bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FINANCIAL SECURITY PROTECTIONS IN MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE AND PHILIPPINES: A PERSPECTIVE OF TWO GENERATIONS
Authors: MOHD SAIDATULAKMAL , AZMAN AZLINDA , SULAIMAN JAMALLUDIN , BABA ISMAIL
Published: April 2011

The study investigated the formal and informal old age protections in the major cities of Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines. The role of family support as important source of old-age protection in Asian countries was also investigated. Data were collected using a survey-interview method. A total of 250 young population and 250 of the elderly population in Kuala Lumpur were interviewed. Similar number of young and elderly population was interviewed in Manila. In Singapore, data was collected from 206 and 161 young and elderly population respectively. A Venn diagram was constructed to analyse the overlapping of availability of the various old age protections for the two generations and their relative sizes among the three cities were compared. Given the many agreement on the inadequacy of the formal old-age benefits, many reverted to informal protections such as insurance, savings and family support. With the exception of Manila, reliance on the family support as perceived by the younger generations has lost its importance.
MICROFINANCE AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN BANGLADESH: PERSPECTIVE FROM SOCIAL WORK
Authors: ALI ISAHAQUE , HATTA ZULKARNAIN A.
Published: April 2011

Poverty alleviation has been a perpetual challenge to the contemporary world. Bangladesh is one of the world's poorest countries and about 45% of the total population are living below the poverty line. It is vital for Bangladesh to re-evaluate its policy on poverty alleviation in which microfinance has been a crucial element. Microfinance is now being recognised as one of the most impetus and effective mechanisms for poverty alleviation. Poverty leads to many problems in the society. Lack of access to education, family disintegration, poor quality of life, lower health status, unavailability of safe water, lack of sanitation, and absence of social life, are the major effects of poverty. It is the contention of this paper that social work by acquiring a community development role can help microfinance policy makers develop new policy or reverse existing policy for poverty alleviation in Bangladesh. Social work can also influence actors involved in the field of poverty alleviation from local and international humanity institutions or organisations to adopt new findings to minimise the issues of poverty.
A WEAK LIMIT SHAPE THEOREM FOR PLANAR ISOTROPIC BROWNIAN FLOWS
Authors: VAN BARGEN HOLGER
Published: April 2011

It has been shown by various authors under different assumptions that the diameter of a bounded nontrivial set γ under the action of a stochastic flow grows linearly in time. We show that the asymptotic linear expansion speed if properly defined is deterministic, i.e. we show for a two-dimensional isotropic Brownian flow Φ with a positive Lyapunov exponent that there exists a non-random set [Formula: see text] such that we have for ϵ > 0, arbitrary connected γ ⊂⊂ ℝ2 consisting of at least two different points and arbitrarily large times T that [Formula: see text]
COMPETENCIES FOR ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATION POTENTIAL: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS ON INDIAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: GOSWAMI SANGHAMITRA , Mathew Mary
Published: April 2011

This study examines competencies that contribute to innovation in Indian Information Technology organizations (n = 42). These competencies were conceptualized and measured in this paper. Their measurement is described. A cluster of low and high potentially innovative organizations, based on measures from an earlier study by the authors, is used to understand the competencies in the context of innovation. An organizational innovation potential score categorized organizations as innovative (high) and less innovative (low) organizations. Logistic regression was done to assess the competencies of low and high innovative organizations. Results showed that product breadth competency, innovation adaptability competency, new business development competency and organizational learning competency contribute to organizational innovation potential. The paper discusses research and managerial implications.
ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRACTICES OF MANAGING EXTERNAL SOURCES OF TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION AND INDICATORS OF INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE
Authors: GOMES CLANDIA MAFFINI , KRUGLIANSKAS ISAK , SCHERER FLÁVIA LUCIANE
Published: April 2011

This study has the aim of understanding the different processes for managing outside sources of technology information, with a major focus on practices that companies actually adopt. The specific intention of the study is to construct a theoretical and practical frame of reference for developing processes of sustainable technological innovation. This study, of a quantitative nature, involved carrying out a survey on Brazilian industrial companies with innovative characteristics. to identify how the management of sources of information, influences the innovative performance of the companies that participated in the survey. The independent and dependent variables suggest the existence of an association between the management of outside sources of technology information, and innovative performance. Especially important here is how the different types of sources of information influence the indicators related to innovation in products and how the type of modality of access to technology affects the indicators relating to innovation of processes.
OUT-LICENSING IN MARKETS WITH ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION: THE CASE OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
Authors: REEPMEYER GERRIT , GASSMANN OLIVER , RÜTHER FRAUKE
Published: April 2011

Few large pharmaceutical companies have recently discovered out-licensing of terminated R&D results as a way to recoup some of the significant investments made in R&D and to improve R&D productivity. Our empirical investigation reveals that the licensing partners are preferably young, small and highly specialized companies. This reverses the traditional logic of out-licensing. While out-licensing is usually done because of downstream concerns, our analysis shows that the company which owns the necessary assets for further development (the large pharmaceutical company) sells the license to a firm (the small partner company) which has — at the time of deal closure — no track record to prove its ability to successfully develop the compound.

As the lack of a track record does not allow the pharmaceutical company to distinguish between the partner firms based on their development capabilities, these out-licensing deals are characterized by an asymmetric distribution of information. The application of the theory of adverse selection allows deriving managerial recommendations along three dimensions of the out-licensing deal: product coverage, price setting and performance presumption. By making changes along these dimensions, R&D managers are able to reduce the information asymmetry and approximate an equilibrium in the out-licensing market.
TWO SIDES OF THE INNOVATION COIN? AN EMPRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIVE CORRELATES OF IDEA GENERATION AND IDEA IMPLEMENTATION
Authors: MAGADLEY WISSAM , BIRDI KAMAL
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study is to investigate the type of factors that facilitate two key aspects of the innovation process, idea generation and idea implementation. It is common in innovation research to collapse the two together which in some cases may lead to erroneous conclusions if the two aspects relate differently to organizational antecedents. Employing a mixed-method approach using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews the study examined and further explored whether individual, group and organizational level factors relate differently to the two innovation aspects. The questionnaire findings showed that individual level factors had a stronger influence on idea generation than idea implementation and vice versa for group and organizational factors. A similar pattern emerged in the interview findings where the factors that influenced idea implementation fell mainly into group and organizational typologies. The implications of these findings for organizations and research are considered.
ARE INNOVATIVE ORGANIZATIONAL CONCEPTS ENOUGH FOR FOSTERING INNOVATION?
Authors: PRESTER JASNA , BOZAC MARLI GONAN
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this article is to define which organizational practices have significant impact on returns from new products or which foster or at least influence positively innovation. Survey responders were divided to see whether they innovated or not by the survey questions which explicitly asked them if they have introduced new products in the last two years. With Chi Square test, we identified the difference in usage of certain organizational practices. After that, two multi-regression models showed the impact on launching a new product and their impact on generated returns from new products.There is a significant statistical difference in usage of these four practices between innovators and non-innovators: temporary cross-functional project teams, quality circle, ISO 9000, financial participation by employees. Regression analyses showed that for new product launch, quality circles and ISO900 have a positive impact. Since not all new product launches do not become successes when regressed to returns on new products, team performance incentives and knowledge-based systems have a significant positive impact. To our knowledge and through our literature research, we did not find works that explored the impacts of innovative organizational concepts on the final result — innovation. Most studies focused only on some organizational innovations and their impact on innovation. Here we present an overall overview of innovative organizational practices, why they are mostly used and identified those which mostly influence innovation.
Quantum Mechanical Study of YTiO3 to the Investigation of Piezoelectricity
Authors: Dirceu de Paula Ferreira Raimundo , Antonio Barros dos Santos Marcos , da Silva Lobato Maycon , Pinto Barbosa Jardel , de Souza Farias Marcio , Florêncio de Figueiredo Antonio , Ciríaco Pinheiro José , Treu-Filho Oswaldo , Toshiaki Kondo Rogério
Published: April 2011

In previous articles we reported through theoretical studies the piezoelectric effect in BaTiO3, SmTiO3, and YFeO3. In this paper, we used the Douglas-Kroll-Hess (DKH) second-order scalar relativistic method to investigate the piezoelectricity in YTiO3. In the calculations we used the [6s4p] and [10s5p4d] Gaussian basis sets for the O (3P) and Ti (5S) atoms, respectively, from the literature in combination with the (30s21p16d)/[15s9p6d] basis set for the Y (3D) atom, obtained by generator coordinate Hartree-Fock (GCHF) method, and they had their quality evaluated using calculations of total energy and orbital energies (HOMO and HOMO-1) of the 2TiO+1 and 1YO+1 fragments. The dipole moment, the total energy, and the total atomic charges in YTiO3 in Cs space group were calculated. When we analyze those properties we verify that it is reasonable to believe that YTiO3 does not present piezoelectric properties.
Resolution of Dialyzer Membrane-Associated Thrombocytopenia with Use of Cellulose Triacetate Membrane: A Case Report
Authors: Olafiranye Feyisayo , Kyaw Win , Olafiranye Oladipupo
Published: April 2011

Blood and dialyzer membrane interaction can cause significant thrombocytopenia through the activation of complement system. The extent of this interaction determines the biocompatibility of the membrane. Although the newer synthetic membranes have been shown to have better biocompatibility profile than the cellulose-based membranes, little is known about the difference in biocompatibility between synthetic membrane and modified cellulose membrane. Herein, we report a case of a patient on hemodialysis who developed dialyzer-membrane-related thrombocytopenia with use of synthetic membrane (F200NR polysulfone). The diagnosis of dialyzer membrane-associated thrombocytopenia was suspected by the trend of platelet count before and after dialysis, and the absence of other possible causes of thrombocytopenia. We observed significant improvement in platelet count when the membrane was changed to modified cellulose membrane (cellulose triacetate). In patients at high risk for thrombocytopenia, the modified cellulose membrane could be a better alternative to the standard synthetic membranes during hemodialysis.
Toxicity of Metals to a Freshwater Ostracod:Stenocypris major
Authors: Shuhaimi-Othman Mohammad , Yakub Nadzifah , Ramle Nur-Amalina , Abas Ahmad
Published: April 2011

Adults of freshwater ostracodStenocypris major(Crustacea, Candonidae) were exposed for a four-day period in laboratory conditions to a range of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), aluminium (Al), and manganese (Mn) concentrations. Mortality was assessed, and median lethal times (LT50) and concentrations (LC50) were calculated. LT50and LC50increased with the decrease in mean exposure concentrations and times, respectively, for all metals. LC50s for 96 hours for Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, Al, and Mn were 25.2, 13.1, 1189.8, 526.2, 19743.7, 278.9, 3101.9, and 510.2 μg/L, respectively. Metals bioconcentration inS. majorincreases with exposure to increasing concentrations, and Cd was the most toxic toS. major, followed by Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Al, and Ni (Cd>Cu>Fe>Mn>Pb>Zn>Al>Ni). Comparison of LC50values for metals for this species with those for other freshwater crustacean reveals thatS. majoris equally or more sensitive to metals than most other tested crustacean.
Robust Sensor Fault Reconstruction for Lipschitz Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Khosrowjerdi M. J.
Published: April 2011

We extend existing theory on robust nonlinear observer
design to the class of nonlinear Lipschitz systems where the systems
are subject to sensor faults and disturbances. The designed observer
is used for robust reconstruction of fault signals. Allowing bounded
unknown disturbances to model system uncertainties, it is shown that
by adjusting a design parameter we can trade off between fault reconstruction
and disturbance attenuation. An LMI procedure solvable
using commercially available softwares is presented. Two examples are
presented to illustrate the application of the results.
Brown Adipose Tissue Can Be Activated or Inhibited within an Hour before 18F‐FDG Injection: A Preliminary Study with MicroPET
Authors: Wu Chenxi , Cheng Wuying , Xing Haiqun , Dang Yonghong , Li Fang , Zhu Zhaohui
Published: April 2011

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is emerging as a potential target for treating human obesity. It has been indicated that BAT is rich in innervations of sympathetic nerve control. Using 18F‐FDG microPET imaging, this study aims at evaluating how factors related to sympathetic activation/inhibition changed BAT metabolism of mice. BAT 18F‐FDG uptake were semiquantitatively evaluated in different groups of mice under temperature (cold or warm stimulus) or pharmacological interventions (norepinephrine, epinephrine, isoprenaline, or propranolol) and were compared with the corresponding controls. It was found that BAT activation can be stimulated by cold exposure (P = 1.96 × 10−4), norepinephrine (P = .002), or both (P = 2.19 × 10−6) within an hour before 18F‐FDG injection and can also be alleviated by warming up (P = .001) or propranolol lavage (P = .027). This preliminary study indicated that BAT function could be evaluated by 18F‐FDG PET imaging through short‐term interventions, which paved the way for further investigation of the relationship between human obesity and BAT dysfunction.
Evaluation of Hemodynamic Parameters as Predictors of Glaucoma Progression
Authors: Janulevičiene Ingrida , Ehrlich Rita , Siesky Brent , Nedzelskienė Irena , Harris Alon
Published: April 2011

Purpose. To evaluate hemodynamic parameters as possible predictors for glaucoma progression.Methods. An 18-month randomized double-masked cohort study including 30 open-angle glaucoma patients receiving fixed-combination treatment with Dorzolamide/Timolol (DTFC) or Latanoprost/Timolol (LTFC) (n=15per group) was performed. Intraocular pressure (IOP), arterial blood pressure (BP), ocular and diastolic perfusion pressures (OPP, DPP), color Doppler imaging, pulsatile ocular blood flow analysis, scanning laser polarimetry, and Humphrey visual field evaluations were included.Results. Both treatments showed statistically similar IOP reduction. Six patients in DTFC and 7 in LTFC group met glaucoma progression criteria. DTFC group had higher OPP, DPP, and lower vascular resistivity indices as compared to the LTFC. Progressing patients had higher nerve fiber index, lower systolic BP, OPP, DPP, higher ophthalmic and central retinal artery vascular resistance, and lower pulse volume (P<.05;t-test).Conclusions. Structural changes consistent with glaucoma progression correlate with non-IOP-dependent risk factors.
4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal-Modified Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Is Degraded by Cathepsin G in Rat Neutrophils
Authors: Tsuchiya Yukihiro , Okada Go , Kobayashi Shigeki , Chikuma Toshiyuki , Hojo Hiroshi
Published: April 2011

Degradation of oxidized or oxidatively modified proteins is an essential part of the antioxidant defenses of cells. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal, a major reactive aldehyde formed by lipid peroxidation, causes many types of cellular damage. It has been reported that 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified proteins are degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway or, in some cases, by the lysosomal pathway. However, our previous studies using U937 cells showed that 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase is degraded by cathepsin G. In the present study, we isolated the 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-degrading enzyme from rat neutrophils to an active protein fraction of 28 kDa. Using the specific antibody, the 28 kDa protein was identified as cathepsin G. Moreover, the degradation activity was inhibited by cathepsin G inhibitors. These results suggest that cathepsin G plays a crucial role in the degradation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase.
Hospital Admissions from Nursing Homes: Rates and Reasons
Authors: Krüger Kjell , Jansen Kristian , Grimsmo Anders , Eide Geir Egil , Geitung Jonn Terje
Published: April 2011

Hospital admissions from nursing homes have not previously been investigated in Norway. During 12 months all hospital admissions (acute and elective) from 32 nursing homes in Bergen were recorded via the Norwegian ambulance register. The principal diagnosis made during the stay, length of stay, and the ward were sourced from the hospital's data register and data were merged. Altogether 1,311 hospital admissions were recorded during the 12 months. Admissions from nursing homes made up 6.1% of the total number of admissions to medical wards, while for surgical wards they made up 3.8%. Infections, fractures, cardiovascular and gastri-related diagnoses represented the most frequent admission diagnoses. Infections accounted for 25.0% of admissions, including 51.0% pneumonias. Of all the admissions, fractures were the cause in 10.2%. Of all fractures, hip fractures represented 71.7. The admission rate increased as the proportion of short-term beds increased, and at nursing homes with short-term beds, admissions increased with increasing physician coverage. Potential reductions in hospitalizations for infections from nursing homes may play a role to reduce pressure on medical departments as may fracture prevention. Solely increasing physician coverage in nursing homes will probably not reduce the number of hospitalizations.
Vehicle Detection Based on Perspective Transformation Using Rear-View Camera
Authors: Tanaka Shiho , Yamada Kenichi , Ito Toshio , Ohkawa Takenao
Published: April 2011

In recent times, the number of vehicles with a rear-view camera has been increasing. The rear-view camera can be utilized as a sensor for monitoring a collision from behind the vehicle in a driving scene. To prevent rear-end collisions, we have been developing a technology that detects approaching vehicles from images obtained using an onboard rear-view camera. In conventional vehicle detection methods, often, camera-view images are used. However, it is difficult to accurately estimate the position of a distant approaching vehicle using such images. In this paper, we propose an improved method to accurately estimate the position of distant approaching vehicles by using virtual top-view images. The displacement of the vehicle in the top-view image is proportional to its speed. Thus, the proposed method can provide the accurate position of the distant vehicle. We describe the details of the proposed method and its availability by the experiment using actual images.
Photovoltaic Performance of ZnO Nanosheets Solar Cell Sensitized with Beta-Substituted Porphyrin
Authors: Mahesh Arumugam
Published: April 2011

The photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was fabricated using two-dimensional ZnO nanosheets (2D ZnO NSs) sensitized with beta-substituted porphyrins photosensitizer, and its photovoltaic performance in solid-state DSSC with TiO2nanotubes (TiO2TNs) modified poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymer electrolyte was studied. The ZnO NSs were synthesized through hydrothermal method and were characterized through high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), diffused reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PL), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The crystallinity of the polymer electrolytes was investigated using X-ray diffraction analysis. The photovoltaic performance of the beta-substituted porphyrins sensitized solar cells was evaluated under standard AM1.5G simulated illumination (100 mW cm−2). The efficiency of energy conversion from solar to electrical due to 2D ZnO NSs based DSSCs is 0.13%, which is about 1.6 times higher than that of the control DSSC using ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as photoanode (0.08%), when TiO2NTs fillers modified PEO electrolyte was incorporated in the DSSCs. The current-voltage () and photocurrent-time () curves proved stable with effective collection of electrons, when the 2D ZnO nanostructured photoanode was introduced in the solid-state DSSC.
Simulation of High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Images on the IBM Blue Gene/L Supercomputer Using SIMRI
Authors: Baum K. G. , Menezes G. , Helguera M.
Published: April 2011

Medical imaging system simulators are tools that provide a means to evaluate system architecture and create artificial image sets that are appropriate for specific applications. We have modified SIMRI, a Bloch equation-based magnetic resonance image simulator, in order to successfully generate high-resolution 3D MR images of the Montreal brain phantom using Blue Gene/L systems. Results show that redistribution of the workload allows an anatomically accurate 2563voxel spin-echo simulation in less than 5 hours when executed on an 8192-node partition of a Blue Gene/L system.
Preparation andIn Vitro/In VivoEvaluation of Vinpocetine Elementary Osmotic Pump System
Authors: Ning Meiying , Zhou Yue , Chen Guojun , Mei Xingguo
Published: April 2011

Preparation andin vitroandin vivoevaluation of vinpocetine (VIN) elementary osmotic pump (EOP) formulations were investigated. A method for the preparation of VIN elementary osmotic pump tablet was obtained by adding organic acid additives to increase VIN solubility. VIN was used as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, lactose and mannitol as osmotic agent. Citric acid was used as increasing API solubility and without resulting in the API degradation. It is found that the VIN release rate was increasing with the citric acid amount at a constant range. Cellulose acetate 398-3 was employed as semipermeable membrane containing polyethylene glycol 6000 and diethyl-o-phthalate as pore-forming agent and plasticizer for controlling membrane permeability. In addition, a clear difference between the pharmacokinetic patterns of VIN immediate release and VIN elementary osmotic pump formulations was revealed. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve after oral administration of elementary osmotic pump formulations was equivalent to VIN immediate release formulation. Furthermore, significant differences found for mean residence time, elimination half-life, and elimination rate constant values corroborated prolonged release of VIN from elementary osmotic pump formulations. These results suggest that the VIN osmotic pump controlled release tablets have marked controlled release characters and the VIN osmotic pump controlled release tablets and the normal tablets were bioequivalent.
Persistent Organic Pollutants in Serum and Several Different Fat Compartments in Humans
Authors: Yu George W. , Laseter John , Mylander Charles
Published: April 2011

Background. Chemicals that store in lipid-rich compartments have the potential for long-term disruption of metabolic and endocrine processes. Given the evidence that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) also alter systemic metabolic, endocrine, and immune system functions, it follows that elevated chemical concentrations in intra-abdominal fat may alter function, through local chemical signaling, of visceral organs. Despite this potential, there has been little study defining POP concentrations in live human intra-abdominal fat. It is at present uncertain whether POPs distribute equally to all fat compartments, including fat in serum.Methods. Seven human subjects scheduled for elective surgery for benign lesions or cancer provided consent for removal of samples of subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat and/or cancerous tissue. These samples were analyzed for 22 chlorinated pesticides and 10 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners by GC/ECD plus GC/MS.Results. In only two subjects were the patterns and relative concentrations of PCBs and pesticides about the same in all fat compartments. In the other subjects, there were major differences in levels in subcutaneous as compared to other compartments, but with some higher and some lower. While the pattern of PCBs in the various compartments matched that of the pesticides in some, it was opposite in others.Interpretation. These results demonstrate a complicated distribution of PCB congeners and pesticides in various lipid compartments. The difference may reflect various Kows, different rates of metabolism, and/or different lengths of exposure. But the results suggest that contaminant levels in serum or even subcutaneous fat do not necessarily indicate concentrations and patterns in other kinds of adipose tissue.
Identities of Symmetry for Generalized Euler Polynomials
Authors: Kim Dae San
Published: April 2011

We derive eight basic identities of symmetry in three variables related to generalized Euler polynomials and alternating generalized power sums. All of these are new, since there have been
results only about identities of symmetry in two variables. The derivations of identities are based on the -adic fermionic integral expression of the generating function for the generalized Euler polynomials and the quotient of integrals that can be expressed as the exponential generating function for the alternating generalized power sums.
Geminate Recombination in the Presence of Scavengers: The New Vision of the Old Problem
Authors: Fedorenko S. G. , Kipriyanov A. A. , Doktorov A. B.
Published: April 2011

A geminate reaction between and reactants affected by the bulk reaction between and scavengers is discussed. The exact solution of the problem
obtained recently for randomly walking reactant (excess electron) is compared
with the superposition approximation commonly used to interpret experimental
data. Distinctions related to the important role of time correlations between geminate
and bulk reactions are analyzed. The largest deviations exponentially growing
in time are observed for geminate reaction rate in the presence of scavengers. It
is shown that superposition approximation can decrease essentially the ultimate
probability of geminate recombination. The difference is great enough to lead to
qualitatively incorrect description of the experiment even at small concentration of
scavengers. This, in turn, may give rise to considerable errors in the determination
of geminate pair parameters or, alternatively, to the wrong information about bulk
kinetics of electron scavenging.
TEM Observation of the Dislocations Nucleated from Cracks inside Lightly or Heavily Doped Czochralski Silicon Wafers
Authors: Shiba Seiji , Sueoka Koji
Published: April 2011

The crack propagation from the indent introduced with a Vickers hardness tester at room temperature and the dislocation nucleation from the cracks at 900°C inside lightly boron (B), heavily B, or heavily arsenic (As) doped Czochralski (CZ) Si wafers were investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. It was found that the dopant concentration and the dopant type did not significantly affect the crack propagation and the dislocation nucleation. The slip dislocations with a density of about (0.8∼2.8) × 1013/cm3were nucleated from the cracks propagated about 10 μm in depth. Furthermore, small dislocations that nucleated with very high density and without cracks were found around the indent introduced at 1000°C.
Invariant Graphical Method for Electron‐Atom Scattering Coupled‐Channel Equations
Authors: Wang J. B. , Stelbovics A. T.
Published: April 2011

We present application examples of a graphical method for the efficient construction of potential matrix elements in quantum physics or quantum chemistry. The simplicity and power of this method are illustrated through several examples. In particular, a complete set of potential matrix elements for electron‐lithium scattering are derived for the first time using this method, which removes the frozen core approximation adopted by previous studies. This method can be readily adapted to study other many‐body quantum systems.
Alloplastic Reconstruction of the Extensor Mechanism after Resection of Tibial Sarcoma
Authors: Holzapfel Boris Michael , Rechl Hans , Lehner Stefan , Pilge Hakan , Gollwitzer Hans , Steinhauser Erwin
Published: April 2011

Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism is essential for good extremity function after endoprosthetic knee replacement following tumor resection. Only a few biological methods have been able to reliably restore a functional extensor mechanism, but they are often associated with significant complication rates. Reattachment of the patellar tendon to the prosthesis using an alloplastic patellar ligament (Trevira cord) can be an appropriate alternative. In vivo and in vitro studies have already shown that complete fibrous ingrowth in polyethylene chords can be seen after a period of six months. However, until now, no biomechanical study has shown the efficacy of an alloplastic cord and its fixation device in providing sufficient stability and endurance in daily life-activity until newly formed scar tissue can take over this function. In a special test bench developed for this study, different loading regimes were applied to simulate loads during everyday life. Failure loads and failure modes were evaluated. The properties of the cord were compared before and after physiological conditioning. It was shown that rubbing was the mode of failure under dynamic loading. Tensile forces up to 2558 N did not result in material failure. Thus, using an artificial cord together with this fixation device, temporary sufficient stable fixation can be expected.
Multicentric Castleman's Disease in a Hepatitis C-Positive Intravenous Drug User: A Case Report
Authors: Talukder D. Y. , Delpachitra S. N.
Published: April 2011

Introduction. We report a rare presentation of Castleman's disease in a hepatitis C-positive patient and present a short review of treatments described in other similar case reports and studies.Case Presentation. A 46-year-old male with untreated hepatitis C and a 16-year history of intravenous drug use presented with pleuritic chest pain and bony pain in the knee, hip, and lower back, on a background of unexplained weight loss of 40 kilograms, fevers, night sweats, and repeated infections over the last two years. Examination discovered tender hepatomegaly, a warm right knee effusion, and painless lymphadenopathy. The patient was reactive to Epstein Barr virus and cytomegalovirus; however, HIV and HHV-8 viral testing was negative. Osteomyelitis of vertebrae T8–T11 and septic arthritis of the knee were found on investigation. A lymph node biopsy revealed histology suggestive of plasmacytic Castleman's disease. The patient is to commence rituximab treatment.Conclusion. Castleman's disease continues to present in novel ways, which may lead to difficulties in clinicopathologic diagnosis. A growing body of evidence suggests larger studies are required to determine the best treatment for multicentric Castleman's disease, particularly in patients with a concomitant disease, including hepatitis C.
The Influence of Radiographic Severity on the Relationship between Muscle Strength and Joint Loading in Obese Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Aaboe Jens , Bliddal Henning , Alkjaer Tine , Boesen Mikael , Henriksen Marius
Published: April 2011

Objective. To investigate the relationship between knee muscle strength and the external knee adduction moment during walking in obese knee osteoarthritis patients and whether disease severity influences this relationship. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 136 elderly obese (BMI>30) adults with predominant medial knee osteoarthritis. Muscle strength, standing radiographic severity as measured by the Kellgren and Lawrence scale, and the peak external knee adduction moment were measured at self-selected walking speed. Results. According to radiographic severity, patients were classified as “less severe” (KL 1-2, N=73) or “severe” (KL 3-4, N=63). A significant positive association was demonstrated between the peak knee adduction moment and hamstring muscle strength in the whole cohort (P=.047). However, disease severity did not influence the relationship between muscle strength and dynamic medial knee joint loading. Severe patients had higher peak knee adduction moment and more varus malalignment (P<.001). Conclusion. Higher hamstring muscle strength relates to higher estimates of dynamic knee joint loading in the medial compartment. No such relationship existed for quadriceps muscle strength. Although cross sectional, the results suggest that hamstrings function should receive increased attention in future studies and treatments that aim at halting disease progression.
Frequency of HIV Infection among Sailors in South of Iran by Rapid HIV Test
Authors: Jabbari Hossain , Aghamollaie Somayeh , Esmaeeli Djavid Gholamreza , Sedaghat Abbas , Sargolzaei Maryam , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Rasoolinejad Mehrnaz , Mohraz Minoo
Published: April 2011

Information on the prevalence and risk factors for HIV infection among sailors is scarce. The aim of this seroprevalence study was to evaluate the frequency of HIV infection among sailors in south of Iran using rapid HIV test. The study included 400 consecutive participants in Lengeh, Shahid Rajaie, and Shahid Bahonar ports in south of Iran in May 2010. We observed only one case (0.25%) of HIV infection in this sample of sailors. While prevalence appears low at present, we recommend periodic HIV serosurveillance with detailed behavioral measures for this population in the future.
An Update on the Controversies in Anemia Management in Chronic Kidney Disease: Lessons Learned and Lost
Authors: Teehan Geoffrey , Benz Robert L.
Published: April 2011

Background. Erythropoietin deficiency and anemia occur in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and may be treated with Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESAs). The optimal hemoglobin, in non-End Stage Renal Disease CKD, is controversial.Methods. We review three recent randomized trials in anemia in CKD: CHOIR, CREATE, and TREAT.Results. CHOIR (N=1432) was terminated early with more frequent death and cardiovascular outcomes in the higher Hb group (HR 1.34: 95% C.I. 1.03–1.74,P=.03). CREATE (N=603) showed no difference in primary cardiovascular endpoints. Stroke was more common in the higher Hb group (HR 1.92; 95% C.I. 1.38–2.68;P<.001) in TREAT (N=4038).Conclusions. There is no benefit to an Hb outside the 10–12 g/dL range in this population. To avoid transfusions and improve Quality of Life, ESAs should be used cautiously, especially in patients with Diabetes, CKD, risk factors for stroke, and ESA resistance.
Lower Frequency of CD62Lhighand Higher Frequency of TNFR2+Tregs Are Associated with Inflammatory Conditions in Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Ryba Monika , Rybarczyk-Kapturska Karolina , Zorena Katarzyna , Myśliwiec Małgorzata , Myśliwska Jolanta
Published: April 2011

Diabetes type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disease in which insulin-producing cells are gradually destroyed by autoreactive T cells. Human regulatory cells play important role in controlling autoimmunity, and their qualitative or quantitative dysfunctions may result in ineffective suppression of autoreactive T cells. CD62L is a surface molecule that plays role in homing capabilities of Tregs, and only cells with high expression of CD62L have high suppressive potential. Tregs are also characterized by the constant expression of TNFR2. The frequency of Tregs carrying TNFR2 is higher in inflammatory conditions. We investigated blood regulatory T cells with CD62L expression and regulatory T cells expressing TNFR2 in type 1 diabetic patients. We found differences in these populations when comparing to healthy individuals. We propose that these may be associated with inflammatory conditions that are present in patients with type 1 diabetes. The lower percentage of Tregs and Treg CD62Lhighmay contribute to ineffective suppression of proinflammatory cytokines production during type 1 diabetes.
Optical Response Near the Soft X-Ray Absorption Edges and Structural Studies of Low Optical Contrast System Using Soft X-Ray Resonant Reflectivity
Authors: Nayak Maheswar , Lodha Gyanendra S.
Published: April 2011

Fine structure features of energy-dependent atomic scattering factor near the atomic absorption edge, are used for structural analysis of low-Z containing thin film structures. The scattering contrast undergoes large and abrupt change as the incident photon energy approaches the natural frequency of the atom and is sensitive to variation in atomic composition and atomic density. Soft X-ray resonant reflectivity is utilized for determination of composition at the buried interfaces with subnanometer sensitivity. This is demonstrated through characterization of Mo/Si multilayers near Si L-edge. We also demonstrate the possibility of probing variation of atomic density in thin films, through the characterization of Fe/B4C structure, near B K-edge. Sensitivity of soft X-ray resonant reflectivity to native oxide is demonstrated through characterization of BN films near B K-edge.
Evaluation of Selective Broadcast Algorithms for Safety Applications in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Bür Kaan , Kihl Maria
Published: April 2011

Just as wireless communications develop
further to achieve higher performance, new application
areas emerge to challenge the limits. Vehicular ad hoc networks
are one of these areas, and emergency situation warning is one
of their most popular applications since traffic safety
is a concern for everyone. Due to the life-critical nature of
emergency applications, however, it is extremely important to
ensure the solutions proposed meet the standards required,
such as reliable and timely delivery of the safety
warning in a situation like car collision avoidance. In order to put
the candidate solutions to the test and evaluate their feasibility,
we adopt the approach of computer simulation. We implement
four different selective broadcast algorithms used for information
dissemination in vehicular ad hoc networks, and compare their
performance under identical realistic simulation conditions.
Our goal is to provide an evaluation focussing on
the performance with respect to safety, rather than to network aspects like throughput, loss, and delay. We
define four new performance criteria to address the effectiveness,
efficiency, timeliness, and overhead of the broadcast
algorithms in safety warning delivery. The results we
obtain using these criteria help us to understand better the
design requirements of a high-performance selective broadcast
algorithm.
Evaluation of WHO Criteria for Viral Failure in Patients on Antiretroviral Treatment in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Castelnuovo Barbara , Sempa Joseph , Agnes Kiragga N. , Kamya Moses R. , Manabe Yukari C.
Published: April 2011

Our objective was to evaluate outcomes in patients with sustained viral suppression compared to those with episodes of viremia.Methods. In a prospective cohort of patients started on ART in Uganda and followed for 48 months, patients were categorized according to viral load (VL): (1) sustained-suppression: (VL ≤1,000 copies/mL) (2) VL 1,001–10,000, or (3) VL >10,000.Results. Fifty-Three (11.2%) and 84 (17.8%) patients had a first episode of intermediate and high viremia, respectively. Patients with sustained suppression had better CD4+ T cell count increases over time compared to viremic patients (). The majority of patients with viremia achieved viral suppression when the measurement was repeated. Only 39.6% of patients with intermediate and 19.1% with high viremia eventually needed to be switched to second line ().Conclusions. The use of at least one repeat measurement rather than a single VL measurement could avert from 60% to 80% of unnecessary switches.
Mutagenic Tests Confirm That New Acetylacetonate Pt(II) Complexes Induce Apoptosis in Cancer Cells Interacting with Nongenomic Biological Targets
Authors: De Pascali Sandra Angelica , Lugoli Federica , De Donno Antonella , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo
Published: April 2011

New platinum(II) complexes [PtCl(O,O′-acac)(L)] (1) and [Pt(O,O′-acac)(-acac)(L)] (2) (,a; DMS,b) containing a single chelated (O,O′-acac) (1), or one chelated and one -bonded (-acac) acetylacetonate (2) have been synthesized. The new Pt(II) complexes exhibited highin vitrocytotoxicity oncisplatinsensitive and resistant cell lines and showed negligible reactivity with nucleobases (Guo and 5′-GMP) but selective substitution of DMSO/DMS with soft biological nucleophiles, such as L-methionine. In order to assess the ability of the new complexes with respect to cisplatin to induce apoptosis by interaction with nongenomic targets, the Ames' test, a standard reverse mutation assay, was carried out on twoSalmonella typhimuriumstrains (TA98 and TA100). Interestingly, the new complexes did not show the well-known mutagenic activity exhibited by cisplatin and are, therefore, able to activate apoptotic pathways without interacting with DNA.
On FuzzySp-Open Sets
Authors: Othman Hakeem A.
Published: April 2011

A new class of generalized fuzzy open sets in fuzzy topological space, called fuzzysp-open sets, are introduced, and their properties are studied and the relationship between this new concept and other weaker forms of fuzzy open sets we discussed. Moreover, we introduce the fuzzysp-continuous (resp., fuzzysp-open) mapping and other stronger forms ofsp-continuous (resp., fuzzysp-open) mapping and establish their various characteristic properties. Finally, we study the relationships between all these mappings and other weaker forms of fuzzy continuous mapping and introduce fuzzysp-connected. Counter examples are given to show the noncoincidence of these sets and mappings.
Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of Lymphoma
Authors: Creemers Koen , van der Heiden Olaf , Los Jan , van Esser Joost , Newhall David , Djamin Remco S. , Aerts Joachim G.
Published: April 2011

In recent years, endoscopic ultrasound techniques with Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) have become an increasingly used diagnostic aid in the differentiation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and endoesophageal ultrasound (EUS) are now available for clinicians to reach mediastinal and paramediastinal masses using a minimally invasive approach. These techniques are an established component for diagnosing and staging lung cancer and their benefit in the diagnosis of lymphoma's has been highlighted in a number of case studies. However, the lack of tissue architecture obtained by cytological FNA specimens decreases the diagnostic accuracy for benign causes of thoracic lymphadenopathies, lymphomas, and histopathological subtyping of lung cancer. Accordingly, our study group have adapted the FNA sampling technique, resulting in tissue fragments that can be used for histopathological examinations. As an illustration, we report a case of follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, diagnosed on tissue fragments obtained by adjusted EUS FNA. We believe that this relatively simple adjustment to routine FNA sampling can help to overcome the diagnostic limitations inherent in cytology obtained by routine FNA.
Partitioning Inverse Monte Carlo Iterative Algorithm for Finding the Three Smallest Eigenpairs of Generalized Eigenvalue Problem
Authors: Fathi Vajargah Behrouz , Mehrdoust Farshid
Published: April 2011

A new Monte Carlo approach for evaluating the generalized eigenpair
of real symmetric matrices will be proposed. Algorithm for the three smallest eigenpairs
based on the partitioning inverse Monte Carlo iterative (IMCI) method will be considered.
HSV Serologic Testing for Pregnant Women: Willingness to Be Tested and Factors Affecting Testing
Authors: Baker David A. , Pressley Andrea , Meek Lillian , Figueroa Reinaldo , Yates Barbara , Dix Lynn
Published: April 2011

Objective. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate pregnant women's willingness to undergo HSV type-specific serologic testing and factors affecting willingness in an obstetrics/gynecology ambulatory unit.Methods. At prenatal Visit 1, pregnant women (n=303) with no history of HSV-2 were tested for HSV-1/HSV-2 before and after they received counseling on genital and neonatal herpes.Results. In both the Unwilling Subgroup and the group that changed from being willing to being unwilling, the most common reasons for choosing not to be tested werenot being at risk for genital herpes, being tested is too personal, and concern about what will be done with the results. Of the 134 participants in the Willing/Tested Subgroup, 27 (20%) were HSV-2 seropositive and 81 (60%) were HSV-1 seropositive.Conclusions. These results support the feasibility of HSV serologic testing and counseling in pregnant women.
A 7-Year History of Necrobiotic Xanthogranuloma following Asymptomatic Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report
Authors: Inthasotti Siriluk , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Manonukul Jane
Published: April 2011

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma (NXG) is a rare destructive xanthomatous granuloma with chronic, indolent, and progressive course. The morbidity and mortality are the results from wound complications and associated disorders. Because of its strong association with monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma, early recognition of disease is mandatory to monitor and prevent systemic involvements of hematologic malignancies.