bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PARAMETRIZATION OF PMNS MATRIX BASED ON DODECA SYMMETRY
Authors: KIM JIHN E. , SEO MIN-SEOK
Published: February 2012

The dodeca symmetry is designed to obtain the Cabibbo angle [Formula: see text] approximately 15° and the (11) element of V PMNS as cos 30°, leading to [Formula: see text]. This leading order dodeca symmetric V PMNS is corrected by small parameters, especially as an expansion in terms of a small parameter β. Neglecting two Majorana phases, the expression of V PMNS contains four parameters: a small β, and three [Formula: see text] parameters A, B and δ. From the neutrino oscillation data, we present two parametrizations and estimate their β's.
IMAGE ERROR CONCEALMENT BASED ON QIM DATA HIDING IN DUAL-TREE COMPLEX WAVELETS
Authors: MAITY SANTI P. , PHADIKAR AMIT , KUNDU MALAY K.
Published: February 2012

Transmission of block-coded images through error-prone radio mobile channel often results in lost blocks. Error concealment (EC) techniques exploit inherent redundancy and reduce visual artifacts through post-processing at the decoder side. In this paper, we propose an efficient quantization index modulation (QIM)-based data hiding scheme using dual-tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT) for the application of image error concealment. The goal is achieved by embedding important information (image digest) as watermark signal that is extracted from the original image itself and is used to introduce sufficient redundancy in the transmitted image. At the decoder side, the extracted image digest is used to correct the damaged regions. DTCWT offers three-fold advantages viz. (1) high embedding capacity due to inherent redundancy that leads to the better reconstruction of high volume missing data, (2) better imperceptibly after data embedding since it most closely captures human visual system (HVS) characteristics than conventional DWT and (3) better watermark decoding reliability. Simulation results duly support the claims and relative performance improvement with respect to the existing results.
FAST LANE DETECTION USING DIRECTION KERNEL FUNCTION
Authors: NIE YIMING , DAI BIN , AN XIANGJING , SUN ZHENPING , WU TAO , HE HANGEN
Published: February 2012

The lane information is essential to the highway intelligent vehicle applications. The direct description of the lanes is lane markings. Many vision methods have been proposed for lane markings detection. But in practice there are some problems to be solved by previous lane tracking systems such as shadows on the road, lighting changes, characters on the road and discontinuous changes in road types. Direction kernel function is proposed for robust detection of the lanes. This method focuses on selecting points on the markings edge by classification. During the classifying, the vanishing point is selected and the parts of the lane marking could form the lanes. The algorithm presented in this paper is proved to be both robust and fast by a large amount of experiments in variable occasions, besides, the algorithm can extract the lanes even in some parts of lane markings missing occasions.
UNITARY EQUIVALENCE AND TRANSLATION REPRESENTATION IN WAVELET THEORY
Authors: LEVAN NHAN , KUBRUSLY CARLOS S.
Published: February 2012

Unitary Equivalence and Translation Representation play a key role in the Lax–Phillips Scattering Theory. In this paper we show that Translation Representation also plays an important role in Wavelet Theory, for Discrete Multi-Resolution Approximation as well as for Continuous Multi-Translation Approximation — to be defined in the paper.
REEXAMINATION OF INFRARED SPECTRA OF Bi NANORODS: L–T TRANSITION OR EXTRINSIC PHASES
Authors: LINGAM K. , REPPERT J. , DICKEL D. , PODILA R. , PUNEET P. , SHEFTIC E. , KUTHIRUMMAL N. , SKOVE M. , HE J. , RAO A. M.
Published: February 2012

Bismuth is a fascinating material system owing to its unusual Fermi surface topology, which depends on size and temperature. Theoretical calculations predict that Bi should undergo a semimetal-to-semiconductor transition as at least one of its dimensions becomes < 50 nm. This prediction was experimentally confirmed by infrared (IR) absorption spectra, which is largely underlain by transitions between the L (electron) and T (hole) pockets of the Fermi surface. In this work, however, we report that in our nanosize samples, the observed IR peak positions are practically independent of temperature, which is hard to reconcile with the predicted behavior of the L–T transition. To help elucidate the origin of these IR peaks, we performed a careful analysis of the IR spectra of Bi nanorods, as well as those of bulk Bi, Bi samples prepared under different conditions and Bi2(CO3)O2 using Fourier transform infrared and photoacoustic spectroscopy measurements. We propose that the observed IR peaks in Bi nanorods arise from the oxygen–carbon containing secondary phases formed on the surface of Bi rather than from the Bi itself. We believe that secondary phases must be taken into account on a general basis in modeling the IR spectra of Bi and that the scenario that ascribes these IR peaks solely to the L–T transitions may not be correct. The results reported herein may also impact the research of Bi-based thermoelectric nanostructures and bulk materials.
WIND POWER IMPACT ON TRANSIENT FAULT BEHAVIOR IN ELECTRICAL POWER GRID USING DOUBLY FED INDUCTION GENERATOR
Authors: GIDWANI LATA , TIWARI H. P.
Published: February 2012

The amount of electrical energy produced by wind mills is constantly increasing. Nowadays detailed analyzes considering the impact of wind energy integration on the transmission system are required. The goal of this study is to investigate the dynamic response of a wind turbine with doubly fed induction generator connected to the power system during grid disturbance. The current and future wind power situation is modeled as two cases and a transient fault is simulated. In order to analyze the impact of wind energy integration in electrical power grid, a power system model has been developed, integrated with wind turbine using doubly fed induction generator and transient analysis are performed. Here, an attempt has been made to compare the impact, in terms of voltages, currents, total harmonic distortion, etc., of adding wind turbines into electrical power grid.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Mode Transformation and Energy Attenuation of Wedge Waves Generated by Laser Ultrasound Technique
Authors: Jia Jing , Shen Zhonghua , Yuan Ling , Ni Xiaowu
Published: February 2012

This research focuses on measuring the mode transformation and energy attenuation of wedge waves by the laser ultrasound technique. First, the finite-element method was used to simulate the laser-induced wedge waves and different orders of wedge-wave modes with nondispersion could be clearly observed. Then the pulsed laser excitation and optical deflection beam method for detection was developed to investigate the wedge waves experimentally. Plenty of wedge waves at different locations were recorded by scanning the excitation laser along the wedge tip, and different orders of wedge waves were observed. By fixing the distance between the excitation and detection position and scanning the samples along the direction normal to the wedge tip, the mode transformation process was achieved. Finally, it was found that the energy of acoustic waves decreases exponentially to a steady energy of the Rayleigh wave within the main wavelength range of these modes.
High-Speed Atomic Force Microscope by Surface Topography Observer
Authors: Shiraishi Takayuki , Fujimoto Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

This paper discusses novel high-speed imaging method for atomic force microscope (AFM) without modification of hardware. In conventional AFM, an image is obtained from control input of Z-scanner. On the other hand, we propose observer based imaging method which has based on observer theory in control technology. The proposed method achieves high-speed imaging without loss of stability margin of control system, and modification of hardware. In this paper, effectiveness of proposed method is shown by some simulation and experimental results.
Increased Interfacial Strength at Microscale Silicon–Polymer Interface by Nanowires Assisted Micro-Sandglass Shaped Interlocks
Authors: Peng Hsien-Chih , Khoo Hwa Seng , Tseng Fan-Gang
Published: February 2012

We present an interfacial strengthening technique for microsystem packaging, particularly at the interface of stiff and soft materials. Micro-sandglass shaped interlocks (MSIs) were first demonstrated at the interface of silicon and Nafion®and exhibited a strong interfacial strength of 1 MPa; moreover, nanowired micro-sandglass shaped interlocks (NW-MSIs) were employed to further enhance the interfacial strength, and a value of 3.4 MPa was achieved. Theoretical predictions indicated the enhancement factors include the gap shrinkage ratio, overhanging angle, contact area, and friction coefficient. The geometry of the MSIs is strongly dependent on the KOH etching time while the friction can be enhanced by the employment of nanowires on the sidewalls of MSIs. Based on the NW-MSIs, the highest interfacial strength obtained is 3.4-fold higher than that of MSIs without nanowires.
Validation of object oriented metrics using open source software system
Authors: Johari Kalpana , Kaur Arvinder
Published: February 2012

In today's environment the relevance of Free Open Source Software Systems is understood and appreciated both in academia and research. The debate about the pros and cons of the open source vis-à-vis proprietary software has been raging from ages ever since Richard Stallman founded the Free Software Foundation in 1985. With the changing trends in the domain of Object Oriented Systems there is a need to measure the fault predictability of software metrics on open source software systems. In this paper we present the results of empirical study which was conducted using open source software, JHotDraw 7.5.1. We computed the object oriented metrics, proposed by Chidamber and Kemmerer, and performed bug- class mapping for the software under study. We also studied the relationship between the revisions made to open source software and its software metrics measure.
Pattern based adaptation for service oriented applications
Authors: Krishnamurthy Vallidevi , Babu Chitra
Published: February 2012

Service Oriented Architecture(SOA) facilitates developing applications that are inherently dynamic in nature since the service binding happens at runtime by matching the functional as well as Quality of Service(QoS) requirements of the user. Further, the running application can be dynamically reconfigured by monitoring the application for possible violations in the agreed QoS requirements. This paper advocates the use of various patterns to facilitate such dynamic reconfiguration in the various layers of the SOA Reference Architecture. Towards this objective, Family of Adapters pattern has been used in the service component layer to achieve dynamic switching between different versions of the same service without human intervention. In addition, an SOA design pattern has been employed in the business process layer to enhance the efficiency of the application. This pattern based approach has been tested by applying it to a sample SOA based e-Shopping application case study.
Applying requirement based complexity for the estimation of software development and testing effort
Authors: Sharma Ashish , Kushwaha D. S.
Published: February 2012

The need of computing the software complexity in requirement analysis phase of software development life cycle (SDLC) would be an enormous benefit for estimating the required development and testing effort for yet to be developed software. Various research proposals are directed towards minimizing the cost of software. Also, a relationship between source code and difficulty in developing a source code are also attempted in order to estimate the complexity of the proposed software for cost estimation, man power build up, code and developer's evaluation. Therefore, this paper presents a systematic and integrated approach for the estimation of software development and testing effort on the basis of improved requirement based complexity (IRBC) of the proposed software. The IRBC measure serves as the basis for estimation of these software development activities to enable the developers and practitioners to predict the critical information about the software development intricacies. Efficient software development requires accurate estimates, since inappropriate estimates causes' trouble during implementation of software process. Hence, this paper presents a comprehensive approach, for the prediction of software development and testing effort using IRBC. For validation purpose, the proposed measures are categorically compared with various established and prevalent practices proposed in the past like code based, use case based, algorithmic model and function point based estimation measures. Finally, the results obtained, validates the claim, for the approaches discussed in this paper, for estimation of software development and testing effort, in the early phases of software development appears to be robust, comprehensive, early alarming and compares well with other measures proposed in the past. Hence, it is even more useful because the complexity, development and testing effort estimates are obtained at very early stage.
FIVE (OR SIX) QUESTIONS for Chadia Abras
Authors: Neal Gualtieri Lisa
Published: February 2012

eLearn EIC Lisa Neal Gualtieri sits down with Chadia Abras, who is the director of educational technology and distance learning at Goucher College in Baltimore, MD.
Has Offshoring Online Course Development Gone Mainstream?
Authors: Rowell Laurie
Published: February 2012

How prevalent is offshoring in development work for online courses? Has it proved a key to success for developers? What have years of experience taught us so far?
Would Anyone Object to Bill Ayers Delivering a Keynote Online?
Authors: Neal Gualtieri Lisa
Published: February 2012

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln rescinded a speaking invitation to an education professor with a suddenly famous political past. Why didn't they just invite him to present online?
It sourcing portfolio management for it services providers
Authors: Zimmerman Steffen , Katzmarzik Arne , Kundisch Dennis
Published: February 2012

Global sourcing of Information Technology (IT) work has become a widely accepted practice among transnational corporations. Most of the big IT Services Providers (ITSPs) maintain a portfolio of globally distributed delivery centers and have to decide on the assignment of specific software development projects to their available sites. ITSPs have to consider expected costs, risks, and interdependencies between projects and sites when making value-based sourcing decisions. However, value-based decision approaches that are both well founded in theory and applicable in practice have until now been missing in the Information Systems literature. As decision making with respect to the construction of portfolios of risky financial assets exhibits similar characteristics compared to value-based sourcing decision making, we base our approach on the Modern Portfolio Theory. This paper makes two contributions in this context: (1) It provides a conceptual foundation for the application of Modern Portfolio Theory within the scope of global sourcing of software development projects by ITSPs. Therefore, we adapt the Modern Portfolio Theory to ensure an optimal and full allocation of given software development projects to available sites. Our newly formed model considers site/project combinations as risky assets, assumes discrete portfolio shares, and factors in transaction costs as well as dependencies between both projects and sites. (2) It is the first to actually apply Modern Portfolio Theory using a real world business case. Thereby, we illustrate that using our model leads to considerably different project allocations to the available delivery centers of our case company as well as to substantially lower costs of the sourcing portfolio.
Accessibility for individuals with color vision deficiency
Authors: Flatla David R.
Published: February 2012

Individuals with Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) are often unable to distinguish between colors that individuals without CVD can distinguish. Recoloring tools exist that modify the colors in an image so they are more easily distinguishable for those with CVD. These tools use models of color differentiation that rely on many assumptions about the environment and user. However, these assumptions rarely hold in real-world use cases, leading to incorrect color modification by recoloring tools. In this doctoral consortium, I will present Situation-Specific Models (SSMs) as a solution to this problem. SSMs are color differentiation models created in-situ via a calibration procedure. This calibration procedure captures the exact color differentiation abilities of the user, allowing a color differentiation model to be created that fits the user and his/her environmental situation. An SSM-based recoloring tool will be able to provide recolored images that most accurately reflect the color differentiation abilities of a particular individual in a particular environment.
Non-visual 2D representation of obstacles
Authors: Zeng Limin
Published: February 2012

Mobility of blind and visually impaired people always suffers from various hindrances while walking indoor and outdoor, due to unaware distributions and properties of obstacles. In our research, we propose to use a 3D TOF camera to detect the surroundings, which not only obtains precise distance and orientation of obstacles, but also analyzes more properties (e.g. size, hanging height) through a 3D segmentation algorithm. Furthermore, a novel touch-sensitive tactile display is employed to present the 3D spatial scene into a 2D perspective. The non-visual representation let visually impaired users sense the distribution of obstacles precisely and explicitly, as well as the surroundings environments. An evaluation plan has been addressed to compare the effectiveness of audio and tactile representation, and investigate the feasibility of extending the while cane.
Support‐Vector‐Machine‐Based Reduced‐Order Model for Limit Cycle Oscillation Prediction of Nonlinear Aeroelastic System
Authors: Chen Gang , Zuo Yingtao , Sun Jian , Li Yueming
Published: February 2012

It is not easy for the system identification‐based reduced‐order model (ROM) and even eigenmode based reduced‐order model to predict the limit cycle oscillation generated by the nonlinear unsteady aerodynamics. Most of these traditional ROMs are sensitive to the flow parameter variation. In order to deal with this problem, a support vector machine‐ (SVM‐) based ROM was investigated and the general construction framework was proposed. The two‐DOF aeroelastic system for the NACA 64A010 airfoil in transonic flow was then demonstrated for the new SVM‐based ROM. The simulation results show that the new ROM can capture the LCO behavior of the nonlinear aeroelastic system with good accuracy and high efficiency. The robustness and computational efficiency of the SVM‐based ROM would provide a promising tool for real‐time flight simulation including nonlinear aeroelastic effects.
Validation of FeSiMg Alloy Production Model for the Experimental Process
Authors: Ghali Saeed , Eissa Mamdouh , El-Faramawy Hoda
Published: February 2012

This paper investigates the effect of limestone, bauxite, fluorspar, and quartzite additions on the magnesium recovery in FeSiMg production from dolomite. Also, it illustrates the validation of the previous designed model. According to the model, magnesium content in the product alloy is calculated by the equation [Mg]=(MgO0)[Si0][eKt[(MgO0)-[Si0]]-1]/((MgO0)[eKt[(MgO0)-[Si0]]]-[Si0]), where [Mg] is the concentration of magnesium metal in ferrosilicon magnesium alloy in mol/L, [Si0] and (MgO0) are the initial concentrations of silicon and magnesium oxide in charge in mol/L, t is the time in seconds, and K is the reaction rate constant (3.26588×10-7 LSec−1 mol−1). The results of the production process are compared with the model results. The deviation between the actual and predicted magnesium content decreases as fluorspar, limestone, and quartzite increase up to 12.8wt.%, 8wt.%, and 8wt.%, respectively, with increase in the amount of the additives, the magnesium content in the produced alloy becomes far from the predicted values. It was found also that the addition of bauxite increases the gap between the actual and predicted values of magnesium content. It was found that the deviation of the actual magnesium content from the predicted depends mainly on the viscosity of the slag.
Involvement of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System in the Formation of Experimental Postsurgical Peritoneal Adhesions
Authors: Di Filippo Clara , Petronella Pasquale , Freda Fulvio , Scorzelli Marco , Ferretti Marco , Canonico Sivestro , Rossi Francesco , D'Amico Michele
Published: February 2012

We investigated the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS), major nonlysosomal intracellular protein degradation system, in the genesis of experimental postsurgical peritoneal adhesions. We assayed the levels of UPS within the adhered tissue along with the development of peritoneal adhesions and used the specific UPS inhibitor bortezomib in order to assess the effect of the UPS blockade on the peritoneal adhesions. We found a number of severe postsurgical peritoneal adhesions at day 5 after surgery increasing until day 10. In the adhered tissue an increased values of ubiquitin and the 20S proteasome subunit, NFkB, IL-6, TNF-αand decreased values of IkB-beta were found. In contrast, bortezomib-treated rats showed a decreased number of peritoneal adhesions, decreased values of ubiquitin and the 20S proteasome, NFkB, IL-6, TNF-α, and increased levels of IkB-beta in the adhered peritoneal tissue. The UPS system, therefore, is primarily involved in the formation of post-surgical peritoneal adhesions in rats.
Linear and Nonlinear Heart Rate Variability Indexes in Clinical Practice
Authors: Francesco Buccelletti , Maria Grazia Bocci , Emanuele Gilardi , Valentina Fiore , Sara Calcinaro , Chiara Fragnoli , Riccardo Maviglia , Francesco Franceschi
Published: February 2012

Biological organisms have intrinsic control systems that act in response to internal and external stimuli maintaining homeostasis. Human heart rate is not regular and varies in time and such variability, also known as heart rate variability (HRV), is not random. HRV depends upon organism's physiologic and/or pathologic state. Physicians are always interested in predicting patient's risk of developing major and life-threatening complications. Understanding biological signals behavior helps to characterize patient's state and might represent a step toward a better care. The main advantage of signals such as HRV indexes is that it can be calculated in real time in noninvasive manner, while all current biomarkers used in clinical practice are discrete and imply blood sample analysis. In this paper HRV linear and nonlinear indexes are reviewed and data from real patients are provided to show how these indexes might be used in clinical practice.
Performance Evaluation of Indices-Based Query Optimization from Flash-Based Data Centric Sensor Devices in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rizvi Sanam Shahla , Chung Tae Sun
Published: February 2012

Flash memory has become a more widespread storage medium for modern wireless devices because of its effective characteristics like nonvolatility, small size, light weight, fast access speed, shock resistance, high reliability, and low power consumption. Sensor nodes are highly resource constrained in terms of limited processing speed, runtime memory, persistent storage, communication bandwidth, and finite energy. Therefore, for wireless sensor networks supporting sense, store, merge, and send schemes, an energy efficient and reliable database-based query optimization technique is highly required with consideration of sensor node constraints. Databases on hard disk drives perform data storage and retrieval using index structures which are still not practiced for sensor devices. In this paper, we evaluate different indices like B-tree, R-tree, and MR-tree by implementing them on log structured external NAND flash memory-based advanced file systems for supporting energy efficient data storage and query optimization from flash based data centric sensor devices in wireless sensor networks. Experimental results show that PIYAS (Rizvi and Chung, 2010) file system along with B-tree indexing deployed on flash memory MLC gives the significant performance in respect of high query throughput optimization and less resources consumption for wireless sensor devices.
Internal Quality Assurance Program for ERBB2 (HER2) Testing Improves the Selection of Breast Cancer Patients for Treatment with Trastuzumab
Authors: Martin Vittoria , Camponovo Antonella , Ghisletta Morena , Bongiovanni Massimo , Mazzucchelli Luca
Published: February 2012

International guidelines for ERBB2 (HER2) testing procedures in breast cancer patients highlight the importance of external quality control. In contrast, internal quality assurance programs have been poorly defined, and their clinical significance has not yet been investigated. We developed a quality assurance scheme by performing HER2 FISH on 724 patients randomly selected out of 1996 patients with breast cancer presenting at our institute. We collected samples monthly for tissue microarray analysis and correlated HER2 gene status with IHC scores. The concordance was excellent (, ). HER2 amplification characterized 25% of score 2+ but also 13% of score 1+, thus expanding the number of patients eligible for trastuzumab. Based on these findings, the FISH test is now recommended at our institution for score 1+ and 2+ patients. Adherence to internal assurance program improves patient selection and may lead to the definition of in-house tailored diagnostic algorithms different from those proposed in international guidelines.
Single Mode Photonic Crystal Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers
Authors: Choquette Kent D. , Siriani Dominic F. , Kasten Ansas M. , Tan Meng Peun , Sulkin Joshua D. , Leisher Paul O. , Raftery James J. , Danner Aaron J.
Published: February 2012

We review the design, fabrication, and performance of photonic crystal vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). Using a periodic pattern of etched holes in the top facet of the VCSEL, the optical cavity can be designed to support the fundamental mode only. The electrical confinement is independently defined by proton implantation or oxide confinement. By control of the refractive index and loss created by the photonic crystal, operation in the Gaussian mode can be insured, independent of the lasing wavelength.
Bridge Deck Load Testing Using Sensors and Optical Survey Equipment
Authors: Cai Hubo , Abudayyeh Osama , Abdel-Qader Ikhlas , Attanayake Upul , Barbera Joseph , Almaita Eyad
Published: February 2012

Bridges are under various loads and environmental impacts that cause them to lose their structural integrity. A significant number of bridges in US are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete, requiring immediate attention. Nondestructive load testing is an effective approach to measure the structural response of a bridge under various loading conditions and to determine its structural integrity. This paper presents a load-test study that evaluated the response of a prefabricated bridge with full-depth precast deck panels in Michigan. This load-test program integrates optical surveying systems, a sensor network embedded in bridge decks, and surface deflection analysis. Its major contribution lies in the exploration of an embedded sensor network that was installed initially for long-term bridge monitoring in bridge load testing. Among a number of lessons learned, it is concluded that embedded sensor network has a great potential of providing an efficient and accurate approach for obtaining real-time equivalent static stresses under varying loading scenarios.
Sacral Fracture Causing Neurogenic Bladder: A Case Report
Authors: Sasaji Tatsuro , Yamada Noboru , Iwai Kazuo
Published: February 2012

A 76-year-old man presented with a Denis Zone III sacral fracture after a traffic accident. He also developed urinary retention and perineal numbness. The patient was diagnosed with neurogenic bladder dysfunction caused by the sacral fracture. A computed tomogram (CT) revealed that third sacral lamina was fractured and displaced into the spinal canal, but vertebral body did not displace. The fracture lines began at the center of lamina and extended bilateraly. The fracture pattern was unique. The sacrum was osteoporosis, and this fracture may be based on osteoporosis. We performed laminectomy to decompress sacral nerve roots. One month after surgery, the patient was able to urinate. Three months after surgery, his bladder function recovered normally. One year after surgery, he returned to a normal daily life and had no complaints regarding urination. One-year postoperative CT showed the decompressed third sacrum without displacement.
Force Feedback to Assist Active Contour Modelling for Tracheal Stenosis Segmentation
Authors: Vanacken Lode , Pinho Rômulo , Sijbers Jan , Coninx Karin
Published: February 2012

Manual segmentation of structures for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases is a very time-consuming procedure. Therefore, some level of automation during the segmentation is desired, as it often significantly reduces the segmentation time. A typical solution is to allow manual interaction to steer the segmentation process, which is known as semiautomatic segmentation. In 2D, such interaction is usually achieved with click-and-drag operations, but in 3D a more sophisticated interface is called for. In this paper, we propose a semi-automatic Active Contour Modelling for the delineation of medical structures in 3D, tomographic images. Interaction is implemented with the employment of a 3D haptic device, which is used to steer the contour deformation towards the correct boundaries. In this way, valuable haptic feedback is provided about the 3D surface and its deformation. Experiments on simulated and real tracheal CT data showed that the proposed technique is an intuitive and effective segmentation mechanism.
Analyzing Microarray Data of Alzheimer's Using Cluster Analysis to Identify the Biomarker Genes
Authors: Guttula Satya vani , Allam Apparao , Gumpeny R. Sridhar
Published: February 2012

Alzheimer is characterized by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in cortical regions of the brain. The experimental data is taken from Gene Expression Omnibus. A hierarchical Cluster analysis and TreeView were performed to group genes on the basis of the expression pattern. The dynamic change of expression over time and diverse patterns of expression support the concept of a complex local milieu. TreeView allows the organized data to be visualized. List of 24 genes were obtained which showed high expression levels. Three genes, SORL1, APP, and APOE, are suspected to cause Alzheimer’s whereas the other 21 genes are related to other diseases but may also be found to be associated with Alzheimer’s, and these are TMEM59, CCT4, IGF2R, SFPQ, PRDX3, RNF14, IDS, SSBP1, SYNE2, TXNL4A, STXBP3, SMARCB1, ULK2, AGTPBP1, FABP7, CALB1, H2AFY, COPA, SAP18, ATIC and SYNCRIP.
Methodology for Anti-Gene Anti-IGF-I Therapy of Malignant Tumours
Authors: Trojan Jerzy , Pan Yuexin X. , Wei Ming X. , Ly Adama , Shevelev Alexander , Bierwagen Maciej , Ardourel Marie-Yvonne , Trojan Ladislas A. , Alvarez Alvaro , Andres Christian , Noguera Maria C. , Briceno Ignacio , Aristizabal Beatriz H. , Kasprzak Heliodor , Duc Huynh T. , Anthony Donald D.
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to establish the criteria for methodology of cellular “anti-IGF-I” therapy of malignant tumours and particularly for glioblastoma multiforme. The treatment of primary glioblastoma patients using surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy was followed by subcutaneous injection of autologous cancer cells transfected by IGF-I antisense/triple helix expression vectors. The prepared cell “vaccines” should it be in the case of glioblastomas or other tumours, have shown a change of phenotype, the absence of IGF-I protein, and expression of MHC-I and B7. The peripheral blood lymphocytes, PBL cells, removed after each of two successive vaccinations, have demonstrated for all the types of tumour tested an increasing level of CD8+and CD8+28+molecules and a switch from CD8+11b+to CD8+11. All cancer patients were supervised for up to 19 months, the period corresponding to minimum survival of glioblastoma patients. The obtained results have permitted to specify the common criteria for “anti-IGF-I” strategy: characteristics sine qua non of injected “vaccines” (cloned cells IGF-I(−) and MHC-I(+)) and of PBL cells (CD8+increased level).
Haptic Addition to a Visual Menu Selection Interface Controlled by an In-Vehicle Rotary Device
Authors: Grane Camilla , Bengtsson Peter
Published: February 2012

Today, several vehicles are equipped with a visual display combined with a haptic rotary device for handling in-vehicle information system tasks while driving. This experimental study investigates whether a haptic addition to a visual interface interferes with or supports secondary task performance and whether haptic information could be used without taking eyes off road. Four interfaces were compared during simulated driving: visual only, partly corresponding visual-haptic, fully corresponding visual-haptic, and haptic only. Secondary task performance and subjective mental workload were measured. Additionally, the participants were interviewed. It was found that some haptic support improved performance. However, when more haptic information was used, the results diverged in terms of task completion time and interface comprehension. Some participants did not sense all haptics provided, some did not comprehend the correspondence between the haptic and visual interfaces, and some did. Interestingly, the participants managed to complete the tasks when using haptic-only information.
Translational Science and Evidence-Based Healthcare: A Clarification and Reconceptualization of How Knowledge Is Generated and Used in Healthcare
Authors: Pearson Alan , Jordan Zoe , Munn Zachary
Published: February 2012

The importance of basing health policy and health care practices on the best available international evidence (“evidence-based health care”) and on translating knowledge or evidence into action (“translation science” or “translational research”) is increasingly being emphasized across all health sectors inmost countries. Evidence-based healthcare is a process that identifies policy or clinical questions and addresses these questions by generating knowledge and evidence to effectively and appropriately deliver healthcare in ways that are effective, feasible, and meaningful to specific populations, cultures, and settings. This evidence is then appraised, synthesized, and transferred to service delivery settings and health professionals who then utilize it and evaluate its impact on health outcomes, health systems, and professional practice. Many of the common theories that address this translational process place it apart from the evidence-based practice cycle and most recognise only two translational gaps. This paper seeks to clarify the nature of evidence-based healthcare and translation science and proposes a reconceptualization that both brings together these two dominant ideas in modern healthcare and asserts the existence of a third fundamental gap that is rarely addressed the gap between knowledge need and discovery.
Nanobioprobe for the Determination of Pork Adulteration in Burger Formulations
Authors: Ali M. E. , Mustafa S. , Hashim U. , Che Man Y. B. , Foo K. L.
Published: February 2012

We report the development of a swine‐specific hybrid nanobioprobe through a covalent integration of a fluorophore‐labeled 27‐nucleotide AluI‐fragment of swine cytochrome b gene to a 3 nm gold nanoparticle for the determination of pork adulteration in processed meat products. We tested the probe to estimate adulterated pork in ready‐to‐eat pork‐spiked beef burgers. The probe quantitatively detected 1–100% spiked pork in burger formulations with ≥90% accuracy. A plot of observed fluorescence against the known concentration of AluI‐digested pork DNA targets generated a concave curve, demonstrating a power relationship (y = 2.956x0.509) with a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.986. No cross‐species detection was found in a standard set of pork, beef, chicken, mutton, and chevon burgers. The method is suitable for the determination of very short‐length nucleic acid targets which cannot be estimated by conventional and real‐time PCR but are essential for the determination of microRNA in biodiagnostics and degraded DNA in forensic testing and food analysis.
Sepsis and AKI in ICU Patients: The Role of Plasma Biomarkers
Authors: Lentini Paolo , de Cal Massimo , Clementi Anna , D'Angelo Angela , Ronco Claudio
Published: February 2012

Given the higher mortality rate of ICU patients with sepsis and AKI, we decided to investigate the possible correlation between serum biomarkers of organ damage, and endotoxin activity in ICU septic patients. Ninety-eight consecutive adult patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided in two groups depending on the presence of sepsis. Fifty-six patients had sepsis, while forty-two patients were nonseptic. Among septic patients, twenty-four subjects developed AKI, while thirty-two did not. AKI occurred in fourteen patients without sepsis as well. The levels of NGAL, BNP, and AOPP were significantly higher among septic patients compared with nonseptic subjects (P<0.001). Among septic patients, subjects who developed AKI showed significant higher levels of NGAL and AOPP (P=0.0425) and BNP (P=0.0327). Among patients who developed AKI, a significant difference was found only in terms of AOPP levels between septic and nonseptic patients. The correlation between endotoxin activity and BNP in septic patients and the increase in the levels of NGAL, BNP, and AOPP in case of sepsis and AKI, in particular if they are associated, indicate a multiorgan involvement in these two conditions.
Field Emission Characteristics of SnO2/CNTs Composites Prepared by Microwave‐Assisted Wet Impregnation
Authors: Pillai Sreejarani K. , Motshekga Sarah C. , Ray Suprakas Sinha , Kennedy John
Published: February 2012

The SnO2/CNT composites were prepared by microwave‐assisted wet impregnation at 60°C. The process was optimized by varying the microwave power and reaction time. Raman analysis showed the typical features of the rutile phase of as‐synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles on CNTs, which was consistent with the results from X‐ray diffraction. Enhanced field emission performance was observed for SnO2/CNTs composite prepared by a microwave method when compared to pure CNTs and SnO2/CNTs composite prepared by conventional wet impregnation. The dependence of emission current density on the electric field followed a Fowler‐Nordheim relationship.
Resettlement Experiences of Afghan Hazara Female Adolescents: A Case Study from Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Iqbal Nida , Joyce Andrew , Russo Alana , Earnest Jaya
Published: February 2012

Young people from refugee backgrounds face a number of challenges in adjusting to life in a new country. Recently, there have been more studies documenting some of these challenges and experiences, and offering recommendations for the health and education sector to appropriately respond to their needs. This study sought to investigate some of the experiences and challenges faced by female Afghan Hazara refugee adolescents as a precursor to program development occurring within a community health service in the outer southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. This paper reports on a cross-sectional participatory qualitative research study undertaken with young Afghan female adolescents aged 14–17 years of Hazara ethnicity. The results document some of the key contested gender and cultural challenges facing these young women, their aspirations for their lives in Australia, and how this research has informed community health practice.
Indium Phosphide‐Based Semiconductor Nanocrystals and Their Applications
Authors: Mushonga Paul , Onani Martin O. , Madiehe Abram M. , Meyer Mervin
Published: February 2012

Semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) are nanometer‐sized fluorescent materials with optical properties that can be fine‐tuned by varying the core size or growing a shell around the core. They have recently found wide use in the biological field which has further enhanced their importance. This review focuses on the synthesis of indium phosphide (InP) colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals. The two synthetic techniques, namely, the hot‐injection and heating‐up methods are discussed. Different types of the InP‐based QDs involving their use as core, core/shell, alloyed, and doped systems are reviewed. The use of inorganic shells for surface passivation is also highlighted. The paper is concluded by some highlights of the applications of these systems in biological studies.
Bidirectional Communication System on Power Line Integrated on Electronic Board for Driving of LED and HID Lamps
Authors: Visconti P. , D'Amico S. , Baschirotto A. , Romanello D. , Costantini P. , Ventura V. , Cavalera G.
Published: February 2012

We present the bidirectional power line communication system developed in parallel to an electronic board for driving and control of HID (high-intensity discharge) and LED (light-emitting diode) lamps. The communication system, developed to be applied in the sector of public illumination, is been designed to combine high efficiency and reliability with low production costs; it consists indeed of discrete cheap components. The communication system described in this paper implements the technique of transporting digital information over existing power lines, avoiding the issue of installing new cables. Digitized signals can use power line cables through the amplitude voltage and current modulation. The solution proposed is more advantageous compared to communication techniques currently on the market which are essentially two types, power line carrier (modem for high-voltage lines) or radio (zig-Bee transceiver).
Laparoscopic Management of Intra-Abdominal Testis: 5-Year Single-Centre Experience—A Retrospective Descriptive Study
Authors: Abbas Tariq O. , Hayati Ahmed , Ismail Adel , Ali Mansour
Published: February 2012

Background. Undescended testis is one of the most common urological problems in children, affecting about 1% of boys at age of 1 year. Of these, about 20% have a nonpalpable testis with a very high probability that the testis is absent. This may have a significant impact on the possibility of malignancy in these testes, as well as on the later fertility of these subjects.Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the demographic and clinical findings, as well as immediate and 6-month outcomes, in 91 patients diagnosed with impalpable undescended testes between January 2006 and December 2010.Results. Of the 91 patients, 9 had bilateral and 82 had unilateral impalpable testes. All 100 testes were managed laparoscopically. The largest group of intra-abdominal testes in this series, 42 testes, was entering the internal ring; in these, laparoscopic exploration and standard open orchiopexy resulted in a 66% success rate. The total success rate was 63.3%.Conclusion. Laparoscopy is extremely useful in both the diagnosis and treatment of impalpable testes. Objectively measured mobility of the testis towards the contralateral internal inguinal ring is an excellent intraoperative indicator for type of orchiopexy. Standardization of management may increase the success rate of orchiopexy.
Evaluation of the EndoPAT as a Tool to Assess Endothelial Function
Authors: Moerland M. , Kales A. J. , Schrier L. , van Dongen M. G. J. , Bradnock D. , Burggraaf J.
Published: February 2012

Endothelial dysfunction is a potential target for (pharmaceutical) intervention of several systemic pathological conditions. We investigated the feasibility of the EndoPAT to evaluate acute changes in endothelial function with repeated noninvasive measurements and assessed its discriminating power in different populations. Endothelial function was stable over a longer period of time in renally impaired patients (coefficient of variation 13%). Endothelial function in renally impaired and type 2 diabetic patients was not decreased compared to healthy volunteers (2.9±1.4and1.8±0.3, resp., versus1.8±0.5,P>0.05). The EndoPAT did not detect an effect of robust interventions on endothelial function in healthy volunteers (glucose load: change from baseline0.08±0.50, 95% confidence interval −0.44 to 0.60; smoking: change from baseline0.49±0.92, 95% confidence interval −0.47 to 1.46). This suggests that at present the EndoPAT might not be suitable to assess (changes in) endothelial function in early-phase clinical pharmacology studies. Endothelial function as measured by the EndoPAT could be physiologically different from endothelial function as measured by conventional techniques. This should be investigated carefully before the EndoPAT can be considered a useful tool in drug development or clinical practice.
Evaluation of a Parental Questionnaire to Identify Atopic Dermatitis in Infants and Preschool Children
Authors: von Kobyletzki Laura B. , Janson Staffan , Hasselgren Mikael , Bornehag Carl-Gustaf , Svensson Åke
Published: February 2012

Aim. To develop and validate a questionnaire for detecting atopic dermatitis in infants and small children from the age of 2 months. Methods. Parents to 60 children answered a written questionnaire prior to a physical examination and individual semistructured interview. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of validity, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the questionnaire were performed. Results. A total of 27 girls and 33 boys, aged 2 to 71 months, 35 with and 25 without physician-diagnosed eczema, participated. Validation of the questionnaire by comparisons with physicians’ diagnoses showed a sensitivity of 0.91 (95% CI 0.77–0.98) and a specificity of 1 (95% CI 0.86–1). Conclusions. Three questions in a parental questionnaire were sufficient for diagnosing eczema in infants and small children.
Intracystic Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast: Report of Three Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Ait Benkaddour Yassir , El Hasnaoui Sawsane , Fichtali Karima , Fakhir Bouchra , Jalal Hicham , Kouchani Mouna , Aboulfalah Abderrahim , Abbassi Hassan
Published: February 2012

Intracystic papillary carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the breast. It occurs communally in postmenopausal women. Clinically it can be asymptomatic or manifested by a breast mass or a nipple discharge. On imaging intracystic papillary carcinoma has usually benign features. Pathologic diagnosis can be difficult at classical histological examination and identification of myoepithelial cells layer by immunohistochemical study can be useful. In the majority of cases of pure intracystic papillary carcinoma, conservative management is possible. Adjuvant therapy is still controversial and prognosis is excellent. We report three cases of intracystic papillary carcinoma diagnosed on immunohistochemical examination and managed with conservative surgery.