bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Watch for Those Fragments of Evidence: The Use of an Automatic Timepiece to Help Correlate a Helicopter Crash Site from the Vietnam War*,†
Authors: Tuller Hugh , Paolello Josephine M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  This case study illustrates the use of the date function on an automatic wristwatch to help identify a Vietnam War helicopter crash site. The location of a crash incident can sometimes be uncertain because of inadequate or inaccurate wartime records and the passage of time. Artifacts recovered from a prospective crash scene are regularly used to correlate the loss incident. In this case study, a recovered automatic watch displayed a date 2 days later than the reported loss incident. Although the date conflicts with the aircraft crash incident report, it is observed that a fully wound automatic watch continues to work for c. 2 days after movement of the watch ceases. Thus, the watch’s date in fact correlates with the aircraft crash incident report. It is noted that automatic watches may also be used to date scenes of crime.
Does Fair Value Reporting Affect Risk Management? International Survey Evidence
Authors: Lins Karl V. , Servaes Henri , Tamayo Ane
Published: September 2011

We survey CFOs from 36 countries to examine whether and how firms altered their risk management policies when fair value reporting standards for derivatives were introduced. A substantial fraction of firms (42%) state that their risk management policies have been materially affected by fair value reporting. Firms are more likely to be affected if they seek to use risk management to reduce the volatility of earnings relative to cash flows and if they operate in countries where accounting numbers are more likely to be used in contracting. We document a substantial decrease in foreign exchange hedging and in the use of nonlinear hedging instruments. Finally, firms that take active positions are more likely to be affected by fair value reporting. Taken together, our evidence indicates that requirements to report derivatives at fair values have had a material impact on derivative use; while speculative activities have been reduced, sound hedging strategies have been compromised as well.
Payout Policy with Legal Restrictions
Authors: Mansi Sattar A. , Wald John K.
Published: September 2011

We hypothesize that firms that face limitations on debt may use increased dividend payments to mitigate the free cash flow problem. Limitations on debt are implicit in state laws that restrict the firm from making payouts when the asset‐to‐liability ratio is low. We find that: 1) firms incorporated in states with stricter payout restrictions pay more dividends, 2) the probability of paying dividends or repurchasing shares decreases as firms approach a binding payout constraint, and 3) bonding with dividends is less prevalent with increased managerial equity holdings. In addition, antitakeover and director liability laws have a less consistent effect on payout policy.
Clawbacks and Cronyism: Evidence from China
Authors: Allen Linda , Li Guangzhong
Published: September 2011

This paper is the first to examine the long‐term impact on bank lending policy of clawbacks in executive compensation contracts. Using a hand‐gathered database of Chinese business lending, we find evidence of reduced cronyism at the Big Four Chinese banks during the period after the introduction of a clawback program, marking a shift from earlier studies covering earlier time periods that find evidence of widespread cronyism at the Big Four banks. Politically connected borrowers received fewer and smaller loans relative to non‐Big Four banks, consistent with a backlash against cronyism at the Big Four banks. In contrast, we find that cronyism persisted (i.e., politically connected borrowers received more and larger loans) at non‐Big Four Chinese banks where the clawback policy was not effective.
Study on Preheating Techniques for Start-up of Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Mirahmadi Amin , Valefi Kia
Published: September 2011

For start-up of tubular solid oxide fuel cells preheating concepts of gas heating, induction heating, sequential hybrid of gas and induction heating and concurrent hybrid of gas and induction heating were experimented. Due to impossibility of heating-up of porous electric conductive layers in electromagnetic field, stainless steel material was adopted for the gas distributor tube, which is readily heated by induction method and transfers heat to adjacent layers. Start-up times of 95, 31, 49 and 20 seconds were attained for gas heating, induction heating, hybrid of sequential gas and inductive heating and hybrid of concurrent gas and induction heating methods respectively. Axial distribution of temperature in the course of start-up was steadier in hybrid methods which resulted in diminished axial temperature gradient and reduced performance degradation of the cell. A numerical model was developed and calibrated to predict the preheating phenomenon. Analytical results implied the positive effect of layers porosity on the heating rate, concerning mainly the gas heating methods.
Optimum Cross Section Profile in Axisymmetric Stokes Flow
Authors: Srivastava Deepak Kumar
Published: September 2011

In this paper, the problem of optimum cross-section profile in axisymmetric Stokes flow has been discussed under the restriction of specific drag. We take up a class of bodies to be of given maximum cross section with fore and aft symmetry about this section. The possible shape under the stationary value drag has been obtained by making use of method of extremals (Fox, C., 1950, An Introduction to the Calculus of Variations, Oxford University Press, Oxford; Elsgolc, L. E., 1962, Calculus of Variations, Pergamon, New York; Sagan, H., 1969, Introduction to the Calculus of Variations, McGraw-Hill, New York). It has been found that body profile possesses conical front and rear ends. The value of the cross-sectional area has also been calculated for the profile and compared with some known values.
A manual physical therapy approach versus subacromial corticosteroid injection for treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome: a protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Rhon Daniel I , Boyles Robert E , Cleland Joshua A , Brown David L
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Corticosteroid injections (CSI) are a recommended and often-used first-line intervention for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) in primary care and orthopaedic settings. Manual physical therapy (MPT) offers a non-invasive approach with negligible risk for managing SIS. There is limited evidence to suggest significant long-term improvements in pain, strength and disability with the use of MPT, and there are conflicting reports from systematic reviews that question the long-term efficacy of CSI. Specifically, the primary objective is to compare the effect of CSI and MPT on pain and disability in subjects with SIS at 12 months.

Design

This pragmatic randomised clinical trial will be a mixed-model 2×5 factorial design. The independent variables are treatment (MPT and CSI) and time with five levels from baseline to 1 year. The primary dependent variable is the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, and the secondary outcome measures are the Global Rating of Change and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. For each ANOVA, the hypothesis of interest will be the two-way group-by-time interaction.

Methods and analysis

The authors plan to recruit 104 participants meeting established impingement criteria. Following examination and enrolment, eligible participants will be randomly allocated to receive a pragmatic approach of either CSI or MPT. The MPT intervention will consist of six sessions, and the CSI intervention will consist of one to three sessions. All subjects will continue to receive usual care. Subjects will be followed for 12 months.

Dissemination and ethics

The protocol was approved by the Madigan Army Medical Center Institutional Review Board. The results may have an impact on clinical practice guidelines. This study was funded in part by the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Products Grant through the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists.

Trial Registration

http://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT01190891.
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial to improve cognitive functioning in older adults: the Iowa Healthy and Active Minds Study
Authors: Wolinsky Fredric D , Vander Weg Mark W , Howren M Bryant , Jones Michael P , Martin Rene , Luger Tana M , Duff Kevin , Goerdt Christopher , Wolfe Steven , Dotson Megan M
Published: September 2011

Objectives

Gradual age-related cognitive deteriorations are common and are hypothesised to be partially attributable to declines in information-processing speed. The Iowa Healthy and Active Minds Study will evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of a computerised visual processing speed training programme (Road Tour, Posit Science Corporation, San Francisco, California).

Methods and analysis

Using a 3:3:4:4 ratio within two age strata (50–64 vs ≥65 years old), 681 men and women attending family care clinics were randomised to four treatment groups: 10 h of on-siteRoad Tourtraining, 10 h of on-siteRoad Tourtraining with 4 h of booster training at 11 months postrandomisation, 10 h of on-site attention control using computerised crossword puzzles (Boatload of Crosswords, Boatload Puzzles, LLC, Yorktown Heights, New York) and 10 h of at-homeRoad Tourtraining using the participant's personal computer. The primary outcome, visual processing speed, was assessed at randomisation and post-training (6–8 weeks postrandomisation), and is being reassessed at 1-year postrandomisation using the Useful Field of View test. Five secondary outcomes (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Trail Making Tests A and B, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Digit Vigilance Test, and the Stroop Colour and Word Test) were assessed at randomisation and will be reassessed at 1-year postrandomisation. Seven hypotheses will be tested using intent-to-treat analyses involving multiple linear, logistic, Poisson and negative binomial regression.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was provided by the University of Iowa Institutional Review Board (IRB-03 protocol 200908789). All participants completed signed informed consent prior to enrolment.Road Touris commercially available from Posit Science Corporation, which provided it to Iowa Healthy and Active Minds Study at no cost. All participants will receive a free copy ofRoad Tourfor unlimited perpetual use at study completion.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT01165463.
Working together. An interdisciplinary approach to dying patients in a palliative care unit
Authors: Minetti Aurora
Published: September 2011

Multiprofessional teams have become in recent years one of the distinguishing features of services, where professionals with different competences work together. The core of our interest is addressed to the équipe of a palliative care ward; in particular, to that series of working activities that consists of communicative acts, as équipe meetings, for instance. Our research focuses on the analysis of the process by which the development of knowledge in multiprofessional practice is built to establish more information on recurrent patterns in the interaction and connect them to the specific context that these are shaped by. In this sense we will underline how components of knowing are shared among team members in constructing medical prognosis and we will analyse the connection among language processes, cognitive activities and social structures. More specifically, we will study the role of language and the context in the definition of linguistic acts in cognitive activities and in hierarchies involved in decision-making processes by exploring and pointing out how it is organised and structured. In particular through the study of talk-in-interaction where interchange of information is realised, we will emphasise how, in the multiprofessional équipe meeting, the realisation of practices and the knowledge useful to collaborative management of ward working life are established. To reach this aim, we adopted an ethnographic approach connected to the analysis of the situated interaction.
Is medical students' moral orientation changeable after preclinical medical education?
Authors: Lin Chaou-Shune , Tsou Kuo-Inn , Cho Shu-Ling , Hsieh Ming-Shium , Wu Hsi-Chin , Lin Chyi-Her
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Moral orientation can affect ethical decision-making. Very few studies have focused on whether medical education can change the moral orientation of the students. The purpose of the present study was to document the types of moral orientation exhibited by medical students, and to study if their moral orientation was changed after preclinical education.

Methods

From 2007 to 2009, the Mojac scale was used to measure the moral orientation of Taiwan medical students. The students included 271 first-year and 109 third-year students. They were rated as a communitarian, dual, or libertarian group and followed for 2 years to monitor the changes in their Mojac scores.

Results

In both first and third-year students, the dual group after 2 years of preclinical medical education did not show any significant change. In the libertarian group, first and third-year students showed a statistically significant increase from a score of 99.4 and 101.3 to 103.0 and 105.7, respectively. In the communitarian group, first and third-year students showed a significant decline from 122.8 and 126.1 to 116.0 and 121.5, respectively.

Conclusion

During the preclinical medical education years, students with communitarian orientation and libertarian orientation had changed in their moral orientation to become closer to dual orientation. These findings provide valuable hints to medical educators regarding bioethics education and the selection criteria of medical students for admission.
GRB 071227: ANOTHER DISGUISED SHORT BURST
Authors: CAITO L. , BERNARDINI M. G. , BIANCO C. L. , IZZO L. , PATRICELLI B. , RUFFINI R.
Published: September 2011

Observations of Gamma-ray Bursts (GRBs) put forward in the recent years have revealed, with increasing evidence, that the historical classification between long and short bursts has to be revised. Within the Fireshell scenario, both short and long bursts are canonical bursts, consisting of two different phases. First, a Proper-GRB (P-GRB), that is the emission of photons at the transparency of the fireshell. Then, the Extended Afterglow, multiwavelength emission due to the interacion of the baryonic remnants of the fireshell with the CircumBurst Medium (CBM). We discriminate between long and short bursts by the amount of energy stored in the first phase with respect to the second one. Within the Fireshell scenario, we have introduced a third intermediate class: the disguised GRBs. They appear like short bursts, because their morphology is characterized by a first, short, hard episode and a following deflated tail, but this last part — coincident with the peak of the afterglow — is energetically predominant. The origin of this peculiar kind of sources is inferred to a very low average density of the environment (of the order of 10-3). After GRB 970228 and GRB 060614, we find in GRB 071227 a third example of disguised burst.
FROM QUANTUM DEFORMATIONS OF RELATIVISTIC SYMMETRIES TO MODIFIED KINEMATICS AND DYNAMICS
Authors: LUKIERSKI JERZY
Published: September 2011

Starting from noncommutative generalization of Minkowski space we consider quantum deformed relativistic symmetries which lead to the modification of kinematics of special relativity. The noncommutative field theory framework described by means of the star product formalism is briefly described. We briefly present the quantum modifications of Einstein gravity.
A NEW SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTION OF PHOTONS IN THE FIRESHELL MODEL OF GRBS
Authors: PATRICELLI B. , BERNARDINI M. G. , BIANCO C. L. , CAITO L. , IZZO L. , RUFFINI R. , VERESHCHAGIN G.
Published: September 2011

The analysis of various Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) having a low energetics (an isotropic energy E iso ≲ 1053 ergs) within the fireshell model has shown how the N(E) spectrum of their prompt emission can be reproduced in a satisfactory way by a convolution of thermal spectra. Nevertheless, from the study of very energetic bursts (E iso ≳ 1054 ergs) such as, for example, GRB 080319B, some discrepancies between the numerical simulations and the observational data have been observed. We investigate a different spectrum of photons in the comoving frame of the fireshell in order to better reproduce the spectral properties of GRB prompt emission within the fireshell model. We introduce a phenomenologically modified thermal spectrum: a thermal spectrum characterized by a different asymptotic power-law index in the low energy region. Such an index depends on a free parameter α, so that the pure thermal spectrum corresponds to the case α = 0. We test this spectrum by comparing the numerical simulations with the observed prompt emission spectra of various GRBs. From this analysis it has emerged that the observational data can be correctly reproduced by assuming a modified thermal spectrum with α = -1.8.
COSMOLOGY FROM GALAXY SURVEYS
Authors: PERCIVAL WILL J.
Published: September 2011

Galaxy Redshift surveys provide a three-dimensional map of the Universe. Three distinct processes that encode cosmological information in these maps, are commonly used to constrain models: (i) the comoving power spectrum shape depends on the physical properties of the early Universe, including the physical matter, baryon and neutrino densities, the inflation power spectrum and the degree of Gaussianity of density fluctuations; (ii) we can use the statistical clustering of galaxies as a standard ruler by matching it, or parts of it at different redshifts, and to the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB); (iii) redshift-space distortions, anisotropic patterns caused by peculiar galaxy velocities, reveal structure growth. Following the design of my talk at the 1st Galileo–Xu Guangqi Meeting, I will use these proceedings to briefly review these experiments.
The Recent Understanding of the Neurotrophin′s Role in Skeletal Muscle Adaptation
Authors: Sakuma Kunihiro , Yamaguchi Akihiko
Published: September 2011

This paper summarizes the various effects of neurotrophins in skeletal muscle and how these proteins act as potential regulators of the maintenance, function, and regeneration of skeletal muscle fibers. Increasing evidence suggests that this family of neurotrophic factors influence not only the survival and function of innervating motoneurons but also the development and differentiation of myoblasts and muscle fibers. Muscle contractions (e.g., exercise) produce BDNF mRNA and protein in skeletal muscle, and the BDNF seems to play a role in enhancing glucose metabolism and may act for myokine to improve various brain disorders (e.g., Alzheimer′s disease and major depression). In adults with neuromuscular disorders, variations in neurotrophin expression are found, and the role of neurotrophins under such conditions is beginning to be elucidated. This paper provides a basis for a better understanding of the role of these factors under such pathological conditions and for treatment of human neuromuscular disease.
Maximum Aerobic Capacity of Underground Coal Miners in India
Authors: Saha Ratnadeep , Dey Netai Chandra , Samanta Amalendu , Biswas Rajib
Published: September 2011

Miners fitness test was assessed in terms of determination of maximum aerobic capacity by an indirect method following a standard step test protocol before going down to mine by taking into consideration of heart rates (Telemetric recording) and oxygen consumption of the subjects (Oxylog-II) during exercise at different working rates. Maximal heart rate was derived as 220−age. Coal miners reported a maximum aerobic capacity within a range of 35–38.3 mL/kg/min. It also revealed that oldest miners (50–59 yrs) had a lowest maximal oxygen uptake (34.2±3.38 mL/kg/min) compared to (42.4±2.03 mL/kg/min) compared to (42.4±2.03 mL/kg/min) the youngest group (20–29 yrs). It was found to be negatively correlated with age (r=−0.55and −0.33 for younger and older groups respectively) and directly associated with the body weight of the subjects (r=0.57–0.68,P≤0.001). Carriers showed maximum cardio respiratory capacity compared to other miners. Indian minersVO2maxwas found to be lower both compared to their abroad mining counterparts and various other non-mining occupational working groups in India.
The Metabolic Syndrome and Biochemical Recurrence following Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Post Jennifer M. , Beebe-Dimmer Jennifer L. , Morgenstern Hal , Neslund-Dudas Christine , Bock Cathryn H. , Nock Nora , Rundle Andrew , Jankowski Michelle , Rybicki Benjamin A.
Published: September 2011

Metabolic syndrome refers to a set of conditions that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, particularly among African American men. This study aimed to estimate the association of metabolic syndrome with biochemical recurrence (BCR) in a racially diverse population. Among 383 radical prostatectomy patients, 67 patients had documented biochemical recurrence. Hypertension was significantly, positively associated with the rate of BCR (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.1; 95%  CI = 1.1, 3.8). There were distinct racial differences in the prevalence of individual metabolic syndrome components; however, the observed associations with BCR did not differ appreciably by race. We conclude that hypertension may contribute to a poorer prognosis in surgically treated prostate cancer patients. Our findings suggest that targeting components of the metabolic syndrome which are potentially modifiable through lifestyle interventions may be a viable strategy to reduce risk of BCR in prostate cancer.
Clinical Expression of an Inherited Unbalanced Translocation in Chromosome 6
Authors: Ganguly Bani Bandana , Kadam Vijay , Kadam Nitin N.
Published: September 2011

Unbalanced chromosomal rearrangements are not common; however, they have a significant clinical expression. The parental balanced translocation produces unbalanced chromosome, which is transmitted to next generation through fertilization of gametes carrying the derivative chromosome. The carriers of balanced rearrangements mostly do not have recognizable phenotypic expression. We report a family comprising of healthy and non-consanguineous young parents and their preemie newborn severely affected with congenital anomalies and systemic disorders. Conventional Gbanding analysis of somatic chromosomes identified a balanced translocation, t(6;10)(p23;q24), in mother and an unbalanced rearrangement, der(6)t(6:10)(p23;q24)mat, in the child. The child has inherited a derivative chromosome 6 with partial deletion of 6(p23-pter) and partial trisomy 10(q24-qter), which has resulted in fusion of genes of two different chromosomes. The prominent phenotypic features of del(6p), including high forehead, flat nasal bridge, agenesis of left ear, atrial septal defect (ASD), craniosynostosis, and growth retardation, are overlapping with specific Axenfeld-Reiger-, Larsen-, and Ritscher-Sinzel/3-C syndromes, however, lacking in ocular anomalies, skeletal laxity, or cerebellar malformation. Therefore, this paper rules out the isolated effect of del(6p23) or trisomy 10(q24) on distinct previously reported syndromes and proposes the combined effect of unbalanced chromosomal alteration.
Concomitant Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for High-Risk Nonmelanoma Skin Carcinomas of the Head and Neck
Authors: Apisarnthanarax Smith , Dhruva Nirav , Ardeshirpour Farhad , Tepper Joel E. , Shores Carol G. , Rosenman Julian G. , Shockley William W. , Hayward Michele C. , Hayes D. Neil
Published: September 2011

Background. To report on the use and feasibility of a multimodality approach using concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with high-risk nonmelanoma skin carcinoma (NMSC) of the head and neck.Methods. Records of patients with NMSC of the head and neck who received concomitant CRT at the University of North Carolina between 2001 and 2007 were reviewed.Results. Fifteen identified patients had at least one of the following high-risk factors: T4 disease (93%), unresectability (60%), regional nodal involvement (40%), and/or recurrence (47%). Ten patients were treated in the definitive setting and five in the postoperative setting. Platinum based chemotherapy was given in 14 (93%) patients. Ten of fifteen (67%) patients completed all planned chemotherapy treatments, and thirteen patients (87%) completed at least 80% of planned chemotherapy. Mild radiation dermatitis occurred in all patients and reached grade 3 in 13% of patients. No patients experienced grade 4 or 5 toxicity. With a median followup of 31 months in surviving patients, the 2-year actuarial locoregional control and relapse-free survival were 79% and 49%, respectively.Conclusions. Definitive or postoperative chemoradiotherapy for patients with locally advanced or regionally metastasized NMSC of the head and neck appears feasible with acceptable toxicities and favorable locoregional control.
Patient Specific Dosimetry Phantoms Using Multichannel LDDMM of the Whole Body
Authors: Tward Daniel J. , Ceritoglu Can , Kolasny Anthony , Sturgeon Gregory M. , Segars W. Paul , Miller Michael I. , Ratnanather J. Tilak
Published: September 2011

This paper describes an automated procedure for creating detailed patient-specific pediatric dosimetry phantoms from a small set of segmented organs in a child's CT scan. The algorithm involves full body mappings from adult template to pediatric images using multichannel large deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping (MC-LDDMM). The parallel implementation and performance of MC-LDDMM for this application is studied here for a sample of 4 pediatric patients, and from 1 to 24 processors. 93.84% of computation time is parallelized, and the efficiency of parallelization remains high until more than 8 processors are used. The performance of the algorithm was validated on a set of 24 male and 18 female pediatric patients. It was found to be accurate typically to within 1-2 voxels (2–4 mm) and robust across this large and variable data set.
One-Stage Combined Thoracic Ancient Schwannomas Total Removal and Coronary Artery Bypass
Authors: Ceberut Kadri , Naseri Erdinc , Celik Atac , Muslehiddinoglu Ahmet , Ergin İsmail
Published: September 2011

Ancient schwannoma is a rare variant of neural tumors though rarely seen in the thorax. The combination with coronary artery diseases is also rare. Here we describe a 66 year-old male who had undergone one-stage combined surgery for thoracic ancient schwannomas removal and coronary artery disease. The masses were, respectively, 13 cm in the middle mediastinum and 5 cm in diameter originating from the intercostal nerve. The tumors were successfully removed using sternotomy, and then a coronary artery bypass grafting was performed. Here we discuss this rare tumor in relation to the relevant literature.
Malignant Transformation Six Months after Removal of Intracranial Epidermoid Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Lakhdar Fayçal , Hakkou El Mehdi , Gana Rachid , Maaqili Rachid My , Bellakhdar Fouad
Published: September 2011

Intracranial epidermoid cysts are uncommon benign tumors of developmental origin; malignant transformation of benign epidermoid cysts is rare, and their prognosis remains poor. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising in the cerebellopontine angle. A 52-year-old man presented with left facial paralysis and cerebellar ataxia. He had undergone total removal of a benign epidermoid cyst six months previously. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a heterogeneous and cystic lesion in the left cerebellopontine angle with hydrocephalus. The cyst wall was enhanced by gadolinium. He underwent ventricle-peritoneal shunt and removal again; the histopathological examination revealed a squamous cell carcinoma possibly arising from an underlying epidermoid cyst. This entity is being reported for its rarity. The presence of contrast enhancement at the site of an epidermoid cyst combined with an acute, progressive neurological deficit should alert the neurosurgeon to the possibility of a malignant transformation.
Oscillation Theorems for Second‐Order Half‐Linear Advanced Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Tang Shuhong , Li Tongxing , Thandapani Ethiraju
Published: September 2011

This paper is concerned with the oscillatory behavior of the second‐order half‐linear advanced dynamic equation
on an arbitrary time scale 𝕋 with sup 𝕋 = ∞, where g(t) ≥ t and . Some sufficient conditions for oscillation of the studied equation are established. Our results not only improve and complement those results in the literature but also unify the oscillation of the second‐order half‐linear advanced differential equation and the second‐order half‐linear advanced difference equation. Three examples are included to illustrate the main results.
Stability of Membrane Elastodynamics with Applications to Cylindrical Aneurysms
Authors: Samuelson A. , Seshaiyer P.
Published: September 2011

The enlargement and rupture of intracranial and abdominal aortic aneurysms constitutes a major medical problem. It has been suggested that enlargement and rupture are due to mechanical instabilities of the associated complex fluid‐solid interaction in the lesions. In this paper, we examine a coupled fluid‐structure mathematical model for a cylindrical geometry representing an idealized aneurysm using both analytical and numerical techniques. A stability analysis for this subclass of aneurysms is presented. It is shown that this subclass of aneurysms is dynamically stable both with and without a viscoelastic contribution to the arterial wall.
Mathematical Extrapolating of Highly Efficient Fin Systems
Authors: Khaled A.-R. A.
Published: September 2011

Different high‐performance fins are mathematically analyzed in this work. Initially, three types are considered: (i) exponential, (ii) parabolic, and (iii) triangular fins. Analytical solutions are obtained. Accordingly, the effective thermal efficiency and the effective volumetric heat dissipation rate are calculated. The analytical results were validated against numerical solutions. It is found that the triangular fin has the maximum effective thermal length. In addition, the exponential pin fin is found to have the largest effective thermal efficiency. However, the effective efficiency for the straight one is the maximum when its effective thermal length based on profile area is greater than 1.4. Furthermore, the exponential straight fin is found to have effective volumetric heat dissipation that can be 440% and 580% above the parabolic and triangular straight fins, respectively. In contrast, the exponential pin fin is found to possess effective volumetric heat dissipation that can be 120% and 132% above the parabolic and triangular pin fins, respectively. Finally, new high performance fins are mathematically generated that can have effective volumetric heat dissipation of 24% and 12% above those of exponential pin and straight fins, respectively.
Self-Referential Thinking, Suicide, and Function of the Cortical Midline Structures and Striatum in Mood Disorders: Possible Implications for Treatment Studies of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Bipolar Depression
Authors: Marchand William R.
Published: September 2011

Bipolar depression is often refractory to treatment and is frequently associated with anxiety symptoms and elevated suicide risk. There is a great need for adjunctive psychotherapeutic interventions. Treatments with effectiveness for depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as suicide-related thoughts and behaviors would be particularly beneficial. Mindfulness-based interventions hold promise, and studies of these approaches for bipolar disorder are warranted. The aim of this paper is to provide a conceptual background for such studies by reviewing key findings from diverse lines of investigation. Results of that review indicate that cortical midline structures (CMS) appear to link abnormal self-referential thinking to emotional dysregulation in mood disorders. Furthermore, CMS and striatal dysfunction may play a role in the neuropathology underlying suicide-related thoughts and behaviors. Thus, combining studies of mindfulness interventions targeting abnormal self-referential thinking with functional imaging of CMS and striatal function may help delineate the neurobiological mechanisms of action of these treatments.
Preparation and Properties of Ag-Containing Diamond-Like Carbon Films by Magnetron Plasma Source Ion Implantation
Authors: Baba K. , Hatada R. , Flege S. , Ensinger W.
Published: September 2011

The doping effect of silver on the structure and properties of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films was investigated. The samples were prepared by a process combining acetylene plasma source ion implantation (high-voltage pulses of −10 kV) with reactive magnetron sputtering of an Ag disc. A mixture of two gases, argon, and acetylene was introduced into the discharge chamber as working gas for plasma formation. A negative high-voltage pulse was applied to the substrate holder, thus, accelerating ions towards the substrate. The chemical composition of the deposited films was modified by the respective gas flows and determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The silver concentration within the DLC films influenced the structure and the tribological properties. The surface roughness, as observed by scanning electron microscopy, increased with silver concentration. The film structure was characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The DLC films were mainly amorphous, containing crystalline silver, with the amount of silver depending on the process conditions. The tribological properties of the films were improved by the silver doping. The lowest friction coefficient of around 0.06 was derived at a low silver content.
Musculoskeletal Findings in Behcet's Disease
Authors: Bicer Ali
Published: September 2011

Behcet's disease is a multisystem disease characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, relapsing uveitis, mucocutaneous, articular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and vascular manifestations. Rheumatologic manifestations may also occur in Behcet's disease, and arthritis and arthralgia are the most common musculoskeletal findings followed by enthesopathy, avascular necrosis, myalgia, and myositis. Although the main pathology of Behcet's disease has been known to be the underlying vasculitis, the etiology and exact pathogenesis of the disease are still unclear. Musculoskeletal findings of Behcet's disease, the relationship between Behcet's disease and spondyloarthropathy disease complex, and the status of bone metabolism in patients with Behcet's disease were discussed in this paper.
Tight Focusing of Partially Coherent Vortex Beams
Authors: Singh Rakesh Kumar
Published: September 2011

Tight focusing of partially polarized vortex beams has been studied. Compact form of the coherence matrix has been derived for polarized vortex beams. Effects of topological charge and polarization distribution of the incident beam on intensity distribution, degree of polarization, and coherence have been investigated.
Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Glucose at Glucose Oxidase-Cobalt Phthalocyanine-Modified Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Kondo Takeshi , Horitani Masaru , Yuasa Makoto
Published: September 2011

Electrochemical detection of glucose was achieved at a glucose oxidase (GOx)-cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc)-modified boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode without any additional electron mediator in the electrolyte solution. The surface of the hydrogen-terminated BDD thin film prepared by microwave plasma-assisted CVD was modified with 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) via photochemical modification. The 4VP-BDD was then immersed in a CoPc solution to obtain CoPc-BDD. A poly(p-phenylenediamine) (PPD) thin film containing GOx was coated on the CoPc-BDD electrode surface via electropolymerization. At the GOx/PPD-CoPc-BDD electrode, anodic current for glucose oxidation was observed with a sigmoidal voltammetric curve, indicating successful electron mediation of H2O2generated as the result of glucose oxidation at GOx. The signal-to-background ratio for voltammetric current of glucose detection was larger at the GOx/PPD-CoPc-BDD electrode than at the GOx/PPD-modified platinum electrode due to the smaller background current of the modified BDD electrode.
Fecal Incontinence: Prevalence, Severity, and Quality of Life Data from an Outpatient Gastroenterology Practice
Authors: Alsheik Eva H. , Coyne Thomas , Hawes Sara K. , Merikhi Laleh , Naples Scott P. , Kanagarajan Nandhakumar , Reynolds James C. , Myers Scott E. , Ahmad Asyia S.
Published: September 2011

Background. The prevalence of fecal incontinence varies tremendously as a result of inadequate data collection methods. Few office-based studies have assessed the prevalence of fecal incontinence and none have looked at modifiable risk factors or effect on quality of life.Design, Settings, Patients, and Main Outcome Measures. Five hundred patients who visited our inner city, university-based gastroenterology practice, were asked about symptoms of fecal incontinence. We also retrospectively reviewed 500 charts to identify the frequency of patient-physician reporting of fecal incontinence.Results. Of the 500 patients that were directly questioned, 58 (12%, 43 women, 15 men) admitted to fecal incontinence compared to 12 (2.4%) in the retrospective arm. Patients with fecal incontinence and loose/watery stool reported the lowest quality of life scores. While the average severity score was similar between men and women, women had a significantly lower average quality of life score (3.04 versus 2.51;P<0.03).Conclusions. The identification of fecal incontinence increases when patients are directly questioned. Identifying and treating patients with loose stool is a potential strategy to improve quality of life in this patient population. In men and women with similar severity of fecal incontinence, women have a significantly lower quality of life.
Common Variants of Homocysteine Metabolism Pathway Genes and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Related Traits in Indians
Authors: Chauhan Ganesh , Kaur Ismeet , Tabassum Rubina , Dwivedi Om Prakash , Ghosh Saurabh , Tandon Nikhil , Bharadwaj Dwaipayan
Published: September 2011

Hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular disorder, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, is prevalent among Indians who are at high risk of these metabolic disorders. We evaluated association of common variants of genes involved in homocysteine metabolism or its levels with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related traits in North Indians. We genotyped 90 variants in initial phase (2.115 subjects) and replicated top signals in an independent sample set (2.085 subjects). The variantMTHFR-rs1801133 was the top signal for association with type 2 diabetes (OR=0.78(95%  CI=0.67–0.92),P=0.003) and was also associated with 2 h postload plasma glucose (P=0.04), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.004), and total cholesterol (P=0.01) in control subjects. These associations were neither replicated nor significant after meta-analysis. Studies involving a larger study population and different ethnic groups are required before ruling out the role of these important candidate genes in type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related traits.
Edinburgh 1910-2010: A Retrospective Assessment
Authors: Morris Jeremy
Published: September 2011

The centenary of the World Missionary Conference held at Edinburgh in 1910 has recently been celebrated. The Conference has been hailed as a decisive point in the rise of the modern ecumenical movement and in the history of mission. But there is a need for objective analysis of what the Conference achieved. This article examines the legacy of Edinburgh 1910 through the themes of unity and mission, exploring subsequent changes in attitudes and concerns in the four areas of secularization, empire, nationalism and gender. It suggests that the real achievements of the Conference have been obscured by the mythology that has grown up around it, and that a proper reception of the Conference requires much closer attention to the conditions that produced it than has conventionally been undertaken.
Systematic review of national and international guidelines on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Seixas Miguel , Weiss Margaret , Müller Ulrich
Published: September 2011

During the last few years several clinical guidelines on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been published by national and international medical societies. To systematically review and compare recommendations of selected ADHD guidelines, we performed a systematic search in online guideline databases and PubMed in order to retrieve guideline texts. Guidelines meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed and recommendations on assessment and treatment extracted. The AGREE instrument was used to assess methodological quality. Of the 26 guidelines identified, 13 were selected for further analysis: 11 guidelines deal with ADHD in childhood and adolescence and 5 guidelines cover transitional patients and/or ADHD in adults. The methodological quality of ADHD guidelines is moderate to good. They reflect similarities and differences of healthcare systems. Diagnosis throughout the lifespan is based on a detailed clinical history. There is greater agreement on evidence-based pharmacological treatment than on psychosocial interventions, reflecting the strength of evidence.
New Methods Enhance the Processing of Permanent Gauge Data
Authors: Houzé Olivier , Allain Olivier , Josso Bruno
Published: September 2011

Permanent Downhole Gauges (PDG) are used increasingly in ‘intelligent fields’ to provide valuable information at different time scales. Specific processing of the massive amount of data produced by PDG is required to automatically (1) reduce the volume of data without losing valuable information, (2) remove outliers and (3) identify build-ups and re-allocate production. In the late 1990's, publications tried to address all these points using a first generation of wavelet based filters.

Items (1) and (2) were successfully addressed but required prior data interpolation. Wavelets generally failed on item (3). In this paper we present the use of a new generation of wavelets, allowing a more accurate processing of items (1) and (2) without any prior interpolation. This paper also presents a new method using tangents crossing, which successfully replaces the failing wavelets for item (3).
Production Allocation in Multi-Layers Gas Producing Wells Using Temperature Measurements By Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Reda Rabie , Ahmed Salah El-Din , Ahmed Daoud , Ahmed Ali , Ahmed Nabet
Published: September 2011

We present a methodology of allocating gas rate and associated water to each individual layer using temperature measurements and total surface production of gas and water. This paper consists of two parts. In part one; we propose an analytical forward model for wellbore temperature response under two-phase production in a multilayer geometry, using a nodal representation of the well. This model accounts for the formation geothermal gradient, steady-state gas-water flow in the wellbore, friction loss and Joule-Thomson effect in the wellbore, contrast in the thermal and physical properties of gas and water, wellbore heat losses due to unsteady heat conduction in the earth, and the mixing of the fluid streams of contrasting temperature. The second part shows the solution technique used to allocate the gas and water rate for each layer using the genetic algorithm and the constructed software by knowing the temperature measurements inside the wellbore and by using the previously derived forward model for temperature response along with commercial software packages used to estimate the pressure loss required by the temperature forward model.

Two synthetic cases are used to test the validity of the new developed forward model; the first one is account for a well that produces from a single layer, while the second one produces from multilayer well in which the temperature in the wellbore and production rate is known. The developed model is applied to calculate the temperature profile inside the wellbore. The calculated profile is compared with the actual profile. The results showed that the new developed model is valid and reliable.

The practical implementation of the new developed production allocation model is examined on data from two actual gas wells with temperature measurements taken from Production logging tools recorded in these wells. The results showed that the model succeeded to accurately allocate the flow rate of gas and water phase for the multilayer producing wells based only on the temperature measurements inside the well bore and the total surface rates.
Identifying Reservoir Heterogeneity of the Ratawi Limestone in Umm Gudair Field, Kuwait; Utilizing Seismic Attributes and Post Stack Inversion: A Case Study
Authors: Dutta Pradyumna , Haifa Al-Muraikhi
Published: September 2011

The Umm Gudair field is located in West Kuwait. Oil was discovered in the Lower Cretaceous Minagish Oolite in 1962 and around 180 wells have been drilled on the structure. The field has been geographically divided into three smaller sectors; East Umm Gudair (EUG), West Umm Gudair (WUG) and South Umm Gudair (SUG). It essentially consisits of two anticlines, EUG/SUG and WUG connected by a saddle; into a single accumulation. Overlying the Minagish Oolite is the Ratawi limestone reservoir of around 300 feet, and is composed of mudstone/wackstone rock, representing middle to inner ramp depositional setting. The reservoir is broadly defined by three units; Lower, Middle and Upper units. The Lower and Upper units are non-reservoir, while the Middle unit of an average thickness of around 50 feet, has moderate to high porosity, is hydrocarbon bearing and developed in EUG. Six wells have been tested till date, with relatively low productivity and rapid decline of pressure, suggesting that the unit is heterogeneous.

Based on the recently acquired seismic data, an integrated study was conducted, encompassing geological, geophysical and petrophysical data to understand the reservoir complexity. Seismic attributes along with deterministic inversion techniques, utilizing the relationship of acoustic impedance and porosity have been employed to identify areas of good porosity development. The multidisplinary work has provided an understanding of the reservoir heterogeneity and is expected to be used in future development of this reservoir.
Adopting Simple & Advanced Genetic Algorithms as Optimization Tools for Increasing Oil Recovery & NPV in an Iraq Oil Field
Authors: Al-Mudhafer Wathiq J. , Shahed Maytham A.
Published: September 2011

A Multidisciplinary study for increasing oil recovery has been made in the present paper. This work has been adopted in the Upper Sandstone member/Zubair formation in South Rumaila Oil Field. The work was achieved by using optimization techniques for determining the optimal future reservoir performance regarding to infill drilling. Two different methods of Genetic Algorithm used to optimize the number and locations of infill wells. The first method is simple adaptive genetic algorithm and the second one is the breeder adaptive. The main parameters depended in this study is the cumulative oil production obtained from the output of reservoir simulation software. These two methods of GA depend on using the objective function of Net Present Value (NPV) as economic analysis. The optimal number of infill wells is three wells that have maximum cumulative oil production and maximum value of NPV. The same results from two GA methods have been obtained. The locations of these optimal infill wells located in the crest of the oil field.