bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic characteristics of doctors who intend to follow clinical academic careers: UK national questionnaire surveys
Authors: Smith Fay , Lambert Trevor W , Goldacre Michael J
Published: August 2014

Objectives

It is well recognised that women are underrepresented in clinical academic posts. Our aim was to determine which of a number of characteristics—notably gender, but also ethnicity, possession of an intercalated degree, medical school attended, choice of specialty—were predictive of doctors’ intentions to follow clinical academic careers.

Design

Questionnaires to all UK-trained medical graduates of 2005 sent in 2006 and again in 2010, graduates of 2009 in 2010 and graduates of 2012 in 2013.

Results

At the end of their first year of medical work, 13.5% (368/2732) of men and 7.3% (358/4891) of women specified that they intended to apply for a clinical academic training post; and 6.0% (172/2873) of men and 2.2% (111/5044) of women specified that they intended to pursue clinical academic medicine as their eventual career. A higher percentage of Asian (4.8%) than White doctors (3.3%) wanted a long-term career as a clinical academic, as did a higher percentage of doctors who did an intercalated degree (5.6%) than others (2.2%) and a higher percentage of Oxbridge graduates (8.1%) than others (2.8%). Of the graduates of 2005, only 30% of those who in 2006 intended a clinical medicine career also did so when re-surveyed in 2010 (men 44%, women 12%).

Conclusions

There are noteworthy differences by gender and other demographic factors in doctors’ intentions to pursue academic training and careers. The gap between men and women in aspirations for a clinical academic career is present as early as the first year after qualification.
Annual mapping of large forest disturbances across Canada’s forests using 250 m MODIS imagery from 2000 to 2011
Authors: Guindon L. , Bernier P.Y. , Beaudoin A. , Pouliot D. , Villemaire P. , Hall R.J. , Latifovic R. , St-Amant R.
Published: August 2014

Disturbances such as fire and harvesting shape forest dynamics and must be accounted for when modelling forest properties. However, acquiring timely disturbance information for all of Canada’s large forest area has always been challenging. Therefore, we developed an approach to detect annual forest change resulting from fire, harvesting, or flooding using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery at 250 m spatial resolution across Canada and to estimate the within-pixel fractional change (FC). When this approach was applied to the period from 2000 to 2011, the accuracy of detection of burnt, harvested, or flooded areas against our validation dataset was 82%, 80%, and 85%, respectively. With FC, 77% of the area burnt and 82% of the area harvested within the validation dataset were correctly identified. The methodology was optimized to reduce the commission error but tended to omit smaller disturbances as a result. For example, the omitted area for harvest blocks greater than 80 ha was less than 14% but increased to between 38% and 50% for harvest blocks of 20 to 30 ha. Detection of burnt and harvested areas in some regions was hindered by persistent haze or cloud cover or by insect outbreaks. All resulting data layers are available as supplementary material.
Finite domination and Novikov rings: Laurent polynomial rings in two variables
Authors: Hüttemann Thomas , Quinn David
Published: August 2014

Let C be a bounded cochain complex of finitely generated free modules over the Laurent polynomial ring L = R[x, x-1, y, y-1]. The complex C is called R-finitely dominated if it is homotopy equivalent over R to a bounded complex of finitely generated projective R-modules. Our main result characterizes R-finitely dominated complexes in terms of Novikov cohomology: C is R-finitely dominated if and only if eight complexes derived from C are acyclic; these complexes are C ⊗L R〚x, y〛[(xy)-1] and C ⊗L R[x, x-1]〚y〛[y-1], and their variants obtained by swapping x and y, and replacing either indeterminate by its inverse.
Element orders in covers of finite simple groups of Lie type
Authors: Grechkoseeva Mariya A.
Published: August 2014

By a proper cover of a finite group G we mean an extension of a nontrivial finite group by G. We study element orders in proper covers of a finite simple group L of Lie type and prove that such a cover always contains an element whose order differs from the element orders of L provided that L is not L4(q), U3(q), U4(q), U5(2), or3D4(2).
If time is a local observable, then Hawking radiation is unitary
Authors: Nikolić Hrvoje
Published: August 2014

In the usual formulation of quantum theory, time is a global classical evolution parameter, not a local quantum observable. On the other hand, both canonical quantum gravity (which lacks fundamental time-evolution parameter) and the principle of spacetime covariance (which insists that time should be treated on an equal footing with space) suggest that quantum theory should be slightly reformulated, in a manner that promotes time to a local observable. Such a reformulated quantum theory is unitary in a more general sense than the usual quantum theory. In particular, this promotes the non-unitary Hawking radiation to a unitary phenomenon, which avoids the black-hole information paradox.
THE LOG-NORMAL ASSET PRICING MODEL (LAPM)
Authors: COHEN ALLON , LEVY HAIM
Published: August 2014

We derive a discrete Log-Normal Asset Pricing Model (LAPM) based on log-normal distributed risky asset returns. Providing an analytical description of the efficient frontier in E( Log (R))- STD ( Log (R)) space, we than show that under the log-normality of returns' assumption a segmented market equilibrium is created. The LAPM overcomes some of the drawbacks of the CAPM, hence better conforms with empirical observation; it shows how different portfolios of risky assets may be optimal for different investors; it shows why optimal portfolios may contain only a small number of risky assets, as well as why even with homogeneous expectations optimal portfolios for some investors may include risky assets held in short positions.
THE STOCHASTIC COMPONENT OF REALIZED VOLATILITY
Authors: FONG WAI MUN , WONG WING-KEUNG
Published: August 2014

Volatility–volume regressions provide a convenient framework to study sources of volatility predictability. We apply this approach to the daily realized volatility of common stocks. We find that unexpected volume plays a more significant role in explaining realized volatility than expected volume, and accounts for about one-third of the non-persistent component in the volatility process. Contrary to the findings of Lamoureux and Lastrapes (1990), the ARCH effect is robust even in the presence of volume. However, this component explains only about half of the variations in realized volatility. Thus, large portion of realized volatility is clearly stochastic. This presents a significant challenge to the goal of achieving precise realized volatility forecasts.
THE CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BANK CAPITAL AND PROFITABILITY
Authors: HUTCHISON DAVID E. , COX RAYMOND A. K.
Published: August 2014

The relationship between capital structure and return on equity (ROE) is examined. It is shown that for banks in the US, for the relatively less regulated 1983–1989 period as well as the more highly regulated 1996–2002 period, there is a positive relationship between financial leverage and the ROE. The analysis is extended to determine the relationship between return on assets (ROA) and equity capital. The evidence supports the hypothesis that there is a positive relationship between equity capital and ROA.
BANKING RISKS AND INTEREST RATE BEHAVIOR: A STOCHASTIC ORDER APPROACH
Authors: KARMANN ALEXANDER
Published: August 2014

The aim of the paper is to show how changes in interest rate behavior, characterized in terms of stochastic orders of rate distributions, affect the banking industry. The basic feature of a banking firm is of a financial intermediary holding highly illiquid assets in the presence of liabilities which are typically liquid. We abstract from any information problem by not pursuing the issue of information-based bank panics or moral hazard aspects in managing risky assets. The bank management is simply a decision making unit arranging its portfolio on duration and interest rate considerations. Hence, interest rate distributions are the main ingredients of the analysis.
WILL PULLING OUT THE RUG HELP? UNCERTAINTY ABOUT FANNIE AND FREDDIE'S FEDERAL GUARANTEE AND THE COST OF THE SUBSIDY
Authors: BHANOT KARAN , LIEN DONALD , QUIJANO MARGOT
Published: August 2014

Comments by the Federal Reserve Chairman often evoked concerns about whether the government would protect bondholders in the event of default by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (F&F). Using a model of capital structure, we analyze the impact of this uncertainty on the value of the implicit subsidy for F&F (and similar institutions). We show that, counter to intuition, an increase in the likelihood that the government will not subsidize these entities via a guarantee may increase the expected cost of the subsidy to the federal government. A cap on the value of the investment portfolio is a more effective mechanism to reduce the risk exposure of the federal government. We also assess the design and impact of proposed receivership rules and highlight the problems in regulating GSE portfolios. Even though F&F are now in conservatorship, the framework is applicable to other government sponsored entities where there is ambiguity about the extent of government backing.
THE NEW BASEL ACCORD AND THE NATURE OF RISK: A GAME THEORETIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: BIETA VOLKER , BROLL UDO , MILDE HELLMUTH , SIEBE WILFRIED
Published: August 2014

Basel II changes risk management in banks strongly. Internal rating procedures would lead one to expect that banks are changing over to active risk control. But, if risk management is no longer a simple "game against nature", if all agents involved are active players then a shift from a non-strategic model setting (measuring event risk stochastically) to a more general strategic model setting (measuring behavioral risk adequately) comes true. Knowing that a game is any situation in which the players make strategic decisions — i.e. decisions that take into account each other's actions and responses — game theory is a useful set of tools for better understanding different risk settings. Embedded in a short history of the Basel Accord in this article we introduce some basic ideas of game theory in the context of rating procedures in accordance with Basel II. As well, some insight is given how game theory works. Here, the primary value of game theory stems from its focus on behavioral risk: risk when all agents are presumed rational, each attempting to anticipate likely actions and reactions by its rivals.
DYNAMIC HEDGING OF INFLATION RISK
Authors: BROLL UDO , SCHUBERT STEFAN
Published: August 2014

National and international investors are exposed to risk, stemming from volatile asset prices and inflation uncertainty. However investors can enter futures markets to hedge against these risks. The paper develops a dynamic hedging model, where the evolution of asset price, price level and futures price and hence real wealth is stochastic. For a risk averse investor, optimal dynamic consumption and hedging strategy are derived and discussed.
A Gas Monitoring and Control System in a Coal and Gas Outburst Laboratory
Authors: Nie W. , Liu Y. , Li C. J. , Xu J.
Published: August 2014

Coal and gas outburst is a phenomenon characterized by the ejection of gas and coal from the solid face of a mine. Physical minioutburst experiments are a very important tool for analyzing outbursts of coal and gas. However, few reports have focused on the safety problem produced by gas concentration or the role of gas spread during the physical experiments. In this study, we designed a simple monitoring and control system for the safety of staff during the minioutburst experiments. The results showed that, in the simulation of four dangerous situations, the system based on a sensors feedback loop can monitor the development of gas content in the temporal and spatial domains for the enhancement of accurate warnings. The system also automatically chooses the appropriate ventilation measures to lower the gas content considering different degrees of danger.
Membrane Material-Based Rigid Solar Array Design and Thermal Simulation for Stratospheric Airships
Authors: Sun Kangwen , Zhu Ming , Liu Qiang
Published: August 2014

In order to improve effective utilization of rigid solar array used in stratospheric airships here, the flexible connection design and light laminated design were introduced to rigid solar array. Based on the analysis of the design scheme, firstly, the equivalent coefficient of thermal conductivity was calculated by the theoretical formula. Subsequently, the temperature variation characteristics of the solar cell module were accurately modeled and simulated by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Compared to the results of test samples, the solar cell module described here guaranteed effective output as well as good heat insulating ability, effectively improving the feasibility of the stratospheric airship design. In addition, the simulation model can effectively simulate the temperature variation characteristics of the solar cell, which, therefore, provides technical support for the engineering application.
A Simplified Method for Analysis of Geosynthetic Reinforcement Used in Pile Supported Embankments
Authors: Fei Kang
Published: August 2014

The inclusion of geosynthetic reinforcement in the piled embankment can help transfer loads to the piles and reduce total and differential settlements. In order to select the appropriate reinforcement material, the reasonable calculation of the deflection and tension is very important. Current design methods usually do not represent the true three-dimensional (3D) nature of the displacements, strains, and stresses of the geosynthetics, and the resulting error may be large and cannot be neglected in some cases. In this study, two- and three-dimensional finite element analyses were conducted to identify the behavior of geosynthetic reinforcement and investigate the accuracy of the assumptions made in the current design methods. Based on the numerical results, a new 3D deflected shape of the geosynthetic reinforcement was suggested, and then the corresponding governing equation was derived and solved based on the membrane theory. To investigate the validity of the proposed method, the predicted maximum deflection, deflection shape, and the developed tensile force of the geosynthetics have been compared with the experimental data collected from the literatures and finite element analysis results.
Pheochromocytoma in a Twelve-Year-Old Girl with SDHB-Related Hereditary Paraganglioma-Pheochromocytoma Syndrome
Authors: Graham Daryl , Gooch Megan , Ye Zhan , Richer Edward , Chishti Aftab , Reilly Elizabeth , D’Orazio John
Published: August 2014

A twelve-year-old girl presented with a history of several weeks of worsening headaches accompanied by flushing and diaphoresis. The discovery of markedly elevated blood pressure and tachycardia led the child’s pediatrician to consider the diagnosis of a catecholamine-secreting tumor, and an abdominal CT scan confirmed the presence of a pheochromocytoma. The patient was found to have a mutation in the succinyl dehydrogenase B (SDHB) gene, which is causative for SDHB-related hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma syndrome. Herein, we describe her presentation and medical management and discuss the clinical implications of SDHB deficiency.
Speech Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response in Stuttering
Authors: Tahaei Ali Akbar , Ashayeri Hassan , Pourbakht Akram , Kamali Mohammad
Published: August 2014

Auditory processing deficits have been hypothesized as an underlying mechanism for stuttering. Previous studies have demonstrated abnormal responses in subjects with persistent developmental stuttering (PDS) at the higher level of the central auditory system using speech stimuli. Recently, the potential usefulness of speech evoked auditory brainstem responses in central auditory processing disorders has been emphasized. The current study used the speech evoked ABR to investigate the hypothesis that subjects with PDS have specific auditory perceptual dysfunction.Objectives. To determine whether brainstem responses to speech stimuli differ between PDS subjects and normal fluent speakers.Methods. Twenty-five subjects with PDS participated in this study. The speech-ABRs were elicited by the 5-formant synthesized syllable/da/, with duration of 40 ms.Results. There were significant group differences for the onset and offset transient peaks. Subjects with PDS had longer latencies for the onset and offset peaks relative to the control group.Conclusions. Subjects with PDS showed a deficient neural timing in the early stages of the auditory pathway consistent with temporal processing deficits and their abnormal timing may underlie to their disfluency.
Investigation on Thermal Degradation Process of Polymer Solar Cells Based on Blend of PBDTTT-C andPC70BM
Authors: Ning Yu , Lv Longfeng , Lu Yunzhang , Tang Aiwei , Hu Yufeng , Lou Zhidong , Teng Feng , Hou Yanbing
Published: August 2014

The effects of thermal treatment on the photovoltaic performance of conventional and inverted polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on the combination of poly[(4,8-bis-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b′]dithiophene)-2,6-diyl-alt-(4-(2-ethylhexanoyl)-thie-no[3,4-b]thiophene))-2,6-diyl] (PBDTTT-C) and [6,6]-phenyl C70-butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM) are investigated. The transient photoconductivity, the absorption spectra, and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images have been employed to study the thermal degradation of the inverted PSCs. The degradation is attributed to the inefficient charge generation and imbalance in charge-carrier transport, which is closely associated with the morphological evolution of the active layer with prolonged heating time.
Effect of Extruding Full-Fat Soy Flakes on Trans Fat Content
Authors: Feng Hongxia , Sui Xiaonan , Chang Yunhe , Qi Baokun , Zhang Yan , Li Yang , Jiang Lianzhou
Published: August 2014

To evaluate the effects of extrusion process on the trans fatty acids (TFAs) formation in soybean crude oils, three different extrusion parameters, namely, extrusion temperature (80–160°C), feed moisture (10–26%), and screw speed (100–500 rpm), were carried out. It was found that only five different types of TFAs were detected out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Before the extrusion started, the initial amount of total TFAs was 3.04 g/100 g. However, after extruding under every level of any variable, the total amounts of TFAs were significantly higher than those in the control sample (P<0.05). For example, taking the effect of extrusion temperature into account, we can find that the highest amount of total of trans fatty acid (TTFA) was 1.62 times the amount of that in the control sample, whereas the lowest amount of TTFA was 1.54 times the amount of that in the control sample. Importantly, it was observed that the amounts of every type of trans fatty acid were not continuously increasing with the increase of the level of any extrusion variable. This phenomenon demonstrated that the formation and diversification were intricate during extruding process and need to be further studied.
Functions of Danggui Buxue Tang, a Chinese Herbal Decoction Containing Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix, in Uterus and Liver are Both Estrogen Receptor‐Dependent and ‐Independent
Authors: Zierau Oliver , Zheng Ken Y. Z. , Papke Anja , Dong Tina T. X. , Tsim Karl W. K. , Vollmer Günter
Published: August 2014

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a herbal decoction containing Astragali Radix (AR) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR), has been used in treating menopausal irregularity in women for more than 800 years in China. Pharmacological results showed that DBT exhibited significant estrogenic properties in vitro, which therefore suggested that DBT could activate the nuclear estrogen receptors. Here, we assessed the estrogenic properties of DBT in an ovariectomized in vivo rat model: DBT was applied to the ovariectomized rats for 3 days. The application of DBT did not alter the weight of uterus and liver, as well as the transcript expression of the proliferation markers including the estrogen receptors α and β. However, DBT stimulated the transcript expression of the estrogen responsive genes. In addition, the inductive role of DBT on the expression of members of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor family in uterus and liver of ovariectomized rats was confirmed. These responses of DBT however were clearly distinct from the response pattern detectable here for 17β‐estradiol. Therefore, DBT exhibited weak, but significant, estrogenic properties in vivo; however, some of its activities were independent of the estrogen receptor. Thus, DBT could be an exciting Chinese herbal decoction for an alternative treatment of hormone replacement therapy for women in menopause without subsequent estrogenic side effects.
Synthesis of Fluorinated Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Based on PEGMA, HEMA, and MMA via ATRP and CuAAC Click Chemistry
Authors: Erol Fatime Eren , Sinirlioglu Deniz , Cosgun Sedat , Muftuoglu Ali Ekrem
Published: August 2014

Synthesis of fluorinated amphiphilic block copolymers via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and Cu(I) catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) was demonstrated. First, a PEGMA and MMA based block copolymer carrying multiple side-chain acetylene moieties on the hydrophobic segment for postfunctionalization was carried out. This involves the synthesis of a series of P(HEMA-co-MMA) random copolymers to be employed as macroinitiators in the controlled synthesis of P(HEMA-co-MMA)-block-PPEGMA block copolymers by using ATRP, followed by a modification step on the hydroxyl side groups of HEMA via Steglich esterification to afford propargyl side-functional polymer, alkyne-P(HEMA-co-MMA)-block-PPEGMA. Finally, click coupling between side-chain acetylene functionalities and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl azide yielded fluorinated amphiphilic block copolymers. The obtained polymers were structurally characterized by1H-NMR,19F-NMR, FT-IR, and GPC. Their thermal characterizations were performed using DSC and TGA.
Defluoridation with Locally Produced Thai Bone Char
Authors: Mutchimadilok Yothin , Smittakorn Sunisa , Mongkolnchai-arunya Surat , Durnford Deanna
Published: August 2014

The fluoride sorption ability of a locally available bone char is quantified. Both a synthetic solution and natural groundwater samples from several sites are studied and compared to Indian bone char, which is widely accepted and used successfully in India and elsewhere. The Freundlich and Langmuir sorption isotherms were used to quantify sorption properties. Results show that the Thai bone char is as effective as the Indian bone char for removing fluoride from contaminated water, despite the more rigid physical and social constraints found in rural Thailand. Sorption studies with fluoride-contaminated natural groundwater samples also show that chlorides, nitrates, and sulfates had little effect on the removal of fluoride by the homemade bone char.
Spaceflight Affects Postnatal Development of the Aortic Wall in Rats
Authors: Katsuda Shin-ichiro , Yamasaki Masao , Waki Hidefumi , Miyake Masao , O-ishi Hirotaka , Katahira Kiyoaki , Nagayama Tadanori , Miyamoto Yukako , Hasegawa Masamitsu , Wago Haruyuki , Okouchi Toshiyasu , Shimizu Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2014

We investigated effect of microgravity environment during spaceflight on postnatal development of the rheological properties of the aorta in rats. The neonate rats were randomly divided at 7 days of age into the spaceflight, asynchronous ground control, and vivarium control groups (8 pups for one dam). The spaceflight group rats at 9 days of age were exposed to microgravity environment for 16 days. A longitudinal wall strip of the proximal descending thoracic aorta was subjected to stress-strain and stress-relaxation tests. Wall tensile force was significantly smaller in the spaceflight group than in the two control groups, whereas there were no significant differences in wall stress or incremental elastic modulus at each strain among the three groups. Wall thickness and number of smooth muscle fibers were significantly smaller in the spaceflight group than in the two control groups, but there were no significant differences in amounts of either the elastin or collagen fibers among the three groups. The decreased thickness was mainly caused by the decreased number of smooth muscle cells. Plastic deformation was observed only in the spaceflight group in the stress-strain test. A microgravity environment during spaceflight could affect postnatal development of the morphological and rheological properties of the aorta.
Numerical Evaluation of a Light-Gas Gun Facility for Impact Test
Authors: Rahner C. , Al-Qureshi H. A. , Stainer D. , Hotza D. , Fredel M. C.
Published: August 2014

Experimental tests which match the application conditions might be used to properly evaluate materials for specific applications. High velocity impacts can be simulated using light-gas gun facilities, which come in different types and complexities. In this work different setups for a one-stage light-gas gun facility have been numerically analyzed in order to evaluate their suitability for testing materials and composites used as armor protection. A maximal barrel length of 6 m and a maximal reservoir pressure of a standard industrial gas bottle (20 MPa) were chosen as limitations. The numerical predictions show that it is not possible to accelerate the projectile directly to the desired velocity with nitrogen, helium, or hydrogen as propellant gas. When using a sabot corresponding to a higher bore diameter, the necessary velocity is achievable with helium and hydrogen gases.
Solving Nonstiff Higher Order Odes Using Variable Order Step Size Backward Difference Directly
Authors: Rasedee Ahmad Fadly Nurullah , Suleiman Mohamed bin , Ibrahim Zarina Bibi
Published: August 2014

The current numerical techniques for solving a system of higher order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) directly calculate the integration coefficients at every step. Here, we propose a method to solve higher order ODEs directly by calculating the integration coefficients only once at the beginning of the integration and if required once more at the end. The formulae will be derived in terms of backward difference in a constant step size formulation. The method developed will be validated by solving some higher order ODEs directly using variable order step size. To simplify the evaluations of the integration coefficients, we find the relationship between various orders. The results presented confirmed our hypothesis.
Morphological Responses Explain Tolerance of the Bamboo Yushania microphylla to Grazing
Authors: Wangchuk Kesang , Darabant Andras , Rai Prem Bahadur
Published: August 2014

Mechanisms of tolerance of the bamboo Y. microphylla to ungulate herbivory were investigated by measuring above- and belowground morphogenetic traits and biomass allocation patterns of the bamboo Y. microphylla under grazed and ungrazed conditions in a Himalayan mixed conifer forest. Data were collected from 5 populations consisting of 10 ramets each in adjacent grazed and ungrazed plots. Compared with ungrazed ramets, the aboveground morphological modifications of grazed ramets were higher culm density, shorter and thinner culms, shorter internode, and shorter top leaf. The belowground morphological modifications for the grazed ramets were thinner rhizomes, lower rhizome biomass and dry matter, more nodes, and shorter internodes. Despite the lower biomass and dry matter, the root-to-shoot ratio was higher for grazed ramets. Results suggest that Y. microphylla subjected to herbivory shows aboveground overcompensation in terms of densification at the cost of belowground biomass, but at the same time maintains a higher proportion of belowground reserves, as compared to ungrazed conditions. These responses provide adequate evidence to conclude that Y. microphylla tolerates ungulate herbivory through above- and belowground morphological modifications.
An Android-Based Heart Monitoring System for the Elderly and for Patients with Heart Disease
Authors: Pierleoni Paola , Pernini Luca , Belli Alberto , Palma Lorenzo
Published: August 2014

The current trend in health monitoring systems is to move from the hospital to portable personal devices. This work shows how consumer devices like heart rate monitors can be used not only for applications in sports, but also for medical research and diagnostic purposes. The goal pursued by our group was to develop a simple, accurate, and inexpensive system that would use a few pieces of data acquired by the heart rate monitor and process them on a smartphone to (i) provide detailed test reports about the user’s health state; (ii) store report records; (iii) generate emergency calls or SMSs; and (iv) connect to a remote telemedicine portal to relay the data to an online database. The system developed by our team uses sophisticated algorithms to detect stress states, detect and classify arrhythmia events, and calculate energy consumption. It is suitable for use by elderly subjects and by patients with heart disease (e.g., those recovering from myocardial infarction) or neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Easy, immediate, and economical remote health control can therefore be achieved without the need for expensive hospital equipment, using only portable consumer devices.
Effect of Chromium Interlayer Thickness on Optical Properties of Au‐Ag Nanoparticle Array
Authors: Liu Jing , Cai Haoyuan , Kong Lingqi , Zhu Xianfang
Published: August 2014

The effect of chromium interlayer thickness on optical properties of array of hybrid Au‐Ag triangular nanoparticles is systematically investigated. The optical spectrum simulated by discrete dipole approximation (DDA) numerical method shows that with increase of the chromium interlayer thickness both refractive index sensitivity (RIS) and figure of merit (FOM) of localized surface plasmon resonance from the hybrid nanostructures experience remarkable change and the intensity of the extinction efficiency decreases. The nanosphere lithography (NSL) is used to fabricate the hybrid nanostructure arrays with different chromium interlayer thicknesses. The experiment demonstrates that the spectrum as measured from the as‐fabricated hybrid nanostructure arrays is essentially in agreement with the simulated results.
Opioid Use Is Not Associated with Incomplete Wireless Capsule Endoscopy for Inpatient or Outpatient Procedures
Authors: Kleinman Bryan , Stanich Peter P. , Betkerur Kavita , Porter Kyle , Meyer Marty M.
Published: August 2014

Objective. Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is commonly used to directly visualize the small bowel. Opioids have variably been linked with incomplete studies and prolonged transit times in heterogeneous cohorts. We aimed to investigate the effect of opioid use on WCE for inpatient and outpatient cohorts. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of patients receiving WCE at our institution from April 2010 to March 2013. Demographic data, medical history, and WCE details were collected. Transit times were compared by log-rank analysis. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were utilized. Results. We performed 314 outpatient and 280 inpatient WCE that met study criteria. In the outpatient cohort, gastric transit time (GTT) was not significantly different between opioid and nonopioid users. Completion rates were similar as well (88% and 87%, P=0.91). In the inpatient cohort, GTT was significantly longer in patients receiving opioids than in patients not receiving opioids (44 versus 23 min, P=0.04), but completion rates were similar (71% versus 75%, P=0.31). Conclusion. Opioid use within 24 hours of WCE did not significantly affect completion rates for inpatients or outpatients. GTT was prolonged in inpatients receiving opioids but not in outpatients.
A Bayesian Framework for Single Image Dehazing considering Noise
Authors: Nan Dong , Bi Du-yan , Liu Chang , Ma Shi-ping , He Lin-yuan
Published: August 2014

The single image dehazing algorithms in existence can only satisfy the demand for dehazing efficiency, not for denoising. In order to solve the problem, a Bayesian framework for single image dehazing considering noise is proposed. Firstly, the Bayesian framework is transformed to meet the dehazing algorithm. Then, the probability density function of the improved atmospheric scattering model is estimated by using the statistical prior and objective assumption of degraded image. Finally, the reflectance image is achieved by an iterative approach with feedback to reach the balance between dehazing and denoising. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can remove haze and noise simultaneously and effectively.
Obesity as a Risk Factor for Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Franceschi Francesco , Papalia Rocco , Paciotti Michele , Franceschetti Edoardo , Di Martino Alberto , Maffulli Nicola , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: August 2014

Purpose.In the last few years, evidence has emerged to support the possible association between increased BMI and susceptibility to some musculoskeletal diseases. We systematically review the literature to clarify whether obesity is a risk factor for the onset of tendinopathy.Methods.We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central, and Embase Biomedical databases using the keywords “obesity,” “overweight,” and “body mass index” linked in different combinations with the terms “tendinopathy,” “tendinitis,” “tendinosis,” “rotator cuff,” “epicondylitis,” “wrist,” “patellar,” “quadriceps,” “Achilles,” “Plantar Fascia,” and “tendon.”Results.Fifteen studies were included. No level I study on this subject was available, and the results provided are ambiguous. However, all the 5 level II studies report the association between obesity measured in terms of BMI and tendon conditions, with OR ranging between 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1–2.2) and 5.6 (1.9–16.6).Conclusions.The best evidence available to date indicates that obesity is a risk factor for tendinopathy. Nevertheless, further studies should be performed to establish the real strength of the association for each type of tendinopathy, especially because the design of the published studies does not allow identifying a precise cause-effect relationship and the specific role of obesity independently of other metabolic conditions.
Chagas Disease Cardiomyopathy: Immunopathology and Genetics
Authors: Cunha-Neto Edecio , Chevillard Christophe
Published: August 2014

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoanTrypanosoma cruzi, is endemic in Latin America and affects ca. 10 million people worldwide. About 30% of Chagas disease patients develop chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC), a particularly lethal inflammatory cardiomyopathy that occurs decades after the initial infection, while most patients remain asymptomatic. Mortality rate is higher than that of noninflammatory cardiomyopathy. CCC heart lesions present a Th1 T-cell-rich myocarditis, with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and prominent fibrosis. Data suggest that the myocarditis plays a major pathogenetic role in disease progression. Major unmet goals include the thorough understanding of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic targets and identification of prognostic genetic factors. Chagas disease thus remains a neglected disease, with no vaccines or antiparasitic drugs proven efficient in chronically infected adults, when most patients are diagnosed. Both familial aggregation of CCC cases and the fact that only 30% of infected patients develop CCC suggest there might be a genetic component to disease susceptibility. Moreover, previous case-control studies have identified some genes associated to human susceptibility to CCC. In this paper, we will review the immunopathogenesis and genetics of Chagas disease, highlighting studies that shed light on the differential progression of Chagas disease patients to CCC.
Multiple-Decision Procedures for Testing the Homogeneity of Mean forkExponential Distributions
Authors: Chen Han-Ching , Shan Her Pei , Wang Nae-Sheng
Published: August 2014

In multiple-decision procedures, a crucial objective is to determine the association between the probability of a correct decision (CD) and the sample size. A review of some methods is provided, including a subset selection formulation proposed by Huang and Panchapakesan, a multidecision procedure for testing the homogeneity of means by Huang and Lin, and a similar procedure for testing the homogeneity of variances by Lin and Huang. In this paper, we focus on the use of the Lin and Huang method for testing the null hypothesisH0of homogeneity of means forkexponential distributions. We discuss the decision ruleR, evaluation of the critical valueC, and the infimum ofP(CD∣R)forkindependent random samples fromkexponential distributions. In addition, we also observed that a lower bound for the probability of CD relative to the number of the common sample size is determined based on the desired probability of CD when the largest mean is sufficiently larger than the other means. We explain the results by using two examples.
Myotubularin-Related Phosphatase 3 Promotes Growth of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Zheng Bo’an , Yu Xiaojun , Chai Rui
Published: August 2014

Due to changes in lifestyle, particularly changes in dietary habits, colorectal cancer (CRC) increased in recent years despite advances in treatment. Nearly one million new cases diagnosed worldwide and half a million deaths make CRC a leading cause of cancer mortality. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of myotubularin-related phosphatase 3 (MTMR3) in CRC cell growth via lentivirus-mediated small interfering RNA (siRNA) transduction in human colon cancer cell lines HCT116 and SW1116. The effect of MTMR3 knockdown on cell growth was evaluated by MTT, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. The effect of MTMR3 knockdown on cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry with Annexin V/7-AAD double staining. The activation of apoptotic markers, Bad and PARP, was detected using Intracellular Signaling Array. Knockdown of MTMR3 resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation in both HCT116 and SW1116 cells. Moreover, knockdown of MTMR3 led to S phase cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, knockdown of MTMR3 induced cell apoptosis via phosphorylation of Bad and cleavage of PARP. These results indicate that MTMR3 may play an important role in the progression of CRC and suggest that siRNA mediated silencing of MTMR3 could be an effective tool in CRC treatment.
Prediction of DNase I Hypersensitive Sites by Using Pseudo Nucleotide Compositions
Authors: Feng Pengmian , Jiang Ning , Liu Nan
Published: August 2014

DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHS) associated with a wide variety of regulatory DNA elements. Knowledge about the locations of DHS is helpful for deciphering the function of noncoding genomic regions. With the acceleration of genome sequences in the postgenomic age, it is highly desired to develop cost-effective computational methods to identify DHS. In the present work, a support vector machine based model was proposed to identify DHS by using the pseudo dinucleotide composition. In the jackknife test, the proposed model obtained an accuracy of 83%, which is competitive with that of the existing method. This result suggests that the proposed model may become a useful tool for DHS identifications.
MicroRNA Deregulation in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Biology
Authors: Fuziwara Cesar Seigi , Kimura Edna Teruko
Published: August 2014

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is among the most lethal types of cancers, characterized as a fast-growing and highly invasive thyroid tumor that is unresponsive to surgery and radioiodine, blunting therapeutic efficacy. Classically, genetic alterations in tumor suppressorTP53are frequent, and cumulative alterations in different signaling pathways, such as MAPK and PI3K, are detected in ATC. Recently, deregulation in microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small endogenous RNAs that regulate protein expression, has been implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Deregulation of miRNA expression is detected in thyroid cancer. Upregulation of miRNAs, such asmiR-146b,miR-221, andmiR-222, is observed in ATC and also in differentiated thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular), indicating that these miRNAs’ overexpression is essential in maintaining tumorigenesis. However, specific miRNAs are downregulated in ATC, such as those of themiR-200andmiR-30families, which are important negative regulators of cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), processes that are overactivated in ATC. Therefore, molecular interference to restore the expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs, or to blunt overexpressed oncogenic miRNAs, is a promising therapeutic approach to ameliorate the treatment of ATC. In this review, we will explore the importance of miRNA deregulation for ATC cell biology.
A Proposed Method for Solving Fuzzy System of Linear Equations
Authors: Kargar Reza , Allahviranloo Tofigh , Rostami-Malkhalifeh Mohsen , Jahanshaloo Gholam Reza
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a new method for solving fuzzy system of linear equations with crisp coefficients matrix and fuzzy or interval right hand side. Some conditions for the existence of a fuzzy or interval solution ofm×nlinear system are derived and also a practical algorithm is introduced in detail. The method is based on linear programming problem. Finally the applicability of the proposed method is illustrated by some numerical examples.
Adjuvant Cardioprotection in Cardiac Surgery: Update
Authors: Wagner Robert , Piler Pavel , Gabbasov Zufar , Maruyama Junko , Maruyama Kazuo , Nicovsky Jiri , Kruzliak Peter
Published: August 2014

Cardiac surgery patients are now more risky in terms of age, comorbidities, and the need for complex procedures. It brings about reperfusion injury, which leads to dysfunction and/or loss of part of the myocardium. These groups of patients have a higher incidence of postoperative complications and mortality. One way of augmenting intraoperative myocardial protection is the phenomenon of myocardial conditioning, elicited with brief nonlethal episodes of ischaemia-reperfusion. In addition, drugs are being tested that mimic ischaemic conditioning. Such cardioprotective techniques are mainly focused on reperfusion injury, a complex response of the organism to the restoration of coronary blood flow in ischaemic tissue, which can lead to cell death. Extensive research over the last three decades has revealed the basic mechanisms of reperfusion injury and myocardial conditioning, suggesting its therapeutic potential. But despite the enormous efforts that have been expended in preclinical studies, almost all cardioprotective therapies have failed in the third phase of clinical trials. One reason is that evolutionary young cellular mechanisms of protection against oxygen handling are not very robust. Ischaemic conditioning, which is among these, is also limited by this. At present, the prevailing belief is that such options of treatment exist, but their full employment will not occur until subquestions and methodological issues with the transfer into clinical practice have been resolved.
Ogilvie’s Syndrome following Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Al-Halawani Moh’d , Savaille Juanito , Thawabi Mohammad , Abdeen Yazan , Miller Richard A. , Fedida Andre A.
Published: August 2014

Acute colonic pseudoobstruction, also known as Ogilvie’s syndrome, is characterized by distension of the colon in the absence of a mechanical obstruction as evident by abdominal radiography. This syndrome is usually treated conservatively; however, medical or surgical therapies can be employed in refractory cases. Ogilvie’s syndrome has been reported following cardiac events, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiac bypass surgeries. We report the first case of Ogilvie’s syndrome following synchronized electric cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.
Conditioned Media from Microvascular Endothelial Cells Cultured in Simulated Microgravity Inhibit Osteoblast Activity
Authors: Cazzaniga Alessandra , Castiglioni Sara , Maier Jeanette A. M.
Published: August 2014

Background and Aims. Gravity contributes to the maintenance of bone integrity. Accordingly, weightlessness conditions during space flight accelerate bone loss and experimental models in real and simulated microgravity show decreased osteoblastic and increased osteoclastic activities. It is well known that the endothelium and bone cells cross-talk and this intercellular communication is vital to regulate bone homeostasis. Because microgravity promotes microvascular endothelial dysfunction, we anticipated that the molecular cross-talk between endothelial cells exposed to simulated microgravity and osteoblasts might be altered.Results. We cultured human microvascular endothelial cells in simulated microgravity using the rotating wall vessel device developed by NASA. Endothelial cells in microgravity show growth inhibition and release higher amounts of matrix metalloproteases type 2 and interleukin-6 than controls. Conditioned media collected from microvascular endothelial cells in simulated microgravity were used to culture human osteoblasts and were shown to retard osteoblast proliferation and inhibit their activity.Discussion. Microvascular endothelial cells in microgravity are growth retarded and release high amounts of matrix metalloproteases type 2 and interleukin-6, which might play a role in retarding the growth of osteoblasts and impairing their osteogenic activity.Conclusions. We demonstrate that since simulated microgravity modulates microvascular endothelial cell function, it indirectly impairs osteoblastic function.
Explicit Scheme for Fixed Point Problem for Nonexpansive Semigroup and Split Equilibrium Problem in Hilbert Space
Authors: Zhou Pei , Zhao Gou-Jie
Published: August 2014

We establish an iterative method for finding a common element of the set of fixed points of nonexpansive semigroup and the set of split equilibrium problems. Under suitable conditions, some strong convergence theorems are proved. Our works improve previous results for nonexpansive semigroup.
Pressure Pulsation Signal Analysis for Centrifugal Compressor Blade Crack Determination
Authors: Li Hongkun , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Xiaowen , Yang Shuhua , Xu Fujian
Published: August 2014

Blade is a key piece of component for centrifugal compressor. But blade crack could usually occur as blade suffers from the effect of centrifugal forces, gas pressure, friction force, and so on. It could lead to blade failure and centrifugal compressor closing down. Therefore, it is important for blade crack early warning. It is difficult to determine blade crack as the information is weak. In this research, a pressure pulsation (PP) sensor installed in vicinity to the crack area is used to determine blade crack according to blade vibration transfer process analysis. As it cannot show the blade crack information clearly, signal analysis and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) are investigated for feature extraction and early warning. Firstly, signal filter is carried on PP signal around blade passing frequency (BPF) based on working process analysis. Then, envelope analysis is carried on to filter the BPF. In the end, EMD is carried on to determine the characteristic frequency (CF) for blade crack. Dynamic strain sensor is installed on the blade to determine the crack CF. Simulation and experimental investigation are carried on to verify the effectiveness of this method. The results show that this method can be helpful for blade crack classification for centrifugal compressors.