bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Characteristics of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells With Plasma-Treated TiO2 Films as a Function of Dye-Adsorption Time
Authors: Kim Myoung , Lee In-Hwan , Gu Kang Man , Yun Ho-Gyeong
Published: September 2012

We investigated the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with plasma-treated TiO2 films (P-DSSCs) as a function of dye-adsorption time. Enhanced hydrophilicity of the plasma-treated TiO2 films stimulated the dye-adsorption reaction in the initial stages and as a result the P-DSSCs exhibited superior performance compared to that of DSSCs with nontreated TiO2 films (N-DSSCs). Although the N-DSSCs and the P-DSSCs simultaneously deteriorated due to dye-aggregation after the optimal dye-adsorption time (10 h), the P-DSSCs maintained the superior performance to that of the N-DSSCs irrespective of the dye-adsorption time.
Comment on “Orthographic Processing in Baboons (
Papio papio
)”
Authors: Bains William
Published: September 2012

Grainger
et al
. (Reports, 13 April 2012, p. 245) suggest that baboons can discriminate words from nonwords on the basis of two-letter (bigram) frequencies. This ability can also be attributed to baboons being able to recognize specific letters (i.e., shapes) in specific positions in their four-letter words, without reference to letter or bigram frequencies.
A GPS for Navigating DNA
Authors: Schadt Eric , Chang Rui
Published: September 2012

The integration of DNA variation information with molecular and cellular data may help to elucidate disease mechanisms.
A Neonatal Mouse Model of Coxsackievirus A16 for Vaccine Evaluation
Authors: Mao Qunying , Wang Yiping , Gao Rong , Shao Jie , Yao Xin , Lang Shuhui , Wang Chao , Mao Panyong , Liang Zhenglun , Wang Junzhi
Published: September 2012

To evaluate vaccine efficacy in protecting against coxsackievirus A16 (CA16), which causes human hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), we established the first neonatal mouse model. In this article, we report data concerning CA16-induced pathological changes, and we demonstrate that anti-CA16 antibody can protect mice against lethal challenge and that the neonatal mouse model could be used to evaluate vaccine efficacy. To establish a mouse model, a BJCA08/CA16 strain (at 260 50% lethal doses [LD50]) was isolated from a patient and used to intracerebrally (i.c.) inoculate neonatal mice. The infection resulted in wasting, hind-limb paralysis, and even death. Pathological examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining indicated that BJCA08 had a strong tropism to muscle and caused severe necrosis in skeletal and cardiac muscles. We then found that BJCA08 pretreated with goat anti-G10/CA16 serum could significantly lose its lethal effect in neonatal mice. When the anti-G10 serum was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected into the neonatal mice and, within 1 h, the same mice were intracerebrally inoculated with BJCA08, there was significant passive immunization protection. In a separate experiment, female mice were immunized with formaldehyde-inactivated G10/CA16 and BJCA08/CA16 and then allowed to mate 1 h after the first immunization. We found that there was significant protection against BJCA08 for neonatal mice born to the immunized dams. These data demonstrated that anti-CA16 antibody may block virus invasion and protect mice against lethal challenge, and that the neonatal mouse model was a viable tool for evaluating vaccine efficacy.
Adaptive Immunity Restricts Replication of Novel Murine Astroviruses
Authors: Yokoyama Christine C. , Loh Joy , Zhao Guoyan , Stappenbeck Thaddeus S. , Wang David , Huang Henry V. , Virgin Herbert W. , Thackray Larissa B.
Published: September 2012

The mechanisms of astrovirus pathogenesis are largely unknown, in part due to a lack of a small-animal model of disease. Using shotgun sequencing and a custom analysis pipeline, we identified two novel astroviruses capable of infecting research mice, murine astrovirus (MuAstV) STL1 and STL2. Subsequent analysis revealed the presence of at least two additional viruses (MuAstV STL3 and STL4), suggestive of a diverse population of murine astroviruses in research mice. Complete genomic characterization and subsequent phylogenetic analysis showed that MuAstV STL1 to STL4 are members of the mamastrovirus genus and are likely members of a new mamastrovirus genogroup. Using
Rag1
−/−
mice deficient in B and T cells, we demonstrate that adaptive immunity is required to control MuAstV infection. Furthermore, using
Stat1
−/−
mice deficient in innate signaling, we demonstrate a role for the innate immune response in the control of MuAstV replication. Our results demonstrate that MuAstV STL permits the study of the mechanisms of astrovirus infection and host-pathogen interactions in a genetically manipulable small-animal model. Finally, we detected MuAstV in commercially available mice, suggesting that these viruses may be present in academic and commercial research mouse facilities, with possible implications for interpretation of data generated in current mouse models of disease.
Transferring responsibility and accountability in maternity care: clinicians defining their boundaries of practice in relation to clinical handover
Authors: Chin Georgiana S M , Warren Narelle , Kornman Louise , Cameron Peter
Published: September 2012

Objective

This exploratory study reports on maternity clinicians’ perceptions of transfer of their responsibility and accountability for patients in relation to clinical handover with particular focus transfers of care in birth suite.

Design

A qualitative study of semistructured interviews and focus groups of maternity clinicians was undertaken in 2007. De-indentified data were transcribed and coded using the constant comparative method. Multiple themes emerged but only those related to responsibility and accountability are reported in this paper.

Setting

One tertiary Australian maternity hospital.

Participants

Maternity care midwives, nurses (neonatal, mental health, bed managers) and doctors (obstetric, neontatology, anaesthetics, internal medicine, psychiatry).

Primary outcome measures

Primary outcome measures were the perceptions of clinicians of maternity clinical handover.

Results

The majority of participants did not automatically connect maternity handover with the transfer of responsibility and accountability. Once introduced to this concept, they agreed that it was one of the roles of clinical handover. They spoke of complete transfer, shared and ongoing responsibility and accountability. When clinicians had direct involvement or extensive clinical knowledge of the patient, blurring of transition of responsibility and accountability sometimes occurred. A lack of ‘ownership’ of a patient and their problems were seen to result in confusion about who was to address the clinical issues of the patient. Personal choice of ongoing responsibility and accountability past the handover communication were described. This enabled the off-going person to rectify an inadequate handover or assist in an emergency when duty clinicians were unavailable.

Conclusions

There is a clear lack of consensus about the transition of responsibility and accountability—this should be explicit at the handover. It is important that on each shift and new workplace environment clinicians agree upon primary role definitions, responsibilities and accountabilities for patients. To provide system resilience, secondary responsibilities may be allocated as required.
Vaccination of sows reduces the prevalence of PCV‐2 viraemia in their piglets under field conditions
Authors: O'Neill K. C. , Hemann M. , Giménez‐Lirola L. G. , Halbur P. G. , Opriessnig T.
Published: September 2012

The objectives of this study were to further understand vertical transmission of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV‐2) and the effect of dam vaccination on PCV‐2 viraemia in newborn piglets. Randomly selected sows from each of two breeding herds were designated as non‐vaccinated or vaccinated groups. A commercial inactivated PCV‐2 vaccine was administered at weaning and 18 days later to half of the sows on each farm. At parturition, colostrum was collected from 70 dams on each farm and postsuckle (Farm 1) or presuckle blood (Farm 2) was collected from five randomly selected piglets per litter. Colostrum samples had an anti‐PCV‐2 antibody prevalence of 98.5 per cent (135/137) with significantly (P = 0.0039) higher concentrations in vaccinated dams. Among piglets, 43.9 per cent (301/685) were seropositive for PCV‐2 and 11.7 per cent (80/686) were PCV‐2 DNA‐positive. All the PCV‐2 DNA‐positive samples were further characterised and 28 were PCV‐2a, 28 PCV‐2b, and five mixed PCV‐2a and PCV‐2b infection. The prevalence of PCV‐2 DNA in piglets was lower (0.7–22.8 per cent) compared with previous studies (44.8–90 per cent) indicating a change in PCV‐2 ecology likely due to wide use of vaccination. Under the study conditions, dam vaccination reduced PCV‐2 viraemia in the offspring with colostrum access.
The speed of morality: a high-density electrical neuroimaging study
Authors: Decety Jean , Cacioppo Stephanie
Published: September 2012

Neuroscience research indicates that moral reasoning is underpinned by distinct neural networks including the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), amygdala, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which support communication between computational systems underlying affective states, cognitions, and motivational processes. To characterize real-time neural processing underpinning moral computations, high-density event-related potentials were measured in participants while they viewed short, morally laden visual scenarios depicting intentional and accidental harmful actions. Current source density maxima in the right pSTS as fast as 62 ms poststimulus first distinguished intentional vs. accidental actions. Responses in the amygdala/temporal pole (122 ms) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (182 ms) were then evoked by the perception of harmful actions, indicative of fast information processing associated with early stages of moral cognition. Our data strongly support the notion that intentionality is the first input to moral computations. They also demonstrate that emotion acts as a gain antecedent to moral judgment by alerting the individual to the moral salience of a situation and provide evidence for the pervasive role of affect in moral sensitivity and reasoning.
Dramatic impairment of prediction due to frontal lobe degeneration
Authors: Coppe Sébastien , Orban de Xivry Jean-Jacques , Yüksel Demet , Ivanoiu Adrian , Lefèvre Philippe
Published: September 2012

Prediction is essential for motor function in everyday life. For instance, predictive mechanisms improve the perception of a moving target by increasing eye speed anticipatively, thus reducing motion blur on the retina. Subregions of the frontal lobes play a key role in eye movements in general and in smooth pursuit in particular, but their precise function is not firmly established. Here, the role of frontal lobes in the timing of predictive action is demonstrated by studying predictive smooth pursuit during transient blanking of a moving target in mild frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. While control subjects and AD patients predictively reaccelerated their eyes before the predicted time of target reappearance, FTLD patients did not. The difference was so dramatic (classification accuracy >90%) that it could even lead to the definition of a new biomarker. In contrast, anticipatory eye movements triggered by the disappearance of the fixation point were still present before target motion onset in FTLD patients and visually guided pursuit was normal in both patient groups compared with controls. Therefore, FTLD patients were only impaired when the predicted timing of an external event was required to elicit an action. These results argue in favor of a role of the frontal lobes in predictive movement timing.
A Novel Hybrid Self-Organizing Clustering Routing Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Peng , Jia Fei
Published: September 2012

This paper discusses the distributed routing algorithm of wireless self-organized network and puts forward a new type of hybrid self-organizing clustering routing protocol by combining energy sense and maximum connectedness. This routing protocol adopts a mechanism which is mainly based on cluster routing with the theory of “on demand-based plane routing discovery mechanism” becoming secondary. The routing discovery and routing maintenance algorithm are also described in this paper. As the emulation experiment result shows, there is no significant difference between the routing protocol and the demand-based routing protocol; however, when there are quite a number of nodes in the network, the performance can be greatly enhanced compared with the demand-based routing protocol. The routing protocol discussed in this paper has better extendability, lower routing overhead, and better data transmission rate; thus it can extend network lifetime and enhance the network performance.
A Novel Low RCS Design Method for X-Band Vivaldi Antenna
Authors: He XiaoXiang , Chen Teng , Wang Xin
Published: September 2012

A novel low radar cross-section (RCS) design method is proposed, and its application on Vivaldi antenna that covers the entire X band is investigated. According to the difference of the current distribution on the radiator when the antenna radiates or scatters, the shape of the metal radiator is modified, so that maximally 19.2 dBsm RCS reduction is achieved which satisfied radiation performance. Simulated and measured results about gain, S11, and RCS are presented. As a result, the effectiveness of the presented low RCS design method is validated.
Risk Factors for Recurrence of Symptomatic Common Bile Duct Stones after Cholecystectomy
Authors: Oak Ju Hyun , Paik Chang Nyol , Chung Woo Chul , Lee Kang-Moon , Yang Jin Mo
Published: September 2012

Purpose. The recurrence of CBD stone is still observed in a considerable number of patients. The study was to evaluate the risk factors for recurrence of symptomatic CBD stone in patients who underwent cholecystectomy after the removal of CBD stone.Methods. The medical records of patients who underwent removal of CBD stone with subsequent cholecystectomy were reviewed. The risk factors for the recurrence of symptomatic CBD stone were compared between the recurrence and the nonrecurrence group.Results. The mean follow-up period was 40.6 months. The recurrence of symptomatic CBD stones was defined as the detection of bile duct stones no sooner than 6 months after complete clearance of CBD stones, based on symptoms or signs of biliary complication. 144 patients (68 males, 47.2%) were finally enrolled and their mean age was 59.8 (range: 26~86) years. The recurrence of CBD stone occurred in 15 patients (10.4%). The mean period until first recurrence was 25.9 months. The presence of type 1 or 2 periampullary diverticulum and multiple CBD stones were the independent risk factors.Conclusion. For the patients with type 1 or 2 periampullary diverticulum or multiple CBD stones, careful followup is needed for the risk in recurrence of symptomatic CBD stone.
Examining Relationships between Academic and Social Achievement Goals and Routes to Happiness
Authors: Walker Christopher O. , Winn Tina D. , Lutjens Rachel M.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationships among social and academic achievement goals and the route to happiness selected by a sample of college students. According to Waterman (1993) there are two distinct routes to happiness: eudaimonia and hedonic enjoyment. Hedonic enjoyment has been defined as the pursuit of proximal goals and immediate pleasure, while eudaimonia is best defined as the long-term commitment to pursue “self-realization” (Waterman, 1993). A sample of 132 college students completed a research packet containing an informed consent, demographics form, and three questionnaires. The results suggested that one’s route to happiness was related to the academic and social achievement goal orientation of the participants. A call is made for additional research to examine the interrelations among variables traditionally considered in cognitive-motivational research and variables considered to be a part of the positive psychology movement (e.g., happiness).
Concurrent FDG Avid Nasopharyngeal Lesion and Generalized Lymphadenopathy on PET-CT Imaging Is Indicative of Lymphoma in Patients with HIV Infection
Authors: Liu Yiyan
Published: September 2012

Patients with HIV infection often have generalized lymphadenopathy and/or other lymphoid proliferation and are at significantly increased risk for lymphoma. This study retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic value of concurrent nasopharyngeal lesion and lymphadenopathy on positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG PET-CT) imaging. The eligible cases were from patients with HIV infection and lymphadenopathy and referred for FDG PET-CT to evaluate lymphoma or other malignancies prior to pathological investigation. FDG PET-CT images and interpretation reports were correlated with clinical information and pathological diagnoses. Among 22 eligible patients, FDG avid nasopharyngeal lesions were incidentally noted in 7 on PET-CT imaging, and all had lymphomas diagnosed with subsequent biopsies (6 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and 1 Hodgkin’s lymphoma). In the remaining 15 patients with adenopathy but no visible nasopharyngeal lesion or uptake on PET-CT imaging, 9 had biopsies and lymphomas were diagnosed in 4. The patients with FDG avid retroperitoneal or intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy had a greater possibility of lymphoma, compared to those with adenopathy localized only in the upper torso. Coexistent FDG avid nasopharyngeal lesion and generalized lymphadenoapthy on PET-CT imaging are indicative of a malignant lymphoma rather than benign lymphproliferative disease or nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Solid Rocket Motor Design Using Hybrid Optimization
Authors: Albarado Kevin , Hartfield Roy , Hurston Wade , Jenkins Rhonald
Published: September 2012

A particle swarm/pattern search hybrid optimizer was used to drive a solid rocket motor modeling code to an optimal solution. The solid motor code models tapered motor geometries using analytical burn back methods by slicing the grain into thin sections along the axial direction. Grains with circular perforated stars, wagon wheels, and dog bones can be considered and multiple tapered sections can be constructed. The hybrid approach to optimization is capable of exploring large areas of the solution space through particle swarming, but is also able to climb “hills” of optimality through gradient based pattern searching. A preliminary method for designing tapered internal geometry as well as tapered outer mold-line geometry is presented. A total of four optimization cases were performed. The first two case studies examines designing motors to match a given regressive-progressive-regressive burn profile. The third case study studies designing a neutrally burning right circular perforated grain (utilizing inner and external geometry tapering). The final case study studies designing a linearly regressive burning profile for right circular perforated (tapered) grains.
Costs Associated with Management of Cervical Human Papillomavirus-Related Conditions
Authors: Kruzikas Denise , Smith Jennifer S. , Harley Carolyn , Buzinec Paul
Published: September 2012

Background: Oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been linked to 99.7% of cervical cancer cases worldwide.

Methods: This retrospective claims-based analysis was conducted to assess patterns of use and costs associated with diagnostic and treatment procedures for disease attributed to HPV performed before the introduction of HPV vaccination (January 1, 2001–May 31, 2006). Percentages of commercially insured health plan enrollees who underwent each procedure of interest were calculated for each year. Annual costs (combined patient and health plan-paid amounts) were calculated from qualifying medical claims. Descriptive statistics were used to assess trends in procedure rates and costs.

Results: Data for approximately 14.2 million enrollees were obtained. Hysterectomy was the most commonly administered treatment. With the exception of colposcopy with LEEP, all other treatment procedures experienced a decline in rate of use. The most frequently performed diagnostic procedure was colposcopy with endocervical curettage (ECC). With the exception of ECC, rates of diagnostic procedures reached a peak among 20- to 24-year-olds, and followed a downward trend across older groups. Hysterectomy was the most expensive treatment (median $7,383; mean $8,384) per procedure in 2006.

Conclusion: Results reveal high rates of use and high-associated costs of diagnostic procedures and treatments related to disease attributed to HPV.

Impact: The data presented may be useful in cost-effectiveness analyses and to guide decision makers evaluating how best to optimize prevention strategies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1469–78. ©2012 AACR.
Mitochondrial Copy Number is Associated with Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Thyagarajan Bharat , Wang Renwei , Barcelo Helene , Koh Woon-Puay , Yuan Jian-Min
Published: September 2012

Background: Mitochondria are eukaryotic organelles responsible for energy production. Quantitative changes in human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number have been implicated in various cancer types. Data from prospective cohort studies on mtDNA copy number and colorectal cancer risk have been lacking.

Methods: We evaluated the association between mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood and colorectal cancer risk in a nested case–control study of 422 colorectal cancer cases (168 cases with pre-diagnostic blood and 254 cases with post-diagnostic blood) and 874 controls who were free of colorectal cancer among participants of the Singapore Chinese Health Study. The relative mtDNA copy number was measured using real-time PCR. Unconditional logistic regression methods were employed to examine the association between mtDNA copy number and colorectal cancer risk.

Results: There was a U-shaped relationship between the relative mtDNA copy number and colorectal cancer risk. Compared with the 2nd quartile, the OR (95% confidence intervals) for subjects in the lowest and highest quartiles of relative mtDNA copy numbers were 1.81 (1.13–2.89) and 3.40 (2.15–5.36), respectively (Pcurvilinearity <0.0001). This U-shaped relationship was present in both men and women, similar for colon cancer and rectal cancer, and independent of the timing of blood draw with regard to cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions: This is the first prospectively designed study to show a U-shaped association between the relative mtDNA copy number and risk of colorectal cancer.

Impact: The findings of the present study support that mtDNA may play a critical role in the colorectal carcinogenesis in humans. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1574–81. ©2012 AACR.
Cancer Prevention for Global Health: A Report from the ASPO International Cancer Prevention Interest Group
Authors: Braithwaite Dejana , Boffetta Paolo , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Meyskens Frank
Published: September 2012

As cancer incidence and mortality rates increase in low- and middle-income countries, the need for cancer prevention and control research directed to these countries becomes increasingly important. The American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) is a community of professionals in cancer prevention and control whose mission is to “foster the continuing development of investigators and the exchange and translation of scientific information to reduce the cancer burden.”

In the session presented at the ASPO 36th Annual Meeting in Washington, DC in March 2012, chaired by Drs. Frank Meyskens and Dejana Braithwaite, Dr. Paolo Boffetta discussed some of the achievements in global cancer prevention and suggested that future efforts focus on three major causes of cancer: tobacco-use, infections, and overweight/obesity. Dr. Timothy Rebbeck presented an overview of prostate cancer research in sub-Saharan Africa and highlighted how the complex nature of prostate cancer etiology and outcomes can be addressed through capacity-building research partnerships.

Cancer is an emerging public health challenge in developing countries because of the aging and expansion of the population and increased prevalence of cancer risk factors such as smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and reproductive factors. There are opportunities to reduce the growing cancer burden through the development of research capacity and the application of resource-appropriate interventions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(9); 1606–10. ©2012 AACR.
A Spheroid Weighted‐Axis Converter of Vestibular Schwannoma Size
Authors: Prendes Brandon L. , Groppo Eli R. , Reynolds Catherine L. , Parsa Andrew T. , Cheung Steven W.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To evaluate spheroid models of vestibular schwannoma (VS) size for bidirectional conversion of maximum diameter in the cistern and 3‐dimensional volume.

Study Design

Methodological study.

Setting

Academic tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging studies from 91 patients with VS from 2003 to 2011 were analyzed. Linear measurements defining meatal and cisternal components were extracted. Geometrically based conformal models of tumor volume were compared with measured tumor volume using a semiautomated computerized tracing method. Models were inverted to predict maximum axial cisternal length at the level of the internal auditory canal (IAC).

Results

A spheroid‐weighted axis converter (SWC) of VS size was identified by minimizing input measurement parameters while maximizing output prediction performance. Computation steps of tumor volumes were (1) meatal—measure tumor lengths along the IAC and at the porus acusticus and take the average of a cone and cylinder and (2) cisternal—measure maximum tumor length in the axial IAC plane, use the median major:minor axis ratio of 1.26:1 to estimate minor axis length, take the geometric mean of axial dimensions to estimate axis length in the coronal plane, and apply input lengths to a spheroid. Performance error of this SWC had interquartile ranges of 33% for volume and 2 to 3 mm for maximum cisternal length.

Conclusion

Reporting variability of VS tumor size has made it difficult to reconcile outcomes studies. We propose an accessible tool for bidirectional conversion of volumetric and linear indices of tumor size to unlock potential for meta‐analyses of disparate data sets.
Gene expression profiling of the synergy of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine and paclitaxel against renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Han Tiandong , Shang Donghao , Xu Xiuhong , Tian Ye
Published: September 2012

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common kidney cancers and is highly resistant to chemotherapy. We previously demonstrated that 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC) could significantly increase the susceptibility of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells to paclitaxel (PTX) treatment in vitro, and showed the synergy of DAC and PTX against RCC. The purpose of this study is to investigated the gene transcriptional alteration and investigate possible molecular mechanism and pathways implicated in the synergy of DAC and PTX against RCC.

Methods

cDNA microarray was performed and coupled with real-time PCR to identify critical genes in the synergistic mechanism of both agents against RCC cells. Various patterns of gene expression were observed by cluster analysis. IPA software was used to analyze possible biological pathways and to explore the inter-relationships between interesting network genes.

Results

We found that lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), transforming growth factor β-induced (TGFBI), C-X-C motif ligand 5 (CXCL5) and myelocytomatosis viral related oncogene (c-myc) may play a pivotal role in the synergy of DAC and PTX. The PI3K/Akt pathway and other pathways associated with cyclins, DNA replication and cell cycle/mitotic regulation were also associated with the synergy of DAC and PTX against RCC.

Conclusion

The activation of PI3K/Akt-LEF1/β-catenin pathway could be suppressed synergistically by two agents and that PI3K/Akt-LEF1/β-catenin pathway is participated in the synergy of two agents.
Tightness for Maxima of Generalized Branching Random Walks
Authors: Fang Ming
Published: September 2012

We study generalized branching random walks on the real line R that allow time dependence and local dependence between siblings. Specifically, starting from one particle at time 0, the system evolves such that each particle lives for one unit amount of time, gives birth independently to a random number of offspring according to some branching law, and dies. The offspring from a single particle are assumed to move to new locations on R according to some joint displacement distribution; the branching laws and displacement distributions depend on time. At time n, Fn(·) is used to denote the distribution function of the position of the rightmost particle in generation n. Under appropriate tail assumptions on the branching laws and offspring displacement distributions, we prove that Fn(· - Med(Fn)) is tight in n, where Med(Fn) is the median of Fn. The main part of the argument is to demonstrate the exponential decay of the right tail 1 - Fn(· - Med(Fn)).
Option Pricing Driven by a Telegraph Process with Random Jumps
Authors: López Oscar , Ratanov Nikita
Published: September 2012

In this paper we propose a class of financial market models which are based on telegraph processes with alternating tendencies and jumps. It is assumed that the jumps have random sizes and that they occur when the tendencies are switching. These models are typically incomplete, but the set of equivalent martingale measures can be described in detail. We provide additional suggestions which permit arbitrage-free option prices as well as hedging strategies to be obtained.
Modulares Ultraschall-Array-Doppler-Velozimeter zur Messung von komplexen Strömungen in Flüssigmetallen
Authors: Burger Markus , Nauber Richard , Neumann Mathias , Büttner Lars , Czarske Jürgen
Published: September 2012

Bei verschiedenen industriellen Verfahren der Metallurgie und der Halbleiterkristallzucht werden Magnetfelder eingesetzt, um Flüssigkeitsströmungen in elektrisch leitfähigen Schmelzen zu beeinflussen. Die Überwachung der Strömungsprozesse erfolgt häufig mit Ultraschall. Zeit- und Ortsauflösung der gegenwärtig kommerziell verfügbaren Ultraschallmesssysteme reichen jedoch nicht aus, um beispielsweise komplexe Wirbelstrukturen oder Turbulenzen aufzulösen. Dieser Beitrag stellt mit dem modularen Ultraschall-Array-Doppler-Velozimeter ein neuartiges Messsystem vor, das es ermöglicht, solche Strömungen mehrdimensional und mehrkomponentig zu erfassen. Durch den Einsatz von vier Ultraschallwandlerarrays mit je 25 Piezoelementen und einer parallelisierten Ansteuerung der Elemente im Zeitmultiplex werden Bildwiederholraten von 28 Hz bei einer Ortsauflösung von ca. 3 mm erreicht. Damit ergeben sich neue Möglichkeiten zu einem weiterführenden Verständnis von komplexen Strömungsprozessen in der Magnetohydrodynamik.
Modeling Adversaries in a Logic for Security Protocol Analysis
Authors: Halpern Joseph Y. , Pucella Riccardo
Published: September 2012

Logics for security protocol analysis require the formalization of an
adversary model that specifies the capabilities of adversaries. A common model
is the Dolev-Yao model, which considers only adversaries that can compose and
replay messages, and decipher them with known keys. The Dolev-Yao model is a
useful abstraction, but it suffers from some drawbacks: it cannot handle the
adversary knowing protocol-specific information, and it cannot handle
probabilistic notions, such as the adversary attempting to guess the keys. We
show how we can analyze security protocols under different adversary models by
using a logic with a notion of algorithmic knowledge. Roughly speaking,
adversaries are assumed to use algorithms to compute their knowledge; adversary
capabilities are captured by suitable restrictions on the algorithms used. We
show how we can model the standard Dolev-Yao adversary in this setting, and how
we can capture more general capabilities including protocol-specific knowledge
and guesses.
The rapid points of a complex oscillation
Authors: Potgieter Paul
Published: September 2012

By considering a counting-type argument on Brownian sample paths, we prove a
result similar to that of Orey and Taylor on the exact Hausdorff dimension of
the rapid points of Brownian motion. Because of the nature of the proof we can
then apply the concepts to so-called complex oscillations (or 'algorithmically
random Brownian motion'), showing that their rapid points have the same
dimension.
Tree-width for first order formulae
Authors: Adler Isolde , Weyer Mark
Published: September 2012

We introduce tree-width for first order formulae \phi, fotw(\phi). We show
that computing fotw is fixed-parameter tractable with parameter fotw. Moreover,
we show that on classes of formulae of bounded fotw, model checking is fixed
parameter tractable, with parameter the length of the formula. This is done by
translating a formula \phi\ with fotw(\phi)<k into a formula of the k-variable
fragment L^k of first order logic. For fixed k, the question whether a given
first order formula is equivalent to an L^k formula is undecidable. In
contrast, the classes of first order formulae with bounded fotw are fragments
of first order logic for which the equivalence is decidable.
Our notion of tree-width generalises tree-width of conjunctive queries to
arbitrary formulae of first order logic by taking into account the quantifier
interaction in a formula. Moreover, it is more powerful than the notion of
elimination-width of quantified constraint formulae, defined by Chen and Dalmau
(CSL 2005): for quantified constraint formulae, both bounded elimination-width
and bounded fotw allow for model checking in polynomial time. We prove that
fotw of a quantified constraint formula \phi\ is bounded by the
elimination-width of \phi, and we exhibit a class of quantified constraint
formulae with bounded fotw, that has unbounded elimination-width. A similar
comparison holds for strict tree-width of non-recursive stratified datalog as
defined by Flum, Frick, and Grohe (JACM 49, 2002).
Finally, we show that fotw has a characterization in terms of a cops and
robbers game without monotonicity cost.
Acid Etching and Plasma Sterilization Fail to Improve Osseointegration of Grit Blasted Titanium Implants
Authors: Saksø Mikkel , Jakobsen Stig S , Saksø Henrik , Baas Jørgen , Jakobsen Thomas , Søballe Kjeld
Published: September 2012

Interaction between implant surface and surrounding bone influences implant fixation. We attempted to improve the bone-implant interaction by 1) adding surface micro scale topography by acid etching, and 2) removing surface-adherent pro-inflammatory agents by plasma cleaning. Implant fixation was evaluated by implant osseointegration and biomechanical fixation.

The study consisted of two paired animal sub-studies where 10 skeletally mature Labrador dogs were used. Grit blasted titanium alloy implants were inserted press fit in each proximal tibia. In the first study grit blasted implants were compared with acid etched grit blasted implants. In the second study grit blasted implants were compared with acid etched grit blasted implants that were further treated with plasma sterilization. Implant performance was evaluated by histomorphometrical investigation (tissue-to-implant contact, peri-implant tissue density) and mechanical push-out testing after four weeks observation time.

Neither acid etching nor plasma sterilization of the grit blasted implants enhanced osseointegration or mechanical fixation in this press-fit canine implant model in a statistically significant manner.
Cerebral Oximetry and Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients Undergoing Surgery for Hip Fractures: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Papadopoulos George , Karanikolas Menelaos , Liarmakopoulou Antonia , Papathanakos George , Korre Marianna , Beris Alexander
Published: September 2012

Aim:

This study was conducted to examine perioperative cerebral oximetry changes in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture repair and evaluate the correlation between regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) values, postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and hospital stay.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective observational study included 69 patients. Data recorded included demographic information, rSO2values from baseline until the second postoperative hour and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores preoperatively and on postoperative day 7. MMSE score ≤23 was considered evidence of cognitive dysfunction. Postoperative confusion or agitation, medications administered for postoperative agitation, and hospital length of stay were also recorded. Data were analyzed with Student’s t-test, Pearson’s correlation or multiple regression analysis as appropriate.

Results:

Patient age was 74±13 years. Baseline left sided rSO2values were 60±10 and increased significantly after intubation. Baseline rSO2L<50 and <45 was observed in 11.6% and 10.1% of patients respectively. Perioperative cerebral desaturation occurred in 40% of patients. MMSE score was 26.23 ± 2.77 before surgery and 25.94 ± 2.52 on postoperative day 7 (p=0.326). MMSE scores ≤ 23 were observed preoperatively in 6 and postoperatively in 9 patients. Patients with cognitive dysfunction had lower preoperative hematocrit, hemoglobin, SpO2and rSO2values at all times, compared to patients who did not. There was no correlation between rSO2or POCD and hospital stay. Patients with baseline rSO2<5 required more medications for postoperative agitation.

Conclusion:

Cognitive dysfunction occurs preoperatively and postoperatively in elderly patients with hip fractures, and is associated with low cerebral rSO2values.
Multivariate analisys of species from Cucurbitaceae family
Authors: Mladenovic Emina , Berenji Janos , Kraljevic-Balalic Marija , Cukanovic Jelena , Blagojevic Ivana
Published: September 2012

Species from Cucurbitaceae family are not widely present in Serbia, although
because of their morphological and decorative features deserve more
attention. The aim of this paper was to study the morphological variability
and usage of ten species of the Cucurbiataceae family. Based on genetic
variability, species were grouped into 8 clusters. Fruit characteristics of
most investigated species showed great similarity and the greatest
differences were attained for flower and fruit characteristics. The longest
was the fruit of Trichosanthes cucumerina (46.2 cm), while the shortest of
Cucumis myriocarpus (3.4 cm) which had the smallest circumference as well
(4.4 cm). The largest circumference of fruit was recorded for the species
Cucumis aculeatus (16.4 cm). In terms of fruit color Momordica balsamina had
a red fruit, allocated from other species whose fruits were in various shades
of green. Variability is reflected in large variations in size, shape and
color of fruit. Considerating that usages of these species are multiple (food
for humans and animals, ornamental) studyed species deserve special attention
in their further propagation and use.
New Players at the Table: How Americans Came to Dominate Early Trade in the North Pacific
Authors: Barger William J.
Published: September 2012

After Captain James Cook's 1778-1779 discovery of the lucrative potential of the trade in sea otter pelts from the northern Pacific coast of North America, Russia, Britain, France, and Spain converged on the region. The United States joined the competition later. This paper compares the economic and territorial policies of the competing nations in the context of world affairs to explain how the United States came to dominate the sea otter trade and establish a presence in California.
The Anaheim Scrip Plan
Authors: Warner Jonathan
Published: September 2012

In 1932, at the worst point in the Great Depression, the small city of Anaheim, California, pioneered an experiment in self-liquidating stamp scrip. It was intended as a means of reducing unemployment while stimulating participating businesses. The Anaheim Plan put 157 men to work for a total of 8,750 hours, but proved problematical as a means of exchange. The experiment only lasted three months. Later, Anaheim's experiment was overshadowed by a Yale professor's advocacy of a similar plan and an experiment in Iowa. This article analyzes the Anaheim Plan's potential and its shortcomings while bringing long-overdue credit to this trail-blazing attempt to add to the circulating media of exchange and to increase productive employment in a small Southern California city prior to the New Deal.
Edward R. Roybal and the Politics of Multiracialism
Authors: Sanchez George J.
Published: September 2012

AS a Los Angeles city councilman from 1949 to 1962, Edward R. Roybal built a multiracial coalition reflecting the racial interaction in multicultural neighborhoods and the geographic concentration of liberal-left politics in them. He served his constituents across ethnic lines and pursued city-wide issues of principle. This kind of coalition was replaced in the 1960s and 1970s with a coalition dedicated to the lesser goal of simple racial representation. Roybal serves as an inspiring role model—a Mexican American leader who rejected racialized politics to lead a multiracial coalition of progressives fighting for social justice for all.
David Weber and the Borderlands Past, Present, Future: Conference on Latin American History/American Historical Association Annual Meeting Boston, Massachusetts January 8, 2011: Borderlands and Frontiers Studies Committee Panel Honoring David Weber
Authors: Hackel Steven W. , Taylor William B. , Bushnell Amy Turner , Radding Cynthia , Onuf Peter , Hämäläinen Pekka , Johnson Benjamin H.
Published: September 2012

David J. Weber, eminent borderlands scholar, died on August 20, 2010. Six scholars formed a panel to pay tribute to him at the 125th Annual Meeting of the AHA in January 2011. Their remarks, printed here, form not only an account of Weber's impact on the borderlands field, the scholars in that field, and the individuals who knew him but also a means of reviewing that field of history and its flowering during, and in large part due to, his influence.
Therapeutic Targeting of Hyaluronan in the Tumor Stroma
Authors: Kultti Anne , Li Xiaoming , Jiang Ping , Thompson Curtis B. , Frost Gregory I. , Shepard H. Michael
Published: September 2012

The tumor stroma, consisting of non-malignant cells and the extracellular matrix, undergoes significant quantitative and qualitative changes throughout malignant transformation and tumor progression. With increasing recognition of the role of the tumor microenvironment in disease progression, stromal components of the tumor have become attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Stromal accumulation of the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan occurs in many tumor types and is frequently associated with a negative disease prognosis. Hyaluronan interacts with other extracellular molecules as well as cellular receptors to form a complex interaction network influencing physicochemical properties, signal transduction, and biological behavior of cancer cells. In preclinical animal models, enzymatic removal of hyaluronan is associated with remodeling of the tumor stroma, reduction of tumor interstitial fluid pressure, expansion of tumor blood vessels and facilitated delivery of chemotherapy. This leads to inhibition of tumor growth and increased survival. Current evidence shows that abnormal accumulation of hyaluronan may be an important stromal target for cancer therapy. In this review we highlight the role of hyaluronan and hyaluronan-mediated interactions in cancer, and discuss historical and recent data on hyaluronidase-based therapies and the effect of hyaluronan removal on tumor growth.
Exergoeconomic Evaluation of a Modern Ultra-Supercritical Power Plant
Authors: Wang Ligang , Yang Yongping , Dong Changqing , Yang Zhiping , Xu Gang , Wu Lingnan
Published: September 2012

In this paper, the exergoeconomic analysis was conducted to an existing ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plant in China to understand the cost-formation process, to evaluate the economic performance of each component and to find possible solutions for more cost-effective designs. The total revenue requirement (TRR) and the specific exergy costing (SPECO) methods were applied for economic analysis and exergy costing, respectively. Quantitative balances of exergy and exergetic costs as well as necessary auxiliary equations for both individual component and the overall system were established. The results show that the exergoeconomic factors of the furnace and heat exchangers at low temperature levels, including air preheater and low-pressure feedwater preheaters, are rather small; while those of other components are relatively large. Moving more heat absorption into furnace to use the effective radiation heat transfer, increasing the air preheating temperature and adding more low pressure feedwater preheaters can be promising solutions for future design.
Large-diameter Delta Ceramic-on-ceramic Versus Common-sized Ceramic-on-polyethylene Bearings in THA
Authors: Cai Pengde , Hu Yihe , Xie Jie
Published: September 2012

The higher failure rate of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in young, active patients remains a challenge for surgeons. Recently, larger-diameter femoral heads combined with an alumina matrix composite ceramic (BIOLOX Delta; CeramTec AG, Plochingen, Germany) articulation was developed to improve implant longevity and meet patients’ activity demands while reducing the risk of component-related complications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this new device may provide advantages for young, active patients. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 93 patients (113 THAs) with more than 3 years of follow-up. Patients were randomly divided into a study group (51 THAs) with a 36-mm Delta ceramic-on-ceramic (COC) articulation and a control group (62 THAs) with a common-sized alumina ceramic head on polyethylene liner (COP) articulation. Clinical and radiographic results were collected to compare the outcomes and complications, including implant-related failures, osteolysis, and noises. The large-diameter Delta COC articulation provided greater range of motion improvement (6.1° more), similar Harris Hip Scores, and similar complication rates compared with the alumina COP articulation. This study suggests that in the short term, the large-diameter Delta COC articulation results in better range of motion with no higher complication rates; however, mid-term (8–10 years) or longer follow-up is necessary to determine its superiority in young, active patients.