bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple modification in Hautmann neobladder to carry out left ureteroileal anastmosis without mobilization of the ureter
Authors: Elbendary Mohamed , El‐Gamal Osama M , Tawfik Ahmad M , Elbahnasy Abd El‐Hameed , El‐Mateet Mahmoud S
Published: October 2013

We describe a simple modification in Hautmann neobladder that involves an elongation of its left chimney to advance it through the pelvic mesocolon in order to reach the left ureter in its original place. This technique was carried out on 27 patients who had Hautmann pouch after radical cystectomy, and we reported the outcome and complications that occurred at the site of urteteroileal anastomosis in the first 3 years after surgery. The modification was applied easily without any perioperative complications that were related to this step in particular. During follow up of these cases, we lost three patients who died before the end of the third postoperative year. At a mean follow up of 41.3 ± 10.2 months, we have not detected any cases of stricture formation or ureteral recurrence at the sites of the ureteroileal anastmosis. There was only one patient who developed acute pyelonephritis (3.7%) as a result of reflux.
The Comparative Accuracy of Two Hydrologic Models in Simulating Warm‐Season Runoff for Two Small, Hillslope Catchments
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shuster William
Published: October 2013

This article assesses the performance of two hydrologic models in simulating warm‐season runoff for two upland, low‐yield micro‐catchments near Coshocton, Ohio. The two models, namely the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and the Gridded Surface‐Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA), were implemented with contrasting levels of complexity, with the former representing the catchments as lumped spatial units and computing evaporation only from standing water, and the latter incorporating fine‐scale variation in topography and soil properties and computing evapotranspiration from soil based on weather data. Our investigation began with uncalibrated model runs for 1990‐2003 except for 1994 using a priori parameter values. Then a set of calibration experiments were performed wherein the sensitivity of model performance to the length of calibration records was examined. Our results pointed to large errors associated with simulations from both models: even the calibrated models were unable to reproduce the seasonal and between‐catchment contrasts in runoff response. Using a priori parameter values, SWMM attained better results than GSSHA. However, with simple calibration, GSSHA outperformed SWMM in several respects. It was also found that extending the record of calibration rendered relatively minor changes to model performance. The practical and scientific implications of the findings are discussed.
Corporate Governance and the Cost of Borrowing
Authors: Frantz Pascal , Instefjord Norvald
Published: October 2013

This paper analyzes the theoretical link between governance (defined loosely as the degree of protection offered to outside shareholders), and the cost of borrowing. We find, consistent with empirical evidence, that improvements in governance reduce the likelihood of default. Also, we find that improvements in governance will monotonically increase or reduce the cost of debt, where the sign of the relationship depends on the firm's restructuring cost in default. Finally, we find that the strength of the governance mechanism can influence the incentives to carry out risk shifting.
Market Response to Investor Sentiment
Authors: Hengelbrock Jördis , Theissen Erik , Westheide Christian
Published: October 2013

This paper reconsiders the effect of investor sentiment on stock prices. Our main contribution is that, in addition to the intermediate term return predictability, we also analyze the immediate price reaction to the publication of survey‐based investor sentiment indicators. We find that the sign of the immediate market response is the same as that of the predictability at intermediate time horizons. This is consistent with underreaction to cash flow news or with investor sentiment being related to mispricing. It is inconsistent with the alternative explanations of a rational response to cash flow news or sentiment indicators providing information about future expected returns.
Use of capsule endoscopy in patients with Crohn's disease in Japan: A multicenter survey
Authors: Esaki Motohiro , Matsumoto Takayuki , Watanabe Kenji , Arakawa Tetsuo , Naito Yuji , Matsuura Minoru , Nakase Hiroshi , Hibi Toshifumi , Matsumoto Takayuki , Nouda Sadaharu , Higuchi Kazuhide , Ohmiya Naoki , Goto Hidemi , Kurokawa Sei , Motoya Satoshi , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: October 2013

Background and Aim

Until the approval of patency capsule, capsule endoscopy (CE) has not been routinely applied for the diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) in Japan. We aimed to survey current situation of CE use for patients with CD in Japan.

Methods

The nationwide survey of 40 Japanese institutions identified 94 patients with established CD (eCD) and 80 patients with suspected CD (sCD), who were examined by CE. Types and positive rates of mucosal injury under CE and capsule retention rate were investigated. In sCD, final diagnosis after CE was also analyzed.

Results

Patients with eCD comprised 82 patients of ileitis or ileocolitis type, while 12 patients had CD of colitis type. CE identified mucosal injuries in 83 of 94 patients. Eight of 12 patients with eCD of colitis type had ileal lesions under CE, thereby being reclassified as ileocolitis type. In patients with sCD, CE detected mucosal injuries in 58 patients. Linear ulceration and cobblestone appearance were depicted in 22 and 3 patients, respectively, thereby resulting in established diagnosis of CD in 23 patients. Mucosal lesion was not found in 22 patients with sCD, who were diagnosed as not having CD. Capsule retention rate was not statistically different between patients with eCD and those with sCD (7.4% vs 6.3%, P = 1.0).

Conclusions

CE is useful for the evaluation of small bowel mucosal injuries in Japanese patients with sCD and eCD. Possible intestinal stricture needs to be carefully evaluated before CE even in patients with sCD.
Identification of Zinc Finger, MYM‐type 2 (ZMYM2) as a regulator of sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Nam Soon Woo , Park Ki Cheol , Choi Hyun Su , Lee Byoungchun , Kim Sung‐Woo
Published: October 2013

Background and Aim

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with a very complex molecular process. There is no successful therapy for advanced HCC at present. Recently, sorafenib has been used as a systemic therapy to improve survival in patients with advanced HCC, but increasing reports of recurrence or non‐responsiveness indicate the limitations of sorafenib as a therapeutic agent. Therefore, identification of genes involved in sorafenib resistance is important to effectively treat advanced HCC.

Methods

We performed a genomic screening with a short‐hairpin RNA library cassette on HCC cell lines to find genes relating resistance to sorafenib.

Results

Zinc finger, MYM type 2 (ZMYM2) was sequenced after three successive screens in vitro as a challengeable target. The inhibition of ZMYM2 resulted in sorafenib‐resistance in formerly sensitive HCC cell lines. Immunohistochemical comparison of tumor and non‐tumor regions showed stronger ZMYM2 staining intensities in non‐tumor regions than in tumor regions.

Conclusion

ZMYM2 may play an important role in sorafenib resistance.
Circulating gastrin concentrations in patients at increased risk of developing colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Paterson Adrienne C , Macrae Finlay A , Pizzey Cathy , Baldwin Graham S , Shulkes Arthur
Published: October 2013

Background and Aim

An increase in circulating concentrations of gastrin or gastrin precursors such as progastrin and glycine‐extended gastrin has been proposed to promote the development of colorectal carcinomas (CRC). The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not circulating gastrin concentrations were increased in patients with an increased risk of developing CRC.

Method

Patients were divided according to their risk into the five following groups: familial adenomatous polyposis (n = 20), hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (n = 53), cluster of common colorectal cancers (n = 13), personal history and/or family history of adenomatous polyps or CRC (n = 150) and controls (n = 42). Radioimmunoassay with four region‐specific gastrin antisera was used to measure progastrin, glycine‐extended gastrin (gastrin‐gly), amidated gastrin (gastrin‐amide), and total gastrin in peripheral blood taken at the time of colonoscopy.

Results

Compared with the control group, familial adenomatous polyposis patients had significantly higher median values of total gastrin (29.8 pM vs 16.9 pM, P = 0.003) and gastrin‐amide (17.1 pM vs 12.0 pM, P = 0.015). Patients with a personal or family history of adenomatous polyps or CRC also had higher circulating concentrations of total gastrin (21.8 pM) compared with controls (P < 0.05), while patients from all groups who presented with an adenomatous polyp on the day of colonoscopy had higher concentrations of total gastrin, progastrin, and gastrin‐amide than patients without polyps.

Conclusion

Concentrations of gastrin precursors are increased in particular groups with an increased risk of developing CRC.
Caffeic acid induces keratinocyte differentiation by activation of PPAR-α
Authors: Kim Bora , Kim Jin Eun , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)-α plays an important role in epidermal differentiation and barrier recovery, and topical treatment with PPAR-α agonists restores epidermal homeostasis in essential fatty acid deficiency and permeability barrier in skin disruptions. Therefore, we performed structure-based pharmacophore screening to search for a novel PPAR-α agonist. Caffeic acid was ultimately selected and evaluated for its effects on keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal permeability barrier.

Methods

The transactivation activity of PPAR-responsive element (PPRE) and cornified envelope (CE) formation were assayed. Also, immunoblot analysis and anti-oxidant activity were investigated on caffeic acid.

Key findings

Caffeic acid increases the transactivation activity of PPRE and CE formation in keratinocytes. In addition, caffeic acid promotes the expression of genes and proteins related to CE formation such as involucrin and transglutaminase-1. Additionally, anti-oxidant activity were improved by caffeic acid.

Conclusions

Caffeic acid can promote keratinocyte differentiation and restore skin barrier homeostasis and is suggested to be an appropriate skin therapeutic agent for improving epidermal permeability barrier function.
α-Iso-cubebenol inhibits inflammation-mediated neurotoxicity and amyloid beta 1–42 fibril-induced microglial activation
Authors: Park Sun Young , Park Tae Gyeong , Lee Sang-Joon , Bae Yoe-Sik , Ko Min J , Choi Young-Whan
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To examine the antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective activity of α-iso-cubebenol and its molecular mechanism of action in amyloid β (Aβ) 1–42 fibril-stimulated microglia.

Methods

Aβ 1–42 fibrils were used to induce a neuroinflammatory response in murine primary microglia and BV-2 murine microglia cell lines. Cell viability was monitored by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, protein expression and phosphorylation were determined by Western blot analysis, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity was determined by gelatin zymography assay. In addition, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were measured by ELISA, and the transactivity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB was determined by a reporter assay.

Key findings

α-Iso-cubebenol significantly inhibited Aβ 1–42 fibril-induced MMP-9, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expressions and activity, without affecting cell viability. α-Iso-cubebenol also suppressed the production of tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and reactive oxygen species in a dose-dependent manner, while decreasing the nuclear translocation and transactivity of NF-κB by inhibiting the phosphorylation and degradation of the inhibitor of κB (IκB)α. α-Iso-cubebenol suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in Aβ 1–42 fibril-stimulated microglia. Primary cortical neurons were protected by the inhibitory effect of α-iso-cubebenol on Aβ 1–42 fibril-induced neuroinflammatory response.

Conclusions

α-Iso-cubebenol suppresses Aβ 1–42 fibril-induced neuroinflammatory molecules in primary microglia via the suppression of NF-κB/inhibitor of κBα and MAPK. Importantly, the antineuroinflammatory potential of α-iso-cubebenol is critical for neuroprotection.
Perspectives on Supply Network–Enabled Innovations
Authors: Narasimhan Ram , Narayanan Sriram
Published: October 2013

As organizations become increasingly specialized, their ability to engage the supply network in innovation efforts is becoming critical to their success. In addition, it is imperative for organizations to align internal research and development strategies with knowledge available in the supply network in order to gain superior innovation performance. In this article, we present some perspectives on supply network–enabled innovation and discuss two frameworks that integrate a firm's internal knowledge with that of its supply network to achieve innovation objectives. The inter‐related frameworks discussed are anchored in the absorptive capacity and ambidexterity theories. They explicate how firms can effectively align internal innovation activities and knowledge available in the supply network to gain superior innovation outcomes.
Evaluation of Hemostatic Abnormalities in Canine Spirocercosis and Its Association with Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Pazzi P. , Goddard A. , Kristensen A.T. , Dvir E.
Published: October 2013

Background

Canine spirocercosis is caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi and is characterized by esophageal fibro‐inflammatory nodules that may undergo neoplastic transformation. No sensitive and specific laboratory assays other than histopathology have been reported to differentiate non‐neoplastic from neoplastic disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Dogs with spirocercosis will have evidence of hypercoagulability based on thromboelastography (TEG)‐derived maximal amplitude (MA); increased MA will be correlated with increased acute phase protein (APP) concentrations (C‐reactive protein [CRP] and fibrinogen); increased MA and APPs will be exacerbated with neoplastic spirocercosis.

Animals

Thirty‐nine client‐owned dogs with naturally occurring spirocercosis and 15 sex‐matched healthy controls.

Methods

A prospective comparative study evaluating TEG, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, antithrombin (AT) activity, platelet count and D‐dimer concentration, and APPs of dogs with non‐neoplastic (n = 24) and neoplastic (n = 15) spirocercosis compared to control dogs.

Results

Median MA was significantly increased in the non‐neoplastic group (P < .01) and neoplastic group (P < .01) compared to the controls. Both APPs were significantly increased in the neoplastic group compared to the non‐neoplastic and control groups. MA was strongly correlated with fibrinogen (r = 0.85, P < .001) and CRP (r = 0.73, P < .001). An MA >76 mm provided 96% specificity and 73% sensitivity for differentiation of disease state.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Canine spirocercosis is associated with increased TEG variables, MA and α, and decreased AT activity, which may indicate a hypercoagulable state seemingly more severe with neoplastic transformation. MA was correlated with APP in dogs with spirocercosis and can be used as an adjunctive test to support the suspicion of neoplastic transformation.
The Hand of the Ancestors: Time, Cultural Production, and Intellectual Property Law
Authors: Boateng Boatema
Published: October 2013

In successfully lobbying for the expansion of the copyright protection term, culture industries in the United States have used one of the temporal dimensions of intellectual property law to strengthen their control over the circulation of cultural goods. There is another less obvious way that time factors into the regulation of cultural products, and this has to do with the modes of temporality within which those products are made and their circulation regulated. In Ghana, where certain cultural products are protected as “folklore” under copyright law, cultural goods from one kind of temporality enter a regulatory framework that belongs to another. In this article, I examine these two ways of organizing time and argue that differences in ways of conceptualizing time also factor into the exercise of power over cultural products. I further argue that the Ghanaian case provides resources for radically rethinking intellectual property law.
Teaching about How Language Works to Diverse Populations
Authors: Culicover Peter W. , Hume Elizabeth
Published: October 2013

In this article, we describe a program that we developed at The Ohio State University's Department of Linguistics that is geared towards foreign language learners. The goal is to teach students about language rather than about linguistics. The program has been implemented as a freshman university course (Basics of Language for Language Learners), a summer institute for high school students interested in language (Summer Linguistics Institute for Youth Scholars), and an institute for high school teachers of foreign languages (Linguistics Institute for Language Teachers). The fundamental philosophy of the program is that we focus on describing how language works, not on linguistic theory, even though our theoretical perspectives guide the materials we use, how we talk about them, and what we think students should know. In this article, we outline the reasons for developing the program, its general content, details about the course and institutes, as well as some of the challenges associated with offering them.
Composition in Distributional Semantics
Authors: Baroni Marco
Published: October 2013

Distributional Semantic Models, which automatically induce word meaning representations from naturally occurring textual data, are a success story of computational linguistics. Recently, there has been much interest in whether such models, endowed with a compositional component, can also successfully approximate the meaning of phrases and sentences. In this article, mostly addressed to theoretical linguists curious about distributional semantics, I first discuss why developing compositional Distributional Semantic Models is an interesting and important pursuit, and then I survey current ideas about how this can be achieved.
Andrographolide induced acute kidney injury: Analysis of 26 cases reported in Chinese Literature
Authors: Zhang Wu‐Xing , Zhang Zhi‐Min , Zhang Zhi‐Qiang , Wang Yang , Zhou Wei
Published: October 2013

Aim

Some Chinese herbs have been known for their kidney toxicity. Andrographolide, the primary component of a traditional medicinal herb, Andrographis paniculata, is widely used in China for the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infection, and dysentery etc. The aim of the study was to identify and summarize any case of kidney injury attributed to its use in the Chinese literature.

Methods

A systemic analysis of the Chinese literature from January 1978 to August 2013 was conducted of case reports of andrographolide induced acute kidney injury (AKI).

Results

We identified 26 cases of andrographolide induced AKI (22 males and four females), with an average age of 31.3 years (range: 21 months to 47 years). 100–750 mg (58% 500 mg) of andrographolide was administered in 100–500 mL 5% glucose solution or normal saline by intravenous drip once a day. The adverse event appeared after one to six doses (19 [73.1%] patients got only one dose; cumulative dose 690 ± 670 mg) of andrographolide was given, or 0–96 h (median 1 h) after andrographolide was given. The symptoms included flank pain in 23 cases (88.5%), decreased urine volume in five cases (19.2%), and nausea or vomiting in six cases (23.1%). Laboratory tests showed maximum creatinine 352.8 ± 184.1 (158–889) μmol/L and blood urea nitrogen 12.1 ± 7.6 (4.0–40.6) mmol/L. Urine analysis showed proteinuria in 10 (38.5%) cases and occult blood in eight (30.8%) cases. Kidney biopsy was carried out in two cases and both revealed acute tubular necrosis. Management of this adverse event included withdrawal of the culprit drug, conservative therapy, and renal replacement therapy (six cases, 23.1%). All the patients recovered and were discharged with a normal or close to normal serum creatinine. Their average length of hospital stay was 12.1 ± 4.8 days.

Conclusions

Acute kidney injury may occur shortly after intravenous infusion of andrographolide, with symptoms including flank pain, decreased urine output, and nausea or vomiting. The pathological change might be acute tubular necrosis. Renal replacement therapy may be needed in some patients and with a good recovery rate. The mechanisms of andrographolide induced AKI need to be further studied.
Cost‐effectiveness of Acupuncture for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Taylor Penny , Pezzullo Lynne , Grant Suzanne J , Bensoussan Alan
Published: October 2013

Cost‐effectiveness is a major criterion underpinning decisions in mainstream health care. Acupuncture is increasingly used in patients with chronic lower back pain (LBP), but there is a lack of evidence on cost‐effectiveness. The objective of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of acupuncture in alleviating chronic LBP either alone or in conjunction with standard care compared with patients receiving routine care, and/or sham. To determine effectiveness, we undertook meta‐analyses which found a significant improvement in pain in those receiving acupuncture and standard care compared with those receiving standard care alone. For acupuncture and standard care vs. standard care and sham, a weak positive effect was found for weeks 12 to 16, but this was not significant. For acupuncture alone vs. standard care alone, a significant positive effect was found at week 8, but not at weeks 26 or 52. The main outcome parameters for our cost‐effectiveness analysis were the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of acupuncture treatment presented as cost (A$) per disability‐adjusted life‐year (DALY) saved. The WHO benchmark for a very highly cost‐effective intervention is one that costs less than gross domestic product per capita per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) gained or DALY averted, or less than around $A52,000 in 2009 (the base year for the analysis). According to this threshold, acupuncture as a complement to standard care for relief of chronic LBP is highly cost‐effective, costing around $48,562 per DALY avoided. When comorbid depression is alleviated at the same rate as pain, cost is around $18,960 per DALY avoided. Acupuncture as a substitute for standard care was not found to be cost‐effective unless comorbid depression was included. According to the WHO cost‐effectiveness threshold values, acupuncture is a cost‐effective treatment strategy in patients with chronic LBP.
Healthy Aging in Relation to Chronic Pain and Quality of Life in Europe
Authors: Leadley Regina M. , Armstrong Nigel , Reid Kim J. , Allen Alex , Misso Kate V. , Kleijnen Jos
Published: October 2013

Objective

To undertake a review of the most recent data on the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and chronic pain, as a basis for discussions about healthy aging in Europe.

Method

A search was conducted to obtain studies on the relationship between pain severity and QoL and intervention studies reporting both QoL and pain severity in those with chronic pain in Europe. Medline and Embase were searched for observational studies and systematic reviews from 2009 to 2011. Four further databases were searched for systematic reviews and guidance from 2005 to 2011. Update searches for observational studies and systematic reviews for the period November 2011 to January 2013 were performed on Medline and Embase.

Results

We identified 8 observational studies and 1 systematic review that generally showed a statistically significant relationship between pain severity and QoL. We identified 5 systematic reviews of interventions in chronic pain that summarized both pain and QoL data that generally showed both a statistically significant reduction in pain and statistically significant increase in QoL.

Conclusion

There is strong evidence of a correlation between pain severity and QoL. There is some evidence that treatment in chronic pain patients can reduce pain and simultaneously improve QoL. Prevention and treatment of chronic pain may be of significant help in reaching the aim to increase the healthy lifespan.
A diallel crossing approach aimed on selection for ripening time and yield in breeding of new strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars
Authors: Bestfleisch Markus , Möhring Jens , Hanke Magda‐Viola , Peil Andreas , Flachowsky Henryk
Published: October 2013

The extension of the ripening season in open field production is of high economic interest for strawberry growers. Therefore, targeted breeding for extreme early or late ripening cultivars with high yield potential is of particular interest. Thirteen strawberry cultivars were crossed in a reciprocal way without selfing, and the 144 resulting F1 populations were evaluated in a field trial over a period of two consecutive years. The data were analysed using a mixed‐model approach adapted for diallel crossing designs using SAS 9.3. The variability in the crossing approach is mainly based on the general combining ability (GCA) of the cultivars (additive effects). Specific and reciprocal combining abilities (non‐additive effects) appear less important. The highest GCAs for the trait Marketable Yield were found for the cultivars ‘Polka’ and ‘Yamaska’. The trait Earliness is bilateral with significantly low GCAs for early ripening in ‘Clery’ and ‘Daroyal’ and significantly high GCAs for late ripening in ‘Yamaska’ and ‘Florence’. Crosses with these cultivars are likely to deliver populations with both high yield and an extended ripening period.
Introducing host‐plant resistance to anthracnose in Kyrgyz common bean through inoculation‐based and marker‐aided selection
Authors: Hegay Sergey , Geleta Mulatu , Bryngelsson Tomas , Asanaliev Abdybek , Garkava‐Gustavsson Larisa , Persson Hovmalm Helena , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: October 2013

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important legume crops for human consumption. However, its grain yield can be reduced by up to 90% by the seedborne disease, anthracnose. Fungicide treatment is costly and time‐consuming. The introduction of host plant resistance against this disease appears, therefore, to be crucial for enhancing the productivity of this crop in Kyrgyzstan. The use of DNA‐based markers in backcrossing programmes may help speed up the breeding for resistance. In this study, we used a combination of inoculation tests and a DNA marker (SCAreoli marker) to track the transfer of host‐plant resistance (Co‐2 gene) from two donor cultivars, ‘Vaillant’ and ‘Flagrano’, to susceptible Kyrgyz cultivars ‘Ryabaya’, ‘Kytayanka’ and ‘Lopatka’, which are widely grown in the country. The segregating offspring were evaluated to test the reliability of the SCAreoli marker as selection aid for host‐plant resistance to anthracnose. Our study showed that a co‐dominant DNA marker can successfully be used in backcross breeding to distinguish segregating material in different market classes of common bean.
On the Demand for Portfolio Insurance
Authors: Fodor Andy , Doran James S. , Carson James M. , Kirch David P.
Published: October 2013

While insurers manage underwriting risk with various methods including reinsurance, insurers increasingly manage asset risk with options, futures, and other derivatives. Previous research shows that buyers of portfolio insurance pay considerably for downside protection. We add to this literature by providing the first evidence on the cost of portfolio insurance, the payoff to portfolio insurance, and the relative demand for portfolio insurance across VIX levels. We find that the demand for portfolio insurance is relatively high at low levels of VIX, suggesting purchasers demand more downside protection when this protection is cheap on an absolute basis (but expensive on a relative basis). We also provide the first evidence on the hedging behavior of specific investor classes and show that the demand for portfolio insurance is driven by retail investors (individuals) who buy costly insurance from institutional investors. Results are consistent with other types of paradoxical insurance‐buying behavior.
Narrated Agency and Identity of Settlement Farmers in the Changing Circumstances of Modern Society
Authors: Kietäväinen Asta
Published: October 2013

Social change is often narrated as a sequential process from traditional society to industrial or urban society. In this kind of a narrative, the countryside and agricultural livelihoods are often interpreted as undeveloped and as a contrast to the urban. Furthermore, rural development has often happened unnoticed. This article intends to discuss the sociological knowledge produced by studies that highlight the own experiences and knowledge of rural actors, farmers. The aim is to understand and interpret the narrated identities of farmers, and their agency in the changing circumstances of farming. Farmers act and face societal changes individually, while utilising cultural patterns of action that emerge from their own background. If they perceive the general circumstances and societal structures as constant and unchangeable, then their ability to react to external changes can be limited. In the success stories farmers defined their life through agency. This strengthened their possibilities of expressing different identities and redefining them in a flexible way in a changing environment.
Experimental Investigations of Fracture Process Using DIC in Plain and Reinforced Concrete Beams under Bending
Authors: Skarżyński Ł. , Tejchman J.
Published: October 2013

The fracture behaviour of concrete and reinforced concrete beams under quasi‐static three‐point bending was comprehensively investigated with experiments at laboratory scale. The eight various concrete mixes were tested. The influence of the shape, volume and size of aggregate particles and reinforcement on concrete fracture under bending was studied. Displacements on the surface of concrete beams were measured by means of the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Attention was paid to the formation of a localized zone and its characteristics. In order to avoid the effect of the search patch size and the cut‐off value at displacement and strain profiles, a consistent method was proposed to determine uniformly and accurately the width of a localized zone. Measured surface displacements from DIC were fitted by the error function ERF, whereas surface strains calculated from displacements were fitted by the usual normal distribution (Gauss) function. The width of a localized zone preceding a macro‐crack grew strongly with increasing maximum aggregate size and slightly with diminishing aggregate volume. It did not depend on the aggregate roughness and reinforcement presence.
Bond of Reinforcement in Concrete Applied to Concrete Quality Control: The Bottle Bond Test
Authors: García‐Taengua E. , Martí‐Vargas J.‐R. , Serna‐Ros P.
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the results of an experimental research dealing with bond strength as a parameter for concrete quality control. To this end, a low‐cost testing technique has been developed: the Bottle Bond Test (BBT). Specimens for the BBT are produced by casting concrete into empty plastic bottles (used as moulds) with a reinforcing bar longitudinally centred. The result is a bottle‐shaped concrete specimen with an embedded rebar, which is pulled out to determine bond strength. Different parameters related to this test setup modify bond strength: their effect has been analyzed. An equation to relate the obtained bond strength values to concrete compressive strength is presented. This equation has been validated with real production data from a readymix concrete plant. Its accuracy and therefore the feasibility of BBT for concrete quality control have been verified. Therefore, the BBT can be an alternative to conventional concrete quality based on uniaxial compression tests.
Direct Bioprinting of Vessel-Like Tubular Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Yu Yin , Ozbolat Ibrahim T.
Published: October 2013

Despite the progress in tissue engineering, several challenges must be addressed for organ printing to become a reality. The most critical challenge is the integration of a vascular network, which is also a problem that the majority of tissue engineering technologies are facing. An embedded microfluidic channel network is probably the most promising solution to this problem. However, the available microfluidic channel fabrication technologies either have difficulty achieving a three-dimensional complex structure or are difficult to integrate within cell printing process in tandem. In this paper, a novel printable vessel-like microfluidic channel fabrication method is introduced that enables direct bioprinting of cellular microfluidic channels in form of hollow tubes. Alginate and chitosan hydrogels were used to fabricate microfluidic channels showing the versatility of the process. Geometric characterization was performed to understand effect of biomaterial and its flow rheology on geometric properties. Microfluidic channels were printed and embedded within bulk hydrogel to test their functionality through perfusion of cell type oxygenized media. Cell viability experiments were conducted and showed great promise of the microfluidic channels for development of vascular networks.
Numerical Study on Heat Transfer Enhancement and Friction Factor of LS-2 Parabolic Solar Collector
Authors: Karimi Sadaghiyani Omid , Mehdi Pesteei Seyed , Mirzaee Iraj
Published: October 2013

In this work, the distribution of solar heat flux around receiver was calculated by Mont-Carlo statistical technique that has been written using matlab. The numerical investigations of convective heat transfer process, friction factor, and efficiency of LS-2 parabolic collector have been performed. Based on finite volume methods, the influence of Rayleigh number (Ra), diameter of plugs, and thermal conductivity of the tube were studied on Nusselt number, outlet temperature, and the efficiency of collector. Because of using several central plugs with different diameters, the amounts of flow velocity have been changed, as the mass flow rate of each case study was considered constant. The diameters of plug were as: 10, 15, and 25 mm, respectively. The diameter of LS-2 collector plug was 50.8 mm (r* = 0.765). So, in order to validate the numerical simulation method, the outlet temperature of LS-2 collector (Dp = 50.8 mm) was compared with Dudley et al. (Dudley, V., Kolb, G., Sloan, M., and Kearney, D., 1994, “SEGS LS2 Solar Collector—Test Results,” Report of Sandia National Laboratories, Report No. SANDIA94-1884) experimental results. Finally, the results show that, for r*<0.6 m, the natural convection conquers to forced convection and for r*>0.6 m the mixed convection is the dominant mechanism of heat transfer. Also, with the increase of plug diameter, friction factor decreases and the minimum amount of Nusselt number is occurred at r*=0.6 m.
Design and Optimization of Multiple Microchannel Heat Transfer Systems
Authors: Zhang Jingru , Lin Po Ting , Jaluria Yogesh
Published: October 2013

In this paper, two different configurations of multiple microchannel heat sinks, with fluid flow, are investigated for heat removal: straight and U-shaped channel designs. Numerical models are utilized to study the multiphysics behavior in the microchannels and these are validated by comparisons with experimental results. The main focus of this work is on the design and optimization of these systems and to outline the methodology that may be used for other similar thermal systems. Three responses, including thermal resistance, pressure drop, and maximum temperature, are parametrically modeled with respect to various design variables and operating conditions such as dimensions of the channels, total number of channels, and flow rate. Multi-objective optimization problems, which minimize the thermal resistance and the pressure drop simultaneously, are formulated and studied. Physical constraints in terms of channel height, maximum temperature, and pressure are further investigated. The Pareto frontiers are studied and the trade-off behavior between the thermal resistance and the pressure drop are discussed. Characteristic results are presented and discussed.
Effects of sparse sampling schemes on image quality in low‐dose CT
Authors: Abbas Sajid , Lee Taewon , Shin Sukyoung , Lee Rena , Cho Seungryong
Published: October 2013

Purpose:

Various scanning methods and image reconstruction algorithms are actively investigated for low‐dose computed tomography (CT) that can potentially reduce a health‐risk related to radiation dose. Particularly, compressive‐sensing (CS) based algorithms have been successfully developed for reconstructing images from sparsely sampled data. Although these algorithms have shown promises in low‐dose CT, it has not been studied how sparse sampling schemes affect image quality in CS‐based image reconstruction. In this work, the authors present several sparse‐sampling schemes for low‐dose CT, quantitatively analyze their data property, and compare effects of the sampling schemes on the image quality.

Methods:

Data properties of several sampling schemes are analyzed with respect to the CS‐based image reconstruction using two measures: sampling density and data incoherence. The authors present five different sparse sampling schemes, and simulated those schemes to achieve a targeted dose reduction. Dose reduction factors of about 75% and 87.5%, compared to a conventional scan, were tested. A fully sampled circular cone‐beam CT data set was used as a reference, and sparse sampling has been realized numerically based on the CBCT data.

Results:

It is found that both sampling density and data incoherence affect the image quality in the CS‐based reconstruction. Among the sampling schemes the authors investigated, the sparse‐view, many‐view undersampling (MVUS)‐fine, and MVUS‐moving cases have shown promising results. These sampling schemes produced images with similar image quality compared to the reference image and their structure similarity index values were higher than 0.92 in the mouse head scan with 75% dose reduction.

Conclusions:

The authors found that in CS‐based image reconstructions both sampling density and data incoherence affect the image quality, and suggest that a sampling scheme should be devised and optimized by use of these indicators. With this strategic approach, one can acquire optimally sampled sparse data so that the CS‐based algorithms can best perform in terms of image quality.
Design variables for speech privacy in offices
Authors: Lewitz Joel A.
Published: October 2013

Open plan office environments have a lower potential for speech privacy and freedom from distraction than conventional enclosed offices. The three areas of concern for the acoustical designer are the source, path and listener environments. Given a source spectrum, level and directivity, design elements, which influence attenuation paths, will be addressed with evaluations of their relative importance. The spectrum, level, uniformity and incoherence of background sound at the listener are critical to establishing adequate signal-to-noise ratio for high privacy criteria. Case studies will be addressed comparing challenges, solutions, and results for various open and closed plan spaces. These will be compared to a computer model, which evaluates the relative contribution to privacy of the most important open plan office design variables. Sound masking was shown to be the most powerful and cost effective design tool for establishing acoustical environments with varying privacy criteria.
Structure-borne noise at hotels
Authors: Wilson George Paul , Jue Deborah A.
Published: October 2013

Hotels present a challenging environment for building designers to provide suitable noise and vibration isolation between very incompatible uses. While many are familiar with ways to reduce traditional sources of airborne noise and vibration, structure-borne noise and vibration are often overlooked, often with costly repercussions. Structure-borne noise can be very difficult to pinpoint, and troubleshooting the sources of the vibration can be a tedious process. Therefore, the best approach is to avoid the problem altogether during design, with attention to the building construction, potential vibration sources, building uses and equipment locations. In this paper, the relationship between structure-borne vibration and noise are reviewed, typical vibration sources discussed (e.g., aerobic rooms, laundry rooms, mechanical equipment/building services, and subway rail transit), and key details and design guidance to minimize structure-borne noise provided.
The isolation of low frequency impact sounds in hotel construction
Authors: LoVerde John J. , Dong David W.
Published: October 2013

One of the design challenges in the acoustical design of hotels is reducing low frequency sounds from footfalls occurring on both carpeted and hard-surfaced floors. Research on low frequency impact noise [W. Blazier and R. DuPree, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 96, 1521–1532 (1994)] resulted in a conclusion that in wood construction low frequency impact sounds were clearly audible and that feasible control methods were not available. The results of numerous FIIC (Field Impact Insulation Class) measurements performed in accordance with ASTM E1007 indicate the lack of correlation between FIIC ratings and the reaction of occupants in the room below. The measurements presented include FIIC ratings and sound pressure level measurements below the ASTM E1007 low frequency limit of 100 Hertz, and reveal that excessive sound levels in the frequency range of 63 to 100 Hertz correlate with occupant complaints. Based upon this history, a tentative criterion for maximum impact sound level in the low frequency range is presented. The results presented of modifying existing constructions to reduce the transmission of impact sounds at low frequencies indicate that there may be practical solutions to this longstanding problem.
Diversity of fish courtship and spawning sounds and application for monitoring reproduction
Authors: Lobel Phillip
Published: October 2013

It has been known for a long time that many fishes produce sounds especially during reproduction. Recent studies using a novel system for synchronous audio and video recordings underwater reveal that several species produce species specific and behavior specific sounds exclusively associated with courtship and the mating act. Passive acoustic technology can utilize these sounds to remotely monitor the breeding behavior of reef fishes. This application is being tested as an alternative or supplement to the traditional methods involving sampling fish gonads, ichthyoplankton net collection, and direct observation by scuba diving. This presentation will show a video with sounds of fishes courting and spawning and will describe their acoustic characteristics.
Analysis of coral reef sound recordings in the Phoenix and Line Islands
Authors: Sprague Mark W. , Luczkovich Joseph J. , Brainard Russell E. , Wong Kevin B.
Published: October 2013

Automated acoustic recording stations are being considered to allow managers to monitor remote coral reefs. Sounds of interest include those of biological, environmental, and anthropogenic origin. Preliminary data about remote acoustic monitoring of reefs were obtained in February–March of 2001 and 2002 during National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) cruises to the Phoenix and Line Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. In 2001, sonobuoys manufactured by East Carolina University (ECU) were deployed to make a 90-s acoustic recording every hour for a 24-h period at each location. In 2002, continuous 24-h acoustic recordings were made using an experimental Remote Underwater Digital Acoustic Recording (RUDAR) system. The ECU sonobuoys recorded diurnal and locational variations in the sounds of snapping shrimp as well as variations in ambient noise. At most locations, the snapping shrimp sound level increased near sunset and decreased near sunrise. The experimental RUDAR system recorded limited data due to some technical problems arising from field use. Analysis of the recordings as well as recommendations for future studies will be presented.
The importance of sound for navigation at settlement in coral reef fishes, with reference to the development of the auditory response
Authors: Simpson Stephen D. , Wittenrich Matthew L. , Meekan Mark G. , Yan Hong Y.
Published: October 2013

The behavioral mechanisms that larval coral reef fishes employ to locate suitable settlement habitats on their return from the plankton are poorly understood. The response of settlement-stage reef fishes to reef noise was studied at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Catches of fishes in light traps attached to underwater speakers playing reef sounds were twice those of silent traps. To demonstrate that this attraction is important during settlement, sound was used to favorably attract settlers to noisy (over silent) artificial reefs. Many coral reef fish families lay eggs demersally on the reef. By monitoring the heart rates of clownfish embryos in response to artificial noise signals, a broadening of the spectral range of response and a lowering of the threshold of response (an increase in sensitivity) was identified during their development. The thresholds suggest that these embryonic fish will have experienced coral reef noises prior to leaving the reef. These studies clearly demonstrate the use of sound as a navigation cue for settlement-stage coral reef fishes, and suggest the potential for imprinting. Our findings not only have major implications for how we model recruitment, but also offer some potential management tools for reef systems. [Work supported by Natural Environment Research Council (UK), British Association, Australian Institute of Marine Science, National Organization for Hearing Research (USA), Institute of Museum and Library Services (USA), Department of Education (USA).]
Sound absorption due to fish: From David Weston’s discoveries to recent developments
Authors: Diachok Orest
Published: October 2013

David Weston’s experiments in the early 1960’s on sound propagation between bottom mounted sources and receivers led to an unexpected result: transmission loss in limited frequency bands changed abruptly during twilight. The magnitude of the change: as large as 40 dB at 20 km. Temporal changes in absorption losses coincided with the times when the character of backscattered signals changed from discrete echoes during daytime, to diffuse reverberation at night. Weston’s hypotheses: both effects were due to fish with swim bladders, and diurnal changes in the attenuation and reverberation were due to changes in the depth and separation between fish in schools. Weston’s discoveries and inferences provided the stimulus for the design of multi-disciplinary ‘‘bioacoustic absorption spectroscopy’’ experiments in 1995 in the Gulf of Lion in concert with Ifremer, France (Diachok, 1999), and in 2001 in the Santa Barbara Channel in concert with the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, USA (Diachok et al., 2002). These experiments provided compelling evidence of (1) the biological causes of absorption lines, (2) frequency changes associated with changes in depth and separation at twilight, and (3) good agreement between number densities derived from concurrent absorptivity and fisheries echo sounder measurements. [Research supported by ONR.]