bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No More Mere Conduit? Abandoning Net Neutrality and Its Possible Consequences on Internet Service Providers' Content Liability
Authors: Hynönen Kalle
Published: May 2013

The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications issued in May 2012 a report dealing with non‐neutral practices of the European Internet access providers. According to the report, peer‐to‐peer and voice over IP traffic are being blocked or throttled widely, and various other signs of practices that go beyond the presumably neutral role of an Internet access provider are reported. This essay discusses these non‐neutral practices from the perspective of the content liability exemption provided in the article 12 of the e‐commerce directive and asks how far the limits set out in the article can be stretched in connection with voluntarily adopted “non‐neutral” practices before the liability exemption is lost. Moreover, the essay takes a prospective look and asks what would be the effects of losing the mere conduit defence especially from copyright liability perspective, and can the risk of losing the safe harbour work as a safeguard for preserving the openness of the Internet. While it is difficult to give a definite answer at this stage, this essay suggests that a strict interpretation of the article 12 requirements might in some cases well lead to loss of the liability exemption.
Compelling to Disclose Software Interoperable Information: A Risk for Innovation or a Balanced Solution?
Authors: Otero Begoña Gonzalez
Published: May 2013

Software interoperability has been declared matter of public interest by the European Commission in its European Digital Agenda because of its obvious intrinsic value and, therefore, it is in the interest of society to support it. The most significant ex ante intellectual property rules on interoperability in IT markets are presently located in the area of copyright law. Ideally, copyright law should provide market participants with clear indications as to the ability to access and use interoperability information. However, none of the Actions of the European Digital Agenda address copyright in general nor the Software Directive in particular in the matter of interoperability. This essay will discuss whether the regulation established by the Software Directive can jeopardize the public interest. Subsequently, due to the impact of the Microsoft CFI decision, it will be analyzed whether a compulsory licensing approach is the best solution in order to guarantee access to interoperable information. Closing, some recommendations over both the interoperable information regulation of the Software Directive and the licensing approach that might help in keeping a fair balance between the copyright holder of the computer program and competitors in the ICT sector for the sake of interoperability and innovation.
Intraoperative monitoring: Normative range associated with normal postoperative glottic function
Authors: Caragacianu Diana , Kamani Dipti , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Despite increasing use of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM), there is limited information on normative electrophysiologic electromyographic (EMG) parameters. The objective of this study was to define normative parameters of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) intraoperative neuromonitoring during thyroid surgery associated with normal postoperative vocal cord function.

Study Design

Prospective data collection in a tertiary care center.

Methods

Quantitative analysis of evoked waveform amplitude and threshold was performed on 125 patients with 167 nerves at risk. Values were displayed as a mean with 5th percentile and 95th percentiles (5th–95th). Postoperative vocal cord function in all patients was documented.

Results

All patients had normal postoperative laryngeal function (group I–normal) except for two patients who had postoperative transient vocal cord paralysis (group II–abnormal/outlier). The final amplitude between 247 and 3607 μV at the end of dissection/end of surgery was associated in all group I patients with a normal postoperative neural function. Final intraoperative amplitude measures for group II averaged just 97.5 μV, significantly different than our normative ranges obtained for group I, and fell outside of the group I 5% to 95% percentile range (P = .016). Final amplitude adequately predicted postoperative RLN impaired function immediately after surgery.

Conclusions

We propose IONM EMG data criteria that predict normal postoperative vocal cord function monitoring and provide information about nerve functioning at the end of the operation, thereby allowing adaptation of the surgical strategy when a bilateral procedure is indicated to avoid bilateral nerve paralysis.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 123:3026–3031, 2013
Long‐term results of endoscopic sinus surgery–oriented treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis with asthma
Authors: Chen Feng‐Hong , Zuo Ke‐Jun , Guo Yu‐Biao , Li Zhi‐Ping , Xu Geng , Xu Rui , Shi Jian‐Bo
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)–oriented multimodality treatment in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients with asthma and its impact on asthma.

Study Design

Prospective, nonrandomized cohort.

Methods

Twenty‐seven CRS patients with asthma who underwent FESS with postoperative topical corticosteroid spray were evaluated preoperatively; 25 of them were evaluated 1 year and 3 years postoperatively. CRS was evaluated by visual analogue scale, clinical control of CRS, and objective measurement endoscopy Lund‐Kennedy scores. Asthma was assessed by subjective asthma control test and asthma control level, also by objective antiasthma medication use and pulmonary function tests.

Results

VAS scores of general symptoms (8.09 ± 0.87 preoperatively) were significantly improved at 1 year (2.94 ± 2.21) and 3 years (3.77 ± 2.16) postoperation (P = .000). No difference in these items was found between 1 year and 3 years (P = .463). Endoscopy Lund‐Kennedy scores at 1 year (4.34 ± 3.09) and 3 years (5.80 ± 3.38) postoperatively were significantly better (9.33 ± 2.03 preoperatively, P = .000), and there was no difference between 1 year and 3 years of follow‐up (P > .05). Significantly, asthma control level improved postoperatively (P = .025). However, antiasthma drug and pulmonary function showed no significant change postoperatively (P > .05).

Conclusions

FESS‐oriented multimodality treatment improves CRS with asthma significantly and persistently. Asthma control level improved. Antiasthma medication use and pulmonary function remained stable.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:24–28, 2014
Effect of astaxanthin on vocal fold wound healing
Authors: Mizuta Masanobu , Hirano Shigeru , Hiwatashi Nao , Tateya Ichiro , Kanemaru Shin‐ichi , Nakamura Tatsuo , Ito Juichi
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Our previous study demonstrated that a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is produced during the early phase of vocal fold wound healing. In the current study, we investigated the effect of astaxanthin, which is a strong antioxidant, on the regulation of oxidative stress and scarring during vocal fold wound healing.

Study Design

Prospective animal experiment with control.

Methods

Sprague‐Dawley rats were dosed with astaxanthin (Ast‐treated group, 100 mg/kg/day) or olive oil (sham‐treated group) by oral gavage daily from preinjury day 1 to postinjury day 4. After vocal folds were injured under the endoscope, larynges were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical examinations on postinjury days 1, 3, 5, and 56, and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on postinjury days 1 and 3.

Results

The expression of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal, which is an oxidative stress marker, was reduced significantly in the lamina propria of the Ast‐treated group as compared to the sham‐treated group. Histological examination showed significantly less tissue contraction with favorable deposition of hyaluronic acid in the lamina propria of the Ast‐treated group compared to the sham‐treated group. Real time PCR revealed significantly upregulated mRNA expression of basic fibroblast growth factor on postinjury day 1 and procollagen type I in the Ast‐treated group compared to the sham‐treated group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that astaxanthin has the potential to prevent vocal fold scarring by regulating oxidative stress during the early phase of vocal fold wound healing.

Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 124:E1–E7, 2014
Level IIB lymph node metastasis in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Single‐institution case series and review of the literature
Authors: Gross Brian C. , Olsen Steven M. , Lewis Jean E. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Moore Eric J. , Olsen Kerry D. , Price Daniel L.
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the incidence of level IIB lymph node metastasis in patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and to evaluate the need for elective and therapeutic neck dissection of level IIB.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study and review of the literature.

Methods

Patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (N = 65) were primarily treated with surgery at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) from 2004 through 2010. Neck dissection specimens were analyzed by a pathologist, and metastases to level IIB were reported. In addition, 18 previously published studies, totaling 1,114 neck dissections, were reviewed.

Results

Level IIB lymph node metastases were present in 4% and 17% of elective and therapeutic neck dissections, respectively. Ipsilateral IIB metastasis was more common than contralateral IIB metastasis in elective and therapeutic neck dissection specimens. Level IIB lymph node metastasis was not significantly associated with level IIA nodal metastasis, level III nodal metastasis, clinical primary tumor stage, clinical nodal stage, or pathologic confirmation of extracapsular spread in either laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusions

The rate of occult IIB metastasis in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is exceedingly low. In a clinically node‐negative case, the ipsilateral and contralateral level IIB nodal packet should not be dissected. For clinically node‐positive cases, ipsilateral level IIB dissection should be performed; contralateral IIB dissection should be performed only when indicated.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:3032–3036, 2013
Tympanoplasty with intact canal wall mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma: Long‐term hearing outcomes
Authors: Wilson Kevin F. , London Nyall R. , Shelton Clough
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To review long‐term hearing results after intact canal wall mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty for treatment of cholesteatoma and to identify factors associated with improved hearing outcomes.

Study Design

A retrospective analysis of all cases of cholesteatoma treated with intact canal wall mastoidectomy at a single institution by the senior author over a period of 9 years, for which at least 2 years of follow‐up data exist.

Methods

Patient and disease information was collected retrospectively and analyzed.

Results

There were 148 patients with 156 affected ears treated and followed for a median of 5.3 years (interquartile range, 3.6–7.4 years). The majority of the operations (144/156, 92%) were staged. Hearing data were available for 150 ears. The overall postoperative mean air‐bone gap was ≤20 dB in 64% of patients. This was maintained long term in most patients, with 59% of patients still with an air‐bone gap ≤20 dB at a median follow‐up of 5.3 years. The presence of an intact stapes did not affect initial hearing outcomes, but the group with an intact stapes had improved long‐term hearing results compared to those without an intact stapes (71% vs. 42% air‐bone gap ≤20 dB, P < .001). The presence of a malleus handle also led to superior long‐term hearing outcomes (72% vs. 48% air‐bone gap ≤20 dB, P = .005).

Conclusions

Long‐term hearing results from intact canal wall mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty are excellent, with the majority of patients maintaining a small air‐bone gap long term. The presence of a stapes and/or malleus handle confers improved long‐term hearing outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:3168–3171, 2013
The effect of geniglossal advancement on airway flow using a computational flow dynamics model
Authors: Fletcher Aaron , Choi Jiwoong , Awadalla Maged , Potash Andrea E. , Wallen Tanner J. , Fletcher Steven , Chang Eugene H.
Published: May 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder caused by partial or complete collapse of the pharyngeal airway. Genioglossal advancement (GGA) is a well‐tolerated surgical procedure intended to address hypopharyngeal collapse, yet there are few studies that monitor changes in airflow dynamics at this site. Computation fluid dynamics (CFD) utilizes airflow simulation to predict changes in airflow after anatomic manipulation.

Study Design

We investigated the change in volume and airflow dynamics of the pharyngeal airway after GGA in a cadaveric model.

Methods

We performed serial GGA from 1 mm (control) to 3, 7, and 9 mm on a lightly preserved cadaver. After each intervention, we performed high‐resolution computed tomography scans, reconstructed the pharyngeal airway, and quantified airspace volume and CFD analysis with both laminar and large eddy simulation models.

Results

Airway volume increased with linear GGA. In both CFD simulation models, velocity increased and pressure decreased after 9‐mm advancement secondary to increased airway diameter and less abrupt changes in airway geometry.

Conclusions

These results suggest that GGA may be effective in increasing airway volume and flow to address hypopharyngeal obstruction in OSA.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:3227–3232, 2013
Normal values of median nerve cross‐sectional area obtained by ultrasound along its course in the arm with electrophysiological correlations, in 100 Asian subjects
Authors: Bathala Lokesh , Kumar Pavan , Kumar Krishna , Shaik Ahammad Basha , Visser Leo H.
Published: May 2013

Introduction: The objective of this study is to obtain normative cross‐sectional area (CSA) values for median nerve by ultrasound at predetermined sites and correlate them with electrophysiological variables in healthy Asian subjects. Methods: The median nerve was examined ultrasonographically in 100 healthy volunteers, mean age 39 years (range, 18–75 years). CSA of the median nerve was measured at wrist, mid‐forearm, mid‐arm, and axilla. All subjects underwent simultaneous standardized nerve conduction studies. Results: The mean median nerve CSAs ± SD at the distal wrist crease was 7.2 ± 1 mm2; mid‐forearm 4.8 ± 0.9 mm2; mid‐arm 6.1 ± 1 mm2; axilla 5.9 ± 0.9 mm2. The CSA at the wrist was the largest compared with other levels (P < 0.001), and it increased with advancing age (P < 0.002). Conclusions: These normative data show that median nerve CSA is not uniform along its length. There are differences between gender, and values increase with advancing age. Muscle Nerve 49: 284–286, 2014
When a mother has cancer: pathways to relational growth for mothers and daughters coping with cancer
Authors: Bekteshi Venera , Kayser Karen
Published: May 2013

Background

Most research on daughters of women with cancer have focused on the daughters' adjustment to the cancer with little attention given to the impact of the cancer on the relationships between mothers and daughters.

Methods

Guided by the feminist relational‐cultural theory, this study examines mothers' perceptions of their cancer experience on their relationships with daughters, focusing on their emotional connections, ruptures or disconnections in the relationships, and relational competencies. By using the grounded theory, 29 in‐depth interviews of mothers with cancer were analyzed.

Results

Although most of the participants reported closer relationships with their daughters as a result of the cancer experience, emotions such as fear, anger, or guilt were frequently cited. Mothers were able to work through these emotions with their daughters through four relational competencies: (a) anticipatory empathy (sensitivity about the impact of cancer on each other); (b) authenticity (full presence without fear of abandonment); (c) mutual empathy (caring and emotional support); and (d)mutual empowerment (capacity to empower one another).

Conclusion

The concept of post‐traumatic relational growth is introduced to describe how mothers transformed the stressful experience of cancer into an experience in which they grew emotionally in relationship with their daughters. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cryogenic Soil Activity along Bioclimatic Gradients in Northern Sweden: Insights from Eight Different Proxies
Authors: Klaus Marcus , Becher Marina , Klaminder Jonatan
Published: May 2013

Cryogenic soil activity caused by differential soil movements during freeze‐thaw cycles is of fundamental importance for Arctic ecosystem functioning, but its response to climate warming is uncertain. Eight proxies of cryogenic soil activity (including measurements of soil surface motion, vegetation and grey values of aerial photographs) were examined at eight study sites where non‐sorted patterned ground spans an elevation gradient (400–1150 m asl) and a precipitation gradient (300–1000 mm yr‐1) near Abisko, northern Sweden. Six proxies were significantly correlated with each other (mean |r| = 0.5). Soil surface motion increased by three to five times along the precipitation gradient and was two to four times greater at intermediate elevations than at low and high elevations, a pattern reflected by vegetation assemblages. The results suggest that inferences about how cryogenic soil activity changes with climate are independent of the choice of the proxy, although some proxies should be applied carefully. Four preferred proxies indicate that cryogenic soil activity may respond differently to climate warming along the elevation gradient and could be greatly modified by precipitation. This underlines the strong but spatially complex response of cryogenic processes to climate change in the Arctic. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plant protection in Poland on the eve of obligatory integrated pest management implementation
Authors: Matyjaszczyk Ewa
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Integrated pest management (IPM) will be obligatory in all European Union (EU) member states from January 1, 2014. Successful IPM implementation will depend not only on the sound guidelines and goodwill of the farmers, but also on conditions in farmers' environment.

RESULTS

This paper presents the most important factors influencing IPM implementation in Poland.

CONCLUSION

The most favorable aspects on the eve of obligatory IPM implementation are the relatively low use of plant protection products and popularity of some non‐chemical methods of pest control, such as sowing cereal in mixture. The most important challenges are the improvement of advisory service and the crop structure with almost three‐quarters of sown area covered by cereals. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of an Underwater Robotic Inspection System using Mechanical Contact
Authors: Sakagami Norimitsu , Ishimaru Kouhei , Kawamura Sadao , Shibata Mizuho , Onishi Hiroyuki , Murakami Shigeo
Published: May 2013

This paper reports the development of a robotic inspection system using a mechanical contact mechanism that enhances the positioning stability of a small and lightweight underwater robot to take clear images of underwater targets and to work with manipulators for inspections under external disturbances. As described in this paper, first we perform a two‐dimensional numerical analysis based on force and moment acting on an underwater robot with a contact mechanism. Second, we experimentally investigate the friction coefficients of several soft and high friction materials for the contact points of a prototype contact mechanism to enhance the positioning stability of the robot. Based on the results of numerical analysis and the experimental investigation, we design and develop a prototype contact mechanism for an underwater robot. Moreover, we experimentally test the stability of the underwater robot with the contact mechanism in a test tank. Finally, a ship hull inspection is conducted as a field test in a port using the robot with the developed contact mechanism. The experimentally obtained results indicate that the proposed contact mechanism is a useful tool for underwater visual inspections and manipulator tasks of a small and lightweight underwater robot.
A Typology of Actional‐Operational Modes in Earth Science and Implications for Science Literacy Instruction
Authors: WILSON AMY ALEXANDRA
Published: May 2013

Framed in theories of social semiotics, this multiple case study describes and categorizes the actional‐operational modes used by three middle school earth science teachers throughout the course of one school year. Data included fieldnotes, photographs, and video recordings of classroom instructions as well as periodic interviews with the teachers. A constant comparative analysis of the data resulted in the creation of a typology of actional‐operational modes according to how they fulfilled the ideational, interpersonal, and textual metafunctions of communication. Six categories of actional‐operational modes were identified: gesture, embodied representation, moving objects on flat surfaces, moving objects through three‐dimensional space, material representations, and observed phenomena. Multimodal concordance charts were used to identify the affordances and productive constraints of each of these modes. The study offers implications for how fundamental science literacy instruction might be reconceptualized to more rigorously account for actional‐operational texts, including building students’ multimodal representational competence and providing comprehension strategy instruction in ways that consider these modes’ unique features. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 97:524–549, 2013
Design and implementation of a dynamic symbolic execution tool for windows executables
Authors: Chen Ting , Zhang Xiao‐song , Zhu Cong , Ji Xiao‐li , Guo Shi‐ze , Wu Yue
Published: May 2013

Dynamic symbolic execution, or DSE for short, has become a promising technique in software testing. However, the implementation details of DSE have not been described in depth in existing works. Although some open‐source DSE tools are available nowadays, to design and implement a specific DSE tool from scratch is necessary for some reasons. To this end, we implement a Smart Fuzzing Tool for Windows Native Executables, or SMAFE for short, which utilizes Pin and STP for instrumentation and constraint solving, respectively. Advantages of Pin and STP make SMAFE portable. The major contribution of this paper is our detailed description of the implementation of DSE, including symbolization of inputs, tracking of symbols, synchronization of overlapped symbols, environment modeling, and so on. A practical case study validates the effectiveness of SMAFE. Then, the experiments with two benchmark sets present that the code coverage is above 90% on average. Benefits from this paper are at least twofold: moderating learning curve for scholars and shortening the development circle for practitioners. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heuristic expansion of feature mappings in evolving program families
Authors: Nunes Camila , Garcia Alessandro , Lucena Carlos , Lee Jaejoon
Published: May 2013

Establishing explicit mappings between features and their implementation elements in code is one of the critical factors to maintain and evolve software systems successfully. This is especially important when developers have to evolve program families, which have evolved from one single core system to similar but different systems to accommodate various requirements from customers. Many techniques and tools have emerged to assist developers in the feature mapping activity. However, existing techniques and tools for feature mapping are limited as they operate on a single program version individually. Additionally, existing approaches are limited to recover features on demand, that is, developers have to run the tools for each family member version individually. In this paper, we propose a cohesive suite of five mapping heuristics addressing those two limitations. These heuristics explore the evolution history of the family members in order to expand feature mappings in evolving program families. The expansion refers to the action of automatically generating the feature mappings for each family member version by systematically considering its previous change history. The mapping expansion starts from seed mappings and continually tracks the features of the program family, thus eliminating the need of on demand algorithms. Additionally, we present the MapHist tool that provides support to the application of the proposed heuristics. We evaluate the accuracy of our heuristics through two evolving program families from our industrial partners. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scheduling model‐to‐model transformations with continuations
Authors: Cuadrado Jesús Sánchez , Aracil Jesús Perera
Published: May 2013

Model transformations are at the heart of model‐driven engineering because they allow the automation of diverse kinds of model manipulations. Transformation scheduling is a key issue in the design and implementation of many transformation languages. This paper reports our results using continuations as the underlying technique for building a scheduling mechanism implicitly driven by data dependence among transformation rules. To support our experiments, we have built a proof‐of‐concept model transformation language, which is also reported here. First, we motivate the problem by analyzing the scheduling mechanism of current model transformation languages. Then, we introduce the notion of continuation, showing its applicability to model transformations. Afterwards, we present our approach, notably explaining how dependence is specified and giving the scheduling algorithm. We also analyze the lazy resolution of rules and how to deal with collection operations. The approach is validated by an implementation that targets the Java Virtual Machine and by running of the performance benchmarks that show its efficiency and scalability. Besides, we discuss how it can be applied to other existing transformation languages and present several applicability scenarios. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental Research and Future Approach on Evaluating Service‐Oriented Architecture (SOA) Challenges in a Hard Real‐Time Combat System Environment
Authors: Moreland James D.
Published: May 2013

As the integration and interoperability demands among heterogeneous systems increase, Service‐Oriented Architectures (SOAs) have provided a potential technical solution to integrate these complex systems within an enterprise framework. This paper presents experimental results and future approaches to assess the employment of an SOA within a hard real‐time (stringent time constraints), deterministic (maximum predictability) combat system (CS). For these systems with hard real‐time requirements, web services have generally not demonstrated the necessary and sufficient characteristics to satisfy these stringent needs. Specifically, this paper provides a characterization of hard real‐time, deterministic systems; results from a recent small‐scale experiment to assess various SOA products in this demanding architecture; and the future direction to research real‐time applications in a representative operational environment. Experimental results to date indicate that emerging real‐time technologies are contributing to improved performance and better predictability within the internal processing latencies of web service applications. This preliminary research focuses on a simplistic computing architecture, but it provides a good baseline for more detailed experimentation using the actual systems. If successful, this research could lead down a path to increase synergy and consolidate computing infrastructures by supporting multiple user domains with the potential of reducing cost for both acquisition and lifecycle support.
3D face alignment and registration in the presence of facial expression diﬀerences
Authors: Pintavirooj Chuchart , Cohen Fernand S. , Tosranon Prasong
Published: May 2013

This paper deals with the problem of 3D alignment of faces in the presence of some facial expression changes. The data are three dimensional and obtained using a laser scanner. Our approach is based on the diﬀerential geometry of the surface and computes the intrinsic local ﬁducial points on the surface and on curves that reside on the surface. Because these ﬁducial points are local, they allow partial alignment, where part of the face is viewed. Moreover, since the ﬁducial points are relatively aﬃne‐invariant to local aﬃne transformations, they allow matching and alignment when facial expression changes aﬀect part of the face. A fast, noniterative alignment procedure is presented in this paper that establishes reliable correspondences between ﬁducial points without any prior knowledge of the overall nonlinear global transformation that takes place after the changes in facial expressions. This is achieved through the construction of a set of ordered novel absolute local aﬃne invariants. With enough ﬁducial points set as correspondents, the overall nonlinear transformation is computed and the face before and after the transformation are aligned. For comparison, we also compare the alignment performance of our method with that of the iterative closest point (ICP) method and the coherent point drift (CPD) method which is based on the Gaussian mixture model by looking at the between‐to‐within variation (signal‐to‐noise ratio, SNR) between these two classes (match vs nonmatch) based on the average alignment errors for the genuine matches and nonmatches, normalized by their respective within variation, and by running it on the 3D face database GavabDB. The separation between the true match and nonmatch is best for our zero‐torsion method (SNR of 1.2), followed by the ICP method (SNR of 0.37)and the CPD method (SNR of 0.15). It is interesting to observe here that, although the alignment error for the true match cases is lowest for the CPD method, it is also extremely low for the nonmatch cases, which would mean that the method would force a query into a wrong face, yielding poor speciﬁcity (lots of false alarms). © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Robust estimation of body temperature based on clustering
Authors: Suzuki Arata , Ryu Kazuteru , Kanai Nobuyuki
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes a method for estimating the body temperature using a temperature sensor installed on the inside surface of a blood‐pressure cuﬀ. It is known that the skin surface temperature changes with the outside temperature so that the human body temperature is kept constant. In this paper, based on this property, the body temperature is estimated from the skin surface temperature and the outside temperature measured concurrently while the blood pressure is measured. Considering the actual situation, the estimation could be diﬃcult when the temperature of the blood‐pressure meter cuﬀ is greatly diﬀerent from that of upper arm skin, for example. To solve the problem, we classify in advance various learning samples into multiple classes with diﬀerent sets of parameters to estimate the body temperature. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cosmic R-string in thermal history
Authors: Kamada Kohei , Kobayashi Tatsuo , Ohashi Keisuke , Ookouchi Yutaka
Published: May 2013

Abstract

We study stabilization of an unstable cosmic string associated with spontaneously broken U(1)
R
symmetry, which otherwise causes a dangerous roll-over process. We demonstrate that in a gauge mediation model, messengers can receive enough corrections from the thermal plasma of the supersymmetric standard model particles to stabilize the unstable modes of the string.
Surgeon Confidence in an Outpatient Setting
Authors: Hageman Michiel G. J. S. , Bossen Jeroen K. J. , King John D. , Ring David
Published: May 2013

Background

We have the impression that provider uncertainty arises from either nonspecific pathology or disproportionate symptoms and disability, both of which correlate with symptoms of depression, heightened illness concern, and low patient self-efficacy. This study tested the primary null hypothesis that there is no correlation between provider confidence and patient self-efficacy.

Methods

Eighty-five patients visiting an orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon completed the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). The surgeon's confidence in the diagnosis, optimal treatment, expected outcome, and the anticipated satisfaction of the patient and the referring doctor were measured with five questions rated on 5-point Likert scales (Physician Confidence Scale).

Results

Overall physician confidence was high and there was no correlation between the PSEQ score and the Physician Confidence Scale. Provider confidence was significantly lower for nonspecific diagnoses, but there was no significant difference between the mean PSEQ for the 72 patients with a specific diagnosis and the 12 patients with nonspecific diagnoses.

Conclusions

Physician confidence did not relate with self-efficacy in this study. Level of Evidence: Prognostic, level II
Antimicrobial and SEM Studies of Sophorolipids Synthesized Using Lauryl Alcohol
Authors: Dengle‐Pulate Vrushali , Chandorkar Parul , Bhagwat Sunil , Prabhune Asmita Ashutosh
Published: May 2013

In recent years, researchers have developed biosurfactants for industrial, pharmaceutical and medical applications revealing the promising biological activities of these biomolecules. One of the best studied microbial surfactants are glycolipids, especially sophorolipids (SLs) produced by selected non‐pathogenic yeast species of Candida. They are biodegradable, non‐toxic and are environmentally friendly. Sophorolipid production was carried out using glucose as the hydrophilic source and lauryl alcohol C12–14, as the hydrophobic source using Candida bombicola ATCC 22214. Primary characterization of the SL obtained using lauryl alcohol (SLLA) was done by FTIR which depicted the presence of alkyl sophorosides/SLs. Antimicrobial activity testing revealed that SLLA showed complete inhibition against gram negative bacteria, Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027) at 30 and 1 μg/ml at a contact time of 2 and 4 h respectively. Whereas for gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6358), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), complete inhibition was observed at 6 and 1 μg/ml respectively at a contact time of 4 h. The formed SLLA showed noteworthy inhibition against the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans (ATCC 2091) at 50 μg/ml with a contact time of 4 h. These values are remarkably low compared to reported values of oleic acid SLs and linolenic acid SLs which were studied for antimicrobial properties. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the treated cells revealed the changes in morphology and topography of the microorganisms.
Cytosolic Ca2+ as a multifunctional modulator is required for spermiogenesis inAscaris suum
Authors: Shang Yunlong , Chen Lianwan , Liu Zhiyu , Wang Xia , Ma Xuan , Miao Long
Published: May 2013

The dynamic polar polymers actin filaments and microtubules are usually employed to provide the structural basis for establishing cell polarity in most eukaryotic cells. Radially round and immotile spermatids from nematodes contain almost no actin or tubulin, but still have the ability to break symmetry to extend a pseudopod and initiate the acquisition of motility powered by the dynamics of cytoskeleton composed of major sperm protein (MSP) during spermiogenesis (sperm activation). However, the signal transduction mechanism of nematode sperm activation and motility acquisition remains poorly understood. Here we show that Ca2+ oscillations induced by the Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ store through inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptor are required for Ascaris suum sperm activation. The chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ suppresses the generation of a functional pseudopod, and this suppression can be relieved by introducing exogenous Ca2+ into sperm cells. Ca2+ promotes MSP-based sperm motility by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and thus the energy supply required for MSP cytoskeleton assembly. On the other hand, Ca2+ promotes MSP disassembly by activating Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent serine/threonine protein phosphatase calcineurin. In addition, Ca2+/camodulin activity is required for the fusion of sperm-specifi c membranous organelle with the plasma membrane, a regulated exocytosis required for sperm motility. Thus, Ca2+ plays multifunctional roles during sperm activation in Ascaris suum.
New structural insights into the decoding mechanism: Translation infidelity via a G·U pair with Watson–Crick geometry
Authors: Demeshkina Natalia , Jenner Lasse , Westhof Eric , Yusupov Marat , Yusupova Gulnara
Published: May 2013

Pioneer crystallographic studies of the isolated 30S ribosomal subunit provided the first structural insights into the decoding process. Recently, new crystallographic data on full 70S ribosomes with mRNA and tRNAs have shown that the formation of the tight decoding centre is ensured by conformational rearrangement of the 30S subunit (domain closure), which is identical for cognate or near‐cognate tRNA. When a G·U forms at the first or second codon–anticodon positions (near‐cognate tRNA), the ribosomal decoding centre forces the adoption of Watson–Crick G·C‐like geometry rather than that of the expected Watson–Crick wobble pair. Energy expenditure for rarely occuring tautomeric base required for Watson–Crick G·C‐like G·U pair or the repulsion energy due to steric clash within the mismatched base pair could constitute the only cause for efficient rejection of a near‐cognate tRNA. Our data suggest that “geometrical mimicry” can explain how wrong aminoacyl‐tRNAs with G·U pairs in the codon–anticodon helix forming base pairs with Watson–Crick geometry in the decoding center can be incorporated into the polypeptide chain.
Pacemaker lead fracture without an increase in lead impedance caused by cardiac fibroma
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Kitajima Hiroki , Mani Hiroki , Park Chang‐Hee , Chun Yeong‐Hwa
Published: May 2013

We report the case of a 64‐year‐old man who had a permanent pacemaker with a unipolar silicone electrode positioned in the right ventricle in 1989 for sinus node dysfunction. On a routine checkup in June 2011, a 28‐mm‐diameter mass was discovered, which appeared to adhere to the tricuspid valve and the ventricular lead. The size of the mass did not change for the next 6 months, and the lead impedance was maintained at around 500–600 Ω. Because pacing failure was observed in January 2012, he underwent an urgent pacemaker check; however, the lead impedance was found not to have increased greatly (689 Ω). Nevertheless, the pacemaker lead was noted to be fractured at the tricuspid level. His echocardiogram showed new severe tricuspid regurgitation and a floating mass around the lead. We extracted the fractured lead, enucleated the tumor, replaced the tricuspid valve, and placed an epicardial lead. Macroscopic examination revealed that the tumor surrounded the fractured lead and covered the stump. Pathological examination revealed that the tumor was composed of fibrous connective tissue. We presumed that electric current continued to flow through the stump of the fractured unipolar lead to the generator, and this might have caused the limited increase in lead impedance.
Children Who Had Congenital Torticollis as Infants Are Not at Higher Risk for a Delay in Motor Development at Preschool Age
Authors: Öhman Anna , Beckung Eva
Published: May 2013

Objective

To investigate whether congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) or the time in a prone position as an infant had any influence on motor development at preschool age.

Design

A case‐control study.

Participants

Eighty‐one children who had participated in a previous study that investigated motor development in infants with CMT and a control group of infants without CMT.

Method

A follow‐up at the age of 3.5‐5 years; the Movement Assessment Battery for Children was used with the earlier CMT group and the control group to assess their motor development. An independent physiotherapist, who was blinded of the children's previous group belonging, assessed the children.

Main Outcome Measurements

Percentile scores of motor development.

Results

Multiple regression showed no impact on earlier group belonging or the amount of time spent in a prone position as an infant. The left‐handed children had a significantly (P < .01) lower percentile in the Movement Assessment Battery for Children.

Conclusion

Neither CMT nor spending limited periods of time as an infant in the prone position when awake have any significant long‐term effects on motor development. Children who had CMT as infants were not at higher risk for a delay in motor development at preschool age.
Introduction to Special Issue: State of the Art Reviews on Mental Health in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Simpson Grahame K. , Tate Robyn
Published: May 2013

Addressing mental health issues is a core concern in the treatment of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. Mental health issues are widespread after TBI and arise whether the injury was sustained in civilian or conflict contexts. In the Guest Editorial, Simon Fleminger outlines key issues and conundrums that arise in the intertwining of mental health problems and TBI, as well as the importance of integrating the treatment of mental health conditions into neurorehabilitation.
“For Zion's Sake I Will Not Rest”: The London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews and its Nineteenth-Century Missionary Periodicals
Authors: Jagodzińska Agnieszka
Published: May 2013

Since the Evangelical Revival triggered a new wave of British millenarian expectations and aroused religiously motivated interest in Jews, various religious bodies and individuals envisioned the necessity of Jews' conversion, stimulating countless and restless efforts to evangelize “God's chosen people.” These efforts, organized within the framework of the vast British missionary enterprise, soon became “nothing short of a national project,” to cite Michael Ragussis. This project, dubbed by its critics as “the English madness,” expressed itself in activity of various societies, and missions, in a wide flow of literature and in constantly recurring public debates. The London Society for Promoting Christianity among Jews (abbreviated from here to the London Society or the Society), was probably its most important outcome. Established as a separate missionary enterprise in 1809, it was the oldest and the largest society in field of nineteenth-century British “Jewish missions.” It sent missionaries not only to the Jewish communities in British colonial spaces, but also far beyond. The efforts of the Society to convert Jews are well reflected in its numerous missionary periodicals whose function, form, and language I wish to discuss here.
Catholic and Protestant Individuals in Nineteenth-Century German Missionary Periodicals
Authors: Wu Albert
Published: May 2013

Upon first glance, nineteenth-century German Catholic and Protestant missionary periodicals seem to come from different milieus. Compare two mastheads: an October 1895 issue of the monthly periodical of the Catholic Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Protestant Berlin Missionary Society's monthly periodical of November 1895. An ornate woodcut print inhabits the masthead of the SVD periodical, the Kleiner-Herz Jesu-Bote. Jesus, with his sacred heart exposed, stands on clouds and is flanked by two angels, Raphael and Gabriel. In the top left-hand corner, the reader sees the Archangel Michael militantly guarding over the frontispiece with sword and shield, while in the top right-hand corner, the one mortal, St. Francis, smiles benevolently, offering the reader absolution. The periodical's title is presented in lettering akin to an illuminated manuscript. Pictures of saints, relics, and martyrs adorn the rest of the issue.
In Defense of Civil and Religious Liberty: Anti-Sabbatarianism in the United States before the Civil War
Authors: Verhoeven Tim
Published: May 2013

The decades before the Civil War witnessed a series of battles over the meaning and legal status of the American Sabbath. Scholarship has focused on the Sabbatarian movement, a cluster of evangelical churches that sought to institutionalize the Sunday Sabbath. This article takes a new approach by investigating the anti-Sabbatarian movement. In a series of controversies, from Sunday mail in the Jacksonian era to the running of Sunday streetcars on the eve of the Civil War, anti-Sabbatarians rallied against Sabbath laws as an infringement of civil and religious liberty. Though diverse in orientation, anti-Sabbatarians agreed that religion and politics should be kept apart, and that the United States was not, in constitutional terms, a Christian nation. A study of anti-Sabbatarianism is thus of rich significance for the history of Church-State relations in the United States.
A Grey Site of Memory: Le Chambon-sur-Lignon and Protestant Exceptionalism on the Plateau Vivarais-Lignon
Authors: Robins Marianne Ruel
Published: May 2013

Between 1940 and 1945, in the midst of the Holocaust, the citizens of the small town of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon rescued several hundred Jewish refugees from certain death. Historians, ethicists, witnesses and participants have pondered the reasons for this altruistic behavior, and have pointed in particular to the faith of the rescuers as the source of their exceptional courage. By examining the theological, economic, and cultural diversity of the region, this article evaluates these claims and challenges in particular traditional narratives of Protestant exceptionalism. This work also seeks to explain why these particular narratives emerged and eventually conflicted with one another. It seems that the rescue on the Plateau resulted from a unique convergence of means, individual and institutional convictions, and cultural habits. In probing the exact role of religious commitment and culture during World War II, a more complex and dynamic picture emerges—and what becomes apparent challenges traditional visions of Huguenots as constant and unequivocal supporters of their Jewish neighbors.