bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism, survival, and parental investment in relation to offspring sex in a precocial bird
Authors: Lemons Patrick R. , Sedinger James S. , Nicolai Christopher A. , Oring Lewis W.
Published: July 2012

Differential growth rate between males and females, owing to a sexual size dimorphism, has been proposed as a mechanism driving sex‐biased survival. How parents respond to this selection pressure through sex ratio manipulation and sex‐biased parental investment can have a dramatic influence on fitness. We determined how differential growth rates during early life resulting from sexual size dimorphism affected survival of young and how parents may respond in a precocial bird, the black brantBranta bernicla nigricans. We hypothesized that more rapidly growing male goslings would suffer greater mortality than females during brood rearing and that parents would respond to this by manipulating their primary sex ratio and parental investment. Male brant goslings suffered a 19.5% reduction in survival relative to female goslings and, based on simulation, we determined that a female biased population sex ratio at fledging was never overcome even though previous work demonstrated a slight male‐biased post‐fledging survival rate. Contrary to the Fisherian sex ratio adjustment hypothesis we found that individual adult female brant did not manipulate their primary sex ratio (50.39% male, n = 645), in response to the sex‐biased population level sex ratio. However, female condition at the start of the parental care period was a good predictor of their primary sex ratio. Finally, we examined how females changed their behavior in response to primary sex ratio of their broods. We hypothesized that parents would take male biased broods to areas with increased growth rates. Parents with male biased primary sex ratios took broods to areas with higher growth rates. These factors together suggest that sex‐biased growth rates during early life can dramatically affect population dynamics through sex‐biased survival and recruitment which in turn affects decisions parents make about sex allocation and sex‐biased parental investment in offspring to maximize fitness.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori on the clinical course of recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Arslan Taş Didem , Yakar Tolga , Sakalli Hakan , Serin Ender
Published: July 2012

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common lesions of oral mucosa. Helicobacter pylori is suggested as one of the etiological agents of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Here, we conduct a study for evaluating the impact of H. pylori eradication on clinical course of recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Methods

Forty‐six patients with minor aphthous lesions were enrolled. The number of RAS lesions at last 6 months and vitamin B12 levels were recorded. All patients were detected for H. pylori with endoscopic biopsy. H. pylori was positive in 30 patients and negative in 16 patients. H. pylori‐positive 30 patients received eradication therapy. Three months after therapy, patients were re‐evaluated with urea breath test; 18 patients were negative (eradicated), and the remainders (12 patients) were positive (non‐eradicated) for H. pylori. 6 months after eradication, vitamin B12 levels and number of aphthous lesions at 6 months were recorded.

Results

Vitamin B12 levels were significantly increased in H. pylori‐eradicated group (P = 0.001), whereas no significant change was found in non‐eradicated group (P = 0.638). Mean number of aphthous lesions (per 6 months) of H. pylori‐eradicated group was significantly decreased after eradication (P = 0.0001); in the non‐eradicated group, no significant change was found (P = 0.677). In Hp‐positive group, number of RAS lesions and vitamin B12 levels were negatively correlated when evaluated both before and after eradication.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence to support the beneficial effect of H. pylori eradication in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The underlying mechanism might be the increase in vitamin B12 levels after eradication.
Maternal and fetal complications of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Cauldwell Matthew , Nelson‐Piercy Catherine
Published: July 2012

Key content

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition that has multi‐organ involvement.

It is approximately ten times more common in women than in men and is often diagnosed during the childbearing years.

SLE is known to increase the risk of spontaneous miscarriage; it can also cause fetal growth restriction and increased rates of sudden intrauterine death, pre‐eclampsia and preterm delivery.

Management of women with lupus nephritis can be difficult, as the disease may mimic and overlap significantly with pre‐eclampsia.

Multidisciplinary management of pregnant women with SLE ensures optimal surveillance of both mother and fetus.

Learning objectives

To understand how to manage pregnant women with SLE.

To understand the importance of pre‐pregnancy counselling for women with SLE.

To understand the features and associated risk factors which increase the chance of adverse pregnancy outcome in women with SLE.

To understand which therapies for SLE can be used safely in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

To understand the role of the multidisciplinary team in the care of women with SLE, particularly those with underlying organ impairment.

Ethical issues

When should women with SLE be advised against pregnancy?

At what point should termination of pregnancy be considered if there is deterioration in maternal health in early pregnancy?
Female genital cosmetic surgery: how can clinicians act in women's best interests?
Authors: Michala Lina , Liao Lih‐Mei , Creighton Sarah M
Published: July 2012

Key content

Female genital cosmetic surgery is becoming more widespread.

Risks and long‐term effects have not been adequately investigated.

There is limited evidence to allow women to give informed consent.

Learning objectives

To understand the wide variation in external genital appearance among women.

To be able to hypothesise the underlying reasons for a woman to request female genital cosmetic surgery.

To be able to suggest psychological assessment and management where appropriate.

Ethical issues

Women seeking genital cosmetic surgery are driven by strong contemporary cultural pressure and it is not clear to what extent they can engage with risk information.

The boundaries between female genital cosmetic surgery and female genital mutilation are blurred.

Doctors should be deeply suspicious about a new surgical procedure aimed at treating psychological distress and largely undertaken in the private sector.
Crystallographic Evaluation of Sodium Zirconium Phosphate as a Host Structure for Immobilization of Cesium and Strontium
Authors: Bohre Ashish , Shrivastava Om Prakash
Published: July 2012

Sodium zirconium phosphate (NZP) is a potential material for immobilization of nuclear effluents. It was observed up to ~7.16 wt% (~2.67 mol%) of strontium and ~14.46 wt% (~3.56 mol%) of cesium could be simultaneously loaded into NZP formulations without significant changes in the three‐dimensional framework structure. The crystal chemistry of Na1−x(Cs1.33Sr1)xZr2P3O12 (x = 0.1–1.0) has been investigated using General Structure Analysis System programming. The CsSrNZP phases crystallize in the space group R‐3c and Z = 6. Powder diffraction data have been subjected to Rietveld refinement to arrive at a satisfactory structural convergence of R‐factors.
Effect of gland extracts on digging and residing preferences of red imported fire ant workers (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Chen Jian , Zhang Guangmei
Published: July 2012

There is evidence that ant‐derived chemical stimuli are involved in regulating the digging behavior in Solenopsis invicta Buren. However, the source gland(s) and chemistry of such stimuli have never been revealed. In this study, extracts of mandibular, Dufour's, postpharyngeal, and poison glands were evaluated for their effect on ant digging and residing preferences of S. invicta workers from three colonies. In the intracolonial bioassays, workers showed significant digging preferences to mandibular gland extracts in 2 of 3 colonies and significant residing preferences in 1 of 3 colonies; significant digging preferences to Dufour's gland extracts in 1 of 3 colonies and significant residing preferences in 2 of 3 colonies. No digging and residing preferences were found for postpharyngeal and poison gland extracts. In intercolonial bioassays, significant digging and residing preferences were found for mandibular gland extracts in 3 of 6 colony combinations. Significant digging preferences to Dufour's gland extracts were found in 4 of 6 colony combinations and significant residing preferences in all 6 colony combinations. For postpharyngeal gland extracts, significant digging preferences were found only in 1 of 6 colonial combinations and no significant residing preferences were found. For poison gland extracts, no significant digging preferences were found; significant residing preferences were found in 1 of 6 colony combinations. However, a significant residing deterrence (negative residing preference index) was found for 2 of 6 colony combinations. Statistical analyses using data pooled from all colonies showed that mandibular and Dufour's gland extracts caused significant digging and residing preferences in both intracolonial and intercolonial bioassays but not postpharyngeal and poison gland extracts. By analyzing the data pooled from the same three colonies used for gland extract bioassays, it was found that, in no cases, workers showed significant digging and residing preferences to 2‐ethyl‐3,6‐dimethylpyrazine, an alarm pheromone component from mandibular gland.
Identifying stars of mass >150 M⊙ from their eclipse by a binary companion
Authors: Pan Tony , Loeb Abraham
Published: July 2012

We examine the possibility that very massive stars greatly exceeding the commonly adopted stellar mass limit of 150 M⊙ may be present in young star clusters in the local universe. We identify 10 candidate clusters, some of which may host stars with masses up to 600 M⊙ formed via runaway collisions. We estimate the probabilities of these very massive stars being in eclipsing binaries to be ≳30 per cent. Although most of these systems cannot be resolved at present, their transits can be detected at distances of 3 Mpc even under the contamination of the background cluster light, due to the large associated luminosities ∼107 L⊙ and mean transit depths of ∼106 L⊙. Discovery of very massive eclipsing binaries would flag possible progenitors of pair-instability supernovae and intermediate-mass black holes.
Ofatumumab, the first human anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of B cell hematologic malignancies
Authors: Gupta Ira V. , Jewell Roxanne C.
Published: July 2012

Ofatumumab is the first human anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody to be approved for patients in the United States and the European Union. Ofatumumab received accelerated approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in October 2009 and was granted a conditional marketing authorization by the European Medicines Agency in April 2010 for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab, based on interim results of a pivotal phase 2 trial. Preliminary positive results for ofatumumab in combination with chemotherapy in patients with CLL are currently being confirmed in larger randomized trials in both the frontline setting and the relapsed/refractory setting. Ofatumumab has also shown potential in treating B cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, such as follicular lymphoma (FL), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Additional trials are ongoing to confirm activity of ofatumumab as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy in patients with FL or DLBCL.
The development of denosumab for the treatment of diseases of bone loss and cancer‐induced bone destruction
Authors: Goessl Carsten , Katz Leonid , Dougall William C. , Kostenuik Paul J. , Zoog Holly Brenza , Braun Ada , Dansey Roger , Wagman Rachel B.
Published: July 2012

Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against RANK ligand (RANKL), an essential cytokine for the formation, function, and survival of osteoclasts. The role of excessive RANKL as a contributor to conditions characterized by bone loss or bone destruction has been well studied. With its novel mechanism of action, denosumab offers a significant advance in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis; bone loss associated with hormone ablation therapy in women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer; and the prevention of skeletal‐related events in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors by offering clinical benefit to these patients in need.
Performance of two new, automated chemiluminescence assay panels for anticardiolipin and anti‐beta2‐glycoprotein I antibodies in the laboratory diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Van Hoecke F. , Persijn L. , Decavele A.‐S. , Devreese K.
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti‐β2‐glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies are two of the three laboratory criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). All assays for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), coagulation assays as well as ELISAs, show methodological shortcomings, which makes the search for better assays everlasting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of two new, fully automated systems (Zenit RA and HemosIL Acustar) applying chemiluminescent technology for aPL detection.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of a patient population presenting with thrombosis. In such patient population, the demonstration of aPL determines whether a patient has APS or not with implications for treatment. One hundred and twenty‐four patients with thrombotic complications, of whom 26 were patients with definite APS, were integrated in this study. Besides, aPL titres were compared to the Sapporo standards.

Results

Results of both systems agreed well with ELISA and mutually. Analysis of the discrepant results between Zenit and Acustar finally led to one misclassification as APS.

Conclusion

Diagnostic performances of both Zenit RA and HemosIL Acustar were comparable with odds ratios lower limits of CI of 5 for aβ2
GPI IgG for Zenit and Acustar and 6 and 5 for aCl IgG on Zenit and Acustar, respectively. However, even with these new automated systems, titres differed largely between systems, especially for aβ2
GPI IgG.
Expected Idiosyncratic Volatility Measures and Expected Returns
Authors: Fink Jason D. , Fink Kristin E. , He Hui
Published: July 2012

We find that idiosyncratic volatility forecasts using information available to traders at the time of the forecast are not related to expected returns. The positive relation documented in a number of other papers only exists when forward‐looking information is incorporated into the volatility estimate. That positive relation is driven by the realized idiosyncratic volatility component that cannot be forecasted by investors. Our findings are robust to several different empirical tests, volatility forecasting models and time periods.
Capacity to consent to research: The evolution and current concepts
Authors: Peisah Carmelle , Vollmer‐Conna Ute , Kim Scott Y.H.
Published: July 2012

The ethical problem of the need to conduct research on the very conditions that impair the ability to consent to such research is widely acknowledged. People with cognitive impairment and mental illness have an equitable right to research being conducted in areas relevant to their treatment and care, and should be given an equitable opportunity to participate in such research, even if they lack capacity. They also have a right to adequate safeguards to protect their interests and respect their wishes in regards to research participation. Provisions for involvement in research of those who are unable to give consent have only developed over the last 50 years. Over this period we have witnessed a proliferation of policies, regulations and laws that govern research involving subjects unable to give consent. There has been a parallel increase in our understanding of the concepts of consent and capacity, specifically as it relates to the research context, with development of standards for research consent and instruments to guide capacity evaluation. We review the evolution of research governance and the underlying ethical principles that underpin such regulations, approaches to capacity evaluation and the use of proxies and advance research directives to facilitate research participation in adults who lack capacity.
Hilbert schemes and Betti numbers over Clements–Lindström rings
Authors: Murai Satoshi , Peeva Irena
Published: July 2012

We show that the Hilbert scheme, that parameterizes all ideals with the same Hilbert function over a Clements–Lindström ring W, is connected. More precisely, we prove that every graded ideal is connected by a sequence of deformations to the lex-plus-powers ideal with the same Hilbert function. This is an analogue of Hartshorne’s theorem that Grothendieck’s Hilbert scheme is connected. We also prove a conjecture by Gasharov, Hibi, and Peeva that the lex ideal attains maximal Betti numbers among all graded ideals in W with a fixed Hilbert function.
Twisted gamma filtration of a linear algebraic group
Authors: Zainoulline Kirill
Published: July 2012

In the present paper we introduce and study the twisted γ-filtration on K0(Gs), where Gs is a split simple linear algebraic group over a field k of characteristic prime to the order of the center of Gs. We apply this filtration to construct nontrivial torsion elements in γ-rings of twisted flag varieties.
On classical irregular q-difference equations
Authors: Roques Julien
Published: July 2012

The primary aim of this paper is to (provide tools to) compute Galois groups of classical irregular q-difference equations. We are particularly interested in quantizations of certain differential equations that arise frequently in the mathematical and physical literature, namely confluent generalized q-hypergeometric equations and q-Kloosterman equations.
In-Plane and Transverse Eigenmodes of High-Speed Rotating Composite Disks
Authors: Dousti Saeid , Abbas Jalali Mir
Published: July 2012

We apply Hamilton's principle and model the coupled in-plane and transverse vibrations of high-speed spinning disks, which are fiber-reinforced circumferentially. We search for eigenmodes in the linear regime using a collocation scheme, and compare the mode shapes of composite and isotropic disks. As the azimuthal wavenumber varies, the radial nodes of in-plane waves are remarkably displaced in isotropic disks while they resist such displacements in composite disks. The reverse of this phenomenon happens for transversal waves and the radial nodes move toward the outer disk edge as the azimuthal wavenumber is increased in composite disks. This result is in accordance with the predictions of Nowinski's theory, and therefore, it is independent of the magnitude of the spinning velocity and the mode frequency. Although there are notable differences between the form of governing equations derived from Hamilton's principle and Nowinski's theory, transverse eigenmodes differ a little in the two approaches. We argue that the application of orthotropic composites as the core material of the next generation of hard disk drives, together with an angular velocity controller, can enhance the data access rate.
A Compact and Easily Accepted Continuous Model for the Elastic-Plastic Contact of a Sphere and a Flat
Authors: Wang Zhi Qian
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a compact and easily accepted continuous model for the elastic-plastic contact of a sphere and a flat, including the relationships of load and contact area versus displacement and the relationship between the residual plastic displacement and the total displacement. The relationships of load and contact area versus displacement hold in the elastic and elastic-plastic regime. The relationship between the total displacement and the residual plastic displacement, that is the total displacement to the power of 1/2 is linear with the residual plastic displacement to the power of 1/2, has a compact and easily accepted form.
Formation of high quality nano-crystallized Ge films on quartz substrates at moderate temperature
Authors: Li Cong , Xu Jun , Li Wei , Sun Shenghua , Jiang Xiaofan , Chen Kunji
Published: July 2012

The hydrogenated amorphous Ge films were prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. Post-thermal annealing was applied to obtain nano-crystalline Ge (nc-Ge) films on quartz substrates. The evolution of microstructure, optical, and electrical properties was studied during the transition process from amorphous to nano-crystalline phase. It was found that the nano-crystalline Ge with size of 10–30 nm can be formed at the moderate annealing temperature (450–600 °C). Moreover, systematic investigation on carrier transport was carried out for samples with and without annealing. It was found that the room temperature conductivity can be increased by 6 orders of magnitude after the formation of nc-Ge. Hall measurements suggested that the nano-crystalline Ge films showed the p-type behaviors and the hole mobility can reach as high as 211 cm2 V−1 s−1 for samples annealed at 450 °C, which can be used in large area Ge-channel thin film transistors.
Temporal and spectral imaging with micro‐CT
Authors: Johnston Samuel M. , Johnson G. Allan , Badea Cristian T.
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

Micro‐CT is widely used for small animal imaging in preclinical studies of cardiopulmonary disease, but further development is needed to improve spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and material contrast. We present a technique for visualizing the changing distribution of iodine in the cardiac cycle with dual source micro‐CT.

Methods:

The approach entails a retrospectively gated dual energy scan with optimized filters and voltages, and a series of computational operations to reconstruct the data. Projection interpolation and five‐dimensional bilateral filtration (three spatial dimensions + time + energy) are used to reduce noise and artifacts associated with retrospective gating. We reconstruct separate volumes corresponding to different cardiac phases and apply a linear transformation to decompose these volumes into components representing concentrations of water and iodine. Since the resulting material images are still compromised by noise, we improve their quality in an iterative process that minimizes the discrepancy between the original acquired projections and the projections predicted by the reconstructed volumes. The values in the voxels of each of the reconstructed volumes represent the coefficients of linear combinations of basis functions over time and energy. We have implemented the reconstruction algorithm on a graphics processing unit (GPU) with CUDA. We tested the utility of the technique in simulations and applied the technique in anin vivo scan of a C57BL/6 mouse injected with blood pool contrast agent at a dose of 0.01 ml/g body weight. Postreconstruction, at each cardiac phase in the iodine images, we segmented the left ventricle and computed its volume. Using the maximum and minimum volumes in the left ventricle, we calculated the stroke volume, the ejection fraction, and the cardiac output.

Results:

Our proposed method produces five‐dimensional volumetric images that distinguish different materials at different points in time, and can be used to segment regions containing iodinated blood and compute measures of cardiac function.

Conclusions:

We believe this combined spectral and temporal imaging technique will be useful for future studies of cardiopulmonary disease in small animals.
Intensity modulated neutron radiotherapy optimization by photon proxy
Authors: Snyder Michael , Hammoud Ahmad , Bossenberger Todd , Spink Robyn , Burmeister Jay
Published: July 2012

Purpose:

Introducing intensity modulation into neutron radiotherapy (IMNRT) planning has the potential to mitigate some normal tissue complications seen in past neutron trials. While the hardware to deliver IMNRT plans has been in use for several years, until recently the IMNRT planning process has been cumbersome and of lower fidelity than conventional photon plans. Our in‐house planning system used to calculate neutron therapy plans allows beam weight optimization of forward planned segments, but does not provide inverse optimization capabilities. Commercial treatment planning systems provide inverse optimization capabilities, but currently cannot model our neutron beam.

Methods:

We have developed a methodology and software suite to make use of the robust optimization in our commercial planning system while still using our in‐house planning system to calculate final neutron dose distributions. Optimized multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf positions for segments designed in the commercial system using a 4 MV photon proxy beam are translated into static neutron ports that can be represented within our in‐house treatment planning system. The true neutron dose distribution is calculated in the in‐house system and then exported back through theMATLAB software into the commercial treatment planning system for evaluation.

Results:

The planning process produces optimized IMNRT plans that reduce dose to normal tissue structures as compared to 3D conformal plans using static MLC apertures. The process involves standard planning techniques using a commercially available treatment planning system, and is not significantly more complex than conventional IMRT planning. Using a photon proxy in a commercial optimization algorithm produces IMNRT plans that are more conformal than those previously designed at our center and take much less time to create.

Conclusions:

The planning process presented here allows for the optimization of IMNRT plans by a commercial treatment planning optimization algorithm, potentially allowing IMNRT to achieve similar conformality in treatment as photon IMRT. The only remaining requirements for the delivery of very highly modulated neutron treatments are incremental improvements upon already implemented hardware systems that should be readily achievable.
Mitochondrial Workout
Authors: Nakamura Takahisa
Published: July 2012

Chronic athletic training attenuates insulin resistance by boosting mitochondrial oxidative capacity.
Design of a Community Ownership and Preparedness Index: using data to inform the capacity development of community-based groups
Authors: Thomas Tom , Narayanan Pradeep , Wheeler Tisha , Kiran Usha , Joseph M J , Ramanathan T V
Published: July 2012

Background

Community mobilisation is an important component of a participatory approach to health and development interventions. However, it is challenging to define, measure and assess community participation and ownership of a programme, especially at scale.

Methods

An iterative cross-sectional survey was designed for implementation across a representative sample of community-based groups, using a weighted index that captured both qualitative and quantitative data in a standardised form. These data were aggregated at the level of individual groups, as well as state-wide or across the whole programme. Community participation in the survey is a primary feature of the methodology and was integral to the process of designing the index and administering the survey.

Results

The survey provided programme management and communities with objective tools for monitoring community mobilisation across a large-scale and complex intervention covering 32 districts in India. The implementation of the survey engaged communities in an open discussion of their goals and capabilities and helped them to challenge the power dynamics between themselves and other stakeholders.

Conclusions

It is possible to translate the theoretical premises of participatory development into a tool that both measures and fosters meaningful participation. The active participation of community members in the collection and analysis of data on their mobilisation suggests that monitoring of participation can be undertaken to inform a scaled-up programme and can be a useful intervention in its own right.
New ultimate pile capacity prediction method based on cone penetration test (CPT)
Authors: Hu Zhihong , McVay Michael , Bloomquist David , Horhota David , Lai Peter
Published: July 2012

Our research evaluated current cone penetration test (CPT) pile design methodologies (Schmertmann, Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées (LCPC), etc.), modified one of these methods (Philipponnat method), and proposed a new one to improve future driven pile designs. This was accomplished by evaluating 14 pile-capacity-design methods based on CPT data. Furthermore, load and resistance factor design (LRFD) resistance factors for each method were calculated using 21 cases from Florida and 28 from Louisiana. The resulting resistance factors were not satisfactory for any of these methods. A new design method — the University of Florida (UF) method — was proposed taking into account cementation, soil type, and historical data. The LRFD resistance factor was also assessed for this new method. The proposed UF method provides better LRFD resistance factors for both Florida and Louisiana soils. It could be a promising alternative for improving pile design.
Performance of a reinforced embankment on a sensitive Champlain clay deposit
Authors: Taechakumthorn Chalermpol , Rowe R. Kerry
Published: July 2012

An existing elastoviscoplastic constitutive model is modified using concepts of the state-dependent fluidity parameters and the damage law, to incorporate the effect of soil structure and its destructuration. The model is employed to simulate the performance of a well-documented case study of the reinforced test embankment constructed over a sensitive Champlain clay deposit at Saint Alban, Quebec. The finite element calculations, using both the original (nonstructured) and modified (structured) elastoviscoplastic soil models, are compared with the observed field data from a test embankment brought to failure. The results from the structured elastoviscoplastic soil model show better agreements with the field data when compared with those analyzed using the nonstructured elastoviscoplastic soil model. The modified model captures many features of the reinforced embankment behaviour, such as vertical settlement, excess pore-water pressure responses, and reinforcement force. However, they also reveal the fact that another important characteristic of the natural clay deposit — anisotropy — needs to be considered to provide an adequate prediction of horizontal deformations. The role of geosynthetic reinforcement and its viscosity on short-term responses of the reinforced embankment examined in this study is also discussed
Deformation induced by wetting: a simple model
Authors: Casini Francesca
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a simple model for predicting the deformation induced by wetting. The objective is to quantify the deformation induced by saturation of an unsaturated layer of homogeneous soil, causing variation of the initial void ratio and gravimetric water content. The soil is a low-plasticity silty sand. A simple expression for the normal compression line (NCL), which depends on the parameter χ and one more parameter, will be proposed. The model may capture the progressive degradation induced by loading and wetting by linking the dependency of NCL by the parameter χ and water retention curve by porosity.
A modified solution to assess the required strength of exposed backfill in mine stopes
Authors: Li Li , Aubertin Michel
Published: July 2012

Backfilling contributes to the improvement of ground stability and reduction of ore dilution in underground mines. A critical issue for backfilled stope design is the required strength for the fill material. A practical solution to address this question was proposed by Mitchell and co-workers for stopes with an exposed face and a high aspect ratio (height H over width B). However, this solution is not directly applicable to stopes with a relatively low aspect ratio (H/B). Its application is also restricted by additional limitations on the strength along the fill–rock interfaces and the load applied on top of the backfill. In this note, the model proposed by Mitchell and co-workers is modified to provide an estimate of the required strength of backfill for various geometries, material properties, and surface loads. The modified Mitchell (MM) solution is validated against experimental results. Sample calculations with the MM solution are also presented and discussed.
Modelling the efficiency of a drainage gallery work for a large landslide with respect to hydrogeological heterogeneity
Authors: Matti Boris , Tacher Laurent , Commend Stephane
Published: July 2012

This study describes transient hydrogeological and geomechanical models realized jointly in 2006 by the Geolep office (Géologie de l’Ecole Polytechnique) of the Polytechnical School of Lausanne (EPFL) and GeoMod SA within the framework of the stabilization work of the La Frasse landslide (Vaud, Switzerland). These models evaluate the impact of a deep drainage gallery with subvertical drainage boreholes towards the surface in terms of reduction of the deformation velocities and increase of the landslide’s factor of safety. The paper presents the effect of different pipe spacing of the drainage system. Considering the local heterogeneities, the results show that a mean spacing between the drainage boreholes of the order of 10 m is sufficient to control the temporal head fluctuations between the wells within a range of a few metres. Moreover, this solution induces a strong diminution of the predicted displacements during a specific crisis, from 101 cm for the model without drainage to around 14 cm for the drained model, and a significant gain of stability (from a factor of safety (FoS) of 1.05 to 1.30).
DG-FINFET-BASED SRAM CONFIGURATIONS FOR INCREASED SEU IMMUNITY
Authors: RATHOD S. S. , SAXENA A. K. , DASGUPTA S.
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we propose a new circuit level hardening techniques that can decrease the sensitivity of Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cells to radiation induced Single Event Upsets (SEUs). Five different types of 32 nm double gate (DG)-FinFET-based SRAM cells are analyzed. Proposed SRAM cell outperforms over the unhardened SRAM when exposed to radiation. This is primarily due to the modification of the source potential used to reduce the effect of SEU without affecting normal operation. Static Noise Margin (SNM), Read Noise Margin (RNM), Write Noise Margin (WNM) and Power Delay Product (PDP) are the performance metrics computed for each type of SRAM cell. Effect of back gate voltage and back gate oxide thickness variation on device characteristic show detrimental effects on radiation hardened capabilities of a device. Benchmarking is done against DICE latch and it is found that as compared to DICE latch proposed DG-FinFET SRAM has low transistor count, less area, low recovery time and fault tolerance to internal as well as external nodes.
A VERY LOW NOISE WIDEBAND CLASS-C CMOS LC VCO
Authors: ATAEI FATEMEH , YAVARI MOHAMMAD
Published: July 2012

In this paper, a new class-C voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is presented. In the proposed VCO, the tail capacitor of the conventional class-C oscillator is dislocated from the source of the cross-coupled transistors to their gate to achieve a rail-to-rail output swing. This improves the phase noise by 2.9 dB compared to the conventional class-C one. Besides, a new switching scheme is presented in the switched capacitor bank used for coarse tuning of the proposed VCO to lower the on resistance of the switches as well as to reduce the parasitic capacitors. This wide tuning range class-C VCO is designed in a 0.18 μm CMOS technology. It achieves a -125.3 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz offset from a 2.2 GHz carrier frequency while covering a wide tuning range from 1.82 to 2.65 GHz and consuming 3.5 mW power from a single 0.9 V power supply.
THE ALPHA MAGNETIC SPECTROMETER ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Authors: KOUNINE ANDREI
Published: July 2012

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) is a general purpose high energy particle detector which was successfully deployed on the International Space Station (ISS) on May 19, 2011 to conduct a unique long duration mission of fundamental physics research in space. Among the physics objectives of AMS are the searches for an understanding of Dark Matter, Anti-matter, the origin of cosmic rays and the exploration of new physics phenomena not possible to study with ground based experiments. This paper reviews the layout of the AMS-02 detector, tests and calibrations performed with the detector on the ground, and its performance on the ISS illustrated with data collected during the first year of operations in space.
ENTANGLEMENT IN A 3-SPIN HEISENBERG-XY CHAIN WITH NEAREST-NEIGHBOR INTERACTIONS, SIMULATED IN AN NMR QUANTUM SIMULATOR
Authors: RAO K RAMA KOTESWARA , KUMAR ANIL
Published: July 2012

The evolution of entanglement in a 3-spin chain with nearest-neighbor Heisenberg-XY interactions for different initial states is investigated here. In an NMR experimental implementation, we generate multipartite entangled states starting from initial separable pseudo-pure states by simulating nearest-neighbor XY interactions in a 3-spin linear chain of nuclear spin qubits. For simulating XY interactions, we follow algebraic method of Zhang et al. [Phys. Rev. A72 (2005) 012331]. Bell state between end qubits has been generated by using only the unitary evolution of the XY Hamiltonian. For generating W-state and GHZ-state a single qubit rotation is applied on second and all the three qubits, respectively after the unitary evolution of the XY Hamiltonian.
POST PROCESSING OF QUANTUM RANDOM BIT GENERATORS
Authors: SHEIKHOLESLAM S. ARASH , GULLIVER T. AARON
Published: July 2012

This letter considers quantum random bit generators which use continuous wave (CW) or pulse lasers with Poisson characteristics. The statistical characteristics of randomly generated bits are investigated, and the efficiency of the random generators is analyzed via the bit rate.
QUANTUM PROXY GROUP SIGNATURE SCHEME WITH χ-TYPE ENTANGLED STATES
Authors: YIN XUN-RU , MA WEN-PING , LIU WEI-YAN
Published: July 2012

A quantum proxy group signature scheme is proposed with χ-type entangled states. Our scheme combines the properties of group signature and proxy signature. Moreover, the particles in the χ-type state sequence are used to distribute proxy warrants and quantum keys in the initial phase, and then used for quantum signature. Therefore it increases the utilization rate of quantum resources compared with the general quantum signature scheme. Finally, the unconditional security of our scheme is also analyzed.
NONBINARY QUANTUM CODES DERIVED FROM GROUP CHARACTER CODES
Authors: QIAN JIANFA , ZHANG LINA
Published: July 2012

Most of quantum codes have been constructed by using classical linear codes over finite field. However, little is known about the construction of quantum codes via group character codes. In this work, we present the constructions of nonbinary quantum and asymmetric quantum codes based on group character codes, and give explicit parameters for infinite families of nonbinary quantum codes and asymmetric quantum codes. Furthermore, we present families of optimal quantum codes which derived from group character codes.
RESEARCH ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SYMMETRICAL COUPLING AND THE NON-MARKOVIAN RELAXATION CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: HU J. J. , JI Y. H. , YU Y. X. , HU Y.
Published: July 2012

We make the study of the relationship between symmetrical coupling of coupling qubits and non-Markovian relaxation characteristics by utilizing concurrence. The results show that the relaxation characteristics of quantum system strongly depend on the coupling way between qubits and environment and the decoherence-free subspace may form under certain conditions. We find that when the system is initially at [Formula: see text] state or the mixed state generated by this state, we can make the quantum system always at the entangled state without entanglement sudden death (ESD) phenomenon by regulating the coupling between qubits and environment at complete anti-symmetric state. In contrast, when the system is initially at [Formula: see text] state or the mixed state generated by this state, then we must regulate the coupling way between qubits and environment at complete symmetric state to make the quantum system maintain at the entanglement state.
QUANTUM INFORMATION APPROACH TO NORMAL REPRESENTATION OF EXTENSIVE GAMES
Authors: FRA̧CKIEWICZ PIOTR
Published: July 2012

We modify the concept of quantum strategic game to make it useful for extensive form games. We prove that our modification allows us to consider the normal representation of any finite extensive game using the fundamental concepts of quantum information. The Selten's Horse game and the general form of two-stage extensive game with perfect information are studied to illustrate a potential application of our idea. In both examples we use the Eisert–Wilkens–Lewenstein approach as well as the Marinatto–Weber approach to quantization of games.
The Life Cycle of Hedge Funds: Fund Flows, Size, Competition, and Performance
Authors: Getmansky Mila
Published: July 2012

This paper analyzes the life cycles of hedge funds. Using the Lipper TASS database it provides category and fund specific factors that affect the survival probability of hedge funds. The findings show that in general, investors chasing individual fund performance, thus increasing fund flows, decrease probabilities of hedge funds liquidating. However, if investors chase a category of hedge funds that has performed well (favorably positioned), then the probability of hedge funds liquidating in this category increases. We interpret this finding as a result of competition among hedge funds in a category. As competition increases, marginal funds are more likely to be liquidated than funds that deliver superior risk-adjusted returns. We also find that there is a concave relationship between performance and lagged assets under management. The implication of this study is that an optimal asset size can be obtained by balancing out the effects of past returns, fund flows, competition, market impact, and favorable category positioning that are modeled in the paper. Hedge funds in capacity constrained and illiquid categories are subject to high market impact, have limited investment opportunities, and are likely to exhibit an optimal size behavior.
Economic Activity of Firms and Asset Prices
Authors: Kogan Leonid , Papanikolaou Dimitris
Published: July 2012

In this review we survey the recent research on the fundamental determinants of stock returns. These studies explore how firms' systematic risk and their investment and production decisions are jointly determined in equilibrium. Models with production provide insights into several types of empirical patterns, including (a) the correlations between firms' economic characteristics and their risk premia, (b) the comovement of stock returns among firms with similar characteristics, and (c) the joint dynamics of asset returns and macroeconomic quantities. Moreover, by explicitly relating firms' stock returns and cash flows to fundamental shocks, models with production connect the analysis of financial markets with the research on the origins of macroeconomic fluctuations.
Gesture's Role in Speaking, Learning, and Creating Language
Authors: Goldin-Meadow Susan , Alibali Martha Wagner
Published: July 2012

When speakers talk, they gesture. The goal of this review is to investigate the contribution that these gestures make to how we communicate and think. Gesture can play a role in communication and thought at many timespans. We explore, in turn, gesture's contribution to how language is produced and understood in the moment; its contribution to how we learn language and other cognitive skills; and its contribution to how language is created over generations, over childhood, and on the spot. We find that the gestures speakers produce when they talk are integral to communication and can be harnessed in a number of ways. (a) Gesture reflects speakers' thoughts, often their unspoken thoughts, and thus can serve as a window onto cognition. Encouraging speakers to gesture can thus provide another route for teachers, clinicians, interviewers, etc., to better understand their communication partners. (b) Gesture can change speakers' thoughts. Encouraging gesture thus has the potential to change how students, patients, witnesses, etc., think about a problem and, as a result, alter the course of learning, therapy, or an interchange. (c) Gesture provides building blocks that can be used to construct a language. By watching how children and adults who do not already have a language put those blocks together, we can observe the process of language creation. Our hands are with us at all times and thus provide researchers and learners with an ever-present tool for understanding how we talk and think.
Rho-kinase inhibition improves vasodilator responsiveness during hyperinsulinemia in the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Schinzari Francesca , Tesauro Manfredi , Rovella Valentina , Di Daniele Nicola , Gentileschi Paolo , Mores Nadia , Campia Umberto , Cardillo Carmine
Published: July 2012

In patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS), the facilitatory effect of insulin on forearm vasodilator responsiveness to different stimuli is impaired. Whether the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway is involved in this abnormality is unknown. We tested the hypotheses that, in MetS patients, ROCK inhibition with fasudil restores insulin-stimulated vasodilator reactivity and that oxidative stress plays a role in this mechanism. Endothelium-dependent and -independent forearm blood flow responses to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively, were assessed in MetS patients ( n = 8) and healthy controls ( n = 5) before and after the addition of fasudil (200 μg/min) to an intra-arterial infusion of insulin (0.1 mU/kg/min). In MetS patients ( n = 5), fasudil was also infused without hyperinsulinemia. The possible involvement of oxidative stress in the effect of fasudil during hyperinsulinemia was investigated in MetS patients ( n = 5) by infusing vitamin C (25 mg/min). In MetS patients, compared with saline, fasudil enhanced endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilator responses during insulin infusion ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively), but not in the absence of hyperinsulinemia ( P = 0.25 and P = 0.13, respectively). By contrast, fasudil did not affect vasoreactivity to ACh and SNP during hyperinsulinemia in controls ( P = 0.11 and P = 0.56, respectively). In MetS patients, fasudil added to insulin and vitamin C did not further enhance vasodilation to ACh and SNP ( P = 0.15 and P = 0.43, respectively). In the forearm circulation of patients with the MetS, ROCK inhibition by fasudil improves endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilator responsiveness during hyperinsulinemia; increased oxidative stress seems to be involved in the pathophysiology of this phenomenon.