bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RANDOM NOISE CANCELLATION IN BIOMEDICAL SIGNALS USING VARIABLE STEP SIZE GRIFFITH LMS ADAPTIVE LINE ENHANCER
Authors: HEGDE VEENA N. , DEEKSHIT RAVISHANKAR , SATYANARAYANA P. S.
Published: August 2012

This paper presents a new method of random noise cancellation for removing artefacts from biomedical signals using an adaptive line enhancer (ALE). The ALE is implemented using proposed time domain variable step size Griffith least mean square (VSGLMS) algorithm. The technique is based on the adaptation of the gradient of the error surface. The method makes both the step size and the gradient free from observation noise and reduces the gradient mis-adjustment error. Here, both the gradient and the scale factor for the step size are free from the input noise effects, which makes the algorithm robust to both stationary and non-stationary observation noise. Further the additional computational load involved for this is marginal. The VSGLMS adaptive filter technique for ALE is tested on noise cancellation of two types of bio-medical signals — separation of electro cardiogram (ECG) signal from a background of electro myogram (EMG) and heart sound signal (HSS) from lung sound signal (LSS). Application of VSGLAM–ALE for the separation of HSS from LSS and ECG from EMG has been demonstrated using synthetic White Gaussian noise (WGN). It is found that VSGLMS–ALE can separate the desired signals like ECG or HSS at an input SNR of -5 dB to 27 dB. The performance of VSGLMS is compared with state-of-the-art least mean square LMS–ALE and normalised LMS–ALE. The results of PSDs, time domain waveforms, and mean square error (MSE) have proven that VSGLMS performs better than advanced techniques.
HEART DEPOLARIZATION VECTOR LOCUS CARDIOGRAM AND ITS CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATIONS
Authors: NAGENTHIRAN T. , GHISTA DHANJOO N. , PRASAD V. RAMANAN
Published: August 2012

This study demonstrates the development of the heart depolarization vector locus cardiogram (HPVLC, from limb leads and a modified Einthoven's triangle) as a diagnostic measure of the left ventricular depolarization strength. Our work involves the reconstruction of the "equivalent heart electrical-activity vector (HAV)" for the QRS complex from limb leads voltages of a sample ECG recording, and plotting the progression of the cardiac vector during the QRS complex.

A realistic visualization of the progression of the equivalent-dipole HAV during the QRS complex is possible by staging the HPVLC of the QRS complex from the onset of the QRS till the end of the depolarization stage. This can enable the characterization of the HPVLC by means of an analytical function. By studying the HPVLC for various electro-cardiological disorders, it is possible to determine the ranges of the analytical function's parameters for normal and disordered electro-cardiological states, for diagnostic purpose.

We have seen that the monitored ECG is theoretically derived from HAV components on the sides of the Einthoven triangle. Nevertheless, in cardiac practice, the monitored ECG is employed in diagnosis of heart diseases. From the ECG, we can obtain the heart rate, and therefrom the heart rate variability, which too has diagnostic applications. Many nonlinear methods have been proposed to analyze ECG and HRV for detection of cardiac abnormalities, using linear and nonlinear methods. Herein, we have shown how HRV signal can be analyzed in terms of four recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) features, which are then combined into an Integrated Index to enable better separation of normal and diabetic subjects.
AUTOMATED GLAUCOMA DETECTION USING HYBRID FEATURE EXTRACTION IN RETINAL FUNDUS IMAGES
Authors: KRISHNAN M MUTHU RAMA , FAUST OLIVER
Published: August 2012

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness. Robust mass screening may help to extend the symptom-free life for affected patients. To realize mass screening requires a cost-effective glaucoma detection method which integrates well with digital medical and administrative processes. To address these requirements, we propose a novel low cost automated glaucoma diagnosis system based on hybrid feature extraction from digital fundus images. The paper discusses a system for the automated identification of normal and glaucoma classes using higher order spectra (HOS), trace transform (TT), and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) features. The extracted features are fed to a support vector machine (SVM) classifier with linear, polynomial order 1, 2, 3 and radial basis function (RBF) in order to select the best kernel for automated decision making. In this work, the SVM classifier, with a polynomial order 2 kernel function, was able to identify glaucoma and normal images with an accuracy of 91.67%, and sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 93.33%, respectively. Furthermore, we propose a novel integrated index called Glaucoma Risk Index (GRI) which is composed from HOS, TT, and DWT features, to diagnose the unknown class using a single feature. We hope that this GRI will aid clinicians to make a faster glaucoma diagnosis during the mass screening of normal/glaucoma images.
EXAMPLES OF COMPACT NEGATIVELY CURVED ALMOST COMPLEX, BUT NOT COMPLEX, MANIFOLDS
Authors: KIM JIN HONG
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we provide infinitely many examples of compact negatively curved almost complex, but not complex, manifolds of complex dimension 2n + 1 or 2n + 2 by using strongly pseudoconvex homogeneous domains in an almost complex manifold. Unlike the Kodaira–Thurston manifold which is the flat case, the first Betti number of the constructed manifolds is even, and their first homology group is, in fact, isomorphic to ℤ4n+2 or ℤ4n+4.
SIMPLE ZEROS OF MAASS L-FUNCTIONS
Authors: CHO PETER JAEHYUN
Published: August 2012

We show that one simple zero of a Maass L-function implies infinitely many simple zeros of the L-function. Since Strömbergsson found simple zeros of three different even Maass L-functions, we know that there are at least three Maass L-functions having infinitely many simple zeros.
ON BAUER–MUIR TRANSFORM OF CONTINUED FRACTIONS
Authors: BELAGHI MAHMOUD JAFARI SHAH , KHRUSHCHEV SERGEY , BASHIROV AGAMIRZA E.
Published: August 2012

In this paper a convergence theorem for continued fractions with negative parameters is proved. We define a transformation of a certain kind of continued fractions to the same kind of continued fractions. This transformation is obtained by multiple application of the Bauer–Muir transform and then using the limiting process. It is shown that a double application of this transformation is the identity transformation.
PERFORMANCE OF R-1234YF IN MOBILE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM UNDER DIFFERENT HEAT LOAD CONDITIONS
Authors: ZHAO YU , CHEN JIANGPING , XU BAIXING , HE BIN
Published: August 2012

"Drop-in" tests of R-1234yf in a mobile air conditioning (MAC) system were conducted, and the system performance results were compared with those of the same system using R-134a. The performance tests were performed in a psychrometric calorimeter test facility based on enthalpy-difference method. The system performance was investigated under low-, middle- and high-load conditions. The results showed that the optimum refrigerant charge of R-1234yf was approximately 90% compared with that of R-134a under the same MAC system. When operated under optimum refrigerant charge, the system cooling capacity and COP of R-1234yf was 11% and 8.3% lower than that of the R-134a system, respectively. When wind tunnel test was conducted on a practical vehicle, the result showed that the carriage temperature in the vehicle with the R-1234yf system dropped slower. The average carriage temperature and blower outlet temperature were 2°C higher than those of the R-134a system during the test.
The Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of Cells
Authors: Dall Christoffer , Andrus Jeremy , Van’t Hof Alexander , Laadan Oren , Nieh Jason
Published: August 2012

Smartphones are increasingly ubiquitous, and many users carry multiple phones to accommodate work, personal, and geographic mobility needs. We present
Cells
, a virtualization architecture for enabling multiple virtual smartphones to run simultaneously on the same physical cellphone in an isolated, secure manner.
Cells
introduces a usage model of having one foreground virtual phone and multiple background virtual phones. This model enables a new device namespace mechanism and novel device proxies that integrate with lightweight operating system virtualization to multiplex phone hardware across multiple virtual phones while providing native hardware device performance.
Cells
virtual phone features include fully accelerated 3D graphics, complete power management features, and full telephony functionality with separately assignable telephone numbers and caller ID support. We have implemented a prototype of
Cells
that supports multiple Android virtual phones on the same phone. Our performance results demonstrate that
Cells
imposes only modest runtime and memory overhead, works seamlessly across multiple hardware devices including Google Nexus 1 and Nexus S phones, and transparently runs Android applications at native speed without any modifications.
ITiCSE 2012
Authors: Lapidot Tami , Gal-Ezer Judith
Published: August 2012

The 17th Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education (ITiCSE 2012) took place in Haifa, Israel on June 3-5. ITiCSE 2012 was among the official Centenary events of the Alan Turing Year and all three keynotes were related to the Turing Centenary.
ICER 2012
Authors: Clear Alison , Sanders Kate , Simon Beth
Published: August 2012

The 8
th
annual International Computing Education Research Workshop (ICER '12) will be held September 10-12, 2012, at Auckland University of Technology (http://www.aut.ac.nz/), Auckland, New Zealand.
Special projects grants awarded
Authors: Baldwin Doug
Published: August 2012

SIGCSE received 15 Special Projects grant proposals for the May 2012 funding cycle. The Special Projects Committee is pleased to announce that the following four grants have been awarded:

Anthony Allevato and Steve Edwards, Virginia Tech, "Pythy---A Cloud-Based IDE for Novice Python Programmers" (http://pythy.cs.vt.edu/). This project will develop a Web-based environment in which novice programmers can write and run Python programs and access documentation and tutorials. This environment reduces the barriers students often face if they have to install development tools on their own computers.
Positronium in a Liquid Phase: Formation, Bubble State and Chemical Reactions
Authors: Stepanov Sergey V. , Byakov Vsevolod M. , Zvezhinskiy Dmitrii S. , Duplâtre Gilles , Nurmukhametov Roman R. , Stepanov Petr S.
Published: August 2012

The present approach describes the e+ fate since its injection into a liquid until its annihilation. Several stages of the e+ evolution are discussed: (1) energy deposition and track structure of fast positrons: ionization slowing down, number of ion-electron pairs, typical sizes, thermalization, electrostatic interaction between e+ and the constituents of its blob, and effect of local heating; (2) positronium formation in condensed media: the Ore model, quasifree Ps state, intratrack mechanism of Ps formation; (3) fast intratrack diffusion-controlled reactions: Ps oxidation and ortho-paraconversion by radiolytic products, reaction rate constants, and interpretation of the PAL spectra in water at different temperatures; (4) Ps bubble models. Inner structure of positronium (wave function, energy contributions, relationship between the pick-off annihilation rate and the bubble radius).
A Note on Property (gb) and Perturbations
Authors: Zeng Qingping , Zhong Huaijie
Published: August 2012

An operator T ∈ ℬ(X) defined on a Banach space X satisfies property (gb) if the complement in the approximate point spectrum σa(T) of the upper semi‐B‐Weyl spectrum coincides with the set Π(T) of all poles of the resolvent of T. In this paper, we continue to study property (gb) and the stability of it, for a bounded linear operator T acting on a Banach space, under perturbations by nilpotent operators, by finite rank operators, and by quasinilpotent operators commuting with T. Two counterexamples show that property (gb) in general is not preserved under commuting quasi‐nilpotent perturbations or commuting finite rank perturbations.
Recent Advances in Pharmacotherapy Development for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Yoshimura Koichi , Aoki Hiroki
Published: August 2012

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common disease causing segmental expansion and rupture of the aorta with a high mortality rate. The lack of nonsurgical treatment represents a large and unmet need in terms of pharmacotherapy. Advances in AAA research revealed that activation of inflammatory signaling pathways through proinflammatory mediators shifts the balance of extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism toward tissue degradation. This idea is supported by experimental evidence in animal models that pharmacologic intervention at each pathological step can prevent AAA development. Previously, we identified c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a pro-inflammatory signaling molecule, as a therapeutic target for AAA. Abnormal activation of JNK in AAA tissue regulates multiple pathological processes in a coordinated manner. Pharmacologic inhibition of JNK tips the ECM balance back towards repair rather than degradation. Interventions targeting signaling molecules such as JNK in order to manipulate multiple pathological processes may be an ideal therapeutic strategy for AAA. Furthermore, the development of biomarkers as well as appropriate drug delivery systems is essential to produce clinically practical pharmacotherapy for AAA.
Parents' Initial Perceptions of Multidisciplinary Care for Pediatric Chronic Pain
Authors: Gorodzinsky Ayala Y. , Tran Susan T. , Medrano Gustavo R. , Fleischman Katie M. , Anderson-Khan Kimberly J. , Ladwig Renee J. , Weisman Steven J.
Published: August 2012

Chronic and recurrent pain is experienced by many children and adolescents. Treatment of chronic pain using a multidisciplinary approach has been found to be effective for treatment of chronic pain. Parent satisfaction with treatment and treatment providers highly correlates to children’s treatment adherence. Parents of children treated at a multidisciplinary chronic pain clinic were interviewed following their initial appointment. Parents reported high satisfaction with treatment team members and with the treatment plan. Parents also reported appreciation of multidisciplinary structure, the high level of expertise of the team members, and the team members’ genuine interest in treating their children. This increase in satisfaction when compared to previous treatment is important since increases in satisfaction may correlate with a reduction in experiences of chronic pain. Parents reported high satisfaction with interactions with treatment team members and with the treatment plan provided for their children. Parents had appreciation of multidisciplinary team structure and the high level of expertise of the team members. This increase in satisfaction when compared to treatment from previous providers is important since increases in satisfaction may correlate with an increase in children’s treatment adherence and a reduction in experiences of chronic pain.
Common Coupled Fixed Point Theorems of Single‐Valued Mapping for c‐Distance in Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Fadail Zaid Mohammed , Bin Ahmad Abd Ghafur
Published: August 2012

The existence and uniqueness of the common coupled fixed point in cone metric spaces have been studied by considering different types of contractive conditions. A new concept of the c‐distance in cone metric space has been recently introduced in 2011. Then, coupled fixed point results for contraction‐type mappings in ordered cone metric spaces and cone metric spaces have been considered. In this paper, some common coupled fixed point results on c‐distance in cone metric spaces are obtained. Some supporting examples are given.
A Prospective PCR-Based Screening for the EML4-ALK Oncogene in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Soda Manabu , Isobe Kazutoshi , Inoue Akira , Maemondo Makoto , Oizumi Satoshi , Fujita Yuka , Gemma Akihiko , Yamashita Yoshihiro , Ueno Toshihide , Takeuchi Kengo , Choi Young Lim , Miyazawa Hitoshi , Tanaka Tomoaki , Hagiwara Koichi , Mano Hiroyuki ,   for the North-East Japan Study Group and the ALK Lung Cancer Study Group
Published: August 2012

Purpose: EML4-ALK is a lung cancer oncogene, and ALK inhibitors show marked therapeutic efficacy for tumors harboring this fusion gene. It remains unsettled, however, how the fusion gene should be detected in specimens other than formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. We here tested whether reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)-based detection of EML4-ALK is a sensitive and reliable approach.

Experimental Design: We developed a multiplex RT-PCR system to capture ALK fusion transcripts and applied this technique to our prospective, nationwide cohort of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Japan.

Results: During February to December 2009, we collected 916 specimens from 853 patients, quality filtering of which yielded 808 specimens of primary NSCLC from 754 individuals. Screening for EML4-ALK and KIF5B-ALK with our RT-PCR system identified EML4-ALK transcripts in 36 samples (4.46%) from 32 individuals (4.24%). The RT-PCR products were detected in specimens including bronchial washing fluid (n = 11), tumor biopsy (n = 8), resected tumor (n = 7), pleural effusion (n = 5), sputum (n = 4), and metastatic lymph node (n = 1). The results of RT-PCR were concordant with those of sensitive immunohistochemistry with ALK antibodies.

Conclusions: Multiplex RT-PCR was confirmed to be a reliable technique for detection of ALK fusion transcripts. We propose that diagnostic tools for EML4-ALK should be selected in a manner dependent on the available specimen types. FISH and sensitive immunohistochemistry should be applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, but multiplex RT-PCR is appropriate for other specimen types. Clin Cancer Res; 18(20); 5682–9. ©2012 AACR.
Gene Expression Signature–Based Prognostic Risk Score in Patients with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Kawaguchi Atsushi , Iwadate Yasuo , Komohara Yoshihiro , Sano Masakazu , Kajiwara Koji , Yajima Naoki , Tsuchiya Naoto , Homma Jumpei , Aoki Hiroshi , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Sakai Yuko , Hondoh Hiroaki , Fujii Yukihiko , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Yamanaka Ryuya
Published: August 2012

Purpose: Better understanding of the underlying biology of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) is critical for the development of early detection strategies, molecular markers, and new therapeutics. This study aimed to define genes associated with survival of patients with PCNSL.

Experimental Design: Expression profiling was conducted on 32 PCNSLs. A gene classifier was developed using the random survival forests model. On the basis of this, prognosis prediction score (PPS) using immunohistochemical analysis is also developed and validated in another data set with 43 PCNSLs.

Results: We identified 23 genes in which expressions were strongly and consistently related to patient survival. A PPS was developed for overall survival (OS) using a univariate Cox model. Survival analyses using the selected 23-gene classifiers revealed a prognostic value for high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) and HD-MTX–containing polychemotherapy regimen–treated patients. Patients predicted to have good outcomes by the PPS showed significantly longer survival than those with poor predicted outcomes (P < 0.0001). PPS using immunohistochemical analysis is also significant in test (P = 0.0004) and validation data set (P = 0.0281). The gene-based predictor was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariate model that included clinical risk stratification (P < 0.0001). Among the genes, BRCA1 protein expressions were most strongly associated with patient survival.

Conclusion: We have identified gene expression signatures that can accurately predict survival in patients with PCNSL. These predictive genes should be useful as molecular biomarkers and they could provide novel targets for therapeutic interventions. Clin Cancer Res; 18(20); 5672–81. ©2012 AACR.
Free p-Cresol Sulfate Is Associated with Survival and Function of Vascular Access in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Chen Te-Chuan , Wang Chun-Yeh , Hsu Chung-Yao , Wu Chien-Hsing , Kuo Chien-Chun , Wang Ku-Chung , Yang Chih-Chau , Wu Men-Tai , Chuang Feng-Rong , Lee Chien-Te
Published: August 2012

Background: Protein-bound uremic toxins indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresol sulfate (p-CS) have been implicated as an important factor in uremic syndrome. Recent evidence indicates that both IS and p-CS are predictors of cardiovascular as well as all-cause mortality among chronic dialysis patients. We conducted a study to analyze the relationship between IS and p-CS and vascular access (VA) outcome in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: A total of 91 chronic stable HD patients were divided into groups according to survival of VA and frequency of VA dysfunction. Demographic and biochemical data were reviewed and recorded. Serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and the total and free forms of IS and p-CS were determined. Results: Patients with a history of frequent VA failure and dysfunction had lower albumin and higher levels of ICAM-1, free IS, free and total p-CS. Diabetes was associated with higher IS and p-CS. Logistic regression revealed that diabetes and free p-CS were independent factors associated with poor outcome of VA. Conclusion: Endothelial dysfunction and uremic toxins were associated with survival and function of VA. Diabetes and free p-CS were significantly related to the outcome of VA among chronic HD patients.
In vitro Differentiation of Adult Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Retinal Progenitor Cells
Authors: Moviglia Gustavo A. , Blasetti Nahuel , Zarate Jorge O. , Pelayes David E.
Published: August 2012

Introduction: It has been previously shown that adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and that the differentiation process was completed in 24–48 h. In this previous study, MSCs from a bone marrow or fat source were co-incubated with homologous autoaggressive cells (ECs) against nerve tissue, and these NPCs were successfully used in human regenerative therapeutic approaches. The present study was conducted to investigate whether a similar differentiation method could be used to obtain autologous retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). Methods: Human Th1 cells against retinal tissue were obtained by challenging human blood mononuclear cells with an eye lysate of bovine origin; negative selection was performed using a specific immunomagnetic bead cocktail. Fat MSCs were obtained from a human donor through mechanical and enzymatic dissociation of a surgical sample. The ECs and MSCs were co-cultured in a serum-free medium without the addition of cytokines for 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. The plastic adherent cells were morphologically examined using inverted-phase microscopy and characterized by immunofluorescent staining using antibodies against Pax 6, TUBB3, GFAP, Bestrophin 2, RPE 65, OPN1 SW, and rhodopsin antigens. Results: The early signs of MSC differentiation into RPCs were observed at 24 h of co-culture, and the early differentiated retinal linage cells appeared at 72 h (neurons, rods, Müller cells, retinal ganglion cells and retinal pigmented epithelial cells). These changes increased during further culture. Conclusion: The results reported here support the development of a method to obtain a large number of autologous adult RPCs, which could be used to treat different retinopathies.
Increased Superoxide and Endothelial NO Synthase Uncoupling in Blood Vessels of Bmal1-Knockout Mice
Authors: Anea Ciprian B. , Cheng Bo , Sharma Shruti , Kumar Sanjiv , Caldwell R. William , Yao Lin , Ali M. Irfan , Merloiu Ana M. , Stepp David W. , Black Stephen M. , Fulton David J.R. , Rudic R. Daniel
Published: August 2012

Rationale:

Disruption of the circadian clock in mice produces vascular dysfunction as evidenced by impairments in endothelium-dependent signaling, vasomotion, and blood vessel remodeling. Although the altered function of endothelial NO synthase and the overproduction of reactive oxygen species are central to dysfunction of the endothelium, to date, the impact of the circadian clock on endothelial NO synthase coupling and vascular reactive oxygen species production is not known.

Objective:

The goals of the present study were to determine whether deletion of a critical component of the circadian clock, Bmal1, can influence endothelial NO synthase coupling and reactive oxygen species levels in arteries from Bmal1-knockout (KO) mice.

Methods and Results:

Endothelial function was reduced in aortae from Bmal1-KO mice and improved by scavenging reactive oxygen species with polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase and nonselectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase isoforms with indomethacin. Aortae from Bmal1-KO mice exhibited enhanced superoxide levels as determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and dihydroethidium fluorescence, an elevation that was abrogated by administration of nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed a reduction in tetrahydrobiopterin and an increase in dihydrobiopterin levels in the lung and aorta of Bmal1-KO mice, whereas supplementation with tetrahydrobiopterin improved endothelial function in the circadian clock KO mice. Furthermore, levels of tetrahydrobiopterin, dihydrobiopterin, and the key enzymes that regulate biopterin bioavailability, GTP cyclohydrolase and dihydrofolate reductase exhibited a circadian expression pattern.

Conclusions:

Having an established influence in the metabolic control of glucose and lipids, herein, we describe a novel role for the circadian clock in metabolism of biopterins, with a significant impact in the vasculature, to regulate coupling of endothelial NO synthase, production of superoxide, and maintenance of endothelial function.
Characterization of Model Spread in PMIP2 Mid-Holocene Simulations of the African Monsoon
Authors: Zheng Weipeng , Braconnot Pascale
Published: August 2012

Simulations of the West African monsoon (WAM) for the present-day climate (0 ka) and the mid-Holocene (6 ka) using the coupled models from the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project phase 2 (PMIP2) are assessed in this study. The authors first compare the ensemble simulations with modern observations and proxy estimates of past precipitation, showing that the PMIP2 model median captures the basic features of the WAM for 0 ka and the changes at 6 ka, despite systematic biases in the preindustrial (PI) simulations and underestimates of the northward extent and intensity of precipitation changes.

The model spread is then discussed based on a classification of the monsoonal convective regimes for a subset of seven coupled models. Two major categories of model are defined based on their differences in simulating deep and moderate convective regimes in the PI simulations. Changes in precipitation at 6 ka are dominated by changes in the large-scale dynamics for most of the PMIP2 models and are characterized by a shift in the monsoonal circulation toward deeper convective regimes. Consequently, changes in the total precipitation at 6 ka depend on the changes in convective regimes and the characteristics of these regimes in the PI simulations. The results indicate that systematic model biases in simulating the radiation and heat fluxes could explain the damping of the meridional temperature gradient over West Africa and thereby the underestimation of precipitation in the Sahel–Sahara region.
A Historical Perspective on Southeastern Australian Rainfall since 1865 Using the Instrumental Record
Authors: Timbal B. , Fawcett R.
Published: August 2012

The instrumental record for rainfall across Australia is regarded as being sufficiently reliable to produce national monthly gridded rainfall analyses from 1900 onward. Prior to 1900, the rainfall gauge network is much sparser. The possibility of using those nineteenth-century observations that do exist to construct an estimate of rainfall across the southeastern part of Australia (SEA) is explored by constructing a network based on 11 locations comprising either single observing sites or composites of nearby observing sites with long continuous records. It is shown that, during the period 1900–2010, the monthly rainfall reconstruction based on this network captures 98% of the variability of SEA monthly average rainfall. This network, which extends back to 1865, provides a useful view of the Federation Drought, making a comparison possible with other long-term droughts observed in SEA, around the time of the Second World War and the Millennium Drought from 1997 to 2009. A comparison of these three historical low-rainfall periods was conducted using the drought–depth–duration criteria: the ongoing decline in southeastern Australia is seen as being notably worse than the previous two historical droughts. The network also provides an insight into the decadal variability of SEA rainfall in the later part of the nineteenth century; it includes a high peak in the 1870s comparable to similar wet decadal peaks in the 1950s and 1970s. The implications of this longer perspective on the decadal variability in southeastern Australia in light of the current understanding of the ongoing rainfall deficit are discussed.
Classifying El Niño Modoki I and II by Different Impacts on Rainfall in Southern China and Typhoon Tracks
Authors: Wang Chunzai , Wang Xin
Published: August 2012

Based on their opposite influences on rainfall in southern China during boreal fall, this paper classifies El Niño Modoki into two groups: El Niño Modoki I and II, which show different origins and patterns of SST anomalies. The warm SST anomalies originate in the equatorial central Pacific and subtropical northeastern Pacific for El Niño Modoki I and II, respectively. Thus, El Niño Modoki I shows a symmetric SST anomaly distribution about the equator with the maximum warming in the equatorial central Pacific, whereas El Niño Modoki II displays an asymmetric distribution with the warm SST anomalies extending from the northeastern Pacific to the equatorial central Pacific. Additionally, the warm SST anomalies in the equatorial central Pacific extend farther westward for El Niño Modoki II than for El Niño Modoki I. Similar to the canonical El Niño, El Niño Modoki I is associated with an anomalous anticyclone in the Philippine Sea that induces southwesterly wind anomalies along the south coast of China and carries the moisture for increasing rainfall in southern China. For El Niño Modoki II, an anomalous cyclone resides east of the Philippines, associated with northerly wind anomalies and a decrease in rainfall in southern China. The canonical El Niño and El Niño Modoki I are associated with a westward extension of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH), whereas El Niño Modoki II shifts the WNPSH eastward. Differing from canonical El Niño and El Niño Modoki I, El Niño Modoki II corresponds to northwesterly anomalies of the typhoon steering flow, which are unfavorable for typhoons to make landfall in China.
Eddy-Induced Particle Dispersion in the Near-Surface North Atlantic
Authors: Rypina Irina I. , Kamenkovich Igor , Berloff Pavel , Pratt Lawrence J.
Published: August 2012

This study investigates the anisotropic properties of the eddy-induced material transport in the near-surface North Atlantic from two independent datasets, one simulated from the sea surface height altimetry and one derived from real-ocean surface drifters, and systematically examines the interactions between the mean- and eddy-induced material transport in the region. The Lagrangian particle dispersion, which is widely used to characterize the eddy-induced tracer fluxes, is quantified by constructing the “spreading ellipses.” The analysis consistently demonstrates that this dispersion is spatially inhomogeneous and strongly anisotropic. The spreading is larger and more anisotropic in the subtropical than in the subpolar gyre, and the largest ellipses occur in the Gulf Stream vicinity. Even at times longer than half a year, the spreading exhibits significant nondiffusive behavior in some parts of the domain. The eddies in this study are defined as deviations from the long-term time-mean. The contributions from the climatological annual cycle, interannual, and subannual (shorter than one year) variability are investigated, and the latter is shown to have the strongest effect on the anisotropy of particle spreading. The influence of the mean advection on the eddy-induced particle spreading is investigated using the “eddy-following-full-trajectories” technique and is found to be significant. The role of the Ekman advection is, however, secondary. The pronounced anisotropy of particle dispersion is expected to have important implications for distributing oceanic tracers, and for parameterizing eddy-induced tracer transfer in non-eddy-resolving models.
Why Bion? Why Jung? For That Matter, Why Freud?
Authors: Rosegrant John
Published: August 2012

Bion and Jung share both a significant disjunction from reflecting on personal experience, and a commitment to connecting with a higher truth outside of personal experience; in this they contrast with the Freudian standpoint that fully engages with reflecting on personal experience, and that considers efforts to connect to a higher truth as themselves usefully thought about in terms of their personal meaning. In these aspects of their work, Bion and Jung strongly endorse a romantic and communal approach to experience, whereas Freud essentially integrates the romantic and communal with the classical and agentic.
Temporary exit from employment: A response
Authors: Ginn Jay
Published: August 2012

In this brief response to the proposal for temporary exit from employment, I question whether funding career breaks through state pension sacrifice is the best way to achieve the aim of allowing individuals more autonomy, choice and flexibility in their life course. I argue that this funding mechanism is socially-divisive, reinforcing the disadvantages already experienced by vulnerable groups in the population. In contrast, an alternative scheme – a lifelong Citizen’s Income – could achieve the desirable aims without the drawbacks.
Shear characteristics of GFRP-reinforced concrete deep beams without web reinforcement
Authors: Abed F , El-Chabib H , AlHamaydeh M
Published: August 2012

This article investigates the shear behavior of deep concrete beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer for flexure and without shear reinforcement. A total of 13 beams were tested under four-point loading until failure. Nine of which reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer bars and four with steel bars. The ultimate shear capacity along with the load–deformation relationship of all beams was studied. The effects of the shear span to depth ratio a/d, reinforcement ratio ρ, beam effective depth d, and concrete compressive strength on the ultimate shear capacity and mode of failure of all beams were also investigated. Results show that the stiffness of steel-reinforced concrete beams (slope of the ascending portion of load–deflection curve) is higher than that of beams reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars as expected, due to the low axial stiffness of the fiber-reinforced polymer material. A slight variation in the ultimate shear capacity was noticed but no clear trend was observed. In addition, beams reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer exhibited larger deformation at their ultimate failure load, after which a sudden failure occurred especially for beams having high shear capacity.
Temperature effect on the flexural deformation and strength of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic laminate
Authors: Hwang Tae-Kyung , Park Jae-Beom , Kim Hyoung-Geun
Published: August 2012

Tests and numerical analysis were conducted to evaluate the flexural deformation and strength of laminated carbon fiber-reinforced plastic under high temperature conditions. First, a series of four-point bending tests in various temperature conditions was conducted, and the results indicated a remarkable temperature effect on the flexural deformation and strength. At high temperature test conditions, above the glass transition temperature ( Tg) of resin materials, the degradation rate of flexural stiffness and strength abruptly accelerated. The failure mode also changed from de-lamination failure to local buckling failure. Next, finite element analyses using a progressive failure model were performed and compared to the test data. A new damage model considering the Weibull distribution of the composite strength was implemented in the user subroutine of the ABAQUS/standard. It was found that the flexural strength and failure mechanism of laminated carbon fiber-reinforced plastic in various test temperature conditions were well explained and predicted by finite element analysis.
Influence of fiber length and compatibilizer on mechanical properties of long glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6,6
Authors: Yang Bin , Leng Jinhua , He Bobing , Liu Heng , Zhang Yu , Duan Zhaohua
Published: August 2012

The influences of the glass fiber content and initial length on the mechanical properties of long glass fiber reinforced nylon 66 (LGF-PA66) were investigated, and then the appropriate glass fiber content (30%) and initial glass fiber length (10 mm) were determined to study the effect of three kinds of compatibilizers (maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH), maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin elastomer (POE-g-MAH) and maleic anhydride grafted ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM-g-MAH)) on the mechanical properties of the LGF-PA66 composites. It is found that a maximum tensile strength is reached for the composites when any of the different compatibilizers are 2.5 wt%. However, the influence of PP-g-MAH on the impact strength of composites is different from the others. Tensile strength and notched impact strength models were applied to interpret the experimental results of the mechanical properties.
Factors Affecting Profit Efficiency of Private Hospitals in Bangladesh: Are Urban Hospitals More Profit-Efficient?
Authors: Rahman Mohammad A. , Capitman John A.
Published: August 2012

In Bangladesh, the number of privately owned hospitals has increased manifold over the last three decades, indicating high profitability in this sector. This study identifies the factors that affect the profit-generating ability of these hospitals. Using 185 privately owned ‘for-profit’ hospitals, the study applied Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique to measure their profit efficiency and then used tobit regression analysis to identify the factors affecting profit efficiency. It was found that only a handful of private hospitals were profit-efficient. Results provide evidence that hospitals located in major metropolitan cities were more efficient than those located in semi-rural areas. It was also found that hospitals that had been in business longer and those that had less market share were likely to be more profit-efficient.
Sexual Behaviour and HIV/AIDS Awareness among College Girls: A Case Study
Authors: Agrawal Seema
Published: August 2012

Unsafe sex accounts for 87 per cent new HIV infections in India placing young people in the centre of the epidemic. The present study was conducted to analyze the impact of family structure on awareness and opinion about sexual and HIV/AIDS practices among college girls in Jaipur city. Structured interview method was used to gather qualitative and quantitative data. The study finds, that for a large number of respondents of joint families, autonomous behaviour of youths with outsiders and uncontrolled media are the major sources of spreading pre-marital sex in the general population whereas the respondents of nuclear families felt that communication gap between parents and their children and use of sex as a stress-buster instrument led to pre-marital sex primarily. The study concludes that today’s youth believes in upholding the cultural traditions by having faith in the marital bond, disapproving of pre-marital sex and abiding by social code of conduct. Lack of correct information about ‘safe sex’, ignorance about HIV testing and views such as ‘AIDS can’t happen to me’ can put them at risk. Joint families are the source of re/affirmation of cultural values, traditions and prove quite pragmatic when the issue of HIV testing of the respondents and the proposed boys arises. Nuclear family structure provides more opportunities to youth to discuss about their psycho-social problems. It is recommended that a programme should be developed for the parents so that they could come out of their cocoons and provide timely solutions to their growing children. Cultural engagements and sensitivity among youth is the need of the hour.
Impact of the Economic Reform Programme on the Quality of Human Life in India: A Study on the Health Indicators
Authors: Gangadharan Srinivasa Rao , Yoonus C.A.
Published: August 2012

This article examines the impact of the economic reform programme in enhancing the quality of human life in India. The methodology adopted is to examine the existence of structural changes between the three crucial health indicators—life expectancy at birth (LEB), Child Mortality rate (CMR) and Infant Mortality rate (IMR) before and after the implementation of the reform programme. The article also focuses on the level of influence of the expenditure on health by the government and the number of Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) available to provide medical treatment on the three health indicators. We have used the Chow test to examine the existence of structural changes and regression analysis to find out the level of influence of the independent variables.

The analysis showed that the reform programme brought structural changes in CMR and IMR but not in LEB. The regression analysis reveals that the expenditure on health by the government had no impact whereas the number of RMPs available to provide medical treatment had some influence in improving the three health indicators. The article concludes that the reform programme in India had no significant impact in enhancing the quality of human life; it is concerned more on the fiscal, structural and trade adjustments rather than on social sector development.
Depression is ordinary: Public feelings and Saidiya Hartman’s Lose Your Mother
Authors: Cvetkovich Ann
Published: August 2012

What if depression, in the Americas at least, could be traced to histories of colonialism, genocide, slavery, exclusion, and everyday segregation and isolation that haunt all of our lives, rather than to biochemical imbalances? This article seeks alternatives to the medical model found in most depression memoirs by considering how the epistemological and methodological struggles faced by a scholar of the African diaspora confronted by the absent archive of slavery are relevant to discussions of political depression. Combining scholarly investigation and personal memoir, Saidiya Hartman’s Lose Your Mother exemplifies feminism’s affective turn not only by bringing personal narrative into scholarship, but by seeking reparation for the past in the affective dynamics of cultural memory rather than in legal reform or state recognition. Stubbornly refusing to find solace in an African past before slavery, though, Hartman provides a model of emotional reparation in which feelings of loss and alienation persist. Her work suggests the relevance of political depression to both the ordinary life of racism and to what gets called clinical depression.
Reading with empathy: Sindiwe Magona’s Mother to Mother
Authors: Whitehead Anne
Published: August 2012

Through a reading of Sindiwe Magona’s Mother to Mother (1998), this article assesses claims for the empathetic potential of reading fiction, as a means of promoting cross-racial understanding. Drawing on feminist theorists Ann Cvetkovich, Clare Hemmings, and Sara Ahmed, I uncover the modes of political critique that can reside in resisting affective identification, and position Magona’s rejection of empathetic cross-racial connection as a critique of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). I focus particularly on Magona’s representation of black motherhood, and argue that Mother to Mother seeks to inscribe the systematic violation of the maternal relation under apartheid – a form of violence that was not registered by the TRC – and also to position the black mother’s affective experience outside of the empathetic reach of the white mother, precisely because it is embedded in a long history of social, political, and material dispossession.
Control-oriented premixed charge compression ignition combustion timing model for a diesel engine utilizing flexible intake valve modulation
Authors: Van Alstine Daniel G , Kocher Lyle E , Koeberlein Ed , Stricker Karla , Shaver Gregory M
Published: August 2012

This paper describes a simple, analytical, control-oriented model for prediction of combustion timing during premixed charge compression ignition combustion with early fuel injection. The model includes direct dependence on in-cylinder temperature, in-cylinder pressure, and the total in-cylinder O2 mass fraction, including the contribution of recirculated exhaust gas, residual burned gas, and backflow during the valve overlap period. The model is extensively validated against experimental premixed charge compression ignition data from a multi-cylinder diesel engine utilizing high-pressure recirculated exhaust gas, variable geometry turbocharging, and flexible intake valve actuation, which allows control over the engine’s effective compression ratio. The results show that across a wide range of input conditions, the model predicts the start of combustion within ±2° crank angle of the experimental values for all but three of the 180 data points (98%+ accuracy), with a root mean square error of 0.86° crank angle. The experimental start of combustion ranges from as early as −19.3° crank angle to as late as +0.6° crank angle by heavily exercising the control actuators, specifically the commanded start of injection timing SOIecm, the intake valve closure timing, and the engine’s air-handling system (recirculated exhaust gas valve position and variable geometry turbocharger position). Analysis is performed to isolate the effects and control authority of each actuator on the ignition delay and start of combustion timing. During these actuator sweeps, the model captures complex relationships and predicts the start of combustion within ±2° crank angle of the experimental values. This premixed charge compression ignition combustion timing model can be coupled with a gas exchange model for control algorithm design and analysis.
Association of retinopathy with coronary atherosclerosis determined by coronary 64-slice multidetector computed tomography angiography in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rong Jian , Yu Chang-Qing , Yang Pei , Chen Jing
Published: August 2012

Although there are substantial analyses for association of coronary artery disease (CAD) with diabetic retinopathy (DR), which was recognized as an indicator of risk for CAD in diabetes mellitus (DM), there is as yet little rigorous evaluation of the relationship between DR and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (CAS) determined by coronary 64-slice multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) in persons with type 2 DM. In this article, we found that CAS associated with DR was independent of the traditional risk factors for CAD [odds ratio (OR): 5.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6–10.1; p < 0.001], and the severity and extent of CAS were significantly increased with the incidence and progression of DR (all p < 0.001). An independent association between hypertension, obesity, renal dysfunction and DR was also found (all p < 0.05). The relationship of CAS with DR was relatively continuous and graded under the diabetes status. Therefore, much of CAS and DR could be still multifactorial with common pathway.
Rosa Parks, Strategic Activist (sidebar)
Authors: Morris Aldon
Published: August 2012

Accompanying Michael Schudson’s feature on Rosa Parks, Aldon Morris provides commentary to enhance our understanding of Rosa Parks and her activism.