bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling Carbon Emissions in Nigeria's Oil and Gas Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Igbatayo Samuel A. , Imoudu Peter B.
Published: December 2009

The oil & gas industry flares about 170 billion cubic meters of natural gas per annum, valued at about US $40 billion. Despite the emergent global climate change and the Kyoto protocol, over 20 countries have increased the obnoxious practice of gas flaring in the past 12 years. In Nigeria, gas flaring has become a controversial issue in the polity. Most gas resources in Nigeria had been flared due to the dearth of a nationwide gas infrastructure. However, both economic and environmental imperatives have informed concerted efforts mustered by policy makers in Nigeria to embark on gas utilization and commercialization projects, culminating in the exportation of gas through the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) projects. More gas has also been piped to major industrial estates in Nigeria as alternative fuel. However, more than a third of gas produced in Nigeria is still being flared, with serious implications to the economy and the environment. Therefore, this paper aims at creating a long-term emission-reducing framework for future legislative standards, achieving zero routine flaring and increased cost savings; as well as adopting technologies and strategies that have effectively reduced emissions and benefited production and increased profit.
Modelling Adverse Selection in The Presence of a Common Genetic Disorder: the Breast Cancer Polygene
Authors: Macdonald Angus S. , McIvor Kenneth R.
Published: December 2009

The cost of adverse selection in the life and critical illness (CI) insurance markets, brought about by restrictions on insurers' use of genetic test information, has been studied for a variety of rare single-gene disorders. Only now do we have a study of a common disorder (breast cancer) that accounts for the risk associated with multiple genes. Such a collection of genes is called a polygene. We take two approaches to modelling the severity of adverse selection which may result from insurers being unable to take account of tests for polygenes as well as major genes. First, we look at several genetic testing scenarios, with a corresponding range of possible insurance-buying behaviours, in a market model for CI insurance. Because a relatively large proportion of the population is exposed to adverse polygenic risk, the costs of adverse selection are potentially much greater than have been associated with rare single genes. Second, we use utility models to map out when adverse selection will appear, and which risk groups will cause it. Levels of risk aversion consistent with some empirical studies do not lead to significant adverse selection in our model, but lower levels of risk aversion could effectively eliminate the market.
Quasi-Likelihood Estimation of Benchmark Rates for Excess of Loss Reinsurance Programs
Authors: Verlaak Robert , Hürlimann Werner , Beirlant Jan
Published: December 2009

In this paper a method for determining benchmark rates for the excess of loss reinsurance of a Motor Third Party Liability insurance portfolio will be developed based on observed market rates. The benchmark rates are expressed as a percentage of the expected premium income that is available to cover the whole risk of the portfolio. The rates are assumed to be based on a compound process with a heavy tailed severity, such as Burr or Pareto distributions. In the absence of claim data these assumptions propagate the theoretical benchmark rate component of the regression model.

Given the whole set of excess of loss reinsurance rates in a given market, the unknown parameters are estimated within the framework of quasi-likelihood estimation. This framework makes it possible to select a theoretical benchmark rate model and to choose a parsimonious submodel for describing the observed market rates over a 4-years observation period. This method is applied to the Belgian Motor Third Party Liability excess of loss rates observed during the years 2001 till 2004.
Continuous Monitoring: Does Credit Risk Vanish?
Authors: Lindset Snorre , Persson Svein-Arne
Published: December 2009

We present a model for pricing credit risk protection for a limited liability non-life insurance company. The protection is typically provided by a guaranty fund. In the case of continuous monitoring, i.e., where the market values of the company's assets and liabilities are continuously observable, and where the market values of assets and liabilities follow continuous processes, regulators can liquidate the insurance company at the instant the market value of its assets equals the market value of its liabilities, implying that the credit protection is worthless. When jumps are included in the claims process, the protection provided by the guaranty fund has a strictly positive market value. The ability to continuously monitor asset prices with continuous sample paths eliminates economic losses from default. Our analysis suggests that economic losses from default stem from jumps in continuously observed asset prices and/or that asset prices are not continuously observed.
Sharing Risk – An Economic Perspective
Authors: Kull Andreas
Published: December 2009

We revisit the relative retention problem originally introduced by de Finetti using concepts recently developed in risk theory and quantitative risk management. Instead of using the Variance as a risk measure we consider the Expected Shortfall (Tail-Value-at-Risk) and include capital costs and take constraints on risk capital into account. Starting from a risk-based capital allocation, the paper presents an optimization scheme for sharing risk in a multi-risk class environment. Risk sharing takes place between two portfolios and the pricing of risktransfer reflects both portfolio structures. This allows us to shed more light on the question of how optimal risk sharing is characterized in a situation where risk transfer takes place between parties employing similar risk and performance measures. Recent developments in the regulatory domain (‘risk-based supervision’) pushing for common, insurance industry-wide risk measures underline the importance of this question. The paper includes a simple non-life insurance example illustrating optimal risk transfer in terms of retentions of common reinsurance structures.
Scenario Analysis for a Multi-Period Diffusion Model of Risk
Authors: Malinovskii Vsevolod K.
Published: December 2009

This paper extends and develops the results of a previous paper Malinovskii (2007). Dealing with a simplistic diffusion multi-year model of insurance operations, this paper illustrates the adaptive control approach when the object of control is the balance of solvency and equity. Compared to the previous paper, a new element is the “scenario of nature”, or the incomplete knowledge of future risk, which is quite often the case in insurance. It introduces a new and inevitable randomness in the model and leads to a qualitative difference in its behavior.
Pulmonary Surfactant Homeostasis and Altered Macrophage Function
Authors: W. Glasser S. , P. Senft A.
Published: December 2009

Effective pulmonary host defense is orchestrated by complex interactions between
pulmonary surfactant and alveolar macrophages. Pulmonary macrophages fulfill diverse roles in
surveillance and inactivation of inhaled pathogens and in regulating surfactant homeostasis.
Pulmonary surfactant proteins have innate protective activity and influence macrophage
function. Mutations in genes that alter surfactant proteins, surfactant production or catabolism
in the lung have been linked to human disease and are associated with abnormal macrophage
function or alternative activation of pulmonary macrophages. Manipulation of the analogous
genes in transgenic and gene targeted mice replicate aspects of macrophage related pulmonary
disease. The genetic mouse models have been used to investigate the molecular pathogenesis
and progression of acute and chronic lung disease of infancy, familial interstitial lung disease
and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
Macrophage Functional Plasticity: Implications for Cancer Progression and Therapy
Authors: D. Stout Robert , Suttles Jill
Published: December 2009

Macrophages contribute significantly to the development and progression of chronic lung
diseases and lung cancer [1-3]. Persistent stimulation by airborne irritants promotes recruitment of
blood monocytes into the lung and also disrupts homeostatic control of interstitial and alveolar
macrophages [1-3]. Both resident and recruited macrophages contribute to increased oxidative
stress and to the production of inflammatory, fibrotic, and angiogenic cytokines that promote the
hyperplasia and fibrosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) as well as the growth
and metastasis of lung tumors [1,2,4-13]. These studies raise several broad questions. Why do the
functions of resident macrophages change? Alveolar macrophages function predominantly in
particle clearance and are considered to have “restrained” inflammatory and cytotoxic activity
[14,15]. The functional activities displayed by macrophages in COPD and lung cancer are very
diverse, including production of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and expression
of both tissue destructive (e.g., oxidants, metalloproteinases) and tissue reparative (e.g., angiogenic
and growth factors) activities [1,2,4,5,7,8,13,16]. How are they converted to produce inflammatory
mediators and matrix destructive proteinases [2,11-13]? How are these apparently antagonistic
activities expressed simultaneously in diseased tissue? The following sections will provide insight
into the answers to these questions, emphasizing the importance of tissue homeostatic mechanisms,
microenvironmental influence on macrophage function, and macrophage functional plasticity.
Macrophage biology will be discussed in the context of lung cancer, but given the similarities
between macrophage contributions to cancer and COPD progression, the potential for therapeutic
targeting of macrophage functional plasticity and tissue: macrophage interactions should apply to
both diseases.
The Effects of Chronic Alcohol Ingestion on Alveolar Macrophage Function
Authors: C. Joshi Pratibha
Published: December 2009

Chronic alcohol abuse causes discrete changes in the alveolar macrophages that render
the lung susceptible to serious infections such as tuberculosis. Many studies done in relevant animal
models have identified common mechanisms by which alcohol abuse targets not only the alveolar
macrophage but also the alveolar epithelium, thus resulting in lung injury. One of the mechanisms
by which chronic alcohol ingestion results in oxidative stress is by decreasing the levels of the
antioxidant glutathione within the alveolar space. Other studies have focused on depletion of
essential micronutrients such as zinc that is also linked to oxidative stress mediated cellular
dysfunction. These changes in the pulmonary microenvironment adversely affect granulocyte/
macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) signaling in the alveolar macrophage, and
thereby, dampens its function. Although the oxidative stress related changes are often subclinical
and only lead to lung impairment when challenged by an acute insult such as trauma or sepsis,
macrophage dysfunction at the cellular and the molecular levels is often evident in otherwise
healthy alcoholics. In addition, chronic alcohol abuse increases the frequency and severity of
ventilator-associated pneumonia, and increases susceptibility to viral infections such as HIV/AIDS.
Thus, an understanding of the effects of chronic alcohol abuse on the function of alveolar
macrophage has significant potential to identify new innovative treatments that could reduce the
increased morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.
Discrete Calculus By Analogy
Authors: Izadi F. A. , Aliev N. , Bagirov G.
Published: December 2009

Discrete Hilbert-type inequalities including Hilbert's inequality are important in mathematical analysis and its applications. In 1998, the author presented an extension of Hilbert's integral inequality with an independent parameter. In 2004, some new extensions of Hilbert's inequality were presented by introducing two pairs of conjugate exponents and additional independent parameters. Since then, a number of new discrete Hilbert-type inequalities have arisen. In this book, the author explains how to use the way of weight coefficients and introduce specific parameters to build new discrete Hilbert-type inequalities and consider some applications. The book is intended to augment the reader's understanding of Hilbert-type inequalities.
Theory of Sequences
Authors: Izadi F. A.
Published: December 2009

In this chapter we discuss sequences which are defined by certain recurrence relations
called difference equations. In general, they are divided into two different types; the finite and the
infinite sequences. The finite sequences in turn are separated into two different cases; namely the periodic
sequences and non-periodic ones. For the solution of a periodic finite sequence, we use finite Fourier series
which in this book we refer to as discrete transformation. But to solve the non-periodic finite sequence, it
is first necessary to transform it into a periodic sequence which can be done by adding some new equations
to the system and then deal with it as a periodic finite sequence. Last section concerned with the solutions
of the infinite sequence by using the method of Euler's scheme.
A1C but Not Serum Glycated Albumin Is Elevated Because of Iron Deficiency in Late Pregnancy in Diabetic Women
Authors: Hashimoto Kunihiko , Osugi Tomoaki , Noguchi Sanai , Morimoto Yasuhiko , Wasada Kenshi , Imai Shiro , Waguri Masako , Toyoda Rieko , Fujita Tomio , Kasayama Soji , Koga Masafumi
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE

We have already reported that A1C is elevated because of iron deficiency in late pregnancy among nondiabetic pregnant women. This report examined whether the same phenomenon is observed in pregnant women with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This longitudinal study was conducted in 17 pregnant women with diabetes (20–35 weeks of pregnancy). A1C, serum glycated albumin, erythrocyte indexes, and iron metabolism indexes were measured.

RESULTS

A1C levels were significantly increased in late pregnancy, whereas serum glycated albumin showed no significant changes. Glycated albumin/A1C ratio, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, serum transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin were significantly decreased in late pregnancy. Serum transferrin saturation showed a significant positive correlation with glycated albumin/A1C ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

A1C levels, but not serum glycated albumin levels, are elevated in late pregnancy because of iron deficiency in diabetic women. Serum glycated albumin may offer an adequate marker for glycemic control during pregnancy.
Maternal Floor Infarction Associated with Oligohydramnios and Cystic Renal Dysplasia: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Taweevisit Mana , Thorner Paul Scott
Published: December 2009

Maternal floor infarction (MFI) is an unusual, idiopathic placental disorder characterized by deposition of amorphous fibrinoid material along the maternal aspect of the intervillous space. This condition is associated with poor perinatal outcome—in particular, spontaneous abortion—fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth, with a high recurrence rate in subsequent pregnancies. It is unknown whether MFI is a single entity or the common end point of different insults. Most studies have linked MFI to underlying maternal disorders including gestational hypertension, autoimmune disease, and thrombophilia. In contrast, there have been only a few case reports regarding the possibility of a fetal basis for MFI. We report 2 cases of MFI in fetuses who suffered from oligohydramnios as a result of bilateral cystic renal dysplasia. These 2 cases suggest the concept that fetoplacental factors may also play a role in MFI. It is speculated that the mechanism might involve changes in intrauterine hydrostatic pressure gradients.
Stability of Ethanol in Blood and Urine Samples
Authors: Mandić-Radić Slavka , Džingalašević Gordana , Luković Nevena
Published: December 2009

Stability of Ethanol in Blood and Urine Samples

The changes of ethanol concentrations in whole blood and urine samples were analyzed depending on temperatures and duration of storage. The aim of the study was to establish standards for the Institute laboratory. Samples of whole blood and urine, taken from drivers with excessive alcohol concentrations (6 groups, 15 samples per each), were analyzed upon delivery and then after storage during different time intervals and at different temperatures. The results showed that alcohol concentrations were significantly reduced with the increase of temperature and prolongation of storage. Only the whole blood samples stored for up to one month at -20 °C did not show significant changes. Room temperature storage of samples is the least suitable way of keeping them, independently of the duration of storage. Urines are not less reliable samples than blood. There are no ethanol differences between blood samples with and without sodium fluoride.
Student Participation and Performance on Advanced Placement Exams: Do State-Sponsored Incentives Make a Difference?
Authors: Jeong Dong Wook
Published: December 2009

Many states provide incentives to students, teachers, and schools for the participation and success of students on Advanced Placement (AP) examinations administered by the College Board. The purpose of this article is to examine whether these incentives help students enroll and succeed in AP exams. An analysis of nationally representative AP exam data, taken from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002, revealed that AP exam fee exemption, the most prevalent incentives, leads to an increase in the likelihood of AP course enrollees taking the exam—in particular, the disadvantaged. In contrast, little evidence was found that performance-based incentives, to which several states link AP test results, are helpful for improving AP exam participation and performance.
The Influence of On-Campus, Academic Year Undergraduate Research on STEM Ph.D. Outcomes: Evidence From the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program
Authors: Carter Frances D. , Mandell Marvin , Maton Kenneth I.
Published: December 2009

The Meyerhoff Scholarship Program, which celebrated its 20th year in 2008, is considered a successful intervention program for increasing the number of underrepresented minorities who earn Ph.D.s or M.D./Ph.D.s and pursue research careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This article examines the relationship between participation in one specific component of the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program—on-campus, academic year research—and the pursuit of a STEM Ph.D. by 13 cohorts of program participants. The results indicate that participation in on-campus, academic year research is associated with a substantial increase in the probability of pursuing a STEM Ph.D. They further suggest that the structure and intensity of the on-campus, academic year research experience matter.
Wrong-site craniotomy: analysis of 35 cases and systems for prevention
Authors: Cohen Fred. L. , Mendelsohn Daniel , Bernstein Mark
Published: December 2009

Object

The purpose of this case review was to identify and analyze existing wrong-site craniotomy (WSC) cases to determine the factors that contributed to the errors and to suggest preventative strategies for WSC. Wrong-site surgery (WSS) is a devastating surgical error that has gained increased public attention in recent years due to some high-profile cases. Despite the implementation of preventative methods such as preoperative checklists and surgical time-outs, WSS still occurs to this day. The clinical consequences of WSC are distinct compared with other types of WSS due to the unique function of the brain.

Methods

The authors searched medical, legal, and media databases and contacted state medical licensing boards to identify and gather information about WSC cases. The cases were reviewed and analyzed for factors that contributed to the errors.

Results

Four major categories of contributing factors were found: 1) communication breakdown; 2) inadequate preoperative checks; 3) technical factors and imaging; and 4) human error. The WSC cases are used to illustrate how these types of factors can precipitate the surgical error. Clinical outcomes and disciplinary actions are summarized. Obtaining information about the cases discovered was very challenging, in part because WSS reporting is inadequate.

Conclusions

This case review demonstrates that a broad range of events and factors can cause human errors to breach patient safeguards and lead to a WSC; however, in essentially all cases the WSCs were preventable with strict adherence to comprehensive and thorough protocols.
Poor drug distribution as a possible explanation for the results of the PRECISE trial
Authors: Sampson John H. , Archer Gary , Pedain Christoph , Wembacher-Schröder Eva , Westphal Manfred , Kunwar Sandeep , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Coan April , Herndon James E. , Raghavan Raghu , Brady Martin L. , Reardon David A. , Friedman Allan H. , Friedman Henry S. , Rodríguez-Ponce M. Inmaculada , Chang Susan M. , Mittermeyer Stephan , Croteau David , Puri Raj K. , _ _
Published: December 2009

Object

Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a novel intracerebral drug delivery technique with considerable promise for delivering therapeutic agents throughout the CNS. Despite this promise, Phase III clinical trials employing CED have failed to meet clinical end points. Although this may be due to inactive agents or a failure to rigorously validate drug targets, the authors have previously demonstrated that catheter positioning plays a major role in drug distribution using this technique. The purpose of the present work was to retrospectively analyze the expected drug distribution based on catheter positioning data available from the CED arm of the PRECISE trial.

Methods

Data on catheter positioning from all patients randomized to the CED arm of the PRECISE trial were available for analyses. BrainLAB iPlan Flow software was used to estimate the expected drug distribution.

Results

Only 49.8% of catheters met all positioning criteria. Still, catheter positioning score (hazard ratio 0.93, p = 0.043) and the number of optimally positioned catheters (hazard ratio 0.72, p = 0.038) had a significant effect on progression-free survival. Estimated coverage of relevant target volumes was low, however, with only 20.1% of the 2-cm penumbra surrounding the resection cavity covered on average. Although tumor location and resection cavity volume had no effect on coverage volume, estimations of drug delivery to relevant target volumes did correlate well with catheter score (p < 0.003), and optimally positioned catheters had larger coverage volumes (p < 0.002). Only overall survival (p = 0.006) was higher for investigators considered experienced after adjusting for patient age and Karnofsky Performance Scale score.

Conclusions

The potential efficacy of drugs delivered by CED may be severely constrained by ineffective delivery in many patients. Routine use of software algorithms and alternative catheter designs and infusion parameters may improve the efficacy of drugs delivered by CED.
Access to Health Care and Religion among Young American Men
Authors: Gillum R. Frank , Jarrett Nicole , Obisesan Thomas  O.
Published: December 2009

In order to elucidate cultural correlates of utilization of primary health services by young adult men, we investigated religion in which one was raised and service utilization. Using data from a national survey we tested the hypothesis that religion raised predicts access to and utilization of a regular medical care provider, examinations, HIV and other STD testing and counseling at ages 18–44 years in men born between 1958 and 1984. We also hypothesized that religion raised would be more predictive of utilization for Hispanic Americans and non-Hispanic Black Americans than for non-Hispanic White Americans. The study included a national sample of 4276 men aged 18–44 years. Descriptive and multivariate statistics were used to assess the hypotheses using data on religion raised and responses to 14 items assessing health care access and utilization. Compared to those raised in no religion, those raised mainline Protestant were more likely (p < 0.01) to report a usual source of care (67% vs. 79%), health insurance coverage (66% vs. 80%) and physical examination (43% vs. 48%). Religion raised was not associated with testicular exams, STD counseling or HIV testing. In multivariate analyses controlling for confounders, significant associations of religion raised with insurance coverage, a physician as usual source of care and physical examination remained which varied by race/ethnicity. In conclusion, although religion is a core aspect of culture that deserves further study as a possible determinant of health care utilization, we were not able to document any consistent pattern of significant association even in a population with high rates of religious participation.
The Study of the Inhibition of the Recombinant TACE Prodomain to Endotoxemia in Mice
Authors: Li Xiaoou , Yan Yuan , Huang Wei , Yang Yuzhen
Published: December 2009

Objective: To demonstrate the inhibitory function of the prodomain of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) converting enzyme (TACE) on TACE activity and to develop an approach to interfere with inflammation processes. Methods: The cDNA encoding the fulllength ectodomain (T1300) and prodomain (T591) of TACE were amplified by RT-PCR. The expression plasmids (pET-28a (+)-T1300 and pET-28a (+)-T591) were constructed and transformed into E. coli BL21. After Ni2+-NTA resin affinity chromatography, the recombinant T591 protein was obtained and assayed. In order to detect its inhibiton of TACE activity, the mice in the LPS-induced endotoxemia model group were treated with the recombinant TACE prodomain protein prior to the injection of LPS. Murine peritoneal macrophages were isolated from mice abdominal cavity for FCM and the liver, kidney and lung were removed for traditionally histopathology sectioning. Results: The FCM results showed that the recombinant prodomain protein decreased the release of the sTNF-α, which mediated the accumulation of TNF-α on the surface of macrophage cells. HE staining proved that the recombinant protein can decrease the inflammatory response in internal organs of endotoxaemia mice. Conclusions: The recombinant prodomain of TACE has the ability to inhibit sTNF-α release, which indicates that prodomain is an effective antagonist of TACE and might be useful in the molecular design of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Macroporous Monolithic Polymers: Preparation and Applications
Authors: Arrua Ruben Dario , Strumia Miriam Cristina , Alvarez Igarzabal Cecilia Inés
Published: December 2009

In the last years, macroporous monolithic materials have been introduced as a new and useful generation of polymers used in different fields. These polymers may be prepared in a simple way from a homogenous mixture into a mold and contain large interconnected pores or channels allowing for high flow rates at moderate pressures. Due to their porous characteristics, they could be used in different processes, such as stationary phases for different types of chromatography, high-throughput bioreactors and in microfluidic chip applications. This review reports the contributions of several groups working in the preparation of different macroporous monoliths and their modification by immobilization of specific ligands on the products for specific purposes.
Chemical Constituents from the Stems of Diospyros maritima
Authors: Chang Chi-I , Chen Chiy-Rong , Chiu Hsi-Lin , Kuo Chao-Lin , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung
Published: December 2009

A new phenolic, bis(6-hydroxy-2,3,4-trimethoxylphen-1-yl)methane (1) and a new butanedioate, butylmethyl succinate (2), along with twenty-nine known compounds including one naphthoquinone derivative, two chromanones, eight benzenoids, one lignan, one tocopherol, and sixteen triterpenoids were isolated from the stems of Diospyros maritima. epi-Isoshinanolone (3) was isolated in pure form for the first time. In addition, 5,7-dihydroxy-2-methylchomanone (4) was isolated from a natural source for the first time. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data as well as direct comparison with authentic samples.
Nonrigid Registration of Brain Tumor Resection MR Images Based on Joint Saliency Map and Keypoint Clustering
Authors: Gu Zhijun , Qin Binjie
Published: December 2009

This paper proposes a novel global-to-local nonrigid brain MR image registration to compensate for the brain shift and the unmatchable outliers caused by the tumor resection. The mutual information between the corresponding salient structures, which are enhanced by the joint saliency map (JSM), is maximized to achieve a global rigid registration of the two images. Being detected and clustered at the paired contiguous matching areas in the globally registered images, the paired pools of DoG keypoints in combination with the JSM provide a useful cluster-to-cluster correspondence to guide the local control-point correspondence detection and the outlier keypoint rejection. Lastly, a quasi-inverse consistent deformation is smoothly approximated to locally register brain images through the mapping the clustered control points by compact support radial basis functions. The 2D implementation of the method can model the brain shift in brain tumor resection MR images, though the theory holds for the 3D case.
Natural History of Cervical Papilloma Virus Infection in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus — A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: TAM LAI-SHAN , CHAN PAUL K.S. , HO SUZANNE C. , YU MAY M.Y. , YIM SO-FAN , CHEUNG TAK-HONG , WONG MARTIN C.S. , LI EDMUND K.
Published: December 2009

Objective.

To ascertain the incidence, cumulative prevalence, persistence, and clearance of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to assess the risk factors for the acquisition and persistence of HPV infection.

Methods.

One hundred forty-four patients with SLE were evaluated at 6-month intervals for up to 3 years. At each visit, a Pap test, a test for HPV DNA, and clinical assessment were performed.

Results.

The cumulative prevalence of HPV infection increased significantly (12.5% at baseline to 25.0% after 3 years; p = 0.006). Regarding type-specific HPV infection, 18.8% patients experienced 68 incident infections. The cumulative prevalence of high-risk HPV infection (11.1% at baseline to 20.8% after 3 years; p = 0.02) and multiple HPV infection also increased significantly (6.9% at baseline to 16.7% after 3 years; p = 0.009). Half (33/68, 48.5%) of the incident infections persisted for ≥ 6 months. Overall, 29/32 (90.6%) of the preexisting infection and 10/68 (14.7%) of the incident infections were cleared. Independent risk factors associated with incident HPV infection included younger age at first sexual intercourse (p = 0.025) and baseline Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics score ≥ 1 (p = 0.038). Independent risk factor associated with persistent HPV infection included preexisting HPV infection (p = 0.04) and multiple HPV infection during first incident infection (p = 0.02).

Conclusion.

High frequency of persistent HPV infection, especially high-risk and multiple HPV infection, may explain why squamous intraepithelial lesions occurred frequently in patients with SLE. Patients with high inflammatory burden are at risk of acquiring HPV infection.
Reconstruction of the pleistocene glaciers of Mt. Durmitor in Montenegro
Authors: Djurović Predrag
Published: December 2009

Mount Durmitor is situated in the southeastern part of the Dinaric mountain system in Montenegro. Throughout the Pleistocene there were many glaciers there, which descended to adjacent karst plateau. Types of glaciers, their number and direction of moving were mostly affected by geological structure (carbonate basis) and pre-glacial relief (karst and fluvial relief). During two phases of intensive glaciation, the surface that had been seized by glacial changes also changed. Over 54% of the surface of Durmitor was exposed to the glacial process of the stronger phase and about 36% of the weaker phase. Cirque type of glaciation dominated the third phase.
Suitability of Hammond's method for determining landform units in Slovenia
Authors: Hrvatin Mauro , Perko Drago
Published: December 2009

Landform is often the most important factor in distinguishing between regions and an important element of geographic classification, typification, and regionalization; this is why morphological classification has had a long tradition in Slovenia and abroad. One of the best-known classifications was developed by the American geographer Edwin H. Hammond, who classified the landforms of the United States in great detail. Later on, his method was applied several times using a geographic information system and digital elevation model. Computer land-surface classification became more objective, whereas the selection of classification elements and their classes remained subjective. Hammond’s method of determining landform units is known throughout the world and this is why it has also been tested in Slovenia. First, the original classification elements were taken into account and only thirteen units of the twenty-one landform units specified by Hammond were selected. Due to weaknesses that were revealed, Hammond’s original method was suitably adapted: the form and size of the basic window and the boundaries between classification element classes were changed. Nineteen landform units were thus identified in Slovenia using the adapted method.
Rural tourism in Serbia as a concept of development in undeveloped regions
Authors: Todorović Marina , Bjeljac Željko
Published: December 2009

Our aim is to define the importance of rural tourism in Serbia for the development of Serbian rural areas. This paper presents Serbia as a country of varied, well-preserved nature, with many attractive and representative elements, and a developmental priority oriented towards ecological and village tourism, which has strong chances on the picky international tourist market. As Serbian rural tourism is only beginning to develop, we identified its potentials for further development, but also pointed out the weaknesses which are now obstructing the growth of this, in many ways the most perspective form of tourism in Serbia
How Modern Decline Analysis and Material Balance Technique Can Be Used To Answer One of The Most Important Questions.... Are We Leaving Oil Behind? : Case Study
Authors: Alonso Hector Gomez , Kharusi Majida , Yeo Phyllis Niam Chay , German Mike
Published: December 2009

This paper presents the results from Modern Decline Analysis and Material Balance study in a mature Field, in the Sabah State of the region of Malaysia. The study represents the first part of ongoing subsurface evaluations. The identification of non-drained areas using Modern Decline Analysis together with the use of Material Balance has led successfully not only to evaluate the potential but also to successfully determining the viability of infill well locations.

Prior to obtaining a clear understanding of the subsurface drive mechanisms and production data, reservoir simulation was used to establish reservoir potential and carry out infill drilling evaluations. The results were highly variable and optimistic in some cases, and somewhat disappointing in others. Subsequent well results indicated large discrepancies between the static models and the actual field results. Once these discrepancies had been reconciled, a consistent understanding of the reservoir performance began to develop.

This paper presents the results of applying modern decline analysis and material balance techniques to different reservoirs, starting from the basic steps of quality assurance and quality review of the entire production data, in order to incorporate them together with the pressure of the neighbouring wells to the future infill target. Each reservoir was matched to the observed pressure, for both techniques Modern Decline Analysis and Material Balance, which again showed signs of nondrained areas, secondary support mechanism and infill opportunities. Modern Decline Analysis was carried out for each of the wells and from the results, a map of Contacted oil Volumes and Recovery Factor was generated for each of the reservoirs, where zones of high oil contacted volumes and low recovery factors were identified. Later Material Balance was applied to assess on the energy levels of the non-drained areas. As a result, several optimization and infill opportunities were identified.
Prostaglandin E2 Exerts Homeostatic Regulation of Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Lundequist Anders , Nallamshetty Samridhi N. , Xing Wei , Feng Chunli , Laidlaw Tanya M. , Uematsu Satoshi , Akira Shizuo , Boyce Joshua A.
Published: December 2009

Nonselective inhibition of PG synthesis augments inflammation in mouse models of airway disease, but the roles of individual PGs are not completely clarified. To investigate the role of PGE2 in a mouse model of airway inflammation induced by a natural allergen, we used mice lacking the critical terminal synthetic enzyme, microsomal PGE2 synthase (mPGES)-1. Mice lacking mPGES-1 (ptges−/− mice) and wild-type C57BL/6 controls were challenged intranasally with low doses of an extract derived from the house dust mite Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f). The levels of PGE2 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of Der f-treated ptges−/− mice were ∼80% lower than the levels in wild-type controls. Der f-induced bronchovascular eosinophilia was modestly enhanced in the ptges−/− mice. Both Der f-treated strains showed similar increases in serum IgE and IgG1, as well as comparable levels of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine production by Der f-stimulated spleen cells. These findings indicated that mPGES-1–derived PGE2 was not required for allergen sensitization or development of effector T cell responses. Unexpectedly, the numbers of vascular smooth muscle cells and the thickness of intrapulmonary vessels were both markedly increased in the Der f-treated ptges−/− mice. These vascular changes were suppressed by the administration of the stable PGE2 analog 16, 16-dimethyl PGE2, or of selective agonists of the E-prostanoid (EP) 1, EP2, and EP3 receptors, respectively, for PGE2. Thus, mPGES-1 and its product, PGE2, protect the pulmonary vasculature from remodeling during allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation, and these effects may be mediated by more than one EP receptor.
Rezensionen
Authors: Jolissaint Paul , Szpiro George G. , Ciobanu Laura
Published: December 2009

Rezensionen zu:
C. E. Silva:
Invitation to Ergodic Theory
. ix+262 pages, $45.–. American Mathematical Society, Student Mathematical Library, Volume 42, 2008; ISBN 978-0-8218-4420-5,
von Paul Jolissaint;
und zu:
E. Behrends, P. Gritzmann, G.M. Ziegler (Hrsg.):
Pi und Co. – Kaleidoskop der Mathematik
. 387 Seiten, SFr 41.–. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2008; ISBN 978-35407-7888-2,
von George Szpiro;
und zu:
S.-M. Belcastro, C. Yackel (Hrsg.):
Making Mathematics with Needlework: Ten Papers and Ten Projects
. 200 Seiten, Hardcover, $30.00. A K Peters, 2007; ISBN 978-1-56881-331-8,
von Laura Ciobanu.
Rezensionen
Authors: Knieper Gerhard
Published: December 2009

Rezension zu:
S. Buyalo, V. Schroeder:
Elements of Asymptotic Geometry
. 212 Seiten, hardcover, € 58.–. EMS Monographs in Mathematics, European Mathematical Society 2007; ISBN 978-3-03719-036-4.
The generating identity of Cauchy–Schwarz–Bunyakovsky inequality
Authors: Sommariva Antonino M.
Published: December 2009

Was Sie immer schon über die Schwarzsche Ungleichung wissen wollten, sich aber nie zu fragen getrauten: Wo bleibt eigentlich die Differenz? Die Beweise in den Lehrbüchern der linearen Algebra oder der Funktionalanalysis sind auf Knappheit getrimmt und geben darüber keine Auskunft. Es gibt allerdings eine Lagrange zugeschriebene Identität, die diese Differenz als Quadrat eines gewissen schiefsymmetrischen Ausdrucks darstellt. Der Autor der vorliegenden Arbeit ist der Sache auf den Grund gegangen und findet im Rahmen des Tensorprodukts

V \otimes V

eine einleuchtende und allgemeingültige Erklärung.
Erdös–Mordell-type inequalities
Authors: Lu Zhiqin
Published: December 2009

The famous Erdös–Mordell inequality states that, if

P

is a point in the interior of a triangle

ABC

whose distances are

p,q,r

from the vertices of the triangle and

x,y,z

from its sides, then

p+q+r\geq 2(x+y+z).

In the paper by Satnoianu [1], some generalizations of the above inequality were given. His proof depends heavily on the geometry of the triangle

ABC

. In this note, we give a more algebraic proof of the Erdös–Mordell inequality.
Über eine bemerkenswerte Eigenschaft von Dezimalbrüchen und gewissen anderen Systembrüchen
Authors: Deschauer Stefan
Published: December 2009

Eine fehlerhafte Umwandlung von 2,5 (in

\frac{2}{5})

im Unterricht machte den Autor auf die augenfällige Darstellung

2,5=\frac{5}{2}

aufmerksam. Gibt es im Dezimalsystem noch weitere solcher Darstellungen, wobei die (ein- oder mehrstellige) Vorkommazahl mit dem Nenner und die (ein- oder mehrstellige) Nachkommazahl mit dem Zähler des gemeinen Bruchs übereinstimmt? Der elementare, aber attraktive Weg zur (negativen) Antwort weckt Neugier auf die Situation in anderen

g

-adischen Systemen. Ohne Weiteres findet man unendlich viele

g

mit mindestens einer Darstellung (in obigem Sinne). Schwieriger ist es zu zeigen, dass sogar unendlich viele

g

mit mindestens zwei Darstellungen existieren, und diese explizit anzugeben.
Light effect in photoionization of traps in GaN MESFETs
Authors: Arabshahi H. , Binesh A.
Published: December 2009

Trapping of hot electron behavior by trap centers located in buffer layer of a wurtzite phase GaN MESFET has been simulated using an ensemble Monte Carlo simulation. The results of the simulation show that the trap centers are responsible for current collapse in GaN MESFET at low temperatures. These electrical traps degrade the performance of the device at low temperature. On the opposite, a light-induced increase in the trap-limited drain current, results from the photoionization of trapped carriers and their return to the channel under the influence of the built in electric field associated with the trapped charge distribution. The simulated device geometries and doping are matched to the nominal parameters described for the experimental structures as closely as possible, and the predicted drain current and other electrical characteristics for the simulated device including trapping center effects show close agreement with the available experimental data.Received: 10 November 2009, Accepted: 26 November 2009; Edited by: A. Goñi; DOI: 10.4279/PIP.010006Editor's Note: This paper has been published at a later date in the Journal of Electronic Science and Technology, vol. 8, no. 1, pags. 51-54 (2010) in breach of the authors' CreativeCommons License agreement with Papers in Physics.
New developments in multiple sclerosis and pain management
Authors: Laundon Kerry
Published: December 2009

Promising studies were reported at the 25th congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (ECTRIMS), held on 9‐12 September 2009 in Düsseldorf, Germany, while data on a new treatment for chronic low back pain was presented at the 6th Triennial congress of the European Federation of Chapters (EFIC) of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), held on 9‐12 September 2009 in Lisbon, Portugal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consultation, Referral, and Collaboration Between Midwives and Obstetricians: Lessons From New Zealand
Authors: Skinner Joan P. , Foureur Maralyn
Published: December 2009

There has been substantial growth in the provision of midwifery‐led models of care, yet little is known about the obstetric consultation and referral practices of these midwives or the quality of the collaboration between midwives and obstetricians. This study aimed to describe these processes as they are practised in New Zealand, where midwifery‐led maternity care is the dominant model. A total population postal survey was conducted that included 649 New Zealand midwives who provided midwifery‐led care in 2001. There was a 56.5% response rate, describing care for 4251 women. Within this cohort, there was a 35% consultation rate and 43% of these women had their lead carer role transferred to an obstetrician. However, the midwives continued to provide care in collaboration with obstetricians for 74% of transferred women. Seventy‐two percent of midwives felt that they were well supported by the obstetricians to continue care. Midwifery‐led care is reasonable for the general population of childbearing women, and a 35% consultation rate can be seen as a benchmark for this population. Midwives can, when well supported, provide continuity of care for women who experience complexity during pregnancy and/or birth. Collaboration with obstetricians is possible, but there needs to be further work to describe what successful collaboration is and how it might be fostered.
Manual of Emergency and Critical Care Ultrasound
Authors: Noble Vicki , Nelson Bret , Sutingco Nicholas
Published: December 2009

The use of ultrasound has revolutionized the way in which many acute injuries and conditions are managed in emergency department and critical care areas in hospitals. Emergency departments nationwide are outfitted with ultrasound equipment, allowing acute conditions to be diagnosed within critical seconds. This book is a practical and concise introduction to bedside emergency ultrasound for all critical care physicians. It covers the full spectrum of conditions diagnosed via this modality, both for guiding invasive procedures as well as diagnosis in critical-care settings. It introduces the major applications for emergency ultrasound by using focused diagnostic questions and teaching the image-acquisition skills needed to answer these questions. Images of positive and negative findings for each application (FAST, ECHO, etc.) are presented, as well as scanning tips for improved image quality. Each section also contains a review of the literature supporting each application.
Oligomorphic Permutation Groups
Authors: Cameron Peter J.
Published: December 2009

The study of permutation groups has always been closely associated with that of highly symmetric structures. The objects considered here are countably infinite, but have only finitely many different substructures of any given finite size. They are precisely those structures which are determined by first-order logical axioms together with the assumption of countability. This book concerns such structures, their substructures and their automorphism groups. A wide range of techniques are used: group theory, combinatorics, Baire category and measure among them. The book arose from lectures given at a research symposium and retains their informal style, whilst including as well many recent results from a variety of sources. It concludes with exercises and unsolved research problems.
The Morals of Measurement
Authors: Gooday G. J. N.
Published: December 2009

The Morals of Measurement is a 2004 contribution to the social histories of quantification and electrical technology in nineteenth-century Britain, Germany and France. It shows how the advent of commercial electrical lighting stimulated the industrialization of electrical measurement from a skilled labour-intensive activity to a mechanized practice. Challenging traditional accounts that focus on the metrological standards used in measurement, this book shows the central importance of trust when measurement was undertaken in an increasingly complex division of labour. Alongside ambiguities about the very nature of measurement and the respective responsibilities of humans and technologies in generating error-free numbers, the book also addresses controversies over the changing identity of the measurer through the themes of body, gender and authorship. The reader will gain fresh insights into a period when measurement was widely treated as the definitive means of gaining knowledge of the world.