bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern Recognition of Multiscale Entropy Curve for ECG Signal Analysis
Authors: Wang Chien Chih , Chang Cheng Ding , Jiang Bernard C.
Published: September 2012

Higher complexities of multiscale entropy (MSE) curve present the physiological system has the better ability to adapt under environment change. Traditional way to distinguish different complexity groups of MSE curves according to the area under MSE curves (AUC) by human self-determination, but that would be difficult to judge when some curves had similar AUC or had overlapped. This paper proposed a combination clustering and MR control chart to calculate the group distances as the response to assessment the clustering result of different MSE curves combination. From the experiment analysis result for ECG signal, using the four features considered in this paper could provide a good recognition in cluster MSE curves.
Simulation Study on Electrical Activities in Myocardial Cells
Authors: Qin Cheng De
Published: September 2012

Biomedical computer simulation can help researchers to recognize the regularities of living systems, In the paper, The modeling and simulation of ventricular cell action potentials, Purkinje fiber action potentials and pacemaker activities of sino-atrial node cells were performed. Reconstruction and analysis to the changes of the electrical activities in myocardial cells by modulating the environment factors.
Simulation-Based Optimization by Combined Direction Stochastic Approximation Method
Authors: Xu Zi , Yu Jing
Published: September 2012

This paper proposes the combined direction stochastic approximation method for solving simulation-based optimization problems. The new algorithm is a stochastic analogy of conjugate gradient method, which employs a weighted combination of the current noisy negative gradient and some former noisy negative gradient as iterative direction. Our numerical experiments show that the new algorithm outperforms the classical RM algorithm for two typical simulation-based optimization problems, a.e., M/M/1 queuing problem and inventory problem.
Heat Conduction Equation Finite Volume Method to Achieve on MATLAB
Authors: Xue Qiong , Xiao Xiao Feng , Fan Niang Zhi
Published: September 2012

Diffusion only, two dimensional heat conduction has been described on partial differential equation. Based on Finite Volume Method, Discretized algebraic Equation of partial differential equation have been deduced. different coefficients and source terms have been discussed under different boundary conditions, which include prescribed heat flux, prescribed temperature, convection and insulated. Transient heat conduction analysises of infinite plate with uniform thickness and two dimensional rectangle region have been realized by programming using MATLAB. It is useful to make the heat conduction equation more understandable by its solution with graphical expression, feasibility and stability of numerical method have been demonstrated by running result.
Detection Performance Analysis and Parameter Design Method of DSSS Signal Acquisition Algorithm Based on the MAX/TC Criterion
Authors: Lin Ma , Jing Tian , Kun Wang
Published: September 2012

For the acquisition of week direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) signal in dynamic environment, an acquisition algorithm using MAX /TC criterion on bi-dimensional search region in noncoherent integrations is proposed. Detection performance of the proposed acquisition algorithm is deduced and the deduced formulas are simple and practicable. Based on these formulas, parameter design method is given for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Computer simulation results demonstrate the correctness of the conclusion and effectiveness of parameter design method.
CFD Numerical Simulation on Swirl-Flow Combustion in Freon Decomposition Burner
Authors: Gao Hong , Ning Ping , Zhang Di , Liu Tian Cheng , Wang Shi Bo
Published: September 2012

The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model of the freon decomposition burner with bicyclo-inlet is established by using Eddy-Dissipation Model (EDM) chemical reaction model. The jet-flow turbulent diffusion burning and swirl-flow combustion are simulated to prove that the swirl-flow combustion can get shorter blaze. The strong vortex flow enlarges the high temperature region in the burner and the temperature is more uniform, which is conducive to the freon decomposition at a great heat.
Multidisciplinary Optimization of Autonomous Rendezvous Spacecraft Using Updated Analytical Target Cascading Method
Authors: Wu Bei Bei , Huang Hai
Published: September 2012

For the multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) question of autonomous rendezvous spacecraft, first, the analysis model and coupling relations of payload, propulsion and structure discipline are discussed; then the updated analytical target cascading (UATC) method is introduced and compared with the widely used collaborative optimization (CO). Results prove that the UATC method requires 54.8% fewer average subspace iterations than the CO and is more efficient for practical engineering MDO problem. Finally, based on the UATC method, a MDO problem of autonomous rendezvous spacecraft is solved and gets reasonable and effective results. The process proves the effectiveness of UATC method solving spacecraft MDO problem.
Dosimetry and Temperature Evaluation of TEM Chamber for Cell Exposure at 1800 MHz
Authors: Wang W. , Zhao J.X. , Lu H.M. , Ren Z. , Zhang J.N.
Published: September 2012

Using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, we make a dosimetry study on the specific absorption rate (SAR) in cells exposed to 1800 MHz standing waves produced by the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) chamber. Two types of cultured cells are used, namely, the cell layer and the cell suspension. Based on the calculated SAR distribution, the exposure is characterized by the SAR intensity and homogeneity. We consider different exposure arrangements as the combination of the maximum fields of the standing wave and the polarizations of the Petri dish. The maximum E field and maximum H field are used in turn in the exposure volume, where the Petri dish is polarized in the E, H, k and k directions, respectively. The best exposure arrangements are determined by measuring the intensity and homogeneity of the SAR distribution in cells. For a tight control of the thermal environment, the temperature rise in the cell culture induced by the exposure is calculated by using the finite-difference formulation of the bio-heat conduction equation. The linear relation between the maximum temperature rise and the absorbed power is determined to quantify the exposure power for the temperature control.
PWBA: A Novel Multicast Scheduling Algorithm for Wideband Multimedia Satellite Communications
Authors: Wang Zhen Yong , Liu Xiao Wei , Gu Xue Mai
Published: September 2012

Satellite multicast service expands the application of wideband multimedia satellite. Scheduling plays an important role to guarantee Quality of Service (QoS) for wideband multimedia multicast services. In this paper, considering various properties of QoS requirements of latency, throughput and priority, a PWBA multicast scheduling algorithm is proposed to balance trade-off between throughput and latency in order to providing better multimedia services in satellite networks. Comparing with the WBA and PGMF multicast scheduling policies, the proposed PWBA has better performances in both latency and throughput.
Research on Supervision on Mobile Value-Added Services Based on Game Theory
Authors: Zhao Di , Jia Chuan Liang
Published: September 2012

Since powerful supervision on the mobile value-added services lacks nowadays, the mobile market goes in to a tendency of being rather chaotic. This research will analyze the behavior of both the service providers and mobile operators, with game theory model to be established. Moreover, the Nash Equilibrium will also be considered which shows that the costs and extent of the mobile operators supervision besides the penalty for the service providers being caught will definitely influence the probability for service providers to violate the rules. On the other hand, the proportion of illegal gains shared by mobile operators and the penalty degree for service providers may be the main factors that affect the mobile operators supervision choices. At last suggestions are made on the service providers strategic choices.
Research into the Algorithm of Frequent Pattern Mining Based on across Linker
Authors: Zhao Ming Ru , Sun Yuan , Guo Jian , Dong Ping Ping
Published: September 2012

Frequent itemsets mining is an important data mining task and a focused theme in data mining research. Apriori algorithm is one of the most important algorithm of mining frequent itemsets. However, the Apriori algorithm scans the database too many times, so its efficiency is relatively low. The paper has therefore conducted a research on the mining frequent itemsets algorithm based on a across linker. Through comparing with the classical algorithm, the improved algorithm has obvious advantages.
Investigation of Dual-Beam-Implanted Oxide-Dispersed-Strengthened FeCrAl Alloy by Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy
Authors: Kögler Reinhard , Anwand Wolfgang , Richter Asta , Butterling Maik , Mücklich A. , Ou Xin , Reuther H. , Chen Chun Liang , Wagner Andreas
Published: September 2012

Oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) FeCrAl steel is a class with promising materials to be applied for future nuclear applications. However, radiation damage, especially the formation of vacancy clusters or gas-filled bubbles, may result in hardness increase and the loss of ductility. Positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) is demonstrated to be a very useful and non-destructive analysis method to detect and to determine open volume defects of sub-nm size in ODS alloy. Synchronized dual beam implantation of Fe and He ions is performed to simulate the radiation damage caused by (n, α) reactions and to avoid induced activation. For room temperature implantation, i.e. without significant point defect recombination, the differences in the defect formation are shown by comparison between irradiation of ODS alloy and pure Fe bulk. The open volume defects created in ODS alloy are vacancy clusters closely connected with dispersed Y oxide nanoparticles. Their profiles are in reasonable qualitative agreement with the hardness profiles, indicating a relationship between sub-nm vacancy clusters or He bubbles and the hardness of the material. In heat-treated ODS alloy, containing larger vacancy clusters, the radiation induced hardness increase is more distinctive than for as-received ODS alloy. For irradiation at a moderately enhanced temperature of 300°C open volume defects are drastically reduced. The few remaining defects are vacancy clusters of the same type as in as-received ODS alloy. Close to the surface the open volume defects completely disappear. These results are in agreement with the hardness measurements showing little hardness increase in this case. The suitability of ODS-based materials for nuclear applications was verified.
Application of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy to the Study of Irradiated Fe-Cr Alloys
Authors: Butterling Maik , Bergner Frank , Heintze Cornelia , Anwand Wolfgang , Ulbricht Andreas
Published: September 2012

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of Cr on the microstructure of neutron-irradiated Fe-Cr alloys. Neutron irradiation-induced damage at its early stage was simulated by ion implantation. Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy was applied to identify irradiation-induced defects depending on the Cr-content in Fe-Cr alloys. Different irradiation scenarios were used to investigate the influences of irradiation step by step.
Remarks on Scientific Poetry
Authors: Brauer Gerhard
Published: September 2012

Some personal remarks on scientific poetry in general are presented together with a little poetry collection, in particular about the positron and its fate.
Managing Abiotic Factors of Compost to Increase Soilborne Disease Suppression
Authors: Griffin Deirdre E.
Published: September 2012

Soilborne pathogens can devastate crops, causing economic losses for farmers due to reduced yields and expensive management practices. Fumigants and fungicides have harmful impacts on the surrounding environment and can be toxic to humans. Therefore, alternative methods of disease management are important. The disease suppressive abilities of composts have been recognized for several decades, and significant research has been done in order to identify substrates with effective suppression. The mechanisms of suppression are mainly biological, but abiotic aspects of the composts, such as pH, carbon to nitrogen ratio, and maturity, interact with pathogenic and biological control processes and determine efficacy of suppression. For example, Fusarium wilt is aggravated by high ammonium‐N composts (Cotxarrera et al., 2002), and mature composts with low levels of labile compounds more effectively suppress Rhizoctonia damping‐off (Trillas et al., 2006). Identification of these abiotic factors can increase efficacy of disease suppression of composts. In addition, inoculating composts with biological control agents, such as Trichoderma, has been found to increase suppressive ability in many cases.
Examining Agency Conflict in Horse Racing
Authors: Brown Alasdair
Published: September 2012

We study UK horse racing for signs of conflict between horse owners (principals) and trainers (agents). Trainers often prepare their own horses for races in addition to having outsiders' horses in their care. Utilizing betting market data to infer the expected performance of a horse, we find that owner–trainer horses outperform outsider–trainer horses, indicating that this principal–agent relationship is characterized by agent shirking. If the owner holds a large proportion of the horses in the trainer's stable, the shirking effect may be mitigated but not eradicated. In a separate result, we find that outsider–trainer horses are more inconsistent than their owner–trainer peers. As inconsistency is a sign of betting market manipulation, this suggests that the agent in this setting extracts a second, informational rent from the principal.
Biomechanical and Refractive Results of Transepithelial Cross-linking Treatment in Keratoconic Eyes
Authors: Roberts Cynthia J
Published: September 2012

Purpose

To analyze change in visual acuity (VA), refractive outcomes, corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc), corneal hysteresis (CH) and cornea resistance factor (CRF) after transepithelial cross-linking (CXL) treatment.

Setting

Kudret Eye Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

Materials and methods

A total of 32 eyes of 22 patients diagnosed with keratoconus were included in this retrospective study. Changes in VA, spheric and cylinderic refraction for all eyes were analyzed before and 3 months after transepithelial CXL. In addition, a subset of 14 eyes had data acquired using the ocular response analyzer (ORA), and for these eyes, IOPcc, CH and CRF were recorded as well as a measurement of the amplitude of the first peak in the infrared signal (peak 1), used to identify the inward applanation event. The ORA parameters were also compared before and 3 months after treatment.

Results

Uncorrected and best corrected VA increased 1.76 and 1.61 Snellen lines (p < 0.05); spheric and cylinderic refractions improved 0.74 and 0.43 D (p > 0.05) respectively. Mean changes in IOPcc, CRF and CH were not significantly different (p > 0.05). However, mean peak 1 signal value increased significantly (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Transepithelial CXL is effective in VA improvement in the short-term with an increase in the peak 1 signal value which is consistent with an increase in stiffness of cornea, whereas IOPcc, CRF and CH values remained the same.

How to cite this article

Klllç A, Roberts CJ. Biomechanical and Refractive Results of Transepithelial Cross-linking Treatment in Keratoconic Eyes. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(2):75-78.
Topometric and Tomographic Indices for the Diagnosis of Keratoconus
Authors: Ramos Isaac , Correia Fernando Faria , Lopes Bernardo , Salomão Marcella Q , Correa Rosane O
Published: September 2012

Purpose

To compare topometric (front surface curvature) and tomographic (3D corneal shape) indices for diagnosing keratoconus.

Methods

Pentacam data from one eye randomly selected of 200 normals (N) and 177 keratoconus (KC) were analyzed. Tomographic and topometric indices were tested. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated, along with pairwise comparisons.

Results

All tested variables had significant differences among N and KC (Mann-Whitney, p < 0.001). Most accurate tomographic indices had higher AUC than best topometric ones (DeLong, p < 0.05). Belin-Ambrosio D (BAD-D) had AUC of 1.00 (sensitivity 100.0%; specificity 98.5%).

Conclusion

Tomographic data was superior than topometric data to detect keratoconus. The BAD-D was an enhanced approach for detecting keratoconus.

How to cite this article

Correia FF, Ramos I, Lopes B, Salomão MQ, Luz A, Correa RO, Belin MW, Ambrósio R Jr. Topometric and Tomographic Indices for the Diagnosis of Keratoconus. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(2):92-99.
Descemet Stripping PocketMaker Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Daxer Albert , Bikbova Guzel , Bikbov Mukharram
Published: September 2012

Purpose

To develop a method of producing the transplant for Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty using the PocketMaker device (Dioptex, Austria).

Materials and methods

A new application of the PocketMaker microkeratome (Dioptex) is described for preparing thin grafts for endothelial keratoplasty. We report a case of Descemet's membrane detachment treated with a PocketMaker-prepared graft 110 mK thick.

Results

Visual acuity increased from 0.05 to 0.6. The 106 µm thick (in the center) graft remained attached and clear after Descemet stripping PocketMaker endothelial keratoplasty (DSPEK).

Conclusion

DSPEK is another use for the PocketMaker device, which can create thin endothelial grafts about 100 µm thick.

How to cite this article

Bikbova G, Bikbov M, Daxer A. Descemet Stripping PocketMaker Endothelial Keratoplasty. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(2):125-127.
Treatment of Stable Keratoconus by Cataract Surgery with Toric IOL Implantation
Authors: Lifshitz Tova , Levy Jaime , Pitchkhadze Anry
Published: September 2012

We present the case of a 73-year-old patient who underwent successful phacoemulsification and toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation to correct high stable astigmatism due to keratoconus and cataract. Preoperative refraction was −3.25 −4.0 × 98°. A toric IOL (Acrysof SN60T6) with a spherical power of 16.5 D and a cylinder power of 3.75 D at the IOL plane and 2.57 D at the corneal plane was implanted and aligned at an axis of 0°. Uncorrected visual acuity improved from 6/60 to 6/10. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity was 6/6, 6 months after the operation. In conclusion, phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation can be performed in eyes with keratoconus and cataract.

How to cite this article

Levy J, Pitchkhadze A, Lifshitz T. Treatment of Stable Keratoconus by Cataract Surgery with Toric IOL Implantation. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(2):128-130.
Computational and theoretical study of the wave-particle interaction of protons and waves
Authors: Moya P. S. , Viñas A. F. , Muñoz V. , Valdivia J. A.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. We study the wave-particle interaction and the evolution of electromagnetic waves propagating through a plasma composed of electrons and protons, using two approaches. First, a quasilinear kinetic theory has been developed to study the energy transfer between waves and particles, with the subsequent acceleration and heating of protons. Second, a one-dimensional hybrid numerical simulation has been performed, with and without including an expanding-box model that emulates the spherical expansion of the solar wind, to investigate the fully nonlinear evolution of this wave-particle interaction. Numerical results of both approaches show that there is an anisotropic evolution of proton temperature.
Simplified susceptibility analysis of shielded multiconductor transmission lines
Authors: Schetelig B. , Parr S. , Rambousky R. , Dickmann S.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. In this contribution, a new kind of coupling parameters for shielded multiconductor transmission lines is presented. These parameters are easy to calculate and simplify the vulnerability analysis of shielded cables with multiple inner conductors. In this paper, the underlying theory is derived in detail. The gained insight is demonstrated with a sample measurement.
Validation of the radiation pattern of the Middle Atmosphere Alomar Radar System (MAARSY)
Authors: Renkwitz T. , Singer W. , Latteck R. , Stober G. , Rapp M.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. In 2009/2010 the Leibniz-Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) installed a new powerful VHF radar on the island Andøya in Northern Norway (69.30° N, 16.04° E). The Middle Atmosphere Alomar Radar System (MAARSY) allows studies with high spatial and temporal resolution in the troposphere/lower stratosphere and in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere of the Arctic atmosphere. The monostatic radar is operated at 53.5 MHz with an active phased array antenna consisting of 433 Yagi antennas. Each individual antenna is connected to its own transceiver with independent phase control and a scalable power output of up to 2 kW, which implies high flexibility of beam forming and beam steering. During the design phase of MAARSY several model studies have been carried out in order to estimate the radiation pattern for various combinations of beam forming and steering. However, parameters like mutual coupling, active impedance and ground parameters have an impact on the radiation pattern, but can hardly be measured. Hence, experiments need to be designed to verify the model results. For this purpose, the radar has occasionally been used in passive mode, monitoring the noise power received from both distinct cosmic noise sources like e.g. Cassiopeia A and Cygnus A, and the diffuse cosmic background noise. The analysis of the collected dataset enables us to verify beam forming and steering attempts. These results document the current status of the radar during its development and provide valuable information for further improvement.
Pedestrian recognition using automotive radar sensors
Authors: Bartsch A. , Fitzek F. , Rasshofer R. H.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. The application of modern series production automotive radar sensors to pedestrian recognition is an important topic in research on future driver assistance systems. The aim of this paper is to understand the potential and limits of such sensors in pedestrian recognition. This knowledge could be used to develop next generation radar sensors with improved pedestrian recognition capabilities. A new raw radar data signal processing algorithm is proposed that allows deep insights into the object classification process. The impact of raw radar data properties can be directly observed in every layer of the classification system by avoiding machine learning and tracking. This gives information on the limiting factors of raw radar data in terms of classification decision making. To accomplish the very challenging distinction between pedestrians and static objects, five significant and stable object features from the spatial distribution and Doppler information are found. Experimental results with data from a 77 GHz automotive radar sensor show that over 95% of pedestrians can be classified correctly under optimal conditions, which is compareable to modern machine learning systems. The impact of the pedestrian's direction of movement, occlusion, antenna beam elevation angle, linear vehicle movement, and other factors are investigated and discussed. The results show that under real life conditions, radar only based pedestrian recognition is limited due to insufficient Doppler frequency and spatial resolution as well as antenna side lobe effects.
Scattering centers modeling of non-anechoic measurement environments
Authors: Yinusa K. A. , Schmidt C. H. , Eibert T. F.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Near-field measurements are established techniques to obtain the far-field radiation pattern of an Antenna Under Test via near-field measurements and subsequent near-field far-field transformation. For measurements acquired in echoic environments, additional post-processing is required to eliminate the effects of multipath signals in the resulting far-field pattern. One of such methods models the measurement environment as a multiple source scenario whereby the collected near-field data is attributed to the AUT and some scattering centers in the vicinity of the AUT. In this way, the contributions of the AUT at the probe can be separated from those of the disturbers during the near-field far-field transformation if the disturber locations are known. In this paper, we present ways of modeling the scattering centers on equivalent surfaces such that echo suppression is possible with only partial or no information about the geometry of the scatterers.
Simulations of magnetocardiographic signals using realistic geometry models of the heart and torso
Authors: Motrescu C. V. , Klinkenbusch L.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Although the first measurement of the cardiac magnetic field was reported almost half a century ago magnetocardiography (MCG) is not yet widely used as a clinical diagnostic technique. With the development of a new generation of magnetoelectric sensors it is believed that MCG will become widely accepted in the clinical diagnosis. Our goal is to build a computer-based tool for medical diagnosis and to use it for the clarification of open electro-physiological questions. Here we present results from modelling of the cardiac electrical activity and computation of the generated magnetic field. For the simulations we use MRT-based anatomical models of the human atria and ventricles where the shape of the action potential is determined by ionic currents passing through the cardiac cell membranes. The monodomain reaction-diffusion equation is chosen for the description of the heart's electrical activity. This equation is solved for the transmembrane voltage which is in turn used to calculate current densities at discrete time instants. In subsequent simulations these current densities represent primary sources of magnetostatic fields arising from a volume conduction problem. In these simulations the heart is placed in a realistic torso model where the lungs are also considered. Both, the volume conduction problem as well as the reaction-diffusion problem are modelled using Finite-Element techniques.
Study of Stationary Load Increase of Computer-Network Traffic via Dynamic Principal-Component Analysis
Authors: Xie Shengkun , Lawniczak Anna T.
Published: September 2012

Many network monitoring applications and performance analysis tools are based on the study of an aggregate measure of network traffic, for example, number of packets in transit (NPT). The simulation modeling and analysis of this type of performance indicator enables a theoretical investigation of the underlying complex system through different combination of network setups such as routing algorithms, network source loads or network topologies. To detect stationary increase of network source load, we propose a dynamic principal component analysis (PCA) method, first to extract data features and then to detect a stationary load increase. The proposed detection schemes are based on either the major or the minor principal components of network traffic data. To demonstrate the applications of the proposed method, we first applied them to some synthetic data and then to network traffic data simulated from the packet switching network (PSN) model. The proposed detection schemes, based on dynamic PCA, show enhanced performance in detecting an increase of network load for the simulated network traffic data. These results show usefulness of a new feature extraction method based on dynamic PCA that creates additional feature variables for event detection in a univariate time series.
Constructed Borrow-Pit Wetlands as Habitat for Aquatic Birds in the Peace Parkland, Canada
Authors: Kuczynski Eva C. , Paszkowski Cynthia A.
Published: September 2012

The Peace Parkland, Alberta, Canada is part of a continentally important region for breeding and migrating aquatic birds. As a result of resource development and agricultural conversion, many wetlands have been lost. Road construction in the area results in the creation of borrow pits, <3 ha ponds created when soil is removed to form the road bed. We surveyed 200 borrow pits for aquatic birds in May through August 2007. We examined patterns of occurrence and richness, categorizing ponds based on surrounding landscape type: agriculture (0–33.3% forest within 500 m), mixed habitat (33.4–66.6% forest), and forested (66.7–100% forest). Principal Component Analysis indicated that pond environments differed based on local and landscape features. Twenty-seven species of aquatic birds used borrow pits, with 13 nesting. Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling and Indicator Species Analysis of birds observed in each month revealed assemblages characteristic of agricultural ponds, including horned grebe, lesser scaup, American coot, and mallard, and of ponds with >33.3% forest, including bufflehead, ring-necked duck, green-winged teal, and American wigeon. Because borrow pits were used by a variety of dabbling and diving aquatic birds in repeatable assemblages across the breeding season, we propose that these wetlands be integrated into avian conservation strategies.
Shoelace Wound Closure for the Management of Fracture-Related Fasciotomy Wounds
Authors: Eid Abdelsalam , Elsoufy Mohamed
Published: September 2012

Background. Compartment syndrome is a serious complication that might occur following fractures. The treatment of choice is emergent fasciotomy of all the involved muscle compartments to lower the compartment pressure. The classic management of fasciotomy wounds was split thickness skin graft. Patients and Methods. Seventeen patients with fracture-related compartment syndrome were managed by fasciotomy in the Orthopaedic Casualty Unit of our university hospital. The fractures included four femoral fractures and 13 fractures of the tibia and fibula. Results. All fasciotomy wounds healed eventually. Wound closure occurred from the corners inward. The skin closure was obtained at an overall average of 4.2 tightening sessions (range 3–7). Fracture healing occurred at an average of 15.4 weeks (range 12 to 22 weeks). No major complications were encountered in this series. Conclusion. Closure of fasciotomy wounds by dermatotraction could be performed in a staged fashion, using inexpensive equipment readily available in any standard operating room, until skin was approximated enough to heal either through delayed primary closure or secondary healing.
Thermofluidynamic Analysis of a Combustor Chamber Coupled to a Biomass Downdraft Gasifier
Authors: Oliveira Jofran Luiz de , Martins Márcio Arêdes , Silva Jadir Nogueira da , Santos Michel de Oliveira dos , Santos William Rosário dos
Published: September 2012

Biomass is one of the most promising renewable energy sources. Abundantly, the potential as an alternative source to meet the world energy demand has been widely acknowledged. Gasification is one of the most efficient processes concerning thermochemical conversion, having as objective the production of a gas with useful energy power, known as producer gas. In order to optimize thermochemical processes such as the combustion of gases and subsequent gas mixture, computer modeling is becoming an important tool. Aiming to improve the performance of a combustion chamber, previously coupled to a downdraft gasifier, a thermofluidynamic model was elaborated and validated, using the concepts of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It was reported that temperature, pressure, and velocity distributions of the computational model showed good consistency with experimental data, which allows using this model to predict the performance of this type of combustion chambers.
C3b-Independent Complement Activation in Ischemia/Reperfusion Mesenteric Tissue Injury in Autoimmune Prone (B6.MRL/lpr) Mice
Authors: Tofferi J. , Peng S. , Moratz C. M.
Published: September 2012

Complement plays a critical role in the development of tissue injury in systemic lupus erythematosus. The B6.MRL/lpr mouse, an autoimmune prone mouse, exhibits accelerated and intensified tissue injury in the ischemia/reperfusion (IR) model. It has been demonstrated in nonautoimmune mice that inhibition of complement attenuates inflammatory tissue injury in IR models. The role of complement is not as clear in the B6.MRL/lpr strain. B6.MRL/lpr-C3 deficient animals are susceptible to injury, but long-term use of C3 inhibitors in B6.MRL/lpr-C3 competent animals restrained the development of nephritis. To clarify the role of complement in the B6.MRL/lpr strain, initial and midpathway inhibitors were evaluated. C1 inhibition attenuated tissue injury, thrombin deposition, and C5a generation in the B6.MRL/lpr strain. Downstream of C1 inhibition of C3 activation by administration of cobra venom factor suppressed IR injury in immune competent mice, but was not as effective in B6.MRL/lpr mice. C3 levels in both strains were decreased after cobra venom factor treatment; however, C5a generation, thrombin deposition, and tissue injury were observed in the B6.MRL/lpr strain. These studies suggest that in the B6.MRL/lpr autoimmune prone strain C1 activation leads to C3-dependent and C3-independent pathways of complement activation.
The Effects of Trapezoidal Groove on a Self-Acting Fluid-Lubricated Herringbone Grooves Journal Bearing
Authors: Liu Jun , Mochimaru Yoshihiro
Published: September 2012

As a self-acting fluid-lubricated herringbone grooves journal bearing, a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of grooves is considered. Trapezoidal groove shape effects on its bearing characteristics such as variations of load capacity, attitude, and friction torque for various trapezoidal angle of groove are determined.
La remise en cause contemporaine du volontarisme contractuel
Authors: Tabi Tabi Ghislain
Published: September 2012

La doctrine libérale, volontariste et individualiste pense qu’en vertu du consentement exprimé les prestations obligationnelles doivent recevoir exécution. En dehors des situations qui sont légalement prévues, nul ne peut se plaindre du défaut ou du déficit d’intérêt une fois que le contrat est conclu. L’équilibre contractuel est alors réalisé par le simple fait de l’acceptation des deux parties de contracter. Il s’agit de la coexistence des intérêts qui est caractéristique de la responsabilisation des contractants. Au demeurant critiqué, le principe de l’autonomie de la volonté ne peut plus être l’unique paradigme de gestion des relations obligationnelles. Leur configuration contemporaine est caractérisée par la prédominance de l’unilatéralisme et des pouvoirs contractuels. Cette double réalité contrarie la théorie du consentement. Phénomène déjà connu avec l’arrivée des contrats d’adhésion, la contractualisation de masse engendre aujourd’hui des contrats de dépendance encore appelés des « contrats de pouvoir ». L’objectif à atteindre est la maximisation des profits, soit l’efficience économique. Le contrat contemporain est donc malade de ses rapports de pouvoir et de dépendance, malade dans l’un de ses éléments essentiels qui est le consentement, malade par la presque négation des intérêts de la partie qui se trouve en situation de vulnérabilité, malade pour tout dire dans sa théorie générale. D’un contrôle de l’équilibre contractuel axé sur le rapport d’obligations, il serait souhaitable d’opérer un décentrement de cette vérification vers les pouvoirs contractuels.
Les apports de la linguistique à la théorie des contrats : la polyphonie du contrat, trace discursive d’une recontextualisation sociale
Authors: Bélanger André , Van Drom Andy
Published: September 2012

Dans l’article qui suit, le dernier d’une série de trois, les auteurs poursuivent leur réflexion sur le passage d’une compréhension individuelle de la théorie des contrats à une conception reflétant davantage la complexité polyphonique et intersubjective de la relation obligationnelle. À cette fin, ils appliquent les approches dialogique et polyphonique, qui concernent l’altérité discursive et la non-unicité du sujet parlant en linguistique, à la matière contractuelle. Dans un premier temps, et afin d’élaborer des définitions fonctionnelles des deux notions en question, ils cherchent à établir la pertinence et le rôle que peuvent jouer le dialogisme et la polyphonie au sein du droit des contrats. Dans un deuxième temps, ils s’attachent à l’analyse discursive du contrat comme pratique sociale afin d’évaluer le poids des considérations intralinguistiques et extralinguistiques en matière d’analyse contractuelle. Dans un troisième temps, enfin, ils démontrent comment le modèle proposé peut s’appliquer de façon concrète. Leur objectif final est de faire un autre pas vers l’intégration des concepts de dialogisme et de polyphonie dans la notion de contrat de droit privé et vers la compréhension de la raison d’être de tels phénomènes dialogiques et polyphoniques dans l’univers juridique.
Workplace Happiness of La Salle University Administrators
Authors: Famacion-Quinco Daryl S.
Published: September 2012

Administrators who are happy tend to pass on their happiness to their subordinates thus, giving them the tag of being a happiness giving person to everyone around him/her. This descriptive study was conducted to establish the level of workplace happiness of La Salle University Administrators. The result of this study would be beneficial for the top management in decision making regarding the retention and training. Moreover, the result also helps in motivating the administrators to be happy in their work and be able to help the institution in retaining the current competent, qualified employees and administrators. The study involved the members of the President’s operations council of La Salle University for Academic Year 2010-2011. Questionnaires were distributed to gather data with the retrieval rate of 71 percent. Results revealed that 50 percent of the administrators of La Salle University are happy at work. They are composed mostly of women in the age range of 30-39 years old who are tenured and secured with their job status. The administrators are greatly affected in their happiness by the belief that they are doing something worthwhile. Meanwhile, they also believe that their level of happiness is not affected by whether they are probationary in status or they have competitive salary. Keywords - workplace happiness, retention, training, La Salle University
Metal Foaming Studied In Situ by Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Diffraction of Synchrotron Radiation, X‐Ray Radioscopy, and Optical Expandometry
Authors: Jiménez Catalina , Garcia‐Moreno Francisco , Pfretzschner Beate , Kamm Paul Hans , Neu Tillmann Robert , Klaus Manuela , Genzel Christoph , Hilger André , Manke Ingo , Banhart John
Published: September 2012

Three synchronized methods are combined for studying in situ the foaming process of AlSi11 powder precursors containing either as‐received TiH2 or pre‐oxidized TiH2−x. The phase transformations are followed by energy dispersive X‐ray diffraction (ED‐XRD) of synchrotron radiation. The internal structure of the foam is monitored by X‐ray radioscopy and a video camera records the overall foam expansion. Complementary mass spectrometry follows the H2 gas release. Phase transformations of TiH2 and TiH2−x particles inside Al–Si foams are reported in this work for the first time and they are different than the ones observed for loose powders under Ar flow because the solid metal matrix initially retards H2 outgassing, but also because after melting the liquid reacts with TiH2 forming the ternary compounds Ti(AlxSi1−x)2 in the semi‐solid state and Ti(Al1−xSix)3 in the liquid state of the alloy. Further reasons for the larger expansion obtained when using pre‐oxidized TiH2−x are revealed as well. The oxide shell of pre‐oxidized TiH2−x not only shifts the onset of H2 release towards higher temperatures, but it also hinders the reaction between blowing agent and melt, stabilizing the structure of TiH2−x thus preserving its role as a good blowing agent for foaming Al‐based alloys.
Health belief model to predict sharps injuries among health care workers at first level care facilities in rural Pakistan
Authors: Yousafzai Mohammad Tahir , Siddiqui Amna Rehana , Janjua Naveed Zafar
Published: September 2012

Background

We assessed the frequency and predictors of sharp injuries (SIs) among health care workers (HCWs) at first level care facilities (FLCF) in rural Pakistan.

Method

HCWs working at public clinic (PC), privately owned licensed practitioners' clinic (LPC) and non‐licensed practitioners' clinic(NLC) were interviewed on universal precautions (UPs) and constructs of health belief model (HBM) to assess their association with SIs through negative‐binomial regression.

Results

From 365 clinics, 485 HCWs were interviewed. Overall annual rate of SIs was 192/100 HCWs/year; 78/100 HCWs among licensed prescribers, 191/100 HCWs among non‐licensed prescribers, 248/100 HCWs among qualified assistants, and 321/100 HCWs among non‐qualified assistants. Increasing knowledge score about bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) transmission (rate‐ratio (RR): 0.93; 95%CI: 0.89–0.96), fewer years of work experience, being a non‐licensed prescriber (RR: 2.02; 95%CI: 1.36–2.98) licensed (RR: 2.86; 9%CI: 1.81–4.51) or non‐licensed assistant (RR: 2.78; 95%CI: 1.72–4.47) compared to a licensed prescriber, perceived barriers (RR: 1.06; 95%CI: 1.03–1.08), and compliance with UPs scores (RR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.87–0.97) were significant predictors of SIs.

Conclusion

Improved knowledge about BBPs, compliance with UPs and reduced barriers to follow UPs could reduce SIs to HCWs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:479–487, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: White David P. , Younes Magdy K.
Published: September 2012

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by repetitive collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. Control of pharyngeal patency is a complex process relating primarily to basic anatomy and the activity of many pharyngeal dilator muscles. The control of these muscles is regulated by a number of processes including respiratory drive, negative pressure reflexes, and state (sleep) effects. In general, patients with OSA have an anatomically small airway the patency of which is maintained during wakefulness by reflex‐driven augmented dilator muscle activation. At sleep onset, muscle activity falls, thereby compromising the upper airway. However, recent data suggest that the mechanism of OSA differs substantially among patients, with variable contributions from several physiologic characteristics including, among others: level of upper airway dilator muscle activation required to open the airway, increase in chemical drive required to recruit the pharyngeal muscles, chemical control loop gain, and arousal threshold. Thus, the cause of sleep apnea likely varies substantially between patients. Other physiologic mechanisms likely contributing to OSA pathogenesis include falling lung volume during sleep, shifts in blood volume from peripheral tissues to the neck, and airway edema. Apnea severity may progress over time, likely due to weight gain, muscle/nerve injury, aging effects on airway anatomy/collapsibility, and changes in ventilatory control stability. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2541‐2594, 2012.
Adiposity of Korean school‐age children measured by national and international growth charts
Authors: Ahn Youngmee , Choi Sunha , Sohn Min
Published: September 2012

The study was conducted to explore adiposity levels of Korean children using body mass index (BMI) and comparing how three BMI charts define adiposity. The charts used were the growth standard of the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the growth references of the World Health Organization and the International Obesity Task Force. The percentage of children at different adiposity levels varied depending on which chart was used. These discrepancies arose from the different cut‐offs for adiposity and the different characteristics of the populations that were used to develop the charts. Research is needed to identify which growth charts and cut‐offs for children are most associated with health risks in later life. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36:16–25, 2013
Role of electronic excitation in phase‐change memory materials: A brief review
Authors: Li X.‐B. , Liu X. Q. , Han X. D. , Zhang S. B.
Published: September 2012

Phase‐change memory (PCM) materials, such as chalcogenide alloys, have the ability for fast and reversible transition between their amorphous and crystalline states. Owing to the large optical/electrical contrast of the two states, PCM materials have been developed for data storage. It has been generally accepted that thermal effects, caused by laser irradiation or electrical pulses, control the amorphization by melting the sample and subsequent quenching, while crystallization is realized by thermal annealing. An important element that has not been considered extensively, however, is the role of electronic excitation by optical or electrical pulse. Strictly speaking, until electrons and holes recombine, the system under external stimulus is in a non‐equilibrium environment, especially when the excitation intensity is high. This raises an important question: can the excitation alone induce phase transition for PCM data storage without the usual thermal melting? Here, we will review the recent experimental and theoretical indications and evidence in support of the electronic excitation‐induced phase change in PCM materials and discuss potential ramifications of the athermal phase‐change phenomenon for data storage.
BENEFITS OF PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATION: THE CASE OF SIMVASTATIN IN CANADA
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Xuan , Chuck Anderson W. , Ohinmaa Arto , Jacobs Philip
Published: September 2012

Background:The benefits of pharmaceutical innovations are widely diffused; they accrue to the healthcare providers, patients, employers, and manufacturers. We estimate the societal monetary benefits of simvastatin in Canada and its distribution among different beneficiaries overtime.

Methods:Monetary benefits to developing and generic manufacturers were estimated by calculating public and private revenues minus the development costs of simvastatin and the contribution toward further research and development. We used a dynamic Markov model to estimate monetary benefits to healthcare and employment sectors in terms of cost avoidance associated with prevented cardiovascular events, including stroke and myocardial infarction, and lost productivity due to disability and premature death in working population.

Results:Cumulative monetary benefits of simvastatin from 1990 to 2009 were $4.8 billion (2010 CA$), of which developing and generic manufacturers, and healthcare and employment sectors accounted for 32 percent, 27 percent, 32 percent, and 9 percent, respectively. The yearly trend showed that after the patent expired in 2002 the generic manufacturers became dominant in the market. Benefits for the healthcare sector started to decrease from 2003 corresponding to the decreasing population taking simvastatin during the same time period. Sensitivity analysis showed the higher the compliance or the efficacy, the larger the benefits to healthcare and employment sectors, while monetary benefits for manufacturers were unchanged.

Conclusions:Societal monetary benefits of simvastatin are significant and the distributions of the benefits have changed overtime. Patent, compliance, and efficacy play a vital role in the estimation of the benefits. Analysis of all beneficiaries separately overtime is important when assessing the value of pharmaceutical innovation.