bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inconsistencies between theory and methodology: a recurrent problem in ordination studies
Authors: Austin M.P.
Published: August 2012

Context

A historical review of ordination studies is presented with particular reference to the pioneering contributions of the late Prof. I. Noy‐Meir and their continuing relevance.

Issues

(1) Comparisons of ordination methods are often confounded by differences in the methodological algorithm, dissimilarity measure used and the data standardization employed. (2) Artificial data where ‘truth’ is known offer a means of evaluating ordination approaches but are highly sensitive to the ecological model assumed. (3) Data standardization is frequently used but its influence on ordination is poorly understood and lacks theoretical justification.

Review

Historically, the above issues have been continually raised since the first use of artificial data by Swan in 1970 to demonstrate the ‘horseshoe distortion’. Three distinct conceptual models have been used to generate artificial data, yet no consensus on their suitability has emerged since they were first used in the mid‐1970s. Comparative studies had, by the late 1980s, shown that some approaches recovered ‘ecological truth’ better than others. Differences between comparative studies in conceptual models, nature of the data matrices used, different dissimilarity measures, ordination algorithms and evaluations methods limited acceptance of this conclusion. Data standardization alters the properties of the vegetation data matrix. Yet little is known regarding the influence on ordination results of the collective vegetation properties stand abundance, dominance or species richness, which are altered by standardization.

Recent developments

Knowledge of the properties of individual dissimilarity measures and ordination algorithms has increased; a few new methods have emerged. Pragmatism of the type ‘this method gives me useful answers so I do not need to use a better method’ is common. Tests of conceptual models are now occurring based on species distribution modelling.

Conclusions

A consensus is emerging that non‐metric multidimensional scaling and dissimilarity measures such as the Bray–Curtis coefficient should be used in preference to correspondence analysis methods based on the χ2 dissimilarity measure. Absence of a comprehensive model of vegetation composition is limiting ordination as a method of community analysis. Inconsistencies between different ordination methods and ecological models first recognized in the 1970s remain today.
Reversal of Compromised Bonding after Bleaching
Authors: SWIFT, JR. EDWARD J.
Published: August 2012

Bleaching with peroxide agents compromises the adhesion of resin‐based materials to enamel and dentin. The problem is likely caused by delayed release of oxygen from the teeth that inhibits resin polymerization at the interface. The typical method for avoiding problems with bonding to bleached teeth is simply to delay the bonding procedure for a week or two after bleaching. However, there is evidence that bonding can be done immediately if bleaching is followed by the application of an antioxidant. This Critical Appraisal reviews some of the published reports on the reversal of compromised bonding after bleaching via the use of antioxidants such as sodium ascorbate.
Comparison of tissue damage, cleansing and cross‐contamination potential during wound cleansing via two methods: lavage and negative pressure wound therapy with instillation
Authors: Allen Diwi , LaBarbera Lori A , Bondre Ioana L , Lessing M Christian , Rycerz Anthony M , Kilpadi Deepak V , Collins Barbara A , Perkins Joanna , McNulty Amy K
Published: August 2012

The use of lavage was compared to negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with instillation (NPWTi) to assess extent of soft tissue damage, debris removal and environmental cross‐contamination susceptibility in three distinct models. Scanning electron microscopy in an ex vivo model showed increased visible tissue trauma from lavage treatment at low and high pressures versus NPWTi, with the degree of trauma relative to the pressure of the irrigant. These results were corroborated in granulating full‐thickness excisional swine wounds coated with dextran solution to simulate wound debris. Both low‐pressure lavage and NPWTi demonstrated effective cleansing in this model, reducing debris by >90%. However, using three‐dimensional photography to evaluate tissue damage by measuring immediate tissue swelling (changes in wound volume and depth) showed significantly greater (P < 0.05) swelling in low‐pressure lavage‐treated wounds compared with NPWTi‐treated wounds. Lastly, bench top wound models were inoculated with fluorescent bacterial particles to assess environmental cross‐contamination potential and collected at measured distances after treatment with low‐pressure lavage and NPWTi. No evidence of cross‐contamination was found with NPWTi, whereas one‐half of the particles became ‘aerosolised’ during low‐pressure lavage (P < 0.05). Collectively, these studies demonstrate the effective wound cleansing capabilities of NPWTi without the tissue damage and environmental contamination associated with lavage.
Preoperative Hair Removal on the Male Genitalia: Clippers vs. Razors
Authors: Grober Ethan D. , Domes Trustin , Fanipour Majid , Copp Julie E.
Published: August 2012

Introduction

In an effort to reduce the incidence of postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs), many hospitals have adopted a strict practice of preoperative hair removal using clippers, as opposed to razors. However, the skin of the male genitalia is delicate, elastic with irregular skin folds and may be ill-suited for clippers.

Aim

To compare shave quality and the degree of skin trauma using two methods of preoperative hair removal on the scrotal skin: clippers vs. razors.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgery involving the male genitalia requiring preoperative hair removal were randomized to hair removal using clippers or a razor. Immediately following hair removal, a standardized digital photograph was taken of the male genitalia. All digital photos were evaluated in a blinded fashion by groups of urologic surgeons and surgical nurses using a standardized five-point global rating scale. The incidence of SSIs was monitored.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcomes included blinded global ratings of (i) the completeness of the preoperative hair removal within the surgical field and (ii) degree of skin trauma following hair removal. The incidence of SSIs within 3 months of surgery was monitored throughout the study period.

Results

Two hundred fifteen consecutive patients were randomized (107 clipper, 108 razor). Overall, preoperative hair removal on the male genitalia using a razor resulted in significantly less skin trauma (P = 2.5E-10) and a more complete hair removal within the surgical field (P = 0.017) compared with clippers. SSIs were identified in four patients during follow-up (1.8%—two using clippers; two, razors).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that preoperative hair removal on the scrotal skin using a razor results in less skin trauma and improved overall shave quality with no apparent increased risk of SSIs. Based on these findings, surgeons should be permitted their choice of razors or clippers for preoperative preparation of the male genitalia.
Evolution of Structural and Mechanical Properties of TiN Films on SS 304LN
Authors: Polaki ShyamalRao , Ramaseshan Rajagopalan , Jose Feby , Ravi Nukala , Dash Sitaram , Tyagi Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2012

We investigate the effect of orientation and residual stress on mechanical properties of reactive magnetron‐sputtered TiN thin films on SS 304 LN with a function of substrate temperature. All these films are polycrystalline with a preferred orientation (200). Residual stress of these films were calculated by sin2Ψ technique and found to be in the range of −2.6 to −4.5 GPa. The hardness and modulus of these films ranged between 24–29 GPa and 326–388 GPa, respectively. Temperature‐dependent orientation change is clearly observed and this in turn influenced the residual stress. Hardness and modulus of these films exhibited dependence on the orientation and residual stress.
Talent management in practice in Australia: individualistic or strategic? An exploratory study
Authors: Jones Janice T , Whitaker Marian , Seet Pi‐Shen , Parkin Jarrad
Published: August 2012

Drawing on the results of a qualitative study involving senior human resources (HR) practitioners and executives, this paper explores the nature of talent management in Australia, including whether organisations adopt an ‘individualistic’ or ‘star’ perspective or a more systems‐level, strategic perspective on talent management. The results suggest that there is heterogeneity in how organisations execute talent management with a spectrum of approaches ranging from what is, in essence, a relabelling of human resource management (HRM), with a narrow functional focus; through to integrated HRM, with an exclusive individual focus; to a more organisationally focused competence development approach. We find evidence of an emphasis on the identification of key positions that can add significant competitive advantage and differentiated HR ‘architecture’ associated with a more strategic perspective in some organisations. Overall, the study finds little indication of a systems‐level, strategic perspective, with most firms taking an individualistic approach to talent management.
The nature of assembly bias – II. Halo spin
Authors: Lacerna Ivan , Padilla Nelson
Published: August 2012

We study an assembly-type bias parametrized by the dimensionless spin parameter that affects massive structures. In numerical simulations, higher spin haloes are more strongly clustered than lower spin haloes of equal mass. We detect a difference of over 30 per cent in the clustering strength for dark matter haloes of 1013–1014h−1 M⊙, which is similar to the result of Bett et al. We explore whether the dependence of clustering strength on halo spin is removed if we apply the redefinition of overdensity peak height proposed by Lacerna & Padilla (Paper I) obtained using assembly ages. We find that this is not the case due to two reasons. First, only a few objects of low virial mass are moved into the mass range where the spin introduces an assembly-type bias after using this redefinition. Secondly, this formalism does not alter the mass of massive objects. In other words, the sample of haloes with redefined mass M in the high-mass regime is practically the same as before the redefinition of peak height, and thus the clustering behaviour is the same. We then repeat the process of finding the redefined peak height of Paper I but using the spin. In this case, the new masses show no spin-related assembly bias but they introduce a previously absent assembly bias with respect to relative age. From this result, we conclude that the assembly-type bias with respect to the halo spin has a different origin from that with respect to the assembly age. The former may be due to the material from filaments, which is accreted by massive haloes, and enhanced in high-density environments, thus causing more extreme spin values without significantly changing the formation age of the halo. In addition, the estimates of the mass of collapsed structures in numerical simulations could be lower than the true mass, even in cluster-size haloes. High-mass objects may correspond, in some cases, to a different peak height from that suggested by their virial mass, providing a possible explanation for the assembly-type bias with respect to the spin.
Combined permeable pavement and photocatalytic titanium dioxide oxidation system for urban run‐off treatment and disinfection
Authors: Tota‐Maharaj Kiran , Scholz Miklas
Published: August 2012

Permeable pavement systems (PPS) are frequently associated with high removal efficiencies for water quality parameters. Their effluent can, therefore, be recycled, for example, for sprinkling onto gardens. Nevertheless, some stakeholders fear that potentially pathogenic organisms within the treated run‐off could be too high, and therefore they request disinfection before recycling. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to assess the efficiency of a batch flow combined titanium dioxide (TiO2) and ultraviolet (UV) light photocatalytic reactor in removing water‐borne microbial contaminants from the effluent of PPS. Combined TiO2 and UV photocatalytic reaction times between 80 and 100 min were required for the complete removal of Escherichia coli, total coliforms and faecal Streptococci, which had mean initial counts of 1.5 × 107, 4.4 × 106 and 6.9 × 105 colony‐forming units (CFU) per 100 mL, respectively. In comparison, UV disinfection alone resulted in insignificant microbial removal. Suspended TiO2 powder was more effective than small immobilised TiO2 crystals.
Taxonomic revision of the tribeZoraidini (Hemiptera:Fulgoromorpha:Derbidae) fromKorea
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Atikur , Kwon Yong Jung , Suh Sang Jae
Published: August 2012

TheKorean planthopper tribeZoraidini is revised taxonomically. Five genera are recognized in theKorean fauna:DiostrombusUhler, 1896,LosbanosiaMuir, 1917,PamendangaDistant, 1906,ShirakianaMetcalf, 1945,ZoraidaKirkaldy, 1900. Among them, the genusShirakianais recorded for the first time in Korea. Nine species, four of which are recognized new toKorea:S. infumata(Matsumura),Z. koannaniaMatsumura,Z. hubeiensisChouetHuang, andZ. kuwayamae(Matsumura). Previous record of one species,Z. pterophoroides(Westwood, 1851), is removed from the list ofKorean fauna because it was erroneously reported, based on a misidentification. All species are described and illustrated, and identification keys to genera and species are provided.
Prospects and challenges of induced pluripotent stem cells as a source of hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: van Bekkum Dirk W. , Mikkers Harald M.M.
Published: August 2012

Many life‐threatening hematological diseases are now treated by bone marrow transplantations, i.e., infusion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSC transplantations are a valid option for the treatment of a variety of metabolic disorders, and even for solid tumors and some refractory severe autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, the frequency and outcome of HSC transplantations are limited by a shortage of suitable donors. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)—somatic cells that have acquired pluripotent stem cell characteristics by the ectopic expression of pluripotency‐inducing factors—have been proposed as an alternative source of HSCs. Possible applications include cells of autologous, of autologous and genetically modified, or of allogeneic origin. Here, we provide a perspective on the distinct opportunities of iPSCs and discuss the challenges that lie ahead.
Taste Properties of Potassium Chloride Alone and in Mixtures with Sodium Chloride Using a Check‐All‐That‐Apply Method
Authors: Sinopoli Dominique A. , Lawless Harry T.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  As consumers try to reduce their sodium consumption for health purposes, the food industry seeks ways to reduce the sodium content in products while maintaining palatability. One potential solution for lowering sodium content is using potassium chloride (KCl) as a substitute. However, many people find KCl to have unpleasant off‐tastes, which limits its effectiveness to replace sodium chloride (NaCl). This study examined the taste properties of KCl using a check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) ballot. The objectives were to see which terms people use to describe KCl and in what ways this changes in various combinations with NaCl. Panelists were served mixtures of varying NaCl and KCl concentrations, and evaluated them using a set of predetermined terms on a CATA ballot. Frequency counts were taken, and binomial and McNemar tests were performed to see which stimuli changed the most between samples. Results showed that adding KCl increased salt perception slightly, and salty was chosen more frequently when in combination with NaCl. Adding NaCl in a mixture with KCl decreases unpleasant side tastes associated with KCl, such as bitter, chemical, and metallic.
Attention to Culture and Diversity in Psychoanalytic Trainings
Authors: Ciclitira Karen , Foster Nena
Published: August 2012

abstract

Ethnically and culturally diverse groups increasingly undertake psychotherapy, but insufficient attention is often paid to aspects of diversity. This article explores qualitative data from a mixed‐method study, conducted at a UK psychoanalytic psychotherapy training institution, in which 24 participants from diverse backgrounds were interviewed individually about their experiences of clinical training. Participants were asked how their ethnicity had impacted on their training, and also how social class, sexual orientation, religion and gender might affect the training experience. The data were analysed thematically, and a principal theme that emerged was the way that psychoanalytical clinical trainings tend, for theoretical reasons, to explore ‘internal’ psychological issues at the expense of ‘external’ material issues such as ethnicity. Similar concerns arose in connection with social class, gender and sexual orientation, with a specific theme being that of trainees feeling silenced and finding it difficult to openly discuss various aspects of diversity.
How Collaborative the Collaboration? Assessing Interagency Collaboration within a Juvenile Court Diversion Program
Authors: Dickerson James G. , Collins‐Camargo Crystal , Martin‐Galijatovic Ramie
Published: August 2012

Juvenile delinquency with co‐occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders has become an increasing problem within the United States. In part this can be attributed to the excessive number of delinquent youth entering the juvenile justice system with untreated substance abuse and/or mental health disorders. In an effort to combat this problem, interagency collaborations have been formed to provide more effective treatment services. One such interagency collaboration is the JETS Program. This study identifies the strengths and limitations of establishing an interagency collaboration within the first year of a juvenile treatment court's inception.
Improving Outcomes for a Juvenile Justice Model Court: A Realist Evaluation
Authors: Kazi Mansoor A.F. , Frounfelker Savra , Bartone Anne , Buchanan Judge Paul G.
Published: August 2012

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the Erie County, New York, Juvenile Justice Model Court on court improvement and improved case outcomes for youth and families. A quasi‐experimental design was used within a realist evaluation paradigm, with four independent groups in four years. Court improvement was measured by the number of days between appearance and disposition, and improved case outcomes by the extent to which penetration into the juvenile justice system was reduced. Both outcomes were significantly improved, and it was found that the Model Court intervention was the main predictor for their improvement. Youth with reduced penetration had lower levels of recidivism.
Effects of prolonged treatment with memantine in the MRL model of central nervous system lupus
Authors: Marcinko Katarina , Parsons Tiffany , Lerch Jason P. , Sled John G. , Sakic Boris
Published: August 2012

Neuropsychiatric manifestations and brain atrophy of unknown etiology are common and severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An autoantibody that binds to N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor NR2 has been proposed as a key factor in the etiology of central nervous system (CNS) SLE. This hypothesis was supported by evidence suggesting memantine (MEM), an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, prevents behavioral dysfunction and brain pathology in healthy mice immunized with a peptide similar to an epitope on the NR2 receptor. Given that SLE is a chronic condition, we examined the effects of MEM in MRL/lpr mice, which develop behavioral deficits alongside SLE‐like disease. A broad behavioral battery and 7‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to examine whether prolonged treatment with MEM (~25 mg/kg bodyweight in drinking water) prevents CNS involvement in this spontaneous model of SLE. Although MEM increased novel object exploration in MRL/lpr mice, it did not show other beneficial, substrain‐specific effects. Conversely, MEM was detrimental to spontaneous activity in control MRL+/+ mice and had a negative effect on body mass gain. Similarly, MRI showed comparable increases in the volume of periventricular structures in MEM‐treated groups. We conclude that sustained exposure to MEM affects body growth, brain morphology and behavior primarily by pharmacological, and not autoimmunity‐dependent, mechanisms. Substrain‐specific improvement in exploratory behavior of MEM‐treated MRL/lpr mice might indicate that the NMDA system is merely a constituent of a complex pathogenic cascade. However, it was evident that chronic administration of MEM is unable to completely prevent the development of a CNS SLE‐like syndrome.
Reputation and Mechanism Choice in Procurement Auctions: An Experiment
Authors: Brosig‐Koch Jeannette , Heinrich Timo
Published: August 2012

We experimentally study the role of reputation in procurement using two common mechanisms: price‐based and buyer‐determined auctions. While buyers are bound to buy from the lowest bidder in price‐based auctions, they can choose between bidders in buyer‐determined auctions. Only the latter buyers can consider the reputation of bidders. We find that bidders supply higher quality in buyer‐determined auctions leading to higher market efficiencies in these auctions. Accordingly, buyers prefer the buyer‐determined auction over the price‐based auction, while only half of the bidders do so. A more detailed analysis of buyers' and bidders' behavior and profits provides insights into their mechanism choice.
Regular insulin, rather than rapid‐acting insulin, is a suitable choice for premeal bolus insulin in lean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kuroda Akio , Kaneto Hideaki , Kawashima Satoshi , Sakamoto Kenya , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Shiraiwa Toshihiko , Yasuda Tetsuyuki , Katakami Naoto , Matsuoka Taka‐aki , Shimomura Iichiro , Matsuhisa Munehide
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present study was to compare the usefulness of premeal rapid‐acting and regular insulin in type 2 diabetes patients. A total of 56 type 2 diabetic patients were investigated during hospitalization. Premeal rapid‐acting insulin was applied instead of other medications. Premeal insulin was titrated to adjust premeal and bedtime blood glucose levels to 81–120 mg/dL. Premeal rapid‐acting insulin was changed to regular insulin just before a meal at the same dosage if the postmeal blood glucose level was lower than the premeal blood glucose level. A total of 15 patients changed to regular insulin, and 41 patients continued rapid‐acting insulin. The blood glucose level was comparable between these two groups. Body mass index was significantly lower in the patients using regular insulin. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, low body mass index was an independent variable accounting for the usefulness of regular insulin. Regular insulin, rather than rapid‐acting insulin, is a suitable choice for premeal insulin in lean type 2 diabetic patients.
Adiposity in children and adolescents: correlates and clinical consequences of fat stored in specific body depots
Authors: Katzmarzyk P. T. , Shen W. , Baxter‐Jones A. , Bell J. D. , Butte N. F. , Demerath E. W. , Gilsanz V. , Goran M. I. , Hirschler V. , Hu H. H. , Maffeis C. , Malina R. M. , Müller M. J. , Pietrobelli A. , Wells J. C. K.
Published: August 2012

The 2011 Pennington Biomedical Research Center's Scientific Symposium focused on adiposity in children and adolescents. The symposium was attended by 15 speakers and other invited experts. The specific objectives of the symposium were to (i) integrate the latest published and unpublished findings on the laboratory and clinical assessment of depot‐specific adiposity in children and adolescents, (ii) understand the variation in depot‐specific adiposity and related health outcomes associated with age, sex, maturation, ethnicity and other factors and (iii) identify opportunities for incorporating new markers of abdominal obesity into clinical practice guidelines for obesity in children and adolescents. This symposium provided an overview of important new advances in the field and identified directions for future research. The long‐term goal of the symposium is to aid in the early identification of children and adolescents who are at increased health risk because of obesity and obesity‐related conditions.
Measurement of Load-Carrying Capacity of Thin Lubricating Films
Authors: Li Xia , Guo Feng , Yang Shuyan , Wong P. L.
Published: August 2012

This paper presents an experimental procedure to evaluate the load-carrying capacity of a fixed-incline slider bearing (dimensionless load W versus convergence ratio K) using a slider-on-disk lubricating film test rig. In general, the applied load is the dependent variable and is directly measured for different convergence ratios such that the relation of the load-carrying capacity W and the convergence ratio K can be obtained. The load and slider inclination are fixed in the present approach, and the film thickness is measured at different speeds. As the dimensionless load can be a function of speed and film thickness, the variation of load-carrying capacity with respect to speed can be obtained even under a constant load and a fixed incline. It is shown that the measured load-carrying capacity is lower than that predicted by the classical hydrodynamic theory. Nevertheless, the experimental results acquire the same trend in the variation of dimensionless loads with convergence ratios. The theory holds that the load-carrying capacity is a single function of the convergence ratio. However, the experimental results show that the dimensionless load-carrying capacity is affected by the inclination angle of the slider, load, and the properties of lubricating oils.
Ultrasonic Measurement of Scleral Cross-Sectional Strains During Elevations of Intraocular Pressure: Method Validation and Initial Results in Posterior Porcine Sclera
Authors: Tang Junhua , Liu Jun
Published: August 2012

Background. Scleral biomechanical properties may be important in the pathogenesis and progression of glaucoma. The goal of this study is to develop and validate an ultrasound method for measuring cross-sectional distributive strains in the sclera during elevations of intraocular pressure (IOP). Method of Approach. Porcine globes (n = 5) were tested within 24 hs postmortem. The posterior scleral shells were dissected and mounted onto a custom-built pressurization chamber. A high-frequency (55-MHz) ultrasound system (Vevo660, VisualSonics Inc., Toronto) was employed to acquire the radio frequency data during scans of the posterior pole along both circumferential and meridian directions. The IOP was gradually increased from 5 to 45 mmHg. The displacement fields were obtained from correlation-based ultrasound speckle tracking. A least-square strain estimator was used to calculate the strains in both axial and lateral directions. Experimental validation was performed by comparing tissue displacements calculated from ultrasound speckle tracking with those induced by an actuator. Theoretical analysis and simulation experiments were performed to optimize the ultrasound speckle tracking method and evaluate the accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in strain estimation. Results. Porcine sclera exhibited significantly larger axial strains (e.g., −5.1 ± 1.5% at 45 mmHg, meridian direction) than lateral strains (e.g., 2.2 ± 0.7% at 45 mmHg, meridian direction) during IOP elevations (P’s < 0.01). The strain magnitudes increased nonlinearly with pressure increase. The strain maps displayed heterogeneity through the thickness. The lateral strains were significantly smaller in the circumferential direction than the meridian direction at 45 mmHg (P < 0.05). Experimental validation showed that the ultrasound speckle tracking method was capable of tracking displacements at the accuracy of sub-micron to micron. Theoretical analysis predicted the dependence of the strain estimation SNR on the strain level, as well as signal processing parameters such as kernel size. Simulation results showed that ultrasound speckle tracking had a high accuracy for estimating strains of 1–5% and a high SNR for strains of 0.5–5%. Conclusions. A new experimental method based on ultrasound speckle tracking has been developed for obtaining cross-sectional strain maps of the posterior sclera. This method provides a useful tool to examine distributive strains through the thickness of the sclera during elevations of IOP.
Randomized Controlled Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Daptomycin versus Standard-of-Care Therapy for Management of Patients with Osteomyelitis Associated with Prosthetic Devices Undergoing Two-Stage Revision Arthroplasty
Authors: Byren Ivor , Rege Shruta , Campanaro Ed , Yankelev Sara , Anastasiou Diane , Kuropatkin Gennady , Evans Richard
Published: August 2012

The prevalence of
Staphylococcus aureus
causing prosthetic joint infection (PJI) supports investigation of higher doses of daptomycin in the management of PJI. This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial studying safety and efficacy of daptomycin (6 and 8 mg/kg of body weight) compared with standard-of-care therapy for PJI. This open-label study randomized 75 patients undergoing 2-stage revision arthroplasty to daptomycin at 6 or 8 mg/kg or a comparator (vancomycin, teicoplanin, or semisynthetic penicillin). After prosthesis removal, patients received 6 weeks of antibiotic treatment and a 2- to 6-week antibiotic-free period before implantation of a new prosthesis. Test of cure (TOC) was within 1 to 2 weeks after reimplantation. The primary objective was evaluation of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. Secondary objectives were clinical efficacy and microbiological assessments. Of 73 CPK safety population patients, CPK elevation of >500 U/liter occurred in 4 of 25 (16.0%) (daptomycin, 6 mg/kg) and 5 of 23 (21.7%) (daptomycin, 8 mg/kg) daptomycin-treated patients and 2 of 25 (8.0%) comparator patients. Adverse-event rates were similar among daptomycin and comparator groups. Among modified intent-to-treat patients at TOC, clinical success rates were 14 of 24 (58.3%) for 6 mg/kg daptomycin, 14 of 23 (60.9%) for 8 mg/kg daptomycin, and 8 of 21 (38.1%) for the comparator. Overall microbiological success at TOC was 12 of 24 (50.0%) for 6 mg/kg daptomycin, 12 of 23 (52.2%) for 8 mg/kg daptomycin, and 8 of 21 (38.1%) for comparator patients. In conclusion, daptomycin at 6 and 8 mg/kg given for up to 6 weeks was safe and appeared to be effective in managing staphylococcal PJI using a 2-stage revision arthroplasty technique in a total of 49 patients.
Genome Sequencing of a Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolate of a Successful International Clone with Decreased Susceptibility and Resistance to Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporins
Authors: Hess David , Wu Abel , Golparian Daniel , Esmaili Sarah , Pandori Will , Sena Emilee , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Barry Pennan , Unemo Magnus , Pandori Mark
Published: August 2012

The recent emergence of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
strains with decreased susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins is a major concern globally. We sequenced the genome of an
N. gonorrhoeae
multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) ST1407 isolate (SM-3) with decreased susceptibility and resistance to oral extended-spectrum cephalosporins. The isolate was cultured in 2008 in San Francisco, CA, and possessed mosaic
penA
allele XXXIV, which is associated with an international clone that possesses decreased susceptibility as well as resistance to oral extended-spectrum cephalosporins globally. The genome sequence of strain NCCP11945 was used as a scaffold, and our assembly resulted in 91 contigs covering 2,029,064 bp (91%; >150× coverage) of the genome. Numerous instances of suspected horizontal genetic transfer events with other
Neisseria
species were identified, and two genes,
opa
and
txf
, acquired from nongonococcal
Neisseria
species, were identified. Strains possessing mosaic
penA
alleles (
n
= 108) and nonmosaic
penA
alleles (
n
= 169) from the United States and Europe (15 countries), cultured in 2002 to 2009, were screened for the presence of these genes. The
opa
gene was detected in most (82%)
penA
mosaic-containing isolates (mainly from 2007 to 2009) but not in any
penA
nonmosaic isolates. The
txf
gene was found in all strains containing
opa
but also in several (18%)
penA
nonmosaic strains. Using
opa
and
txf
as genetic markers, we identified a strain that possesses mosaic
penA
allele XXXIV, but the majority of its genome is not genetically related to strain SM-3. This implies that
penA
mosaic allele XXXIV was transferred horizontally. Such isolates also possessed decreased susceptibility and resistance to oral extended-spectrum cephalosporins. These findings support that genetic screening for particular
penA
mosaic alleles can be a valuable method for tracking strains with decreased susceptibility as well as resistance to oral extended-spectrum cephalosporins worldwide and that screening using only NG-MAST may not be sufficient.
Differences between Macrolide-Resistant and -Susceptible Streptococcus pyogenes: Importance of Clonal Properties in Addition to Antibiotic Consumption
Authors: Silva-Costa C. , Friães A. , Ramirez M. , Melo-Cristino J. ,   the Portuguese Group for the Study of Streptococcal Infections
Published: August 2012

A steady decline in macrolide resistance amongStreptococcus pyogenes(group A streptococci [GAS]) in Portugal was reported during 1999 to 2006. This was accompanied by alterations in the prevalence of macrolide resistance phenotypes and in the clonal composition of the population. In order to test whether changes in the macrolide-resistant population reflected the same changing patterns of the overall population, we characterized both macrolide-susceptible and -resistant GAS associated with a diagnosis of tonsillo-pharyngitis recovered in the period from 2000 to 2005 in Portugal. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiling was the best predictor ofemmtype and the only typing method that could discriminate clones associated with macrolide resistance and susceptibility within eachemmtype. Six PFGE clusters were significantly associated with macrolide susceptibility: T3-emm3-ST406, T4-emm4-ST39, T1-emm1-ST28, T6-emm6-ST382, B3264-emm89-ST101/ST408, and T2-emm2-ST55. Four PFGE clusters were associated with macrolide resistance: T4-emm4-ST39, T28-emm28-ST52, T12-emm22-ST46, and T1-emm1-ST28. We found no evidence for frequent ongoing horizontal transfer of macrolide resistance determinants. The diversity of the macrolide-resistant population was lower than that of susceptible isolates. The differences found between the two populations suggest that the macrolide-resistant population of GAS has its own dynamics, independent of the behavior of the susceptible population.
More than poverty: disruptive events among women having abortions in the USA
Authors: Jones Rachel K , Frohwirth Lori , Moore Ann M
Published: August 2012

Background

In the USA, abortion has become increasingly concentrated among poor women. For many, poverty represents difficulties meeting financial obligations, but the authors expect it is also associated with a range of potentially difficult life circumstances that may influence women's pregnancy decisions.

Methods

This mixed methods study relied on two data sources. Quantitative data came from a national sample of 9493 women obtaining abortions in 2008 and examined exposure to 11 potentially disruptive events. The authors also examined associations between disruptive events, poverty status and contraceptive use. Qualitative information from 49 in-depth interviews was used to provide insights into patterns that emerged from the quantitative analysis.

Results

More than half (57%) of the women obtaining abortions experienced a potentially disruptive event within the last year, most commonly unemployment (20%), separation from a partner (16%), falling behind on rent/mortgage (14%) and/or moving multiple times (12%). Poverty status was significantly associated with several of the events, particularly those that could directly impact on a family's economic circumstances, for example losing a job or having a baby. Information from the in-depth interviews suggested that disruptive events interfered with contraceptive use, but the quantitative survey found no difference in contraceptive use by exposure to disruptive life events, even after controlling for poverty status.

Conclusion

Many abortion patients make decisions about their pregnancies in the midst of complex life circumstances.
CATEGORIES OF COMODULES AND CHAIN COMPLEXES OF MODULES
Authors: ARDIZZONI A. , EL KAOUTIT L. , MENINI C.
Published: August 2012

Let [Formula: see text] denote the coendomorphism left R-bialgebroid associated to a left finitely generated and projective extension of rings R → A with identities. We show that the category of left comodules over an epimorphic image of [Formula: see text] is equivalent to the category of chain complexes of left R-modules. This equivalence is monoidal whenever R is commutative and A is an R-algebra. This is a generalization, using entirely new tools, of results by Pareigis and Tambara for chain complexes of vector spaces over fields. Our approach relies heavily on the noncommutative theory of Tannaka reconstruction, and the generalized faithfully flat descent for small additive categories, or rings with enough orthogonal idempotents.
ON-LINE SCHEDULING OF EMPTY CONTAINERS
Authors: ZHANG LELE , WIRTH ANDREW
Published: August 2012

This paper considers the empty container repositioning problem in an on-line scheduling setting. This optimization problem arising from container transportation management aims to balance empty containers distribution among transportation sites so as to minimize the total operating cost of loaded container shipping, empty container allocation and leasing. In this highly uncertain on-line environment we introduce a heuristic that does not attempt to balance the empty container distribution, and evaluate its competitive performance mathematically and empirically.
MODELING MANUFACTURERS' AND CUSTOMERS' COSTS FOR COST SHARING LIFETIME WARRANTY
Authors: RAHMAN ANISUR , CHATTOPADHYAY GOPINATH
Published: August 2012

Lifetime warranties are becoming more popular as these types of warranties provide assurance for a longer reliable service life, protection of customers against poor quality and the potential high cost of failure occurring during the long uncertain life of products. Chattopadhyay and Rahman (2008) proposed taxonomy for Lifetime warranty policies and developed cost models for Free rectification lifetime warranty (FRLTW) policies. In line with Chattopadhyay and Rahman, in this paper, stochastic models for two most potential and currently practiced Cost sharing lifetime warranty (CSLTW) policies, Specific parts excluded lifetime warranty and Limit on individual cost lifetime warranty have been developed to estimate the customers' and manufacturers' costs. The developed models capture the uncertainties of lifetime warranty coverage period and implication in offering such warranties on both manufacturer and customers. The developed models are analyzed using illustrative examples considering products with time-dependent failures.
FACE RECOGNITION FROM VIDEO: A REVIEW
Authors: BARR JEREMIAH R. , BOWYER KEVIN W. , FLYNN PATRICK J. , BISWAS SOMA
Published: August 2012

Driven by key law enforcement and commercial applications, research on face recognition from video sources has intensified in recent years. The ensuing results have demonstrated that videos possess unique properties that allow both humans and automated systems to perform recognition accurately in difficult viewing conditions. However, significant research challenges remain as most video-based applications do not allow for controlled recordings. In this survey, we categorize the research in this area and present a broad and deep review of recently proposed methods for overcoming the difficulties encountered in unconstrained settings. We also draw connections between the ways in which humans and current algorithms recognize faces. An overview of the most popular and difficult publicly available face video databases is provided to complement these discussions. Finally, we cover key research challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the field as a whole.
LOCAL CHEBYSHEV PROJECTION–INTERPOLATION OPERATOR AND APPLICATION TO THE h–p VERSION OF THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD IN THREE DIMENSIONS
Authors: GUO BENQI , YI LIJUN
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we construct local Chebyshev projection–interpolation operators for tetrahedral and hexahedral elements in three dimensions based on the framework of the Jacobi-weighted Sobolev and Besov spaces. A simple assembly of the local Chebyshev projection–interpolations ΠΩj u on all the elements Ωj, 1 ≤ j ≤ J, leads to a globally continuous and piecewise polynomial which possesses the best approximation properties locally and globally. By applying the local Chebyshev projection–interpolation operators to the h–p version of the finite element method with general tetrahedral or hexahedral meshes for second-order elliptic problems in three dimensions, we establish the convergence rate for problems with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions and the solution [Formula: see text], and for problems with nonhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions and the solution [Formula: see text].
ADAPTATION KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION IN A CBR SYSTEM
Authors: ASSALI AMJAD ABOU , LENNE DOMINIQUE , DEBRAY BRUNO
Published: August 2012

In a case-based reasoning system, adaptation is a complicated task since it requires domain-specific knowledge, which is generally difficult to define. To acquire such knowledge, we propose a semi-automatic approach based on Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) techniques. We use Logical Concept Analysis (LCA), a generalization of FCA, to extract adaptation conditions that enhance the retrieval and adaptation processes. In this paper, we present this approach, that has been implemented in COBRA, our ontology-based CBR platform, and applied to the diagnosis of gas sensor failures.
STAND-UP MOTION SUPPORT BY A MOBILE MANIPULATOR SYSTEM WITH HIGH SPEED TACTILE SENSORS
Authors: XIE ZHAOXIAN , YAMAGUCHI HISASHI , TSUKANO MASAHITO , MING AIGUO , SHIMOJO MAKOTO
Published: August 2012

As one of the home services by a mobile manipulator system, we are aiming at the realization of the stand-up motion support for elderly people. This work is charaterized by the use of real-time feedback control based on the information from high speed tactile sensors for detecting the contact force as well as its center of pressure between the assisted human and the robot arm. First, this paper introduces the design of the tactile sensor as well as initial experimental results to show the feasibility of the proposed system. Moreover, several fundamental tactile sensing-based motion controllers necessary for the stand-up motion support and their experimental verification are presented. Finally, an assist trajectory generation method for the stand-up motion support by integrating fuzzy logic with tactile sensing is proposed and demonstrated experimentally.
ZERO ORDER ESTIMATES FOR ANALYTIC FUNCTIONS
Authors: ZORIN EVGENIY
Published: August 2012

In this article we develop an important tool in transcendental number theory. More precisely, we study multiplicity estimates (or multiplicity lemmas) for analytic functions. Our main theorem reduces multiplicity estimates at zero to the study of ideals in polynomial ring stable under an appropriate map. In particular, in the case of algebraic morphisms this result gives a new link between the theory of polarized algebraic dynamical systems and transcendental number theory. Specialized to the case of differential operators this theorem improves Nesterenko's conditional result on solutions of systems of differential equations. We also deduce an analog of Nesterenko's theorem for Mahler's functions and for solutions of q-difference equations. Further, analyzing stable ideals we prove the unconditional optimal result in the case of linear functional systems of generalized Mahler's type. The latter result generalizes a famous theorem of Nishioka (1986) previously conjectured by Mahler (1969). This new multiplicity estimate allows to prove new results on algebraic independence and on measures of algebraic independence, as done in Zorin (2010 and 2011).
Classification of Diamond-Like Carbon Films
Authors: Saitoh Hidetoshi
Published: August 2012

An overview of the recent status of the analytical works of the structure and properties of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films is presented from the viewpoint of DLC classification. First, the structure, processing, and properties of the DLC films reported up to now are summarized. Four typical amorphous structures are formed using several vapor deposition methods. The density and refractive index of the DLC films are strongly affected by the structure of the DLC films. Secondly, several evaluation projects of the DLC films, which have been carried out since 2006 in Japan, are explained. The evaluation projects involve round-robin tests in which the structure and properties of the DLC films fabricated by numerous methods are evaluated using appropriate equipments. The results of the round-robin tests suggest that the DLC films can be classified on the basis of not only their structure but also their properties.
Direct Coating of Nanocrystalline Diamond on Steel
Authors: Tsugawa Kazuo , Kawaki Shyunsuke , Ishihara Masatou , Hasegawa Masataka
Published: August 2012

Nanocrystalline diamond films have been successfully deposited on stainless steel substrates without any substrate pretreatments to promote diamond nucleation, including the formation of interlayers. A low-temperature growth technique, 400 °C or lower, in microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition using a surface-wave plasma has cleared up problems in diamond growth on ferrous materials, such as the surface graphitization, long incubation time, substrate softening, and poor adhesion. The deposited nanocrystalline diamond films on stainless steel exhibit good adhesion and tribological properties, such as a high wear resistance, a low friction coefficient, and a low aggression strength, at room temperature in air without lubrication.
A File Is Not a File
Authors: Harter Tyler , Dragga Chris , Vaughn Michael , Arpaci-Dusseau Andrea C. , Arpaci-Dusseau Remzi H.
Published: August 2012

We analyze the I/O behavior of
iBench
, a new collection of productivity and multimedia application workloads. Our analysis reveals a number of differences between iBench and typical file-system workload studies, including the complex organization of modern files, the lack of pure sequential access, the influence of underlying frameworks on I/O patterns, the widespread use of file synchronization and atomic operations, and the prevalence of threads. Our results have strong ramifications for the design of next generation local and cloud-based storage systems.
Algorithms for regular languages that use algebra
Authors: Bojańczyk Mikołaj
Published: August 2012

This paper argues that an algebraic approach to regular languages, such as using monoids, can yield efficient algorithms on strings and trees.
Video browser showdown
Authors: Schöffmann Klaus , Bailer Werner
Published: August 2012

The Video Browser Showdown (VBS) is a live video browsing competition where international researchers, working in the field of interactive video search, evaluate and demonstrate the efficiency of their tools in presence of the audience. The aim of the VBS is to evaluate video browsing tools for efficiency at known-item search (KIS) tasks with a well-defined data set in direct comparison to other tools.