bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal distributions of total and methyl mercury in precipitation in core urban areas, Chongqing, China
Authors: Wang Y. M. , Wang D. Y. , Meng B. , Peng Y. L. , Zhao L. , Zhu J. S.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of mercury (Hg) in precipitation were investigated in the core urban areas of Chongqing, China. During the period from July 2010 to June 2011, total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) concentrations in precipitation were analysed from three sampling sites. Our results suggested that the volume-weight mean THg and MeHg concentrations in precipitation were 30.67 ng l−1 and 0.31 ng l−1, respectively. The proportion of MeHg in THg ranged from 0.1% to 7.6% with a mean value of 1.3%. THg and MeHg concentrations showed seasonal variations, while the highest THg value was measured in winter. Contrarily, the highest MeHg concentration was observed in autumn. Additionally, a geographically gradual decline of THg concentration in precipitation was observed from the downtown to the suburb, then to the controlled site in the city. 5 mm rainfall might be a threshold for the full wash-out capability. Rainfall above 5 mm may have a diluting effect for the concentrations of THg. Moreover, the current research implies that the coal combustion and motor vehicles could be the dominant sources for Hg in the precipitation.
Muon radiography for exploration of Mars geology
Authors: Kedar S. , Tanaka H. K. M. , Naudet C. J. , Jones C. E. , Plaut J. P. , Webb F. H.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Muon radiography is a technique that uses naturally occurring showers of muons (penetrating particles generated by cosmic rays) to image the interior of large scale geological structures in much the same way as standard X-ray radiography is used to image the interior of smaller objects. Recent developments and application of the technique to terrestrial volcanoes have demonstrated that a low-power, passive muon detector can peer deep into geological structures up to several kilometers in size, and provide crisp density profile images of their interior at ten meter scale resolution. Preliminary estimates of muon production on Mars indicate that the near horizontal Martian muon flux, which could be used for muon radiography, is as strong or stronger than that on Earth, making the technique suitable for exploration of numerous high priority geological targets on Mars. The high spatial resolution of muon radiography also makes the technique particularly suited for the discovery and delineation of Martian caverns, the most likely planetary environment for biological activity. As a passive imaging technique, muon radiography uses the perpetually present background cosmic ray radiation as the energy source for probing the interior of structures from the surface of the planet. The passive nature of the measurements provides an opportunity for a low power and low data rate instrument for planetary exploration that could operate as a scientifically valuable primary or secondary instrument in a variety of settings, with minimal impact on the mission's other instruments and operation.
Sea surface freshening inferred from SMOS and ARGO salinity: impact of rain
Authors: Boutin J. , Martin N. , Reverdin G. , Yin X. , Gaillard F.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The sea surface salinity (SSS) measured from space by the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission has recently been revisited by the European Space Agency first campaign reprocessing. We show that, with respect to the previous version, biases close to land and ice greatly decrease. The accuracy of SMOS SSS averaged over 10 days 100 × 100 km2 in the open ocean and estimated by comparison to ARGO SSS is on the order of 0.3–0.4 in tropical and subtropical regions and 0.5 in a cold region. The mean SSS −0.1 bias observed in the Tropical Pacific Ocean between 5° N and 15° N, relatively to other regions, is suppressed when SMOS rainy events, as detected on SSMIs rain rates, are removed from the SMOS-ARGO comparisons. The SMOS freshening is linearly correlated to SSMIs rain rate with a slope estimated to −0.14 mm−1 h, after correction for rain atmospheric contribution. This tendency is the signature of the temporal SSS variability between the time of SMOS and ARGO measurements linked to rain variability and of the vertical salinity stratification between the first centimeter of the sea surface layer sampled by SMOS and the 5 m depth sampled by ARGO. However, given that the whole set of collocations includes situations with rainy ARGO measurements collocated with non rainy SMOS measurements, the mean −0.1 bias and the negative skewness of the statistical distribution of SMOS minus ARGO SSS difference are very likely the mean signature of the vertical salinity stratification. In the future, the analysis of ongoing in situ salinity measurements in the top 50 cm of the sea surface and of Aquarius satellite SSS are expected to provide complementary information about the sea surface salinity stratification.
Laparoscopic Transmesocolic Pyeloplasty: Our Technical Notes on the Application of Intra-Surgical Ureteral DJ Catheter
Authors: Corona Andrea , Serra Simona , De Lisa Antonello
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The ureteral stent used for laparoscopic pyeloplasty can be placed pre-surgically intra-surgically or post-surgically The intra-surgical application can be carried out by anterograde or retrograde techniques.

Materials and methods

23 patients affected by pelviureteric junction disease (14 males, 9 females), aged between 10 and 55 years, underwent laparoscopic pyeloplasty with Anderson Hynes technique. No patient had a pre-surgery DJ ureteral catheter. Surgery was performed on lateral decubitus with external genitals. A sterile field including a flexible cystoscope was prepared to apply the ureteral catheter. Pyeloplasty was performed. After placing the first 4 ureteropelvic anastomosis stitches, flexible cystoscopy was performed by applying a leading probe 0.038 or 0.035 stiff Lubriglide flexible straight tip, depending on the ureter caliber. A ureteral catheter 6 or 4.8 Ch was used. The guide was followed by laparoscope until the renal pelvis or superior renal calices were reached. After extracting the cystoscope, the ureteral catheter was inserted with a suitable pusher up to the pelvis. After guide extraction, J modeling was performed. The time elapsed from the beginning of cystoscopy until the end of the procedure was calculated.

Results

The procedure was easily performed in all patients. The application time varied between 5 and 8 minutes for males, and from 6 to 10 minutes for females. The DJ catheter in laparoscopic pyeloplasty was applied by retrograde way. An alternative is the laparoscopic access or application in a previous moment with the need of two different surgical fields. This provides a reasonable execution time, the only difficulty being the finding of the external urethral meatus.

Conclusions

The intra-surgical application of DJ ureteral stent is a good alternative to the supine anterograde or retrograde technique.
Endoscopic Prostate Resection by Bipolar Gyrus Resector for Prostates over 80 ml: Our Experience after a 12-Month follow-up
Authors: Corona Andrea , Serra Simona , Deplano Marco , De Lisa Antonello
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The open surgery approach is the gold standard for the treatment of prostatic adenoma with a volume over 80 mL.

Patients and methods

We studied 180 patients from June 2004 to June 2011, affected by prostatic adenoma >80 mL, and who underwent endoscopic resection performed with bipolar technique by a single operator. We considered the following data: surgery duration, bleeding, absorption of irrigating fluids, resected tissue quantity, clinical stay, and catheterization time. Resections up to the surgical capsule were performed with bipolar Gyrus resector and the fragments were collected with prostate Ellik-type conveyor. Next step was the positioning of the bladder catheter with cystoclysis. We evaluated early and late complications and performed clinical reassessment of the patients at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

Surgery average time was 118 min. The average resected tissue volume was 92 g. The post-surgery hemoglobin was 13.2 g/dL. In 15 patients a revision of the lodge was performed within 24 hours after resection; no blood transfusions were performed. The catheter was removed after 3.2 days and the average recovery time was 4 days. There were eight cases of cicatricial stenosis of the bladder neck treated with endoscopic laparotomy. There were no cases of post-TURP syndrome. The IPSS parameters varied from 20.7 to 3.8, the IIEF5 from 19.3 to 21.2. The average QoL decreased from 4 to 1.5, Qmax from 22.2 7.7 mL/sec. The total PSA values decreased from 6.39 ng/mL to 1.0 ng/mL.

Conclusions

TURP for prostatic adenomas greater than 80 mL in volume, is a valid alternative in terms of efficacy and safety to open surgery, considered the gold standard treatment.
ProACT (Adjustable Continence Therapy) Implants in Case of Failure of other Techniques for Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Gatti Lorenzo , Moroni Alessandra , Cristinelli Luca , Benedusi Francesca , Antonelli Alessandro , Zani Danilo , Cunico Sergio Cosciani , Simeone Claudio
Published: October 2012

Background

Urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy is one of the most feared problems. It can affect almost 40% of patients, with different degrees of severity according to each specific case. The aim of this work is to analyze our experience in ProACT (Adjustable Continence Therapy) implants, especially in case of failure of other techniques.

Methods

Between November 2007 and December 2010, 31 patients with post-radical prostatectomy incontinence underwent a ProACT implant. Eight patients had their device explanted (in local anesthesia): in two cases the device spontaneously broke, three of them migrated in the urethra (one patient received radiation therapy), another one was infected in the device site (one in BCG treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer), two devices were wrongly placed. Seven of these patients had had their device replaced with success. Using pad score, incontinence was classified as mild, moderate and severe. Overall, the total amount of procedures, most of them fluoroscopic-guided in spinal anesthesia, were 38; the average duration of the surgery was 37.6 minutes. In one patient with impaired balloon volume due to monolateral device malfunction, we noticed good results in controlling incontinence; therefore, we successfully applied the same technique in other four cases with previous partial results.

Results

With a total amount of 28 implants, we had 17 (60.7%) complete responses, 6 (25%) partial and 4 (14.3%) failures. We had 4 post-radiotherapy implants: one was completely dry, two were in balloon adjustment, and one of them had a replacement due to urethral erosion of the first implant. All patients with impaired balloon inflation were satisfied: one was completely dry and three had sensible improvement.

Conclusions

The ProACT is a minimally invasive surgical therapy for post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence. Early failure is frequent and is mainly due to rupture and migration of the device. In these cases the solution can be the replacement, even with impaired balloon inflation.
Sliding-Clip Robotic Nephropexy
Authors: Gatti Lorenzo , Antonelli Alessandro , Peroni Angelo , Moroni Annamaria , Gritti Alberto , Cunico Sergio Cosciani , Simeone Claudio
Published: October 2012

Background

Nephroptosis is a clinical condition characterized by an abnormal caudal movement of the kidney that descends more than 2 vertebral bodies (or more than 5 cm) during a position change from supine to upright. In the last decade, the availability of laparoscopic surgery has led to a revival of interest in nephroptosis and nephropexy We describe our technique for transperitoneal laparoscopic robotic-assisted nephropexy.

Methods

The surgery was performed on a 78-year-old woman with a BMI of 18 and ASA 2. The diagnosis of nephroptosis was preoperatively confirmed by excretory urography in the supine and upright positions. The patient was placed in Trendelemburg position on the left side. The laparoscopic surgery was performed, through a transperitoneal approach, using the daVinci® system: the ptosic kidney was fixed using two separated stiches of non-absorbable prolene 2.0 between the superior surface of the kidney and the quadratus lumborum muscle. The sutures were fixed using Hem-o-lok clips.

Results

Intra- or post-operative complications have not occurred. The effectiveness of treatment was demonstrated by an intravenous urography 60 days after.

Conclusions

Robotic-assisted nephropexy is a safe and effective procedure that leads to both clinical and aesthetic excellent results, comparable to the ones obtained with the laparoscopic approach for the treatment of symptomatic renal ptosis. The robotic-assisted nephropexy appears to be easier, with the particular advantages of the intracorporeal suturing and a better intraoperative view; the slidingclips method allows reducing the organ trauma to the minimum.
Radiotherapy in Case of Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: Long-Term follow-up in 223 Patients
Authors: Giovanessi Luca , Antonelli Alessandro , Bastiani Nicola , Trevisan Francesca , Magrini Stefano Maria , Cosciani Sergio Cunico , Simeone Claudio
Published: October 2012

Aim of the Study

To evaluate the long-term follow-up in patients undergoing external beam radiotherapy for locally advanced prostate cancer.

Patients and methods

From November 1999 to January 2007, 223 patients with a histologic diagnosis (204 transperineal needle biopsies; 19 trans-urethral prostatic resections) of locally advanced prostate cancer underwent external beam radiotherapy; of these patients, 151 were T3a (extracapsular extension) and 72 were T3b (involvement of seminal vesicles); the extracapsular extension was demonstrated using pelvic RMN or transrectal ultrasound, while the presence of distant and lymph node metastases was excluded using TC total body or bone scan. PSA value at diagnosis was 29.1 ng/mL (0.4–379 ng/mL). Radiotherapy was used on prostate and seminal vesicles in 201 patients (141 T3a; 60 T3b) while in 22 patients (10 T3a; 12 T3b) it was extended to the pelvis. Biochemical recurrence was defined using ASTRO definition (three consecutive PSA rises after PSA nadir); no patients underwent control prostate needle biopsy for problems of interpretation related to postactinic tissue changes. All complications were recorded and analyzed using Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria (RTOG).

Results

At a mean 55-month follow-up, of the 223 patients treated, 26 have escaped controls, 168 are alive (141 disease-free; 27 with recurrent disease) and 29 died; of this group, 11 patients died from clinical progression, while in the others the cause was not related to the prostatic problem; only one patient died from iatrogenic problems. Hormone treatment was conducted in different ways (neoadjuvant, adjuvant, concurrent to radiotherapy or in association) considering patients’ characteristics. Most common complications involved rectum and bladder.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy is a viable and safe method in the treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer; however, it is essential the role of hormone therapy.
Classifications of Urinary Diversions
Authors: Cicala Caterina
Published: October 2012

Advantages and disadvantages of different types of urinary diversion and their choices are of utmost importance for the functional outcome and patient satisfaction. There is a variety of choices for incontinent urinary diversion (ureterocutaneostomy, ileal conduit, colonic conduit) and continent urinary diversion (continent urinary diversion, continent cutaneous urinary diversion, and urethral bladder substitution). The choices may be limited by patient criteria and/or medical criteria. Important patient criteria are preference, age and comorbidity, BMI, motivation, underlying disease, and indication for cystectomy.

Perioperative nursing description at Bricker intervention/ileal conduit

Teaching the patient with a newly formed stoma, but who also has low vision to manage his/her stoma independently, can be a difficult task. Practical tips on pre- and post-operative nursing care of the patient with a newly formed stoma are provided for the nurse. In some cases, unfortunately, complications may occur following stoma-forming surgery; these are discussed and nursing advice provided. One of the most important ways in which the nurse can support the patient is to teach the patient his/her stoma care, ensuring independence before discharge and showing empathy. There is still no conclusive evidence that any type of urinary diversion offers superior HRQOL (Health-related Quality of life) outcomes. In fact, though postcystectomy patients commonly experience urinary and sexual problems, HRQOL remains good irrespective of the method of urinary diversion. Future research should utilize the validated bladder cancer specific HRQOL instruments and perhaps explore the impact of pre-operative counseling on post-operative HRQOL.
A Note on the Central Limit Theorems for Dependent Random Variables
Authors: Shang Yilun
Published: October 2012

Classical central limit theorem is considered the heart of probability and statistics theory. Our interest in this paper is central limit theorems for functions of random variables under mixing conditions. We impose mixing conditions on the differences between the joint cumulative distribution functions and the product of the marginal cumulative distribution functions. By using characteristic functions, we obtain several limit theorems extending previous results.
Wrought Aluminium Alloy Corrosion Propensity in Domestic Food Cooking Environment
Authors: Adeosun S. O. , Akpan E. I. , Balogun S. A.
Published: October 2012

The study on corrosion behaviour of wrought aluminium alloy in domestic food cooking conditions has been examined using the gravimetric approach. Flat cold rolled and annealed sheets were subjected to solutions of Capsicum annuum, L. esculentum, Allium cepa, and their blend under three conditions, namely, heating and cooling in still air, heating and cooling in refrigerator, and leaving some in open still atmosphere. Results show that corrosion occurred within the test period (288 hours) in the test environments. There was severe degradation within the first 70 hours of test when coupons were heated and cooled while unheated coupon showed low corrosion propensity. Microstructural analysis show the presence of corrosion pits on coupon surface with second phase particles sandwiched in α-aluminium matrix. Immersed coupon in the blend media show higher number of pits on the surface. Rapid corrosion of wrought aluminium alloy in Capsicum annuum, L. esculentum and Allium cepa media is attributed to the presence of corrosion aggressive elements such as allicin, diallyl-disulphide, and allyl-propyl disulphide present in the corrosion media.
Optimum Design of Pile Foundation by Automatic Grouping Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Cheng Gengdong , Wang Bo , Lin Shuzhi
Published: October 2012

This paper studies the optimum conceptual design of pile foundations at the initial design stage. A modular method is proposed, which divides the foundation into modules and each module is identified by its characteristics of pile length, diameter, number and layout. Modules with the same characteristics may be packed and represented by a design variable. A minimum-cost optimization model with multiple design constraints based on Chinese code and a cardinality constraint is built to achieve the concurrent optimization of pile size and layout. The model is solved by the improved automatic grouping genetic algorithms to obtain the design with optimal variables and optimal variable grouping. A practical example demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Hypoxia in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Li John Zenghong , Gao Wei , Chan Jimmy Yu-Wai , Ho Wai-Kuen , Wong Thian-Sze
Published: October 2012

Hypoxia is a common feature in most of the solid tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Hypoxia reflects the imbalance between oxygen consumption by the rapidly proliferating cancer cells and the insufficient oxygen delivery due to poor vascularization and blood supply. The hypoxic microenvironment in the HNSCC contributes to the development of aggressive carcinoma phenotype with high metastatic rate, resistance to therapeutic agents, and higher tumor recurrence rates, leading to low therapeutic efficiency and poor outcome. To overcome the therapeutic resistance due to hypoxia and improving the prognosis of the HNSCC patients, many approaches have been examined in laboratory studies and clinical trials. In this short paper, we discuss the mechanisms involved in the resistance of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in hypoxic condition. We also exploit the molecular mechanisms employed by the HNSCC cells to adapt the hypoxic condition and their tumorigenic role in head and neck, as well as the strategies to overcome hypoxia-induced therapeutic resistance.
Calpain Dysregulation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ferreira Adriana
Published: October 2012

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the neocortex and hippocampus of AD patients. In addition, a marked decrease in synaptic contacts has been detected in these affected brain areas. Due to its prevalence in the aging population, this disease has been the focus of numerous studies. The data obtained from those studies suggest that the mechanisms leading to the formation of the hallmark lesions of AD might be linked. One of such mechanisms seems to be the dysregulation of calcium homeostasis that results in the abnormal activation of calpains. Calpains are a family of Ca2+-dependent cysteine proteases that play a key role in multiple cell functions including cell development, differentiation and proliferation, axonal guidance, growth cone motility, and cell death, among others. In this paper, we briefly reviewed data on the structure of these proteases and their regulation under normal conditions. We also summarized data underscoring the participation of calpains in the neurodegenerative mechanisms associated with AD.
Global Exponential Stability of Discrete-Time Multidirectional Associative Memory Neural Network with Variable Delays
Authors: Wang Min , Zhou Tiejun , Zhang Xiaolan
Published: October 2012

A discrete-time multidirectional associative memory neural networks model with varying time delays is formulated by employing the semidiscretization method. A sufficient condition for the existence of an equilibrium point is given. By calculating difference and using inequality technique, a sufficient condition for the global exponential stability of the equilibrium point is obtained. The results are helpful to design global exponentially stable multidirectional associative memory neural networks. An example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the results.
Stanniocalcin-1 Co-Localizes with Insulin in the Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Zaidi Deenaz , Turner Jeffrey K. , Durst Michelle A. , Wagner Graham F.
Published: October 2012

The polypeptide hormone stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1) is widely expressed in mammals and signals both locally and systemically. In many tissues STC-1 ligand is sequestered by target cell organelles (mitochondria, nuclei, and cholesterol lipid droplets) to exert diverse biological effects. Most notably, STC-1 serves as an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation in liver, muscle, and kidney mitochondria. The present paper describes the identification of STC-1 receptors in mouse pancreaticβcells and the discovery that the ligand co-localizes with insulin in pancreaticβcells.In situhybridization (ISH) analysis subsequently revealed that pancreaticβcells were the source of the ligand. Intriguingly however, all ISH signal was localized over putative islet cell nuclei as opposed to the cell cytoplasm. Real-time qPCR and agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that the STC-1 amplicon generated from islet cell total RNA was the same size as that from kidney. However, relative levels of STC-1 gene expression were >100-fold lower in islets than those in kidney tissue. Collectively, these findings are indicative of a local STC-1 signalling pathway in pancreaticβcells. The role of STC-1 in this context remains to be established, but it could very well entail the regulation ofβcell mitochondria membrane potential which is an integral aspect of regulated insulin release. Interestingly, STC-1 immunoreactivity was not evident in embryonic pancreatic islets, suggesting that ligand synthesis may only commence postnatally.
Design of One-Dimensional Linear Phase Digital IIR Filters Using Orthogonal Polynomials
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Bhooshan Sunil
Published: October 2012

In the present paper, we discuss a method to design a linear phase 1-dimensional Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter using orthogonal polynomials. The filter is designed using a set of object functions. These object functions are realized using a set of orthogonal polynomials. The method includes placement of zeros and poles in such a way that
the amplitude characteristics are not changed while we change the phase characteristics of the resulting IIR filter.
Dependent Functional Data
Authors: Kokoszka Piotr
Published: October 2012

This paper reviews recent research on dependent functional data. After providing an introduction to functional data analysis, we focus on two types of dependent functional data structures: time series of curves and spatially distributed curves. We review statistical models, inferential methodology, and possible extensions. The paper is intended to provide a concise introduction to the subject with plentiful references.
Industrial Robot Programming and UPnP Services Orchestration for the Automation of Factories
Authors: Valera A. , Gomez-Moreno J. , Sánchez A. , Ricolfe-Viala C. , Zotovic R. , Vallés M.
Published: October 2012

The integration of equipment and other devices built into industrial robot cells with modern Ethernet interface technologies and low-cost mass produced devices (such as vision systems, laser scanners, force torque-sensors, PLCs and PDAs etc.) enables integrators to offer more powerful and smarter solutions. Nevertheless, the programming of all these devices efficiently requires very specific knowledge about them, such as their hardware architectures and specific programming languages as well as details about the system's low level communication protocols.

To address these issues, this paper describes and analyses the Plug-and-Play architecture. This is one of the most interesting service-oriented architectures (SOAs) available, which exhibits characteristics that are well adapted to industrial robotics cells. To validate their programming features and applicability, a test bed was specially designed. This provides a new graphical service orchestration which was implemented using Workflow Foundation 4 of .NET. The obtained results allowed us to verify that the use of integration schemes based on SOAs reduces the system integration time and is better adapted to industrial robotic cell system integrators.
A Novel Sensory Mapping Design for Bipedal Walking on a Sloped Surface
Authors: Wu Chiao-Min , Huang Chao-Ping , Hsieh Chang-Hung , Song Kai-Tai
Published: October 2012

This paper presents an environment recognition method for bipedal robots using a time-delay neural network. For a robot to walk in a varying terrain, it is desirable that the robot can adapt to any environment encountered in real-time. This paper aims to develop a sensory mapping unit to recognize environment types from the input sensory data based on an artificial neural network approach. With the proposed sensory mapping design, a bipedal walking robot can obtain real-time environment information and select an appropriate walking pattern accordingly. Due to the time-dependent property of sensory data, the sensory mapping is realized by using a time-delay neural network. The sensory data of earlier time sequences combined with current sensory data are sent to the neural network. The proposed method has been implemented on the humanoid robot NAO for verification. Several interesting experiments were carried out to verify the effectiveness of the sensory mapping design. The mapping design is validated for the uphill, downhill and flat surface cases, where three types of environment can be recognized by the NAO robot online.
Visual Object Servo Tracking Based on the Particle Filter Method Using a Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera
Authors: Songxiao Cao , Xuanyin Wang , Ke Xiang
Published: October 2012

We present a servo control model in a particle filter to realize robust visual object tracking using Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera. The particle filter method has attracted much attention due to its robust tracking performance in cluttered environments. However, most methods are in the mode of moving object and stationary camera, as a result, the tracking will end in failure if the object goes out of the field of view of the camera. In this paper, a closed-loop control model based on speed regulation is proposed to drive the PTZ camera to keep the target at the centre of the camera angle. The experiment results show that our system can track the moving object well and can always keep the object in the middle of the field of view. The system is computationally efficient and can run in real-time completely.
La physiologie des Lumières
Authors: Duchesneau François
Published: October 2012

Using a method which emphasizes the importance of the explanatory systems of the past for the history of science, this article studies eighteenth-century theories of irritability and muscular contraction. The main focus is on Albrecht von Heller and the way his theories are analogous to Newtonian "principles."
On the Usage of the Lexemes Fathership, Fatherhood, Cousinship and Cousinhood
Authors: Ninčević Siniša
Published: October 2012

This paper concerns the semantic relation between the lexemes „fathership“ and „fatherhood“, „cousinship“ and „cousinhood“ in terms of their lexical properties and usage, i.e., the type of predicate the nominal base belongs to. As each of these juxtaposed pairs has the same nominal base („father“ and „cousin“), which can attach to both -ship and -hood suffixes, it is the selection of the particular suffix that can determine not only the type of predicate of the nominal base – considering the temporal spectrum in which a predicate can occur - but also the specific semantic information these lexemes can convey.
Rural Mass Casualty Preparedness and Response: The Institute of Medicine's Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Catastrophic Events
Authors: Viswanathan Kristin P. , Bass Robert , Wijetunge Gamunu , Altevogt Bruce M.
Published: October 2012

The Institute of Medicine's Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Catastrophic Events hosted a workshop at the request of the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS) that brought together a range of stakeholders to broadly identify and confront gaps in rural infrastructure that challenge mass casualty incident (MCI) response and potential mechanisms to fill them. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions around 6 major issues specific to rural MCI preparedness and response: (1) improving rural response to MCI through improving daily capacity and capability, (2) leveraging current and emerging technology to overcome infrastructure deficits, (3) sustaining and strengthening relationships, (4) developing and sharing best practices across jurisdictions and sectors, (5) establishing metrics research and development, and (6) fostering the need for federal leadership to expand and integrate EMS into a broader rural response framework.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:297–302)
Public Health Needs Assessments of Tutuila Island, American Samoa, After the 2009 Tsunami
Authors: Choudhary Ekta , Chen Tai-Ho , Martin Colleen , Vagi Sara , Roth Joseph , Keim Mark , Noe Rebecca , Ponausuia Seiuli Elisapeta , Lemusu Siitia , Bayleyegn Tesfaye , Wolkin Amy
Published: October 2012

Objective: An 8.3 magnitude earthquake followed by tsunami waves devastated American Samoa on September 29, 2009, resulting in widespread loss of property and public services. An initial and a follow-up Community Needs Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) objectively quantified disaster-affected population needs.

Methods: Using a 2-stage cluster sampling method of CASPER, a household questionnaire eliciting information about medical and basic needs, illnesses, and injuries was administered. To assess response efforts, percent changes in basic and medical needs, illnesses, and injuries between the initial and follow-up CASPER were calculated.

Results: During the initial CASPER (N = 212 households), 47.6% and 51.6% of households reported needing a tarpaulin and having no electricity, respectively. The self-reported greatest needs were water (27.8%) and financial help with cleanup (25.5%). The follow-up CASPER (N = 207 households) identified increased vector problems compared to pre-tsunami, and food (26%) was identified as the self-reported greatest need. As compared to the initial CASPER, the follow-up CASPER observed decreases in electricity (−78.3%), drinking water (−44.4%), and clothing (−26.6%).

Conclusion: This study highlights the use of CASPER during the response and recovery phases following a disaster. The initial CASPER identified basic needs immediately after the earthquake, whereas the follow-up CASPER assessed effectiveness of relief efforts and identified ongoing community needs.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:209–216)
Nuclear Power Plant Emergency Preparedness: Results From an Evaluation of Michigan's Potassium Iodide Distribution Program
Authors: Zwolinski Laura R. , Stanbury Martha , Manente Susan
Published: October 2012

Background: In 2009, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) made potassium iodide (KI), a nonprescription radio-protective drug, available by mailing vouchers redeemable at local pharmacies for KI tablets, at no cost to residents living within 10 miles of Michigan's 3 nuclear power plants (NPPs). MDCH conducted an evaluation of this program to determine Michigan's KI coverage and to assess general emergency preparedness among residents living near the NPPs.

Methods: KI coverage was estimated based on redeemed voucher counts and the 2010 Census. Telephone surveys were administered to a random sample (N = 153) of residents living near Michigan's NPPs to evaluate general emergency preparedness, reasons for voucher use or nonuse, and KI knowledge.

Results: Only 5.3% of eligible residences redeemed KI vouchers. Most surveyed residents (76.5%) were aware of living near an NPP, yet 42.5% reported doing “nothing” to plan for an emergency. Almost half of surveyed voucher users did not know when to take KI or which body part KI protects. Among voucher nonusers, 48.0% were either unaware of the program or did not remember receiving a voucher.

Conclusions: Additional efforts are needed to ensure that all residents are aware of the availability of KI and that recipients of the drug understand when and why it should be taken. Minimal emergency planning among residents living near Michigan's NPPs emphasizes the need for increased emergency preparedness and awareness. Findings are particularly salient given the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant emergency in Japan.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:263–269)
The Contribution of Residents Who Cooperate With Ring-Vaccination Measures Against Smallpox Epidemic
Authors: Sato Hiroki , Sakurai Yutaka
Published: October 2012

Objectives:Establishing containment measures against the potential spread of the smallpox virus has become a major issue in the public health field since the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the level of activity of public health agencies and the voluntary cooperation of residents with ring-vaccination measures against a smallpox epidemic.

Methods:A discrete-time, stochastic, individual-based model was used to simulate the spread of a smallpox epidemic that has become a more pressing topic due to 9/11 and to assess the effectiveness of and required resources for ring-vaccination measures in a closed community. In the simulation, we related sensitive tracing to the level of activity of the public health agency and strict isolation to the level of voluntary cooperation from residents.

Results:Our results suggest that early and intensive case detection and contact tracing by public health agencies can reduce the scale of an epidemic and use fewer total resources. In contrast, voluntary reporting by the traced contacts of symptom onset after vaccination had little impact on the scale of epidemic in our model. However, it reduced the total required resources, indicating that citizens' voluntary cooperation would contribute to reducing the burden on public health agencies.

Conclusions:We conclude that a combined effort on the part of public health agencies and residents in performing containment measures is essential to quickly ending a smallpox epidemic.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:270–276)
Personal Disaster Preparedness: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Kohn Sivan , Eaton Jennifer Lipkowitz , Feroz Saad , Bainbridge Andrea A. , Hoolachan Jordan , Barnett Daniel J.
Published: October 2012

Experts generally agree that individuals will require partial or complete self-sufficiency for at least the first 72 hours following a disaster. In the face of pervasive environmental and weather hazards, emerging biological threats, and growing population densities in urban areas, personal preparedness is critical. However, disaster planners and policymakers require further information to create meaningful improvements to this aspect of disaster preparedness. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to determine the state of evidence concerning personal disaster preparedness. The purpose of this integrative review is to describe and analyze the professional literature as an intended basis for advancing the field of disaster management research and practice. Included in the review were 36 studies that met the predetermined inclusion criteria. The current evidence indicates that factors influencing preparedness attitudes and behaviors are complex and multifaceted, including demographic characteristics, trust in government efforts, previous exposure to a disaster, and number of dependents in a household. Furthermore, certain population groups, households, and individuals have different disaster preparedness needs and vulnerabilities. This constellation of findings has significant implications for community and national emergency planning and policymaking.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:217–231)
Analysis of the International and US Response to the Haiti Earthquake: Recommendations for Change
Authors: Kirsch Thomas , Sauer Lauren , Guha Sapir Debarati
Published: October 2012

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti was unprecedented in its impact. The dual loss of the Haitian government and United Nations (UN) leadership led to an atypical disaster response driven by the US government and military. Although the response was massive, the leadership and logistical support were initially insufficient, and the UN cluster system struggled with the overwhelming influx of nontraditional agencies and individuals, which complicated the health care response. Moreover, the provision of care was beyond the country's health care standards. The management of the US government resembled a whole-of-government domestic response, combined with a massive military presence that went beyond logistical support. Among the most important lessons learned were the management of the response and how it could be strengthened by adapting a structure such as the domestic National Response Framework. Also, mechanisms were needed to increase the limited personnel to surge in a major response. One obvious pool has been the military, but the military needs to increase integration with the humanitarian community and improve its own humanitarian response expertise. In addition, information management needs standardized tools and analysis to improve its use of independent agencies.

(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:200–208)
Recent Progress in the Synthesis of Spherical Titania Nanostructures and Their Applications
Authors: Chen Dehong , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: October 2012

Recent progress in the fabrication and application of diverse spherical titania nanostructures, including mesoporous spheres, spherical flaky assemblies, and dendritic particles of variable diameter and monodispersity in size, is summarized in this article. Utilizing different synthesis strategies, spherical titania nanostructures with tailored polymorphs (including amorphous, anatase, rutile, brookite and TiO2‐B), particle sizes (from tens of nanometers to millimeters), monodispersity, porosity, and variable surface properties have been produced. Such spherical titania nanostructures show realized and potential applications in the areas of chromatographic separation, lithium‐ion batteries, dye‐sensitized solar cells, photocatalytic oxidation and water splitting, photoluminescence, electrorheological fluids, catalysis, gas sensing, and anticancer intracellular drug delivery. Gaining further understanding of both synthesis design and application of these materials will promote the commercialization of such spherical titania nanostructures in the future.
Photoalignment and Surface‐Relief‐Grating Formation are Efficiently Combined in Low‐Molecular‐Weight Halogen‐Bonded Complexes
Authors: Priimagi Arri , Saccone Marco , Cavallo Gabriella , Shishido Atsushi , Pilati Tullio , Metrangolo Pierangelo , Resnati Giuseppe
Published: October 2012

It is demonstrated that halogen bonding can be used to construct low‐molecular‐weight supramolecular complexes with unique light‐responsive properties. In particular, halogen bonding drives the formation of a photoresponsive liquid‐crystalline complex between a non‐mesogenic halogen bond‐donor molecule incorporating an azo group, and a non‐mesogenic alkoxystilbazole moiety, acting as a halogen bond‐acceptor. Upon irradiation with polarized light, the complex exhibits a high degree of photoinduced anisotropy (order parameter of molecular alignment > 0.5). Moreover, efficient photoinduced surface‐relief‐grating (SRG) formation occurs upon irradiation with a light interference pattern, with a surface‐modulation depth 2.4 times the initial film thickness. This is the first report on a halogen‐bonded photoresponsive low‐molecular‐weight complex, which furthermore combines a high degree of photoalignment and extremely efficient SRG formation in a unique way. This study highlights the potential of halogen bonding as a new tool for the rational design of high‐performance photoresponsive suprastructures.
Using Lenses to Improve the Output of a Patterned Luminescent Solar Concentrator
Authors: Tsoi Shufen , Broer Dirk J. , Bastiaansen Cees W. M. , Debije Michael G.
Published: October 2012

Previous work demonstrated that reabsorption, a major loss mechanism in luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), could be reduced by patterning luminescent dyes on the device surface; emission efficiency improved considerably. However, total light output decreased due to reduced absorption of the incident light. The results of adding a (poly)carbonate lens system to a patterned waveguide to focus more of the incident light on the line patterns are presented in this work. We demonstrate a set of parameters wherein a patterned LSC with lens system on a white background can outperform a standard fully‐covered waveguide using a similar scatterer.
Synthesis, structure, and mechanical properties of castor oil‐based polyamidoamines toughened epoxy coatings
Authors: Abbasi Ehsan , Vatankhah Mohammad , Hosseini Yaser , Amin Ariana Mohammad , Ayazi Masoumeh
Published: October 2012

A series of toughened epoxy systems was prepared via crosslinking of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with castor oil‐based polyamidoamines as curing agents. To this aim two series of polyamidoamines were synthesized in two steps from the reaction of castor oil with triethylenetetramine and then reaction of these products with dissolved salicylic acid in dimethyl formamide (DMF). The structure of the compounds was confirmed by FTIR spectra, GC‐Mass and1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The mechanical properties, adhesion and water resistance of polyamine and polyamidoamines cured epoxy systems were studied. It was found that significant improvement in toughness and adhesion of the epoxy films was achieved by using polyamidoamines as curing agents. The results showed a great enhancement in toughness and adhesion properties of the epoxy coats proportional to increasing castor oil weight ratio, and/ or using salicylic acid and DMF. Furthermore, polyamidoamines cured samples showed higher water resistance and less degradation in hot water immersion tests than polyamine cured samples. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Polymeric homogeneous composite membranes for separations in organic solvents
Authors: Fontananova Enrica , Di Profio Gianluca , Artusa Francesco , Drioli Enrico
Published: October 2012

A new generation of organic solvent nanofiltration (NF) composite membranes was prepared combining a support layer with a selective layer made both from the same polymeric material (P84 copolyimide). These membranes, homogeneous in composition, but composite in structure, were defined as polymeric homogeneous composite (PHC) membranes. The composite membranes have the advantage over the asymmetric ones that each layer can be optimized independently. Moreover, the use of the same material for the preparation of both, the selective and the support layer, ensures a high affinity between the two layers and increases the long‐term stability of the composite membranes, reducing the possibility of delamination phenomena. In the design of the PHC membranes, a great attention was devoted to the support layer development. The effects of the composition of the casting solutions on the structure of porous P84 copolyimide membranes were investigated allowing to identify the conditions for the preparation of highly permeable, chemically, and mechanically stable P84 sponge like porous membranes. PHC membranes were prepared by coating and controlled solvent evaporation of a P84 solution on the optimized support crosslinked by reaction with a diamine (1,5‐diamino‐2‐methylpentane). Pure solvent permeation test and rejection experiments were carried out on the P84 supports and the corresponding PHC membranes in aggressive organic solvents like N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and N,N‐dimethyformamide, in which the original polymer was soluble. The PHC membrane resulted completely stable over long times (>96 h). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable polyurethanes based on L‐cystine/cysteine and poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)
Authors: Wang Jing , Zheng Zhen , Wang Quan , Du Pengfei , Shi Jinjun , Wang Xinling
Published: October 2012

Tunable biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) with favorable mechanical properties were synthesized from 1,6‐hexamelthylene diisocyanate (HDI) as the hard segment, poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) as the soft segment, and L‐cystine ester as chain extender. The structure of PUs was confirmed by FTIR and 1H‐NMR. The results of differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile test revealed that the thermal and mechanical properties of PUs were strongly influenced by the molecular weight of soft segment PCL. In the presence of glutathione, the disulfide group cleaved into thiols, realizing the PUs degraded and the molecular weight decreased. For PU [550], it remained only 50% of the original Mw. Evaluation of cell viability demonstrated the nontoxicity of the PUs, which facilitated their potential in biomedical applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013