bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malaria: change in a variety of clinical manifestations in Eastern India
Authors: Chakrabarty Pradeep , Mukherjee Joydeep
Published: March 2014

Objective: We had undertaken this study to find out the change in variety of clinical presentations in which a patient suffering from malaria could present. Materials and methods: In a retrospective, cross-sectional and observational study first 100 admitted malaria patients were taken in a tertiary hospital cum medical college at Kolkata, India from August 2009 to July 2011. Their clinical profile were noted and analysed. Results: A variety of clinical pattern was noted in various combinations, starting from fever, chill, and rigor to even hematemesis and rash. Change was noted in pattern of fever and other manifestations. Conclusion: Each patient suffering from malaria could present with a variety of clinical features with some specific patterns in specific cases as discussed. Treatment of malaria in Eastern India was efficacious but costly. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18298 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.150-154
Protective Role of Nigerian Honey on Sperm indices and Testis in Sucrose-Fed Rats
Authors: Oyelowo Oluwakemi Tinuolaoluwa , Adekunbi Daniel Abiodun , Dada Kayode A
Published: March 2014

Objective: This study aimed at investigating the effect of high sucrose diet on male reproductive function and if Nigerian honey could exert a protective role. Methods: Twenty-four (24) rats were randomly divided into four equal groups of six animals and given water (control); honey (H); high sucrose solution (30%w/v) (HSS); and both high sucrose solution (30%w/v) and honey (HSS+H). Each rat on honey received a daily dose of 10ml honey/kg/5ml of distilled water. Food intake, body weight, organ weight, fasting blood glucose, LH, FSH, testosterone and sperm functions were assessed. Results: This revealed that sperm motility (p<0.05) and count increased in the HSS+ H and H- fed rats compared with HSS fed and control rats. Head and tail abnormalities sperm were also significantly reduced in the H fed rats (p<0.05).MDA level in the liver and not in the testes was significantly increased in the HSS fed rats compared with control while SOD activity was significantly increased in HSS+H rats compared with the HSS fed rats. Conclusion: The results indicate that sucrose feeding impact negatively on sperm function while Nigerian honey supplementation confers protective function on male reproduction. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.18301 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.180-189
Prevalence of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease in School Children of Bharateswari Homes of Bangladesh
Authors: Majumder AAS , Flora MS , Islam AKMM , Shahidullah M , Zafar MA , Khanam R , Rashid MA , Iqbal MH , Zareen S , Ahmed JU
Published: March 2014

Background: Rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continue to affect millions of people around the world, including Bangladesh. Children and adolescents are especially susceptible to this disease. Classical risk factors, i.e. poverty, overcrowding, ignorance and insufficient health care services are responsible for the high incidence and prevalence of these diseases. To assess the prevalence of RF and RHD among children, a school survey was conducted in Bharateswari Homes, in the district of Tangail, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 947 students were examined. Revised Jones criteria (1992), and clinical examination were used for the diagnosis of RF and RHD. Results: Four cases of RF/RHD were found giving the prevalence of 4.22/1000. This is lower than the prevalence reported in eighties, but is consistent with those found in nineties. Conclusion: Among the school children, there is a declining trend in the prevalence of RF/RHD. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18348 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 103-106
Association of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity with the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Razzaque MA , Majumder AAS , Rahman MT , Islam AKMM , Ullah M , Rahman MA , Khan AR , Romel SMA
Published: March 2014

Background: Arterial stiffness assessed noninvasively with aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been associated with atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries and also cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between aortic PWV and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: This cross sectional analytical study was conducted over 200 acute STEMI patients who were purposively selected and agreed to do coronary angiogram during index hospital admission. Assessment of aortic PWV was performed noninvasively with the commercially available SphygmoCor system using applanation tonometry with high fidelity micromanometer on the day before angiogram. Study subjects were subdivided into two groups on the basis of PWV. In group I: aortic PWV was d 10 m/sec and in group II: aortic PWV was> 10 m/sec. One hundred patients were included in each group. Angiographic severity of CAD was assessed by vessel score, Friesinger score and Leaman score. Results: Vessel score 0 and 1 were significantly higher in group I (p<0.05) where vessel score 2 and 3 were significantly higher in group II (p<0.05).The mean PWV in the group with normal angiographic result was 8.10±2.9 m/sec, and in patients with single vessel disease it was 11.65±3.46m/sec. In those with double and triple vessel disease the mean value of PWV was found 13.85±3.80 and 15.70±4.66 m/sec respectively. The mean value of PWV increased in proportion with the number of vessel involved by CAD and the differences were statistically significant (p=0.001).The mean value of PWV was observed 8.5±2.3 and 12.5±3.7m/sec in insignificant and significant CAD respectively using Friesinger score and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05).There was statistically significant positive linear relation between the values of PWV and vessel score(r=.62, p=0.01), Friesinger score(r=.64, p=0.01) and Leaman score(r=.45, p=0.01). Conclusion: Aortic PWV is associated with the extent and severity of CAD. This noninvasive, cheap, radiation free method may be considered as risk stratification tool beyond other investigations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18351 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 116-121
Recent Advancement in Non-surgical Interventional Treatment in Congenital Heart Disease at National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD)-a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Salam ABMA , Kamali AMA , Hasan KA , Ataul H , Selim M , Shariar H , Somayra N , Zahidul H , Hassan MK , Mita SA , Rezaul Dr , Habibullah ABM , Razzaque SA , Zakia NU , Islam MF , Ananya B , Syfullah KA , Beg AK , Rahman M , Shahnaz R , Marjan M , Karmakar KK , Alauddin M , Lutful MK , Soufi AM , Ullah M , Ali M , Majumder AAS
Published: March 2014

Background: Treatment of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is either Surgical or Interventional. Medical management is mainly symptomatic / palliative. Although surgery is the main mode of treatment but in the recent past non-surgical Interventional method is replacing it because of its multiple advantages over surgical procedures. Since 2005, we started our journey in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases with a PDA device closure. In this article we tried to review the success rate of the interventional procedures in this hospital. Methods: The aim of this retrospective study is to review the short term & Intermediate outcome of the non surgical interventional treatment of congenital heart diseases. We included all the interventional rocedures done in this Institute since 2005 upto December 2013. Results: During this period, we performed total 150 cases of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) device, 20 cases of PDA Coil closure, 60 cases of atrial septal defect (ASD) device, 90 cases of Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty (BPV), 20 cases of Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty (BAV), 22 cases of Coarctation Balloon Angioplasty, 35 cases of Mitral Valvuloplasty (PTMC), 15 cases of Balloon Atrial Septostomy. Almost all of our intervention procedures were successful except one case of mortality related to procedure of PDA device closure, 4 device embolization (2 ASD & 2 PDA) and one case of PDA coil with persistent Intravascular hemolysis. All the embolized devices were subsequently retrieved surgically with repair. All other patients of interventional treatment are enjoying new life without any morbidity. Conclusion: Thus, we concluded that interventional methods of suitably selected case of congenital heart disease may be an alternative lucrative safe & effective option of remedy for many of the congenital heart diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18354 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 133-142
Stenting of Iliac Artery through Brachial Approach
Authors: Hossain GMM , Mamun MAA , Dey NK , Mondol NC , Jamaluddin M
Published: March 2014

In some cases the iliac artery occlusive disease cannot be approached through standard access. The preferred access sites are the ipsilateral retrograde femoral and the contralateral antegrade cross-over, although occasionally these approaches do not allow an effective engagement of the lesion, especially when there is a total occlusion or complex aortoiliac lesion. We are reporting a case of iliac artery stenting through brachial approach.This technique is safe and effective. It provides enough support for stiff balloon or stent catheter to be advanced through this long sheath. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18360 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 164-166
Mitral valve Replacement in a 4 yrs old Child: First Time in Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque MR , Sunny MSA , Rahman MM
Published: March 2014

Congenital mitral valve incompetence is a rare and complex congenital heart disease in children. We report, a case of a 4-year-old child admitted to hospital with fever, dyspnea on exertion or feeding and repeated respiratory infection for last 3 years. The transthoracic echocardiogram revealed grossly dilated left atrium and left ventricle and severe mitral regurgitation due to cleft in anterior mitral leaflet. Per-operatively mitral valve annulus was found very much dilated; leaflet thinned out and rudimentary posterior mitral leaflet. Morphology of mitral valve was totally distorted, leaflets were diminutive and beyond repairable. Mitral valve replacement was done with 25 mm Edward Life Science porcine tissue heart valve with total preservation of subvalvular structure and the patient showed dramatic symptomatic improvement and later follow up revealed good LV function with alleviation of symptoms. This is a rare and unusual case of congenital mitral valve disease with better prognosis after surgical replacement with tissue valve. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18362 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 167-169
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia with Valvular Aortic Stenosis and Significant Coronary Artery Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Dutta B , Islam AKMM , Ullah M , Zaman A , Karmakar KK , Rahman MZ , Kundu SK
Published: March 2014

Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia is a genetic disorder which usually presents with early cardiovascular disease ranging from premature ischaemic disease, including myocardial infarction to aortic root stenosis. A 21 year old Bangladeshi male presented with exertional chest pain and breathlessness. He was diagnosed as a case of Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. His angina symptoms were due to underlying valvular aortic stenosis which is a rare presentation of Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v6i2.18365 Cardiovasc. j. 2014; 6(2): 180-183
The Minimum Scheduling Time for Convergecast in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jung Changyong , Lee Suk , Bhuse Vijay
Published: March 2014

We study the scheduling problem for data collection from sensor nodes to the sink node in wireless sensor networks, also referred to as the convergecast problem. The convergecast problem in general network topology has been proven to be NP-hard. In this paper, we propose our heuristic algorithm (finding the minimum scheduling time for convergecast (FMSTC)) for general network topology and evaluate the performance by simulation. The results of the simulation showed that the number of time slots to reach the sink node decreased with an increase in the power. We compared the performance of the proposed algorithm to the optimal time slots in a linear network topology. The proposed algorithm for convergecast in a general network topology has 2.27 times more time slots than that of a linear network topology. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed method is the first attempt to apply the optimal algorithm in a linear network topology to a general network topology.
Artificial Neural Network for Short-Term Load Forecasting in Distribution Systems
Authors: Hernández Luis , Baladrón Carlos , Aguiar Javier , Calavia Lorena , Carro Belén , Sánchez-Esguevillas Antonio , Pérez Francisco , Fernández Ángel , Lloret Jaime
Published: March 2014

The new paradigms and latest developments in the Electrical Grid are based on the introduction of distributed intelligence at several stages of its physical layer, giving birth to concepts such as Smart Grids, Virtual Power Plants, microgrids, Smart Buildings and Smart Environments. Distributed Generation (DG) is a philosophy in which energy is no longer produced exclusively in huge centralized plants, but also in smaller premises which take advantage of local conditions in order to minimize transmission losses and optimize production and consumption. This represents a new opportunity for renewable energy, because small elements such as solar panels and wind turbines are expected to be scattered along the grid, feeding local installations or selling energy to the grid depending on their local generation/consumption conditions. The introduction of these highly dynamic elements will lead to a substantial change in the curves of demanded energy. The aim of this paper is to apply Short-Term Load Forecasting (STLF) in microgrid environments with curves and similar behaviours, using two different data sets: the first one packing electricity consumption information during four years and six months in a microgrid along with calendar data, while the second one will be just four months of the previous parameters along with the solar radiation from the site. For the first set of data different STLF models will be discussed, studying the effect of each variable, in order to identify the best one. That model will be employed with the second set of data, in order to make a comparison with a new model that takes into account the solar radiation, since the photovoltaic installations of the microgrid will cause the power demand to fluctuate depending on the solar radiation.
Coordinated Control of Distributed and Bulk Energy Storage for Alleviation of Post-Contingency Overloads
Authors: Wen Yunfeng , Guo Chuangxin , Dong Shufeng
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a novel corrective control strategy that can effectively coordinate distributed and bulk energy storage to relieve post-contingency overloads. Immediately following a contingency, distributed batteries are implemented to provide fast corrective actions to reduce power flows below their short-term emergency ratings. During the long-term period, Pumped Hydro Storage units work in pumping or generation mode to aid conventional generating units keep line flows below the normal ratings. This problem is formulated as a multi-stage Corrective Security-constrained OPF (CSCOPF). An algorithm based on Benders decomposition was proposed to find the optimal base case solution and seek feasible corrective actions to handle all contingencies. Case studies based on a modified RTS-96 system demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
A Novel DOA Estimation Algorithm Using Array Rotation Technique
Authors: Lan Xiaoyu , Wan Liangtian , Han Guangjie , Rodrigues Joel
Published: March 2014

The performance of traditional direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithm based on uniform circular array (UCA) is constrained by the array aperture. Furthermore, the array requires more antenna elements than targets, which will increase the size and weight of the device and cause higher energy loss. In order to solve these issues, a novel low energy algorithm utilizing array base-line rotation for multiple targets estimation is proposed. By rotating two elements and setting a fixed time delay, even the number of elements is selected to form a virtual UCA. Then, the received data of signals will be sampled at multiple positions, which improves the array elements utilization greatly. 2D-DOA estimation of the rotation array is accomplished via multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithms. Finally, the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) is derived and simulation results verified the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm with high resolution and estimation accuracy performance. Besides, because of the significant reduction of array elements number, the array antennas system is much simpler and less complex than traditional array.
Testosterone Reduces Knee Passive Range of Motion and Expression of Relaxin Receptor Isoforms via 5α-Dihydrotestosterone and Androgen Receptor Binding
Authors: Dehghan Firouzeh , Muniandy Sekaran , Yusof Ashril , Salleh Naguib
Published: March 2014

Ovarian steroids such as estrogen and progesterone have been reported to influence knee laxity. The effect of testosterone, however, remains unknown. This study investigated the effect of testosterone on the knee range of motion (ROM) and the molecular mechanisms that might involve changes in the expression of relaxin receptor isoforms, Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 in the patella tendon and lateral collateral ligament of the female rat knee. Ovariectomized adult female Wistar rats received three days treatment with peanut oil (control), testosterone (125 and 250 μg/kg) and testosterone (125 and 250 μg/kg) plus flutamide, an androgen receptor blocker or finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor. Duplicate groups received similar treatment however in the presence of relaxin (25 ng/kg). A day after the last drug injection, knee passive ROM was measured by using a digital miniature goniometer. Both tendon and ligament were harvested and then analysed for protein and mRNA expression for Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 respectively. Knee passive ROM, Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 expression were significantly reduced following treatment with testosterone. Flutamide or finasteride administration antagonized the testosterone effect. Concomitant administration of testosterone and relaxin did not result in a significant change in knee ROM as compared to testosterone only treatment; however this was significantly increased following flutamide or finasteride addition. Testosterone effect on knee passive ROM is likely mediated via dihydro-testosterone (DHT), and involves downregulation of Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 expression, which may provide the mechanism underlying testosterone-induced decrease in female knee laxity.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the RNA Helicase Gene Family in Gossypium raimondii
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Yujuan , Liu Jubo , Xia Minxuan , Wang Wei , Shen Fafu
Published: March 2014

The RNA helicases, which help to unwind stable RNA duplexes, and have important roles in RNA metabolism, belong to a class of motor proteins that play important roles in plant development and responses to stress. Although this family of genes has been the subject of systematic investigation in Arabidopsis, rice, and tomato, it has not yet been characterized in cotton. In this study, we identified 161 putative RNA helicase genes in the genome of the diploid cotton species Gossypium raimondii. We classified these genes into three subfamilies, based on the presence of either a DEAD-box (51 genes), DEAH-box (52 genes), or DExD/H-box (58 genes) in their coding regions. Chromosome location analysis showed that the genes that encode RNA helicases are distributed across all 13 chromosomes of G. raimondii. Syntenic analysis revealed that 62 of the 161 G. raimondii helicase genes (38.5%) are within the identified syntenic blocks. Sixty-six (40.99%) helicase genes from G. raimondii have one or several putative orthologs in tomato. Additionally, GrDEADs have more conserved gene structures and more simple domains than GrDEAHs and GrDExD/Hs. Transcriptome sequencing data demonstrated that many of these helicases, especially GrDEADs, are highly expressed at the fiber initiation stage and in mature leaves. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a genome-wide analysis of the RNA helicase gene family in cotton.
Urban Landscape Perspectives
Authors: Steiner Frederick
Published: March 2014

Cities present significant opportunities for new landscape perspectives that can help inform conservation and development decisions. Early in the twenty-first century, the majority of the planet’s population became urban as more people lived in city-regions for the first time in our history. As the global population increases, so does this urbanization. The environmental challenges of population and urban growth are profound. Landscapes represent a synthesis of natural and cultural processes. Cities are certainly cultural phenomena. Historically, cities provided refuge from nature. The expanding field of urban ecology, coupled with landscape ecology, can enhance how the dual natural and cultural dimensions of landscapes in cities are understood. Furthermore, concepts such as ecosystem services and green infrastructure are proving useful for urban landscape planning and design. Examples from Dayton, Ohio; Brooklyn, New York; and Austin, Texas are presented.
Sesquiterpenes from the Brazilian Red Alga Laurencia dendroidea J. Agardh
Authors: Da Silva Machado Fernanda , Ventura Thatiana , Gestinari Lísia , Cassano Valéria , Resende Jackson , Kaiser Carlos , Lasunskaia Elena , Muzitano Michelle , Soares Angélica
Published: March 2014

Two new chamigrane sesquiterpenes 1–2 and three known compounds 3–5 were isolated from a lipophilic extract of the red alga Laurencia dendroidea collected from the Southeastern Brazilian coast. Dendroidone (1) and dendroidiol (2) were isolated from samples collected at Biscaia Inlet, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro and at Manguinhos Beach, Serra, Espírito Santo, respectively. Debromoelatol (3), obtusane (4) and (1S*,2S*,3S*,5S*,8S*,9S*)-2,3,5,9-tetramethyltricyclo[6.3.0.01.5]undecan-2-ol (5) were obtained from specimens collected at Vermelha Beach, Parati, Rio de Janeiro. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive NMR (1H-, 13C-, COSY, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY) and high resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Additionally, the absolute configuration of compound 2 was assigned by X-ray analysis. Full spectroscopic data is described for the first time for compound 3. Anti-inflammatory and antimycobacterial activities of compounds 2–5 were evaluated. Compounds 3–5 inhibited the release of inflammatory mediator NO while TNF-α levels were only affected by 3. All compounds tested displayed moderate antimycobacterial action.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2,4-Diaminopyrimidine-Based Antifolate Drugs against Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Nammalwar Baskar , Muddala N. , Bourne Christina , Henry Mary , Bourne Philip , Bunce Richard , Barrow Esther , Berlin K. , Barrow William
Published: March 2014

Due to the innate ability of bacteria to develop resistance to available antibiotics, there is a critical need to develop new agents to treat more resilient strains. As a continuation of our research in this area, we have synthesized a series of racemic 2,4-diaminopyrimidine-based drug candidates, and evaluated them against Bacillus anthracis. The structures are comprised of a 2,4-diaminopyrimidine ring, a 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl ring, and an N-acryloyl-substituted 1,2-dihydrophthalazine ring. Various changes were made at the C1 stereocenter of the dihydrophthalazine moiety in the structure, and the biological activity was assessed by measurement of the MIC and Ki values to identify the most potent drug candidate.
Multi-Temporal Polarimetric RADARSAT-2 for Land Cover Monitoring in Northeastern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Cable Jeffrey , Kovacs John , Shang Jiali , Jiao Xianfeng
Published: March 2014

For successful applications of microwave remote sensing endeavors it is essential to understand how surface targets respond to changing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) parameters. The purpose of the study is to examine how two particular parameters, acquisition time and incidence angle, influences the response from various land use/land cover types (forests, urban infrastructure, surface water and marsh wetland targets) using nine RADARSAT-2 C-band fine-beam (FQ7 and FQ21) fully polarimetric SAR data acquired during the 2011 growing season over northern Ontario, Canada. The results indicate that backscatter from steep incidence angle acquisitions was typically higher than shallow angles. Wetlands showed an increase in HH and HV intensity due to the growth of emergent vegetation over the course of the summer. The forest and urban targets displayed little variation in backscatter over time. The surface water target showed the greatest difference with respect to incidence angle, but was also determined to be the most affected by wind conditions. Analysis of the co-polarized phase difference revealed the urban target as greatly influenced by the incidence angle. The observed phase differences of the wetland target for all acquisitions also suggested evidence of double-bounce interactions, while the forest and surface water targets showed little to no phase difference. In addition, Cloude-Pottier and Freeman-Durden decompositions, when analyzed in conjunction with polarimetric response plots, provided supporting information to confidently identify the various targets and their scattering mechanisms.
Calibration between Color Camera and 3D LIDAR Instruments with a Polygonal Planar Board
Authors: Park Yoonsu , Yun Seokmin , Won Chee , Cho Kyungeun , Um Kyhyun , Sim Sungdae
Published: March 2014

Calibration between color camera and 3D Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) equipment is an essential process for data fusion. The goal of this paper is to improve the calibration accuracy between a camera and a 3D LIDAR. In particular, we are interested in calibrating a low resolution 3D LIDAR with a relatively small number of vertical sensors. Our goal is achieved by employing a new methodology for the calibration board, which exploits 2D-3D correspondences. The 3D corresponding points are estimated from the scanned laser points on the polygonal planar board with adjacent sides. Since the lengths of adjacent sides are known, we can estimate the vertices of the board as a meeting point of two projected sides of the polygonal board. The estimated vertices from the range data and those detected from the color image serve as the corresponding points for the calibration. Experiments using a low-resolution LIDAR with 32 sensors show robust results.
Modeling Users, Context and Devices for Ambient Assisted Living Environments
Authors: Castillejo Eduardo , Almeida Aitor , López-de-Ipiña Diego , Chen Liming
Published: March 2014

The participation of users within AAL environments is increasing thanks to the capabilities of the current wearable devices. Furthermore, the significance of considering user’s preferences, context conditions and device’s capabilities help smart environments to personalize services and resources for them. Being aware of different characteristics of the entities participating in these situations is vital for reaching the main goals of the corresponding systems efficiently. To collect different information from these entities, it is necessary to design several formal models which help designers to organize and give some meaning to the gathered data. In this paper, we analyze several literature solutions for modeling users, context and devices considering different approaches in the Ambient Assisted Living domain. Besides, we remark different ongoing standardization works in this area. We also discuss the used techniques, modeled characteristics and the advantages and drawbacks of each approach to finally draw several conclusions about the reviewed works.
Contribution à l'histoire de la sculpture des maisons romanes de Cluny
Authors: Stratford Neil
Published: March 2014

Contribution à l'histoire de la sculpture des maisons romanes de Cluny, par Neil Stratford.

Même si l'on tient compte du fait qu'il est parfois difficile de savoir si des sculptures des collections du musée Ochier proviennent des maisons de la ville ou de l'abbaye, Cluny peut se glorifier de posséder de nombreuses sculptures romanes qui proviennent sans aucun doute d'un contexte séculier.

L'auteur examine deux questions : la première concerne la chronologie, la seconde l'iconographie. En comparant les sculptures civiles de Cluny à d'autres sculptures romanes (de l'abbaye de Cluny et d'édifices du Clunisois, de Chalonnais, du Beaujolais et du Brionnais) il propose pour la plupart des sculptures une datation autour des années 1120-1170. Il constate d'autre part qu'il ne semble rien y avoir de spécifiquement séculier ou vernaculaire parmi les thèmes choisis pour décorer les façades des maisons du XIIe siècle de Cluny ; toutes les scènes et les figures exotiques qui s'y rencontrent se trouvent également dans les églises. De même il n'existe aucun témoignage pour des programmes d'ensemble. Certaines scènes cependant peuvent avoir reflété la fonction de la maison qu'elles décoraient.
La maison romane dite « des vendanges » à Cluny
Authors: Garrigou Grandchamp Pierre , Maurice Chabard Brigitte , Salvèque Jean-Denis
Published: March 2014

The Romanesque house « of the grape harvest » at Cluny, by Pierre Garrigou-Grandchamp, Brigitte Maurice-Chabard and Jean- Denis Salvèque.

The group of sculpted slabs known as the « frieze of the grape harvest » is among the most famous treasures of the Musée Ochier at Cluny. Their provenance and their function, however, have not been identified. Research in the historical sources indicates that the frieze cornes from a Romanesque house located at the corner of two streets that ran along the walls of the abbey of Cluny on the south and west, and proves that the blocks were not used as lintels. Furthermore, a number of colonnettes and lintels dispersed in the collection can also be attributed to the same edifice on the basis of ancient descriptions, and material (stone, patina, etc.) and stylistic characteristics.

Two façades have thus been reconstructed forming a right angle, each lit by an opening of six bays situated above the frieze. They constitute one of the key monuments of civil sculpture from twelfth-century Cluny. Richness of decoration and quality of execution distinguish this house, located on a corner at one of the principle crossroads of the town. The esthetic intention manifested here is a precocious witness to the use of perspectives in medieval urbanism.
L'influence clunisienne sur la sculpture castillane du milieu du XIIe siècle : San Salvador de Oña et San Pedro de Cardeña
Authors: Senra José Luis
Published: March 2014

Der Einfluss Clunys auf die kastülanische Bildhauerei in der Mitte des 12. Jahrhunderts : San Salvador de Oña und San Pedro de Cardeña, von José Luis Senra.

Seit den Beobachtungen von Camille Enlard zu der Kirche des Heiligen Vincenz von Avila sind die Forschungen über den burgundischen Einfluss im den Königreichen von Kastilien und León im letzten Drittel des 12. Jahrhunderts aktiv weitergeführt worden. Sowohl Sankt-Vincenz von Avila, als auch andere Bauten, wie die Krypta des Ruhmesportals von der Kathedrale Santiago de Compostella können als paradigmatische Beispiele dieser Phase gelten ; sie sind tatsächlich an der Wurzel der Verbreitung eines Repertoires von Motiven, die nicht alle aus burgundischer Quelle kommen, das die spätromanische Kunst der beiden Königreiche kennzeichnet. Jedoch hatte man bisher keinerlei Hinweis auf die Art der Verbreitung dieser Motive. Man konnte lediglich die Anwesenheit zahlreicher Burgunder in diesen Gegenden anführen, oder auch auf den bedeutenden Einfluss hinweisen, den Cluny dort ab Ende des 11. Jahrhunderts ausübte. Jedoch zeugen die wiedetaufgefundenen Werke in den beiden benediktinischen Abteien Kastiliens, San Salvador von Oña und San Pedro von Cardeña (in der Provinz von Burgos) von der Ankunft einer ersten Generation burgundischer Steinmetzen zu Beginn der vierziger Jahre des 12. Jahrhunderts. Das Schmuckrepertoire der Refektoriumsfassade von Oña (auf 1141 datiert) ist dem der letzten Baukampagne von Cluny III sehr nahe, hingegen bietet eine der Galerien des Kreuzgangs von Cardeña, das 1142 vorübergehend von Cluny abhängig gemacht wurde, viele Vergleichsmöglichkeiten mit dem gemeisselten Dekor des Chorhauptes von Paray-le-Monial. Somit ist die Existenz des « fehlenden Glieds der Kette » in der Geschichte der romanischen Skulptur von Kastilien und von Léón gesichert ; so ist von nun an ebenfalls eine bessere Würdigung der Rolle Burgunds im künsterlischen Werdegang der beiden spanischen Königreiche möglich.
Reliable Blood Pressure Self-measurement in the Obstetric Waiting Room
Authors: Kamper C. H. , Rasmussen N. H. , Ahrendt P. , Toftegaard T. S. , Bertelsen O. W. , Wagner S.
Published: March 2014

Background: Patients often fail to adhere to clinical recommendations when using current blood pressure self-measurement (BPSM) methods and equipment. As existing BPSM equipment is not able to detect non-adherent behavior, this could result in mis-diagnosis and treatment error. To overcome this problem, we suggest introducing an alternative method for achieving reliable BPSM by measuring additional context meta-data for validating patient adherence. To facilitate this, we have developed ValidAid, a context-aware system for determining patient adherence levels during BPSM.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to validate this new reliable BPSM method based on ValidAid in the clinical setting. Specifically, we wanted to evaluate ValidAid’s ability to accurately detect and model patient adherence levels during BPSM in the clinic.

Methods: The validation was done by asking 41 pregnant diabetic patients scheduled for self-measuring their blood pressure (BP) in the waiting room at an obstetrics department’s outpatient clinic to perform an additional BPSM using ValidAid. We then compared the automatically measured and classified values from ValidAid with our manual observations.

Results: We found that a) the pregnant diabetics did not adhere to given instructions when performing BPSM in the waiting room, and that b) the ValidAid system was able to accurately classify patient adherence to the modeled recommendations.

Conclusions: A new method for ensuring reliable BPSM based on the ValidAid system was validated. Results indicate that context-aware technology is useful for accurately modeling important aspects of non-adherent patient behavior. This may be used to identify patients in need of additional training, or to design better aids to actively assist the patients during measurements. ValidAid is also applicable to other self-measurement environments including the home setting and outpatient clinics in remote or underserved areas as it is built using telemedicine technology and thus well-suited for remote monitoring and diagnosis.
GEP PREDICTION OF SCOUR AROUND A SIDE WEIR IN CURVED CHANNEL
Authors: Onen Fevzi
Published: March 2014

Side-weirs have been widely used in hydraulic and environmental engineering applications. Side-weir is known as a lateral intake structure, which are significant parts of the distribution channel in irrigation, land drainage, and urban sewerage system, by flow diversion device. Local scour involves the removal of material around piers, abutments, side-weir, spurs, and embankments. Clearwater scour depth based on five dimensional parameters: approach flow velocity (V1/Vc), water head ratio (h1–p)/h1, side-weir length (L/r), side-weir crest height (b/p) and angle of bend θ. The aim of this study is to develop a new formulation for prediction of clear-water scour of side-weir intersection along curved channel using Gene Expression Programming (GEP) which is an algorithm based on genetic algorithms (GA) and genetic programming (GP). In addition, the explicit formulations of the developed GEP models are presented. Also equations are obtained using multiple linear regressions (MLR) and multiple nonlinear regressions (MNRL). The performance of GEP is found more influential than multiple linear regression equation for predicting the clearwater scour depth at side-weir intersection along curved channel. Multiple nonlinear regression equation was quite close to GEP, which serve much simpler model with explicit formulation.
Bioinformatic Dissecting of TP53 Regulation Pathway Underlying Butyrate-induced Histone Modification in Epigenetic Regulation
Authors: Li Cong-Jun , Li Robert W.
Published: March 2014

Butyrate affects cell proliferation, differentiation, and motility. Butyrate inhibits histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities and induces cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. TP53 is one of the most active upstream regulators discovered by ingenuity pathways analysis (IPA) in our RNA-sequencing data set. TP53 signaling pathway plays key role in many cellular processes. TP53 pathway and their involvement in cellular functions modified by butyrate treatment were scrutinized in this report by data mining the RNA-sequencing data using IPA (Ingenuity System®). The TP53 mechanistic pathway targets more than 600 genes. Downstream analysis predicted the activation of the TP53 pathway after butyrate treatment. The data mining also revealed that nine transcription factors are downstream regulators in TP53 signaling pathways. The analysis results also indicated that butyrate not only inhibits the HDAC activities, but also regulates genes encoding the HDAC enzymes through modification of histones and epigenomic landscape.
Jacobson Radicals of Skew Polynomial Rings of Derivation Type
Authors: Nasr-Isfahani Alireza
Published: March 2014

We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a skew polynomial ring of derivation type to be semiprimitive when the base ring has no nonzero nil ideals. This extends existing results on the Jacobson radical of skew polynomial rings of derivation type.
Free Locally Convex Spaces and thek-space Property
Authors: Gabriyelyan S. S.
Published: March 2014

LetL(X)be the free locally convex space over a Tychonoff spaceX. ThenL(X)is ak-space if and only ifXis a countable discrete space. We prove also thatL(D)has uncountable tightness for every uncountable discrete spaceD.
Algebraic Groups
Authors: Brion Michel , Jantzen Jens Carsten , Reichstein Zinovy
Published: March 2014

Linear algebraic groups is an active research area in contemporary mathematics. It has rich connections to algebraic geometry, representation theory, algebraic combinatorics, number theory, algebraic topology, and differential equations. The foundations of this theory were laid by A. Borel, C. Chevalley, T. A. Springer and J. Tits in the second half of the 20th century. The Oberwolfach workshops on algebraic groups, led by Springer and Tits, played an important role in this effort as a forum for researchers, meeting at approximately 3 year intervals since the 1960s. The present workshop continued this tradition, featuring a number of important recent developments in the subject.
Combinatorics and Probability
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Krivelevich Michael , Welzl Emo
Published: March 2014

The main theme of this workshop was the use of probabilistic methods in combinatorics and theoretical computer science. Although these methods have been around for decades, they are being refined all the time: they are getting more and more sophisticated and powerful. Another theme was the study of random combinatorial structures, either for their own sake, or to tackle extremal questions. Both themes were richly represented at the workshop, with many recent exciting results presented by the lecturers.
Mathematical Statistics of Partially Identified Objects
Authors: Chernozhukov Victor , Härdle Wolfgang Karl , Horowitz Joel , Ritov Yaacov
Published: March 2014

The workshop brought together leading experts in mathematical statistics, theoretical econometrics and bio-mathematics interested in mathematical objects occurring in the analysis of partially identified structures. The mathematical core of these ubiquitous structures has an impact on all three research areas and is expected to lead to the development of new algorithms for solving such problems.
Extremes in Branching Random Walk and Branching Brownian Motion
Authors: Addario-Berry Louigi , Berestycki Nathanaël , Gantert Nina
Published: March 2014

Branching random walk (BRW) and branching Brownian motion (BBM) are mathematical models for population growth and spatial displacement. When resources are plentiful, population sizes grow exponentially in time. In such a situation, exceptional (or extreme) individuals will be found far from the bulk of the population. The study of such individuals, and their ancestral lineages, was the subject of the workshop. On one hand, this is a classical topic, with well-known connections to the KPP-equation and to search algorithms. On the other hand, substantial recent developments have recently been obtained via new approaches to the subject (stopping lines and spines, the view from the tip, multivariate analytic combinatorics), or from researchers working in seemingly distinct areas (from stochastic partial differential equations to theoretical physics).
Geometric Knot Theory
Authors: Buck Dorothy , Cantarella Jason , Sullivan John M. , von der Mosel Heiko
Published: March 2014

Geometric knot theory studies relations between geometric properties of a space curve and the knot type it represents. As examples, knotted curves have quadrisecant lines, and have more distortion and more total curvature than (some) unknotted curves. Geometric energies for space curves – like the Möbius energy, ropelength and various regularizations – can be minimized within a given knot type to give an optimal shape for the knot. Increasing interest in this area over the past decade is partly due to various applications, for instance to random knots and polymers, to topological fluid dynamics and to the molecular biology of DNA. This workshop focused on the mathematics behind these applications, drawing on techniques from algebraic topology, differential geometry, integral geometry, geometric measure theory, calculus of variations, nonlinear optimization and harmonic analysis.
Mini-Workshop: Spherical Varieties and Automorphic Representations
Authors: Knop Friedrich , Sakellaridis Yiannis
Published: March 2014

This workshop brought together, for the first time, experts on spherical varieties and experts on automorphic forms, in order to discuss subjects of common interest between the two fields. Spherical varieties have a very rich and deep structure, which leads one to attach certain root systems and, eventually, a “Langlands dual” group to them. This turns out to be important for automorphic forms, as it provides a (mostly conjectural) way to analyze periods of automorphic forms and related problems in local harmonic analysis.
Mini-Workshop: Localising and Tilting in Categories
Authors: Angeleri Hügel Lidia , Koenig Steffen , Xi Changchang
Published: March 2014

The workshop brought together experts on localisation theory and tilting theory from different parts of mathematics with the aim of fully exploiting the power of some recent developments in so far rather independent contexts. The intensive exchange during the workshop is expected to lead to new and strengthened synergies and to new applications.
Geometric Structures in Group Theory
Authors: Bridson Martin R. , Kramer Linus , Rémy Bertrand , Vogtmann Karen
Published: March 2014

The overall theme of the conference was geometric group theory, interpreted quite broadly. In general, geometric group theory seeks to understand algebraic properties of groups by studying their actions on spaces with various topological and geometric properties; in particular these spaces must have enough structure-preserving symmetry to admit interesting group actions. Although traditionally geometric group theorists have focused on finitely generated (and even finitely presented) countable discrete groups, the techniques that have been developed are now applied to more general groups, such as Lie groups and Kac-Moody groups, and although metric properties of the spaces have played a key role in geometric group theory, other structure such as complex or projective structures and measure-theoretic structures are being used more and more frequently.
Seasonal variation of aerosol water uptake and its impact on the direct radiative effect at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard
Authors: Rastak N. , Silvergren S. , Zieger P. , Wideqvist U. , Ström J. , Svenningsson B. , Maturilli M. , Tesche M. , Ekman A. M. L. , Tunved P. , Riipinen I.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. In this study we investigated the impact of water uptake by aerosol particles in ambient atmosphere on their optical properties and their direct radiative effect (ADRE, W m−2) in the Arctic at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, during 2008. To achieve this, we combined three models, a hygroscopic growth model, Mie model and a radiative transfer model, with an extensive set of observational data. We found that the seasonal variation of dry aerosol scattering coefficients showed minimum values during the summer season and the beginning of fall (July, August and September), when small particles (< 100 nm in diameter) dominate the aerosol size distribution. The maximum scattering by dry particles was observed during Arctic haze period (March, April and May) when average size of the particles was larger. Considering the hygroscopic growth of aerosol particles in the ambient atmosphere had a significant impact on the aerosol scattering coefficients: the aerosol scattering coefficients were enhanced by on average a factor of 4.30 ± 2.26 (mean ± standard deviation), with lower values during the haze period (March, April, May) as compared to summer and fall. Hygroscopic growth of aerosol particles was found to cause 1.6 to 3.7 times more negative ADRE on the surface, with the smallest effect during the haze period (March, April and May) and the highest during late summer and beginning of fall (July, August and September).
The implementation of the CLaMS Lagrangian transport core into the chemistry climate model EMAC 2.40.1: application on age of air and transport of long-lived trace species
Authors: Hoppe C. M. , Hoffmann L. , Konopka P. , Grooß J.-U. , Ploeger F. , Günther G. , Jöckel P. , Müller R.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Lagrangian transport schemes have proven to be useful tools for modelling stratospheric trace gas transport since they are less diffusive than classical Eulerian schemes and therefore especially well suited for maintaining steep tracer gradients. Here, we present the implementation of the full-Lagrangian transport core of the Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere (CLaMS) into the ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry model (EMAC). We performed a ten-year time-slice simulation to evaluate the coupled model system EMAC/CLaMS. Simulated zonal mean age of air distributions are compared to age of air derived from airborne measurements, showing a good overall representation of the stratospheric circulation. Results from the new Lagrangian transport scheme are compared to tracer distributions calculated with the standard flux-form semi-Lagrangian (FFSL) transport scheme in EMAC. The differences in the resulting tracer distributions are most pronounced in the regions of strong transport barriers. The polar vortices are presented as an example and simulated trace gas distributions are compared to satellite measurements. The analysis of CFC-11, N2O, CH4, and age of air in the polar vortex regions shows that the CLaMS Lagrangian transport scheme produces a stronger, more realistic transport barrier at the edge of the polar vortex than the FFSL transport scheme of EMAC. Differences in simulated age of air range up to one year in the Arctic polar vortex in late winter/early spring. The new coupled model system EMAC/CLaMS thus constitutes a suitable tool for future model studies of stratospheric tracer transport.