helpful to find the most appropriate description of leakage in the recent developments of cavity quantum electrodynamics.
TOWARD A FULL RECONSTRUCTION OF DENSITY MATRIX BY ON/OFF MEASUREMENTS
Authors: BRIDA G. , GENOVESE M. , GRAMEGNA M. , TRAINA P. , PREDAZZI E. , OLIVARES S. , PARIS M. G. A.
Published: February 2009

The knowledge of density matrix is fundamental for several applications, ranging from quantum information to the foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum optics. Nevertheless, quantum tomography based on homodyne detection is a rather complicated technique when applied to short pulses in photocounting regime. In this paper, we present an experimental work addressed to test an innovative scheme for a full reconstruction of the density matrix by using on/off detection coupled to phase measurements respect to a local oscillator.
Factors Associated with Severe Caries among Adults in Kuwait
Authors: Akpata E.S. , Al-Attar A. , Sharma P.N.
Published: February 2009

Aim: To investigate the relationship between caries etiological factors and occurrence of severe caries among adults in Kuwait. Methods: Forty-two adult patients with severe caries, attending Kuwait polyclinics, were compared with 36 caries-free subjects in a cross-sectional study. The patients with severe caries were aged 16 years or older and had a minimum of eight open coronal carious cavities, with the involvement of at least one anterior tooth. In addition, their salivary glands had not been compromised by disease or medication. The caries-free subjects had at least 24 standing teeth, and no carious cavities. Salivary flow rates, buffering capacity, frequency of sugar consumption, and oral hygiene index were measured. Mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus counts were determined by the dip-slide method. Results: Fisher’s exact test or χ2 test showed that the patients with severe caries had a significantly higher frequency of sugar consumption, plaque index, Lactobacillus and mutans streptococci counts, as compared with those who were caries-free. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in salivary flow rates or buffering capacity between the two groups of patients. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, only frequency of sugar consumption, oral hygiene, and mutans streptococci count were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of severe caries. Conclusion: Severe caries may occur in Kuwait even among adults whose salivary gland functions have not been compromised.
Induction of Interleukin-18 in Atherosclerotic Patients: A Role for Chlamydia pneumoniae
Authors: Mousa Alyaa , Al-Zaki Amani , Taha Safa , Bakhiet Moiz
Published: February 2009

Objectives: The present work explored gene expression and spontaneous induction of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) in atherosclerotic patients. In addition, the effect of the chlamydial antigen heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the induction of this mediator was examined. Subjects and Methods: Detection of IL-18 mRNA and protein level were assessed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in 15 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing angiograms and 15 matching controls. Results: These experiments showed significantly high levels of spontaneously expressed IL-18 mRNA and high protein levels in patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0005). Cells stimulated with chlamydial HSP60 (CHSP60) and LPS showed a significantly high expression of IL-18 at the mRNA level (p < 0.0005 for CHSP60 and p < 0.005 for LPS) and an increased production of IL-18 at protein level (p < 0.0005 for CHSP60 and p < 0.005 for LPS). Conclusion: This study demonstrated de novo synthesis of the inflammatory cytokine IL-18 in atherosclerosis and, furthermore, that chlamydial antigens might play a role in the immunopathological events in this disease by generating more inflammatory mediators such as IL-18.
Breastfeeding and Obesity among Kuwaiti Preschool Children
Authors: Al-Qaoud N. , Prakash P.
Published: February 2009

Objectives: To determine if breastfeeding and its duration are associated with a reduced risk of obesity among Kuwaiti preschool children. Subjects and Methods: The sample consisted of 2,291 (1,092 males and 1,199 females) preschool children (3–6 years of age) and their mothers. The data were collected from September 2003 to June 2004. Height and weight measurements were used for defining weight status while other data were collected by questionnaire. Results: There was no significant association of breastfeeding or its duration with either overweight or obesity among preschool children after adjusting for effects of the confounders. The child’s gender, age and birth weight were the significant factors influencing current weight. Girls were at 32% higher risk of becoming obese than boys. Children aged 4–5 years were at nearly 3 times higher risk of overweight and obesity than children of less than 4 years. Children with higher birth weight (≥4 kg) had double the risk of obesity than those of normal birth weight (≥2.5 to <4.0 kg). Maternal obesity was a strong predictor of obesity in the children. A child with an obese mother had nearly 2 times higher risk of being overweight (BMI between the 85th the 95th percentiles) and 3 times of being obese (BMI ≥95th percentile) compared to a child born to a mother with a normal body weight. Conclusion: Breastfeeding and its duration are not associated with obesity status. However, there is a positive association between child and maternal obesity.
Presymptomatic Generalized Brain Atrophy in Frontotemporal Dementia Caused by CHMP2B Mutation
Authors: Rohrer Jonathan D. , Ahsan R. Laila , Isaacs Adrian M. , Nielsen Jorgen E. , Ostergaard Leif , Scahill Rachael , Warren Jason D. , Rossor Martin N. , Fox Nick C. , Johannsen Peter
Published: February 2009

Background/Aims:CHMP2B mutations are a rare cause of familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The clinical syndrome is dominated by personality change and behavioural symptoms, but language, memory, calculation and praxis impairments are also seen early in the course of the disease. There are no detailed studies of brain imaging in CHMP2B mutation-associated FTD. This study aimed to investigate whether there were early or presymptomatic changes in this group of patients. Methods: Subjects comprised 16 members of a Danish family with CHMP2B mutation-associated FTD. Nine subjects were presymptomatic mutation carriers with a control group of 7 mutation-negative family members. Volumetric MRI brain scans were performed on all subjects at two time points, and rates of volume change were compared between the two groups. Results: We demonstrate that generalized atrophy occurs presymptomatically in CHMP2B gene mutation carriers. Conclusions: This finding suggests that mutations in CHMP2B have widespread effects throughout the brain, leading to a neuro-anatomical signature distinct from other diseases in the frontotemporal lobar degeneration spectrum.
Tube Is an IRAK-4 Homolog in a Toll Pathway Adapted for Development and Immunity
Authors: Towb Par , Sun Huaiyu , Wasserman Steven A.
Published: February 2009

Acting through the Pelle and IRAK family of protein kinases, Toll receptors mediate innate immune responses in animals ranging from insects to humans. In flies, the Toll pathway also functions in patterning of the syncytial embryo and requires Tube, a Drosophila-specific adaptor protein lacking a catalytic domain. Here we provide evidence that the Tube, Pelle, and IRAK proteins originated from a common ancestral gene. Following gene duplication, IRAK-4, Tube-like kinases, and Tube diverged from IRAK-1, Pelle, and related kinases. Remarkably, the function of Tube and Pelle in Drosophila embryos can be reconstituted in a chimera modeled on the predicted progenitor gene. In addition, a divergent property of downstream transcription factors was correlated with developmental function. Together, these studies reveal previously unrecognized parallels in Toll signaling in fly and human innate immunity and shed light on the evolution of pathway organization and function.
TGF-β Inhibits Ang II-Induced MAPK p44/42 Signaling in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Ang II Type 1 Receptor Downregulation
Authors: Meijering Bernadet D.M. , van der Wouden Els A. , Pelgröm Vincent , Henning Robert H. , Sharma Kumar , Deelman Leo E.
Published: February 2009

Vascular changes in diabetes are characterized by reduced vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling. Previously, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 impairs Ang II-induced contraction through reduced calcium mobilization. However, the effect of TGF-β1 on Ang II-induced vascular remodeling is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of TGF-β1 on Ang II-induced activation of the MAPK p44/42 pathway in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC). Activation of MAPK p44/42 was determined with a phospho-specific antibody. Angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1) and AT1 mRNA levels were measured by [3H]candesartan-binding and real-time PCR, respectively. AT1 gene transcription activity was assessed using AT1 promoter-reporter constructs and by a nuclear runoff assay. In TGF-β1-pretreated cells, Ang II-induced phosphorylation of MAPK p44/42 was inhibited by 29 and 46% for p42 and p44, respectively, and AT1 density was reduced by 31%. Furthermore, pretreatment with TGF-β1 resulted in a 64% reduction in AT1 mRNA levels and decreased AT1 mRNA transcription rate by 42%. Pretreatment with TGF-β1 blocked Ang II-induced proliferation of RASMC, while stimulating Ang II-induced upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1. In conclusion, TGF-β1 attenuates Ang II-mediated MAPK p44/42 kinase signaling in RASMC through downregulation of AT1 levels, which is mainly caused by the inhibition of transcription of the AT1 gene.
A Spatial Dissimilarity-based Index of the Jobs—Housing Balance: Conceptual Framework and Empirical Tests
Authors: Horner Mark W. , Marion Bernadette M.
Published: February 2009

Current measures of the jobs—housing balance such as jobs—housing ratios and theoretical minimum commutes are conceptually limiting. They fail to capture either multi-dimensional opportunities for possible spatial interaction or differential accessibilities to employment within a realistic commuting framework. A more comprehensive view of spatiality in the jobs—housing balance may be achieved by considering measures of spatial separation, such as those used to study segregation patterns. The purpose of this research is to show how segregation measures may be used to analyse residential—workplace separation. A new index is designed that incorporates spatial interaction concepts from location-based accessibility models. Mathematical properties of the new index are demonstrated along with an analysis that measures the jobs—housing balance. Development of this conceptual and analytical framework bridges previously unblended literatures in segregation indices and the jobs—housing balance.
Export Orientation and the Limits to Local Sovereignty
Authors: Persky Joseph J. , Doussard Marc , Wiewel Wim
Published: February 2009

The decade 1990—2000 marked a historical turnaround for large metropolitan areas in the US. For the first time in the post-World-War-II period these metropolitan areas experienced a reduction in the local share of economic activity relative to the export share. The long-standing shift from manufacturing to services, while continuing through the decade, was no longer sufficiently large to offset the increasing export orientation of non-manufacturing industries, including many services. At first glance, the increasing share of export activity in large metropolitan economies might suggest that state and local governments will lose flexibility in determining economic policy. However, the non-manufacturing industries with growing export shares are more place-based than most of the manufacturing exports they are replacing. The paper argues that state and local policy-makers thus continue to have considerable discretion in their choice of economic agendas.
Governance in the English Regions: The Role of the Regional Development Agencies
Authors: Pearce Graham , Ayres Sarah
Published: February 2009

In the absence of regional government, New Labour has pursued a process of administrative decentralisation in the English regions outside London, including the appointment of Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), charged with stimulating economic modernisation and assisting in reducing regional economic disparities. They have acquired a key position as strategic power-brokers situated between the agendas of Whitehall and the demands of sub-national interests. RDAs operate, however, within complex, competing structures, tied to meeting nationally determined targets and too little attention has been given to capturing their overall effectiveness. Reflecting New Labour's rejection of the need for a more even spread of economic activity between regions, RDAs also lack sufficient resources to make a significant impact on economic disparities. Treasury-led reforms could see the agencies taking responsibility for preparing single regional strategies, but there are contradictions between their remit to increase economic growth and deliver social and environmental objectives.
Is the Neighbourhood Effect an Economic or an Immigrant Issue? A Study of the Importance of the Childhood Neighbourhood for Future Integration into the Labour Market
Authors: Urban Susanne
Published: February 2009

The purported effects of concentrations of immigrants and poverty within cities on inclusion in the labour market are intensively discussed among politicians and researchers. This study uses a multilevel approach to analyse a large longitudinal dataset in Stockholm. The results confirm previous research that concludes that only a small fraction of socioeconomic output can be considered to be a result of neighbourhood origin. Moreover, it is concluded that economic characteristics of neighbourhoods have a larger impact than ethnic ones. Growing up in a wealthy area adds to the risk of having a low income at 24 and 25 years of age, but growing up in a poor area adds to the risk of being unemployed.
Understanding the Economic Performance of Metropolitan Areas in the United States
Authors: Blumenthal Pamela , Wolman Harold L. , Hill Edward
Published: February 2009

Examining the drivers of metropolitan economic performance, this paper models two dependent variables: change from 1990 to 2000 in gross metropolitan product and MSA employment. It is found that initial-year economic structure (an above average share of manufacturing employment), agglomeration economies, human capital (share of population with bachelor degrees or higher), and presence of state right-to-work laws are positively and significantly related to GMP and employment growth, while the economic age of the area, percentage of Black non-Hispanic residents and average wage at the beginning of the period are negatively and significantly related to both. The regional dummy variables commonly used to explain economic growth, and typically highly significant, are augmented by including climate-related amenity, business environment and economic age. When these three variables are included in the model as independent variables with the regional dummy variables, all three are significant for growth in GMP and the significance of region largely disappears.
Constraints on Neighbourhood Activism: Experiences with Services Upgrading in Nakuru, Kenya
Authors: Post Johan , Mwangi Samson
Published: February 2009

This paper tries to explain why community action and partnering in services upgrading in Nakuru, Kenya, has only produced very modest results. Although inhabitants feel connected to their neighbourhood, they do not automatically translate their attachment into concrete action to improve liveability. This is due to a range of reasons, including competing loyalties of citizens, antagonism between local leaders, pervasive influence of patronage and cronyism, chronic weaknesses of local government and tendencies of CBOs to become more exclusionary. These findings somewhat temper the general optimism in the Habitat literature about the potentials of communities in spurring local development processes. Nakuru is a good place to investigate this issue since it is often portrayed as an example of best practice in local-government—community interaction, especially because of its commitment to the LA-21 process.
The Latent Structure of Sexual Violence Risk
Authors: Walters Glenn D. , Knight Raymond A. , Thornton David
Published: February 2009

Actuarial scores from widely used sex offender risk instruments (Minnesota Sex Offender Screening Tool—Revised, Risk Matrix 2000, Static—99, Sex Offender Risk Appraisal Guide, Sexual Violent Risk—20, and Structured Risk Assessment) as well as the Psychopathy Checklist—Revised were subjected to taxometric analysis in a sample of 503 sex offending males using the following three procedures: mean above minus below a cut, maximum eigenvalue, and latent mode factor analysis. Results showed consistent support for a dimensional interpretation of the latent structure of sexual violence risk and psychopathic sexuality. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed with respect to the etiology of sexual violence risk. Clinical implications are discussed with respect to future development of sex offender risk assessment procedures and cutoff scores.