bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the barriers to use of standardized nursing language in the electronic health record by the ambulatory care nurse practitioner
Authors: Conrad Dianne , Hanson Patricia A. , Hasenau Susan M. , Stocker‐Schneider Julia
Published: April 2012

Purpose: This study identified the perceived user barriers to documentation of nursing practice utilizing standardized nursing language (SNL) in the electronic health record (EHR) by ambulatory care nurse practitioners (NPs).

Data Sources: A researcher‐developed survey was sent to a randomized sample of ambulatory care NPs in the United States who belonged to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (n= 1997).

Conclusions: Surveyed ambulatory care NPs placed a higher value on documenting medical care versus nursing care. Only 17% of respondents currently use SNL and 30% believe that SNL is not important or appropriate to document NP practice. Barriers to using SNL in EHRs included lack of reimbursement for nursing documentation, lack of time to document, and lack of availability of SNL in electronic records.

Implications for Practice: Respondents identified NP practice as a blend of medical as well as nursing care but NPs have not embraced the current SNLs as a vehicle to document the nursing component of their care, particularly in EHRs. Until these barriers are addressed and discreet data in the form of SNL are available and utilized in the EHR, the impact of the NPs care will be unidentifiable for outcomes reporting.
Preservation of person‐specific knowledge in semantic memory disorder: A longitudinal investigation in two cases of dementia
Authors: Haslam Catherine , Sabah Mazen
Published: April 2012

The double dissociation involving person‐specific and general semantic knowledge is supported by numerous patient studies, though cases with preservation of the former are few. In this paper, we report longitudinal data from two cases. Their knowledge in both domains was preserved at the start of the investigation, but progressive deterioration was primarily observed on tests of general semantics. These data strengthen the evidence‐base for preservation of person‐specific knowledge in semantic memory disorder, and support its separate representation from object knowledge.
Bank Lending and Economic Growth of Chinese Cities
Authors: Lu Chin Hwa , Shen Chung Hua
Published: April 2012

Using a city‐level dataset over the period 2004–2006, the present study investigates the relationship between bank lending and the economic growth of Chinese cities. Unlike past studies, we divide bank lending into loans from three types of banks: foreign banks, city banks and other banks. Our findings are threefold. First, the lending of foreign banks exhibits a strong and positive association with the economic growth of Chinese cities. Second, foreign direct investment in the sampled cities enhances the lending effects of foreign banks, but reduces the lending effects of other banks on the economy of Chinese cities. Third, the effects of city competitiveness are similar to those of foreign direct investment; that is, city competitiveness augments the lending effects of foreign banks but reduces the lending effects of other banks.
Effect of Different Live Prey on Spawning Quality of Short‐Snouted Seahorse, Hippocampus hippocampus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Otero‐Ferrer Francisco , Molina Lucía , Socorro Juan , Fernández‐Palacios Hipólito , Izquierdo Marisol , Herrera Rogelio
Published: April 2012

The importance of a suitable diet for reproduction has been recognized as one of the major factors in ornamental aquaculture. In seahorses, mysids have been described as preys in the wild. Also, Artemia has been usually employed for rearing fish, including syngnathids. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of these live preys on the spawning quality of Hippocampus hippocampus. After 108 d, no differences were found in adults concerning all biological parameters evaluated, but broodstock fed on mysids showed better results than Artemia regarding number of spawning events (12 vs. 3), brood sizes (233.50 ± 59.04 vs. 68.00 ± 57.97 juveniles), and newborn seahorses standard length (10.61 ± 0.64 vs. 8.75 ± 1.32 mm). The better nutritional quality of mysids, overall in Docosahexanoic acid, could be one of the main responsible factors. However, mysids stock is conditioned by natural catches and rearing techniques are little known. Another alternative would be to combine them with Artemia in mixed diet. Further research must be done concerning mysids breeding techniques to delineate their employment as a sustainable prey for seahorse aquaculture. This trial showed for the first time the effect of mysids to enhance reproduction efficiency in H. hippocampus.
Immune Response of Turbot to Polyriboinosinic‐polyribocytidilic Acid: the Transcription of Mx, Hepcidin, and IgM
Authors: Mao Mingguang , Hong Wanshu , Wang Kejian , Liu Zongzhu , Lei Jilin
Published: April 2012

Polyriboinosinic‐polyribocytidilic acid (poly I:C) was administered to turbot, Scophthalmus maximus, via injection, oral route, and immersion. Samples of liver, spleen, and head kidney were individually collected at different time intervals (0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h) after poly I:C treatments. Transcription levels of Mx, hepcidin, and IgM in the organs of turbot were detected using RT‐PCR. It was found that Mx mRNA was significantly induced in the liver, head kidney, and spleen 48‐h postinjection with poly I:C, and the effects of immersion and oral route on Mx transcription were analogous to that of injection method. Meanwhile, the hepcidin mRNA was significantly induced in the spleen but not in the liver and head kidney 48‐h postinjection. No significant increase of IgM mRNA was found in the liver and spleen after poly I:C challenge. The results indicated that the antivirus state resulted from the Mx expression and could be induced with poly I:C via injection, immersion, and oral methods. The influence of poly I:C on IgM and hepcidin transcription suggested that both innate and adaptive immunity could be modulated through interferon‐inducible signaling pathways.
Photodynamic Inactivation of Methylene Blue and Tungsten‐Halogen Lamp Light against Food Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Lin Shao‐ling , Hu Jia‐miao , Tang Shu‐shu , Wu Xi‐yang , Chen Zhen‐qiang , Tang Shu‐ze
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to verify the bactericidal effect and the damage of photodynamic inactivation (PDI) using methylene blue (MB) and tungsten‐halogen lamp over Listeria monocytogenes via atomic force microscopy, absorption spectrophotometry, agarose gel electrophoresis, real‐time PCR and SDS‐PAGE. The obtained data indicated that the viability of L. monocytogenes was ca 7‐log reduced by illumination with 10 min tungsten‐halogen lamp light under the presence of 0.5 μg mL−1 MB, and this bactericidal activity against L. monocytogenes of PDI increased proportionally to the concentration of MB and the duration of irradiation. Moreover, after irradiation with MB and visible light, the leakage of intracellular contents was estimated by spectrophotometer at OD260 and OD280, which correlated with morphological alterations. Furthermore, genomic DNA cleavage and protein degradation were also detected after PDI treatment. Consequently, breakage of the membrane, damage of the genomic DNA and degradation of bacterial proteins may play an important role in the mechanisms involved in PDI‐MB bactericidal activity on L. monocytogenes.
Predation of native coccinellids by the invasive alien Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): detection in Britain by PCR‐based gut analysis
Authors: THOMAS ALISON P. , TROTMAN JAMIE , WHEATLEY ANGELA , AEBI ALEX , ZINDEL RENATE , BROWN PETER M. J.
Published: April 2012

Abstract.  1. The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, is an invasive alien species that arrived in Britain in 2003 and has spread across most of the country.

2. This spread has been accompanied by a decline in some native coccinellid species, in particular, the two spot ladybird Adalia bipunctata and the ten spot ladybird Adalia decempunctata. One reason for this decline could be intraguild predation (IGP) of the Adalia species by H. axyridis.

3. A DNA‐based approach was used to look for evidence of coccinellid IGP in the wild. Adalia bipunctata‐ and A. decempunctata‐specific Polymerase chain reaction primers were developed to analyse the gut contents of field collected H. axyridis larvae for the presence of Adalia DNA. Harmonia axyridis larvae (156) were collected from lime trees at four sites in eastern England over 3 years.

4. Adalia bipunctata DNA was detected in 7.7% and A. decempunctata DNA in 4.5% of H. axyridis larvae. DNA from both Adalia species was detected in two larvae.

5. This is the first demonstration of specific IGP interactions between H. axyridis and other coccinellid species in wild populations in Britain.
The effect of repeated fluoride recharge and storage media on bond durability of fluoride rechargeable Giomer bonding agent
Authors: Naoum S , O’Regan J , Ellakwa A , Benkhart R , Swain M , Martin E
Published: April 2012

Background:  For a restorative material or adhesive to exhibit caries inhibitive potential through fluoride release, it must be capable of fluoride recharge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated fluoride recharge and different storage media on dentine bond strength durability.

Methods:  Two self‐etch adhesive systems (two‐step) were evaluated: fluoride‐rechargeable Giomer FL‐Bond II and non‐fluoride‐containing UniFil Bond. For each adhesive 32 human dentine specimens were prepared for shear bond strength testing. The specimens were randomly allocated to one of four storage groups: Group 1 – 24‐hour water ageing; Group 2 – four‐month water ageing; Group 3 – four‐month water ageing with weekly fluoride recharge (5000 ppm for 10 minutes); and Group 4 – four‐month acid ageing with weekly fluoride recharge.

Results:  Weekly fluoride recharge over four months ageing did not significantly (p > 0.05) reduce the dentine shear bond strength of FL‐Bond II or UniFil Bond. Storage media did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect bond durability.

Conclusions:  The adhesion between fluoride rechargeable FL‐Bond II and dentine maintained durability despite regular fluoride recharge over the four months ageing. Clinicians prescribing the fluoride recharge regime used in the present study to reduce recurrent caries incidence associated with Giomer FL‐Bond II restorations can do so without compromising dentine bond strengths.
North Korea's Second Nuclear Test: Neoclassical Realism Perspectives*
Authors: Nakato Sachio
Published: April 2012

Pressures coming from external sources, such as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) presidential statement, along with additional pressures were combined with North Korea's internal logic, which required it to conduct the second nuclear test as a nuclear power in response to changing international circumstances. First, North Korea maintains the position that it has the status of a nuclear power. Second, since the basic principle of the Six‐Party Talks, specifically sovereign rights, was denied by the UNSC presidential statement, North Korea thought that it was no longer bound by the agreement in the Six‐Party Talks that required North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. Third, the second nuclear test may be rationalized from a military viewpoint because North Korea saw another nuclear test as necessary in order to develop more elaborate nuclear warheads beyond the capabilities achieved following the first nuclear test in October 2006. Therefore, the UNSC presidential statement functioned as the trigger for North Korea to conduct the second nuclear test at an “appropriate” time. This article uses the neoclassical realism perspective to explain why North Korea conducted its second nuclear test.
An Analysis of the Multilateral Cooperation and Competition between Russia and China in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Issues and Prospects*
Authors: Yun Yeongmi , Park Kicheol
Published: April 2012

This article is theoretically based on the theory of neoliberalism anchored on multilateral security cooperation presented by Robert O. Keohane, John Ruggie, and James Caporaso. In this regard, the main purpose of this article is to study the movements of nations trying to secure regional supremacy based on the concept of multinationalism in Central Asia, with a focus on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Related to this, this study aims to discuss various aspects of Russia–China cooperation and competition, which particularly lead to the construction of a multilateral security and cooperation system centering on the SCO based on the concept of multilateral security operation as a utilitarian foreign policy. The SOC has pursued an open alliance and joint position, as well as solving regional and global problems on the basis of mutual interests. Russia and China have maintained cooperation in fields such as “multilateral security and energy,” but have different understanding of “American influence, restraining NATO's proceeding the East, and expansion of member countries' issues.”

The SCO has now expanded cooperation by institutionalizing exchanges in economy, trading, culture, energy, education, and other areas of foreign strategy and the international society's view of China and Russia inevitably affects the stand and recognition of other member countries. Both countries have given priority to national interest on particular issues, but they would actively utilize the SOC to establish diversified relations and establish a new order in the Eurasian Continent. This alliance has centered on the SCO and expanded the role of a new oil road led by Russia as a transportation hub interconnecting the Eurasian continent. The two nations have likewise promoted security, rights and interests of member nations through joint actions to deal with the threats of Islamic extremism, separatism and international terrorist activities.

However, it is expected that Russia will have a containment policy toward the bilateral energy and economic cooperation with the SCO member nations with China emerging as a G2 nation. It also seems that the expansion of economic aid toward Central Asia from China, the rise of China as a maximum beneficiary of energy supply through the pipeline construction and the improvement of trade relations and competition with Russia can be a conflict factor with respect to the SCO.
Legislative Oversight of Intelligence Agencies in Democratic Countries: The Case of South Korea and the USA*
Authors: Shin Youseop
Published: April 2012

Public worry about the potential for human rights abuse in the name of gathering intelligence can significantly reduce when the legislative branch successfully carries out control over intelligence agencies. This article analyzes the legislative oversight of intelligence agencies in South Korea, comparing it with intelligence oversight in the USA. Various factors related to intelligence committee characteristics and legislators' behavior can reduce the effectiveness of intelligence oversight, and their deleterious effect can be more serious in Korea than in the USA. To reduce any deleterious effect of these problems, especially in emerging democratic countries, such as South Korea, this article makes several suggestions.
Paediatric massage: an overview of the evidence
Authors: Shipwright Stacey , Dryden Trish
Published: April 2012

The use of complementary and alternative medicine in paediatric care is growing in popularity in North America; massage therapy is one of these popular modalities. Despite the increased use of massage therapy among paediatric patients, there remains a scarcity of evidence in comparison to adult populations; however, the paediatric evidence base is growing. This article provides a narrative overview of the evidence for massage therapy for infants and children, including a brief discussion of the safety of massage, potential mechanisms of action and directions for future research.
Effect of Silanization Film Thickness in Soft Lithography of Nanoscale Features
Authors: Ting Lucas H. , Feghhi Shirin , Han Sangyoon J. , Rodriguez Marita L. , Sniadecki Nathan J.
Published: April 2012

Soft lithography was used to replicate nanoscale features made using electron beam lithography on a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) master. The PMMA masters were exposed to fluorinated silane vapors to passivate its surfaces so that polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) did not permanently bond to the master. From scanning electron microscopy, the silanization process was found to deposit a coating on the master that was a few hundreds of nanometers thick. These silane films partially concealed the nanoscale holes on the PMMA master, causing the soft lithography process to produce PDMS features with dimensions that were significantly reduced. The thickness of the silane films was directly measured on silicon or PMMA masters and was found to increase with exposure time to silane vapors. These findings indicate that the thickness of the silane coatings is a critical parameter when using soft lithography to replicate nanoscale features, and caution should be taken on how long a master is exposed to silane vapors.
Development of Evolutionary Method for Optimizing a Roll Forming Process of Aluminum Parts
Authors: Park Hong Seok , Anh Tran Viet
Published: April 2012

This paper presents the development of the knowledge-based neural network (KBNN) and genetic algorithm (GA) in modeling and optimization of the roll forming (RF) process of aluminum parts. The idea of a KBNN using multifidelity finite element (FE) models was developed to model the mechanical behaviors of the aluminum sheet. Initially, the less costly but less accurate FE model was used to build the response surface functions for the knowledge path of the KBNN. After that, a small number of the more accurate but expensive finite element analysis (FEA) of the high fidelity FE model were utilized in a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network with the prior knowledge to produce the KBNN prediction results. Two powerful optimization algorithms, the Levenberg–Marquadrt (LM) and GA, were applied to train the KBNN. The trained KBNN was used to perform the parametric study for investigating the effects of process parameters on the part quality. After that, the optimization of the process parameters was carried out by employing the combination of the GA and KBNN. The optimization objective was minimizing the overall damage in the aluminum part while keeping the longitudinal strain and spring back angle less than allowable limits to prevent the existence of defects. The modeling and optimization results by using the KBNN and GA were compared with the results from other methods to prove the advantages of the developed one against others.
Equivalent-circuit model for vacuum ultraviolet irradiation of dielectric films
Authors: Sinha Harsh , Shohet J. Leon
Published: April 2012

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation, which occurs during plasma processing, causes photoemission of electrons from the dielectrics. Photoemission primarily occurs from defect states in the band gap of the dielectric and results in trapped positive charges. The trapped positive charges are negated by photoinjection of electrons from the underlying substrate into the dielectric. The authors propose an equivalent-circuit model using with which, once the circuit parameters are determined, charging of dielectric materials under VUV irradiation can be predicted. The circuit includes a dielectric capacitor, the intrinsic and photo conductivities of the dielectric and substrate, and the processes of photoemission and photoinjection.
Large area single photon detectors based on parallel configuration NbN nanowires
Authors: Mattioli Francesco , Ejrnaes Mikkel , Gaggero Alessandro , Casaburi Alessandro , Cristiano Roberto , Pagano Sergio , Leoni Roberto
Published: April 2012

The authors present superconducting single photon detectors (SSPDs) based on parallel nanostrips with an area up to 40 × 40 μm2. The SSPDs presented here are based on 100 nm wide ultrathin NbN nanostrips with a filling factor of 40%. The devices are fabricated by extending the standard electron beam lithography (EBL) patterning process to those densely structured large areas. By a thorough characterization it is shown that the electrical properties of the parallel SSPDs are comparable with those of smaller devices, as expected, proving in this way that the extended EBL process results in uniform nanostrips also in large area detectors. Furthermore, the estimated maximum count rate of the 40 × 40 μm2 parallel SSPDs was 33 MHz, showing that the parallel nanostrip configuration is much faster when compared with standard meandered serial SSPDs. The successful extension of parallel SSPDs to a large area coverage opens a new route to the use of such detectors also with multimode fibers.
Deactivated by Deamidation
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: April 2012

A
Shigella flexneri
effector deamidates a component of the NF-κB pathway to limit acute inflammatory responses.
The association between childhood cognitive ability and adult long-term sickness absence in three British birth cohorts: a cohort study
Authors: Henderson Max , Richards Marcus , Stansfeld Stephen , Hotopf Matthew
Published: April 2012

Objectives

The authors aimed to test the relationship between childhood cognitive function and long-term sick leave in adult life and whether any relationship was mediated by educational attainment, adult social class or adult mental ill-health.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

The authors used data from the 1946, 1958 and 1970 British birth cohorts. Initial study populations included all live births in 1 week in that year. Follow-up arrangements have differed between the cohorts.

Participants

The authors included only those alive, living in the UK and not permanent refusals at the time of the outcome. The authors further restricted analyses to those in employment, full-time education or caring for a family in the sweep immediately prior to the outcome. 2894 (1946), 15 053 (1958) and 14 713 (1970) cohort members were included. Primary and secondary outcome measures: receipt of health-related benefits (eg, incapacity benefit) in 2000 and 2004 for the 1958 and 1970 cohorts, respectively, and individuals identified as ‘permanently sick or disabled’ in 1999 for 1946 cohort.

Results

After adjusting for sex and parental social class, better cognitive function at age 10/11 was associated with reduced odds of being long-term sick (1946: 0.70 (0.56 to 0.86), p=0.001; 1958: 0.69 (0.61 to 0.77), p<0.001; 1970: 0.80 (0.66 to 0.97), p=0.003). Educational attainment appeared to partly mediate the associations in all cohorts; adult social class appeared to have a mediating role in the 1946 cohort.

Conclusions

Long-term sick leave is a complex outcome with many risk factors beyond health. Cognitive abilities might impact on the way individuals are able to develop strategies to maintain their employment or rapidly find new employment when faced with a range of difficulties. Education should form part of the policy response to long-term sick leave such that young people are better equipped with skills needed in a flexible labour market.
GALILEAN CONFORMAL ALGEBRA IN SEMI-INFINITE SPACE
Authors: SETARE M. R. , KAMALI V.
Published: April 2012

In the present paper, we considered Galilean conformal algebras (GCAs), which arises as a contraction relativistic conformal algebras (xi→ϵxi, t→t, ϵ→0). We can use the Galilean conformal (GC) symmetry to constrain two-point and three-point functions. Correlation functions in space–time without boundary condition were found [A. Bagchi and I. Mandal, Phys. Lett. B675, 393 (2009).]. In real situations, there are boundary conditions in space–time, so we have calculated correlation functions for GC invariant fields in semi-infinite space with boundary condition in r = 0. We have calculated two-point and three-point functions with boundary condition in fixed time.
FACE RECOGNITION USING CURVELET-BASED TWO-DIMENSIONAL PRINCIPLE COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHANG YAN , YU BIN , GU HAI-MING
Published: April 2012

The task of face recognition has been actively researched in recent years because of its many applications in various domains. This paper presents a robust face recognition system using curvelet-based two-dimensional principle component analysis (2D PCA) to address the problem of human face recognition from still images. 2D PCA has advantages over PCA in evaluating the covariance matrix accurately and time complexity. Inspired by the attractive attributes of curvelets in catching the edge singularities with very few coefficients in a non-adaptive manner, we introduce the scheme of decomposing images into curvelet subbands and applying 2D PCA to create a representative feature set. Experiments were designed with different implementations of each module using standard testing database. We experimented with changing the illumination normalization procedure; comparing the baseline PCA-based method with the proposed scheme; studying effects on algorithm performance of k-nearest neighbor (kNN) classifier and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier in the classification process; also we experimented with different databases such as FERET, etc. High accuracy rate were achieved by the proposed scheme through a comparative study.
3D FINITE DIFFERENCE SIMULATIONS OF ACOUSTIC LOGS IN TILTED LAYERED POROUS FORMATIONS
Authors: HE XIAO , WANG XIUMING , CHEN HAO
Published: April 2012

A finite-difference algorithm is developed in the 3D cylindrical coordinate system. Synthetic waveforms excited by monopole and dipole acoustic sources are calculated for acoustic logging in a tilted layered formation composed of two poroelastic media. It is revealed that the existence of a tilted layer drives more acoustic energy out and therefore reduces the reflection back to the wellbore. Numerical results show that the amplitudes and the arrival times of the shear waves and flexural modes are influenced by the borehole inclination. The Stoneley modes, however, show little sensitivity to the orientation of the layer interface.
QWN-EULER OPERATOR AND ASSOCIATED CAUCHY PROBLEM
Authors: BARHOUMI ABDESSATAR , OUERDIANE HABIB , RGUIGUI HAFEDH
Published: April 2012

In this paper the quantum white noise (QWN)-Euler operator [Formula: see text] is defined as the sum [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and NQ stand for appropriate QWN counterparts of the Gross Laplacian and the conservation operator, respectively. It is shown that [Formula: see text] has an integral representation in terms of the QWN-derivatives [Formula: see text] as a kind of functional integral acting on nuclear algebra of white noise operators. The solution of the Cauchy problem associated to the QWN-Euler operator is worked out in the basis of the QWN coordinate system.
LOW VELOCITY IMPACT ANALYSIS OF NANOCOMPOSITE LAMINATES
Authors: THIAGARAJAN A. , PALANIRADJA K. , ALAGUMURTHI N.
Published: April 2012

This paper presents the investigations made on the effect of impact response of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. The laminates are prepared using 6 layers of glass woven roving mates of 610 gsm and MMT clay content varied from 0%, 1%, 3% and 5%. The prepared composite laminates were subjected to low-velocity impact with energy of 18 J. The methodology used for the impact test is based on the ASTM D3029 standard. During these impact tests, load–time histories, Peak load and absorbed energy were recorded by load cell. The incorporation of 1% and 3% nanoclay lead to higher load bearing capacity and energy absorption. Damages produced on the front and back surfaces of the samples were analyzed by visual inspection methods and scanning electron microscope.
Quantization, channel compensation, and optimal energy allocation for estimation in sensor networks
Authors: Sun Xusheng , Coyle Edward J.
Published: April 2012

In clustered networks of wireless sensors, each sensor collects noisy observations of the environment, quantizes these observations into a local estimate of finite length, and forwards them through one or more noisy wireless channels to the cluster head (CH). The measurement noise is assumed to be zero-mean and have finite variance, and each wireless hop is modeled as a binary symmetric channel (BSC) with a known crossover probability. A novel scheme is proposed that uses dithered quantization and channel compensation to ensure that each sensor's local estimate received by the CH is unbiased. The CH fuses these unbiased local estimates into a global one, using a best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE). Analytical and simulation results show that the proposed scheme can achieve much smaller mean square error (MSE) than two other common schemes, while using the same amount of energy. The sensitivity of the proposed scheme to errors in estimates of the crossover probability of the BSC channel is studied by both analysis and simulation. We then determine both the minimum energy required for the network to produce an estimate with a prescribed error variance and how this energy must be allocated amongst the sensors in the multihop network.
Event prediction in a hybrid camera network
Authors: Erdem Uĝur Murat , Sclaroff Stan
Published: April 2012

Given a hybrid camera layout—one containing, for example, static and active cameras—and people moving around following established traffic patterns, our goal is to predict a subset of cameras, respective camera parameter settings, and future time windows that will most likely lead to success the vision tasks, such as, face recognition when a camera observes an event of interest. We propose an adaptive probabilistic model that accrues temporal camera correlations over time as the cameras report observed events. No extrinsic, intrinsic, or color calibration of cameras is required. We efficiently obtain the camera parameter predictions using a modified Sequential Monte Carlo method. We demonstrate the performance of the model in an example face detection scenario in both simulated and real environment experiments, using several active cameras.
Functions Induced by Iterated Deformed Laguerre Derivative: Analytical and Operational Approach
Authors: Marinković Sladjana D. , Stanković Miomir S. , Rajković Predrag M.
Published: April 2012

The one‐parameter deformed exponential function was introduced as a frame that enchases a few known functions of this type. Such deformation requires the corresponding deformed operations (addition and subtraction) and deformed operators (derivative and antiderivative). In this paper, we will demonstrate this theory in researching of some functions defined by iterated deformed Laguerre operator. We study their properties, such as representation, orthogonality, generating function, differential and difference equation, and addition and summation formulas. Also, we consider these functions by the operational method.
Generalized k‐Uniformly Close‐to‐Convex Functions Associated with Conic Regions
Authors: Noor Khalida Inayat
Published: April 2012

We define and study some subclasses of analytic functions by using a certain multiplier transformation. These functions map the open unit disc onto the domains formed by parabolic and hyperbolic regions and extend the concept of uniformly close‐to‐convexity. Some interesting properties of these classes, which include inclusion results, coefficient problems, and invariance under certain integral operators, are discussed. The results are shown to be the best possible.
Misdiagnosed Uterine Rupture of an Advanced Cornual Pregnancy
Authors: Sant Christian Linus Hastrup , Andersen Poul Erik
Published: April 2012

Cornual pregnancy is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge with potential severe consequences if uterine rupture occurs with following massive intraabdominal bleeding. We report a case of a misdiagnosed ruptured cornual pregnancy occurring at 21 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound examination and computer tomography revealed no sign of abnormal pregnancy. The correct diagnosis was first made at emergency laparotomy. Uterine rupture should be considered in pregnant women presenting with abdominal pain and haemodynamic instability.
Investigation of the Relationship between Reverse Current of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells and Conduction of Bypass Diode
Authors: Yang Hong , Wang He , Wang Minqiang
Published: April 2012

In the process of crystalline silicon solar cells production, there exist some solar cells whose reverse current is larger than 1.0 A because of silicon materials and process. If such solar cells are encapsulated into solar modules, hot-spot phenomenon will emerge in use. In this paper, the effect of reverse current on reliability of crystalline silicon solar modules was investigated. Based on the experiments, considering the different shaded rate of cells, the relation between reverse current of crystalline silicon solar cells and conduction of bypass diode was investigated for the first time. To avoid formation of hot spots and failure of solar modules, the reverse current should be smaller than 1.0 A for 125 mm × 125 mm monocrystalline silicon solar cells when the bias voltage is at −12 V.
MicroRNA Involvement in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Kobayashi Eisuke , Hornicek Francis J. , Duan Zhenfeng
Published: April 2012

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, usually arising in the long bones of adolescents and young adults. While our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of OS has increased in recent years, we are still far from a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the disease, such as its tumorigenesis, specific mediators of disease progression, occurrence of chemoresistance, and development of metastasis. After the recent discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs), their critical roles in molecular biological processes have been of great interest in the cancer research field, including research on sarcomas. MiRNAs are highly conserved noncoding RNAs which play important roles as oncogenic or suppressive genes to simultaneously regulate multiple targets. Recent genome-wide screening using miRNA expression profiles has identified specific miRNA expression patterns that are associated with the biological and clinical properties of cancers. Additionally, miRNAs and their target genes or proteins can be potential novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets for cancer. However, there are several challenges that must be addressed in order to translate miRNA-based therapeutics to the clinical setting. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the roles that miRNAs play in OS, and highlight their potential as biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Review on Analytical and Biological Applications of Hydrazones and their Metal Complexes
Authors: Suvarapu Lakshmi Narayana , Seo Young Kyo , Baek Sung-Ok , Ammireddy Varada Reddy
Published: April 2012

Hydrazones are very important group of analytical regents for the determination of various metal ions by using various analytical techniques. Besides this use of hydrazones are also having biological activities also. In this paper we first discussed about the chemical nature of hydrazones and their biological activities. We mainly focused on the papers which were published during 1980‐2011 on analytical applications (spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric) of hydrazones. We gave the total established conditions for the determination of various metal ions with hydrazones.
Impact of HIV Infection on Medicare Beneficiaries with Lung Cancer
Authors: Lee Jeannette Y. , Moore Page C. , Lensing Shelly Y.
Published: April 2012

The incidence of lung cancer among individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is elevated compared to that among the general population. This study examines the prevalence of HIV and its impact on outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries who are 65 years of age or older and were diagnosed with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between 1997 and 2008. Prevalence of HIV was estimated using the Poisson point estimate and its 95% confidence interval. Relative risks for potential risk factors were estimated using the log-binomial model. A total of 111,219 Medicare beneficiaries met the study criteria. The prevalence of HIV was 156.4 per 100,000 (95% CI: 140.8 to 173.8) and has increased with time. Stage at NSCLC diagnosis did not vary by HIV status. Mortality rates due to all causes were 44%, 76%, and 88% for patients with stage I/II, III, and IV NSCLC, respectively. Across stages of disease, there was no difference between those who were HIV-infected and those who were not with respect to overall mortality. HIV patients, however, were more likely to die of causes other than lung cancer than their immunocompetent counterparts.
Prevalence of HLA-B27 in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis in Qatar
Authors: Abdelrahman M. H. , Mahdy S. , Khanjar I. A. , Siam A. M. , Malallah H. A. , Al-Emadi S. A. , Sarakbi H. A. , Hammoudeh M.
Published: April 2012

Background and Objectives. The human leukocyte antigen HLA-B27 is a class 1 antigen of the major histocompatibility complex and is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The purpose of the present study is to investigate the distribution of HLA-B27 in patients with AS of different ethnic groups in Qatar.Design and Setting. Study design was cross-sectional and the setting was rheumatology clinics of Hamad General Hospital in Qatar where most of ankylosing spondylitis patients are followed up.Patients and Methods. Patients with diagnosis of AS who met the New York modified criteria for AS were tested for HLA-B27. 119 patients were tested for HLA-B27: 66 Arabs, 52 Asians (Indians, Pakistanis, Bengalis, and Iranians), and one Western (Irish).Results. Of all the individuals, 82 were positive (69%) for HLA-B27. Among the Arabs, 49/66 were positive (74%). Among the Asians, 32/52 were positive (61%). Furthermore, Qatari patients (10 males and one female) 9 were positive (82%), 14/19 Jordanians/Palestinians were positive, and 9/10 (90%) Egyptians were positive. Among the Asians, 19/26 Indians were positive (73%), which was similar to the Arabs.Conclusion. HLA-B27 in our small group of Arabs is present in 74%. Comparison with other data will be presented in detail.
A Habitat Model for Fish Communities in Large Streams and Small Rivers
Authors: Bain Mark B. , Jia Haifeng
Published: April 2012

Habitat has become one of the fundamentals for managing the environment. We report on synthesis of 30 habitat models for fish species that inhabit large streams and small rivers. Our protocol for integration of many species-level habitat models was to form a robust, general model that reflected the most common characteristics of the reviewed models. Eleven habitat variables were most commonly used in habitat models, and they were grouped by water quality, reproduction, and food and cover. The developed relations defined acceptable and optimal conditions for each habitat variable. Water quality variables were mid-summer water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity. Other structural habitat variables were identified: riffle and pool velocity, riffle depth, and percent of the stream area with cover and pools. We conclude that it is feasible to consolidate species-level habitat models for fish that inhabit the same waterway type. Given the similarity among species models, our specification set will closely approximate the needs and optimal conditions of many species. These eleven variables can serve as design specifications for rehabilitating streams and small rivers in human dominated settings.
Unilateral Hydronephrosis and Renal Damage after Acute Leukemia
Authors: Simanauskiene Egle , Daugelaviciene Valentina , Laurinavicius Arvydas , Mickys Ugnius , Simonyte Vaida , Vaitkeviciene Goda , Verkauskas Gilvydas
Published: April 2012

A 14-year-old boy presented with asymptomatic right hydronephrosis detected on routine yearly ultrasound examination. Previously, he had at least two normal renal ultrasonograms, 4 years after remission of acute myeloblastic leukemia, treated by AML-BFM-93 protocol. A function of the right kidney and no damage on the left was confirmed by a DMSA scan. Right retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy revealed 3 renal arteries with the lower pole artery lying on the pelviureteric junction. Histologically chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis was detected. In the pathogenesis of this severe unilateral renal damage, we suspect the exacerbation of deleterious effects of cytostatic therapy on kidneys with intermittent hydronephrosis.
Precreation Narratives in the Wisdom of Solomon: Genealogy, Gender, and Genre
Authors: Swearingen C. Jan
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Examines genres and representations of gender in the Wisdom of Solomon and its counterparts in selected works of the Pre-Socratic philosophers, the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly Ecclesiastes, and Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians. Proposes that the Wisdom of Solomon may be understood as a hybrid and transitional rhetorolect created in the context of Hellenistic Jewish movements towards philosophical sophistication. Suggests that the range of styles, genres, and lexica in Paul’s letters present similar dexterity in addressing mixed audiences.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide Measurement in Patients Affected by Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Galli Jacopo , Montuschi Paolo , Passàli Giulio Cesare , Laruffa Marianna , Parrilla Claudio , Paludetti Gaetano
Published: April 2012

Objectives

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in the respiratory tract with a major contribution coming from paranasal sinuses and the nose. The pathophysiological role of NO in the airways has been debated. The aims of this study were to measure fraction of exhaled NO (FENO), a validated marker of airway inflammation, in patients affected by nasal polyposis with and without asthma; to assess the importance of FENO measurement in detecting subclinical involvement of lower airways in patients with clinical rhinosinusal symptoms; and to clarify the impact of endoscopic surgical removal of polyps on airway inflammation.

Setting

The study was conducted at the O.R.L. Clinic and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Subjects and Methods

Concentrations of FENO were measured with the NIOX system (Aerocrine, Stockholm, Sweden) by using a single‐breath online method, according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines.

Results

Compared with those in healthy subjects (15 [11‐19] ppb, n = 15; P <. 0001), FENO values were elevated in patients with nasal polyposis (41 [21‐77] ppb, n = 43). There was no significant difference in FENO concentrations between asthmatic and nonasthmatic patients with nasal polyposis (P =. 73). Concentrations of FENO in patients with nasal polyposis were decreased after surgery (64.2 [30.0‐132.7] ppb vs 56.0 [26.4‐73.8] ppb, respectively; P =. 03).

Conclusion

The fraction of exhaled NO is elevated in the inflammatory process involving both the rhinosinusal district and lower airways, supporting the one‐airway disease hypothesis.
Syndecan-2 promotes perineural invasion and cooperates with K-ras to induce an invasive pancreatic cancer cell phenotype
Authors: De Oliveira Tiago , Abiatari Ivane , Raulefs Susanne , Sauliunaite Danguole , Erkan Mert , Kong Bo , Friess Helmut , Michalski Christoph W , Kleeff Jörg
Published: April 2012

Background

We have identified syndecan-2 as a protein potentially involved in perineural invasion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells.

Methods

Syndecan-2 (SDC-2) expression was analyzed in human normal pancreas, chronic pancreatitis and PDAC tissues. Functional in vitro assays were carried out to determine its role in invasion, migration and signaling.

Results

SDC-2 was expressed in the majority of the tested pancreatic cancer cell lines while it was upregulated in nerve-invasive PDAC cell clones. There were 2 distinct expression patterns of SDC-2 in PDAC tissue samples: SDC-2 positivity in the cancer cell cytoplasm and a peritumoral expression. Though SDC-2 silencing (using specific siRNA oligonucleotides) did not affect anchorage-dependent growth, it significantly reduced cell motility and invasiveness in the pancreatic cancer cell lines T3M4 and Su8686. On the transcriptional level, migration-and invasion-associated genes were down-regulated following SDC-2 RNAi. Furthermore, SDC-2 silencing reduced K-ras activity, phosphorylation of Src and - further downstream - phosphorylation of ERK2 while levels of the putative SDC-2 signal transducer p120GAP remained unaltered.

Conclusion

SDC-2 is a novel (perineural) invasion-associated gene in PDAC which cooperates with K-ras to induce a more invasive phenotype.
Value of segmental myocardial strain by 2-dimensional strain echocardiography for assessment of scar area induced in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Liao Shu-sheng , Ruan Qin-yun , Lin Mei-yan , Yan Lei
Published: April 2012

Objectives

Two-dimensional strain echocardiography (2DSE) technique has enabled accurate quantification of regional myocardial function. This experimental study was aimed to investigate the value of 2DSE in detection of segmental regional myocardial dysfunction induced by fibrosis following myocardial infarction in a small animal (rat) model.

Methods

A rat model of myocardial infarction was established by ligation of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery in 17 SD rats. Regional myocardial function was detected by 2DSE at baseline and 4-weeks post-infarction, including end-systolic radial strain and strain rate (SR and SrR) and end-systolic circumferential strain and strain rate (SC and SrC) of each of six segments at papillary level. According to the size of scar found by histologic Masson staining, the optimal cutoff points of parameters for detecting scar area were analyzed and the sensitivity and specificity of every parameter to detect myocardial scar were obtained using ROC.

Results

(1) Comparing with parameters measured at baseline, there were significant decreases in SR, SrR, SC and SrC of each segment at 4 weeks post-infarction, with the worst in the infarct area (32.90 ± 8.79 vs 11.18 ± 3.89, 6.28 ± 1.35 vs 3.18 ± 0.47, -14.46 ± 2.21 vs - 6.30 ± 2.17 and 4.93 ± 0.95 vs 2.59 ± 1.16, respectively) (all P < 0.05). (2)By 4 weeks, the myocardium of infarct area (anteroseptum, anterior and anterolateral) had fibrosis (31.33 ± 9.89, 73.42 ± 13.21 and 13.99 ± 3.24%, respectively) with minimal fibrosis in inferoseptal segment (0.32 ± 0.19%), no fibrosis was found in the inferior and inferolateral segments. (3)Significant negative correlations were found between the size of segmental scar and 2DSE parameters (r-value -0.61 ~ -0.80, all P < 0.01) with the strongest correlation in SR. SR less than 10% has 84% sensitivity and 98% specificity for detecting segments of scar area greater than 30% with AUC = 0.97.

Conclusions

2DSE is able to assess regional myocardial dysfunction in a rat model of myocardial infarction and has high accuracy in detecting infarct segments with scar area greater than 30%.