bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Costa Rica and Nicaragua before the International Court of Justice: Trying to Work Out the Complicated Relationship between Law and the Environment
Authors: Sjöstedt Britta
Published: November 2013

Nicaragua and Costa Rica have twice turned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve disputes related to environmental damage occurring in a transboundary context. In these two cases the Court has to consider at least two issues. The first issue concerns the territorial status of a disputed border area. The disagreement is triggered by natural variations of the San Juan River at the border between the two countries, which causes confusion as to where the State line lies. The second issue concerns environmental damage; more specifically, it involves adversely affected wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention. The obligations stemming from the Ramsar Convention are of an open‐ended character, rendering them difficult to apply. Both issues are connected with the fact that law and the environment have a complicated relationship – that is, legal obligations may be difficult to reconcile with a constantly changing environment. Here, the ICJ has the opportunity to clarify this uneasy relationship.
The Role and Relevance of Private Actors in EU Biofuel Governance
Authors: Romppanen Seita
Published: November 2013

This article examines the role of private actors in the implementation of the sustainability criteria for biofuels outlined in the Renewable Energy Directive of the European Union (EU). The article demonstrates that private verifiers' participation is essential for governing greener biofuels in the EU. The article's objective is twofold. First, it analyzes the two methods for the verification of compliance with the biofuels sustainability criteria, focusing on the role of private verifiers. This analysis sheds light on an interface of public and private action that is also an opportune platform for exploring theoretical concepts. Therefore, second, the article examines the relevance of private verifiers' participation in the implementation framework for sustainable biofuels. Drawing on the concepts of European ‘new governance’ and ‘co‐regulation’, the article shows that involving the private sector in the implementation of a legally binding EU Directive adds certain dynamics and constitutes modern regulatory innovation, but at the same time it makes the implementation framework more complex.
Public policy's bibliography: The use of research in US regulatory impact analyses
Authors: Desmarais Bruce A. , Hird John A.
Published: November 2013

Major US federal regulatory decisions are developed and justified using regulatory impact analyses (RIAs) mandated by executive order. We examine the scientific citation activity in RIAs, a unique effort that we believe holds significant potential for understanding the use of science in policymaking. This paper reports preliminary findings from collecting and examining scientific citations in 104 RIAs from 2008–2012. We present evidence indicating that some agencies make extensive use of science in RIAs, that there is substantial variation in use across agencies, and show variation across journals and disciplines cited by regulatory agencies. Finally, we present analysis showing that regulatory policymakers make greater use of research published in highly cited scholarly journals. We conclude by outlining several future directions for research using these data.
Simple Formula for Calculating Bias‐corrected AIC in Generalized Linear Models
Authors: Imori Shinpei , Yanagihara Hirokazu , Wakaki Hirofumi
Published: November 2013

In real‐data analysis, deciding the best subset of variables in regression models is an important problem. Akaike's information criterion (AIC) is often used in order to select variables in many fields. When the sample size is not so large, the AIC has a non‐negligible bias that will detrimentally affect variable selection. The present paper considers a bias correction of AIC for selecting variables in the generalized linear model (GLM). The GLM can express a number of statistical models by changing the distribution and the link function, such as the normal linear regression model, the logistic regression model, and the probit model, which are currently commonly used in a number of applied fields. In the present study, we obtain a simple expression for a bias‐corrected AIC (corrected AIC, or CAIC) in GLMs. Furthermore, we provide an ‘R’ code based on our formula. A numerical study reveals that the CAIC has better performance than the AIC for variable selection.
Campaign Finance and Policymaking: PACs, Campaign Contributions, and Interest Group Influence in Congress
Authors: Peoples Clayton D.
Published: November 2013

The general public is skeptical of our current system of campaign finance and feels that members of Congress are corrupt. Although the scholarly literature on campaign contribution influence is mixed, there is growing consensus that Political Action Committees (PACs) and interest groups do, indeed, have a powerful influence on policymaking in Congress. In this article, the author reviews this literature and discusses how influence occurs. Findings reveal that influence is only very rarely an explicit quid pro quo exchange. Instead, it is typically an ongoing, implicit, reciprocal exchange that impacts multiple stages of the legislative process and yields contributors many dividends, such as softer regulations, lower taxes, and lucrative contracts – none of which are explicitly promised (except in rare cases of full‐blown bribery) but are, nonetheless, regularly granted. The social relationships between contributors and lawmakers are central to this process, as is the ability to get legislators to sway their colleagues.
Disasters and Social Inequalities
Authors: Reid Megan
Published: November 2013

In this article, I review recent research on the relationship between social inequalities and disasters, focusing on the areas of social vulnerability to disaster and social inequalities in disaster recovery. I highlight how race, class, and gender structure the disaster experience such that marginalized populations are most vulnerable to the negative consequences of a disaster and face significant challenges in recovery. Then, I discuss the next steps for advancing disaster studies. First, scholars should work to develop improved methodologies for disaster research. Second, theoretical work on defining, theorizing, and classifying disasters is needed. Finally, the field should incorporate other intersectional dimensions of social inequality into the study of disasters.
Cost‐effectiveness of blood donor screening for Babesia microti in endemic regions of the United States
Authors: Simon Matthew S. , Leff Jared A. , Pandya Ankur , Cushing Melissa , Shaz Beth H. , Calfee David P. , Schackman Bruce R. , Mushlin Alvin I.
Published: November 2013

Background

Babesia microti is the leading reported cause of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion‐transmitted infection in the United States. Donor screening assays are in development.

Study Design and Methods

A decision analytic model estimated the cost‐effectiveness of screening strategies for preventing transfusion‐transmitted babesiosis (TTB) in a hypothetical cohort of transfusion recipients in Babesia‐endemic areas of the United States. Strategies included: 1) no screening; 2) Uniform Donor Health History Questionnaire (UDHQ), “status quo”; 3) recipient risk targeting using donor antibody and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening; 4) universal endemic donor antibody screening; and 5) universal endemic donor antibody and PCR screening. Outcome measures were TTB cases averted, costs, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs; $/QALY). We assumed a societal willingness to pay of $1 million/QALY based on screening for other transfusion‐transmitted infections.

Results

Compared to no screening, the UDHQ avoids 0.02 TTB cases per 100,000 RBC transfusions at an ICER of $160,000/QALY whereas recipient risk–targeted strategy using antibody/PCR avoids 1.62 TTB cases per 100,000 RBC transfusions at an ICER of $713,000/QALY compared to the UDHQ. Universal endemic antibody screening avoids 3.39 cases at an ICER of $760,000/QALY compared to the recipient risk–targeted strategy. Universal endemic antibody/PCR screening avoids 3.60 cases and has an ICER of $8.8 million/QALY compared to universal endemic antibody screening. Results are sensitive to blood donor Babesia prevalence, TTB transmission probability, screening test costs, risk and severity of TTB complications, and impact of babesiosis diagnosis on donor quality of life.

Conclusion

Antibody screening for Babesia in endemic regions is appropriate from an economic perspective based on the societal willingness to pay for preventing infectious threats to blood safety.
Second language errors and features of world Englishes
Authors: HAMID M. OBAIDUL , BALDAUF RICHARD B.
Published: November 2013

While exocentric norms (e.g. British and American English) informed by a second language acquisition (SLA) perspective are prevalent in the Outer Circle, there is a growing recognition of local varieties of Englishes belonging to the world Englishes (WE) paradigm. However, what constitutes an error or a varietal feature is hard to decide, particularly in the absence of codification of non‐native Englishes in many Outer Circle contexts. Yet, distinguishing between errors and varietal features is a pedagogical requirement for correcting learners’ errors and nurturing their linguistic creativity. Although the WE literature suggests criteria to determine the status of neologisms, these have their limitations. On the other hand, insufficient attention has been given to the agency of English teachers who are in a critical position to mediate language standards and their variations. Against this background, this paper reports a small‐scale study involving practising English teachers in Bangladesh to provide a pedagogical perspective on error/innovation issues. Acknowledging the underlying complexity, we argue that understanding teachers’ perspectives should be seen as an important research agenda to address learner English/L2 variety issues in L2 pedagogy.
Numerical Analysis on the Factors Affecting the Hydrodynamic Performance for the Parallel Surfaces With Microtextures
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Wenzhong , Wang Hui , Ma Tianbao , Hu Yuanzhong
Published: November 2013

A numerical analysis on the factors affecting the hydrodynamic performance for parallel surfaces with microtextures is presented in this paper. The semianalytical method and fast Fourier transform technique are implemented in the analysis. The numerical procedure is validated by comparing the results from the present model with the analytical solutions for the lubrication problem in an infinitewide sliding bearing with step-shaped textures. The numerical results show that the hydrodynamic performance can be greatly affected by the factors, such as the boundary conditions, cavitation pressure, microtextures, surface deformation, etc. This study can be of a great help for better understanding the mechanism of hydrodynamic pressure generated between parallel surfaces and realistically evaluating the improvement of tribological performance caused by textures.
Pharmacological Inhibition of a MicroRNA Family in Nonhuman Primates by a Seed-Targeting 8-Mer AntimiR
Authors: Rottiers Veerle , Obad Susanna , Petri Andreas , McGarrah Robert , Lindholm Marie W. , Black Joshua C. , Sinha Sumita , Goody Robin J. , Lawrence Matthew S. , deLemos Andrew S. , Hansen Henrik F. , Whittaker Steve , Henry Steve , Brookes Rohn , Najafi-Shoushtari Seyed Hani , Chung Raymond T. , Whetstine Johnathan R. , Gerszten Robert E. , Kauppinen Sakari , Näär Anders M.
Published: November 2013

Long-term treatment of obese, insulin-resistant nonhuman primates with a seed-targeting antimiR oligonucleotide against the microRNA-33 family derepresses hepatic expression of miR-33 targets, increases circulating HDL cholesterol, and has a clean safety profile.
Gene Transfer of Human
Apoe
Isoforms Results in Differential Modulation of Amyloid Deposition and Neurotoxicity in Mouse Brain
Authors: Hudry Eloise , Dashkoff Jonathan , Roe Alysson D. , Takeda Shuko , Koffie Robert M. , Hashimoto Tadafumi , Scheel Maria , Spires-Jones Tara , Arbel-Ornath Michal , Betensky Rebecca , Davidson Beverly L. , Hyman Bradley T.
Published: November 2013

Introduction of different APOE isoforms modulates Aβ peptide aggregation and neurotoxicity after amyloid deposition in mouse brain.
Selective arterial embolisation of bilateral angiomyolipomata in a symptomatic pregnant female
Authors: Davis Niall F , Kelly Rory , Lee Michael J , Mohan Ponnusamy
Published: November 2013

Renal angiomyolipoma (RA) is a rare benign tumour that can expand rapidly during pregnancy due to oestrogen and other hormonal factors. Complications associated with expanding renal angiomyolipomata are spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage secondary to acute rupture and thrombosis of the renal vein or inferior vena cava. MRI is recommended for diagnostic purposes in pregnancy; however, this modality is not always readily available. In the present report, we describe the first case of bilateral selective arterial embolisation for renal angiomyolipomata presenting symptomatically in a previously healthy pregnant female.
Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on delivering end-of-life care within acute hospital trusts: a qualitative study
Authors: Reid Colette , Gibbins Jane , Bloor Sophia , Burcombe Melanie , McCoubrie Rachel , Forbes Karen
Published: November 2013

Objective

The quality of end-of-life (EOL) care in acute hospitals is variable and interventions to improve this care, such as EOL care pathways, are not always used. The underlying reasons for this variability are not fully understood. We explored healthcare professionals’ views on delivering EOL care within an acute hospital trust in the South West of England.

Methods

We employed qualitative methods (focus groups, in-depth interviews and questerviews) within a study investigating the impact of a simple EOL tool on the care of dying patients. We invited a range of staff of all grades with experience in caring for dying patients from medicine, surgery and care of the elderly teams to participate.

Results

Six focus groups, seven interviews and five questerviews were conducted. Two main themes emerged: (a) delays (difficulties and avoidance) in diagnosing dying and (b) the EOL tool supporting staff in caring for the dying. Staff acknowledged that the diagnosis of dying was often made late; this was partly due to prognostic uncertainty but compounded by a culture that did not acknowledge death as a possible outcome until death was imminent. Both the medical and nursing staff found the EOL tool useful as a means of communicating ceilings of care, ensuring appropriate prescribing for EOL symptoms, and giving nurses permission to approach the bedside of a dying patient.

Conclusions

The culture of avoiding death and dying in acute hospitals remains a significant barrier to providing EOL care, even when EOL tools are available and accepted by staff.
Uncertainty and anxiety in the cancer of unknown primary patient journey: a multiperspective qualitative study
Authors: Richardson A , Wagland R , Foster R , Symons J , Davis C , Boyland L , Foster C , Addington-Hall J
Published: November 2013

Background

Patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) have metastatic malignant disease without an identifiable primary site; it is the fourth most common cause of cancer death.

Objectives

To explore patients’ informal and professional carers’ experiences of CUP to inform development of evidence-based, patient-centred care.

Methods

Qualitative study involving development of multiple exploratory case studies, each comprising a patient and nominated informal and professional carers, with contextual data extracted from medical records.

Results

17 CUP patients, 14 informal and 13 professional carers participated in the study. Two inter-related themes distinct to CUP emerged: uncertainty and continuity of care. In the absence of a primary diagnosis, patients and informal carers experienced uncertainty regarding prognosis, possible recurrence and the primary's hereditary potential. Professional carers experienced difficulty communicating uncertainty to patients, ambiguity in deciding optimal treatment plans in the absence of trial data and atest or treatdilemma: when to discontinue seeking the primary and start treatment. Common problems with care continuity were amplified for CUP patients relating to coordination, accountability and timeliness of care. The remit of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) often excluded CUP, leading to “MDT tennis” where patients were “bounced” between MDTs.

Conclusions

The experience of those with CUP is distinctive and it can serve to amplify some of the issues encountered by people with cancer. The clinical uncertainties related to CUP compound existing shortcomings in continuity of care, increasing the likelihood of a disrupted patient journey. However, while little can be done to overcome uncertainty, more could be done to address issues regarding continuity of care.
Unilateral and bilateral acute pyelonephritis: differences in clinical presentation, progress and outcome
Authors: Lee Yu-Ji , Cho Seong , Kim Sung Rok
Published: November 2013

Purpose

Acute pyelonephritis (APN) generally involves a single kidney, but it can be bilateral. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in clinical presentation, progress and outcome for bilateral APN compared with unilateral APN.

Study design

The medical records of all patients over 19 years of age, hospitalised for APN and who underwent abdominal enhanced CT at Samsung Changwon Hospital between January 2009 and August 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether unilateral or bilateral lesions were identified on the CT scan.

Results

Of the 296 patients, 99 had bilateral APN. Only 64/86 (74.4%) patients with clear tenderness in the bilateral APN group had bilateral tenderness. Patients with bilateral APN had more severe abnormalities, based on the results of laboratory tests. Leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, bacteraemia, acute kidney injury, shock and death occurred more frequently in bilateral than in unilateral APN. In the bilateral APN group, broad spectrum antibiotics were used more frequently as an initial antibiotic treatment. A history of stroke or diabetes mellitus, and duration of symptoms before admission, were independent risk factors associated with bilateral APN.

Conclusions

Patients with bilateral APN experienced more severe clinical and laboratory manifestations and had a poorer outcome than those with unilateral APN. Early imaging tests can be considered to discriminate unilateral from bilateral APN, especially in those with a history of stroke or diabetes and with a longer duration of symptoms. Moreover, initial use of broader spectrum antibiotics can be considered in patients with bilateral APN.
PREDICTING SOFTWARE CHANGE IN AN OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE USING MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS
Authors: MALHOTRA RUCHIKA , BANSAL ANKITA JAIN
Published: November 2013

Due to various reasons such as ever increasing demands of the customer or change in the environment or detection of a bug, changes are incorporated in a software. This results in multiple versions or evolving nature of a software. Identification of parts of a software that are more prone to changes than others is one of the important activities. Identifying change prone classes will help developers to take focused and timely preventive actions on the classes of the software with similar characteristics in the future releases. In this paper, we have studied the relationship between various object oriented (OO) metrics and change proneness. We collected a set of OO metrics and change data of each class that appeared in two versions of an open source dataset, 'Java TreeView', i.e., version 1.1.6 and version 1.0.3. Besides this, we have also predicted various models that can be used to identify change prone classes, using machine learning and statistical techniques and then compared their performance. The results are analyzed using Area Under the Curve (AUC) obtained from Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis. The results show that the models predicted using both machine learning and statistical methods demonstrate good performance in terms of predicting change prone classes. Based on the results, it is reasonable to claim that quality models have a significant relevance with OO metrics and hence can be used by researchers for early prediction of change prone classes.
Existence of complete Kähler Ricci-flat metrics on crepant resolutions
Authors: Santoro Bianca
Published: November 2013

In this note, we obtain existence results for complete Ricci-flat Kähler metrics on crepant resolutions of singularities of Calabi–Yau varieties. Furthermore, for certain asymptotically flat Calabi–Yau varieties, we show that the Ricci-flat metric on the resolved manifold has the same asymptotic behavior as the initial variety.
Low temperature synthesis of high electrochemical performance Co3O4 nanoparticles for application in supercapacitor
Authors: Cui Hongtao , Wang Minmin , Ren Wanzhong , Zhao Yunan
Published: November 2013

Nonaggregate and well-crystallized Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles with size of 5–15 nm were prepared on a large scale at low temperature by an epoxide precipitation route. The preparation of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles followed the steps of α- Co ( OH )2 formation through epoxide precipitation reactions, conversion of α- Co ( OH )2 to CoOOH in ammonia regulated alkaline suspension, and transformation of CoOOH to Co 3 O 4 at 100°C. The small size and nonaggregate state of obtained Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles guaranteed the full contact of Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles with electrolyte and the complete penetration of electrolyte into the particles. Consequently, the Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles presented specific capacitance as high as 879.5 F g-1 at scan rate of 5 mV s-1 in 1 KOH . Their specific capacitance remain 82.8% of the initial specific capacitance after 5000 charge and discharge cycles. These results demonstrated that these Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles can be applied as a high performance electrode material for supercapacitor.
Phase-controlled synthesis of nickel sulfide series via solvothermal method
Authors: Yuan Binxia , Luan Weiling
Published: November 2013

Nickel sulfide series nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple solvothermal reduction method of nickel chloride and element sulfur in the oleylamine solvent. This method could offer potential advantages of mildness, safety, low cost, and simplified fabrication procedures. Through the adjustment of Ni / S raw material ratio, different phases of nickel sulfide, including cubic NiS 2, hexagonal NiS , orthorhombic Ni 7 S 6, and trigonal Ni 3 S 2 were obtained. In addition, the sulfur sources played important roles in the synthesis of nickel sulfide series compounds. The possible growth mechanisms had been discussed based on the influence of reaction temperatures and solvents on the phase structure and detailed composition of the final products. Finally, the obtained optical properties demonstrated that each sample had the unique absorption peak except cubic NiS 2.
Optimization of the low temperature combustion synthesis of Er3+ doped lead–natrium–yttrium–fluoride phosphor
Authors: Lu Liping , Zhang Xiyan
Published: November 2013

The low-temperature combustion synthesis (LCS) method is the most popular method for the synthesis of ultrafine oxides and compound oxides. A kind of Er - Y - Pb - Na quaternary fluoride sensitive to 1.55 μm was synthesized by the LCS method and the synthesis conditions were optimized with orthogonal experiments. Intense upconversion emissions at 522 nm, 541.4 nm and 654.7 nm corresponding to the 2 H 11/2, 4 S 3/2 and 4 F 9/2 transitions to the 4 I 15/2 ground state were observed when excited by CW laser radiation at 1.55 μm. The effect of the carbamide amount on the phase formation and the luminescence intensity was analyzed. The product is of uniform particle size of ca. 40 nm, which is very outstanding for its reutilization in the infrared detection field.
Mechano-growth factor peptide, the COOH terminus of unprocessed insulin-like growth factor 1, has no apparent effect on myoblasts or primary muscle stem cells
Authors: Fornaro Mara , Hinken Aaron C. , Needle Saul , Hu Erding , Trendelenburg Anne-Ulrike , Mayer Angelika , Rosenstiel Antonia , Chang Calvin , Meier Viktor , Billin Andrew N. , Becherer J. David , Brace Arthur D. , Evans William J. , Glass David J. , Russell Alan J.
Published: November 2013

A splice form of IGF-1, IGF-1Eb, is upregulated after exercise or injury. Physiological responses have been ascribed to the 24-amino acid COOH-terminal peptide that is cleaved from the NH3-terminal 70-amino acid mature IGF-1 protein. This COOH-terminal peptide was termed “mechano-growth factor” (MGF). Activities claimed for the MGF peptide included enhancing muscle satellite cell proliferation and delaying myoblast fusion. As such, MGF could represent a promising strategy to improve muscle regeneration. Thus, at our two pharmaceutical companies, we attempted to reproduce the claimed effect of MGF peptides on human and mouse muscle myoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Concentrations of peptide up to 500 ng/ml failed to increase the proliferation of C2C12 cells or primary human skeletal muscle myoblasts. In contrast, all cell types exhibited a proliferative response to mature IGF-1 or full-length IGF-1Eb. MGF also failed to inhibit the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes. To address whether the response to MGF was lost in these tissue culture lines, we measured proliferation and differentiation of primary mouse skeletal muscle stem cells exposed to MGF. This, too, failed to demonstrate a significant effect. Finally, we tested whether MGF could alter a separate documented in vitro effect of the peptide, activation of p-ERK, but not p-Akt, in cardiac myocytes. Although a robust response to IGF-1 was observed, there were no demonstrated activating responses from the native or a stabilized MGF peptide. These results call in to question whether there is a physiological role for MGF.
Tungstate promotes β-cell survival inIrs2−/−mice
Authors: Oliveira Joana Moitinho , Rebuffat Sandra A. , Gasa Rosa , Burks Deborah J. , Garcia Ainhoa , Kalko Susana G. , Zafra Delia , Guinovart Joan J. , Gomis Ramon
Published: November 2013

Pancreatic β-cells play a central role in type 2 diabetes (T2D) development, which is characterized by the progressive decline of the functional β-cell mass that is associated mainly with increased β-cell apoptosis. Thus, understanding how to enhance survival of β-cells is key for the management of T2D. The insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) protein is pivotal in mediating the insulin/IGF signaling pathway in β-cells. In fact, IRS-2 is critically required for β-cell compensation in conditions of increased insulin demand and for β-cell survival. Tungstate is a powerful antidiabetic agent that has been shown to promote β-cell recovery in toxin-induced diabetic rodent models. In this study, we investigated whether tungstate could prevent the onset of diabetes in a scenario of dysregulated insulin/IGF signaling and massive β-cell death. To this end, we treated mice deficient in IRS2 ( Irs2−/−), which exhibit severe β-cell loss, with tungstate for 3 wk. Tungstate normalized glucose tolerance in Irs2−/−mice in correlation with increased β-cell mass, increased β-cell replication, and a striking threefold reduction in β-cell apoptosis. Islets from treated Irs2−/−exhibited increased phosphorylated Erk1/2. Interestingly, tungstate repressed apoptosis-related genes in Irs2−/−islets in vitro, and ERK1/2 blockade abolished some of these effects. Gene expression profiling showed evidence of a broad impact of tungstate on cell death pathways in islets from Irs2−/−mice, consistent with reduced apoptotic rates. Our results support the finding that β-cell death can be arrested in the absence of IRS2 and that therapies aimed at reversing β-cell mass decline are potential strategies to prevent the progression to T2D.
Intentional signal in prefrontal cortex generalizes across different sensory modalities
Authors: Choi Kyuwan , Torres Elizabeth B.
Published: November 2013

Biofeedback-EEG training to learn the mental control of an external device (e.g., a cursor on the screen) has been an important paradigm to attempt to understand the involvements of various areas of the brain in the volitional control and the modulation of intentional thought processes. Often the areas to adapt and to monitor progress are selected a priori. Less explored, however, has been the notion of automatically emerging activation in a particular area or subregions within that area recruited above and beyond the rest of the brain. Likewise, the notion of evoking such a signal as an amodal, abstract one remaining robust across different sensory modalities could afford some exploration. Here we develop a simple binary control task in the context of brain-computer interface (BCI) and use a Bayesian sparse probit classification algorithm to automatically uncover brain regional activity that maximizes task performance. We trained and tested 19 participants using the visual modality for instructions and feedback. Across training blocks we quantified coupling of the frontoparietal nodes and selective involvement of visual and auditory regions as a function of the real-time sensory feedback. The testing phase under both forms of sensory feedback revealed automatic recruitment of the prefrontal cortex with a parcellation of higher strength levels in Brodmann's areas 9, 10, and 11 significantly above those in other brain areas. We propose that the prefrontal signal may be a neural correlate of externally driven intended direction and discuss our results in the context of various aspects involved in the cognitive control of our thoughts.
An Improved Moving Least Squares Method for Curve and Surface Fitting
Authors: Zhang Lei , Gu Tianqi , Zhao Ji , Ji Shijun , Hu Ming , Li Xiangbo
Published: November 2013

The moving least squares (MLS) method has been developed for the fitting of measured data contaminated with random error. The local approximants of MLS method only take the error of dependent variable into account, whereas the independent variable of measured data always contains random error. Considering the errors of all variables, this paper presents an improved moving least squares (IMLS) method to generate curve and surface for the measured data. In IMLS method, total least squares (TLS) with a parameterλbased on singular value decomposition is introduced to the local approximants. A procedure is developed to determine the parameterλ. Numerical examples for curve and surface fitting are given to prove the performance of IMLS method.
Optimal Design of Liquid Dampers for Structural Vibration Control Based on GA andH∞Norm
Authors: Huo Linsheng , Shen Wenhe , Li Hongnan , Zhang Yaowen
Published: November 2013

This paper focused on the optimal design of liquid dampers for the seismic response control of structures. TheH∞norm of the transfer function from the ground motion to the structural response is selected as the optimal objective. The optimization procedure is carried out by using Genetic Algorithms (GAs) in order to reach an optimal solution. The proposed method has the advantages that it is unnecessary to solve the equation of motion for the control system and that the obtained optimal parameters of dampers are not dependent on the ground motion records. The influences of weighted functions on the optimization results are analyzed. The generality and effeteness of the proposed method are verified by the time history analysis of a 3-story structure subjected to earthquake records in different sites. The results show that the structural responses can be effectively reduced subjected to earthquake excitation at different sites.
On the Distance between Three Arbitrary Points
Authors: Chaipunya Parin , Kumam Poom
Published: November 2013

We point out some equivalence between the results in (Sedghi et al., 2012) and (Khamsi, 2010). Then, we introduce the notion of a general distance between three arbitrary points and study some of its properties. In the final section, some fixed point results are proposed.
Convolution Algebraic Structures Defined by Hardy-Type Operators
Authors: Miana Pedro J. , Royo Juan J. , Sánchez-Lajusticia Luis
Published: November 2013

The main aim of this paper is to show that certain Banach spaces, defined via integral kernel operators, are Banach modules (with respect to some known Banach algebras and convolution products onℝ+). To do this, we consider some suitable kernels such that the Hardy-type operator is bounded in weighted Lebesgue spacesLωpℝ+forp≥1. We also show new inequalities in these weighted Lebesgue spaces. These results are applied to several concrete function spaces, for example, weighted Sobolev spaces and fractional Sobolev spaces defined by Weyl fractional derivation.
The Liquid Sensor Using Thin Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator with C‐Axis Tilted AlN Films
Authors: Chen Ying-Chung , Chang Wei-Tsai , Kao Kuo-Sheng , Yang Chun-Hung , Cheng Chien-Chuan
Published: November 2013

Dual‐mode thin film bulk acoustic resonator (TFBAR) devices are fabricated with c‐axis tilted AlN films. To fabricate dual‐mode TFBAR devices, the off‐axis RF magnetron sputtering method for the growth of tilted piezoelectric AlN thin films is adopted. In this report, the AlN thin films are deposited with tilting angles of 15° and 23°. The frequency response of the TFBAR device with 23° tilted AlN thin film is measured to reveal its ability to provide dual‐mode resonance. The sensitivities of the longitudinal and shear modes to mass loading are calculated to be 2295 Hz cm2/ng and 1363 Hz cm2/ng with the mechanical quality factors of 480 and 287, respectively. The sensitivities of the longitudinal and shear modes are calculated to be 0 and 15 Hz cm2/μg for liquid loading.
Minimizing the Bright/Shadow Focal Spot Size with Controlled Side-Lobe Increase in High-Numerical-Aperture Focusing Systems
Authors: Khonina S. N. , Volotovskiy S. G.
Published: November 2013

Minimizing the bright/shadow focal spot size for differently polarized incident waves through the additional apodization of the focusing system output pupil by use of an optical element with the vortex phase dependence on angle and the polynomial amplitude dependence on radius is studied. The coefficients of the radial polynomial were optimized with the aim of fulfilling certain conditions such as the energy efficiency preservation and keeping the side lobes under control. The coefficients were chosen so as to minimize the functional using Brent’s method.
-Norm Regularization in Volumetric Imaging of Cardiac Current Sources
Authors: Rahimi Azar , Xu Jingjia , Wang Linwei
Published: November 2013

Advances in computer vision have substantially improved our ability to analyze the structure and mechanics of the heart. In comparison, our ability to observe and analyze cardiac electrical activities is much limited. The progress to computationally reconstruct cardiac current sources from noninvasive voltage data sensed on the body surface has been hindered by the ill-posedness and the lack of a unique solution of the reconstruction problem. CommonL2- andL1-norm regularizations tend to produce a solution that is either too diffused or too scattered to reflect the complex spatial structure of current source distribution in the heart. In this work, we propose a general regularization withLp-norm () constraint to bridge the gap and balance between an overly smeared and overly focal solution in cardiac source reconstruction. In a set of phantom experiments, we demonstrate the superiority of the proposedLp-norm method over itsL1 andL2 counterparts in imaging cardiac current sources with increasing extents. Through computer-simulated and real-data experiments, we further demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method in imaging the complex structure of excitation wavefront, as well as current sources distributed along the postinfarction scar border. This ability to preserve the spatial structure of source distribution is important for revealing the potential disruption to the normal heart excitation.
Heart Rate Variability and Hemodynamic Change in the Superior Mesenteric Artery by Acupuncture Stimulation of Lower Limb Points: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Kaneko Soichiro , Watanabe Masashi , Takayama Shin , Numata Takehiro , Seki Takashi , Tanaka Junichi , Kanemura Seiki , Kagaya Yutaka , Ishii Tadashi , Kimura Yoshitaka , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: November 2013

Objective. We investigated the relationship between superior mesenteric artery blood flow volume (SMA BFV) and autonomic nerve activity in acupuncture stimulation of lower limb points through heart rate variability (HRV) evaluations.Methods. Twenty-six healthy volunteers underwent crossover applications of bilateral manual acupuncture stimulation at ST36 or LR3 or no stimulation. Heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index, SMA BFV, and HRV at rest and 30 min after the intervention were analyzed.Results. SMA BFV showed a significant increase after ST36 stimulation (0% to 14.1% ± 23.4%,P=0.007); very low frequency (VLF), high frequency (HF), low frequency (LF), and LF/HF were significantly greater than those at rest (0% to 479.4% ± 1185.6%,P=0.045; 0% to 78.9% ± 197.6%,P=0.048; 0% to 123.9% ± 217.1%,P=0.006; 0% to 71.5% ± 171.1%,P=0.039). Changes in HF and LF also differed significantly from those resulting from LR3 stimulation (HF: 78.9% ± 197.6% versus −18.2% ± 35.8%,P=0.015; LF: 123.9% ± 217.1% versus 10.6% ± 70.6%,P=0.013).Conclusion. Increased vagus nerve activity after ST36 stimulation resulted in increased SMA BFV. This partly explains the mechanism of acupuncture-induced BFV changes.
Physiotherapists Have Accurate Expectations of Their Patients’ Future Health-Related Quality of Life after First Assessment in a Subacute Rehabilitation Setting
Authors: McPhail Steven M. , Nalder Emily , Hill Anne-Marie , Haines Terry P.
Published: November 2013

Background. Expectations held by health professionals and their patients are likely to affect treatment choices in subacute inpatient rehabilitation settings for older adults. There is a scarcity of empirical evidence evaluating whether health professionals expectations of the quality of their patients’ future health states are accurate.Methods. A prospective longitudinal cohort investigation was implemented to examine agreement (kappa coefficients, exact agreement, limits-of-agreement, and intraclass-correlation coefficients) between physiotherapists’ (n=23) prediction of patients’ discharge health-related quality of life (reported on the EQ-5D-3L) and the actual health-related quality of life self-reported by patients (n=272) at their discharge assessment (using the EQ-5D-3L). The mini-mental state examination was used as an indicator of patients’ cognitive ability.Results. Overall, 232 (85%) patients had all assessment data completed and were included in analysis. Kappa coefficients (exact agreement) ranged between 0.37–0.57 (58%–83%) across EQ-5D-3L domains in the lower cognition group and 0.53–0.68 (81%–85%) in the better cognition group.Conclusions. Physiotherapists in this subacute rehabilitation setting predicted their patients’ discharge health-related quality of life with substantial accuracy. Physiotherapists are likely able to provide their patients with sound information regarding potential recovery and health-related quality of life on discharge. The prediction accuracy was higher among patients with better cognition than patients with poorer cognition.
An Experimental Study on Heat Conduction and Thermal Contact Resistance for the AlN Flake
Authors: Chou Huann-Ming , Wang Jin-Chi , Chang Yuh-Ping
Published: November 2013

The electrical technology has been a fast development over the past decades. Moreover, the tendency of microelements and dense division multiplex is significantly for the electrical industries. Therefore, the high thermal conductible and electrical insulating device will be popular and important. It is well known that AlN still maintains stablility in the high temperature. This is quite attractive for the research and development department. Moreover, the thermal conduct coefficient of AlN is several times larger than the others. Therefore, it has been thought to play an important role for the radiator of heat source in the future. Therefore, this paper is focused on the studies of heat conduction and thermal contact resistance between the AlN flake and the copper specimens. The heating temperatures and the contact pressures were selected as the experimental parameters. According to the experimental results, the materials are soft and the real contact areas between the interfaces significantly increase under higher temperatures. As a result, the thermal contact resistance significantly decreases and the heat transfer rate increases with increasing the heating temperature or the contact pressures.
Youth, Caregiver, and Prescriber Experiences of Antipsychotic-Related Weight Gain
Authors: Murphy Andrea Lynn , Gardner David Martin , Kisely Steve , Cooke Charmaine , Kutcher Stanley Paul , Hughes Jean
Published: November 2013

Objectives. To explore the lived experience of youth, caregivers, and prescribers with antipsychotic medications.Design. We conducted a qualitative interpretive phenomenology study. Youth aged 11 to 25 with recent experience taking antipsychotics, the caregivers of youth taking antipsychotics, and the prescribers of antipsychotics were recruited.Subjects. Eighteen youth, 10 caregivers (parents), and 11 prescribers participated.Results. Eleven of 18 youth, six of ten parents, and all prescribers discussed antipsychotic-related weight gain. Participants were attuned to the numeric weight changes usually measured in pounds. Significant discussions occurred around weight changes in the context of body image, adherence and persistence, managing weight increases, and metabolic effects. These concepts were often inextricably linked but maintained the significance as separate issues. Participants discussed tradeoffs regarding the perceived benefits and risks of weight gain, often with uncertainty and inadequate information regarding the short- and long-term consequences.Conclusion. Antipsychotic-related weight gain in youth influences body image and weight management strategies and impacts treatment courses with respect to adherence and persistence. In our study, the experience of monitoring for weight and metabolic changes was primarily reactive in nature. Participants expressed ambiguity regarding the short- and long-term consequences of weight and metabolic changes.
Direct Radiofrequency Application Improves Pain and Gait in Collagenase-Induced Acute Achilles Tendon Injury
Authors: Tsai Yun-Pu , Chang Chi-Wen , Lee Jung-Shun , Liang Jen-I , Hsieh Tsung-Hsun , Yeh Ming-Long , Sze Chun-I
Published: November 2013

Radiofrequency (RF) is often used as a supplementary and alternative method to alleviate pain for chronic tendinopathy. Whether or how it would work for acute tendon injury is not addressed in the literatures. Through detailed pain and gait monitoring, we hypothesized that collagenase-induce acute tendinopathy model may be able to answer these questions. Gait parameters, including time, distance, and range of motion, were recorded and analyzed using a walking track equipped with a video-based system. Expression of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), and galanin were used as pain markers. Beta-III tubulin and Masson trichrome staining were used as to evaluate nerve sprouting, matrix tension, and degeneration in the tendon. Of fourteen analyzed parameters, RF significantly improved stance phase, step length, preswing, and intermediary toe-spread of gait. Improved gait related to the expression of substance P, CGRP, and reduced nerve fiber sprouting and matrix tension, but not galanin. The study indicates that direct RF application may be a valuable approach to improve gait and pain in acute tendon injury. Altered gait parameters may be used as references to evaluate therapeutic outcomes of RF or other treatment plan for tendinopathy.
Acoustic Droplet Vaporization in Biology and Medicine
Authors: Lin Chung-Yin , Pitt William G.
Published: November 2013

This paper reviews the literature regarding the use of acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) in clinical applications of imaging, embolic therapy, and therapeutic delivery. ADV is a physical process in which the pressure waves of ultrasound induce a phase transition that causes superheated liquid nanodroplets to form gas bubbles. The bubbles provide ultrasonic imaging contrast and other functions. ADV of perfluoropentane was used extensively in imaging for preclinical trials in the 1990s, but its use declined rapidly with the advent of other imaging agents. In the last decade, ADV was proposed and explored for embolic occlusion therapy, drug delivery, aberration correction, and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) sensitization. Vessel occlusion via ADV has been explored in rodents and dogs and may be approaching clinical use. ADV for drug delivery is still in preclinical stages with initial applications to treat tumors in mice. Other techniques are still in preclinical studies but have potential for clinical use in specialty applications. Overall, ADV has a bright future in clinical application because the small size of nanodroplets greatly reduces the rate of clearance compared to larger contrast agent bubbles and yet provides the advantages of ultrasonographic contrast, acoustic cavitation, and nontoxicity of conventional perfluorocarbon contrast agent bubbles.
The Importance and Perspective of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Endometriosis
Authors: Bianek-Bodzak Agnieszka , Szurowska Edyta , Sawicki Sambor , Liro Marcin
Published: November 2013

MR imaging is becoming increasingly important in the assessment of patients with endometriosis. Its multiplanar capabilities and superior soft tissue contrast are particularly useful in the detection of deep infiltrating endometriotic implants. Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the endometrium, is among the most common gynaecological disorders affecting women in their reproductive age. The diagnosis and evaluation of the extension of endometriosis are difficult only with physical examination and laparoscopy. According to the authors’ personal experience, a special MRI technique and some imaging guidelines regarding different anatomical localizations of endometriosis are discussed. This review is a brief presentation of current evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in the evaluation of endometriosis concerning other diagnostic methods, the limitations of MRI and its essential usefulness for preoperative diagnosis of deep pelvic endometriosis, and future perspectives in monitoring this disease.