bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Normalized Weighted Bonferroni Mean and Its Application in Multicriteria Decision Making
Authors: Zhou Wei , He Jian-min
Published: September 2012

The Bonferroni mean (BM) was introduced by Bonferroni six decades ago but has been a hot research topic recently since its usefulness of the aggregation techniques. The desirable characteristic of the BM is its capability to capture the interrelationship between input arguments. However, the classical BM and GBM ignore the weight vector of aggregated arguments, the general weighted BM (WBM) has not the reducibility, and the revised generalized weighted BM (GWBM) cannot reflect the interrelationship between the individual criterion and other criteria. To deal with these issues, in this paper, we propose the normalized weighted Bonferroni mean (NWBM) and the generalized normalized weighted Bonferroni mean (GNWBM) and study their desirable properties, such as reducibility, idempotency, monotonicity, and boundedness. Furthermore, we investigate the NWBM and GNWBM operators under the intuitionistic fuzzy environment which is more common phenomenon in modern life and develop two new intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators based on the NWBM and GNWBM, that is, the intuitionistic fuzzy normalized weighted Bonferroni mean (IFNWBM) and the generalized intuitionistic fuzzy normalized weighted Bonferroni mean (GIFNWBM). Finally, based on the GIFNWBM, we propose an approach to multicriteria decision making under the intuitionistic fuzzy environment, and a practical example is provided to illustrate our results.
Forced Air-Breathing PEMFC Stacks
Authors: Dhathathreyan K. S. , Rajalakshmi N. , Jayakumar K. , Pandian S.
Published: September 2012

Air-breathing fuel cells have a great potential as power sources for various electronic devices. They differ from conventional fuel cells in which the cells take up oxygen from ambient air by active or passive methods. The air flow occurs through the channels due to concentration and temperature gradient between the cell and the ambient conditions. However developing a stack is very difficult as the individual cell performance may not be uniform. In order to make such a system more realistic, an open-cathode forced air-breathing stacks were developed by making appropriate channel dimensions for the air flow for uniform performance in a stack. At CFCT-ARCI (Centre for Fuel Cell Technology-ARC International) we have developed forced air-breathing fuel cell stacks with varying capacity ranging from 50 watts to 1500 watts. The performance of the stack was analysed based on the air flow, humidity, stability, and so forth, The major advantage of the system is the reduced number of bipolar plates and thereby reduction in volume and weight. However, the thermal management is a challenge due to the non-availability of sufficient air flow to remove the heat from the system during continuous operation. These results will be discussed in this paper.
Refractured Well Selection for Multicriteria Group Decision Making by Integrating Fuzzy AHP with Fuzzy TOPSIS Based on Interval‐Typed Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Li Tiejun , Jin Jianhua , Li Chunquan
Published: September 2012

Multicriteria group decision making (MCGDM) research has rapidly been developed and become a hot topic for solving complex decision problems. Because of incomplete or non‐obtainable information, the refractured well‐selection problem often exists in complex and vague conditions that the relative importance of the criteria and the impacts of the alternatives on these criteria are difficult to determine precisely. This paper presents a new model for MCGDM by integrating fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with fuzzy TOPSIS based on interval‐typed fuzzy numbers, to help group decision makers for well‐selection during refracturing treatment. The fuzzy AHP is used to analyze the structure of the selection problem and to determine weights of the criteria with triangular fuzzy numbers, and fuzzy TOPSIS with interval‐typed triangular fuzzy numbers is proposed to determine final ranking for all the alternatives. Furthermore, the algorithm allows finding the best alternatives. The feasibility of the proposed methodology is also demonstrated by the application of refractured well‐selection problem and the method will provide a more effective decision‐making tool for MCGDM problems.
Use of Zirconia to Restore Severely Worn Dentition: A Case Report
Authors: Agrawal Manish , Sankeshwari Banashree , Pattanshetti Channaveer V.
Published: September 2012

The management of tooth wear has been a subject of increasing interest from both preventive and restorative points of view. Severe tooth wear is frequently multifactorial and variable. Successful management is a subject of interest in dentistry. A critical aspect is to determine the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) and a systematic approach that can lead to a predictable and favorable treatment prognosis. Management of patients with worn dentition is complex and difficult. Accurate clinical and radiographic examinations, a diagnostic wax-up, and determining OVD are crucial. This paper describes the full-mouth rehabilitation of a 47-year-old bruxer with a severely worn dentition.
A Novel Anonymous Proxy Signature Scheme
Authors: Chou Jue-Sam
Published: September 2012

Recently, several studies about proxy signature schemes have been conducted. In 2009, Yu et al. proposed an anonymous proxy signature scheme attempting to protect the proxy signer's privacy from outsiders. They claimed that their scheme can make the proxy signer anonymous. However, based on our research, we determined that this was not the case and the proxy signer's privacy was not anonymous. Hence, in this paper, we propose a new anonymous proxy signature scheme that truly makes the proxy signer anonymous while making it more secure and efficient when compared with Yu et al.'s scheme. Our proxy signature scheme consists of two contributions. First, we mainly use random numbers and bilinear pairings to attain the anonymous property. Secondly, we increase the security and efficiency of our proxy in the design.
How Do German SMEs Cope with the Increasing Need for Flexibility?
Authors: Roitzsch Katharina , Hacker Winfried , Pietrzyk Ulrike , Debitz Uwe
Published: September 2012

Within this study a qualitative approach was chosen to find out whether German SMEs deal with flexibility requirements rather strategically or intuitively. Results show that many SMEs do not show strategic approaches. Possible reasons are seen in lacking organizational resources as well as the limited training of the CEOs. A toolbox has been developed to offer applicable information about flexibility measures on a low level.
Design and Experiment on Single-Chip Microprocessor for MRD Coupling Sensing and Control
Authors: Guo Ying-Qing , Liu Tao , Xu Zhao-Dong , Chen Yong
Published: September 2012

Magnetorheological (MR) damper, a kind of intelligent vibration mitigation device, can be used to reduce the vibration or dynamic responses of structures. Its damping forces can be adjusted in real-time by updating control currents of the MR damper according to the state parameters of the structure. In this paper, a single-chip microprocessor (SCM) for MR damper coupling sensing and control is developed. The SCM has three main functions: the first one is that it can collect the acceleration responses of the structure by using the acceleration sensor in real-time; the second one is that it can use the segmented control strategy to decide the control currents of the MR damper according to the collected acceleration information; the third one is that based on the PWM technology it can realize to accurately supply power for the MR damper. The developed SCM is tested through experiment. The analysis results of the simulation and experiment show that the SCM can collect the state information of the structure in real-time and realize to choose the currents of MR damper accurately to control the damping forces of the MR damper.
Visual Odometry through Appearance- and Feature-Based Method with Omnidirectional Images
Authors: Valiente García David , Fernández Rojo Lorenzo , Gil Aparicio Arturo , Payá Castelló Luis , Reinoso García Oscar
Published: September 2012

In the field of mobile autonomous robots, visual odometry entails the retrieval of a motion transformation between two consecutive poses of the robot by means of a camera sensor solely. A visual odometry provides an essential information for trajectory estimation in problems such as Localization and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping). In this work we present a motion estimation based on a single omnidirectional camera. We exploited the maximized horizontal field of view provided by this camera, which allows us to encode large scene information into the same image. The estimation of the motion transformation between two poses is incrementally computed, since only the processing of two consecutive omnidirectional images is required. Particularly, we exploited the versatility of the information gathered by omnidirectional images to perform both an appearance-based and a feature-based method to obtain visual odometry results. We carried out a set of experiments in real indoor environments to test the validity and suitability of both methods. The data used in the experiments consists of a large sets of omnidirectional images captured along the robot's trajectory in three different real scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate the accuracy of the estimations and the capability of both methods to work in real-time.
Adaptive Finite Element Method for Optimal Control Problem Governed by Linear Quasiparabolic Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Shen Wanfang , Su Hua
Published: September 2012

The mathematical formulation for a quadratic optimal control problem governed by a linear quasiparabolic integrodifferential equation is studied. The control constrains are given in an integral sense: . Then the a posteriori error estimates in L∞(0, T; H1(Ω))‐norm and L2(0, T; L2(Ω))‐norm for both the state and the control approximation are given.
Prevention of Invasive Cervical Cancer in the United States: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Pierce Campbell Christine M. , Menezes Lynette J. , Paskett Electra D. , Giuliano Anna R.
Published: September 2012

Over the past several decades, invasive cervical cancer (ICC) incidence in the United States has declined dramatically. Much of this decline has been attributed to widespread use of cytology screening followed by treatment of precancerous lesions. Despite available technologies to prevent ICC and screening programs targeting high-risk women, certain populations in the United States experience disproportionately high rates of ICC (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities and rural women). Limited access to and use of screening/follow-up services underlie this disparity. The licensure of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2006 introduced an additional method of ICC prevention. Unfortunately, dissemination of the vaccine to age-eligible females has been lower than expected (32% have received all 3 recommended doses). Decreasing the burden of HPV infection and HPV-related diseases in the United States will require greater dissemination of the HPV vaccine to adolescents and young adults, along with successful implementation of revised ICC screening guidelines that incorporate HPV and cytology cotesting. While a future without ICC is possible, we will need a comprehensive national health care program and innovative approaches to reduce ICC burden and disparities. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1402–8. ©2012 AACR.
Cervical Cancer Burden and Prevention Activities in Europe
Authors: Kesic Vesna , Poljak Mario , Rogovskaya Svetlana
Published: September 2012

Cervical cancer is an important public health care problem in Europe. The overall incidence rate of cervical cancer in Europe is 10.6 per 100,000. However, within Europe, the incidence rates significantly differ, being lower in Western Europe where prevention programs are better developed. Significantly higher are the incidence and mortality rates in Central and Eastern Europe, being in close correlation to the intensity of organized screening. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are being delivered to the low-incidence populations that already have extensive screening programs, whereas the high-incidence countries have not implemented the vaccination programs yet. The resolution of the problem of cervical cancer control in Europe will be a matter of the implementation of public health care programs across the whole continent. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1423–33. ©2012 AACR.
Circulating miRNAs as Surrogate Markers for Circulating Tumor Cells and Prognostic Markers in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Madhavan Dharanija , Zucknick Manuela , Wallwiener Markus , Cuk Katarina , Modugno Caroline , Scharpff Martina , Schott Sarah , Heil Jörg , Turchinovich Andrey , Yang Rongxi , Benner Axel , Riethdorf Sabine , Trumpp Andreas , Sohn Christof , Pantel Klaus , Schneeweiss Andreas , Burwinkel Barbara
Published: September 2012

Purpose: The use of circulating tumor cells (CTC) as a prognostic marker in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has been well established. However, their efficacy and accuracy are still under scrutiny mainly because of methods of their enrichment and identification. We hypothesized that circulating miRNAs can predict the CTC status of patients with MBC, and tested for the same. Furthermore, we aimed at establishing a panel of circulating miRNAs capable of differentiating MBC cases from healthy controls.

Experimental Design: Circulating miRNAs from plasma of CTC-positive and CTC-negative patients with MBC, and healthy controls, were profiled by TaqMan Human MicroRNA arrays. Candidates from the initial screen were validated in an extended cohort of 269 individuals (61 CTC-positive, 72 CTC-negative, 60 CTC-low MBC cases, and 76 controls).

Results: CTC-positive had significantly higher levels of miR-141, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-203, miR-210, miR-375, and miR-801 than CTC-negative MBC and controls (P < 0.00001), whereas miR-768-3p was present in lower amounts in MBC cases (P < 0.05). miR-200b was singled out as the best marker for distinguishing CTC-positive from CTC-negative patients (AUC 0.88). We identified combinations of miRNAs for differentiating MBC cases from controls (AUC 0.95 for CTC-positive; AUC 0.78 for CTC-negative). Combinations of miRNAs and miR-200b alone were found to be promising prognostic marker for progression-free and overall survival.

Conclusion: This is the first study to document the capacity of circulating miRNAs to indicate CTC status and their potential as prognostic markers in patients with MBC. Clin Cancer Res; 18(21); 5972–82. ©2012 AACR.
Language and Being Human in Technology
Authors: van der Laan J. M.
Published: September 2012

This essay considers the analysis Jacques Ellul carried out about the devaluation of language. This investigation also explores the consequences of that devaluation (or humiliation as Ellul called it) wrought by our orientation to technology. Our existence in technology transforms language and our use of it, shifting emphasis as well to the visual image. The technological mindset encourages a disregard for language. It entails as well the disuse and misuse of what is perhaps most human about us, language. As language conforms to the technological order, our thought processes, narratives, relationships, freedom, even being human are altered and threatened.
Three-dimensional impact: energy-based modeling of tangential compliance
Authors: Jia Yan-Bin
Published: September 2012

Impact is indispensable in robotic manipulation tasks in which objects and/or manipulators move at high speeds. Applied research using impact has been hindered by underdeveloped computational foundations for rigid-body collision. This paper studies the computation of tangential impulse as two rigid bodies in the space collide at a point with both tangential compliance and friction. It extends Stronge’s spring-based planar contact structure to three dimensions by modeling the contact point as a massless particle able to move tangentially on one body while connected to an infinitesimal region on the other body via three orthogonal springs. Slip or stick is indicated by whether the particle is still or moving. Impact analysis is carried out using normal impulse rather than time as the only independent variable, unlike in previous work on tangential compliance. This is due to the ability to update the energies stored in the three springs. Collision is governed by a system of differential equations that are solvable numerically. Modularity of the impact model makes it easy to be integrated into a multibody system, with one copy at each contact, in combination with a model for multiple impacts that governs normal impulses at different contacts.
The Impact of an Urban WalMart Store on Area Businesses
Authors: Merriman David , Persky Joseph , Davis Julie , Baiman Ron
Published: September 2012

This study, the first on the impact of a WalMart in a large city, draws on three annual surveys of enterprises within a four-mile radius of a new Chicago WalMart. It shows that the probability of going out of business was significantly higher for establishments close to that store. This probability fell off at a rate of 6% per mile in all directions. Using this relationship, we estimate that WalMart’s opening resulted in the loss of approximately 300 full-time equivalent jobs in nearby neighborhoods. This loss about equals WalMart’s own employment in the area. Our analysis of separate data on sales tax receipts shows that after its opening there was no net increase in retail sales in WalMart’s own and surrounding zip codes. Overall, these results support the contention that large-city WalMarts, like those in small towns, absorb retail sales from nearby stores without significantly expanding the market.
The Importance of Qualitative Research for Causal Explanation in Education
Authors: Maxwell Joseph A.
Published: September 2012

The concept of causation has long been controversial in qualitative research, and many qualitative researchers have rejected causal explanation as incompatible with an interpretivist or constructivist approach. This rejection conflates causation with the positivist theory of causation, and ignores an alternative understanding of causation, variously known as a “generative,” “process,” or “realist” approach, which is influential in philosophy and is becoming widespread in the social sciences and history. This alternative approach to causation is compatible with the practice and “theory-in-use” of many qualitative researchers and enables qualitative researchers to credibly make and support causal claims. It also enables them to defend their work against the dismissal of qualitative methods by proponents of “science-based” research, since the latter assumes a positivist understanding of causation. Adequate causal explanations in the social sciences depend on the in-depth understanding of meanings, contexts, and processes that qualitative research can provide.
Isolated hypomagnesemia in a patient treated with capecitabine
Authors: Rajapakse Senaka , Rodrigo Chaturaka , Rajapakse Anoja C
Published: September 2012

Hypomagnesemia is known to occur for a variety of renal, gastrointestinal and other causes, and is often associated with other electrolyte and metabolic disturbances. We present a case of isolated hypomagnesemia in a patient who had been treated with the chemotherapy agent capecitabine. The approach to diagnosis and treatment is discussed. We postulate that capecitabine may cause isolated hypomagnesemia, possibly due to renal magnesium loss.
New ways to leadership development: A picture paints a thousand words
Authors: Schyns Birgit , Tymon Alex , Kiefer Tina , Kerschreiter Rudolf
Published: September 2012

Mainstream leadership development often focuses only on leaders themselves and existing models that purport to help these individuals become better at leading. However, this sort of leader development (as opposed to leadership development) is questionable with regard to efficiency and effectiveness. We argue here that this may be due to a lack of acknowledgement of leaders’ (and followers’) implicit leadership theories (Eden and Leviatan, 1975) in the context of leader and leadership development. In an attempt to broaden the scope of leadership development, we present the results of using a drawing exercise as a learning tool. This exercise serves to assess leaders’ (and followers’) implicitly held images of leaders and allows for contextual information derived from the exercise to be included in development interventions. Results show that participants draw metaphors and symbols as well as real and generic people. Furthermore, most drawings are of male leaders, and only few drawings contain followers. Based on the results, we critically reflect upon implications for leadership learning and development and argue that implicit leadership theories can provide a valuable starting point for leadership development.
Beyond belief
Authors: Cromby John
Published: September 2012

Psychology, including health psychology, frequently invokes the concept of belief but almost never defines it. Drawing upon scholarship associated with the ‘affective turn’, this article argues that belief might usefully be understood as a structure of socialized feeling, contingently allied to discursive practices and positions. This conceptualization is explained, and its implications for health psychology discussed with respect to research on religiosity and spirituality and debates about the value of social cognition models such as the theory of planned behaviour.
Visual analytics of movement: An overview of methods, tools and procedures
Authors: Andrienko Natalia , Andrienko Gennady
Published: September 2012

Analysis of movement is currently a hot research topic in visual analytics. A wide variety of methods and tools for analysis of movement data has been developed in recent years. They allow analysts to look at the data from different perspectives and fulfil diverse analytical tasks. Visual displays and interactive techniques are often combined with computational processing, which, in particular, enables analysis of a larger number of data than would be possible with purely visual methods. Visual analytics leverages methods and tools developed in other areas related to data analytics, particularly statistics, machine learning and geographic information science. We present an illustrated structured survey of the state of the art in visual analytics concerning the analysis of movement data. Besides reviewing the existing works, we demonstrate, using examples, how different visual analytics techniques can support our understanding of various aspects of movement.
A qualitative study on Iranian nurses’ experiences and perspectives on how to provide safe care in clinical practice
Authors: Vaismoradi Mojtaba , Salsali Mahvash , Turunen Hannele , Bondas Terese
Published: September 2012

Nurses are the healthcare providers who are well positioned to strengthen patient safety through providing safe care in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences and perspectives of Iranian nurses in relation to how to provide safe care in clinical practice. A qualitative design by using a content analysis approach was applied for the data gathering and analysis. After employing a purposive sampling to choose 16 bachelor’s degree nurses working in the medical and surgical wards of a referral teaching hospital in an urban area of Iran, semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. During the data analysis, three main themes emerged: ‘providing safe care as the patient’s right’, with the subthemes: ‘feeling a personal commitment’ and ‘incorporating patients’ feelings of safety into providing safe care’, ‘encouraging reciprocal accountability in healthcare professionals’ and ‘leadership commitment to safe care’. The findings suggest that educators should provide more information during nurses’ education to focus on the moral duty to provide safe care. In addition, the provision of safe care needs the commitment and collaboration of all healthcare professionals, as well as the leadership of nursing for removing obstacles to nurses’ efforts to making the healthcare system safer.
Negotiated order: The groundwork for a theory of offending pathways
Authors: McAra Lesley , McVie Susan
Published: September 2012

This article explores the role which formal and informal regulatory orders play in the development of offender identity. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data from the Edinburgh Study of Youth Transitions and Crime, it argues that the cultural practices of formal orders (such as those imposed by schools and the police) and informal orders (such as the rules governing peer interactions) mirror each other in respect of their fundamental dynamics – animated primarily by an inclusionary–exclusionary imperative. Formal orders differentiate between categories of young people on the basis of class and suspiciousness. Informal orders differentiate between individuals on the basis of adherence to group norms, territorial sovereignty, and gender appropriate demeanour. Being excluded by either set of orders undermines the capacity of the individual to negotiate, limits autonomy and constrains choice. This renders the individual more likely to absorb identities ascribed to them with damaging consequences in terms of offending behaviour and the individual’s sense of self.
Fe-loaded zeolites as catalysts in the formation of humic substance-like darkcoloured polymers in polycondensation reactions of humic precursors
Authors: Fukuchi S. , Fukushima M. , Nishimoto R. , Qi G. , Sato T.
Published: September 2012

To enhance the catalytic activities of zeolites for the polycondensation reactions of humic precursors, Fe was loaded into a zeolite via an ion-exchange reaction and the resulting product was subjected to calcination at 773 K. Two types iron-loaded zeolites were prepared using one equivalent (Fe-Z-1) and 10-equivalents (Fe-Z-10) of Fe2+ to the cation-exchange capacity of a natural zeolite from Niki town (Hokkaido, Japan). X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra showed that the Fe(II) that was originally loaded into the cation-exchange sites in the zeolite became oxidized to a Fe(III) ionic species during the preparation. The catalytic activities of each zeolite were evaluated, based on the degree of darkening for reaction mixtures containing catechol, glycine and glucose as model humic precursors. The catalytic activities of Fe-Z-1 and Fe-Z-10 were higher than that for an untreated zeolite, and increased with the amount of Fe in the zeolite.
A mechanistic basis for amplification differences between samples and between genome regions
Authors: Veal Colin D , Freeman Peter J , Jacobs Kevin , Lancaster Owen , Jamain Stéphane , Leboyer Marion , Albanes Demetrius , Vaghela Reshma R , Gut Ivo , Chanock Stephen J , Brookes Anthony J
Published: September 2012

Background

For many analytical methods the efficiency of DNA amplification varies across the genome and between samples. The most affected genome regions tend to correlate with high C + G content, however this relationship is complex and does not explain why the direction and magnitude of effects varies considerably between samples.

Results

Here, we provide evidence that sequence elements that are particularly high in C + G content can remain annealed even when aggressive melting conditions are applied. In turn, this behavior creates broader ‘Thermodynamically Ultra-Fastened’ (TUF) regions characterized by incomplete denaturation of the two DNA strands, so reducing amplification efficiency throughout these domains.

Conclusions

This model provides a mechanistic explanation for why some genome regions are particularly difficult to amplify and assay in many procedures, and importantly it also explains inter-sample variability of this behavior. That is, DNA samples of varying quality will carry more or fewer nicks and breaks, and hence their intact TUF regions will have different lengths and so be differentially affected by this amplification suppression mechanism – with ‘higher’ quality DNAs being the most vulnerable. A major practical consequence of this is that inter-region and inter-sample variability can be largely overcome by employing routine fragmentation methods (e.g. sonication or restriction enzyme digestion) prior to sample amplification.
A new stoichiometric miniaturization strategy for screening of industrial microbial strains: application to cellulase hyper-producing Trichoderma reesei strains
Authors: Jourdier Etienne , Poughon Laurent , Larroche Christian , Monot Frédéric , Chaabane Fadhel Ben
Published: September 2012

Background

During bioprocess development, secondary screening is a key step at the boundary between laboratory and industrial conditions. To ensure an effective high-throughput screening, miniaturized laboratory conditions must mimic industrial conditions, especially for oxygen transfer, feeding capacity and pH stabilization.

Results

A feeding strategy has been applied to develop a simple screening procedure, in which a stoichiometric study is combined with a standard miniaturization procedure. Actually, the knowledge of all nutriments and base or acid requirements leads to a great simplification of pH stabilization issue of miniaturized fed-batch cultures. Applied to cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei, this strategy resulted in a stoichiometric mixed feed of carbon and nitrogen sources. While keeping the pH between shake flask and stirred bioreactor comparable, the developed shake flask protocol reproduced the strain behaviour under stirred bioreactor conditions. Compared to a an already existing miniaturized shake flasks protocol, the cellulase concentration was increased 5-fold, reaching about 10 g L-1. Applied to the secondary screening of several clones, the newly developed protocol succeeded in selecting a clone with a high industrial potential.

Conclusions

The understanding of a bioprocess stoichiometry contributed to define a simpler and more effective miniaturization. The suggested strategy can potentially be applied to other fed-batch processes, for the screening of either strain collections or experimental conditions.
Health-related quality of life in patients with dual diagnosis: clinical correlates
Authors: Benaiges Irina , Prat Gemma , Adan Ana
Published: September 2012

Background

Although the studies published so far have found an affectation in the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) in both psychiatric and substance use dependence disorders, very few studies have applied HRQOL as an assessment measure in patients suffering both comorbid conditions, or Dual Diagnosis. The aim of the current study was to assess HRQOL in a group of patients with Dual Diagnosis compared to two other non-comorbid groups and to determine what clinical factors are related to HRQOL.

Methods

Cross-sectional assessment of three experimental groups was made through the Short Form – 36 Item Health Survey (SF-36). The sample consisted of a group with Dual Diagnosis (DD; N = 35), one with Severe Mental Illness alone (SMI; N = 35) and another one with Substance Use Dependence alone (SUD; N = 35). The sample was composed only by males. To assess the clinical correlates of SF-36 HRQOL, lineal regression analyses were carried out.

Results

The DD group showed lower scores in most of the subscales, and in the mental health domain. The group with SUD showed in general a better state in the HRQOL while the group with SMI held an intermediate position with respect to the other two groups. Daily medication, suicidal attempts and daily number of coffees were significantly associated to HRQOL, especially in the DD group.

Conclusions

The DD group showed lower self-reported mental health quality of life. Assessment of HRQOL in dual patients allows to identify specific needs in this population, and may help to establish therapeutic goals to improve interventions.
Vitrification of immature bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes: effects of cryoprotectants, the vitrification procedure and warming time on cleavage and embryo development
Authors: Prentice-Biensch Jennifer R , Singh Jaswant , Mapletoft Reuben J , Anzar Muhammad
Published: September 2012

Background

The present studies evaluated the effects of cryoprotectants, the vitrification procedure and time in the warming solution containing sucrose on cleavage and embryo development of immature (GV stage) bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs).

Methods

Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, COCs (n = 420) were randomly assigned to four groups: 1) Control group: no treatment; 2) VS1 group: COCs were exposed to vitrification solution 1 (VS1) containing 7.5% ethylene glycol [EG] + 7.5% dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] + 20% calf serum [CS] in TCM-199 at 37 C for 5 min; 3) VS1 + VS2 group: COCs were exposed to VS1 for 5 min followed by VS2 (15% EG + 15% DMSO + 17.1% sucrose + 20% CS) at 37 C for 45–60 sec; and 4) Vitrified group: COCs were exposed to VS1 and VS2, loaded on cryotops, vitrified in liquid nitrogen and then warmed in TCM-199 + 17.1% sucrose + 20% CS at 37 C for 1 min. In Experiment 2, COCs (n = 581) were assigned to the same groups, but those in VS1, VS1 + VS2 and Vitrified groups were sub-divided and exposed to the warming solution for either 1 or 5 min. After treatment and/or warming, all COCs in both experiments underwent in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and in vitro culture.

Results

Cleavage and blastocyst rates did not differ among Control, VS1 and VS1 + VS2 groups in either experiment. In Experiment 2, there was no effect of time in the warming solution.

However, both cleavage and blastocyst rates were lower (P < 0.001) in the Vitrified group than in the Control, VS1 and VS1 + VS2 groups (40.9 and 1.6% vs 92.2 and 34.4%, 79.4 and 25.2%, and 80.2 and 20.8%, respectively in Experiment 1, and 25.0 and 1.7% vs 75.3 and 27.2%, 67.9 and 19.5%, and 62.7 and 22.5%, respectively in Experiment 2).

Conclusions

The permeating cryoprotectants (EG and DMSO) present in VS1 and VS2 solutions and the time in the warming solution containing sucrose had no adverse effects on cleavage and blastocyst rates of immature bovine COCs. However, cleavage rate and early embryo development were reduced following the vitrification and warming.
Prevalence of Hepatitis ‘B’ and Hepatitis ‘C’ among preoperative cataract patients in Karachi
Authors: Naeem Syed Saad , Siddiqui Efaza Umar , Kazi Abdul Nafey , Khan SumaiyaTauseeq , Abdullah Farhan E , Adhi Idrees
Published: September 2012

Background

To report the findings of preoperative screening regarding prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in patients presenting for cataract surgery.

Findings

A descriptive study was conducted among 377 patients presenting for cataract surgery to Department of Ophthalmology Unit I, CHK from April 2010 to May 2011. Convenience sampling was done to recruit the participants aged 18 years and above. The patients were screened for Hepatitis B and C infections and findings were recorded on a structured compilation sheet.

The total prevalence of both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in preoperative Cataract patients was found to be 49 out of 377(12.99%). Overall, 8 out of 377 (2.1%) patients were HBsAg positive and 42 out of 377 (11.1%) were Anti-HCV positive. Only 1 patient was found with a co-infection with both HBsAg and Anti-HCV positive.

Conclusions

High proportions of Hepatitis B and C are reported among preoperative cataract patients of Karachi. Routine serological screening prior to surgery should be made mandatory so that asymptomatic patients would no longer pose a threat to its spread.
Cell type-specific binding patterns reveal that TCF7L2 can be tethered to the genome by association with GATA3
Authors: Frietze Seth , Wang Rui , Yao Lijing , Tak Yu Gyoung , Ye Zhenqing , Gaddis Malaina , Witt Heather , Farnham Peggy J , Jin Victor X
Published: September 2012

Background

The TCF7L2 transcription factor is linked to a variety of human diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cancer. One mechanism by which TCF7L2 could influence expression of genes involved in diverse diseases is by binding to distinct regulatory regions in different tissues. To test this hypothesis, we performed ChIP-seq for TCF7L2 in six human cell lines.

Results

We identified 116,000 non-redundant TCF7L2 binding sites, with only 1,864 sites common to the six cell lines. Using ChIP-seq, we showed that many genomic regions that are marked by both H3K4me1 and H3K27Ac are also bound by TCF7L2, suggesting that TCF7L2 plays a critical role in enhancer activity. Bioinformatic analysis of the cell type-specific TCF7L2 binding sites revealed enrichment for multiple transcription factors, including HNF4alpha and FOXA2 motifs in HepG2 cells and the GATA3 motif in MCF7 cells. ChIP-seq analysis revealed that TCF7L2 co-localizes with HNF4alpha and FOXA2 in HepG2 cells and with GATA3 in MCF7 cells. Interestingly, in MCF7 cells the TCF7L2 motif is enriched in most TCF7L2 sites but is not enriched in the sites bound by both GATA3 and TCF7L2. This analysis suggested that GATA3 might tether TCF7L2 to the genome at these sites. To test this hypothesis, we depleted GATA3 in MCF7 cells and showed that TCF7L2 binding was lost at a subset of sites. RNA-seq analysis suggested that TCF7L2 represses transcription when tethered to the genome via GATA3.

Conclusions

Our studies demonstrate a novel relationship between GATA3 and TCF7L2, and reveal important insights into TCF7L2-mediated gene regulation.
Modeling gene expression using chromatin features in various cellular contexts
Authors: Dong Xianjun , Greven Melissa C , Kundaje Anshul , Djebali Sarah , Brown James B , Cheng Chao , Gingeras Thomas R , Gerstein Mark , Guigó Roderic , Birney Ewan , Weng Zhiping
Published: September 2012

Background

Previous work has demonstrated that chromatin feature levels correlate with gene expression. The ENCODE project enables us to further explore this relationship using an unprecedented volume of data. Expression levels from more than 100,000 promoters were measured using a variety of high-throughput techniques applied to RNA extracted by different protocols from different cellular compartments of several human cell lines. ENCODE also generated the genome-wide mapping of eleven histone marks, one histone variant, and DNase I hypersensitivity sites in seven cell lines.

Results

We built a novel quantitative model to study the relationship between chromatin features and expression levels. Our study not only confirms that the general relationships found in previous studies hold across various cell lines, but also makes new suggestions about the relationship between chromatin features and gene expression levels. We found that expression status and expression levels can be predicted by different groups of chromatin features, both with high accuracy. We also found that expression levels measured by CAGE are better predicted than by RNA-PET or RNA-Seq, and different categories of chromatin features are the most predictive of expression for different RNA measurement methods. Additionally, PolyA+ RNA is overall more predictable than PolyA- RNA among different cell compartments, and PolyA+ cytosolic RNA measured with RNA-Seq is more predictable than PolyA+ nuclear RNA, while the opposite is true for PolyA- RNA.

Conclusions

Our study provides new insights into transcriptional regulation by analyzing chromatin features in different cellular contexts.
Joint Distributions of Counts of Strings in Finite Bernoulli Sequences
Authors: Huffer Fred W. , Sethuraman Jayaram
Published: September 2012

An infinite sequence (Y1, Y2,…) of independent Bernoulli random variables with P(Yi = 1) = a / (a + b + i - 1), i = 1, 2,…, where a > 0 and b ≥ 0, will be called a Bern(a, b) sequence. Consider the counts Z1, Z2, Z3,… of occurrences of patterns or strings of the form {11}, {101}, {1001},…, respectively, in this sequence. The joint distribution of the counts Z1, Z2,… in the infinite Bern(a, b) sequence has been studied extensively. The counts from the initial finite sequence (Y1, Y2,…, Yn) have been studied by Holst (2007), (2008b), who obtained the joint factorial moments for Bern(a, 0) and the factorial moments of Z1, the count of the string {1, 1}, for a general Bern(a, b). We consider stopping the Bernoulli sequence at a random time and describe the joint distribution of counts, which extends Holst's results. We show that the joint distribution of counts from a class of randomly stopped Bernoulli sequences possesses the mixture of independent Poissons property: there is a random vector conditioned on which the counts are independent Poissons. To obtain these results, we extend the conditional marked Poisson process technique introduced in Huffer, Sethuraman and Sethuraman (2009). Our results avoid previous combinatorial and induction methods which generally only yield factorial moments.
Making the most of safety data: do not throw the baby out with the bathwater!
Authors: Cheema Katherine , Riley Samantha
Published: September 2012

In the National Health Service in England there are many sources of information pertaining to patient safety. This paper sets out to describe the challenge of measuring patient safety and describes the key data sources that underpin the national understanding of the area. The paper will describe how utilizing all of the available patient safety data, irrespective of the variability inherent, can ensure that practising clinicians have a better understanding of the current picture of patient safety and can fully evidence the efficacy of their improvement actions. Examples of effective triangulation of these data sources are given with acknowledgement of the challenges this can present in terms of engagement and understanding, particularly in the clinical context. Recommendations for the effective use of information in the assessment of patient safety are also provided.
The Barts Health merger – a journey to safety and sustainability
Authors: Gill Mike
Published: September 2012

In April of this year a new organization, Barts Health NHS Trust, was launched in east London, merging Barts and the London NHS Trust (BLT), Newham University Hospital NHS Trust and Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust. Recent reports suggest that many smaller trusts are considering merger or acquisition, 1 while reviewing how they can either become or remain successful Foundation Trusts. In this article I would like to describe some of my experience from the journey to the merger with particular relation to clinical risk, quality and patient safety.
An Investigation into the Coaching Approach of a Successful World Class Soccer Coach: Anson Dorrance
Authors: Wang Jin , Straub William F.
Published: September 2012

The success of an athletic team depends to a great extent on the quality of the leadership and coaching skills of the coach. Coaches, practitioners and sport psychologists have shown great interest in investigating effective approaches of successful coaches. In competitive sport areas, researchers want to determine the relationship between coaching approaches and peak performance. The purpose of the current study was two-fold: i) to investigate successful coaching approaches of a world-class soccer coach; and ii) to discuss how current research findings may be helpful to sport coaches.
The Effects of Additional Lines on a Football Field on Assistant Referees' Positioning and Offside Judgments
Authors: Barte Jeroen C. M. , Oudejans Raôul R. D.
Published: September 2012

Following the optical error hypothesis, information provided by extra lines across the width of a football (soccer) field (comparable to an American football field) could help assistant referees to judge offside. Therefore, we investigated whether extra lines across the width of a football field influence the positioning of assistant referees and their offside judgments. Eight expert assistant referees each judged potential offside situations played by several attackers and defenders on two different fields, one field with and one field without extra lines. The extra lines resulted in better positioning of the assistant referees but not in less incorrect decisions. A possible explanation for not finding better performance results in the number of incorrect decisions is that the assistant referees first have to learn to use the information provided by the additional lines for judging offside.
Understanding Change of Direction Performance: A Technical Analysis of a 180° Ground-Based Turn and Sprint Task
Authors: Hewit Jennifer K. , Cronin John B. , Hume Patria A.
Published: September 2012

This study aimed to identify the key technical features that are consistently present in superior 180° ground-based change of direction performances (180gbCOD), but lacking in lesser skilled performances. Twenty-two national under 21 level netball players performed three trials of a 180° turn from a static start, followed by a 2.5 m straight sprint. High-speed video of the movement was recorded for each trial. A qualitative analytic approach was used to analyze the technical strategies employed by players throughout the movement task. Five key technical features were identified that were consistently observed in superior 180gbCOD performances (first foot ground contact was parallel to the new direction): 1) shallow squat combined with backward-moving centre of mass; 2) head leading the body through the turn; 3) arms and legs close to the body through the turn; 4) full extension of the takeoff leg (trail leg) at first takeoff; and, 5) large takeoff distance (distance from the foot of the trail leg to the center of mass) at first takeoff. These features provide coaches with valuable insight into the technical cues that appear to contribute to a superior 180gbCOD performance.
The Influence of Dribbling on Repeated Sprints in Young Soccer Players
Authors: Meckel Yoav , Geva Alon , Eliakim Alon
Published: September 2012

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of soccer dribbling on performance indices and physiological responses during repeated sprints (6 × 30-m) test, in straight and slalom run, of young (13.1 ± 0.4 y) soccer players. In the straight run repeated sprints test: Ideal (fastest) sprint time and total sprint time were significantly faster without dribbling (37.24 ± 2.56 versus 40.68 ± 2.84 and 38.50 ± 2.47 versus 41.78 ± 2.81 s, p<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in performance decrement between repeated sprints test with and without dribbling. Maximal heart rate and blood lactate concentrations were significantly higher in repeated sprints test without dribbling (185 ± 17 versus 178 ± 12 beat/min and 8.7 ± 0.3 versus 6.9 ± 0.6 mmol/l, p<0.05, respectively). In the slalom run repeated sprints test: ideal sprint time and total sprint time were significantly reduced (50.58 ± 3.04 versus 73.30 ± 5.59 and 51.63 ± 2.83 versus 74.05 ± 5.75 s, p<0.001, respectively) and performance decrement significantly greater without dribbling (2.12 ± 1.55 vs 1.02 ± 1.40 %, p<0.001, respectively). Blood lactate concentration was significantly higher in repeated sprints test without dribbling (8.6 ± 0.6 versus 6.9 ± 0.8 mmol/l, p<0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference in maximal heart rate between repeated sprints test with and without dribbling. There were no significant differences in repeated sprints test performance indices in straight and slalom runs with and without dribbling between defensive and offensive players and between starting squad and substitute players. It was concluded that the additional motor tasks due to dribbling and slalom reduce speed and physiological responses in repeated maximal short sprints. Anaerobic fitness capabilities, dribbling skills and anthropometric measures are unable to distinguish between starting squad or substitute players, and between offensive and defensive players at this age.