bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The contribution of prescription chart design and familiarity to prescribing error: a prospective, randomised, cross-over study
Authors: Tallentire Victoria R , Hale Rebecca L , Dewhurst Neil G , Maxwell Simon R J
Published: June 2013

Purpose of study

Initiatives to standardise hospital paper-based prescription charts are underway in various countries in an effort to reduce prescribing errors. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which prescribing error rates are influenced by prescription chart design and familiarity.

Study design

In this prospective, randomised, cross-over study, Foundation Year 1 doctors working in five Scottish National Health Service (NHS) Boards participated in study sessions during which they were asked to prescribe lists of medications for five fictional patients using a different design of paper prescription chart for each patient. Each doctor was timed completing each set of prescriptions, and each chart was subsequently assessed against a predefined list of possible errors. A mixed modelling approach using three levels of variables (design of and familiarity with a chart, prescribing speed and individual prescriber) was employed.

Results

A total of 72 Foundation Year 1 doctors participated in 10 data-collection sessions. Differences in prescription chart design were associated with significant variations in the rates of prescribing error. The charts from NHS Highland and NHS Grampian produced significantly higher error rates than the other three charts. Participants who took longer to complete their prescriptions made significantly fewer errors, but familiarity with a chart did not predict error rate.

Conclusions

This study has important implications for prescription chart design and prescribing education. The inverse relationship between the time taken to complete a prescribing task and the rate of error emphasises the importance of attention to detail and workload as factors in error causation. Further work is required to identify the characteristics of prescription charts that are protective against errors.
Patient safety in healthcare preregistration educational curricula: multiple case study-based investigations of eight medicine, nursing, pharmacy and physiotherapy university courses
Authors: Cresswell Kathrin , Howe Amanda , Steven Alison , Smith Pam , Ashcroft Darren , Fairhurst Karen , Bradley Fay , Magnusson Carin , McArthur Maggie , Pearson Pauline , Sheikh Aziz ,   on behalf of the Patient Safety Education Research Group
Published: June 2013

Background

We sought to investigate the formal and informal ways preregistration students from medicine, nursing, pharmacy and the allied healthcare professions learn about patient safety.

Methods

We drew on Eraut's framework on formal and informal acquisition of professional knowledge to undertake a series of phased theoretically informed, in-depth comparative qualitative case studies of eight university courses. We collected policy and course documentation; interviews and focus groups with educators, students, health service staff, patients and policy makers; and course and work placement observations. Data were analysed thematically extracting emerging themes from different phases of data collection within cases, and then comparing these across cases.

Results

We conducted 38 focus groups with a total of 162 participants, undertook 82 observations of practice placements/learning activities and 33 semistructured interviews, and analysed 44 key documents. Patient safety tended to be either implicit in curricula or explicitly identified in a limited number of discrete topic areas. Students were predominantly taught about safety-related issues in isolation, with the consequence of only limited opportunities for interprofessional learning and bridging the gaps between educational, practice and policy contexts. Although patient safety role models were key to student learning in helping to develop and maintain a consistent safety ethos, their numbers were limited.

Conclusions

Consideration needs to be given to the appointment of curriculum leads for patient safety who should be encouraged to work strategically across disciplines and topic areas; development of stronger links with organisational systems to promote student engagement with organisation-based patient safety practice; and role models should help students to make connections between theoretical considerations and routine clinical care.
Volunteer activity in specialist paediatric palliative care: a national survey
Authors: Burbeck Rachel , Low Joe , Sampson Elizabeth L , Scott Rosalind , Bravery Ruth , Candy Bridget
Published: June 2013

Objective

To assess the involvement of volunteers with direct patient/family contact in UK palliative care services for children and young people.

Method

Cross-sectional survey using a web-based questionnaire.

Setting

UK specialist paediatric palliative care services.

Participants

Volunteer managers/coordinators from all UK hospice providers (n=37) and one National Health Service palliative care service involving volunteers (covering 53 services in total).

Main outcomes

Service characteristics, number of volunteers, extent of volunteer involvement in care services, use of volunteers’ professional skills and volunteer activities by setting.

Results

A total of 21 providers covering 31 hospices/palliative care services responded (30 evaluable responses). Referral age limit was 16–19 years in 23 services and 23–35 years in seven services; three services were Hospice at Home or home care only. Per service, there was a median of 25 volunteers with direct patient/family contact. Services providing only home care involved fewer volunteers than hospices with beds. Volunteers entirely ran some services, notably complementary therapy and pastoral/faith-based care. Complementary therapists, school teachers and spiritual care workers most commonly volunteered their professional skills. Volunteers undertook a wide range of activities including emotional support and recreational activities with children and siblings.

Conclusions

This is the most detailed national survey of volunteer activity in palliative care services for children and young people to date. It highlights the range and depth of volunteers’ contribution to specialist paediatric palliative care services and will help to provide a basis for future research, which could inform expansion of volunteers’ roles.
The challenges and suffering of caring for people with primary malignant glioma: qualitative perspectives on improving current supportive and palliative care practices
Authors: Collins Anna , Lethborg Carrie , Brand Caroline , Gold Michelle , Moore Gaye , Sundararajan Vijaya , Murphy Michael , Philip Jennifer
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Carers of patients with high-grade primary malignant glioma (PMG) are known to face extraordinary challenges, as they care for patients with multiple profound and often devastating physical, cognitive and behavioural changes. This study aimed to understand the supportive and palliative care needs in this setting, with a particular focus upon care at the end-of-life, which has hitherto been neglected.

Methods

This prospective qualitative study undertook in-depth interviews with 23 current and bereaved carers of adults with PMG. Carers were recruited from outpatient and inpatient services of two Australian metropolitan hospitals, including neurosurgery, oncology and palliative care. Thematic analysis was conducted by three independent researchers, using methods informed by grounded theory.

Results

Carers described significant needs in relation to three distinct domains: the challenge of caring; the lack of support available to carers and the suffering of caring. The need for care coordination was highlighted as it may enable a series of recommendations for improved care, including: navigation between health providers, individualised, staged information; routine, proactive telephone needs-assessment and emotional support; and early routine integration of palliative care services.

Conclusions

The results of this study shed new light on providing timely information and palliative care to support carers. We call for health services to reconsider the current medical model for this patient group, where patients are the centre of care, information and support, towards a more collaborative model which places carers and patients into a partnership.
A candidal oesophageal stricture responsive to fluconazole therapy
Authors: Kalla Rahul , Kaushik Vishal
Published: June 2013

We report a case of candidal oesophageal stricture in an 81 year-old man with a 2 year history of gradual onset dysphagia and odynophagia to solids. Although rare, most cases have reported treatment success with oesophageal balloon dilation. We report the first case of candidal oesophageal stricture resolution with a prolonged course of anti-fungal therapy.
Epidemiological profile of hospitalised injuries among electric bicycle riders admitted to a rural hospital in Suzhou: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Du Wei , Yang Jie , Powis Brent , Zheng Xiaoying , Ozanne-Smith Joan , Bilston Lynne , He JingLin , Ma Ting , Wang Xiaofei , Wu Ming
Published: June 2013

Police reports indicate an increasing burden of electric bike (E-bike) casualties in China; however, hospitalised injury data have not been reported. The aim of the present work was to describe hospitalised injury patterns for E-bikers involved in road crashes and explore injury risk disparities among them. For the period October 2010 to April 2011, this cross-sectional study retrospectively collected information for hospitalised E-bikers involved in road crashes from hospital records, in Suzhou China, using theInternational Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) injury diagnosis codes. Injury nature and body region were further categorised using ICD-10 codes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the risk of specific injury types. We found that hospitalised E-biker injuries (n=323) accounted for 57.2% of road traffic hospitalisations over the 6-month study period. The average age, length of stay and hospitalisation cost were 43.8 years, 10.0 days and ¥8229 (US$1286), respectively. Fractures and head injuries were common. The odds of traumatic brain injuries were significantly elevated for night-time E-bike crashes and incidents other than colliding with motor vehicles. These findings confirm E-bike injuries as an important population health problem and identify elevated injury odds in different E-biker groups. Future injury prevention initiatives should include encouraging helmet use among E-bikers.
Dying to get out: young drivers, safety and social inequity
Authors: Audrey S , Langford R
Published: June 2013

Objective

Deaths and serious injuries among young drivers are an important public health concern. Road safety researchers and policy makers tend to focus on strategies to restrict the driving activities of young people. Other social research suggests the disadvantages experienced by young people in socially deprived groups are exacerbated by not having a driving licence or owning a car. In this qualitative study, we consider the views of young people from less affluent backgrounds in the south-west of England who took part in a brief intervention to encourage them to delay gaining a driving licence and car ownership.

Methods

Between September 2011 and January 2012, a researcher observed four training sessions involving 173 young people. Postintervention, digitally recorded focus groups were conducted at three venues involving 23 randomly selected young people. Data from the focus group transcripts were sorted into charts in relation to key research questions and scrutinised using constant comparison.

Results

These young people believed the ability to drive, and car ownership, could increase their independence, improve access to further education, widen their employment opportunities, and enable them to contribute to family or household responsibilities.

Conclusions

We argue there is a potential conflict between some strategies seeking to promote young driver safety and the impact this may have on equity and social disadvantage. Interdisciplinary work is required between professionals and researchers in transport, road safety, public health and social equity. Government policies should include low-cost, safe, reliable and attractive transport alternatives for young people in more deprived communities.
Cystic lung disease
Authors: Clarke Belinda E
Published: June 2013

This review addresses the pathology of lung disease in which the predominant finding is diffuse cystic change. Although cysts may be found radiologically in a wide variety of disease states, the entities discussed are those most likely to be encountered in biopsies where the underlying aetiology is unclear. These include Langerhans cell histiocytosis, lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, and recent advances in the molecular pathology of these entities are reviewed. Conditions in which cyst formation may occur but does not represent the predominant pathology are also considered, including alveolar septal amyloidosis, light chain disease, follicular bronchiolitis and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. Cystic metastases may present a differential diagnostic dilemma.
A powered bone marrow biopsy system versus manual methods: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Voigt Jeffrey , Mosier Michael
Published: June 2013

A significant number of bone marrow biopsies are performed annually. Outcomes of patient pain and sample size of biopsy are important issues as perception of patient pain is underestimated by clinicians and sample size assists in accurate diagnosis. Manual extraction of marrow biopsy is the main method used. Recently a powered system has been introduced. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to determine if the powered system reduces patient pain and improves sample capture. A PubMed and Cochrane search for randomised controlled trials was undertaken comparing the powered system with manual methods. Risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis of outcomes using appropriate statistical methods were performed. Five randomised controlled trials were identified. Patient pain (measured via visual analogue scale (VAS)—100 point scale) was significantly reduced using the powered system: mean difference=−6.57; 95% CI −12.93 to −0.22; p=0.04. The relative reduction in pain was 17%–25% with the powered system. Sample biopsy size (length in mm) was also significantly increased with the powered system: mean difference=3.65 mm; 95%; CI 1.61 mm to 5.68 mm; p=0.0005. The relative increase in sample size was 33% with the powered system. Operator ease of use (as measured via VAS) and adverse events were similar. Despite limited operator experience, patients experienced less pain and sample sizes were increased without an increase in adverse events with the powered system. The powered system may offer an option in obtaining samples from patients whose pain is compromised by disease and may reduce redos.
Childhood and adulthood socio-economic position and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy: the Uppsala Birth Cohort Multigenerational Study
Authors: Heshmati Amy , Mishra Gita , Koupil Ilona
Published: June 2013

Background

Childhood and adulthood socio-economic position (SEP) is associated with cardiovascular disease in later life, but associations with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are not well established.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of childhood and adulthood SEP with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia).

Method

Study participants were Swedish women (n=9507) from generation 3 of the Uppsala Birth Cohort Multigenerational Study (UBCoS Multigen) who delivered a live singleton offspring between 1982 and 2008. Social and health data were obtained from routine Swedish registers. Associations of own education (adulthood SEP), and parental education and social class (childhood SEP) with hypertensive disorders were studied using logistic regression with adjustments for age, calendar period, parity, smoking and body mass index.

Results

Low own education was associated with chronic hypertension, but not with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Increased risk of chronic hypertension was seen in women whose mothers had medium education compared with women whose mothers had high education (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.62). Women from a manual social class during childhood had twice the risk of chronic hypertension compared with those from non-manual backgrounds (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.75). Childhood SEP was not associated with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.

Conclusions

Childhood and adulthood SEP was associated with chronic hypertension in pregnancy. In contrast, no association with childhood or adulthood SEP was seen for gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia/eclampsia.
The association between binge drinking and birth outcomes: results from the Born in Bradford cohort study
Authors: Cooper Duncan L , Petherick Emily S , Wright John
Published: June 2013

Background

Various human and animal studies suggest that peak alcohol exposure during a binge episode, rather than total alcohol exposure, may determine fetal development. Research about the impact of binge drinking on birth outcomes is sparse and inconclusive. Data from the Born in Bradford cohort study were used to explore the impact of binge drinking on birth outcomes.

Methods

Interview-administered questionnaire data about the lifestyle and social characteristics of 10 851 pregnancies were linked to maternity and birth data. The impact of self-reported binge drinking (5 units: 40 g of pure alcohol) on two birth outcomes (small for gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth (<37 weeks)) was assessed using multivariate logistic regression models, while adjusting for confounders.

Results

The percentage of women classified as binge drinkers fell from 24.5% before pregnancy to 9% during the first trimester and 3.1% during the second trimester. There was a significant association between SGA birth and binge drinking (all categories combined; OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.47, p=0.01). No association was observed between moderate drinking and either birth outcome, or between binge drinking and preterm birth.

Conclusions

Binge drinking during the second trimester of pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of SGA birth. No association was found between any level of alcohol consumption and premature birth. This work supports previous research showing no association between SGA and low-alcohol exposure but adds to evidence of a dose–response relationship with significant risks observed at binge drinking levels.
Determining the velocity required for skin perforation by fragment simulating projectiles: a systematic review
Authors: Breeze John , Clasper JC
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Explosively propelled fragments are the most common cause of injury to soldiers on current operations. Researchers desire models to predict their injurious effects so as to refine methods of potential protection. Well validated physical and numerical models based on the penetration of standardised fragment simulating projectiles (FSPs) through muscle exist but not for skin, thereby reducing the utility of such models.

Method

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology to identify all open source information quantifying the effects of postmortem human subject (PMHS) and animal skin on the retardation of metallic projectiles. Projectile sectional density (mass over presented cross-sectional area) was compared with the velocity required for skin perforation or penetration, with regard to skin origin (animal vs PMHS), projectile shape (sphere vs cylinder) and skin backing (isolated skin vs that backed by muscle).

Results

17 original experimental studies were identified, predominantly using skin from the thigh. No statistical difference in the velocity required for skin perforation with regard to skin origin or projectile shape was found. A greater velocity was required to perforate intact skin on a whole limb than isolated skin alone (p<0.05). An empirical relationship describing the velocity required to perforate skin by metallic FSPs of a range of sectional densities was generated.

Discussion

Skin has a significant effect on the retardation of FSPs, necessitating its incorporation in future injury models. Perforation algorithms based on animal and PMHS skin can be used interchangeably as well as spheres and cylinders of matching sectional density. Future numerical simulations for skin perforation must match the velocity for penetration and also require experimental determination of mechanical skin properties, such as tensile strength, strain and elasticity at high strain rates.
Hepatitis B and C in the Armed Forces
Authors: Freshwater Dennis A
Published: June 2013

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are prevalent in several areas of the world. Armed Forces personnel may be exposed to these viruses through risk behaviour or ballistic transmission. This article discusses the epidemiology and treatment of these viruses, together with occupational health considerations.
Endovascular reconstruction of vertebral artery occlusion prior to basilar thrombectomy in a series of six patients presenting with acute symptomatic basilar thrombosis
Authors: Ecker Robert D , Tsujiura Crystiana A , Baker Christopher B , Cushing Deborah
Published: June 2013

Introduction and purpose

Symptomatic acute basilar thrombosis is associated with a high mortality rate. Aggressive endovascular management has led to survival rates of 35–50%. We report the largest series of endovascular reconstruction of occluded dominant vertebral arteries prior to basilar thrombectomy.

Materials and methods

A prospective database since August 2010 of all neuroendovascular interventions was mined for patients undergoing basilar artery thrombolysis from which a group with vertebral artery reconstruction was selected. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for relevant clinical, technical, and outcome data.

Results

From August 2010 to September 2012, six patients were identified who underwent vertebral reconstruction prior to basilar thrombectomy. Patients ranged in age from 42 to 57 years (mean 51 years). Mean time from symptoms until recanalization was approximately 6 h. Angiographic Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction IIB reconstitution of the basilar trunk was achieved in all cases. There were no technical complications. Two patients had care withdrawn secondary to massive completed brainstem infarction and poor neurological status post intervention. Three patients are now independent at 12, 14, and 31 months, respectively. One patient, after a follow-up of only 8 months, has achieved a modified Rankin Scale score of 3.

Conclusions

Complete vertebral occlusion below a basilar thrombus can be recanalized prior to thrombectomy. In this case series, 100% of the acutely occluded vertebral arteries could be opened using either anterograde or retrograde access. However, basilar thrombosis continues to be a devastating illness, with one-third of the patients in this series dying of progressive infarction despite angiographic patency of the large conduit vessels with technical complications.
Comparison of CT and fluoroscopic guidance for lumbar puncture in an obese population with prior failed unguided attempt
Authors: Brook Andrew D , Burns Judah , Dauer Edward , Schoendfeld Alan H , Miller Todd S
Published: June 2013

Background and purpose

In the past 50 years, fluoroscopic guidance has been used to improve upon lumbar puncture (LP) technique that was unchanged for over a century. Recently, CT has seen increasing use as a guidance modality due to its ability to demonstrate soft tissue contrast and provide millimeter accuracy with needle targeting. This study compared procedure time and radiation dosages for fluoroscopic and CT guided LP.

Materials and methods

This institutional review board and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant study was a retrospective review of a consecutive cohort referred for image guided LP. For CT, 45 patients aged 49 years (range 20–78, SD 14) with body mass index (BMI) values of 33 kg/m2(range 20–50, SD 12) were included. For fluoroscopy, 100 patients aged 47 years (range 18–88, SD 17) with BMI values of 29 kg/m2(range 15–56, SD 9) were included. CT procedure time was determined using picture archiving and communication system (PACS) image time stamps. Radiation dose was determined using the CT dose report and effective dose conversion factors. Fluoroscopic procedure time was determined from nursing. Fluoroscopic radiation dose was calculated from dose–area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy times, with effective dosage calculated using simulation software.

Results

For CT, procedure time average was 14 min (range 5–42, SD 8.5). Average dose–length product was 120 mGy×cm (range 39–211, SD 43) and average effective dose was 1.98 mSv (range 0.2–8.18, SD 4.4). For fluoroscopy, procedure time averaged 12 min (range 12–30, SD 6). Average DAP was 10 Gy×cm2(range 0.1–70, SD 11) and effective dose estimate averaged 2.9 mSv (range 0.9–9.4, SD 1.9). There were no unsuccessful taps or complications.

Conclusions

Both fluoroscopic and CT guidance may be used to perform an LP in an obese population with a short procedure time and low radiation dose.
Ultra-distal large-bore intracranial access using the hyperflexible Navien distal intracranial catheter for the treatment of cerebrovascular pathologies: a technical note
Authors: Lin Li-Mei , Colby Geoffrey P , Huang Judy , Tamargo Rafael J , Coon Alexander L
Published: June 2013

Background

Successful neuroendovascular treatments rely on microcatheter stability from guide catheter support. We present our experience using a new large-bore 0.058 inch or 0.072 inch inner diameter (ID) hyperflexible access catheter placed deep within the intracranial circulation during the neurointervention.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all neurointerventions performed by the senior author during an 18-month period to identify patients in whom the Navien intracranial catheter was placed in an ultra-distal position, defined as beyond the clinoidal internal carotid artery (ICA) or V3 segment of the vertebral artery. Procedural data collected included parent artery tortuosity, technique for Navien advancement, intraprocedural Navien position and periprocedural complications.

Results

The Navien, either 6 F 0.072 inch ID or 5 F 0.058 inch ID, provided ultra-distal large-bore access in the following 11 intracranial interventions: anterior circulation aneurysm treatment with Pipeline embolization device (PED) (n=3); posterior circulation aneurysm single-stage stent coiling (n=5); liquid embolization of arteriovenous malformations (n=2); PED coiling of posterior circulation aneurysm (n=1). The Navien was tracked into position over a Marksman microcatheter in 10/11 cases and a Headway 27 microcatheter in one case. Intraprocedural Navien positions were as follows: supraclinoid ICA (n=2); mid M1 (n=1); V3–V4 junction (n=2) (both using 6 F Navien); distal V4 (n=3); proximal basilar (n=1); proximal-mid basilar (n=1); mid basilar (n=1). No significant catheter-related complications occurred.

Conclusions

The Navien is the newest hyperflexible access catheter that is highly trackable into ultra-distal intracranial positions. It maneuvers atraumatically, providing improved distal intracranial support for a variety of complex cerebrovascular interventions and preserves necessary ID for quality intraprocedural roadmaps and angiography.
HEAT TRANSFER ENHANCEMENT IN A CHANNEL PARTIALLY FILLED WITH A POROUS BLOCK: LATTICE BOLTZMANN METHOD
Authors: NAZARI M. , KAYHANI M. H. , MOHEBBI R.
Published: June 2013

The main goal of the present study is to investigate the heat transfer enhancement in a channel partially filled with an anisotropic porous block (Porous Foam) using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Combined pore level simulation of flow and heat transfer is performed for a 2D channel which is partially filled with square obstacles in both ordered and random arrangements by LBM which is not studied completely in the literature. The effect of the Reynolds number, different arrangements of obstacles, blockage ratio and porosity on the velocity and temperature profiles inside the porous region are studied. The local and averaged Nusselt numbers on the channel walls along with the respective confidence interval and comparison between results of regular and random arrangements are presented for the first time. For constant porosity and block size, the maximum value of averaged Nusselt number in the porous block is obtained in the case of random arrangement of obstacles. Also, by decreasing the porosity, the value of averaged Nusselt number is increased. Heat transfer to the working fluids increases significantly by increasing the blockage ratio. Several blockage ratios with different arrangements are checked to obtain a correlation for the Nusselt number.
THERMAL INVESTIGATION OF COMMON 2D FETs AND NEW GENERATION OF 3D FETs USING BOLTZMANN TRANSPORT EQUATION IN NANOSCALE
Authors: SAMIAN R. S. , ABBASSI A. , GHAZANFARIAN J.
Published: June 2013

The thermal performance of two-dimensional (2D) field-effect transistors (FET) is investigated frequently by solving the Fourier heat diffusion law and the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE). With the introduction of the new generation of 3D FETs in which their thickness is less than the phonon mean-free-path it is necessary to carefully simulate the thermal performance of such devices. This paper numerically integrates the BTE in common 2D transistors including planar single layer and Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) transistor, and the new generation of 3D transistors including FinFET and Tri-Gate devices. In order to decrease the directional dependency of results in 3D simulations; the Legendre equal-weight (PN-EW) quadrature set has been employed. It is found that if similar switching time is assumed for 3D and 2D FETs while the new generation of 3D FETs has less net energy consumption, they have higher hot-spot temperature. The results show continuous heat flux distribution normal to the silicon/oxide interface while the temperature jump is seen at the interface in double layer transistors.
AMBIGUITIES IN THE GRAVITATIONAL CORRECTION OF QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS
Authors: FELIPE J. C. C. , CABRAL L. A. , BRITO L. C. T. , SAMPAIO MARCOS , NEMES M. C.
Published: June 2013

We verify that quadratic divergences stemming from gravitational corrections to quantum electrodynamics (QED) which have been conjectured to lead to asymptotic freedom near Planck scale are arbitrary (regularization dependent) and compatible with zero. Moreover, we explicitly show that such arbitrary term contributes to the beta function of QED in a gauge dependent way in the gravitational sector.
A SEQUENCE ALIGNMENT APPROACH APPLIED TO A MOBILE AUTHENTICATION TECHNIQUE BASED ON GESTURES
Authors: GUERRA-CASANOVA JAVIER , SANCHEZ-AVILA CARMEN , BAILADOR DEL POZO GONZALO , DE SANTOS-SIERRA ALBERTO
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a biometric technique based on gesture recognition is proposed to improve the security of operations requiring authentication in mobile phones. Users are authenticated by making a gesture invented by them holding a mobile phone embedding an accelerometer on their hand. An analysis method based on sequence alignment is proposed and evaluated in different experiments. Firstly, a test of distinctiveness of gestures has been proposed obtaining an equal error rate (EER) of 4.98% with a database of 30 users and four repetitions. With the same database, a second experiment representing the unicity of accessing attempts has resulted in an EER value of 1.92%. Finally, a third experiment to evaluate the robustness of the technique has examined a database of 40 users with eight repetitions and real falsification attempts, performed by three impostors from the study of recordings of the carrying out of the original gestures, resulting in an EER of 2.5%.
COLORING PLANAR GRAPHS VIA COLORED PATHS IN THE ASSOCIAHEDRA
Authors: BOWLIN GARRY , BRIN MATTHEW G.
Published: June 2013

Hassler Whitney's theorem of 1931 reduces the task of finding proper, vertex 4-colorings of triangulations of the 2-sphere to finding such colorings for the class ℌ of triangulations of the 2-sphere that have a Hamiltonian circuit. This has been used by Whitney and others from 1936 to the present to find equivalent reformulations of the 4 Color Theorem (4CT). Recently there has been activity to try to use some of these reformulations to find a shorter proof of the 4CT. Every triangulation in ℌ has a dual graph that is a union of two binary trees with the same number of leaves. Elements of a group known as Thompson's group F are equivalence classes of pairs of binary trees with the same number of leaves. This paper explores this resemblance and finds that some recent reformulations of the 4CT are essentially attempting to color elements of ℌ using expressions of elements of F as words in a certain generating set for F. From this, we derive information about not just the colorability of certain elements of ℌ, but also about all possible ways to color these elements. Because of this we raise (and answer some) questions about enumeration. We also bring in an extension E of the group F and ask whether certain elements "parametrize" the set of all colorings of the elements of ℌ that use all four colors.
ON CONVERGENCE PROPERTIES OF 3D SPHEROIDAL MONOGENICS
Authors: MORAIS J. , KOU K. I. , GEORGIEV S.
Published: June 2013

Morais has recently introduced certain complete orthogonal sets of monogenic polynomials over 3D prolate spheroids with remarkable properties. The underlying functions take on either values in the reduced and full quaternions (identified, respectively, with ℝ3and ℝ4), and are generally assumed to be nullsolutions of the well known Riesz and Moisil–Théodoresco systems in ℝ3. In continuation of these studies, we recall some fundamental properties of the polynomials, and prove some recursive formulae between them. As a consequence, we obtain a two-term type recurrence relation satisfied by those basis polynomials. These results are then employed to investigate a rather wide class of approximation properties for monogenic functions over 3D prolate spheroids in terms of spheroidal monogenics.
ADAPTIVE RATE CONTROL BASED ON LOSS PROBABILITY ESTIMATION CONSIDERING A CASCADE BASED MULTIFRACTAL MODEL FOR THE NETWORK TRAFFIC
Authors: ROCHA FLÁVIO GERALDO COELHO , VIEIRA FLÁVIO HENRIQUE TELES
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we propose an expression for estimating the byte loss probability in a single server link taking into account the multifractal properties of network traffic. Using the proposed loss probability estimation approach, we present an adaptive transmission rate control scheme for network communication servers. The proposed algorithm includes a search algorithm in order to find the rate that attains the required loss probability in a network communication link. Finally, we compare the proposed multifractal based adaptive rate allocation to a monofractal based dynamic allocation scheme present in the literature.
ADAPTIVE OUTPUT FEEDBACK CONTROL FOR TRAJECTORY TRACKING OF AUV IN WAVE DISTURBANCE CONDITION
Authors: ZHANG LIJUN , QI XUE , PANG YONGJIE , JIANG DAPENG
Published: June 2013

This paper develops an adaptive output feedback controller that forces an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), named Omni-Directional Intelligent Navigator (ODIN), to track a desired trajectory with bounded errors in wave disturbance condition. An adaptive controller is introduced based on a nonlinear model whose measurable output is corrupted by wave disturbances. Thus an observer is built to reconstruct the full states including wave velocity, wave motion displacement, vehicles velocity, position and rotation angle information which are used in the output feedback controller. Ultimate boundedness of the error signals is shown through Lyapunovs direct method. Finally, simulation studies for ODIN illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
β-Nitro-substituted free-base, iron(III) and manganese(III) tetraarylporphyrins: synthesis, electrochemistry and effect of theNO2substituent on spectra and redox potentials in non-aqueous media
Authors: Yang Shuibo , Sun Bin , Ou Zhongping , Meng Deying , Lu Guifen , Fang Yuanyuan , Kadish Karl M.
Published: June 2013

Two free-base and four metal derivatives of substituted tetraarylporphyrins containing a nitro-substituent on the β-pyrrole position of the macrocycle were synthesized and characterized by UV-vis, FTIR,1H NMR and mass spectrometry as well as electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry in non-aqueous media. The porphyrins are represented as ( NO2TmPP ) M and ( NO2TdmPP ) M , where M = 2 H , FeIIICl or MnIIICl , m is a CH3group on the para-position of the four meso-phenyl rings of the tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and dm represents two OCH3substituents on the meta-positions of each phenyl ring of the TPP macrocycle. UV-visible spectra of the nitro-substituted porphyrins exhibit absorption bands which are red-shifted by 4–11 nm as compared to bands of the same substituted tetraarylporphyrins lacking a nitro substituent. Three or four reductions are observed for each iron and manganese nitroporphyrin, the first of which is metal-centered, leading to formation of an Fe ( II ) or Mn ( II ) complex. Further reduction at the metal center occurs for the iron porphyrins but this reaction proceeds via an Fe ( II ) π anion radical in the case of the two nitro-substituented derivatives. The β-nitro-substituted porphyrins are easier to reduce and harder to oxidize than the corresponding compounds lacking a nitro group. The effect of NO2substituent on reduction/oxidation potentials and the site of electron transfer was also discussed.
Memristive devices in computing system
Authors: Yang J. Joshua , Williams R. Stanley
Published: June 2013

Memristive devices with a simple structure are not only very small but also very versatile, which makes them an ideal candidate used for the next generation computing system in the post-Si era. The working mechanism of the devices and a family of nanodevices built based on this working mechanism are introduced first followed by some proposed applications of these novel devices. The promises and challenges of these devices are then discussed, together with the significant progresses made recently in dealing with these challenges.
Performance analysis of a FPGA based novel binary and DBNS multiplier
Authors: Saha Amrita , Mukherjee Manideepa , Datta Debanjana , Saha Sangita , Sinha Amitabha
Published: June 2013

Designing high performance Software Defined Radio (SDR) with low power and flexibility is a major challenge. While the high performance DSP processors are unable to meet the speed requirements of these SDRs, System on chips (SOCs) are also not suitable because of their limited flexibility. Recently dynamically reconfigurable FPGAs have emerged as high performance programmable hardware to execute highly parallel, computationally intensive signal processing functions efficiently. Since basic intention of an SDR is to implement different modulation / demodulation schemes and basic building blocks for such schemes are signal processing functions, FPGAs have become an important component for implementing these. However, the effectiveness of such an approach with respect to cost, performance and flexibility need to be examined. Double Base Number Systems (DBNS) have been gaining attention for compute intensive applications in signal processing because of their higher performance in arithmetic operations in general and particularly multiplication.

Keeping these issues in view, this paper aims to present a new Software defined Radio. To Enhance the performance of the proposed architecture , analysis have been done employing both single index and multiple indices DBNS multipliers. Experiments and analysis on performance have also been done with its binary counterpart. Both DBNS and binary based architecture were implemented on Xilinx virtex iv FPGA using xilinx ISE 9.1 i.
Education forum
Authors: Chen Li
Published: June 2013

This paper gives a brief introduction to digital geometry and its relationships to algorithm analysis, image processing, and computer graphics. Digital geometry highly relates to graph theory, discrete geometry, and computational geometry. We also suggest that digital geometry can be taught as a chapter in computational geometry or geometric methods for computing sciences courses.
The Rock Stars of eLearning: An interview with Alicia Sanchez
Authors: Raymer Rick
Published: June 2013

With the best rock star title in eLearning, Game Czar, Alicia Sanchez is a leading voice in bringing innovative ideas to training programs.
Adipose tissue inflammation contributes to short-term high-fat diet-induced hepatic insulin resistance
Authors: Wiedemann Michael S. F. , Wueest Stephan , Item Flurin , Schoenle Eugen J. , Konrad Daniel
Published: June 2013

High-fat feeding for 3–4 days impairs glucose tolerance and hepatic insulin sensitivity. However, it remains unclear whether the evolving hepatic insulin resistance is due to acute lipid overload or the result of induced adipose tissue inflammation and consequent dysfunctional adipose tissue-liver cross-talk. In the present study, feeding C57Bl6/J mice a fat-enriched diet [high-fat diet (HFD)] for 4 days induced glucose intolerance, hepatic insulin resistance (as assessed by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp studies), and hepatic steatosis as well as adipose tissue inflammation (i.e., TNFα expression) compared with standard chow-fed mice. Adipocyte-specific depletion of the antiapoptotic/anti-inflammatory factor Fas (CD95) attenuated adipose tissue inflammation and improved glucose tolerance as well as hepatic insulin sensitivity without altering the level of hepatic steatosis induced by HFD. In summary, our results identify adipose tissue inflammation and resulting dysfunctional adipose tissue-liver cross-talk as an early event in the development of HFD-induced hepatic insulin resistance.
Characterization of a novel genetically obese mouse model demonstrating early onset hyperphagia and hyperleptinemia
Authors: Nakahara Keiko , Bannai Makoto , Maruyama Keisuke , Suzuki Yoshihiro , Okame Rieko , Murakami Noboru
Published: June 2013

Obesity is a critical risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome, and many obese animal models are used to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the appearance of symptoms. To establish a new obese mouse model, we screened ∼13,000 ICR mice and discovered a mouse demonstrating spontaneous obesity. We named this mouse “Daruma” after a traditional Japanese ornament. Following the fixation of the genotype, these animals exhibited obese phenotypes according to Mendel’s law of inheritance. In the Daruma mouse, the leptin receptor gene sequence carried two base mutations that are good candidates for the variation(s) responsible for the obese phenotype. The Daruma mice developed characteristic visceral fat accumulation at 4 wk of age, and the white adipose and liver tissues exhibited increases in cell size and lipid droplets, respectively. No histological abnormalities were observed in other tissues of the Daruma mice, even after the mice reached 25 wk of age. Moreover, the onset of impaired leptin signaling was early and manifested as hyperleptinemia and hyperinsulinemia. Pair feeding completely inhibited obesity, although these mice rapidly developed hyperphagia and obesity followed by hyperleptinemia when pair feeding ceased and free-access feeding was permitted. Therefore, the Daruma mice exhibited unique characteristics and may be a good model for studying human metabolic syndrome.
Study of Mushy-Zone Development in Dendritic Microstructures with Glass-Forming Eutectic Matrices Using Electrostatic Levitation
Authors: Kozachkov Henry , Kolodziejska Joanna A. , Roberts Scott , Li John J. Z. , Johnson William L. , Hofmann Douglas C.
Published: June 2013

The coarsening of dendrites in two bulk metallic glass matrix composites was investigated using noncontact techniques in a high vacuum electrostatic levitator. Progressive degrees of coarsening were observed after isothermal holds of varying duration. Specific volume and surface tension during heating and cooling were measured. Hysteresis in specific volume was observed.
Solitary Rossby Waves in the Lower Tropical Troposphere
Authors: Lenouo Andre , Nkankam Francois Kamga
Published: June 2013

Weakly nonlinear approximation is used to study the theoretical comportment of large-scale disturbances around the intertropical midtropospheric jet. We show here that the Korteweg de Vries (KdV) theory is appropriated to describe the structure of the streamlines around the African easterly jet (AEJ) region. The introduction of the additional velocity of the soliton C1 permits to search the stage where the configuration of the wave structures is going to emerge out of specified initial conditions and this is the direct and inverse cascade method. It was also shown that the configurations of disturbances can be influenced by this parameter so that we can look if the disturbances are in the control or not of their dispersive effects. This permits to explain the evolution of initial conditions of the Tropical Storm (TS) Debby over West Africa from 20 to 24 August 2006.
Activation of Protease-Activated Receptor 2-Mediated Signaling by Mast Cell Tryptase Modulates Cytokine Production in Primary Cultured Astrocytes
Authors: Zeng Xiaoning , Zhang Shu , Xu Luwei , Yang Haiwei , He Shaoheng
Published: June 2013

Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2), which is abundantly expressed in astrocytes, is known to play major roles in brain inflammation. However, the influence of the natural agonist of PAR-2, tryptase, on proinflammatory mediator releasedfrom astrocytes remains uninvestigated. In the present study, we found that tryptase at lower concentrations modestly reduced intracellular ROS production but significantly increased IL-6 and TNF-αsecretion at higher concentrations without affecting astrocytic viability and proliferation. The actions of tryptase were alleviated by specific PAR-2 antagonist FSLLRY-NH2 (FS), indicating that the actions of tryptase were via PAR-2. PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 reversed the effect of tryptase on IL-6 production, whereas inhibitors specific for p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 abolished the effect of tryptase on TNF-αproduction, suggesting that different signaling pathways are involved. Moreover, tryptase-induced activation of MAPKs and AKT was eliminated by FS, implicating that PAR-2 is responsible for transmitting tryptase biosignals to MAPKs and AKT. Tryptase provoked also expression of TGF-βand CNTF in astrocytes. The present findings suggest for the first time that tryptase can regulate the release of cytokines from astrocytes via PAR-2-MAPKs or PAR-2-PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, which reveals PAR-2 as a new target actively participating in the regulation of astrocytic functions.