bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quotient Space-Based Boundary Condition for Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chi Yuhong , Sun Fuchun , Jiang Langfan , Yu Chunyang , Chen Chunli
Published: November 2012

To control particles to fly inside the limited search space and deal with the problems of slow search speed and premature convergence of particle swarm optimization algorithm, this paper applies the theory of topology, and proposed a quotient space-based boundary condition named QsaBC by using the properties of quotient space and homeomorphism. In QsaBC, Search space-zoomed factor and Attractor are introduced according to the dynamic behavior and stability of particles, which not only reduce the subjective interference and enforce the capability of global search, but also enhance the power of local search and escaping from an inferior local optimum. Four CEC’2008 benchmark functions are selected to evaluate the performance of QsaBC. Comparative experiments show that QsaBC can achieve the satisfactory optimization solution with fast convergence speed. Furthermore, QsaBC is more effective with errant particles, and has easier calculation and better robustness than other methods.
Adaptive Study Design Through Semantic Association Rule Analysis
Authors: Chen Ping , Ding Wei , Garcia Walter
Published: November 2012

Association mining aims to find valid correlations among data attributes, and has been widely applied to many areas of data analysis. This paper presents a semantic network-based association analysis model including three spreading activation methods. It applies this model to assess the quality of a dataset, and generate semantically valid new hypotheses for adaptive study design especially useful in medical studies. The approach is evaluated on a real public health dataset, the Heartfelt study, and the experiment shows promising results.
Intelligent Fault Recognition and Diagnosis for Rotating Machines using Neural Networks
Authors: Ngolah Cyprian F. , Morden Ed , Wang Yingxu
Published: November 2012

Monitoring industrial machine health in real-time is not only in high demand, it is also complicated and difficult. Possible reasons for this include: (a) access to the machines on site is sometimes impracticable, and (b) the environment in which they operate is usually not human-friendly due to pollution, noise, hazardous wastes, etc. Despite theoretically sound findings on developing intelligent solutions for machine condition-based monitoring, few commercial tools exist in the market that can be readily used. This paper examines the development of an intelligent fault recognition and monitoring system (Melvin I), which detects and diagnoses rotating machine conditions according to changes in fault frequency indicators. The signals and data are remotely collected from designated sections of machines via data acquisition cards. They are processed by a signal processor to extract characteristic vibration signals of ten key performance indicators (KPIs). A 3-layer neural network is designed to recognize and classify faults based on a pre-determined set of KPIs. The system implemented in the laboratory and applied in the field can also incorporate new experiences into the knowledge base without overwriting previous training. Results show that Melvin I is a smart tool for both system vibration analysts and industrial machine operators.
Empirical Studies on the Functional Complexity of Software in Large-Scale Software Systems
Authors: Wang Yingxu , Chiew Vincent
Published: November 2012

Functional complexity is one of the most fundamental properties of software because almost all other software attributes and properties such as functional size, development effort, costs, quality, and project duration are highly dependent on it. The functional complexity of software is a macro-scope problem concerning the semantic properties of software and human cognitive complexity towards a given software system; while the computational complexity is a micro-scope problem concerning algorithmic analyses towards machine throughput and time/space efficiency. This paper presents an empirical study on the functional complexity of software known as cognitive complexity based on large-scale samples using a Software Cognitive Complexity Analysis Tool (SCCAT). Empirical data are obtained with SCCAT on 7,531 programs and five formally specified software systems. The theoretical foundation of software functional complexity is introduced and the metric of software cognitive complexity is formally modeled. The functional complexities of a large-scale software system and the air traffic control systems (ATCS) are rigorously analyzed. A novel approach to represent software functional complexities and their distributions in software systems is developed. The nature of functional complexity of software in software engineering is rigorously explained. The relationship between the symbolic and functional complexities of software is quantitatively analyzed.
A Swarm Robotics Approach to Decontamination
Authors: Alves Daniel S. F. , Soares E. Elael M. , Strachan Guilherme C. , Carvalho Guilherme P. S. , Xaud Marco F. S. , Couto Marcos V. B. , Mendonça Rafael M. , Freitas Renan S. , Santos Thiago M. , Gonçalves Vanessa C. F. , Mourelle Luiza M. , Nedjah Nadia , Maculan Nelson , Lima Priscila M. V. , França Felipe M. G.
Published: November 2012

Many interesting and difficult practical problems need to be tackled in the areas of firefighting, biological and/or chemical decontamination, tactical and/or rescue searches, and Web spamming, among others. These problems, however, can be mapped onto the graph decontamination problem, also called the graph search problem. Once the target space is mapped onto a graph G(N,E), where N is the set of G nodes and E the set of G edges, one initially considers all nodes in N to be contaminated. When a guard, i.e., a decontaminating agent, is placed in a node i ??N, i becomes (clean and) guarded. In case such a guard leaves node i, it can only be guaranteed that i will remain clean if all its neighboring nodes are either clean or clean and guarded. The graph decontamination/search problem consists of determining a sequence of guard movements, requiring the minimum number of guards needed for the decontamination of G. This chapter presents a novel swarm robotics approach to firefighting, a conflagration in a hypothetical apartment ground floor. The mechanism has been successfully simulated on the Webots platform, depicting a firefighting swarm of e-puck robots.
Optimal Location of the Workpiece in a PKM-based Machining Robotic Cell
Authors: Pires E.J. Solteiro , Lopes António M. , Machado J. A. Tenreiro , Oliveira P. B. de Moura
Published: November 2012

Most machining tasks require high accuracy and are carried out by dedicated machine-tools. On the other hand, traditional robots are flexible and easy to program, but they are rather inaccurate for certain tasks. Parallel kinematic robots could combine the accuracy and flexibility that are usually needed in machining operations. Achieving this goal requires proper design of the parallel robot. In this chapter, a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the structure of a parallel robot according to specific criteria. Afterwards, for a chosen optimal structure, the best location of the workpiece with respect to the robot, in a machining robotic cell, is analyzed based on the power consumed by the manipulator during the machining process.
Transmission Expansion Planning by using DC and AC Models and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Torres Santiago P. , Castro Carlos A. , Rider Marcos J.
Published: November 2012

The Transmission Expansion Planning (TEP) entails to determine all the changes needed in the electric transmission system infrastructure in order to allow the balance between the projected demand and the power supply, at minimum investment and operational costs. In some type of TEP studies, the DC model is used for the medium and long term time frame, while the AC model is used for the short term. This chapter proposes a load shedding based TEP formulation using the DC and AC model, and four Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based algorithms applied to the TEP problem: Global PSO, Local PSO, Evolutionary PSO, and Adaptive PSO. Comparisons among these PSO variants in terms of robustness, quality of the solution, and number of function evaluations are carried out. Tests, detailed analysis, guidelines, and particularities are shown in order to apply the PSO techniques for realistic systems.
Introducing Quality of Service Criteria into Supply Chain Management for Excellence
Authors: Gumzej Roman , Gajšek Brigita
Published: November 2012

This article is focused on a sub domain of quality, namely, quality of service. Considering supply chain management, the authors believe that it is important to distinguish between a quality of product (also service) offered by producers and service providers and a quality of service which is achieved between any supplier and customer, not only a consumer, along a supply chain. Quality of product represents producer’s/service provider’s commitment and is subject of various quality certificates issued by inspection authorities. This research examines the quality of service, which is provided by a supplier to its customer along the supply chain, between any pair of chain elements fulfilling this relation, including the common retailer-consumer relation. The authors introduce measurement points into a consumer-centric supply chain model for the defined criteria and defined the method of their monitoring and overall supply chain quality of service evaluation. Finally, the authors assess the envisaged impact of the results of their measurements on supply chain excellence, providing management with an opportunity to identify weak spots.
Study on Low-Carbon Economy Model and Method of Chinese Tourism Industry
Authors: Mu Zhang , Jing Luo , Xiaohong Zhang , Lei Tang , Xiao-na Feng , Shan Chen
Published: November 2012

Recent years saw the global wave of new low-carbon economy which is a strategic measure to cope with global warming, and it has gained concerns from many governments. As the representatives of developing countries, China is responsible for “common but distinguishing duty for global climate change.” Many policies have been made to develop low-carbon economy with the hope to advocate and innovate low-carbon economy in some industries and cities during these years. Therefore, it is a theoretical and innovative project to find a low-carbon economical model for various industries and carry out the experiments of low-carbon economy in some cities. Hence, guided by low-carbon economy theory, choosing booming Chinese tourism industry as the object, this paper constructs an operation framework system of low-carbon tourism development from the advantage of low-carbon tourism to the proposal of low-carbon tourism definition so as to conclude an execution scheme of “six elements” of low-carbon tourism with selecting OCT East (Chinese national ecotourism demonstration district) and Mt. Danxia (World Geo-park) as demonstration districts to discuss about models and methods of low-carbon economy in tourism.
Query Adaptation Techniques in Temporal-DHT for P2P Media Streaming Applications
Authors: Bhattacharya Abhishek , Yang Zhenyu , Pan Deng
Published: November 2012

Peer-to-Peer (P2P)-based approach for on-demand video streaming systems (P2P-VoD) characterized by asynchronous user-interactivity has proven to be practical and effective in recent years with real-world Internet-scale deployment (Huang, Li, & Ross, 2007). Current state-of-art P2P-VoD systems employ tracker server for discovering content suppliers which poses scalability and bottleneck issues. Temporal-DHT is a structured P2P based approach which can efficiently accommodate the large number of update operations with the continuous change of user’s playing position and supporting asynchronous jumps (Bhattacharya, Yang, & Zhang, 2010). The authors propose different query adaptation strategies based upon content popularity distributions and shortage bandwidth ratios which are proved to be effective in improving the performance of P2P streaming system by deriving certain optimized solutions. They formulate valuable optimization problems in the context of a P2P-VoD system such as minimization of query search cost, server bandwidth consumption, and a joint cost-load framework. The authors provide optimized solutions that achieve the best result for the above mentioned optimization objectives. They show extensive simulation studies under various scenarios of search cost, streaming quality, and other associated factors in a dynamic network environment where users are free to asynchronously join/leave the system.
Color Image Segmentation
Authors: Gao Song , Zhang Chengcui , Chen Wei-Bang
Published: November 2012

An intuitive way of color image segmentation is through clustering in which each pixel in an image is treated as a data point in the feature space. A feature space is effective if it can provide high distinguishability among objects in images. Typically, in the preprocessing phase, various modalities or feature spaces are considered, such as color, texture, intensity, and spatial information. Feature selection or reduction can also be understood as transforming the original feature space into a more distinguishable space (or subspaces) for distinguishing different content in an image. Most clustering-based image segmentation algorithms work in the full feature space while considering the tradeoff between efficiency and effectiveness. The authors’ observation indicates that often time objects in images can be simply detected by applying clustering algorithms in subspaces. In this paper, they propose an image segmentation framework, named Hill-Climbing based Projective Clustering (HCPC), which utilizes EPCH (an efficient projective clustering technique by histogram construction) as the core framework and Hill-Climbing K-means (HC) for dense region detection, and thereby being able to distinguish image contents within subspaces of a given feature space. Moreover, a new feature space, named HSVrVgVb, is also explored which is derived from Hue, Saturation, and Value (HSV) color space. The scalability of the proposed algorithm is linear to the dimensionality of the feature space, and our segmentation results outperform that of HC and other projective clustering-based algorithms.
Efficacy of the LiSN & Learn Auditory Training Software: Randomized Blinded Controlled Study
Authors: Cameron Sharon , Glyde Helen , Dillon Harvey
Published: November 2012

Children with a spatial processing disorder (SPD) require a more favorable signal-to-noise ratio in the classroom because they have difficulty perceiving sound source location cues. Previous research has shown that a novel training program - LiSN & Learn - employing spatialized sound, overcomes this deficit. Here we investigate whether improvements in spatial processing ability are specific to the LiSN & Learn training program. Participants were ten children (aged between 6;0 [years;months] and 9;9) with normal peripheral hearing who were diagnosed as having SPD using the Listening in Spatialized Noise - Sentences test (LiSN-S). In a blinded controlled study, the participants were randomly allocated to train with either the LiSN & Learn or another auditory training program - Earobics - for approximately 15 min per day for twelve weeks. There was a significant improvement post-training on the conditions of the LiSN-S that evaluate spatial processing ability for the LiSN & Learn group (P=0.03 to 0.0008, η2=0.75 to 0.95, n=5), but not for the Earobics group (P=0.5 to 0.7, η2=0.1 to 0.04, n=5). Results from questionnaires completed by the participants and their parents and teachers revealed improvements in real-world listening performance post-training were greater in the LiSN & Learn group than the Earobics group. LiSN & Learn training improved binaural processing ability in children with SPD, enhancing their ability to understand speech in noise. Exposure to non-spatialized auditory training does not produce similar outcomes, emphasizing the importance of deficit-specific remediation.
The Novel Role of Epigenetics in Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Napoli Claudio , Casamassimi Amelia , Grimaldi Vincenzo , Schiano Concetta , Infante Teresa , Zullo Alberto , Montesano Maria Lourdes , Auriemma Laura , De Luca Francesco Paolo , De Iorio Gustavo , Ignarro Louis J. , Mancini Francesco Paolo
Published: November 2012

A great deal of evidences indicate that impaired fetal growth and in utero exposure to risk factors, especially maternal hypercholesterolemia, may be relevant for human pathophysiological signs of atherosclerosis and subsequent development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) during different life stages. Despite the underlying mechanisms of fetal programming are still unknown, epigenetics has been suggested as one of the possible explanations for the associations between intrauterine risk factors and CVD development. Indeed, a lot of translational studies support the hypothesis that epigenetic changes are related to increased CVD risk although it is still not possible to establish a direct causality in humans. Notably, epigenetic modifications can be reversible through therapeutic approaches employing histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone acetyltransferase inhibitors and commonly used drugs like statins. Thus, the whole comprehension of these mechanisms will provide in the next future the rationale for the development of novel tools to be used in the primary prevention and therapy of CVD.
Evolutionary Analysis of Sequence Divergence and Diversity of Duplicate Genes in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Yang Ence , Hulse Amanda M. , Cai James J.
Published: November 2012

Gene duplication as a major source of novel genetic material plays an important role in evolution. In this study, we focus on duplicate genes in Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous filamentous fungus causing life-threatening human infections. We characterize the extent and evolutionary patterns of the duplicate genes in the genome of A. fumigatus. Our results show that A. fumigatus contains a large amount of duplicate genes with pronounced sequence divergence between two copies, and approximately 10% of them diverge asymmetrically, i.e. two copies of a duplicate gene pair diverge at significantly different rates. We use a Bayesian approach of the McDonald-Kreitman test to infer distributions of selective coefficients γ (=2 Nes) and find that (1) the values of γ for two copies of duplicate genes co-vary positively and (2) the average γ for the two copies differs between genes from different gene families. This analysis highlights the usefulness of combining divergence and diversity data in studying the evolution of duplicate genes. Taken together, our results provide further support and refinement to the theories of gene duplication. Through characterizing the duplicate genes in the genome of A. fumigatus, we establish a computational framework, including parameter settings and methods, for comparative study of genetic redundancy and gene duplication between different fungal species.
Diffusion Tensor Metric Measurements as a Function of Diffusion Time in the Rat Central Nervous System
Authors: Thiessen Jonathan D. , Vincent Trevor J. , Herrera Sheryl L. , Martin Melanie
Published: November 2012

MRI and Monte Carlo simulated data of pulsed gradient spin echo experiments were used to study the effects of diffusion time, gradient strength and b-value on diffusion tensor (DT) metrics using real and simulated fixed rat spines. Radial (λ⊥) in grey matter and simulation data, axial (λ||) in both grey and white matter in fixed rat spinal cords and mean diffusivity in all tissues showed a significant decrease with diffusion time at b = 1 μm2/ms. All diffusivities significantly decreased with b-value at g = 116 mT/m and at Δeff = 23 ms. The fractional anisotropy (FA) significantly increased with diffusion time at b = 1 μm2/ms in the simulation data and grey matter. FA significantly increased in white matter and simulation data and significantly decreased in grey matter with b-value at g = 116 mT/m and at Δeff = 23 ms. These data suggest that DTI metrics are highly dependent on pulse sequence parameters.
Ethnic Concentration and Bank Use in Immigrant Communities
Authors: Bohn Sarah , Pearlman Sarah
Published: November 2012

Despite the many benefits of bank use, large portions of the U.S. population remain unbanked. One of the largest is immigrants, where the incidence of being unbanked is over 13% higher than among natives in 2001. We document growth in the nativity gap in bank use over time. We also test the importance of immigrant enclaves, defined as areas with high concentrations of immigrants from the same region, in explaining the increasing differential in bank use. Combining data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation, Census, and FDIC we find that immigrants living in enclaves are significantly less likely to have a bank account. We take steps to isolate one particular channel through which this might operate: the use of informal financial services provided by co‐ethnics in enclaves. The results suggest that demand‐side preferences may have power in explaining the persistence of the nativity gap in bank use in the United States.
Thermal and haline effects on the calculation of air-sea CO2 fluxes revisited
Authors: Woolf D. K. , Land P. E. , Shutler J. D. , Goddijn-Murphy L. M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The presence of vertical temperature and salinity gradients in the upper ocean and the occurrence of variations in temperature and salinity on time scales from hours to many years complicate the calculation of the flux of carbon dioxide (CO2) across the sea surface. Temperature and salinity affect the interfacial concentration of aqueous CO2 primarily through their effect on solubility with lesser effects related to saturated vapour pressure and the relationship between fugacity and partial pressure. The effects of temperature and salinity profiles and changes in the aqueous concentration act primarily through the partitioning of the carbonate system. Contrary to some recent analysis, it is shown that the effect on CO2 fluxes of a cool skin on the sea surface is large and ubiquitous. An opposing effect on calculated fluxes is related to the occurrence of warm layers near the surface; this effect can be locally large but will usually coincide with periods of low exchange. A salty skin and salinity anomalies in the upper ocean also affect CO2 flux calculations, though the haline effects are generally weaker than the thermal effects.
La vigencia de Prometeo como paradigma ético en "El hereje", de Miguel Delibes
Authors: Lorenzo García Esther
Published: November 2012

La defensa de la libertad religiosa y, por extensión, de la libertad de conciencia, es la idea que sirvió de estímulo a Miguel Delibes para la redacción de El hereje, su última novela. Para desarrollar dicho tema, el narrador se sirve del mitologema del rebelde que, espoleado por un imperativo de su razón o su moral, osa ir más allá de los límites permitidos por las leyes y, como consecuencia, debe afrontar un duro castigo. En El hereje, la abundancia de episodios y elementos simbólicos relacionados con la imagen del titán en su versión de héroe trágico justifica, a mi entender, una aproximación desde la mitocrítica a esta obra, tan elogiosamente acogida como insuficientemente estudiada. En nuestro trabajo detallaremos de qué modo los principales mitemas del Prometeo de Esquilo –la rebeldía, la filantropía, la libertad, la resistencia…– son asimilados desde la óptica del humanismo cristiano y hasta qué punto, más allá del hecho religioso, pueden manifestar su condición de valores objetivos frente a las concepciones relativistas en torno a lo humano y, también, frente a la renovada amenaza del fundamentalismo.
Leukemic Hypopyon in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Alten Florian , Ehlert Karoline , Böhm Michael R. , Grenzebach Ulrike H.
Published: November 2012

Purpose.

Leukemic hypopyon uveitis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a very rare condition. We report this case of an unusual finding in a 2½-year-old boy in second remission after chemotherapy for relapsed AML.

Methods.

A young patient with an AML FAB M5 in second remission developed pain, photophobia, and conjunctival injections in the right eye. Recent bone marrow aspiration showed no blast increase and recent peripheral blood sampling presented no evidence of relapse.

Results.

The patient showed a viscous hypopyon and a myotic pupil in the right eye that was refractory to corticosteroids. Anterior chamber aspiration revealed atypical blasts similar to the leukemic cells that were found in the bone marrow aspirate at the time of systemic relapse.

Conclusions.

Timely anterior chamber aspiration and subsequent cytology is useful in differentiating leukemic hypopyon from true intraocular inflammation in AML patients. This is the first report about a leukemic hypopyon uveitis in AML without systemic findings of malignant cells in a child.
Application of the Pippard Relations to Cyclohexane near the Melting Point
Authors: Yurtseven Hamit
Published: November 2012

The Pippard relations are verified near the melting point for cyclohexane. The experimental data for the thermal expansivity is analyzed according to a power-law formula using the critical exponent and the thermodynamic quantities are calculated close to the melting point for this molecular organic compound. This applies to those compounds showing a second order transition prior to melting.
Theoretical Investigation of Thermodynamical and Structural Properties of 3d Liquid Transition Metals Using Different Reference Systems
Authors: Sonvane Y. A. , Thakor P. B. , Jani A. R.
Published: November 2012

The present paper deals with the theoretical investigation of thermodynamical and structural properties like internal energy (E), entropy (S), Helmholtz free energy (F), isothermal compressibility (χT), specific Heat (CV), structure factor S(q), and long wave length limit S(0) of structure factor of 3d liquid transition metals. To describe electron-ion interaction we have used our newly constructed parameter free model potential. To perform this task, we have used different reference systems like Percus Yevick Hard Sphere (PYHS), One Component Plasma (OCP), and Charged Hard Sphere (CHS) reference systems. We have also seen the influence of different local field correction functions like Hartree (HR), Taylor (TR), and Sarkar et al. (SR) on thermodynamical properties of 3d liquid transition metals. Finally we conclude that the proper choice of the model potential along with reference system plays a vital role in the study of thermodynamical and structural properties of 3d liquid transition metals.
Numerical Techniques for the Analysis of Charge Transport and Electrodynamics in Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Pierantoni Luca , Mencarelli Davide
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we report on multiphysics full-wave techniques in the frequency (energy)-domain and the time-domain, aimed at the investigation of the combined electromagnetic-coherent transport problem in carbon based on nano-structured materials and devices, e.g., graphene nanoribbons.

The frequency-domain approach is introduced in order to describe a Poisson/Schrödinger system in a quasi static framework. An example of the self-consistent solution of laterally coupled graphene nanoribbons is shown.

The time-domain approach deals with the solution of the combined Maxwell/Schrödinger system of equations. The propagation of a charge wavepacket is reported, showing the effect of the self-generated electromagnetic field that affects the dynamics of the charge wavepacket.
Composição do substrato sobre o desenvolvimento, qualidade e custo de produção de mudas de Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden × Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake.
Authors: Simões Danilo , Silva Richardson Barbosa Gomes da , Silva Magali Ribeiro da
Published: November 2012

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198050985082Os componentes utilizados na produção de substratos influem diretamente no ciclo vegetativo, na qualidade e consequentemente nos custos de produção das mudas. Nesse experimento estudou-se o desenvolvimento, qualidade e custos de produção de mudas de Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden × Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake, por meio de propagação sexuada, utilizando 12 composições de substrato. A análise dos resultados evidenciou que os substratos puros, a exceção da fibra de coco, não apresentaram características físicas adequadas para a produção de mudas, via sexuada, de Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden × Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake em tubetes. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos nos substratos com mistura 1:1 de casca de arroz carbonizada e fibra de coco e na mistura 1:1 de vermiculita e fibra de coco, devido às melhores características morfológicas apresentadas e da possibilidade de redução do tempo de produção, levando à redução no custo final das mudas.
Embodying the Countryside in ʿAiṭa Ḥaṣbawiya (Morocco)
Authors: Ciucci Alessandra
Published: November 2012

As we left Safi and began driving along a stretch of country road on our way to Rabat, one of my female traveling companions asked me if I had a cassette of 'aiṭa on me. “Why?” I replied with a certain curiosity. “Oh …,” she continued, “I just feel like listening to it. I want to smell the soil (bghit nshdm t-trab), taste the countryside (bghit nduq l-ərubiya). ”I was struck by her answer, by how she had articulated the desire to listen to this genre of sung poetry by analogy to other senses. For her, listening to aiṭa meant to experience the countryside and, at the same time, to celebrate a rurality that for many Moroccans is an essential component of their identity. That day I did not have a cassette on me. However, the silence was soon broken by the opening verses of “Mal l-hbibi malu ‘lih” (what's wrong with my beloved, what's wrong with him); she and the others had begun singing, clapping, and rhythmically swaying their upper bodies as we continued to drive on that country road.
Analysis of 809 Facial Bone Fractures in a Pediatric and Adolescent Population
Authors: Kim Sang Hun , Lee Soo Hyang , Cho Pil Dong
Published: November 2012

Background Facial fractures are infrequent in children and adolescents and have different clinical features from those in adults. The low incidence in children and adolescents reflects the flexibility and underdevelopment of their facial skeletons, as well as their more protected environments. Only a few reports have reviewed such patients in Korea. The authors performed a retrospective study to analyze the characteristics of facial fractures in the Korean pediatric population.

Methods We conducted a retrospective review on a series of 741 patients, aged <18 years, with facial fractures who had been treated at our hospital between 2006 and 2010. The following parameters were evaluated: age, sex, cause, location and type of fractures, associated injuries, treatment and complications.

Results A total of 741 consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria. The ratio of boys to girls was 5.7:1. Facial fractures most commonly occurred in patients between 13 and 15 years of age (36.3%). The most common causes of injury was violence. The nasal fracture was the most common type of fracture (69%) and the blowout fracture was the second most common (20%). Associated injuries occurred in 156 patients (21%).

Conclusions The incidence of pediatric facial fractures caused by violence is high in Korea. Our results show that as age increases, etiological factors and fracture patterns gradually shift towards those found in adults. This study provides an overview of facial fractures in these age groups that helps illustrate the trends and characteristics of the fractures and may be helpful in further evaluation and management.
Metabolic effects of atazanavir/ritonavir vs darunavir/ritonavir in combination with tenofovir/emtricitabine in antiretroviral‐naïve patients (ATADAR Study)
Authors: Martinez E , González‐Cordón A , Podzamczer D , Domingo P , Negredo E , Gutiérrez F , Portilla J , Ribera E , Murillas J , Arribas J , Santos I , Carton J , Peraire J , Pich J , Pérez I , Gatell J ,   ATADAR Team
Published: November 2012

Purpose of the study

ATV/r or DRV/r plus TDF/FTC are recommended for first‐line therapy due at least in part to their clinical tolerability and scarce metabolic effects. We investigated whether both regimens might differ regarding plasma lipids, insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (MDRD).

Methods

Multicentre, randomized, clinical trial (ATADAR Study, NCT01274780). Primary end‐point: 24‐week change in total cholesterol. Secondary end‐points: changes in lipids other than total cholesterol, HOMA‐IR, and MDRD; clinical tolerability; and efficacy. We assumed that patients assigned to DRV/r would have an increase in plasma total cholesterol<21 mg/dL, which was the difference between lopinavir/r and ATV/r in CASTLE study. Fasting plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, and creatinine were measured at baseline, and 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Analyses were by intent‐to‐treat.

Summary of results

180 patients were randomized (ATV/r=91, DRV/r=89), 95% Caucasian, and 8% co‐infected with hepatitis C virus. At baseline (mean, SD): age 36 (9) years; plasma log HIV RNA 4.8 (0.7); CD4 334 (189) cells/mm3; triglycerides 107 (62), total cholesterol 158 (32), LDL cholesterol 97 (28), HDL cholesterol 39 (11) mg/dL, and glucose 84 (13) mg/dL; HOMA‐IR 2.47 (3.46); and MDRD 108 (21) mL/min/1.73 m2. At 24 weeks, total cholesterol (mean, SD) changed +7.26 (26.76) mg/dL with ATV/r and +11.47 (25.85) mg/dL with DRV/r (estimated difference ATV/r minus DRV/r −4.21 (95% CI−12.11 to +3.69), P=0.2944), thus confirming our primary hypothesis. Changes (mean, SD) in triglycerides were roughly similar: +16.29 (61.76) mg/dL with ATV/r and +18.40 (64.24) mg/dL with DRV/r (P=0.8261), but there were trends to more favourable changes in LDL (−2.14 [21.45] vs +3.14 [21.97] mg/dL, P=0.1160) and HDL cholesterol (+5.50 [10.36] vs +3.88 [8.42] mg/dL, P=0.2625), and total‐to‐HDL cholesterol ratio (−1.16 [6.38] vs −0.14 [0.86], P=0.0652) with ATV/r than with DRV/r. There were small, non‐significant decreases in HOMA‐IR (ATV/r −0.17 [2.48] vs DRV/r −0.70 [3.38], P=0.3785) and MDRD (ATV/r −7 [22] vs DRV/r −6 [15] mL/min/1.73 m2, P=0.6652). 6 ATV/r and 3 DRV/r patients had their study drugs discontinued because of adverse effects (P=0.4967). 7 additional patients in each arm had confirmed HIV RNA >50 copies.

Conclusions

There were trends to more favourable changes in LDL and HDL cholesterol and particularly total‐to‐HDL cholesterol ratio at 24 weeks with ATV/r than with DRV/r.
STAR Study: single tablet regimen emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir DF is non‐inferior to efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF in ART‐naïve adults
Authors: Cohen C , Wohl D , Arribas J , Henry K , Van Lunzen J , Bloch M , Towner W , Wilkins E , Wang H , White K , Poulin Porter D , Guyer B , Fralich T
Published: November 2012

Simplified antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens improve quality of life and long‐term medication adherence. Emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir DF (FTC/RPV/TDF) is a well‐tolerated, once daily single tablet regimen (STR) treatment option. This is the first study to directly compare the safety and efficacy of the two STRs FTC/RPV/TDF and efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir DF (EFV/FTC/TDF) in treatment‐naïve adults. STaR is a randomized, open‐label, multi‐center, international, 96‐week study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the STR FTC/RPV/TDF compared to the STR EFV/FTC/TDF in treatment‐naïve HIV‐1‐infected subjects. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to FTC/RPV/TDF or EFV/FTC/TDF. Eligibility criteria included screening HIV‐1 RNA ≥2,500 c/mL, genotypic sensitivity to EFV, FTC, TDF, and RPV, and no prior ARV therapy. Randomization was stratified by HIV‐1 RNA level (≤100,000 c/mL or >100,000 c/mL) at screening. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with HIV‐1 RNA <50 c/mL at Week 48 as determined by the FDA snapshot algorithm (12% pre‐specified non‐inferiority margin). A total of 784 subjects were randomized and received at least one dose of study drug (392 FTC/RPV/TDF; 392 EFV/FTC/TDF). Baseline characteristics were similar in both treatment arms, with a baseline mean CD4 count of 390 cells/mm3. and HIV‐1 RNA of 4.8 log10 c/mL. FTC/RPV/TDF was non‐inferior to EFV/FTC/TDF (86% vs 81%) at Week 48 for HIV RNA <50 c/mL (difference 4.0%, 95% CI [‐1.2%, 9.2%]) per FDA snapshot analysis. Superior efficacy was demonstrated for baseline HIV‐1 RNA ≤100,000 c/mL (n=508), 88% FTC/RPV/TDF vs 81% EFV/FTC/TDF (difference 7.2%, 95% CI [0.9%, 13.4%]), and non‐inferior for >100,000 c/mL (n=276), 80% FTC/RPV/TDF vs 82% EFV/FTC/TDF (difference −1.8%, 95% CI [−11.2%, 7.5%]). Overall, virologic failure, defined as HIV RNA ≥50 c/mL at Week 48, discontinuation due to lack of efficacy per investigator or discontinuation of study drug for reasons other than an adverse event (AE) with HIV RNA ≥50 copies/mL was 8% for FTC/RPV/TDF vs 6% for EFV/FTC/TDF (difference 2.7%, 95% CI [−0.9%, 6.3%]). There were fewer study drug discontinuations due to AEs in the FDA snapshot analysis in FTC/RPV/TDF (2%) compared to EFV/FTC/TDF (8%). The STR FTC/RPV/TDF demonstrated overall non‐inferior efficacy and improved tolerability compared to the STR EFV/FTC/TDF as well as superior efficacy for subjects with a baseline viral load ≤100,000 c/mL in treatment‐naïve HIV‐1‐infected subjects.
Simultaneous population pharmacokinetic modelling of darunavir and ritonavir Once daily in HIV‐infected patients: evaluation of lower ritonavir dose
Authors: Dickinson L , Jackson A , Garvey L , Watson V , Khoo S , Winston A , Boffito M , Davies G , Back D
Published: November 2012

Purpose of study

Once‐daily ritonavir‐boosted darunavir (DRV/RTV) is a preferred antiretroviral regimen for treatment‐naïve patients. Population pharmacokinetic modelling of the interaction between DRV and RTV allows evaluation of alternative dosing strategies, particularly lower RTV doses (e.g. 800/50 mg once daily) and assessment of factors that may influence DRV/RTV PK.

Methods

Data were pooled from 3 DRV/RTV PK studies. Fifty‐one HIV‐infected patients (7 female) stable on DRV/RTV (800/100 mg or 900/100 mg once daily; n=32 and 19, respectively) were included. Median age, weight and baseline CD4 cell count were 39 yr (21–63), 74 kg (57–105) and 500 cells/mm3 (227–1129), respectively; 49 had undetectable viral load. Nonlinear mixed effects modelling (Monolix v.4.1.2) was applied simultaneously to DRV and RTV to determine PK parameters, interindividual variability and residual error. Covariates evaluated included: age, weight, sex and study. The model was validated by simulation and visual predictive check. DRV/RTV 800/50 mg once daily was simulated.

Summary of results

RTV and DRV were described by a 1 and 2‐compartment model, respectively with first‐order absorption and lag‐time. A maximum effect model, in which RTV inhibited DRV clearance (CL/F), best described the relationship between the two drugs. A RTV concentration of 0.33 mg/L was associated with 50% maximum inhibition of DRV CL/F with the maximum inhibitory effect fixed at 1. The population CL/F of DRV in the absence of RTV was 13.7L/h. Inclusion of weight on RTV CL/F and volume and age on DRV CL/F and study on DRV CL/F, volume and absorption improved the fit. Based on visual predictive check 93% and 91% of observed RTV and DRV concentrations were within the 95% prediction interval, indicative of an adequate model. Of 1000 simulated DRV troughs, 10% and 0% were below the MEC for treatment‐experienced (<0.55 mg/L) and naïve patients (<0.055 mg/L), respectively. For DRV/RTV 800/50 mg once daily this corresponded to 14% and 0%. Median area under the curve was 17% lower with 50 mg compared to 100 mg RTV (53.5 mg.h/L vs. 64.2 mg.h/L), which is consistent with previous data [1].

Conclusions

A population model describing the PK of once‐daily DRV/RTV has been developed and validated and included the influence of RTV concentration on DRV CL/F. The model allowed simulation of DRV/RTV 800/50 mg once daily; concentrations were lower but trough concentrations remained within the therapeutic range for treatment‐naïve patients.
What's the buzz about BUZZ? A workshop to enhance communication between patients and their health care teams
Authors: Lico S
Published: November 2012

Objective

BUZZ is a workshop designed to enhance communication between patients and health care providers (HCPs) and results to date will be described.

Background

A study of HIV patients interviewed about their treatment, identified several barriers to communication with their health care teams. Another study called BEAHIV, demonstrated low levels of agreement between patients and HCPs surrounding bothersome symptoms of ARV treatment. With a grant from Janssen, a workshop was designed by a faculty of HIV clinicians from across Canada, in conjunction with a behavioural specialist. The workshop covered several topics: identifying barriers to communication for HIV patients, learning about one's own preferred communication style, how to determine a patient's communication style, and ways to uncover issues associated with the patient's treatment, such as ARV‐associated side effects. To date, 15 workshops have been conducted across the country.

Results

At the end of the workshop, 85% of participants said they would start or continue to identify barriers to communication. At the start of each workshop, several before/after questions were asked. Only 45% of HCPs felt comfortable in adapting their communication towards patients with different behavioural styles prior to participating in the workshop. This increased to 84% after the workshop. Prior to the workshop, 68% of HCPs said they currently engage patients in proactive discussions surrounding ARV‐associated side effects, increasing to 82% post‐workshop. Prior to the workshop, 60% proactively engaged patients on the impact of ARV side effects on quality of life, which increased to 80% post‐workshop. Several weeks after each workshop, a follow up with participants was conducted and it was found that many implemented changes in their practices as a result of what they learned.

Conclusion

A workshop designed to enhance communication may have a beneficial effect on reducing communication barriers and enhancing HIV patient care.
Protein Databases on the Internet
Authors: Xu Dong
Published: November 2012

Protein databases have become a crucial part of modern biology. Huge amounts of data for protein structures, functions, and particularly sequences are being generated. Searching databases is often the first step in the study of a new protein. Comparison between proteins or between protein families provides information about the relationship between proteins within a genome or across different species, and hence offers much more information than can be obtained by studying only an isolated protein. In addition, secondary databases derived from experimental databases are also widely available. These databases reorganize and annotate the data or provide predictions. The use of multiple databases often helps researchers understand the structure and function of a protein. Although some protein databases are widely known, they are far from being fully utilized in the protein science community. This unit provides a starting point for readers to explore the potential of protein databases on the Internet. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 70:2.6.1‐2.6.17. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Scanning Force Microscopy of Block Copolymers: Beyond Imaging of the Surface Morphology
Authors: Tsarkova L.
Published: November 2012

In this article, referring to specific examples, we demonstrate how recent advances in scanning force microscopy (SFM) have enabled better understanding of structural complexity and responsive behavior of nanostructured polymer materials under external stimuli. The central focus lies on the SFM application toward the analysis of block copolymer thin films with the emphasis on the quantitative information regarding the structural, material, and dynamic characteristics that can be derived from SFM measurements. The examples include quantitative measurements of characteristic spacings with subnanometer resolution, analysis of defect structure and annihilation dynamics, as well as SFM‐based tomographic reconstruction of the inner structure with high depth and lateral resolution. Finally, a perspective of SFM in accessing the responsive properties of soft polymer‐based materials is addressed.
π‐Conjugated Furan‐Based Polymers
Authors: Streifel Benjamin C. , Tovar John D.
Published: November 2012

Conjugated organic semiconducting materials have received significant attention for use in low‐cost, rapidly processed, large‐area electronic devices. Much of this work has focused on benzenoid‐building blocks such as benzene, thiophene, and pyrrole due to the ease of synthesis coupled with the inherent environmental stability and relatively high performance characteristics of the resulting materials. Furan has been for the most part overlooked, although the past 3 years have witnessed a resurgence of interest. This resurgence is due to the weaker aromaticity of the furan ring, the greater solubilities of furan‐containing π‐conjugated materials relative to other benzenoid systems and the availability of furan‐based starting materials from renewable resources. In this article, we will address the properties of furan‐containing π‐conjugated materials and the synthetic methods employed in the construction of conjugated oligomer and polymer structures before highlighting several contemporary examples of furan‐based conjugated polymers.
Effect of Pore Morphology on Deformation Behaviors in Porous Al by FEM Simulations
Authors: Cho Yi Je , Lee Wook Jin , Park Sung Kyun , Park Yong Ho
Published: November 2012

In the present work, effect of porosity and pore shape on compressive deformation behaviors of porous Al is analyzed using three‐dimensional finite element method. Representative volume elements of porous microstructures, having four different pore morphologies, are reconstructed using random sequential adsorption algorithm. The numerical results suggest that consideration of pore morphology can give qualitative information on deformation behaviors of porous metals, and thus may be helpful to design and optimize of the materials.
The Effect of Solidification Dynamics on the Formation of the Skin in Die Cast Mg–Al and Mg–RE Alloys
Authors: Yang Kun Vanna , Easton Mark A. , Cáceres Carlos H.
Published: November 2012

The grain microstructures and hardness of the surface layers of a Mg–RE alloy (3.44 mass % La) and two Mg–Al alloys, (8.77 and 11.6 mass % Al), are compared. All three alloys exhibit a harder surface layer, or skin, with fine primary α (Mg) grains, and a softer core with a larger grain size due to the prevalence of externally solidified grains (ESGs), but the skin of the RE alloy is more continuous and uniform due to the relative absence of ESGs. The distribution of ESGs can be related to the rheology of the liquid–solid mixtures inside the die: the solid fraction in the RE alloy, for given drop in temperature, is much larger than for the Mg–Al alloys. Being more viscous, the liquid in the RE alloy prevents the migration of ESGs towards the surface, hence the more uniform and tightly packed grain microstructure and better defined skin.