bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased plasma levels of retinol‐binding protein 4 with visceral obesity is associated with cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Won Jong Chul , Park Cheol‐Young , Oh Sang Woo , Park Sung Woo
Published: April 2012

Aims/Introduction:  Visceral obesity has been suggested to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD); the role of adipokines in the risk for CVD is less clear. Aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between parameters of visceral obesity and index of CVD risk factors.

Materials and Methods:  A cross‐sectional analysis of healthy males (n = 116) and females (n = 175) for evaluation of clinical, laboratory and anthropometric parameters were undertaken. Abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissues (VAT) were measured by computed tomography. Adipokines, including retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) and adiponectin, were determined. The risk for CVD was estimated using the 10‐year Framingham Coronary Heart Disease Risk Point scale (Framingham score).

Results:  The Framingham score was increased in subjects with metabolic syndrome, and significantly increased with various indices of obesity, traditional risk factors of CVD, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and RBP4, but decreased with adiponectin. With multiple linear regression analysis, the Framingham score independently associated with age, smoking status, body mass index, triglyceride and RBP4. The magnitude of the Framingham score showed a linear trend of increase with CRP, VAT and RBP4 (all P < 0.001), but of decrease with SAT and adiponectin (all P < 0.05) at stratified levels of obesity.

Conclusions:  RBP4 is increased with visceral fat accumulation and associated with CVD risk factors independent of obesity or traditional risk factors. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00213.x, 2012)
Interaction of Embedded Tri‐Isotropic Fuel Particles with Melt of Alkaline Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Hamodi Nasir H. , Lowe Tristan , Abram Timothy J.
Published: April 2012

A silicon carbide (SiC) layer is an outer‐coated layer of spent tri‐isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles and it is known to be a pressure vessel for retaining fission products, and preventing contamination in the primary circuit of a nuclear reactor. The goal of this article is to elucidate the chemical bonding and an interface formation of an alkaline borosilicate glass (ABG) with the coating layer of TRISO fuel particles. Particular emphasis is placed on the analysis of the intermediate chemical phase at the interface SiC/glass as a function of the material impurity and thickness of the SiC layer. The findings provide valuable information regarding the restriction parameters of immobilisation TRISO particles in glass. The interaction between the glass and SiC caused a total destruction of a thin SiC layer (10 μm), a random partial interaction to a thick SiC layer (40 μm) and formation of bubbles (CO2, CO) to an inner pyrolitic carbon (IPYC). The Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed that the interaction of ABG with the SiC layer occurred at a point, where a low excess of carbon was co‐deposited during chemical vapour deposition process. The interaction resulted in a formation of a mono‐crystal SiC, dispersed in vitreous silica as a crystalline inclusion.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) assisted performance evaluation of the Twincer™ disposable high-dose dry powder inhaler
Authors: de Boer Anne H , Hagedoorn Paul , Woolhouse Robert , Wynn Ed
Published: April 2012

Objectives

To use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for evaluating and understanding the performance of the high-dose disposable Twincer™ dry powder inhaler, as well as to learn the effect of design modifications on dose entrainment, powder dispersion and retention behaviour.

Methods

Comparison of predicted flow and particle behaviour from CFD computations with experimental data obtained with cascade impactor and laser diffraction analysis.

Key findings

Inhaler resistance, flow split, particle trajectories and particle residence times can well be predicted with CFD for a multiple classifier based inhaler like the Twincer™. CFD computations showed that the flow split of the Twincer™ is independent of the pressure drop across the inhaler and that the total flow rate can be decreased without affecting the dispersion efficacy or retention behaviour. They also showed that classifier symmetry can be improved by reducing the resistance of one of the classifier bypass channels, which for the current concept does not contribute to the swirl in the classifier chamber.

Conclusions

CFD is a highly valuable tool for development and optimisation of dry powder inhalers. CFD can assist adapting the inhaler design to specific physico-chemical properties of the drug formulation with respect to dispersion and retention behaviour.
Hybrid PET/MRI imaging with continuous table motion
Authors: Braun Harald , Ziegler Susanne , Paulus Daniel H. , Quick Harald H.
Published: April 2012

Purpose:

With the recent introduction of integrated whole‐body hybrid positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) scanners, the need for data collection strategies arises that provide time efficient, simultaneous, and easy acquisition of PET and MRI data. One approach is to develop acquisition protocols with continuous table motion. In this work, a reconstruction technique to allow for reconstruction of PET data that were acquired with continuous table motion on an integrated hybrid whole‐body PET/MRI scanner is presented and evaluated.

Methods:

PET and MRI data of two quality‐control phantoms (68Ge‐Cylinder and Jasczcak phantom), a custom‐built large body phantom, and of a clinical patient were acquired on a Biograph mMR 3.0 Tesla whole‐body PET/MRI system with continuous table motion and for comparison with the standard multistation acquisition approach. The data were postprocessed and reconstructed offline with custom software to allow for continuous table motion acquisition and analyzed with respect to noise, spatial resolution, and geometric accuracy as well as subjective image impression.

Results:

It is shown that data acquisition with continuous table motion is equivalent and in some respects, superior to the traditional multistation approach.

Conclusions:

Continuous table motion can benefit the new hybrid modality PET/MRI by not being limited to several static bed positions, resulting in a better time efficiency, less continuity artifacts, and a faster and easier acquisition workflow.
ON GROUPS WHOSE GEODESIC GROWTH IS POLYNOMIAL
Authors: BRIDSON MARTIN R. , BURILLO JOSÉ , ELDER MURRAY , ŠUNIĆ ZORAN
Published: April 2012

This paper records some observations concerning geodesic growth functions. If a nilpotent group is not virtually cyclic then it has exponential geodesic growth with respect to all finite generating sets. On the other hand, if a finitely generated group G has an element whose normal closure is abelian and of finite index, then G has a finite generating set with respect to which the geodesic growth is polynomial (this includes all virtually cyclic groups).
CROSS DIFFUSION AND NONLINEAR DIFFUSION PREVENTING BLOW UP IN THE KELLER–SEGEL MODEL
Authors: CARRILLO JOSÉ ANTONIO , HITTMEIR SABINE , JÜNGEL ANSGAR
Published: April 2012

A parabolic–parabolic (Patlak–)Keller–Segel model in up to three space dimensions with nonlinear cell diffusion and an additional nonlinear cross-diffusion term is analyzed. The main feature of this model is that there exists a new entropy functional, yielding gradient estimates for the cell density and chemical concentration. For arbitrarily small cross-diffusion coefficients and for suitable exponents of the nonlinear diffusion terms, the global-in-time existence of weak solutions is proved, thus preventing finite-time blow up of the cell density. The global existence result also holds for linear and fast diffusion of the cell density in a certain parameter range in three dimensions. Furthermore, we show L∞ bounds for the solutions to the parabolic–elliptic system. Sufficient conditions leading to the asymptotic stability of the constant steady state are given for a particular choice of the nonlinear diffusion exponents. Numerical experiments in two and three space dimensions illustrate the theoretical results.
DISCONTINUOUS GALERKIN METHODS FOR THE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL VLASOV–POISSON PROBLEM
Authors: DE DIOS BLANCA AYUSO , CARRILLO JOSÉ A. , SHU CHI-WANG
Published: April 2012

We introduce and analyze two new semi-discrete numerical methods for the multi-dimensional Vlasov–Poisson system. The schemes are constructed by combining a discontinuous Galerkin approximation to the Vlasov equation together with a mixed finite element method for the Poisson problem. We show optimal error estimates in the case of smooth compactly supported initial data. We propose a scheme that preserves the total energy of the system.
ON THE SOLVABILITY OF MAXIMUM ENTROPY MOMENT PROBLEMS IN TEXTURE ANALYSIS
Authors: JUNK MICHAEL , BUDDAY JOHANNES , BÖHLKE THOMAS
Published: April 2012

The estimation of the crystallite orientation distribution function based on the leading texture coefficients can be rephrased as a maximum entropy moment problem. In this paper, we prove the solvability of these moment problems under quite general assumptions on the moment functions which carries over to general locally compact and σ-compact Hausdorff topological groups.
DUCTILE DAMAGE ANALYSIS BASED ON A J3-GTN-LIKE MODEL
Authors: SIAD LARBI
Published: April 2012

A GTN-like model which yield function explicitly depends upon the third stress invariant is first described in this paper. Subsequently, a fully implicit stress integration procedure of this constitutive model based on the return-mapping algorithm is developed. The validity and the performance of the implementation of the considered algorithm within a finite element code are checked through simulations of single element test and three-element test under hydrostatic tensile conditions and simple shear loading as well. Afterwards, as a numerical example, the presented constitutive model and, for the purpose of comparison, the GTN isotropic hardening model, are used to analyze the classical tensile test of axisymmetric notched specimens. The obtained results highlight similarities, good agreement between both models as long as failure initiation of specimen is not reached, and discrepancy as soon as failure of specimen starts.
QUASI-STATIONARY SOLITONS FOR LANGMUIR WAVES IN PLASMAS WITH FULL NONLINEARITY
Authors: ATIF SAMI , BISWAS ANJAN , ZERRAD ESSAID
Published: April 2012

The quasi-stationary solitons for Langmuir waves in plasmas is obtained in this paper. This model is governed by the perturbed nonlinear Schrödinger's equation with cubic and power law nonlinearities. The perturbation terms are considered with full nonlinearity. A new generalized definition of the phase of the soliton is introduced. This leads to additional information at higher order level which soliton perturbation theory fails to capture.
Modelling the hydrogeology and managed aquifer system of the Chalk across southern England
Authors: Soley R. W. N. , Power T. , Mortimore R. N. , Shaw P. , Dottridge J. , Bryan G. , Colley I.
Published: April 2012

Six regional recharge and groundwater models have been recently developed of the Chalk and Upper Greensand from Dorset to Kent. Updated Chalk stratigraphy and mapping have improved understanding of geological structure and the development of preferential groundwater flow pathways along hardground horizons. Where shallow dipping folds bring these into the zone of active groundwater flow, extensive ‘underdrainage’ may result in marked differences between surface and groundwater catchments. Hardgrounds and marls are also associated with spring discharges, as are some faults and the clay formations that underlie or confine the aquifer system. Higher specific yield within the Upper Greensand helps support summer baseflow, as do local groundwater discharges from augmentation schemes, watercress and fish farm operations. The aquifer system has been successfully modelled using the ‘variable hydraulic conductivity with depth’ version of MODFLOW. Depths of secondary permeability development have been distributed according to ground and groundwater level data. Interfluve–valley contrasts overlie a base hydraulic conductivity set according to the formation saturated at the water table and enhanced by active hardgrounds. Local parameter overrides may also be needed. The Wessex Basin conceptual and numerical model is described before summarizing similarities and contrasts from the other five regional model areas.
Modelling the influence of solution-enhanced conduits on catchment-scale contaminant transport in the Hertfordshire Chalk aquifer
Authors: Cook S. J. , Fitzpatrick C. M. , Burgess W. G. , Lytton L. , Bishop P. , Sage R.
Published: April 2012

Catchment-scale (>40 km
2
) contamination of the Chalk aquifer of Hertfordshire by bromate, emanating from a disused industrial site north of St Albans, represents the largest occurrence of point-source groundwater contamination in the UK. The influences of ‘double porosity’ diffusive exchange and rapid transport along solution-enhanced conduits complicate predictive modelling of contaminant transport to threatened public supply wells. Tracer testing indicates that solution-enhanced flow routes exist beyond the surface distribution of dissolution features in Hertfordshire, more extensively than previously thought. A quantitative conceptual understanding of this flow system has been incorporated into a spatially distributed equivalent porous media representation in MODFLOW and MT3D-MS. The calibrated model reproduces essential features of the aquifer system, including heads and flows, seasonal responses, and the timing and spatial distribution of observed tracer breakthroughs in the solution-enhanced aquifer, but does not fully capture the magnitude and form of tracer and bromate advance. Due to the influence of local solution enhancement and matrix effects, detailed breakthroughs at receptors cannot be resolved at the coarse grid scale. However, the model is able to simulate general trends.
Re-evaluating dual-porosity effects at the site of a seminal groundwater modelling study: Tilmanstone, southern England
Authors: Watson S. J. , Burgess W. G. , Barker J. A.
Published: April 2012

The first numerical model of solute transport to incorporate Fickian diffusive exchange between mobile fracture water and immobile porewater for an actual case of groundwater contamination at catchment scale was applied to the Chalk aquifer at Tilmanstone in SE England by Bibby (
Water Resources Research
, 1981,
17
, 1075–1081). The unconfined aquifer at Tilmanstone had been contaminated by coalfield brine leaking from disposal lagoons operating throughout much of the twentieth century. Recent observations show that the Bibby model underestimates dual-porosity diffusive retardation, and hence underestimates the persistence of contamination, probably by several decades. 2D representation of the aquifer in plan ignored the hydrostratigraphy, and model calibration was limited by the lack of time-variant paired profiles of fracture water and porewater. Vertical profiles through the Chalk determined by packer testing, borehole dilution testing and geophysical logging, together with a new depth profile of chloride concentration in Chalk matrix porewater, are described. The hydrostratigraphy is interpreted in relation to the Chalk lithostratigraphy of SE England, and incorporated into a vertical-section model of chloride transport along the axis of the valley, consistent with the new and historical profiles of fracture water and porewater chloride concentrations. New predictions of the longevity of the chloride contamination at Tilmanstone are presented.
Groundwater abstraction impacts on river flows: predictions from regional groundwater models
Authors: Soley R. W. N. , Matthews A. , Ross D. , Maginness C. H. , Packman M. , Hulme P. J.
Published: April 2012

Regional groundwater resource models are often built to improve confidence in predicted groundwater abstraction impacts on river flows and groundwater levels. By explicitly representing the aquifer system geometry, properties and boundaries, together with transient recharge and abstraction pressures, such models provide a robust platform to support abstraction impact assessment, alongside evidence from field data and investigations. Regulatory drivers include the European Union Habitats and Water Framework Directives and other abstraction licensing decisions. This paper presents examples of the spatial and temporal patterns of groundwater abstraction impacts predicted by several models. A variety of presentation formats are used to illustrate the simulated flow impacts of abstractions both individually, and in combination with other surface water abstractions and discharges. Model predictions from a range of abstraction, aquifer, and river settings are often more complex than would be suggested by simpler tools and approaches. In many cases, absolute low-flow impacts are less than long-term groundwater abstraction rates. The ‘real world’ hydrogeological mechanisms behind these impact patterns are discussed. The paper also recommends a protocol for using regional models to assess individual licensed groundwater abstraction impacts across the full range of historic climate conditions (typically, as monitored since 1970) and in the context of other operational artificial influences.
PEST controlled: responsible application of inverse techniques on UK groundwater models
Authors: Black G. E. , Black A. D.
Published: April 2012

The inverse modelling code PEST is a tool for model parameter estimation (calibration), sensitivity analysis and predictive error analysis (uncertainty). Despite the successful use of inverse techniques in other industries, these methods are generally not adopted in UK regional groundwater modelling. This is partly due to difficulty in achieving a good representation of the conceptual models involved. In addition, some early applications of PEST to UK models were based on monitoring data of poor hydrostratigraphic resolution, leading to questionable parameter distributions. The PEST algorithm has been tried and tested worldwide and such former deficiencies can be addressed. This paper presents examples to explain how PEST can be responsibly applied to UK groundwater models to significantly improve model calibration and provide robust sensitivity data while keeping within known bounds of the conceptual model.
The National Groundwater Modelling System: providing wider access to groundwater models
Authors: Whiteman M. I. , Maginness C. H. , Farrell R. P. , Gijsbers P. J. A. , Ververs M.
Published: April 2012

The National Groundwater Modelling System (NGMS) is a map-based, client–server system for holding groundwater models and supporting documentation. Models can be run, new ‘what-if’ scenarios created, and time series and spatial data rapidly viewed and exported. Use of the system will result in greater standardization of data formats, model codes and methods used by the Environment Agency without stifling technological progress. NGMS enables a wider audience of water resource staff to access groundwater models. The system is being used to improve representation of groundwater in Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies and to forecast the potential impacts of climate change upon water resources. However, the day-to-day, operational use of groundwater models by the Environment Agency remains a challenge that requires engagement with other specialists (e.g. hydrologists and IT systems specialists). Considerable effort is required to roll out the system, train people and adapt operational decision-making processes to bring NGMS into regular and safe use.
Electrochemical Characterization of Conductive Hybrid Coatings Obtained for Protection Against Corrosion of Carbon Steel
Authors: Valeri Felipe , Aoki Idalina V. , Martins Cristiane R.
Published: April 2012

Conductive hybrid coatings are an alternative for the production of multifunctional coatings, enabling wide application in industry for metal surface finishing. Recently, the use of pre-treatments using the sol-gel process has become an attractive area of study, due to its high efficacy against corrosion, low cost and easy application. Among the conducting polymers used as corrosion inhibitors, there is polyaniline. The method of mixing in solution is the solubility of PAni in solvents with counter-ions used to dope the polyaniline. The redoped of PAni with functionalized organic acids, improves its thermal stability and processability. In this work, the aim is to synthesize and characterize a solution of precursor sol-gel P(MMA-MSMA)-TEOS, poly (methyl methacrylate co-3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate) and tetraethyl orthosilicate with the introduction of PAni solution in sol-gel. To evaluate the corrosion resistance of conductive hybrid, using electrochemical techniques as, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization curves.
Electrogeneration Of H2O2 in Acid Medium Using Catalysts Modified with Manganese II Phthalocyanine Supported in Printex 6L Carbon
Authors: Reis Rafael M. , Rocha Robson S. , Lanza Marcos R.
Published: April 2012

The electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide by the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is becoming a viable alternative as generation takes place in situ, eliminating any problems of transport and storage. In this paper, we have studied the basis of manganese II phthalocyanine (Ph-Mn) catalysts supported in Printex 6L carbon, in order to increase the generation efficiency of H2O2. The results showed that with the catalyst containing 1.0% of Ph-Mn there was an increase in H2O2 production efficiency of 82% in comparison to 80% obtained for unmodified Printex 6L. However, it was observed that the greater the amount of Ph-Mn incorporated into the catalyst, the lower the tendency for the reaction formation of H2O2
Quantification of Arsenic in Sugar Cane Brandy of Minas Gerais Using Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Teixeira Meryene C. , Lisboa E. F. , Saczk Adelir A. , Okumura Leonardo L. , Cardoso Maria G. , Oliveira Marcelo F. , Magriotis Zuy M.
Published: April 2012

An eletroanalytical method for determination of arsenic in sugar cane brandy using an electrode consisting of carbon paste modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTPE) and mineral oil has been developed. The cyclic (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry modes (LSV) with cathodic stripping were employed for CNTPE containing mineral oil. The analytical curves were linear from 30.0 to 80.0 µg L-1 for LSV. The limit of detection (L.O.D.) was 10.45 μg L-1 and limit of quantification (L.O.Q.) was 34.33 μg L-1. The developed method was applied to the determination of arsenic in tree commercial sugar cane brandy samples. The results were in good agreement with those obtained by HGAAS, showing that CNTPE containing mineral oil can be successfully employed to the simultaneous determination of arsenic in sugar cane brandy samples.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Oxalic Acid at Different Anode Materials: Applicability of Electroanalysis for Monitoring OA Degradation
Authors: Gonzalves-Araújo Eliane , Rodrigues Oliveira Gustavo , Vieira Santos Elisama , Martínez-Huitle Carlos A. , Suely Fernandes Nedja
Published: April 2012

The electrochemical oxidation (EO) of oxalic acid (OA) has been studied, in acidic media at Ti/PbO2, highly boron-doped diamond (BDD), Pt and graphite electrodes by applying 60 mAcm−2 of current density. Generally, EO is monitored by chromatography techniques; but the aim of this work is to show the applicability of electroanalysis for detection of OA concentration during its oxidation; by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using two different analytical procedures (by analytical curve and by successive addition standard). The results obtained by DPV analysis showed that OA was oxidized at several substrates to CO2 with different results, showing that the performances of the process dramatically depend on the anodic material. Higher removal efficiencies were obtained at Ti/PbO2, graphite and BDD anodes. Finally, DPV analyses were compared with classic titration method achieving a good fit, confidence intervals and limits. The results are described and discussed in the light of the existing literature.
Comparison of Different Methods for the Calculation of the Microvascular Flow Index
Authors: Pozo Mario O. , Kanoore Edul Vanina S. , Ince Can , Dubin Arnaldo
Published: April 2012

The microvascular flow index (MFI) is commonly used to semiquantitatively characterize the velocity of microcirculatory perfusion as absent (0), intermittent (1), sluggish (2), or normal (3). There are three approaches to compute MFI: (1) the average of the predominant flow in each of the four quadrants (MFIby quadrants), (2) the direct assessment during the bedside video acquisition (MFIpoint of care), and (3) the mean value of the MFIs determined in each individual vessel (MFIvessel by vessel). We hypothesized that the agreement between the MFIs is poor and that theMFIvessel by vesselbetter reflects the microvascular perfusion. For this purpose, we analyzed 100 videos from septic patients. In 25 of them, red blood cell (RBC) velocity was also measured. There were wide 95% limits of agreement betweenMFIby quadrantsandMFIpoint of care(1.46), betweenMFIby quadrantsandMFIvessel by vessel(2.85), and betweenMFIby point of careandMFIvessel by vessel(2.56). The MFIs significantly correlated with the RBC velocity and with the fraction of perfused small vessels, butMFIvessel by vesselshowed the bestR2. Although the different methods for the calculation of MFI reflect microvascular perfusion, they are not interchangeable andMFIvessel by vesselmight be better.
Feline Neural Progenitor Cells I: Long-Term Expansion under Defined Culture Conditions
Authors: Yang Jing , Wang Jinmei , Gu Ping , You X. Joann , Klassen Henry
Published: April 2012

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) of feline origin (cNPCs) have demonstrated utility in transplantation experiments, yet are difficult to grow in culture beyond the 1 month time frame. Here we use an enriched, serum-free base medium (Ultraculture) and report the successful long-term propagation of these cells. Primary cultures were derived from fetal brain tissue and passaged in DMEM/F12-based or Ultraculture-based proliferation media, both in the presence of EGF + bFGF. Cells in standard DMEM/F12-based medium ceased to proliferate by 1-month, whereas the cells in the Ultraculture-based medium continued to grow for at least 5 months (end of study) with no evidence of senescence. The Ultraculture-based cultures expressed lower levels of progenitor and lineage-associated markers under proliferation conditions but retained multipotency as evidenced by the ability to differentiate into neurons and glia following growth factor removal in the presence of FBS. Importantly, later passage cNPCs did not develop chromosomal aberrations.
Bounds for the Kirchhoff Index of Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Yang Yujun
Published: April 2012

A (m, n)‐bipartite graph is a bipartite graph such that one bipartition has m vertices and the other bipartition has n vertices. The tree dumbbell D(n, a, b) consists of the path Pn−a−b together with a independent vertices adjacent to one pendent vertex of Pn−a−b and b independent vertices adjacent to the other pendent vertex of Pn−a−b. In this paper, firstly, we show that, among (m, n)‐bipartite graphs (m ≤ n), the complete bipartite graph Km,n has minimal Kirchhoff index and the tree dumbbell D(m + n, ⌊n − (m + 1)/2⌋, ⌈n − (m + 1)/2⌉) has maximal Kirchhoff index. Then, we show that, among all bipartite graphs of order l, the complete bipartite graph K⌊l/2⌋,l−⌊l/2⌋ has minimal Kirchhoff index and the path Pl has maximal Kirchhoff index, respectively. Finally, bonds for the Kirchhoff index of (m, n)‐bipartite graphs and bipartite graphs of order l
are obtained by computing the Kirchhoff index of these extremal graphs.
Almost Sure Central Limit Theory for Self‐Normalized Products of Sums of Partial Sums
Authors: Wu Qunying
Published: April 2012

Let X, X1, X2, … be a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables in the domain of attraction of a normal law. An almost sure limit theorem for the self‐normalized products of sums of partial sums is established.
Benign Osteoblastoma Involving Maxilla: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bokhari K. , Hameed M. S. , Ajmal M. , Togoo Rafi A.
Published: April 2012

Background. Osteoblastoma is a rare benign tumor. This tumor is characterized by osteoid and bone formation with the presence of numerous osteoblasts. The lesion is more frequently seen in long bones and rarely involves maxilla and mandible. Due to its clinical and histological similarity with other bone tumors such as osteoid osteoma and fibro-osseous lesions, osteoblastoma presents a diagnostic dilemma.Case Report. Very few cases of osteoblastomas involving maxillofacial region have been reported in the literature. This case report involves osteoblastoma involving right maxilla in an 18-year-old male patient. Following detailed clinical examination, radiological interpretation, and histopathological diagnosis, surgical excision was performed. The patient was followed up for a period of 3 years and was disease free.Summary and Conclusion. Benign osteoblastoma involving jaw bones is a rare tumor. There is a close resemblance of this tumor with other lesions such as fibro-osseous lesions and odontogenic tumors and thus faces a diagnostic challenge. Surgical excision with a long-term follow-up gives good prognosis to this lesion—Benign Osteoblastoma.
Pasteurella canisIsolation following Penetrating Eye Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Rashid Noor-Khairul , Zam Zarifah , MdNoor Siti-Suraya , Siti-Raihan Ishak , Azhany Yaakub
Published: April 2012

A 3-year-old boy presented with history of trauma to the left eye after he accidentally injured his eye with a broom stick made up from coconut skewers. There was history of cats as their pets but not dogs. Ocular examination revealed left superonasal conjunctival laceration and scleral perforation with prolapsed vitreous. Fundus examination showed minimal vitreous haemorrhage and flat retina. Conjunctiva swab at the wound site was sent for gram staining, culture, and sensitivity. He underwent scleral suturing, vitreous tap, and intravitreal injection of Ceftazidime and Amikacin. Vitreous tap was sent for gram stained, culture and sensitivity. Postoperatively, he was started empirically on IV Ciprofloxacin 160 mg BD, Guttae Ciprofloxacin, and Guttae Ceftazidime. Conjunctiva swab grewPasteurella caniswhich was sensitive to all Beta lactams, Ciprofloxacin, Chloramphenicol, and Aminoglycoside. Post-operative was uneventful, absent signs of endophthalmitis or orbital cellulitis.
Donor Acceptor Bond in [NPCl2]3—MCl3 Adducts, a DFT Study and Comparison of Results with Experimental X‐Ray Data
Authors: Akbari Alireza , Ghatezadeh Hoda , Golzadeh Babak , Arshadi Sattar
Published: April 2012

Molecular structures of [PCl2N]3‐MCl3 adducts, M=B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, have been studied employing HF, B3LYP*, B3LYP , PW91, BLYP, OLYP, BP and LDA methods using DZP basis set (as defined in Amsterdam Density Functional, ADF, package). Some aspects of adduct formation like considering the difference between Front and Back dihedral angles and also ring puckering showed that the [PCl2N]3‐AlCl3 is the most stable adduct comparing the others. Based on the comparison between the X‐ray and theoretical geometrical parameters of [NPCl2]3(AlCl3) and [NPCl2]3(GaCl3), the LDA method and BP, PW91 and OLYP functionals combined with DZP basis set were found to yield the most satisfactory agreement. Results showed that with surprise, the LDA(DZP) method has the maximum matching with experimental data, comparing the others.
Recurrent Herpetic Stromal Keratitis in Mice: A Model for Studying Human HSK
Authors: Stuart Patrick M. , Keadle Tammie L.
Published: April 2012

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection of the cornea leads to a potentially blinding disease, termed herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK) that is characterized by lesions of an immunoinflammatory nature. In spite of the fact that HSK typically presents as a recurrent disease due to reactivation of virus which latently infects the trigeminal ganglia, most murine studies of HSK have employed a primary and not recurrent model of the disease. This report documents the several recurrent models of HSK that have been developed and how data generated from these models differs in some important aspects from data generated following primary infection of the cornea. Chief among these differences is the fact that recurrent HSK takes place in the context of an animal that has a preexisting anti-HSV immune response, while primary HSK occurs in an animal that is developing such a response. We will document both differences and similarities that derive from this fundamental difference in these models with an eye towards possible vaccines and therapies that demonstrate promise in treating HSK.
EMS Stretcher “Misadventures” in a Large, Urban EMS System: A Descriptive Analysis of Contributing Factors and Resultant Injuries
Authors: Goodloe Jeffrey M. , Crowder Christopher J. , Arthur Annette O. , Thomas Stephen H.
Published: April 2012

Purpose. There is a paucity of data regarding EMS stretcher-operation-related injuries. This study describes and analyzes characteristics associated with undesirable stretcher operations, with or without resultant injury in a large, urban EMS agency.Methods. In the study agency, all stretcher-related “misadventures” are required to be documented, regardless of whether injury results. All stretcher-related reports between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 were queried in retrospective analysis, avoiding Hawthorne effect in stretcher operations.Results. During the year studied, 129,110 patients were transported. 23 stretcher incidents were reported (0.16 per 1,000 transports). No patient injury occurred. Four EMS providers sustained minor injuries. Among contributing aspects, the most common involved operations surrounding the stretcher-ambulance safety latch, 14/23 (60.9%). From a personnel injury prevention perspective, there exists a significant relationship between combative patients and crew injury related to stretcher operation, Fisher’s exact test 0.048.Conclusions. In this large, urban EMS system, the incidence of injury related to stretcher operations in the one-year study period is markedly low, with few personnel injuries and no patient injuries incurred. Safety for EMS personnel and patients could be advanced by educational initiatives that highlight specific events and conditions contributing to stretcher-related adverse events.
Blockade of Electron Transport at the Onset of Reperfusion Decreases Cardiac Injury in Aged Hearts by Protecting the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
Authors: Chen Qun , Ross Thomas , Hu Ying , Lesnefsky Edward J.
Published: April 2012

Myocardial injury is increased in the aged heart following ischemia-reperfusion (ISC-REP) compared to adult hearts. Intervention at REP with ischemic postconditioning decreases injury in the adult heart by attenuating mitochondrial driven cell injury. Unfortunately, postconditioning is ineffective in aged hearts. Blockade of electron transport at the onset of REP with the reversible inhibitor amobarbital (AMO) decreases injury in adult hearts. We tested if AMO treatment at REP protects the aged heart via preservation of mitochondrial integrity. Buffer-perfused elderly Fischer 344 24 mo. rat hearts underwent 25 min global ISC and 30 min REP. AMO (2.5 mM) or vehicle was given for 3 min at the onset of REP. Subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar (IFM) mitochondria were isolated after REP. Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondrial inner membrane potential were measured. AMO treatment at REP decreased cardiac injury. Compared to untreated ISC-REP, AMO improved inner membrane potential in SSM and IFM during REP, indicating preserved inner membrane integrity. Thus, direct pharmacologic modulation of electron transport at REP protects mitochondria and decreases cardiac injury in the aged heart, even when signaling-induced pathways of postconditioning that are upstream of mitochondria are ineffective.
Corrosion Inhibition and Adsorption Behavior of Clove Oil on Iron in Acidic Medium
Authors: Saxena Archana , Sharma Anurag , Saxena Deepti , Jain Praveen
Published: April 2012

Corrosion behavior of iron in hydrochloric acid solution was studied using weight loss as well Scanning electron microscopy study without and with clove oil. The percentage inhibition efficiency increases with increasing clove oil concentration. All the data revel that the oil acts as an excellent inhibitor for the corrosion of iron in HCl solution. Thermodynamic, kinetic parameters and equilibrium constant for adsorption process were calculated from the experimental data. The adsorption of clove oil on experimental metals was found to follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm at all the concentration studies. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), investigations also indicate that clove oil greatly lowers the dissolution currents.
Controlling Cyclic Epidemics on the Crops of the Agroecosystems: Articulate all the Dimensions in the Formalisation, but Look for a Local Solution
Authors: Bousset Lydia , Chèvre Anne-Marie
Published: April 2012

In agroecosystems, crop yield is reduced by epidemics. At the field scale, epidemiology succeeded knowledge percolation across theory, empirical studies, and recommendations to actors. Achieving similar success at the landscape level requires understanding of ecosystems. The aim of this manuscript is to formalize cyclic epidemics, in which development depends on interaction in space and in time between host plants, pathogens, environment, and human actions. In agroecosystems, human actions exacerbate homogeneities alternating with sharp discontinuities on scales of time and space. The dynamics of cyclic epidemics takes discontinuities into account. This allows decomposing control at the field and at the landscape scales into goals to reach, corresponding to the components of the pluriannual dynamics of epidemics. Articulating disciplinary concepts open the prospect of optimization by identification of one’s potential contributions. Finally, we propose that cyclic epidemics could be controlled by looking for a local solution, in a decentralized manner.
Synthesis and Spectral Characterization of Schiff Base Cr(III), Mn(III), and Fe(III) Novel Macrocyclic Complexes Derived from Thiocarbohydrazide and Dicarbonyl Compound
Authors: Kumar Gajendra , Devi Shoma , Johari Rajeev
Published: April 2012

M(III) Schiff base macrocyclic complexes of the type [HLMX2] where M = Cr(III), Mn(III), Fe(III) and X = Cl, OAc have been synthesized by condensation of acetylacetone and Thio‐carbohydrazide (2:2) in the presence of divalent metal salt in methanolic medium. The complexes have been characterized with the help of elemental analysis, conductance measurements, magnetic measurements and their structural configuration have been determined by various spectroscopic (electronic, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, GCMS) techniques. Electronic and magnetic moments of the complexes indicate that the geometries of the metal centers are octahedral.
Diminished Whole-brain but Enhanced Peri-sylvian Connectivity in Absolute Pitch Musicians
Authors: Jäncke Lutz , Langer Nicolas , Hänggi Jürgen
Published: April 2012

Several anatomical studies have identified specific anatomical features within the peri-sylvian brain system of absolute pitch (AP) musicians. In this study we used graph theoretical analysis of cortical thickness covariations (as indirect indicator of connectivity) to examine whether AP musicians differ from relative pitch musicians and nonmusicians in small-world network characteristics. We measured “local connectedness” (local clustering = γ), “global efficiency of information transfer” (path length = λ), “small-worldness” (σ = γ/λ), and “degree” centrality as measures of connectivity. Although all groups demonstrated typical small-world features, AP musicians showed significant small-world alterations. “Degree” as a measure of interconnectedness was globally significantly decreased in AP musicians. These differences let us suggest that AP musicians demonstrate diminished neural integration (less connections) among distant brain regions. In addition, AP musicians demonstrated significantly increased local connectivity in peri-sylvian language areas of which the planum temporale, planum polare, Heschl's gyrus, lateral aspect of the superior temporal gyrus, STS, pars triangularis, and pars opercularis were hub regions. All of these brain areas are known to be involved in higher-order auditory processing, working or semantic memory processes. Taken together, whereas AP musicians demonstrate decreased global interconnectedness, the local connectedness in peri-sylvian brain areas is significantly higher than for relative pitch musicians and nonmusicians.
Development Theory and the Constitution of Market Society: A Polanyian View
Authors: Scott Alan
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This paper argues that development studies could benefit from a closer engagement with the arguments of Karl Polanyi. Firstly, a Polanyian perspective gives greater weight to non-economic and non-material factors in making, maintaining and modifying markets. Secondly, it focuses research on the problematic, state- sponsored and contested process of bringing the market actor into being. Finally, a Polanyian approach might better link a, broadly speaking, leftist analysis to “real world” policy debates about the relative balance between market freedoms and regulation. The conclusion elaborates this final point.
‘Global’ Financial Crisis, Earnings Inequalities and Gender: Towards a More Sustainable Model of Development
Authors: Perrons Diane
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The economic crisis of 2007–8 was sparked primarily by mismanagement of capital markets through speculation and excessive risk taking by very highly paid men (predominantly) in the financial centres of the western world, but the underlying causes are deeply rooted in the neo-liberal model of global development itself.

Neo-liberalism is associated with unsustainable increases in earnings inequalities and a related imbalance between productivity and wages resulting in a fall in the share of output accruing to labour. These inequalities formed a key element in generating the crisis. This paper explores the processes leading to and explanations for rising earnings inequality and enduring gender inequality theoretically, and with reference to selected illustrations. As the processes generating current inequalities are so profound and embedded, it is necessary to move beyond marginal adjustments to the current neo-liberal orthodoxy and specify alterative models of development in order to secure economic and social sustainability as well as socially just societies.
Stratospheric versus Tropospheric Control of the Strength and Structure of the Brewer–Dobson Circulation
Authors: Gerber Edwin P.
Published: April 2012

The strength and structure of the Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) are explored in an idealized general circulation model. It is shown that diabatic forcing of the stratosphere and planetary wave forcing by the troposphere can have comparable effects on tracer transport through the stratosphere, as quantified by the mean age of air and age spectrum. Their impact, however, is mediated through different controls on the mass circulation. Planetary waves are modulated by changing surface topography. Increased wave forcing strengthens the circulation, particularly at lower levels. This is primarily a tropospheric control on the BDC, as the wave forcing is set by stationary waves at the base of the stratosphere. Stratospheric control of the circulation is effected indirectly through the strength of the stratospheric polar vortex. A colder vortex creates a waveguide higher into the stratosphere, raising the breaking level of Rossby waves and deepening the circulation. Ventilation of mass in the stratosphere depends critically on the depth of tropical upwelling, and so mass and tracer transport is comparably sensitive to both tropospheric and stratospheric controls.

The two controls on the circulation can lead to separate influences on the lower and upper stratosphere, with implications for the seasonal cycle of tropical upwelling. They allow for independent changes in the “shallow” and “deep” branches of the BDC, which may be important for comparing modeled trends with observations. It is also shown that changes in the BDC have a significant impact on the tropical cold point (on the order of degrees) and the equator-to-pole gradient in the tropopause (on the order of a kilometer).
On the Observed Trends and Changes in Global Sea Surface Temperature and Air–Sea Heat Fluxes (1984–2006)
Authors: Large W. G. , Yeager S. G.
Published: April 2012

Global satellite observations show the sea surface temperature (SST) increasing since the 1970s in all ocean basins, while the net air–sea heat flux Q decreases. Over the period 1984–2006 the global changes are 0.28°C in SST and −9.1 W m−2 in Q, giving an effective air–sea coupling coefficient of −32 W m−2 °C−1. The global response in Q expected from SST alone is determined to be −12.9 W m−2, and the global distribution of the associated coupling coefficient is shown. Typically, about one-half (6.8 W m−2) of this SST effect on heat flux is compensated by changes in the overlying near-surface atmosphere. Slab Ocean Models (SOMs) assume that ocean heating processes do not change from year to year so that a constant annual heat flux would maintain a linear trend in annual SST. However, the necessary 6.1 W m−2 increase is not found in the downwelling longwave and shortwave fluxes, which combined show a −3 W m−2 decrease. The SOM assumptions are revisited to determine the most likely source of the inconsistency with observations of (−12.9 + 6.8 − 3) = −9.1 W m−2. The indirect inference is that diminished ocean cooling due to vertical ocean processes played an important role in sustaining the observed positive trend in global SST from 1984 through 2006, despite the decrease in global surface heat flux. A similar situation is found in the individual basins, though magnitudes differ. A conclusion is that natural variability, rather than long-term climate change, dominates the SST and heat flux changes over this 23-yr period. On shorter time scales the relationship between SST and heat flux exhibits a variety of behaviors.