bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic development in the European super-periphery: Evidence from the Western Balkans
Authors: Bartlett Will
Published: July 2009

This paper argues that the conflicts that afflicted the Western Balkan region in the 1990s pushed the countries into the European 'super-periphery', characterized by deindustrialization and high unemployment, ethnic and regional fragmentation, political turmoil, and instability. Integration into international trade has been disrupted, leading to chronic balance of payments deficits. Low inflows of international capital, due to high country risk, have hindered technological catch-up and weakened international competitiveness. An unattractive environment for productive entrepreneurship has created barriers to the entry of SMEs, and at the same time large informal economies. Several countries have become labour-export economies, with significant outflows of skilled labour. Economic development follows a low-skill growth path. The current global economic crisis is having a further deleterious effect as export revenues, foreign direct investment, and labour remittances all diminish. Furthermore, as transition has proceeded, disparities between capital cities and rural areas have increased, while weak administrative capacities have hindered the implementation of effective local development policies to counteract these effects. Endogenous local development cannot provide an alternative to greater engagement with the global economy. The conclusion is that the countries of the region have been left out of the most beneficial elements of the globalisation process, while simultaneously suffering from its main defects. Without a faster process of accession to the EU, local disparities are likely to widen, and the region may remain within the European super-periphery for the foreseeable future.
Dictatorship, liberalism and the Pareto rule: Possible and impossible
Authors: Boricic Branislav
Published: July 2009

The current economic crisis has shaken belief in the capacity of neoliberal 'free market' policies. Numerous supports of state intervention have arisen, and the interest for social choice theory has revived. In this paper we consider three standard properties for aggregating individual into social preferences: dictatorship, liberalism and the Pareto rule, and their formal negations. The context of the pure first-order classical logic makes it possible to show how some combinations of the above mentioned conditions, under the hypothesis of unrestricted domain, form simple and reasonable examples of possible or impossible social choice systems. Due to their simplicity, these examples, including the famous 'liberal paradox', could have a particular didactic value.
Role of apoptosis in pathogenesis of thyroiditis
Authors: Stojanovic Jasna , Srefanovic Dejan , Vulovic Divna , Puskas Laslo , Markovic Ljiljana
Published: July 2009

Introduction. Apoptosis is a highly regulated mechanism of cell death that differs from necrosis and plays an important role in normal tissue development, homeostasis and immune regulation. Diseases and apoptosis. Apoptosis is involved in many diseases. Defective apoptosis can cause systemic autoimmunity by allowing the survival of autoreactive lymphocytes. It may also be involved in the pathogenesis of organ-specific autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and in the pathogenesis of tumors. Mechanism programmed death cell. Apoptosis is regulated at multiple levels, including death receptor and ligand expression, adapter protein, cascades of caspases, mitochondria and the expression of anti apoptotic and pro apoptotic proteins. Apoptotic cell death can occur by two different pathways. Type I is initiated by the activation of death receptors (Fas, TNF-receptor-family) on the plasma membrane followed by activation of caspase 8. Type II involves changes in mitochondrial integrity initiated by various effectors, leading to the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 9. Mechanism of apoptosis in Hashimoto thyroiditis. The thyroid cell destruction characteristic of autoimmune thyroiditis can be seen as the consequence of inappropriate expression of Fas or TRAIL death pathway molecules and down-regulation of the apoptosis controlling protein Bcl-2, which may be induced by cytokines released locally by infiltrating lymphocytes. Thyroid cell destruction in autoimmune hypothyroidism is dependent on T cell-mediated cytotoxicity with the likely additional effect of death receptor-mediated apoptosis. Modulation of apoptosis-related proteins by T helper 1 and T helper 2 cytokines controls thyrocyte survival in thyroid autoimmunity.
Carcinoid of pancreas: Case report
Authors: Radovanovic Dragan , Stevanovic Dejan , Pavlovic Ivan , Mitrovic Nebojsa , Jasarovic Damir , Radojevic Dejan
Published: July 2009

Introduction. Carcinoid tumors are very common tumors of gastro-intestinal tract even though they are very rare in pancreatic area. A large number of patients with pancreatic carcinoma have non-specific symptoms of disease which is the main cause of late operative treatment of advanced tumors as well as for a low rate of 5-years surviving (28,9%?16%). Case report. A 69-year-old female patient was operated for a 7 cm large carcinoid in pancreatic corpus. Prior to the operation the patient did not have any symptoms of disease. Serotonin and 5-HIAA level was normal before the operation as well as afterwards. In this case distal hemipancreatectomy was done along with celiac, hepatic and lienal lymphadenoctomy. Liver metastasis was not found. The diagnosis of carcinoid was varified by postoperative histopathologic and imunohistochemical analysis. Discussion. According to the experience of other authors, the operative treatment of pancreatic carcinoid is very often undertaken when dimensions of tumor exceed 7 cm. In this stage of disease distant metastases are present in more than 60% of patients. Only 23% of examinated patients have had carcinoid syndrome symptoms. According to this conclusion, the main role of diagnostic procedures is attributed to the computer tomography of abdomen as well as ERCP. The radical resection of pancreas with lympahdenectomy is recommended in order to have a precise histological examination and detect occult lymph node metastases. With radical surgical procedures even at this stage of disease the operation may be curative. Conclusion. Any kind of radical surgical treatment (depending of localizations of tumor, proximal or distal) is the main therapeutic procedure in pancreatic carcinoid.
Financial globalization: A reappraisal
Authors: Kose Ayhan , Prasad Eswar , Rogoff Kenneth , Wei Shang-Jin
Published: July 2009

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Technology and demand for skilled labor in Turkish private manufacturing industries
Authors: Aksoy Tolga
Published: July 2009

This paper examines the relationship between technology and demand for skilled labor both historically and empirically. First, it is pointed out that the Industrial Revolution substituted skilled labor with unskilled labor since it has a de-skilling characteristic. Second, the skill-bias feature of Information and Communication Technologies Revolution is suggested. Finally, the effect of technological progress on the demand for skilled labor is tested for Turkish Private Manufacturing Industries. According to the static panel data estimation results, there is a positive but weak relationship between technological progress and demand for skilled labor.
New echocardiographic techniques in optimal patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy in the treatment of chronic heart failure
Authors: Petrovic Milan , Vujisic-Tesic Bosiljka , Milasinovic Goran , Zamaklar-Trifunovic Danijela , Nedeljkovic Ivana , Jelic Vera , Boricic Marija , Calovic Zarko , Petrovic Olga , Banovic Marko
Published: July 2009

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has important role in the contemporary treatment of heart failure, systolic dysfunction and mechanical disynchrony. Classical indications for CRT are severe heart failure (NYHA class III or IV), a broad QRS (more than 120 ms) and left ejection fraction less than 35% despite optimal medical therapy. Several have studies demonstrated the important role of echocardiography in patient selection for CRT, follow up and estimation of CRT effects, as well as the optimization of biventricular pacemaker. Basically, there are three types of cardiac asynchrony: interventricular asynchrony, between the right and left ventricle, intraventricular asynchrony, between the myocardial segments within the left ventricle and atrioventricular asynchrony, between the atria and ventricles. Although many echocardiographic techniques are used in patient selection for CRT, no ideal approach has yet been found. There are several techniques and parameters used in the assessment of myocardial asynchrony: two dimensional (2D) echocardiography, one dimensional echocardiography (M-mode), Doppler echocardiography, different modalities of tissue Doppler including Colour Coded Tissue Doppler Imaging - TDI, measurements of local tissue deformation indices (strain and strain rate), speckle tracking, 3D echocardiography, semiquantitative assessment of myocardial border, vector velocity imaging. Each of these techniques has advantages and limitations. A special accent in this revue is on the consensus report from the American Society of Echocardiography Dyssynchrony Writing group. According to this consensus report color coded tissue Doppler is the most appropriate technique for myocardial asynchrony estimation and patients selection for CRT. The same group recommended that definitive decision for CFT implantation should not be based only on echocardiographic analysis, but rather on the whole clinical aspect of the patient.
An overview on polynomial approximation of NP-hard problems
Authors: Paschos Vangelis
Published: July 2009

The fact that polynomial time algorithm is very unlikely to be devised for an optimal solving of the NP-hard problems strongly motivates both the researchers and the practitioners to try to solve such problems heuristically, by making a trade-off between computational time and solution's quality. In other words, heuristic computation consists of trying to find not the best solution but one solution which is 'close to' the optimal one in reasonable time. Among the classes of heuristic methods for NP-hard problems, the polynomial approximation algorithms aim at solving a given NP-hard problem in poly-nomial time by computing feasible solutions that are, under some predefined criterion, as near to the optimal ones as possible. The polynomial approximation theory deals with the study of such algorithms. This survey first presents and analyzes time approximation algorithms for some classical examples of NP-hard problems. Secondly, it shows how classical notions and tools of complexity theory, such as polynomial reductions, can be matched with polynomial approximation in order to devise structural results for NP-hard optimization problems. Finally, it presents a quick description of what is commonly called inapproximability results. Such results provide limits on the approximability of the problems tackled.
Realization of knapsack problem solving algorithm and some of its applications
Authors: Ivanchev Dimiter , Radovanova Elena
Published: July 2009

A realization of one algorithm for solving the classical knapsack problem which is much faster than the dynamical programming method and requires less memory is suggested. The popular situation in the Big Brother TV show is used to exemplify its applicability. For the purpose, the number of the wishes of all players are maximized.
A primal-dual exterior point algorithm for linear programming problems
Authors: Samaras Nikolaos , Sifelaras Angelo , Triantafyllidis Charalampos
Published: July 2009

The aim of this paper is to present a new simplex type algorithm for the Linear Programming Problem. The Primal - Dual method is a Simplex - type pivoting algorithm that generates two paths in order to converge to the optimal solution. The first path is primal feasible while the second one is dual feasible for the original problem. Specifically, we use a three-phase-implementation. The first two phases construct the required primal and dual feasible solutions, using the Primal Simplex algorithm. Finally, in the third phase the Primal - Dual algorithm is applied. Moreover, a computational study has been carried out, using randomly generated sparse optimal linear problems, to compare its computational efficiency with the Primal Simplex algorithm and also with MATLAB's Interior Point Method implementation. The algorithm appears to be very promising since it clearly shows its superiority to the Primal Simplex algorithm as well as its robustness over the IPM algorithm.
Penalty method for fuzzy linear programming with trapezoidal numbers
Authors: Stanojevic Bogdana , Stanojevic Milan
Published: July 2009

In this paper we shall propose an algorithm for solving fuzzy linear programming problems with trapezoidal numbers using a penalty method. We will transform the problem of maximizing a function having trapezoidal fuzzy number values under some constraints into a deterministic multi-objective programming problem by penalizing the objective function for possible constraint violation. Furthermore, the obtained deterministic problem will have only unavoidable inequalities between trapezoidal fuzzy numbers parameters as constraints.
The distribution of time for Clark's flow and risk assessment for the activities of pert network structure
Authors: Letic Dusko , Jevtic Vesna
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the ways of quantification of flow time qualifications that can be used for planning or other stochastic processes by employing Clark's methods, central limit theorem and Monte Carlo simulation. The results of theoretical researches on superponed flow time quantification for complex activities and events flow in PERT network for project management are also presented. By extending Clark's research we have made a generalization of flow models for parallel and ordinal activities and events and specifically for their critical and subcritical paths. This can prevent planning errors and decrease the project realization risk. The software solution is based on Clark's equations and Monte Carlo simulation. The numerical experiment is conducted using Mathcad Professional.
Auditing the Auditors: A Case on PCAOB Inspection Reports of Registered Public Accounting Firms
Authors: Daugherty Brian , Pitman Marshall K.
Published: July 2009

SUMMARY: We present a timely practice-oriented case related to the inspection process of registered firms by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). This case allows auditing students an opportunity to explore the unique challenges that public accounting firms auditing U.S. public companies face with respect to the PCAOB inspection process. The case focuses on large and small registered firms (inspected annually and triennially, respectively) receiving an inspection report where the PCAOB identified certain matters considered to be audit deficiencies of such significance that the inspection team believed the audit firm did not obtain sufficient competent evidential matter to support the auditor’s opinion. The case exposes students to the PCAOB inspection process, highlights many deficiencies noted to date by the PCAOB inspectors, and emphasizes the importance of sufficient and appropriately documented audit evidence to support audit opinions. By reviewing ‘deficient’ inspection reports, students gain an appreciation for common audit deficiencies as well as the subjective nature of portions of the authoritative literature and the inspection process itself. The case reinforces students’ understanding of the practical matters involved in appropriately obtaining, evaluating, and documenting audit evidence, as well as educates students on the PCAOB inspection process in order to address important competencies required of Sarbanes-Oxley era audit professionals.
Islet β-Cells Deficient in Bcl-xL Develop but Are Abnormally Sensitive to Apoptotic Stimuli
Authors: Carrington Emma M. , McKenzie Mark D. , Jansen Elisa , Myers Michelle , Fynch Stacey , Kos Cameron , Strasser Andreas , Kay Thomas W. , Scott Clare L. , Allison Janette
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Bcl-xL is an antiapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins and a potent regulator of cell death. We investigated the importance of Bcl-xL for β-cells by deleting the Bcl-x gene specifically in β-cells and analyzing their survival in vivo and in culture.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Islets with β-cells lacking the Bcl-x gene were assessed in vivo by histology and by treatment of mice with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ). Islets were isolated by collagenase digestion and treated in culture with the apoptosis inducers staurosporine, thapsigargin, γ-irradiation, proinflammatory cytokines, or Fas ligand. Cell death was assessed by flow cytometric analysis of subgenomic DNA.

RESULTS

Bcl-xL–deficient β-cells developed but were abnormally sensitive to apoptosis induced in vivo by low-dose STZ. Although a small proportion of β-cells still expressed Bcl-xL, these did not have a survival advantage over their Bcl-xL–deficient neighbors. Islets appeared normal after collagenase isolation and whole-islet culture. They were, however, abnormally sensitive in culture to a number of different apoptotic stimuli including cytotoxic drugs, proinflammatory cytokines, and Fas ligand.

CONCLUSIONS

Bcl-xL expression in β-cells is dispensible during islet development in the mouse. Bcl-xL is, however, an important regulator of β-cell death under conditions of synchronous stress. Bcl-xL expression at physiological levels may partially protect β-cells from apoptotic stimuli, including apoptosis because of mediators implicated in type 1 diabetes and death or degeneration of transplanted islets.
TIMP3 Is Reduced in Atherosclerotic Plaques From Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes and Increased by SirT1
Authors: Cardellini Marina , Menghini Rossella , Martelli Eugenio , Casagrande Viviana , Marino Arianna , Rizza Stefano , Porzio Ottavia , Mauriello Alessandro , Solini Anna , Ippoliti Arnaldo , Lauro Renato , Folli Franco , Federici Massimo
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis is accelerated in subjects with type 2 diabetes by unknown mechanisms. We identified tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3), the endogenous inhibitor of A disintegrin and metalloprotease domain 17 (ADAM17) and other matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), as a gene modifier for insulin resistance and vascular inflammation in mice. We tested its association with atherosclerosis in subjects with type 2 diabetes and identified Sirtuin 1 (SirT1) as a major regulator of TIMP3 expression.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We investigated ADAM10, ADAM17, MMP9, TIMP1, TIMP2, TIMP3, and TIMP4 expression levels in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques (n = 60) from subjects with and without diabetes. Human vascular smooth muscle cells exposed to several metabolic stimuli were used to identify regulators of TIMP3 expression. SirT1 small interference RNA, cDNA, and TIMP3 promoter gene reporter were used to study SirT1-dependent regulation of TIMP3.

RESULTS

Here, we show that in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques, TIMP3 was significantly reduced in subjects with type 2 diabetes, leading to ADAM17 and MMP9 overactivity. Reduced expression of TIMP3 was associated in vivo with SirT1 levels. In smooth muscle cells, inhibition of SirT1 activity and levels reduced TIMP3 expression, whereas SirT1 overexpression increased TIMP3 promoter activity.

CONCLUSIONS

In atherosclerotic plaques from subjects with type 2 diabetes, the deregulation of ADAM17 and MMP9 activities is related to inadequate expression of TIMP3 via SirT1. Studies in vascular cells confirmed the role of SirT1 in tuning TIMP3 expression.
Intramuscular Lipid Metabolism in the Insulin Resistance of Smoking
Authors: Bergman Bryan C. , Perreault Leigh , Hunerdosse Devon M. , Koehler Mary C. , Samek Ali M. , Eckel Robert H.
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE

Smoking decreases insulin action and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in humans. Mechanisms responsible for smoking-induced insulin resistance are unclear. We hypothesized smokers would have increased intramuscular triglyceride (IMTG) and diacylglycerol (DAG) concentration and decreased fractional synthesis rate (FSR) compared with nonsmokers.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Nonsmokers (n = 18, aged 20 ± 0.5 years, BMI 22 ± 0.4 kg/m2, body fat 20 ± 2%, 0 cigarettes per day) and smokers (n = 14, aged 21 ± 0.7 years, BMI 23 ± 0.4 kg/m2, body fat 20 ± 3%, 18 ± 0.7 cigarettes per day) were studied in a fasted condition after a standardized diet. [U-13C]palmitate was infused during 4 h of rest followed by a skeletal muscle biopsy and intravenous glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS

Smokers were less insulin sensitive (Si) compared with nonsmokers (Si 5.28 ± 0.5 nonsmokers vs. 3.74 ± 0.3 smokers 10−4 · μU−1 · ml−1, P = 0.03). There were no differences in IMTG or DAG concentration (IMTG 24.2 ± 3.4 nonsmokers vs. 27.2 ± 5.9 smokers μg/mg dry wt, DAG 0.34 ± 0.02 nonsmokers vs. 0.35 ± 0.02 smokers μg/mg dry wt) or IMTG FSR between groups (0.66 ± 0.1 nonsmokers vs. 0.55 ± 0.09 smokers %/hr). Intramuscular lipid composition was different, with increased percent saturation of IMTG (32.1 ± 1.2 nonsmokers vs. 35.2 ± 1.0 smokers %, P = 0.05) and DAG (52.8 ± 1.7 nonsmokers vs. 58.8 ± 2.2 smokers %, P = 0.04) in smokers. Smokers had significantly decreased peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (1.76 ± 0.1 nonsmokers vs. 1.42 ± 0.11 smokers arbitrary units [AU], P = 0.03) and increased monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (3.11 ± 0.41 nonsmokers vs. 4.83 ± 0.54 smokers AU, P = 0.02) mRNA expression compared with nonsmokers. We also found increased insulin receptor substrate-1 Ser636 phosphorylation in smokers compared with nonsmokers (0.73 ± 0.08 nonsmokers vs. 1.14 ± 0.09 smokers AU, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest: 1) IMTG concentration and turnover are not related to alterations in insulin action in smokers compared to nonsmokers, 2) increased saturation of IMTG and DAG in skeletal muscle may be related to insulin action, and 3) basal inhibition of insulin receptor substrate-1 may decrease insulin action in smokers.
Genetic Polymorphism of Metabolic Enzymes P450 (CYP) as a Susceptibility Factor for Drug Response, Toxicity, and Cancer Risk
Authors: Božina Nada , Bradamante Vlasta , Lovrić Mila
Published: July 2009

Genetic Polymorphism of Metabolic Enzymes P450 (CYP) as a Susceptibility Factor for Drug Response, Toxicity, and Cancer Risk

The polymorphic P450 (CYP) enzyme superfamily is the most important system involved in the biotransformation of many endogenous and exogenous substances including drugs, toxins, and carcinogens. Genotyping forCYPpolymorphisms provides important genetic information that help to understand the effects of xenobiotics on human body. For drug metabolism, the most important polymorphisms are those of the genes coding for CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4/5, which can result in therapeutic failure or severe adverse reactions. Genes coding for CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, and CYP2E1 are among the most responsible for the biotransformation of chemicals, especially for the metabolic activation of pre-carcinogens. There is evidence of association between gene polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. Pathways of carcinogen metabolism are complex, and are mediated by activities of multiple genes, while single genes have a limited impact on cancer risk. Multigenic approach in addition to environmental determinants in large sample studies is crucial for a reliable evaluation of any moderate gene effect. This article brings a review of current knowledge on the relations between the polymorphisms of some CYPs and drug activity/toxicity and cancer risk.
Skin Decontamination with Mineral Cationic Carrier Against Sarin Determined In Vivo
Authors: Vučemilović Ante , Hadžija Mirko , Jukić Ivan
Published: July 2009

Skin Decontamination with Mineral Cationic Carrier Against Sarin DeterminedIn Vivo

Our Institute's nuclear, biological, and chemical defense research team continuously investigates and develops preparations for skin decontamination against nerve agents. In thisin vivostudy, we evaluated skin decontamination efficacy against sarin by a synthetic preparation called Mineral Cationic Carrier (MCC®) with known ion exchange, absorption efficacy and bioactive potential. Mice were treated with increasing doses of sarin applied on their skin, and MCC® was administered immediately after contamination. The results showed that decontamination with MCC® could achieve therapeutic efficacy corresponding to 3 x LD50of percutaneous sarin and call for further research.
Rat Serum Carboxylesterase Partly Hydrolyses Gamma-Butyrobetaine Esters
Authors: Bagdonienė Lida , Labeikytė Danutė , Kalviņš Ivars , Borutinskaitė Veronika , Prokofjevs Aleksandrs , Trapencieris Pēteris , Juodka Benediktas , Sjakste Nikolajs
Published: July 2009

Rat Serum Carboxylesterase Partly Hydrolyses Gamma-Butyrobetaine Esters

Although described some time ago, gamma-butyrobetaine esters and related compounds have not gained much attention from researchers, and their physiological function remains obscure. Formerly we detected GBB-esterase enzymatic activity in rat blood serum using phenylated gamma-butyrobetaine as an artificial substrate of the enzyme and HPLC. The aim of the present work was to develop an assay that would enable spectrophotometric or colorimetric determination of the reaction products of GBB-esterase activity and to reveal individual proteins performing GBB-esterase activity in rat blood serum. For this purpose gamma-butyrobetaine 1-naphthyl ester was synthesised. Hydrolysis of this ester releases 1-naphthol, which increases the optical absorbance at 322 nm. We have shown that the enzymatic hydrolysis of GBB 1-naphthyl ester to 1-naphthol in rat blood serum is due to GBB-esterase activity. An attempt was done to purify the enzyme from rat blood serum. By combining DEAE Sepharose at pH 4.2 and affinity chromatography with procainamide we achieved a 68-fold enrichment of GBB-esterase activity in our preparations. Separation of fraction proteins in 2D protein electrophoresis with following mass-spectrometry indicated that GBB esterase activity in rat blood serum is performed in part by carboxylesterase.
Biological Effects of Echinacea Purpurea on Human Blood Cells
Authors: Joksić Gordana , Petrović Sandra , Joksić Ivana , Leskovac Andreja
Published: July 2009

Biological Effects ofEchinacea Purpureaon Human Blood Cells

The aim of this study was to investigate radioprotective properties ofEchinacea purpureatabletsin vivo. We analysed lymphocyte chromosome aberrations (CA), micronuclei (MN), apoptosis of leukocytes and haematological parameters in a group of radiation workers who were identified as carrying dicentric chromosomes in their lymphocytes. All radiation workers were taking two 275 mg Echinacea tabletsb.i.d., according to a pharmacist's recommendation. All parameters were analysed before and after the two-week treatment. At the end of the treatment lymphocyte CA frequency dropped significantly, and the number of apoptotic cells increased. The inverse lymphocyte-to-granulocyte ratio at the beginning of the study changed to normal at its end. In conclusion, biological effects observed after administration ofEchinacea purpureapreparation suggest that it may be beneficial for the prevention of adverse health effects in workers exposed to ionising radiation.
Ensemble Neural Network Approach for Accurate Load Forecasting in a Power System
Authors: Siwek Krzysztof , Osowski Stanisław , Szupiluk Ryszard
Published: July 2009

Ensemble Neural Network Approach for Accurate Load Forecasting in a Power System

The paper presents an improved method for 1-24 hours load forecasting in the power system, integrating and combining different neural forecasting results by an ensemble system. We will integrate the results of partial predictions made by three solutions, out of which one relies on a multilayer perceptron and two others on self-organizing networks of the competitive type. As the expert system we will apply different integration methods: simple averaging, SVD based weighted averaging, principal component analysis and blind source separation. The results of numerical experiments, concerning forecasting the hourly load for the next 24 hours of the Polish power system, will be presented and discussed. We will compare the performance of different ensemble methods on the basis of the mean absolute percentage error, mean squared error and maximum percentage error. They show a significant improvement of the proposed ensemble method in comparison to the individual results of prediction. The comparison of our work with the results of other papers for the same data proves the superiority of our approach.
Decomposition of Vibration Signals into Deterministic and Nondeterministic Components and its Capabilities of Fault Detection and Identification
Authors: Barszcz Tomasz
Published: July 2009

Decomposition of Vibration Signals into Deterministic and Nondeterministic Components and its Capabilities of Fault Detection and Identification

The paper investigates the possibility of decomposing vibration signals into deterministic and nondeterministic parts, based on the Wold theorem. A short description of the theory of adaptive filters is presented. When an adaptive filter uses the delayed version of the input signal as the reference signal, it is possible to divide the signal into a deterministic (gear and shaft related) part and a nondeterministic (noise and rolling bearings) part. The idea of the self-adaptive filter (in the literature referred to as SANC or ALE) is presented and its most important features are discussed. The flowchart of the Matlab-based SANC algorithm is also presented. In practice, bearing fault signals are in fact nondeterministic components, due to a little jitter in their fundamental period. This phenomenon is illustrated using a simple example. The paper proposes a simulation of a signal containing deterministic and nondeterministic components. The self-adaptive filter is then applied—first to the simulated data. Next, the filter is applied to a real vibration signal from a wind turbine with an outer race fault. The necessity of resampling the real signal is discussed. The signal from an actual source has a more complex structure and contains a significant noise component, which requires additional demodulation of the decomposed signal. For both types of signals the proposed SANC filter shows a very good ability to decompose the signal.
Statistical Estimation of the Dynamics of Watershed Dams
Authors: Tabor Zbisław
Published: July 2009

Statistical Estimation of the Dynamics of Watershed Dams

In the present study the notion of watershed contour dynamics, defined within the framework of mathematical morphology, is examined. It is shown that the dynamics are a direct measure of the "sharpness" of transition between neighboring watershed basins. The expressions for the expected value and the statistical error of the estimation of contour dynamics are derived in the presence of noise, based on extreme value theory. The sensitivity of contour dynamics to noise is studied. A statistical approach to the notion of contour dynamics is developed and a definition of statistical dynamics is proposed.
Effects of training on resting plasma levels of homocysteine and C-reactive protein in competitive male and female wrestlers
Authors: Hübner-Woźniak Elżbieta , Ochocki Patryk
Published: July 2009

Effects of training on resting plasma levels of homocysteine and C-reactive protein in competitive male and female wrestlers

Study aim: To assess the effects of training on resting plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy), C-reactive protein (CRP), folic acid, and on the activity of creatine kinase (CK) in competitive male and female wrestlers.

Material and methods: Polish elite wrestlers, male MW; n = 11) and female (FW; n = 11), as well as corresponding numbers of untrained, control subjects (MC and FC, respectively), participated in the study. Blood for assays was withdrawn from the antecubital vein in the morning, in pre-prandial state. Homocysteine (Hcy), C-reactive protein (CRP), folic acid and creatine kinase (CK) activity were assayed in plasma.

Results: Mean concentrations of Hcy and CRP were in the control groups significantly higher and those of folic acid — lower than in the respective groups of wrestlers. Folic acid levels were negatively correlated with Hcy, especially in wrestlers (r = -0.540; p<0.01). Mean CK activity was significantly (p<0.001) higher in male wrestlers than in male controls or female subjects. No significant correlation between CK and CRP was found.

Conclusions: Strength-speed training practiced by elite wrestlers, associated with significantly lower values of Hcy and CRP in them compared with the untrained subjects, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases at later age, like in case of endurance training.
Factors Associated With Surgeon Referral for Physical Therapy in Patients With Traumatic Lower-Extremity Injury: Results of a National Survey of Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons
Authors: Archer Kristin R. , MacKenzie Ellen J. , Bosse Michael J. , Pollak Andrew N. , Riley Lee H.
Published: July 2009

Background

Variation in referral rates for physical therapy exists at both the individual physician and practice levels.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of physician and practice characteristics on referral for physical therapy in patients with traumatic lower-extremity injury.

Design

A cross-sectional survey was conducted.

Methods

In 2007, a Web-based survey questionnaire was distributed to 474 surgeon members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association. The questionnaire measured physician and practice characteristics, outcome expectations, and attitude toward physical therapy. Referral for physical therapy was based on case vignettes.

Results

The response rate was 58%. Surgeons reported that 57.6% of their patients would have a positive outcome from physical therapy and 24.2% would have a negative outcome. The highest physical therapy expectations were for the appropriate use of assistive devices (80.7%) and improved strength (force-generating capacity) (76.4%). The lowest outcome expectations were for improvements in pain (35.9%), coping with the emotional aspects of disability (44.1%), and improvements in workplace limitations (51.4%). Physicians reported that 32.6% of their patients referred for physical therapy would have no improvement beyond what would occur with a surgeon-directed home exercise program. Multivariate analyses showed positive physician outcome expectations to have the largest effect on referral for physical therapy (odds ratio=2.7, P<.001).

Conclusions

The results suggest that orthopedic trauma surgeons refer patients for physical therapy based mostly on expectations for physical and motor outcomes, but may not be considering pain relief, return to work, and psychosocial aspects of recovery. Furthermore, low referral rates may be attributed to a preference for surgeon-directed home-based rehabilitation. Future research should consider the efficacy of physical therapy for pain, psychosocial and occupational outcomes, and exploring the differences between supervised physical therapy and physician-directed home exercise programs.
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome: a novel speculative physiopathological hypothesis and a novel patch method in a series of 28 consecutive patients
Authors: Franzini Angelo , Messina Giuseppe , Nazzi Vittoria , Mea Eliana , Leone Massimo , Chiapparini Luisa , Broggi Giovanni , Bussone Gennaro
Published: July 2009

Object

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a potentially serious pathological syndrome consisting of specific symptoms and neuroradiological signs that can sometimes be used to assess the efficacy of the treatment. In this paper the authors report a series of 28 patients with this syndrome who were all treated with an epidural blood patch at the authors' institution. The authors propose a novel physiopathological theory of SIH based on some anatomical considerations about the spinal venous drainage system.

Methods

Between January 1993 and January 2007, the authors treated 28 patients in whom SIH had been diagnosed. Twenty-seven of the 28 patients presented with the typical findings of SIH on brain MR imaging (dural enhancement and thickening subdural collections, caudal displacement of cerebellar tonsils, and reduction in height of suprachiasmatic cisterns). The sites of the patients' neuroradiologically suspected CSF leakage were different, but the blood patch procedure was performed at the lumbar level in all patients. The patients were then assessed at 3-month and 1- and 3-year follow-up visits. At the last visit (although only available for 11 patients) 83.3% of patients were completely free from clinical symptoms and 8.3% complained of sporadic orthostatic headache.

Results

The authors think that in the so-called SIH syndrome, the dural leak, even in those cases in which it can be clearly identified on neuroradiological examinations, is not the cause of the disease but the effect of the epidural hypotension maintained by the inferior cava vein outflow to the heart. The goal of their blood patch procedure (a sort of epidural block obtained using autologous blood and fibrin glue at the L1–2 level) is not to seal CSF leaks, but instead to help in reversing the CSF-blood gradient within the epidural space along the entire cord.

Conclusions

The authors' procedure seems to lead to good and long-lasting clinical results.
Massachusetts health insurance mandate: effects on neurosurgical practice
Authors: Burrows Anthony M. , Moser Richard P. , Weaver John P. , Litwin Demetrius E. , Pilitsis Julie G.
Published: July 2009

Object

Massachusetts' health insurance mandate and subsidized insurance program, Commonwealth Care, have been active for 2 years.

Methods

The financial impact on the neurosurgery division and demographics of the relevant patient groups were assessed. The billing records of neurosurgical patients from January 2007 to September 2008 were collected and analyzed.

Results

Commonwealth Care comprised 2.2% of neurosurgical inpatients, and these patients did not have significantly different acuity or lengths of stay from the average. Length of stay of MassHealth patients was significantly greater, although acuity was significantly lower than the average. Increased free care reimbursement and increased MassHealth/Commonwealth Care enrollment resulted in a net gain in reimbursement of hospital charges.

Conclusions

The increased insurance rates have resulted in increased reimbursement for the neurosurgical division.
Bax Inhibitor-1, a Conserved Cell Death Suppressor, Is a Key Molecular Switch Downstream from a Variety of Biotic and Abiotic Stress Signals in Plants
Authors: Watanabe Naohide , Lam Eric
Published: July 2009

In Nature plants are constantly challenged by a variety of environmental stresses that could lead to disruptions in cellular homeostasis. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a fundamental cellular process that is often associated with defense responses to pathogens, during development and in response to abiotic stresses in fungi, animals and plants. Although there are many characteristics shared between different types of PCD events, it remains unknown whether a common mechanism drives various types of PCD in eukaryotes. One candidate regulator for such a mechanism is Bax Inhibitor-1 (BI-1), an evolutionary conserved, endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein that represents an ancient cell death regulator that potentially regulates PCD in all eukaryotes. Recent findings strongly suggested that BI-1 plays an important role in the conserved ER stress response pathway to modulate cell death induction in response to multiple types of cell death signals. As ER stress signaling pathways has been suggested to play important roles not only in the control of ER homeostasis but also in other biological processes such as the response to pathogens and abiotic stress in plants, BI-1 might function to control the convergence point that modulates the level of the “pro-survival and pro-death” signals under multiple stress conditions.
Canscan — An Algorithm for Automatic Extraction of Canyons
Authors: Balic Nebojsa , Koch Barbara
Published: July 2009

This article introduces a novel algorithm for automatic extraction of canyons which was developed in the Department of the Remote Sensing and Land Information Systems at the University of Freiburg (FELIS). The algorithm detects canyons by means of user-defined dimension parameters and elevation information provided in a Digital Terrain Model (DTM). The extraction procedure is based on the geometric interpretation of canyons through which the input dimension parameters are identified. The dimension parameters are used for identifying cross-sections across DTM on the basis of which canyons are extracted. In addition to the detailed description of the extraction algorithm, this paper includes the results obtained in test regions as well as a thorough discussion.
Titanium and Ruthenium Phthalocyanines for NO2 Sensors: A Mini-Review
Authors: Paoletti Anna Maria , Pennesi Giovanna , Rossi Gentilina , Generosi Amanda , Paci Barbara , Albertini Valerio Rossi
Published: July 2009

This review presents studies devoted to the description and comprehension of phenomena connected with the sensing behaviour towards NO2 of films of two phthalocyanines, titanium bis-phthalocyanine and ruthenium phthalocyanine. Spectroscopic, conductometric, and morphological features recorded during exposure to the gas are explained and the mechanisms of gas-molecule interaction are also elucidated. The review also shows how X-ray reflectivity can be a useful tool for monitoring morphological parameters such as thickness and roughness that are demonstrated to be sensitive variables for monitoring the exposure of thin films of sensor materials to NO2 gas.
Sharing Sensor Data with SensorSA and Cascading Sensor Observation Service
Authors: Havlik Denis , Bleier Thomas , Schimak Gerald
Published: July 2009

The SANY IP consortium (http://www.sany-ip.eu) has recently developed several interesting service prototypes that extend the usability of the Open Geospatial Consortium “Sensor Web Enablement” (OGC SWE) architecture. One such service prototype, developed by the Austrian Research Centers, is the “cascading SOS” (SOS-X). SOS-X is a client to the underlying OGC Sensor Observation service(s) (SOS). It provides alternative access routes to users (or services) interested in accessing data. In addition to a simple cascading, SOS-X can re-format, re-organize, and merge data from several sources into a single SOS offering. Thanks to the built-in “Formula 3” prototype, a kind of time series library, SOS-X will be enabled to derive new data sets on the fly executing arbitrary algebraic operations on one or more data input streams. This article will discuss the SOS-X development status (focusing at end of 2008), further development agenda in year 2009, and possibilities for using the SOS-X outside of the SANY IP.
The Life Aquatic: Scuba Diving and the Experiential Imperative
Authors: Cater Carl I.
Published: July 2009

There has been significant growth in the number of qualified scuba divers over the last 30 years, and although estimates are vague, there may be as many as 14 million qualified divers worldwide. Although centered on what may be thought of as primarily a recreational practice, it is
also a very strong force for marine tourism. This is compounded by the fact that many active divers live in temperate climes, and prefer to engage in the sport, sometimes exclusively, when visiting tropical regions on holiday. A significant dive tourism industry has therefore emerged to cater
for these requirements and has been subject to academic and policy inquiry. However, as this article argues, much of this has been focused on management of impacts without adequate attention on diver motivations, which can considerably inform and assist the former. Consequently this article
seeks to examine this activity through the grounded perspectives of scuba divers themselves, in parallel to a categorization of leisure motivation suggested by Beard and Ragheb in 1983. However, the work seeks to note that, in addition to these categories, the scuba diving experience is also
profoundly embodied, entailing a wide range of sensations and feelings, many of which may be new to the first-time diver. These are explained through concepts of embodied experience, which is a rich arena for marine tourism research inquiry.
Whale Watchers' Past Experience, Value Orientations, and Awareness of Consequences of Actions on the Marine Environment
Authors: Christensen Alicia , Needham Mark D. , Rowe Shawn
Published: July 2009

This article examines whale watchers' environmental value orientations, experience in relation to whales and the marine environment, and awareness of consequences of their behavior on whales and their habitat. Data were obtained from surveys of 229 shore-based whale watchers in Oregon
(USA). Respondents believed that whales and marine areas are important and require protection, and their daily actions affect them and their habitat. Many respondents visited the ocean and watched programs about whales and marine ecosystems; few volunteered or donated to related causes. Structural
equation models showed that experienced viewers had stronger biocentric value orientations and were more aware of consequences of their behavior. Value orientations mediated effects of experience on awareness of consequences.
Familles polygames, familles recomposées. Regards croisés
Authors: Sylla Aïda , Huart Nicole , Lambert Paula
Published: July 2009

Résumé Les auteurs mettent en parallèle la dynamique du fonctionnement de la famille polygame telle qu’elle existe au Sénégal et celui de la famille européenne recomposée. Cette analyse porte sur le couple, la fratrie, les relations adulte/enfants et leur permet de penser certaines perspectives thérapeutiques différemment face à l’évolution des relations dans le parcours de ces familles.