bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endometriosis Patients in the Postmenopausal Period: Pre- and Postmenopausal Factors Influencing Postmenopausal Health
Authors: Haas Dietmar , Wurm Peter , Schimetta Wolfgang , Schabetsberger Kathrin , Shamiyeh Andreas , Oppelt Peter , Binder Helge
Published: June 2014

Objective. To evaluate patients’ health status and the course of endometriosis from the premenopausal to the postmenopausal period and evaluate influencing factors that may be relevant.Methods. Questionnaire completed by 35 postmenopausal women in whom endometriosis had been histologically confirmed premenopausally. Correlation and regression analyses were carried out to identify factors relevant to their postmenopausal health status.Results. Overall, there was clear improvement in typical endometriosis symptoms and sexual life. Clear associations (P<0.005) were observed between premenopausal factors like physical limitations caused by the disease, impaired social contacts and psychological problems, and postmenopausal pain and impairment of sexual life. Three statistical models for assessing pain and impairment of sexual life in the postmenopausal period were calculated on the basis of clinical symptoms in the premenopausal period, with a very high degree of accuracy (P<0.001;R2= 0.833/0.857/0.931).Conclusions. The results of the survey strongly suggest that physical fitness and freedom from physical restrictions, a good social environment, and psychological care in both the premenopausal and postmenopausal periods lead to marked improvements in the postmenopausal period with regard to pain, dyspareunia, and influence on sexual life in endometriosis patients.
Physicochemical Properties of Gold Nanostructures Deposited on Glass
Authors: Novotna Zdenka , Reznickova Alena , Viererblova Linda , Kolafa Jiri , Kolska Zdenka , Riha Jan , Svorcik Vaclav
Published: June 2014

Properties of gold films sputtered onto borosilicate glass substrate were studied. UV‐Vis absorption spectra were used to investigate optical parameters. XRD analysis provided information about the gold crystalline nanostructure, the texture, and lattice parameter and biaxial tension was also determined by the XRD method. The surface morphology was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM); chemical structure of sputtered gold nanostructures was examined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS). The gold crystallites are preferentially [111] oriented on the sputtered samples. Gold deposition leads to dramatic changes in the surface morphology in comparison to pristine glass substrate. Oxygen is not incorporated into the gold layer during gold deposition. Experimental data on lattice parameter were also confirmed by theoretical investigations of nanoclusters using tight‐binding potentials.
Dry Socket: Incidence, Clinical Features, and Predisposing Factors
Authors: Akinbami Babatunde O. , Godspower Thikan
Published: June 2014

Background. Dry socket is a global phenomenon. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of dry socket in recent times in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.Methods. Patients who were referred for dental extractions were included in the study. The case files of patients were obtained and information retrieved included biodata, indication for extraction, number and type of teeth extracted, oral hygiene status, compliance to oral hygiene instructions, and development of dry socket.Results. One thousand, one hundred and eighty two patients with total of 1362 teeth extracted during the 4-year period of the study were analyzed, out of which 1.4% teeth developed dry socket. The mean age (SD) was 35.2 (16.0) years. Most of the patients who presented with dry socket were in the fourth decade of life. Mandibular teeth were affected more than maxillary teeth. Molars were more affected. Retained roots and third molars were conspicuous in the cases with dry socket.Conclusion. The incidence of dry socket in our centre was lower than previous reports. Oral hygiene status, lower teeth, and female gender were significantly associated with development of dry socket. Treatment with normal saline irrigation and ZnO eugenol dressings allowed relief of the symptoms.
Emphasising Personal Investment Effects Weight Loss and Hedonic Thoughts about Food after Obesity Surgery
Authors: Husted Margaret , Ogden Jane
Published: June 2014

Obesity surgery is the most effective treatment method for the severely obese but does not work for everyone. Indications are that weight-loss success may be related to individuals’ sense of investment in surgery, with failure linked to higher automatic hedonic motivations to consume food and greater susceptibility to food in the environment. A pilot study using an independent experimental design recruited bariatric surgery patients(n=91)via a UK obesity-surgery charity website who were randomly allocated to either the intervention or the control condition. The intervention involved raising the salience of the personal investment made in having weight-loss surgery in an attempt to reduce automatic hedonic thoughts about food and aid weight loss. Data was collected initially with subsequent weight loss measured at 3 months of follow-up. Following the intervention, participants reported significantly reduced hedonic thoughts, increased liking for low-fat foods, reduced liking of high-fat food, and higher self-efficacy for achieving sustained weight loss than controls. By 3 months, this was translated into significant differences in mean weight losses of 6.77 kg for the intervention group and 0.91 kg for control participants. To conclude, a quick simple cost-effective intervention encouraging participants to focus on investment helped weight loss and changed hedonic thoughts about food in bariatric patients.
Distributed Intelligent Assistance Robotic System with Sensor Networks Based on Robot Technology Middleware
Authors: Jia Songmin , Dong Zhengyin , Li Xiuzhi , Pang Xiongwei , Guo Bing , Wang Shuang , Wang Ke
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes a distributed intelligent assistant robotic system in order to improve the quality of the elderly people's life in the population aging society. The system is composed of embedded distributed sensor networks and multirobot intelligent platform. In the proposed system, we use SP2ATM (simultaneous path planning and topological mapping) with RBPF (Rao-Blackwellized particle filter) for path planning and localization of mobile robots. In order to perform service tasks, an accurate and reliable 3D environment map is reconstructed by using an effective 3D reconstruction technique from multiview stereo. Besides, the system provides user human tracking services based on multifeature mean shift under the double-layer locating mechanism. To improve the feasibility and reliability of the system, this proposed system is developed based on distributed control technology RTM (robot technology middleware). This paper presents the architecture of the proposed system and the experimental results verify effectiveness of the approaches.
Nonlinear Fuzzy Model Predictive Control for a PWR Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Liu Xiangjie , Wang Mengyue
Published: June 2014

Reliable power and temperature control in pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plant is necessary to guarantee high efficiency and plant safety. Since the nuclear plants are quite nonlinear, the paper presents nonlinear fuzzy model predictive control (MPC), by incorporating the realistic constraints, to realize the plant optimization. T‐S fuzzy modeling on nuclear power plant is utilized to approximate the nonlinear plant, based on which the nonlinear MPC controller is devised via parallel distributed compensation (PDC) scheme in order to solve the nonlinear constraint optimization problem. Improved performance compared to the traditional PID controller for a TMI‐type PWR is obtained in the simulation.
Development of Digital Control for High Power Permanent‐Magnet Synchronous Motor Drives
Authors: Chen Ming-Hung , Tseng Hao-Ting
Published: June 2014

This paper is concerned with the development of digital control system for high power permanent‐magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) to yield good speed regulation, low current harmonic, and stable output speed. The design of controller is conducted by digitizing the mathematical model of PMSM using impulse invariance technique. The predicted current estimator, which is insensitive to motor feedback currents, is proposed to function under stationary frame for harmonic current suppression. In the AC/DC power converter, mathematical model and dc‐link voltage limit of the three‐phase switch‐mode rectifier are derived. In addition, a current controller under synchronous frame is introduced to reduce the current harmonics and increase the power factor on the input side. A digital control system for 75 kW PMSM is realized with digital signal processor (R5F5630EDDFP). Experimental results indicate that the total harmonic distortion of current is reduced from 4.1% to 2.8% for 50 kW output power by the proposed predicted current estimator technique.
The Faddeev Equation and the Essential Spectrum of a Model Operator Associated with the Hamiltonian of a Nonconserved Number of Particles
Authors: Muminov Zahriddin , Ismail Fudziah , Rasulov Jamshid
Published: June 2014

A model describing a truncated operatorH(truncated with respect to the number of particles) and acting in the direct sum of zero-, one-, and two-particle subspaces of fermionic Fock spaceFaL2T3overL2(T3)is investigated. The location of the essential spectrum of the model operatorHis described by means of the spectrum of the Friedreich modelh(p); p∈ T3. Moreover, for the resolvent ofH, the Faddeev type system of integral equations is obtained.
Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis and Basic Gas‐Sensing Properties of Two Three‐Dimensional Nanostructures of SnO2
Authors: Xu Lingna , Chen Weigen , Wang Caisheng , Gao Tuoyu , Zhou Qu
Published: June 2014

The hierarchical SnO2 sphere‐like architecture, consisting of numerous thin nanosheets, was successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. The structures and morphologies of this hierarchical architecture were characterized in detail by means of powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET). Further comparative experiments of gas‐sensing performances of the as‐prepared SnO2 were investigated towards ethanol. It shows this three‐dimensional, sheet‐spheres, SnO2 as a potential gas‐sensing material for a broad range of future sensor applications, like sensitive response to other gases such as hydrogen, carbonic oxide, and methane.
Early Second-Trimester Molar Tooth Sign
Authors: Shen Ori , Ben-Sira Liat , Rosenak Daniel , Michaelson-Cohen Rachel
Published: June 2014

Molar tooth sign (MTS) is pathognomonic for Joubert syndrome (JS) and related disorders. We report a case in which MTS was suspected in an ‘at risk' patient at 16 weeks' gestation by sonography and at 18 weeks by additional ultrasound. It was then confirmed at 20 weeks by MRI. A molecular diagnosis of JS was established after termination of the pregnancy. As genetic testing may not be feasible in JS, the ability to identify MTS sonographically as early as possible is important for affected families.
Subclavian Artery Dissection Presenting as Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Touchan Jean , Cerda Martin , Chapman Doug B.
Published: June 2014

Spontaneous subclavian artery dissection is rarely reported. We report the case of a 55-year-old female who presented as an non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and was found to have a proximal left subclavian dissection. We provide an overview of current articles addressing the clinical features and treatments of subclavian dissection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of subclavian dissection presenting as an NSTEMI.
Oxygen Supplementation in the Neonatal Period: Changing the Paradigm
Authors: Vento Máximo
Published: June 2014

Oxygen is one of the most widely used drugs in the neonatal period. A lack of knowledge of oxygen metabolism and toxicity has prompted guidelines to fluctuate from liberal use to treat respiratory distress to restriction to avoid retinopathy of prematurity. In recent years, studies performed in the immediate postnatal period have revealed that newly born infants achieve a stable saturation only several minutes after birth. Moreover, the time needed to reach a saturation plateau is inversely proportional to a newborn's gestational age. As a consequence, guidelines have changed and recommend an individualized supplementation in the first minutes after birth with the inspiratory fraction of oxygen titrated against preductal pulse oximetry. However, randomized controlled trials have concluded that, after postnatal stabilization, keeping preterm babies within a low-saturation target range (85-89%) may lead to increased mortality while keeping them in a higher saturation range (91-95%) increases the risk of retinopathy of prematurity. The present state of the art in the management of oxygen supplementation recommends that caregivers in the delivery room allow preductal oxygen saturation to spontaneously increase in the first minutes of life; however, if supplemented, it should be titrated according to pulse oximeter readings and kept within the safe margins of the nomogram. Thereafter, if oxygen is still needed, it should be kept within stringent security margins (90-95%) to avoid deleterious consequences. Importantly, in babies with chronic lung disease, oxygen should be supplemented to allow the patient to grow and develop.
ALS-FTD Complex Disorder due to C9ORF72 Gene Mutation: Description of First Polish Family
Authors: Siuda Joanna , Lewicka Tatiana , Bujak Malgorzata , Opala Grzegorz , Golenia Aleksandra , Slowik Agnieszka , van Blitterswijk Marka , Baker Matt , Ertekin-Taner Nilufer , Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Rademakers Rosa
Published: June 2014

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are complex neurodegenerative disorders that can be either sporadic or familial and can overlap clinically and pathologically. We present the first Central-Eastern European family with ALS-FTD syndrome due to a C9ORF72 repeat expansion. Methods: We studied a family consisting of 37 family members, 6 of whom were genetically evaluated for C9ORF72 expansions. Family members were evaluated clinically, by history, and by chart review. Results: Overall, 5 generations of the family were studied, and 6 affected family members were identified. All affected members were females and had a different clinical presentation, which was ALS, FTD or both. Among the genetically evaluated subjects, 5 carried a C9ORF72 expansion; 4 of these individuals remain clinically unaffected. Conclusion: Our report reveals that the hexanucleotide repeat expansion of C9ORF72, which is the most common genetic cause of ALS-FTD complex disorder, is also present in Central-Eastern Europe. Further studies are needed to assess the frequency of this expansion in the Polish population with familial as well as sporadic ALS, FTD and the ALS-FTD complex disorder.
Lung Volume Reduction Coil Treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with Homogeneous Emphysema: A Prospective Feasibility Trial
Authors: Klooster Karin , ten Hacken Nick H.T. , Franz Ina , Kerstjens Huib A.M. , van Rikxoort Eva M. , Slebos Dirk-Jan
Published: June 2014

Background: In patients with heterogeneous emphysema, surgical and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (LVR) treatments are available. However, for patients with homogeneous emphysema these treatments are hardly investigated and seem less effective. Bronchoscopic LVR coil treatment has been shown to be effective in patients with heterogeneous emphysema, but this treatment has not been exclusively investigated in homogeneous emphysema. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of LVR coil treatment in patients with homogeneous emphysema. Methods: In this single-arm, open-label study, patients received a maximum of 12 LVR coils (PneumRx Inc., Mountain View, Calif., USA) in each upper lobe in two sequential procedures. Tests were performed at baseline and at 6 months. The primary endpoint was the improvement from baseline in 6-min walking distance (6MWD) after treatment. Results: Ten patients with severe airway obstruction and hyperinflation were treated. A median of 11 (range 10-12) coils were placed in each lung. Two chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations and one small pneumothorax were recorded as serious adverse events. At 6 months, 6MWD had improved from 289 to 350 m (p = 0.005); forced vital capacity from 2.17 to 2.55 liters (p = 0.047); residual volume from 5.04 to 4.44 liters (p = 0.007) and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire from 63 to 48 points (p = 0.028). Conclusion: LVR coil treatment in homogeneous patients improves hyperinflation, airway resistance, exercise capacity and quality of life with an acceptable safety profile. The benefit of LVR coil treatment is not limited to patients with heterogeneous emphysema, and patients with homogenous emphysema can benefit as well.
Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease Receiving Chronic Statin Treatment Who Are Undergoing Noncardiac Emergency Surgery Benefit from Acute Atorvastatin Reload
Authors: Xia Jinggang , Qu Yang , Shen Hong , Liu Xiuhua
Published: June 2014

Objective: This study was designed to investigate whether patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) receiving chronic statin treatment who are undergoing noncardiac emergency surgery benefit from acute atorvastatin reload. Methods: A total of 500 patients with stable CAD and regular administration of statin before noncardiac emergency surgery were randomized to atorvastatin reload (n = 250) or placebo (n = 250). All patients received atorvastatin treatment thereafter. The primary end point was a 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Secondary end points were the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) during hospitalization and length of hospital stay. Results: The primary end point occurred in 2.4% of patients treated with atorvastatin reload and in 8% in the placebo arm (p = 0.0088). The incidence of AF during hospitalization was 6.8% in patients treated with atorvastatin reload and 17% in the placebo arm (p = 0.0003). Compared with the placebo arm, the atorvastatin reload arm shortened the length of stay (9.8 ± 3.3 vs. 10.6 ± 3.5 days, p = 0.009). Multivariable analysis suggested that atorvastatin reload conferred a 65% risk reduction of 30-day MACE (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.18-0.86; p = 0.005). Conclusion: The trial suggests that atorvastatin reload may improve the clinical outcome of patients with stable CAD receiving chronic statin treatment who are undergoing noncardiac emergency surgery.
Outcome Analysis of Morcellation Craniotomy with Distraction Osteogenesis for Scaphocephaly
Authors: Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Nakajima Hideo , Tamada Ikkei
Published: June 2014

Background: Techniques for sagittal synostosis correction continue to evolve, thus resulting in improved outcomes and minimized morbidity. Spring-assisted cranioplasty and strip craniotomy with postoperative helmet usage are simple minimally invasive surgeries. However, these procedures are only useful in younger patients (generally up to 9 months of age); older children usually undergo total cranial remodeling, which is more stressful. We have developed a procedure combining morcellation craniotomy with distraction osteogenesis (MoD), which we have been performing since 2000. Here, we describe and evaluate this method of treatment. Methods: Seven patients who underwent MoD for isolated sagittal synostosis were followed for 10 years postoperatively. The control group consisted of 7 patients who had undergone total cranial remodeling in the period immediately preceding the MoD operations. Cephalography, clinical examinations, medical record data and medical photographs were used to evaluate and compare the 2 groups. Results: In comparison with total cranial remodeling, the MoD procedure resulted in a significantly shorter mean operation time and a significantly lower mean blood transfusion volume. The postoperative cephalic index was not significantly different between the MoD (75.8 ± 0.9) and the control groups (75.6 ± 1.4), and satisfactory cranial shape volumes were achieved without serious complications. Conclusion: The MoD procedure is a safe, effective and reliable technique for dynamic total skull remodeling with minimal morbidity. It can be used to improve upon previous surgical concepts for treating scaphocephaly, particularly in older patients.
Kaposi's Varicelliform-Like Eruption in a Patient Treated with Everolimus for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Hong Soojung , Kim Eun Hye , Cho Sung Bin , Rha Sun Young
Published: June 2014

Kaposi's varicelliform eruption is a cutaneous eruption caused by the herpes simplex virus and a few other viruses that infect persons with pre-existing dermatosis such as atopic dermatitis. We report the case of a 56-year-old man who was treated with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, everolimus, for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. He presented with painful, umbilicated vesicles and pustules on his face, genital region, forearms, and legs suggestive of Kaposi's varicelliform eruption. He did not have a history of any visceral viral disease and pre-existing dermatosis. The diagnosis was based on the clinical features. He was treated with acyclovir for 7 days, with improvement of his skin lesions. We discuss the clinical manifestations of the Kaposi varicelliform-like eruption in an immunocompromised patient treated with everolimus.
Percutaneous Ultrasonography as Imaging Modality and Sampling Guide for Pulmonologists
Authors: Stigt Jos A. , Groen Harry J.M.
Published: June 2014

Ultrasound (US) imaging is gradually progressing into common practice in contemporary pulmonology. Its main applications are to determine the presence and amount of pleural effusions and to guide subsequent treatment interventions. Guidelines recommend the use of US for these indications. Training programs are organized and competency levels are formulated. Image guidance with US to obtain specimens for pathologic and/or microbiological analysis is less extensively practiced by pulmonologists but it is an important tool for tumour staging and diagnosing diseases. Lung tumours in contact with the pleural surface, pleural thickenings, mediastinal tumours and chest wall tumours are conceivable indications for pulmonologists to approach with the help of US visualization. Moreover, sampling of chest disease-related extrathoracal lesions may also be regarded as the working field of the pulmonologist. For example, supraclavicular and axillar lymph node metastasis, and also soft tissue and bone metastases, are lesions encountered during dissemination tests. US-guided biopsy provides not only a diagnosis, but also gives information on the stage of disease in sometimes inaccessible primary lesions. US-guided sampling increases diagnostic efficacy and safety and enables very precise performance of fine-needle aspirations as well as tissue core biopsies.
An Overview of Current Mouse Models Recapitulating Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Licitra Floriana , Puccio Hélène
Published: June 2014

Coenzyme Q (CoQ), also known as ubiquinone, is an essential lipophilic molecule present in all cellular membranes and involved in a variety of cellular functions, in particular as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and as a potent antioxidant. CoQ is synthesized endogenously through a complex metabolic pathway involving over 10 different components. Primary CoQ10 deficiency in humans, due to mutations in genes involved in CoQ biosynthesis, is a heterogeneous group of rare disorders presenting severe and complex clinical symptoms. The generation of mouse models deficient in CoQ is important to further clarify the cellular function of CoQ and to unravel the complexity in the pathophysiological consequences of CoQ deficiency. This review summarizes the current knowledge on mouse models of primary CoQ deficiency.
Low-Allergenic Hydrolyzed Egg Induces Oral Tolerance in Mice
Authors: Hacini-Rachinel Feriel , Vissers Yvonne M. , Doucet-Ladevéze Rémi , Blanchard Carine , Demont Audrey , Perrot Marie , Panchaud Alexandre , Prioult Guénolée , Mercenier Annick , Nutten Sophie
Published: June 2014

Background: Egg allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children. The standard therapy for egg allergy is strict avoidance. Yet, there is considerable clinical and scientific interest in primary or secondary prevention. A major drawback of oral tolerance (OT) induction protocols, however, is the possibility of severe side effects; thus, we have formulated a hypoallergenic egg product and demonstrate its in vivo capacity to modulate the immune system in the current study. Methods: Hydrolyzed egg (HE) was produced using a combination of moderate heat treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. The capacity of HE to induce OT was tested in experimental models and compared to whole egg (WE). Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses, immune markers and potential early markers of OT were analyzed. Results: Allergic responses, assessed by both DTH responses upon OVA challenge and serum OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, were decreased after treatment with HE and WE compared to the control group. Additionally, feeding WE and HE significantly decreased Th2 cytokine induction and cell proliferation, induced the activation of effector CD4+ T cells and increased numbers and percentages of ICOS+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells. Furthermore, DO11.10 mouse experiments showed that HE contains other peptides than the OVA323-339 peptide that are able to induce tolerance to OVA. Conclusions: Altogether, results showed that HE induces OT in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Due to its low allergenicity compared to WE, it may represent a safer alternative for OT induction in at-risk subjects or oral immunotherapy in allergic patients.
A Case of Urinary Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma with Squamous, Glandular, and Plasmacytoid Differentiation
Authors: Makise Naohiro , Morikawa Teppei , Takeshima Yuta , Homma Yukio , Fukayama Masashi
Published: June 2014

We report an extremely rare case of urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the urinary bladder with diverse histological differentiation into squamous, glandular, and plasmacytoid components. A 65-year-old man presented with gross hematuria. Cystoscopy showed a papillary-growing tumor with a wide-based stalk on the left wall of the urinary bladder. Based on the clinical diagnosis of locally invasive bladder cancer, the patient underwent radical cystectomy. Histological examination of the cystectomy specimen revealed UC with histological differentiation into multiple tumor subtypes. The tumor was composed of squamous cell carcinoma with marked keratinization, adenocarcinoma characterized by tall columnar cells with scattered goblet cells, conventional high-grade invasive UC and UC in situ, and plasmacytoid UC composed of discohesive cancer cells with eccentric nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm that diffusely infiltrated the bladder wall through the serosal surface. Immunohistochemically, the loss of membranous E-cadherin expression was noted only in the plasmacytoid UC component. The patient developed local recurrences 2 months postoperatively and died of the disease 6 months postoperatively. It is critical to correctly diagnose the histological variants of UC to predict a patient's prognosis and to determine the optimal treatment.
Active Scores: Representation and Synchronization in Human–Computer Performance of Popular Music
Authors: Dannenberg Roger B. , Gold Nicolas E. , Liang Dawen , Xia Guangyu
Published: June 2014

Computers have the potential to significantly extend the practice of popular music based on steady tempo and mostly determined form. There are significant challenges to overcome, however, due to constraints including accurate timing based on beats and adherence to a form or structure despite possible changes that may occur, possibly even during performance. We describe an approach to synchronization across media that takes into account latency due to communication delays and audio buffering. We also address the problem of mapping from a conventional score with repeats and other structures to an actual performance, which can involve both “flattening” the score and rearranging it, as is common in popular music. Finally, we illustrate the possibilities of the score as a bidirectional user interface in a real-time system for music performance, allowing the user to direct the computer through a digitally displayed score, and allowing the computer to indicate score position back to human performers.
Hyper-heuristic Evolution of Dispatching Rules: A Comparison of Rule Representations
Authors: Branke Jürgen , Hildebrandt Torsten , Scholz-Reiter Bernd
Published: June 2014

Dispatching rules are frequently used for real-time, online scheduling in complex manufacturing systems. Design of such rules is usually done by experts in a time consuming trial-and-error process. Recently, evolutionary algorithms have been proposed to automate the design process. There are several possibilities to represent rules for this hyper-heuristic search. Because the representation determines the search neighborhood and the complexity of the rules that can be evolved, a suitable choice of representation is key for a successful evolutionary algorithm. In this paper we empirically compare three different representations, both numeric and symbolic, for automated rule design: A linear combination of attributes, a representation based on artificial neural networks, and a tree representation. Using appropriate evolutionary algorithms (CMA-ES for the neural network and linear representations, genetic programming for the tree representation), we empirically investigate the suitability of each representation in a dynamic stochastic job shop scenario. We also examine the robustness of the evolved dispatching rules against variations in the underlying job shop scenario, and visualize what the rules do, in order to get an intuitive understanding of their inner workings. Results indicate that the tree representation using an improved version of genetic programming gives the best results if many candidate rules can be evaluated, closely followed by the neural network representation that already leads to good results for small to moderate computational budgets. The linear representation is found to be competitive only for extremely small computational budgets.
Urban Integrated Meteorological Observations: Practice and Experience in Shanghai, China
Authors: Tan Jianguo , Yang Limin , Grimmond C. S. B. , Shi Jianping , Gu Wen , Chang Yuanyong , Hu Ping , Sun Juan , Ao Xiangyu , Han Zhihui
Published: June 2014

Observations of atmospheric conditions and processes in cities are fundamental to understanding the interactions between the urban surface and weather/climate, improving the performance of urban weather, air quality, and climate models, and providing key information for city end users (e.g., decision makers, stakeholders, public). In this paper, Shanghai’s Urban Integrated Meteorological Observation Network (SUIMON) and some examples of intended applications are introduced. Its characteristics include being multipurpose (e.g., forecast, research, service), multifunction (e.g., high-impact weather, city climate, special end users), multiscale (e.g., macro/meso, urban, neighborhood, street canyon), multivariable (e.g., thermal, dynamic, chemical, biometeorological, ecological), and multiplatform (e.g., radar, wind profiler, ground based, satellite based, in situ observation/sampling). Underlying SUIMON is a data management system to facilitate exchange of data and information. The overall aim of the network is to improve coordination strategies and instruments, to identify data gaps based on science- and user-driven requirements, and to intelligently combine observations from a variety of platforms by using a data assimilation system that is tuned to produce the best estimate of the current state of the urban atmosphere.
“Certain Death” from Storm Surge: A Comparative Study of Household Responses to Warnings about Hurricanes Rita and Ike
Authors: Wei Hung-Lung , Lindell Michael K. , Prater Carla S.
Published: June 2014

This study examines the effect of an unusual “certain death” warning message on Galveston, Harris, and Jefferson County, Texas, residents’ expectations of storm surge damage and evacuation decisions during Hurricane Ike. The effect of this message was tested by comparing questionnaire data collected after Hurricane Ike to similar data collected 3 yr earlier after Hurricane Rita. If the certain death message had an effect, one would expect nonsignificant differences in perceptions of the two storms’ surge threats because the category 2 storm (Ike) had a surge that was more characteristic of a category 5 storm (Rita). However, the ratings of the storm surge threat for Ike were significantly lower than those for Rita in Galveston County—the point of landfall. Moreover, evacuation rates for Ike were consistently lower than those for Rita in all three counties, and there were no statistically significant differences between storms in the correlations of expected storm surge damage with evacuation decisions. In summary, these data fail to show evidence that the dramatic certain death warning increased expectations of surge threat and evacuation decisions. These findings underscore the need for those disseminating weather warnings to better understand how hurricane warnings flow from an initial source through intermediate links to the ultimate receivers as well as how these ultimate receivers receive, heed, interpret, and decide how to act upon those warnings.
Simulation optimization of police patrol districting plans using response surfaces
Authors: Zhang Yue , Brown Donald
Published: June 2014

In this study, a police patrol discrete-event simulation model is implemented to evaluate the patrol districting plans. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to study how simulation inputs affect performance measures. Evaluation of districting plans is compared between discrete-event and agent-based simulation. A response surface approach is developed to find optimal or sub-optimal districting plans to minimize average response time and workload variation. An iterative searching procedure based on experimental design is proposed to study the relationship between parameters in a redistricting algorithm and performance measures of districting plans. Latin hypercube design and central composite design are used for the discrete-event model. Experimental results show that districting plans generated by improved districting parameters have significantly better performances than randomly generated plans. Compared with an adjusted simulated annealing approach, the response surface method has better searching efficiency. Thus, good districting plans can be generated more efficiently with designed experiments and provide better alternatives for police departments. Similar procedure also works for agent-based simulations.
An integrated framework for automated simulation of SysML models using DEVS
Authors: Kapos George-Dimitrios , Dalakas Vassilis , Nikolaidou Mara , Anagnostopoulos Dimosthenis
Published: June 2014

System models are constructed to design, study, and understand complex systems. According to the systems modeling language (SysML) that is a standard for model-based system engineering, all engineering activities should be performed using a common model. To validate complex system models defined in SysML, simulation is usually employed. There are numerous efforts to simulate SysML models using different simulation methods and tools. However, the efficient support of automated generation of executable simulation code is still an issue tangled by the research community. This paper introduces DEVSys, an integrated framework for utilizing existing SysML models and automatically producing executable discrete event simulation code, according to model driven architecture (MDA) concepts. Although this approach is not simulation-specific, discrete event system specification (DEVS) was employed, due to the similarities between SysML and DEVS, mainly in system structure description, and the mature, yet ongoing research on expressing executable DEVS models in a simulator-neutral manner. DEVSys framework elements include (a) a SysML profile for DEVS, enabling integration of simulation capabilities into SysML models, (b) a meta-model for DEVS, allowing the utilization of MDA concepts and tools, (c) a transformation of SysML models to DEVS models, using a standard model transformation language as query/view/transform (QVT), and (d) the generation of DEVS executable code for a DEVS simulation environment with an extensible markup language (XML) interface. The definition and implementation of DEVSys elements, as well as the process for its application are demonstrated and discussed, with the aid of a simple working example.
Governing immigration through probation: The displacement of borderwork and the assessment of desirability in Spain
Authors: Moffette David
Published: June 2014

Lacking an effective recruitment strategy and wanting to satisfy the demand for immigrant labour, Spanish authorities facilitated the entry of (mostly) Latin American ‘tourists’ in the early 2000s, knowing that many were migrants entering Spain to reside and work irregularly. This strategy is one of postponing control – a strategy of displacing some of the filtering work performed by borders and immigration selection across space and time. In this context, facilitating entry, policing the streets, regularizing ‘deserving immigrants’ and deporting ‘undesirable foreigners’ are analysed as complementary dimensions of a diffuse and flexible regime governing immigration through probation. It is argued that this displacement of borderwork allows for the creation of a probationary period during which the conduct of migrants is scrutinized and policed. This article describes the logics and practices of the various institutional actors involved in governing irregular migration in Spain, while paying attention to the role that discretion and competing interests play in the multi-scalar assessment of migrants’ desirability.
Border security as practice: An agenda for research
Authors: Côté-Boucher Karine , Infantino Federica , Salter Mark B.
Published: June 2014

The ambition of this special issue is to contribute to contemporary scholarly analyses of border security by bringing more focus onto a specific field of inquiry: the practices of the plurality of power-brokers involved in the securing of borders. Border security is addressed from the angle of the everyday practices of those who are appointed to carry it out; considering border security as practice is essential for shedding light on contemporary problematizations of security. Underscoring the methodological specificity of fieldwork research, we call for a better grounding of scholarship within the specific agencies intervening in bordering spaces in order to provide detailed analyses of the contextualized practices of security actors.
Issues of Conservation and Livelihood in a Forest Village of Assam
Authors: Sharma Chandan Kumar , Sarma Indrani
Published: June 2014

The creation of the forest villages in the northeast Indian state of Assam, like the rest of India, was a part of the colonial forest management policy. These villages were established within the limits of the reserved forests for assured supply of labour for the colonial forest department. Later on, many recognized forest villages came up with landless peasants migrating to the forest areas in search of land and livelihood. However, their growing population and demand for land coupled with the highhandedness of the forest department gave rise to intense conflict between the two. This conflict has assumed a much more complex character in the recent times giving rise to serious contestations and challenges with regard to people’s rights and conservation approach of the state.
Studying the Indian Legislature: What does Question Hour Reveal?
Authors: Ayyangar Srikrishna , Jacob Suraj
Published: June 2014

This article explores legislator behaviour during the Question Hour in the lower house of India’s parliament (the Lok Sabha) over a 30-year period (1980–2009). It establishes that there is considerable variation in the volume of legislator activity, with some Members of Parliament (MPs) remaining silent throughout their tenures (even as opposition MPs over full Lok Sabha terms), while others use the Question Hour much more effectively. Surprisingly, the activity of government backbenchers is only a little behind that of opposition MPs. The article constructs stylized facts regarding the relationship of three sets of covariates with the number of parliamentary questions asked by legislators: personal characteristics of MPs, legislative roles of MPs and the states represented by the MPs. The picture which emerges is that there is a disjuncture between symbolic and substantive representation. Despite increased symbolic representation, some groups—such as women and Scheduled Tribe MPs, but not Scheduled Caste MPs—still participate below par. At the same time, Question Hour is used more effectively by other groups—men and upper caste MPs, but also younger MPs and those with college education. Further, we uncover some puzzling state patterns: MPs from Orissa, Gujarat and Maharashtra seem to participate more than MPs from Punjab, Tamil Nadu and the Northeastern states.
Governing the Resource: A Study of the Institutions of Decentralized Forest Resource Management
Authors: Suresh Lavanya
Published: June 2014

The Indian Forest Policy of 1988 and the subsequent government resolution on participatory forest management emphasized the need for people’s participation in natural forest management. This article lays out the institutions that emerge from this strategy and their involvement in decentralized Forest Resource Management. It also traces the inter-linkages between them in the governance of the forest resource in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.

 Two levels of inquiry have been undertaken, one at the institutional level and the other at the household level. Based on data collected, using quantitative and qualitative methods, it is found that the presence of civil society organizations (CSOs) have an effect on the functioning of government institutions. The article informs the assessment that decentralization has a two-pronged function of bringing governance closer to the people and to also bring more political will to the people.
Civil Society’s Engagement with ULFA in Assam: A Historical Exploration
Authors: Dutta Akhil Ranjan
Published: June 2014

The armed struggle launched by United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) since the late 1970s for Swadhin Asom (independent Assam) and its reaction, appreciation, endorsement and critique in the civil society is an interesting case for investigation on how civil society works in India’s Northeast. Historically, civil society in Assam has been a domain of manifestations of grievances against the state, particularly, against the Government of India (GoI). As a result, the civil society in Assam has almost been overtaken by the passion of the ULFA, which steered armed struggle for Assam’s independence. Although the civil society did not endorse the path of violence pursued by ULFA for its proclaimed goal of Assam’s independence, a comprehensive critical voice against the militancy and violence pursued by it, has been almost absent. Only a few individuals consistently maintained a critique on ULFA from its inception.

In more than three decades of ULFA–GoI conflict, the civil society has undergone through different experiences—from being overtaken by collective passion for the cause raised by ULFA to complete subjugation and marginalization under coercion both by the Indian state and the ULFA, and to that of gradual revival as a critical domain to question both the state and ULFA. The present article is an attempt to examine this trajectory of the civil society in Assam vis-à-vis ULFA.
Book Review: Jagdish Bhagwati and Arvind Panagariya, eds, Why Growth Matters: How Economic Growth in India Reduced Poverty and the Lessons for other Developing Countries and Jean Dreze and Amartya Sen, eds, An Uncertain Glory: India and Its Contradictions
Authors: Jenkins Rob
Published: June 2014

Jagdish Bhagwati and Arvind Panagariya, eds, Why Growth Matters: How Economic Growth in India Reduced Poverty and the Lessons for other Developing Countries. New York, NY: Public Affairs. 2013. 302 pages. US$ 28.99.

Jean Dreze and Amartya Sen, eds, An Uncertain Glory: India and Its Contradictions. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. 2013. 446 pages. US$ 22.95.
Book Review: Ajay Gudvarthy, ed., Reframing Democracy and Agency in India: Interrogating Political Society and Ajay Gudavarthy, ed., Politics of Post-Civil Society: Contemporary History of Political Movements in India
Authors: Pandey Ankita
Published: June 2014

Ajay Gudvarthy, ed., Reframing Democracy and Agency in India: Interrogating Political Society. New Delhi: Anthem Press. 2012. 322 pages. ₹ 595.

Ajay Gudavarthy, ed., Politics of Post-Civil Society: Contemporary History of Political Movements in India. New Delhi: SAGE Publications. 2013. 263 pages. ₹ 695.
Preparation of halloysite nanotube-supported gold nanocomposite for solvent-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol
Authors: Fu Xiaobo , Ding Zhan , Zhang Xuan , Weng Wanliang , Xu Yongjun , Liao Junxu , Xie Zhenkui
Published: June 2014

Gold nanoparticles supported on halloysite nanotubes (Au/HNTs) were prepared by a homogeneous deposition-precipitation method. The specific characteristics of the catalyst were characterized in detail, in relation to their performance for solvent-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol. The particular structure of the catalyst resulted in high catalytic activity and stability compared with other supported gold catalysts. The enhanced catalytic activity of the Au/HNTs catalyst was mainly attributed to the presence of a higher amount of oxidized gold species and the tubular structure of the HNTs.
Deciphering the peptidome of urine from ovarian cancer patients and healthy controls
Authors: Smith Christopher R , Batruch Ihor , Bauça Josep Miquel , Kosanam Hari , Ridley Julia , Bernardini Marcus Q , Leung Felix , Diamandis Eleftherios P , Kulasingam Vathany
Published: June 2014

Background

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. The emergence of high-throughput technologies, such as mass spectrometry, has allowed for a paradigm shift in the way we search for novel biomarkers. Urine-based peptidomic profiling is a novel approach that may result in the discovery of noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosing patients with OvCa. In this study, the peptidome of urine from 6 ovarian cancer patients and 6 healthy controls was deciphered.

Results

Urine samples underwent ultrafiltration and the filtrate was subjected to solid phase extraction, followed by fractionation using strong cation exchange chromatography. These fractions were analyzed using an Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Over 4600 unique endogenous urine peptides arising from 713 proteins were catalogued, representing the largest urine peptidome reported to date. Each specimen was processed in triplicate and reproducibility at the protein (69-76%) and peptide (58-63%) levels were noted. More importantly, over 3100 unique peptides were detected solely in OvCa specimens. One such promising biomarker was leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG1), where multiple peptides were found in all urines from OvCa patients, but only one peptide was found in one healthy control urine sample.

Conclusions

Mining the urine peptidome may yield highly promising novel OvCa biomarkers.