bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PB6 Antimicrobial stewardship education and effect on prescribing in the emergency department of an irish teaching hospital: Abstract PB6 Table 1
Authors: Foley S , James K , Fitzpatrick F
Published: March 2012

Objectives and Background

Careful selection of antimicrobials is imperative in preventing adverse events and resistant organisms. Guidelines and their availability encourage appropriate prescribing. In our centre, the microbiology team present bi-annually in the Emergency Department (ED) on topics related to the prudent use of antibiotics. This audit aimed to assess compliance with hospital antimicrobial guidelines in medical patients admitted via the ED.

Method

A prospective audit was conducted from 01 September 2010 to 30 September 2010. All medical patients were eligible to be included. Data were extracted from patients' notes and drug Kardexes. The audit identified members of staff involved in prescribing antibiotics and their respective compliance with current antimicrobial guidelines as published by the Microbiology Department.

Results

101 medical patients (52 female, 49 male) were included (mean age 65 years). Nine (8.9%) patients did not have an “allergy status” documented. The majority of antimicrobials were prescribed by ED senior house officers (SHOs) and registrars (69.3%). Medical SHOs or registrars prescribed in 28 (27.7%) cases and in 3 (2.9%) patients, the prescriber was unidentified. The rates of compliance with antimicrobial guidelines are detailed in Abstract PB6 table 1. 147 antibiotics were prescribed and 22 different conditions were listed as the indication for therapy.

Abstract PB6 Table 1

Appropriateness of antimicrobial prescriptions

PrescriberPrescription compliant with guidelinesED doctor, n=105Yes=83 (79%)No=22 (21%)Medical doctor, n=39Yes=16 (41%)No=23 (59%)Unknown, n=3Yes=0No=3 (100%)

Conclusion

Bi-annual education sessions regarding antimicrobial prescribing provided by the Microbiology Department for ED SHOs and registrars are well attended with positive feedback. This audit demonstrated that ED staff were most likely to adhere to guidelines when prescribing (79% compliance). Medical SHOs and registrars showed reduced compliance and may benefit from similar dedicated education sessions.
PB7 Does more mean less? The impact of increased consultant numbers on ED admission rates
Authors: Hewitt D , Jennings P , Clements M
Published: March 2012

Objectives and Background

The College of Emergency Medicine has recommended an expansion of the consultant workforce; this is intended to improve patient care, patient safety, cost efficiency and further the development of emergency care.1 The aim of this study was to see if admission rates have reduced in the Airedale General Hospital Emergency Department since the addition of 2 consultants, a total of 6, in April 2011.

Method

Weekly data was collected from Airedale General Hospital Emergency Department between January 2010–July 2011, consisting of number of admissions, whether they were classified as major or minor injury and total number of attendances. Weekly admission rates for April–July 2010 and December-March 2011 were compared separately with April–July 2011 using an unpaired T-Test.

Results

There was a statistical difference between admissions rates for December–March 11 and April–July 11 (p≤0.0001) but not between April–July 10 and April–July 11 (p=0.0657). For total attendance and percentage of major admissions respectively April–July 10 had 18 842 and 41.1%, December–March 11 had 17 353 and 41.6% and April–Jul 11 had 18 937 and 45.9%.

Conclusions

April–July 11 had lower mean admission rates than both April–July 10 and December–March 11, although this was only statistically significant for December–March 11. April–July 11 also had a greater number of attendances and a higher percentage of high tariff patients. These two factors could explain why the admission rate was not statistically significant when compared to April–July 10. However, it is unknown whether the HRG tariffs correlate well with clinical complexity or need for admission. Limitations of this study are the relatively short time periods analysed, changes to practice, such as new clinical guidelines, have not been taken into account, and these results alone cannot prove causality between decreased admission rates and consultant numbers.
PB9 Development of a critical appraisal tool for emergency department quality indicators
Authors: Jones P
Published: March 2012

Objectives and Background

Recently the usefulness of time targets for Emergency Department (ED) length of stay as a quality indicator has been questioned, and there has been a call to use more clinically orientated indicators. However there is uncertainty about which markers should be used and to date indicator selection has been largely by expert opinion. The aim of this study was to develop an objective tool which can be used to critically appraise candidate indicators of quality of care in the ED.

Methods

A search of websites of EQUATOR network, CASP, Cochrane Effective Practice, EPIQ, NHS, RAND, TJC and NIH was conducted, along with structured searches in Medline, Embase and CInAHL and communication with experts in the field. Potential tools were compared using an evidence table.

Results

Thirty two potential tools were identified. All considered some aspects of the validity and the technical properties of indicators to a lesser or greater extent. All were based on “Level five” evidence. There were differences in terminology and completeness of the tools. Only one was ED specific and none had a closing summary reflecting the final recommendation about whether the indicator under investigation should be used. An “ED Quality Indicator Critical Appraisal Tool” was developed, using elements of the existing tools, with provision to consider the value of the indicator both within the ED and as a marker of whole system quality of care.

Conclusion

An “ED Quality Indicator Critical Appraisal Tool” (ED QICAT) has been developed. If validated, this may be used by clinicians and health policy makers to objectively evaluate and compare ED based candidate quality of care indicators prior to their adoption and implementation.
(4+1)-DIMENSIONAL HOMOGENEOUS ANISOTROPIC STRING COSMOLOGICAL MODELS
Authors: MOJAVERI B. , REZAEI-AGHDAM A.
Published: March 2012

We present exact solutions of string cosmological models characterized by five-dimensional metrics (with four-dimensional real Lie groups as isometry groups), space independent dilaton and vanishing torsion. As an example we consider VII0⊕R model and show that it is equivalent to the (4+1)-dimensional cosmological model coupled to perfect fluid with negative deceleration parameters (accelerating universe).
SUBLUMINAL OPERA NEUTRINOS
Authors: ODA ICHIRO
Published: March 2012

The OPERA Collaboration has announced to have observed superluminal neutrinos with a mean energy 17.5 GeV, but afterward the superluminal interpretation of the OPERA results has been refuted theoretically by Cherenkov-like radiation and pion decay. In a recent work, we have proposed a kinematical resolution to this problem. A key idea in our resolution is that the OPERA neutrinos are not superluminal but subluminal since they travel faster than the observed speed of light in vacuum on the earth while they do slower than the true speed of light in vacuum determining the causal structure of events. In this paper, we dwell upon our ideas and present some concrete models, which realize our ideas, based on spin 0, 1 and 2 bosonic fields. We also discuss that the principle of invariant speed of light in special relativity can be replaced with the principle of a universal limiting speed.
NEAR-BRANE SU(6)-ORIGIN HIGGS IN SCHERK–SCHWARZ BREAKING OF FIVE-DIMENSIONAL SU(6) GUT
Authors: HARTANTO A. , ZEN F. P. , KOSASIH J. S. , HANDOKO L. T.
Published: March 2012

The symmetry breaking of five-dimensional SU(6) GUT is realized by Scherk–Schwarz mechanisms through trivial and pseudo nontrivial orbifold S1/Z2 breakings to produce dimensional deconstruction 5D SU (6) → 4D SU (6). The latter also induces near-brane weakly-coupled SU(6) Baby Higgs to further break the symmetry into SU (3) C ⊗ SU (3) H ⊗ U (1) C . The model successfully provides a scenario of the origin of (Little) Higgs from GUT scale, produces the (intermediate and light) Higgs boson with the most preferred range and establishes coupling unification and compactification scale correctly.
RECENT PROGRESS OF MULTIFERROIC PEROVSKITE MANGANITES
Authors: DONG SHUAI , LIU JUN-MING
Published: March 2012

So far tens of multiferroic materials, with various chemical compositions and crystal structures, have been discovered in the past years. Among these multiferroics, some perovskite manganites with ferroelectricity driven by magnetic orders are of particular interest. In these multiferroic perovskite manganites, the multiferroic phenomena are not only quite prominent, but the involved physical mechanisms are also very plenty and representative. In this brief review, we will introduce some recent theoretical and experimental progress on multiferroic manganites, including the fascinating microscopic physics and very recently addressed experimental findings with attractive multiferroicity.
AN ALGEBRAIC QUANTUM DYNAMICS INVESTIGATION OF PARTICLE TRANSPORT IN A QUANTUM RING
Authors: PAHLAVANI H. , AREZOUMANDI F.
Published: March 2012

The quantum dynamics of a driven single-band tight-binding model with infinite and Dirichlet boundary conditions is considered. The polynomial algebra for the above model but with periodic boundary conditions (quantum ring) is constructed. Based on analyzing the algebraic structures of Hamiltonian, the solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation is also obtained exactly.
DYNAMICS ON MULTILAYERED HYPERBRANCHED FRACTALS THROUGH CONTINUOUS TIME RANDOM WALKS
Authors: VOLTA ANTONIO , GALICEANU MIRCEA , JURJIU AUREL , GALLO TOMMASO , GUALANDRI LUCIANO
Published: March 2012

We introduce a new method to generate three-dimensional structures, with mixed topologies. We focus on Multilayered Regular Hyperbranched Fractals (MRHF), three-dimensional networks constructed as a set of identical generalized Vicsek fractals, known as Regular Hyperbranched Fractals (RHF), layered on top of each other. Every node of any layer is directly connected only to copies of itself from nearest-neighbor layers. We found out that also for MRHF the eigenvalue spectrum of the connectivity matrix is determined through a semi-analytical method, which gives the opportunity to analyze very large structures. This fact allows us to study in detail the crossover effects of two basic topologies: linear, corresponding to the way we connect the layers and fractal due to the layers' topology. From the wealth of applications which depends on the eigenvalue spectrum we choose the return-to-the-origin probability. The results show the expected short-time and long-time behaviors. In the intermediate time domain we obtained two different power-law exponents: the first one is given by the combination linear-RHF, while the second one is peculiar either of a single RHF or of a single linear chain.
PATH INTEGRAL SOLUTIONS OF RLC MESOSCOPIC CIRCUIT WITH SOURCE
Authors: YAN ZHAN-YUAN , XU SHI-LIANG , MA JIN-YING
Published: March 2012

In this paper, mesoscopic RLC circuit with source is studied with Feynman's path integral method. Resistance and source in the circuits make the quantization process rather complicated. To solve the problem, fluctuation analysis method is proposed to calculate the path integral propagator. Furthermore, the wave function and quantum fluctuation of the system are obtained, and time evolution characters of the system are discussed. The methods used in the paper would be helpful to the application of mesoscopic quantum theory.
THE SPHERICAL SYMMETRY BLACK HOLE COLLAPSE IN EXPANDING UNIVERSE
Authors: FIROUZJAEE J. T.
Published: March 2012

The spherical symmetry black holes are considered in expanding background. The singularity line and the marginally trapped tube surface behavior are discussed. In particular, we address the conditions whether dynamical horizon forms for these cosmological black holes. We also discuss about the cosmological constant effect on these black hole and the redshift of the light which comes from the marginally trapped tube surface.
VECTOR-LIKE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM OPTIMIZED PERTURBATION IN THE ABELIAN NAMBU–JONA-LASINIO MODEL FOR COLD AND DENSE QUARK MATTER
Authors: KNEUR JEAN-LOÏC , PINTO MARCUS BENGHI , RAMOS RUDNEI O. , STAUDT EDERSON
Published: March 2012

Two-loop corrections for the standard Abelian Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model are obtained with the optimized perturbation theory (OPT) method. These contributions improve the usual mean-field and Hartree–Fock results by generating a 1/Nc suppressed term, which only contributes at finite chemical potential. We take the zero temperature limit observing that, within the OPT, chiral symmetry is restored at a higher chemical potential μ, while the resulting equation of state is stiffer than the one obtained when mean-field is applied to the standard version of the model. In order to understand the physical nature of these finite Nc contributions, we perform a numerical analysis to show that the OPT quantum corrections mimic effective repulsive vector–vector interaction contributions. We also derive a simple analytical approximation for the mass gap, accurate at the percent level, matching the mean-field approximation extended by an extra vector channel to OPT. For μ ≳ μc the effective vector coupling matching OPT is numerically close (for the Abelian model) to the Fierz-induced Hartree–Fock value G/(2Nc), where G is the scalar coupling, and then increases with μ in a well-determined manner.
OPTIMUM CONDITION IGNITION FOR ISENTROPIC COMPRESSION OF THERMONUCLEAR FUSION
Authors: MAHDAVI M. , KHODADADI AZADBONI F.
Published: March 2012

In this paper, the compression of the D/3 He fuel and the variant Helium fractional content have been studied. The fuel gain curves have been obtained for fixed values of y(y = nD/n3 He ) and the isentrope parameter α. Calculations have shown that with the reduction of isentropic parameter, α, and the increase of Helium fractional content, a higher density is required to achieve temperatures at which deuterium can burn effectively. Also, with the decrease of y by a factor of 0.33, leads to increasing the optimum density and the fuel gain about 4.3% and 7.9% respectively.
A LOW-HIGH FREQUENCY FORMULATION FOR FAST ACOUSTIC CALCULATIONS
Authors: BESSET SÉBASTIEN
Published: March 2012

Noise predictions in acoustic cavities lead to different formulations in low or high frequency ranges. In the case of fast calculations, we propose a mixed formulation based on a finite element mesh including a "high frequency energy degree of freedom" to predict high frequency phenomena. The mesh size is planned for studying low-(medium) frequency range phenomena through a classical finite element method. The same mesh is used to build energy elements to take into account the (medium)-high frequency range phenomena. The method aims at performing low-cost calculations in medium-high frequency ranges using low-frequency-based existing meshes, i.e. without re-meshing the system.
THE COHERENCE RESONANCE IN VAN DER POL SYSTEM INDUCED BY NOISE RECYCLING
Authors: LI X. Y. , YANG J. H. , LIU X. B.
Published: March 2012

The phenomenon of coherence resonance (CR) in a delayed noisy Van der Pol system with supercritical Hopf bifurcation, which is influenced by a recycled noise, is numerically studied. Different from the traditional CR theory, in this paper, the characteristics of CR is affected by the time delay in the input noise. Namely, the CR is weakened or enhanced by the time delay feedback. Moreover, we find that several characteristics of this particular system vary periodically and its period has some certain relation with the natural frequency. By using the results given by the paper, we can control the noise-induced motion by modulating the time delay in noise.
SPATIAL COMPLEXITY OF A PREDATOR–PREY MODEL WITH BOTH NOISE AND DIFFUSION
Authors: SONG LI-PENG , HOU WEI , HAN XIE , SUN GUI-QUAN
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we present a predator–prey model with Holling II functional response, including noise and diffusion. The model with diffusion only has target wave dynamics in the two-dimensional space. However, the waves are destroyed when noise is introduced. Furthermore, the spatially extended system with noise exhibits chaotic phenomena. These results may explain some of the findings in real ecosystems.
NOISE-INDUCED PHASE SYNCHRONIZATION AMONG ANALOG MOS OSCILLATOR CIRCUITS
Authors: UTAGAWA AKIRA , ASAI TETSUYA , AMEMIYA YOSHIHITO
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate noise-induced phase synchronization among multiple electrical oscillator circuits constructed by discrete MOS devices, where multiple nonlinear oscillators can be synchronized with each other when they accept common pulse perturbations randomly distributed in time. We also show that nonidentical oscillator circuits have the same peak frequency in a power spectrum when they receive a common perturbation.
EFFECT OF NON-GAUSSIAN CHANNEL NOISE ON COHERENCE RESONANCE IN COUPLED STOCHASTIC HODGKIN–HUXLEY NEURONS
Authors: GONG YUBING , WANG LI , LIN XIU
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we study the effect of non-Gaussian channel noise (NCN) on the spiking coherence of a single and an array of bi-directionally coupled Hodgkin–Huxley neurons, mainly investigating how the non-Gaussian character of channel noise affects the coherence resonance (CR) induced by channel noise and by the number of neurons. It is found that, when NCN's deviation q from Gaussian distribution is increased, the CR moves to larger patch area (smaller channel noise) and smaller neuron number, which means that CR occurs in bigger ion channel clusters and smaller neuron number when q is increased. This result shows that, depending on the type of NCN, CR occurs in different sizes of ion channel clusters and numbers of neurons. The underlying mechanism is briefly discussed in terms of the property of NCN. These findings may help to better understand the roles of NCN for improving the time precision of the information processing in coupled stochastic neurons.
SOUND QUALITY ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION OF VEHICLE INTERIOR NOISE BASED ON GREY SYSTEM THEORY
Authors: CHEN SHUMING , WANG DENGFENG , LIANG JIE
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a novel effective methodology for sound quality analysis and prediction of vehicle interior noise using gray system theory. Four objective psychoacoustic parameters selected to evaluate acoustic performance of vehicle interior environment are loudness, sharpness, roughness, and fluctuation. Subjective evaluation is presented using paired comparison method, and Bradley–Terry model is also created. The relationship between subjective evaluation and psychoacoustic parameters is determined by using gray relational analysis. Meanwhile, the correlation among psychoacoustic parameters is also revealed. Sound quality prediction models are created based on GM (0, N) and GM (1, N) model. The prediction results show that GM (1, N) model is more capable than GM (0, N) model for prediction of sound quality. Thus, the analysis and prediction results confirm that the proposed method in this study can be a useful tool to analyze and predict sound quality of the vehicle interior noise.
AEROTHERMOELASTIC RESPONSE OF HYPERSONIC 2-D LIFTING SURFACE
Authors: NIU YAOBIN , WANG ZHONGWEI , YANG HUIXIN , YANG XIXIANG
Published: March 2012

The expressions of unsteady gust loads are derived based on the piston theory in this paper. The aerothermoelastic response of hypersonic two degree-of-freedom airfoil is analyzed. The calculation of the unsteady aerodynamic lift and moment are given based on third-order piston theory. Also considered is the loss of torsional stiffness that may be incurred by lifting surface subject to axial stresses induced by aerodynamic heating. The aerodynamic heating effects are estimated based on the adiabatic wall temperature due to high speed airstreams. The effect of horizontal gust loads on aeroelastic response system is compared with vertical gust loads. Then the relationship between the pitching displacement amplitude and the gust velocity is analyzed. Numerical results show that horizontal gust has little effect on the stabilization system, while the vertical gust has a significant effect on the aeroelastic system. The acceleration of airfoil which is generated due to the vertical gust can cause the system to become vibrating for a long time. The results also show that pitching displacement amplitude of the aeroelastic response is in the direct proportion to the gust velocity, the proportion is about 3.8 × 10-4.
ON J-GROUPS OF PRIME POWER ORDER
Authors: GUO XIUYUN , ZHAO LIBO
Published: March 2012

A group G is called a J-group if each x ∈ G satisfies either 〈x〉 ⊴ G, or 〈x, xg〉 ⊴ G for all g ∈ G\NG(〈x〉). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structure of J-groups of prime power order.
SECANTS TO THE VARIETY OF COMPLETELY REDUCIBLE FORMS AND THE HILBERT FUNCTION OF THE UNION OF STAR-CONFIGURATIONS
Authors: SHIN YONG SU
Published: March 2012

We prove that if 𝕏 ≔ 𝕏(t, s) is the union of two linear star-configurations of type t × s for 3 ≤ t ≤ 9 and s ≥ t in ℙ2, then 𝕏 has generic Hilbert function. We also show that (I𝕏)s = {0} when 𝕏 is the union of two linear star-configurations of type s × s for s ≥ 6. Moreover, using the two results with the work in [E. Arrondo and A. Bernardi, On the variety parameterizing completely decomposable polynomials, J. Pure Appl. Algebra215(3) (2011) 201–220], we prove that the secant variety Sec 1( Split s(ℙn)) is not defective for s ≥ 3 and n ≥ 2.
FINITELY VALUATIVE DOMAINS
Authors: CAHEN PAUL-JEAN , DOBBS DAVID E. , LUCAS THOMAS G.
Published: March 2012

For a pair of rings S ⊆ T and a nonnegative integer n, an element t ∈ T\S is said to be within n steps of S if there is a saturated chain of rings S = S0 ⊊ S1 ⊊ ⋯ ⊊ Sm = S[t] with length m ≤ n. An integral domain R is said to be n-valuative (respectively, finitely valuative) if for each nonzero element u in its quotient field, at least one of u and u-1 is within n (respectively, finitely many) steps of R. The integral closure of a finitely valuative domain is a Prüfer domain. Moreover, an n-valuative domain has at most 2n + 1 maximal ideals; and an n-valuative domain with 2n + 1 maximal ideals must be a Prüfer domain.
ON THE BEHAVIOR OF APPLYING DERIVED FUNCTORS OF TORSION FUNCTORS ON LOCAL COHOMOLOGY MODULES
Authors: KHASHYARMANESH K. , KHOSH-AHANG F.
Published: March 2012

In this note, by using some properties of the local cohomology functors of weakly Laskerian modules, we study the behavior of right and left derived functors of torsion functors. In fact, firstly we gain some isomorphisms in the context of these functors, grade and cohomological dimension. Then we study their supports and their sets of associated prime ideals in special cases.
IN PRAISE OF ORDER UNITS
Authors: HANDELMAN DAVID
Published: March 2012

We show that the ordered rings naturally associated to compact convex polyhedra with interior satisfy a positivity property known as order unit cancellation, and obtain other general positivity results as well.
RINGS SATISFYING GENERALIZED ENGEL CONDITIONS
Authors: RAMEZAN-NASSAB M. , KIANI D.
Published: March 2012

Let R be an associative ring and let x, y ∈ R. Define the generalized commutators as follows: [x, 0y] = x and [x, ky] = [x, k-1y]y - y[x, k-1y](k = 1, 2, …). In this paper we study some generalized Engel rings, i.e. [Formula: see text]-rings (satisfying [xm(x, y), k(x, y)y] = 0), [Formula: see text]-rings (satisfying [xm(x, y), k(x, y)yn(x, y)] = 0) and [Formula: see text]-rings (satisfying [xm(x, y), k(x, y)yn(x, y)]r(x, y) = 0). Among other results, it is proved that every Artinian [Formula: see text]-ring is strictly Lie-nilpotent. Also, we show that in each of the following cases R has nil commutator ideal: (1) if R is a [Formula: see text]-ring with unity and k, n independent of y; (2) if R is a locally bounded [Formula: see text]-ring (defined below); (3) if R is an algebraic algebra over a field in which R* is a bounded Engel group or a soluble group.
THE MAIN INVARIANT OF A DEFECTLESS POLYNOMIAL
Authors: BROWN RON , MERZEL JONATHAN L.
Published: March 2012

In an earlier paper the authors calculated the main invariant of a tame polynomial over a valued field in terms of the simple invariants associated with a strict system of polynomial extensions that contained that polynomial. In this note we give upper and lower bounds in terms of such invariants for the main invariant of any defectless polynomial. We also determine precisely the polynomials for which the upper bound is the main invariant; this class strictly contains the set of tame polynomials. A class of examples with the same upper and with the same lower bound for the main invariant is given whose main invariants form a dense subset of the interval between the two bounds. A second class of polynomials is given whose strict systems have arbitrarily long length and whose main invariant is the lower bound. A basic tool is a formula for the main invariant which itself gives an algorithm for computing the main invariants of the polynomials in any strict system; in particular, simple formulas are given for the main invariants of some very special types of defectless polynomials including generalized Schönemann polynomials. The Krasner constants of defectless polynomials are also studied.
A CLASS OF ASSOCIATION SCHEMES IN WHICH ALL BASIS RELATIONS HAVE VALENCY 1 OR λ > 2
Authors: MOSHTAGH H. , BARGHI A. RAHNAMAI
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we classify the commutative association schemes with both the property that each basis relation has valency either 1 or λ > 2 for some fixed λ and the property that there is a connected, symmetric basis relation R for which R2 contains exactly two basis relations. We show that up to isomorphism, the unique association scheme with these properties is the direct product of the trivial association scheme of order 2 and the trivial association scheme of order λ + 1.
RADICALS OF SKEW GENERALIZED POWER SERIES RINGS
Authors: NASR-ISFAHANI A. R.
Published: March 2012

Let R be a ring, (S, ≤) a strictly ordered monoid and ω : S → End (R) a monoid homomorphism. In this note for a (S, ω)-Armendariz ring R we study some properties of skew generalized power series ring R[[S, ω]]. In particular, among other results, we show that for a S-compatible (S, ω)-Armendariz ring R, α(R[[S, ω]]) = α(R)[[S, ω]] = Ni ℓ*(R)[[S, ω]], where α is a radical in a class of radicals which includes the Wedderburn, lower nil, Levitzky and upper nil radicals. We also show that several properties, including the symmetric, reversible, ZCn, zip and 2-primal property, transfer between R and the skew generalized power series ring R[[S, ω]], in case R is S-compatible (S, ω)-Armendariz.
THE REDUCED CLIFFORD CATEGORY OF THE KACHEL SEMIGROUP ON n LETTERS
Authors: SCHWAB EMIL DANIEL
Published: March 2012

We use a new description of Kachel semigroup as triples with a pushout product. A simple Clifford category as a canonical representative (under the relation of equivalence of categories) of the standard Clifford category of this semigroup is considered.
WELL-CENTERED PAIRS OF RINGS
Authors: MONCEUR HANEN , JARBOUI NOÔMEN
Published: March 2012

Let R ⊂ S be an extension of integral domains. We say that (R, S) is a well-centered pair of rings, if each intermediate ring T between R and S is well-centered on R, in the sense that each principal ideal of T is generated by an element of R. The aim of this paper is to study well-centered pairs of rings. We investigate the structure of the intermediate rings T between R and S that are well-centered on R. We establish the relationship between well-centered pairs and normal pairs. We present some examples and counterexamples illustrating our theory and showing the limits of our results.
BOUNDARY EFFECTS IN QUANTUM PHYSICS
Authors: ASOREY MANUEL , MUÑOZ-CASTAÑEDA JOSÉ M.
Published: March 2012

We analyze the role of boundaries in the infrared behavior of quantum field theories. By means of a novel method we calculate the vacuum energy for a massless scalar field confined between two homogeneous parallel plates with the most general type of boundary properties. This allows the discrimination between boundary conditions which generate attractive or repulsive Casimir forces between the plates. In the interface between both regimes we find a very interesting family of boundary conditions which do not induce any type of Casimir force. We analyze the effect of the renormalization group flow on these boundary conditions. Even if the Casimirless conformally invariant conditions are physically unstable under renormalization group flow they emerge as a new set of conformally invariant boundary conditions which are anomaly free.
COMPUTATION OF A TWISTED CHARACTER OF A SMALL REPRESENTATION OF GL(3, E)
Authors: FLICKER YUVAL Z. , ZINOVIEV DMITRII
Published: March 2012

Let E/F be a quadratic extension of p-adic fields, p ≠ 2. Let [Formula: see text] be the involution of E over F. The representation π of GL (3, E) normalizedly induced from the trivial representation of the maximal parabolic subgroup is invariant under the involution [Formula: see text]. We compute — by purely local means — the σ-twisted character [Formula: see text] of π. We show that it is σ-unstable, namely its value at one σ-regular-elliptic conjugacy class within a stable such class is equal to negative its value at the other such conjugacy class within the stable class, or zero when the σ-regular-elliptic stable conjugacy class consists of a single such conjugacy class. Further, we relate this twisted character to the twisted endoscopic lifting from the trivial representation of the "unstable" twisted endoscopic group U (2, E/F) of GL (3, E). In particular π is σ-elliptic, that is, [Formula: see text] is not identically zero on the σ-elliptic set.
EXCEPTIONAL ELLIPTIC CURVES OVER QUARTIC FIELDS
Authors: NAJMAN FILIP
Published: March 2012

We study the number of elliptic curves, up to isomorphism, over a fixed quartic field K having a prescribed torsion group T as a subgroup. Let T = ℤ/mℤ⊕ℤ/nℤ, where m|n, be a torsion group such that the modular curve X1(m, n) is an elliptic curve. Let K be a number field such that there is a positive and finite number of elliptic curves E over K having T as a subgroup. We call such pairs (T, K)exceptional. It is known that there are only finitely many exceptional pairs when K varies through all quadratic or cubic fields. We prove that when K varies through all quartic fields, there exist infinitely many exceptional pairs when T = ℤ/14ℤ or ℤ/15ℤ and finitely many otherwise.
THE STRONG CHOWLA–MILNOR SPACES AND A CONJECTURE OF GUN, MURTY AND RATH
Authors: CHATTERJEE TAPAS
Published: March 2012

In a recent work, Gun, Murty and Rath formulated the Strong Chowla–Milnor conjecture and defined the Strong Chowla–Milnor space. In this paper, we proved a non-trivial lower bound for the dimension of these spaces. We also obtained a conditional improvement of this lower bound and noted that an unconditional improvement of this lower bound will lead to irrationality of both ζ(k) and ζ(k)/πk for all odd positive integers k. Following Gun, Murty and Rath, we define generalized Zagier spaces Vp(K) for multiple zeta values over a number field K. We prove that the dimension of V4d+2(K) for d ≥ 1, is at least 2, assuming a conjecture of Gun, Murty and Rath.
MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR EXAMINING DIRECTIONAL SENSING IN DENDRITIC CELL CHEMOTAXIS
Authors: KORIA PIYUSH , BHUSHAN ABHINAV , IRIMIA DANIEL , YARMUSH MARTIN L.
Published: March 2012

Dendritic cell chemotaxis is an important process involved in the acquisition of adaptive immunity. Despite several studies, our understanding of this process remains limited. One of the reasons for this is the lack of experimental models that give us real-time information on dendritic cell locomotion. Here, using tools in microfluidics, we have fabricated a microdevice that allows us to monitor dendritic cell migration in a chemokine gradient in real time. We successfully observed the migration of dendritic cells derived from a myeloid leukemia cell line (MUTZ-3) in a soluble chemokine (CCL-19) gradient. Our experiments suggest the utility of microdevices in monitoring dendritic cell chemotaxis in real time and getting important information regarding migration speeds and distances previously not available from conventional chemotaxis assays. This kind of data is useful for building mechanistic mathematical models of dendritic cell chemotaxis that may give us novel insights to the process of dendritic cell chemotaxis.
MICROWAVE-ASSISTED RAPID BIOSYNTHESIS OF STABLE SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING CLOVE BUDS (SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM) SOLUTION
Authors: DESHPANDE RAGHUNANDAN , BEDRE MAHESH D. , SALIMATH BASAVARAJA , SAWLE BALAJI D. , YALAGATTI MANJUNATH S. , ABBARAJU VENKATARAMAN
Published: March 2012

This is an extended work on the biosynthesis of noble metal nanoparticles using dried clove buds. Here microwave assistance is taken not only for accelerating the reaction rate but also for denaturing the proteins and other enzymes, which will prevent obtaining desired functionalized nanoparticles. FTIR studies infer that nanoparticles thus obtained are found adsorbed with water soluble organic moieties, mostly flavonoids. The bathochromic shift from 320 nm in ultra-violet range indicates the involvement of water soluble bio-moieties of the clove in the formation of AgNP . X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum confirmed that the AgNP are crystalline in nature. The surface morphology is studied using FESEM, TEM and AFM techniques infer that the AgNP are well dispersed, roughly spherical in shape and are in the range of 30–60 nm. The AgNP with the organic moiety will have synergic antimicrobial action.
PHONON-INDUCED ANISOTROPIC DISPERSION FORCES ON A METALLIC SUBSTRATE
Authors: LI JE-LUEN , SCHNIEPP HANNES C. , AKSAY ILHAN A. , CAR ROBERTO
Published: March 2012

Surfactant micelles (cetyltrimethylammonium chloride) adsorbed on Au(111) exhibit orientational order dictated by the gold crystal axes. To explain this phenomenon, we take into account the ionic contribution to the dielectric response of the metal. Since the motion of an ion inside the metallic lattice is restricted by its neighbors in an anisotropic way, the total dielectric response of the metal acquires directional dependence. A crystalline substrate is thus able to generate both torque and attraction on geometrically asymmetric objects. Numerical calculations show that the resulting anisotropic van der Waals force is indeed capable of orienting rod-like dielectric micelles on a Au(111) surface.
Modeling and Deployment of Model-Based Decentralized Embedded Diagnosis inside Vehicles: Application to Smart Distance Keeping Function
Authors: Nasri Othman , Shraim Hassan , Dague Phillippe , Heron Olivier , Cartron Michael
Published: March 2012

The deployment of a fault diagnosis strategy in the Smart Distance Keeping (SDK) system with a decentralized architecture is presented. The SDK system is an advanced Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system implemented in a Renault-Volvo Trucks vehicle to increase safety by overcoming some ACC limitations. One of the main differences between this new system and the classical ACC is the choice of the safe distance. This latter is the distance between the vehicle equipped with the ACC or the SDK system and the obstacle-in-front (which may be another vehicle). It is supposed fixed in the case of the ACC, while variable in the case of the SDK. The variation of this distance depends essentially on the relative velocity between the vehicle and the obstacle-in-front. The main goal of this work is to analyze measurements, issued from the SDK elements, in order to detect, to localize, and to identify some faults that may occur. Our main contribution is the proposition of a decentralized approach permitting to carry out an on-line diagnosis without computing the global model and to achieve most of the work locally avoiding huge extra diagnostic information traffic between components. After a detailed description of the SDK system, this paper explains the model-based decentralized solution and its application to the embedded diagnosis of the SDK system inside Renault-Volvo Truck with five control units connected via a CAN-bus using “Hardware in the Loop” (HIL) technique. We also discuss the constraints that must be fulfilled.
EEG Suppression Associated with Apneic Episodes in a Neonate
Authors: Low Evonne , Dempsey Eugene M. , Ryan C. Anthony , Rennie Janet M. , Boylan Geraldine B.
Published: March 2012

We describe the EEG findings from an ex-preterm neonate at term equivalent age who presented with intermittent but prolonged apneic episodes which were presumed to be seizures. A total of 8 apneic episodes were captured (duration 23–376 seconds) during EEG monitoring. The baseline EEG activity was appropriate for corrected gestational age and no electrographic seizure activity was recorded. The average baseline heart rate was 168 beats per minute (bpm) and the baseline oxygen saturation level was in the mid-nineties. Periods of complete EEG suppression lasting 68 and 179 seconds, respectively, were recorded during 2 of these 8 apneic episodes. Both episodes were accompanied by bradycardia less than 70 bpm and oxygen saturation levels of less than 20%. Short but severe episodes of apnea can cause complete EEG suppression in the neonate.
New Insights in the Amyloid-Beta Interaction with Mitochondria
Authors: Spuch Carlos , Ortolano Saida , Navarro Carmen
Published: March 2012

Biochemical and morphological alterations of mitochondria may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Particularly, mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of amyloid-beta-induced neuronal toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease. The recent emphasis on the intracellular biology of amyloid-beta and its precursor protein (APP) has led researchers to consider the possibility that mitochondria-associated and mitochondrial amyloid-beta may directly cause neurotoxicity. Both proteins are known to localize to mitochondrial membranes, block the transport of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins to mitochondria, interact with mitochondrial proteins, disrupt the electron transport chain, increase reactive oxygen species production, cause mitochondrial damage, and prevent neurons from functioning normally. In this paper, we will outline current knowledge of the intracellular localization of amyloid-beta. Moreover, we summarize evidence from AD postmortem brain as well as animal AD models showing that amyloid-beta triggers mitochondrial dysfunction through a number of pathways such as impairment of oxidative phosphorylation, elevation of reactive oxygen species production, alteration of mitochondrial dynamics, and interaction with mitochondrial proteins. Thus, this paper supports the Alzheimer cascade mitochondrial hypothesis such as the most important early events in this disease, and probably one of the future strategies on the therapy of this neurodegenerative disease.
Induction of Pluripotency in Adult Equine Fibroblasts without c-MYC
Authors: Khodadadi Khodadad , Sumer Huseyin , Pashaiasl Maryam , Lim Susan , Williamson Mark , Verma Paul J.
Published: March 2012

Despite tremendous efforts on isolation of pluripotent equine embryonic stem (ES) cells, to date there are few reports about successful isolation of ESCs and no report ofin vivodifferentiation of this important companion species. We report the induction of pluripotency in adult equine fibroblasts via retroviral transduction with three transcription factors usingOCT4, SOX2, andKLF4in the absence of c-MYC. The cell lines were maintained beyond 27 passages (more than 11 months) and characterized. The equine iPS (EiPS) cells stained positive for alkaline phosphatase by histochemical staining and expressed OCT4, NANOG, SSEA1, and SSEA4. Gene expression analysis of the cells showed the expression ofOCT4, SOX2 NANOG, andSTAT3. The cell lines retained a euploid chromosome count of 64 after long-term culture cryopreservation. The EiPS demonstrated differentiation capacity for the three embryonic germ layers bothin vitroby embryoid bodies (EBs) formation andin vivoby teratoma formation. In conclusion, we report the derivation of iPS cells from equine adult fibroblasts and long-term maintenance using either of the three reprogramming factors.
Nasopharyngeal Development in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Wermker Kai , Jung Susanne , Joos Ulrich , Kleinheinz Johannes
Published: March 2012

Introduction. The aim of this paper was to evaluate cephalometrically the nasopharyngeal development of patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Influencing factors were evaluated and cleft to noncleft subjects were compared to each other.Material and Methods. The lateral cephalograms of 66 patients with complete cleft lip and palate were measured and compared retrospectively to the cephalograms of 123 healthy probands. Measurements were derived from a standardized analysis of 56 landmarks.Results. We observed significant differences between cleft and control group: the cleft patients showed amaxillary retroposition and a reduced maxillary length; the inclination of the maxilla was significantly more posterior and cranial; the anterior nasopharyngeal height was reduced; the nasopharyngeal growth followed a vertical tendency with reduced sagittal dimensions concerning hard and soft tissue. The velum length was reduced. In the cleft group, an accumulation of mandibular retrognathia and an anterior position of the hyoid were observed. Skeletal configuration and type of growth were predominantly vertical.Conclusions. Our data provides a fundamental radiological analysis of the nasopharyngeal development in cleft patients. It confirms the lateral cephalogram as a basic diagnostic device in the analysis of nasopharyngeal and skeletal growth in cleft patients.
Iterative Signal Processing for Mitigation of Analog‐to‐Digital Converter Clipping Distortion in Multiband OFDMA Receivers
Authors: Allén Markus , Levanen Toni , Marttila Jaakko , Valkama Mikko
Published: March 2012

In modern wideband communication receivers, the large input‐signal dynamics is a fundamental problem. Unintentional signal clipping occurs, if the receiver front‐end with the analog‐to‐digital interface cannot respond to rapidly varying conditions. This paper discusses digital postprocessing compensation of such unintentional clipping in multiband OFDMA receivers. The proposed method iteratively mitigates the clipping distortion by exploiting the symbol decisions. The performance of the proposed method is illustrated with various computer simulations and also verified by concrete laboratory measurements with commercially available analog‐to‐digital hardware. It is shown that the clipping compensation algorithm implemented in a turbo decoding OFDM receiver is able to remove almost all the clipping distortion even under significant clipping in fading channel circumstances. That is to say, it is possible to nearly recover the receiver performance to the level, which would be achieved in the equivalent nonclipped situation.
Experimental Study on Forecasting Mathematical Model of Drying Shrinkage of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Guo Yuanchen , Wang Xue
Published: March 2012

On the basis of basic law in AASHTO2007 model, the forecasting mathematical model of drying shrinkage of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is established by regression analysis and experimental study. The research results show that (1) with the replacement rate of RCA increases, the drying shrinkage value of RAC increases; this trend is even more obvious in the early drying time. (2) The addition of fly ash can inhibit the drying shrinkage of RAC, but the effect is not very obvious. Specifically, the addition of fly ash will increase the shrinkage to some extent when the mixing amount is 20%. (3) The addition of expansive agent can obviously inhibit the shrinkage of RAC; the inhibition affection is better than that of fly ash. (4) The forecasting mathematical models of drying shrinkage of RAC established in this paper have high accuracy and rationality according to experiment validation and error analysis.
Effect of Nebulized Morphine on Dyspnea of Mustard Gas-Exposed Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Shohrati Majid , Ghanei Mostafa , Harandi Asghar Amini , Foroghi Soniya , Harandi Ali Amini
Published: March 2012

Background. Dyspnea is one of the main complaints in a group of COPD patients due to exposure to sulfur mustard (SM) and is refractory to conventional therapies. We designed this study to evaluate effectiveness of nebulized morphine in such patients.Materials and Methods. In a double-blind clinical trial study, 40 patients with documented history of exposure to SM were allocated to two groups: group 1 who received 1 mg morphine sulfate diluted by 4 cc normal saline 0.5% using nebulizer once daily for 5 days and group 2 serving as control who received normal saline as placebo. They were visited by pulmonologist 7 times per day to check symptoms and signs and adverse events. Different parameters including patient-scored peak expiratory flow using pick flow meter, visual analogue scale (VAS) for dyspnea, global quality of life and cough, and number of respiratory rate, night time awaking for dyspnea and cough have been assessed.Results. The scores of VAS for dyspnea, cough and quality of life and also respiratory rate, heart rate, and night time awaking due to dyspnea and night time awaking due to cough improved significantly after morphine nebulization without any major adverse events. Also pick expiratory flow has been improved significantly after nebulization in each day.Conclusion. Our results showed the clinical benefit of nebulized morphine on respiratory complaints of patients due to exposure to SM without significant side effects.
Fe(III)-Citrate-Complex-Induced Photooxidation of 3-Methylphenol in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Seraghni N. , Belattar S. , Mameri Y. , Debbache N. , Sehili T.
Published: March 2012

The photodegradation process of m-cresol (3-methylphenol), induced by Fe(III)-Cit complex, was investigated upon irradiation at 365 nm in natural water. The composition and photochemical properties of Fe(III)-Cit complex were studied by UV-Visible absorption spectrophotometer for optimizing the stoichiometry of the complex and photolysis under irradiation at 365 nm, respectively. A dark investigation of the system was performed before studying the photochemical behavior. The photooxidation efficiencies of m-cresol were dependent on the pH value, optimized at pH 2.86, oxygen, initial concentrations of Fe(III)-Cit complex, and m-cresol. Additionally, to look into the mechanism of m-cresol degradation using Fe(III)-Cit, tertiobutanol alcohol was used as scavenger for hydroxyl radicals and the result suggested that hydroxyl radical attack was the main pathway of m-cresol degradation. Besides, oxygen can enhance the photolysis of Fe(III)-Citrate complex by trapping the electron on the carbon centered radical formed after the photoredox process. Then O2•−formed reacts rapidly leading finally to formation of•OH radical. In absence of oxygen, less reactive species are formed; consequently the disappearance of m-cresol was strongly inhibited. Our work shows that the presence of Fe(III)-Citrate complex could have a considerable impact on the fate of organic pollutant in aquatic environment.