bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining attenuation properties of interfering fast and slow ultrasonic waves in cancellous bone
Authors: Nelson Amber M. , Hoffman Joseph J. , Anderson Christian C. , Holland Mark R. , Nagatani Yoshiki , Mizuno Katsunori , Matsukawa Mami , Miller James G.
Published: October 2011

Previous studies have shown that interference between fast waves and slow waves can lead to observed negative dispersion in cancellous bone. In this study, the effects of overlapping fast and slow waves on measurements of the apparent attenuation as a function of propagation distance are investigated along with methods of analysis used to determine the attenuation properties. Two methods are applied to simulated data that were generated based on experimentally acquired signals taken from a bovine specimen. The first method uses a time-domain approach that was dictated by constraints imposed by the partial overlap of fast and slow waves. The second method uses a frequency-domain log-spectral subtraction technique on the separated fast and slow waves. Applying the time-domain analysis to the broadband data yields apparent attenuation behavior that is larger in the early stages of propagation and decreases as the wave travels deeper. In contrast, performing frequency-domain analysis on the separated fast waves and slow waves results in attenuation coefficients that are independent of propagation distance. Results suggest that features arising from the analysis of overlapping two-mode data may represent an alternate explanation for the previously reported apparent dependence on propagation distance of the attenuation coefficient of cancellous bone.
Modeling and analysis of multiple scattering of acoustic waves in complex media: Application to the trabecular bone
Authors: Wojcik J. , Litniewski J. , Nowicki A.
Published: October 2011

The integral equations that describe scattering in the media with step-rise changing parameters have been numerically solved for the trabecular bone model. The model consists of several hundred discrete randomly distributed elements. The spectral distribution of scattering coefficients in subsequent orders of scattering has been presented. Calculations were carried on for the ultrasonic frequency ranging from 0.5 to 3 MHz. Evaluation of the contribution of the first, second, and higher scattering orders to total scattering of the ultrasounds in trabecular bone was done. Contrary to the approaches that use the μCT images of trabecular structure to modeling of the ultrasonic wave propagation condition, the 3D numerical model consisting of cylindrical elements mimicking the spatial matrix of trabeculae, was applied. The scattering, due to interconnections between thick trabeculae, usually neglected in trabecular bone models, has been included in calculations when the structure backscatter was evaluated. Influence of the absorption in subsequent orders of scattering is also addressed. Results show that up to 1.5 MHz, the influence of higher scattering orders on the total scattered field characteristic can be neglected while for the higher frequencies, the relatively high amplitude interference peaks in higher scattering orders clearly occur.
Direct analysis of dispersive wave fields from near-field pressure measurements
Authors: Hörchens Lars
Published: October 2011

Flexural waves play a significant role for the radiation of sound from plates. The analysis of flexural wave fields enables the detection of sources and transmission paths in plate-like structures. The measurement of these wave fields can be carried out indirectly by means of near-field acoustic holography, which determines the vibrational wave field from pressure information measured in a plane close to the plate under investigation. The reconstruction of the plate vibration is usually obtained by inverting the forward radiation problem, i.e., by inversion of an integral operator. In this article, it is shown that a pressure measurement taken in the extreme near-field of a vibrating plate can directly be used for the approximate analysis of the dispersive flexural wave field. The inversion step of near-field acoustic holography is not necessarily required if such an approximate solution is sufficient. The proposed method enables fast and simple analysis of dispersion characteristics. Application of dispersion compensation to the measured field allows for visualizations of propagating wavefronts, such that sources and scatterers in the plate can be detected. The capabilities of the described approach are demonstrated on several measurements.
Time-reversal multiple signal classification in case of noise: A phase-coherent approach
Authors: Asgedom Endrias G. , Gelius Leiv-J. , Austeng Andreas , Holm Sverre , Tygel Martin
Published: October 2011

The problem of locating point-like targets beyond the classical resolution limit is revisited. Although time-reversal MUltiple SIgnal Classification (MUSIC) is known for its super-resolution ability in localization of point scatterers, in the presence of noise this super-resolution property will easily break down. In this paper a phase-coherent version of time-reversal MUSIC is proposed, which can overcome this fundamental limit. The algorithm has been tested employing synthetic multiple scattering data based on the Foldy-Lax model, as well as experimental ultrasound data acquired in a water tank. Using a limited frequency band, it was demonstrated that the phase-coherent MUSIC algorithm has the potential of giving significantly better resolved scatterer locations than standard time-reversal MUSIC.
Evidence for simultaneous sound production in the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus)
Authors: Tervo Outi M. , Christoffersen Mads Fage , Parks Susan E. , Møbjerg Kristensen Reinhardt , Teglberg Madsen Peter
Published: October 2011

Simultaneous production of two harmonically independent sounds, the two-voice phenomenon, is a well-known feature in bird song. Some toothed whales can click and whistle simultaneously, and a few studies have also reported simultaneous sound production by baleen whales. The mechanism for sound production in toothed whales has been largely uncovered within the last three decades, whereas mechanism for sound production in baleen whales remains poorly understood. This study provides three lines of evidence from recordings made in 2008 and 2009 in Disko Bay, Western Greenland, strongly indicating that bowhead whales are capable of simultaneous dual frequency sound production. This capability may function to enable more complex singing in an acoustically mediated reproductive advertisement display, as has been suggested for songbirds, and/or have significance in individual recognition.
Enhanced bimodal distributions facilitate the learning of second language vowels
Authors: Escudero Paola , Benders Titia , Wanrooij Karin
Published: October 2011

This study addresses the questions of whether listening to a bimodal distribution of vowels improves adult learners’ categorization of a difficult L2 vowel contrast and whether enhancing the acoustic differences between the vowels in the distribution yields better categorization performance. Spanish learners of Dutch were trained on a natural bimodal or an enhanced bimodal distribution of the Dutch vowels /ɑ/ and /aː/, with the average productions of the vowels or more extreme values as the endpoints respectively. Categorization improved for learners who listened to the enhanced distribution, which suggests that adults profit from input with properties similar to infant-directed speech.
Modification of digital music files for use in human temporary threshold shift studies
Authors: Le Prell C. G. , Yang Q. , Harris J. G.
Published: October 2011

An exposure that is reproducible across clinical/laboratory environments, and appealing to subjects, is described here. Digital music files are level-equated within and across songs such that playlists deliver an exposure that is consistent across time. Modified music is more pleasant to listen to than pure tones or shaped noise, and closely follows music exposures subjects may normally experience. Multiple therapeutics reduce noise-induced hearing loss in animals but human trial design is complicated by limited access to noise-exposed subject populations. The development of standard music exposure parameters for temporary threshold shift studies would allow comparison of protection across agents with real-world relevant stimuli in human subjects.
The performance of methods based on the fractional Fourier transform for detecting marine mammal vocalizations
Authors: Locke Jonathan , White Paul R.
Published: October 2011

The analysis of cetacean vocalizations is considered using Fourier-based techniques that employ chirp functions in their decomposition. In particular, the paper considers a short-time methods based on the fractional Fourier transform for detecting frequency modulated narrow-band signals, such as dolphin whistles, and compares this to the classical short-time Fourier methods. The fractional Fourier technique explored computes transforms associated with a range of chirp rates and automatically selects the rate for the final analysis. This avoids the need for prior knowledge of signal’s chirp rate. An analysis is presented that details the performance of both methods as signal detectors and allows one to determine their detection thresholds. These thresholds are then used to measure the detectability of synthetic signals. This principle is then extended to measure performance on a set of recordings of narrow-band vocalizations from a range of cetacean species.
Influence of pitch, loudness, and timbre on the perception of instrument dynamics
Authors: Fabiani Marco , Friberg Anders
Published: October 2011

The effect of variations in pitch, loudness, and timbre on the perception of the dynamics of isolated instrumental tones is investigated. A full factorial design was used in a listening experiment. The subjects were asked to indicate the perceived dynamics of each stimulus on a scale from pianissimo to fortissimo. Statistical analysis showed that for the instruments included (i.e., clarinet, flute, piano, trumpet, and violin) timbre and loudness had equally large effects, while pitch was relevant mostly for the first three. The results confirmed our hypothesis that loudness alone is not a reliable estimate of the dynamics of musical tones.
The effects of non-cardioid directivity on incidence angle estimation using the polar energy time curve
Authors: James Esplin J. , Anderson Brian E. , Leishman Timothy W. , Thornock Brian T.
Published: October 2011

Assessment of desirable reflections and control of undesirable reflections in rooms are best accomplished if the reflecting surfaces are properly localized. Several measurement techniques exist to identify the incident direction of reflected sound, including the useful polar energy time curve (Polar ETC), which requires six cardioid impulse response measurements along the Cartesian axes. The purpose of this investigation is to quantify the incidence angle estimation error introduced into the Polar ETC by non-cardioid microphone directivities. The results demonstrate that errors may be minimized with a cardioid-family microphone possessing a certain range of directivities and by maximizing the measurement signal-to-noise ratio.
Time reversal reconstruction of finite sized sources in elastic media
Authors: Anderson Brian E. , Griffa Michele , Ulrich Timothy J. , Johnson Paul A.
Published: October 2011

The ability of the time reversal process to reconstruct sources of finite size relative to a wavelength is investigated. Specifically the quality of the spatial reconstruction of a finite sized source will be presented through the use of time reversal experiments conducted on an aluminum plate. The data presented in the paper show that time reversal can reconstruct a source equally well regarding less of its size, when the source is a half wavelength or less in size. The quality of spatial reconstruction when the source is larger than a half wavelength progressively decreases with the size of the source.
Separation of zeros for source signature identification under reverberant path conditions
Authors: Hasegawa Tomomi , Tohyama Mikio
Published: October 2011

This paper presents an approach to distinguishing the zeros representing a sound source from those representing the transfer function on the basis of Lyon’s residue-sign model. In machinery noise diagnostics, the source signature must be separated from observation records under reverberant path conditions. In numerical examples and an experimental piano-string vibration analysis, the modal responses could be synthesized by using clustered line-spectrum modeling. The modeling error represented the source signature subject to the source characteristics being given by a finite impulse response. The modeling error can be interpreted as a remainder function necessary for the zeros representing the source signature.
AN OCL-BASED APPROACH TO DERIVE CONSTRAINT TEST CASES FOR DATABASE APPLICATIONS
Authors: CUADRA DOLORES , AL-JUMAILY HARITH , CASTRO ELENA , VELASCO MANUEL
Published: October 2011

The development of database applications in most CASE tools has been insufficient because most of these tools do not provide the software necessary to validate these applications. Validation means ensuring whether a given application fulfils the user requirements. We suggest validation of database applications by using the functional testing technique, which is a fundamental black-box testing technique for checking the software without being concerned about its implementation and structure. Our main contribution to this work is in providing a MDA approach for deriving testing software from the OCL specification of the integrity constraints. This testing software is used to validate the database applications, which are used to enforce these constraints. The generated testing software includes three components: validation queries, test cases and initial data inserted before the testing process. Our approach is implemented as an add-in tool in Rational Rose called OCL2TestSW.
A MODEL FOR PREDICTING CLASS MOVEMENT IN AN INHERITANCE HIERARCHY
Authors: NASSERI E. , COUNSELL S.
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we present an empirical study to investigate whether class movement and re-location within inheritance hierarchy can be predicted based on size, coupling and cohesion for four Java open-source systems. Our results showed that class movement may not be predicted based on coupling and cohesion, and while class size was found to be a factor that may help predict class movement, it does not per se predict class movement within an inheritance hierarchy. We found a significantly higher odds ratio for larger classes to be moved within an inheritance hierarchy than that of smaller classes, suggesting that, counter-intuitively, larger classes tend to be more susceptible to movement than smaller classes. We also found that in the four systems, while classes with high coupling, low cohesion and larger size tended to be moved within their respective inheritance hierarchy, classes with high coupling, low cohesion and relatively smaller size tended to be candidate classes for deletion. Finally, while we found that class coupling and size tended to rise as the systems evolved we found no statistical support for class cohesion to decline. Directed towards developers and project managers, the message that the research conveys is that excessive growth in class size is at the root of a class' deterioration in terms of movement; developmental controls should be exercised to avoid such growth.
CREATING AND SUSTAINING A SUPPLY NETWORK TO DELIVER ROUTINE AND COMPLEX ONE-OFF AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Authors: BRADY TIM
Published: October 2011

Over the years, we have seen a growing interest in the use of interorganizational networks as a means to develop and deliver ever more complex products and services. Much of the earlier research was carried out on supply networks — mostly focused on strong lead-manufacturing firms producing mass-produced consumer goods. More recently, attention has been paid to a new model of industrial organization based on systems integration being adopted by many of the world's leading firms, particularly those in high-technology sectors [Hobday et al. (2005)]. The key role of systems integrator is usually played by a prime contractor or a dominant manufacturer.

However, there are sectors where structural problems inhibit both the innovation and the development of supply networks and where it is not obvious who should play the systems integrator role. The UK construction sector has long been characterized as fragmented with much of the industry continuing to be structured and constrained by the contracting model that emerged in the early 19th century with the emergence of the professions. These structural problems are often held to contribute to the perceived poor record of innovation in the sector [Winch (1998); Gann et al. (1992)].

This paper analyzes how BAA, a major airport operator and construction client, developed and managed a network of suppliers to deliver both its portfolio of routine capital construction projects and one-off complex mega projects. To achieve its objectives, BAA sets about implementing ways of improving the efficiency of its ongoing capital projects that would enable them to show continuous improvement in performance whilst simultaneously developing the project capabilities required to manage the massive T5 project. These developments enabled BAA to address issues of predictability at the same time as providing an environment that encouraged innovation.
MANAGING AND OPTIMIZING INNOVATION PROCESSES IN COLLABORATIVE AND VALUE CREATING NETWORKS
Authors: ESCHENBAECHER JENS , GRASER FALK
Published: October 2011

Management and optimization of innovation processes are highly important for every company that depends on keeping up with market and technological evolution. Methods for the managing and optimizing of innovation processes in networks are just beginning to arise. Among different ways of creating value, successfully managed innovation processes bear the highest overall potential: On the operational level, it creates immediate value in terms of new products while on the strategic level, survival and competitiveness of the company can be assured by creating long-range, intangible values like technology leadership and a secured position in an ever-changing market environment. Therefore, innovation in networks has entered the spotlight of scientific research and industrial application. It requires new managing concepts and sophisticated information-technology-based tools. In this article, we present a model that allows to manage structural relationships within innovation networks and additionally to introduce a conceptual optimization approach.
THE ROLE OF INFORMATION SHARING IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: THE SECURESCM APPROACH
Authors: DAMIANI ERNESTO , FRATI FULVIO , TCHOKPON ROMARIC
Published: October 2011

Information sharing plays a role of paramount importance in modern supply chain environments. In fact, the elements that compose the chain need to share information about sensitive aspects of their business in order to build more accurate and profitable supply plans. In this paper, we describe how the increasing of information released increases the overall economic results of the whole chain, and how this information can be protected, exploiting secure computation techniques, to reduce the risk of data disclosure and prevent quasi-altruistic or selfish behaviors without interfering with the chain's normal operation, and in particular with the minimization of the cost function.
COLLABORATION IN AN AEROSPACE SMEs CLUSTER: INNOVATION AND ICT DYNAMICS
Authors: LAZOI MARIANGELA , CECI FEDERICA , CORALLO ANGELO , SECUNDO GIUSTINA
Published: October 2011

The aerospace industry is characterized by an intensive net of relationships and information in the supply chain. The small and medium enterprises (SMEs) working for this kind of industry needs to be innovative and adopt information and communication technologies (ICT) tools to work with bigger companies. This paper explore three networks of relations (i.e. complete, R&D, and production) inside an aerospace cluster of SMEs located in Italy with the aims to specify dynamics in the ICT adoption and innovation rising. The centrality in the R&D network emerges as key characteristics to explore innovation and ICT in such firms.
CREATING VALUE IN NETWORKS
Authors: MAIER RONALD , PASSIANTE GIUSEPPINA , ZHANG SHUJUN
Published: October 2011

Recent studies has pointed out the emergence of a new model of network, called value creation networks (VCNs), to respond effectively to changes in the business environment and customer demands. VCN model posits networks, communities of individuals, and refusal of a centralized mindset as the core elements of their frame of reference. Their networked configuration is characterized by flatter hierarchy and teambased work organization, to respond efficiently to changes in the business environment. The aim of this introductory paper is to discuss some strategic issues concerning VCNs: their concept of value,their strategic role in the so-calledknowledge economy, their intangible benefits. Moreover, we highlight theopportunities deriving from informationand communication technologies (ICTs) to create further intangible value. In the final section, werelate the other papers in this special issue to our discussion.
UPDATE TRANSLATION IN INSTANCE MAPPED HETEROGENEOUS PEER DATABASES
Authors: MASUD MEHEDI , KIRINGA ILUJU
Published: October 2011

In data sharing systems, peers are acquainted through pair-wise data sharing settings/mappings for sharing and exchanging data. Besides query processing, supporting update exchange for interchanging data between peers is one of the challenging problems in data sharing systems. In update exchange, an update action posed to a peer is applied to the peer's local database instance and then the update is propagated to the related peers. Previous work on update exchange have considered update propagation considering schema-level mappings between peers, which are conceptually similar to the view maintenance problem. However, there are data sharing systems, where peers are acquainted by instance-level mappings. In such a system, peers use different schemas and data vocabularies to represent semantically same real world entities. The instance-level mappings express how data in one peer relate to data in another peer. One of the problems in exchanging updates in instance-mapped data sharing systems is to translate updates correctly between heterogeneous peers. The translation should be such that insertions, deletions, and modifications of the tuples made by an update in a peer and by the translated version of the update in an acquainted peer are related through the mappings between them. In this paper, we investigate such a mechanism for translating update actions between heterogeneous peer data sources. Before discussing the translation mechanism, the paper first formalize the notion of update translation and derive conditions under which the translation mechanism will produce correct translations of updates.
Purification and the Secondary Structure of Fucoidanase from Fusarium sp. LD8
Authors: Qianqian Wu , Shuang Ma , Hourong Xiao , Min Zhang , Jingmin Cai
Published: October 2011

The fucoidanase from Fusarium sp. (LD8) was obtained by solid‐state fermentation. The fermented solid medium was extracted by citric acid buffer, and the extracts were precipitated by acetone and purified by Sephadex G‐100 successively. The results showed that the specific fucoidanase activity of purified enzyme was 22.7‐fold than that of the crude enzyme. The recovery of the enzyme was 23.9%. The purified enzyme gave a single band on SDS‐PAGE gel, and the molecular weight of fucoidanase was about 64 kDa. The isoelectric point of the enzyme was 4.5. The enzyme properties were also studied. The results showed that the optimum temperature and pH were 60°C and 6.0, respectively; the temperature of half inactivation was 50°C, and the most stable pH for the enzyme was 6.0. KM, and the Vmax  of the enzyme was 8.9 mg·L−1 and 2.02 mg·min−1·mL−1 by using fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus as substrate. The compositions of the secondary structure of fucoidanase were estimated by FTIR, the second derivative spectra, and the curve‐fitting analysis of the amide I bands in their spectra. The results showed that β‐sheet was the dominant component (58.6%) and α‐helix was the least (12%); the content of β‐turn and random coil were 15.39% and 14.5%, respectively.
Dimensional Enhancement via Supersymmetry
Authors: Faux M. G. , Iga K. M. , Landweber G. D.
Published: October 2011

We explain how the representation theory associated with supersymmetry in diverse dimensions is encoded within the representation theory
of supersymmetry in one time‐like dimension. This is enabled by algebraic criteria, derived, exhibited, and utilized in this paper, which indicate which subset of one‐dimensional supersymmetric models describes “shadows” of higher‐dimensional models. This formalism delineates that minority of one‐dimensional supersymmetric models which can “enhance” to accommodate extra dimensions. As a consistency test, we use our formalism to reproduce well‐known conclusions about supersymmetric field theories using one‐dimensional reasoning exclusively. And we introduce the notion of “phantoms” which usefully accommodate higher‐dimensional gauge invariance in the context of shadow multiplets in supersymmetric quantum mechanics.
The Local Strong and Weak Solutions for a Nonlinear Dissipative Camassa‐Holm Equation
Authors: Lai Shaoyong
Published: October 2011

Using the Kato theorem for abstract differential equations, the local well‐posedness of the solution for a nonlinear dissipative Camassa‐Holm equation is established in space C([0, T), Hs(R))∩C1([0, T), Hs−1(R)) with s > 3/2. In addition, a sufficient condition for the existence of weak solutions of the equation in lower order Sobolev space Hs(R) with 1 ≤ s ≤ 3/2 is developed.
Simultaneous Inference on All Linear Combinations of Means with Heteroscedastic Errors
Authors: Yan Xin , Su Xiaogang
Published: October 2011

We proposed a statistical method to construct simultaneous confidence intervals on all linear combinations of means without assuming equal variance where the classical Scheffé′s simultaneous confidence intervals no longer preserve the familywise error rate (FWER). The proposed method is useful when the number of comparisons on linear combinations of means is extremely large. The FWERs for proposed simultaneous confidence intervals under various configurations of mean variances are assessed through simulations and are found to preserve the predefined nominal level very well. An example of pairwise comparisons on heteroscedastic means is given to illustrate the proposed method.
Risk Factors for Colonization ofE. coliin Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida
Authors: Schaefer Adam M. , Bossart Gregory D. , Mazzoil Marilyn , Fair Patricia A. , Reif John S.
Published: October 2011

Opportunistic pathogens related to degradation in water quality are of concern to both wildlife and public health. The objective of this study was to identify spatial, temporal, and environmental risk factors forE. colicolonization among Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL between 2003 and 2007. Age, gender, capture location, coastal human population density, proximity of sewage treatment plants, number of septic tanks, cumulative precipitation 48 hrs and 30 days prior to capture, salinity, and water temperature were analyzed as potential risk factors. HighestE. colicolonization rates occurred in the northern segments of the IRL. The risk ofE. colicolonization was the highest among the youngest individuals, in counties with the highest cumulative rainfall 48 hrs and in counties with the highest number of septic systems during the year of capture. The prevalence of colonization was the highest during 2004, a year during which multiple hurricanes hit the coast of Florida. Septic tanks, in combination with weather-related events suggest a possible pathway for introduction of fecal coliforms into estuarine ecosystems. The ability ofE. coliand related bacteria to act as primary pathogens or cause opportunistic infections adds importance of these findings.
Characteristics of Progressive Damage of ZnO Nanowires during Contact Sliding under Relatively Low Loads
Authors: Kang Kyeong Hee , Kim Hae Jin , Kim Dae-Eun
Published: October 2011

ZnO nanowires have received much interest owing to their particular structural and piezoelectric properties. For widespread application of ZnO nanowires in various nanotechnologies, the mechanical reliability of the nanowires should be assessed. In this paper, the damage characteristics of vertically grown ZnO nanowires due to contact sliding against a 2 mm diameter steel ball under relatively low loads were investigated. Frictional behavior and wear characteristics of the specimens were assessed. Furthermore, contact sliding tests were performed inside an SEM to monitor the progression of damage of the nanowires. It was found that the friction coefficient was about 0.35 under all loads while the damage characteristics of the nanowires were quite different for each load. The large diameter nanowires tended to fracture earlier than the small diameter nanowires. Wear tests performed inside the SEM confirmed the surface damage characteristics observed during the friction tests.
CdS-Sensitized ZnO Nanorod Photoelectrodes: Photoelectrochemistry and Photoinduced Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Bedja Idriss
Published: October 2011

Thin films of ZnO semiconductor nanorods (ZnO-nr) of 6 μm length and thin ZnO nanoparticulate films (ZnO-np) have been prepared and modified with Q-dots CdS for comparison study. PIA (photoinduced absorption spectroscopy), a multipurpose tool in the study of dye-sensitized solar cells, is used to study a quantum-dot-modified metal-oxide nanostrucutred electrode. Q-dot CdS-sensitized ZnO-nr (1D network) sensitized photoelectrode has demonstrated best performances in both photoelectrical response (IPCE max = 92%) and broadening response into far visible comparing to ZnO-np-based CdS solar cell. Preadsorbing ZnO-nr with ZnO-np does not bring further improvement. Time constant for electron injection into ZnO-nr conduction band was relatively fast decay of 6.5 ms, similar to TiO2-coated CdS, and proves at least a well pore filling of ZnO-nr film by ultrafine CdS particles. Unidirectional electron transfer mechanistic in ZnO-nr has played a major role in these performances.
True 4D Image Denoising on the GPU
Authors: Eklund Anders , Andersson Mats , Knutsson Hans
Published: October 2011

The use of image denoising techniques is an important part of many medical imaging applications. One common application is to improve the image quality of low-dose (noisy) computed tomography (CT) data. While 3D image denoising previously has been applied to several volumes independently, there has not been much work done on true 4D image denoising, where the algorithm considers several volumes at the same time. The problem with 4D image denoising, compared to 2D and 3D denoising, is that the computational complexity increases exponentially. In this paper we describe a novel algorithm for true 4D image denoising, based on local adaptive filtering, and how to implement it on the graphics processing unit (GPU). The algorithm was applied to a 4D CT heart dataset of the resolution 512  × 512  × 445  × 20. The result is that the GPU can complete the denoising in about 25 minutes if spatial filtering is used and in about 8 minutes if FFT-based filtering is used. The CPU implementation requires several days of processing time for spatial filtering and about 50 minutes for FFT-based filtering. The short processing time increases the clinical value of true 4D image denoising significantly.
Bradykinin Type-2 Receptor Expression Correlates with Age and Is Subjected to Transcriptional Regulation
Authors: Liesmaa Inka , Shiota Naotaka , Kokkonen Jorma O. , Kovanen Petri T. , Lindstedt Ken A.
Published: October 2011

Accumulating work in experimental animals suggests that bradykinin (BK) exerts cardioprotective effects via bradykinin type-2 receptors (BK-2Rs). In human end-stage heart failure, BK-2Rs are significantly downregulated by mechanisms that have remained elusive. Heart tissues from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC; ), coronary heart disease (CHD; ), and normal patients () were analyzed by RT-PCR, SSCP, and Western blotting. In normal and IDC hearts, BK-2R expression increased with age, with a lower relative increase in IDC hearts. BK-2R mRNA and protein levels showed a positive linear correlation, suggesting transcriptional regulation. Two known BK-2R promoter polymorphisms, −58T/C and −9/+9, were found to be present in the study population. The allelic frequencies for the C-allele in −58T/C were 0.58 in normal and CHD hearts and 0.81 in IDC hearts. Furthermore, the allelic frequencies for the −9 and +9 alleles were 0.42 and 0.58 in normal hearts and 0.64 and 0.36 in IDC hearts, respectively. All analyzed CHD hearts were homozygous for the −9 allele. Thus, the expression of cardioprotective BK-2Rs in human hearts is increased with age in normal and IDC hearts and may be regulated on the transcriptional level. Moreover, comparison of normal subjects and patients with failing hearts revealed different allelic frequencies in each of two known BK-2R gene polymorphisms.
Tai Chi for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Benign Prostate Hypertrophy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jung Seil , Lee Eun-Nam , Lee Sook-Ryon , Kim Mi-Sook , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: October 2011

Tai chi exercise has been recommended as suitable for the improvement of health in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tai chi on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs), quality of life (QoL), and sex hormone levels in patients with benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). The elderly patients with BPH were randomized to receive tai chi or usual care. Fifty-six participants were randomized into either the tai chi group (n=28) or the control group (n=28). After 12 weeks of treatment, the tai chi group showed significant improvement in LUTS and QoL. There was a significant effect of tai chi on testosterone but no significant effect on insulin or glucose. No serious adverse events were observed during the study period. In conclusion, our results suggest that 12 weeks of tai chi may improve LUTS and QoL in elderly patients with BPH.
IgG Placental Transfer in Healthy and Pathological Pregnancies
Authors: Palmeira Patricia , Quinello Camila , Silveira-Lessa Ana Lúcia , Zago Cláudia Augusta , Carneiro-Sampaio Magda
Published: October 2011

Placental transfer of maternal IgG antibodies to the fetus is an important mechanism that provides protection to the infant while his/her humoral response is inefficient. IgG is the only antibody class that significantly crosses the human placenta. This crossing is mediated by FcRn expressed on syncytiotrophoblast cells. There is evidence that IgG transfer depends on the following: (i) maternal levels of total IgG and specific antibodies, (ii) gestational age, (iii) placental integrity, (iv) IgG subclass, and (v) nature of antigen, being more intense for thymus-dependent ones. These features represent the basis for maternal immunization strategies aimed at protecting newborns against neonatal and infantile infectious diseases. In some situations, such as mothers with primary immunodeficiencies, exogenous IgG acquired by intravenous immunoglobulin therapy crosses the placenta in similar patterns to endogenous immunoglobulins and may also protect the offspring from infections in early life. Inversely, harmful autoantibodies may cross the placenta and cause transitory autoimmune disease in the neonate.
Intermittent Hypoxic Episodes in Preterm Infants: Do They Matter?
Authors: Martin Richard J. , Wang Katherine , Köroğlu Özge , Di Fiore Juliann , Kc Prabha
Published: October 2011

Intermittent hypoxic episodes are typically a consequence of immature respiratory control and remain a troublesome challenge for the neonatologist. Furthermore, their frequency and magnitude are underestimated by clinically employed pulse oximeter settings. In extremely low birth weight infants the incidence of intermittent hypoxia progressively increases over the first 4 weeks of postnatal life, with a subsequent plateau followed by a slow decline beginning at weeks 6–8. Such episodic hypoxia/reoxygenation has the potential to sustain a proinflammatory cascade with resultant multisystem morbidity. This morbidity includes retinopathy of prematurity and impaired growth, as well as possible longer-term cardiorespiratory instability and poor neurodevelopmental outcome. Therapeutic approaches for intermittent hypoxic episodes comprise determination of optimal baseline saturation and careful titration of supplemental inspired oxygen, as well as xanthine therapy to prevent apnea of prematurity. In conclusion, characterization of the pathophysiologic basis for such intermittent hypoxic episodes and their consequences during early life is necessary to provide an evidence-based approach to their management.
Prognostic Factors and Outcomes in 28 Cases of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Loizzi V. , Cormio G. , Nestola D. , Falagario M. , Surgo A. , Camporeale A. , Putignano G. , Selvaggi L.
Published: October 2011

Objectives: It was the aim of this study to evaluate clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS). Methods: Twenty-eight patients with uterine LMS were evaluated in this retrospective study. Their features and survival were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests. Results: The median age of the patients was 52 years (range 25–74). Nine patients had a disease with a mitotic count <10/10 high-power fields. Twenty-one patients presented with stage I disease, 1 with stage II and 6 with stage IV. Twelve patients underwent total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, 2 simple hysterectomy, 5 myomectomy and 9 more comprehensive surgical treatments. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 16 patients, whereas chemoradiation was given only to 2 patients. Fifty percent presented with recurrence of the disease. The median overall survival was 46 months. Age, mitotic count, type of surgery, adjuvant therapy, recurrence and clinical response to chemotherapy were not found to affect survival, while the menopausal status and FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage were found to be prognostic factors. Conclusion: In our series, the menopausal state and FIGO stage were found to be prognostic factors related to survival.
Absence of APOL1 Risk Variants Protects against HIV-Associated Nephropathy in the Ethiopian Population
Authors: Behar Doron M. , Kedem Eynat , Rosset Saharon , Haileselassie Yonas , Tzur Shay , Kra-Oz Zipi , Wasser Walter G. , Shenhar Yotam , Shahar Eduardo , Hassoun Gamal , Maor Carcom , Wolday Dawit , Pollack Shimon , Skorecki Karl
Published: October 2011

Background: Susceptibility to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) among HIV-infected Americans of African ancestral heritage has been attributed to APOL1 genetic variation. We determined the frequency of the APOL1 G1 and G2 risk variants together with the prevalence of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) among individuals of Ethiopian ancestry to determine whether the kidney disease genetic risk is PanAfrican or restricted to West Africa, and can explain the previously reported low risk of HIVAN among Ethiopians. Methods: We studied a cohort of 338 HIV-infected individuals of Ethiopian ancestry treated in one Israeli and one Ethiopian center. We sought clinical evidence for HIVAN (serum creatinine >1.4 mg/dl or proteinuria >30 mg/dl in a spot urine sample). Genetic analyses included the genotyping of the APOL1 G1 and G2 variants, and a panel of 33 genomic ancestry-informative markers. Statistical analysis compared clinical and genetic indices for HIV-infected individuals of Ethiopian ancestry and overall Ethiopians to those reported for HIV-infected African-Americans, overall African-Americans, West Africans and non-Africans. Findings: Three (0.8%) of 338 HIV-infected patients of Ethiopian ancestry showed clinical criteria compatible with renal impairment. Two of these 3 patients also have severe poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. The third nondiabetic patient underwent renal biopsy which ruled out HIVAN. This absence of clinically apparent HIVAN was significantly different from that reported for African-Americans. The APOL1 G1 and G2 risk variants were found, respectively, in 0 and 2 (heterozygote state) of the 338 HIV-infected individuals. Global ancestry and the frequencies of the APOL1 G1 and G2 variants are not statistically different from their frequencies in the general Ethiopian population, but are significantly and dramatically lower than those observed among HIV-infected African-Americans, African-Americans and West Africans. Interpretation: The coinciding absence of HIVAN and the APOL1 risk variants among HIV-infected individuals of Ethiopian ancestry support a Western rather than Pan-African ancestry risk for ESKD, and can readily explain the lack of HIVAN among individuals of Ethiopian ancestry.
The Unified State and the Unified Mind: Social and Moral Utopia in Zamiatin's We and Plato's Republic
Authors: Stefani Sara
Published: October 2011

Scholars have often attempted to determine the objects of Zamiatin's satire in his dystopian novel We as well as the model on which he based the structure of his Edinoe Gosudarstvo. This article argues that in order to find the model that Zamiatin used, we should look to the exemplar of utopia itself, Plato's Republic. Plato's vision of the ideal social structure is meant to serve as an allegory for the ideal individual as well as an allegory for morality. Both the collective body and the individual mind are supremely moral, in Plato's view, when all irrational parts are subjugated to reason and rationality and marked by total unity. This article traces debates about Plato's Republic by Russian thinkers in the period just before and immediately after the Revolution, i.e., prior to the period when Zamiatin wrote We, in order to argue for the relevance of Plato in Russian society of the time. In many of these writings, Plato is identified as an ancient source of the ideals of socialism and communism. The close textual parallels between Republic and We are examined, from the broadest level of social organization to the appropriation of Plato's famous images of the Sun, the Line, and the Cave. In his novel, Zamiatin seems to question not only Plato's political vision, but his conceptions of truth, justice, and morality.
Asian Economic Integration and Sub-regionalism
Authors: Batra Amita
Published: October 2011

The process of economic integration in Asia has many dimensions to it. As different sub-regions of the continent pursue a distinct course of economic integration within, they are also simultaneously entering into economic arrangements across sub-regions. This article undertakes an evaluation of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Co-operation (BIMSTEC), an inter-sub-regional organization, for its ability to act as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia. The analysis involves an assessment of the design and the potential of this sub-regional grouping against regional realities and its performance thus far. Further, the article examines the more fundamental issue of the scope for convergence in the economic integration processes in South and Southeast Asia. In the light of evidence to indicate that inter-sub-regional economic integration is feasible only in the long run, the article makes some recommendations for the BIMSTEC to remain relevant to the region.
Kriging metamodeling in multiple-objective simulation optimization
Authors: Zakerifar Mehdi , Biles William E , Evans Gerald W
Published: October 2011

This paper describes the application of Kriging metamodeling in multiple-objective simulation optimization. An Arena-based simulation model of an (s, S) inventory system is utilized to demonstrate the capabilities of Kriging metamodeling as a simulation tool. Response surface methodology and Kriging metamodeling are compared to determine the situations in which one approach might be preferred over the other. The optimization approaches described here have the objective of finding the optimal values of reorder point s and maximum inventory level S so as to minimize the total cost of the inventory system while maximizing customer satisfaction. This paper describes two alternative approaches to utilizing Kriging methodology with multiple-objective optimization in simulation studies.
Conceptualising Movements against Large Dams
Authors: Bisht Medha
Published: October 2011

The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) is a protracted struggle of more than three decades against large dams. While the movement has been a witness to various highs and lows, some key lessons nevertheless can be deducted by analysing its overall successes and failures. Arguments presented in this article are based on the assumption that ‘domestic mobilisation is one of the main strategies in shaping political will amongst state actors’. It argues that while transnational advocacy can help build consensus or appreciation towards critical developmental issues at the international level, domestic mobilisation or consensus amongst key stakeholders is perhaps the pre-requisite for influencing state response.

The article is divided into three broad sections. The first section focuses on the history of the NBA. The genesis, nature and the role played by the movement in broadening the debate on dams with respect to development is studied. The second section deals with the internationalisation of the issue of large dams, when the NBA came to be known as a strong opponent of large dams. Based on the insights of the struggle in the third section some pointers are offered for social movements towards effectively shaping state behaviour on social and development issues.
Orientations of entertainment media workers: entertainment media workers – disrespect and neglect
Authors: von Rimscha M. Bjørn , Siegert Gabriele
Published: October 2011

Although entertaining media content is considered to be highly influential on values and norms shared by the recipients, little is known about the orientation and self-perceptions of entertainment media workers conveying these values and norms. This article offers an overview of existing research on TV entertainment workers and concludes that the common stereotype of a primarily commercial orientation cannot be sustained across the board. To underpin this argument results from two exploratory studies with producers and commissioners in five European countries are presented. Besides a market orientation we can also identify a creative, a common welfare and a professional orientation. Combined with information on the work environment and the demographics of the respondents, the orientations are used to develop a typology of producers and commissioners. It turns out that the common stereotype of a solely commercial mindset only applies for the self-perception of non-fiction producers at commercial broadcasters and program buyers, while all other types seem to have a corrective in other orientations.