bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Device to Evaluate the Vibrotactile Threshold
Authors: Shikha Gandhi Minu , Redd Christian B. , Tuckett Robert P. , Sesek Richard F. , Bamberg Stacy J. M.
Published: July 2012

This paper presents the initial prototype design of a vibrotactile threshold evaluator for the workplace (VTEW), which is portable and configurable in terms of the probe diameter (2–10 mm), applied frequency (1–500 Hz), angle of probe (0–120 deg), and displacement of probe (1–1500 μm), and is operated with a customizable LABVIEW interface. The vibrotactile threshold is the minimum amplitude of vibration that is perceived at a particular frequency by a subject and is analogous to a hearing test. It can be used to evaluate neuropathy, for instance due to carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes. The vibrotactile threshold (VT) at 50 Hz was evaluated using VTEW and an established device, the Vibrotactile Tester (VTT). These results were compared for validation of VTEW. Each subject underwent Phalen’s and Tinel’s test, and the results of these clinical evaluations for carpal tunnel syndrome were used to classify subjects as symptomatic and asymptomatic. The results of the VTEW and the VTT were statistically similar and the age correction developed for both devices from this study were similar to the previously conducted studies. The mean VT values from the VTEW showed an increased VT for symptomatic subjects. The low frequency range of the VTEW was used to evaluate the VT at 4 Hz, and a comparison of VT at 4 Hz and 50 Hz showed a higher sensitivity of subjects to 50 Hz as compared to 4 Hz. The gender effect on VT was also studied and discussed, along with recommendation for further investigation. A novel and highly customizable device for testing the vibrotactile threshold is presented, with results demonstrating identification of symptomatic subjects. This device could be used to regularly test workers at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome (e.g. assembly line workers) to monitor for elevations in VT. Other applications include using the low frequency to evaluate peripheral neuropathy.
Prebending Coiled Tubing and Its Fatigue Life Prediction
Authors: Zifeng Li , Xuejiao Li , Peng Wang
Published: July 2012

Coiled tubing is widely used in oil drilling and production operations. However, extreme high stress variation of coiled tubing during the processes of pulling out, rolling in the reel, and passing through the gooseneck makes coiled tubing fatigue failure easily. Thus, it is of great importance to increase coiled tubing fatigue life. This paper introduces the new technology to improve the fatigue life of coiled tubing—the prebending coiled tubing technology; proceeds mechanical analysis and strength check of the prebending coiled tubing; analyzes stress cycling characteristics of the prebending coiled tubing in field operations; establishes the fatigue life prediction model of prebending coiled tubing under arbitrary cycle, on the basis of fatigue experimental data under the symmetric cycle and the pulsating cycle, with fitting and interpolation method; makes simple comparison of the fatigue life of the prebending coiled tubing with that of the straight coiled tubing. Preliminary calculations show that the prebending coiled tubing technology may improve the fatigue life of coiled tubing multiple times.
Sarcoid-like reaction inCryptococcus neoformansinfection
Authors: Yano Shuichi , Kobayashi Kanako , Ikeda Toshikazu , Kadowaki Toru , Wakabayashi Kiryo , Kimura Masahiro , Ishikawa Shigenori , Adachi Yoshin , Araki Kunio , Nagaoka Saburo
Published: July 2012

We report a patient withCryptococcus (C.) neoformansinfection, who developed a case of sarcoid-like reaction (SLR). There have been reports of SLRs associated with malignancies. Although differentiating sarcoidosis from SLR is difficult, the patient was diagnosed as SLR because propionibacterium acnes bacterial (PAB) antibody staining of biopsy specimens was negative and the chest radiological findings improved after antifungal treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SLR occurring during cryptococcal infection, and we believe that cryptococcal infection should be considered as a potential cause of SLR.
The importance of challenging your diagnosis even in straightforward cases
Authors: Maus Erik Alberto
Published: July 2012

The art of diagnosis consists in the recognition of signs and symptoms and their interpretation under the light of individual circumstances obtained from the patient's history. In medicine we encounter cases that are straightforward and cases that are complex as they are the result of a rare disease or of uncommon presentation of a common disorder. We present in this paper the case of a patient with a non-healing traumatic wound to her shin, which after unsuccessful treatments was biopsied and an unexpected diagnosis of necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum was made. This led to the institution of disease-targeted wound care leading to complete resolution in a short period of time.
Enteral vancomycin and probiotic use for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusantibiotic-associated diarrhoea
Authors: Sizemore Elizabeth Nicole , Rivas Kenya Maria , Valdes Jose , Caballero Joshua
Published: July 2012

A geriatric patient status post intraabdominal surgery presented with persistent diarrhoea and heavy intestinal methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) growth after multiple courses of antibiotic therapy. Additionally, swab cultures of the anterior nares tested positive for MRSA. In order to impede infection and prevent future complications, the patient received a 10-day course of vancomycin oral solution 250 mg every 6 h, 15-day course ofSaccharomyces boulardii250 mg orally twice daily and a 5-day course of topical mupirocin 2% twice daily intranasally. Diarrhoea ceased during therapy and repeat cultures 11 days after initiating therapy demonstrated negative MRSA growth from the stool and nares. Further repeat cultures 5 months later revealed negative MRSA growth in the stools and minimal MRSA growth in the nares. Overall, enteral vancomycin and probiotics successfully eradicated MRSA infection without intestinal recurrence. Although the results were beneficial treating MRSA diarrhoea for our patient, these agents remain highly controversial.
Posterior talar fracture with dislocation of both talo-navicular and subtalar joints: a variant type II of the Sneppens classification
Authors: Galanopoulos Ilias , Fogg Quentin , Ashwood Neil
Published: July 2012

A 63-year-old man fell from a ladder, thus causing an axial compression injury to the right ankle. Severe deformity was evident and the ankle could not be reduced by simple manipulation. The skin was tented and appearing critically contused. Radiographs revealed an oblique fracture of the posterior aspect of the talar body with dislocation of both the talo-navicular and subtalar joints, an injury previously not described in the literature. The fracture–dislocation was anatomically reduced within 3 h of presentation and stability achieved with two headless buried compression screws. CT scan confirmed anatomical reduction and the patient remained non-weight bearing in a cast for 6 weeks. One year postoperatively, the patient remains pain-free with no radiological signs of avascular necrosis of the talus. This injury is unique and despite its severity and soft tissue compromise good quality reduction and internal fixation resulted in an excellent clinical outcome.
Early recanalisation of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in an unusual case associated with severe protein S deficiency
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Patil Tushar B , Kumar Neeraj
Published: July 2012

An inherited or acquired deficiency of protein S leads to a prothrombotic state, with predisposition to venous thrombosis. We describe a case of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) associated with acquired protein S deficiency and recanalisation within 15 days of anticoagulation. A 38-year-old man presented with recurrent headache, vomiting, altered sensorium and one episode of transient left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance venography showed poor flow in the deep cerebral venous sinuses with extensive collateral venous channel formation, which resolved after 15 days of anticoagulation, along with clinical improvement. Serum protein S activity was found to be markedly low (16% of biological reference). CVST should be suspected in a patient with acute features of raised intracranial pressure or focal neurological deficit, and a patient without obvious clinical predisposition for a prothrombotic state should be evaluated for underlying thrombophilic states like protein S deficiency.
The ‘cut and push’ technique: is it really safe?
Authors: Peacock Oliver , Singh Rajeev , Cole Andrew , Speake William
Published: July 2012

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding is routinely used as anendoscopicand effective method for providing enteral nutrition in those whose oral access has been diminished or lost. One technique for removal of the PEG is cutting the tube at the skin level and allowing the tube and internal flange to pass spontaneously. This is known as the ‘cut and push’ method. Several studies have concluded that the ‘cut and push’ method is a safe and cost-effective method. This case demonstrates a rare cause of small bowel obstruction following the ‘cut and push’ method for PEG replacement, with only a few other cases been reported. This method of removal should be avoided in patients with previous abdominal surgery. It is important that the PEG flange is retrieved endoscopically or an alternative PEG tube (designed to be completely removed through the skin) is used to prevent this complication occurring in such individuals.
Diagnostic approach to anaemia in cats
Authors: Tasker Séverine
Published: July 2012

Anaemia is commonly encountered in feline patients because cats are particularly prone to developing anaemia due to the shorter lifespan (70 days) of the feline red blood cell and the lower blood volume of cats compared with other species. However, cats have different types of haemoglobin that are thought to enable them to tolerate anaemia with relative ease, particularly chronic anaemia. Indeed, they may only exhibit clinical signs when anaemia becomes very severe. This article focuses on the diagnostic approach to anaemia in cats, but pertinent points on treatment are described where appropriate.
First record of aTrichodesmium erythraeumbloom in the Mediterranean Sea1This article is derived from a special session entitled “A New Hydrology: Inflow Effects on Ecosystem Form and Functioning” that took place at the February 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Authors: Spatharis Sofie , Skliris Nikolaos , Meziti Alexandra , Kormas Konstantinos Ar.
Published: July 2012

Trichodesmium erythraeum is a species of marine cyanobacteria that forms extensive blooms in tropical and subtropical areas, predominantly in the Indian and Pacific oceans. An extensive bloom of this species, identified by microscopic and molecular analysis, is recorded for the first time at latitude greater than 30°N in Lesvos Island, Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean. Analysis of climatological trends revealed that the September 2010 bloom followed an extended period of the highest sea surface temperature and lowest wind speed observed since 1955, leading to a shallow thermocline formation. These conditions are considered among the main prerequisites for T. erythraeum bloom development. Analysis of abiotic parameters showed that other important factors for Trichodesmium proliferations, such as iron availability, oligotrophic conditions, and salinity levels, typical for the eastern Mediterranean, were also favourable. These findings seem directly linked to climate change already reported for the Mediterranean Sea and provide further evidence of the “tropicalization” of the area. Expansion of Trichodesmium blooms to greater latitudes may have important regional and global implications potentially affecting the global nitrogen cycle, the biological carbon pump, productivity levels, and harmful algal bloom frequency.
Algal community responses to shallow lake dystrophication1This article is derived from a special session entitled “A New Hydrology: Inflow Effects on Ecosystem Form and Functioning” that took place at the February 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Authors: Waters Matthew N. , Piehler Michael F. , Smoak Joseph M. , Bianchi Thomas S.
Published: July 2012

This research details changes in lake algal community structure that occurred during dystrophication. We conducted a paleolimnological investigation of Pungo Lake, a shallow, dystrophic system near the coast of North Carolina, USA. Multiple chemical and biological proxies were measured on a sediment core, including sedimentary photosynthetic pigments, lignin-phenols, nutrients, and δ13C. Data analysis identified three zones of algal community structure corresponding to three regimes of organic matter inputs. Predystrophic conditions represented a period of low organic inputs but substantial algal abundance (diatoms and other algal types). The period of dystrophication preceded European settlement (1850) and showed an increase in organic matter deposition, lignin, and a change in lignin type. Lignin-phenols and δ13C signatures of organic matter indicated that terrestrial organic matter inputs increased during this period, possibly as a result of wetland expansion. Dystrophication also corresponded to an increase in algal groups that favor low light environments (cyanobacteria and cryptophytes).
Extreme streams: flow intermittency as a control on diatom communities in meltwater streams in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica1This article is derived from a special session entitled “A New Hydrology: Inflow Effects on Ecosystem Form and Functioning” that took place at the February 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Authors: Stanish Lee F. , Kohler Tyler J. , Esposito Rhea M.M. , Simmons Breana L. , Nielsen Uffe N. , Wall Diana H. , Nemergut Diana R. , McKnight Diane M.
Published: July 2012

In the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica, stream biota is limited by the brief availability of liquid water. The benthic microbial mats harbor diatoms that have adapted to hydrologic stresses, including numerous endemic species. We found a strong relationship between diatom community composition and flow intermittency in a data set including seven streams that spanned a gradient in flow intermittency. In particular, two genera represented by numerous endemic species in Dry Valley habitats, Hantzschia and Luticola , had high abundances in moderately and highly intermittent streams, respectively. The Shannon Index of diversity was greatest in streams with intermediate flow intermittency, with lower diversity in more stable streams resulting from lower evenness, and lower diversity in highly intermittent streams resulting from lower richness. These results indicate that multiple metrics of biodiversity may be useful in assessing the response of diatom communities to changing hydrologic regime. We propose that flow intermittency acts as a species filter that increases habitat heterogeneity in Dry Valley streams and may allow endemic species to persist. Future Antarctic warming may alter diatom community composition and habitats that act as refugia for desiccation-tolerant taxa.
Salt marsh connectivity and freshwater versus saltwater inflow: multiple methods including tidal gauges, water isotopes, and LIDAR elevation models1This article is derived from a special session entitled “A New Hydrology: Inflow Effects on Ecosystem Form and Functioning” that took place at the February 2011 ASLO Aquatic Sciences conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Authors: Colón-Rivera Ricardo J. , Feagin Rusty A. , West Jason B. , Yeager Kevin M.
Published: July 2012

The hydrologic connectivity between different components of a coastal marsh is a key wetland structural element and is essential in determining habitat value. Salt marshes are often thought of as being hydrologically connected via tidal creeks, though water bodies within a salt marsh may also be semipermanently disconnected. At a salt marsh in Matagorda, Texas, USA, there are many “isolated” ponds, located at varying elevations. Our objective was to quantify the hydrologic connectivity of spatially isolated ponds at this site. We sampled water for salinity and stable isotopes (δ2H, δ18O) to determine the relative contribution of tidal water and rainfall within each pond. We also quantified the water level at which each pond floods its banks and connects to other ponds, using a light detection and ranging (LIDAR)-based elevation model. We found that pond connectivity was driven by multiple factors, of which wind and rainfall were the most important. Salinity and isotopic values between any two sampled ponds were correlated with the water level elevation at which the ponds connected. We conclude that the connectivity of the network, and the similarity of water samples within it, profoundly changes when specific water level thresholds are exceeded by both fresh water and salt water.
Estuarine ingress timing as revealed by spectral analysis of otolith life history scans
Authors: Hoover Reneé R. , Jones Cynthia M. , Grosch Chester E.
Published: July 2012

The ability to accurately measure the timing of migration is fundamental in testing hypotheses in marine ecology that deal with migration and movement of fish populations. Timing and patterns of movement in larval and juvenile fish have been estimated using life history scans of the chemical signatures encoded in their otoliths. We provide a quantitative approach to analyzing life history scan data using spectral analysis, which retrospectively measures the timing of ingress for individual fish. Saggital otoliths from juvenile Atlantic croaker ( Micropogonias undulatus ) were sampled using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Spectral analyses on these data estimate the timing of ingress at 68 days on average using strontium and 85 days using barium. Based on the inflection points of their nonlinear mixing curves, these data reveal entry and subsequent movement up-estuary. Moreover, we use these spectrally derived estimates to show that growth rates did not drive ingress timing for our samples. These data thus lend no support to the critical-size hypothesis in this instance.
Linking fishing mortality reference points to life history traits: an empirical study
Authors: Zhou Shijie , Yin Shaowu , Thorson James T. , Smith Anthony D.M. , Fuller Michael
Published: July 2012

The rule of thumb that fishing mortality to achieve maximum sustainable yield (FMSY) equals natural mortality (M) has been both criticised and supported by theoretical arguments. However, the relationship has been rarely investigated using empirical data. We carried out a meta-analysis on 245 fish species worldwide and linked three types of reference points (FBRP: FMSY, Fproxy, and F0.5r) to M and other life history parameters (LHP). We used Bayesian hierarchical errors-in-variables models to investigate the relationships and included the effect of taxonomic class and order. We compared various models and found that natural mortality is the most important LHP affecting FBRP. Other covariates, such as von Bertalanffy growth coefficient, asymptotic length, maximum age, and habitat types, add little to the relationship, partially because of correlation and large measurement and process errors. The best model results in FMSY = 0.87M (standard deviation (SD) = 0.05) for teleosts and FMSY = 0.41M (SD = 0.09) for chondrichthyans. Fproxybased on per-recruit analysis is about 15% smaller than FMSY. Results could be used to estimate FBRPfrom LHP in data-poor situations.
Dispersal and retention of larval fish in a potential nursery habitat of a large temperate river: an experimental study
Authors: Schludermann Elisabeth , Tritthart Michael , Humphries Paul , Keckeis Hubert
Published: July 2012

Little information is available on governing factors of larval fish dispersal in natural river systems. Therefore, we aimed to describe dispersal and retention of marked larval nase carp, Chondrostoma nasus , along a shoreline nursery habitat of the River Danube. Based on a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model, we analyzed the influence of the hydraulic conditions on larval dispersal. We also related observed larval pathways to numerical particle tracing. Clear differences in the temporal drift pattern were due to significant differences in the hydrodynamic characteristics of the release stations. Some larvae remained in the study reach, most upstream of the release point. These were significantly larger than drifting larvae. We conclude that larval dispersal has an active component and that dispersal and retention patterns are dependent on the habitat structure and hydrodynamic characteristics of the releasing points. This emphasizes the importance of links between the location of spawning sites within the river and variation in flow during early development, the combination of which may contribute to successful recruitment of fluvial fish species.
Modeling the timing of spawning and hatching of shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum, in the Saint John River, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Usvyatsov Sima , Picka Jeffrey , Hardy Ryan Scott , Shepherd Travis Dawson , Watmough James , Litvak Matthew Kenneth
Published: July 2012

Timing of spawning and hatching of shortnose sturgeon, Acipenser brevirostrum , in the Saint John River, New Brunswick, Canada, was estimated using inverse prediction. We examined egg incubation periods at 5, 9, and 13 °C to back-calculate spawning dates. No larvae hatched at 5 °C. At 9 and 13 °C, hatching began after 18 and 8 days post fertilization, respectively. Lengths of yolk-sac larvae reared in the laboratory at 13–21 °C were used to develop a temperature-mediated Gompertz growth model. The inverted Gompertz model, predicting larval age from larval size and water temperature, was applied to 671, 164, and 746 larvae captured in the wild in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. Estimated hatching distributions peaked in late May, and mean spawning events were predicted to occur in late April – early May (9 °C scenario) and middle to late May (13 °C scenario). Larval ages at the two sampling transects, 4.5 km apart, were similar, while catch per unit effort was lower downstream, indicating mortality during dispersal. Inverse prediction of larval ages provides fast and cost-effective estimates of the timing of spawning, hatching, and larval migration in the wild.
Mating structure of an endangered population of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as determined using sibship reconstruction and a novel method of sex inference
Authors: de Mestral Louise G. , Herbinger Christophe M. , O’Reilly Patrick T.
Published: July 2012

The recent development of molecular genetic markers and methods of inferring relatedness among individuals using multilocus genotype information has allowed new insight into mating systems in the wild. Capitalising on the recently discovered linkage between the microsatellite locus Ssa202 and the sex-determining region of the Atlantic salmon Y chromosome, we developed a novel method to infer the sex of unsampled, wild-spawning parents of some of the few remaining wild, inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ). We inferred that most of the unsampled, reconstructed parents at the half-sib group level were likely polygamous females, while the parents at the full-sib group level (nested within half-sib groups) were likely monogamous males. Given the very low numbers of anadromous salmon returning to inner Bay of Fundy rivers to spawn, the putative male parents were likely mature male parr rather than anadromous males. This suggests that salmonid populations experiencing extreme declines may be composed of a high proportion of related individuals from relatively few sib groups and that mature male parr may provide an important genetic and demographic buffer to population decline.
A new hydrology: effects on ecosystem form and functioning
Authors: Roelke Daniel L. , Spatharis Sofie , Mitrovic Simon M.
Published: July 2012

Water cycles are changing because of human population growth and climate change. Such changes will affect fundamental system-level characteristics that in turn will greatly influence ecosystem form and functioning. Here, a collection of papers is offered that furthers our understanding of cause and effect relationships between altered hydrology and various ecosystem properties. Combined, these papers address issues related to inflows, connectivity, and circulation and vertical mixing. In regards to altered inflows, this collection of papers addresses how seagrass bed communities, incidence of some haptophyte harmful algal blooms, and biodiversity of intermittently flowing streams might respond. These papers also address factors that influence connectivity in wetlands, and in the case of a lake and its neighboring wetland, how connectivity between systems can profoundly affect ecosystem form and functioning. Finally, the effects of altered circulation and vertical mixing are addressed as they relate to the spread of some cyanobacteria blooms to higher latitudes. The reader of this collection of papers gains a better appreciation of how ecosystem form and functioning is influenced by hydrologic processes and can conclude that there is a need for continued research in this area to better understand the impacts of human population growth and climate change.
COMPLEX NETWORK ANALYSIS OF LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC TEXTS
Authors: GRABSKA-GRADZIŃSKA IWONA , KULIG ANDRZEJ , KWAPIEŃ JAROSŁAW , DROŻDŻ STANISŁAW
Published: July 2012

We present results from our quantitative study of statistical and network properties of literary and scientific texts written in two languages: English and Polish. We show that Polish texts are described by the Zipf law with the scaling exponent smaller than the one for the English language. We also show that the scientific texts are typically characterized by the rank-frequency plots with relatively short range of power-law behavior as compared to the literary texts. We then transform the texts into their word-adjacency network representations and find another difference between the languages. For the majority of the literary texts in both languages, the corresponding networks revealed the scale-free structure, while this was not always the case for the scientific texts. However, all the network representations of texts were hierarchical. We do not observe any qualitative and quantitative difference between the languages. However, if we look at other network statistics like the clustering coefficient and the average shortest path length, the English texts occur to possess more clustered structure than do the Polish ones. This result was attributed to differences in grammar of both languages, which was also indicated in the Zipf plots. All the texts, however, show network structure that differs from any of the Watts–Strögatz, the Barabási–Albert, and the Erdös–Rényi architectures.
ON TOPOLOGICAL RESTRICTIONS OF THE SPACETIME IN COSMOLOGY
Authors: ASSELMEYER-MALUGA TORSTEN , KRÓL JERZY
Published: July 2012

In this paper we discuss the restrictions of the spacetime for the standard model of cosmology by using results of the differential topology of three- and four-manifolds. The smoothness of the cosmic evolution is the strongest restriction. The Poincaré model (dodecaeder model), the Picard horn and the three-torus are ruled out by the restrictions but a sum of two Poincaré spheres is allowed.
SPECTROSCOPY OF ROTATING BLACK HOLES VIA AN ACTION INVARIANCE
Authors: LIU CHENG-ZHOU
Published: July 2012

The spectroscopy of rotating black holes are investigated via an action invariance of black holes. Without using the quasinormal modes of black holes, the area and entropy spectrum for Kerr and Kerr–Newman black holes are calculated, respectively. For these rotating black holes, the same result of the equally spaced area and entropy spectrum is derived by utilizing the action invariance and with the help of Bohr–Sommerfield quantization rule. The present black hole spectroscopy is consistent not only to the result of other researches by the action invariance but also the original Bekenstein's spectra.
ESTIMATE OF CP VIOLATION FOR THE LBNE PROJECT AND δCP
Authors: KISSLINGER LEONARD S.
Published: July 2012

Measurements of CP violation (CPV) and the basic δ CP parameter are the goals of the LBNE Project, which is being planned. Using the expected energy and baseline parameters for the LBNE Project, CPV and the dependence of CPV on δ CP are estimated, to help in the planning of this project.
GENERALIZED (α, β)*-DERIVATIONS AND RELATED MAPPINGS IN SEMIPRIME *-RINGS
Authors: Ashraf Mohammad , Ali Shakir , Khan Almas
Published: July 2012

Let R be a *-ring. Suppose α and β are the endomorphisms of R. In this paper we introduce the notions of generalized (α, β)*-derivation and symmetric generalized (α, β)*-biderivation. It is shown that if a semiprime *-ring admits a generalized (α, β)*-derivation F such that α is surjective then F maps the ring R into its center. Analogous results have been proved for symmetric generalized (α, β)*-biderivation.
ON AN ANALOGUE OF THE HOLMGREN'S PROBLEM FOR 3D SINGULAR ELLIPTIC EQUATION
Authors: Nieto J. J. , Karimov E. T.
Published: July 2012

In the present paper an analogue of the Holmgren's problem for a three-dimensional elliptic equation with singular coefficients has been studied for the unique solvability. The uniqueness for the solution of considered problem is proved by an energy integral's method. Applying a method of Green's function, solution of the problem is found in an explicit form. Moreover, decomposition formulas, formulas of differentiation and some adjacent relations for Lauricella's hypergeometric functions were used to find explicit solution for aforementioned problem, which contains Appell's hypergeometric functions.
BL-ALMOST DISTRIBUTIVE LATTICES
Authors: Rao G. C. , Kakumanu Naveen Kumar
Published: July 2012

The concept of BL-almost distributive lattice (BL-ADL) is introduced and necessary and sufficient conditions for an ADL to become a BL-ADL are derived. Different characterizations of a BL-ADL are obtained.
A SWITCHING RULE FOR THE ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY OF DISCRETE-TIME SYSTEMS WITH CONVEX POLYTOPIC UNCERTAINTIES
Authors: Ratchagit Kreangkri
Published: July 2012

This paper addresses the stability for a class of linear delay-difference equations with interval time-varying delays. Based on the parameter-dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, new delay-dependent conditions for the stability are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Numerical examples are included to illustrate the effectiveness of our results.
ESSENTIALLY SLIGHTLY COMPRESSIBLE MODULES AND RINGS
Authors: Singh Abhay K.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, the concepts of essentially slightly compressible modules and essentially slightly compressible rings are introduced, and related properties are investigated. The notion of essentially slightly compressible modules and rings are generalization of essentially compressible modules and rings introduced by [P. F. Smith and M. R. Vedadi, Essentially compressible modules and rings, J. Algebra304 (2006) 812–831]. I have also provided the characterization of such modules in terms of nonsingular injective modules. It has been shown that over a noetherian ring for a uniform module, essentially slightly compressible modules, slightly compressible modules and nonzero homomorphism from M into U for a nonzero uniform submodule U of M are equivalent. Throughout this paper, all rings are associative and all modules are unital right R-modules.
DEGENERATE DIFFERENTIAL-OPERATOR EQUATIONS OF HIGHER ORDER AND ARBITRARY WEIGHT
Authors: Tepoyan L.
Published: July 2012

We consider the Dirichlet problem for a degenerate differential-operator equation of higher order with arbitrary weight-function ρ(t). We establish some embedding and compactness theorems in weighted Sobolev spaces, show existence and uniqueness of the generalized solutions. We also give a description of the spectrum for the corresponding operator.
PERIODICITY IN AN STAGE-STRUCTURED THREE-SPECIES PREDATOR–PREY SYSTEM WITH BEDDINGTON–DEANGELIS AND HOLLINF IV FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE
Authors: Xu Changjin , Liao Maoxin
Published: July 2012

In this paper, by using the continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, a sufficient condition of existence of positive periodic solutions is obtained for an stage-structured three-species predator–prey system with Beddington–DeAngelis and Holling IV functional response. By constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional, the uniqueness and global attractivity of the positive periodic solution are presented. Our result is a good complement to the earlier publications.
On the Travelling Wave Solution for the Current-Driven Steady Domain Wall Motion in Magnetic Nanostrips under the Influence of Rashba Field
Authors: Puliafito Vito , Consolo Giancarlo
Published: July 2012

Spin-orbit Rashba effect applies a torque on the magnetization of a ferromagnetic nanostrip in the case of structural inversion asymmetry, also affecting the steady domain wall motion induced by a spin-polarized current. This influence is here analytically studied in the framework of the extended Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, including the Rashba effect as an additive term of the effective field. Results of previous micromagnetic simulations and experiments have shown that this field yields an increased value of the Walker breakdown current together with an enlargement of the domain wall width. In order to analytically describe these results, the standard travelling wave ansatz for the steady domain wall motion is here adopted. Results of our investigations reveal the impossibility to reproduce, at the same time, the previous features and suggest the need of a more sophisticated model whose development requires, in turn, additional information to be extracted from ad hoc micromagnetic simulations.
Plantar Temperature Response to Walking in Diabetes with and without Acute Charcot: The Charcot Activity Response Test
Authors: Najafi Bijan , Wrobel James S. , Grewal Gurtej , Menzies Robert A. , Talal Talal K. , Zirie Mahmoud , Armstrong David G.
Published: July 2012

Objective. Asymmetric plantar temperature differences secondary to inflammation is a hallmark for the diagnosis and treatment response of Charcot foot syndrome. However, little attention has been given to temperature response to activity. We examined dynamic changes in plantar temperature (PT) as a function of graduated walking activity to quantify thermal responses during the first 200 steps.Methods. Fifteen individuals with Acute Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) and 17 non-CN participants with type 2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy were recruited. All participants walked for two predefined paths of 50 and 150 steps. A thermal image was acquired at baseline after acclimatization and immediately after each walking trial. The PT response as a function of number of steps was examined using a validated wearable sensor technology. The hot spot temperature was identified by the 95th percentile of measured temperature at each anatomical region (hind/mid/forefoot).Results. During initial activity, the PT was reduced in all participants, but the temperature drop for the nonaffected foot was 1.9 times greater than the affected side in CN group (P=0.04). Interestingly, the PT in CN was sharply increased after 50 steps for both feet, while no difference was observed in non-CN between 50 and 200 steps.Conclusions. The variability in thermal response to the graduated walking activity between Charcot and non-Charcot feet warrants future investigation to provide further insight into the correlation between thermal response and ulcer/Charcot development. This stress test may be helpful to differentiate CN and its response to treatment earlier in its course.
Acute Heart Failure Caused by Parvovirus B-19 Myocarditis Treated with Human Immunoglobulin
Authors: Alberti Luca , Loffi Marco , Fragasso Gabriele , Spoladore Roberto , Ballarotto Carlo , Margonato Alberto
Published: July 2012

We describe the case of a 42-year-old woman developing cardiogenic shock with cardiac tamponade due to an acute myo-pericarditis caused by Parvovirus B19 (PVB19), successfully treated with intravenous (iv) immunoglobulin administration.
Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Human-Immunodeficiency-Virus-Positive Patients in Germany
Authors: Anadol E. , Beckebaum S. , Radecke K. , Paul A. , Zoufaly A. , Bickel M. , Hitzenbichler F. , Ganten T. , Kittner J. , Stoll M. , Berg C. , Manekeller S. , Kalff J. C. , Sauerbruch T. , Rockstroh J. K. , Spengler U.
Published: July 2012

Objectives. This summary evaluates the outcomes of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) of HIV-positive patients in Germany.Methods. Retrospective chart analysis of HIV-positive patients, who had been liver-transplanted in Germany between July 1997 and July 2011.Results. 38 transplantations were performed in 32 patients at 9 German transplant centres. The reasons for OLT were end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and/or liver failure due to hepatitis C (HCV) (), hepatitis B (HBV) (), multiple viral infections of the liver () and Budd-Chiari-Syndrome. In July 2011 19/32 (60%) of the transplanted patients were still alive with a median survival of 61 months (IQR (interquartile range): 41–86 months). 6 patients had died in the early post-transplantation period from septicaemia (), primary graft dysfunction (), and intrathoracal hemorrhage (). Later on 7 patients had died from septicaemia (), delayed graft failure (), recurrent HCC (), and renal failure (). Recurrent HBV infection was efficiently prevented in 11/12 patients; HCV reinfection occurred in all patients and contributed considerably to the overall mortality.Conclusions. Overall OLT is a feasible approach in HIV-infected patients with acceptable survival rates in Germany. Reinfection with HCV still remains a major clinical challenge in HIV/HCV coinfection after OLT.
Pain Management for Nerve Injury following Dental Implant Surgery at Tokyo Dental College Hospital
Authors: Fukuda Ken-ichi , Ichinohe Tatsuya , Kaneko Yuzuru
Published: July 2012

By allowing reconstruction of compromised occlusion, dental implants contribute to an improvement in quality of life (QOL) and diet. Injury to a nerve during such treatment, however, can result in a sudden decline in QOL. And once a nerve has been injured, the chances of a full recovery are slim unless the damage is only slight. If such damage causes neuropathic pain severe enough to prevent sleep, the patient’s QOL will deteriorate dramatically. While damage to skin tissue or bone invariably heals over time, damage to nerves does not, indicating the need to avoid such injury while performing implant insertion, for example. This means not relying solely on X-ray images, which can be rather unclear, but also using computed tomography to allow preoperative planning and intraoperative execution to be performed as accurately as possible. Moreover, if sensory damage does occur it is essential to avoid breaking the bond of trust between dentist and patient by giving false assurances of recovery. In such cases, appropriate measures must be taken promptly. This paper describes pain management for nerve injury following dental implant surgery at the Orofacial Pain Center of Tokyo Dental College Suidoubashi Hospital.
Structural Diversity in Conserved Regions Like the DRY-Motif among Viral 7TM Receptors—A Consequence of Evolutionary Pressure?
Authors: Jensen Ann-Sofie Mølleskov , Sparre-Ulrich Alexander Hovard , Davis-Poynter Nicholas , Rosenkilde Mette Marie
Published: July 2012

Several herpes- and poxviruses have captured chemokine receptors from their hosts and modified these to their own benefit. The human and viral chemokine receptors belong to class A 7 transmembrane (TM) receptors which are characterized by several structural motifs like the DRY-motif in TM3 and the C-terminal tail. In the DRY-motif, the arginine residue serves important purposes by being directly involved in G protein coupling. Interestingly, among the viral receptors there is a greater diversity in the DRY-motif compared to their endogenous receptor homologous. The C-terminal receptor tail constitutes another regulatory region that through a number of phosphorylation sites is involved in signaling, desensitization, and internalization. Also this region is more variable among virus-encoded 7TM receptors compared to human class A receptors. In this review we will focus on these two structural motifs and discuss their role in viral 7TM receptor signaling compared to their endogenous counterparts.
Stress Analysis of Occlusal Forces in Canine Teeth and Their Role in the Development of Non-Carious Cervical Lesions: Abfraction
Authors: Romeed Shihab A. , Malik Raheel , Dunne Stephen M.
Published: July 2012

Non-carious cervical tooth lesions for many decades were attributed to the effects of abrasion and erosion mainly through toothbrush trauma, abrasive toothpaste, and erosive acids. However, though the above may be involved, more recently a biomechanical theory for the formation of these lesions has arisen, and the term abfraction was coined. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanics of abfraction lesions in upper canine teeth under axial and lateral loading conditions using a three-dimensional finite element analysis. An extracted human upper canine tooth was scanned byμCT machine (Skyscan, Belgium). TheseμCT scans were segmented, reconstructed, and meshed using ScanIP (Simpleware, Exeter, UK) to create a three-dimensional finite element model. A 100 N load was applied axially at the incisal edge and laterally at 45° midpalatally to the long axis of the canine tooth. Separately, 200 N axial and non-axial loads were applied simultaneously to the tooth. It was found that stresses were concentrated at the CEJ in all scenarios. Lateral loading produced maximum stresses greater than axial loading, and pulp tissues, however, experienced minimum levels of stresses. This study has contributed towards the understanding of the aetiology of non-carious cervical lesions which is a key in their clinical management.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Development, Niches, and Signaling Pathways
Authors: Chotinantakul Kamonnaree , Leeanansaksiri Wilairat
Published: July 2012

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) play a key role in hematopoietic system that functions mainly in homeostasis and immune response. HSCs transplantation has been applied for the treatment of several diseases. However, HSCs persist in the small quantity within the body, mostly in the quiescent state. Understanding the basic knowledge of HSCs is useful for stem cell biology research and therapeutic medicine development. Thus, this paper emphasizes on HSC origin, source, development, the niche, and signaling pathways which support HSC maintenance and balance between self-renewal and proliferation which will be useful for the advancement of HSC expansion and transplantation in the future.
A Novel Method for Technology Forecasting and Developing R&D Strategy of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Technology Industry
Authors: Chiu Yu-Jing , Ying Tao-Ming
Published: July 2012

Because of global warming, renewable energy technologies have become more essential currently, with solar energy technology advancing worldwide. Therefore, interdisciplinary integration is an important trend, and building‐integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) is an emerging technology involving the photovoltaic and building fields. The purpose of this study is to understand the technology evolution of BIPV and to determine the R&D planning direction. This paper proposes a hybrid approach to explore the life cycle of BIPV technology and develop the R&D strategy of related industries. The proposed approach comprises the following submodules. First, patent analysis is employed to transform patent documents into structured data. Second, the logistic growth model is used to explore the life cycle of BIPV technology. Third, a patent matrix map analysis is used to develop the R&D strategy of the BIPV industry. Through the analysis by the logistic model, the BIPV technology is transformed from the emerging stage to the growth stage of a long‐term life cycle. The other important result is created by the three‐dimensional matrix for R&D strategies in this paper.
Polyploidy and the Evolution of Complex Traits
Authors: Huminiecki Lukasz , Conant Gavin C.
Published: July 2012

We explore how whole-genome duplications (WGDs) may have given rise to complex innovations in cellular networks, innovations that could not have evolved through sequential single-gene duplications. We focus on two classical WGD events, one in bakers’ yeast and the other at the base of vertebrates (i.e., two rounds of whole-genome duplication: 2R-WGD). Two complex adaptations are discussed in detail: aerobic ethanol fermentation in yeast and the rewiring of the vertebrate developmental regulatory network through the 2R-WGD. These two examples, derived from diverged branches on the eukaryotic tree, boldly underline the evolutionary potential of WGD in facilitating major evolutionary transitions. We close by arguing that the evolutionary importance of WGD may require updating certain aspects of modern evolutionary theory, perhaps helping to synthesize a new evolutionary systems biology.
Short-Wavelength Light Enhances Cortisol Awakening Response in Sleep-Restricted Adolescents
Authors: Figueiro Mariana G. , Rea Mark S.
Published: July 2012

Levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland, follow a daily, 24-hour rhythm with concentrations reaching a minimum in the evening and a peak near rising time. In addition, cortisol levels exhibit a sharp peak in concentration within the first hour after waking; this is known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR). The present study is a secondary analysis of a larger study investigating the impact of short-wavelength(λmax≈470 nm)light on CAR in adolescents who were sleep restricted. The study ran over the course of three overnight sessions, at least one week apart. The experimental sessions differed in terms of the light exposure scenarios experienced during the evening prior to sleeping in the laboratory and during the morning after waking from a 4.5-hour sleep opportunity. Eighteen adolescents aged 12–17 years were exposed to dim light or to 40 lux (0.401 W/m2) of 470-nm peaking light for 80 minutes after awakening. Saliva samples were collected every 20 minutes to assess CAR. Exposure to short-wavelength light in the morning significantly enhanced CAR compared to dim light. Morning exposure to short-wavelength light may be a simple, yet practical way to better prepare adolescents for an active day.
Postexertional Supraventricular Tachycardia in Children with Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Else Scott D. N. , Potts James E. , Sanatani Shubhayan
Published: July 2012

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a severe arrhythmia associated with sudden death in the young. It is caused by defective calcium handling in ventricular myocytes. The association of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with CPVT is described in the literature, occurring in the lead-up to ventricular tachycardia during exercise testing. We describe three cases of SVT that were initiated in the recovery period of exercise testing in children with CPVT.