bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Report on 2010-11 permafrost investigations in the Yellowknife area, Northwest Territories
Authors: Wolfe S A , Duchesne C , Gaanderse A , Houben A J , D'Onofrio R E , Kokelj S V , Stevens C W
Published: December 2011

This open file reports on recent geoscience data collected and monitoring sites installed by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) in collaboration with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC), Northwest Territories Geoscience Office (NTGO),
Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) and the Department of Transport (DOT), BGC Engineering Inc., Carleton University, and the University of Ottawa. The report represents the first of several co-published GSC / NTGO Open File reports under the
Climate Change Geoscience Program.
A 2010-11 field program under the Transportation Risk in the Arctic to Climatic Sensitivity (TRACS) activity in the Climate Change Geoscience Program included extensive fieldwork in the Yellowknife area between June and September, 2010. Field data collection by the Geological Survey of Canada and
Carleton University included 14 CRREL-cored boreholes and ecological descriptions at 48 sites. An additional 20 ecological site descriptions were made by University of Ottawa students. Collaborative work with BGC Engineering Inc. included field observations and soil analysis (grain size and
Atterberg limits) at test pits along Highway 3, and 15 water-jet drilled holes for subsequent temperature cable installations. Numerous temperature measurement sites were also established with AANDC along a 170 km transect between Behchoko and Tibbitt Lake including six air temperature sites, six
multi-channel near-surface temperature sites and seven water temperature sites. In March 2011, additional field data were collected including snow depths at 45 sites, densities at 18 sites, and ice thicknesses at eight pond sites. Snow depth transect surveys were also conducted at 11 sites along
Highway 3, across the highway embankments and right-of-ways. These data were collected in order to provide baseline information regarding the nature and properties of permafrost in the Yellowknife area.
SAFE Software and FED Database to Uncover Protein-Protein Interactions using Gene Fusion Analysis
Authors: Tsagrasoulis Dimosthenis , Danos Vasilis , Kissa Maria , Trimpalis Philip , Koumandou V. Lila , Karagouni Amalia D. , Tsakalidis Athanasios , Kossida Sophia
Published: December 2011

Domain Fusion Analysis takes advantage of the fact that certain proteins in a given proteome A, are found to have statistically significant similarity with two separate proteins in another proteome B. In other words, the result of a fusion event between two separate proteins in proteome B is a specific full-length protein in proteome A. In such a case, it can be safely concluded that the protein pair has a common biological function or even interacts physically. In this paper, we present the Fusion Events Database (FED), a database for the maintenance and retrieval of fusion data both in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and the Software for the Analysis of Fusion Events (SAFE), a computational platform implemented for the automated detection, filtering and visualization of fusion events (both available at: Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.). Finally, we analyze the proteomes of three microorganisms using these tools in order to demonstrate their functionality.
Formulas for approximate solutions of the $\partial \bar{\partial}$-equation in a strictly pseudoconvex domain
Authors: Andersson Mats , Carlsson Hasse
Published: December 2011

Let

D

be a bounded strictly pseudoconvex domain in

\mathbb C^n

. We construct approximative solution formulas for the equation

i\partial \bar{\partial}u = \theta

,

\theta

being an exact (1,1 )-form in

D

. We show that our formulas give simple proofs of known estimates and indicate further applications.
Hiperbolic singular integral operators
Authors: Nahmod Andrea R.
Published: December 2011

We define a class of integral operators which are singular relative to the hyperbolic metric on simply connected domains of the plane. We study the necessary and sufficient conditions for such operators to be bounded on

L^2

of the upper half plane relative to the hyperbolic metric.
Fourier coefficients of Jacobi forms over Cayley numbers
Authors: Eie Minking
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we shall compute explicitly the Fourier coefficients of the Eisenstein series

E_{k,m}(z,w) = \frac{1}{2} \sum \limits_{(c,d)=1} (cz + d)^{–k} \sum \limits_{t \in o} \mathrm {exp} \{ 2\pi im (\frac{az+b}{cz+d} N{t} + \sigma (t, \frac{w}{cz+d}) – \frac{cN(w)}{cz+d}) \}

which is a Jacobi form of weight

k

and index

m

defined on

\mathcal H \times \mathcal C_\mathbb C

, the product of the upper half-plane and Cayley numbers over the complex field

\mathbb C

. The coefficient of

e^{2 \pi i(nz+\sigma (t,w))}

with

nm > N(t)

, has the form

– \frac{2(k–4)}{B_{k–4}} \Pi_p S_p .

Here

S_p

is an elementary factor which depends only on

\nu _p(m)

,

\nu _p (t)

,

\nu _p (n)

and

\nu _p (nm–N(t))

. Also

S_p = 1

for almost all

p

. Indeed, one has

S_p = 1

if

\nu _p (m) = \nu _p (nm–N(t)) = 0

. An explicit formula for

S_p

will be given in details. In particular, these Fourier coefficients are rational numbers.
Weyl sums and atomic energy oscillations
Authors: Córdoba Antonio , Fefferman Charles , Seco Luis
Published: December 2011

We extend Van der Corput's method for exponential sums to study an oscillating term appearing in the quantum theory of large atoms. We obtain an interpretation in terms of classical dynamics and we produce sharp asymptotic upper and lower bounds for the oscillations.
Evaluating the Influences on Extension Professionals’ Engagement in Leadership Roles
Authors: Nistler Deborah L. , Lamm Alexa J. , Stedman Nicole
Published: December 2011

Developing leadership within any type of volunteer organization can be a difficult task; however fostering commitment long term has been a proven key component to the sustainability of such organizations (Collins, 2001). Extension professionals rely heavily on their professional organizations to offer stability and professional development on a national basis, thereby strengthening the extension profession as a whole. Within the 4-H youth development field, this stabilizing organization is the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA). While over 1,200 extension 4-H professionals gather annually to engage in organizational activities at their national meeting, the board has found it increasingly more difficult to recruit and retain leadership at the national level. Previous research shows in order for volunteers to partake in leadership opportunities they must feel the benefits outweigh the costs (Inglis, 1994). In order to further understand the membership and determine their motivations a Delphi study was conducted to determine why the current NAE4-HA leadership team chose to step up and lead. As a result, professional development and recruitment efforts were suggested to assist in developing NAE4-HA leaders for the future, essentially enhancing leadership development within Extension professionals themselves and the communities they serve.
A Lagrangian analysis of a developing and non-developing disturbance observed during the PREDICT experiment
Authors: Rutherford B. , Montgomery M. T.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The problem of tropical cyclone formation requires among other things an improved understanding of recirculating flow regions on sub-synoptic scales in a time evolving flow with typically sparse real-time data. This recirculation problem has previously been approached assuming as a first approximation both a layer-wise two-dimensional and nearly steady flow in a co-moving frame with the parent tropical wave or disturbance. This paper provides an introduction of new Lagrangian techniques for locating flow boundaries that encompass regions of recirculation in time-dependent flows that relax the steady flow approximation. Lagrangian methods detect recirculating regions from time-dependent data and offer a more complete methodology than the approximate steady framework. The Lagrangian reference frame follows particle trajectories so that flow boundaries which constrain particle transport can be viewed objectively. Finite-time Lagrangian scalar field methods from dynamical systems theory offer a way to compute boundaries from grids of particles seeded in and near a disturbance. The methods are applied to both a developing and non-developing disturbance observed during the recent pre-depression investigation of cloud systems in the tropics (PREDICT) experiment. The data for this analysis is derived from global forecast model output that assimilated the dropsonde observations as they were being collected by research aircraft. Since Lagrangian methods require trajectory integrations, we address some practical issues of using Lagrangian methods in the tropical cyclogenesis problem. Lagrangian diagnostics developed here are used to evaluate the previously hypothesized import of dry air into ex-Gaston, which did not re-develop into a tropical cyclone, and the exclusion of dry air from pre-Karl, which did become a tropical cyclone and later a major hurricane.
TRANC – a novel fast-response converter to measure total reactive atmospheric nitrogen
Authors: Marx O. , Brümmer C. , Ammann C. , Wolff V. , Freibauer A.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The input and loss of plant available nitrogen (N) from/to the atmosphere can be an important factor for the productivity of ecosystems and thus for its carbon and greenhouse gas exchange. We present a novel converter for the measurement of total reactive nitrogen (TRANC: Total Reactive Atmospheric Nitrogen Converter), which offers the opportunity to quantify the sum of all airborne reactive nitrogen (Nr) compounds in high time resolution. The basic concept of the TRANC is the full conversion of total Nr to nitrogen monoxide (NO) within two reaction steps. Initially, reduced N compounds are being oxidised, and oxidised N compounds are thermally converted to lower oxidation states. Particulate N is being sublimated and oxidised or reduced afterwards. In a second step, remaining higher N oxides or those originated in the first step are catalytically converted to NO with carbon monoxide used as reduction gas. The converter is combined with a fast response chemiluminescence detector (CLD) for NO analysis and its performance was tested for the most relevant gaseous and particulate Nr species under both laboratory and field conditions. Recovery rates during laboratory tests for NH3 and NO2 were found to be 95 and 99%, respectively, and 97% when the two gases were combined. In-field longterm stability over an 11-month period was approved by a value of 91% for NO2. Effective conversion was also found for ammonium and nitrate containing particles. The recovery rate of total ambient Nr was tested against the sum of individual measurements of NH3, HNO3, HONO, NH4+, NO3−, and NOx using a combination of different well-established devices. The results show that the TRANC-CLD system precisely captures fluctuations in Nr concentrations and also matches the sum of all Nr compounds measured by the different single techniques. The TRANC features a specific design with very short distance between the sample air inlet and the place where the thermal and catalytic conversions to NO occur. This assures a short residence time of the sample air inside the instrument, and minimises wall sorption problems of water soluble compounds. The fast response time (half-value periods of 0.30 s were found during concentration step changes) and high accuracy in capturing the dominant Nr species enables the converter to be used in an eddy covariance setup. Although a source attribution of specific Nr compounds is not possible, the TRANC is a new reliable tool for permanent measurements of the net Nr flux between ecosystem and atmosphere at a relatively low maintenance and reasonable cost level allowing for diurnal, seasonal and annual investigations.
Influence of the Ringwoodite-Perovskite transition on mantle convection in spherical geometry as a function of Clapeyron slope and Rayleigh number
Authors: Wolstencroft M. , Davies J. H.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We investigate the influence on mantle convection of the negative Clapeyron slope ringwoodite to perovskite and ferro-periclase mantle phase transition, which is correlated with the seismic discontinuity at 660 km depth. In particular, we focus on understanding the influence of the magnitude of the Clapeyron slope (as measured by the Phase Buoyancy parameter, P) and the vigour of convection (as measured by the Rayleigh number, Ra) on mantle convection. We have undertaken 76 simulations of isoviscous mantle convection in spherical geometry, varying Ra and P. Three domains of behaviour were found: layered convection for high Ra and more negative P, whole mantle convection for low Ra and less negative P, and transitional behaviour in an intervening domain. The boundary between the layered and transitional domain was fit by a curve P = α Raβ where α = −1.05, and β = −0.1, and the fit for the boundary between the transitional and whole mantle convection domain was α = −4.8, and β = −0.25. These two curves converge at Ra ≈ 2.5 × 104 (well below Earth mantle vigour) and P ≈ −0.38. Extrapolating to high Ra, which is likely earlier in Earth history, this work suggests a large transitional domain. It is therefore likely that convection in the Archean would have been influenced by this phase change, with Earth being at least in the transitional domain, if not the layered domain.
Control of Bacterial Contamination during Marine Fish Processing
Authors: Shikongo-Nambabi Martha Naita Namwaala Nangulohi , Shoolongela Abraham , Schneider Martin
Published: December 2011

Fish is a vital source of nutrients to humans due to its proteinaceous nature, high content of unsaturated fatty acids and low contents of carbohydrates. Fish consumption therefore is recommended to circumvent lifestyle diseases associated with the consumption of red meat. In their natural environments fish are exposed to a myriad of microorganisms some of which compromise the shelf life of the product and/or safety in humans. Most fish factories are located along coasts hence find it economical to make use of processed sea water in processing. Processed sea water however can be a source of microbial contamination to fish. Prudent quality assurance regimes are therefore required to minimise low fish quality products and promote consumer safety. Fish factories are also vulnerable to biofilm formation on surfaces and within water distribution pipes. Biofilms result from bacterial attachment and growth in aqueous environments within which pathogenic and spoilage bacteria become resistant to cleaning and sanitising agents. Biofilms defy efforts directed at maximising the safety and quality of fish. This article reviews the conditions permissible to bacterial contamination in marine fish factories. The role of water in bacterial contamination and survival has been highlighted. Bacterial pathogens commonly associated with fish factories and their survival strategies have also been discussed. The use of a number of selected oxidising agents and UV irradiation as sanitizers in marine fish processing have been explored. The fundamental antimicrobial mechanisms of chlorine, ozone and H2O2 is the generation of toxic metabolic intermediates that damage microbial structural components, enzymes and cell membranes causing metabolic paralysis and leakage of cytoplasmic contents and cell death. UV radiation damages DNA and hinders gene expression processes. Controlling bacteria biofilm by means of sanitising agents has been well experimented in fresh water systems, but knowledge about disinfection of marine waters is still lacking. The review concludes that in order to optimise the microbiological quality of marine fish, suitable disinfectants effective in sea water need to be explored and authenticated. It is therefore necessary to conduct cost/benefit studies of sanitising agent agents that are effective in sea water and their impact on the quality and safety of marine fish. Key words: Biofilms Factories Sanitation Seafood.
Evaluation of Trichoderma spp for the biocontrol of Moniliophthora perniciosa Subgroup 1441
Authors: Garcia Simoes Maria Lucia , Tauk-Tornisielo Samia Maria , Niella Givaldo Rocha , Tapia Daniel Mario Tapia
Published: December 2011

Trichoderma species , isolated from different producer regions of cocoa (Bahia, Brazil), were evaluated as for their capacity of usage in the biocontrol of the basidiomycete Moniliophthora perniciosa subgroup 1441, which causes the witches’ broom in cocoa. The isolates of Trichoderma were evaluated through individual indices so called %AP (Antagonistic Potential to Moniliophthora perniciosa subgroup 1441), %PG (Potential Growth in vitro) and %PSPr (Potential of Spore Production on rice) These indices were evaluated together, also they were used for the determination of Biological Control Potential (%BCP) of each antagonistic specie to the evaluated pathogen. Afterwards, the ability of the antagonistic to colonize and to produce spores on sterilized dry brooms was also evaluated. Some of the isolates Trichoderma spp showed a high %AP to the pathogen and high %PG, but did not present a significant %PSPr, turning impossible the spore production for biocontrol at commercial level. Significant differences were found within the individual indices among the species and isolates of the same species of Trichoderma spp, pointing out a great genetic variability among them. Trichoderma harzianum 911 showed to have the best biocontrol potential to the pathogen when compared to the other isolates, presenting a %BCP de 91.86% (mainly by the high %AP of 97,76%) a %PSPr of 99.53%, also producing 22.67 spores x 109. mL-1 by dry broom segment. Trichoderma harzianum 911 showed to be as promising isolate for future researches on biocontrol of cocoa witches’ broom.
STRATEGIC SELF-MANAGEMENT - Danish gymnasium management between playing solo and showing solidarity
Authors: Hjort Katrin , Raae Peter Henrik
Published: December 2011

Compared to other parts of the Nordic education systems the Danish gymnasium or upper secondary school has been reformed very late. Today however, the tendencies in neoliberal educational politics represented by the European Bologna process, the PISA studies and OECD’s recommendations are implemented in national governance in Denmark, and the gymnasiums have to adapt to the new management technologies embedded in New Public Management: Competence orientation, accountability and commercialisation as means or ends. How are gymnasium principals coping with this new situation? This article sheds light on strategies that gymnasium heads will use to create room for manoeuvre and the discourse they draw upon in order to give these strategies political legitimacy. The analysis shows how the Danish tradition of self-management, participant or ‘bottom-up democracy’ continues to have considerable significance. Despite internationalisation the traditional Danish concepts of self-ownership and cooperativeness still appear to be mental shapes or frames of understanding.
On Line Polling Information System
Authors: Kumar B Ashok , Bhuvaneswari S.
Published: December 2011

In a social democratic set up voting is one of our fundamental duties as responsible citizens of the country. But no where around  a 100% people come to vote during the elections in their territory. Net savvy new generation want manual free voting system. Survey says,  pubic need a system on their hands reach through which they can vote. Keeping this  as objective this via net based  Information System is engineered.
Business and Volunteering: A Case Study of England
Authors: Steel Rebecca , L. Powell Jason
Published: December 2011

This article analyses the latest state of knowledge on how business principles correlate with the operations of community organisations in England. At the time of writing, the paper focuses on a key issue in British Prime Minister David Cameron’s political emphasis on the “Big Society” in England (British Coalition Government 2011). In view of relating Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) in England, and its interaction with private sector business it is a pertinent observation that communities cannot operate without business and business cannot operate without its community. In lieu of these participating factors within the social, economic and political environment, to what extent do voluntary organisations draw on skills and expertise acquired from business is an enduring question.
Does Technology-Enabled Service Quality affect Organizational Competencies?
Authors: Rasheed Mehvish , Latif Abdul
Published: December 2011

Purpose: This paper attempts to explain the effect of information technology on service quality and measures the impact of technology enabled service quality through customer satisfaction towards banks’ performance.Design/methodology/approach: Enormous literature and various previous experimental studies regarding service quality have been assessed. Furthermore, a model based on the literature is proposed, which elaborates the effect of technology on service quality and illustrate the customer satisfaction towards banks’ performance in the context of technology enabled service quality. Hypotheses were developed and tested in perception of the earlier studies and literature.Findings: On the basis of analysis and findings, it can be concluded that service quality and banks’ ﬁnancial performance are associated through customer satisfaction in the environment of automated service quality in banking
Corporate Governance Norm for SME
Authors: Dube Indrajit , Dube Dipa , Mishra Pulak
Published: December 2011

The last few decades have witnessed several changes in the world economic system: consolidating trend of globalization and liberalization of economies; crumbling barriers to international trade and free movement of capital due to the establishment of World Trade Organization (WTO) and shifts towards market economy in contrast to the control economy or socialist economy. It was believed that market economy will be the ‘mantra’ for all nations, either developing or under developed, to achieve economic salvation. Destiny smiled and brought the belief to its knee and rethinking process started afresh as to what ought to be the new ‘mantra’. Economic downtown indicated further that it is not the big companies, which are only efficient machineries to rotate the economic circle; rather SME’s are the most trusted vehicles that will lead any economy towards salvation.Literature across the globe suggests adoption of sustainable Corporate Governance Norms within the SME sector. On the contrary, there are strong arguments also available against introduction of such norms. In the present study we have considered the feasibility of introduction of corporate governance norms in the sector and attempted to develop, on the basis of the findings, sound and practicable solutions.
The Impact of Political Events - “Name Issue” on an Emerging Macedonian Stock Market
Authors: Angelovska Julijana
Published: December 2011

The objective of the research is to investigate the impact of political events – “name issue” on the Macedonian Stock Exchange (MSE). Structural changes in volatility of Macedonian capital market seems to be more a consequence of political changes, especially from the perspective of international politics and the association of the country into NATO and the European Union. The research analyzes the response of capital markets to political events. Such an event is the summit in Bucharest as the day D (03/04/2008) which certainly had an impact because of prolonged unresolved problem of the name imposed by Greece. Visa liberalization and the day of solving the status of candidate country for accession to the European Union will be discussed too. An event methodology is employed, and the results suggest that the market respond to all political events connected “name issue”. The results also indicate that there is no difference between the means of abnormal returns before and after the event. Sensitivity of the Macedonian investor related to any information connected to the word "name" is enormous. The Macedonian investor belief is that if “name” issue would be solved, regardless of possible negative real economic flows stock exchange will increase. The paper provides information regarding the effects of solving this name issue on Macedonian investor, and his expectation on this issue. But even if it is solved, the global economic crises and difficult economic situation in Macedonia especially this situation will be temporary and due to low liquidity, foreigners may use local optimism to sell their shares.
An Analysis of Task Performance Outcomes through E-Accounting in Malaysia
Authors: Wan Zakaria Wan Zuriati , F. Rahman Professor Dr. Sheikh , Elsayed Dr. Mohamed
Published: December 2011

The objective of the study is to investigate the impact of E-Accounting on task performance outcomes in public sector agencies (PSAs) in Malaysia. The target population for the study was the users of E-Accounting from the accounting, finance and budgeting departments of federal ministries and agencies in the administrative centres of Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor areas.  Using the random sampling method, 643 questionnaires were distributed, but 399 were collected. A multiple regression model and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to test the hypotheses of the study. Results of the study show that the adoption of E-Accounting within public sector agencies in Malaysia has significantly improved the budgeting, accounting and reporting, and auditing and controlling task performance of the public sector agencies.
Impact of Educated Farmer on Agricultural Product
Authors: Yasmeen Kausar , Abbasian Ezatollah , Hussain Tanveer
Published: December 2011

The major objective of the study was to assess the impact of educated farmer on the productivity in the District Mailsi. The primary data of 330 household were collected from the rural areas of Tehsil Mailsi. To find out the results we used OLS model used to find out the results. it is analyzed that education is positively related with the product that boost up the farmer’s income.
Evaluative study of the effectiveness of the administrative performance of the head teachers at primary level in District Karak (Khyber Pukhtunkhwa) Pakistan
Authors: Suleman Qaiser , Lodhi Irfan
Published: December 2011

The study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the administrative performance of the head teachers at primary level in District Karak.  The main objectives of the study were; to evaluate the administrative performance of the head teachers; and to diagnose the major areas of strength and weakness of head teachers at primary level. All the teachers at primary level in District Karak constituted the population of the study. Only five hundred and twenty primary school teachers at the rate of 10% of the total were selected as sample of the study. The study was descriptive in nature. A questionnaire was developed as a research instrument for the collection of data. After analysis of data, the researcher arrived at results that the administrative performance of the head teachers at primary level is very poor, ineffective and objectionable. Majority of the head teachers have no administrative and leadership qualities and they have no interest in the school affairs.
Applying DEA in Analysing the Efficiency of Top Manufacturing Companies in Pakistan
Authors: Tahir Izah Mohd , Memon Mehran Ali
Published: December 2011

The efficiency of manufacturing companies is one of the critical elements for its competitiveness in the domestic as well as international markets. Previous research on efficiency measurement usually adopts Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. Therefore this paper is aimed to analyse the efficiency of 14 top manufacturing companies in Pakistan for a five year period from 2006 to 2010. Data of top 14 manufacturing companies are gathered from OSIRIS database. DEA method is applied using both the Constant Returns to Scale (CCR) and Variable Returns to Scale (BCC) models to find the overall efficiency, technical efficiency and scale efficiency. In this paper we use two input variables (total expenses and total assets) and two output variables (sales and profit before tax). The results under CCR method show that only one company is considered technically efficient while the average overall technical efficiency varies from 0.64 to 0.99. Company number 5 (NRL) demonstrates the best performance for all years under study.
Lymph Node Staging with Choline PET/CT in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Review
Authors: Skanjeti Andrea , Pelosi Ettore
Published: December 2011

Due to its prevalence, prostate cancer represents a serious health problem. The treatment, when required, may be local in case of limited disease, locoregional if lymph nodes are involved, and systemic when distant metastases are present. In order to choose the best treatment regimen, an accurate disease staging is mandatory. However, the accuracy of conventional imaging modalities in detecting lymph node and bone metastases is low. In the last decade, molecular imaging, particularly, choline PET-CT has been evaluated in this setting. Choline PET represents the more accurate exam to stage high-risk prostate cancer, and it is useful in staging patients with biochemical relapse, in particular when PSA kinetics is high and/or PSA levels are more than 2 pg/ml. The present paper reports results of available papers on these issues, with particular attention to lymph node staging.
LRS Bianchi Type II Inflationary Universe with Massless Scalar Field
Authors: Bali Raj , Poonia Laxmi
Published: December 2011

Inflationary scenario in locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi Type II space-time with massless scalar field with flat potential is discussed. To get the deterministic solution in terms of cosmic time , we have assumed that the scale factor , that is, and  = constant where is effective potential and is Higg's field. We find that spatial volume increases with time and the model isotropizes for large value of under special condition. The Higg's field decreases slowly and tends to a constant value when . The model represents uniform expansion but accelerating universe and leads to de-Sitter type metric.
Endometrial Cancer Patients: A Cohort Previous to Changes in Tumour Behaviour and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Tournois F. K. L. , Mertens H. J. M. M.
Published: December 2011

Nowadays, the incidence of endometrial cancer is rising, especially of high-grade endometrial tumours. Recently, the FIGO classification of endometrial cancer has changed worldwide. Besides that, treatment strategies are changing. The purpose of this study was to analyse the adherence to the national guidelines of cancer treatment and to analyse patterns of disease relapse and survival. We focused on a group of patients () with endometrial cancer, in a time period in which new treatment strategies are not yet completely implemented. Because of multiple upcoming changes in patient characteristics, tumour classification, as well as treatment regimens, a more heterogeneous cohort of patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer will appear. From now on, all those changes will have their effects on the followup of conventional endometrial cancer treatment. In our opinion, it is, therefore, valuable to have the current, more homogenous, cohort clearly described.
An Effective Color Addition to Feature Detection and Description for Book Spine Image Matching
Authors: Fowers Spencer G. , Lee Dah-Jye
Published: December 2011

The important task of library book inventory, or shelf-reading, requires humans to remove each book from a library shelf, open the front cover, scan a barcode, and reshelve the book. It is a labor-intensive and often error-prone process. Technologies such as 2D barcode scanning or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags have recently been proposed to improve this process. They both incur significant upfront costs and require a large investment of time to fit books with special tags before the system can be productive. A vision-based automation system is proposed to improve this process without those prohibitively high upfront costs. This low-cost shelf-reading system uses a hand-held imaging device such as a smartphone to capture book spine images and a server that processes feature descriptors in these images for book identification. Existing color feature descriptors for feature matching typically use grayscale feature detectors, which omit important color edges. Also, photometric-invariant color feature descriptors require unnecessary computations to provide color descriptor information. This paper presents the development of a simple color enhancement feature descriptor called Color Difference-of-Gaussians SIFT (CDSIFT). CDSIFT is well suited for library inventory process automation, and this paper introduces such a system for this unique application.
Incidence of infections in patients with giant cell arteritis: A cohort study
Authors: Durand Madeleine , Thomas Sara L.
Published: December 2011

Objective

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most frequent form of vasculitis in adults. We sought to estimate the infectious risk associated with GCA and its treatment.

Methods

We conducted a matched historical cohort study using data from The Health Improvement Research Network. Patients with newly diagnosed GCA were matched with up to 6 non‐GCA patients by age, sex, general practice, and date of entry into the cohort. Random‐effects Poisson regression models were used to obtain incidence rates and rate ratios for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), urinary tract infections (UTI), and sepsis, as well as for the subset of these that comprised serious infections (pneumonias, upper UTI, and sepsis). Effect modification by age, sex, and time since diagnosis of GCA was assessed.

Results

A total of 1,664 patients with GCA were matched to 8,078 patients without GCA. Overall, 805 (48%) of the GCA patients and 3,007 (37%) of the non‐GCA patients experienced ≥1 episode of systemic infection during followup, with adjusted rate ratios for LRTI, UTI, and serious infections of 1.48 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.34–1.65), 1.27 (95% CI 1.10–1.46), and 1.55 (95% CI 1.22–1.96), respectively (P < 0.001 for all). The rate ratio for sepsis was 1.63 (95% CI 0.78–3.40, P = 0.20). Rate ratios for infection were highest in the first 6 months following diagnosis of GCA and in patients age <75 years, but did not vary by sex.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show that patients with GCA are at increased risk of systemic infections, particularly in the first few months following diagnosis. New GCA medications that allow steroid sparing are needed to treat this condition.
Outcomes after total hip replacement based on patients' baseline status: What results can be expected?
Authors: Quintana Jose M. , Aguirre Urko , Barrio Irantzu , Orive Miren , Garcia Susana , Escobar Antonio
Published: December 2011

Objective

We evaluated patient satisfaction with total hip replacement (THR) to establish cut points of sufficient improvement based on the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and compared them with measures derived from the minimum clinically important difference (MCID), taking into account patients' baseline status.

Methods

Two cohorts of prospectively recruited patients on waiting lists for THR were studied. Sociodemographic data and comorbidities were recorded. Patients completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and other patient‐reported outcomes questionnaires before THR and 6 months afterward. Cut points of sufficient improvement were established by the PASS, ROC, and MCID and were compared.

Results

Patients satisfied with THR had, by preintervention WOMAC tertiles, gains of 19.4, 34.1, and 49.3 in the WOMAC pain domain and 17.8, 30.8, and 41.4 in the WOMAC functional limitation domain. The PASS cut points determined were 20, 25, and 25 for postintervention WOMAC pain and 28, 35, and 42 for functional limitation. ROC cut points were 19, 25, and 25 for postintervention pain and 26.4, 39, and 40 for functional limitation. Agreement among cut points classifying patients as responders to THR was 1.0 for pain with both PASS and ROC, and 0.85 for functional limitation; 0.6 for pain between MCID and PASS or ROC, and 0.58 and 0.60 for functional limitation.

Conclusion

Cut points of expected gain after THR can help clinicians, researchers, and managers to identify suitable candidates for THR, although such measures must be used with caution.
Catalytic Twist‐Spun Yarns of Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lepró Xavier , Ovalle‐Robles Raquel , Lima Márcio D. , Elías Ana Laura , Terrones Mauricio , Baughman Ray H.
Published: December 2011

The treatment of free‐standing sheets of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with a NH3/He plasma results in self‐supporting sheets of aligned N‐doped MWNTs (CNx). These CNx sheets can be easily twist spun in the solid state to provide strong CNx yarns that are knottable, weavable, and sewable. The CNx yarns exhibit tunable catalytic activity for electrochemically driven oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), as well as specific capacitances (up to 39 F·g−1) that are 2.6 times higher than for the parent MWNTs. Due to a high degree of nanotube alignment, the CNx yarns exhibit specific strengths (451 ± 61 MPa·cm3·g−1) that are three times larger than observed for hybrid CNx/MWNT biscrolled yarns containing 70 wt.% CNx in the form of a powder. This difference in mechanical strength arises from substantial differences in yarn morphology, revealed by electron microscopy imaging of yarn cross‐ sections, as well as the absence of a significant strength contribution from CNx nanotubes in the biscrolled yarns. Finally, the chemical nature and abundance of the incorporated nitrogen within the CNx nanotubes is studied as function of plasma exposure and annealing processes using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and correlated with catalytic activity.
Silicon Nanocrystals in Liquid Media: Optical Properties and Surface Stabilization by Microplasma‐Induced Non‐Equilibrium Liquid Chemistry
Authors: Mariotti Davide , Švrček Vladimir , Hamilton Jeremy W. J. , Schmidt Michael , Kondo Michio
Published: December 2011

Surface engineering of silicon nanocrystals directly in water or ethanol by atmospheric‐pressure dc microplasma is reported. In both liquids, microplasma processing stabilizes the optoelectronic properties of silicon nanocrystals. The microplasma treatment induces non‐equilibrium liquid chemistry that passivates the silicon nanocrystals surface with oxygen‐/organic‐based terminations. In particular, the microplasma treatment in ethanol drastically enhances the silicon nanocrystals photoluminescence intensity and causes a clear red‐shift (≈80 nm) of the photoluminescence maximum. The photoluminescence properties are stable after several days of storage in either ethanol or water. The surface chemistry induced by the microplasma treatment is analyzed and discussed.
Rheological investigation on the interaction of polyamide 6 with clay
Authors: Wan Tong , Wang Biao , Liao Shuang , Clifford Mike
Published: December 2011

The interaction of polyamide 6 (PA) with clay is studied via rheological approaches. The relationship of the effective viscosity (ηr), the clay volume fraction (ϕclay), the aspect ratio (P), and the critical volume fraction (ϕc) is built up by using the Maron‐Pierce model. The time–temperature superposition (TTS) is applied to evaluate the relaxation of PA in the presence of clay under various temperatures. Furthermore, the modified Cox‐Merz rule is used to build up the viscosity response of PA/clay nanocomposites under both dynamic shear and steady shear. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering: Investigations on polypropylene–vapor‐grown carbon nanofiber composites
Authors: Chipara Mircea , Hamilton John , Chipara Alin Cristian , George Tom , Chipara Dorina Magdalena , Ibrahim Elamin E. , Lozano Karen , Sellmyer David. J.
Published: December 2011

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) investigations of isotactic polypropylene (iPP)–vapor‐grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF) composites containing various amounts of VGCNFs ranging between 0 and 20 wt %. are reported. The FTIR investigations were focused on the regularity bands of iPP. The FTIR data indicated a drop in the isotacticity index as the concentration of nanofibers was increased; this suggested a decrease in the crystallinity. WAXS measurements revealed a dominating α1 phase, with a small admixture of γ phase or mesophase. The loading of the polymeric matrix with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) did not induce significant changes in the morphology of the polymeric matrix. A weak decrease in the size of α crystallites upon loading of CNFs was noticed. The experimental data obtained by FTIR spectroscopy supported the WAXS data. Spectroscopic data (a drop in the isotacticity index as estimated by FTIR spectroscopy and the ratio between the crystalline and total areas of WAXS lines assigned to iPP) failed to confirm the enhancement of the degree of crystallinity of polypropylene upon loading by nanofibers. However, whereas both techniques can identify with a high accuracy vibrations in ordered domains (FTIR spectroscopy) and the crystalline structure, including the lattice parameters and the size of crystallites (WAXS), difficulties in the correct assessment of the baseline and of amorphous components may result in important errors (typically >5%) in the estimation of the degree of crystallinity of the polymeric component. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Colloidal and polymer properties difference of fluorinated acrylate latex prepared with different fluorinated monomers
Authors: Chen Lijun , Wu Fengqin
Published: December 2011

Fluorinated acrylate latex was prepared by copolymerizing fluorinated monomer, butyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate, which was initiated by potassium persulfate in the water. The resultant fluorinated latex and its film were characterized with contact angle determinator, dynamic light scattering detector, and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Influence of type of fluorinated monomers on colloidal and polymer properties of fluorinated acrylate latex was studied. Results show that the coagulation rate, particle size, contact angle, glass transition temperature, and chemical resistance are increased with the increase of the number of fluorine atom in the fluorinated monomer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Novel tetrazole‐functionalized absorbent from polyacrylonitrile fiber for heavy‐metal ion adsorption
Authors: Yan Suihong , Zhao Min , Lei Genhu , Wei Yinmao
Published: December 2011

A novel functional absorbent, polyvinyltetrazole fiber (PVT), was made from polyacrylonitrile fiber through [3+2] azide‐nitrile cycloaddition reaction of cross‐linked polyacrylonitrile with sodium azide. The obtained PVT showed strong adsorption ability to the investigated heavy‐metal ions, Cu(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II), with the maximum adsorption capacities of 323, 278, 200, and 175 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption process was described as an ion exchange mechanism. The adsorption isotherms were better fitted for Langmuir model, while adsorption kinetics was better described by the pseudo‐second order equation. In addition, the tested heavy‐metal ions could be desorbed efficiently from PVT at pH below 2.0, and the adsorption capacity of the regenerated PVT had no loss until seven cycles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
The effect of epoxy resin to reduce the compression set of polysulfide sealant
Authors: Zhang Junsheng , Wang Zhenghei , Ding Guowei , Quan Yiwu , Chen Qingmin
Published: December 2011

In this article, modified polysulfide sealants with lower compression set were prepared by a simple method of introducing the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A resin (DGEBA epoxy resin) into sealants. The investigation on reactivity analysis and gel faction test verified that the incorporation of epoxy resin in sealants was just a blending process rather than copolyaddition with polysulfide resin. Stress–strain behavior during compression revealed that the epoxy resin could reduce the compression stress when the sealants were loaded to a certain strain, which effectively lessened crosslink breakages and benefited to compression resistance. Also the rigid phenyl structure in epoxy resin may retard incidental slide between polysulfide chains and prevent interchange reactions between disulfide linkages. The incorporation of 2 phr epoxy resin distinctly reduced compression set of polysulfide sealant from 28.3% to 11.2% after compressed 25% at 23°C for 1 day. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 in rat joint inflammation
Authors: Denadai‐Souza Alexandre , Martin Laurence , de Paula Marco A. Vieira , de Avellar Maria C. Werneck , Muscará Marcelo N. , Vergnolle Nathalie , Cenac Nicolas
Published: December 2011

Objective

To determine whether activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV‐4) induces inflammation in the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to assess the effects of TRPV‐4 agonists and proinflammatory mediators, such as a protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR‐2) agonist, on TRPV‐4 responses.

Methods

Four hours after intraarticular injection of carrageenan into the rat joints, expression of TRPV‐4 and PAR‐2 in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons and in the TMJs were evaluated by real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence, followed by confocal microscopy. The functionality of TRPV‐4 and its sensitization by a PAR‐2–activating peptide (PAR‐2–AP) were analyzed by measuring the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in TMJ fibroblast‐like synovial cells or TG neurons. Plasma extravasation, myeloperoxidase activity, and the head‐withdrawal threshold (index of mechanical allodynia) were evaluated after intraarticular injection of selective TRPV‐4 agonists, either injected alone or coinjected with PAR‐2–AP.

Results

In the rat TMJs, TRPV‐4 and PAR‐2 expression levels were up‐regulated after the induction of inflammation. Two TRPV‐4 agonists specifically activated calcium influx in TMJ fibroblast‐like synovial cells or TG neurons. In vivo, the agonists triggered dose‐dependent increases in plasma extravasation, myeloperoxidase activity, and mechanical allodynia. In synovial cells or TG neurons, pretreatment with PAR‐2–AP potentiated a TRPV‐4 agonist–induced increase in [Ca2+]i. In addition, TRPV‐4 agonist–induced inflammation was potentiated by PAR‐2–AP in vivo.

Conclusion

In this rat model, TRPV‐4 is expressed and functional in TG neurons and synovial cells, and activation of TRPV‐4 in vivo causes inflammation in the TMJ. Proinflammatory mediators, such as PAR‐2 agonists, sensitize the activity of TRPV‐4. These results identify TRPV‐4 as an important signal of inflammation in the joint.