bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetoelastic coupling and possibility of spintronic electromagnetomechanical effects
Authors: Gomonay Helen V. , Kondovych Svitlana V. , Loktev Vadim M.
Published: July 2012

Nanoelectromagnetomechanical systems (NEMMS) open up a new path for the development of high speed autonomous nanoresonators and signal generators that could be used as actuators, for information processing, as elements of quantum computers etc. Those NEMMS that include ferromagnetic layers could be controlled by the electric current due to effects related with spin transfer. In the present paper we discuss another situation when the current-controlled behavior of nanorod that includes an antiferro- (instead of one of ferro-) magnetic layer. We argue that in this case ac spin-polarized current can also induce resonant coupled magnetomechanical oscillations and produce an oscillating magnetization of antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer. These effects are caused by (i) spin-transfer torque exerted to AFM at the interface with nonmagnetic spacer and by (ii) the effective magnetic field produced by the spin-polarized free electrons due to sd-exchange. The described nanorod with an AFM layer can find an application in magnetometry and as a current-controlled high-frequency mechanical oscillator.
Communication
Authors: Mack Jennifer W. , Liben Stephen
Published: July 2012

Communication is the framework that supports the clinician–child/family relationship, and this relationship is itself therapeutic, as has been expressed by the many bereaved parents who have said ‘I don’t know how I would have got through this without you/your team.’ Through communication, clinicians learn who the child and family members are as unique human beings, and have the opportunity to develop relationships that form the context of care and decision making over time. Although the words that are used in conversations are important, the connections that are developed with patients and their families constitute the true significance of this work. It is in building solid and often profound relationships that both clinicians and families can find meaning in even the most difficult circumstances. Indeed, for many who work with these children and their families, such relationships are one of the main reasons why they continue to choose to do this work.
The psychological impact of life-limiting conditions on the child
Authors: Aldridge Jan , Sourkes Barbara M.
Published: July 2012

Support is garnered from a variety of sources depending on the individual. This may include family, friends, faith groups, pets, and members of the professional team, as well as such sources as art, music, and literature. Support can be a part of psychological input, but it does not encompass the range of psychological work and interventions that are available to the children and their families in palliative care. Ideally, psychological care would be considered throughout the illness trajectory. The psychological status of each child with palliative care needs would be regularly evaluated in order to plan for and provide optimal care, in the same way as medical and nursing needs are kept under review. The children`s needs are multi-faceted and adjustment is not static. The danger, without review, is that the ability to contribute in a timely fashion may be missed. Mental health disciplines such as clinical psychology and psychiatry provide specialized knowledge and skills. Specific interventions include evaluation of the child’s psychological state, recognition of psychological symptomatology and disturbance, the role of psychotherapy and psychotropic medication, and consultation for families and the team. The healthy siblings are included within this network of care. Thus, under optimal circumstances, psychological input can play a pivotal role in the integration of the child’s comprehensive palliative care.
Adolescents and young adults
Authors: Craig Finella , Lidstone Victoria
Published: July 2012

Young adults with palliative care needs form a distinct group with physical, emotional, psychological, and social needs that are significantly different from those of either children or mature adults. They are neither ‘large children’ nor ‘small adults’, but form a continuum (adolescence) during which their needs as children are evolving into those of adults, culminating in the formation of an established adult identity. Their demands for symptom management are often complex, but perhaps no more so than in other age groups. Therefore in this chapter we wish to focus on the unique needs of this specific group of young people. We shall explore key processes in adolescent development and the ways in which a lifelimiting or life-threatening illness can affect these. The task for professionals is to deliver palliative care while supporting and respecting the transition from child to adult and the challenges that this brings. Some of our patients will die before the transition to adulthood is completed, while others will survive, but with adult identities that have been built on very different experiences and principles from those of their peers.
Education and school
Authors: Brown Erica
Published: July 2012

School plays a unique role in our society and in the lives of children. The school plays a major role in the social, emotional, aesthetic, and physical development of children. School programmes promote the development of mutual respect, cooperation, and social responsibility, and emphasize the worth of each individual. School is the only public institution whose primary role is to foster the cognitive development of young people, and education is the largest common ground for the general child population. Some might wonder why a child who is not expected to live beyond the teenage years would bother learning algebra or studying Julius Caesar. Others might question the value of a child being involved in classroom activities if he has a metabolic disease that limits his ability to communicate, or to learn how to read and write. This chapter will look at why education can and should play an important role in the lives of children with progressive life-limiting illnesses, and also at the unique challenges faced by educators as they work collaboratively with healthcare providers to deliver a high-quality educational experience for these children. Why educate children who have progressive life-limiting illnesses, and also at the unique challenges faced by educators as they work collaboratively with healthcare providers to deliver a high-quality educational experience for these children.
Pain assessment
Authors: Hunt Anne
Published: July 2012

This chapter examines pain assessment within a philosophical and social context. Models of pain are introduced that have an impact on our understanding of pain as perceived by both the pain sufferer and the observer of the other’s pain. A social model of pain is identified whereby pain is not viewed as purely subjective, but as an experience that has subjective, objective, and intersubjective criteria. Viewed from an intersubjective or social perspective, observers can come to know another’s pain. This intersubjective perspective is in turn supported by the idea of ‘pain assessment.’ Although communication of pain from one individual to another is not necessarily straightforward, it can be assisted by the use of pain assessment tools. Several such tools are introduced that may assist in the assessment of pain in children with life-limiting conditions. The use of these tools is discussed in relation to the developmental and disease status of children with potentially life-limiting conditions.
Haematological symptoms
Authors: Chan Mei-Yoke
Published: July 2012

The management of symptomatic anaemia, minor bleeding, and other rarer haematological symptoms in the palliative phase illustrates very well the challenging decisions that face professionals who are working with dying children. On the one hand, modern medical interventions have the capacity to relieve some of the symptoms that haematological abnormalities can cause. On the other hand, the interventions themselves carry morbidity and can cause not only symptoms related to physical reactions, but also often emotional and psychological issues related to otherwise avoidable hospital attendance. The ethical issues involved in subjecting a child — whose voice is often not heard — to treatments just because they are available should also be carefully considered.The best clinical decision can only be made by considering the needs of the individual child and their family, giving appropriate weight to the risks of giving an intervention, both physical and otherwise, and the risks of withholding it. In this respect, management of haematological symptoms is typical of thoughtful and skilled childhood palliative care in general.
Quality improvement
Authors: Kane Javier R. , Baker Justin N.
Published: July 2012

Palliative care can improve the quality of children’s care, and emphasis on QI can facilitate the dissemination of palliative care practices within the healthcare system. Research, evidence-based practice, and QI are necessary to transform knowledge into improved care for this vulnerable population of children and families. Public support and collaboration between clinicians, educators, administrators, researchers, policy makers, and consumers is needed for the development of valid, reliable, and feasible measures that can be utilized broadly in the evaluation of the quality of paediatric hospice and palliative care, and to create the evidence base necessary for measure development and QI. Healthcare organizations are essential for building and supporting systems of care that are capable of sustaining institution-wide quality assurance programmes through adequate funding, education, and state-of-the-art health information technology.
Regional Anesthesia: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Dilger John A. , Mantilla Carlos B. , Bacon Douglas R.
Published: July 2012

Chapter 1 provides a brief outline of the history of regional anesthesia, from ancient Egypt to its modern origins in the late 19th century. Nerve localization techniques are also reviewed, covering the progression from the paresthesia technique to peripheral nerve stimulation to ultrasound guidance. The importance and implications of peripheral nerve blockade are covered as well.
Complications of Peripheral Nerve Blockade
Authors: Hebl James R.
Published: July 2012

Most complication associated with peripheral nerve blockade fall into one of three categories: neurologic, hemorrhagic, or infectious. Most neurologic complications are attributable to mechanical trauma or local anesthetic toxicity. Patient, procedure, and anesthetic risk factors are reviewed. Hemorrhagic complications include bruising and hematoma formation. Single-injection and continuous catheter techniques are discussed. The possible role of catheters in infectious complications of nerve blockade is examined.
Suprascapular Blockade
Authors: Jurrens Thomas J.
Published: July 2012

Suprascapular blockade provides analgesia of the shoulder joint, capsule, and skin without anesthetizing the phrenic nerve. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications.
Axillary Blockade
Authors: Kopp Sandra L. , Smith Hugh M.
Published: July 2012

Infraclavicular blockade is best suited for patients undergoing surgery of the elbow, forearm, wrist, or hand. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications. Use of ultrasound guidance and continuous nerve catheters is also reviewed.
Midhumeral Blockade
Authors: Kopp Sandra L.
Published: July 2012

Midhumeral blockade is commonly used for surgical procedures of the hand, wrist, and forearm. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications.
Elbow Blockade
Authors: Rettke Steven R. , Smith Hugh M.
Published: July 2012

Nerve blocks at the elbow have limited but specific clinical applications, which are described. In addition, the following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications. Use of ultrasound guidance for this block is also reviewed.
Paravertebral Blockade
Authors: Kopp Sandra L. , Smith Hugh M.
Published: July 2012

Thoracic paravertebral blockade is commonly used for unilateral breast, axillary, or chest wall surgery. Cervical and lumbar paravertebral blockade have also been described; however, their usefulness is limited. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications.
Posterior Lumbar Plexus (Psoas Compartment) Blockade
Authors: Kopp Sandra L.
Published: July 2012

Posterior lumbar plexus, or psoas compartment, block is primarily used to provide unilateral anesthesia and analgesia to the proximal aspect of the thigh and hip. The following aspects of the procedure are reviewed: clinical applications, relevant anatomy, patient position, technique (including neural localization techniques, needle insertion site, and needle redirection cues), and side effects and complications. Use of peripheral nerve catheters is also reviewed.
Pediatric Antimicrobial Dosing
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

• Neonate: Full-term newborn 0–4 weeks postnatal age

• Infant: 1 month to 1 year of age

• Child: >1 year to 12 years of age

• Adolescent: 13–18 years of age

• Adult: >18 years of age

The following tables do ...
Pediatric Vancomycin Dosing
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

Information in the following tables does NOT apply to the dosing of antimicrobials in neonates.

• Measure vancomycin serum levels (trough) in cases of:

• Unstable or changing renal function

• Administration of other nephrotoxic drugs

• Positive blood cultures or other cultures...
Central Nervous System Infections
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

•Clinical: The diagnosis of meningitis is suggested by the constellation of headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Some patients may also experience changes in mental status.

•Radiology: Computed tomograms or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain may be indicated for immunocompromised patients and patients with papilledema or focal neurologic deficits. However, neuroimaging should not delay initiation of antimicrobial therapy....
Soft Tissue Infections: Necrotizing or Toxigenic
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

• A high index of suspicion is critical in the diagnosis of necrotizing or toxigenic soft tissue infections.

• Minor or major trauma can predispose patients to necrotizing soft tissue infections, which are more common in obese patients, patients with diabetes mellitus, and immunocompromised patients....
Osteomyelitis
Authors: Wilson John W. , Estes Lynn L.
Published: July 2012

•Clinical: Localized pain and tenderness of involved bone; systemic signs and symptoms of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis

•Radiology: Bone destruction or sequestrum in chronic cases; use of nuclear scanning, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography may aid diagnosis and staging

•Laboratory: White blood cell count is often normal; erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are usually elevated...
Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Munis James R.
Published: July 2012

If you're going to understand how to think about pressures within the circulatory system, though, you'll need to know a few of the not-so-obvious principles of hydrostatics. Hydrostatic pressure is affected only by the density of the fluid, its vertical height above or below a measurement point, and the acceleration due to gravity. If the larger mass of water in the ocean exerts greater pressure than the smaller mass of water in your vertical pipe, then you should see water perpetually flowing through the pipe and rising higher than sea level. Continual flow doesn't happen in this example for the same reason as described above—hydrostatic pressure is not determined by the shape of the fluid container or the total mass of fluid that it contains. Here, only the vertical distance above the measurement point is important. Now let's apply these principles to the siphon, defined as any fluid-filled conduit that excludes air. The reason for broaching this issue is that the cardiovascular system also obeys the principle of the siphon.
Aspergillus Species
Authors: Kusne Shimon , McCullough Ann E.
Published: July 2012

Aspergillus are ubiquitous molds that grow quickly, forming fluffy colonies in culture. Under microscopic examination an erect conidiophore has a swollen vesicle covered with phialides, which give rise to conidia. In tissue, hyphae predominate. The most common pathogen is Aspergillus fumigatus. Other pathogenic species include Aspergillus
flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ustus, and Aspergillus nidulans. There are increasing reports of other rare species causing infection.
Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Kasten Mary J.
Published: July 2012

Classic definition of fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a fever for more than 3 weeks, a temperature of 38.3 C or higher on several occasions, and no definitive diagnosis after 1 week of hospital evaluation. Recent series have used other criteria instead of 1 week of hospital evaluation: 1 week of intensive outpatient evaluation, 3 outpatient visits, or a battery of laboratory tests. A comprehensive history should be obtained and a physical examination and basic laboratory and radiographic testing should be performed before stating that a patient has FUO. There is no clear consensus in the literature for defining the minimal diagnostic evaluation. The common causes of FUO are infection, cancer, rheumatologic or autoimmune disorders, and miscellaneous hematologic conditions. Treatment is empirical if a cause is not found.
Infections of the Oral Cavity, Neck, and Head
Authors: Brumble Lisa M.
Published: July 2012

The origin of many infections of the oral cavity, head, and neck is odontogenic. Typically, these infections are polymicrobial, with obligate anaerobes and facultative anaerobes that are part of the indigenous flora of the oral cavity. A microbial shift toward obligate anaerobes occurs as the infection spreads deeper into oral, facial, and neck spaces. Initially infection invades the gingiva or other periodontal tissues or tooth enamel, then spreads into surrounding tissues along paths of least resistance. Other causes are oral mucosal infections, salivary gland infection, and miscellaneous infections of the head and neck: cervical adenitis, infected embryologic cysts, suppurative thyroiditis, and human and animal bites. Specific syndromes and their diagnosis and treatment are also reviewed.
Adult Immunizations
Authors: Sampathkumar Priya
Published: July 2012

No vaccine is 100 % effective or completely safe. All vaccines are associated with risks and benefits that need to be balanced against each other. Personal benefits include protection from illness, improved quality of life, and prevention of death. Societal benefits include creation of herd immunity, prevention of disease outbreaks, and a decrease in health care costs. Vaccines are recommended for the youngest age group of people at risk of the disease for whom safety and efficacy data are available. Detailed schedules are published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Program for both adults and children. These schedules should be adhered to as much as possible Specific vaccines administered in adulthood are reviewed.
Segmenting tourists by direct tourism expenditures at new festivals
Authors: Taylor Damonte L. , Collins Michael D. , Megehee Carol M.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for estimating new direct tourism spending resulting from a new event in an existing destination.

Design/methodology/approach

Intercept surveys were conducted on site at six of nine festival locations. Of the 308 festival participants approached at random and asked to participate, 264 agreed to participate (86 percent response rate). On further inquiry, only 47 percent of those agreeing to participate were found to be from zip codes outside of the Horry/Georgetown County “Grand Strand” tourist area. These 145 festival participants were administered surveys.

Findings

Less than 30 percent of total tourist spending at the festival is attributable to new tourists – those who specifically travelled to the destination primarily for the event and have historically attended Myrtle Beach less than one time per year. Consequently, the economic impact of the festival, in terms of new spending, was relatively small compared with the total amount of tourist spending by all tourists at the festival.

Originality/value

The study provides an example of an event for which new tourist spending could have been overestimated if all tourist spending had been considered to be new spending.
The role of sentiment indicators for real estate market forecasting
Authors: Tsolacos Sotiris
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the behaviour of economic sentiment indicators at rent‐growth turning points and indicators' ability to forecast such turning points. More specifically, the paper looks at whether early signals are generated for forthcoming periods of negative and positive office rent growth. The analysis aims to complement structural model forecasting in the real estate market with short‐term forecasting techniques designed to predict turning points.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of this study is achieved by deploying a probit model to examine the ability of economic sentiment indicator series to signal the direction of office rents and the strength of movement in this direction. The main advantage of this approach is that it is geared towards predicting turning points. Probit models are non‐linear in nature, and as such they can capture more effectively the likely asymmetric adjustments when turning points occur than linear methodologies would. The analysis is applied to three major office centres – La Défense, London City, and Frankfurt – to examine whether the results will differ by geography.

Findings

The findings reveal that the probit methodology utilising information from economic sentiment indicators generates advance signals for periods of contraction and expansion in office rents across all three markets: La Défense, London City, and Frankfurt. The lead times for La Défense and Frankfurt are longer than those for London City and range between three and nine months. The evidence in this paper clearly supports the appeal of sentiment indicators and probit analysis to inform forecasting and risk assessment processes.

Originality/value

Acknowledging the limitations of structural models and related methodologies and the lack of adequate research on turning‐point prediction in the real estate market, this study forecasts episodes of negative and positive office rent growth applying appropriate techniques and data that lead economic activity, are of monthly frequency, and are not revised historically. The paper raises awareness of a forecasting approach that should complement structural models and judgmental forecasting, given its suitability for short‐term forecasting and for signalling turning points in advance.
Green agenda and green performance: empirical evidence for real estate companies
Authors: Cajias Marcelo , Geiger Peter , Bienert Sven
Published: July 2012

Purpose

A green agenda has become a growing subject throughout an increasing number of European listed real estate companies over the last decade. The focus on sustainability is presumably not only goodwill or legislation driven but is rather a benefit driven action to achieve an economic surplus. The purpose of this paper is the development of an adequate sustainability definition, the investigation of the effect of a sustainability agenda on a company level, and the identification of possible financial benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an explorative qualitative and quantitative study. First, the authors developed a four‐bottom‐line real estate sustainability agenda in accordance with the guidelines of the European Public Real Estate Association and the Global Reporting Initiative. Second, the study examines 80 European listed real estate companies from 2006 until 2009, and third, the study applies a panel analysis with conditional and unconditional regression techniques.

Findings

After classifying firms across different levels of sustainability intensity and quantifying the impact of an intensive green agenda the authors found a positive linkage between a green agenda and a green performance, especially in terms of an increased ability to generate revenues and a decreased level of idiosyncratic stock volatility. As a result, green commitments are not merely altruisms but are economically driven instead.

Originality/value

This paper gives, to the authors' knowledge, a first insight of how European real estate listed companies behave in terms of corporate social responsibility. The study contributes to the theoretical literature of corporate sustainable real estate companies by establishing an economic transmission mechanism as well as providing empirical evidence in favour of responsible activities.
The role of Smart Home in Smart Real Estate
Authors: Allameh Erfaneh , Heidari Jozam Mohammadali , de Vries Bauke , Timmermans Harry , Beetz Jakob , Mozaffar Farhang
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review an emerging type of dwelling, indicated as Smart Home, with a focus on future user lifestyles and needs. Trends toward sustainability and technological changes dramatically alter the concepts of Smart Home. Consequently, real estate decisions are going to be affected by the Smart Home development. Inspired by research in the field of user centered design and future lifestyles, the authors redefine the housing design to increase the acceptance of Smart Homes in the society.

Design/methodology/approach

Upcoming trends and developments in housing technologies and concepts are reviewed and analyzed. A multidimensional definition of a Smart Home is suggested which allows a better understanding of the new elements and spaces of this future home. A new concept of a home environment is presented in which virtual space and ambient intelligent space is integrated within the physical space. Furthermore, possible changes in lifestyles enabled by new technological developments are identified. Linking the new home environment concepts with the user's lifestyles provides a research framework for the investigation of Smart Homes. This framework is helpful in addressing the trends of sustainable society inside the domain of Smart Homes and Smart Real Estate.

Findings

In this paper, the authors provide answers to questions on the feasibility and impact of new technologies on future lifestyle and dwelling in the domain of real estate.

Originality/value

The presented research framework is not only relevant for academic researchers but also for real estate investors, because it highlights the risks that need to be managed when developing Smart Real Estate.
An empirical analysis of the role of industrial brands for industrial distributors
Authors: Hinterhuber Andreas , Hinterhuber Giulia
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Current research on industrial management strategy is mostly directed at industrial end customers. In doing so, current research overlooks one critical constituency – industrial retailers, i.e. companies selling products manufactured by industrial manufacturers to other companies using these products to create a finished product or service. Since the current literature states that retailers are mostly interested in category profit margins and profitability (regardless of specific brands), it is not clear whether industrial retailers value brands at all. The purpose of this paper is to determine the importance of industrial brands versus other purchase criteria for industrial distributors.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies are conducted to examine the importance of brands vis‐à‐vis other purchase criteria for industrial retailers and end users. In a longitudinal study employing conjoint analysis the authors find that industrial brands have a larger impact on industrial retailer choice than product price or margin.

Findings

First, these results suggest that industrial brands are a strong purchase driver also for industrial retailers (and not just industrial end users). Second, industrial marketing managers are thus well advised to invest in brand building to positively impact industrial retailer choice, rather than reducing prices or increasing product margins as the prevailing literature suggests. In conclusion, these studies seem to suggest that retailers use brands not only as associative or predictive cues of product performance, but also as predictive indicator of a product's expected future profitability.

Research limitations/implications

From a theoretical point of view, the authors’ studies suggest that industrial brands not only transmit cues to prospective end‐customers, but also send cues to intermediaries – such as industrial retailers – which influences their decision‐making processes. The strong importance B2B retailers place on brands as key purchase factor is an indicator that retailers use brands not only as associative or predictive cues of product performance, but also as predictive indicator of a product's expected future profitability (i.e. profit margins and asset turnover), which positively affects retailers’ own profitability. The results of this study are also an indication that the relationship between industrial manufacturers and industrial retailers are probably driven more by considerations of cooperation than by considerations of conflict.

Practical implications

As a managerial implication, it is suggested that industrial marketing executives should invest in brand building to positively impact industrial retailer choice, rather than reducing prices or increasing product margins, as the prevailing literature suggests.

Originality/value

In this paper, three separate empirical studies are conducted to examine the role of brands in industrial management practice.
Noise suppression in reconstruction of low‐Z target megavoltage cone‐beam CT images
Authors: Wang Jing , Robar James , Guan Huaiqun
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

To improve the image contrast‐to‐noise (CNR) ratio for low‐Z target megavoltage cone‐beam CT (MV CBCT) using a statistical projection noise suppression algorithm based on the penalized weighted least‐squares (PWLS) criterion.

Methods:

Projection images of a contrast phantom, a CatPhan® 600 phantom and a head phantom were acquired by a Varian 2100EX LINAC with a low‐Z (Al) target and low energy x‐ray beam (2.5 MeV) at a low‐dose level and at a high‐dose level. The projections were then processed by minimizing the PWLS objective function. The weighted least square (WLS) term models the noise of measured projection and the penalty term enforces the smoothing constraints of the projection image. The variance of projection data was chosen as the weight for the PWLS objective function and it determined the contribution of each measurement. An anisotropic quadratic form penalty that incorporates the gradient information of projection image was used to preserve edges during noise reduction. Low‐Z target MV CBCT images were reconstructed by the FDK algorithm after each projection was processed by the PWLS smoothing.

Results:

Noise in low‐Z target MV CBCT images were greatly suppressed after the PWLS projection smoothing, without noticeable sacrifice of the spatial resolution. Depending on the choice of smoothing parameter, the CNR of selected regions of interest in the PWLS processed low‐dose low‐Z target MV CBCT image can be higher than the corresponding high‐dose image.

Conclusion:

The CNR of low‐Z target MV CBCT images was substantially improved by using PWLS projection smoothing. The PWLS projection smoothing algorithm allows the reconstruction of high contrast low‐Z target MV CBCT image with a total dose of as low as 2.3 cGy.
Dominance of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the Facultative Jejunal Lactobacillus Microbiota of Fistulated Beagles
Authors: Tang Yurui , Manninen Titta J. K. , Saris Per E. J.
Published: July 2012

Lactobacilli were isolated from jejunal chyme from five fistulated beagles. Cultivable lactobacilli varied from 10
4
to 10
8
CFU/ml. Seventy-four isolates were identified by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing and differentiated by repetitive element PCR (Rep-PCR),
Lactobacillus acidophilus
was dominant, and nearly 80% of 54 isolates shared the same DNA fingerprint pattern.
Identification and characterization of GEO1, a new class II hydrophobin from Geosmithia spp.
Authors: Bettini Priscilla P. , Frascella Arcangela , Comparini Cecilia , Carresi Lara , Pepori Alessia L. , Pazzagli Luigia , Cappugi Gianni , Scala Felice , Scala Aniello
Published: July 2012

In the present paper we describe a new noncatalytic protein belonging to the hydrophobin family, designated GEO1, purified from the culture filtrate of Geosmithia pallida (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), and the corresponding gene sequence. In the fungal genome, GEO1 was encoded by a single-copy gene with a 450 bp open reading frame interrupted by 2 small introns whose primary translation product was 109 amino acids long and included a 23 amino acids signal peptide. The mature protein had a molecular mass of 8111.75 Da and a theoretical pI of 4.33. The deduced amino acid sequence showed similarity to class II hydrophobins and contained 8 conserved cysteine residues, present in all hydrophobins isolated so far. Biochemical properties, such as foam-forming ability and trapezoid-like shape of a GEO1 drop, also resembled the typical features of the class II hydrophobins. Expression of the geo1 gene was assessed after 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11 days of culture and showed that the geo1 transcript appeared after 7 days and increased up to 11 days.
Stat1 activation attenuates IL-6 induced Stat3 activity but does not alter apoptosis sensitivity in multiple myeloma
Authors: Dimberg Lina Y , Dimberg Anna , Ivarsson Karolina , Fryknäs Mårten , Rickardson Linda , Tobin Gerard , Ekman Simon , Larsson Rolf , Gullberg Urban , Nilsson Kenneth , Öberg Fredrik , Wiklund Helena Jernberg
Published: July 2012

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is at present an incurable malignancy, characterized by apoptosis-resistant tumor cells. Interferon (IFN) treatment sensitizes MM cells to Fas-induced apoptosis and is associated with an increased activation of Signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)1. The role of Stat1 in MM has not been elucidated, but Stat1 has in several studies been ascribed a pro-apoptotic role. Conversely, IL-6 induction of Stat3 is known to confer resistance to apoptosis in MM.

Methods

To delineate the role of Stat1 in IFN mediated sensitization to apoptosis, sub-lines of the U-266-1970 MM cell line with a stable expression of the active mutant Stat1C were utilized. The influence of Stat1C constitutive transcriptional activation on endogenous Stat3 expression and activation, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes were analyzed. To determine whether Stat1 alone would be an important determinant in sensitizing MM cells to apoptosis, the U-266-1970-Stat1C cell line and control cells were exposed to high throughput compound screening (HTS).

Results

To explore the role of Stat1 in IFN mediated apoptosis sensitization of MM, we established sublines of the MM cell line U-266-1970 constitutively expressing the active mutant Stat1C. We found that constitutive nuclear localization and transcriptional activity of Stat1 was associated with an attenuation of IL-6-induced Stat3 activation and up-regulation of mRNA for the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein family genes Harakiri, the short form of Mcl-1 and Noxa. However, Stat1 activation alone was not sufficient to sensitize cells to Fas-induced apoptosis. In a screening of > 3000 compounds including bortezomib, dexamethasone, etoposide, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), geldanamycin (17-AAG), doxorubicin and thalidomide, we found that the drug response and IC50 in cells constitutively expressing active Stat1 was mainly unaltered.

Conclusion

We conclude that Stat1 alters IL-6 induced Stat3 activity and the expression of pro-apoptotic genes. However, this shift alone is not sufficient to alter apoptosis sensitivity in MM cells, suggesting that Stat1 independent pathways are operative in IFN mediated apoptosis sensitization.
Efficiency with Linear Prices? A Game-Theoretical and Computational Analysis of the Combinatorial Clock Auction
Authors: Bichler Martin , Shabalin Pasha , Ziegler Georg
Published: July 2012

Combinatorial auctions have been suggested as a means to raise efficiency in multi-item negotiations with complementarities among goods because they can be applied in procurement, energy markets, transportation, and the sale of spectrum auctions. The combinatorial clock (CC) auction has become very popular in these markets for its simplicity and for its highly usable price discovery, derived by the use of linear prices. Unfortunately, no equilibrium bidding strategies are known. Given the importance of the CC auction in the field, it is highly desirable to understand whether there are efficient versions of the CC auction providing a strong game theoretical solution concept. So far, equilibrium strategies have only been found for combinatorial auctions with nonlinear and personalized prices for very restricted sets of bidder valuations. We introduce an extension of the CC auction, the CC+ auction, and show that it actually leads to efficient outcomes in an ex post equilibrium for general valuations with only linear ask prices. We also provide a theoretical analysis on the worst case efficiency of the CC auction, which highlights situations in which the CC leads to highly inefficient outcomes. As in other theoretical models of combinatorial auctions, bidders in the field might not be able to follow the equilibrium strategies suggested by the game-theoretical predictions. Therefore, we complement the theoretical findings with results from computational and laboratory experiments using realistic value models. The experimental results illustrate that the CC+ auction can have a significant impact on efficiency compared to the CC auction.
Influence of arterial hypertension on colonic healing in rats
Authors: Ortolan Gilberto Luiz , Biondo-Simões Maria de Lourdes Pessole , Fávero Giovani Marino , Fernandes Daniel , Montemór Netto Mário Rodrigues , Olchanheski Jr Luiz Renato
Published: July 2012

PURPOSE: Evaluation of colonic healing in spontaneously hypertensive rats. METHODS: Fifty male, young and inbred rats were used. Twenty-five Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) as control and twenty-five spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) as an experimental group. Colotomy and bowel suture at 2.5 cm from the peritoneal reflection were performed. All animals were allocated randomly into sub-groups for review at the third, seventh and fourteenth days after surgery. We evaluated the concentration of angiotensin II, the burst pressure, epithelialization, the organization of the tunics of the bowel wall, inflammatory response and collagen deposition. RESULTS: The burst pressure, epithelialization, organization of the tunics and collagen deposition was not significant between groups. The inflammatory reaction was more intense in the control group on the third postoperative day (p=0.023) as the experimental group on the remaining time. CONCLUSION: Systemic arterial hypertension in rats did not influence significantly the healing process of colonic anastomoses.
Equivalence of Partition Functions Leads to Classification of Entropies and Means
Authors: Elnaggar Michel S. , Kempf Achim
Published: July 2012

We derive a two-parameter family of generalized entropies, Spq, and means mpq. To this end, assume that we want to calculate an entropy and a mean for n non-negative real numbers {x1,…,xn}. For comparison, we consider {m1,…,mk} where mi = m for all i = 1,…,k and where m and k are chosen such that the lp and lq norms of {x1,…,xn} and {m1,…,mk} coincide. We formally allow k to be real. Then, we define k, log k, and m to be a generalized cardinality kpq, a generalized entropy Spq, and a generalized mean mpq respectively. We show that this family of entropies includes the Shannon and Rényi entropies and that the family of generalized means includes the power means (such as arithmetic, harmonic, geometric, root-mean-square, maximum, and minimum) as well as novel means of Shannon-like and Rényi-like forms. A thermodynamic interpretation arises from the fact that the lp norm is closely related to the partition function at inverse temperature β = p. Namely, two systems possess the same generalized entropy and generalized mean energy if and only if their partition functions agree at two temperatures, which is also equivalent to the condition that their Helmholtz free energies agree at these two temperatures.
Radiological Features of Metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Patnaik Sujata , Jyotsnarani Yarlagadda , Rammurti Susarla
Published: July 2012

The imaging features of 42 histopathologically confirmed cases of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) were analyzed, to observe the pattern of metastasis. At presentation 22 of 42 patients (52.3%) showed metastasis. During follow-up, three more cases developed metastasis, within one year of resection. Mesentery, omentum, and liver were the most frequent sites for metastasis. Other sites that were rarely reported to be involved were increasingly recognized to show metastasis due to longer survival. The metastasis often showed attenuation and enhancement characteristics, similar to primary GIST, and frequently showed necrosis, hemorrhage, and calcification.
Characteristics and outcome of critically ill patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza infection in Syria
Authors: Alsadat Reem , Dakak Abdulrahman , Mazlooms Mouna , Ghadhban Ghasan , Fattoom Shadi , Betelmal Ibrahim , Abouchala Nabil , Kherallah Mazen
Published: July 2012

Objectives: To describe the epidemiologic characteristics, clinical features, and outcome of severe cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza A infections who were admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) in Damascus, Syria. Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, we collected clinical data on all patients who were admitted to the ICU with confirmed or suspected diagnosis of severe 2009 H1N1 influenza A with respiratory failure at 4 major tertiary care hospitals in Damascus, Syria. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II system was used to assess the severity of illness within the first 24 h after admission. The outcome was overall hospital mortality. Results: Eighty patients were admitted to the ICU with severe 2009 H1N1 infection. The mean age was 40.7 years; 69.8% of patients had ≥1 of the risk factors: asthmatics 20%, obesity 23.8%, and pregnancy 5%; and 72.5% had acute lung injury or adult respiratory distress syndrome, 12.5% had viral pneumonia, 42.5% had secondary bacterial pneumonia, and 15% had exacerbation of airflow disease. Mechanical ventilation was required in 73.7% of cases. The mean hospital length of stay was 11.7 days (median 8 days, range 0-77 days, IQR: 5-14 days). The overall mortality rate was 51% for a mean APACHE II score of 15.2 with a predicted mortality of 21% (standardized mortality ratio of 2.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.7-3.2, P value < 0.001). Conclusion: Critically ill patients with severe 2009 H1N1 infection in this limited resource country had a much higher mortality rate than the predicted APACHE II mortality rate or when compared with the reported mortality rates for severe cases in other countries during 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
Densitometric Characterization of Aqueous Lipid Dispersions
Authors: Schmidt Günther , Knoll Wolfgang
Published: July 2012

Aqueous dispersions of multilamellar liposomes of pure lipids and binary lipid mixtures have been investigated by densitometry. It is shown that the employed mechanical oscillator technique is well suited to derive volumetric data of different lipid phases and to characterize the transitions between them. Transition temperatures, widths, volume changes and in some cases also the kinetics can be studied. — For binary lipid alloys temperature‐composition‐phase diagrams can be established. By analysing the thermal expansion a direct comparison with calorimetric data is possible. Finally, an example for a chemically induced phase separation is given.
The Influence of the Promoter K2CO3 in Iron Catalysts on the Carbon Number Distribution of Fischer‐Tropsch‐Products
Authors: Schliebs B. , Gaube J.
Published: July 2012

Carbon number distributions of products formed by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide over precipitated iron catalysts have been studied as a function of the K2CO3 content of the iron catalyst and of the partial pressures of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The carbon number distribution of products formed over unpromoted catalysts can be described by a Schulz‐Flory distribution of a growth probability P1 ˜ 0.6. Products formed over alkalized iron catalysts are characterized by a bimodal Schulz‐Flory distribution of growth probabilities P1 ˜ 0.6 and P2 ˜ 0.87. The lower growth probability is nearly equal to that for an unpromoted catalyst. This result is interpreted by promoted and unpromoted sites on the catalyst surface. Formulae which describe the dependence of the growth probability and of the fractions of the superimposed two distributions on the partial pressures are given.
Chemisorption und Oberflächenreaktion in kooperativen Adsorptionssystemen
Authors: Hesse D.
Published: July 2012

The kinetics of propylene hydrogenation catalyzed by thermally treated supported platinum catalysts can be described by a Langmuir‐Hinshelwood mechanism. The parameter values of the resulting rate equation, however, clearly depend on the coverage of the catalyst surface. Because of the instabilities observed with this reaction, it has to be assumed that lateral interaction of chemisorbed hydrogen and chemisorbed propylene is the main reason for this parameter variation. Using the lattice‐gas model and the methods of Statistical Thermodynamics, straightforward equations are derived which take into account the influence of this interaction on chemisorption and surface reaction in binary adsystems. The usefulness of these equations for the evaluation of kinetic measurements is demonstrated by the reaction system mentioned above.
Femtosecond Optical Techniques: Application to Reaction Dynamics in Liquids
Authors: Gauduel Y. , Migus A. , Martin J. L. , Lecarpentier Y. , Antonetti A.
Published: July 2012

We present femtosecond techniques allowing to generate intense optical pulses from the near UV to the near infrared and their use in the monitoring of ultrafast photochemical reactions at this same time scale. Chromophores embedded in micellar solution are photoionized by femtosecond UV pulses. After the charge separation (electron), photoelectrons are shown to react with water molecules in aqueous phase of micelles and are then used to trigger and monitor the first steps of electron transfer in semi‐organized micellar solutions.