bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rising Charges and Costs for Pediatric Catheter Ablation
Authors: BURNS KRISTIN M. , EVANS FRANK , PEARSON GAIL D. , BERUL CHARLES I. , KALTMAN JONATHAN R.
Published: August 2012

Pediatric Ablation Charges and Costs Are Rising. Introduction: Catheter ablation has been shown to be effective for pediatric tachyarrhythmias, but the associated charges and costs have not been described in the recent era. Understanding such contemporary trends may identify ways to keep an effective therapy affordable while optimizing clinical outcomes.

Methods: We used the 1997–2009 Kids’ Inpatient Databases to examine trends in charges and costs for pediatric catheter ablation and identify determinants of temporal changes.

Results: There were 7,130 discharges for catheter ablation in the sample. Mean age at ablation was 12.1 ± 0.2 years. Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) made up 10% of the sample. Complications occurred in 8% of discharges. Mean total charges rose 219% above inflation (from $23,798 ± 1,072 in 1997 to $75,831 ± 2,065 in 2009). From 2003 to 2009, costs rose 25% (from $20,459 ± 780 in 2003 to $25,628 ± 992 in 2009). Charges for ablation increased markedly relative to surgical procedures, but with a similar slope to other catheter‐based interventions. Multivariable analysis revealed that year (P < 0.0001), payer (P = 0.0002), CHD (P < 0.0001), valvular heart disease (P = 0.0004), cardiomyopathy (P = 0.0009), hospital region (P < 0.0001), length of stay (P < 0.0001), and complications (P < 0.0001) predicted increased charges. The same factors also predicted increased costs. Charges and costs varied considerably by region, particularly for high‐volume centers (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Charges and costs for pediatric catheter ablation increased relative to other procedures and significantly outstripped inflation. Further study of complications, length of stay, and regional differences may help control rising costs while maintaining quality of care. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 162‐169, February 2013)
Interaction of Intraluminal Tissue and Coronary Sinus Lead Stabilized with Stent Placement
Authors: BALÁZS TIBOR , MERKELY BÉLA , BOGNÁR ESZTER , ZIMA ENDRE
Published: August 2012

Intraluminal Interaction of Tissue and Stented CS Lead. Introduction: The aim of our investigation was to examine the intraluminal interaction of the vascular tissue and the implanted coronary sinus lead stabilized with stent on two human hearts removed before transplantation.

Methods and results:
The coronary sinus lumen was sectioned under operational microscope and opened carefully. The leads and stents were found separately positioned beside each other completely covered by an intact intimal tissue layer. No sign of occluding proliferative tissue was observed.

Conclusion:
Stent fixation technique and extraction of the CS lead in our cases did not have any particular damaging effect on the vascular system. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 468‐470, April 2013)
Phase Relationships in the Tricalcium Phosphate—Cerium Phosphate System. Thermal behavior of Phases Present in the System
Authors: Matraszek Aleksandra , Szczygiel Irena
Published: August 2012

A diagram representing the phase relationships in the Ca3(PO4)2–CePO4 phosphate system has been developed on the basis of results obtained using thermal analysis (DTA/DSC/TG), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) methods. One intermediate compound with formula Ca3Ce(PO4)3 occurs in the Ca3(PO4)2–CePO4 system at temperature exceeding 1275°C. The compound melts at 1833°C and has one structural form. In the system a solid solution, having the structure of low‐temperature form of calcium phosphate Ca3−3xCex(PO4)2−x (where x is a molar fraction of CePO4), exists. The temperature and concentration range of the solid solution has been determined. It has been shown that the Ca9Ce(PO4)7 phase should be understood as a limited solid solution with x = 0.25.
Structural and Physical Property Studies of Amorphous Zn–In–Sn–O Thin Films
Authors: Proffit Diana E. , Ma Qing , Buchholz Donald B. , Chang Robert P. H. , Bedzyk Michael J. , Mason Thomas O.
Published: August 2012

The structures in amorphous (a‐) Zn, Sn co‐doped In2O3 (ZITO) thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition on glass under varying oxygen pressure or with varying Sn:Zn ratios were determined using X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and anomalous X‐ray scattering. Typical structures around cations in a‐ZITO films are described and compared with crystalline (c‐) ZITO films. The results show that the Zn cations are fourfold coordinated with Zn–O bond lengths of 1.98 ± 0.02 Å, which is close to that in bulk ZnO. As a consequence, the second coordination shells around Zn contract. At longer distances away from Zn, the structure is commensurate with the averaged structure. The unit volume around In also contracts slightly compared to bulk In2O3, whereas the Sn–O bond length is similar to the one in bulk SnO2. These unique structural characteristics may account for the films' superior thermal stability over amorphous Sn‐doped In2O3, and suggest that Zn and Sn act as network‐forming cations. Like in c‐ZITO, coordination numbers (N) around Sn, In, and Zn follow the order NSn > NIn > NZn. Unlike in c‐ZITO, where electrical properties change significantly with a slight variation in the Sn:Zn ratio, this variation does not markedly alter the electrical properties, or the local structures, of a‐ZITO films. Dramatic changes in the electrical properties occur for films grown under various oxygen pressures, which point to oxygen “defects” as the source of charge carriers.
Do‐it‐yourself cement work: the main cause of severe irritant contact dermatitis requiring hospitalization
Authors: Poppe Heiko , Poppe Lidia Marilia , Bröcker Eva‐B. , Trautmann Axel
Published: August 2012

Background. There are myriads of potentially irritant agents causing acute irritant contact dermatitis. In the large majority of cases, dermatitis is mild to moderate, and patients do not need hospitalization. However, some agents or special circumstances may cause severe dermatitis requiring more intensive therapy.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate causative agents of severe acute irritant contact dermatitis requiring hospitalization.

Methods. In this single‐centre observational cohort study, we included 54 consecutive patients presenting with signs and symptoms of acute irritant contact dermatitis for which hospitalization was necessary. The severity of dermatitis was graded (grade I–IV) according to intensity, and details related to the skin irritation (irritant agent, area of exposure, time interval to onset of symptoms, and duration of hospitalization) were determined.

Results. All cases with severe ulcerative dermatitis (grade IV) were caused by wet cement, owing to prolonged skin contact. These cement burns are clearly associated with amateur work, younger age, male preponderance, and leg localization.

Conclusions. The study data provide clear‐cut evidence that wet cement is a severely irritant substance that regularly causes the most severe form of acute irritant contact dermatitis. The main causative prerequisite for these cement burns is do‐it‐yourself work with poor protective measures.
In Vivo and in Vitro Animal Investigation of the Effect of a Mixture of Herbal Extracts from Tribulus terrestris and Cornus officinalis on Penile Erection
Authors: Kam Sung Chul , Do Jung Mo , Choi Jae Hwi , Jeon Byeong Tak , Roh Gu Seob , Hyun Jae Seog
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Herbal preparations have long been used as folk remedies for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

This study examined the effects of Tribulus terrestris and Cornus officinalis extracts on relaxation of the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum (CC), their mechanisms of action, and the effects of oral administration of a mixture of the herbal extracts on penile erection.

Methods

The relaxation effects and the mechanisms of action of T. terrestris extract, C. officinalis extract, and the mixture of both extracts on the rabbit CC were investigated in an organ bath. To evaluate whether the relaxation response of the CC shown in an organ bath occurs in vivo, intracavernous pressure (ICP) was calculated in rats after oral administration for a month. Additionally, adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in the CC were measured using immunoassay.

Main Outcome Measures

Smooth muscle relaxation was expressed as the percent decrease in precontraction induced by phenylephrine. ICP was assessed in rats after the oral administration of a mixture of both extracts for 1 month and changes in cGMP and cAMP concentrations were measured based on the concentration of the mixture of both extracts.

Results

T. terrestris extract, C. officinalis extract, and the mixture of both extracts showed concentration-dependent relaxation effects of the CC. In both the endothelium-removed group and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester pretreatment group, T. terrestris extract inhibited relaxation. ICP measured after oral administration of the extract mixture for a month was higher than that measured in the control group, and a significant increase in cAMP was observed in the mixture group.

Conclusions

T. terrestris extract and C. officinalis extract exhibited concentration-dependent relaxation in an organ bath. In the in vivo study of the extract mixture, ICP and cAMP was significantly potentiated. Accordingly, the mixture of T. terrestris extract and C. officinalis extract may improve erectile function.
An Evaluation of Sexual Functioning in Employed Outpatients with Major Depressive Disorder Treated with Desvenlafaxine 50mg or Placebo
Authors: Clayton Anita H. , Reddy Sujana , Focht Kristen , Musgnung Jeff , Fayyad Rana
Published: August 2012

Introduction

The symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) include sexual dysfunction, but antidepressant pharmacotherapies are also associated with treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction.

Aim

These secondary and post hoc analyses evaluated sexual functioning in employed adult outpatients with MDD treated with desvenlafaxine (administered as desvenlafaxine succinate) and placebo.

Method

Patients were randomly assigned (2:1 ratio) to 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with desvenlafaxine 50 mg/day or placebo.

Main Outcome Measures

The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) was administered every 4 weeks. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in mean change from baseline ASEX scores between desvenlafaxine and placebo for women and men.

Results

There were 422 evaluable patients with baseline ASEX scores (desvenlafaxine, N = 281; placebo, N = 141). Among women (desvenlafaxine, N = 184; placebo, N = 92), baseline scores were 20.0 (5.2) and 20.5 (5.3) for desvenlafaxine and placebo, respectively; mean changes at week 12 were −1.93 (0.37) and −1.03 (0.54), respectively (mean difference: 0.90 [–0.38, 2.18]; P = 0.169). Among men (desvenlafaxine, N = 97; placebo, N = 49), baseline scores were 16.4 (4.9) and 15.9 (4.8) for desvenlafaxine and placebo, respectively; mean changes at week 12 were −1.13 (0.47) and −1.06 (0.70), respectively (mean difference: 0.07 [–1.59, 1.74]; P = 0.932). Significantly greater orgasmic dysfunction at week 12 was observed in the subgroup of men without baseline sexual dysfunction treated with desvenlafaxine relative to placebo. Conversely, women without baseline sexual dysfunction experienced poorer overall sexual functioning and orgasm satisfaction at week 12 with placebo relative to desvenlafaxine treatment. Subgroup analyses of treatment responders and nonresponders found no difference in the proportion of men or women that developed or had resolution of sexual dysfunction in the desvenlafaxine and placebo groups.

Conclusion

With the exception of orgasmic dysfunction in men without preexisting sexual dysfunction, no significant negative effect on sexual functioning was observed over 12 weeks of treatment with desvenlafaxine.
Apocrine carcinoma of the male breast
Authors: Dag Ahmet , Serinsoz Ebru , Ocal Koray
Published: August 2012

Apocrine carcinoma of the male breast is an extremely rare tumour. Only two cases have been published in the medical literature. There is insufficient data about clinical presentation, management and prognostic features of apocrine carcinoma in the male breast. In this study, the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological features and management of a 76‐year‐old male with apocrine carcinoma in the left breast are discussed. We present, to best of our knowledge, the third case of apocrine carcinoma of the male breast in medical literature.
Simulating the toothbrush: evidence for a triple merger of galaxy clusters
Authors: Brüggen M. , van Weeren R. J. , Röttgering H. J. A.
Published: August 2012

The newly discovered galaxy cluster 1RXS J0603.3+4214 hosts a 1.9 Mpc long, bright radio relic with a peculiar linear morphology. Using hydrodynamical N-body adaptive mesh refinement simulations of the merger between three initially hydrostatic clusters in an idealized set-up, we are able to reconstruct the morphology of the radio relic. Based on our simulation, we can constrain the merger geometry, predict lensing mass measurements and X-ray observations. Comparing such models to X-ray, redshift and lensing data will validate the geometry of this complex merger which helps in constraining the parameters for shock acceleration of electrons that produces the radio relic.
Effect of Peanut Skin Incorporation on the Color, Texture and Total Phenolics Content of Peanut Butters
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Kerr William L. , Cavender George A. , Swanson Ruthann B. , Hargrove James L. , Pegg Ronald B.
Published: August 2012

The impact of incorporating ground dry‐blanched or roasted peanut skins (PS, three types: light‐, medium‐ and dark‐roasted) into peanut butter as a functional food ingredient was examined. A desirable grind size for the PS of less than 300 μm was achieved in most cases by milling the skins with the sugar. Adding ground PS to peanut butter at 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.0% (w/w) resulted in a concentration‐dependent change in the Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage L* C* h values. Peanut butters formulated with medium‐ and dark‐roasted PS showed an increase in hardness, and were generally more adhesive than those without PS or with dry‐blanched PS. A marked change in spreadability was found with greater than 2.5% added PS. Incorporation of dry‐blanched PS, especially at levels below 3.75%, produced the fewest alterations in physical properties of the peanut butters compared with the control. Importantly, a concentration‐dependent increase in the total phenolics content (TPC) was evident with PS fortification. Dry‐blanched PS had a TPC of ∼166 mg (+)‐catechin equivalents/g extract and yielded peanut butters with a 32, 33 and 38% higher TPC than found with light‐, medium‐ and dark‐roasted skin incorporation, respectively. Correspondingly, dry‐blanched PS addition at 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.0% (w/w) resulted in an increase in the TPC by 86, 357, 533 and 714%, respectively, compared with peanut butters without PS fortification.

Practical Applications

Peanut skins (PS) are a rich, inexpensive source of potentially health‐promoting compounds, notably proanthocyanidins. However, PS are not often utilized as a functional food ingredient in value‐added products. As the primary by‐product of the peanut industry, PS are usually discarded as waste with only a small amount used as animal feed. According to our study, ground PS incorporation into peanut butters effectively enhances the total phenolics content of the product and offers product line diversification while still retaining the product's standard of identity. Summarily, our research will aid the peanut industry via (1) by‐product/waste stream utilization; and (2) diversification of product lines by creating a value‐added peanut product with potential beneficial health properties.
Age Differences in Clinical Characteristics, Health care, and Outcomes after Ischemic Stroke in China
Authors: Deng Ya‐Xian , Wang Yi‐Long , Gao Bao‐Qin , Wang Chun‐Xue , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Liu Li‐Ping , Wang An‐Xin , Zhou Yong , Liu Gai‐Fen , Du Wan‐Liang , Zhang Ning , Jing Jing , Meng Xia , Xu Jie , Wang Lin‐Yu , Wang Yong‐Jun
Published: August 2012

Background and purpose

Little information is available on the effects of age on health care and outcomes of ischemic stroke (IS) in China. Our aim was to evaluated risk factors, health care, and outcomes among age groups including ≤45, 46–65, 66–79, and ≥80 years and to find whether the outcome was affected by age and health care.

Methods

CNSR is a nationwide prospective registry for patients admitted with acute stroke and prospectively followed up 12‐month outcomes. Demographics, socioeconomics, risk factors, health care, and outcomes were analyzed among age groups, and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the association of outcome and age and health care.

Results

We identified 12,415 acute IS patients for analysis. Of 1179 (9.50%) were aged ≥80 years. In terms of risk factors, cardiac diseases were significantly more frequent in patients ≥80 years, behavioral risk factors were more common in younger patients, and hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes were more seen in 46–79 patients. The use of health care varied among groups and was significantly lower in ≥80 years especially in secondary prevention. The very old patients had the worst outcomes even after adjusting by prognostic factors; however, adjusting forward by health care, the extent of differences decreased.

Conclusions

In CNSR, differences in stroke clinic characteristics and health care were observed among various age groups, and the old patients, receiving lower levels of stroke care, had the worst outcomes. Knowledge of the age differences in ischemic stroke may be helpful to appropriately allocate the limited health resources and to improve stroke outcomes.
Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of reed (Phragmites communisTrinius) using mature seed‐derived calli
Authors: Kim Yong‐Goo , Sharmin Shamima Akhtar , Alam Iftekhar , Kim Kyung‐Hee , Kwon Suk‐Yoon , Sohn Jung‐Hoon , Kim Sun‐Hyung , Liu Gongshe , Lee Byung‐Hyun
Published: August 2012

Reed (Phragmites communis) is a potential bioenergy plant. We report on its firstAgrobacterium‐mediated transformation using mature seed‐derived calli. TheAgrobacteriumstrainsLBA4404,EHA105, andGV3101, each harboring the binary vector pIG121Hm, were used to optimizeT‐DNAdelivery into the reed genome. Bacterial strain, cocultivation period and acetosyringone concentration significantly influenced theT‐DNAtransfer. About 48% transient expression and 3.5% stable transformation were achieved when calli were infected with strainEHA105 for 10 min under 800 mbar negative pressure and cocultivated for 3 days in 200 μmacetosyringone containing medium. Putative transformants were selected in 25 mg l−1hygromycin B.PCR, and Southern blot analysis confirmed the presence of the transgenes and their stable integration. Independent transgenic lines contained one to three copies of the transgene. Transgene expression was validated byRT‐PCRandGUSstaining of stems and leaves.
Human sulfatase‐1 inhibits the migration and proliferation of SMMC‐7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells by downregulating the growth factor signaling
Authors: Liu Hu , Fu Xiaohui , Ji Weidan , Liu Kai , Bao Longlong , Yan Yan , Wu Mengchao , Yang Jiahe , Su Changqing
Published: August 2012

Aim:  The human sulfatase‐1 (hSulf‐1) gene regulates the sulfation of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) and suppresses tumorigenesis and angiogenesis by inhibiting several growth factor signaling pathways. Because the serine‐threonine protein kinase (AKT) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways are critical in cell survival, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis, the possible correlation between hSulf‐1 and AKT/ERK signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells needs further exploration.

Methods:  Adenovirus Ad5‐hSulf1 carrying the hSulf‐1 gene, and vectors carrying hSulf‐1 shRNA, AKT shRNA and ERK shRNA were constructed and used to manipulate the expression of hSulf‐1, AKT and ERK in SMMC‐7721 cells. The scarification test, transwell and 3‐(4 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays were used to examine the cellular migration and proliferation, and the expression of hSulf‐1 and signaling factors, including the total and phosphorylated AKT and ERK, was analyzed by western blot in SMMC‐7721 cells.

Results:  After infection with Ad5‐hSulf1, the expression of hSulf‐1 was increased with viral multiplicity of infection in SMMC‐7721 cells. Compared with the control adenovirus Ad5‐EGFP and blank control groups, cells in the Ad5‐hSulf1 group were showed that the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK was decreased. Meanwhile, the cell migration and cell viability were obviously suppressed.

Conclusion:  The expression of hSulf‐1 mediated by adenovirus in HCC cells could downregulate the activity of AKT and ERK signaling pathways, and inhibit HCC cell migration and proliferation. The hSulf‐1 gene may be considered as a candidate of antitumor factor for cancer gene therapy.
Does National Culture Influence the Firm’s Choice of Debt Maturity?*
Authors: Chang Kiyoung , Wee Jung Bum , Yi Ha‐Chin
Published: August 2012

Debt is an effective mechanism to mitigate agency costs in relieving manager–shareholder conflicts. Similarly, debt maturity choice allows the firm to discipline entrenched managers. In this paper we show cross‐country evidence that national culture, along with corporate governance factors, influences the lender’s (or the borrower’s) debt maturity choice. Uncertainty avoidance index, masculinity, and long‐term orientation indices are negatively related to overall debt maturity in a country. This implies that the risk‐averse lenders offer (or, borrowing firms use) short‐term debt when the surrounding economic environment becomes more uncertain and ambiguous. This is consistent with the extant literature that national culture plays a critical role in determining financing decisions in the presence of uncertainty and ambiguity. We argue that national culture is one of the last factors to influence the significant variation of debt maturities across firms in different countries. The relative effect of national culture and corporate governance on firms’ debt maturity selection depends on whether a country’s financial system is a bank‐based economy (e.g. Japan and Germany) or a market‐based economy (e.g. the US and the UK).
Interactions of chlorine plasmas with silicon chloride-coated reactor walls during and after silicon etching
Authors: Khare Rohit , Srivastava Ashutosh , Donnelly Vincent M.
Published: August 2012

The interplay between chlorine inductively coupled plasmas (ICP) and reactor walls coated with silicon etching products has been studied in situ by Auger electron spectroscopy and line-of-sight mass spectrometry using the spinning wall method. A bare silicon wafer mounted on a radio frequency powered electrode (−108 V dc self-bias) was etched in a 13.56 MHz, 400 W ICP. Etching products, along with some oxygen due to erosion of the discharge tube, deposit a Si-oxychloride layer on the plasma reactor walls, including the rotating substrate surface. Without Si-substrate bias, the layer that was previously deposited on the walls with Si-substrate bias reacts with Cl-atoms in the chlorine plasma, forming products that desorb, fragment in the plasma, stick on the spinning wall and sometimes react, and then desorb and are detected by the mass spectrometer. In addition to mass-to-charge (m/e) signals at 63, 98, 133, and 168, corresponding to SiClx (x = 1 – 4), many Si-oxychloride fragments with m/e = 107, 177, 196, 212, 231, 247, 275, 291, 294, 307, 329, 345, 361, and 392 were also observed from what appear to be major products desorbing from the spinning wall. It is shown that the evolution of etching products is a complex “recycling” process in which these species deposit and desorb from the walls many times, and repeatedly fragment in the plasma before being detected by the mass spectrometer. SiCl3 sticks on the walls and appears to desorb for at least milliseconds after exposure to the chlorine plasma. Notably absent are signals at m/e = 70 and 72, indicating little or no Langmuir-Hinshelwood recombination of Cl on this surface, in contrast to previous studies done in the absence of Si etching.
An elusive cause of pleural effusion
Authors: Saha Manish K , Hamieh Tarek
Published: August 2012

A 32-year-old man was admitted with cerebrospinal fluid leakage from a right scalp surgical wound after a resection of recurrent meningioma and reconstruction of skull with muscle flap 3 weeks earlier. On day 4 of admission, he was found to be tachycardic and decreased breath sounds on the right side. Chest x-ray revealed a large right pleural effusion which was found to be exudative after thoracocentesis. Infectious work-up and cytology was negative. CT showed both parietal and visceral pleural masses, which was consistent with meningioma on ultrasound-guided biopsy. He underwent right-side decortication and pleurodesis for recurrent pleural effusion. He declined further treatment and opted for hospice care and expired a month later.
Pathological changes long after liver transplantation in a familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy patient
Authors: Obayashi Konen , Ueda Mitsuharu , Oshima Toshinori , Kawahara Satomi , Misumi Yohei , Yamashita Taro , Jono Hirofumi , Yazaki Masahide , Kametani Fuyuki , Ikeda Shu-ichi , Ohya Yuki , Asonuma Katsuhiro , Inomata Yukihiro , Ando Yukio
Published: August 2012

Liver transplantation (LT) reportedly prolongs the survival of patients with familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), a fatal hereditary systemic amyloidosis caused by mutant transthyretin (TTR). However, what happens in systemic tissue sites long after LT is poorly understood. In the present study, we report pathological and biochemical findings for an FAP patient who underwent LT and died from refractory ventricular fibrillation more than 16 years after FAP onset. Our autopsy study revealed that the distributions of amyloid deposits after LT were quite different from those in FAP amyloidogenic TTR V30M patients not having had LT and seemed to be similar to those observed in senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA), a sporadic systemic amyloidosis derived from wild-type (WT) TTR. Our biochemical examination also revealed that this patient's cardiac and tongue amyloid deposits derived mostly from WT TTR. We propose that FAP patients after LT may suffer from SSA-like WT TTR amyloidosis in systemic organs.
Transient obscuration of vision
Authors: Corns Robert , Nayeb Lamia , Martin Andrew
Published: August 2012

A previously well 13-year-old girl presented with a 4-month history of progressively worsening headache and visual disturbance. At fourth presentation, examination showed bilateral papilloedema and a left homonymous hemianopia. CT and MRI scans revealed a tumour obstructing the third ventricle with consequent hydrocephalus. Following uncomplicated endoscopic surgery, both headache and visual function improved. Several features of the history were highly suggestive of raised intracranial pressure and were overlooked initially.
Health and performance challenges during sports training and competition in cold weather
Authors: Castellani John William , Young Andrew John
Published: August 2012

Olympic athletes compete and train in diverse cold-weather environments, generally without adverse effects. However, the nature of some sports may increase the risk of cold injuries. This paper provides guidance to enable competition organisers and officials, coaches and athletes to avoid cold-weather injuries. This paper will (1) define potential cold-weather injuries during training and competition and (2) provide risk management guidance to mitigate susceptibility to cold-weather injuries.
REAL-LIFE VEHICLE ROUTING WITH TIME WINDOWS FOR VISUAL ATTRACTIVENESS AND OPERATIONAL ROBUSTNESS
Authors: HOLLIS B. L. , GREEN P. J.
Published: August 2012

This paper describes an algorithm for producing visually attractive and operationally robust solutions to a real-life vehicle routing problem with time windows. Visually attractive and operationally robust solutions are usually synonymous with compact, nonoverlapping routes with little or no intra-route cross over. The visual attractiveness of routes, for practical routing applications, is often of paramount importance.

We present a two phase solution approach. The first phase is inspired by the sequential insertion algorithm of Solomon (1987) and includes a range of novel enhancements to ensure visually attractive solutions are produced in the face of a range of nonstandard real-life constraints: A constrained and heterogeneous vehicle fleet; tight time windows and banned delivery windows; multiple route capacity measures; driver breaks; minimum route volumes; vehicle-location compatibility rules; nonreturn to base routes; peak hour traveling times; vehicle type dependent service times; and replenishment back at the depot. The second phase is based on the guided local search algorithm of Kilby et al. (1999). It uses an augmented objective function designed to seek solutions which strike a balance between minimizing traditional cost measures, whilst maximizing the visual attractiveness of the solution.

Our two phase solution approach is particularly adept at producing solutions that both aggressively minimize the total number of routes, a feature that we believe has been missing in algorithms presented in equivalent literature, as well as minimizing traditional cost measures whilst delivering a very high degree of visual attractiveness.

The algorithm presented has been successfully implemented and deployed for the real-life, daily beverage distribution problem of Schweppes Australia Pty. Ltd. for a range of capital cities throughout Australia.
Sputtering Yields of CaO, SrO, and BaO by Monochromatic Noble Gas Ion Bombardment
Authors: Yoshimura Satoru , Hine Kiyohiro , Kiuchi Masato , Hashimoto Jun , Terauchi Masaharu , Honda Yosuke , Nishitani Mikihiko , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: August 2012

Although MgO is widely used for barrier coating in the current generation of commercial plasma display panel (PDP) cells, other alkaline earth oxides have been studied as alternatives to MgO because some of them have lower discharge breakdown voltages for PDP cells, which would increase energy efficiency of the cells. On the other hand, the resistance against physical sputtering is another critical parameter for barrier coating. In this work, sputtering yields of CaO, SrO, and BaO by monochromatic He+, Ar+, or Kr+ ion beams of normal incidence have been obtained experimentally at relatively low incident energies by a mass-selected ion beam system. Despite the large differences in mass among the target materials, sputtering yields are found to be similar in magnitude among them for a given incident energy. It has been also found that sputtering yields depend weekly on the mass of incident species among Ne+, Ar+, Kr+, and Xe+ ions.
Evaluation of Absolute Flux of Vacuum Ultraviolet Photons in an Electron Cyclotron Resonance Hydrogen Plasma: Comparison with Ion Flux
Authors: Zaima Kazunori , Kurihara Kazuaki , Sasaki Koichi
Published: August 2012

We compared the absolute flux of positive ions with the flux of photons in a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) wavelength range in an electron cyclotron resonance hydrogen plasma. The absolute flux of positive ions was measured using a Langmuir probe. The absolute flux of VUV photons was evaluated on the basis of the branching ratio between the Lyman and Balmer lines emitted from electronic states with the same principal quantum numbers. The absolute intensities of the Balmer lines were obtained by calibrating the sensitivity of the spectroscopic system using a tungsten standard lamp. It has been found that the flux of VUV photons is, at least, on the comparable order of magnitude with the positive ion flux, suggesting the importance of VUV photons in plasma-induced damage in fabrication processes of ultralarge-scale integrated circuits.
Tailored Voltage Waveform Deposition of Microcrystalline Silicon Thin Films from Hydrogen-Diluted Silane and Silicon Tetrafluoride: Optoelectronic Properties of Films
Authors: Johnson Erik V. , Pouliquen Sylvain , Delattre Pierre-Alexandre , Booth Jean-Paul
Published: August 2012

The use of tailored voltage waveforms (TVW's) to excite a plasma for the deposition of thin films of hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc-Si:H) has been shown to be an effective technique to decouple mean ion bombardment energy (IBE) from injected power. In this work, we examine the changes in material properties controlled by this technique through Raman scattering and spectroscopic ellipsometry for films deposited from H2-diluted SiH4, and we examine the electrical properties of such films using temperature dependent conductivity. As the laboratory-scale deposition system used had neither a load lock nor an oxygen filter in the H2line, accidental O-doping was observed for the µc-Si:H films. We investigated suppression of this doping by adding varying amounts of SiF4, and using an SiF4/Ar pre-etch step to clean the reactor. This technique is shown to be effective in decreasing the accidental doping of the films, and intrinsic µc-Si:H films are produced with an activation energy of up to 0.55 eV. As well, an important difference in the amorphous-to-microcrystalline transition is observed once SiF4is included in the gas mixture.
System Identification Using Embedded Dynamic Signal Analyzer
Authors: Kim Soo-Yong , Koo Keunhwi , Huh Junho , Cho Hyeonwoo , Kim Sang Woo
Published: August 2012

The effect of model uncertainty is increased in optical disc drives (ODDs) because the mechanical and electrical components are manufactured with a wide error tolerance to reduce production costs. In this paper, we introduce a new technique for system identification whereby an embedded dynamic signal analyzer (EDSA) is used for the estimation of the system frequency characteristics. The estimated transfer function can be utilized to adapt a controller and improve the performance and stability of the system in terms of the model uncertainty. The EDSA comprises a sine generator, system identifier, and band-pass filter. A design methodology is proposed for the production of an accurate and cost-effective sine signal, which minimizes error and prevents overflow. Moreover, the proposed algorithms are implemented in a system-on-chip for an ODD. The experimental results show that the EDSA exhibits good performance and reliability.
Modified Two-Dimensional Soft Output Viterbi Algorithm with Two-Dimensional Partial Response Target for Holographic Data Storage
Authors: Koo Keunhwi , Kim Soo-Yong , Kim Sang Woo
Published: August 2012

The previously modified two-dimensional (2D) soft output Viterbi algorithm (SOVA) for holographic data storage (HDS) consists of four one-dimensional (1D) SOVAs in accordance with two different 1D partial response (PR) targets (vertical and horizontal directions). In this study, we propose a detection method in structural accordance with a 2D PR target through the use of the modified 2D SOVA. The proposed method shows superior bit error rate performance owing to the use of a 2D PR target that contains more information than the 1D PR target. Moreover, a reduction in power consumption, computational complexity, and the system-on-chip size for HDS system can be expected as a result of the use of only one 2D equalizer.
Nonlinear Equalization of the Super-Resolution Near-Field Structure Read-Out Signal Using the Adaptive Amplitude Nonlinear Gradient Descent Algorithm with the Sigmoid Function
Authors: Jeon Seokhun , Im Sungbin
Published: August 2012

In this study, to mitigate nonlinearity in super-resolution near-field structure (super-RENS) read-out signals, we investigate nonlinear equalization based on the adaptive amplitude nonlinear gradient descent (AANGD) algorithm, which is suitable for processing nonlinear and nonstationary input signals with a large dynamic range. Note that the sigmoid function is employed as the nonlinear activation function since it is commensurate with the experimental data and entails simple implementation. The experiment results regarding bit error rate (BER), convergence speed, lookup table (LUT) size, and computational complexity show that the proposed equalizer outperforms the Volterra filter and linear finite impulse response filter with the normalized least-mean square (NLMS) algorithm.
Effective Two-Dimensional Partial Response Maximum Likelihood Detection Scheme for Holographic Data Storage Systems
Authors: Kong Gyuyeol , Choi Sooyong
Published: August 2012

An effective two-dimensional (2D) partial response maximum likelihood (PRML) detection scheme for holographic data storage (HDS) systems is proposed. The proposed scheme adopts the simplified trellis diagram, uses a priori information, and detects the data in two directions from the previously proposed detection schemes. The simplified trellis diagram which has 4 states and 8 branches yields a dramatic complexity reduction while the simplified 2D PRML detector shows serious performance degradation in the high density HDS channels. To prevent performance degradation, the proposed detector uses a priori information in order to give higher reliability to the branch metric. Furthermore, the proposed scheme detects the data in the vertical and horizontal directions to fully utilize the characteristics of the channel detection with a 2D partial response target. By effective combination of these three techniques, the proposed scheme with a simple structure has more than 2 dB gains compared to the conventional detection schemes.
Turbo Equalization Scheme between Partial Response Maximum Likelihood Detector and Viterbi Decoder for 2/4 Modulation Code in Holographic Data Storage Systems
Authors: Kong Gyuyeol , Choi Sooyong
Published: August 2012

A turbo equalization scheme for holographic data storage (HDS) systems is proposed. The proposed turbo equalization procedure is conducted between a one-dimensional (1D) partial response maximum likelihood (PRML) detector and the joint Viterbi decoder by exchanging a priori and extrinsic information. In the joint Viterbi decoder, the modulation and convolutional decoding is performed simultaneously by mapping a 2/4 modulation symbol onto the trellis of the convolutional code to reduce the complexity of the decoding procedure and improve the decoding capability for the iterative equalization and decoding. In addition, since the channel model is described as the two-dimensional convolution in HDS systems, the 1D PRML detector is performed in the vertical direction and the joint Viterbi decoder is performed in the horizontal direction to maximize the performance gains. The simulation result shows that the proposed turbo equalization scheme has the better bit error rate performances as the number of iterations increases.
Experimental Demonstration of Optical Phase Multilevel Recording in Microhologram
Authors: Mikami Hideharu , Osawa Kentaro , Tatsu Eriko , Watanabe Koichi
Published: August 2012

The microhologram is one of the most promising candidates for the next generation optical disc. It can achieve a huge data capacity because it is suitable for multilayer recording. However, it cannot increase the data transfer rate because of its comparable areal recording density with conventional optical discs. Moreover, the signal level in the readout process of this scheme is in general very low, which prevents its practical use. Recently, an optical phase multilevel scheme that overcomes the above drawbacks of the microhologram has been proposed. The scheme uses an optical phase as stored information, which enables data readout with an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio and multilevel modulation. In this report, recording and readout processes of the proposed scheme are demonstrated experimentally. Four-level phase modulation was successfully regenerated from weak 30 nW microholograms with errors of +7.0/-12.2°, suggesting that a further increase in the number of levels is possible.
High Density Recording with Guided-Layer Media
Authors: Kwon Tae-Wook , Han In-Gu , Kim Jin-Hong , Seo Jeong-Kyo , Lee Jung-Joon , Min Byung-Hoon
Published: August 2012

Recording characteristics of guided-layer media consisting of planar recording layer and land/groove patterned guided-layer were investigated. Guided-media can be operated with a focusing servo and a tracking servo on the planar recording layer and the guided-layer, respectively. Recording properties using not only two blue lasers but also one blue and one red laser were measured. The jitter of about 8% was obtained from the planar recording layer on the guided-layer using two blue lasers system. Even though the jitter was not obtained, a similar performance to the previous result was observed with the blue laser and the red laser system. Though these experimental results, the possibility of high recording density with increasing data transfer rate could be confirmed.
Subwavelength Focusing Technique Using a Plasmonic Lens
Authors: Takeda Minoru , Nakatani Suguru
Published: August 2012

A plasmonic lens (PL) is the one of the promising photonic devices utilizing the surface plasmon wave. For example, the surface plasmon wave can be focused by the use of a PL structure consisting of only a single annular subwavelength slit milled into a metal thin film on a glass substrate. We fabricated a PL structure for 532 nm wavelength and evaluated its beam focusing characteristics using a near-field scanning microscope (NSOM). We confirmed that a plasmonic lens with only several micron size can produce a subwavelength focusing spot not only in the near-field, but also in the quasi far-field region. Moreover, we found that the PL generates a tightly focused beam through several microns with a low divergence angle, keeping a high intensity level. These unique beam focusing characteristics with adequate long working distance and depth of focus will offer many applications, such as optical memories, nanolithography, and biochemical sensing.
An Indentation Technique for Nanoscale Dynamic Viscoelastic Measurements at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Ye Jiping
Published: August 2012

Determination of nano/micro-scale viscoelasticity is very important to understand the local rheological behavior and degradation phenomena of multifunctional polymer blend materials. This article reviews research results concerning the development of indentation techniques for making nanoscale dynamic viscoelastic measurements at elevated temperature. In the last decade, we have achieved breakthroughs in noise floor reduction in air and thermal load drift/noise reduction at high temperature before taking on the challenge of nanoscale viscoelastic measurements. A high-temperature indentation technique has been developed that facilitates viscoelastic measurements up to 200 °C in air and 500 °C in a vacuum. During the last year, two viscoelastic measurement methods have been developed by making a breakthrough in suppressing the contact area change at high temperature. One is a sharp-pointed time-dependent nanoindentation technique for microscale application and the other is a spherical time-dependent nanoindentation technique for nanoscale application. In the near future, we expect to lower the thermal load drift and load noise floor even more substantially.
Atomically Resolved Observations of Antiphase Domain Boundaries in Epitaxial Fe3O4 Films on MgO(001) by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Ikeuchi Akira , Hiura Satoshi , Mizuno Taichi , Kaji Eisaku , Subagyo Agus , Sueoka Kazuhisa
Published: August 2012

We have studied the surface atomic configurations around antiphase domain boundaries (APBs) in epitaxial magnetite (Fe3O4) thin films on MgO(001) by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The observed surface of the Fe3O4 films is the B-plane terminating surface with the (√2×√2)R45° reconstruction. Several variations of APBs are observed by STM at atomic resolution. The observed APBs are categorized into a APBs labeled by three different phase shift vectors: in-plane 1/4[110], in-plane 1/2[100], and out-of-plane 1/4[101]. We discussed how these APBs appear on the surface. The proportions of the APBs with 1/4[110], 1/2[100], and 1/4[101] shifts are about 38, 1, and 61%, respectively, in our experiment.
Transposable Elements: An Abundant and Natural Source of Regulatory Sequences for Host Genes
Authors: Rebollo Rita , Romanish Mark T. , Mager Dixie L.
Published: August 2012

The fact that transposable elements (TEs) can influence host gene expression was first recognized more than 50 years ago. However, since that time, TEs have been widely regarded as harmful genetic parasites—selfish elements that are rarely co-opted by the genome to serve a beneficial role. Here, we survey recent findings that relate to TE impact on host genes and remind the reader that TEs, in contrast to other noncoding parts of the genome, are uniquely suited to gene regulatory functions. We review recent studies that demonstrate the role of TEs in establishing and rewiring gene regulatory networks and discuss the overall ubiquity of exaptation. We suggest that although individuals within a population can be harmed by the deleterious effects of new TE insertions, the presence of TE sequences in a genome is of overall benefit to the population.
Biosynthesis and Function of Posttranscriptional Modifications of Transfer RNAs
Authors: El Yacoubi Basma , Bailly Marc , de Crécy-Lagard Valérie
Published: August 2012

Posttranscriptional modifications of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are critical for all core aspects of tRNA function, such as folding, stability, and decoding. Most tRNA modifications were discovered in the 1970s; however, the near-complete description of the genes required to introduce the full set of modifications in both yeast and Escherichia coli is very recent. This led to a new appreciation of the key roles of tRNA modifications and tRNA modification enzymes as checkpoints for tRNA integrity and for integrating translation with other cellular functions such as transcription, primary metabolism, and stress resistance. A global survey of tRNA modification enzymes shows that the functional constraints that drive the presence of modifications are often conserved, but the solutions used to fulfill these constraints differ among different kingdoms, organisms, and species.