bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRYSTAL MELTING AND WALL CROSSING PHENOMENA
Authors: YAMAZAKI MASAHITO
Published: April 2011

This paper summarizes recent developments in the theory of Bogomol'nyi–Prasad–Sommerfield (BPS) state counting and the wall crossing phenomena, emphasizing in particular the role of the statistical mechanical model of crystal melting.

This paper is divided into two parts, which are closely related to each other. In the first part, we discuss the statistical mechanical model of crystal melting counting BPS states. Each of the BPS states contributing to the BPS index is in one-to-one correspondence with a configuration of a molten crystal, and the statistical partition function of the melting crystal gives the BPS partition function. We also show that smooth geometry of the Calabi–Yau manifold emerges in the thermodynamic limit of the crystal. This suggests a remarkable interpretation that an atom in the crystal is a discretization of the classical geometry, giving an important clue as such to the geometry at the Planck scale.

In the second part, we discuss the wall crossing phenomena. Wall crossing phenomena states that the BPS index depends on the value of the moduli of the Calabi–Yau manifold, and jumps along real codimension one subspaces in the moduli space. We show that by using type IIA/M-theory duality, we can provide a simple and an intuitive derivation of the wall crossing phenomena, furthermore clarifying the connection with the topological string theory. This derivation is consistent with another derivation from the wall crossing formula, motivated by multicentered BPS extremal black holes. We also explain the representation of the wall crossing phenomena in terms of crystal melting, and the generalization of the counting problem and the wall crossing to the open BPS invariants.
THE PROCESSES $gg\to\tilde\chi^+_i\tilde\chi^-_j$, $\tilde\chi^0_i\tilde\chi^0_j$ AT HIGH ENERGIES
Authors: GOUNARIS G. J. , LAYSSAC J. , RENARD F. M.
Published: April 2011

According to the helicity conservation (HCns) theorem, the sum of the helicities should be conserved, in any 2-to-2 processes in MSSM with R-parity conservation, at high energies, i.e. all amplitudes violating this rule must vanish asymptotically. The realization of HCns in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is studied, at the one-loop electroweak order, and simple high energy expressions are derived for the nonvanishing helicity conserving (HC) amplitudes. These are very similar to the corresponding expressions for gg → W+W-, ZZ, γZ, γγ derived before. Asymptotic relations among observable unpolarized cross-sections for many such processes are then obtained, some of which may hold at LHC-type energies.
SUTHERLAND-TYPE TRIGONOMETRIC MODELS, TRIGONOMETRIC INVARIANTS AND MULTIVARIATE POLYNOMIALS III: E8 CASE
Authors: BORESKOV K. G. , TURBINER A. V. , LÓPEZ VIEYRA J. C. , GARCÍA M. A. G.
Published: April 2011

It is shown that the E8 trigonometric Olshanetsky–Perelomov Hamiltonian, when written in terms of the fundamental trigonometric invariants, is in algebraic form, i.e. it has polynomial coefficients, and preserves two infinite flags of polynomial spaces marked by the Weyl (co)-vector and E8 highest root (both in the basis of simple roots) as characteristic vectors. The explicit form of the Hamiltonian in new variables has been obtained both by direct calculation and by means of the orbit function technique. It is shown the triangularity of the Hamiltonian in the bases of orbit functions and of algebraic monomials ordered through Weyl heights. Examples of first eigenfunctions are presented.
THE MICROSCOPIC-MACROSCOPIC SCALE TRANSFORMATION THROUGH A CHAOS SCENARIO IN THE FRACTAL SPACE-TIME THEORY
Authors: MUNCELEANU G. V. , PAUN V.-P. , CASIAN-BOTEZ I. , AGOP M.
Published: April 2011

Considering that the particle movement takes place on fractal curves, the mathematical and physical aspects in fractal space-time theory are analyzed. In such context, the harmonic oscillator problem implies that the microscopic-macroscopic scale transition could be associated with an evolution scenario towards chaos. The splitting of the plasma plume, generated by laser ablation, into two patterns, has been successfully reproduced through a numerical simulation using the fractal hydrodynamic model. For the free time-dependent particle in a fractal space-time, the uniform movement is naturally obtained by a specific mechanism of vacuum polarization.
MULTI-FIELD THREE-NODE TRIANGULAR FINITE ELEMENT MODEL FOR HELMHOLTZ PROBLEM
Authors: SZE K. Y. , ZHANG Q. H. , LIU G. H.
Published: April 2011

In this paper, four three-node triangular finite element models which can readily be incorporated into the standard finite element program framework are devised via a multi-field variational functional for the bounded plane Helmholtz problem. In the models, boundary and domain fields are independently assumed. The former is constructed by nodal interpolation and the latter comprises nonsingular solutions of the Helmholtz equation. The equality of the two fields are enforced along the element boundary. Among the four devised models, the most accurate one is 1/3 to 1/2 less erroneous than the conventional single-field model in most examples.
SOLUTION OF TIME-PERIODIC WAVE EQUATION USING MIXED FINITE ELEMENTS AND CONTROLLABILITY TECHNIQUES
Authors: KÄHKÖNEN SAMI , GLOWINSKI ROLAND , ROSSI TUOMO , MÄKINEN RAINO A. E.
Published: April 2011

We consider a controllability method for the time-periodic solution of the two-dimensional scalar wave equation with a first order absorbing boundary condition describing the scattering of a time-harmonic incident wave by a sound-soft obstacle. Solution of the time-harmonic equation is equivalent to finding a periodic solution for the corresponding time-dependent wave equation. We formulate the problem as an exact controllability one and solve the wave equation in time-domain. In a mixed formulation we look for solutions u = (v, p)T. The use of mixed formulation allows us to set the related controllability problem in (L2(Ω))d+1, a space of square-integrable functions in dimension d + 1. No preconditioning is needed when solving this with conjugate gradient method. We present numerical results concerning performance and convergence properties of the method.
INCREMENTAL COMPILATION OF BAYESIAN NETWORKS BASED ON MAXIMAL PRIME SUBGRAPHS
Authors: FLORES M. JULIA , GÁMEZ JOSE A. , OLESEN KRISTIAN G.
Published: April 2011

When a Bayesian network (BN) is modified, for example adding or deleting a node, or changing the probability distributions, we usually will need a total recompilation of the model, despite feeling that a partial (re)compilation could have been enough. Especially when considering dynamic models, in which variables are added and removed very frequently, these recompilations are quite resource consuming. But even further, for the task of building a model, which is in many occasions an iterative process, there is a clear lack of flexibility. When we use the term Incremental Compilation or IC we refer to the possibility of modifying a network and avoiding a complete recompilation to obtain the new (and different) join tree (JT). The main point we intend to study in this work is JT-based inference in Bayesian networks. Apart from undertaking the triangulation problem itself, we have achieved a great improvement for the compilation in BNs. We do not develop a new architecture for BNs inference, but taking some already existing framework JT-based for probability propagation such as Hugin or Shenoy and Shafer, we have designed a method that can be successfully applied to get better performance, as the experimental evaluation will show.
DELAY-DEPENDENT H∞ RESILIENT OUTPUT FUZZY CONTROL FOR NONLINEAR DISCRETE-TIME SYSTEMS WITH TIME-DELAY
Authors: KCHAOU MOURAD , TOUMI AHMED , SOUISSI MANSOUR
Published: April 2011

This paper is concerned with the problem of non-fragile (resilient) H∞ control for a class of state-delay nonlinear discrete-time systems described by (TS) fuzzy models where both the state feedback and static output feedback are investigated. Based on basis-dependent Lyapunov-krasovskii function, sufficient conditions are derived to achieve the system stability and the H∞ performance. The linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach is proposed to obtain the state-feedback gains, and a homotopy-based iterative LMI algorithm is developed to get the static output feedback gains. An illustrative example shows the effectiveness and the feasibility of the theoretical developments.
UNCERTAIN AND FUZZY OBJECT BASES: A DATA MODEL AND ALGEBRAIC OPERATIONS
Authors: CAO TRU H. , NGUYEN HOA
Published: April 2011

Fuzzy set theory and probability theory are complementary for soft computing, in particular object-oriented systems with imprecise and uncertain object properties. However, current fuzzy object-oriented data models are mainly based on fuzzy set theory or possibility theory, and lack of a rigorous algebra for querying and managing uncertain and fuzzy object bases. In this paper, we develop an object base model that incorporates both fuzzy set values and probability degrees to handle imprecision and uncertainty. A probabilistic interpretation of relations on fuzzy sets is introduced as a formal basis to coherently unify the two types of measures into a common framework. The model accommodates both class attributes, representing declarative object properties, and class methods, representing procedural object properties. Two levels of property uncertainty are taken into account, one of which is value uncertainty of a definite property and the other is applicability uncertainty of the property itself. The syntax and semantics of the selection and other main data operations on the proposed object base model are formally defined as a full-fledged algebra.
NEW APPROACHES FOR DISCOVERING EXCEPTION AND ANOMALOUS RULES
Authors: DELGADO MIGUEL , RUIZ M. DOLORES , SÁNCHEZ DANIEL
Published: April 2011

Mining association rules is a well known framework for extracting useful knowledge from databases. Despite their proven applicability there exist other approaches that also search for novel and useful information such us peculiarities, infrequent rules, exceptions or anomalous rules. The common feature of these proposals is the low support of such type of rules. So there is a necessity of finding efficient algorithms for extracting them.

The principal objective of this paper is providing a unified framework for dealing with such kind of rules. In our case, we take advantage of an existing logic approach called GUHA. This model was first presented in the middle sixties by Hájek et al. and then has been developed by Rauch and others in the last decade.

Following this line, this paper also offers some interesting issues. First, it provides a deep analysis of semantics and formulation of exception and anomalous rules. Second, we define the so called double rules as a new type of rules which in conjunction with exceptions and anomalies will describe in more detail the relationship between two sets of items. Third, we give new approaches for mining them and we propose an algorithm with reasonably good performance.
A MATRIX METHOD FOR THE FUZZY ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS
Authors: HUANG JIH-JENG
Published: April 2011

This paper proposes a new method for finding fuzzy weights in the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), which fuzzifies the derived formulation of an eigenvector directly. The presented formulation only needs information about the upper triangular matrix and the assumption of the reciprocal matrix in the original AHP is not necessary. This characteristic enables the FAHP to be used without concern for rationality of the reciprocal matrix. In addition, two applications are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method and to compare it with other FAHP models.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: April 2011

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to: Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
EXOTIC LAPLACIANS AND DERIVATIVES OF WHITE NOISE
Authors: ACCARDI LUIGI , JI UN CIG , SAITÔ KIMIAKI
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we give a relationship between the exotic Laplacians and the Lévy Laplacians in terms of the higher-order derivatives of white noise by introducing a bijective and continuous linear operator acting on white noise functionals. Moreover, we study a relationship between exotic Laplacians, acting on higher-order singular functionals, each other in terms of the constructed operator.
LARGE DEVIATIONS FOR INHOMOGENEOUS SYSTEMS
Authors: CHEN JINWEN
Published: April 2011

In this paper large deviations for mixture of large deviation systems are investigated. Some general results are presented, with conditions either less restrictive or more practical for verification. Applications are illustrated in a concrete case-mixture of products of probability measures (homogeneous or inhomogeneous). We also discussed potential applications to problems of statistic inference for hidden Markov models.
CONCENTRATION INEQUALITIES FOR GIBBS MEASURES
Authors: PAPAGEORGIOU IOANNIS
Published: April 2011

We are interested in Sobolev type inequalities and their relationship with concentration properties on higher dimensions. We consider unbounded spin systems on the d-dimensional lattice with interactions that increase slower than a quadratic. At first we assume that the one-site measure satisfies a modified log-Sobolev inequality with a constant uniformly on the boundary conditions and we determine conditions so that the infinite-dimensional Gibbs measure satisfies a concentration as well as a Talagrand type inequality, similar to the ones obtained by Barthe and Roberto6for the product measure. Then a modified log-Sobolev type concentration property is obtained under weaker conditions referring to the log-Sobolev inequalities for the boundary free measure.
FEYNMAN FORMULAS FOR AN INFINITE-DIMENSIONAL 𝔭-ADIC HEAT TYPE EQUATION
Authors: BELOSHAPKA OLGA
Published: April 2011

Smolyanov has introduced1 the term "Feynman formula" (in the configuration space) for the representation of a solution of a Cauchy problem by limit of integrals over finite Cartesian products of the domain of the solution when the number of multipliers tends to infinity. In this paper, such formulas (first written by Smolyanov, Shamarov and Kpekpassi in a short note2) are proved for a family of heat type equations where the spatial variable runs over 𝔭-adic space of countable sequences. Equations with 𝔭-adic variables describe, for example, the dynamics of proteins.
Regional geochemical comparisons from the Lower Palaeozoic, Southern Uplands–Down-Longford terrane in Northern Ireland and Scotland
Authors: Breward N. , Stone P. , Flight D. , Anderson T. B.
Published: April 2011

Synopsis

Newly-acquired regional geochemical data for the Down-Armagh (Northern Ireland) sector of the Southern Uplands–Down-Longford terrane are assessed by comparison with the equivalent dataset for southern Scotland. Despite the much thicker glacigenic cover to the Down-Armagh bedrock, the principal geochemical lineaments identified in the Southern Uplands are still apparent. Patterns of element distribution emphasize the continuity of structure and stratigraphy between the two regions, with Cr, Zr, Sr, Rb, Ba and Ca (as CaO) proving particularly instructive. Much of the Down-Armagh outcrop consists of Llandovery strata from the Gala and Hawick Groups, so it is this part of the terrane that is most closely considered. Though continuity is clear, there is a suggestion of additional structural imbrication in Down-Armagh, whilst variability in the defining element ratios suggests along-strike compositional changes in the turbidite sandstones. These changes may be controlled by lithostratigraphical variation in sedimentary provenance, or may be influenced by the dominant palaeocurrent flow towards the SW, which has resulted in a broadly more distal and mature Llandovery turbidite lithofacies in Down-Armagh than in the Southern Uplands.
The internal structure of the Moine Nappe Complex and the stratigraphy of the Morar Group in the Fannichs–Beinn Dearg area, NW Highlands
Authors: Krabbendam M. , Strachan R. A. , Leslie A. G. , Goodenough K. M. , Bonsor H. C.
Published: April 2011

Synopsis

The Morar Group, the lowest group of the early Neoproterozoic Moine Supergroup in the Scottish Highlands, forms a >5 km thick metamorphosed siliclastic sequence, recently interpreted to form part of a Grenvillian (
c
. 1000 Ma) foreland basin. New mapping has elucidated the structure and stratigraphy of the Morar Group in the Fannich–Beinn Dearg area, where the Morar Group occurs in a single coherent thrust sheet (Achness Thrust Sheet), over 70 km long, 20 km wide, and up to 10 km thick. Within this thrust sheet, the strata are folded by two very large, west-vergent and west-facing cylindroidal anticline-syncline pairs that deform the overlying Sgurr Beag Thrust. The lowest long limb is parallel with and grades into the ductile Moine Thrust and Achness Thrust at its base. Low strain zones in steep limbs contain well preserved sedimentary structures. Reconstruction of the stratigraphical architecture shows five formations of metasandstone (psammite), alternating with meta-siltstone (semipelite). Large-scale lateral variations in the lowest metasandstone package are capped by a possible flooding surface of semipelite, followed by more metasandstone. The deformation history shows foreland-propagation of both deformation and metamorphism, from NNW-directed transport on the Sgurr Beag Thrust to WNW-directed transport on the Achness Thrust and Moine Thrust.
Pioneering, Scottish nineteenth century studies of sedimentary processes in fluvial, estuarine and coastal environments
Authors: Duck Robert W.
Published: April 2011

Synopsis

Nineteenth century studies of Earth surface processes in Scotland represent pioneering work that remains of contemporary significance. Four examples, from almost forgotten studies in contrasting environments, illustrate the contributions made and their legacy. The calculations of the sediment yields of the River Nith, in Dumfriesshire, and the Reisgill Burn, in Caithness, as measures of the lowering of their respective drainage basins (
Geikie 1868a
), are two of the earliest attempts to quantify denudation rates, studies of which have great significance to this day. Experimental observations by
Robertson (1874)
showed that increased salinity promotes the ‘precipitation’ of clays where such river-borne particles meet saline waters and provided the fundamental basis for numerous modern studies of the behaviour of fine grained sediments in estuarine and deltaic environments. Still more fundamental, and underpinning our understanding of estuarine water and sediment dynamics and the classification of such environments, are the measurements by
Fleming (1816)
of the salt content of the Tay Estuary at differing depths and stages of the tide which, for the first time, identified the salinity stratification of estuarine waters. At Dunbar, in East Lothian,
Black's (1877a)
observations of beach pebble shape and patterns of migration provided early insights into the relative energies of swash and backwash, and the controls on the longshore migration of pebbles, but also included the first attempt at numerical classification of pebble shape as an estimate of the frictional forces acting on particles.
Late Ordovician (Sandbian) ostracods from the Ardwell Farm Formation, SW Scotland
Authors: Mohibullah Mohibullah , Vandenbroucke Thijs R. A. , Williams Mark , Floyd James D. , Meidla Tõnu , Zalasiewicz Jan A. , Siveter David J.
Published: April 2011

Synopsis

The lower part of the Late Ordovician Ardwell Farm Formation of the Girvan district in SW Scotland yields a low-diversity ostracod fauna comprising six species. Many of these ostracods are biostratigraphically short-ranging North American taxa limited to an interval equivalent to the
gracilis
and
bicornis
graptolite biozones. These species include ‘
Ctenobolbina
’
ventrospinosa
and
Baltonotella parsispinosa
that permit inter-regional correlation with the Sandbian strata of the USA and Arctic Canada. This chain of correlation is also confirmed by chitinozoans, such as
Belonechitina hirsuta
, that occur with the ostracods in the Ardwell Farm Formation. Although allochthonous and transported by turbidity currents into a deep-water clastic-rich basin, the ostracod fauna of the Ardwell Farm Formation resembles other Ordovician deep-water ostracod biotopes, characterized by podocope ostracods and low species diversity. Alternatively the ostracods might simply have been transported from a carbonate ramp setting.
Single Crystalline GaN Epitaxial Layer Prepared on Nano-Patterned Si(001) Substrate
Authors: Huang C. C. , Chang S. J. , Kuo C. H. , Wu C. H. , Ko C. H. , Wann Clement H. , Cheng Y. C. , Lin W. J.
Published: April 2011

The authors report the growth of GaN epitaxial layers on nano-patterned Si(001) substrates prepared by the standard facilities used in integrated circuit (IC) industry. It was found that we could achieve high-quality single crystalline GaN by using the 50 nm SiO2 recess patterned Si(001) substrate. It was also found that we can reduce the tensile stress in GaN epitaxial layer by about 95% using the nano-patterned Si(001) substrate, as compared to the conventional un-patterned Si(111) substrate.
Microbiology Profile in Women With Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Relation to IUD Use
Authors: Viberga I. , Odlind V. , Lazdane G. , Kroica J. , Berglund L. , Olofsson S.
Published: April 2011

Objective. To study the microbial characteristics of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and the possible impact of an intrauterine device (IUD) on the microbial environment in women presenting with PID.

Methods. Case‐control study, investigating 51 women with acute PID and 50 healthy women. Endocervical specimens for microbiological investigation were obtained at gynaecological examination.

Results. IUD users with PID had significantly more Fusobacteria spp. and Peptostreptococcus spp. than non‐IUD users with PID. The finding of combinations of several anaerobic or aerobic microbes was associated with a significantly increased risk of PID and with complicated PID. In IUD users, the combinations of several anaerobic/aerobic microbes were associated
with an increased risk of PID, irrespective of duration of IUD use. Long‐term IUD use appeared to be associated with an increased risk of a PID being complicated.

Conclusion. The finding of several anaerobic or aerobic microbes appears to be associated with PID in users of IUD.
Vaginal Candida parapsilosis: Pathogen or Bystander?
Authors: Nyirjesy Paul , Alexander Alynn B. , Weitz M. Velma
Published: April 2011

Objective: Candida parapsilosis is an infrequent isolate on vaginal cultures; its role as a vaginal pathogen remains unstudied. This retrospective study of women with positive culture for C. parapsilosis sought to characterize the significance of this finding and its response to antifungal therapy.

Methods: From February 2001 to August 2002, we identified all individuals with positive fungal isolates among a population of women with chronic vulvovaginal symptoms. Charts of women with C. parapsilosis cultures were reviewed with regard to patient demographics, clinical presentation and therapeutic response. Mycological cure, defined as a negative fungal culture at the next office visit, and clinical cure, i.e. symptom resolution, were determined for each subject.

Results: A total of 582 women had positive vaginal cultures for 635 isolates, of which 54 (8.5%) were C. parapsilosis. The charts of 51 subjects with C. parapsilosis were available for review and follow‐up cultures and clinical information were available for 39 (76.5%). Microscopy was positive in 9 (17.6%). Antifungal treatment resulted in mycological cure in 17/19
patients with fluconazole, 7/7 with butoconazole, 6/6 with boric acid, 1/1 with miconazole and occurred spontaneously in 6/ 7: 24/37 (64.9%) patients with a mycological cure experienced clinical cure.

Conclusions: Although C. parapsilosis is often a cause of vaginal symptoms, it seems to respond to a variety of antifungal agents and may even be a transient vaginal colonizer.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Reported Practices Among Obstetrician‐Gynecologists in the USA Regarding Antibiotic Prescribing for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Chamany Shadi , Schulkin Jay , Rose Charles E. , Riley Laura E. , Besser Richard E.
Published: April 2011

Background: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) have not been well described among obstetrician‐gynecologists (OB/GYNs). This information is useful for
determining whether an OB/GYN‐specific program promoting appropriate antibiotic use would significantly contribute to the efforts to decrease inappropriate antibiotic use among primary care providers.

Methods: An anonymous questionnaire asking about the treatment of URIs was sent to 1031 obstetrician‐gynecologists.

Results: The overall response rate was 46%. The majority of respondents (92%) were aware of the relationship between antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, and respondents estimated that 5% of their patients had URI symptoms at their office visits. Overall, 56% of respondents reported that they would prescribe an antibiotic for uncomplicated bronchitis and 43% for the common cold. OB/GYNs with the fewest years of experience were less likely than those with the most years of experience to report prescribing for uncomplicated bronchitis (Odds ratio (OR) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23 to 0.91) or the common cold (OR 0.44, CI 0.22 to 0.89). The majority of respondents (60%) believed that most patients wanted an antibiotic for URI symptoms, with male OB/GYNs being more likely than female OB/GYNs (OR 2.1, CI 1.2 to 3.8) to hold this belief. Both male OB/GYNs (OR 1.9, CI 1.1 to 3.4) and rural practitioners (OR 2.1, CI 1.1 to 4.0) were more likely to believe that it was hard to withhold antibiotics for URI symptoms because other physicians prescribe antibiotics for these symptoms. OB/GYNs who believed that postgraduate training prepared them well for primary care management were more likely than those who did not (OR 2.1, CI 1.1 to 4.2) to believe that they could reduce antibiotic prescribing without reducing patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: Multiple demographic factors affect attitudes and reported practices regarding antibiotic prescribing. However, in view of the low proportion of office visits for URIs, an OB/GYN‐specific program is not warranted.
Acute Placental Infection Due to Klebsiella pneumoniae: Report of a Unique Case
Authors: Sheikh Salwa S. , Amr Samir S. , Lage Janice M.
Published: April 2011

A 40‐year‐old woman, gravida 9, with seven healthy children and a history of one abortion (p 7 + 1)
, presented at 18 weeks of gestation with fever and malodorous vaginal discharge. Ultrasound revealed a macerated fetus. The placenta showed acute chorioamnionitis and acute villitis with microabscess formation. Blood and vaginal cultures both grew Klebsiella pneumoniae. This is the first reported case in English literature of Klebsiella pneumoniae causing suppurative placentitis leading to fetal
demise.
Postpartum Sterilization Choices Made by HIV‐Infected Women
Authors: Stuart Gretchen S. , Castaño Paula M. , Sheffield Jeanne S. , McElwee Barbara , McIntire Donald D. , Wendel George D.
Published: April 2011

Objective. To assess if HIV‐infected women made different choices for postpartum sterilization after implementation of the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol 076 (November 1, 1994) compared to before implementation.

Study design. A retrospective cohort study in which medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic, obstetric and HIV‐related data from January 1993 through December 2002. HIV‐infected women who completed a pregnancy by birth or abortion were divided into two comparison groups: “Pre‐076” and “Post‐076”. The primary outcome was sterilization by postpartum tubal ligation.

Results. Forty‐two women (74%) in the Pre‐076 group chose sterilization compared to 139 of 310 women (45%) in the Post‐076 group (unadjusted OR 3.44, 95 % CI 1.83, 6.47). Seventy‐one percent of women younger than 21 years of age in the Pre‐076 Group chose sterilization compared with only 35% of women younger than 21 years in the Post‐076 group (p=0.0136). Similarly, 78% of primiparous women chose sterilization after their first pregnancy in the Pre‐076 group,
compared to 14% in the Post‐076 group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions. Since the implementation of PACTG 076 protocol in November 1994, fewer HIV‐infected women chose postpartum sterilization. The typical woman who now chooses postpartum sterilization is less likely to be young or primiparous than those who chose sterilization before PACTG Protocol 076 implementation.
Periodontal Disease and Bacterial Vaginosis Increase the Risk for Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Oittinen Juha , Kurki Tapio , Kekki Minnamaija , Kuusisto Minna , Pussinen Pirkko , Vilkuna-Rautiainen Tiina , Nieminen Anja , Asikainen Sirkka , Paavonen Jorma
Published: April 2011

Objectives. To determine whether periodontal disease or bacterial vaginosis (BV) diagnosed before pregnancy increase the
risk for adverse pregnancy outcome.

Methods. We enrolled a total of 252 women who had discontinued contraception in order to become pregnant. The first
130 pregnant women were included in the analyses.

Results. Multivariate analysis showed a strong association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcome
(OR 5.5, 95% confidence interval 1.4–21.2; p = 0.014), and a borderline association between BV and adverse pregnancy
outcome (OR 3.2, 95% confidence interval 0.9–10.7; p = 0.061).

Conclusion. Our study suggests that pre‐pregnancy counseling should include both oral and vaginal examinations to rule out periodontal disease and BV. This may ultimately have an impact on antenatal healthcare, and decrease the risk for
adverse pregnancy outcome.
Malaria in Pregnancy
Authors: Alvarez Jesus R. , Al-Khan Abdulla , Apuzzio Joseph J.
Published: April 2011

Recently, there has been a resurgence of malaria in densely populated areas of the United States secondary to human migration from endemic areas where factors such as cessation of vector control, vector resistance to insecticides, disease resistance to drugs, environmental changes, political instability, and indifference, have played a role for malaria becoming an overwhelming infection of these tropical underdeveloped countries. It is important for health care providers of gravida to be alert of the disease and its effects on pregnancy.
Breast Milk Pasteurisation in Developed Countries to Reduce HIV Transmission. Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?
Authors: Giles M. , Mijch A.
Published: April 2011

Background. Transmission of HIV through breastfeeding is well documented. The World Health Organisation advise HIVinfected women in developed countries to use alternatives to breastfeeding together with highly active antiretroviral therapy and optimal management of delivery to prevent transmission of HIV to their infant.

Case report. We present the case of an HIV‐infected woman electing to exclusively breastfeed for six months and applying milk pasteurisation techniques without transmission to her infant. Two paired samples of her breast milk were tested for HIV RNA prior to and after pasteurisation. The first pair of specimens reported no change in HIV RNA copy number, the second pair of specimens reported an increase in copy number.

Discussion. This technique, the evidence for HIV inactivation and the effects pasteurisation has on nutritional and immunological components of breast milk are discussed.

Conclusion. In conclusion, we believe there is currently insufficient data to recommend this technique either as a safe alternative to formula feeding in resource‐rich countries or as a method for providing intact immunological components of
breast milk to the infant.
Transfer of Meropenem in the ex Vivo Human Placenta perfusion Model
Authors: Hnat Michael , Bawdon Roger E.
Published: April 2011

Objectives. To determine maternal‐fetal transplacental passage of meropenem in the ex vivo human perfusion model.

Study design. Term placentae (n = 6) were collected immediately after delivery. A single cotyledon was localized, perfused
and stabilized with physiologic Eagles minimal essential medium containing 3% bovine albumin and heparin as described by Chalier (Chalier JC. Criteria for evaluating perfusion experiments and presentation results. Contrib Gynecol Obstet 1985;
13:32–39). Meropenem was added to the maternal medium in concentrations similar to maternal serum peak and trough levels, then perfused through the maternal circulation of the cotyledon. To assess transfer and accumulation, fluid aliquots
from both the maternal and fetal compartments were collected over an hour at defined intervals in an open and closed system. Antipyrine  14C
was added to the medium in order to calculate the transport fraction and clearance indexes.
Meropenem and antipyrine  14C
concentrations were determined by High‐pressure Liquid Chromatography and liquid
scintillation, respectively.

Results. Mean antipyrine transport fraction was 2.33 + 0.25. Maternal and fetal mean meropenem peak concentrations were 54.3 + 3.3 μg/ml and 2.2 + 0.18 μg/ml, respectively. Whereas, maternal and fetal mean trough concentrations were 12.7 + 1.3 μg/ml and 0.41 + 0.10 μg/ml, respectively. Mean peak clearance index was 0.077 + 0.007 and the mean trough was 0.052 + 0.015. Mean accumulation for the peak and trough concentrations of meropenem were 0.9 and 2.95 μg/ml, respectively.

Conclusions. Transplacental passage of meropenem was incomplete in the ex vivo human placental perfusion model. Accumulation was also noted in the fetal compartment
Effects of Biosolids Application on Pasture and Grape Vines in South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Nash David , Butler Craig , Cody Justine , Warne Michael St. J. , McLaughlin Mike J. , Heemsbergen Dianne , Broos Kris , Bell Mike , Barry Glenn , Pritchard Deb , Penny Nancy
Published: April 2011

Biosolids were applied to a pasture and a vineyard in south-eastern Australia. At both sites, soil Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations linearly increased with biosolids application rates although not to the extent of exceeding soil quality guidelines. Biosolids marginally increased soil C and N concentrations at the pasture site but significantly increased P concentrations. With lower overall soil fertility at the vineyard, biosolids increased C, N, and P concentrations. At neither site did biosolids application affect soil microbial endpoints. Biosolids increased pasture production compared to the unfertilised control but had little effect on grape production or quality. Interestingly, over the 3-year trial, there was no difference in pasture production between the biosolids treated plots and plots receiving inorganic fertiliser. These results suggest that biosolids could be used as a fertiliser to stimulate pasture production and as a soil conditioner to improve vineyard soils in this region.
HIV-Associated Tuberculosis in the Newborn and Young Infant
Authors: Adhikari M. , Jeena P. , Bobat R. , Archary M. , Naidoo K. , Coutsoudis A. , Singh R. , Nair N.
Published: April 2011

Each year, approximately 250 000 women die during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum. Maternal mortality rates due to tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa now supersede obstetric-related causes of mortality. The majority of cases occur in population-dense regions of Africa and Asia where TB is endemic. The vertical transmission rate of tuberculosis is 15%, the overall vertical transmission rate of HIV in resource-limited settings with mono- or dual-ARV therapy varies from 1.9% to 10.7%. If the millennium development goals are to be achieved, both HIV and TB must be prevented. The essential aspect of TB prevention and detection in the newborn is the maternal history and a positive HIV status in the mother. Perinatal outcomes are guarded even with treatment of both diseases. Exclusive breast feeding is recommended. The community and social impact are crippling. The social issues aggravate the prognosis of these two diseases.
Numerical Simulations for a Typical Train Fire in China
Authors: Chow W. K. , Lam K. C. , Fong N. K. , Li S. S. , Gao Y.
Published: April 2011

Railway is the key transport means in China including the Mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Consequent to so many big arson and accidental fires in the public transport systems including trains and buses, fire safety in passenger trains is a concern. Numerical simulations with Computational Fluid Dynamics on identified fire scenarios with typical train compartments in China will be reported in this paper. The heat release rate of the first ignited item was taken as the input parameter. The mass lost rate of fuel vapor of other combustibles was estimated to predict the resultant heat release rates by the combustion models in the software. Results on air flow, velocity vectors, temperature distribution, smoke layer height, and smoke spread patterns inside the train compartment were analyzed. The results are useful for working out appropriate fire safety measures for train vehicles and determining the design fire for subway stations and railway tunnels.
Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Assessing the Effectiveness of Ivy Leaf (Hedera Helix) for Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Holzinger Felix , Chenot Jean-François
Published: April 2011

Introduction. Among nonantibiotic cough remedies, herbal preparations containing extracts from leaves of ivy (Hedera helix) enjoy great popularity. Objective. A systematic review to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of ivy for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Methods. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled clinical trials and observational studies evaluating the efficacy of ivy preparations for acute URTIs. Study quality was assessed by the Jadad score or the EPHPP tool. Results. 10 eligible studies were identified reporting on 17463 subjects. Studies were heterogeneous in design and conduct; 2 were RCTs. Three studies evaluated a combination of ivy and thyme, 7 studies investigated monopreparations of ivy. Only one RCT (n = 360) investigating an ivy/thyme combination used a placebo control and showed statistically significant superiority in reducing the frequency and duration of cough. All other studies lack a placebo control and show serious methodological flaws. They all conclude that ivy extracts are effective for reducing symptoms of URTI. Conclusion. Although all studies report that ivy extracts are effective to reduce symptoms of URTI, there is no convincing evidence due to serious methodological flaws and lack of placebo controls. The combination of ivy and thyme might be more effective but needs confirmation.
Dynamic Behaviors of a Harvesting Leslie‐Gower Predator‐Prey Model
Authors: Zhang Na , Chen Fengde , Su Qianqian , Wu Ting
Published: April 2011

A Leslie‐Gower predator‐prey model incorporating harvesting is studied.
By constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, we show that the unique positive
equilibrium of the system is globally stable, which means that suitable harvesting
has no influence on the persistent property of the harvesting system. After that,
detailed analysis about the influence of harvesting is carried out, and an interesting finding
is that under some suitable restriction, harvesting has no influence on the final
density of the prey species, while the density of predator species is strictly decreasing
function of the harvesting efforts. For the practical significance, the economic profit
is considered, sufficient conditions for the presence of bionomic equilibrium are given,
and the optimal harvesting policy is obtained by using the Pontryagin′s maximal
principle. At last, an example is given to show that the optimal harvesting policy
is realizable.
Examining the Coping Response to Peer Relational Aggression Victimization
Authors: Gomes Melissa M.
Published: April 2011

Purpose. Relational aggression, rumor spreading, backstabbing, and social isolation, is psychologically damaging for adolescent girls. The purpose of this study was to provide an explanation of victimization response after experiencing peer relational aggression victimization.Methods. Grounded theory techniques were used to gain an understanding of the victimization experience and the coping responses used.Findings. A theory of coping after experiencing peer relational aggression victimizationwas generated. Girls voiced feelings of hurt and anger after the experience and expressed the following ways of coping as a result: distancing from others, retaliation against the aggressor, discussing their feelings with friends and family, writing their feelings down, and/or confronting the aggressor.Clinical Implications. Nurses should be aware of the phenomenon and asses, for incidences of relational aggression victimization so that they may provide strategies to assist the adolescent and her family with positive coping mechanisms in order to prevent maladaptive responses.
Public Health Perspectives of Preeclampsia in Developing Countries: Implication for Health System Strengthening
Authors: Osungbade Kayode O. , Ige Olusimbo K.
Published: April 2011

Objectives. Review of public health perspectives of preeclampsia in developing countries and implications for health system strengthening.Methods. Literature from Pubmed (MEDLINE), AJOL, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database were reviewed.Results. The prevalence of preeclampsia in developing countries ranges from 1.8% to 16.7%. Many challenges exist in the prediction, prevention, and management of preeclampsia. Promising prophylactic measures like low-dose aspirin and calcium supplementation need further evidence before recommendation for use in developing countries. Treatment remains prenatal care, timely diagnosis, proper management, and timely delivery. Prevailing household, community, and health system factors limiting effective control of preeclampsia in these countries were identified, and strategies to strengthen health systems were highlighted.Conclusion. Overcoming the prevailing challenges in the control of preeclampsia in developing countries hinges on the ability of health care systems to identify and manage women at high risk.
A Stochastic Two Species Competition Model: Nonequilibrium Fluctuation and Stability
Authors: Samanta G. P.
Published: April 2011

The object of this paper is to study the stability behaviours of the deterministic
and stochastic versions of a two-species symmetric competition model. The logistic
parameters of the competitive species are perturbed by colored noises or Ornstein-Uhlenbeck
processes due to random environment. The Fokker-Planck equation has been used to obtain
probability density functions. Here, we have also discussed the relationship between stability
behaviours of this model in a deterministic environment and the corresponding model in a
stochastic environment.
Total Colonic Expulsion with Part of Small Bowel per Vaginum due to Low-Flow Phenomenon and NOMI: A Case Report
Authors: Deen Suha , Powell Martin
Published: April 2011

Introduction. Intestinal ischaemia is a devastating disease process that could lead to bowel gangrene and death if either not diagnosed early or left untreated; death is usually caused by irreversible shock, intestinal necrosis, or septicaemia. It is usually seen in elderly patients with atherosclerotic disease. The course of bowel ischaemia may affect variable lengths of the intestine and it is not unusual for the condition to be followed by uneventful recovery. Case presentation. We are reporting an unusually rare case where an elderly patient passed an extraordinarily long segment of bowel, including rectum, the whole of the large bowel, and part of the small bowel, through anus following an episode of nonobstructive mesenteric ischaemia (NOMI) complicating myocardial infarction. To our knowledge, there are only eight cases reported in the literature where the condition was diagnosed upon the passage of short segments of the large bowel particularly of the rectosigmoid segment through the anus. Conclusion. Physician should keep a high level of suspicion in order to prevent it or at least recognise it early on and offer adequate management and hence reducing morbidity and mortality.
Arthroscopic Optical Coherence Tomography in Diagnosis of Early Arthritis
Authors: O'Malley Michael J. , Chu Constance R.
Published: April 2011

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, debilitating disease that is increasing in prevalence. The pathogenesis of OA is likely multifactorial but ultimately leads to progressive breakdown of collagen matrix and loss of chondrocytes. Current clinical modalities employed to evaluate cartilage health and diagnose osteoarthritis in orthopaedic surgery include, radiography, MRI, and arthroscopy. While these assessment methods can show cartilage fissuring and loss, they are limited in ability to diagnose cartilage injury and degeneration prior breakdown of the articular surface. An improved clinical ability to detect subsurface cartilage pathology is important for development and testing of chondroprotective and chondrorestorative treatments because the pathological changes following surface breakdown are generally considered to be irreversible. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is a novel, non-destructive imaging technology capable of near-real time cross-sectional images of articular cartilage at high resolutions comparable to low power histology. This review discusses a series of bench to bedside studies supporting the potential use of OCT for enhanced clinical diagnosis and staging of early cartilage injury and degeneration. OCT was also found to be useful as a translations research tool to assist in clinical evaluation of novel quantitative MRI technologies for non-invasive evaluation of articular cartilage.
Chaos Synchronization Using Adaptive Dynamic Neural NetworkController with Variable Learning Rates
Authors: Kao Chih-Hong , Hsu Chun-Fei , Wang Chih-Hu , Don Hon-Son
Published: April 2011

This paper addresses the synchronization of chaotic gyros with unknown parameters and external disturbance via an adaptive dynamic neural network control (ADNNC) system. The proposed ADNNC system is composed of a neural controller and a smooth compensator. The neural controller uses a dynamic RBF (DRBF) network to online approximate an ideal controller. The DRBF network can create new hidden neurons online if the input data falls outside the hidden layer and prune the insignificant hidden neurons online if the hidden neuron is inappropriate. The smooth compensator is designed to compensate for the approximation error between the neural controller and the ideal controller. Moreover, the variable learning rates of the parameter adaptation laws are derived based on a discrete‐type Lyapunov function to speed up the convergence rate of the tracking error. Finally, the simulation results which verified the chaotic behavior of two nonlinear identical chaotic gyros can be synchronized using the proposed ADNNC scheme.
On the Solutions of Nonlinear Higher‐Order Boundary Value Problems by Using Differential Transformation Method and Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Che Hussin Che Haziqah , Kiliçman Adem
Published: April 2011

We study higher‐order boundary value problems
(HOBVP) for higher‐order nonlinear differential equation. We make comparison
among differential transformation method (DTM), Adomian decomposition
method (ADM), and exact solutions. We provide several examples in
order to compare our results. We extend and prove a theorem for nonlinear
differential equations by using the DTM. The numerical examples show
that the DTM is a good method compared to the ADM since it is effective,
uses less time in computation, easy to implement and achieve high accuracy. In
addition, DTM has many advantages compared to ADM since the calculation of
Adomian polynomial is tedious. From the numerical results, DTM is suitable
to apply for nonlinear problems.