bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CALCULATION OF POWER LINE FIELDS BETWEEN CIRCULAR CONDUCTORS
Authors: SEAGAR ANDREW , NILBOWORN SALAKCHIT
Published: September 2012

It is important to calculate the electric field at the surface of high voltage direct current power transmission lines, since it is this field which governs the onset of corona discharge and the power loss arising therefrom. A method is presented here to calculate the electric field based on an implementation of the boundary element method for conductors of strictly circular cross section. Given the circular geometry it is possible to resolve all integrals involved analytically. A Galerkin approach is adopted, giving the solution in the spatial frequency domain. That allows a controlled truncation of the system matrix by choice of which frequency components to keep. It transpires that the low frequency components are the most important ones. Two test cases are used to quantify the accuracy of the solution with respect to truncation and distance from the surface. It is found that the accuracy increases with distance from the surface, but for all distances can be controlled by choosing an appropriate level of truncation.
Object-Oriented Techniques for Sparse Matrix Computations in Fortran 2003
Authors: Filippone Salvatore , Buttari Alfredo
Published: September 2012

The efficiency of a sparse linear algebra operation heavily relies on the ability of the sparse matrix storage format to exploit the computing power of the underlying hardware. Since no format is universally better than the others across all possible kinds of operations and computers, sparse linear algebra software packages should provide facilities to easily implement and integrate new storage formats within a sparse linear algebra application without the need to modify it; it should also allow to dynamically change a storage format at run-time depending on the specific operations to be performed. Aiming at these important features, we present an Object Oriented design model for a sparse linear algebra package which relies on Design Patterns. We show that an implementation of our model can be efficiently achieved through some of the unique features of the Fortran 2003 language. Experimental results show that the proposed software infrastructure improves the modularity and ease of use of the code at no performance loss.
Algorithm 920
Authors: Kim Sunyoung , Kojima Masakazu , Waki Hayato , Yamashita Makato
Published: September 2012

SFSDP is a Matlab package for solving sensor network localization (SNL) problems. These types of problems arise in monitoring and controlling applications using wireless sensor networks. SFSDP implements the semidefinite programming (SDP) relaxation proposed in Kim et al. [2009] for sensor network localization problems, as a sparse version of the full semidefinite programming relaxation (FSDP) by Biswas and Ye [2004]. To improve the efficiency of FSDP, SFSDP exploits the aggregated and correlative sparsity of a sensor network localization problem. As a result, SFSDP can handle much larger problems than other software as well as three-dimensional anchor-free problems. SFSDP analyzes the input data of a sensor network localization problem, solves the problem, and displays the computed locations of sensors. SFSDP also includes the features of generating test problems for numerical experiments.
Algorithm 922
Authors: Ji Xia , Sun Jiguang , Turner Tiara
Published: September 2012

Transmission eigenvalue problem has important applications in inverse scattering. Since the problem is non-self-adjoint, the computation of transmission eigenvalues needs special treatment. Based on a fourth-order reformulation of the transmission eigenvalue problem, a mixed finite element method is applied. The method has two major advantages: 1) the formulation leads to a generalized eigenvalue problem naturally without the need to invert a related linear system, and 2) the nonphysical zero transmission eigenvalue, which has an infinitely dimensional eigenspace, is eliminated. To solve the resulting non-Hermitian eigenvalue problem, an iterative algorithm using restarted Arnoldi method is proposed. To make the computation efficient, the search interval is decided using a Faber-Krahn type inequality for transmission eignevalues and the interval is updated at each iteration. The algorithm is implemented using Matlab. The code can be easily used in the qualitative methods in inverse scattering and modified to compute transmission eigenvalues for other models such as elasticity problem.
Algorithm 923
Authors: Wimmer M.
Published: September 2012

Computing the Pfaffian of a skew-symmetric matrix is a problem that arises in various fields of physics. Both computing the Pfaffian and a related problem, computing the canonical form of a skew-symmetric matrix under unitary congruence, can be solved easily once the skew-symmetric matrix has been reduced to skew-symmetric tridiagonal form. We develop efficient numerical methods for computing this tridiagonal form based on Gaussian elimination, using a skew-symmetric, blocked form of the Parlett-Reid algorithm, or based on unitary transformations, using block Householder transformations and Givens rotations, that are applicable to dense and banded matrices, respectively. We also give a complete and fully optimized implementation of these algorithms in Fortran (including a C interface), and also provide Python, Matlab and Mathematica implementations for convenience. Finally, we apply these methods to compute the topological charge of a class D nanowire, and show numerically the equivalence of definitions based on the Hamiltonian and the scattering matrix.
Of turf fires, fine linen, and Porter cake
Authors: Ciolfi Luigina , McLoughlin Marc
Published: September 2012

On Heritage aims to offer and promote a rich discussion at the intersection of art, performance, and culture that expands the boundaries of HCI while broadening our understanding of how things of the past come to matter in the present.

Elisa Giaccardi, Editor
Will content credibility problems flatline health innovation?
Authors: Jones Colleen
Published: September 2012

This forum is dedicated to personal health in all its many facets: decision-making, goal setting, celebration, discovery, reflection, coordination---even entertainment. We'll look at innovations in interactive technologies and how they help address current critical healthcare challenges.

Elizabeth D. Mynatt, Editor
Coherence and responsiveness
Authors: Harris Jared , Henderson Austin
Published: September 2012

Models help bridge the gap between observing and making---especially when systems are involved (as in designing for interaction, service, and evolution). This forum introduces new models, links them to existing models, and describes their histories and why they matter.

Hugh Dubberly, Editor
A Primal-Dual Randomized Algorithm for Weighted Paging
Authors: Bansal Nikhil , Buchbinder Niv , Naor Joseph (Seffi)
Published: September 2012

We study the weighted version of the classic online paging problem where there is a weight (cost) for fetching each page into the cache. We design a randomized
O
(log
k
)-competitive online algorithm for this problem, where
k
is the cache size. This is the first randomized
o
(
k
)-competitive algorithm and its competitive ratio matches the known lower bound for the problem, up to constant factors. More generally, we design an
O
(log(
k
/(
k
−
h
+ 1)))-competitive online algorithm for the version of the problem where the online algorithm has cache size
k
and it is compared to an optimal offline solution with cache size
h
≤
k
.

Our solution is based on a two-step approach. We first obtain an
O
(log
k
)-competitive fractional algorithm based on an online primal-dual approach. Next, we obtain a randomized algorithm by rounding in an online manner the fractional solution to a probability distribution on the possible cache states. We also give an online primal-dual randomized
O
(log
N
)-competitive algorithm for the Metrical Task System problem (MTS) on a weighted star metric on
N
leaves.
Assessing formal teaching of ethics in physiology: an empirical survey, patterns, and recommendations
Authors: Goswami Nandu , Batzel Jerry Joseph , Hinghofer-Szalkay Helmut
Published: September 2012

Ethics should be an important component of physiological education. In this report, we examined to what extent teaching of ethics is formally being incorporated into the physiology curriculum. We carried out an e-mail survey in which we asked the e-mail recipients whether their institution offered a course or lecture on ethics as part of the physiology teaching process at their institution, using the following query: “We are now doing an online survey in which we would like to know whether you offer a course or a lecture on ethics as part of your physiology teaching curriculum.” The response rate was 53.3%: we received 104 responses of a total of 195 sent out. Our responses came from 45 countries. While all of our responders confirmed that there was a need for ethics during medical education and scientific training, the degree of inclusion of formal ethics in the physiology curriculum varied widely. Our survey showed that, in most cases (69%), including at our Medical University of Graz, ethics in physiology is not incorporated into the physiology curriculum. Given this result, we suggest specific topics related to ethics and ethical considerations that could be integrated into the physiology curriculum. We present here a template example of a lecture “Teaching Ethics in Physiology” (structure, content, examples, and references), which was based on guidelines and case reports provided by experts in this area (e.g., Benos DJ. Ethics revisited. Adv Physiol Educ 25: 189–190, 2001). This lecture, which we are presently using in Graz, could be used as a base that could lead to greater awareness of important ethical issues in students at an early point in the educational process.
Using a high-fidelity patient simulator with first-year medical students to facilitate learning of cardiovascular function curves
Authors: Harris David M. , Ryan Kathleen , Rabuck Cynthia
Published: September 2012

Students are relying on technology for learning more than ever, and educators need to adapt to facilitate student learning. High-fidelity patient simulators (HFPS) are usually reserved for the clinical years of medical education and are geared to improve clinical decision skills, teamwork, and patient safety. Finding ways to incorporate HFPS into preclinical medical education represents more of a challenge, and there is limited literature regarding its implementation. The main objective of this study was to implement a HFPS activity into a problem-based curriculum to enhance the learning of basic sciences. More specifically, the focus was to aid in student learning of cardiovascular function curves and help students develop heart failure treatment strategies based on basic cardiovascular physiology concepts. Pretests and posttests, along with student surveys, were used to determine student knowledge and perception of learning in two first-year medical school classes. There was an increase of 21% and 22% in the percentage of students achieving correct answers on a posttest compared with their pretest score. The median number of correct questions increased from pretest scores of 2 and 2.5 to posttest scores of 4 and 5 of a possible total of 6 in each respective year. Student survey data showed agreement that the activity aided in learning. This study suggests that a HFPS activity can be implemented during the preclinical years of medical education to address basic science concepts. Additionally, it suggests that student learning of cardiovascular function curves and heart failure strategies are facilitated.
How much structuring is beneficial with regard to examination scores? A prospective study of three forms of active learning
Authors: Reinhardt Claus H. , Rosen Evelyne N.
Published: September 2012

Many studies have demonstrated a superiority of active learning forms compared with traditional lecture. However, there is still debate as to what degree structuring is necessary with regard to high exam outcomes. Seventy-five students from a premedical school were randomly attributed to an active lecture group, a cooperative group, or a collaborative learning group. The active lecture group received lectures with questions to resolve at the end of the lecture. At the same time, the cooperative group and the collaborative group had to work on a problem and prepare presentations for their answers. The collaborative group worked in a mostly self-directed manner; the cooperative group had to follow a time schedule. For the additional work of preparing the poster presentation, the collaborative and cooperative groups were allowed 50% more working time. In part 1, all groups worked on the citric acid cycle, and in part 2, all groups worked on molecular genetics. Collaborative groups had to work on tasks and prepare presentations for their answers. At the end of each part, all three groups were subjected to the same exam. Additionally, in the collaborative and cooperative groups, the presentations were marked. All evaluations were performed by two independent examiners. Exam results of the active lecture groups were highest. Results of the cooperative group were nonsignificantly lower than the active lecture group and significantly higher than the collaborative group. The presentation quality was nonsignificantly higher in the collaborative group compared with the cooperative group. This study shows that active lecturing produced the highest exam results, which significantly differed from collaborative learning results. The additional elaboration in the cooperative and collaborative learning setting yielded the high presentation quality but apparently could not contribute further to exam scores. Cooperative learning seems to be a good compromise if high exam and presentation scores are expected.
Numerical Solutions of Stochastic Differential Delay Equations with Poisson Random Measure under the Generalized Khasminskii‐Type Conditions
Authors: Song Minghui , Yu Hui
Published: September 2012

The Euler method is introduced for stochastic differential delay equations (SDDEs) with Poisson random measure under the generalized Khasminskii‐type conditions which cover more classes of such equations than before. The main aims of this paper are to prove the existence of global solutions to such equations and then to investigate the convergence of the Euler method in probability under the generalized Khasminskii‐type conditions. Numerical example is given to indicate our results.
Efficacy ofBoesenbergia rotundaTreatment against Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Cirrhosis in a Rat Model
Authors: Salama Suzy M. , Bilgen Mehmet , Al Rashdi Ahmed S. , Abdulla Mahmood A.
Published: September 2012

Background. Experimental research in hepatology has focused on developing traditional medicines into potential pharmacological solutions aimed at protecting liver from cirrhosis. Along the same line, this study investigated the effects of ethanol-based extract from a traditional medicine plantBoesenbergia rotunda(BR) on liver cirrhosis.Methodology/Results. The BR extract was tested for toxicity on 3 groups of rats subjected to vehicle (10% Tween 20, 5 mL/kg) and 2g/kg and 5g/kg doses of the extract, respectively. Next, experiments were conducted on a rat model of cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide injection. The rats were divided into five groups and, respectively, administered orally with 10% Tween-20 (5 mL/kg) (normal control group), 10% Tween-20 (5 mL/kg) (cirrhosis control group), 50 mg/kg of silymarin (reference control group), and 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of BR extract (experimental groups) daily for 8 weeks. The rats in normal group were intraperitoneally injected with sterile distilled water (1 mL/kg) 3 times/week, and those in the remaining groups were injected intraperitoneally with thioacetamide (200 mg/kg) thrice weekly. At the end of the 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and samples were collected for comprehensive histopathological, coagulation profile and biochemical evaluations. Also, the antioxidant activity of the BR extract was determined and compared with that of silymarin. Data from the acute toxicity tests showed that the extract was safe to use. Histological analysis of the livers of the rats in cirrhosis control group revealed uniform coarse granules on their surfaces, hepatocytic necrosis, and lymphocytes infiltration. But, the surfaces morphologically looked much smoother and the cell damage was much lesser in those livers from the normal control, silymarin and BR-treated groups. In the high-dose BR treatment group, the livers of the rats exhibited nearly normal looking lobular architecture, minimal inflammation, and minimal hepatocyte damage, the levels of the serum biomarkers and liver enzymes read nearly normal, and these results were all comparable to those observed or quantified from the normal and silymarin-treated groups. The BR extract had the antioxidant activity about half of what was recorded for silymarin.Conclusion. The progression of the liver cirrhosis can be intervened using the ethanol-based BR extract, and the liver’s status quo of property, structure, and function can be preserved. This capability of the extract warrants further studies exploring the significance of its pharmacologic potential in successfully treating the liver cirrhosis in humans.
Microdosimetry for Targeted Alpha Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Huang Chen-Yu , Guatelli Susanna , Oborn Bradley M. , Allen Barry J.
Published: September 2012

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) has the advantage of delivering therapeutic doses to individual cancer cells while reducing the dose to normal tissues. TAT applications relate to hematologic malignancies and now extend to solid tumors. Results from several clinical trials have shown efficacy with limited toxicity. However, the dosimetry for the labeled alpha particle is challenging because of the heterogeneous antigen expression among cancer cells and the nature of short-range, high-LET alpha radiation. This paper demonstrates that it is inappropriate to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of TAT by macrodosimetry. The objective of this work is to review the microdosimetry of TAT as a function of the cell geometry, source-target configuration, cell sensitivity, and biological factors. A detailed knowledge of each of these parameters is required for accurate microdosimetric calculations.
Ge/Si Quantum Dots Superlattices Grown at Different Temperatures and Characterized by Raman Spectroscopy and Capacitance Measurements
Authors: Rodrigues A. D. , Chiquito A. J. , Zanelatto G. , Milekhin A. G. , Nikiforov A. I. , Ulyanov V. V. , Pchelyakov O. P. , Zahn D. R. T. , Galzerani J. C.
Published: September 2012

Ge/Si heterostructures with Ge self-assembled quantum dots (SAQDs) grown at various temperatures by molecular beam epitaxy were investigated using resonant Raman spectroscopy and capacitance measurements. The occurrence of quantum confinement effects was confirmed by both techniques. For the structures grown at low temperatures (300−400°C), the SAQDs optical phonon wavenumbers decrease as the Raman excitation energy is increased; this is an evidence of the scattering sensitivity to the size of the SAQDs and to the inhomogeneity in their sizes. However, the opposite behavior is observed for the SAQDs grown at higher temperatures, as a consequence of the competition between the phonon localization and internal mechanical stress effects. TheE1electronic transition of the Ge in the SAQDs was found to be shifted towards higher energies as compared to bulk Ge, due to biaxial compressive stress and to the electronic confinement effect present in the structures. The intermixing of Si atoms in the quantum dots was found to be much more significant for the sample grown at higher temperatures. The capacitance measurements, besides confirming the existence of the dots in these structures, showed that the deepest Ge layers lose their 0D signature as the growth temperature increases.
Propyl Gallate Plays a Nephroprotective Role in Early Stage of Diabetic Nephropathy Associated with Suppression of Glomerular Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Angiogenesis
Authors: Tian Shaojiang , Tang Junming , Liu Huihui , Wang Liping , Shen Jianming , Li Junfeng , Gan Yanjie
Published: September 2012

There is growing evidence suggesting that glomerular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis may be responsible for the pathophysiological events in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy. This study was designed to investigate the factors related to glomerular endothelial cell proliferation and glomerular angiogenesis and assess the effect of propyl gallate on preventing these disorders in diabetic rats. We found that glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular mesangial matrix expansion, and albuminuria were significantly increased in DN rats. CD31+ endothelial cells significantly increased in glomerulus of diabetic rats. Double immunofluorescence staining showed some structurally defective vasculus tubes in glomerulus. Real-time PCR and western blot demonstrated the glomerular eNOS expression remained at the same level, while remarkable decreased NO productions and suppressed eNOS activities were observed in diabetic rats. Treatment with propyl gallate improved glomerular pathological changes, reduced endothelial cell proliferation, decreased albuminuria, and restored eNOS activity, but did not alter eNOS expression. These data suggest that endothelial cell proliferation and immature angiogenesis may be the contributors to progression of DN. Propyl gallate is a potential novel therapeutic agent on prevention of diabetic nephropathy.
The Immunologic Injury Composite with Balloon Injury Leads to Dyslipidemia: A Robust Rabbit Model of Human Atherosclerosis and Vulnerable Plaque
Authors: Zhang Guangyin , Li Ming , Li Liangjun , Xu Yingzhi , Li Peng , Yang Cui , Zhou Yanan , Zhang Junping
Published: September 2012

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which a lipid deposition, thrombus formation, immune cell infiltration, and a chronic inflammatory response, but its systemic study has been hampered by the lack of suitable animal models, especially in herbalism fields. We have tried to perform a perfect animal model that completely replicates the stages of human atherosclerosis. This is the first combined study about the immunologic injury and balloon injury based on the cholesterol diet. In this study, we developed a modified protocol of the white rabbit model that could represent a novel approach to studying human atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque.
Auditory Brainstem Responses to Bone-Conducted Brief Tones in Young Children with Conductive or Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Hatton Jennifer L. , Janssen Renée M. , Stapells David R.
Published: September 2012

The bone-conduction (BC) tone ABR has been used clinically for over 20 years. The current study formally evaluated the test performance of the BC tone-evoked ABR in infants with hearing loss.Method. By comparing BC-ABR results to follow-up behavioural results, this study addressed two questions: (i) whether the BC tone ABR was successful in differentiating children with conductive versus sensorineural hearing loss (Study A; conductive: 68 ears; SNHL: 129 ears) and (ii) the relationship between BC ABR and behavioural hearing loss severity (Study B: 2000 Hz: 104 ears; 500 Hz: 47 ears).Results. Results demonstrate that the “normal” BC-ABR levels accurately differentiated normal versus elevated cochlear sensitivity (accuracy: 98% for 2000 Hz; 98% for 500 Hz). A subset of infants in Study A with elevated BC-ABR (i.e., no response at normal level) had additional testing at higher intensities, which allowed for categorization of the degree of cochlear impairment. Study B results indicate that the BC ABR accurately categorizes the degree of cochlear hearing loss for 2000 Hz (accuracy = 95.2%). A preliminary dBnHL-to-dBHL correction factor of “0 dB” was determined for 2000 Hz BC ABR.Conclusions. These findings further support the use of BC tone ABR for diagnostic ABR testing.
The Role of Lifestyle Behaviors on 20-Year Cognitive Decline
Authors: Cadar D. , Pikhart H. , Mishra G. , Stephen A. , Kuh D. , Richards M.
Published: September 2012

This study examined the association between smoking, physical activity and dietary choice at 36 and 43 years, and change in these lifestyle behaviors between these ages, and decline in verbal memory and visual search speed between 43 and 60–64 years in 1018 participants from MRC National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD, the British 1946 birth cohort). ANCOVA models were adjusted for sex, social class of origin, childhood cognition, educational attainment, adult social class, and depression; then the lifestyle behaviors were additionally mutually adjusted. Results showed that healthy dietary choice and physical activity were associated, respectively, with slower memory and visual search speed decline over 20 years, with evidence that increasing physical activity was important. Adopting positive health behaviors from early midlife may be beneficial in reducing the rate of cognitive decline and ultimately reducing the risk of dementia.
Arginine-Based Inhibitors of Nitric Oxide Synthase: Therapeutic Potential and Challenges
Authors: Víteček Jan , Lojek Antonín , Valacchi Giuseppe , Kubala Lukáš
Published: September 2012

In the past three decades, nitric oxide has been well established as an important bioactive molecule implicated in regulation of cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. Therefore, it is not surprising that much effort has been made to find specific inhibitors of nitric oxide synthases (NOS), the enzymes responsible for production of nitric oxide. Among the many NOS inhibitors developed to date, inhibitors based on derivatives and analogues of arginine are of special interest, as this category includes a relatively high number of compounds with good potential for experimental as well as clinical application. Though this group of inhibitors covers early nonspecific compounds, modern drug design strategies such as biochemical screening and computer-aided drug design have provided NOS-isoform-specific inhibitors. With an emphasis on major advances in this field, a comprehensive list of inhibitors based on their structural characteristics is discussed in this paper. We provide a summary of their biochemical properties as well as their observed effects bothin vitroandin vivo. Furthermore, we focus in particular on their pharmacology and use in recent clinical studies. The potential of newly designed specific NOS inhibitors developed by means of modern drug development strategies is highlighted.
Bipolar Resistive Switching Characteristic of Epitaxial NiO Thin Film on Nb-Doped Substrate
Authors: Zhu Yongdan , Li Meiya
Published: September 2012

Epitaxial NiO film was grown on 0.7% Nb-doped substrates by pulsed laser deposition. TheI-Vcharacteristics of Ag/NiO/Nb-/In device show reproducible and pronounced bipolar resistive switching without forming process which was induced by the NiO/Nb- junctions, and the resistive switching ratio can reach 103at the read voltage of −0.5 V. Furthermore, the resistance states can be controlled by changing the max forward voltage, reverse voltage, or compliance current, indicating multilevel memories. These results were discussed by considering the role of carrier injection trapped/detrapped at the interfacial depletion region of the heterojunction.
Symmetry Fermionic -Adic -Integral on for Eulerian Polynomials
Authors: Kim Daeyeoul , Kim Min-Soo
Published: September 2012

Kim et al. (2012) introduced an interestingp-adic analogue of the Eulerian polynomials. They studied some identities on the Eulerian polynomials in connection with the Genocchi, Euler, and tangent numbers. In this paper, by applying the symmetry of the fermionicp-adicq-integral on , defined by Kim (2008), we show a symmetric relation between theq-extension of the alternating sum of integer powers and the Eulerian polynomials.
Glibenclamide Administration Attenuates Infarct Volume, Hemispheric Swelling, and Functional Impairments following Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats
Authors: Wali Bushra , Ishrat Tauheed , Atif Fahim , Hua Fang , Stein Donald G. , Sayeed Iqbal
Published: September 2012

Studies from a single laboratory have shown that in rodent models of permanent stroke, administration of the sulfonylurea glibenclamide (Glib) is highly effective in reducing edema, mortality, and lesion volume. The Stroke Therapy Academic Industry Roundtable (STAIR) recommends that new acute treatments for ischemic stroke to be replicated across different laboratories. Accordingly, we examined the effect of low-dose Glib in a permanent suture occlusion model of stroke. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) followed by an initial intraperitoneal injection of Glib (10 μg/kg) and the start of a constant infusion (200 ng/h) via miniosmotic pump at the onset of ischemia. Functional deficits were assessed by Neurological Severity Score (NSS) and grip-strength meter at 24 and 48 h after pMCAO. Glib-treated rats showed a significant reduction in infarct volume, lower NSS, and less hemispheric swelling compared to vehicle. Grip strength was decreased significantly in pMCAO rats compared to shams and significantly improved by treatment with Glib. Taken together, these data indicate that Glib has strong neuroprotective effects following ischemic stroke and may warrant further testing in future clinical trials for human stroke.
Tropheryma whippleiCrystalline Keratopathy: Report of a Case and Updated Review of the Literature
Authors: Schoenberger Scott D. , Thinda Sumeer , Kim Stephen J.
Published: September 2012

Purpose. To report a case ofTropheryma whippleiinfection with crystalline keratopathy and review the recent literature on the presentation, diagnosis, and management of Whipple's disease.Methods. Detailed case presentation and extensive literature search of Pubmed for all years through February 2012 using the following search terms:Whipple's disease, Tropheryma whipplei, corneal deposits, crystalline keratopathy, and uveitis. Relevant articles were retrieved and analyzed. English abstracts were used for non-English articles. Cross-referencing was employed and reference lists from selected articles were used to identify additional pertinent articles.Results. Diagnosis of Whipple's disease remains challenging and untreated infection can result in mortality. Ocular signs and symptoms are usually nonspecific, but several independent cases have reported the presence of intraocular crystals or crystalline-like deposits.Conclusions. The presence of intraocular crystals or crystalline-like deposits may be an identifying feature of ocular Whipple’s disease.
The Number of Chains of Subgroups in the Lattice of Subgroups of the Dicyclic Group
Authors: Oh Ju-Mok , Kim Yunjae , Hwang Kyung-Won
Published: September 2012

We give an explicit formula for the number of chains of subgroups in the lattice of subgroups of the dicyclic group B4n of order 4n by finding its generating function
of multivariables.
Consolidation of Amorphous Al80Fe10Ti5Ni5 Powders by Hot Pressing
Authors: Tavoosi M. , Karimzadeh F. , Enayati M. H. , Kim H. S.
Published: September 2012

The current study investigates the feasibility of fabricating amorphous Al80Fe10Ti5Ni5 powders by mechanical alloying and consolidating them into bulk samples by a hot‐pressing technique. As‐milled and hot‐pressed samples were examined by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transition electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that milling of Al80Fe10Ti5Ni5 powder for 40 h and hot pressing at 550°C under 600 MPa led to a fully dense bulk sample. During consolidation, an AlTi intermetallic phase with average crystallite size of 10 nm precipitates in the amorphous matrix.
Unusual Appearance of a Pendulated Gastric Tumor: Always Think of GIST
Authors: De Vogelaere Kristel , Meert Vanessa , Vandenbroucke Frederik , Delvaux Georges , Hoorens Anne
Published: September 2012

Objective. To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with significant cystic changes and to assess the molecular genetic characteristics.Methods. In a 68-year-old man, a large abdominal tumoral mass was discovered incidentally. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the presence of a large cystic lesion with multiple contrast-enhancing septae and papillary projections. No clear connection with any of the surrounding organs was identified. Malignancy could not be excluded, and surgery was indicated. During surgery, the large mass was found to be attached by a narrow stalk to the large curvature of the stomach.Results. The histological features and immunohistiochemical profile of the tumor cells (positivity for CD117 and CD34) were consistent with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor with a high risk of progressive disease according to the Fletcher classification. Diagnosis was confirmed by mutational analysis; this demonstrated mutation in exon 14 of PDGFRA. During the followup of 97 months, the patient had a cancer-free survival.Conclusions. This case demonstrates that gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) with extensive cystic degeneration should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a cystic abdominal mass.
Bing and Neel Syndrome
Authors: Jennane S. , Doghmi K. , Mahtat E. M. , Messaoudi N. , Varet B. , Mikdame M.
Published: September 2012

Introduction. We report the case of a Bing and Neel syndrome revealed by an isolated left ptosis.Case Report. a 57-year-old man was followed up since October 2003 for a typical Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. A first complete remission was obtained with chlorambucil. In August 2004, he relapsed. A second complete remission was obtained with RFC chemotherapy regimen (rituximab, fludarabine, and cyclophosphamide). In October 2009, the patient presented with an isolated left ptosis revealing a Bing and Neel syndrome. The diagnosis was suspected on MRI and confirmed by the detection in the CSF of a monoclonal IgM similar to the one found in the plasma. A quite good partial remission has been obtained after one course of RDHAP (rituximab, dexamethasone, cytarabine, and cisplatin) and 3 courses of RDHOx (rituximab, dexamethasone, cytarabine, and oxaliplatin), in addition to ten intrahectal chemotherapy injections. The treatment was followed by intensification and autologous stem cell transplantation. At D58, the patient died due to a septic shock.Conclusion. BNS is a rare and potentially treatable complication of WM. It should be considered in patients with neurologic symptoms and a history of WM.
Barriers Are Not the Limiting Factor to Participation in Physical Activity in Canadian Seniors
Authors: Smith Kristy L. , Carr Kelly , Wiseman Alexandra , Calhoun Kelly , McNevin Nancy H. , Weir Patricia L.
Published: September 2012

The identification of barriers to physical activity and exercise has been used for many decades to explain exercise behavior in older adults. Typically health concerns are the number one barrier to participation. Data from CCHS-HA dataset(N=20,875)were used to generate a sample of Canadians, 60+ years, who did not identify a health condition limitation, illness, or injury as a barrier to participation in physical activity(n=4,900)making this dataset unique in terms of the study of barriers to participation. While the vast majority of older adults participated in physical activity, 9.4% did not. The relationships between nonparticipation, barriers, self-reported health status, and chronic health conditions were determined using binary logistic regression. The main findings suggest that traditional barriers and self-reported health status are not responsible for nonparticipation. Nonparticipation was best predicted by chronic health conditions suggesting a disconnect between self-reported health status and underlying health conditions. The data are clear in suggesting that barriers are not the limiting factor and physical activity programming must be focused on meeting the health needs of our aging population.
Perfusion Flow Enhances Osteogenic Gene Expression and the Infiltration of Osteoblasts and Endothelial Cells into Three-Dimensional Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds
Authors: Barron Matthew J. , Goldman Jeremy , Tsai Chung-Jui , Donahue Seth W.
Published: September 2012

Maintaining cellular viabilityin vivoandin vitrois a critical issue in three-dimensional bone tissue engineering. While the use of osteoblast/endothelial cell cocultures on three-dimensional constructs has shown promise for increasingin vivovascularization,in vitromaintenance of cellular viability remains problematic. This study used perfusion flow to increase osteogenic and angiogenic gene expression, decrease hypoxic gene expression, and increase cell and matrix coverage in osteoblast/endothelial cell co-cultures. Mouse osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1) were cultured alone and in co-culture with mouse microvascular endothelial cells (EOMA) on three-dimensional scaffolds for 1, 2, 7, and 14 days with or without perfusion flow. mRNA levels were determined for several osteogenic, angiogenic, and hypoxia-related genes, and histological analysis was performed. Perfusion flow downregulated hypoxia-related genes (HIF-1α, VEGF, and OPN) at early timepoints, upregulated osteogenic genes (ALP and OCN) at 7 days, and downregulated RUNX-2 and VEGF mRNA at 14 days in osteoblast monocultures. Perfusion flow increased cell number, coverage of the scaffold perimeter, and matrix area in the center of scaffolds at 14 days. Additionally, perfusion flow increased the length of endothelial cell aggregations within co-cultures. These suggest perfusion stimulated co-cultures provide a means of increasing osteogenic and angiogenic activity.
Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome: An Experience in a Single Institution in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Jen-Wei , Lin Chih-Ming , Feng Chun-Lung , Ting Chun-Fu , Cheng Ken-Sheng , Chen Yung-Fang
Published: September 2012

Celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS) or median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome is a rare vascular disease. The clinical manifestations of CACS include the triad of postprandial pain, vomiting, and weight loss. The pathogenesis of CACS is the external compression of celiac artery by the MAL or celiac ganglion. Moreover, some authors also reported the compression with different etiologies, such as neoplasms of pancreatic head, adjacent duodenal carcinoma, vascular aneurysms, aortic dissection, or sarcoidosis. In the literature, most cases of CACS were reported from Western countries. In contrast, this disease was seldom reported in Oriental countries or regions, including Taiwan. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is also a rare disease characterized by compression of the third portion of the duodenum by the SMA. The clinical features of SMAS are postprandial pain, vomiting, and weight loss. To date, there are no guidelines to ensure the proper treatment of patients with CACS because of its low incidence. Thus, tailored therapy for patients with CACS remains a challenge as well as the prediction of clinical response and prognosis. The aim of our present study was to investigate the clinical features, the association with SMAS, treatments, and outcomes of patients with CACS in a single institution in Taiwan.
Iterative Algorithm and Δ‐Convergence Theorems for Total Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings in CAT(0) Spaces
Authors: Tang J. F. , Chang S. S. , Joseph Lee H. W. , Chan C. K.
Published: September 2012

The main purpose of this paper is first to introduce the concept of total asymptotically
nonexpansive mappings and to prove a Δ‐convergence theorem for finding a common fixed point of the total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings and the asymptotically
nonexpansive mappings. The demiclosed principle for this kind of mappings in CAT(0) space is also proved in the paper. Our results extend and improve many results in the literature.
A Nonmonotone Line Search Filter Algorithm for the System of Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Jin Zhong , Wang Yuqing
Published: September 2012

We present a new iterative method based on the line search filter method with the nonmonotone strategy to solve the system of nonlinear equations. The equations are divided into two groups; some equations are treated as constraints and the others act as the objective function, and the two groups are just updated at the iterations where it is needed indeed. We employ the nonmonotone idea to the sufficient reduction conditions and filter technique which leads to a flexibility and acceptance behavior comparable to monotone methods. The new algorithm is shown to be globally convergent and numerical experiments demonstrate its effectiveness.
Extraction of Lesion-Partitioned Features and Retrieval of Contrast-Enhanced Liver Images
Authors: Yu Mei , Feng Qianjin , Yang Wei , Gao Yang , Chen Wufan
Published: September 2012

The most critical step in grayscale medical image retrieval systems is feature extraction. Understanding the interrelatedness between the characteristics of lesion images and corresponding imaging features is crucial for image training, as well as for features extraction. A feature-extraction algorithm is developed based on different imaging properties of lesions and on the discrepancy in density between the lesions and their surrounding normal liver tissues in triple-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scans. The algorithm includes mainly two processes: (1) distance transformation, which is used to divide the lesion into distinct regions and represents the spatial structure distribution and (2) representation using bag of visual words (BoW) based on regions. The evaluation of this system based on the proposed feature extraction algorithm shows excellent retrieval results for three types of liver lesions visible on triple-phase scans CT images. The results of the proposed feature extraction algorithm show that although single-phase scans achieve the average precision of 81.9%, 80.8%, and 70.2%, dual- and triple-phase scans achieve 86.3% and 88.0%.
Microwave‐Assisted Combustion Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles
Authors: Kooti M. , Naghdi Sedeh A.
Published: September 2012

A new and simple method was applied for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 20 nm. In this microwave‐assisted combustion method, glycine as a fuel and zinc nitrate as precursor were used. The final product was obtained very fast with high yield and purity. The synthesized nanoscale ZnO was characterized by X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). The size and morphology of the ZnO nanoparticles have been determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. This is a simple and fast method for the preparation of ZnO nanoparticles with no need for expensive materials or complicated treatments.
Epinephrine Infusion in the Evaluation of Unexplained Cardiac Arrest and Familial Sudden Death
Authors: Krahn Andrew D. , Healey Jeffrey S. , Chauhan Vijay S. , Birnie David H. , Champagne Jean , Sanatani Shubhayan , Ahmad Kamran , Ballantyne Emily , Gerull Brenda , Yee Raymond , Skanes Allan C. , Gula Lorne J. , Leong-Sit Peter , Klein George J. , Gollob Michael H. , Simpson Christopher S. , Talajic Mario , Gardner Martin
Published: September 2012

Background—

Epinephrine infusion may unmask latent genetic conditions associated with cardiac arrest, including long-QT syndrome and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Methods and Results—

Patients with unexplained cardiac arrest (normal left ventricular function and QT interval) and selected family members from the Cardiac Arrest Survivors with Preserved Ejection Fraction Registry (CASPER) registry underwent epinephrine challenge at doses of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 μg/kg per minute. A test was considered positive for long-QT syndrome if the absolute QT interval prolonged by ≥30 ms at 0.10 μg/kg per minute and borderline if QT prolongation was 1 to 29 ms. Catecholaminergic polymorphic VT was diagnosed if epinephrine provoked ≥3 beats of polymorphic or bidirectional VT and borderline if polymorphic couplets, premature ventricular contractions, or nonsustained monomorphic VT was induced. Epinephrine infusion was performed in 170 patients (age, 42±16 years; 49% men), including 98 patients with unexplained cardiac arrest. Testing was positive for long-QT syndrome in 31 patients (18%) and borderline in 24 patients (14%). Exercise testing provoked an abnormal QT response in 42% of tested patients with a positive epinephrine response. Testing for catecholaminergic polymorphic VT was positive in 7% and borderline in 5%. Targeted genetic testing of abnormal patients was positive in 17% of long-QT syndrome patients and 13% of catecholaminergic polymorphic VT patients.

Conclusions—

Epinephrine challenge provoked abnormalities in a substantial proportion of patients, most commonly a prolonged QT interval. Exercise and genetic testing replicated the diagnosis suggested by the epinephrine response in a small proportion of patients. Epinephrine infusion combined with exercise testing and targeted genetic testing is recommended in the workup of suspected familial sudden death syndromes.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00292032.
Explaining Policy Outcomes
Authors: Díez Jordi
Published: September 2012

Over the past decade, several Latin American jurisdictions have extended rights to sexual minorities. Yet political science attention to this development has been scant, and scholars know little about the factors that have led to these unprecedented policy changes. This article fills this gap and explains policy outcomes in a notoriously understudied policy area by comparing the two jurisdictions in Latin America that were the first to adopt same-sex unions: Buenos Aires and Mexico City. The article first argues for the usefulness of engaging theoretical approaches to the study of social mobilization in policy analyses. Based on extensive field research, it subsequently advances the argument that the passage of these pieces of legislation in both cities is largely the result of the ability of very-well-organized activists to present an effectively framed policy within rare and favorable political conditions.
Positively Influencing Gifted Education Policy
Authors: Plucker Jonathan A.
Published: September 2012

The approach proposed by Subotnik, Olszewski-Kubilius, and Worrell (2011) has significant implications for the field of gifted education, many of which would increase advocates’ ability to achieve success when working with policy makers. This commentary explores those implications and examines how the proposed approach can be integrated within the field from a policy perspective.
Teach Students What They Don’t Know but Are Ready to Learn
Authors: Makel Matthew C. , Putallaz Martha , Wai Jonathan
Published: September 2012

We were thrilled to see an article focusing on giftedness, written by such thoughtful and well-respected researchers as Subotnik, Olszewski-Kubilius, and Worrell (2011). The expansive scope of their synthesis is so impressive that it could serve as a crash course introduction to gifted education. In our commentary, we focus specifically on the perspective of education service delivery. From this perspective, we review their guiding principles, chief goal, and provide some follow-up questions for further clarification as well as an implementation option also based on talent development.