bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annular beam shaping system for advanced 3D laser brazing
Authors: Pütsch Oliver , Stollenwerk Jochen , Kogel-Hollacher Markus , Traub Martin
Published: September 2012

As laser brazing benefits from advantages such as smooth joints and small heat-affected zones, it has become established as a joining technology that is widely used in the automotive industry. With the processing of complex-shaped geometries, recent developed brazing heads suffer, however, from the need for continuous reorientation of the optical system and/or limited accessibility due to lateral wire feeding. This motivates the development of a laser brazing head with coaxial wire feeding and enhanced functionality. An optical system is designed that allows to generate an annular intensity distribution in the working zone. The utilization of complex optical components avoids obscuration of the optical path by the wire feeding. The new design overcomes the disadvantages of the state-of-the-art brazing heads with lateral wire feeding and benefits from the independence of direction while processing complex geometries. To increase the robustness of the brazing process, the beam path also includes a seam tracking system, leading to a more challenging design of the whole optical train. This paper mainly discusses the concept and the optical design of the coaxial brazing head, and also presents the results obtained with a prototype and selected application results.
Diverse roles for the p24 family of proteins in eukaryotic cells
Authors: Schuiki Irmgard , Volchuk Allen
Published: September 2012

Members of the p24 protein family form a highly conserved family of type I transmembrane proteins that are abundant components of the early secretory pathway. Topologically, the proteins have a large luminal domain and a short cytoplasmic domain that allows for targeting to both coat protein complex II and coat protein complex I vesicles, and thus these proteins cycle between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi compartments. Several functions have been proposed for these proteins including a role in coat protein complex I vesicle biogenesis, cargo protein selection, organization of intracellular membranes, and protein quality control. Recent studies have added to the list of potential cargo substrates for which p24 function is required for normal transport in the secretory pathway. This review focuses on recent developments in the study of p24 proteins and their requirement for secretory and membrane protein transport in eukaryotic cells.
Inter-transcriber reliability for two systems of prosodic annotation: ToBI (Tones and Break Indices) and RaP (Rhythm and Pitch)
Authors: Breen, Mara , Dilley, Laura C. , Kraemer, John , Gibson, Edward
Published: September 2012

Speech researchers often rely on human annotation of prosody to generate data to test hypotheses and generate models. We present an overview of two prosodic annotation systems: ToBI (Tones and Break Indices) (Silverman et al., 1992), and RaP (Rhythm and Pitch) (Dilley & Brown, 2005), which was designed to address several limitations of ToBI. The paper reports two large-scale studies of inter-transcriber reliability for ToBI and RaP. Comparable reliability for both systems was obtained for a variety of prominence- and boundary-related agreement categories. These results help to establish RaP as an alternative to ToBI for research and technology applications.
Introducing a corpus of conversational stories. Construction and annotation of the Narrative Corpus
Authors: Rühlemann, Christoph , O'Donnell, Matthew Brook
Published: September 2012

Although widely seen as critical both in terms of its frequency and its social significance as a prime means of encoding and perpetuating moral stance and configuring self and identity, conversational narrative has received little attention in corpus linguistics. In this paper we describe the construction and annotation of a corpus that is intended to advance the linguistic theory of this fundamental mode of everyday social interaction: the Narrative Corpus (NC). The NC contains narratives extracted from the demographically-sampled subcorpus of the British National Corpus (BNC) (XML version). It includes more than 500 narratives, socially balanced in terms of participant sex, age, and social class.

We describe the extraction techniques, selection criteria, and sampling methods used in constructing the NC. Further, we describe four levels of annotation implemented in the corpus: speaker (social information on speakers), text (text Ids, title, type of story, type of embedding etc.), textual components (pre-/post-narrative talk, narrative, and narrative-initial/final utterances), and utterance (participation roles, quotatives and reporting modes). A brief rationale is given for each level of annotation, and possible avenues of research facilitated by the annotation are sketched out.
Synthesis of novel 2,6-bis(5-t-butylbenzo[b]furan-2-ylcarbonyl)pyridines
Authors: Li Yang , Tao Xiyue , Lin Guihai , Gao Wentao
Published: September 2012

A facile synthesis of new 2,6-bis(5-t-butyl-benzo[b]furan-2-ylcarbonyl)pyridines 3a–e is described. The synthesis mainly relies on the ultrasound-assisted Rap-Stoermer reaction of 2,6-bis(bromoacetyl)pyridine (1) with t-butyl substituted salicylaldehydes 2a–e in MeCN with the presence of PEG-400 as catalyst. This procedure is characterized by short reaction times and good yields.
Activities of FexO in Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-FexO Homogeneous Liquid Slags at 1673 K
Authors: Hasegawa M. , Hayashi T. , Sasaki T. , Iwase M.
Published: September 2012

Electrochemical measurements of the solid-oxide galvanic cell of the type Mo/Mo + MoO2/ZrO2 (MgO)/Fe + {Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-FexO} slag/Ag/Fe were conducted at 1673 K in order to obtain the activities of FexO in Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-FexO system. The iso-activity curves for FexO at 1673 K were determined for Na2O-(Al2O3 + SiO2)-FexO pseudo-ternary slags with an Al2O3/SiO2 molar ratio of 33/67.
The Enduring Collaboration of the Getty Conservation Institute and the Dunhuang Academy in Conservation and Management at the Buddhist Cave Temples of Dunhuang, China
Authors: Agnew Neville , Demas Martha , Xudong Wang
Published: September 2012

The World Heritage site of the Mogao Grottoes near Dunhuang is China's preeminent ancient Buddhist site on the Silk Road. It flourished between the fourth and the fourteenth centuries and comprises some 492 cave temples with wall paintings and sculpture. The Getty Conservation Institute has been working with the Dunhuang Academy since 1989 on site conservation and management using guidelines, the Principles for the Conservation of Heritage Sites in China, that were developed at the national level. Elements of the successful twenty-year collaboration are discussed in the context of the conservation and management challenges faced at the site and the projects developed to address them, including conservation of the wall paintings in Cave 85, a late Tang dynasty cave with extensive deterioration induced by salts derived from the underlying rock; and visitors to the site, who have increased rapidly since the site was opened in 1979.
The Relationship Between Motor Coordination and Intelligence Across the IQ Range
Authors: Smits-Engelsman Bouwien , Hill Elisabeth L.
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE:

In both clinical practice and research, motor delay is understood to be explained, at least in part, by intellectual abilities; however, no data are available to operationalize these criteria to guide clinical decision making. This study provides data on IQ and motor skills in children to answer 3 research questions concerning the relationship between IQ and motor skill: (1) Can motor coordination impairment be explained in terms of general intellectual retardation? (2) What level of motor performance should be expected given the person's measured intelligence? (3) At what point are motor difficulties considered to be in excess of those usually associated with mental retardation?

METHODS:

IQ and motor skill data were analyzed from a group of 460 children identified with/without motor difficulties from both clinical and educational settings.

RESULTS:

Typical and atypical motor skill was seen at all IQ levels, 19% of the variance in motor outcomes was explained by IQ scores, and for each SD lower IQ, a mean loss of 10 percentile motor points should be expected.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although individuals with a lower measured IQ more often showed poorer motor performance than those with a higher measured IQ, motor skill at all levels of proficiency was seen in all IQ categories. These findings have important implications for clinical judgments and decision-making, as well as for future research directions to further operationalize the criteria relating to motor disorders in both the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Revision, and the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision.
Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes of a Scalable, Community-based Treatment of Childhood Obesity
Authors: Foster Gary D. , Sundal Deborah , McDermott Cynthia , Jelalian Elissa , Lent Michelle R. , Vojta Deneen
Published: September 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Clinic-based treatments of childhood obesity are effective but typically have limited reach and are costly. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a scalable weight management program for children and teenagers.

METHODS:

Participants were 155 children and their parent/guardian. Children had a mean ± SD age of 11.3 ± 2.8 years, BMI z score of 2.23 ± 0.41, and a percentage overweight of 72.5 ± 34.0. Most (92%) were obese, and nearly half (46.5%) were ≥99th percentile for BMI. The primary outcome was change in percentage overweight from baseline to 6 months.

RESULTS:

At 6 months, children experienced a 3.4 percentage point reduction in percentage overweight (P = .001). Children <13 years had a 4.3 percentage point reduction in percentage overweight, whereas those ≥13 years had a 1.0 percentage point reduction. Those who attended a greater number of face-to-face group sessions experienced greater changes in percentage overweight. There were significant improvements in child health-related quality of life as reported by both children and their parents.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data suggest that a scalable, community-based pediatric obesity intervention can result in clinically significant reductions in percentage overweight, as well as improvements in health-related quality of life.
Intensive conservative insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jermendy György
Published: September 2012

In the last couple of years, the intensive conservative insulin treatment (basal-bolus regime) became more and more popular even in patients with type 2 diabetes. Using this insulin treatment, continuous patient education, co-operation between the medical team (diabetologist, dietician and diabetes-nurses) and the patient as well as the availability of modern insulins, pens and glucometers are of great importance. Clearly, the basal-bolus treatment with human insulin has advantages over the conservative (conventional) treatment with twice daily premix insulins. Moreover, the basal-bolus treatment with insulin-analogues proved to be superior in some aspects as compared to human insulins. The intensive insulin treatment (basal-bolus regime with insulin-analogues) approaches the optimal insulin substitution and, with its use the adequate correction of each element of the glucose triad (fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c) should be considered feasible even in patients with type 2 diabetes. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1487–1493.
Successfully Controlling Unwanted Gas Production in a Highly Naturally Fractured Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Diaz Ismael , Nava Tomas , Deolarte Carlos , Castillo Oscar , Vasquez Julio , Cancino Victor , Caballero Carlos
Published: September 2012

This paper presents the successful field implementation of a conformance polymer (CP) system used to control undesired gas production in the Cantarell field, a naturally fractured offshore carbonate reservoir in southern Mexico. Gas control is a challenge in this field because high gas-oil ratios (GORs) force the operator to prematurely abandon wells because of gas-handling facility constraints, leaving substantial oil reserves in place. Case histories are presented in which the CP system was successfully applied to reduce undesired gas production to an acceptable level. The CP treatments were tailed in with foam cement to avoid overdisplacement in these fractured, depleted formations.

The CP system is based on a copolymer of acrylamide and t-butyl acrylate (PAtBA) crosslinked with polyethyleneamine (PEI). To date, more than 700 jobs have been performed with the CP system around the world, mostly to address excessive water production problems, such as coning/cresting, high-permeability streaks, gravel-pack isolation, fracture shutoff, and/or casing-leak repair. Similarly, this system provides excellent gas shutoff properties as well. The operating temperature range of this system is from 60 to 350°F. The CP system has been successfully applied to sandstone, carbonate, and shale formations requiring a conformance treatment. This system has been successfully tested to withstand a differential pressure of at least 2,500 psi and is resistant to acid, CO2, and H2S environments.

One of the most demanding scenarios for this type of polymer system is stopping gas production, especially in this reservoir where the operator must deal with a combination of high matrix permeability (3 to 10 darcy) and natural fractures. These CP treatments have proven to be economical gas shutoff solutions in difficult well/reservoir environments, yielding significant reduction of gas and/or increased oil production. A detailed description of the wells treated with the CP systems is presented along with one-year production rates after the treatment.
Differences in Clinical Presentation and Findings between Idiopathic Dilated and Ischaemic Cardiomyopathy in an Unselected Population of Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Mantziari Lilian , Ziakas Antonis , Ventoulis Ioannis , Kamperidis Vasileios , Lilis Leonidas , Katsiki Niki , Karavasiliadou Savvato , Kiraklidis Konstantinos , Pliakos Christodoulos , Gemitzis Konstantinos , Karvounis Haralambos , Styliadis Ioannis H
Published: September 2012

We explored the differences in epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic characteristics between idiopathic dilated (IDCM) and ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM).

Consecutive patients with stable chronic heart failure evaluated at a tertiary cardiac centre were enrolled. Clinical examination, blood tests and echocardiographic study were performed.

A total of 76 patients (43 IDCM, 33 ICM) were studied. IDCM patients were younger (p<0.001) and female gender was more prevalent (p=0.022). NYHA class and left ventricular ejection fraction were similar. IDCM patients had lower rates of dyslipidaemia (p<0.001) but smoked more than ICM patients (p=0.023) and had higher rates of family history of sudden cardiac death (p=0.048). Blood pressure was similar but resting heart rate was higher in IDCM patients (p=0.022). IDCM patients presented less frequently with peripheral oedema or ascites (p=0.046 and 0.020, respectively) and showed better right ventricular function on echocardiogram. QRS duration was similar between groups but only in IDCM patients there was a positive correlation between QRS duration and age (r=0.619, p<0.001). Cardiac output was similar but functional capacity assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index was better in IDCM (p=0.036). Despite these differences, IDCM and ICM patients received similar treatments.

Patients with IDCM were younger, presented lower rates of right ventricular dysfunction and clinical right ventricular failure and had better functional capacity. Additional differences in clinical and laboratory findings exist pointing to a different patient population with diverse prognosis and potential need for individualized management.
Multifragmentary Tibial Pilon Fractures: Midterm Results After Osteosynthesis with External Fixation and Multiple Lag Screws
Authors: Kiene Johannes , Herzog Jan , Jürgens Christian , Paech Andreas
Published: September 2012

Osteosynthesis of intraarticular tibial pilon fractures is preferably achieved using locking plates via a minimally invasive technique. If combined with severe soft tissue damage there is a high risk of wound-healing deficits after plate osteosynthesis. Thus our aim was to find an alternative method of treatment for those cases with combined soft tissue injuries.

We report on five cases with comminuted fractures of the joint surface combined with critical soft tissue condition that were treated with lag screws and external fixation (AO) applied across the ankle joint. All five patients were followed up, undergoing clinical and radiological examination.

Using this approach we achieved fracture healing of comminuted fractures without further complications. Clinical follow-up after an average of 55.6 (36–75) months revealed a mean AOFAS score of 81 (62–100).

We therefore propose combined treatment using lag screws with external fixation as a practical treatment option for those fractures for which lag screws combined with a locking plate are not feasible or when there is a high risk of wound-healing deficits due to severe soft tissue damage.
Assessing the Assumptions of Respondent-Driven Sampling in the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System among Injecting Drug Users
Authors: Lansky Amy , Drake Amy , Wejnert Cyprian , Pham Huong , Cribbin Melissa , Heckathorn Douglas D
Published: September 2012

Several assumptions determine whether respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is an appropriate sampling method to use with a particular group, including the population being recruited must know one another as members of the group (i.e., injection drug users [IDUs] must know each other as IDUs) and be networked and that the sample size is small relative to the overall size of the group. To assess these three assumptions, we analyzed city-specific data collected using RDS through the US National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System among IDUs in 23 cities. Overall, 5% of non-seed participants reported that their recruiter was “a stranger.” 20 cities with multiple field sites had ≥1 cross-recruitment, a proxy for linked networks. Sample sizes were small in relation to the IDU population size (median = 2.3%; range: 0.6%- 8.0%). Researchers must evaluate whether these three assumptions were met to justify the basis for using RDS to sample specific populations.
Enhanced Collection of Laboratory Data in HIV Surveillance Among 5
States with Confidential Name-based HIV Infection Reporting, 2005-2006
Authors: Gray Kristen Mahle , Kajese Tebitha , Crandell-Alden Erin , Anderson Bridget J , Wendell Debbie , Crutchfield Allison , Jackson Terry , Hall H. Irene
Published: September 2012

Laboratory data reported through HIV surveillance can provide information about disease severity and linkage to care; however these measures are only as accurate as the quality and completeness of data reported. Using data from five states that implemented enhanced collection of laboratory data in HIV surveillance from 2005-2006, we determined completeness of reporting, stage of disease at diagnosis, the most common opportunistic illnesses (OI) at diagnosis, and linkage to medical care. Methods to enhance laboratory reporting included increasing active surveillance efforts, identifying laboratories not reporting to HIV surveillance, increasing electronic reporting, and using laboratory results from auxiliary databases. Of 3,065 persons ≥13 years of age diagnosed with HIV, 35.5% were diagnosed with stage 3 (AIDS) and 37.7% progressed to stage 3 within 12-months after diagnosis. Overall, 78.5% were linked to care within 3 months; however, a higher proportion of persons with ≥1 CD4 or viral load test was found among whites compared with blacks/African Americans (82.1% vs 73.6%, p<0.001). Few (12.3%) had an OI within 3 months of diagnosis. The completeness of laboratory data collected through surveillance was improved with enhanced reporting and provided a more accurate picture of stage of disease and gaps in linkage to care. Additional interventions are needed to meet the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy on linkage to care and the reduction of HIV-related disparities.
Prevalence of and Viral Outcomes Associated with Primary HIV-1 Drug Resistance
Authors: Buskin SE , Zhang S , Thibault CS
Published: September 2012

Primary, or transmitted, HIV antiretroviral resistance is an ongoing concern despite continuing development of new antiretroviral therapies. We examined HIV surveillance data, including both patient demographic characteristics and laboratory data, combined with HIV genotypic test results to evaluate the comprehensiveness of drug resistance surveillance, prevalence of primary drug resistance, and impact, if any, of primary resistance on population-based virological outcomes. The King County, WA Variant, Atypical, and Resistant HIV Surveillance (VARHS) system increased coverage of eligible genotypic testing – within three months of an HIV diagnosis among antiretroviral naïve individuals -- from – 15% in 2003 to 69% in 2010. VARHS under-represented females, Blacks, Native Americans, and injection drug users. Primary drug resistance was more common among males, individuals aged 20 – 29 years, men who had sex with men, and individuals with an initial CD4+ lymphocyte count of 200 cells/µL and higher. High level resistance to two or three antiretroviral classes declined over time. Over 90% of sequences were HIV-1 subtype B. The proportion of individuals with a most recent viral load (closest to April 2011) that was undetectable (<50 copies/mL) was not statistically significantly associated with primary drug resistance. This was true for both number and type of antiretroviral drug class; although small numbers of specimens with drug resistance may have limited our statistical power. In summary, although we found disparities in testing coverage and prevalence of drug resistance, we were unable to detect a significantly deleterious impact of primary drug resistance based on a most recent viral load.
Repeat Western Blot Testing After Receiving an HIV Diagnosis and Its Association with Engagement in Care
Authors: Duffus Wayne A , Kintziger Kristina W , Heffelfinger James D , Delaney Kevin P , Stephens Terri , Gibson James J
Published: September 2012

Objectives:

To examine the prevalence of and factors associated with potentially unnecessary repeat confirmatory testing after initial HIV diagnosis and the relationship of repeat testing to medical care engagement.

Design:

South Carolina HIV/AIDS surveillance data for 12,504 individuals who were newly diagnosed with HIV infection between January 1997 and December 2008 were used for this analysis. State law requires that all positive Western blot [WB] results be reported regardless of frequency.

Methods:

HIV-infected persons, diagnosed from 1997-2008 and followed through 2009, with repeat positive WB results were compared to those who did not have repeat positive WB results. We defined repeat positive testing as documentation of one or more positive WB obtained ≥90 days following initial WB confirmatory result. HIV care engagement for the period from 2007-2009 was assessed by documentation of CD4+ T-cell/viral load reports to the South Carolina HIV/AIDS surveillance system during each six-month period of a calendar year for those individuals diagnosed prior to the assessment period and still alive at the end. Relative risk [RR] with 95% confidence intervals [CI] and multivariable general linear models were used to assess if any covariates of interest were independently associated with repeat positive confirmatory testing.

Results:

A total of 4,237 [34%] of 12,504 HIV-infected individuals had results of repeat positive WB testing reported to the surveillance system during 1997-2008. Persons who had repeat positive WB testing were more likely than persons who did not have repeat WB testing to have progressed to AIDS >1 year following diagnosis [RR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.61, 1.80] and to be consistently in care [RR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24, 1.47] or have sporadic care [RR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.68, 1.94].

Discussion:

Having repeat positive WB tests may be a marker of engaging HIV care. However, given the limited resources available for care, it is important that healthcare reform policy and clinical recommendations promote improvements in communications about previous test results.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in East Asia: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Schatz David Beck , Hsiao Mei-Chun , Liu Chia-Yih
Published: September 2012

Objective:

Fluctuations in ovarian steroids during specific phases of the reproductive cycle, such as pre-menstruation, have been hypothesized to contribute to women's increased vulnerability to depression. This current study's goal is to summarize the literature regarding Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) in the East Asian countries of Taiwan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Japan, and Korea.

Method:

A Pubmed and Chinese Electronic Periodical Service (CEPS) literature review was conducted using the key words “Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder” along with “Japan,” “Korea,” “Taiwan,” “Hong Kong,” and “Macau.” Using these criteria, 17 articles were found. Three articles were excluded because they did not involve PMDD in the aforementioned countries. In addition to this search, an article found in a review of the research on reproductive mental health disorders in China was utilized. That review contained one article regarding PMDD with an English language abstract, which was utilized in this current article.

Results:

The rates of PMDD in East Asia (1.3–2.8%) appear to be lower than that seen in the Western literature (3–8%). Many of the risk factors for PMDD were the same in the Eastern and Western literature, although some key differences were found. The few studies on treatment of PMDD in East Asia have shown positive results.

Conclusions:

The rates of PMDD appear to be lower in East Asia, though reasons for this result are discussed. Few studies have been conducted examining the efficacy of psychotropic medications commonly used to treat PMDD in this population.
Suicidality and its Associated Factors in Cancer Patients: Results of a Multi-Center Study in Korea
Authors: Shim Eun-Jung , Park Jae-Hyun
Published: September 2012

Objective:

The current study examined the prevalence and associated factors of suicidality among Korean cancer patients. Moreover, the association of multiple psychological morbidities with suicidality was investigated among cancer patients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional, multi-center survey of 400 cancer patients was administered in five cancer-treatment hospitals throughout South Korea. Study variables were assessed using standardized measures including the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview suicidality module, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised.

Results:

20.1% (80/399) of patients were positive cases of suicidality. Having no religion ( p = .010), poor performance status ( p = .000), and psychological comorbidity ( p = .021) were significantly associated with the experience of suicidality in the multivariate analysis. Compared to “fully active” patients, patients who were capable of self-care but unable to perform any work activities had about a six times higher risk of suicidality ( p = .000). Compared to patients with no psychological morbidity, the risk of suicidality was significantly higher among patients with comorbid anxiety and depression ( p = .024), those experiencing comorbid depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ( p = 0.051), and those experiencing comorbid anxiety, depression and PTSD ( p = .001).

Conclusions:

This study found that having no religion, impaired levels of overall functioning, and “multiple psychological morbidities” were associated with suicidality in Korean cancer patients. These findings suggest a need for careful monitoring of these factors and enhanced comprehensive care addressing both the physical and psychosocial functioning of patients with cancer in suicide prevention efforts.
Need for Achievement, Education, and Entrepreneurial Risk-Taking Behavior
Authors: Chen Shouming , Su Xuemei , Wu Sibin
Published: September 2012

We examined which factors lead to entrepreneurial risk-taking behavior, using the 2 tests of entrepreneurial behavior theory (desirability and feasibility) to investigate how need for achievement and education interact to influence risk-taking propensity. Using data collected from 230
nascent entrepreneurs in a mid-western state in the USA, we tested 2 hypotheses and found empirical evidence to support the 2 tests theory. The results showed that entrepreneurs with high need for achievement and who had received higher education were more willing to take risks than were entrepreneurs
with low need for achievement and who had not received higher education. Research implications and limitations are discussed.
An integrated supply chain inventory model with imperfect-quality items, controllable lead time and distribution-free demand
Authors: Lin Hsien-Jen
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we consider an integrated vendor-buyer inventory policy for a
continuous review model with a random number of defective items and screening
process gradually at a fixed screening rate in buyer?s arriving order lot. We
assume that shortages are allowed and partially backlogged on the buyer?s
side, and that the lead time demand distribution is unknown, except its first
two moments. The objective is to apply the minmax distribution free approach
to determine the optimal order quantity, reorder point, lead time and the
number of lots delivered in one production run simultaneously so that the
expected total system cost is minimized. Numerical experiments along with
sensitivity analysis were performed to illustrate the effects of parameters
on the decision and the total system cost.
Numerical Mesoscopic Analysis of Fracture in Fine-Grained Concrete
Authors: Skarzynski Ł. , Tejchman J.
Published: September 2012

This paper presents numerical two-dimensional results for fine-grained concrete under quasi-static three-point bending at meso-scale. Concrete was modelled as a random heterogeneous three-phase material. The simulations for notched concrete beams were carried out with the standard finite element method using an isotropic damage constitutive model enhanced by a characteristic length of micro-structure by means of a non-local theory. The effect of the volume fraction, shape, size, statistical distribution and stiffness of aggregate was analysed. Moreover, the effect of the bond thickness, notch size and characteristic length of micro-structure on the material behaviour was numerically investigated. The FE results were compared with own laboratory test results and other meso-scale calculations for three-phase concrete elements.
Seismic Vulnerability Functional Method for Rapid Visual Screening of Existing Buildings
Authors: Yadollahi Mohammadreza , Adnan Azlan , Zin Rosli Mohamad
Published: September 2012

Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) method for buildings was originally developed by the Applied Technology Council (ATC) in the late 1980’s for potential seismic hazards. This is a simple and almost a quick way of assessing the building seismic vulnerability score based on visual screening. The logarithmic relationship between final score and the probability of collapse at the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) makes results somewhat difficult to interpret, especially for less technical users. This study is developed to improve the simplicity and usefulness of RVS methodology to determine the numeric scores for seismic vulnerability of buildings using vulnerability functional form. The proposed approach applies the existing method in FEMA 154 (2002) for calculating the building rank based on RVS method. In this study RVS scores are used to evaluate populations of buildings to prioritize detailed evaluations and seismic retrofits. The alternate non-logarithmic format of scoring scheme is much better meeting the needs of the project managers and decision makers, as they require results that are easier to understand. It shows the linear equivalent of RVS final scores which is consistent with the existing ranking systems used in the buildings management program such as budget allocation decision making. The results demonstrate that the weight determined for the factor of “Region Seismicity”, which is 0.4033, has the highest contribution to seismic vulnerability scores of buildings. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated through a hypothetical example to rank ten seismically vulnerable buildings.
The Influence of the European Union Funds on the Development of the Electronic Business Sector in Poland
Authors: Czajkowski Tomasz
Published: September 2012

The article presents the analysis of the results of research concerning the influence of the European Union funds from the Operational Programme Innovative Economy (“PO IG – Program Operacyjny Innowacyjna Gospodarka” in Polish), measure 8.2. supporting B2B in electronic economy and measure 8.1. supporting economic activity in the range of electronic economy (eServices), on the development of the electronic business sector in Poland. Such important aspects as the innovativeness and competitiveness of the surveyed companies and their cooperation with the Implementing Institution – Polish Agency for Entrepreneurship Development (PARP – Polska Agencja Rozwoju Przedsiębiorczości in Polish) are covered. The conclusions from the research and the recommendations concerning the improvements for the future work and cooperation of the Implementing Institution of the financial support with the enterprises are also presented.
Active Fault Tolerant Control for Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Motor
Authors: Boukhnifer Moussa
Published: September 2012

Active Fault Tolerant Control for Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Motor

Ultrasonic piezoelectric motor technology is an important system component in integrated mechatronics devices working on extreme operating conditions. Due to these constraints, robustness and performance of the control interfaces should be taken into account in the motor design. In this paper, we apply a new architecture for a fault tolerant control using Youla parameterization for an ultrasonic piezoelectric motor. The distinguished feature of proposed controller architecture is that it shows structurally how the controller design for performance and robustness may be done separately which has the potential to overcome the conflict between performance and robustness in the traditional feedback framework. A fault tolerant control architecture includes two parts: one part for performance and the other part for robustness. The controller design works in such a way that the feedback control system will be solely controlled by the proportional plus double-integralPI2 performance controller for a nominal model without disturbances andH∞robustification controller will only be activated in the presence of the uncertainties or an external disturbances. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault tolerant control architecture.
A Wide Range Robust PSS Design Based on Power System Pole-Placement Using Linear Matrix Inequality
Authors: Ataei Mohammad , Hooshmand Rahmat-Allah , Parastegari Moein
Published: September 2012

A Wide Range Robust PSS Design Based on Power System Pole-Placement Using Linear Matrix Inequality

In this paper, a new method for robust PSS design based on the power system pole placement is presented. In this stabilizer, a feedback gain matrix is used as a controller. The controller design is proposed by formulating the problem of robust stability in a Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) form. Then, the feedback gain matrix is designed based on the desired region of the closed loop system poles. This stabilizer shifts the poles of the power system in different operational points into the desired regions ins-plane, such that the response of the power system will have proper damping ratio in all the operational points. The uncertainties of the power system parameters are also considered in this robust technique. Finally, in order to show the advantages of the proposed method in comparison with conventional PSS, some simulation results are provided for a power system case study in different operational points.
Anxiety in Veterinary Surgical Students: A Quantitative Study
Authors: Langebæk Rikke , Eika Berit , Jensen Asger Lundorff , Tanggaard Lene , Toft Nils , Berendt Mette
Published: September 2012

The surgical educational environment is potentially stressful and this can negatively affect students' learning. The aim of this study was to investigate whether veterinary students' level of anxiety is higher in a surgical course than in a non-surgical course and if pre-surgical training in a Surgical Skills Lab (SSL) has an anxiety reducing effect. Investigations were carried out as a comparative study and a parallel group study. Potential participants were fourth-year veterinary students who attended a surgical course (Basic Surgical Skills) and a non-surgical course (Clinical Examination Skills); both courses were offered in multiple classes (with a total of 171 students in 2009 and 156 students in 2010). All classes in 2009 participated in the SSL stage of the Basic Surgical Skills course before performing live-animal surgery, and one class (28 students) in 2010 did not. Two validated anxiety questionnaires (Spielberger's state-trait anxiety inventory and Cox and Kenardy's performance anxiety questionnaire) were used. Anxiety levels were measured before the non-surgical course (111 students from 2009) and before live-animal surgery during the surgical course (153 students from 2009 and 28 students from 2010). Our results show that anxiety levels in veterinary students are significantly higher in a surgical course than in a non-surgical course (p<.001), and that practicing in a SSL helps reduce anxiety before live-animal surgery (p<.005).
Bundles over Quantum RealWeighted Projective Spaces
Authors: Brzeziński Tomasz , Fairfax Simon A.
Published: September 2012

The algebraic approach to bundles in non-commutative geometry and the definition of quantum real weighted projective spaces are reviewed. Principal U(1)-bundles over quantum real weighted projective spaces are constructed. As the spaces in question fall into two separate classes, the negative or odd class that generalises quantum real projective planes and the positive or even class that generalises the quantum disc, so do the constructed principal bundles. In the negative case the principal bundle is proven to be non-trivial and associated projective modules are described. In the positive case the principal bundles turn out to be trivial, and so all the associated modules are free. It is also shown that the circle (co)actions on the quantum Seifert manifold that define quantum real weighted projective spaces are almost free.
Why Assembling Plant Genome Sequences Is So Challenging
Authors: Claros Manuel Gonzalo , Bautista Rocío , Guerrero-Fernández Darío , Benzerki Hicham , Seoane Pedro , Fernández-Pozo Noé
Published: September 2012

In spite of the biological and economic importance of plants, relatively few plant species have been sequenced. Only the genome sequence of plants with relatively small genomes, most of them angiosperms, in particular eudicots, has been determined. The arrival of next-generation sequencing technologies has allowed the rapid and efficient development of new genomic resources for non-model or orphan plant species. But the sequencing pace of plants is far from that of animals and microorganisms. This review focuses on the typical challenges of plant genomes that can explain why plant genomics is less developed than animal genomics. Explanations about the impact of some confounding factors emerging from the nature of plant genomes are given. As a result of these challenges and confounding factors, the correct assembly and annotation of plant genomes is hindered, genome drafts are produced, and advances in plant genomics are delayed.
There Are Conscious and Unconscious Agendas in the Brain and Both Are Important—Our Will Can Be Conscious as Well as Unconscious
Authors: Deecke Lüder
Published: September 2012

I have been asked to write a few words on consciousness in this editorial issue. My thoughts on consciousness will focus on the relation between consciousness and will. Consciousness is not an epiphenomenon as some people believe—it is not a psychological construct either. Consciousness is a brain function. With deeper thought it is even more than that—a brain state. Writing this, I am in a conscious state, I hope at least. In every day philosophy, a close connection of consciousness with will is ventured, and is expressed in the term “conscious free will”. However, this does not mean that our will is totally determined and not free, be it conscious or unconscious. Total determinists postulate total freedom from nature in order to speak of free will. Absolute freedom from nature is an a priori impossibility; there is no way to escape from nature. However, we have relative freedom, graded freedom, freedom in degrees, enabling us to make responsible decisions and be captains of our own destiny. We are not totally determined. We can upregulate our degrees of freedom by self-management or we can downregulate them by self-mismanagement. In the present communication consciousness and the unconscious are discussed in their various aspects and interactions.
Black Holes, Cosmological Solutions, Future Singularities, and Their Thermodynamical Properties in Modified Gravity Theories
Authors: De la Cruz-Dombriz Alvaro , Sáez-Gómez Diego
Published: September 2012

Along this review, we focus on the study of several properties of modified gravity theories, in particular on black-hole solutions and its comparison with those solutions in General Relativity, and on Friedmann–Lemaˆıtre–Robertson–Walker metrics. The thermodynamical properties of fourth order gravity theories are also a subject of this investigation with special attention on local and global stability of paradigmatic f(R) models. In addition, we revise some attempts to extend the Cardy–Verlinde formula, including modified gravity, where a relation between entropy bounds is obtained. Moreover, a deep study on cosmological singularities, which appear as a real possibility for some kind of modified gravity theories, is performed, and the validity of the entropy bounds is studied.
Mechanisms of Ovarian Cancer Metastasis: Biochemical Pathways
Authors: Nakayama Kentaro , Nakayama Naomi , Katagiri Hiroshi , Miyazaki Kohji
Published: September 2012

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Despite advances in chemotherapy, the five-year survival rate of advanced ovarian cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis remains around 30%. The most significant prognostic factor is stage, and most patients present at an advanced stage with peritoneal dissemination. There is often no clearly identifiable precursor lesion; therefore, the events leading to metastatic disease are poorly understood. This article reviews metastatic suppressor genes, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the tumor microenvironment as they relate to ovarian cancer metastasis. Additionally, novel chemotherapeutic agents targeting the metastasis-related biochemical pathways are discussed.
Meroterpenes from Endophytic Fungus A1 of Mangrove Plant Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea
Authors: Mei Wen-Li , Zheng Bo , Zhao You-Xing , Zhong Hui-Ming , Chen Xun-Li Wu , Zeng Yan-Bo , Dong Wen-Hua , Huang Jiu-Li , Proksch Peter , Dai Hao-Fu
Published: September 2012

Four new meroterpenes, guignardones F–I (1–4), together with two known compounds guignardones A (5) and B (6) were isolated from the endophytic fungus A1 of the mangrove plant Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic data and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. A possible biogenetic pathway of compounds 1–6 was also proposed. All compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus aureus.
The Antiangiogenic Compound Aeroplysinin-1 Induces Apoptosis in Endothelial Cells by Activating the Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Martínez-Poveda Beatriz , Rodríguez-Nieto Salvador , García-Caballero Melissa , Medina Miguel-Ángel , Quesada Ana R.
Published: September 2012

Aeroplysinin-1 is a brominated metabolite extracted from the marine sponge Aplysina aerophoba that has been previously characterized by our group as a potent antiangiogenic compound in vitro and in vivo. In this work, we provide evidence of a selective induction of apoptosis by aeroplysinin-1 in endothelial cells. Studies on the nuclear morphology of treated cells revealed that aeroplysinin-1 induces chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation, and it increases the percentage of cells with sub-diploid DNA content in endothelial, but not in HCT-116, human colon carcinoma and HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Treatment of endothelial cells with aeroplysinin-1 induces activation of caspases-2, -3, -8 and -9, as well as the cleavage of apoptotic substrates, such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and lamin-A in a caspase-dependent mechanism. Our data indicate a relevant role of the mitochondria in the apoptogenic activity of this compound. The observation that aeroplysinin-1 prevents the phosphorylation of Bad relates to the mitochondria-mediated induction of apoptosis by this compound.
Biological Activity and Safety of Tripterygium Extract Prepared by Sodium Carbonate Extraction
Authors: Fang Wei , Peng Fan , Yi Tao , Zhang Cong , Wan Chunxi , Xu Huibi , Lam Christopher Waikei , Yang Xiangliang
Published: September 2012

The commercial preparation named “Tripterygium glycosides” prepared by column chromatography has been used for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases with significant efficacy but concurrent toxicity. The aim of this study was to reduce the toxicity of Tripterygium extracts, using cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the three principal active components of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. (TWHF) as guiding parameters. Column chromatography was replaced by sodium carbonate extraction for removing the acidic compounds and enriching epoxyditerpenoids and alkaloids in the extract. Results showed that the therapeutic index (IC50/EC50) on murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cells and rat mesangial HBZY-1 cells of the extract prepared by sodium carbonate extraction was significantly higher than that of Tripterygium glycosides (0.8 and 5.2 vs. 0.3 and 2.6, p < 0.05), while its cytotoxicity on human liver HL7702 cells was significantly lower (14.5 ± 1.4 vs. 6.8 ± 0.9, p < 0.05). Further acute oral toxicity experiments showed that the LD50 value of this extract was 1,210 mg/kg compared to 257 mg/kg for Tripterygium glycosides. All the above results suggest that Tripterygium extract prepared by sodium carbonate extraction may represent a potentially optimal source of medicine with good therapeutic index.