bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time flow with fast GPU reconstruction for continuous assessment of cardiac output
Authors: Kowalik Grzegorz Tomasz , Steeden Jennifer Anne , Pandya Bejal , Odille Freddy , Atkinson David , Taylor Andrew , Muthurangu Vivek
Published: June 2012

Purpose:

To demonstrate the feasibility of real‐time phase contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR) assessment of continuous cardiac output with a heterogeneous (CPU/GPU) system for online image reconstruction.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty healthy volunteers underwent aortic flow examination during exercise using a real‐time spiral PCMR sequence. Acquired data were reconstructed in online fashion using an iterative sensitivity encoding (SENSE) algorithm implemented on an external computer equipped with a GPU card. Importantly, data were sent back to the scanner console for viewing. A multithreaded CPU implementation of the real‐time PCMR reconstruction was used as a reference point for the online GPU reconstruction assessment and validation. A semiautomated segmentation and registration algorithm was applied for flow data analysis.

Results:

There was good agreement between the GPU and CPU reconstruction (−0.4 ± 0.8 mL). There was a significant speed‐up compared to the CPU reconstruction (15×). This translated into the flow data being available on the scanner console ≈9 seconds after acquisition finished. This compares to an estimated time using the CPU implementation of 83 minutes.

Conclusion:

Our heterogeneous image reconstruction system provides a base for translation of complex MRI algorithms into clinical workflow. We demonstrated its feasibility using real‐time PCMR assessment of continuous cardiac output as an example. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012; 36:1477–1482. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of some Middle European soil textures by gamma‐spectrometry
Authors: Petersen Hauke , Wunderlich Tina , Attia al Hagrey Said , Rabbel Wolfgang
Published: June 2012

Information about the variability of different soil attributes within a field is essential for sustainable land management and precision agriculture. Mobile proximal gamma‐ray spectrometry can map soil characteristics of vast areas at different scales rapidly and cost‐effectively. This study aims at investigating reliability and capability of mobile‐gamma‐spectrometry (radiometrics) data to map typical soils of Middle Europe. In this paper, we investigate relationships between the radioelement concentrations (K, U, Th, and dose rate) and soil parameters (texture, CEC, pH, and organic‐C content) at four different field sites and soil textures. The data reliability is confirmed at the survey start. Mobile data have an excellent linear correlation (nearly 1:1) with the stationary readings (of identical devices, acquisition setups, and soil conditions) but moderate correlation with laboratory data (of different devices, setups, and sample conditions). Dried lab samples have systematically higher radioelement concentrations than the field soils (normally wet). Consequently, the mobile‐gamma‐spectrometric data is sufficiently accurate for soil mapping, and its calibration by laboratory data is less useful due to the varying environmental conditions. Single absolute radioelement concentrations show only moderate correlations with the different soil parameters, particularly clay content and CEC. This may be related to varying environmental conditions (soil moisture, soil structure, vegetation, land use, etc.) between the study sites. Investigations of the ratios of radioelement concentrations yield a clear improvement of their correlations to soil parameters, especially for sand and clay contents, CEC, and organic C. Additionally, multiple‐linear‐regression models were established using the element concentrations of potassium and thorium to predict silt content and pH. The results of the highly correlated models were confirmed by comparing with clay and silt content and pH value, respectively, to six additional independent field samples. Briefly, applications of gamma‐ray data for soil mapping offers the possibility of the development of quantitative relationships regarding soil parameters like sand and clay contents, CEC, and organic C. Classification of soil textures by gamma‐ray data seems to be promising, though a broader database of soils is needed for further research. We recommend gamma‐ray mapping as a complementary or even an alternative to common mapping techniques.
A novel method for quantification of ethanol and methanol in distilled alcoholic beverages using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Boyaci Ismail Hakki , Genis Hüseyin Efe , Guven Burcu , Tamer Ugur , Alper Neslihan
Published: June 2012

In this study, direct quantification of ethanol and methanol in distilled alcoholic beverages using Raman spectroscopy was performed. Raman spectra of varying ethanol–methanol mixtures were obtained, baseline corrections were made, and the data were normalized using Raman scattering intensity of an internal standard (acetonitrile, 921 cm–1). Then, calibration graphs were produced for ethanol and methanol concentrations in the ranges of 0–7 M and 0–10 M, respectively. Accurate R2 values of the calibration graphs proved the notable linear correlations (0.998 for ethanol and 0.998 for methanol). The method was validated based on linearity, sensitivity, intraday and interday repeatability, and recovery tests. The limit of detection and limit of quantification values of the validated method were determined for ethanol concentration as 1.2 and 3.7 mM, and for methanol concentration as 3.4 and 10.3 mM, respectively. The ability of the developed method to detect ethanol and methanol concentrations in real samples was also investigated. The results of the developed method were compared with the experimental results from traditional method and high correlation value (R2 = 0.926) was obtained. Besides being sensitive and cheap, the developed method is rapid with the analysis time of less than 30 s. Furthermore, it eliminates labor‐consuming operations, chromatographic separation, and measurement error due to the high number of experiment steps in the standard method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid isolation of new furostanol saponins from fenugreek seeds based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Pang Xu , Kang Liping , Yu Heshui , Zhao Yang , Xiong Chengqi , Zhang Jie , Shan Junjie , Ma Baiping
Published: June 2012

An ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry method was established to rapidly identify and guide the isolation of target saponins from fenugreek seeds. Based on the online screening performance, totally forty‐six furostanol saponins were detected and elucidated. Among them, twenty compounds were predicted to be new. To rapidly obtain new furostanol saponins from these seeds, a further phytochemical study was carried out under the guidance of the ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. Finally, six new furostanol saponins, named as trigoneosides XIV (1), XV (2), XVI (3), XVIIa (4), XVIIb (5), and XIV (6), together with one known furostanol saponin, parvifloside (7), were rapidly obtained, and their definitive structures were determined by NMR and chemical evidence.
Pressurized fluid extraction of essential oil from Lavandula hybrida using a modified supercritical fluid extractor and a central composite design for optimization
Authors: Kamali Hossein , Jalilvand Mohammad Reza , Aminimoghadamfarouj Noushin
Published: June 2012

Essential oil components were extracted from lavandin (Lavandula hybrida) flowers using pressurized fluid extraction. A central composite design was used to optimize the effective extraction variables. The chemical composition of extracted samples was analyzed by a gas chromatograph‐flame ionization detector column. For achieving 100% extraction yield, the temperature, pressure, extraction time, and the solvent flow rate were adjusted at 90.6°C, 63 bar, 30.4 min, and 0.2 mL/min, respectively. The results showed that pressurized fluid extraction is a practical technique for separation of constituents such as 1,8‐cineole (8.1%), linalool (34.1%), linalyl acetate (30.5%), and camphor (7.3%) from lavandin to be applied in the food, fragrance, pharmaceutical, and natural biocides industries.
Is there an increased risk of hip fracture in Parkinson's disease? A nationwide inpatient sample
Authors: Bhattacharya Rajib K. , Dubinsky Richard M. , Lai Sue Min , Dubinsky Hilary
Published: June 2012

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine whether people with Parkinson's disease (PD) are overrepresented in a national cohort of hip‐fracture admissions.

Background:

Frequent falls, combined with a higher rate of osteoporosis in people with PD, should lead to an increased risk of hip fracture.

Methods:

This work was a retrospective cohort analysis from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1988 to 2007, a stratified sample of 20% of U.S. hospital admissions. Admissions with a primary diagnosis of acute hip fracture were identified, as was a subset with a secondary diagnosis of PD.

Results:

A total of 3.63% of 1,066,404 hip‐fracture admissions had PD. When compared to the population of prevalence among patients with hip fracture, the prevalence of PD was up to 4.48 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.46, 4.49) more than predicted, and when adjusted for gender and age, it was 4.02 (95% CI: 4.00, 4.03).

Conclusions:

In this 20‐year nationwide sample of hip fractures, patients with PD were overrepresented by a factor of 4. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Subthalamic activity during diphasic dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Alegre Manuel , López‐Azcárate Jon , Alonso‐Frech Fernando , Rodríguez‐Oroz Maria C. , Valencia Miguel , Guridi Jorge , Artieda Julio , Obeso José A.
Published: June 2012

Background:

Diphasic dyskinesias are a subtype of levodopa‐induced dyskinesias that appear typically at the onset and end of levodopa antiparkinsonian action. The pathophysiology of diphasic dyskinesias is not well understood.

Methods:

We analyzed local field potentials recorded from the subthalamic nucleus in 7 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients who showed typical diphasic dyskinesias during postoperative recordings through a deep brain stimulation electrode. The evolution of the different oscillatory activities related to the onset and end of diphasic dyskinesias was studied by windowed fast Fourier transforms.

Results:

Typical “off”‐state beta activity disappeared with the onset of diphasic dyskinesias, whereas gamma activity was absent or minimal until their end. Theta activity during diphasic dyskinesias was similar to that observed during peak‐dose dyskinesias.

Conclusions:

From a neurophysiological viewpoint, patients exhibited oscillatory activity typical of the “on” medication state during diphasic dyskinesias. The minimal presence of gamma activity during diphasic dyskinesias, however, suggests that this “on” state might be incomplete or limited to dopaminergic mechanisms affecting the lower limbs. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Is transcranial sonography useful to distinguish scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficit patients from Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Stockner Heike , Schwingenschuh Petra , Djamshidian Atbin , Silveira‐Moriyama Laura , Katschnig Petra , Seppi Klaus , Dickson John , Edwards Mark J. , Lees Andrew J. , Poewe Werner , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: June 2012

Background:

Approximately 10% of patients clinically diagnosed with early Parkinson's disease (PD) subsequently have normal dopaminergic functional imaging. Transcranial sonography (TCS) has been shown to detect midbrain hyperechogenicity in approximately 90% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and 10% of the healthy population. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of midbrain hyperechogenicity in patients with suspected parkinsonism and scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficit (SWEDD), in comparison to PD patients.

Methods:

TCS was performed in 14 patients with SWEDD and 19 PD patients.

Results:

There was a significantly increased area of echogenicity in the PD group (0.24 ± 0.06 cm2), compared to the group of patients with SWEDD (0.13 ± 0.06 cm2; P < 0.001). One (9.1%) of these patients, compared to 14 (82.5%) of the PD patients, was found to have hyperechogenicity (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

We conclude that TCS is useful to distinguish PD patients from patients with suspected parkinsonism and SWEDD. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Analysis of a two‐level method for anisotropic diffusion equations on aligned and nonaligned grids
Authors: Yu Guozhu , Xu Jinchao , Zikatanov Ludmil T.
Published: June 2012

This paper is on the convergence analysis for two‐grid and multigrid methods for linear systems arising from conforming linear finite element discretization of the second‐order elliptic equations with anisotropic diffusion. The multigrid algorithm with a line smoother is known to behave well when the discretization grid is aligned with the anisotropic direction; however, this is not the case with a nonaligned grid. The analysis in this paper is mainly focused on two‐level algorithms. For aligned grids, a lower bound is given for a pointwise smoother, and this bound shows a deterioration in the convergence rate, whereas for ‘maximally’ nonaligned grids (with no edges in the triangulation parallel to the direction of the anisotropy), the pointwise smoother results in a robust convergence. With a specially designed block smoother, we show that, for both aligned and nonaligned grids, the convergence is uniform with respect to the anisotropy ratio and the mesh size in the energy norm. The analysis is complemented by numerical experiments that confirm the theoretical results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal drug dosing control for intensive care unit sedation by using a hybrid deterministic–stochastic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic model
Authors: Gholami Behnood , Haddad Wassim M. , Bailey James M. , Tannenbaum Allen R.
Published: June 2012

In clinical intensive care unit practice, sedative/analgesic agents are titrated to achieve a specific level of sedation. The level of sedation is currently based on clinical scoring systems. Examples include the motor activity assessment scale, the Richmond agitation–sedation scale, and the modified Ramsay sedation scale. In general, the goal of the clinician is to find the drug dose that maintains the patient at a sedation score corresponding to a moderately sedated state. This is typically done empirically, administering a drug dose that usually is in the effective range for most patients, observing the patient's response, and then adjusting the dose accordingly. However, the response of patients to any drug dose is a reflection of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the drug and the specific patient. In this paper, we use pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling to find an optimal drug dosing control policy to drive the patient to a desired modified Ramsay sedation scale score. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Narratives of Ugandan Women Adhering to HIV/AIDS Medication
Authors: Matovu Sarah Natalia , La cour Karen , Hemmingsson Helena
Published: June 2012

Adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is essential to improving the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS; however, it still remains a challenge especially for young African women. The purpose of the study was to explore how young women with HIV/AIDS in Uganda experience the influence of their everyday life occupations on adherence to HAART after more than 1 year on the medication.

Narratives of six participants were elicited using two semistructured interviews within a period of 1 month. Narrative analysis was used to develop themes reflecting the participants' stories of coping with everyday activities.

The participants described their adherence to HAART in relation to everyday life occupations as a “tug of war”, which describes the struggles they had taking medication because they were afraid of being discriminated by peers and the general society. They also expressed fear of not being included in many activities if people knew they have HIV/AIDS because there are many beliefs associated with the illness especially for young women in which they are branded promiscuous. However, in the Ugandan culture, women are considered to be home makers, which restricted their activities mostly around domestic work making it hard for them to prioritize their medication, and when they young women prioritized, it was all about fun activities that seemed to consume much time, hence contributing to the poor adherence. It is therefore important to assess the everyday occupations of young women before they start taking medication, so that HAART is scheduled in accordance with their everyday life occupation to reduce poor adherence.

The implications of the study on practice is that it will enable occupational therapists working with persons with HIV/AIDS develop age‐specific activities taking into consideration HAART as an everyday life activity rather than one that needs to be incorporated into their already existing activities, hence improving their adherence and reducing on stigma associated to the medication. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma marker proteins associated with the progression of lung cancer in obese mice fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Choi Jung‐Won , Liu Hao , Song Hyerim , Park Jung Han Yoon , Yun Jong Won
Published: June 2012

Recent studies have indicated that obesity increases the risk of developing several types of cancers including lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In the present study, we attempted to discover marker proteins associated with lung cancer progression mediated by treatment of a high‐fat diet (HFD) using 2DE combined with MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Image analysis and further statistical analysis allowed for the detection and identification of 14 proteins, which consequently were classified into two groups based on their regulation patterns in response to diet and tumor. Interestingly, the protein abundances of ten proteins exhibited a synergistic effect when treated with HFD in tumor‐bearing mice (Group I). Proteins that had a higher abundance in the plasma of tumor‐bearing mice included FGB, Tf, Hpx, Cp, and Hp and the proteins that had a lower abundance included A1AT precursor, PON1, TTRt, and α2‐M. These proteins can be used as molecular markers that contribute simultaneously to both obesity and cancer. Four other proteins showed an increase (complement C3 and FGA) or decrease (Apo H and AT III precursor) in the only tumor‐bearing mice independently of diet (Group II). The marker proteins identified here may lead to the development of new therapeutics for obesity‐causative treatment of lung cancer.
Microwave‐Assisted Quick Synthesis of Some Potential High Explosives
Authors: Saikia Ananta , Sivabalan Renganathan , Gore Girish M. , Sikder Arun K.
Published: June 2012

This paper reports a novel microwave‐assisted method for the synthesis of potential high explosives (HEs) such as 3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐one (NTO), bis‐(2,2‐dinitropropyl) nitramine (BDNPN), 4‐nitroimidazole (4‐NI) and 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (CL‐20). The high temperature thermal rearrangement of 1,4‐dinitroimidazole to 2,4‐dinitroimidazole was also reported using microwave radiation as heating source. The synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic techniques and the data obtained confirmed their structures.
Endometriosis: diagnosis and recommended management
Authors: Jadoon Bismeen , Swanton Alex , McVeigh Enda
Published: June 2012

The choice of treatment in endometriosis depends upon a number of factors, including age, fertility plans, previous treatment and severity of symptoms. Our Drug review describes the diagnosis and medical and surgical treatment options, followed by sources of further information.
NPC advice on improving your prescribing: type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: June 2012

Steve Chaplin describes the National Prescribing Centre's recent bulletin on type 2 diabetes that highlights potential areas for improved prescribing.
Nongeminate recombination in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells: Contribution of exciton–polaron interaction
Authors: Szmytkowski Jȩdrzej
Published: June 2012

A new model to explain nongeminate recombination in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells is presented. We suggest that the annihilation of excitons on charge carriers at the interface between donor and acceptor phases competes with the bimolecular recombination of Coulombically bound electron–hole pairs. The exciton–polaron interaction gives visible contribution to the reduction of Langevin recombination. An analytical formula, which describes the reduction prefactor, has been derived. We demonstrate that exciton–charge carrier interactions cause an increase of the recombination order. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Distributed primal–dual stochastic subgradient algorithms for multi‐agent optimization under inequality constraints
Authors: Yuan Deming , Xu Shengyuan , Zhang Baoyong , Rong Lina
Published: June 2012

We consider the multi‐agent optimization problem where multiple agents try to cooperatively optimize the sum of their local convex objective functions, subject to global inequality constraints and a convex constraint set over a network. Through characterizing the primal and dual optimal solutions as the saddle points of the associated Lagrangian function, which can be evaluated with stochastic errors, we propose the distributed primal–dual stochastic subgradient algorithms for two cases: (i) the time model is synchronous and (ii) the time model is asynchronous. In the first case, we obtain bounds on the convergence properties of the algorithm for a diminishing step size. In the second case, for a constant step size, we establish some error bounds on the algorithm's performance. In particular, we prove that the error bounds scale as in the number of n agents. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Axonal loss and cognitive deficits in term infants with normal umbilical artery Doppler born small‐for‐gestational age
Authors: Pueyo V. , Oros D. , Valle S. , Tuquet H. , Güerri N. , Argüelles M. , Ventura P.
Published: June 2012

Objective

To assess cognitive outcomes and structural changes in the central nervous system, the latter using a novel approach to examine changes in neuronal integrity of the optic nerve, in children at 5–6½ years of age who were born small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) at term having shown normal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler.

Methods

We compared neuronal damage, cognitive deficits and visuospatial perception in two cohorts of infants, one born SGA (n = 40) and one born appropriate‐for‐gestational age (AGA) (n = 39) in weight. Neuronal damage was evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the optic nerve. Cognitive deficits were assessed with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) test. Visuospatial perception was evaluated with Rey‐Osterreich Complex Figure (ROCF) tasks.

Results

Children from the SGA group had a significantly thinner average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) compared with those from the AGA group (98.2 vs 104.5 µm, P = 0.012). Children from the SGA group exhibited impaired performance in copy tasks on the ROCF (3.27 vs 3.56, P = 0.036) and a higher rate of suboptimal WPPSI test performance intelligence quotient scores (15% vs 0%; P = 0.025) compared with those from the AGA group.

Conclusion

Term infants with normal UA Doppler born SGA are at increased risk for cognitive deficits and axonal loss in the RNFL at the age of 5–6½ years. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NLL+NNLO predictions for jet-veto efficiencies in Higgs-boson and Drell-Yan production
Authors: Banfi Andrea , Salam Gavin P. , Zanderighi Giulia
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Using the technology of the caesar approach to resummation, we examine the jet-veto efficiency in Higgs-boson and Drell-Yan production at hadron colliders and show that at next-to-leading logarithmic (NLL) accuracy the resummation reduces to just a Sudakov form factor. Matching with NNLO calculations results in stable predictions for the case of Drell-Yan production, but reveals substantial uncertainties in gluon-fusion Higgs production, connected in part with the poor behaviour of the perturbative series for the total cross section. We compare our results to those from powheg with and without reweighting by hqt, as used experimentally, and observe acceptable agreement. In an appendix we derive the part of the NNLL resummation corrections associated with the radius dependence of the jet algorithm.
Boundary action of free AdS higher-spin gauge fields and the holographic correspondence
Authors: Joung Euihun , Mourad Jihad
Published: June 2012

Abstract

We determine the boundary terms of the free higher-spin action which reproduce the AdS Fronsdal equations in an AdS manifold with a finite distance boundary. The boundary terms are further constrained by the gauge invariance of the total action. We show that, for spins larger than two, no local boundary term can restore the full gauge symmetry, and the broken symmetry corresponds to higher-spin Weyl transformations on the boundary CFT. The boundary action is used for the evaluation of the on-shell higher-spin AdS action in terms of the boundary data given by a conformal higher-spin field.
Three tokens in Herman’s algorithm
Authors: Kiefer Stefan , Murawski Andrzej S. , Ouaknine Joël , Wachter Björn , Worrell James
Published: June 2012

Herman’s algorithm is a synchronous randomized protocol for achieving self-stabilization in a token ring consisting of
N
processes. The interaction of tokens makes the dynamics of the protocol very difficult to analyze. In this paper we study the distribution of the time to stabilization, assuming that there are three tokens in the initial configuration. We show for arbitrary
N
and for an arbitrary timeout
t
that the probability of stabilization within time
t
is minimized by choosing as the initial three-token configuration the configuration in which the tokens are placed equidistantly on the ring. Our result strengthens a corollary of a theorem of McIver and Morgan (Inf. Process Lett. 94(2): 79–84,
2005
), which states that the
expected
stabilization time is minimized by the equidistant configuration.
Reconciling real and stochastic time: the need for probabilistic refinement
Authors: Markovski J. , D’Argenio P. R. , Baeten J. C. M. , de Vink E. P.
Published: June 2012

We conservatively extend an ACP-style discrete-time process theory with discrete stochastic delays. The semantics of the timed delays relies on time additivity and time determinism, which are properties that enable us to merge subsequent timed delays and to impose their synchronous expiration. Stochastic delays, however, interact with respect to a so-called race condition that determines the set of delays that expire first, which is guided by an (implicit) probabilistic choice. The race condition precludes the property of time additivity as the merger of stochastic delays alters this probabilistic behavior. To this end, we resolve the race condition using conditionally-distributed unit delays. We give a sound and ground-complete axiomatization of the process theory comprising the standard set of ACP-style operators. In this generalized setting, the alternative composition is no longer associative, so we have to resort to special normal forms that explicitly resolve the underlying race condition. Our treatment succeeds in the initial challenge to conservatively extend standard time with stochastic time. However, the ‘dissection’ of the stochastic delays to conditionally-distributed unit delays comes at a price, as we can no longer relate the resolved race condition to the original stochastic delays. We seek a solution in the field of probabilistic refinements that enable the interchange of probabilistic and nondeterministic choices.
Towards a linear algebra of programming
Authors: Oliveira José N.
Published: June 2012

The algebra of programming (AoP) is a discipline for programming from specifications using relation algebra. Specification vagueness and nondeterminism are captured by relations. (Final) implementations are functions. Probabilistic functions are half way between relations and functions: they express the propensity, or likelihood of ambiguous, multiple outputs. This paper puts forward a basis for a linear algebra of programming (LAoP) extending standard AoP towards probabilistic functions. Because of the quantitative essence of these functions, the allegory of binary relations which supports the AoP has to be extended. We show that, if one restricts to discrete probability spaces, categories of matrices provide adequate support for the extension, while preserving the pointfree reasoning style typical of the AoP.
Clinicopathologic Profile of Benign Breast Conditions in Indian Women: Prospective Study Based on Aberrations of Normal Development and Involution Classification
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Agarwal Nitin , Panwar Pankaj , Mishra Kiran
Published: June 2012

Background

Benign conditions of the breast are common, but a great deal of confusion exists in their nomenclature, classification, and, treatment protocols. The Aberration of Normal Development and Involution (ANDI) classification provides a comprehensive framework within which to correlate clinical presentation with pathogenesis. Most clinical studies have not used this classification system. We studied the spectrum of benign breast conditions in Indian patients with reference to the ANDI system and performed a clinicopathologic correlation.

Methods

This prospective study was carried out on 262 consecutive patients attending the surgery department on an outpatient basis for benign breast conditions.

Results

A total of 199 (76 %) patients had a diagnosis of benign breast disorder, and 44 (17 %) had benign breast disease. There were 19 (7 %) women with non‐ANDI and other conditions. The spectrum of benign breast disorders included fibroadenoma 77, mastalgia with nodularity 98, galactocele 7, cysts 4, and nipple discharge (ND) 13. Benign breast diseases included giant/multiple fibroadenomas 18, incapacitating mastalgia and nodularity 13, subareolar abscess with mammary fistula 7, periductal mastitis with suppuration 4, and ND 2. Cytopathologic correlation performed in 115 patients showed nonproliferative disease in 82, proliferative disease without atypia in 19, proliferative disease with atypia in 3, and miscellaneous 11.

Conclusions

The ANDI classification is a comprehensive system that delineates the borderline between normal and abnormal, achieves correlation of clinical signs and symptoms with histologic changes, and provides risk stratification and pragmatic definition of management protocols.
Impact of Posttransplant Portosystemic Shunts on Liver Transplantation
Authors: Sanada Yukihiro , Mizuta Koichi , Urahashi Taizen , Wakiya Taiichi , Ihara Yoshiyuki , Okada Noriki , Yamada Naoya , Nakata Manabu , Yasuda Yoshikazu
Published: June 2012

Background

Posttransplant portosystemic shunts may result in severe fatty changes, portal vein complications, or graft liver failure because they reduce the effectiveness of portal perfusion through a portal steal phenomenon. However, the indications and timing of surgical and interventional treatments for posttransplant portosystemic shunts are still a matter of debate. We performed a retrospective investigation of the present state of long‐term outpatients with posttransplant portosystemic shunts.

Methods

This study comprised 150 outpatients who underwent liver transplantation between October 1988 and August 2006 in our department and other facilities. The diagnosis was based on the presence of any portosystemic shunts with the diameter of more than 5 mm indicated by computed tomography.

Results

A total of 16 patients (16/150, 10.7 %) were diagnosed as having posttransplant portosystemic shunt. Among them, eight patients (8/16, 50.0 %) developed portal vein complications, and 1 (1/16, 6.3 %) developed graft liver failure.

Conclusions

The persistence of posttransplant portosystemic shunts results in portal vein complications or graft liver failure. Therefore, surgical and interventional treatment for patients with posttransplant portosystemic shunts should be performed based on the clinical and radiologic findings.
All Quiet on the Western Front? Empirical Evidence on the “War” between Marketing Managers and Sales Managers
Authors: Massey Graham R.
Published: June 2012

A common assumption in the literature is that ineffective relationships and conflict between Marketing Managers and Sales Managers and their respective departments is endemic. This article challenges that assumption via an exhaustive review of the large sample quantitative studies of this important working relationship. The analysis reveals that the assumption is unsustainable in the light of the evidence, and that Marketing Manager/Sales Manager relationships are generally effective. This is encouraging news for these managers and their firms, as recent work has established that effective Marketing/Sales relationships are positively associated with superior value creation and market performance.
CO2 semiannual oscillation in the middle troposphere and at the surface
Authors: Jiang Xun , Chahine Moustafa T. , Li Qinbin , Liang Maochang , Olsen Edward T. , Chen Luke L. , Wang Jingqian , Yung Yuk L.
Published: June 2012

Using in situ measurements, we find a semiannual oscillation (SAO) in the midtropospheric and surface CO2. Chemistry transport models (2‐D Caltech/JPL model, 3‐D GEOS‐Chem, and 3‐D MOZART‐2) are used to investigate possible sources for the SAO signal in the midtropospheric and surface CO2. From model sensitivity studies, it is revealed that the SAO signal in the midtropospheric CO2 originates mainly from surface CO2 with a small contribution from transport fields. It is also found that the source for the SAO signal in surface CO2 is mostly related to the CO2 exchange between the biosphere and the atmosphere. By comparing model CO2 with in situ CO2 measurements at the surface, we find that models are able to capture both annual and semiannual cycles well at the surface. Model simulations of the annual and semiannual cycles of CO2 in the tropical middle troposphere agree reasonably well with aircraft measurements.
Experimental evidence for direct sesquiterpene emission from soils
Authors: Horváth Eszter , Hoffer András , Sebők Flóra , Dobolyi Csaba , Szoboszlay Sándor , Kriszt Balázs , Gelencsér András
Published: June 2012

The biogenic organic precursors which are of relevance in secondary organic aerosol formation are primarily isoprene, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes (SQTs) and their derivatives. Atmospheric volatile organic compound inventories consider plant emissions as the exclusive sources of natural secondary organic aerosol precursors. Very recently we have shown in pure culture experiments that abundant soil fungal strains are capable of producing significant emission fluxes of SQTs and have implied that soils might be globally important SQT emission sources. In the present follow‐up study we determined sesquiterpene emission fluxes in the laboratory directly from unperturbed soil samples and from selected soil samples with the top litter layer removed. We also characterized basic soil parameters and native fungal strains in the samples, and quantified ergosterol as a proxy of bulk fungal biomass. The measured SQT emission fluxes (6–1980 ng m−2 h−1; median 109 ng m−2 h−1) were of the same magnitude as inferred from culture experiments confirming that soil biota can be an important sesquiterpene emission source that has to be included in future VOC inventories.
IKKβ as a Therapeutic Intervention Point for Diseases Related to Inflammation
Authors: YOUNG ERICK R. R.
Published: June 2012

IKKβ has been referred to as the master regulator of NF-κB mediated transcription due to its critical activating role at a point of inflammatory pathway convergence upstream of nuclear translocation. Inhibition of IKKβ as a therapeutic intervention strategy has been an area of intense interest for the pharmaceutical industry over the past decade due to the vast potential for treatment of a broad range of inflammatory diseases. During this time compelling support for the efficacy of this mechanism has been established through both biochemical techniques and pharmacological intervention with small-molecule inhibitors. However, given the tremendous research investment that has been made in this target, the absence of a therapeutic agent successfully emerging from human clinical trials has contributed to lingering concerns regarding the tolerability of this approach. This review provides a foundational background for relevant aspects of the IKKβ-dependent NF-κB pathway, a detailed overview of the major classes of chemical inhibitors and insights regarding their clinical progression.
Recent Advances in Selective CB2 Agonists for the Treatment of Pain
Authors: GILBERT E. J. , LUNN C. A.
Published: June 2012

The cannabinoid CB2 receptor is one of a family of GPCRs that mediate the effects of endocannabinoids. Several agonists of this receptor are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of pain and inflammation, indications that have been validated by pre-clinical studies on agonists and in receptor knockout mice. Key to the clinical advancement of CB2 agonists is achieving selectivity over the related CB1 receptor, whose activation results in undesirable CNS effects, limiting therapeutic utility. A variety of CB2 receptor agonist chemotypes are reviewed including mono-, bi- and tricyclic cores and bi- and triaryl cores. Pharmacology, with a focus on selectivity requirements and a variety of pre-clinical animal models to assess activity and selectivity, is presented.
Non-steroidal Dissociated Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists
Authors: RAZAVI HOSSEIN , HARCKEN CHRISTIAN
Published: June 2012

Synthetic glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone and prednisolone, are amongst the most commonly used drugs due to their potent and efficacious anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. However, their long-term and/or high-dose administration is limited by a number of deleterious side-effects, including glucocorticoid-induced diabetes and osteoporosis. Glucocorticoids exert their effects through binding to the glucocorticoid receptor. Since the discovery of multiple differentiated down-stream functions of the glucocorticoid-bound receptor, such as gene transrepression and transactivation, researchers in academia and industry have been on a quest to discover novel glucocorticoids that achieve functional selectivity, hence dissociating the desired anti-inflammatory from the undesired side-effects. This review describes the current state of discovery and development of non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor agonists. Several small-molecule drug candidates have advanced into clinical trials, and have shown promising early biomarker data, as well as beneficial effects in topical applications. However, a clinically efficacious and systemically available glucocorticoid with significantly reduced side-effects as compared to current steroidal drugs, the “Holy Grail” in immunology, is still elusive.
MicroRNA 17–92 expressed by a transposone‐based vector changes expression level of cell‐cycle‐related genes
Authors: Attar Marzieh , Arefian Ehsan , Nabiuni Mohammad , Adegani Fatemeh Jamshidi , Bakhtiari Seyed Hamid Aghaee , Karimi Zahra , Barzegar Mansoureh , Soleimani Masoud
Published: June 2012

The miR‐17‐92 cluster is composed of seven miRNAs (microRNAs; miR‐17‐5p, miR‐17‐3p, miR‐18a, miR‐19a, miR‐20a, miR‐19b‐1 and miR‐92a‐1). Previous studies have indicated that this cluster is involved in cell proliferation and their overexpression has been seen in several types of cancer. We have assessed the overexpression effects of miR‐17‐92 on the expression of several genes associated with cell‐cycle regulation. The human miR‐17‐92 gene was cloned into a transposone‐based vector, piggyBac and transfected into HEK‐293T [HEK‐293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) expressing the large T‐antigen of SV40 (simian virus 40)] cell line. Gene expression analysis indicated that up‐regulation of this cluster causes significant changes in the expression of several cell‐cycle related genes, including CDK2 (cyclin‐dependent kinase 2), cyclin‐D2, c‐Myc and CREB (cAMP‐response‐element‐binding protein). Other methods of transcripts assessment confirmed miR‐17‐92 overexpression enhances cell proliferation.
PDGFRβ triggered by bFGF promotes the proliferation and migration of endothelial progenitor cells via p‐ERK signalling
Authors: Guo Sufen , Yu Libo , Cheng Yongxia , Li Caijuan , Zhang Jifei , An Jindan , Wang Hongwei , Yan Bin , Zhan Tao , Cao Yong , Zheng Huizhe , Li Zhiqiang
Published: June 2012

We have examined the effects of bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) on p‐ERK (phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase) through PDGFRβ (platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β) in the proliferation and migration of EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells). EPC migration was detected using the Transwell system. The expression of PDGFRβ mRNA and protein, total ERK and p‐ERK proteins was respectively assessed by real‐time PCR and Western blottings. bFGF promote the proliferation and migration of EPCs, the effects of bFGF being implemented by activating ERK signalling through the expression of PDGFRβ, whereas an anti‐bFGF antibody and inhibitor of PDGF (platelet‐derived growth factor) receptor kinase (AG1296) could respectively decrease the expression of PDGFRβ mRNA and protein and p‐ERK protein. Total ERK protein did not change under the same experimental conditions, and an inhibitor of p‐ERK (PD98059) inhibited the proliferation and migration of EPCs. The findings strongly suggest that a PDGFRβ/p‐ERK signalling pathway triggered by bFGF plays an important role in the proliferation and migration of EPCs.
Gas field ion source current stability for trimer and single atom terminated W(111) tips
Authors: Urban Radovan , Pitters Jason L. , Wolkow Robert A.
Published: June 2012

Tungsten W(111) oriented trimer-terminated tips as well as single atom tips, fabricated by a gas and field assisted etching and evaporation process, were investigated with a view to scanning ion microscopy and ion beam writing applications. In particular, ion current stability was studied for helium and neon imaging gases. Large ion current fluctuations from individual atomic sites were observed when a trimer-terminated tip was used for the creation of neon ion beam. However, neon ion current was stable when a single atom tip was employed. No such current oscillations were observed for either a trimer or a single atom tip when imaged with helium.
Switching-time analysis of binary-oxide memristors via a nonlinear model
Authors: Hashem Nabeem , Das Shamik
Published: June 2012

A simulation-based analysis is conducted of the ionic switching times for nanometer-scale binary-oxide “memristor” devices. This analysis is based upon a device model that incorporates nonlinear field-driven ionic transport within the bulk of the memristor. In contrast, prior models of charge transport in such devices have relied upon linear simplifications, or else they have included nonlinear effects only at the electrode interfaces. As shown here via simulation, the nonlinear model provides much closer quantitative agreement with experimentally observed device switching times. Also, this model predicts a distinct asymmetry between the “set” and “reset” switching behaviors of memristors that is not present in linear models. Thus, the model and the quantitative results derived using it suggest an experimental route by which the underlying device physics might be elucidated further.
Rapid calculation of the ion energy distribution on a plasma electrode
Authors: Diomede Paola , Economou Demetre J. , Donnelly Vincent M.
Published: June 2012

A model was developed to rapidly calculate the ion energy distribution (IED) on an electrode immersed in plasma, for a given voltage waveform applied to the electrode through a blocking capacitor. The model combined an equivalent circuit representation of the system, with an equation for a damped potential to which ions respond, during their transit through the sheath. Predicted IEDs on both conducting and insulating surfaces for a variety of applied voltage waveforms (spike, staircase, square wave, etc.) agreed with published experimental data. For these comparisons with experiments, peak broadening due to the resolution of the ion energy analyzer was also taken into account. Using “tailored” waveforms of the applied voltage, desired IEDs may be obtained in terms of peak energies and fraction of ions under each peak.
Impedance response and modeling of composites containing aligned semiconductor whiskers: Effects of dc-bias partitioning and percolated-cluster length, topology, and filler interfaces
Authors: Bertram Brian D. , Gerhardt Rosario A. , Schultz John W.
Published: June 2012

Impedance spectroscopy and modeling were used to investigate the partitioning of 0-40 V dc bias in composites containing alumina and different volume fractions of silicon carbide whiskers (SiCw), which formed low-connectivity percolated clusters. Differences in response between long (∼25 cm) composite rods and thin (∼1.7 mm) slices thereof were interpreted in terms of the relative contributions to the impedance from the electrodes and SiCw-percolated clusters of the composite samples. Bias had minimal effect on the impedance of rods, because its distribution across the long percolated clusters within translated to low electric fields at the SiCw-SiCw interfaces. The impedance of thin slices was more sensitive to bias and was mainly due to such interfaces. The associated dc resistance and effective capacitance decreased significantly with increasing dc bias. A model for symmetrical Schottky energy barriers at interfaces fit the capacitance trend and outputted a parameter Φi/κ¯i. Different models for the non-linear current-voltage behavior were related to each other and indicated weak varistor-like behavior, i.e., 1.15 ≤ αV ≤ 2.57. With increasing SiCw content and composite dc conductivity, Φi/κ¯i increased and the varistor non-linearity strength αV decreased. Also, the exponent t describing conductivity divergence at percolation was reduced at large dc bias. A new model of percolated clusters was proposed and correctly predicted the qualitative character and some quantitative aspects of these experimental results. The model is based on tendencies of the current distribution, which are expected from the topological structure and contrast between interface/whisker electrical behavior. Accordingly, it outputs the voltage-distribution tendencies.
Optical characterization of ZnO nanopillars on Si and macroporous periodic Si structure
Authors: Castro Meira M. V. , Ferreira da Silva A. , Baldissera G. , Persson C. , Freitas J. A. , Gutman N. , Sa’ar A. , Nur O. , Willander M.
Published: June 2012

ZnO nanopillars were successfully grown using both the vapor-liquid-solid and the aqueous chemical growth methods on different substrates, such as quartz, n-, and p-type non-porous Si wafer (flat) and microporous periodic Si structure (MPSiS). Scanning electron microscopy was employed to compare sample morphologies. The absorption was calculated employing the GW0 method, based on the local density approximation, and with the projector augmented wave approach. Experiment and theory show a reasonable agreement when the shape of the optical absorption is considered. The measured absorption of ZnO nanopillars, on different substrates, is lower than that observed for ZnO films on quartz substrate, in the energy gap spectral range. A strong effect of MPSiS substrates on ZnO nanopillar properties is observed. The photoluminescence technique was also employed as an optical characterization.