bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceleration apportionment: A method of improved 2D SENSE acceleration applied to 3D contrast‐enhanced MR angiography
Authors: Weavers Paul T. , Borisch Eric A. , Johnson Casey P. , Riederer Stephen J.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

In 2D SENSE‐accelerated 3D Cartesian acquisition, the net acceleration factor R is the product of the two individual accelerations, R = RY × RZ. Acceleration Apportionment tailors acceleration parameters (RY, RZ) to improve parallel imaging performance on a patient‐ and coil‐specific basis and is demonstrated in contrast‐enhanced MR angiography.

Methods

A performance metric is defined based on coil sensitivity information which identifies the (RY, RZ) pair that optimally trades off image quality with scan time reduction on a patient‐specific basis. Acceleration Apportionment is evaluated using retrospective analysis of contrast‐enhanced MR angiography studies, and prospective studies in which optimally apportioned parameters are compared with standard acceleration parameters.

Results

The retrospective studies show strong variability in optimal acceleration parameters between anatomic regions and between patients. Prospective application of apportionment to foot contrast‐enhanced MR angiography with an 8‐channel receiver array provides a 20% increase in net acceleration with improved contrast‐to‐noise ratio. Application to 16‐channel contrast‐enhanced MR angiography of the feet and calves suggests 10% acceleration increase to R > 13 and no contrast‐to‐noise ratio loss. The specific implementation allows the optimum (RY, RZ) pair to be determined within one minute.

Conclusion

Optimum 2D SENSE acceleration parameters can be automatically chosen on a per‐exam basis to allow improved performance without disrupting the clinical workflow. Magn Reson Med 71:672–680, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Over‐the‐Counter Access to Emergency Contraception without Age Restriction: An Opinion of the Women's Health Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Authors: Rafie Sally , McIntosh Jennifer , Gardner Debra K. , Gawronski Kristen M. , Karaoui Lamis R. , Koepf Erin R. , Lehman Katherine Joy , McBane Sarah , Patel‐Shori Nima M.
Published: March 2013

Family planning remains a high priority area for the United States, with goals to increase the proportion of pregnancies that are intended, reduce pregnancy rates among adolescents, and increase contraceptive use prioritized in the Healthy People 2020 objectives. Contraception intended for use after unprotected intercourse, known as emergency contraception, remains underutilized. Levonorgestrel is one method of oral emergency contraception, which prevents fertilization and does not disrupt an already established pregnancy; thus, timing of administration is critical. Despite data demonstrating safety and efficacy, evidence‐based decision making has been overshadowed by politically charged actions involving levonorgestrel emergency contraception for over a decade. The Women's Health Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy supports expanded access to levonorgestrel emergency contraception and removal of barriers such as age restrictions on the nonprescription drug product. Pharmacists remain a key provider of emergency contraceptive services and can help ensure timely access. In states where direct pharmacy access to emergency contraception is available, pharmacists are encouraged to participate. Education, research, and advocacy are other important responsibilities for pharmacists in this arena.
An assessment of biopolymer‐ and synthetic polymer‐based scaffolds for bone and vascular tissue engineering
Authors: Goonoo Nowsheen , Bhaw‐Luximon Archana , Bowlin Gary L , Jhurry Dhanjay
Published: March 2013

The promise of tissue engineering is the combination of a scaffold with cells to initiate the regeneration of tissues or organs. Engineering of scaffolds is critical for success and tailoring of polymer properties is essential for their good performance. Many different materials of natural and synthetic origins have been investigated, but the challenge is to find those that have the right mix of mechanical performance, biodegradability and biocompatibility for biological applications. This article reviews key polymeric properties for bone and vascular scaffold eligibility with focus on biopolymers, synthetic polymers and their blends. The limitations of these polymeric systems and ways and means to improve scaffold performance specifically for bone and vascular tissue engineering are discussed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of swirl‐like resistivity striations in n+‐type Sb doped Si wafers on the properties of Ag/porous silicon SERS substrates
Authors: Bandarenka Hanna , Artsemyeva Kseniya , Redko Sergey , Panarin Andrei , Terekhov Sergey , Bondarenko Vitaly
Published: March 2013

Porous silicon (PS) represents the prospective template for the fabrication of metal/PS nanostructures. However n+‐type Sb doped Si Czochralski wafers widely used to fabricate PS may contain resistivity striations and as‐grown microdefects with specific spiral distribution which influence Si dissolution during the formation of PS by anodizing. This may strongly affect on the PS microstructure and repeatability of metal/PS properties causing an increase of risk of a device failure. In the present research we studied the morphology and SERS‐activity of Ag/PS nanostructures formed by Ag immersion deposition on PS. SEM investigation revealed unequal distribution of pore diameters in the surface regions of PS which corresponds to spiral swirl‐like distribution of resistivity revealed in Si wafer by anodizing. Morphological changes of Ag deposit on spiral areas were found to cause decreasing of intensity of SERS signal. Additional implantation of Sb ions followed by high temperature annealing has shown to be a technique to improve homogeneity of Ag/PS SERS substrates. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fundamental processes of radiation modification of semiconductor nanostructures
Authors: Djurabekova Flyura , Ashurov Khatam B. , Maksimov Sergey E. , Turaeva Nigora N. , Oksengendler B. L.
Published: March 2013

The amount of studies performed in the field of microscopic models of radiation nanophysics is rather limited and, with the exception of carbon nanostructures, they are non‐systematic. The purpose of the present work is to initiate a systematic approach to build the theoretical models of radiation nanophysics with the account for fundamental properties of nano‐objects. We choose at this stage to consider two basic phenomena (Frenkel pair formation and amorphization) modified by only one nanoproperty, i.e. the presence of an interface. We develop a mathematical framework to describe the modification on the nanoscale. From the general expression for the modified radiation phenomena, we find that any radiation effect can be modified at least by 48 ways. This predicts a very rich future of radiation nanophysics both in the fundamental and applied aspects. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
SRC: a multicore NPU‐based TCP stream reassembly card for deep packet inspection
Authors: Chen Shuhui , Lu Rongxing , Shen Xuemin (Sherman)
Published: March 2013

Stream reassembly is the premise of deep packet inspection, regarded as the core function of network intrusion detection system and network forensic system. As moving packet payload from one block of memory to another is essential for the reason of packet disorder, throughput performance is very vital in stream reassembly design. In this paper, a stream reassembly card (SRC) is designed to improve the stream reassembly throughput performance. The designed SRC adjusts the sequence of packets on the basis of the multicore network processing unit by managing and reassembling streams through an additional level of buffer. Specifically, three optimistic techniques, namely stream table dispatching, no‐locking timeout, and multichannel virtual queue, are introduced to further improve the throughput. To address the critical role of memory size in SRC, the relationship between the system throughput and memory size is analyzed. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed SRC achieves more than 3 Gbps in terms of reassembly and submission throughput and triply outperforms the traditional server‐based architecture with a lower cost. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CXXR: an extensible R interpreter
Authors: Runnalls Andrew
Published: March 2013

This paper describes CXXR, a project to refactor the R interpreter from C into C++, with a view to making the internals of the interpreter more readily accessible to researchers and developers.

The continued growth of CRAN is a testament to the increasing number of developers engaged in R development. But far fewer researchers have experimented with the R interpreter itself. The code of the interpreter, written for the most part in C, is structured in a way that will be foreign to students brought up with object‐oriented programming, and the available documentation, though giving a general understanding of how the interpreter works, does not really enable a newcomer to start modifying the code with any confidence. The CXXR project is progressively refactoring the interpreter into C++, whilst all the time preserving existing functionality. By restructuring the code into tightly encapsulated and carefully documented classes, CXXR aims to open up the interpreter to more ready experimentation by statistical computing researchers.

This paper focuses on the example task of providing, as a package, a new type of data vector, and shows how CXXR greatly facilitates such a task by internal changes to the structure of the interpreter, and by offering a higher‐level interface for packages to exploit. WIREs Comput Stat 2013, 5:181–189. doi: 10.1002/wics.1251

This article is categorized under:

Software for Computational Statistics > Software/Statistical Software
Structure and Catalytic Activity of New Metal‐Organic Frameworks Based on Copper Cyanide and Quinoline Bases
Authors: Etaiw Safaa El‐din H. , Badr El‐din Ahmed S. , El‐bendary Mohamed M.
Published: February 2013

Two new metal‐organic frameworks (MOF), [(CuCN)2·(6‐mquin)2] (1) and [Me3SnCu(CN)2·(quina)2(H2O)2] (2) (6‐mquin = 6‐methyl quinolone, quina = quinaldic acid) were synthesized and characterized. Single crystals of MOF 1 were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, as well as X‐ray single crystal analysis. The structure of MOF 2 was studied by IR and NMR spectroscopy as well as computational studies. The structure of MOF 1 consists of 1D (CuCN)n chains, whereas the 6‐mquin ligands alternate on both sides of the chain. Hydrogen bonds play an essential role for the construction of the 3D network structure. On the other hand, the theoretical structural analysis of MOF 2 indicated that the Cu(CN)2 fragments represent the main building blocks of the structure, which are bridged by the Me3Sn+ cations to construct 1D infinite parallel zigzag chains. MOFs 1 and 2 were used as heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidative discoloration of methylene blue dye (MB) by H2O2.
Up asymmetries from exhilarated composite flavor structures
Authors: Da Rold Leandro , Delaunay Cédric , Grojean Christophe , Perez Gilad
Published: March 2013

Abstract

We present a class of warped extra dimension (composite Higgs) models which conjointly accommodates the
$ t\overline{t} $
forward-backward asymmetry observed at the Tevatron and the direct CP asymmetry in singly Cabibbo suppressed D decays first reported by the LHCb collaboration. We argue that both asymmetries, if arising dominantly from new physics beyond the Standard Model, hint for a flavor paradigm within partial compositeness models in which the right-handed quarks of the first two generations are not elementary fields but rather composite objects. We show that this class of models is consistent with current data on flavor and CP violating physics, electroweak precision observables, dijet and top pair resonance searches at hadron colliders. These models have several predictions which will be tested in forthcoming experiments. The CP asymmetry in D decays is induced through an effective operator of the form
$ {{\left( {\overline{u}c} \right)}_{V+A }}{{\left( {\overline{s}s} \right)}_{V+A }} $
at the charm scale, which implies a larger CP asymmetry in the D
0 → K
+
K
− rate relative the D
0 → π
+
π
− channel. This prediction is distinctive from other Standard Model or dipole-based new physics interpretation of the LHCb result. CP violation in
$ D-\overline{D} $
mixing as well as an an excess of dijet production of the LHC are also predicted to be observed in a near future. A large top asymmetry originates from the exchange of an axial resonance which dominantly produces left-handed top pairs. As a result a negative contribution to the lepton-based forward-backward asymmetry in
$ t\overline{t} $
production, as well as
$ \mathcal{O} $
(10%) forward-backward asymmetry in
$ b\overline{b} $
production above
$ {m_{{b\overline{b}}}} \simeq 600 $
GeV at the Tevatron is expected.
A flash in the pan: Dissecting dynamic amyloid intermediates using fluorescence
Authors: Nath Abhinav , Rhoades Elizabeth
Published: March 2013

Several widespread and severe degenerative diseases are characterized by the deposition of amyloid protein aggregates in affected tissues. While there is great interest in the complete description of the aggregation pathway of the proteins involved, a molecular level understanding is hindered by the complexity of the self‐assembly process. In particular, the early stages of aggregation, where dynamic, heterogeneous and often toxic intermediates are populated, are resistant to high‐resolution structural characterization. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful and versatile tool for such analysis. In this review, we survey its application to provide residue‐specific information about amyloid intermediate states for three selected proteins: IAPP, α‐synuclein, and tau.
Multimodal analysis of weakly nonlinear sloshing in a spherical tank
Authors: Faltinsen Odd M. , Timokha Alexander N.
Published: March 2013

Sloshing in a spherical tank due to horizontal excitation is studied by using the nonlinear multimodal method which involves the analytically approximate sloshing modes by Faltinsen & Timokha (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 703, 2012, pp. 391–401). General fully and weakly nonlinear modal equations are derived but an emphasis is on the Moiseev–Narimanov asymptotic modal system which implies that the forcing frequency is close to the lowest natural sloshing frequency and there are no secondary resonances in the forcing frequency range leading to a nonlinear resonant amplification of double and triple harmonics in higher modes. The Moiseev–Narimanov modal system is used to construct an asymptotic time-periodic solution and, thereby, classify the corresponding steady-state wave regimes appearing as stable and unstable planar waves and swirling. The results on the stability boundaries are compared with experiments by Sumner & Stofan (1963,Tech. Rep.TN D-1991, NASA Technical Note) and Sumner (1966,Tech. Rep.TN D-3210, NASA). A good agreement is established for$0. 2\leq h\lesssim 1$. Discrepancy for higher liquid depths$1\lesssim h\lt 2$are explained by secondary resonance.
A model of bubble-induced turbulence based on large-scale wake interactions
Authors: Riboux Guillaume , Legendre Dominique , Risso Frédéric
Published: March 2013

Navier–Stokes simulations of the agitation generated by a homogeneous swarm of high-Reynolds-number rising bubbles are performed. The bubbles are modelled by fixed momentum sources of finite size randomly distributed in a uniform flow. The mesh grid is regular with a spacing close to the bubble size. This allows us to simulate a swarm of a few thousand bubbles in a computational domain of a hundred bubble diameters, which corresponds to a gas volume fraction $\alpha $ from 0.6 % to 4 %. The small-scale disturbances close to the bubbles are not resolved but the wakes are correctly described from a distance of a few diameters. This simple model reproduces well all the statistical properties of the vertical velocity fluctuations measured in previous experiments: scaling as ${\alpha }^{0. 4} $, self-similar probability density functions and power spectral density including a subrange evolving as the power $- 3$ of the wavenumber $k$. It can therefore be concluded that bubble-induced agitation mainly results from wake interactions. Considering the flow in a frame that is fixed relative to the bubbles, the combined use of both time and spatial averaging makes it possible to distinguish two contributions to the liquid fluctuations. The first is the spatial fluctuations that are the consequence of the bubble mean wakes. The second corresponds to the temporal fluctuations that are the result of the development of a flow instability. Note that the latter is not due to the destabilization of individual bubble wakes, since a computation with a single bubble leads to a steady flow. It is a collective instability of the randomly distributed bubble wakes. The spectrum of the time fluctuations shows a peak around a frequency ${f}_{cwi} $, which is independent of $\alpha $. From the present results it is possible to determine the origin of the overall properties of the total fluctuations observed in the experiments. The scaling of the velocity fluctuation as ${\alpha }^{0. 4} $ is a combination of the scalings of the spatial and temporal fluctuations, which are different from each other. As the time fluctuations are symmetric in the vertical direction, the asymmetry of the probability density function of the vertical velocity comes from that of the spatial fluctuations. Both contributions exhibit a ${k}^{- 3} $ spectral behaviour around the same range of wavenumbers, which explains why it is observed regardless of the nature of the dominant contribution.
Effect of vortex line distribution in superfluid plane Poiseuille flow instability
Authors: Sooraj R. , Sameen A.
Published: March 2013

The hydrodynamic stability of plane Poiseuille flow of superfluid is studied using modal and non-modal analysis. Two modes of instability are predicted, in normal mode stability analysis of the normal fluid, one caused by viscosity similar to the classical mode and another due to mutual friction between superfluid and normal fluid. The mutual friction mode occurs at high wavenumbers, which are stable wavenumbers in classical plane Poiseuille flow. A high superfluid vortex line density alone is not enough to induce instability in normal fluid; a localization of vortex lines is shown to play a major role. The extent of vortex line concentration required to cause instability depends on the density itself. Non-modal instability analysis shows that oblique waves are stronger than streamwise waves, unlike the scenario in classical plane Poiseuille flow.
Natural convection in horizontal pipe flow with a strong transverse magnetic field
Authors: Zikanov Oleg , Listratov Yaroslav I. , Sviridov Valentin G.
Published: March 2013

Linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulations are conducted to analyse mixed convection in a liquid metal flow in a horizontal pipe with imposed transverse magnetic field. The pipe walls are electrically insulated and subject to constant flux heating in the lower half. The results reveal the nature of anomalous temperature fluctuations detected in earlier experiments. It is found that, at the magnetic field strength far exceeding the laminarization threshold, the natural convection develops in the form of coherent quasi-two-dimensional rolls aligned with the magnetic field. Transport of the rolls by the mean flow causes high-amplitude, low-frequency fluctuations of temperature.
Effect of warming with temperature oscillations on a low-latitude aphid,Aphis craccivora
Authors: Chen Chia-Yu , Chiu Ming-Chih , Kuo Mei-Hwa
Published: March 2013

To estimate the net effect of climate change on natural populations, we must take into account the positive and negative effects of temperature oscillations and climate variability. Warming because of climate change will likely exceed the physiological optima of tropical insects, which currently live very close to their thermal optima. Tropical insects will be negatively affected if their optima are exceeded otherwise warming may affect them positively. We evaluate the demographic responses of the cowpea aphid,Aphis craccivora, to summer warming in subtropical and tropical Taiwan, and examine the effects of diel temperature oscillation on these responses. Aphids were reared at four temperatures (current summer mean, +1.4, +3.9 and +6.4 °C), the latter three simulating different levels of warming. At each average temperature, aphids experienced constant or oscillating (from −2.9 to +3.6 °C of each mean temperature) regimes. As the simulated summer temperatures increased, so did the negative effects on life-history traits and demographic parameters. Compared with aphids reared in constant temperatures, aphids reared in oscillating temperatures developed more slowly and had a longer mean generation time, but their net reproductive rate was higher. These findings demonstrate that climate warming will affect demographic parameters and life-history traits differentially. Studies that use constant temperatures are unlikely to accurately predict biotic responses to climate change.
LONG-TERM EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON RICE (Oryza sativaL.)–WHEAT (Triticum aestivumL.) YIELD, AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF AN ACIDIC SOIL IN THE WESTERN HIMALAYAS
Authors: SUBEHIA S. K. , SEPEHYA SWAPANA , RANA S. S. , NEGI S. C. , SHARMA S. K.
Published: March 2013

In a field experiment initiated in 1991kharifseason (April–October) on an acidic soil in the Western Himalayas of India, 25% and 50% of the recommended doses of nitrogen were substituted through different organics, viz. farmyard manure (FYM), wheat cut straw andSesbania aculeata(as green manure) in rice, followed by use of chemical fertilizers in wheat each year. The aim of this work was to study the long-term integrated effect of organics and chemical fertilizers on grain yield of rice–wheat system and soil quality. Based on five years’ moving average values, continuous cropping without fertilization or manuring (control) gave the lowest grain yields of both rice and wheat. Application of 50% N through FYM plus 50% NPK through chemical fertilizers to rice followed by 100% NPK through chemical fertilizers to wheat (T3) maintained the highest productivity of rice and wheat at about 3.4 Mg ha−1and 3.3 Mg ha−1, respectively, as found from the pooled grain yield over the years. The highest values of organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and available N, P, K were also recorded under this treatment (T3). Soil pH was marginally affected by different treatments, while Diphenyl Triamine Penta Acetic acid extractable micronutrient cations increased over control when chemical fertilizers were applied in conjunction with different organics.
Does tonsillectomy improve quality of life in adults? A systematic literature review
Authors: Andreou N , Hadjisymeou S , Panesar J
Published: March 2013

Aim:

To determine whether tonsillectomy improves quality of life in adults suffering from chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.

Method:

A systematic literature search of the Medline and Pubmed databases was conducted in order to identify all relevant studies measuring quality of life directly.

Results and Conclusion:

Eight studies were identified. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory and the Short Form questionnaire were the main tools used to assess quality of life changes. Tonsillectomy is likely to improve the overall quality of life as it particularly improves patients' physical and general health. The social benefits of tonsillectomy appear to be non-significant. The effects are likely to be long-lasting and have a greater impact on younger patients. The presence of coexisting chronic conditions and the severity of infective symptoms due to tonsillitis are also influencing factors.
Identifying permethrin resistance loci in malaria vectors by genetic mapping
Authors: WITZIG CLAUDIA , WONDJI CHARLES S. , STRODE CLARE , DJOUAKA ROUSSEAU , RANSON HILARY
Published: March 2013

Identification of the major loci responsible for insecticide resistance in malaria vectors would aid the development and implementation of effective resistance management strategies, which are urgently needed to tackle the growing threat posed by resistance to the limited insecticides available for malaria control. Genome-wide association studies in the major malaria vector,Anopheles gambiae, have been hindered by the high degree of within-population structuring and very low levels of linkage disequilibrium hence we revisited the use of quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping to study resistance phenotypes in this vector species. Earlier work, identified two major QTL associated with pyrethroid resistance inA. gambiaes.s. from East Africa using genetic crossing of laboratory-colonized resistant and susceptible strains. In this study, we report the results from genetic mapping of pyrethroid resistance in three isofemale pedigrees established from wild-caught femaleA. gambiaes.s. mosquitoes from Benin. We identified two QTL on chromosomes 2L and 3R in these field populations, in similar genomic locations to the QTL identified in laboratory strains. The relative merits of two alternative study designs are discussed and suggestions made for future genetic mapping studies of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes.
The domestic politics of disputed Arctic boundaries: the Canadian case
Authors: Manicom James
Published: February 2013

This article presents a model for the analysis of the domestic-international nexus of Arctic politics. It offers a preliminary attempt at mapping the domestic politics of Arctic boundary disputes in Canada. It explores the potential impact of domestic politics on such disputes by identifying the interests of domestic stakeholders in the Canadian Arctic. The paper views maritime boundary negotiations as a ‘two-level game’ in which negotiations occur internationally and domestically. The paper argues that the domestic level negotiation is contingent on how the issues are ‘framed’ between policymakers and their constituents. The paper identifies ways that domestic actors can reduce the number of acceptable outcomes in a two-level game, thereby impeding cooperation.
Sociodemographic factors associated with healthy eating and food security in socio-economically disadvantaged groups in the UK and Victoria, Australia
Authors: Thornton Lukar E , Pearce Jamie R , Ball Kylie
Published: February 2013

Objective

To investigate the associations between sociodemographic factors and both diet indicators and food security among socio-economically disadvantaged populations in two different (national) contextual settings.

Design

Logistic regression was used to determine cross-sectional associations between nationality, marital status, presence of children in the household, education, employment status and household income (four low income categories) with daily fruit and vegetable consumption, low-fat milk consumption and food security.

Setting

Socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the UK and Australia.

Subjects

Two samples of low-income women from disadvantaged neighbourhoods: (i) in the UK, the 2003–05 Low Income Diet and Nutrition Survey (LIDNS; n 643); and (ii) in Australia, the 2007–08 Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality (READI; n 1340).

Results

The influence of nationality, marital status and children in the household on the dietary outcomes varied between the two nations. Obtaining greater education qualifications was the most telling factor associated with healthier dietary behaviours. Being employed was positively associated with low-fat milk consumption in both nations and with fruit consumption in the UK, while income was not associated with dietary behaviours in either nation. In Australia, the likelihood of being food secure was higher among those who were born outside Australia, married, employed or had a greater income, while higher income was the only significant factor in the UK.

Conclusions

The identification of factors that differently influence dietary behaviours and food security in socio-economically disadvantaged populations in the UK and Australia suggests continued efforts need to be made to ensure that interventions and policy responses are informed by the best available local evidence.
QUASI MULTIPLICATION AND -GROUPS
Authors: LEE TSIU-KWEN , SHEU ALBERT JEU-LIANG
Published: February 2013

We give a negative answer to the question raised by Mart Abel about whether his proposed definition of ${K}_{0} $ and ${K}_{1} $ groups in terms of quasi multiplication is indeed equivalent to the established ones in algebraic $K$-theory.
Akute Nierenschädigung – Notfall oder Zufall?
Authors: Öttl Tobias
Published: February 2013

Erst seit diesem Jahr ist die akute Nierenschädigung als Vorstufe eines manifesten Nierenversagens international einheitlich definiert. Aufgrund der eindrücklichen Mortalität sind bei der möglichst raschen Abklärung verschiedene Auslöser zu eruieren. Neue Biomarker sollen in naher Zukunft helfen, renale Langzeitschäden durch eine schnelle Diagnosestellung zu minimieren. Therapeutische Ansätze orientieren sich an der jeweiligen Genese, neue Wirkstoffe werden vor allem auf Intensivstationen eingesetzt und erprobt.
Online low‐sidelobe waveform generator for noise radars based on the graph theory
Authors: Haghshenas Hamed , Nayebi Mohammad M.
Published: March 2013

A common and well‐known method of signal processing in noise radars is measuring the cross‐correlation between transmitted and received signals. However, it creates a lot of undesirable sidelobes which can mask weak echoes of far targets. There are many methods of masking effect removal based on signal processing at the receiver side. In this study, a method of waveform generation based on the graph theory is presented and its ability to reduce masking effect will be compared with that of radars using purely random waveforms. The method tries to design a graph consisting of nodes each corresponds to a random subsequence. After generating the graph offline, output sequence is produced online by moving from one node to another based on the probability of each edge. The subsequences are designed in a way that the correlation sidelobe levels generated by two subsequences of two connected nodes are reduced. In addition, a combination of the graph‐based method and random step frequency modulation is presented to guarantee randomness of the resultant waveforms. The waveform randomness is measured and compared with purely random waveforms. It is shown, by means of extensive computer simulations, the proposed waveforms can produce smaller correlation sidelobes, while preserving randomness characteristics.
Bioelectric signaling controls tissue shape and structure
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: February 2013

Manipulating those signals in just the right way may have applications in regenerative and cancer medicine.
Follicles in gut-associated lymphoid tissues create preferential survival niches for follicular Th cells escaping Thy-1-specific depletion in mice
Authors: Mihalj Martina , Kellermayer Zoltán , Balogh Peter
Published: March 2013

Although a substantial number of T cells may escape depletion following in vivo mAb treatment in patients undergoing immunosuppression, their specific tissue location and phenotypic characteristics in different peripheral lymphoid tissues have not been analyzed in detail. Here we investigated the survival of CD4+ T cells immediately following anti-Thy-1 mAb treatment in mice. We found a preferential survival of CD4+ T cells expressing Thy-1 antigen in the Peyer’s patches (PP) and also in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), where the relative majority of the surviving CD4+ T cells displayed CD44high/CD62L− phenotype corresponding to effector memory T-cell features. These CD4+ T cells also expressed CXCR5 and PD-1 (programmed cell death-1) markers characteristic for follicular Th cells (TFH). We also demonstrate that the immediate survival of these cells does not involve proliferation and is independent of IL-7. Induction of germinal center formation in spleen enhanced while the dissolution of follicular architecture by lymphotoxin-β receptor antagonist treatment slightly reduced TFH survival. Our results thus raise the possibility that the follicles within PP and MLN may create natural support niches for the preferential survival of TFH cells of the memory phenotype, thus allowing their escape during T-cell depletion.
Continuous culture of sessile human oropharyngeal microbiotas
Authors: Humphreys Gavin J. , McBain Andrew J.
Published: March 2013

The microbiota of the human oropharynx plays an important role in health through involvement in the aetiology of infection and the carriage of adventitious pathogens. Despite this, there are few models available for the preclinical assessment of novel antimicrobials directed to the human throat. We have profiled bacterial consortia sampled from the palatine tonsil and posterior pharyngeal wall microbiotas of healthy adult volunteers (n = 10) using differential culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, together with PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The data generated were used to assess the validity of an oropharyngeal microcosm system based on replicated constant-depth film fermenters (CDFFs;n = 5), which were continuously fed using an artificial airway surface liquid. Developed microcosms exhibited significant homology toex situconsortia according to principal components analysis, whilst compositional reproducibility was apparent in replicated models for tonsillar and pharyngeal inocula. Differential viable count data and Shannon–Weiner diversity indices indicated that representative tonsil and pharyngeal model systems achieved dynamic compositional stability about 6 days after inoculation which could be maintained for ≥20 days. In conclusion, the CDFF facilitated the continuous maintenance of bacteriologically stable microcosms that were compositionally similar toex situinocula.
Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala equina, with susceptibility to eight antifungal drugs
Authors: Najafzadeh Mohammad Javad , Suh Moo Kyu , Lee Myung Hoon , Ha Gyoung Yim , Kim Jung Ran , Kim Tae Heung , Lee Hyo Jin , Choi Jong Soo , Meis Jacques F. , De Hoog G. Sybren
Published: March 2013

A case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala equina is reported in a 75-year-old female, who showed subcutaneous abscesses on both forearms for 8 months. A lesion was initiated by inoculation with a spine from a tree. Histopathologically, suppurative granulomatous inflammation was present and short hyphal elements were observed. Upon culture greyish–black, velvety colonies of a black yeast were obtained after 3 weeks. The strain grew well at 25 °C, but poorly at 37 °C. After sequencing the internal transcribed spacer domain and the partial β-tubulin gene, the fungus was identified as E. equina. The patient was successfully treated with fluconazole for 3 months.
RiceLHS1/OsMADS1Controls Floret Meristem Specification by Coordinated Regulation of Transcription Factors and Hormone Signaling Pathways
Authors: Khanday Imtiyaz , Yadav Shri Ram , Vijayraghavan Usha
Published: March 2013

SEPALLATA (SEP) MADS box transcription factors mediate floral development in association with other regulators. Mutants in five rice (Oryza sativa) SEP genes suggest both redundant and unique functions in panicle branching and floret development. LEAFY HULL STERILE1  /OsMADS1, from a grass-specific subgroup of LOFSEP genes, is required for specifying a single floret on the spikelet meristem and for floret organ development, but its downstream mechanisms are unknown. Here, key pathways and directly modulated targets of OsMADS1 were deduced from expression analysis after its knockdown and induction in developing florets and by studying its chromatin occupancy at downstream genes. The negative regulation of OsMADS34, another LOFSEP gene, and activation of OsMADS55, a SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE-like floret meristem identity gene, show its role in facilitating the spikelet-to-floret meristem transition. Direct regulation of other transcription factor genes like OsHB4 (a class III homeodomain Leu zipper member), OsBLH1 (a BEL1-like homeodomain member), OsKANADI2, OsKANADI4, and OsETTIN2 show its role in meristem maintenance, determinacy, and lateral organ development. We found that the OsMADS1 targets OsETTIN1 and OsETTIN2 redundantly ensure carpel differentiation. The multiple effects of OsMADS1 in promoting auxin transport, signaling, and auxin-dependent expression and its direct repression of three cytokinin A-type response regulators show its role in balancing meristem growth, lateral organ differentiation, and determinacy. Overall, we show that OsMADS1 integrates transcriptional and signaling pathways to promote rice floret specification and development.
Indian Punjabi skilled migrants in Britain: of brain drain and under‐employment
Authors: Qureshi Kaveri , Varghese V.J. , Osella Filippo
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the careers of skilled migrants from Indian Punjab. This study complicates the normalization of skilled migration as a “win‐win” situation by examining the career trajectories of skilled migrants from the Indian Punjab who are trying to establish themselves in Britain.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines 20 life history interviews undertaken with skilled migrants from the Indian Punjab to Britain, in IT, media, law and hospitality industries, health and welfare professionals, and student migrants.

Findings

Skilled migrants were able to migrate on their own auspices through migration economies in Punjab. Once in Britain, however, they were directed to universities and labour markets in which they were not able to use their skills. They experienced under‐employment, devaluation of their qualifications and downward mobility, which forced them into ethnic and gendered markets within their home networks and created ambivalence about migrant success and issues of return.

Research limitations/implications

The study emphasizes the need to take a transnational lens when looking at skilled migration, address how migrants’ career trajectories are limited by racism, anti‐immigration sentiment and gender inequality, and consider temporality and uncertainty.

Originality/value

The paper raises questions concerning the ways in which rapidly changing “managed migration” policies in Britain have burdened individual migrants.
The impact of upstream supply and downstream demand integration on quality management and quality performance
Authors: Sun Hongyi , Ni Wenbin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

There are many studies on the impact of supply chain integration (SCI) on performance. However, the definitions, the measurements, the sample sizes, and scope of both SCI and the performance vary significantly from research to research. Conclusions are not consistent either. Researchers still believe that little is known about the impact of SCI on performance and call for more empirical research. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact on quality practices and quality performance of upstream integration with suppliers and downstream integration with customers.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on the empirical data from a large international survey of over 600 manufacturing companies from 20 countries. An intensive literature review was conducted on the definition and scope of SCI as well as its relationship with quality practice and performances. In total, five hypotheses were formulated and a conceptual model was proposed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses reflecting and interrelationship among the four variables.

Findings

The research reveals that downstream integration with customers influences both the quality management practice and the quality performance of the company, while upstream integration with suppliers only influences the quality practice but not the quality performance.

Originality/value

This research is different to previous research in three aspects. First, SCI covers both the upstream integration with suppliers and downstream integration with customers. Second, integration measurement covers both material integration and information integration. Third, it considers both quality management practices and quality performance.
Design of EWMA control chart for minimizing the proportion of defective units
Authors: Shamsuzzaman Mohammad , Wu Zhang
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts are widely used in industries for monitoring small and moderate process shifts. The purpose of this paper is to develop an algorithm for the optimization design of the EWMA chart (known as MD‐EWMA chart).

Design/methodology/approach

The design algorithm adjusts the sample size n, sampling interval h, lower and upper control limits LCL and UCL, and the EWMA weight factor λ of the chart in an optimal manner in order to minimize the mean number of defective units (denoted as MD) produced per out‐of‐control case. The probability distribution of the random process shift (e.g. mean shift δ) is taken into account that may be modeled by a Rayleigh distribution based on the sample data acquired during the operation of the control chart.

Findings

The results of the comparison studies and an example show that the proposed MD‐EWMA chart is significantly superior to the Shewhart‐type MD‐X¯ chart and the other EWMA charts in terms of the overall mean defective MD.

Originality/value

As the economic charts, the proposed MD‐EWMA chart aims at reducing the quality cost. But the design of this chart only requires limited number of specifications that can be easily determined. Consequently, the MD chart provides the control chart designers with an alternative choice between the statistical design and the economic design. Specifically, the mean shift δ is handled as a random variable by using a parametric or nonparametric approach to manipulate the sample data of δ acquired during the operation of the control chart. The MD counts the number of defective units produced per out of control case; so the design of control chart based on MD is more realistic from a practical viewpoint. In addition, the design of MD‐EWMA chart combines forecasting with controlling methods of quality management.
The training of sales managers: current practices
Authors: Gordon Geoffrey L. , Shepherd C. David , Lambert Brian , Ridnour Rick E. , Weilbaker Dan C.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine sales manager training approaches, methods, and instructors (as well as their perceived effectiveness, frequency, and assessment).

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a survey approach, data were collected (and analyzed) from 355 members of two associations: the United Professional Sales Association and the American Society for Training and Development.

Findings

First, internal training approaches and instructors are most commonly used and perceived as most effective. Second, sales managers are exposed to a wide variety of training content as part of their training activities. Third, the frequency, duration, and assessment of training vary widely among respondent organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The utilized sample of sales managers and trainers are employed by firms within the USA. Cultural differences could exist in training practices, training content, and perceptions of effectiveness among respondents from other countries.

Practical implications

First, sales manager training activities lie on a continuum that complicates effectiveness measurement. Second, sales manager training should be provided in the field by those who are either senior to or more knowledgeable on the training topic(s) than the sales manager. Third, internet‐based training methods are still in their infancy. Fourth, the complexities associated with the sales manager position lead to a need for varied training being delivered by diverse instructors.

Originality/value

Almost a decade has passed since the last empirical studies of the “nuts and bolts” of sales manager training practices were published. The current study builds on previous work by utilizing a larger sample and incorporating technology advances and new content areas (e.g. financial analysis, networking, partnering, cross‐functional activities).
An assessment of innovativeness in KIBS: implications on KIBS' co-creation culture, innovation capability, and performance
Authors: Leticia Santos-Vijande María , González-Mieres Celina , Ángel López-Sánchez Jose
Published: March 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between innovative culture, innovation efforts, and their performance among knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). Innovation intensity is evaluated in the technical and administrative domains. Performance indicators include customer-related outcomes and market and financial results relative to competition. To provide insight into how innovativeness contributes to sustaining a KIBS' competitiveness, the mediating role of its predisposition to involve customers and front-line employees in new service development is also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

– In accordance with the objectives of the research, and from an extensive review of the literature, the authors develop a conceptual model and test it on a sample of 154 Spanish KIBS using structural equation modelling.

Findings

– The results show that KIBS' appraisal of customers' and front-line employees' participation in new service co-creation is strongly determined by the firm's innovative culture. Organizations with a greater predisposition to new service co-creation achieve higher innovation rates which lead to sustained performance.

Originality/value

– As dynamism of the KIBS sector has an impact on the whole economy it is also necessary to understand the most advisable management practices in KIBS to foster innovation and improved performance, although relatively few studies have approached this issue. The importance of customers and front-line employees as co-creators in new service development (NSD) is generally appreciated, although the literature is not conclusive with respect to the feasibility of co-creation and its influence on a firm's performance. The present research introduces an organizational perspective to approach co-creation by analyzing how various organizational cultural types (innovativeness, and the appraisal of front-line employees and customers as co-creators in NSD) interact and contribute to KIBS' competitiveness.
All the world's a stage
Authors: Botes Vida
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim is to portray the role that accounts play in society through representation in colour.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a fictional poem.

Findings

The author uses an existing poem by playwright William Shakespeare and adapts it to reflect the role of accountants in society.

Originality/value

Using poetic rhyme, this paper represents a unique attempt to write about the different roles of accountants in modern society.
I am the very model of a special purpose vehicle
Authors: Woods Margaret
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a critical comment on complex funding systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a critical comment written in the form of a poem. The poem is in the style of the English light opera composers Gilbert and Sullivan, and is a variation on their song “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General”, from The Pirates of Penzance.

Findings

The poem spotlights financial failure.

Originality/value

The poem spotlights the crazy names and poor transparency of special purpose vehicles.