bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients’ Desire to Preserve Sexual Activity and Final Decision for a Nerve-Sparing Approach: Results from the MIRROR (Multicenter Italian Report on Radical Prostatectomy Outcomes and Research) Study
Authors: Imbimbo Ciro , Creta Massimiliano , Gacci Mauro , Simonato Alchiede , Gontero Paolo , de Cobelli Ottavio , Briganti Alberto , Fulcoli Vittorio , Martorana Giuseppe , Nicita Giulio , Mirone Vincenzo , Carmignani Giorgio
Published: February 2011

Introduction

Preservation of sexual function after surgery represents a major issue for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Aim

To investigate determinants of patients’ desire to preserve sexual activity before RP and surgeons’ final decision to perform a nerve-sparing RP (NSRP).

Methods

Overall, 2,408 prostate cancer patients, candidates to RP, from 136 urologic departments across the Italian territory were evaluated in a multicenter prospective observational study. All patients underwent RP, according to single-center indications and procedures.

Main Outcome Measures

Age, body mass index, previous benign prostatic hyperplasia history, preoperative tumor characteristics, quality of life through the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and the University of California Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA-PCI), erectile function through the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), desire to preserve sexual activity, NS operative outcomes, and surgical margins status were recorded.

Results

Overall, 1,667 were interested to preserve sexual activity. Age, physical component summary of SF12 (PCS-12), sexual function score of UCLA-PCI, and IIEF-5 score were the main determinants of such interest. Only 1,246 patients were suitable for a NSRP according to guidelines. Surgeons performed a non-NSRP (NNSRP) in 1,234 patients, a unilateral NSRP in 318 and a bilateral NSRP in 856. Age, bioptical Gleason score, percentage of positive cores, PCS-12, and patient's desire to preserve sexual activity were the main determinants of final decision for a NSRP. Surgeons performed a NSRP in 424 not suitable and in 121 not interested patients. Positive surgical margins in not suitable patients submitted to NSRP were not higher if compared to that obtained after NNSRP in the same subgroup. Limits include lack of oncological and functional follow-up.

Conclusions

Most patients are interested to preserve sexual activity. Discrepancies exist among patients’ preferences, guidelines’ indications, and surgeon's final decision.
Gepirone-ER Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) Associated with Depression in Women
Authors: Fabre Louis F. , Brown Candace S. , Smith Louis C. , DeRogatis Leonard R.
Published: February 2011

Introduction

There is currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). FDA approval of products utilizing testosterone has been delayed due to possible safety concerns. Flibanserin, a 5-HT1A agonist, 5-HT2 antagonist, and gepirone-ER, a 5-HT1A agonist, have been shown to have activity in treatment of HSDD. However, more recently, the FDA issued a non-approval letter for flibanserin.

Aim

To study the effect of gepirone-ER on HSDD in women with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

At baseline and post-treatment visits, a trained psychiatrist made diagnoses of HSDD based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Subjects meeting criteria for HSDD were followed to observe the effect of gepirone-ER (20–80 mg/day), comparator antidepressants (fluoxetine, 20–40 mg/day or paroxetine, 10–40 mg/day), or placebo in reversing DSM-IV diagnosis. A subpopulation of women with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) entry scores of 18 or less was evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) of sexual dysfunction were also collected.

Main Outcome Measure

Number (%) of patients who no longer met criteria for HSDD (percent resolved).

Results

Eight hundred seventy-five women (18–64 years of age, average 38 years old, ∼80% premenopausal) entered three studies; 668 (72.5%) completed. Only 161 (18.4%) met DSM-IV criteria for HSDD. Cumulatively, 63% of gepirone-ER-treated patients reversed their diagnosis of HSDD compared to 40% of placebo-treated patients at end point (8 weeks) (P  = 0.007). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-treated patients were not different from placebo. Significant results for gepirone-ER occurred by week 2 (P  = 0.0001). Patients who were mildly depressed (HAMD scores of 18 or less) also improved at week 2 (P  = 0.01) and week 8 (P  = 0.07). Sexual dysfunction AEs were significantly less in gepirone-ER-treated patients than placebo (P  = 0.013).

Conclusions

Gepirone-ER may have efficacy in the treatment of HSDD among depressed and possibly nondepressed women. Efficacy occurs by week 2, and does not seem to be purely an antidepressant effect.
The Role of PDE5 Inhibitors in Penile Septal Scar Remodeling: Assessment of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes
Authors: Chung Eric , DeYoung Ling , Brock Gerald B.
Published: February 2011

Introduction

Effective oral medication for use in men with Peyronie's disease (PD) has been an area of interest of the medical community and lay public for decades. Isolated septal scars (ISS) without evidence of penile deformity is a relatively new clinical entity, and at present, there is paucity in the published literature regarding its treatment. Current research into the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in regulating penile erectile response has revealed an alternative role for PDE5 inhibitors in decreasing oxidative stress-associated inflammatory change as seen in PD.

Aim

To examine the presence of ISS and assess the efficacy of PDE5 inhibitor use in septal scar remodeling.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospective database on all men who underwent penile Doppler ultrasound between December 2007 and December 2009.

Main Outcome Measures

Of the 65 men with ultrasonographic-confirmed ISS, 35 men received tadalafil 2.5 mg daily over a 6-month period. The clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 score and 6 months penile Doppler ultrasound follow up.

Results

The mean age for the tadalafil group was 43.2 (20–65) years, similar to the control group at 44.2 (34–72) years. The length of time from onset to presentation was 22 (6 to 40) months. The majority of ultrasonographic-proven ISS was not clinically palpable and complaint of decreased penile rigidity (66%) was the predominant feature. Treatment with low-dose daily tadalafil did not result in any significant side effects (such as headache and flushing) or discontinuation. The tadalafil group reported higher IIEF-5 score (pretreatment 11/25 to post-treatment 18/25) (P  < 0.01) and resolution of septal scar were recorded in 24 patients (69%) compared to three patients (10%) in the control group.

Conclusion

Low-dose daily tadalafil is a safe and effective treatment option in septal scar remodeling.
Effects of Statins on Progression of Coronary Artery Disease as Measured by Intravascular Ultrasound
Authors: Bedi Updesh , Singh Mukesh , Singh Param , Molnar Janos , Khosla Sandeep , Arora Rohit
Published: February 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:492–496.©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a novel technique that provides an accurate and reproducible method to measure atheroma burden. Statin drugs reduce both atherogenic lipoproteins and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Studies assessing the effect of statin treatment on atheroma burden have shown conflicting results. Hence, this meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of statin therapy on coronary atherosclerosis progression. A systematic search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Heterogeneity of the studies was analyzed by Cochran’s Q statistics. The significance of common treatment effect was assessed by computing common mean difference between the control and treatment groups. A two‐sided α error of <0.05 was considered statistically significant (P<.05). Eight trials composed of 919 patients including a placebo group with 458 patients and a treatment group with 461 patients were used. Characteristics of both groups at baseline were similar without any significant difference between them. In the pooled analysis, the common mean difference of coronary atheroma volume between statin therapy and the placebo arm was −3.573 (confidence interval, −4.46 to −2.68; P<.01). This meta‐analysis demonstrates that treatment with statins not only slows atherosclerotic plaque progression but may also lead to plaque regression.
A Consolidated Model for the Turbine Operation of Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Singh Punit , Nestmann Franz
Published: February 2011

A consolidated model for the turbine operation of centrifugal pumps comprising accurate prediction, optimum selection, and rigorous evaluation has been the primary need and the most challenging tasks for the industry to deal with. This paper introduces a consolidated model that is developed from experimental results of different pump shapes (20–80 rpm) and turbomachine fundamentals directly resulting in the parsimony feature of the model. The model also creates a new basis for dealing with uncertainties. The prediction model segment of the consolidated model requires only the pump shape and size as input parameters for bringing out the complete turbine characteristics. The selection model segment, on the other hand, requires the site head and flow as fixed input parameters and turbine speed as the control parameter to prescribe suitable pumps available in the market. The evaluation model segment compares the absolute turbine characteristics of the suitable pumps and recommends the most suitable pump for the given site. The model also includes an acceptance criterion that relates the deviation of the “pump as turbine” operating parameters with the site parameters, and it is very useful at the evaluation stage. The features of the consolidated model are illustrated with two case studies, which highlight the importance of evaluation in addition to the prediction and basic selection of pumps operating as turbines. In order to increase the accuracy and robustness of the model, the paper recommends an optimization routine stage on the existing model that comprises results of more pump shapes (obtained through field projects or extended laboratory work). The optimization procedure suggested would come a long way to provide a lasting solution for the search of a reliable pump as turbine model.
Multi-Axial Failure of Ceramic Matrix Composite Fiber Tows
Authors: Blacklock M. , Hayhurst D. R.
Published: February 2011

This paper considers the multi-axial stress-strain-failure response of two commercially woven ceramic matrix composites. The different failure mechanisms of uni-axially stressed tows and woven composites are addressed. A model is postulated in which the local transverse and shear stressing, arising from the weave, instantaneously deactivate wake debonding and fiber pullout and initiates dynamic fiber failure; hence, triggering catastrophic failure of the axially stressed region of the tow. The model is shown to predict experimentally measured stress-strain-failure results for the woven composites considered. Simple stress-strain-failure models are also proposed for tows subjected to axial-transverse and axial-shear loadings, but due to the lack of experimental data they have not been validated.
A Degradation Measurement System for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Using a Dead-Ended Passive Stack and Time-Varying Load
Authors: Katayama Noboru , Kogoshi Sumio
Published: February 2011

A degradation measurement system has been developed for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells to reveal the relationship between degradation rates and electric load variations. The system involves a dead-ended stack of 10 single cells and an electronic load device that functions as a time-varying load to each cell of the stack. Use of a stack enables the temperatures of the cells to be kept almost the same and the supplied gas conditions to be constant. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of this test system. The polarization curves of the multiple cells were simultaneously measured, and the load of each cell in the stack can be individually controlled. Therefore, this system could be applied to reduce the time and cost in measuring the degradation and lifespan of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.
Influence of Chip Serration Frequency on Chatter Formation During End Milling of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Patwari Md. Anayet U. , Amin A. K. M. Nurul , Faris Waleed F.
Published: February 2011

This paper includes the findings of an experimental study on instabilities of the chip formation process during end milling of Ti6Al4V alloy and the influence of these instabilities on chatter formation. It has been identified that the chip formation process has a discrete nature, associated with the periodic shearing process during machining. The chip formed during machining of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V is found to be mainly with primary serrated teeth appearing in the main body of the chip. Secondary serrated teeth resulting from the coagulation of a certain number of primary serrated teeth also happen to appear at the free or constrained edge of the chip, especially when the system enters into chatter. In order to identify the interaction of these chip instabilities with the prominent natural vibration of the machine tools system components, the different mode frequencies of the vibrating components of the system have been identified using experimental and finite element modal analyses, and vibration responses during actual cutting have also been recorded using an online vibration monitoring system. The vibration signals in frequency domain (fast Fourier transform) have been analyzed to identify the chatter frequencies and the peak amplitude values. Chatter was found to occur at two dominant mode frequencies of the spindle. These mode frequencies at which chatter occurred have been compared with the chip serration frequencies in a wide cutting speed range for different conditions of cutting. It has been concluded from these findings that chatter occurs during end milling due to the resonance of the machine tools system component when the frequency of primary serrated teeth formation is approximately equal to the “prominent natural frequency” modes of the system components, which are the two mode frequencies of the VMC machine spindle in this particular case.
Using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for Manipulating Energy Gain of Nansulate Coating
Authors: Salehi Hadi , Amiri Mosayyeb , Esfandyari Morteza
Published: February 2011

In this work, an extensive experimental data of Nansulate coating from NanoTechInc were applied to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The Levenberg–Marquart algorithm has been used in network training to predict and calculate the energy gain and energy saving of Nansulate coating. By comparing the obtained results from ANN model with experimental data, it was observed that there is more qualitative and quantitative agreement between ANN model values and experimental data results. Furthermore, the developed ANN model shows more accurate prediction over a wide range of operating conditions. Also, maximum relative error of 3% was observed by comparison of experimental and ANN simulation results.
Fabrication of metal nanowires by ion-beam irradiation of oxides through high aspect ratio resist masks
Authors: Gurovich B. A. , Prikhod’ko K. E. , Taldenkov A. N. , Chumakov N. K. , Fedorov G. E. , Yakubovsky A. Yu. , Bogdanov A. L.
Published: February 2011

A method of ion-beam-induced reduction in oxides is used to produce metal-bismuth nanowires embedded into a matrix of a highly insulating dielectric—bismuth oxide. The metal film is formed in the process of reduction of the metal oxide by selective removal of oxygen atoms under irradiation by the beam of protons through a mask. The mask containing pairs of parallel nanowires with contact pads was fabricated using 50 kV electron-beam lithography in a single layer of 200-nm-thick ZEP-520 (Zeon Chemicals L.P., ZEP-520 electron-beam resist) electron-beam resist. Electrical properties of the fabricated nanowires have been studied. Broadening of the fabricated metal wires with respect to the initial mask width was found to be dependent on the energy of irradiating protons. This effect may be attributed to the scattering of protons in the oxide-film. It is shown that the method of selective atom removal combined with high aspect ratio e-beam lithography is a feasible technique for fabrication of metal nanowires embedded in a dielectric matrix of metal oxide.
Atomic layer deposition of Ru from CpRu(CO)2Et using O2 gas and O2 plasma
Authors: Leick N. , Verkuijlen R. O. F. , Lamagna L. , Langereis E. , Rushworth S. , Roozeboom F. , van de Sanden M. C. M. , Kessels W. M. M.
Published: February 2011

The metalorganic precursor cyclopentadienylethyl(dicarbonyl)ruthenium (CpRu(CO)2Et) was used to develop an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process for ruthenium. O2 gas and O2 plasma were employed as reactants. For both processes, thermal and plasma-assisted ALD, a relatively high growth-per-cycle of ∼1 Å was obtained. The Ru films were dense and polycrystalline, regardless of the reactant, yielding a resistivity of ∼16 μΩ cm. The O2 plasma not only enhanced the Ru nucleation on the TiN substrates but also led to an increased roughness compared to thermal ALD.
Effects of InGaN/GaN superlattice absorption layers on the structural and optical properties of InGaN solar cells
Authors: Tsai Chia-Lung , Fan Gong-Cheng , Lee Yu-Sheng
Published: February 2011

This article studies metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy-grown InGaN p-i-n solar cells with superlattice (SL) absorption layers on c-plane sapphire for the influence of InGaN/GaN SLs on the structural and optical properties of the solar cells. Numerical simulations indicate that conventional p-i-n solar cells with a 200-nm-thick In0.06Ga0.94N absorption layer provide absorption rates as high as 65%. However, experimentally, the optical properties of such an epistructure are deteriorated by the formation of structural defects and result in the fabricated devices having worse photovoltaic characteristics. On the other hand, high-resolution x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence analyses show that solar cells with a SL have improved crystalline quality and can accommodate more indium content than those using an InGaN layer. It was also found that the degree of the exciton localization effect does not rise considerably with increases in the indium content and the SL pair numbers. This could be due to variations in dislocation density, interface roughness, and well width during the SL growth. Using SLs of a reasonable crystalline quality, these fabricated solar cells exhibit improved photovoltaic characteristics.
E-beam invasiveness on 65 nm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor circuitry
Authors: Greenzweig Yuval , Drezner Yariv , Raveh Amir , Sidorov Oleg , Livengood Richard H.
Published: February 2011

Postsilicon debug techniques may require e-beam imaging and nanomachining in the vicinity of live metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices. In that context the authors have investigated the invasiveness of e-beam irradiation on MOS devices to 65 nm integrated circuits, tracked as percent change in ring-oscillator frequencies. Device preparation consisted of backside thinning by mechanical polish, local laser chemical etching to 10 μm Si, and finally, focused ion beam gas-assisted etching, leaving 200–2000 nm remaining Si. This was followed by e-beam exposure at various acceleration energies and doses, from a marginally detectable device degradation dose of 10−4 nC/μm2, and beyond a dose causing total transistor failure around 1.25 nC/μm2, at 30 keV. The authors find that relative frequency degradation depends on irradiation dose as a power law which may be applied to limit unwarranted device degradation. E-beam nanomachining is typically performed at low acceleration energies, conveniently reducing the electron penetration depth, and hence a negligible dose makes it to the devices. This was verified experimentally on 65 nm devices. The results herein put upper bounds on damage-free e-beam-based circuit edit and failure analysis in post-Si debug.
Focus Issue: Conquering the Data Mountain
Authors: Gough Nancy R. , Yaffe Michael B.
Published: February 2011

Massive data sets create challenges for annotation, sharing, and presentation.
Providing a Membrane Reservoir
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2011

Caveolae buffer variations in membrane tension during the response to acute mechanical stress.
Coupled by Caveolin
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: February 2011

Interactions at the cell surface between the endoplasmic or sarcoplasmic reticulum localized inositol trisphosphate receptor and the plasma membrane localized transient receptor potential 3 are mediated by caveolin-1.
Thinking Outside the Box: Fostering Innovation and Non–Hypothesis-Driven Research at NIH
Authors: Aragon Richard
Published: February 2011

NIH's programs to fund the development of high-risk technologies play an important role in translational research.
For Placebo Effects in Medicine, Seeing Is Believing
Authors: Gollub Randy L. , Kong Jian
Published: February 2011

Noninvasive whole-brain imaging can enhance our understanding of brain-based placebo effects.
Shining a Light on Stroke
Authors: Minzenberg Michael J.
Published: February 2011

In vivo

mouse model yields unique insights into brain responses to stroke.
Feasibility of a portable pedal exercise machine for reducing sedentary time in the workplace
Authors: Carr Lucas J , Walaska Kristen A , Marcus Bess H
Published: February 2011

Background

Sedentary time is independently associated with an increased risk of metabolic disease. Worksite interventions designed to decrease sedentary time may serve to improve employee health.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and use of a pedal exercise machine for reducing workplace sedentary time.

Methods

Eighteen full-time employees (mean age+SD 40.2+10.7 years; 88% female) working in sedentary occupations were recruited for participation. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected at baseline and 4 weeks. Participants were provided access to a pedal exercise machine for 4 weeks at work. Use of the device was measured objectively by exercise tracking software, which monitors pedal activity and provides the user real-time feedback (eg, speed, time, distance, calories). At 4 weeks, participants completed a feasibility questionnaire.

Results

Participants reported sitting 83% of their working days. Participants used the pedal machines an average of 12.2+6.6 out of a possible 20 working days and pedalled an average of 23.4+20.4 min each day used. Feasibility data indicate that participants found the machines feasible for use at work. Participants also reported sedentary time at work decreased due to the machine.

Discussion

Findings from this study suggest that this pedal machine may be a feasible tool for reducing sedentary time while at work. These findings hold public health significance due to the growing number of sedentary jobs in the USA and the potential of the device for use in large-scale worksite health programmes.
Pitfalls in bone marrow pathology: avoiding errors in bone marrow trephine biopsy diagnosis
Authors: Wilkins Bridget S
Published: February 2011

Avoiding errors in the histological interpretation of bone marrow trephine biopsy specimens requires an unprecedented degree of collaboration between histopathologists, haematologists, specimen requesters, specimen takers, laboratory technical staff and other scientific staff. A specimen of good quality, with full, relevant clinical information is the essential starting point. This must then be processed optimally and investigated appropriately, involving immunophenotyping and molecular testing when needed. A wide range of pathologies may involve bone marrow haemopoietic and stromal components, and a systematic approach to analysing each of the components in turn is required to avoid overlooking abnormalities; correlation with bone marrow cells aspirated in parallel is particularly important. Final interpretation should be a synthesis of the histological findings with information from such haematological and other investigations, interpreted with due regard to clinical context.
Rationing: the loss of a concept
Authors: Upton Hugh
Published: February 2011

In the literature on the subject there is a trend towards understanding the idea of rationing in healthcare very broadly, to include any form of restriction in supply. It is suggested in this paper that there are good reasons to resist this move, since it would both render the concept redundant through being trivially true and displace an earlier, egalitarian one that retains great moral significance for the supply of healthcare. The nature and significance of the narrower, egalitarian conception is set out, drawing particular attention to the fact that it marks a contrast with the idea of prioritising certain people or groups over others and to the fact that it is a form of rationing that is plausibly regarded as a morally desirable response to severe shortages. It is contrasted with the broad conception and arguments in favour of this latter are considered and rejected.
Experience with coil embolization of previously clipped aneurysms presenting with rupture
Authors: Spiotta Alejandro M , Schuette Albert , Hui Ferdinand , Gupta Rishi , Cawley Charles M , Moskowitz Shaye I
Published: February 2011

Introduction

Endovascular coil embolization has an established role alongside microsurgical clipping in the treatment of aneurysms. We studied previously clipped aneurysms that presented as subarachnoid hemorrhage and were treated by coil embolization.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of two prospectively maintained databases from two institutions (Cleveland Clinic, Emory University) that spanned 12 years.

Results

Seven patients were identified (mean age 56.9 years) who had previously undergone surgical clipping for aneurysm obliteration; six (86%) were previously ruptured. Patients presented with aneurysm rupture with a mean time of 11.5 years (range 4 months to 20 years) following surgical treatment. Aneurysm location included anterior communicating artery (n=4), posterior communicating artery (n=1), internal carotid artery terminus (n=1) and anterior choroidal (n=1). Three patients presented in Hunt and Hess (HH) grade 1, one in HH2, two in HH3 and one in HH4. Four of the patients underwent unassisted coil embolization while balloon assistance was employed in three. Angiographic results were as follows: complete occlusion (n=3; 42.9%) and residual neck (n=4; 57.1%). There were no intraprocedural complications.

Conclusion

Aneurysm rupture following surgical obliteration is a rare event and may occur remote from the initial treatment. Endovascular embolization with or without balloon assistance can be safely employed in cases of aneurysm recurrence rupture following surgical treatment with satisfactory angiographic treatment.
Patterns of hospitalisation before and following initiation of haemodialysis: a 5 year single centre study
Authors: Quinn Michael P , Cardwell Christopher R , Rainey Andrea , McNamee Peter T , Kee Frank , Maxwell Alexander P , Fogarty Damian G , Courtney Aisling E
Published: February 2011

Background

The utilisation of healthcare resources by prevalent haemodialysis patients has been robustly evaluated with regard to the provision of outpatient haemodialysis; however, the impact of hospitalisation among such patients is poorly defined. Minimal information is available in the UK to estimate the health and economic burden associated with the inpatient management of prevalent haemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of hospitalisation among a cohort of haemodialysis patients, before and following their initiation of haemodialysis. In addition the study sought to assess the impact of their admissions on bed occupancy in a large tertiary referral hospital in a single region in the UK.

Methods

All admission episodes were reviewed and those receiving dialysis with the Belfast City Hospital Programme were identified over a 5 year period from January 2001 to December 2005. This tertiary referral centre provides dialysis services for a population of approximately 700 000 and additional specialist renal services for the remainder of Northern Ireland. The frequency and duration of hospitalisation, and contribution to bed day occupancy of haemodialysis patients, was determined and compared to other common conditions which are known to be associated with high bed occupancy. In addition, the pattern and timing of admissions in dialysis patients in relation to their dialysis initiation date was assessed.

Results

Over the 5 year study period, 798 haemodialysis patients were admitted a total of 2882 times. These accounted for 2.5% of all admissions episodes; the median number of admissions for these patients was 3 (2–5) which compared with 1 (1–2) for non-dialysis patients. The majority of first hospitalisations (54%) were within 100 days before or after commencement of maintenance dialysis therapy. In all clinical specialties the median length of stay for haemodialysis patients was significantly longer than for patients not on haemodialysis (p=0.004). In multivariate analysis with adjustment for age, gender, and other clinically relevant diagnostic codes, maintenance haemodialysis patients stayed on average 3.75 times longer than other patient groups (ratio of geometric means 3.75, IQR 3.46–4.06).

Conclusions

Maintenance haemodialysis therapy is an important risk factor for prolonged hospitalisation regardless of the primary reason for admission. Such patients require admission more frequently than the general hospital population, particularly within 100 days before and after initiation of their first dialysis treatment.
Culicoides vectors of bluetongue virus in Chester Zoo
Authors: Vilar M. J. , Guis H. , Krzywinski J. , Sanderson S. , Baylis M.
Published: February 2011

On four nights in June 2008, light traps were operated for Culicoides biting midges, the vector species for bluetongue virus (BTV), at five sites in Chester Zoo in north‐west England. Over 35,000 Culicoides midges, of 25 species, were captured, including high densities inside animal enclosures. Over 94 per cent of all the Culicoides trapped were females of the Obsoletus group, which is implicated as the vector of BTV serotype 8 in northern Europe. The mean catch of this group per trap per night was over 1500, suggesting a potential risk of BTV transmission if the virus is introduced to Chester Zoo in the animals or midges in the summer.
DISTANCE BETWEEN PHYSICAL THEORIES BASED ON INFORMATION THEORY
Authors: CALMET JACQUES , CALMET XAVIER
Published: February 2011

We introduce a concept of distance between physical theories described by an action. The definition of the distance is based on the relative entropy. We briefly discuss potential physical applications.
A NOVEL SCHEME FOR IMAGE ENCRYPTION BASED ON A SYNCHRONIZED COUPLED MAP
Authors: BEHNIA SOHRAB , AKHSHANI AFSHIN , AKHAVAN AMIR
Published: February 2011

This paper investigates properties of synchronization of trigonometric coupled maps. These maps have some advantages, such as an invariant measure, ergodicity and the possibility of Kolmogorov–Sinai (KS) entropy calculation. Moreover, an encryption algorithm based on a synchronized coupled map is suggested and described in detail. Also, some security analyses are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The cryptosystem's speed is analyzed as well. Results of the various types of analysis are encouraging and it can be concluded that the proposed image encryption technique is a suitable choice for practical applications.
ENHANCEMENT OF TRANSPORT CRITICAL CURRENT DENSITY IN NANO Cr2O3 ADDED Ag-SHEATHED (Bi1.6Pb0.4)Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 SUPERCONDUCTOR TAPES
Authors: KONG W. , ABD-SHUKOR R.
Published: February 2011

Ag -sheathed ( Bi 1.6 Pb 0.4) Sr 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10( Bi –2223) high temperature superconductor tapes with 0.1 wt% nano Cr 2 O 3 were fabricated using the powder-in-tube method. The effects of intermediate rolling and sintering temperature on the transport critical current density (Jc) under self-field and applied magnetic field were studied. The X-ray patterns showed a dominant Bi –2223 phase (~80%). A decrease in Jc in applied magnetic field, parallel or perpendicular to the sample wide surface was observed for all tapes. Intermediate rolling improved the self-field Jc(T=77 K ) of the tapes by 25%. Both Jc versus applied field curves and normalized pinning force density Fp/Fp max versus applied field curves showed that the pinning strength was significantly enhanced with thermo-mechanical treatments. SEM micrographs showed improvements in the grain alignment of tapes with intermediate rolling. Enhancement in Jc was observed in the nano Cr 2 O 3 added tapes.
EFFECTS OF NONMAGNETIC SPHERES ON THE MAGNETO-OPTICS OF Fe3O4 COMPOSITE MAGNETIC FLUIDS
Authors: XU M. X. , WANG W. G. , ZHANG Y. Y.
Published: February 2011

Both pure Fe 3 O 4 magnetic fluids and containing polystyrene sphere composite magnetic fluids have been prepared. The magneto-optical characteristics such as magnetic birefringence and linear dichroism of both magnetic fluids and composite magnetic fluids have been investigated by the magneto-optically modulated double-frequency method. The results reveal that the order structure of nonmagnetic spheres and the interactions between the spheres and the neighbor magnetic chains of Fe 3 O 4 particles in the composite magnetic fluids strongly affect the magneto-optical properties. The magneto-optical properties from the study can be used for further development of related new optical devices.
CREATION OF QUANTUM ENTANGLEMENT IN SPIN-ONE ISING MODEL WITH LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSE CRYSTAL FIELDS
Authors: HU MING-LIANG
Published: February 2011

We study ground-state pairwise entanglement of spins in mean field clusters of spin-one particles interacting via the Ising interaction in the presence of longitudinal and transverse crystal fields. A general result is found that for all kinds of the spin-one Ising models, the pairwise negativities are symmetric with respect to the zero values of the applied transverse or longitudinal magnetic fields. For models considered in this paper, we show numerically that the crystal fields can serve as an alternative tool to create "on-demand" ground-state entanglement for small clusters of spins.
LOW Q2 KAON ELECTROPRODUCTION
Authors:   For the JLab E94-107 and Hall A Collaborations, Markowitz P. , Acha A.
Published: February 2011

A measurement of the H(e, e′ K+) reaction was performed at Hall A, TJNAF as part of the hypernuclear experiment E94-107. Data was taken at very low Q2 (~ 0.07 ( GeV /c)2) and W = 2.2 GeV . Kaons were detected along the direction of [Formula: see text], the momentum transferred by the incident electron (θCM = 6°).

These measurements provide data about the Σ0/Λ ratio which drops rapidly with Q2, the angular dependence of the cross sections as Q2 → 0, and the dependence of the cross section with respect to Q2 ,W and θCM.

The dependence of the cross section at very forward angles has been poorly known. Available models are inadequate to describe the results.

The measurement of the elementary cross section will constrain models for the elementary reaction which are inadequate to describe these results. It is also a key ingredient in the hypernuclear spectroscopy studies performed at the same kinematics. Details of the calculations and results will be shown.
η PHOTO-PRODUCTION ON THE DEUTERON AT LNS, TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
Authors: Ishikawa T.
Published: February 2011

The differential and total cross sections were measured for the γp → ηp and γd → ηpn reactions at Eγ ≤ 1150 MeV by using an electro-magnetic (EM) calorimeter SCISSORS II at the Laboratory of Nuclear Science (LNS), Tohoku University. The total cross section on the deuteron shows a bump around Eγ = 1 GeV , while no bump is observed in the same energy region of that on the proton. This bump is attributed to be a nucleon resonance excited from the neutron, and it is a candidate of anti-decuplet penta-quark baryons with hidden strangeness.

It was difficult, however, to detect all the γ's coming from η decay since the solid angle of SCISSORS II was only 12.6% in total. Statistics of the detected η produced events is poor and systematic uncertainty of the obtained cross section is not small due to low acceptance. A new EM calorimeter complex called FOREST with a solid angle of about 4π sr has been constructed. The spin and parity of the relevant resonance are expected to be determined by the experiments with FOREST.
HYPERON-NUCLEUS SYSTEMS IN G-MATRIX APPROACH
Authors: Yamamoto Y.
Published: February 2011

In the G-matrix approach, two topics are discussed. One is the spin-dependent components of ΛN interactions. The other is the derivation of Σ-nucleus interactions.
STUDY OF HYPERON-NUCLEON POTENTIAL FROM LATTICE QCD
Authors: Nemura H. , Ishii N. , Aoki S. , Hatsuda T.
Published: February 2011

We study pΞ0 and pΛ forces by using quenched lattice QCD. The Bethe-Salpeter amplitude is calculated for the lowest scattering state of the systems. The numerical calculation is twofold: (i) For the pΞ0, the potentials and scattering lengths are obtained by using 323 × 32 lattice with β = 5.7, the lattice spacing of a = 0.1416(9) fm , and two kinds of ud quark mass corresponding to mπ ≃ 0.37 GeV and 0.51 GeV. The present results indicate that the pΞ0 interactions are both attractive at 1S0 and 3S1 channels, and the interaction in the 3S1 is more attractive than in the 1S0. These attractive forces become stronger as the u, d quark mass decreases. (ii) For the pΛ, the potentials are calculated by using the 323 × 48 lattice, and two kinds of ud quark mass corresponding to mπ ≃ 0.47 GeV and 0.51 GeV. The present preliminary result shows that the pΛ interactions are both attractive at 1S0 and 3S1 channels.
ΛN FINAL STATE INTERACTION IN (e, e′K+) JEFFERSON LAB EXPERIMENT E91-016
Authors: Reinhold Joerg
Published: February 2011

Jefferson Lab experiment E91-016 studied kaon electroproduction on hydrogen, deuterium and helium targets at a beam energy of 3.245 GeV and four-momentum transfer, Q2, ranging from 0.34 to 0.5 GeV2. Among a variety of other topics, part of this study was the investigation of the threshold region for signatures of final-state interaction between the electroproduced Λ-hyperon and spectator neutron. Compared to a purely quasi-free description, an excess yield was observed in the threshold region. This is compared to the predictions from three different hyperon-nucleon potentials. Though the data exhibit some sensitivity to the tested hyperon-nucleon potentials, further studies would require a more dedicated measurement with better resolution in the threshold region.
Λ(1405) IN A BARYON-MESON SCATTERING DESCRIBED FROM A QUARK-MODEL VIEWPOINT
Authors: Takeuchi Sachiko , Shimizu Kiyotaka
Published: February 2011

Λ(1405) is investigated as a resonance in a coupled channel baryon-meson [Formula: see text] scattering with a 'bound state embedded in the continuum' (BSEC). This BSEC is introduced by hand, as a state not originated from a simple baryon-meson system. We assume it comes from the three-quark state.

There appears a resonance of a large width in the Σπ scattering below the [Formula: see text] threshold by assuming the baryon meson interaction whose channel dependence is (1) flavor-flavor type like the chiral unitary approach, (2) flavor-flavor type with a lower-momentum cut-off, or (3) the same as that of the quark cluster model. It is necessary to introduce a BSEC for the latter two cases in order to reproduce the peak.

The calculation including a BSEC seems to be preferable to reproduce the [Formula: see text] scattering length. Our calculation gives the observed value when the BSEC contribution to the resonance is roughly half of that of the [Formula: see text] channel.
SPECTROSCOPY OF MEDIUM-MASS HYPERNUCLEAR PRODUCTION
Authors: Motoba T. , Bydžovský P. , Sotona M. , Itonaga K. , Ogawa K. , Hashimoto O.
Published: February 2011

Theoretical hypernuclear photoproduction spectra are demonstrated by choosing typical medium-heavy nuclear targets such as 28 Si , 40 Ca , and 52 Cr . The predictions provide us with interesting opportunities of spectroscopic study beyond p-shell on the dynamical coupling between a hyperon and nuclear core excitations.
HYPERNUCLEAR SPECTROSCOPY WITH ELECTRON BEAM AT JLab HALL C
Authors: Fujii Y. , Chiba A. , Doi D. , Gogami T. , Hashimoto O. , Kanda H. , Kaneta M. , Kawama D. , Maeda K. , Maruta T. , Matsumura A. , Nagao S. , Nakamura S. N. , Shichijo A. , Tamura H. , Taniya N. , Yamamoto T. , Yokota K. , Kato S. , Sato Y. , Takahashi T. , Noumi H. , Motoba T. , Hiyama E. , Albayrak I. , Ates O. , Chen C. , Christy M. , Keppel C. , Kohl M. , Li Y. , Liyanage A. , Tang L. , Walton T. , Ye Z. , Yuan L. , Zhu L. , Baturin P. , Boeglin W. , Dhamija S. , Markowitz P. , Raue B. , Reinhold J. , Hungerford Ed. V. , Ent R. , Fenker H. , Gaskell D. , Horn T. , Jones M. , Smith G. , Vulcan W. , Wood S. A. , Johnston C. , Simicevic N. , Wells S. , Samanta C. , Hu B. , Shen J. , Wang W. , Zhang X. , Zhang Y. , Feng J. , Fu Y. , Zhou J. , Zhou S. , Jiang Y. , Lu H. , Yan X. , Ye Y. , Gan L. , Ahmidouch A. , Danagoulian S. , Gasparian A. , Elaasar M. , Wesselmann F. R. , Asaturyan A. , Margaryan A. , Mkrtchyan A. , Mkrtchyan H. , Tadevosyan V. , Androic D. , Furic M. , Petkovic T. , Seva T. , Niculescu G. , Niculescu I. , Rodríguez López V. M. , Cisbani E. , Cusanno F. , Garibaldi F. , Uuciuoli G. M. , De Leo R. , Maronne S.
Published: February 2011

Hypernuclear spectroscopy with electron beam at JLab Hall C has been studied since 2000. The first experiment, JLab E89-009, demonstrated the possibility of the (e, e′ K+) reaction for hypernuclear spectroscopy by achieving an energy resolution of better than 1 MeV (FWHM). The second experiment, JLab E01-011 employed a newly constructed high resolution kaon spectrometer and introduced a vertically tilted electron arm setup to avoid electrons from bremsstrahlung and Moeller scattering. The setup allowed us to have 10 times yield rate and 4 times better signal to accidental ratio with expected energy resolution of 400 keV (FWHM). The third experiment, JLab E05-115 will be performed in 2009 with employing newly constructed high resolution electron spectrometer and a new charge-separation magnet. With the fully customized third generation experimental setup, we can study a variety of targets up to medium-heavy ones such as 52 Cr .
EXOTIC HELIUM ATOMS
Authors: Hayano R. S.
Published: February 2011

Recent progress on the precision laser spectroscopy of antiprotonic helium atoms, as well as on the x-ray spectroscopy of kaonic helium atoms are presented. These two may appear to be unrelated topics (except for the fact that both being exotic helium atoms), but in fact a past study of kaonic helium system led to the serendipitous discovery of antiprotonic helium. Some historical background connecting these two exotic helium atoms, as well as future prospects are discussed.
EFFECTIVE $\bar KN$ INTERACTION AND ROLE OF CHIRAL SYMMETRY
Authors: Hyodo Tetsuo , Weise Wolfram
Published: February 2011

We study the consequence of chiral SU(3) symmetry in the kaon-nucleon phenomenology, by deriving the effective single-channel [Formula: see text] potential. It turns out that the πΣ interaction is strongly attractive and plays an important role for the structure of the Λ(1405) resonance. We discuss the implication of effective potential for the few-body kaonic nuclei.
HYPERNUCLEAR SPECTROSCOPY WITH HEAVY ION BEAMS: THE HypHI PROJECT AT GSI AND FAIR
Authors: Saito T. R. , Bianchin S. , Borodina O. , Hoffmann J. , Koch K. , Kurz N. , Maas F. , Minami S. , Nakajima D. , Ott W. , Özel B. , Rappold C. , Schmidt C. , Trautmann W. , Träger M. , Voltz S. , Achenbach P. , Pochodzalla J. , Sekimoto M. , Takahashi T. , Kavatsyuk M. , Hayashi Y. , Hiraiwa T. , Moritsu M. , Nagae T. , Okamura A. , Sako M. , Sugimura H. , Tanida K. , Fukuda T. , Mizoi Y. , Ajimura S. , Mochizuki T. , Sakaguchi A. , Koike T. , Tamura H.
Published: February 2011

The HypHI experiment for precise hypernuclear spectroscopy with induced reactions of stable heavy ion beams and rare isotope beams is currently under preparation at GSI. The main goal of the HypHI project is to study neutron and proton rich hypernuclei and to measure directly hypernuclear magnetic moments at GSI and FAIR. In the first HypHI experiment (Phase 0) planned in 2009, the feasibility of precise hypernuclear spectroscopy with heavy ion beams will be demonstrated by observing π- decay channels of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with 6 Li projectiles at 2 A GeV impinging on a 12 C target. An overview of the HypHI project and the details of the Phase 0 experiment will be discussed.
A NOTE ON THE PAPER "ON THE CONTROLLABILITY OF A COUPLED SYSTEM OF TWO KORTEWEG–DE VRIES EQUATIONS"
Authors: CERPA EDUARDO , PAZOTO ADEMIR F.
Published: February 2011

This note concerns the paper "On the controllability of a coupled system of two Korteweg–de Vries equations" by Micu et al. [2]. They study a nonlinear coupled system of two Korteweg–de Vries equations and prove that the system is controllable by using four boundary controls. Here, we prove that in some cases it is possible to get the controllablity of the system by using only two controls. This can be done depending on both the spatial domain and the control time.
ROTATIONAL ALIGNMENT OF PRODUCT MOLECULES FROM THE REACTION Ca + HCl→CaCl + H
Authors: TANG PING-YING , LI DONG-LIN , WU MENG-MENG , TANG BI-YU
Published: February 2011

The product rotational polarization in the Ca + HCl→CaCl + H reaction at collision energy of 20 kcal/mol has been studied via the quasiclassical trajectory method on a new ab initio potential surface. The P(θ r ) distribution of angle between k and j′, and the dihedral angular distribution P(Φ r ) characterizing k - k′ - j′ correlation are discussed, the angle distribution P(θ r , Φ r ) of product rotational vectors in the form of polar plot in θ r and Φ r are shown. Furthermore, four PDDCSs (2π/σ)(dσ00/dωt), (2π/σ)(dσ20/dωt), (2π/σ)(dσ22+/dωt) and (2π/σ)(dσ21-/dωt) are also presented. The present calculations reveal that the product rotational alignment is very strong. Finally, the state distributions of the product CaCl are investigated. The results showed that the CaCl product was formed with high vibrational and rotational excitation.