bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spelling Intervention in Post-Stroke Aphasia and Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Tsapkini Kyrana , Hillis Argye E.
Published: January 2014

Spelling–a core language skill–is commonly affected in neurological diseases such as stroke and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). We present two case studies of the same spelling therapy (learning of phoneme-to-grapheme correspondences with help from key words) in two participants: one who had a stroke and one with PPA (logopenic variant). Our study highlights similarities and differences in the time course of each indivdual's therapy. The study evaluates the effectiveness and generalization of treatment in each case, i.e. whether the treatment affected the trained items and/or untrained items, and whether or not the treatment gains were maintained after the end of therapy. Both participants were able to learn associations between phonemes and graphemes as well as between phonemes and words. Reliable generalization to untrained words was shown only for the participant with post-stroke aphasia, but we were not able to test generalization to untrained words in the individual with PPA. The same spelling therapy followed a different time course in each case. The participant with post-stroke aphasia showed a lasting effect of improved spelling, but we were unable to assess maintenance of improvement in the participant with PPA. We discuss these differences in light of the underlying nature of each disease.
Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Unsatisfactory Switching from Immediate to Extended Release Pramipexole: A Further Clue to Incentive Sensitization Mechanisms?
Authors: Solla Paolo , Cannas Antonino , Corona Marta , Marrosu Maria Giovanna , Marrosu Francesco
Published: January 2014

A small proportion of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), chronically under dopamine replacement therapy, may undergo an addiction-like behavioral disturbance, named dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS). This behavioral disorder is characterized by the increase of doses beyond those required for motor control, and its management remains difficult; thus, early recognition and careful monitoring of at-risk individuals are crucial. We report the cases of two PD patients with a previous unsatisfactory switching from an immediate release (IR) to an extended release (ER) pramipexole formulation who developed DDS. PD patients unsatisfactorily switched from an IR to an ER formulation of dopamine agonists should be considered as at-risk individuals for DDS development.
Dynamic Analysis of Thick Plates Including Deep Beams on Elastic Foundations Using Modified Vlasov Model
Authors: Ozgan Korhan
Published: January 2014

Dynamic analysis of foundation plate-beam systems with transverse shear deformation is presented using modified Vlasov foundation model. Finite element formulation of the problem is derived by using an 8-node (PBQ8) finite element based on Mindlin plate theory for the plate and a 2-node Hughes element based on Timoshenko beam theory for the beam. Selective reduced integration technique is used to avoid shear locking problem for the evaluation of the stiffness matrices for both the elements. The effect of beam thickness, the aspect ratio of the plate and subsoil depth on the response of plate-beam-soil system is analyzed. Numerical examples show that the displacement, bending moments and shear forces are changed significantly by adding the beams.
Displacement and Force Control of a Quarter Car Using a Mixed Mode MR Mount
Authors: Wang Shuo , Elahinia Mohammad , Nguyen The
Published: January 2014

In hydraulic hybrid vehicles (HHV), vibration in dual-mode pump/motor units should be isolated from the chassis. A mixed mode magnetorheological (MR) fluid mount was adopted to isolate this vibration and was evaluated in a quarter car model. The MR fluid mount was designed to be able to operate in flow mode and squeeze mode independently and simultaneously. For HHVs, it is desirable to control force and displacement transmissibility. These simulation results presented a basis for designing an effective algorithm to control both the displacement transmissibility and force transmissibility. Moreover, a hierarchical controller for minimizing the two requirements for transmissibility was also constructed. At last, a fuzzy logic controller was devised to closely reproduce the effect of the hierarchical controller. The experiments were set up to facilitate the hardware-in-the-loop evaluation of the mount. Results from the experiments showed that the mixed mode MR fluid mount was able to achieve desired dynamic stiffness profile to minimize the dual-transmissibility criterion.
Finite Element Modeling of K-Monel Bolts under Static Loading and Dynamic Shock Loading
Authors: Behan Kevin , Guzas Emily , Milburn Jeffrey , Moss Stacy
Published: January 2014

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center has funded a project to investigate the accuracy of various bolt models used to represent actual shipboard bolted connections within an analytical shock survivability assessment. The ultimate goal within this project is to develop finite element bolt representations that are not only computationally efficient, but also accurate. A significant task within this effort involved the development of highly detailed finite element models of bolted connections under various load configurations. Accordingly, high-resolution bolt models were developed and incorporated into simulations of four bolted connection test arrangements: static shear, static tension, dynamic shear, and dynamic tension. These simulation results are validated against experimental data from physical testing of each configuration. Future research will focus on exploring simplified finite element bolt representations and comparing these against the high-resolution results.
Methodological Considerations in Conducting an Olfactory fMRI Study
Authors: Vedaei Faezeh , Fakhri Mohammad , Harirchian Mohammad Hossein , Firouznia Kavous , Lotfi Yones , Ali Oghabian Mohammad
Published: January 2014

The sense of smell is a complex chemosensory processing in human and animals that allows them to connect with the environment as one of their chief sensory systems. In the field of functional brain imaging, many studies have focused on locating brain regions that are involved during olfactory processing. Despite wealth of literature about brain network in different olfactory tasks, there is a paucity of data regarding task design. Moreover, considering importance of olfactory tasks for patients with variety of neurological diseases, special contemplations should be addressed for patients. In this article, we review current olfaction tasks for behavioral studies and functional neuroimaging assessments, as well as technical principles regarding utilization of these tasks in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies.
Neuropsychological and Emotional Correlates of Personality Traits in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Koerts Janneke , Tucha Lara , Leenders Klaus L. , Tucha Oliver
Published: January 2014

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is, apart from the well-known motor symptoms, also characterized by neuropsychological and emotional disturbances. However, patients also often present with a personality profile of low Novelty Seeking and high Harm Avoidance. This profile can be identified as the disease emerges, which raises the question whether these traits correlate with more fundamental neuropsychological and emotional disturbances. This study determined the neuropsychological and emotional correlates of Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance and two other personality traits that are often considered in PD, i.e. Reward Dependence and Persistence.

Forty-three patients and 25 healthy participants were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory, a symptoms of depression questionnaire and neuropsychological tests.

PD patients showed a higher Harm Avoidance than healthy participants, which was predicted by symptoms of depression. Groups did not differ regarding Novelty Seeking, Reward Dependence and Persistence. While cognitive flexibility was a predictor of Reward Dependence, Persistence was predicted by divergent thinking and inhibition. Novelty Seeking was not predicted by cognition or emotion.

In conclusion, cognition and emotion are selectively related to personality traits in PD. Whereas Harm Avoidance covaries with emotional symptoms, Persistence and Reward Dependence are related to cognition. Alterations in personality, cognition and emotion in PD are thus not independent from each other.
Explicit Modeling of Solid Ocean Floor in Shallow Underwater Explosions
Authors: Walters A.P. , Didoszak J.M. , Kwon Y.W.
Published: January 2014

Current practices for modeling the ocean floor in underwater explosion simulations call for application of an inviscid fluid with soil properties. A method for modeling the ocean floor as a Lagrangian solid, vice an Eulerian fluid, was developed in order to determine its effects on underwater explosions in shallow water using the DYSMAS solver. The Lagrangian solid bottom model utilized transmitting boundary segments, exterior nodal forces acting as constraints, and the application of prestress to minimize any distortions into the fluid domain. For simplicity, elastic materials were used in this current effort, though multiple constitutive soil models can be applied to improve the overall accuracy of the model. Even though this method is unable to account for soil cratering effects, it does however provide the distinct advantage of modeling contoured ocean floors such as dredged channels and sloped bottoms absent in Eulerian formulations. The study conducted here showed significant differences among the initial bottom reflections for the different solid bottom contours that were modeled. The most important bottom contour effect was the distortion to the gas bubble and its associated first pulse timing. In addition to its utility in bottom modeling, implementation of the non-reflecting boundary along with realistic material models can be used to drastically reduce the size of current fluid domains.
Numerical and Experimental Studies of Cavitation Behavior in Water-Jet Cavitation Peening Processing
Authors: Zhang H. , Han B. , Yu X.G. , Ju D.Y.
Published: January 2014

Water-jet cavitation peening (WCP) is a new technology for the surface modification of metallic materials. The cavitation behavior in this process involves complex and changeable physics phenomena, such as high speed, high pressure, multiple phases, phase transition, turbulence, and unstable features. Thus, the cavitation behavior and impact-pressure distribution in WCP have always been key problems in this field. Numerous factors affect the occurrence of cavitation. These factors include flow-boundary conditions, absolute pressure, flow velocity, flow viscosity, surface tension, and so on. Among these factors, pressure and vapor fraction are the most significant. Numerical simulations are performed to determine the flow-field characteristics of both inside and outside the cavitating nozzle of a submerged water jet. The factors that influence the cavitation intensity of pressure are simulated. Fujifilm pressure-sensitive paper is used to measure the distribution of impact pressure along the jet direction during the WCP process. The results show that submerged cavitation jets can induce cavitation both inside and outside a conical nozzle and a convergent-divergent nozzle when the inlet pressure is 32 MPa. Moreover, the shock wave pressure induced by the collapse of the bubble group reaches up to 300 MPa.
Nonlinear State Estimation and Control for Chaos Suppression in MEMS Resonator
Authors: Tusset Angelo Marcelo , Bueno Átila Madureira , Nascimento Claudinor Bitencourt , dos Santos Kaster Mauricio , Balthazar José Manoel
Published: January 2014

During the last decade the chaotic behavior in MEMS resonators have been reported in a number of works. Here, the chaotic behavior of a micro-mechanical resonator is suppressed. The aim is to control the system forcing it to an orbit of the analytical solution obtained by the multiple scales method. The State Dependent Riccati Equation (SDRE) and the Optimal Linear Feedback Control (OLFC) strategies are used for controlling the trajectory of the system. Additionally, the SDRE technique is used in the state estimator design. The state estimation and the control techniques proved to be effective in controlling the trajectory of the system. Additionally, the robustness of the control strategies are tested considering parametric errors and measurement noise in the control loop.
Demonstrating the Qualitative Differences between Semantic Aphasia and Semantic Dementia: A Novel Exploration of Nonverbal Semantic Processing
Authors: Noonan Krist A. , Garrard Peter , Jefferies Elizabeth , Eshan Sheeba , Lambon Ralph Matthew A.
Published: January 2014

Semantic dementia (SD) implicates the anterior temporal lobes (ATL) as a critical substrate for semantic memory. Multi-modal semantic impairment can also be a feature of post-stroke aphasia (referred to here as “semantic aphasia” or SA) where patients show impaired regulatory control accompanied by lesions to the frontal and/or temporo-parietal cortices, and thus the two patient groups demonstrate qualitatively different patterns of semantic impairment [1]. Previous comparisons of these two patient groups have tended to focus on verbal receptive tasks. Accordingly, this study investigated nonverbal receptive abilities via a comparison of reality decision judgements in SD and SA. Pictures of objects were presented alongside non-real distracters whose features were altered to make them more/less plausible for the semantic category. The results highlighted a number of critical differences between the two groups. Compared to SD patients, SA patients: (1) were relatively unimpaired on the two alternative forced choice (2AFC) decisions despite showing a comparable degree of semantic impairment on other assessments; (2) showed minimal effects of the plausibility manipulation; (3) were strongly influenced by variations in the regulatory requirements of tasks; and (4) exhibited a reversed effect of familiarity–i.e., better performance on less commonly encountered items. These results support a distinction between semantic impairments which arise from impaired regulatory processes (e.g., SA) versus those where degraded semantic knowledge is the causal factor (e.g., SD). SA patients performed relatively well because the task structure reduced the requirement for internally generated control. In contrast, SD patients performed poorly because their degraded knowledge did not allow the fine-grained distinctions required to complete the task.
Bearing Fault Classification Based on Conditional Random Field
Authors: Wang Guofeng , Feng Xiaoliang , Liu Chang
Published: January 2014

Condition monitoring of rolling element bearing is paramount for predicting the lifetime and performing effective maintenance of the mechanical equipment. To overcome the drawbacks of the hidden Markov model (HMM) and improve the diagnosis accuracy, conditional random field (CRF) model based classifier is proposed. In this model, the feature vectors sequences and the fault categories are linked by an undirected graphical model in which their relationship is represented by a global conditional probability distribution. In comparison with the HMM, the main advantage of the CRF model is that it can depict the temporal dynamic information between the observation sequences and state sequences without assuming the independence of the input feature vectors. Therefore, the interrelationship between the adjacent observation vectors can also be depicted and integrated into the model, which makes the classifier more robust and accurate than the HMM. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, four kinds of bearing vibration signals which correspond to normal, inner race pit, outer race pit and roller pit respectively are collected from the test rig. And the CRF and HMM models are built respectively to perform fault classification by taking the sub band energy features of wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) as the observation sequences. Moreover, K-fold cross validation method is adopted to improve the evaluation accuracy of the classifier. The analysis and comparison under different fold times show that the accuracy rate of classification using the CRF model is higher than the HMM. This method brings some new lights on the accurate classification of the bearing faults.
Degenerative Jargon Aphasia: Unusual Progression of Logopenic/Phonological Progressive Aphasia?
Authors: Caffarra Paolo , Gardini Simona , Cappa Stefano , Dieci Francesca , Concari Letizia , Barocco Federica , Ghetti Caterina , Ruffini Livia , Prati Guido Dalla Rosa
Published: January 2014

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) corresponds to the gradual degeneration of language which can occur as nonfluent/agrammatic PPA, semantic variant PPA or logopenic variant PPA. We describe the clinical evolution of a patient with PPA presenting jargon aphasia as a late feature. At the onset of the disease (ten years ago) the patient showed anomia and executive deficits, followed later on by phonemic paraphasias and neologisms, deficits in verbal short-term memory, naming, verbal and semantic fluency. At recent follow-up the patient developed an unintelligible jargon with both semantic and neologistic errors, as well as with severe deficit of comprehension which precluded any further neuropsychological assessment. Compared to healthy controls, FDG-PET showed a hypometabolism in the left angular and middle temporal gyri, precuneus, caudate, posterior cingulate, middle frontal gyrus, and bilaterally in the superior temporal and inferior frontal gyri. The clinical and neuroimaging profile seems to support the hypothesis that the patient developed a late feature of logopenic variant PPA characterized by jargonaphasia and associated with superior temporal and parietal dysfunction.
Modern Facilities for Experimental Measurement of Dynamic Loads Induced by Humans: A Literature Review
Authors: Racic Vitomir , Pavic Aleksandar , Brownjohn James Mark William
Published: January 2014

This paper provides a critical overview of available technology and facilities for determining human-induced dynamic forces of civil engineering structures, such as due to walking, running, jumping and bouncing. In addition to traditional equipment for direct force measurements comprising force plate(s), foot pressure insoles and instrumented treadmills, the review also investigates possibility of using optical motion tracking systems (marker-based and marker-free optoelectronic technology) and non-optical motion tracking systems (inertial sensors) to reproduce contact forces between humans and structures based on body kinematics data and known body mass distribution. Although significant technological advancements have been made in the last decade, the literature survey showed that the state-of-the-art force measurements are often limited to individuals in artificial laboratory environments. Experimental identification of seriously needed group- and crowd-induced force data recorded on as-built structures, such as footbridges, grandstands and floors, still remains a challenge due to the complexity of human actions and the lack of adequate equipment.
Comparison of Shock Response Spectrum for Different Gun Tests
Authors: Cordes J.A. , Vo P. , Lee J.R. , Geissler D.W. , Metz J.D. , Troast D.C. , Totten A.L.
Published: January 2014

The Soft Catch Gun at Picatinny Arsenal is regularly used for component testing. Most shots contain accelerometers which record accelerations as a function of time. Statistics of accelerometer data indicate that the muzzle exit accelerations are, on average, higher than tactical firings. For that reason, Soft Catch Gun tests with unusually high accelerations may not be scored for Lot Acceptance Tests (LAT) by some customers. The 95/50 Normal Tolerance Limit (NTL) is proposed as a means of determining which test results should be scored. This paper presents comparisons of Shock Response Spectra (SRS) used for the 95/50 scoring criteria. The paper also provides a Discussion Section outlining some concerns with scoring LAT results based on test results outside of the proposed 95/50 criteria.
The Study on Free Vibration of Elastically Restrained Beams Carrying Various Types of Attachments with Arbitrary Spatial Distributions
Authors: Xiao Heye , sheng Meiping , Liu Zhihong , Wei Zhaoyu
Published: January 2014

The flexible beams carrying attachments often appear in engineering structures, modal analysis of those structures is important and necessary in structural design. This manuscript develops a proposed analytical method as a general tool for solving the free vibration of varying cross-section beams carrying various types of attachments with different distributions and arbitrary boundary conditions. In current practice, the natural frequencies of beam carrying lumped and uniform sprung mass and resting on Pasternak soil are calculated and compared with those in references to verify the methodology firstly. Then, the natural frequencies of beam carrying non-uniform spring-mass systems and stepped beam on Pasternak soil are calculated by the proposed method to study free vibration of beam carrying attachments with non-uniform cross section or distribution. Finally, some important conclusions are derived from results, which reveal that distribution density of spring-mass system at peaks of the mode shape makes dominate effects on the change of the natural frequencies at that mode and the natural frequencies of the stepped beam resting on elastic foundation are more sensitive to the increase of soil parameters.
Premonitory Urges and Sensorimotor Processing in Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Rajagopal Sangeerthana , Seri Stefano , Cavanna Andrea Eugenio
Published: January 2014

Most patients with Tourette syndrome report characteristic sensory experiences (premonitory urges) associated with the expression of tic symptoms. Despite the central role of these experiences to the clinical phenomenology of Tourette syndrome, little is known about their underlying brain processes. In the present article we present the results of a systematic literature review of the published studies addressing the pathophysiological mechanisms of premonitory urges. We identified some preliminary evidence for specific alterations in sensorimotor processing at both cortical and subcortical levels. A better insight into the brain correlates of premonitory urges could lead to the identification of new targets to treat the sensory initiators of tics in patients with Tourette syndrome.
Modified Differential Transform Method for Two Singular Boundary Values Problems
Authors: Lin Yinwei , Tang Hsiang-Wen , Chen Cha’o-Kuang
Published: January 2014

This paper deals with the two singular boundary values problems of second order. Two singular points are both boundary values points of the differential equation. The numerical solutions are developed by modified differential transform method (DTM) for expanded point. Linear and nonlinear models are solved by this method to get more reliable and efficient numerical results. It can also solve ordinary differential equations where the traditional one fails. Besides, we give the convergence of this new method.
Bezier Curves for Solving Fredholm Integral Equations of the Second Kind
Authors: Ghomanjani F. , Farahi M. H. , Kılıçman A.
Published: January 2014

The Bezier curves are presented to estimate the solution of the linear Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. A direct algorithm for solving this problem is given. We have chosen the Bezier curves as piecewise polynomials of degree n and determine Bezier curves on [0, 1] by n + 1 control points. Numerical examples illustrate that the algorithm is applicable and very easy to use.
Diabetic Ankle Fractures: A Review of the Literature and an Introduction to the Adelaide Fracture in the Diabetic Ankle Algorithm and Score
Authors: Yee Joshua , Pillai Anand , Ferris Linda
Published: January 2014

Diabetics who have acquired an ankle fracture may be easily missed given their atypical presentation. As such, it is not infrequently seen that these patients are either initially misdiagnosed or ineffectively managed resulting in unnecessary hospital length of stay and procedures. Multiple review articles and retrospective studies have been previously published in the literature, but complete guidelines to assist in accurate diagnosis and cost-effective management for this complex problem do not currently exist. Through a critical analysis of the current literature, a proposed diagnostic and management algorithm and scoring system that can be used to quantify risks in the surgical management are presented for consideration.
Uniform Approximation of Periodical Functions by Trigonometric Sums of Special Type
Authors: Serdyuk A. S. , Ovsii Ie. Yu.
Published: January 2014

The approximation characteristics of trigonometric sums Un,pψ of special type on the class Cβ,∞ψ of (ψ,β)-differentiable (in the sense of A. I. Stepanets) periodical functions are studied. Because of agreement between parameters of approximative sums and approximated classes, the solution of Kolmogorov-Nikol’skii problem is obtained in a sufficiently general case. It is shown that in a number of important cases these sums provide higher order of approximation in comparison with Fourier sums, de la Vallée Poussin sums, and others on the class Cβ,∞ψ in the uniform metric. The range of parameters in which the sums Un,pψ give the order of the best uniform approximation on the classes Cβ,∞ψ is indicated.
Synthesis and Conformational Analysis of Sterically Congested (4R)-(−)-1-(2,4,6-Trimethylbenzenesulfonyl)-3-n-butyryl-4-tert-butyl-2-imidazolidinone: X-Ray Crystallography and Semiempirical Calculations
Authors: Al-Swaidan Ibrahim A. , El-Azab Adel S. , Alanazi Amer M. , Abdel-Aziz Alaa A.-M.
Published: January 2014

The crystal structure of (4R)-(−)-1-(2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonyl)-3-n-butyryl-4-tert-butyl-2-imidazolidinone(3)was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound3crystallizes in triclinic system in space groupP1 (≠1). The crystal data area=10.62165 Å,b=16.5321 Å,c=8.95729 Å,∝=91.1936∘,β=93.8496∘,γ=88.0974∘,V=1568.22 Å3,Z=3,Dcalc=1.253 g/cm3,μCuKα=15.98 cm−1,F000=636.00,T=20.0°C, andR=0.037. The crystal structure confirmed the occurrence of three molecules of3A,3B, and3Cin which then-butyryl moiety adopted thes-transoidconformation. Crystal structure also revealed that the conformation of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonyl groups was inanti-position relative totert-butyl group. The crystal packing showed that three molecules of compound3are stacked as a result of intermolecularπ-πinteractions between the phenyl ring of one molecule and the phenyl ring of the other molecule by approaching each other to an interplanar separation of 5.034 Å. Interestingly, these stacked molecules are also connected by intermolecularCH-πinteraction. The conformational analysis of thes-transoid  3A,3B, and3Cwas separately performed by molecular mechanic MM+ force field. Additionally, computational investigation using semiempirical AM1 and PM3 methods was performed to find a correlation between experimental and calculated geometrical parameters. The data obtained suggest that the structural data furnished by the AM1 method is in better agreement with those experimentally determined for the above compound. It has been found that the lowest energetic conformer computed gives approximate correspondence with experimental solid state data.
Concurrent Liver Hodgkin Lymphoma and Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia on an Explanted Liver with Clinical Diagnosis of Alcoholic Cirrhosis at University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá
Authors: López R. , Barrera L. , Vera A. , Andrade R.
Published: January 2014

Liver involvement by Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is well documented. However, secondary liver failure to this neoplastic process is rare and usually presents late in the course of the disease. We present a case of a HL associated with nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) diagnosed on an explanted liver from a 53-year-old patient with clinical diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis. Hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E) showed abnormal liver architecture with hepatocytes nodules highlighted by reticulin stain with absent fibrosis on the trichrome stain. The portal spaces had diffuse infiltration by Reed-Sternberg cells positive for CD15, CD30, and latent membrane protein (LMP) on immunohistochemical studies. The patient also had a concurrent hilar lymph node biopsy that also showed HL involvement. Liver failure as the initial presentation of Hodgkin’ lymphoma is rare. We believe that more research about the utility of performing liver biopsies in patients candidates for transplantation with noncirrhotic hepatic failure is needed in order to establish the etiology and the optimal treatment.
Diversity-Productivity Relationship in the Northeastern Tamaulipan Thornscrub Forest of Mexico
Authors: Navar Jose , Rodriguez-Flores F. de Jesus , Dominguez-Calleros Pedro A. , Perez-Verdin Gustavo
Published: January 2014

This research examines the diversity-productivity relationship in a semiarid scrubland, initially under late successional conditions and subsequently under early successional conditions created by experimental clearing, to explore the roles that productivity and stochastic mortality play in species exclusion in this environment. A total of fifteen plots were studied by measuring environmental conditions and biomass components of shrubs and seedlings. These stands were distributed along a productivity gradient across five different landforms. A hypothesis about the stochastic self-thinning mortality model along the gradient was evaluated with the diversity-productivity-environment data. The diversity-productivity relationship was linear and reversed between the early and late succession stages. The hypothesis of stochastic mortality of species exclusion was rejected in the early stages of succession and partially accepted in the mature stage of succession. Species exclusion was negatively related to productivity gradients, suggesting that strong interspecific competition occurs in high productivity plots and that a larger number of species can survive in higher abiotic stress landscapes. Further research is needed to understand the temporal and spatial variations of the ecological interactions that shape this plant community.
Bilateral Distal Radius Fractures in a 12-Year-Old Boy after Household Electrical Shock: Case Report and Literature Summary
Authors: Stone Norman , Karamitopoulos Mara , Edelstein David , Hashem Jenifer , Tucci James
Published: January 2014

Background. Fracture resulting from household electric shock is uncommon. When it occurs, it is usually the result of a fall; however, electricity itself can cause sufficient tetany to produce a fracture. We present the case of bilateral fractures of the distal radii of a 12-year-old boy which were sustained after accidental shock. The literature regarding fractures after domestic electric shock is also reviewed.Methods. An Ovid-Medline search was conducted. The resultant articles and their bibliographies were surveyed for cases describing fractures resulting from a typical household-level voltage (110–220 V, 50–60 Hertz) and not a fall after the shock. Twenty-one articles describing 22 patients were identified.Results. Twenty-two cases were identified. Thirteen were unilateral injuries; 9 were bilateral. Proximal humerus fractures were most frequent (8 cases), followed by scapula fractures (7 cases), forearm fractures (4 cases), femoral neck fractures (2 cases), and vertebral body fracture (1 case). Eight of the 22 cases were diagnosed days to weeks after the injury.Conclusions. Fracture after electric shock is uncommon. It should be suspected in patients with persistent pain, particularly in the shoulder or forearm area. Distal radius fractures that occur during electrocution are likely due to tetany.
Methods for Prediction of Steel Temperature Curve in the Whole Process of a Localized Fire in Large Spaces
Authors: Guowei Zhang , Guoqing Zhu , Guanglin Yuan , Lili Huang
Published: January 2014

Based on a full‐scale bookcase fire experiment, a fire development model is proposed for the whole process of localized fires in large‐space buildings. We found that for localized fires in large‐space buildings full of wooden combustible materials the fire growing phases can be simplified into a t2 fire with a 0.0346 kW/s2 fire growth coefficient. FDS technology is applied to study the smoke temperature curve for a 2 MW to 25 MW fire occurring within a large space with a height of 6 m to 12 m and a building area of 1 500 m2 to 10 000 m2 based on the proposed fire development model. Through the analysis of smoke temperature in various fire scenarios, a new approach is proposed to predict the smoke temperature curve. Meanwhile, a modified model of steel temperature development in localized fire is built. In the modified model, the localized fire source is treated as a point fire source to evaluate the flame net heat flux to steel. The steel temperature curve in the whole process of a localized fire could be accurately predicted by the above findings. These conclusions obtained in this paper could provide valuable reference to fire simulation, hazard assessment, and fire protection design.
The Psychosocial Experience of Adolescents with Haematological Malignancies in Jordan: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Study
Authors: Al Omari Omar , Wynaden Dianne
Published: January 2014

The qualitative research method of interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to explore the lived experience of 14 Jordanian adolescents with haematological malignancies. They were admitted to two hospitals in Jordan and were interviewed for this study twice during the first six months after receiving their diagnosis. The results of this study revealed three themes: (1) Being in hospital, (2) The changing self, and (3) Fearing the unknown. When the participants were hospitalised due to their illness they were removed from their families and friends and prevented from engaging in their normal daily routine. Participants also reported receiving limited emotional and psychological support from health team members during hospitalisation. From the onset of cancer treatments, the bio-psychosocial side effects of the chemotherapy became one of the most distressing factors for participants affecting all aspects of their life and generated uncertainty about their future. The findings add to existing understanding of the lived experiences of cancer patients and in particular Jordanian adolescents. They provide a valuable insight for clinicians into improvements in service delivery to this group of patients.
Modulation in Ocean Primary Production due to Variability of Photosynthetically Available Radiation under Different Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Tripathy Madhumita , Raman Mini , Chauhan Prakash , Ajai
Published: January 2014

The rate of photosynthesis primarily depends on nutrients and photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) at sea surface. Several ship cruises were carried out to measure optical, biological, and atmospheric parameters in the Arabian Sea and their variability were studied. An analytical nonspectral photosynthesis-irradiance model was used to estimate euphotic primary production (EuPP) to study its variability during cruise periods. PAR was estimated using COART model using in situ measured aerosol optical depth (AOD) to compare with in situ measured PAR. In order to understand the variability of PAR under different types of aerosol and different aerosol loading, a simulation study was carried out using COART model. EuPP was estimated for various PAR values under different aerosol loading and cloud coverage conditions. Sensitivity analysis showed that for maritime, maritime polluted, and desert aerosols, the ratio PAR/PAR0AOD has attenuated to about 11–25%, whereas it has attenuated to 44% for urban aerosol type. PAR/PARclear  sky was reduced by ~57% for high aerosol loading and for overcast sky. The decrease in EuPP under various aerosol loading and cloud coverage was observed to depend on the photoadaptation parameter. EuPP/EuPPclear  sky was reduced by 38% for maximum maritime aerosol loading and for overcast sky.
Health-Care Delay in Malignant Melanoma: Various Pathways to Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Hajdarevic Senada , Hörnsten Åsa , Sundbom Elisabet , Isaksson Ulf , Schmitt-Egenolf Marcus
Published: January 2014

We aimed to describe and compare patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM), depending on their initial contact with care and with regard to age, sex, and MM type and thickness, and to explore pathways and time intervals (lead times) between clinics from the initial contact to diagnosis and treatment. The sample from northern Sweden was identified via the Swedish melanoma register. Data regarding pathways in health care were retrieved from patient records. In our unselected population of 71 people diagnosed with skin melanoma of SSM and NM types, 75% of patients were primarily treated by primary health-care centres (PHCs). The time interval (delay) from primary excision until registration of the histopathological assessment in the medical records was significantly longer in PHCs than in hospital-based and dermatological clinics (Derm). Thicker tumors were more common in the PHC group. Older patients waited longer times for wide excision. Most MM are excised rapidly at PHCs, but some patients may not be diagnosed and treated in time. Delay of registration of results from histopathological assessments within PHCs seems to be an important issue for future improvement. Exploring shortcomings in MM patients’ clinical pathways is important to improve the quality of care and patient safety.
Neural and Hybrid Modeling: An Alternative Route to Efficiently Predict the Behavior of Biotechnological Processes Aimed at Biofuels Obtainment
Authors: Curcio Stefano , Saraceno Alessandra , Calabrò Vincenza , Iorio Gabriele
Published: January 2014

The present paper was aimed at showing that advanced modeling techniques, based either on artificial neural networks or on hybrid systems, might efficiently predict the behavior of two biotechnological processes designed for the obtainment of second-generation biofuels from waste biomasses. In particular, the enzymatic transesterification of waste-oil glycerides, the key step for the obtainment of biodiesel, and the anaerobic digestion of agroindustry wastes to produce biogas were modeled. It was proved that the proposed modeling approaches provided very accurate predictions of systems behavior. Both neural network and hybrid modeling definitely represented a valid alternative to traditional theoretical models, especially when comprehensive knowledge of the metabolic pathways, of the true kinetic mechanisms, and of the transport phenomena involved in biotechnological processes was difficult to be achieved.
RBF Neural Network Soft-Sensor Model of Electroslag Remelting Process Optimized by Artificial Fish Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Wang Jie-sheng , Han Shuang , Yang Yang
Published: January 2014

For predicting the key technology index of electroslag remelting (ESR) process (the melting rate and cone purification coefficient of the consumable electrode), a radial basis function (RBF) neural network soft-sensor model optimized by the artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) is proposed. Based on the technique characteristics of ESR production process, the auxiliary variables of soft-sensor model are selected. Then the AFSA is adopted to train the RBF neural network prediction model in order to realize the nonlinear mapping between input and output variables. Simulation results show that the model has better generalization and prediction accuracy, which can meet the online soft sensing requirement of ESR process real-time control.
Heuristics for Synthesizing Robust Networks with a Diameter Constraint
Authors: Nagarajan Harsha , Wei Peng , Rathinam Sivakumar , Sun Dengfeng
Published: January 2014

Robustness of a network in the presence of node or link failures plays an important role in the design of the network. A key factor that quantifies this robustness is the algebraic connectivity of the network. In this paper, the authors address the problem of finding a network that maximizes the algebraic connectivity of the network while ensuring that the length of the shortest path joining any two nodes in the network is within a given bound. This paper presents k‐opt and tabu search heuristics for finding feasible solutions for this network synthesis problem. Computational results are also presented to corroborate the performance of the proposed algorithms.
No Differences in Emotion Recognition Strategies in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence from Hybrid Faces
Authors: Evers Kris , Kerkhof Inneke , Steyaert Jean , Noens Ilse , Wagemans Johan
Published: January 2014

Emotion recognition problems are frequently reported in individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, this research area is characterized by inconsistent findings, with atypical emotion processing strategies possibly contributing to existing contradictions. In addition, an attenuated saliency of the eyes region is often demonstrated in ASD during face identity processing. We wanted to compare reliance on mouth versus eyes information in children with and without ASD, using hybrid facial expressions. A group of six-to-eight-year-old boys with ASD and an age- and intelligence-matched typically developing (TD) group without intellectual disability performed an emotion labelling task with hybrid facial expressions. Five static expressions were used: one neutral expression and four emotional expressions, namely, anger, fear, happiness, and sadness. Hybrid faces were created, consisting of an emotional face half (upper or lower face region) with the other face half showing a neutral expression. Results showed no emotion recognition problem in ASD. Moreover, we provided evidence for the existence of top- and bottom-emotions in children: correct identification of expressions mainly depends on information in the eyes (so-called top-emotions: happiness) or in the mouth region (so-called bottom-emotions: sadness, anger, and fear). No stronger reliance on mouth information was found in children with ASD.
Registration of the Cone Beam CT and Blue-Ray Scanned Dental Model Based on the Improved ICP Algorithm
Authors: Mei Xue , Li Zhenhua , Xu Songsong , Guo Xiaoyan
Published: January 2014

Multimodality image registration and fusion has complementary significance for guiding dental implant surgery. As the needs of the different resolution image registration, we develop an improved Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm that focuses on the registration of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT) image and high-resolution Blue-light scanner image. The proposed algorithm includes two major phases, coarse and precise registration. Firstly, for reducing the matching interference of human subjective factors, we extract feature points based on curvature characteristics and use the improved three point’s translational transformation method to realize coarse registration. Then, the feature point set and reference point set, obtained by the initial registered transformation, are processed in the precise registration step. Even with the unsatisfactory initial values, this two steps registration method can guarantee the global convergence and the convergence precision. Experimental results demonstrate that the method has successfully realized the registration of the Cone Beam CT dental model and the blue-ray scanner model with higher accuracy. So the method could provide researching foundation for the relevant software development in terms of the registration of multi-modality medical data.
The Comparison of the Effects of Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia and Intravenous Propofol Anesthesia on Oxidative Stress in One Lung Ventilation
Authors: Erturk Engin , Topaloglu Selma , Dohman Davut , Kutanis Dilek , Beşir Ahmet , Demirci Yucel , Kayir Selcuk , Mentese Ahmet
Published: January 2014

Background. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on one lung ventilation (OLV) induced ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) by determining the blood gas, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), and malonyldialdehyde (MDA).Material and Methods. Forty-four patients undergoing thoracic surgery with OLV were randomized in two groups (sevoflurane Group S, propofol Group P). Anesthesia was inducted with thiopental and was maintained with 1–2.5% of sevoflurane within the 40/60% of O2/N2O mixture in Group S. In Group P anesthesia was inducted with propofol and was maintained with infusion of propofol and remifentanil. Hemodynamic records and blood samples were obtained before anesthesia induction (t1), 1 min before two lung ventilation (t2), 30 min after two lung ventilation (t3), and postoperative sixth hours (t4).Results. Heart rate att2andt3in Group P was significantly lower than that in Group S. While there were no significant differences in terms of pH and pCO2, pO2att2andt3in Group S was significantly lower than that in Group P. IMA levels att4in Group S were significantly lower than those in Group P.Conclusion. Sevoflurane may offer protection against IRI after OLV in thoracic surgery.
Social Determinants of Health, the Chronic Care Model, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Williams Edith M. , Ortiz Kasim , Browne Teri
Published: January 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that disproportionately affects African Americans and other minorities in the USA. Public health attention to SLE has been predominantly epidemiological. To better understand the effects of this cumulative disadvantage and ultimately improve the delivery of care, specifically in the context of SLE, we propose that more research attention to the social determinants of SLE is warranted and more transdisciplinary approaches are necessary to appropriately address identified social determinants of SLE. Further, we suggest drawing from the chronic care model (CCM) for an understanding of how community-level factors may exacerbate disparities explored within social determinant frameworks or facilitate better delivery of care for SLE patients. Grounded in social determinants of health (SDH) frameworks and the CCM, this paper presents issues relative to accessibility to suggest that more transdisciplinary research focused on the role of place could improve care for SLE patients, particularly the most vulnerable patients. It is our hope that this paper will serve as a springboard for future studies to more effectively connect social determinants of health with the chronic care model and thus more comprehensively address adverse health trajectories in SLE and other chronic conditions.
Assessing the Association between Oral Hygiene and Preterm Birth by Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence
Authors: Hope Christopher K. , Wang Qian , Burnside Girvan , Adeyemi Adejumoke A. , Quenby Siobhan , Smith Philip W. , Higham Susan M. , Whitworth Melissa
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the purported link between oral hygiene and preterm birth by using image analysis tools to quantify dental plaque biofilm. Volunteers (n=91) attending an antenatal clinic were identified as those considered to be “at high risk” of preterm delivery (i.e., a previous history of idiopathic preterm delivery, case group) or those who were not considered to be at risk (control group). The women had images of their anterior teeth captured using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). These images were analysed to calculate the amount of red fluorescent plaque (ΔR%) and percentage of plaque coverage. QLF showed little difference inΔR% between the two groups, 65.00% case versus 68.70% control, whereas there was 19.29% difference with regard to the mean plaque coverage, 25.50% case versus 20.58% control. A logistic regression model showed a significant association between plaque coverage and case/control status (P=0.031), controlling for other potential predictor variables, namely, smoking status, maternal age, and body mass index (BMI).