bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Architectural time-predictability factor (ATF)
Authors: Ding Yiqiang , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2013

Due to the prohibitive cost of worst-case timing analysis for modern processors, the design of time-predictable processors has become increasingly important for hard real-time and safety-critical systems. However, to the best of our knowledge currently there is no effective and widely accepted metric to quantitatively evaluate time predictability of processors, which greatly impedes the advancement of time-predictable processor design.

This paper first introduces the concept of architectural time predictability (ATP), which separates timing uncertainty concerns caused by hardware from software. We then propose a metric called Architectural Time-predictability Factor (ATF) to measure architectural time predictability. Our evaluation on a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) processor indicates that ATF is an effective metric to quantitatively evaluate architectural time predictability of a whole processor as well as its architectural and microarchitectural components such as caches, branch prediction, speculative execution, parallel pipelines, and Scratch-Pad Memory (SPM). Thus ATF can be used to quantitatively guide architectural design for enhancing time predictability or making better trade-offs between performance and time predictability.
Cleaning up Linux's CPU hotplug for real time and energy management
Authors: Gleixner Thomas , McKenney Paul E. , Guittot Vincent
Published: March 2013

Linux's CPU-Hotplug facility was originally designed to allow failing hardware to be removed from a running system. Hardware fails quite infrequently, so CPU-hotplug performance (much less real-time response) was not a major consideration. However, CPU hotplug is now used for energy management and (believe it or not!) real-time response, both of which have unsurprisingly exposed some shortcomings in CPU hotplug. This document reviews a number of these shortcomings, and then proposes an alternative CPU-hotplug approach that we believe will address these shortcomings.
Semiconductor Quantum Dots for Bioimaging and Biodiagnostic Applications
Authors: Kairdolf Brad A. , Smith Andrew M. , Stokes Todd H. , Wang May D. , Young Andrew N. , Nie Shuming
Published: March 2013

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are light-emitting particles on the nanometer scale that have emerged as a new class of fluorescent labels for chemical analysis, molecular imaging, and biomedical diagnostics. Compared with traditional fluorescent probes, QDs have unique optical and electronic properties such as size-tunable light emission, narrow and symmetric emission spectra, and broad absorption spectra that enable the simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence colors. QDs are also considerably brighter and more resistant to photobleaching than are organic dyes and fluorescent proteins. These properties are well suited for dynamic imaging at the single-molecule level and for multiplexed biomedical diagnostics at ultrahigh sensitivity. Here, we discuss the fundamental properties of QDs; the development of next-generation QDs; and their applications in bioanalytical chemistry, dynamic cellular imaging, and medical diagnostics. For in vivo and clinical imaging, the potential toxicity of QDs remains a major concern. However, the toxic nature of cadmium-containing QDs is no longer a factor for in vitro diagnostics, so the use of multicolor QDs for molecular diagnostics and pathology is probably the most important and clinically relevant application for semiconductor QDs in the immediate future.
Environmental Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lebedev Albert T.
Published: March 2013

Environmental mass spectrometry is an important branch of science because it provides many of the data that underlie policy decisions that can directly influence the health of people and ecosystems. Environmental mass spectrometry is currently undergoing rapid development. Among the most relevant directions are a significant broadening of the lists of formally targeted compounds; a parallel interest in nontarget chemicals; an increase in the reliability of analyses involving accurate mass measurements, tandem mass spectrometry, and isotopically labeled standards; and a shift toward faster high-throughput analysis, with minimal sample preparation, involving various approaches, including ambient ionization techniques and miniature instruments. A real revolution in analytical chemistry could be triggered with the appearance of robust, simple, and sensitive portable mass spectrometers that can utilize ambient ionization techniques. If the cost of such instruments is reduced to a reasonable level, mass spectrometers could become valuable household devices.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate and Its Receptors: Structure, Signaling, and Influence
Authors: Rosen Hugh , Stevens Raymond C. , Hanson Michael , Roberts Edward , Oldstone Michael B.A.
Published: March 2013

The sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor signaling system has biological and medical importance and is the first lipid G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) structure to be solved to 2.8-Å resolution. S1P binds to five high-affinity GPCRs generating multiple downstream signals that play essential roles in vascular development and endothelial integrity, control of cardiac rhythm, and routine oral treatment of multiple sclerosis. Genetics, chemistry, and now structural biology have advanced this integrated biochemical system. The S1P receptors have a novel N-terminal fold that occludes access to the binding pocket from the extracellular environment as well as orthosteric and bitopic ligands with very different physicochemical properties. S1P receptors and metabolizing enzymes have been deleted, inducibly deleted, and knocked in as tagged or altered receptors in mice. An array of genetic models allows analysis of integrated receptor function in vivo. We can now directly understand causal relationships among protein expression, signal, and control points in physiology and pathology.
Protein Structure Determination by Magic-Angle Spinning Solid-State NMR, and Insights into the Formation, Structure, and Stability of Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Comellas Gemma , Rienstra Chad M.
Published: March 2013

Protein structure determination methods using magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS SSNMR) have experienced a remarkable development in the past decade. Significant advances in instrumentation, sample preparation, spectroscopic techniques, and computational methods have made possible the determination of the first high-resolution structures of a peptide and a protein in 2002. Subsequent developments allowed the investigation of larger proteins, the initial application of automated analysis routines, and substantial improvements in structural resolution. The application of these methods has enabled the investigation of amyloid fibril structures, conformational dynamics, and their assembly pathways at an atomic level for the first time, as these are systems not accessible by other common techniques. Recent advances and future trends for protein structure determination using MAS SSNMR, as well as its application to the study of amyloid fibrils, are reviewed.
Quantile Models with Endogeneity
Authors: Chernozhukov V. , Hansen C.
Published: March 2013

In this article, we review quantile models with endogeneity. We focus on models that achieve identification through the use of instrumental variables and discuss conditions under which partial and point identification are obtained. We discuss key conditions, which include monotonicity and full-rank-type conditions, in detail. In providing this review, we update the identification results of Chernozhukov & Hansen (2005) . We illustrate the modeling assumptions through economically motivated examples. We also briefly review the literature on estimation and inference.
The Multinational Firm
Authors: Yeaple Stephen Ross
Published: March 2013

This article documents the recent advances in the international trade literature toward understanding the role of multinational firms in the conduct of international commerce. Over the past 10 years, we have developed a better understanding of the incentives firms face in their choice of production location, and we know more about the incentives that induce firms to vertically integrate. Furthermore, the theory literature has progressed from two-country models that cannot capture the richness of multinational firms’ activities to multicountry models that do. The empirics have advanced as well but at a slower pace. Progress has been slowed by the lack of comprehensive data and the difficulties of distinguishing between the various mechanisms proposed by theory.
Engineering Crystal Morphology
Authors: Dandekar Preshit , Kuvadia Zubin B. , Doherty Michael F.
Published: March 2013

Crystallization is an important separation and particle formation technique in the manufacture of high-value-added products. During crystallization, many physicochemical characteristics of the substance are established. Such characteristics include crystal polymorph, shape and size, chemical purity and stability, reactivity, and electrical and magnetic properties. However, control over the physical form of crystalline materials has remained poor, due mainly to an inadequate understanding of the basic growth and dissolution mechanisms, as well as of the influence of impurities, additives, and solvents on the growth rate of individual crystal faces. Crystal growth is a surface-controlled phenomenon in which solute molecules are incorporated into surface lattice sites to yield the bulk long-range order that characterizes crystalline materials. In this article, we describe some recent advances in crystal morphology engineering, with a special focus on a new mechanistic model for spiral growth. These mechanistic ideas are simple enough that they can be made to work and accurate enough that they are useful.
Eigenvalue of Fractional Differential Equations withp-Laplacian Operator
Authors: Wu Wenquan , Zhou Xiangbing
Published: March 2013

We investigate the existence of positive solutions for the fractional order eigenvalue problem withp-Laplacian operator-𝒟tβ(φp(𝒟tαx))(t)=λf(t,x(t)),  t∈(0,1),  x(0)=0,  𝒟tαx(0)=0,  𝒟tγx(1)=∑j=1m-2‍aj𝒟tγx(ξj), where𝒟tβ,  𝒟tα,  𝒟tγare the standard Riemann-Liouville derivatives andp-Laplacian operator is defined asφp(s)=|s|p-2s,  p>1.f:(0,1)×(0,+∞)→[0,+∞)is continuous andfcan be singular att=0,1andx=0.By constructing upper and lower solutions, the existence of positive solutions for the eigenvalue problem of fractional differential equation is established.
Relationship between Monthly Rainfall in NW Peru and Tropical Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Bazo Juan , Lorenzo María de las Nieves , Porfirio da Rocha Rosmeri
Published: March 2013

This study assesses the relationship between global sea surface temperature (SST) and a regional index of rainfall (NWPR) in Piura-Tumbes, a coastal region in northwestern Peru, over the period 1965–2008 by means of the Pearson product-moment correlation. The results show that this area is strongly influenced by three indices: El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Niño3.4 region, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and the equatorial Atlantic Oscillation (ATL3). In particular, a positive correlation has been found with the two first indices (Niño3.4 and IOD) and a negative one with ATL3 with several months of delay. This allows developing a forecast regression model for monthly rainfall in NW Peru with months in advance. The results show that linear regression model is not enough to provide satisfactory results; however, a nonlinear regression model improves considerably the prediction of rainfall anomalies in NW Peru.
Guaranteed Cost Control for Exponential Synchronization of Cellular Neural Networks with Mixed Time-Varying Delays via Hybrid Feedback Control
Authors: Botmart T. , Weera W.
Published: March 2013

The problem of guaranteed cost control for exponential synchronization of cellular neural networks with interval nondifferentiable and distributed time-varying delays via hybrid feedback control is considered. The interval time-varying delay function is not necessary to be differentiable. Based on the construction of improved Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals is combined with Leibniz-Newton's formula and the technique of dealing with some integral terms. New delay-dependent sufficient conditions for the exponential synchronization of the error systems with memoryless hybrid feedback control are first established in terms of LMIs without introducing any free-weighting matrices. The optimal guaranteed cost control with linear error hybrid feedback is turned into the solvable problem of a set of LMIs. A numerical example is also given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
On the Regularity of Weak Contact -Harmonic Maps
Authors: Dragomir Sorin , Petit Robert
Published: March 2013

We prove Caccioppoli type estimates and consequently establish local Hölder continuity
for a class of weak contact -harmonic maps from the
Heisenberg group into the sphere .
A Model of Numerical Calculation of Conductivity for III-V MBE Epilayers Using a Hall Device
Authors: Wolkenberg Andrzej
Published: March 2013

An electrical conduction versus temperature model using a Hall device was developed. In the case of InAs, InGaAs, and GaAs MBE epilayers, the prediction agrees well with the experimental results. Herein, we explain here how these calculated fractions of total conductivity describe the measured values. The method allows for the calculation of the carrier concentration and mobility of each component of a multicarrier system. The extracted concentrations are used to characterise the different components of charge transport in the active layer. The conductance valuesG[S] of these components of charge transport were obtained. Also the scattering events for the investigated samples are presented. The analysis of the experimental results for three semiconductor compositions and different concentrations demonstrates the utility of our method in comparing the conductance of each component of the multilayered system as a function of temperature.
Thermodynamic and Acoustic Study on Molecular Interactions in Certain Binary Liquid Systems Involving Ethyl Benzoate
Authors: Nagarjun B. , Sarma A. V. , Rao G. V. Rama , Rambabu C.
Published: March 2013

Speeds of sound and density for binary mixtures of ethyl benzoate (EB) with N,N-dimethylformamide (NNDMF), N,N-dimethyl acetamide (NNDMAc), and N,N-dimethylaniline (NNDMA) were measured as a function of mole fraction at temperatures 303.15, 308.15 K, 313.15 K, and 318.15 K and atmospheric pressure. From the experimental data, adiabatic compressibility (βad), intermolecular free length (Lf), and molar volume (V) have been computed. The excess values of the above parameters were also evaluated and discussed in light of molecular interactions. Deviation in adiabatic compressibilities and excess intermolecular free length (LfE) are found to be negative over the molefraction of ethyl benzoate indicating the presence of strong interactions between the molecules. The negative excess molar volume VE values are attributed to strong dipole-dipole interactions between unlike molecules in the mixtures. The binary data of Δβad, VE, and LfE were correlated as a function of molefraction by using the Redlich-Kister equation.
Definition of Compartment Based Radical Surgery in Uterine Cancer—Part I: Therapeutic Pelvic and Periaortic Lymphadenectomy by Michael Höckel Translated to Robotic Surgery
Authors: Kimmig Rainer , Iannaccone Antonella , Buderath Paul , Aktas Bahriye , Wimberger Pauline , Heubner Martin
Published: March 2013

Objective. To define compartment based therapeutic pelvic and periaortic lymphadenectomy in cervical and endometrial cancer. Compartment based oncologic surgery appears to be favorable for patients in terms of radicality as well as complication rates, and the same appears to be true for robotic surgery. We describe a method of robotically assisted compartment based lymphadenectomy step by step in uterine cancer and demonstrate feasibility data from 35 patients. Methods. Patients with the diagnosis of endometrial (n=16) or cervical (n=19) cancer were included. Patients were treated by rTMMR (robotic total mesometrial resection) or rPMMR (robotic peritoneal mesometrial resection) and pelvic or pelvic/periaortic rtLNE (robotic therapeutic lymphadenectomy) with cervical cancer FIGO IB-IIA or endometrial cancer FIGO I-III. Results. No transition to open surgery was necessary. Complication rates were 13% for endometrial cancer and 21% for cervical cancer. Within follow-up time median (22/20) month we noted 1 recurrence of cervical cancer and 2 endometrial cancer recurrences. Conclusions. We conclude that compartment based rtLNE is a feasible and safe technique for the treatment of uterine cancers and is favorable in aspects of radicality and complication rates. It should be analyzed in multicenter studies with extended followup on the basis of the described technique.
Giant Leiomyoma of the Retzius Space: A Case Report
Authors: Pepe Franco , Pepe Pietro , Rapisarda Filippo , Fauzia Marta , Giunta Maria
Published: March 2013

Extrauterine leiomyoma is a very rare clinical condition; we report a case of leiomyoma of the Retzius space in a 49-year-old women who suffered for two years from bladder voiding symptoms characterized by dysuria, feeling of incomplete emptying, and pelvic pain. Clinical evaluation and abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound suggested the presence of a voluminous (about 10 cm in diameter) fibromyoma of the anterior uterus surface. The urodynamic evaluation demonstrated the presence of bladder outlet obstruction (voiding pressure greater than 20 cm H2O and maximum flow rate less than 12 mL/s) with a postvoiding urine residual equal to 80 mL; moreover, the presence of cystocele and urethral stricture was ruled out performing clinical evaluation, cystography, and cystourethroscopy. The patient underwent laparotomy to remove the uterine fibromyoma. Intraoperatively, a voluminous soft mass arising from the Retzius space was found; it was firmly adhered to the uterus with obliteration of vesicouterine pouch owing to severe adhesion to the anterior surface of uterus. The tumour was isolated, enucleated from the prevesical space, and removed; moreover, the patient became asymptomatic after surgery. In conclusion, leiomyoma of the Retzius space is a very rare benign tumour that should be considered in the presence of severe bladder voiding symptoms.
Implementation of a Parallel Protein Structure Alignment Service on Cloud
Authors: Hung Che-Lun , Lin Yaw-Ling
Published: March 2013

Protein structure alignment has become an important strategy by which to identify evolutionary relationships between protein sequences. Several alignment tools are currently available for online comparison of protein structures. In this paper, we propose a parallel protein structure alignment service based on the Hadoop distribution framework. This service includes a protein structure alignment algorithm, a refinement algorithm, and a MapReduce programming model. The refinement algorithm refines the result of alignment. To process vast numbers of protein structures in parallel, the alignment and refinement algorithms are implemented using MapReduce. We analyzed and compared the structure alignments produced by different methods using a dataset randomly selected from the PDB database. The experimental results verify that the proposed algorithm refines the resulting alignments more accurately than existing algorithms. Meanwhile, the computational performance of the proposed service is proportional to the number of processors used in our cloud platform.
A New Optimization Approach for Maximizing the Photovoltaic Panel Power Based on Genetic Algorithm and Lagrange Multiplier Algorithm
Authors: El-Arini Mahdi M. M. , Othman Ahmed M. , Fathy Ahmed
Published: March 2013

In recent years, the solar energy has become one of the most important alternative sources of electric energy, so it is important to operate photovoltaic (PV) panel at the optimal point to obtain the possible maximum efficiency. This paper presents a new optimization approach to maximize the electrical power of a PV panel. The technique which is based on objective function represents the output power of the PV panel and constraints, equality and inequality. First the dummy variables that have effect on the output power are classified into two categories: dependent and independent. The proposed approach is a multistage one as the genetic algorithm, GA, is used to obtain the best initial population at optimal solution and this initial population is fed to Lagrange multiplier algorithm (LM), then a comparison between the two algorithms, GA and LM, is performed. The proposed technique is applied to solar radiation measured at Helwan city at latitude 29.87°, Egypt. The results showed that the proposed technique is applicable.
Solar Energy Potential Assessment in the Algerian South Area: Case of Ghardaïa Region
Authors: Gairaa Kacem , Bakelli Yahia
Published: March 2013

Due to its geographical position in the solar belt, Algeria is blessed with an abundance of solar energy and has the opportunity to utilize this bounty of natural energy effectively, promoting a clean environment and developing renewable energy technologies in the region. This paper assesses and analyses the solar energy potential in Ghardaïa area (south Algeria) to help users for solar energy applications. A database of solar radiation components has been employed for this purpose. The data presented in the paper are compared with other data supplied by renowned regional and international establishments, such as the solar atlas for the Mediterranean and the NASA. The frequency and the hourly distribution of solar radiation components indicate that the region is considered as an economical area and favorable for solar applications, such as the photovoltaic and the concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies. In addition to solar radiation, data of two functions, namely, clearness index and sunshine fraction have been examined; their results specify that the site has a clear sky conditions in most time of the year. In general, the obtained results illustrate that the site under consideration can use solar energy as a promising solution to conventional energy.
Recent Advancement in Functional Core-Shell Nanoparticles of Polymers: Synthesis, Physical Properties, and Applications in Medical Biotechnology
Authors: Kumar K. Santhosh , Kumar Vijay Bhooshan , Paik Pradip
Published: March 2013

This paper covers the core-shell nanomaterials, mainly, polymer-core polymer shell, polymer-core metal shell, and polymer-core nonmetal shells. Herein, various synthesis techniques, properties, and applications of these materials have been discussed. The detailed discussion of the properties with experimental parameters has been carried out. The various characterization techniques for the core-shell nanostructure have also been discussed. Their physical and chemical properties have been addressed. The future aspects of such core-shell nanostructures for biomedical and various other applications have been discussed with a special emphasis on their properties.
Progress in Using Circulating Tumor Cell Information to Improve Metastatic Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Alemar Jose , Schuur Eric R.
Published: March 2013

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were discovered nearly 150 years ago but have only recently been recognized as a feature of most solid tumors due to their extremely low concentration in the peripheral circulation. Several technologies have been developed to isolate and analyze CTCs, which can now be routinely accessed for clinical information. The most mature of these (the CELLSEARCH system) uses immunomagnetic selection of epithelial cell adhesion molecule to isolate CTCs for analysis. Studies using this system have demonstrated that categorization of patients into high and low CTC groups using a validated decision point is prognostic in patients with metastatic breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer. Initial attempts to use CTC counts to guide therapeutic decisions appeared to yield positive results and key concepts in clinical application of CTC information, including the CTC cutoff, predictive value in disease subtypes, and comparison to current evaluation methods, have been demonstrated. Clinical studies of the impact of CTC counts in routine clinical practice are ongoing; however, recent published evidence on the clinical use of CTCs in metastatic breast cancer continues to support these concepts, and experience in the community oncology setting also suggests that CTC enumeration can be useful for therapy management.
Many‐to‐Many Multicast Routing Schemes under a Fixed Topology
Authors: Ding Wei , Wang Hongfa , Wei Xuerui
Published: March 2013

Many‐to‐many multicast routing can be extensively applied in computer or communication networks supporting various continuous multimedia applications. The paper focuses on the case where all users share a common communication channel while each user is both a sender and a receiver of messages in multicasting as well as an end user. In this case, the multicast tree appears as a terminal Steiner tree (TeST). The problem of finding a TeST with a quality‐of‐service (QoS) optimization is frequently NP‐hard. However, we discover that it is a good idea to find a many‐to‐many multicast tree with QoS optimization under a fixed topology. In this paper, we are concerned with three kinds of QoS optimization objectives of multicast tree, that is, the minimum cost, minimum diameter, and maximum reliability. All of three optimization problems are distributed into two types, the centralized and decentralized version. This paper uses the dynamic programming method to devise an exact algorithm, respectively, for the centralized and decentralized versions of each optimization problem.
Optimization of Drug Delivery Systems for Intraperitoneal Therapy to Extend the Residence Time of the Chemotherapeutic Agent
Authors: De Smet L. , Ceelen W. , Remon J. P. , Vervaet C.
Published: March 2013

Intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy is an effective way of treating peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin after complete cytoreduction. Although IP therapy has been already performed for many years, no standardized treatment design has been developed in terms of schedule, residence time, drug, or carrier solution. Because of the fast clearance of the conventional intravenous (IV) drug delivery systems used for IP therapy, a lot of research is performed to optimize IP drug delivery and extend the residence time of the cytotoxic agent in the peritoneal cavity. This paper reviews the recent advances made in drug delivery systems for IP chemotherapy, discussing the use of microparticles, nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, implants, and injectable depots for IP delivery.
Syncope Associated with Carbon Monoxide Poisoning due to Narghile Smoking
Authors: Ozkan Seda , Ozturk Tayfun , Ozmen Yavuz , Durukan Polat
Published: March 2013

Narghile smoking is a traditional method of tobacco use, and it has been practiced extensively for 400 years. Traditionally, narghile smoking is a matter of culture mainly in Middle East, Asia, and Africa. In recent years, its use as a social activity has increased worldwide, especially among young people. Narghile smoking is an unusual cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. Narghile smoking, compared to cigarette smoking, can result in more smoke exposure and greater levels of carbon monoxide. We present an acute syncope case of a 19-year-old male patient who had carbon monoxide poisoning after narghile smoking.
The Effect of Electron versus Hole Photocurrent on Optoelectric Properties of p+-p-n-n+ Wz-GaN Reach-Through Avalanche Photodiodes
Authors: Ghosh Moumita , Mondal Mangolika , Acharyya Aritra
Published: March 2013

The authors have made an attempt to investigate the effect of electron versus hole photocurrent on the optoelectric properties of p+-p-n-n+ structured Wurtzite-GaN (Wz-GaN) reach-through avalanche photodiodes (RAPDs). The photo responsivity and optical gain of the devices are obtained within the wavelength range of 300 to 450 nm using a novel modeling and simulation technique developed by the authors. Two optical illumination configurations of the device such as Top Mounted (TM) and Flip Chip (FC) are considered for the present study to investigate the optoelectric performance of the device separately due to electron dominated and hole dominated photocurrents, respectively, in the visible-blind ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. The results show that the peak unity gain responsivity and corresponding optical gain of the device are 555.78 mA W−1 and 9.4144×103, respectively, due to hole dominated photocurrent (i.e., in FC structure); while those are 480.56 mA W−1 and 7.8800×103, respectively, due to electron dominated photocurrent (i.e., in TM structure) at the wavelength of 365 nm and for applied reverse bias of 85 V. Thus, better optoelectric performance of Wz-GaN RAPDs can be achieved when the photocurrent is made hole dominated by allowing the UV light to be shined on the n+-layer instead of p+-layer of the device.
A Study of Multicriteria Decision Making for Supplier Selection in Automotive Industry
Authors: Jamil Nadia , Besar Rosli , Sim H. K.
Published: March 2013

This paper is designed to present the effectiveness of group multicriteria decision making in automotive manufacturing company focusing on the selection of suppliers in Malaysia. The process of selecting suppliers is one of the most critical and challenging endeavor in any supply chain management. There are five decision making tools being analyzed in this study, namely, analytical hierarchy process (AHP), fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS), and fuzzy analytical hierarchy process integrated with fuzzy technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (FAHPiFTOPSIS). The scores of ranking among the suppliers in each MCDM tools (AHP, FAHP, TOPSIS, FTOPSIS, and FAHPiFTOPSIS) show significantly comparable variation. Scores of the best supplier is then compared to the lowest supplier for all MCDM tools whereby this reflects that the highest percentage goes to TOPSIS with scoring of 79.37%. On the contrary, FAHPiFTOPSIS demonstrated the lowest score variation of 22.42% which indicates that FAHPiFTOPSIS is able to eliminate biasness in supplier selection process.
Evaluation of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test among Patients at a Norwegian Psychiatric Emergency Ward
Authors: Gundersen Øystein Hoel , Mordal Jon , Berman Anne H. , Bramness Jørgen G.
Published: March 2013

High rates of substance use disorders (SUD) among psychiatric patients are well documented. This study explores the usefulness of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) in identifying SUD in emergency psychiatric patients. Of 287 patients admitted consecutively, 256 participants (89%) were included, and 61-64% completed the questionnaires and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), used as the reference standard. Both AUDIT and DUDIT were valid (area under the curve above 0.92) and reliable (Cronbach's alpha above 0.89) in psychotic and nonpsychotic men and women. The suitable cutoff scores for AUDIT were higher among the psychotic than nonpsychotic patients, with 12 versus 10 in men and 8 versus 5 in women. The suitable cutoff scores for DUDIT were 1 in both psychotic and nonpsychotic women, and 5 versus 1 in psychotic and nonpsychotic men, respectively. This study shows that AUDIT and DUDIT may provide precise information about emergency psychiatric patients' problematic alcohol and drug use.
Study of the Prevalence and Interobserver Reproducibility of Radiologic Images Suggestive of Urethral Diverticula in Men with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Vírseda Chamorro Miguel , Rubio Emilio , Florensa Jose , Escribano José , Salinas Casado Jesús , García-Moreno Antonio López , Fuertes Manuel Esteban
Published: March 2013

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of radiologic images suggestive of urethral diverticula (UD) in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to study the interobserver diagnostic reproducibility. Methods: Radiological studies (i.e. voiding cystourethrography and retrograde urethrography) performed over 1 year on men with SCI were independently reviewed by 3 researchers (1 urologist and 2 radiologists). Results: The prevalence of UD was found to be between 4.2 and 9.8% of the patients, the higher figure obtained when including also the doubtful images. The kappa index of agreement between the researchers was low (between 0.15 and 0.40). The factors that significantly influenced agreement were localization in the prostatic urethra (p = 0.021), localization in the penile urethra (p = 0.000) and fusiform morphology (p = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis showed that the variables that independently influenced diagnostic agreement were the following: localization in the penile urethra (in favor of agreement) and fusiform morphology (against agreement). Conclusions: Radiologic images suggestive of UD constitute a frequent finding in men with SCI and raise important diagnostic problems.
The Concepts of Rash Impulsiveness and Reward Sensitivity in Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Boog Michiel , Goudriaan Anna E. , van de Wetering Ben J.M. , Deuss Hilda , Franken Ingmar H.A.
Published: March 2013

According to recent theories of addiction, the commonly used term impulsivity comprises two factors: rash impulsiveness and reward sensitivity. The present study addresses the relevance and generalizability of this two-factor model in a clinical sample of substance use disorder patients. This was examined by examining both internal and external validity. In addition, a comparison was made between self-reported and behavioral measures reflecting reward sensitivity and rash impulsiveness. Results provide evidence for the existence of the two hypothesized impulsivity factors in a clinical sample of substance dependent patients. Meaningful relationships between the model and drug use characteristics have been found, providing further evidence for the validity of the two-factor model. Furthermore, it is suggested that behavioral and self-report measures of impulsivity represent different constructs.
Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Induced and Exacerbated by Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Almebayadh Mishal , Regnier-Rosencher Elodie , Carlotti Agnès , Goulvestre Claire , Le Guern Véronique , Mouthon Luc , Avril Marie-Françoise , Dupin Nicolas
Published: March 2013

Background: Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) can be induced by numerous drugs. We report 3 cases of SCLE induced by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Objective: To highlight a rare cutaneous side effect induced by a frequently prescribed drug such as a PPI. Case Reports: Case 1 was a 30-year-old man who developed multiple annular plaques over the trunk and lower limbs 1 month after the initiation of pantoprazole. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were positive with anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies, and histology confirmed the diagnosis. Clinical improvement was achieved 8 weeks after the discontinuation of pantoprazole and the introduction of a treatment combining topical steroids and hydroxychloroquine. Lesions relapsed when pantoprazole was accidentally rechallenged. The second case was a 31-year-old woman, 28 weeks pregnant, who presented erythematous annular plaques over the trunk 7 weeks after starting esomeprazole. ANA and anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were positive, and the histology was compatible with SCLE. Fetal ultrasound was normal. She was treated with topical and oral steroids and hydroxychloroquine. Clinical improvement was achieved 4 weeks after the discontinuation of esomeprazole. The third case was a 57-year-old woman with systemic erythematosus lupus presenting annular and psoriasiform lesions on the trunk for 15 months. She was treated successively with hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and methotrexate with prednisone. A review of her drug history revealed the introduction of omeprazole a few weeks before the first appearance of skin lesions and omeprazole was contraindicated. Conclusion: SCLE should systematically be suspected in case of eruption after the introduction of PPI. The risk of fetal cardiac complications is important in pregnant women.
Impaired Error-Monitoring Function in People with Internet Addiction Disorder: An Event-Related fMRI Study
Authors: Dong Guangheng , Shen Yue , Huang Jie , Du Xiaoxia
Published: March 2013

Background: Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is rapidly becoming a prevalent mental health concern around the world. The neurobiological underpinnings of IAD should be studied to unravel the potential heterogeneity. This study was set to investigate the error-monitoring ability in IAD subjects. Methods: Fifteen IAD subjects and 15 healthy controls (HC) participated in this study. Participants were asked to perform a fast Stroop task that may show error responses. Behavioral and neurobiological results in relation to error responses were compared between IAD subjects and HC. Results: Compared to HC, IAD subjects showed increased activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and decreased activation in the orbitofrontal cortex following error responses. Significant correlation was found between ACC activation and the Internet addiction test scores. Conclusions: IAD subjects show an impaired error-monitoring ability compared to HC, which can be detected by the hyperactivation in ACC in error responses.
Childhood Neglect: Exploring a Short Questionnaire in Poland and Germany
Authors: Brian Tamara , Schier Katarzyna , Schulz Sonja , Dragan Malgorzata , Hardt Jochen
Published: March 2013

Background: Estimates about childhood abuse and neglect in various countries of the world indicate that cases of neglect outnumber cases of abuse by far. However, childhood neglect itself constitutes a neglected domain in psychological and medical research; far more articles have been published about abuse. Sampling and Methods: A ten-item questionnaire assessing childhood neglect was administered to two surveys in Poland (n = 508) and Germany (n = 500) via the internet. Results: Internal consistency was high in both countries, i.e. Cronbach's α was 0.82 in Poland and 0.88 in Germany. No distinction could be made between physical and emotional neglect. Values for neglect were similar for Polish and German men, but German women reported more neglect than Polish women. Conclusions: The Neglect Questionnaire is suitable for research in both Poland and Germany.
Family Functioning in Chinese Type 2 Diabetic Patients with and without Depressive Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: He Ming , Zhang Ying , Zhao Xudong , Wang Jikun
Published: March 2013

Background: Patients with depression or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often have associated impaired family functioning. The purpose of this study was: (1) to explore the family functioning of T2DM patients with and without depressive symptoms and (2) to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and family impairment in T2DM patients with depressive symptoms. This study used a cross-sectional design. Sampling and Methods: A sample of 32 patients with T2DM who had depressive symptoms and 229 patients with T2DM who did not have depressive symptoms completed the Chinese versions of the Family Assessment Device (FAD) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: This study showed that there were differences in duration of diabetes and some FAD dimensions between T2DM patients with and without depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). There were also differences in the frequencies of FAD dimensions between T2DM patients with and without depressive symptoms (p < 0.01). Age, duration of diabetes and family function were predicting factors of depressive symptoms among T2DM patients (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The T2DM patients with depressive symptoms had more unhealthy FAD dimensions than the T2DM patients without depressive symptoms. The family functioning of T2DM patients with depressive symptoms was worse than that of T2DM patients without depressive symptoms. Age, duration of diabetes and some dimensions of FAD were associated with depressive symptoms in the T2DM patients.
Test-Retest Stability of the Onset of Depression Inventory
Authors: Strauss Maria , Mergl Roland , Sander Christian , Doehring Claudius , Schönknecht Peter , Angst Jules , Hegerl Ulrich
Published: March 2013

Background: The ‘Onset of Depression Inventory' (ODI) is a patient interview developed for systematically registering the speed of onset of depression. The ODI might contribute to the detection of hidden bipolarity because in previous studies a more rapid depression onset was found in patients with bipolar compared to unipolar depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the test-retest stability of the ODI. Patients were asked concerning the speed of onset at the time of hospitalization and again before discharge. Sampling and Methods: Test-retest stability of the ODI was investigated in 37 patients with a depressive episode. Each patient was interviewed concerning his present depressive episode by the same person at two different time points. Severity of depression at the different time points was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-C). Results: The speed of onset as assessed with the ODI showed good test-retest stability (rho = 0.83, p < 0.001). This parameter was not influenced by changes in depression severity. Conclusions: The ODI allows reliable assessment of the speed of onset of depressive episodes. The instrument might be useful for the detection of hidden bipolarity.
Negative Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery- Based Intravenous Thrombolysis Using Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Acute Stroke Patients with Unknown Onset Time
Authors: Aoki Junya , Kimura Kazumi , Shibazaki Kensaku , Sakamoto Yuki
Published: March 2013

Background: Approximately 25% of acute stroke patients were excluded from intravenous thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) because of unknown onset time. Recent studies have shown that patients with unknown onset time would be able to receive IV-tPA when showing no ischemia on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (negative FLAIR). The present study evaluated the safety and feasibility of IV-tPA in patients with unknown onset time and negative FLAIR compared to those with standard IV-tPA. Methods: Stroke patients with unknown onset time were prospectively enrolled. Only patients with an occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and/or middle cerebral artery (M1 and M2) with a Diffusion-Weighted Imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI-ASPECTS) ≥5 were analyzed. IV-tPA was performed within 3 h from the ‘first found abnormal time' if the patient showed negative FLAIR. Standard IV-tPA patients were extracted from our registry as controls after having been matched by age and occluded artery to the negative FLAIR (N-F) group. Results: Twenty patients in the N-F group and 60 in the control group were included. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores [median 18 (interquartile range 13-20) vs. 17 (12-20), p = 0.609] and DWI-ASPECTS [9 (7-9) vs. 8 (5-9), p = 0.213] were similar between the 2 groups. ICA occlusion was seen in 35%, M1 in 50%, and M2 in 15% in both groups. None of the N-F group and 1 (2%) of the control group experienced symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (p = 1.000). Recanalization within 1 h after IV-tPA was achieved in 6 (30%) patients in the N-F group and 24 (40%) in the control group (p = 0.595). Recanalization at 24 h after IV-tPA was seen in 13 (65%) patients in the N-F group and 43 (72%) in the control group (p = 0.584). At 7 days, 8 (40%) in the N-F group and 28 (47%) in the control group had a dramatic recovery (defined as a ≥10-point reduction in the total NIHSS score or a score of 0 or 1) (p = 0.796). At 3 months, a favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale score, 0-2) was seen in 47% in the N-F group and 33% in the control group (p = 0.365). Conclusion: IV-tPA in negative FLAIR patients with unknown onset time appears safe and feasible.
Ferric Citrate Hydrate, a New Phosphate Binder, Prevents the Complications of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Vascular Calcification
Authors: Iida Akio , Kemmochi Yusuke , Kakimoto Kochi , Tanimoto Minako , Mimura Takayuki , Shinozaki Yuichi , Uemura Atsuhiro , Matsuo Akira , Matsushita Mutsuyoshi , Miyamoto Ken-ichi
Published: March 2013

Background/Aims: Ferric citrate hydrate (JTT-751) is being developed as a treatment for hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease patients, and shows serum phosphorus-reducing effects on hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis patients. We examined whether JTT-751 could reduce phosphorus absorption in normal rats and prevent the progression of ectopic calcification, secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone abnormalities in chronic renal failure (CRF) rats. Methods: Normal rats were fed a diet containing 0.3, 1 or 3% JTT-751 for 7 days. The effects of JTT-751 on phosphorus absorption were evaluated with fecal and urinary phosphorus excretion. Next, a CRF model simulating hyperphosphatemia was induced by feeding rats a 0.75% adenine diet. After 21 days of starting the adenine diet feeding, 1 or 3% JTT-751 was administered for 35 days by dietary admixture. The serum phosphorus levels and mineral parameters were measured. Calcification in the aorta was examined biochemically and histopathologically. Hyperparathyroidism and bone abnormalities were evaluated by histopathological analysis of the parathyroid and femur, respectively. Results: In normal rats, JTT-751 increased fecal phosphorus excretion and reduced phosphorus absorption and urinary phosphorus excretion. In CRF rats, JTT-751 reduced serum phosphorus levels, the calcium-phosphorus product and calcium content in the aorta. Serum intact parathyroid hormone levels and the incidence and severity of parathyroid hyperplasia were also decreased. JTT-751 reduced femoral bone fibrosis, porosity and osteoid formation. Conclusions: JTT-751 could bind with phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract, increase fecal phosphorus excretion and reduce phosphorus absorption. JTT-751 could prevent the progression of ectopic calcification, secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone abnormalities in rats.
Metachronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Acute Leukemia after Liver Transplantation for Cholangiocellular Carcinoma:Is There a Link
Authors: Mrzljak Anna , Košuta Iva , Škrtić Anita , Kardum-Skelin Ika , Vrhovac Radovan
Published: March 2013

The synchronous or metachronous coexistence of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) with solid and hematologic neoplasms has been addressed in a non-transplant population. However, the association with primary hepatic neoplasms and leukemias is uncommon. Scarce data exist considering association of GISTs and other neoplasms in a transplant population where long-term immunosuppression carries the additional burden of de novo malignancy. We present a case of posttransplant metachronous GIST and acute biphenotypic leukemia in a patient transplanted for intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma, emphasizing the possible link between mechanisms of carcinogenesis and influence of other factors upon their development.