bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple-level power allocation strategy for secondary users in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Chen Zhong , Gao Feifei , Zhang Zhengwei , Li James CF , Lei Ming
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we propose a new multiple-level power allocation strategy for the secondary user (SU) in cognitive radio (CR) networks. Different from the conventional strategies, where SU either stays silent or transmit with a constant/binary power depending on the busy/idle status of the primary user (PU), the proposed strategy allows SU to choose different power levels according to a carefully designed function of the receiving energy. The way of the power level selection at SU side is optimized to maximize the achievable rate of SU under the constraints of average transmit power at SU and average interference temperature to PU. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy can significantly improve the throughput of SU compared to the conventional strategies.
Retraining function in people with Parkinson’s disease using the Microsoft kinect: game design and pilot testing
Authors: Galna Brook , Jackson Dan , Schofield Guy , McNaney Roisin , Webster Mary , Barry Gillian , Mhiripiri Dadirayi , Balaam Madeline , Olivier Patrick , Rochester Lynn
Published: April 2014

Background

Computer based gaming systems, such as the Microsoft Kinect (Kinect), can facilitate complex task practice, enhance sensory feedback and action observation in novel, relevant and motivating modes of exercise which can be difficult to achieve with standard physiotherapy for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there is a current need for safe, feasible and effective exercise games that are appropriate for PD rehabilitation. The aims of this study were to i) develop a computer game to rehabilitate dynamic postural control for people with PD using the Kinect; and ii) pilot test the game’s safety and feasibility in a group of people with PD.

Methods

A rehabilitation game aimed at training dynamic postural control was developed through an iterative process with input from a design workshop of people with PD. The game trains dynamic postural control through multi-directional reaching and stepping tasks, with increasing complexity across 12 levels of difficulty. Nine people with PD pilot tested the game for one session. Participant feedback to identify issues relating to safety and feasibility were collected using semi-structured interviews.

Results

Participants reported that they felt safe whilst playing the game. In addition, there were no adverse events whilst playing. In general, the participants stated that they enjoyed the game and seven of the nine participants said they could imagine themselves using the game at home, especially if they felt it would improve their balance. The Flow State Scale indicated participants were immersed in the gameplay and enjoyed the experience. However, some participants reported that they found it difficult to discriminate between different types and orientations of visual objects in the game and some also had difficulty with the stepping tasks, especially when performed at the same time as the reaching tasks.

Conclusion

Computer-based rehabilitation games using the Kinect are safe and feasible for people with PD although intervention trials are needed to test their safety, feasibility and efficacy in the home.
Age at onset determines severity and choice of treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective study
Authors: Innala Lena , Berglin Ewa , Möller Bozena , Ljung Lotta , Smedby Torgny , Södergren Anna , Magnusson Staffan , Rantapää-Dahlqvist Solbritt , Wållberg-Jonsson Solveig
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Disease activity, severity and comorbidity contribute to increased mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We evaluated the impact of age at disease onset on prognostic risk factors and treatment in patients with early disease.

Methods

In this study, 950 RA patients were followed regularly from the time of inclusion (<12 months from symptom onset) for disease activity (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), tender and/or swollen joints, Visual Analogue Scale pain and global scores, and Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28)) and function (Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)). Disease severity, measured on the basis of radiographs of the hands and feet (erosions based on Larsen score), extraarticular disease, nodules, and comorbidities and treatment (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, biologics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) were recorded at the time of inclusion and at 5 years. Autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies and antibodies against cyclic citrullinated peptides (ACPAs)) and genetic markers (human leucocyte antibody (HLA) shared epitope and protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22)) were analysed at the time of inclusion. Data were stratified as young-onset RA (YORA) and late-onset RA (LORA), which were defined as being below or above the median age at the time of onset of RA (58 years).

Results

LORA was associated with lower frequency of ACPA (P < 0.05) and carriage of PTPN22-T variant (P < 0.01), but with greater disease activity at the time of inclusion measured on the basis of ESR (P < 0.001), CRP (P < 0.01) and accumulated disease activity (area under the curve for DAS28 score) at 6 months (P < 0.01), 12 months (P < 0.01) and 24 months (P < 0.05), as well as a higher HAQ score (P < 0.01) compared with YORA patients. At baseline and 24 months, LORA was more often associated with erosions (P < 0.01 for both) and higher Larsen scores (P < 0.001 for both). LORA was more often treated with corticosteroids (P < 0.01) and less often with methotrexate (P < 0.001) and biologics (P < 0.001). YORA was more often associated with early DMARD treatment (P < 0.001). The results of multiple regression analyses supported our findings regarding the impact of age on chosen treatment.

Conclusion

YORA patients were more frequently ACPA-positive than LORA patients. LORA was more often associated with erosions, higher Larsen scores, higher disease activity and higher HAQ scores at baseline. Nevertheless, YORA was treated earlier with DMARDs, whilst LORA was more often treated with corticosteroids and less often with DMARDs in early-stage disease. These findings could have implications for the development of comorbidities.
Genomics by the beach
Authors: Hickey Peter F , Robinson Mark D
Published: April 2014

A report on the 35th Annual Lorne Genome Conference 2014 held in Lorne, Victoria, Australia, February 16–18, 2014.
Effects of biosurfactants on the viability and proliferation of human breast cancer cells
Authors: Duarte Cristina , Gudiña Eduardo J , Lima Cristovao F , Rodrigues Ligia R
Published: April 2014

Biosurfactants are molecules with surface activity produced by microorganisms that can be used in many biomedical applications. The anti-tumour potential of these molecules is being studied, although results are still scarce and few data are available regarding the mechanisms underlying such activity. In this work, the anti-tumour activity of a surfactin produced by Bacillus subtilis 573 and a glycoprotein (BioEG) produced by Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei A20 was evaluated. Both biosurfactants were tested against two breast cancer cell lines, T47D and MDA-MB-231, and a non-tumour fibroblast cell line (MC-3 T3-E1), specifically regarding cell viability and proliferation. Surfactin was found to decrease viability of both breast cancer cell lines studied. A 24 h exposure to 0.05 g l-1 surfactin led to inhibition of cell proliferation as shown by cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. Similarly, exposure of cells to 0.15 g l-1 BioEG for 48 h decreased cancer cells’ viability, without affecting normal fibroblasts. Moreover, BioEG induced the cell cycle arrest at G1 for both breast cancer cell lines. The biosurfactant BioEG was shown to be more active than surfactin against the studied breast cancer cells. The results gathered in this work are very promising regarding the biosurfactants potential for breast cancer treatment and encourage further work with the BioEG glycoprotein.
Human adipose tissue-resident monocytes exhibit an endothelial-like phenotype and display angiogenic properties
Authors: Navarro Amparo , Marín Severiano , Riol Nicasia , Carbonell-Uberos Francisco , Miñana María Dolores
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Adipose tissue has the unique property of expanding throughout adult life, and angiogenesis is required for its growth. However, endothelial progenitor cells contribute minimally to neovascularization. Because myeloid cells have proven to be angiogenic, and monocytes accumulate in expanding adipose tissue, they might contribute to vascularization.

Methods

The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells from human adipose tissue were magnetically separated according to CD45 or CD14 expression. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were obtained from SVF CD45- cells. CD14+ monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells and then cultured with SVF-derived MSCs. Freshly isolated or cultured cells were characterized with flow cytometry; the conditioned media were analyzed for the angiogenic growth factors, angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) with Luminex Technology; their angiogenic capacity was determined in an in vivo gelatinous protein mixture (Matrigel) plug angiogenesis assay.

Results

CD45+ hematopoietic cells within the SVF contain CD14+ cells that co-express the CD34 progenitor marker and the endothelial cell antigens VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2/KDR), VEGFR1/Flt1, and Tie2. Co-culture experiments showed that SVF-derived MSCs promoted the acquisition of KDR and Tie-2 in PB monocytes. MSCs secreted significant amounts of Ang-2 and HGF, but minimal amounts of bFGF, G-CSF, or GM-CSF, whereas the opposite was observed for SVF CD14+ cells.

Additionally, SVF CD14+ cells secreted significantly higher levels of VEGF and bFGF than did MSCs. Culture supernatants of PB monocytes cultured with MSCs contained significantly higher concentrations of VEGF, HGF, G-CSF, and GM-CSF than did the supernatants from cultures without MSCs. Quantitative analysis of angiogenesis at 14 days after implantation demonstrated that neovascularization of the implants containing SVF CD14+ cells or PB monocytes previously co-cultured with MSCs was 3.5 or 2 times higher than that observed in the implants with SVF-derived MSCs. Moreover, immunofluorescence of Matrigel sections revealed that SVF CD14+ cells differentiated into endothelial cells and contributed to vascular endothelium.

Conclusions

The results from this study suggest that adipose tissue-resident monocytes should contribute to tissue vascularization. Because SVF CD14+ cells were more efficient in inducing angiogenesis than SVF-derived MSCs, and differentiated into vascular endothelial cells, they may constitute a new cell source for cell-based therapeutic angiogenesis.
A Geospatial Liquefaction Model for Rapid Response and Loss Estimation
Authors: Zhu Jing , Daley Davene , Baise Laurie G. , Thompson Eric M. , Wald David J. , Knudsen Keith L.
Published: April 2014

We describe an approach to model liquefaction extent that focuses on identifying broadly available geospatial variables (e.g., derived from digital elevation models) and earthquake-specific parameters (e.g., peak ground acceleration, PGA). A key step is database development: We focus on the 1995 Kobe and 2010–2011 Christchurch earthquakes because the presence/absence of liquefaction has been mapped so that the database is unbiased with respect to the areal extent of liquefaction. We derive two liquefaction models with explanatory variables that include PGA, shear-wave velocity, compound topographic index, and a newly defined normalized distance parameter (distance to coast divided by the sum of distance to coast and distance to the basin inland edge). To check the portability/reliability of these models, we apply them to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. We conclude that these models provide first-order approximations of the extent of liquefaction, appropriate for use in rapid response, loss estimation, and simulations.
Synthesis of Metallo-supramolecular Polymers with a Bis-ONO-tridentate Ligand by Coordination Programming
Authors: Kanao Miki , Higuchi Masayoshi
Published: April 2014

A novel ONO-type bis-tridentate ligand L1 was synthesized by a diazocoupling reaction of 3,3′-dihydroxybenzidine with 6-octyl-2-naphthol in 58% yield. Azo-hydrazo tautomerization in L1 was indicated by the NMR and IR spectra. The 1:1 complexation of L1 and Mn(III) or Co(II) ions was confirmed by titration experiments at room temperature. Mn-, Co-, and Cr-based metallo-supramolecular polymers were prepared via the 1:1 complexation of the ditopic ligand with the metal ions at 100 °C. The Mn- and Cr-based polymers exhibited reversible redox properties.
Effect of Lipid Amount on Surfactant-free Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Formation by Hot Homogenization
Authors: Oshitani Jun , Murakami Natsumi , Yoshida Mikio , Ishida Naoyuki , Imamura Koreyoshi , Ichikawa Hideki
Published: April 2014

The yield and size distribution of surfactant-free solid lipid nanoparticles (SF-SLNs) formed by hot homogenization were investigated by changing the amount of lipid (palmitic acid). The yield was 100% and monodispersed same-sized particles of 120–200 nm were formed at the lipid amount ≤2.8 × 10−4 g-lipid (g-water)−1. The yield decreased owing to phase separation, and the size increased “step-likely” to be 200–350 nm while keeping the monodispersity when the lipid amount was just above 2.8 × 10−4 g-lipid (g-water)−1. The size and the lipid amount continued to increase gradually at the lipid amount >2.8 × 10−4 g-lipid (g-water)−1. The results indicate that submicron-sized solid lipid particles can be formed without surfactants and that the decrease of yield and the step-like increase of particle size occur at the same lipid amount. The total surface area of the SF-SLNs was estimated using the experimental data. It is suggested that the total surface area and the lipid amount are correlated to each other.
Touch versus Tech: When Technology Functions as a Barrier or a Benefit to Service Encounters
Authors: Giebelhausen Michael , Robinson Stacey G. , Sirianni Nancy J. , Brady Michael K.
Published: April 2014

Interpersonal exchanges between customers and frontline service employees increasingly involve the use of technology, such as point-of-sale terminals, tablets, and kiosks. The present research draws on role and script theories to demonstrate that customer reactions to technology-infused service exchanges depend on the presence of employee rapport. When rapport is present during the exchange, the use of technology functions as an interpersonal barrier preventing the customer from responding in kind to employee rapport-building efforts, thereby decreasing service encounter evaluations. However, during service encounters in which employees are not engaging in rapport building, technology functions as an interpersonal barrier, enabling customers to retreat from the relatively unpleasant service interaction, thereby increasing service encounter evaluations. Two analyses using J.D. Power Guest Satisfaction Index data support the barrier and beneficial effects of technology use during service encounters with and without rapport, respectively. A follow-up experiment replicates this data pattern and identifies psychological discomfort as a key process that governs the effect. For managers, the results demonstrate the inherent incompatibility of initiatives designed to encourage employee–customer rapport with those that introduce technology into frontline service exchanges.
Measuring and Managing a Salesperson's Future Value to the Firm
Authors: Kumar V. , Sunder Sarang , Leone Robert P.
Published: April 2014

Research on sales force evaluation has mostly relied on reflective metrics such as sales volume, revenue, and manager evaluations to assess and manage a sales force. However, businesses are moving from a product-centric to a customer-centric view and from a backward-looking to a forward-looking strategic perspective, so sales organizations must adapt to the ever-changing marketplace to maximize performance. The authors propose a forward-looking and profit-oriented metric to evaluate and demonstrate the effects of training type and incentive type on a salesperson's future value. Using a latent class modeling approach, they identify two distinct segments in the sales force that exhibit different responses to varying levels of training and incentives. This suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to sales force management may be suboptimal. Finally, the authors also evaluate the magnitude of the proposed effects in the short run as well as the long run and show that the magnitudes of the effects could vary depending on the time horizon being considered. The authors close with a discussion of the implications for research and practice, including sales force evaluation through customer relationship management–based heuristics and optimal training and incentive management.
Reciprocity in the Principal–Multiple Agent Model
Authors: De Marco Giuseppe , Immordino Giovanni
Published: April 2014

This paper studies how incentives are affected by intention-based reciprocity preferences when the principal hires many agents. Our results describe the set of agents’ sensitivities to reciprocity required to sustain a given strategy profile. We also show that hiring reciprocal agents to implement a first- or a second-best contract will always benefit the principal if the strategy profile is symmetric. Instead, when the profile (first or second best) is asymmetric the principal’s interest might be better served by self-interested agents. We conclude the paper by clarifying when symmetric profiles are most likely to arise.
Moral Hazard and Tradeable Pollution Emission Permits
Authors: Alvarez Francisco , Camiña Ester
Published: April 2014

We consider a market for pollution emission permits in a model in which pollution, generated as by-product of firm’s activity, is determined as the sum of firm-specific random shocks and each firm’s abatement effort. In such a setting, an expected utility maximizing society demands an efficient abatement effort from each firm. We assume that the abatement effort is decided by each firm and is not observed by the environmental regulator. This leads to a moral hazard problem between firms (agents) and the regulator (principal). The regulator assigns contracts to each firm, each contract consisting of an amount of permits and a linear fine for over-polluting firms. We distinguish those policies where the regulator assigns a low number of permits (restrictive policies) and policies where the number of permits to distribute is high (permissive policies). We show that in a context of restrictive policies there exist policies that achieve efficiency and do not need to discriminate in terms of penalties among over-polluting firms when a market for permits is allowed to operate. We also find that the regulator can set up policies with low penalty levels for almost all firms. Finally, we show that in a context of permissive policies, the market leads to the same efficiency-inducing fine scheme than the corresponding one under autarky.
Defensive medicine and diagnostic testing
Authors: Plebani Mario
Published: April 2014

Defensive medicine often involves the excessive ordering of diagnostic tests. Constantly aware of the risk of malpractice liability, physicians turn to diagnostic tests with the goal of reducing the likelihood of error. Findings reported in literature suggest that medical malpractice contributes significantly to the increased use of diagnostic testing and related costs. It has also been demonstrated that defensive testing not only increases costs but harms patients to a degree that depends on the risk incurred by the test itself, its false-positive and false-negative rates, the benefits and risks of available therapies, and the prior probability of disease. Several solutions have been proposed in the attempt to address this issue, but the physician’s competence and training appear to be key factors, data from clinical trials showing that education and feedback for improving test-ordering tendencies have a prolonged effect. Particularly in the field of laboratory medicine, increasing attention is being paid to improving demand management in order to minimize inappropriate testing.
Informationswissenschaft an deutschsprachigen Universitäten – eine komparative informetrische Analyse
Authors: Friedländer Mathilde B.
Published: April 2014

Untersucht wurden die Institute für Informationswissenschaft folgender Universitäten: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Karl-Franzens- Universität Graz, Universität Hildesheim und Universität Regensburg. Für die Erhebung der Messdaten dienten die Publikationslisten aller Mitarbeiter, die an den Instituten tätig waren. Für den Zeitraum von 2003 bis einschließlich 2012 wurden über 1.000 Publikationen ermittelt. Indikatoren der szientometrischen Analyse sind die Anzahl der Publikationen, der Dokumenttyp, der Abdeckungsgrad in Fachdatenbanken, die Zitationen und der h-Index. Ausgewählte Fachdatenbanken sind Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Mendeley, CiteULike und BibSonomy. Auftretende Fehler in den Datenbanken sind genau dokumentiert und Gegenstand der Auswertung. Anhand der erhobenen Werte werden die betrachteten Institute in Relation zueinander gesetzt. Der Vergleich bezieht sich auf den Abdeckungsgrad in den zur Recherche verwendeten Datenbanken, die Produktivität sowie den wissenschaftlichen Einfluss der jeweiligen Institute.
Natural radioactivity measurements in agricultural
soil, fertilizer and crops in some specific areas of Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia
Authors: Latif Shaikh Abdul , Kinsara Abdulraheem Abdulrahman , Molla Nurul Islam , Nassef Mohamed Hamed
Published: April 2014

High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector gamma-ray spectrometry with 500 cc Marinelli beaker geometry was used for radioactivity
measurement in some specific areas of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The detection limits of 210Pb,
238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil, fertilizers, and vegetables lie mostly
below 1 Bq/kg. The activity concentrations of 238U and 226Ra in local phosphate fertilizers
were measured in the range of 236.8–879.0 Bq/kg and 101.5–297.0 Bq/kg, respectively. The respective
activity concentrations of 238U and 226Ra measured in one charge of German phosphate fertilizer are in
the range of 552.7–790.0 Bq/kg and 280.6–317.0 Bq/kg. The activity concentrations of
232Th are assessed to have maximum values up to 2.24 Bq/kg in locally manufactured phosphate
fertilizers. Local urea exhibited concentration level (Bq/kg) of 210Pb, 238U, 226Ra,
232Th and 40K below the detection limit. Mean values of activity concentrations of 238U in
agricultural soil of Wadi Fatima, Taif, Hada Al-Sham, Madina City and Abyar Al-MashiMadina are 21.7 ± 3.24, 38.2 ± 4.1,
17.6 ± 2.1, 34.3 ± 3.5 and 32.7 ± 2.4 Bq/kg, respectively. The respective mean of 226Ra activity
concentrations in those areas are 12.16 ± 1.16, 20.2 ± 1.33, 11.21 ± 0.4, 21.4 ± 1.7 and
21.0 ± 1.22 Bq/kg. The specific activity of 232Th in the respective areas has been measured as
12.6 ± 1.3, 25.3 ± 0.8, 11.5 ± 0.9, 20.4 ± 2.4 and 20.0 ± 1.2 Bq/kg. Activity concentrations of
210Pb, 238U, 226Ra and 232Th in the vegetable samples are mostly found in the
range of 0.37 Bq/kg to 37.8 Bq/kg. The 40K specific activity lies in the range of
44.4–196 Bq/kg. The calculated absorbed dose rates in the representative locations are
24.07–53.28 nGy/h.
Excitation functions and yields for cyclotron production of radiorhenium via deuteron irradiation:
natW(d,xn)181,182(A+B),183,184(m+g),186gRe nuclear reactions and tests on the production of 186gRe using
enriched 186W
Authors: Manenti Simone , Persico Elisa , Abbas Kamel , Bonardi Mauro L. , Gini Luigi , Groppi Flavia , Holzwarth Uwe , Simonelli Federica
Published: April 2014

Excitation functions, thin- and thick-target yields for the
181−186gRe and 187W radionuclides were
measured by the activation stacked-foil thecnique on natural tungsten
foils for deuteron energies up to 18.0 MeV. These cross
sections were validated by comparing the experimental results for
thick-target yields with those calculated by integration of the
thin-target yields. It was found that the maximum
186gRe content by irradiation of natural tungsten
is about 55%, a higher value compared with the one found for
proton beam, but not sufficient to use natural tungsten for medical
purposes yet. Thus, in order to have a higher specific activity
A
S of 186gRe, the use of enriched
186W target is necessary. Therefore the irradiation of
a thick target of enriched 186W by accelerated deuterons
was studied and the results for the production of
186gRe were compared with those obtained from the
irradiation of the same target by accelerated protons. It was found
that the deuteron irradiation is preferable for three reasons: larger
yield, less contamination by tantalum radioisotopes and smaller
required amount of the target, which simplify the separation of the
186gRe from the target itself.
Studies on U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr alloys for determination of Cl and F using pyrohydrolysis
Authors: Mishra Vivekchandra Guruprasad , Sali Sanjay Krishnarao , Shah Dipti Jayesh , Thakur Uday Kumar , Sawant Ramesh Mahadeo , Tomar Bhupendra Singh
Published: April 2014

Pyrohydrolysis method was studied for the separation of Cl and F from U-Zr and U-Pu-Zr alloy nuclear
fuels and determination by ion chromatography. A detailed study was performed on pyrohydrolysed
products of U-Zr alloy, obtained on heating in moist argon and oxygen atmospheres using X-ray powder
diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimtric methods. Using oxygen as the carrier gas pyrohydrolysis
performed at 900 ℃ was complete within 30 min. It was found that, moist
oxygen as carrier gas only could open the matrix completely within stipulated time. This was
attributed to the formation of α-U3O8, which was not possible in moist argon
heating for 30 min. The pyrohydrolysis in moist Ar required 60–90 min for
complete removal of halides. The method was then successfully extrapolated to U-Pu-Zr alloys. The
results showed recovery up to 90% or above for the optimized conditions.
Thermodynamic model for the solubility of Ba(SeO4, SO4) precipitates
Authors: Rai Dhanpat , Felmy Andrew R. , Moore Dean A. , Kitamura Akira , Yoshikawa Hideki , Doi Reisuke , Yoshida Yasushi
Published: April 2014

The solubility of Ba(SeO4, SO4) precipitates was determined as a function of the BaSeO4 mole fractions, ranging from
0.0015 to 0.3830, and time with an equilibration period extending to as long as 302 days. Equilibrium/steady state conditions in this
system are reached in ≤ 65 days. Pitzer's ion interaction model was used to calculate solid and aqueous phase activity
coefficients. Thermodynamic analyses showed that the data do not satisfy Gibbs-Duhem equation, thereby demonstrating that
a single-solid solution phase does not control both the selenate and sulfate concentrations. Our extensive data with log 10 [Ba]
ranging from − 3.6 to −5.9 mol kg
–1, log 10 [SeO4] ranging from − 3.6 to −5.2 mol kg
–1,
and log 10 [SO4] ranging from − 4.0 to −5.3 mol kg
–1 can be explained with the formation of an ideal
BaSeO4 solid solution phase that controls the selenium concentrations and a slightly disordered/less-crystalline BaSO4(s)
(log 10
K
○
sp =− 9.5 instead of − 10.05 for barite) that controls the sulfate concentrations. In these
experiments the BaSO4 component of the solid solution phase never reaches thermodynamic equilibrium with the aqueous
phase. Thermodynamic interpretations of the data show that both the ideal BaSeO4 solid solution phase and less-crystalline
BaSO4(s) phase are in equilibrium with each other in the entire range of BaSeO4 mole fractions investigated in this study.
2s-Excitation and Photoionization of Neon Clusters
Authors: Flesch Roman , Kosugi Nobuhiro , Knop-Gericke Axel , Rühl Eckart
Published: April 2014

Variable size neon clusters consisting mostly of surface sites are
investigated in the Ne 2s regime (44–50 eV), which is
characterized by Rydberg-/exciton-transitions. Distinct changes in
peak shape are observed upon the transition from the atom to clusters
as probed by yields of mass selected cations and threshold
photoelectron spectra, where changes in coupling to the underlying 2p
continuum are observed in clusters. Cluster size dependent changes in
cation yields are observed and rationalized in terms of a plausible
autoionization mechanism, which involves 2s ionization and is followed
by charge delocalization via Interatomic Coulombic Decay (ICD). Size-
and site-dependent changes in energy position of the Rydberg states as
well as 2s ionization energy are also observed. These results are
interpreted along with model calculations which allow us to assign the
experimental results in greater detail. The experimental and
theoretical results are also used to deduce the exchange interaction
of the Rydberg electron with the surrounding atoms and the induced
polarization of the surrounding atoms in small neon clusters.
Compensation of parasitic elements of transistor in the class f amplifier with the tuning of impedances at harmonics
Authors: Yefymovych A. P. , Krizhanovski V. G.
Published: April 2014

The authors present a new method of construction and calculation of the output load circuit (OLC) for class F power amplifiers (PA) with the addition of the third harmonic of the voltage. This method allows compensating the negative influences of parasitic elements of transistor (output capacitance — COUT, and inductance — LOUT) on the drain efficiency of the amplifier. The circuit of the parasitic elements was considered as a part of the proposed OLC. To calculate the OLC a system of three algebraic equations was compiled. The system is solved numerically relative to the three parameters of the OLC, for which the impedance on a chip of the transistor (on COUT) for odd and even harmonics corresponds to the theory of class F PAs. This method is applicable for the calculation of the OLC, which is realized in the frequency range of 300—500 MHz, where the use of elements with lumped parameters only is not always possible, while using elements with distributed parameters leads to a substantial increase in the size of the whole amplifier. In the developed OLC, the authors used elements with both lumped and distributed parameters, thus achieving a compromise between the geometric dimensions and physical realizability of the circuit elements. The proposed OLC, taking into account the parasitic elements of the transistor, allows setting impedances independently at the first and third harmonics while maintaining impedance at the second harmonic tending to zero. This makes it possible to optimize the drain efficiency at a given level of output power. The efficiency ?d = 72,5% was experimentally obtained at POUT = 1,045 W for the class F amplifier running at 400 MHz. The proposed methodology for constructing and calculating the OLC can be used to implement class F power amplifiers in the integrated-circuit form.
Local trajectory parameters estimation and detection of moving targets in rayleigh noise
Authors: Prokopenko I. G. , Vovk V. Iu. , Omelchuk I. P. , Chirka Yu. D. , Prokopenko K. I.
Published: April 2014

The problem of detection of moving targets and estimation of local trajectory parameters based on the analysis of sensor data in the form of two-dimensional image is considered. In accordance with the target and sensor models, probability distribution of noise at the output of the detector is Rayleigh distribution, while probability distribution of signal is Rice distribution. Two trajectory parameters estimation techniques are considered: ordinary least squares and Hough transform. A detection stage based on the integration of an input signal along estimated trajectory is proposed. Statistical modeling was performed and detection characteristics were obtained.
Magnetic and kinetic properties of crystals Hg1–x–yCdxDyySe
Authors: Kovalyuk T. T. , Maistruk E. V. , Maryanchuk P. D.
Published: April 2014

This paper presents research results on the magnetic and kinetic properties of Hg1–x–yCdxDyySe crystals. The coefficient of thermoelectric figure of merit of Hg1–x–yCdxDyySe crystals is determined on the basis of the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility ??has the form typical for paramagnets and decreases with the temperature increase. The growth of ? with the decrease of T results from the decrease in the disorienting effect of thermal vibrations of the atoms in crystal lattice on orientation of the magnetic moments of Dy in magnetic field. The authors have established that the characteristics of the magnetic susceptibility result from the presence of clusters with different sizes. The characteristic properties of the changes in kinetic coefficients with temperature variation for Hg1–x–yCdxDyySe samples suggests that vacancies in the Se sublattice and interstitial mercury mainly affect the transport phenomena in these crystals. It is known that mercury chalcogenides and solid solutions based on mercury interstitials and vacancies in the chalcogen sublattice are donors. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity for Hg1–x–yCdxDyySe are metallic in character, that is s decreases with increasing temperature due to decreasing mobility of electrons, the Hall coefficient of the crystals Hg1–x–yCdxDyySe does not depend on temperature, which is associated with the degeneracy of the electron gas. Thermoelectric power for Hg1–x–yCdxDyySe samples is negative and its absolute value increases with the temperature increase due to reduction in the degree of degeneracy of the electron gas. Research results indicate prospects of the application of Hg1–x–yCdxDyySe crystals in spintronics devices.
Investigation of metrological parameters of measuring system for small temperature changes
Authors: Samynina M. G. , Shigimaga V. A.
Published: April 2014

Metrological parameters of the non-standard contact device were investigated to characterize its performance in temperature change measurements in the specified temperature range. Several series thermistors with a negative temperature coefficient of resistance connected into a linearization circuit were used as the sensing element of the semiconductor device. Increasing the number of thermistors leads to improved circuitry resolving power and reduced dispersion of this parameter. However, there is the question of optimal ratio of the number of thermistors and implemented temperature resolution, due to the nonlinear resolution dependence of the number of series-connected thermoelements. An example of scheme of four similar thermistors as the primary sensor and of a standard measuring instrument, which is working in ohmmeter mode, shows the ability to measure temperature changes at the level of hundredth of a Celsius degree. In this case, a quantization error, which is determined by a resolution of the measuring system, and the ohmmeter accuracy make the main contribution to the overall accuracy of measuring small temperature changes.
All-ukrainian research and design institute of analytical instrumentation “Ukranalyt” celebrates its 45th anniversary
Authors: Dashkovsky A. A. , Mikhejeva I. L.
Published: April 2014

The paper describes history of creation and progress of the institute as a scientific organization. The information is presented on areas of scientific and technical activity, and the results obtained by the stuff during 45-years history of the enterprise.
InAspergillus nidulansthe SuppressorssuaAandsuaCCode for Release Factors eRF1 and eRF3 andsuaDCodes for a Glutamine tRNA
Authors: Liu Wen , Mellado Laura , Espeso Eduardo A , Sealy-Lewis Heather M
Published: April 2014

In Aspergillus nidulans, after extensive mutagenesis, a collection of mutants was obtained and four suppressor loci were identified genetically that could suppress mutations in putative chain termination mutations in different genes. Suppressor mutations in suaB and suaD have a similar restricted spectrum of suppression and suaB111 was previously shown to be an alteration in the anticodon of a gln tRNA. We have shown that like suaB, a suaD suppressor has a mutation in the anticodon of another gln tRNA allowing suppression of UAG mutations. Mutations in suaA and suaC had a broad spectrum of suppression. Four suaA mutations result in alterations in the coding region of the eukaryotic release factor, eRF1, and another suaA mutation has a mutation in the upstream region of eRF1 that prevents splicing of the first intron within the 5′UTR. Epitope tagging of eRF1 in this mutant results in 20% of the level of eRF1 compared to the wild-type. Two mutations in suaC result in alterations in the eukaryotic release factor, eRF3. This is the first description in Aspergillus nidulans of an alteration in eRF3 leading to suppression of chain termination mutations.
Intramuscular lipoma of the subscapularis muscle
Authors: Balabram Debora , Cabral Carla Cristina de Sousa Resende , Ricardo Filho Omar de Paula , Barros Cristovao Pinheiro de
Published: April 2014

CONTEXT: Intramuscular lipomas are benign tumors that infiltrate the muscles. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 58-year-old female patient with an axillary lump. The lump was a lipoma inside the subscapularis muscle. It is important to differentiate these lesions from liposarcomas and from other diseases that may present as axillary lumps. The most accurate imaging method for differentiating benign lipomatous tumors from liposarcomas is magnetic resonance imaging, but surgical removal of these intramuscular lesions to confirm the diagnosis is recommended. CONCLUSION: Intramuscular lipomas are a rare cause of benign axillary lumps and should be considered in making differential diagnoses on axillary masses.
Frequencies of interleukin-6, GST and progesterone receptor gene polymorphisms in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density
Authors: Moura Katia Franco , Haidar Mauro , Bonduki Claudio , Feldner Junior Paulo Cezar , Silva Ismael , Soares Junior Jose Maria , Girao Manoel Joao
Published: April 2014

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD). Studies have shown that some of the genetic components relating to lower BMD may be detected by polymorphisms. Our aim was to evaluate the frequencies of interleukin-6, GST and progesterone receptor gene polymorphisms in postmenopausal women with low BMD. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, conducted in a public university in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS : We evaluated interleukin-6 (IL-6), progesterone receptor gene (PROGINS) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) polymorphisms in 110 postmenopausal women with no previous use of hormone therapy. Tests were performed using DNA-PCR, from oral scrapings. We used Student's t-test and a logistic regression model for statistical analysis. RESULTS : Regarding IL-6 polymorphism, 58.2% of the patients were homozygotes (GG) and 41.8% had allele C (heterozygote or mutant homozygote + GC or CC). PROGINS genotype polymorphism was absent in 79% (wild homozygote or P1/P1) and present in 20.9% (heterozygote or P1/P2). Regarding GSTM1 polymorphism, the allele (1/1) was present in 72.7% of the patients and was absent in 27.3%. We found that IL-6 polymorphism had statistically significant correlations with the L2-L4 T-score (P = 0.032) and with BMD (P = 0.005). Women with IL-6 polymorphism were 2.3 times more likely to have a L2-L4 T-score of less than -1, compared with those not presenting this polymorphism. CONCLUSION: IL-6 gene polymorphism was correlated with low BMD, whereas the PROGINS and GSTM1 polymorphisms did not show any correlation.
Follow-up of women with atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H)
Authors: Lopez-Alegria Fanny , De Lorenzi Dino Soares , Quezada Orlando Poblete
Published: April 2014

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The concept that the presence of atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H) was introduced in the 2001 Bethesda System of cervical cytology classification. This nomenclature defines cervical cancer precursor lesions. The objective of this study was to investigate the colpocytological-histological results from a three-year follow-up conducted on a cohort of women with reports of ASC-H who were attended during 2005-2006 at clinics of the Southern Metropolitan Healthcare Service of Santiago, Chile. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study at primary healthcare clinics in Santiago, Chile. METHODS : Colpocytological-histological follow-up was conducted over a three-year period on 92 women with cytological reports of ASC-H who were attended at primary healthcare clinics during 2005-2006. RESULTS : At the end of the follow-up period, high-grade lesions were evaluated and the following outcomes were observed: seven women presented invasive cancer (7.6%), 49 presented high-grade lesions (53.3%), 26 presented low-grade lesions (28.2%) and 10 presented normal results (10.9%). The "Conditional Probabilities Tree Diagram" was used to show the results from tests and the times of lesion detection. It demonstrated that, after a first report of ASC-H, clinical management needed to be interventionist. CONCLUSION: The follow-up on our cohort of women showed that the majority of uncertain ASC-H diagnoses (82.6%) had abnormal colposcopic results and that during the follow-up using ASC-H smears, two out of every three women developed high-grade lesions.
Muir-Torre Syndrome: case report and molecular characterization
Authors: Rios Carolina Alejandra , Villalon Ricardo , Munoz Jorge , Acuna Monica , Cifuentes Lucia
Published: April 2014

CONTEXT: Muir-Torre syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis caused by mutations in the mismatch repair genes. It is characterized by the presence of sebaceous skin tumors and internal malignancies, affecting mainly the colon, rectum and urogenital tract. Awareness of this syndrome among physicians can lead to early diagnosis of these malignancies and a better prognosis. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a Chilean patient who, over the course of several years, had multiple skin lesions, endometrial cancer and colon cancer. The syndrome was diagnosed using molecular techniques such as microsatellite instability analysis, immunohistochemistry and DNA sequencing, which allowed us to find the causative mutation. CONCLUSION: Molecular diagnostics is a highly useful tool, since it allows clinicians to confirm the presence of mutations causing Muir-Torre syndrome. It is complementary to the analysis of the clinical data, such as dermatological presentation, presence of visceral malignancies and family history of colorectal tumors, and it provides important knowledge to help physicians and patients choose between treatment options.
Ruído e seus impactos nos hospitais brasileiros: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Filus Walderes Aparecida , Pivatto Liane Fuhr , Fontoura Francisca Pinheiro , Koga Marilu Rita Villa , Albizu Evelyn Joice , Soares Vânia Muniz Néquer , Lacerda Adriana Bender Moreira de , Gonçalves Cláudia Giglio de Oliveira
Published: April 2014

O aumento dos níveis de ruído nos hospitais, atribuído a diferentes fatores, dentre eles a grande incorporação de tecnologias, a concentração e o fluxo de pessoas e a não observância do silêncio pela própria equipe de trabalho e usuários do serviço, pode impactar negativamente no processo de trabalho e na saúde de profissionais e usuários. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar revisão de literatura nacional sobre ruído em serviços hospitalares no Brasil, analisando aspectos referentes à produção científica, aos métodos de mensuração, aos níveis de ruído presentes nos hospitais, e às conclusões e estratégias propostas nos estudos analisados. O nível de ruído nos hospitais brasileiros está acima dos padrões recomendados acarretando impactos nesses serviços. Existe um relativo acúmulo de conhecimento sobre o tema no Brasil. Para ampliação desse conhecimento foram recomendados estudos de intervenção para mitigação do excesso de ruídos nos hospitalais. O controle do ruído nos hospitais deve ser considerado como uma das prioridades para melhoria de sua ambiência.
Fatores que interferem no desempenho de usuários de implante coclear em testes de percepção de fala
Authors: Meneses Michelle Sales de , Cardoso Carolina Costa , Silva Isabella Monteiro de Castro
Published: April 2014

Objetivo : analisar os fatores que interferem no desempenho de usuários de implante coclear em testes de percepção de fala.Métodos : foram aplicados questionários e testes de percepção de fala em 25 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, portadores de perda auditiva neurossensorial e usuários de IC unilateral.Resultados : - 48% dos participantes atingiram bom desempenho nos resultados dos testes de percepção de fala, apresentando porcentagens maiores ou iguais a 50 % de acertos. - Os participantes que obtiveram melhores resultados não são necessariamente os que possuem maior idade auditiva. - Dos 12 participantes que atingiram desempenho acima de 50%, 10 (83,3%) foram implantados mais precocemente (até 5 anos). - O uso do AASI na orelha contralateral influenciou significantemente nos índices de reconhecimento das palavras ou sentenças. - Os participantes que iniciaram o uso de AASI mais cedo não foram necessariamente os que apresentaram melhores resultados nos testes.Conclusão : a ativação mais precoce dos IC mostrou-se uma variável importante no desempenho dos testes. - O uso do AASI na orelha contralateral influenciou significantemente nos índices de reconhecimento das palavras ou sentenças.
Alterações no controle motor mandibular e cervical de crianças com paralisia cerebral
Authors: Schmidt Kelly Cristine , Briesemeister Marianne , Ries Lilian Gerdi Kittel
Published: April 2014

Objetivo: analisar a atividade elétrica dos músculos Temporal e Masseter e o padrão de postura e movimento de cabeça e mandíbula de crianças com Paralisia Cerebral (PC).Métodos: a amostra deste estudo compreendeu 32 voluntários com PC espástica e com Desenvolvimento Típico, com a faixa etária de 7 a 13 anos de idade, caracterizados com base na Classificação de Angle e Critério de Diagnóstico para Pesquisa das Disfunções Temporomandibulares (RDC/TMD). De forma simultânea, foram avaliadas a postura e movimentação da cabeça e mandíbula e a atividade elétrica dos músculos Temporal e Masseter por meio da cinemática e eletromiografia.Resultados: a PC não foi associada a presença de DTM ou com a alteração da oclusão dentária. No grupo PC, foi observada maior assimetria do músculo temporal (p<0.05), maior extensão da cabeça na máxima abertura da boca (p<0.05), maior amplitude de extensão da cabeça (p<0.01) e maior amplitude de projeção anterior da cabeça (p<0.05).Conclusão: a maior assimetria na atividade muscular, a maior extensão e projeção anterior da cabeça durante o ciclo mastigatório podem ser causas das desordens da função motora oral das crianças com PC.