bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Trade Elasticities: Demand Composition and the Trade Collapse of 2008–2009
Authors: Bussière Matthieu , Callegari Giovanni , Ghironi Fabio , Sestieri Giulia , Yamano Norihiko
Published: July 2013

This paper introduces a new empirical model of international trade flows based on an import intensity-adjusted measure of aggregate demand. We compute the import intensity of demand components by using the OECD Input-Output tables. We argue that the composition of demand plays a key role in trade dynamics because of the relatively larger movements in the most import-intensive categories of expenditure (especially investment, but also exports). We provide evidence in favor of these mechanisms for a panel of 18 OECD countries, paying particular attention to the 2008–2009 Great Trade Collapse. (JEL E23, F14, F17, F44, G01)
Reconsidering adaptation as translation: The comic in between
Authors: Bartosch Sebastian , Stuhlmann Andreas
Published: July 2013

According to Linda Hutcheon, adaptation needs to be viewed both as a process and its result. Adaptations do not simply repeat a creative process, they ‘affirm and reinforce [its] basic cultural assumptions’. This article looks at the comic as a central medium in an accelerating ‘convergence culture’, placed between traditional literature and film. Adaptations of novels, poems, even of songs have become a substantial part within the field of the so-called ‘graphic novel’ or ‘graphic literature’. And of course, the almost countless adaptations of comics to films provide an important source of revenue for both the comic publishers and the film industry, not just in Hollywood. To address the aesthetic uncertainties this may raise, and to sharpen the concept of adaptation, we are reconsidering the concept of translation. Drawing upon Walter Benjamin’s ‘The task of the translator’, translation can be thought of both as a mode of aesthetic transformation and its result: It appears neither as replacement nor as retelling, but as a sovereign artefact supplementing the original text. As such, the translation mediates between different ways of expression without overcoming their respective differences. This article takes a closer look at two translation processes: one from literature into comic and one from comic into film. Starting with Paul Karasik and David Mazzucchelli’s classic City of Glass (2004) and Dri Chinisin (2011) by Sascha Hommer, the visual aesthetics of the comic are examined as an ideal place of exchange between textual and pictorial culture. Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez’ iconic Sin City and Tatsumi (2011) by Eric Khoo are employed to illustrate how the translation into moving images can offer an acoustic and narrative supplement to the original comic, while also drawing attention to the aesthetic differences between these two media.
On the Difference between Social and Private Goods
Authors: Sandroni Alvaro , Ludwig Sandra , Kircher Philipp
Published: July 2013

Standard economic models have long been applied to choices over private consumption goods, but have recently been extended to incorporate social situations as well. We challenge the applicability of standard decision-theoretic models to social settings. In an experiment where choices affect the payoffs of someone else, we find that a large fraction of subjects prefer randomization over any of the deterministic outcomes. This tendency prevails whether the other party knows about the choice situation or not. Such randomization violates standard decision theory axioms that require that lotteries are never better than their best deterministic component. For conceptually similar choices in classical non-social situations, we do not find much evidence for such violations, suggesting the need for theories of uncertainty that are targeted to social settings.
The circle method and non-lacunarity of meromorphic modular forms
Authors: Gun Sanoli , Oesterlé Joseph
Published: July 2013

Serre proved that any holomorphic cusp form of weight one for Γ1(N)
is lacunary while a holomorphic modular form for Γ1(N)
of higher integer weight is lacunary if and only if it is a linear
combination of cusp forms of CM-type (see
[Publ. Math. I.H.E.S. 54 (1981), 323–401, Sections 7.6 and 7.7]).
In this paper, we show that when a non-zero meromorphic modular form of
arbitrary real weight for any finite index subgroup of the modular
group

SL
2

(
ℤ
)

${\operatorname{SL}}_2(\mathbb {Z})$

is lacunary, it is necessarily holomorphic on
the upper-half plane, finite at the cusps and has non-negative weight.
Natural radioactivity in the groundwater of Wadi Nu'man, Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shabana El-Said I. , Abulfaraj Waleed H. , Kinsara Abdulraheem A. , Rizaiza Omar S. Abu
Published: July 2013

Twenty-nine groundwater samples, collected from Wadi Nu'man wells, were analyzed for natural radioactivity to check for compliance with the national guideline values. Gross α and gross β screening, in addition to radon ( 222Rn) measurements, were performed for all samples. Samples of gross activity levels exceeding the national guideline values set out for drinking water were subjected to further investigation for radium and uranium isotopes using liquid scintillation counting and α-spectrometry, respectively. The results showed that the anomalous source was natural uranium. The water contains high concentrations of 222Rn and considerable levels of natural uranium. The 222Rn concentration ranged from 10–100 Bq/L with an average value of about 40 Bq/L. The uranium concentration, in samples of gross activity levels exceeding the national guideline value, ranged from 9 to 55 μg/L. The levels of 226Ra and 228Ra were below the detection limit of the counting system in all samples. The variation in the 222Rn and uranium concentrations was found to be linked with the local lithology. The higher values were recorded in the wells of Nu'man complex aquifer, where the predominating mineral is foliated monzonite. Recommendations and advices for water management to reduce radiation exposure to users are presented.
Evidence-Based Guidelines for Optimization of Nutrition for the Very Low Birthweight Infant
Authors: Torrazza Roberto Murgas , Neu Josef
Published: July 2013

Inadequate nutrition of the preterm infant, especially the very low birthweight (VLBW) and extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infant, has long-lasting adverse consequences. Despite advancement in many aspects of clinical care of VLBW/ELBW infants, there is significant variability between neonatologists in the means of providing nutrition. More uniform guidelines based on the best available scientific evidence are needed. The objective of this review is to provide the neonatologist with evidence-based guidelines for the nutritional management of VLBW/ELBW infants.
Broadening the Genetic Base of Chinese Maize Heterotic Pools with Exotic Germplasm
Authors: Yong Hongjun , Zhang Degui , Wang Jianjun , Li Mingshun , Liu Wenguo , Zhang Xiaocong , Zhao Haiyan , Weng Jianfeng , Hao Zhuanfang , Bai Li , Ci Xiaoke , Li Xinhai , Zhang Shihuang
Published: July 2013

Introgression of elite exotic maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm into breeding programs would increase genetic variation within heterotic groups and counter the narrowing of the Chinese germplasm base. This study measured the performance of exotic populations in northern China to allow use of elite germplasm to broaden the genetic base of Chinese germplasm. Fifteen International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and U.S. populations were testcrossed with Csyn 5, Cpop.11, and Cpop.12, which represent Chinese Sipingtou, Lancaster Sure crop, and Reid Yellow Dent subgroups, respectively. Forty‐five testcrosses and 18 populations were evaluated using Miranda Filho and Geraldi's analysis for variety effects and combining ability for grain yield, stalk lodging, ear height, and days to silking in northern China. The results indicated that additive genetic effects were more important than nonadditive genetic effects for all traits measured. Pop28 and BS29 were most adapted to northern China for grain yield and other adaptation traits, and Pool 26, Pop32, Tuxpeño, and Suwan 1 exhibited more favorable alleles for stalk lodging tolerance and high yield potential. We propose to introgress Pool 26 and Suwan 1 into Sipingtou, BS29 and Pop32 into Lancaster, and Pop28 and Tuxpeño into Reid to enrich the genetic base of Chinese heterotic pools.
Estimating Wheat Shoot Nitrogen Content at Vegetative Stage from In Situ Hyperspectral Measurements
Authors: Bao Yansong , Xu Kang , Min Jinzhong , Xu Jianjun
Published: July 2013

Timely assessment of crop N content is critical for crop growth diagnosis and precision management to generate higher yield and better quality. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal spectral index and build a retrieval model for diagnosing shoot N content (SNC) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at vegetative stage using ground‐based hyperspectral reflectance data. Hyperspectral indices were investigated to evaluate their capabilities for wheat N concentration estimation by the Pearson's correlation analysis. The analysis results showed that green normalized difference vegetation index (GNDVI) and the combined spectral index the first derivative of reflectance spectral at 736 nm (D736) × the reflectance at 900 nm (R900)/the reflectance at 720 nm (R720) were most suitable for wheat SNC estimation at vegetative stage. A power model with GNDVI and a linear model with D736 × R900/R720 were appropriate for SNC estimation in vegetative stage. The validation experiments demonstrated that the power model with GNDVI was preferable to the linear mode with D736 × R900/R720 for SNC estimation until the flag leaf stage. However, the linear model with D736 × R900/R720 was better after the flag leaf stage. For wheat SNC assessment at the whole vegetative stage, the linear model with D736 × R900/R720 was the most accurate, of which the root mean square error was 2.391 g m−2 and the correlation coefficient between the measured and estimated SNC was 0.934 (n = 79).
Selection Methods in Forage Breeding: A Quantitative Appraisal
Authors: Resende Rosangela Maria Simeão , Casler Michael D. , de Resende Marcos Deon Vilela
Published: July 2013

Forage breeding can be extraordinarily complex because of the number of species, perenniality, mode of reproduction, mating system, and a variable genetic correlation between spaced plants and sward plots. Aiming to compare eight forage breeding methods for direct selection gain and correlated response, different scenarios of trait heritability and genetic correlation have been evaluated based on deterministic equations of expected (theoretical) breeding accuracy applied to half‐sib progenies evaluated in spaced‐plant trails, sward‐plot trials, or both. Relative efficiency for each method is given in relation to individual selection. Methods differ most when heritability is lower than 0.3, which coincides with the majority of the situations met by forage breeders. Genetic gain of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP)‐based methods is superior to all other methods for trait heritability lower than 0.3, independent of field‐trail plot methods, except for parental selection. Methods based on BLUP have also shown higher efficiency when the genetic correlation between spaced‐plant and sward‐plot trials evaluations of a trait is lower than 0.7 and indirect‐trait heritability is lower than 0.3. The choice of forage breeding method should include consideration of the mode of reproduction and the target‐trait heritability. The benefits of BLUP‐based selection methods should receive more serious consideration by forage breeders.
Multi‐Stage Inversion Method to Retrieve Soil Moisture from Passive Microwave Measurements over the Mackenzie River Basin
Authors: Chaouch Naira , Leconte Robert , Magagi Ramata , Temimi Marouane , Khanbilvardi Reza
Published: July 2013

An approach is proposed to estimate soil moisture from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR‐E) 6.9 GHz passive microwave observations. The approach was evaluated over two watersheds in the Mackenzie River Basin in northwestern Canada as a contribution to the Canadian Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) study and the Mackenzie GEWEX Study (MAGS). Based on the sensitivity of the emitted microwave signal to soil roughness and vegetation parameters, a two‐stage method was applied to calibrate a microwave radiative transfer model. Roughness parameters were determined using observations taken under dry conditions. Vegetation parameters were determined using observations taken under wet conditions. Obtained soil roughness and vegetation parameters were then integrated in the radiative transfer model to retrieve soil moisture. The performances of the proposed approach were evaluated against in situ observations, estimates from the NASA soil moisture product (AMSR‐E), model‐based soil moisture estimates from the NARR and gauge‐based precipitation observations. The lowest RMSE of 0.0254 g/cm3 was obtained between the retrieved soil moisture and in situ soil moisture. But, the RMSE between the NARR estimates and in situ soil moisture was 0.055 g/cm3 and between the NASA AMSR‐E product and in situ observation was 0.072 g/cm3. This implies that the proposed approach led to an improvement of 55% and 72% in the obtained RMSE over NARR and NASA AMSR‐E soil moisture, respectively. It is noteworthy that the proposed approach is expandable to larger watersheds and very appropriate for remote regions like the Mackenzie River Basin where information on roughness and vegetation are scarce.
Soil Moisture Assessment over an Alpine Hillslope with Significant Soil Heterogeneity
Authors: Sauer David , Popp Steffen , Dittfurth Angela , Altdorff Daniel , Dietrich Peter , Paasche Hendrik
Published: July 2013

We strive to assess soil water content on a well‐studied slow‐moving hillslope in Austria. In doing so, we employ time lapse mapping of bulk electrical conductivity using a geophysical electromagnetic induction system operated at low induction numbers. This information is complemented by the acquisition of soil samples for gravimetric water content analysis during one survey campaign. Simple visual soil sample analysis reveals that the upper material in the survey area is a spatially highly variable mixture of predominately sandy, silty, clayey and organic materials. Due to this heterogeneity, classical approaches of mapping soil moisture on the basis of stationary mapping of electrical conductivity variations are not successful. Also the time‐lapse approach does not allow ruling out some of the ambiguity inherent to the linkage of bulk electrical conductivity to soil water content. However, indication is found that time‐lapse measurements may have supportive capabilities to identify regions of low precipitation infiltration due to high soil saturation. Furthermore, the relationship between the mean electrical conductivity averaged over a full vegetation period and an already available ecological moisture map produced by vegetation analysis is found to resemble closely the relationship observed between gravimetric soil water content and electrical conductivity during the time of sample collection except for highly organic soils. This leads us to the assumption that the relative soil moisture distribution is temporarily stable except for those areas characterized by highly organic soils.
Electrocardiographic specificities in athletes
Authors: Mazic Sanja , Lazovic Biljana , Djelic Marina , Stajic Zoran , Mijailovic Zdravko
Published: July 2013

Introduction. The use of electrocardiogram in athletes as a routine screening
method for diagnosing potentially dangerous cardiovascular diseases is still
an issue of debate. According to the guidelines of the European Society of
Cardiology, the recording of electrocardiogram is necessary in all athletes
as a screening method, whereas the guidelines of the American Heart
Association do not necessitate an electrocardiogram as a screening method and
they insist on detailed personal and family history and clinical examination.
Classification of electrocardiogram changes in athletes. According to the
classification of the European Society of Cardiology, electrocardiogram
changes in athletes are divided into two groups: a) usual (physiological)
that are connected with training; b) unusual (potentially clinically
relevant) that are not connected with training. Sudden cardiac death in
athletes. The most frequent causes include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and
congenital coronary artery anomalies, while others may be found only
sporadically at autopsy. Physiological electrocardiogram changes are frequent
in asymptomatic athletes and they do not require further assessment. They
include sinus bradycardia, atrioventricular blocks of I and II degree -
Wenkebach, isolated increased QRS voltage, incomplete right bundle branch
block and early repolarization. Potentially pathological electrocardiogram
changes in athletes are not frequent but they are alarming and they urge
further assessment to diagnose the underlying cardiovascular disease as well
as the prevention of sudden cardiac death. They include: T wave inversion, ST
segment depression, complete right or left bundle branch block, atrial
pre-excitation syndrome-WPW, long QT interval, short QT interval, Brugada
like electrocardiogram finding. Conclusion. Introduction of electrocardiogram
recording into the screening protocol in athletes increases the sensitivity
of evaluation and may help to discover asymptomatic cardiovascular diseases
that may cause sudden cardiac death. Special attention and further assessment
are required when the above potentially pathological electrocardiogram
changes are found in athletes.
Systemic multimodal approach to speech therapy treatment in autistic children
Authors: Tamas Daniela , Markovic Slavica , Milankov Vesela
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Conditions in which speech therapy treatment is applied in
autistic children are often not in accordance with characteristics of
opinions and learning of people with autism. A systemic multimodal approach
means motivating autistic people to develop their language speech skill
through the procedure which allows reliving of their personal experience
according to the contents that are presented in the their natural social
environment. This research was aimed at evaluating the efficiency of speech
treatment based on the systemic multimodal approach to the work with autistic
children. Material and Methods. The study sample consisted of 34 children,
aged from 8 to 16 years, diagnosed to have different autistic disorders,
whose results showed a moderate and severe clinical picture of autism on the
Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The applied instruments for the evaluation of
ability were the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and Ganzberg II test. The
study subjects were divided into two groups according to the type of
treatment: children who were covered by the continuing treatment and systemic
multimodal approach in the treatment, and children who were covered by
classical speech treatment. Results. It is shown that the systemic multimodal
approach in teaching autistic children affects the stimulation of
communication, socialization, self-service and work as well as that the
progress achieved in these areas of functioning was retainable after long
time, too. Conclusion. By applying the systemic multimodal approach when
dealing with autistic children and by comparing their achievements on tests
applied before, during and after the application of this mode, it has been
concluded that certain improvement has been achieved in the functionality
within the diagnosed category. The results point to a possible direction in
the creation of new methods, plans and programs in dealing with autistic
children based on empirical and interactive learning.
Attitudes towards suicide among adolescents
Authors: Cankovic Dusan , Cankovic Sonja , Ukropina Snezana , Niciforovic-Surkovic Olja , Harhaji Sanja , Radic Ivana
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Having a relatively high suicide rate of 19.5 per 100.000
inhabitants, the Republic of Serbia is in the first half on the list of the
European countries concerning the number of suicides. However, the situation
is particularly alarming in Vojvodina, which has been one of the areas with a
very high population mortality rate caused by suicide for a long period of
time not only in Serbia of nowadays, but also in former Yugoslavia. The
number of suicides has increased by almost 50% over the last five and a half
decades, and every eighth suicide was committed by a young person. The aim of
this paper was to explore adolescents? attitudes towards suicide and to find
out whether the difference in age affects changes in attitudes regarding
suicide. Material and Methods. The George Domino?s Suicide Opinion
Questionnaire was completed by 254 adolescents divided into two age groups -
124 respondents were in the age group 13 to 15 and 130 of them in the age
group 18 to 19. Results. The results of this study suggest that the attitudes
of younger and older group of adolescents towards suicide mostly coincide and
there is no statistically significant difference in the answers according to
the analyzed clusters. Conclusion. This research shows that the attitudes of
respondents of both age groups indicate a lack of awareness about suicide,
its causes and dynamics of development of this public health problem. This
leaves space for more intensive educational work in the mental health of the
population, especially young people and for further research of the suicide
problem as a basis for developing strategies.
Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in prenatal diagnosis of sacrococcygeal teratoma: Case report
Authors: Markovic Ivana , Stamenovic Snezana , Radovanovic Zoran , Bosnjakovic Petar , Ilic Dragana , Stojanov Dragan
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Fetal tumors are relatively rare and the early prenatal
diagnosis enables the prediction of possible complications and decision for
appropriate treatment. This paper deals with the role of ultrasonography and
magnetic resonance imaging in the early prenatal diagnosis of sacrococcygeal
teratoma. Case report. A 21-year-old primigravida was found to have a large
sacrococcygeal tumor measuring 25x30mm, presented mainly as a solid mass,
when she underwent the initial ultrasound examination on the first day of
19th week of gestation. There were no other associated anomalies. The second
ultrasound examination was obtained after 6 days and revealed that the tumor
had doubled its size. The prominent enlargement raised suspicion of immature
sacrococcygeal teratoma and thus, fetal magnetic resonance imaging was
performed in the 20th gestation week. The examination showed a crococcygeal
teratoma presented as a large solid mass with small microcystic areas, the
largest diameter being 60mm, completely externally positioned with no
intra-pelvic extension. Rapid tumor growth posed a threat to the fetal
circulation and it was the main reason when opting for the termination of
pregnancy at 20 weeks of gestation. Pathohystological examination confirmed
the diagnosis of immature sacrococcygeal teratoma. Discussion. In the
prenatal period the magnetic resonance imaging of a fetal tumor initially
diagnosed by ultrasound examination is an additional part of diagnostic
procedure, and it is not contraindicated during pregnancy. Magnetic resonance
imaging improves the delineation of the tumor. The prompt prenatal diagnosis
of sacrococcygeal teratoma, as well as the detection of possible associated
anomalies, is important for the pregnancy management, prediction of possible
complications and choice of appropriate treatment. Conclusion.
Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are noninvasive, compatible
and complementary diagnostic modalities in evaluation of sacrococcygeal
teratoma in prenatal period.
Growth of blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, in the Yumurtalik Cove, Turkey: a molt process approach
Authors: Bilen Canan , Yesilyurt Irem
Published: July 2013

The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is native to the western Atlantic, but is an invasive species in the Mediterranean. This study examined the dynamics of growth in an invasive population of blue crab in the Yumurtalık Cove, Turkey (North Eastern Mediterranean). Growth was quantified using a discontinuous growth model, a molt process model. Crab growth histories were observed for individual crabs held in field enclosures in summer 2010 and 2011. Carapace widths ranged from 14.13 to 80.07 mm. A mean growth per molt of 120.6% increase in carapace width was observed. Chronological inter-molt periods ranging between 3 days and 67 days were observed. The average IMP was 16 days in Yumurtalık Cove. The mean physiological IMP was 270±163 degree-days, ranging from 72–781 degree-days.
Properties of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) film modified by blending with polyurethane
Authors: Zhu Guo-Quan , Wang Fa-Gang , Tan Hong-Sheng , Gao Qiao-Chun , Liu Yu-Ying
Published: July 2013

A number of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)/polyurethane (PLGA/PU) blend films with various PU mole contents were prepared by casting the polymer blend solution in chloroform. The surface morphologies of the PLGA/PU blend films were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal, mechanical and chemical properties of the PLGA/PU blend films were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile tests and surface contact angle tests. The results revealed that the introduction of PU could markedly modify the properties of PLGA films.
Adjustable Generator of Edge-Rounded Trapezoidal Waveforms
Authors: Jankowski Mariusz , Jabłoński Grzegorz
Published: July 2013

An approach to design a trapezoidal waveform generator with edge-rounding functionality is presented. The paper describes circuit able to produce edge-rounded trapezoidal waveform. Adjustment of numerous waveform parameters is possible. The signal path inside the circuit is very short. Most of circuitry required for waveform edge-rounding and adjustment is placed outside the signal path and works in DC mode
Dedicated Digital Hardware for DVB-CSA Encryption
Authors: Szecówka Przemysław M. , Marucha Patryk W.
Published: July 2013

DVB-CSA (Digital Video Broadcast – Common Scrambling Algorithm) is encryption method commonly used to protect the paid channels of digital television. The paper presents a study of its implementation in specialized digital hardware. The algorithm was successfully converted to logic architecture, coded in hardware description language (VHDL), verified and synthesized for programmable logic device (FPGA). For Xlinx Spartan 3 implementation, the expected throughput may be estimated to 100 Mbps in pipelined mode.
Analysis of Relative Intensity to Noise Ratio for Lasers at Different Bias Currents
Authors: Bhatia Kamaljit Singh , Kamal Tara Singh
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we have carried out the simulative analysis for averaging out the optimal value of RIN for better performance in high bit rate optical transmission link. We have found that for single mode VCSEL, the bias of 2 mA has the highest Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) and low RIN. For multimode VCSEL, the bias of 6 mA has the highest SFDR and low RIN.
On Bounds on Cumulative Teletraffic Using Min-Plus Convolution
Authors: Borys Andrzej
Published: July 2013

Ideas and results published in two papers by R. L. Cruz in IEEE Transactions on Information Theory in 1991 gave rise to what is called now network calculus. A key role in it plays a certain inequality characterizing the behaviour of cumulative traffic curves. It defines the so-called burstiness constraint by which many kinds of traffics can be described, as for example those occurring in computer networks. Interpretation of this constraint, which can be expressed in two equivalent forms: with and without the use of min-plus convolution, can be found in papers of R. L. Cruz. Nothing however was said about how to obtain it practically, for example, for each of representatives of a family of measured cumulative traffic curves being upperbounded. This problem is tackled in this paper, and as a result, a relation between the Cruz’s constraining function and an upper-bounding function of measured traffic curves is found. The relation obtained is quite general and valid also for the case of non-fulfilment of the so-called sub-additivity property by traffic curves. For the purpose of its derivation, a notion of sub-additivity property with some tolerance Δ was introduced, and the corresponding theorem exploiting it formulated and proved. Further, to complement discussion of the above relation, a minimal burstiness constraint was added to the original Cruz’s inequality and related with a lower bound of a family of measured cumulative traffic curves. The derivations presented in this paper are illustrated by examples.
Probabilistic Sequence Mining – Evaluation and Extension of ProMFS Algorithm for Real-Time Problems
Authors: Hryniów Krzysztof , Dzieliński Andrzej
Published: July 2013

Sequential pattern mining is an extensively studied method for data mining. One of new and less documented approaches is estimation of statistical characteristics of sequence for creating model sequences, that can be used to speed up the process of sequence mining. This paper proposes extensive modifications to one of such algorithms, ProMFS (probabilistic algorithm for mining frequent sequences), which notably increases algorithm’s processing speed by a significant reduction of its computational complexity. A new version of algorithm is evaluated for real-life and artificial data sets and proven to be useful in real-time applications and problems.
Hardware Accelerated Simulation of Crest Factor Reduction Block for Mobile Telecommunications
Authors: Nikodem Maciej , Kȩpa Krzysztof
Published: July 2013

This paper reports results of the hardware accelerated simulations of the crest factor reduction (CFR) block which is a common element of the radio signal processing path in base stations for mobile telecommunications. Presented approach increases productivity of radio system architects by shortening the time of model architecture evaluation. This enables unprecedented scale of CFR parameter optimization which requires thousands of simulation runs. We use FPGA device and Xilinx System Generator for DSP technology in order to model CFR block in MATLAB/Simulink environment, implement the accelerator and use it for mixed hardware-software simulation. Reported approach reduces simulation time by 70%, provides straightforward use of fixed-point arithmetic and lowers power consumption by 73% at the cost of constant and relatively low overhead on model development.
Synthesis of Macro Petri Nets into FPGA with Distributed Memories
Authors: Bukowiec Arkadiusz , Adamski Marian
Published: July 2013

In this paper a new method of Petri net array-based synthesis is proposed. The method is based on decomposition of colored interpreted macro Petri net into state machine subnets. Each state machine subnet is determined by one color. During the decomposition process macroplaces are expanded or replaced by doublers of macroplace. Such decomposition leads to parallel implementation of a digital system. The structured encoding of places is done by using minimal numbers of bits. Colored microoperations, which are assigned to places, are written into distributed and flexible memories. It leads to realization of a logic circuit in a two-level concurrent structure, where the combinational circuit of the first level is responsible for firing transitions, and the second level memories are used for generation of microoperations. Such an approach allows balanced usage of different kinds of resources available in modern FPGAs
The Problems of Transition Predicates Construction in Hierarchical Concurrent Controllers
Authors: Łabiak Grzegorz
Published: July 2013

The paper presents a problem of a transition predicates construction in hierarchical concurrent state oriented notation. The notation, called statechart diagrams or state machine, serves as a very convenient formalism for specification of a complex behavior of the embedded systems control unit. The controller specified in this way is discrete, deterministic and synchronous system which operates on binary values and can be implemented in programmable devices as a digital circuit. Well designed controller has conflict-free transitions and its concurrent transitions should be independent. In order to meet this requirements transition predicates must be pairwise both orthogonal and non-implicative. Computational complexities of the problems is equal to classic clique problem. The paper also suggests some statecharts syntactic structures solving these problems.
Space and High Energy Experiments Advanced Electronic Systems 2012
Authors: Romaniuk Ryszard S.
Published: July 2013

This paper is a research survey of the WILGA Symposium work. It presents a digest of technical effort results shown by young researchers from different universities during the Jubilee XXXth SPIE-IEEE-Photonics Society of Poland Wilga 2012 symposium on Photonics and Internet Engineering. Topical tracks of the symposium embraced: nanomaterials and nanotechnologies for photonics, sensory and nonlinear optical fibers, object oriented design of hardware, photonic metrology, optoelectronics and photonics applications, photonics-electronics co-design, optoelectronic and electronic systems for astronomy and high energy physics experiments, JET tokamak and pi-ofthe sky experiments development. The symposium is an annual summary in the development of numerable Ph.D. theses carried out in this country in the area of advanced electronic and photonic systems. It is also a great occasion for SPIE, IEEE, OSA and PSP students to meet together in a large group spanning the whole country with guests from this part of Europe. A digest of Wilga references is presented [1]-[60]. This paper is the first part of the digest focused on astronomy, space, astroparticle physics, accelerators, and high energy physics experiments.
Communications, Multimedia, Ontology, Photonics and Internet Engineering 2012
Authors: Romaniuk Ryszard S.
Published: July 2013

Wilga Symposium gathers two times a year, together around 300 young scientists active in advanced photonics, electronics and software systems, including Internet engineering. May 2012 marked a jubilee XXXth meeting in Wilga Resort. There were presented over 250 papers from nearly all technical universities in this country. The organizers present here a research survey of the WILGA Symposium work. Also a digest of chosen Wilga references is presented [1]-[39]. This paper is the second part of a concise review digest focused on optoelectronics, communications, multimedia and ontology of information technologies.
Development of carboxymethyl cellulose/ polyphenols gels for textile applications
Authors: Krizova Hana , Wiener Jakub
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to determine release rate and changes in polyphenols’ content, which were sorbed to
carboxymethyl cellulose gel and subsequently desorbed. An aqueous extract of blue marc vine variety Fratava was
used as a source of polyphenols. The gel was dried into a solid film and polyphenols were then desorbed again by
dissolving this film in saline (isotonic) solution. Further, the influence of different times of high temperature (180°C)
of drying gel on change in the amount of released polyphenols and also kinetics of their release in re-transfer of
the film on the gel and solution was studied. The process simulates the possible use of carboxymethyl cellulose/
polyphenols film sorbed on textile materials and its contact with the tissues and body fluids such as course of wound
healing.
Delayed diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy by primary care physicians
Authors: Behrbalk Eyal , Salame Khalil , Regev Gilad J. , Keynan Ory , Boszczyk Bronek , Lidar Zvi
Published: July 2013

Object

A retrospective study analyzing medical files of patients who had undergone surgical management for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) at a single tertiary hospital was performed to determine the time needed by community care physicians to reach a diagnosis of CSM in patients presenting with typical myelopathic signs and symptoms, and to establish the reasons for the delayed diagnosis when present.

Previous studies have documented that early diagnosis and surgical treatment of CSM may improve patients' neurological as well as general outcome. However, patients complaining of symptoms compatible with CSM may undergo lengthy medical investigations and treatments by community-based physicians before a correct diagnosis is made. The authors have found no published data on the process and time frame involved in attaining a diagnosis of CSM in the community setting.

Methods

The medical records of 42 patients were retrospectively reviewed for demographic data, symptoms, time to diagnosis, physician specialty, number of visits involved in the diagnostic process, and neurological status prior to surgery.

Results

The mean time delay from initiation of symptoms to diagnosis of CSM was 2.2 ± 2.3 years. The majority of symptomatic patients (90.4%) initially presented to a family practitioner (69%) or an orthopedic surgeon (21.4%), with fewer patients (9.6%) referring to other disciplines (for example, the emergency department) for initial care. In contrast, the diagnosis of CSM was most often made by neurosurgeons (38.1%) and neurologists (28.6%), and less frequently by orthopedic surgeons (19%) or family physicians (4.8%).

Conclusions

The diagnosis of CSM in the community is frequently delayed, leading to late referral for surgery. A higher index of suspicion for this debilitating entity is required from family practitioners and community-based orthopedic surgeons to prevent neurological sequelae.
Synovial cysts of the cervicothoracic junction causing myelopathy: report of 3 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Bisson Erica F. , Sauri-Barraza José-Carlos , Niazi Toba , Schmidt Meic H.
Published: July 2013

Synovial cysts are uncommon pathological entities in patients with cervical degenerative spinal disease, and there are only a few reports in the literature. Treatment typically involves decompression; however, biomechanical data indicate that laminectomies in the cervical spine also result in cervical instability, specifically within the cervicothoracic junction, supporting the use of fusion as well. The authors describe the use of fusion with decompression in the treatment of 3 patients with cervicothoracic synovial cysts that presented in an acute fashion with associated myelopathy and neurological decline, and they review the diagnostic elements, histopathology, and treatment of these cysts. All 3 of the patients did well with decompression via a posterior approach with a single-level instrumented fusion from C-7 to T-1. Each patient regained complete neurological function and had no residual neurological deficits. These results are promising, although the sample size of 3 cases is too small to make any conclusive evaluations. Future studies incorporating Class I and Class II data are imperative to make firm conclusions regarding general management of this rare entity.
A comparative effectiveness study of patient-rated and radiographic outcome after 2 types of decompression with fusion for spondylotic myelopathy: anterior cervical discectomy versus corpectomy
Authors: Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Mannion Anne F. , Marbacher Serge , Dolp Patrick A. , Fekete Tamas F. , Jeszenszky Dezsö , Porchet François
Published: July 2013

Object

Both anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy with fusion (ACCF) are used to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy; however, there is currently no evidence for the superiority of one over the other in terms of patient-rated outcomes. This comparative effectiveness study compared the patient-rated and radiographic outcomes of 2-level ACDF versus 1-level ACCF.

Methods

This single-center study was nested within the EuroSpine Spine Tango data acquisition system. Inclusion criteria were the following: consecutive patients presenting with signs of cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent 2-level ACDF or 1-level ACCF between 2004 and 2011. Before and 12 months after surgery, patients completed the multidimensional Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) and also rated global treatment outcome and satisfaction with care on 5-point Likert scales. Cervical lordosis, segmental height, and fusion rate were assessed radiographically before and immediately after surgery and at the last follow-up (20.4 ± 13.7 months, mean ± SD).

Results

In total, 118 consecutive patients (80 in the ACDF group and 38 in the ACCF group) were included. Age, sex, comorbidity, baseline symptoms, baseline radiographic data, operation duration, and complication rates did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Blood loss was significantly (p < 0.04) lower in the ACDF group. Postoperative mean segmental height was significantly (p = 0.0006) greater for ACDF (42.0 ± 4.2 mm, mean ± SD) than for ACCF (39.0 ± 4.0 mm), and global average lordosis improved to a significantly (p = 0.003) greater extent in ACDF (by 1.6° ± 4.1°) than in ACCF (by −1.0° ± 4.0°). Fusion rates for ACDF were 97.5% and for ACCF were 94.7% (p = 0.59). The 12-month patient-rated outcomes did not differ significantly between ACDF and ACCF: 82.4% and 68.6% had a good global outcome (operation helped/helped a lot) (p = 0.10), 86.5% and 82.9% were satisfied/very satisfied with care (p = 0.62), and the reduction in the multidimensional COMI was 2.8 ± 2.7 and 2.2 ± 3 points (p = 0.30), respectively. The postoperative increase in lordosis angle showed low but significant correlations with the improvement in arm pain (r = 0.25, p = 0.014), highest pain (r = 0.25, p = 0.013), and function (r = 0.24, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Both ACDF and ACCF are safe and effective in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, indicated by similarly good patient-rated outcomes 1 year after surgery. This precludes any conclusions regarding the superiority of one technique over the other, although it should be noted that ACDF resulted in less blood loss and greater improvements in cervical lordosis and segmental height than ACCF. Patients with improved lordosis angle had a better clinical outcome.
Registration of G08PR‐394 and G09PR‐80 Soybean Germplasm Lines with Diverse Pedigrees
Authors: Abdel-Haleem Hussein , Wood E. Dale , Boerma H. Roger , Li Zenglu
Published: July 2013

Increasing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield is a major goal of soybean breeding programs. Expanding the genetic diversity of the elite U.S. soybean gene pool is essential to maintain or increase the current rate of genetic gain for seed yield due to the current narrow genetic base of existing elite soybean germplasm. To increase the genetic diversity of southern U.S. soybean cultivars, two soybean lines—G08PR‐394 (Reg. No. GP‐380, PI 667741) and G09PR‐80 (Reg. No. GP‐381, PI 667742)—were developed and released by the University of Georgia agricultural experiment stations. G08PR‐394 is an F5 plant selection from ‘5601T’ × R01‐3637F and has 25% of its pedigree from a Japanese cultivar Misuzu Daizu (PI 423912). G08PR‐394 is a maturity group VI line that yielded 2, 4, and 20% greater than the seed yield of check genotypes: N6202, ‘Young’ and ‘N6201’. G09PR‐80 is an F5 plant selection from the 5601T × PI 157440 cross having 50% of its pedigree from a South Korean accession (PI 157440). G09PR‐80 is a maturity group V line that produced 95, 93, 87, and 84% of the seed yield of the check genotypes: ‘Dillon’, ‘Hutcheson’, JTN‐5503, and its elite parent 5601T. G09PR‐80 is resistant to bacterial pustule [caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. glycines (Nakano) Dye] and southern root‐knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood]. Based on their broad diversity and favorable yield potential, these lines could be used as parents to enhance genetic diversity and develop commercial cultivars.
Registration of ATx3363 and BTx3363 Black Sorghum Germplasms
Authors: Rooney William L. , Portillo Ostilio , Hayes Chad
Published: July 2013

The sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] germplasms ATx3363 (Reg. No. GP‐731, PI 668028) and BTx3363 (Reg. No. GP‐732, PI 668029) were developed and released by Texas AgriLife Research sorghum breeding program in 2012. Tx3363 is a grain sorghum seed parent designed to produce a very dark‐colored (i.e., black) grain hybrid in combination with Tx3362. BTx3363 was developed with pedigree selection methods and the male sterile version (ATx3363) was developed via backcrossing using ATx623 as a source of A1 cytoplasm. Grain produced from the combination of Tx3363/Tx3362 has potential use and application as a natural colorant and source of antioxidants. The color is associated with high levels of 3‐deoxyanthocyanins in the pericarp of the grain. Therefore, they have application as natural colorants in many processed food products. Because these compounds are present in the pericarp, they are easily concentrated by simply decorticating the grain and collecting the resulting bran. Tx3363 sorghum germplasm can be used as a seed parent to produce hybrids rich in 3‐deoxyanthocyanins or as a breeding parent to produce additional lines with this unique characteristic.
Optimization of Pulse-Field Gel Electrophoresis for Subtyping of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Han Hui , Zhou Haijian , Li Haishan , Gao Yuan , Lu Zhi , Hu Kongxin , Xu Baoliang
Published: July 2013

A total of 110 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae were used to optimize pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for subtyping of K. pneumoniae. For optimization of electrophoresis parameters (EPs) of XbaI-PFGE, 11 isolates were analyzed with XbaI digestion using three EPs. The EP of a switch time of 6 to 36 s for 18.5 h gave clearest patterns and was declared the optimal EP for XbaI PFGE of K. pneumoniae. By software analysis and pilot study, AvrII was chosen as another PFGE enzyme. Both XbaI- and AvrII-PFGE gave D-values higher than 0.99 for 69 K. pneumoniae isolated from different sources. Our results also showed good typeability, reproducibility of both XbaI- and AvrII-PFGE for K. pneumoniae subtyping. Furthermore, the established PFGE method also had good discriminatory power to distinguish outbreak K. pneumoniae strains and a high degree of consistency with multilocus sequence typing method. A rapid PFGE protocol was established here, which could be used for genotyping and other researches of K. pneumoniae.
Iron: Protector or Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease? Still Controversial
Authors: Muñoz-Bravo Carlos , Gutiérrez-Bedmar Mario , Gómez-Aracena Jorge , García-Rodríguez Antonio , Navajas Joaquín
Published: July 2013

Iron is the second most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. Despite being present in trace amounts, it is an essential trace element for the human body, although it can also be toxic due to oxidative stress generation by the Fenton reaction, causing organic biomolecule oxidation. This process is the basis of numerous pathologies, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The relationship between iron and cardiovascular disease was proposed in 1981 by Jerome Sullivan. Since then, numerous epidemiological studies have been conducted to test this hypothesis. The aim of this review is to present the main findings of the chief epidemiological studies published during the last 32 years, since Sullivan formulated his iron hypothesis, suggesting that this element might act as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We have analyzed 55 studies, of which 27 supported the iron hypothesis, 20 found no evidence to support it and eight were contrary to the iron hypothesis. Our results suggest that there is not a high level of evidence which supports the hypothesis that the iron may be associated with CVD. Despite the large number of studies published to date, the role of iron in cardiovascular disease still generates a fair amount of debate, due to a marked disparity in results.