bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial HA1 Vaccine against Pandemic H5N1 Influenza Virus: Evidence of Oligomerization, Hemagglutination, and Cross-Protective Immunity in Ferrets
Authors: Khurana Surender , Verma Swati , Verma Nitin , Crevar Corey J. , Carter Donald M. , Manischewitz Jody , King Lisa R. , Ross Ted M. , Golding Hana
Published: November 2010

The impending influenza virus pandemic requires global vaccination to prevent large-scale mortality and morbidity, but traditional influenza virus vaccine production is too slow for rapid responses. We have developed bacterial systems for expression and purification of properly folded functional hemagglutinin as a rapid response to emerging pandemic strains. A recombinant H5N1 (A/Vietnam/1203/2004) hemagglutinin globular domain (HA1) was produced in
Escherichia coli
under controlled redox refolding conditions. Importantly, the properly folded HA1(1-320), i.e., HA1 lacking amino acids 321 to 330, contained ≥75% functional oligomers without addition of foreign oligomerization sequence. Site-directed mutagenesis mapped the oligomerization signal to the HA1 N-terminal Ile-Cys-Ile residues at positions 3 to 5. The purified HA1 oligomers (but not monomers) bound fetuin and agglutinated red blood cells. Upon immunization of rabbits, the oligomeric HA1(1-320) elicited potent neutralizing antibodies against homologous and heterologous H5N1 viruses more rapidly than HA1(28-320) containing only monomers. Ferrets vaccinated with oligomeric HA1 (but not monomeric HA1 with the N terminus deleted) at 15 and 3 μg/dose were fully protected from lethality and weight loss after challenge with homologous H5N1 (A/Vietnam/1203/2004, clade 1) virus, as well as heterologous clade 2.2 H5N1 (A/WooperSwan/Mongolia/244/2005) virus. Protection was associated with a significant reduction in viral loads in the nasal washes of homologous and heterologous virus challenged ferrets. This is the first study that describes the presence of an N-terminal oligomerization sequence in the globular domain of influenza virus hemagglutinin. Our findings suggest that functional oligomeric rHA1-based vaccines can be produced efficiently in bacterial systems and can be easily upscaled in response to a pandemic influenza virus threat.
Functional Analysis of a Novel Motif Conserved across Geminivirus Rep Proteins
Authors: Nash Tara E. , Dallas Mary B. , Reyes Maria Ines , Buhrman Gregory K. , Ascencio-Ibañez J. Trinidad , Hanley-Bowdoin Linda
Published: November 2010

Members of the
Geminiviridae
have single-stranded DNA genomes that replicate in nuclei of infected plant cells. All geminiviruses encode a conserved protein (Rep) that catalyzes initiation of rolling-circle replication. Earlier studies showed that three conserved motifs—motifs I, II, and III—in the N termini of geminivirus Rep proteins are essential for function. In this study, we identified a fourth sequence, designated GRS (
g
eminivirus
R
ep
s
equence), in the Rep N terminus that displays high amino acid sequence conservation across all geminivirus genera. Using the Rep protein of
Tomato golden mosaic virus
(TGMV AL1), we show that GRS mutants are not infectious in plants and do not support viral genome replication in tobacco protoplasts. GRS mutants are competent for protein-protein interactions and for both double- and single-stranded DNA binding, indicating that the mutations did not impair its global conformation. In contrast, GRS mutants are unable to specifically cleave single-stranded DNA, which is required to initiate rolling-circle replication. Interestingly, the Rep proteins of phytoplasmal and algal plasmids also contain GRS-related sequences. Modeling of the TGMV AL1 N terminus suggested that GRS mutations alter the relative positioning of motif II, which coordinates metal ions, and motif III, which contains the tyrosine involved in DNA cleavage. Together, these results established that the GRS is a conserved, essential motif characteristic of an ancient lineage of rolling-circle initiators and support the idea that geminiviruses may have evolved from plasmids associated with phytoplasma or algae.
Transmission of a 2009 Pandemic Influenza Virus Shows a Sensitivity to Temperature and Humidity Similar to That of an H3N2 Seasonal Strain
Authors: Steel John , Palese Peter , Lowen Anice C.
Published: November 2010

In temperate regions of the world, influenza epidemics follow a highly regular seasonal pattern, in which activity peaks in midwinter. Consistently with this epidemiology, we have shown previously that the aerosol transmission of a seasonal H3N2 influenza virus is most efficient under cold, dry conditions. With the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, an exception to the standard seasonality of influenza developed: during 2009 in the Northern Hemisphere, an unusually high level of influenza virus activity over the spring and summer months was followed by a widespread epidemic which peaked in late October, approximately 2.5 months earlier than usual. Herein we show that aerosol transmission of a 2009 pandemic strain shows a dependence on relative humidity and temperature very similar to that of a seasonal H3N2 influenza virus. Our data indicate that the observed differences in the timings of outbreaks with regard to the seasons are most likely not due to intrinsic differences in transmission between the pandemic H1N1 and seasonal H3N2 influenza viruses.
Is consent for hip fracture surgery for older people adequate? The case for pre-printed consent forms
Authors: Rahman Luthfur , Clamp Jonathan , Hutchinson James
Published: November 2010

Ojectives

Low energy hip fractures are one of the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality in orthopaedics. This study aims to evaluate written consent forms with respect to basic standards as set out in the Good Practice in Consent Initiative. In particular the stated risks and benefits of each procedure were assessed.

Methods

100 consecutive consent forms were reviewed prospectively. The stated procedure, side and complications were recorded. Appropriate signature and legibility was assessed. 13 consultant orthopaedic surgeons were surveyed to identify what risks and benefits they thought should be stated.

Results

Of 100 consent forms, 31 were for patients who are unable to consent. All 100 consent forms were correctly filled in with patient details and signed. 98% were legible. All stated the side of the operation. The number of complications listed per form ranged from 4 to 11. Infection, bleeding and thromboembolic complications were stated in the majority of consent forms. In total, 30 different complications were recorded; some were only stated once.

Discussion and Conclusions

This work suggests consent forms are completed well with respect to patient identifiers, legibility and procedure. The variability of complications stated is vast. We suggest standard pre-printed consent forms containing risks and benefits should be used as this may improve standards of informed consent. This has also been recently supported by the British Orthopaedic Association.
Risk of lung cancer associated with quantitative beryllium exposure metrics within an occupational cohort
Authors: Schubauer-Berigan Mary K , Deddens James A , Couch James R , Petersen Martin R
Published: November 2010

Objectives

Beryllium has been identified as a human carcinogen on the basis of animal and epidemiological studies. The authors recently reported updated associations between lung cancer and beryllium exposure in a large, pooled occupational cohort. The authors conducted the present study to evaluate the shape of exposure–response associations between different exposure metrics and lung cancer in this cohort, considering potential confounders (race, plant, professional and short-term work status, and exposure to other lung carcinogens).

Methods

The authors conducted Cox proportional hazards regression analyses of lung cancer risk with cumulative, mean and maximum ‘daily weighted average’ (DWA) exposure among 5436 workers, using age-based risk sets. Different exposure–response curves were fitted to the exposure metrics, including categorical, power, restricted cubic spline and piecewise log-linear fits.

Results

The authors found significant positive associations between lung cancer and mean (p<0.0001) and maximum (p<0.0001) exposure, adjusting for age, birth cohort and plant, and for cumulative (p=0.0017) beryllium exposure, adjusting for these factors plus short-term work status and exposure to asbestos. The best-fitting models were generally categorical or piecewise log-linear, with the steepest increase in lung cancer risk between 0 and 10 μg/m3for both mean and maximum DWA exposure and between 0 and 200 μg/m3-days for cumulative DWA exposure. The estimated mean DWA beryllium exposure associated with 10−3excess lifetime risk based on the piecewise log-linear model is 0.033 μg/m3.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that lung cancer risk is elevated at levels near the current US Occupational Safety and Health Administration beryllium exposure limit of 2.0 μg/m3DWA for workers.
Uneasy money: the Instituto Carlos Slim de la Salud, tobacco philanthropy and conflict of interest in global health
Authors: Burch Tiffany , Wander Nathaniel , Collin Jeff
Published: November 2010

In May 2007, the Instituto Carso de la Salud—now Instituto Carlos Slim de la Salud (ICSS)—was endowed with US$500 million to focus on priority health issues in Latin America, notably issues of ‘globalisation and non-communicable diseases’. ICSS was soon criticised, however, on the grounds that its funding was derived from tobacco industry profits and that its founder Carlos Slim Hélu remained an active industry principal. Collaboration with ICSS was said to run counter to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The Institute's then Executive President Julio Frenk disputed these charges. This research employs an archive of tobacco industry documents triangulated with materials from commercial, media, regulatory and NGO sources to examine the financial relations between Slim and the tobacco industry. The paper analyses Slim's continuing service to the industry and role in ICSS. It demonstrates a prima facie conflict of interest between ICSS's health mission and its founder's involvement in cigarette manufacturing and marketing, reflected on ICSS's website as a resounding silence on issues of tobacco and health. It is concluded that the reliance of international health agencies upon the commercial sector requires more robust institutional policies to effectively regulate conflicts of interest.
THE ANAPOLE MOMENT IN SCALAR QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS
Authors: BASHIR A. , CONCHA-SÁNCHEZ Y. , TEJEDA-YEOMANS M. E. , TOSCANO J. J.
Published: November 2010

The anapole moment of a massless charged scalar particle is studied in a model-independent fashion, using the effective Lagrangian technique, as well as radiatively within the context of scalar quantum electrodynamics (SQED). It is shown that this gauge structure is characterized by a non-renormalizable interaction, which is radiatively generated at one-loop. It is found that the resulting anapole moment for off-shell particles, though free of ultraviolet divergences, is gauge dependent and thus it is not a physical observable. We also study some of its kinematical limits. In particular, it is shown that its value comes out to be zero when the photon is on-shell and the momenta squared of the incoming and outgoing scalars are equal. It is a stronger statement than it being zero for all particles being on-shell which is required by the current conservation.
CONFORMAL INVARIANCE IN EINSTEIN–CARTAN–WEYL SPACE
Authors: MOON TAEYOON , LEE JOOHAN , OH PHILLIAL
Published: November 2010

We consider conformally invariant form of the actions in Einstein, Weyl, Einstein–Cartan and Einstein–Cartan–Weyl space in general dimensions (> 2) and investigate the relations among them. In Weyl space, the observational consistency condition for the vector field determining non-metricity of the connection can be obtained from the equation of motion. In Einstein–Cartan space a similar role is played by the vector part of the torsion tensor. We consider the case where the trace part of the torsion is the Kalb–Ramond type of field. In this case, we express conformally invariant action in terms of two scalar fields of conformal weight -1, which can be cast into some interesting form. We discuss some applications of the result.
FORECASTS OF DARK ENERGY CONSTRAINTS FROM BARYON ACOUSTIC OSCILLATIONS
Authors: WANG YUN
Published: November 2010

The measurement of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) from a galaxy redshift survey provides one of the most promising methods for probing dark energy. In this paper, we clarify the assumptions that go into the forecasts of dark energy constraints from BAO. We show that assuming a constant nP0.2/G2(z) (where P0.2 is the real space galaxy power spectrum at k = 0.2 h/ Mpc and redshift z) gives a good approximation of the observed galaxy number density expected from a realistic flux-limited galaxy redshift survey. We find that assuming nP0.2/G2(z) = 10 gives very similar dark energy constraints to assuming nP0.2 = 3, but the latter corresponds to a galaxy number density larger than ~70% at z = 2. We show how the Figure-of-Merit (FoM) for constraining dark energy depends on the assumed galaxy number density, redshift accuracy, redshift range, survey area, and the systematic errors due to calibration and uncertainties in the theory of nonlinear evolution and galaxy biasing. We find that an additive systematic noise of up to 0.4–0.5% per Δz = 0.1 redshift slice does not lead to significant decrease in the BAO FoM.
GEOMETRICAL PROPERTIES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC TIDAL FORCES
Authors: GOULART ÉRICO , FALCIANO FELIPE TOVAR
Published: November 2010

In general, elementary particles as well as extensive bodies have internal degrees of freedom that naturally turn their trajectories into accelerated curves. Hence, we propose to describe the kinematical properties of nongeodesic congruences and study how tidal forces are modified. Once the general scenario is well established, we analyze in details tidal effects due to electromagnetic fields, i.e. the relative acceleration between test charged particles. An algebraic analysis of these fields is developed together with a geometrical interpretation in terms of local field lines. In this framework, we compare general relativity and electrodynamics in terms of operationally equivalent objects.
TWO-LOOP CROSSOVER SCALING FUNCTIONS OF THE O(N) MODEL
Authors: O'CONNOR DENJOE , SANTIAGO J. A. , STEPHENS C. R. , ZAMORA A.
Published: November 2010

Using Environmentally Friendly Renormalization, we present an analytic calculation of the series for the renormalization constants that describe the equation of state for the O(N) model in the whole critical region. The solution to the beta-function equation, for the running coupling to order two loops, exhibits crossover between the strong coupling fixed point, associated with the Goldstone modes, and the Wilson–Fisher fixed point. The Wilson functions γλ, γφ and γφ2, and thus the effective critical exponents associated with renormalization of the transverse vertex functions, also exhibit nontrivial crossover between these fixed points.
MULTIVORTICES EVOLUTION IN WEAK COUPLED ABJM THEORY
Authors: YANG JIE , LI YANG , LIU YU-XIAO , DUAN YI-SHI
Published: November 2010

Following Auzzi' work (arXiv:0906.2366), where new vortex solution is found in weak coupled ABJM theory, we apply the ϕ-mapping topological current method to this vortex, and find the multivortices solution could be obtained naturally. Also this multivortices solution gives a clue of the possibility for the antivortex existence. Then we continue to investigate the vortices evolution of the solution, and this leads to the multivortices evolution that used to be hard to handle in conventional vortices scattering theory.
PHENOMENOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS ON THE KEHAGIAS–SFETSOS SOLUTION IN THE HOŘAVA–LIFSHITZ GRAVITY FROM SOLAR SYSTEM ORBITAL MOTIONS
Authors: IORIO L. , RUGGIERO M. L.
Published: November 2010

We focus on Hořava–Lifshitz (HL) theory of gravity, and, in particular, on the Kehagias and Sfetsos's solution that is the analog of Schwarzschild black hole of General Relativity. In the weak-field and slow-motion approximation, we analytically work out the secular precession of the longitude of the pericentre ϖ of a test particle induced by this solution. Its analytical form is different from that of the general relativistic Einstein's pericentre precession. Then, we compare it to the latest determinations of the corrections [Formula: see text] to the standard Newtonian/Einsteinian planetary perihelion precessions recently estimated by E. V. Pitjeva with the EPM2008 ephemerides. It turns out that the planets of the solar system, taken singularly one at a time, allow one to put lower bounds on the adimensional HL parameter ψ0 of the order of 10-12(Mercury)-10-24 (Pluto). They are not able to account for the Pioneer anomalous acceleration for r > 20 AU.
INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOWS THROUGH A SOLID MATRIX WITH MASS EXCHANGE: THE DOUBLE SCALE APPROACH VERSUS MIXTURE THEORY
Authors: FARINA ANGIOLO , FASANO ANTONIO
Published: November 2010

We consider a class of processes in which the flow of an incompressible fluid through a porous matrix is accompanied by a mass exchange between the constituents. This paper is in two parts. In the first part we use an upscaling procedure to derive a macroscopic law for the flow, starting from the analysis of the phenomena at the pore scale. To this end we utilize a simplified geometry of the solid matrix. The resulting governing equation is of Darcy type, as expected, but, owing to mass exchange, it contains a complicated nonlocal dependence on the hydraulic conductivity. In the second part we look directly for the formulation of a macroscopic model in the framework of mixture theory. We emphasize the basic role of energy dissipation: the two methods lead to the same conclusions, provided that the same dissipation rates are postulated.
CONVERGENCE FOR LONG-TIMES OF A SEMIDISCRETE PERONA–MALIK EQUATION IN ONE DIMENSION
Authors: BELLETTINI G. , NOVAGA M. , PAOLINI M.
Published: November 2010

We rigorously prove that the semidiscrete schemes of a Perona–Malik type equation converge, in a long-time scale, to a suitable system of ordinary differential equations defined on piecewise constant functions. The proof is based on a formal asymptotic expansion argument, and on a careful construction of discrete comparison functions. Despite the equation having a region where it is backward parabolic, we prove a discrete comparison principle, which is the key tool for the convergence result.
"MOOD RINGS": A NEW METHOD OF OBJECTIVE CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF PERIPHERAL NERVE INJURIES
Authors: Ya'ish F. , Cooper J. P. , Craigen M. A.
Published: November 2010

The clinical assessment of patients with peripheral nerve injury is primarily dependent on subjective clinical examination. We aimed to assess whether a thermotropic liquid crystal ring (TLC-ring) could provide the basis for an objective assessment of peripheral nerve injury by detecting temperature changes in the digits innervated by the damaged nerve.

A group of patients with known median, ulnar or both digital nerve injuries were compared against a control group. TLC-rings, marketed to the general public as "mood rings", were applied to the affected and unaffected digits and the colour change recorded.

Areas with nerve damage showed a statistically significant difference in colour response to those without damage.

This study establishes the ability of TLCs to detect cutaneous temperature changes associated with peripheral nerve injuries. Further studies and improvements are needed to refine TLC as an acute assessment tool for peripheral nerve injuries.
SELF-REPORTED OUTCOME FOLLOWING ANTERIOR TRANSPOSITION OF ULNAR NERVE IN THE ELDERLY
Authors: Sreedharan S. , Yam A. K. T. , Tay S. C.
Published: November 2010

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a common entrapment neuropathy of the upper limb. This condition can result in significant sensory disturbances and motor deficits in the distribution of the ulnar nerve. Surgical management of cubital tunnel syndrome is indicated when non-operative measures fail. However, in the elderly population, there may be a tendency to avoid surgery as nerve healing has been found to be poor. In our study, we reviewed the results of anterior transposition of ulnar nerve in patients 60 years of age and older. Our results were based on a self-reported outcome at a minimum of one year after surgery — 94.7% of our surgeries resulted in some improvement in symptoms experienced by the patients while there was an overall satisfaction rate of 83.3%. Based on our results, we recommend ulnar nerve transposition in the management of cubital tunnel syndrome in this group of patients if non-operative measures fail.
SLAC WRIST IN THE ABSENCE OF RECOGNISED TRAUMA AND CPPD
Authors: Pollock J. , Giachino A. A. , Rakhra K. , DiPrimio G. , Hrushowy H. , Conway A. F. , Andreyechen M.
Published: November 2010

Purpose: This comparative cohort study was designed to determine whether non-traumatic SLAC wrist exists, and is associated with abnormal carpal bone kinematics (specifically, decreased lunate flexion).

Methods: SLAC patients with no recognised history of upper extremity trauma were prospectively compared with an age-matched control group.

Results: Thirty-five subjects (69 wrists), included 33 non-traumatic SLAC wrists and 36 control wrists. The non-traumatic SLAC group had significantly different radiographic kinematic analysis compared to the control group. Flexion of the asymptomatic non-degenerative wrist of the non-traumatic SLAC group was distributed 70% through the lunocapitate (LC) joint and only 30% through the RL joint (p < 0.05). Conversely, flexion was more evenly distributed in the control group (48% LC and 52% RL). The non-traumatic SLAC group had abnormal wrist kinematics even in the non-involved side.

Conclusions: This study suggests that non-traumatic SLAC does exist. We believe that non-traumatic SLAC begins with abnormal wrist kinematics and that the dorsal radiolunate ligament restricts lunate flexion but not scaphoid flexion, leading to increased SL angles and, with years, eventual attrition of the SL ligament.

Type of Study/Level of Evidence: Prognostic, Level IV.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH A FRACTURE OF A SILICONE IMPLANT FOR KIENBÖCK'S DISEASE: TWO CASE REPORTS
Authors: Kanatani Takako , Yamasaki Kyoko , Fujioka Hiroyuki
Published: November 2010

In this report, two cases presenting with CTS including a fracture of the silicone implant for Kienböck's disease after replacement over 20 years postoperatively where CTR ceased the symptoms of CTS. The major symptom characteristic was the median nerve impairment with less emphasis on the limited range of motion of the wrist or wrist pain due to a fracture of the silicone implant. There was an unlikely association between the fracture of the implant and CTS, which was confirmed by the operative findings of tenosynovitis and thickness of the degenerated transverse ligament without a significant protrusion of the silicone implant.
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE ALTERATIONS IN WRIST MOBILITY WITH THE FASTRAKⓇSYSTEM FOLLOWING DORSAL CAPSULODESIS
Authors: Jariwala A. C. , Scott I. , Arnold G. P. , Abboud R. J. , Wigderowitz C. A.
Published: November 2010

The treatment for scapholunate dissociation is challenging and its management is varied depending on type, severity and duration of injury, and surgeon's preferred technique.

This study aimed to objectively assess the variations in the range and patterns of wrist movements using the FastrakⓇsystem in patients having undergone Blatt's dorsal capsulodesis (BDC). The wrist movements were successively measured between the operated and unoperated wrists, while the patients performed set tasks.

Seventeen patients agreed to participate in the study. Following BDC the mean flexion loss was 23° (range 10°–38°). However, functional tasks revealed that the BDC did not adversely affect the function of the operated wrist.

This novel study demonstrates objectively the functional restrictions that patients are likely to experience postoperatively following BDC. It would be interesting to note the pattern of wrist motion using the FastrakⓇsystem in various other clinical settings.
ACUTE PLASTIC BOWING OF THE RADIUS WITH A DISTAL RADIOULNAR JOINT INJURY: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Uehara Masashi , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: November 2010

Acute plastic bowing is an incomplete fracture with a deformation that shows no obvious macroscopic fracture line or cortical discontinuity. Although cases of acute plastic bowing of the ulna with a dislocation of the radial head have been previously reported, we present here a rare case of acute plastic bowing of the radius with a distal radioulnar joint injury in a 16-year-old boy. Internal fixation of the detached fragment to the ulnar styloid and repair of the triangular fibrocartilagenous complex resulted in the disappearance of wrist pain. In cases of distal radioulnar joint injuries in children or adolescents, radiographs of the entire forearm should be taken to evaluate the existence of radial bowing.
PARTIAL ANTERIOR INTEROSSEOUS NERVE PALSY: ISOLATED NEUROPRAXIA OF THE BRANCH TO FLEXOR POLLICIS LONGUS
Authors: Haflah Nor Hazla Mohamed , Rashid Abdul Halim Abd , Sapuan Jamari
Published: November 2010

Anterior interosseous nerve palsy is rare. Isolated neuropraxia of its branch to the flexor pollicis longus is even rarer. We present a case of a 24-year-old man who presented with weakness of his left thumb flexion after sustaining closed fracture of the proximal third of his left radius. On exploration, the anterior interosseous nerve and its branches was found to be intact as was the flexor pollicis longus. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated acute left anterior interosseous nerve neuropathy. Electromyography showed discrete motor unit at the flexor pollicis longus. Two months later the patient had full recovery of the flexor pollicis longus. We would like to highlight this rare occurrence and present a detailed history of this case to increase awareness amongst clinicians regarding this condition.
THE DORSAL CUTANEOUS BRANCH OF THE ULNAR NERVE: AN ANATOMICAL STUDY
Authors: Goto Akira , Kunihiro Oka , Murase Tsuyoshi , Moritomo Hisao
Published: November 2010

There are significant variations in the anatomy of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve. The dorsal cutaneous branch is at a risk of injury during a therapy for the ulnar side of the wrist. The purpose of this study is to measure the variations of the dorsal cutaneous branch. We studied 30 embalmed cadaver specimens. In its course, two division patterns of the dorsal cutaneous branch were identified, namely proximal and distal types. The proximal type went around the ulna proximal to the ulnar styloid process, and directed toward the ulnodorsal aspect. The distal type went around to the ulnodorsal aspect, distal to the styloid process. The proximal type was found in 21 of 30 cadavers, and the distal type was found in nine of 30 cadavers.
SCAPHOID DISLOCATION ASSOCIATED WITH AXIAL CARPAL DISSOCIATION DURING VOLAR FLEXION OF THE WRIST: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Kanaya Kohei , Wada Takuro , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: November 2010

We present the first report of a patient with an isolated scaphoid dislocation with axial carpal dissociation sustained during volar flexion of the wrist. The scaphoid was dislocated to the radial side of the radial styloid process and was slightly shifted to the dorsal side. It was shown that the position of the wrist played an irrelevant role for occurring scaphoid dislocation.
PRICING AND FILTERING IN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL DIVIDEND SWITCHING MODEL
Authors: GAPEEV PAVEL V. , JEANBLANC MONIQUE
Published: November 2010

We study a model of a financial market in which the dividend rates of two risky assets change their initial values to other constant ones at the times at which certain unobservable external events occur. The asset price dynamics are described by geometric Brownian motions with random drift rates switching at exponential random times, that are independent of each other and the constantly correlated driving Brownian motions. We obtain closed form expressions for the rational values of European contingent claims through the filtering estimates of occurrence of the switching times and their conditional probability density derived given the filtration generated by the underlying asset price processes.
ANALYTICAL APPROXIMATION TO CONSTANT MATURITY SWAP CONVEXITY CORRECTIONS IN A MULTI-FACTOR SABR MODEL
Authors: CHEN BIN , OOSTERLEE CORNELIS W. , VAN WEEREN SACHA
Published: November 2010

We consider the convexity correction in a multi-factor SABR type stochastic volatility model, in which the volatility and the short-term forward rate are modeled as independent factors. In general, the convexity correction is not analytically tractable in a multi-factor model, but based on the assumption of linear swap rates an analytic solution is available. Linear swap rate models are popular among practitioners for their efficiency and their ability to capture the swaption volatility smile. For an efficient approximation of the solution, we adopt the small disturbance asymptotics technique and construct a stochastic Taylor series of the underlying process. Several numerical experiments compare the accuracy of the approximation with a Monte Carlo benchmark solution.
OPTION PRICING UNDER ORNSTEIN-UHLENBECK STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY: A LINEAR MODEL
Authors: BORMETTI GIACOMO , CAZZOLA VALENTINA , DELPINI DANILO
Published: November 2010

We consider the problem of option pricing under stochastic volatility models, focusing on the linear approximation of the two processes known as exponential Ornstein-Uhlenbeck and Stein-Stein. Indeed, we show they admit the same limit dynamics in the regime of low fluctuations of the volatility process, under which we derive the exact expression of the characteristic function associated to the risk neutral probability density. This expression allows us to compute option prices exploiting a formula derived by Lewis and Lipton. We analyze in detail the case of Plain Vanilla calls, being liquid instruments for which reliable implied volatility surfaces are available. We also compute the analytical expressions of the first four cumulants, that are crucial to implement a simple two steps calibration procedure. It has been tested against a data set of options traded on the Milan Stock Exchange. The data analysis that we present reveals a good fit with the market implied surfaces and corroborates the accuracy of the linear approximation.
ROBUST EXPONENTIAL HEDGING AND INDIFFERENCE VALUATION
Authors: OWARI KEITA
Published: November 2010

We discuss the problem of exponential hedging in the presence of model uncertainty expressed by a set of probability measures. This is a robust utility maximization problem with a contingent claim. We first consider the dual problem which is the minimization of penalized relative entropy over a product set of probability measures, showing the existence and variational characterizations of the solution. These results are applied to the primal problem. Then we consider the robust version of exponential utility indifference valuation, giving the representation of indifference price using a duality result.
ASYMPTOTIC ANALYSIS FOR FOREIGN EXCHANGE DERIVATIVES WITH STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY
Authors: CUTHBERTSON CHARLES , PAVLIOTIS GRIGORIOS , RAFAILIDIS AVRAAM , WIBERG PETTER
Published: November 2010

We consider models for the valuation of derivative securities that depend on foreign exchange rates. We derive partial differential equations for option prices in an arbitrage-free market with stochastic volatility. By use of standard techniques, and under the assumption of fast mean reversion for the volatility, these equations can be solved asymptotically. The analysis goes further to consider specific examples for a number of options, and to a considerable degree of complexity.
A MATRIX APPROACH TO THE ASSOCIATED CONSISTENCY WITH AN APPLICATION TO THE SHAPLEY VALUE
Authors: HAMIACHE GÉRARD
Published: November 2010

In an article by Hamiache (IJGT, 2001) an axiomatization of the Shapley value has been proposed. Three axioms were called on, inessential game, continuity and associated consistency. This present article proposes a new proof, based on elementary linear algebra. Games are represented by vectors. Associated games are the results of matrix operations. The eigenvalues of the involved matrices are computed and it is shown that they are diagonalizable. The present contribution offers a powerful tool allowing further generalizations of the Shapley value, which were difficult to consider on the basis of the previous proof.
BEST-RESPONSE DYNAMICS IN A BIRTH-DEATH MODEL OF EVOLUTION IN GAMES
Authors: ALÓS-FERRER CARLOS , NEUSTADT ILJA
Published: November 2010

We consider a model of evolution with mutations as in Kandori et al. (1993) [Kandori, M., Mailath, G.J., Rob, R., 1993. Learning, mutation, and long run equilibria in games. Econometrica 61, 29–56], where agents follow best-response decision rules as in Sandholm (1998) [Sandholm, W., 1998. Simple and clever decision rules for a model of evolution. Economics Letters 61, 165–170]. Contrary to those papers, our model gives rise to a birth-death process, which allows explicit computation of the long-run probabilities of equilibria for given values of the mutation rate and the population size. We use this fact to provide a direct proof of the stochastic stability of risk-dominant equilibria as the mutation rate tends to zero, and illustrate the outcomes of the dynamics for positive mutation rates.
EXCELLENT ELECTROCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF LiMn2O4 IN AQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE
Authors: QU QUTING , WANG GAOJUN , LIU LILI , TIAN SSHU , SHI YI , WU YUPING , HOLZE RUDOLF
Published: November 2010

LiMn 2 O 4 was prepared by a solid-state reaction, and for the first time its electrochemical behavior in the organic and aqueous electrolytes were compared. Since the host structure is the same, the intercalation and deintercalation behavior does not change, and the diffusion coefficient of Li + ions are in the same range. However, due to much higher ionic conductivity of the aqueous electrolyte, its reversible redox behavior at high scan rate is much better than in the organic electrolyte. The reversible capacity in the aqueous electrolyte is 85 mAh ⋅ g-1 at the current density of 50 mA ⋅ g-1, and 22 mAh ⋅ g-1 (26% of the normal capacity) when the current density is up to 10,000 mA ⋅ g-1 (118 C). This shows that aqueous rechargeable lithium battery (ARLB) have very high-power density or excellent rate capability, and good cycling behavior.
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT CARBON SOURCES ON PROPERTIES OF LiFePO4/C BY A CARBOTHERMAL REDUCTION METHOD
Authors: HUA NING , SUO LIUMING , WANG CHENYUN , HAN YING , KANG XUEYA
Published: November 2010

The LiFePO 4/ C composite was prepared by carbothermal reduction method (CTR) with FePO 4 ⋅ 2 H 2 O , Li 2 CO 3 as starting materials, and acetylene black or polyethylene glycol (PEG; mean molecular weight of 10,000) as carbon sources. The structural and electrochemical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), and charge–discharge tests. The results showed that LiFePO 4/ C is olivine-type phase, and the addition of carbon reduced the LiFePO 4 grain size with uniform distribution. The carbon is dispersed between the grains, forming a good electronic contact. The synthesized LiFePO 4 composites showed excellent electrochemical performance with initial discharge capacity of 161, 142 and 96 mAh ⋅ g-1 at 0.1 C, 1 C and 5 C, respectively and displays a robust rate capacity and stable cycling life.
STUDY ON THE THERMOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND MORPHOLOGY OF POLYACID AMIDE/EPOXY RESIN COMPOSITES
Authors: LU SHAORONG , YANG XIAOWANG , WEI CHUN
Published: November 2010

Polyamic acid (PAA) containing aromatic ester was synthesized and used to modify the epoxy resin (E-51)/PAA curing system. The mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, fracture surface morphology, and thermal properties of the E-51/PAA curing systems were systematically investigated. Experimental results revealed that the impact strength of the cured systems modified with PAA are 3 to 4 times higher than that of the unmodified system, and enhanced the thermal decomposition temperature by about 15°C, while the storage modulus is also higher than that of the unmodified system, and the fracture surfaces of modified systems display tough fracture feature.
EFFECTIVE NANOPOROUS COPPER FOR ELECTROCATALYTIC REDUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN IONIC LIQUID
Authors: WANG XUAN YUN , LIU SU QIN , HUANG KE LONG , FENG QIU JU , LIU BIN , LIU JIN LONG , JIN GUAN HUA
Published: November 2010

Nanoporous copper as a robust and efficient electrocatalyst for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 in ionic liquid has been successfully developed due to its advantages of high surface area, open porosity and high catalysis efficiency. Nanoporous copper film was prepared by a simple dealloying method and can be directly fabricated on the surface of the electrode. The electrochemical property for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 in ionic liquid was investigated by cyclic voltammogram (CV), showing enhanced electrocatalytic activity due to its nanoporous structure.
CYCLIC IMPROVEMENT OF LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 POLYHEDRAL SPINELS FOR 5.0 V LITHIUM ION BATTERIES
Authors: ZHAN XIAOYUN , LI ZHAOHUI , TANG JIAOJUN , XIAO QIZHEN , LEI GANGTIE , ZHOU XIAODONG
Published: November 2010

Highly crystallized and microsized particles of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 spinels with different morphologies have been successfully synthesized using polystyrene (PS) as the sacrificial template, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical measurement. The spinels obtained at 700°C possess abundant porosity with about 200 nm in diameter, while the spinels calcined at 900°C exhibit a well-defined polyhedral morphology with particle size ranged from 0.2 to 2 μm. The materials prepared at 900°C display an excellent cycling performance due probably to better crystallinity and small particle size.
FULVIC ACID COATED IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING CONTRAST AGENT
Authors: ZHOU CHUNJIAO , RONG PENGFEI , ZHANG WENJIE , ZHOU JIANDA , ZHANG QINGLIN , WANG WEI , ZOU BINGSUO
Published: November 2010

Fulvic acid coated Fe 3 O 4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by a coprecipitation technique with iron salts and a small molecule stabilizer-fulvic acid. The prepared nanoparticles were well dispersed in water with about 10 nm in size according to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that fulvic acid were successfully covalently bonded to Fe 3 O 4 through the two adjacent phenolic hydroxyl groups and the carboxyl (- COOH ) groups were functionalized to the surface. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) result showed that the nanoparticles were superparamagnetic and the saturation magnetizations were 60 emu/g. Moreover, their efficacy of liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent was investigated by using live rat and tumor-bearing rabbit models through conventional clinical 1.5T MRI.
INFLUENCE OF PORE STRUCTURE ON THE ELECTROCHEMICAL PERFORMANCE OF ACTIVATED CARBON AS ELECTRODE MATERIAL FOR AQUEOUS SUPERCAPACITORS
Authors: WEN ZUBIAO , LIU YAFEI , LIU AIFANG , ZHU TINGTING , ZHENG XIANGWEI , GAO QIANG , WANG DEFU , HU ZHONGHUA
Published: November 2010

Three activated carbon materials with different pore characteristics were prepared. The relationship between the electrochemical performances and the pore characteristics of the obtained carbons as electrode material for supercapacitors was elucidated. The results show that three carbon materials have almost equal specific-surface-area capacitance of 0.12 F ⋅ m-2. The energy density depends largely on the carbon surface area whereas the power density depends not only on the surface area, but also on the pore size and pore size distribution. The carbon sample with a BET surface area of 2000 m2 ⋅ g-1 and multimodal peak pore systems consisting of micropores at 1.5 nm and mesopores at about 3.8 nm exhibits excellent power density of 1662 W kg-1.
Geology, geometry and effective flow
Authors: Pickup G. E. , Ringrose P. S. , Corbett P. W. M. , Jensen J. L. , Sorbie K. S.
Published: November 2010

The effects of small-scale structure are frequently ignored in reservoir simulation, although they may have a significant effect on hydrocarbon recovery. Many sandstones exhibit lamination, and in such rock structures, permeability may vary by an order of magnitude over distances of a centimetre or less. Frequently, laminations are inclined with respect to the pressure gradient, which gives rise to cross-flow within the unit. In this case a tensor may be used to represent the effective permeability of the bed. In this paper the effect of small-scale geological structure on single-phase flow is investigated using a model of a cross-bedded unit to determine which factors have the greatest effect on cross-flow. In addition, a range of other types of bedding are considered, including models with stochastic variation. We have found that, in general, the geometry of the sedimentary structure has a significant effect on flow. The cross-flow is greater (and therefore tensors are more likely to be necessary) when the angle of the laminae is large relative to the pressure gradient (up to 45 degrees ), when the permeability contrast between laminae is large, or when the structure is asymmetric.
Lithology and fluid prediction from seismic and well data
Authors: Bunch Andrew W. H. , Dromgoole Peter W.
Published: November 2010

We can define five measurable properties from surface seismic. Reflection time and continuity give structure and compartmentation information. The third, compressional rock velocity, comes from seismic velocity analysis . The fourth, acoustic impedance, is measured from reflection amplitudes and the fifth, Poisson's ratio, from seismic amplitude variation with offset (AVO) analysis. Petrophysical analysis relates these seismic properties to rock properties such as lithology, fluid content, porosity, net pay and permeability in the reservoir, and is used to predict lateral variations in rock properties. To predict and map reservoir properties from seismic data requires high quality, properly processed and interpreted seismic, core and well log data. Integration of all these data and close co-operation between all disciplines are the keys to success.
Experimental models of strike-slip tectonics
Authors: Richard P. D. , Naylor M. A. , Koopman A.
Published: November 2010

We present a variety of models for strike-slip tectonics which represent a useful database for seismic interpreters and geologists. In pure strike-slip, the Riedel shear geometry is shown to depend on the initial stress state, interference of parallel basement faults and horizontal layering of the overburden. Above two parallel basement faults, a single wide or two separate fault zones may be mapped, depending on the depth of observation. In a heterogeneous layered sequence, upwards branching of Riedel shears occurs at layer interfaces. In oblique-slip faulting, the sense of vertical displacement and the geometry of the fault pattern are indicative of the tectonic regime. The degree of obliquity of the fault strike can be related to the ratio of dip-slip to strike-slip movement. In the case of relay structures, the ratio of the length of basement-fault offset to the thickness of the overburden controls the geometry of the fault pattern.
Use of full-waveform sonic data to image near-borehole structural features
Authors: Hornby B. E.
Published: November 2010

The full waveforms recorded by an array of receivers in a modern full-waveform sonic tool contain secondary arrivals that are reflected from near-borehole structural features. These arrivals are used to form an image of the near-borehole structural features in a manner similar to seismic migration. Possible uses of this technique include horizontal well logging; structural dip and contour determination; fault, salt dome, pinnacle reef, and fracture zone imaging; and EOR steam-flood monitoring. Examples are given for a deviated well penetrating a North Sea reservoir, and for a horizontal well penetrating a thin (10m thick) reservoir. For the horizontal well case, full-waveform sonic data are successfully used to image the reservoir top as the well penetrates into the reservoir and continues near-parallel to the reservoir boundary.
Planning extended reach wells in Wytch Farm Field, UK
Authors: McClure N. M. , Wilkinson D. W. , Frost D. P. , Geehan G. W.
Published: November 2010

Reservoir characterization of the Sherwood Formation in the Wytch Farm Field depended on control from 48 wells, approximately half of which had been cored. Lithotypes were denned by detailed study of a near-by outcrop, where photo mosaics were mapped to establish lithotype geometry for the reservoir model. Probe permeameter measurements were taken both at outcrop and in the laboratory to supplement existing core plug data. The key to achieving an optimum well trajectory through the reservoir is appropriate definition of the kv/kh ratio. Lithological data were assimilated to derive characteristics for input to flow simulation models. These models were developed at the single-well scale and reservoir characterizations then 'up-scaled' to full-field reservoir flow models. These studies indicated that lenses of mudstone and calcrete conglomerates have a significant effect on reservoir flow characteristics. Thus, to optimize individual well performance, a trajectory at 85 degrees to 87 degrees would be more effective than a horizontal well.
The structure and hydrocarbon geology of the Romanian East Carpathian border from seismic data
Authors: Dicea Oprea
Published: November 2010

In the Romanian East Carpathians overthrust relations between the Tarcau, the Marginal folds and the Subcarpathian nappes and the Moldavian and Moesian platforms have been deduced from seismic profiles and confirmed by wells. The down steps of the platform, under the nappes, have created many faulted blocks. South of the Trotus Valley, the Pralea-Focsani Depression has developed on the platform basement. Between the Slanic and Dambovita valleys, in the Mio-Pliocene zone, the Subcarpathian nappe, the diapir folds and the Oligocene deep structure have been delineated on seismic profiles. The presence of all the conditions for oil generation and entrapment encourages new investment in geological and geophysical exploration.
A sedimentological model of the Callovian oolite reservoir of the Villeperdue oil field, Paris Basin (France)
Authors: Granier B.
Published: November 2010

The Villeperdue oil field is a composite stratigraphic and structural trap. The study focuses on the stratigraphic control, i.e. the relationship between stratigraphy and sedimentology, and a sedimentological model constrained by core data, outcrop analogues, and thorough petrographic analyses. The Callovian oolite limestones are subdivided into three stratigraphic units each with its own oolitic shoal facies; the upper two units form two separate complex reservoirs with porosity zones which are hard to correlate though they are probably interconnected.