bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimalizacja ryzyka wdrażania nowych technologii w przemyśle koksowniczym przez etapową realizację złożonego projektu badawczo-rozwojowego jako opcji rzeczowej
Authors: Żarczyński Piotr , Strugała Andrzej , Sobolewski Aleksander , Sikorski Czesław
Published: February 2013

Streszczenie

Spowolnienie gospodarcze w Europie i świecie w szczególny sposób oddziałuje na tradycyjne branże przemysłu. Polskie koksownie od kilku lat systematycznie modernizowały swój potencjał produkcyjny i nadal prowadzą i planują działalność rozwojową. W obecnych warunkach strategia koksowni powinna być ukierunkowana z jednej strony na unikanie zbędnego ryzyka, a więc wdrażanie znanych technologii. Jednocześnie inwestycje w nowe i innowacyjne technologie jako niosące w sobie dużą zmienność powinny być postrzegane jako szansa. W warunkach znacznej niepewności niezbędna jest jednak zmiana podejścia do oceny przedsięwzięć inwestycyjnych. Tradycyjny rachunek dyskontowy ze względu na swój statyczny charakter - nie uwzględniający zmienności i opcji tkwiących w projektach oraz wielości momentów decyzyjnych - może okazać się już niewystarczający. Pomocnym narzędziem dla decydentów jest w takich warunkach rachunek opcji rzeczowych. W artykule przedstawiono dotychczasowe wyniki projektu badawczo-rozwojowego polegającego na wdrożeniu operacji podsuszania wsadu realizowanego przez Koksownię Zdzieszowice i ICHPW w Zabrzu. Omówiono uzyskane wyniki i związane z nimi ryzyka. Przedstawiono dalsze zamierzenia rozwoju tego projektu, zakładające budowę przemysłowej instalacji badawczej do badania wpływu podsuszania na proces koksowania. Scharakteryzowano przesłanki zastosowania rachunku opcji rzeczowych do oceny przedsięwzięć inwestycyjnych charakteryzujących się dużąniepewnościąrezultatów. Przedstawiono genezę i podział opcji rzeczowych oraz warunki ich stosowania w porównaniu do tradycyjnych dyskontowych metod oceny projektów. Omówiono genezę i parametry charakterystyczne opcji rzeczowych. W następnej części dokonano wyceny przedsięwzięcia badawczo-rozwojowego wdrożenia operacji podsuszania wsadu dla zespołu dwóch baterii koksowniczych metodą NPV oraz metodą opcji rzeczowych. Do oceny wartości opcji rzeczowej tego projektu, będącego klasyczną europejską opcją kupna, wykorzystano równanie Blacka-Scholesa. Dokonano porównania uzyskanych wyników i ustalono wartość elastyczności tkwiącą w analizowanym projekcie badawczo-rozwojowym.
Estimating Winter Annual Biomass in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts with Satellite- and Ground-Based Observations
Authors: Casady Grant , Van Leeuwen Willem , Reed Bradley
Published: February 2013

Winter annual plants in southwestern North America influence fire regimes, provide forage, and help prevent erosion. Exotic annuals may also threaten native species. Monitoring winter annuals is difficult because of their ephemeral nature, making the development of a satellite monitoring tool valuable. We mapped winter annual aboveground biomass in the Desert Southwest from satellite observations, evaluating 18 algorithms using time-series vegetation indices (VI). Field-based biomass estimates were used to calibrate and evaluate each algorithm. Winter annual biomass was best estimated by calculating a base VI across the period of record and subtracting it from the peak VI for each winter season (R2 = 0.92). The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from 8-day reflectance data provided the best estimate of winter annual biomass. It is important to account for the timing of peak vegetation when relating field-based estimates to satellite VI data, since post-peak field estimates may indicate senescent biomass which is inaccurately represented by VI-based estimates. Images generated from the best-performing algorithm show both spatial and temporal variation in winter annual biomass. Efforts to manage this variable resource would be enhanced by a tool that allows the monitoring of changes in winter annual resources over time.
Secure Information Delivery through High Bitrate Data Embedding within Digital Video and its Application to Audio/Video Synchronization
Authors: Yang Ming , Hung Chih-Cheng , Jung Edward
Published: February 2013

Secure communication has traditionally been ensured with data encryption, which has become easier to break than before due to the advancement of computing power. For this reason, information hiding techniques have emerged as an alternative to achieve secure communication. In this research, a novel information hiding methodology is proposed to deliver secure information with the transmission/broadcasting of digital video. Secure data will be embedded within the video frames through vector quantization. At the receiver end, the embedded information can be extracted without the presence of the original video contents. In this system, the major performance goals include visual transparency, high bitrate, and robustness to lossy compression. Based on the proposed methodology, the authors have developed a novel synchronization scheme, which ensures audio/video synchronization through speech-in-video techniques. Compared to existing algorithms, the main contributions of the proposed methodology are: (1) it achieves both high bitrate and robustness against lossy compression; (2) it has investigated impact of embedded information to the performance of video compression, which has not been addressed in previous research. The proposed algorithm is very useful in practical applications such as secure communication, captioning, speech-in-video, video-in-video, etc.
Standardized Synoptic Cancer Pathology Reports — So What and Who Cares?: A Population-Based Satisfaction Survey of 970 Pathologists, Surgeons, and Oncologists
Authors: Lankshear Sara , Srigley John , McGowan Thomas , Yurcan Marta , Sawka Carol
Published: February 2013

Context.—Cancer Care Ontario implemented synoptic pathology reporting across Ontario, impacting the practice of pathologists, surgeons, and medical and radiation oncologists. The benefits of standardized synoptic pathology reporting include enhanced completeness and improved consistency in comparison with narrative reports, with reported challenges including increased workload and report turnaround time.

Objective.—To determine the impact of synoptic pathology reporting on physician satisfaction specific to practice and process.

Design.—A descriptive, cross-sectional design was utilized involving 970 clinicians across 27 hospitals. An 11-item survey was developed to obtain information regarding timeliness, completeness, clarity, and usability. Open-ended questions were also employed to obtain qualitative comments.

Results.—A 51% response rate was obtained, with descriptive statistics reporting that physicians perceive synoptic reports as significantly better than narrative reports. Correlation analysis revealed a moderately strong, positive relationship between respondents' perceptions of overall satisfaction with the level of information provided and perceptions of completeness for clinical decision making (r = 0.750, P < .001) and ease of finding information for clinical decision making (r = 0.663, P < .001). Dependent t tests showed a statistically significant difference in the satisfaction scores of pathologists and oncologists (t169 = 3.044, P = .003). Qualitative comments revealed technology-related issues as the most frequently cited factor impacting timeliness of report completion.

Conclusion.—This study provides evidence of strong physician satisfaction with synoptic cancer pathology reporting as a clinical decision support tool in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer patients.
Meta-analysis of glue versus sutured mesh fixation for Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair
Authors: de Goede B , Klitsie P J , van Kempen B J H , Timmermans L , Jeekel J , Kazemier G , Lange J F
Published: February 2013

Background

Chronic pain remains a frequent complication after Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair. As a consequence, mesh fixation using glue instead of sutures has become popular. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify which fixation technique is to be preferred for elective Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Articles published between January 1990 and April 2012 were searched for in MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing glue and sutured mesh fixation in elective Lichtenstein repair for unilateral inguinal hernia were included. The quality of the RCTs and the potential risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Of 254 papers found in the initial search, a meta-analysis was conducted of seven RCTs comprising 1185 patients. With the use of glue mesh fixation, the duration of operation was shorter (mean difference −2·57 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) –4·88 to −0·26) min; P = 0·03), patients had lower visual analogue scores for postoperative pain (mean difference −0·75 (−1·18 to −0·33); P = 0·001), early chronic pain occurred less often (risk ratio 0·52, 95 per cent c.i. 0·31 to 0·87; P = 0·01), and time to return to daily activities was shorter (mean difference −1·17 (−2·30 to −0·03) days; P = 0·04). The hernia recurrence rate did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Elective Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia using glue mesh fixation compared with sutures is faster and less painful, with comparable hernia recurrence rates.
SNOW-WEB: a new technology for Antarctic meteorological monitoring
Authors: Coggins J.H.J. , Mcdonald A.J. , Plank G. , Pannell M. , Jolly B. , Parsons S. , Delany T.
Published: February 2013

This study describes SNOW-WEB, a distributed system of atmospheric sensors, which is cost-effective and can be efficiently deployed in Antarctica. The system supports traditional atmospheric sensors and has built-in redundancy as many units can be deployed in a relatively small area for a similar cost to one conventional weather station. Furthermore, each unit is equipped with wireless mesh-networking capabilities and so is able to share information with those units in its direct vicinity. This allows for the ferrying of collected information to a manned observation station and hence the ability to monitor data in real-time. GPS hardware installed on each unit also allows for high-resolution glacier or ice shelf tracking. As a testing study, eighteen such weather stations were deployed in the vicinity of Scott Base, Ross Island, Antarctica over the 2011/12 summer season. This paper reports on the successful development and deployment of the system, results from the testing period and challenges encountered during the experiment. Collected data is validated against automatic weather stations already operating in the region and an intercomparison is performed between SNOW-WEB data and forecast output from the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System. A high degree of agreement is found between data sources. We conclude that SNOW-WEB data is suitable for use in studies of mesoscale meteorology.
Does religiosity promote property rights and the rule of law?
Authors: BERGGREN NICLAS , BJØRNSKOV CHRISTIAN
Published: February 2013

Social and cultural determinants of economic institutions and outcomes have come to the forefront of economic research. We introduce religiosity, measured as the share for which religion is important in daily life, to explain institutional quality in the form of property rights and the rule of law. Previous studies have only measured the impact of membership shares of different religions, with mixed results. We find, in a cross-country regression analysis comprising up to 112 countries, that religiosity is negatively related to our institutional outcome variables. This only holds in democracies (not autocracies), which suggests that religiosity affects the way institutions work through the political process. Individual religions are not related to our measures of institutional quality.
Two-particle circular billiards versus randomly perturbed one-particle circular billiards
Authors: Ranković Sandra , Porter Mason A.
Published: February 2013

We study a two-particle circular billiard containing two finite-size circular particles that collide elastically with the billiard boundary and with each other. Such a two-particle circular billiard provides a clean example of an “intermittent” system. This billiard system behaves chaotically, but the time scale on which chaos manifests can become arbitrarily long as the sizes of the confined particles become smaller. The finite-time dynamics of this system depends on the relative frequencies of (chaotic) particle-particle collisions versus (integrable) particle-boundary collisions, and investigating these dynamics is computationally intensive because of the long time scales involved. To help improve understanding of such two-particle dynamics, we compare the results of diagnostics used to measure chaotic dynamics for a two-particle circular billiard with those computed for two types of one-particle circular billiards in which a confined particle undergoes random perturbations. Importantly, such one-particle approximations are much less computationally demanding than the original two-particle system, and we expect them to yield reasonable estimates of the extent of chaotic behavior in the two-particle system when the sizes of confined particles are small. Our computations of recurrence-rate coefficients, finite-time Lyapunov exponents, and autocorrelation coefficients support this hypothesis and suggest that studying randomly perturbed one-particle billiards has the potential to yield insights into the aggregate properties of two-particle billiards, which are difficult to investigate directly without enormous computation times (especially when the sizes of the confined particles are small).
Crucial flow stabilization and multiple instability branches of gravity-driven films over topography
Authors: Pollak Thilo , Aksel Nuri
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we present experimental results on the linear instability of gravity-driven viscous films flowing down a strongly undulated incline. To systematically investigate the relation between the eddies which form in the troughs of sufficiently steep undulations and the corresponding stability maps, we vary the liquid's viscosity experimentally. We report on a rich variety of phenomena, which is provoked by the corrugation of the underlying substrate, including: (a) transitions from long-wave to short-wave type instability, (b) a disjoining of the instability branches leading to formation of isles in the stability map, (c) flow destabilization, but also, (d) very strong stabilization of the flow up to a factor of two for arbitrary linear disturbances and even up to a factor of four for linear short-wave disturbances. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental work, which reports on any of these phenomena for gravity-driven liquids flowing down an undulated incline. Since structured substrates turn out to hold an enormous potential for crucial film flow stabilization, we present a first approach for a topography shape, based on the shape of the eddy, which is optimized in terms of flow stability.
On‐ and post‐treatment symptom relief by repeated instillations of heparin and alkalized lidocaine in interstitial cystitis
Authors: Nomiya Akira , Naruse Takashi , Niimi Aya , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Kume Haruki , Igawa Yasuhiko , Homma Yukio
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To examine outcomes of intravesical instillations of heparin and alkalized lidocaine in patients with interstitial cystitis.

Methods

Patients with interstitial cystitis refractory to conventional therapies were given a solution of 20 000 U heparin, 5 mL 4% lidocaine and 25 mL 7% sodium bicarbonate, intravesically, weekly for 12 weeks consecutively. The treatment was regarded as “effective”, when patients rated “slightly improved” or “better” on a seven‐graded scale of global response assessment. Other assessment measures included O'Leary and Sant's symptom index and problem index, visual analog scale for pain, and frequency volume chart variables.

Results

A total of 32 patients were enrolled in the study. The average age was 63.3 years. All participants had received hydrodistension 2.2 times on average, and fulfilled National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases criteria. The therapy was effective in 60.0% of the patients at the fourth instillation, in 76.7% at the last instillation, and 90.0%, 46.7% and 16.7% at 1, 2 and 6 months after the last instillation, respectively. Most of other assessment measures improved significantly at the fourth instillation and further beyond until the end of therapy. On termination of therapy, the efficacy gradually diminished, yet mostly maintained statistical significance by 2 months post‐instillation. No severe adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

A 12‐week course of weekly intravesical instillations of heparin combined with alkalized lidocaine is safe and effective in relieving symptoms in interstitial cystitis patients. The effect of the treatment is maintained for 6 months. Further studies are required to optimize the number of instillations and maintenance intervals in order to maximize the therapeutic potential of simple or combined instillations in the management of interstitial cystitis.
Reasoning bias for the recall of one's own beliefs in a Smarties task for adults
Authors: Maehara Yukio , Umeda Satoshi
Published: February 2013

While many studies in the theory of mind (ToM) literature have investigated how we understand others' mental states, few have explored the mechanism by which we reflect on our own mental states. This study examined how adults reflect on their own and others' mental states within the same ToM task. To do so, we modified the Smarties task, one of the traditional ToM tasks for children. The results showed that adult participants were biased by outcome knowledge when recalling their false belief and that the participants who overestimated their false belief also overestimated the mental states of a naive other. These results were analogous to young children's failure in the Smarties task. Considering the current findings, we discuss possible cognitive processes that are common across children and adults when reflecting on their own mental states and the mental states of others.
3D CT‐Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Fang Luo , Ying Shen , Tao Wang , Lan Meng , Xiaotong Yu , Nan Ji
Published: February 2013

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a pain syndrome characterized by pain in the trigeminal area often accompanied by a brief facial spasm or tic. The purpose of our study was to investigate the efficacy and clinical utility of CT‐guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) for treatment of TN. Patients who were diagnosed with severe TN between September 2010 and October 2010 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital were included. Pulsed radiofrequency treatment (PRFT) was employed to treat TN. To verify the accurate needle position, a thin‐section cranial CT scan was performed by using a multidetector CT scanner. Three‐dimensional reconstruction was performed to visualize the location of the needle and the foramen ovale. A total of 20 patients were included in the study. Seven patients (35%) had favorable outcome 1 year after the PRFT. The numeric rating scale in the 7 patients with good outcome was significantly lower than the 13 patients with bad outcome at 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks after the treatment. The remaining 13 patients had residual pain 2 weeks after the PRFT and had to receive radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC). In conclusion, the results of our study demonstrate that CT‐guided PRFT is not an effective method of pain treatment for idiopathic TN as compared with conventional RFTC. However, CT‐guided PRFT is associated with less complication than RFTC.
CONSERVED QUANTITIES IN THE GENERALIZED HEISENBERG MAGNET (GHM) MODEL
Authors: MUSHAHID N. , HASSAN M. , SALEEM U.
Published: February 2013

We study the conserved quantities of the generalized Heisenberg magnet (GHM) model. We derive the nonlocal conserved quantities of the model using the iterative procedure of Brezin et al. [Phys. Lett. B82, 442 (1979).] We show that the nonlocal conserved quantities Poisson commute with local conserved quantities of the model.
Moods, wicked problems, and learning
Authors: Denning Peter J.
Published: February 2013

Wicked problems and learning environments present tough mood challenges for leaders and teachers. Telepresence and sensory gadgets are unlikely to replace physical presence in these areas.
Member spotlight
Authors: Alvarado Christine , Sweedyk Z.
Published: February 2013

Bulletin co-editor Christine Alvarado interviewed Michael Kölling, University of Kent, who won the 2013 SIGCSE Outstanding Contribution to Computer Science Education Award.

Bulletin co-editor Z Sweedyk interviewed Henry Walker, Grinnell College, who won the 2013 SIGCSE Lifetime Achievement Award.
An Open-Label Dose Escalation Study to Evaluate the Safety of Administration of Nonviral Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 Plasmid to Treat Symptomatic Ischemic Heart Failure
Authors: Penn Marc S. , Mendelsohn Farrell O. , Schaer Gary L. , Sherman Warren , Farr MaryJane , Pastore Joseph , Rouy Didier , Clemens Ruth , Aras Rahul , Losordo Douglas W.
Published: February 2013

Rationale:

Preclinical studies indicate that adult stem cells induce tissue repair by activating endogenous stem cells through the stromal cell-derived factor-1:chemokine receptor type 4 axis. JVS-100 is a DNA plasmid encoding human stromal cell-derived factor-1.

Objective:

We tested in a phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation study with 12 months of follow-up in subjects with ischemic cardiomyopathy to see if JVS-100 improves clinical parameters.

Methods and Results:

Seventeen subjects with ischemic cardiomyopathy, New York Heart Association class III heart failure, with an ejection fraction ≤40% on stable medical therapy, were enrolled to receive 5, 15, or 30 mg of JVS-100 via endomyocardial injection. The primary end points for safety and efficacy were at 1 and 4 months, respectively. The primary safety end point was a major adverse cardiac event. Efficacy end points were change in quality of life, New York Heart Association class, 6-minute walk distance, single photon emission computed tomography, N-terminal pro-brain natruretic peptide, and echocardiography at 4 and 12 months. The primary safety end point was met. At 4 months, all of the cohorts demonstrated improvements in 6-minute walk distance, quality of life, and New York Heart Association class. Subjects in the 15- and 30-mg dose groups exhibited improvements in 6-minute walk distance (15 mg: median [range]: 41 minutes [3–61 minutes]; 30 mg: 31 minutes [22–74 minutes]) and quality of life (15 mg: –16 points [+1 to –32 points]; 30 mg: –24 points [+17 to –38 points]) over baseline. At 12 months, improvements in symptoms were maintained.

Conclusions:

These data highlight the importance of defining the molecular mechanisms of stem cell-based tissue repair and suggest that overexpression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 via gene therapy is a strategy for improving heart failure symptoms in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Changes in Normal-Appearing White Matter Precede Development of White Matter Lesions
Authors: de Groot Marius , Verhaaren Benjamin F.J. , de Boer Renske , Klein Stefan , Hofman Albert , van der Lugt Aad , Ikram M. Arfan , Niessen Wiro J. , Vernooij Meike W.
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—

It is unknown whether white matter lesions (WML) develop abruptly in previously normal brain areas, or whether tissue changes are already present before WML become apparent on MRI. We therefore investigated whether development of WML is preceded by quantifiable changes in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).

Methods—

In 689 participants from the general population (mean age 67 years), we performed 2 MRI scans (including diffusion tensor imaging and Fluid Attenuation Inversion Recovery [FLAIR] sequences) 3.5 years apart using the same 1.5-T scanner. Using automated tissue segmentation, we identified NAWM at baseline. We assessed which NAWM regions converted into WML during follow-up and differentiated new WML into regions of WML growth and de novo WML. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and FLAIR intensity of regions converting to WML and regions of persistent NAWM were compared using 3 approaches: a whole-brain analysis, a regionally matched approach, and a voxel-wise approach.

Results—

All 3 approaches showed that low fractional anisotropy, high mean diffusivity, and relatively high FLAIR intensity at baseline were associated with WML development during follow-up. Compared with persistent NAWM regions, NAWM regions converting to WML had significantly lower fractional anisotropy (0.337 vs 0.387;
P
<0.001), higher mean diffusivity (0.910×10
–3
mm
2
/s vs 0.729×10
–3
mm
2
/s;
P
<0.001), and relatively higher normalized FLAIR intensity (1.233 vs –0.340;
P
<0.001). This applied to both NAWM developing into growing and de novo WML.

Conclusions—

White matter changes in NAWM are present and can be quantified on diffusion tensor imaging and FLAIR before WML develop. This suggests that WML develop gradually, and that visually appreciable WML are only the tip of the iceberg of white matter pathology.
Multidecadal Ocean Temperature and Salinity Variability in the Tropical North Atlantic: Linking with the AMO, AMOC, and Subtropical Cell
Authors: Wang Chunzai , Zhang Liping
Published: February 2013

The Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) is characterized by the sea surface warming (cooling) of the entire North Atlantic during its warm (cold) phase. Both observations and most of the phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) models also show that the warm (cold) phase of the AMO is associated with a surface warming (cooling) and a subsurface cooling (warming) in the tropical North Atlantic (TNA). It is further shown that the warm phase of the AMO corresponds to a strengthening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and a weakening of the Atlantic subtropical cell (STC), which both induce an anomalous northward current in the TNA subsurface ocean. Because the mean meridional temperature gradient of the subsurface ocean is positive because of the temperature dome around 9°N, the advection by the anomalous northward current cools the TNA subsurface ocean during the warm phase of the AMO. The opposite is true during the cold phase of the AMO. It is concluded that the anticorrelated ocean temperature variation in the TNA associated with the AMO is caused by the meridional current variation induced by variability of the AMOC and STC, but the AMOC plays a more important role than the STC. Observations do not seem to show an obvious anticorrelated salinity relation between the TNA surface and subsurface oceans, but most of CMIP5 models simulate an out-of-phase salinity variation. Similar to the temperature variation, the mechanism is the salinity advection by the meridional current variation induced by the AMOC and STC associated with the AMO.
Temporal Disaggregation of Daily Temperature and Precipitation Grid Data for Norway
Authors: Vormoor Klaus , Skaugen Thomas
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a simple approach for the temporal disaggregation from daily to 3-hourly observed gridded temperature and precipitation (1 × 1 km2) on the national scale. The intended use of the disaggregated 3-hourly data is to recalibrate the hydrological model currently used by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) for daily flood forecasting. By adapting the hydrological model to a 3-hourly temporal scale, the flood forecasting can benefit from available meteorological forecasts with finer temporal resolution and can better represent critical events of short duration and at small spatial scales. By consulting the temporal patterns of a High-Resolution Limited-Area Model (HIRLAM) hindcast series for northern Europe with an hourly temporal and a 0.1° spatial resolution, existing daily 1 × 1 km2 grids for temperature and precipitation covering all of Norway (the seNorge data) were disaggregated into 3-hourly values for the time period September 1957 to December 2010. For the period 2000–05, the disaggregated 3-hourly temperature and precipitation data are validated against observed values from five meteorological stations and against 3-hourly data from the HIRLAM hindcast and daily seNorge data simply split into eight fractions. The results show that the disaggregated data perform best with anomaly correlation coefficients between 0.89 and 0.92 for temperature. With regard to precipitation, the disaggregated data also provide the highest correlations and the lowest errors. In addition, the disaggregated data prove to be best in estimating intervals without precipitation and tend to be most appropriate in estimating extreme precipitation with low occurrence probability (<20%).
An approach to the development of interstitial lung disease in dermatomyositis: A study of 230 cases in China
Authors: Wu Hao , Geng Daoying , Xu Jinhua
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To study the clinical features of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with dermatomyositis and factors related to its development.

Methods:

Clinical records for patients with dermatomyositis were reviewed retrospectively.

Results:

Records were analysed for 230 patients (mean follow-up period, 18 months). The prevalence of ILD was 49.6%. The presence of ILD correlated positively with the presence of arthralgia, myoasthenia and cough, but negatively with the presence of Gottron’s papules. Patients with ILD had poorer pulmonary function and more frequent positivity for anti-Jo1 antibodies than those without ILD. Patients with ILD characteristically showed linear, patchy, ground-glass opacities and reticular computed tomography (CT) patterns, usually at the bottom or apex of the lung.

Conclusions:

Dermatomyositis patients presenting with heliotrope rash, arthralgia, myoasthenia, cough, dysphagia, anti-Jo1 positivity or abnormal lung function were more likely, whereas those presenting with Gottron’s papules were less likely, to develop ILD. Characteristic CT patterns in dermatomyositis patients with ILD were lines, patches, ground-glass opacities and reticulation.
Teachers—The Vital Resource
Authors: Vesely Ashley K. , Saklofske Donald H. , Leschied Alan D. W.
Published: February 2013

The study of emotional intelligence (EI) shows promise in predicting educational competencies and positive life outcomes. Considering the many demands placed on teachers and the link to occupational stress, burnout, and decreased job satisfaction, EI may be foundational to developing competencies that lead to improved psychological health and teaching success and, in turn, positive student outcomes. It is argued that core factors describing teacher efficacy can be subsumed under the competencies comprising EI. This overlap in skill sets suggests that EI training may also increase teachers’ efficacy in the classroom and decrease their stress and job dissatisfaction.
Simulation-based exploratory data generation and analysis (data farming): a critical reflection on its validity and methodology
Authors: Hofmann Marko
Published: February 2013

‘Data farming’ is based on the idea that simulation models run thousands of times can provide insights into the possible consequences of different options. However, the validity of the models used for data farming, especially in the context of HSCB (human, social, cultural and behavioural) modelling for decision-making and future studies, is at least questionable. This paper first reflects on the epistemological aspects of this predicament in order to illustrate its fundamental severity. Then, a possible solution is presented that is based on the notion of ‘bad models’, the concept of plausibility, and the method of simulation-based weak point analysis. The approach can be complemented by interactive war gaming. Such a systematic approach appears more defendable than most attempts to use HSCB models for affirmative purposes, and is methodologically easier to implement since it solely requires focusing on the validation of empirically amenable micro-processes.
The A736V TMPRSS6 polymorphism influences hepcidin and iron metabolism in chronic hemodialysis patients: TMPRSS6 and hepcidin in hemodialysis
Authors: Pelusi Serena , Girelli Domenico , Rametta Raffaela , Campostrini Natascia , Alfieri Carlo , Traglia Michela , Dongiovanni Paola , Como Giovanna , Toniolo Daniela , Camaschella Clara , Messa Piergiorgio , Fargion Silvia , Valenti Luca
Published: February 2013

Background

Aim of this study was to evaluate whether the A736V TMPRSS6 polymorphism, a major genetic determinant of iron metabolism in healthy subjects, influences serum levels of hepcidin, the hormone regulating iron metabolism, and erythropoiesis in chronic hemodialysis (CHD).

Methods

To this end, we considered 199 CHD patients from Northern Italy (157 with hepcidin evaluation), and 188 healthy controls without iron deficiency, matched for age and gender. Genetic polymorphisms were evaluated by allele specific polymerase chain reaction assays, and hepcidin quantified by mass spectrometry.

Results

Serum hepcidin levels were not different between the whole CHD population and controls (median 7.1, interquartile range (IQR) 0.55-17.1 vs. 7.4, 4.5-17.9 nM, respectively), but were higher in the CHD subgroup after exclusion of subjects with relative iron deficiency (p = 0.04). In CHD patients, the A736V TMPRSS6 polymorphism influenced serum hepcidin levels in individuals positive for mutations in the HFE gene of hereditary hemochromatosis (p < 0.0001). In particular, the TMPRSS6 736 V variant was associated with higher hepcidin levels (p = 0.017). At multivariate analysis, HFE and A736V TMPRSS6 genotypes predicted serum hepcidin independently of ferritin and C reactive protein (p = 0.048). In patients without acute inflammation and overt iron deficiency (C reactive protein <1 mg/dl and ferritin >30 ng/ml; n = 86), hepcidin was associated with lower mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.002), suggesting that it contributed to iron-restricted erythropoiesis. In line with previous results, in patients without acute inflammation and severe iron deficiency the “high hepcidin” 736 V TMPRSS6 variant was associated with higher erythropoietin maintenance dose (p = 0.016), independently of subclinical inflammation (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The A736V TMPRSS6 genotype influences hepcidin levels, erythropoiesis, and anemia management in CHD patients. Evaluation of the effect of TMPRSS6 genotype on clinical outcomes in prospective studies in CHD may be useful to predict the outcomes of hepcidin manipulation, and to guide treatment personalization by optimizing anemia management.
Flight metabolism in relation to speed in Chiroptera: Testing the U-shape paradigm in the short-tailed fruit batCarollia perspicillata
Authors: von Busse Rhea , Swartz Sharon M. , Voigt Christian C.
Published: February 2013

Aerodynamic theory predicts that flight for fixed-wing aircraft requires more energy at low and high speeds compared with intermediate speeds, and this theory has often been extended to predict speed-dependent metabolic rates and optimal flight speeds for flying animals. However, the theoretical U-shaped flight power curve has not been robustly tested for Chiroptera, the only mammals capable of flapping flight. We examined the metabolic rate of seven Seba's short-tailed fruit bats (Carollia perspicillata) during unrestrained flight in a wind tunnel at air speeds from 1 to 7 m s-1. Following intra-peritoneal administration of 13C-labeled Na-bicarbonate, we measured the enrichment in 13C of exhaled breath before and after flight. We converted fractional turnover of 13C into metabolic rate and power, based on the assumption that bats oxidized glycogen during short flights. Power requirements of flight varied with air speed in a U-shaped manner in five out of seven individuals, whereas energy turnover was not related to air speed in two individuals. Power requirements of flight were close to values predicted by Pennycuick's aerodynamic model for minimum power speed, but differed for maximum range speed. The results of our experiment support the theoretical expectation of a U-shaped power curve for flight metabolism in a bat.
Some Approaches to the Rolling Wheels’ Dynamics Modelling in the Weight-in-Motion Problem
Authors: Grakovski Alexander , Krasnitski Yuri , Kabashkin Igor , Truhachov Victor
Published: February 2013

Some possibilities of fibre-optic sensors (FOS) application for measuring the weight of moving vehicles realized in weightin- motion (WIM) systems are discussed. As the first, the model of small-buried seismic sensor transient response excited by a car tyre interaction with asphalt-concrete road pavement is proposed. It is supposed that a seismic wave received by the sensor is the vertical component of surface Raleigh wave. The model is based on supposition that a tyre footprint is acceptable to consider as some array of point sources of these waves. The proper algorithms permit to vary different parameters of the array excitation, as to footprint dimensions, load distribution, car velocities and others. The set of Matlab codes is worked out for seismic pulses modelling and processing.

The second way considered is to simulate the FOS signal in the basis of differential equations describing a deformable wheel behaviour, or wheel oscillations, in order to identify relations with optoelectronic mechanical parameters. An attempt to find the mass of the vehicle is based on minimizing the discrepancy between the actual FOS signal and the solution of the differential equation. The accuracy of the evaluated weight depends on many external factors, the mathematical modelling of them are expressed in the numerical values of the coefficients and external stimuli. The influence of these factors are analysed and tested by simulations and field experiments.

One of ideas in dynamic weighing problem solution should consist in evaluation of position of virtual gravity centre of the vehicle in time. The processing algorithm of the data received from the FOS is proposed based on conception of database retaining in some reference system memory. Certain requirements concerning the elements and blocks of the algorithm are defined as well. The reference system is realized as the digital filter with the finite impulse response. The method to estimate the filter coefficients is worked out. Several experiments with this algorithm have been carried out for the vehicle identification with the reference loads adopted from real data.

The different factors have an influence on the measurement accuracy of FOS. The roadbed features, temperature, nonlinearities and delay effects in FOS are among them. The results of laboratory and field measurements with FOS responses to different axle’s loadings are presented. Charging and inertial characteristics of FOS under the impact of various external factors (protective cover, temperature, contact area, and installation mode especially) as well as their approximations are investigated. It is found that the final calibration of the FOS has to be done individually and only after it has been installed in the pavement. Certain methods and algorithms of linearization, as well temperature and dynamic errors compensation of FOS data are discussed.
Modeling, simulation and experimental analysis of permanent magnet brushless DC motors for sensorless operation
Authors: Kaliappan E. , Chellamuthu C.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a simplified modeling, simulation and Experimental analysis of permanent magnet brushless dc motors (PMBLDC) for sensorless operation. This model provides a mechanism for monitoring and controlling of voltage, current, speed and torque. The sensorless scheme employs direct back emf based zero crossing detection for controlling the dynamic characteristics.
Histomorphometric Evaluation of Organic Enamel Elements in Erupted Bovine Teeth. Part I. Enamel Tufts
Authors: Mehr Katarzyna , Piotrowski Paweł , Frączak Bogumiła , Matthews-Kozanecka Maja
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to compare erupted permanent bovine teeth of two types involved in the process of chewing in respect to the localisation and histomorphometric characteristics of enamel tufts. The research material comprised 240 fully erupted premolars and molars from the maxillae and mandibles of 27 heads of cattle from the Polish Black-and-White breed. Overall, 1,986 specimens of bovine teeth were analysed using a Nikon Eclipse E600 microscope with Micro Image v4.0 software. Enamel tufts were relatively numerous in the enamel of smooth surfaces - on average from 5.6 to 6.4 per cross-section of tooth crown. The average length of the enamel tufts expressed by means of a median was smaller for premolars (89.3 μm) than for molars (123.9 μm). The analysis of the value of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient revealed that no relationship existed between the length and width of tufts in molars (rs =0.26), and a low-level relationship was noted (rs =0.45) in premolars. On the basis of the Mann-Whitney U test for the metric measurements, no significant differences were discovered for the width of enamel tufts (P=0.427), but significant differences were observed for the length of enamel tufts (P=0.032). The observed differences in the histological structure of the enamel of posterior bovine teeth in comparison to human teeth indicate that a certain degree of caution ought to be considered when using bovine teeth as a substitute for human teeth in in vitro trials.
The Use of Methotrexate in Dermatology / Upotreba metotreksata u dermatologiji
Authors: Balaban Jagoda
Published: February 2013

Methotrexate is a cytotoxic antimetabolite agent and a folic acid antagonist. Except for its use in oncology and rheumatology, it is widely used in dermatology. The most important indications include severe forms of psoriasis, but also a wide range of autoimmune diseases and dermatoses with different etiology and pathophysiology such as: bullous pemphigoid, dermatomyositis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, sarcoidosis, T-cell lymphomas, Behcet’s disease, adult atopic eczema, scleroderma, Reiter’s syndrome and many others. For dermatological indications methotrexate is usually taken in low oral doses, 5-25 mg once a week. In certain diseases it can be applied to the lesion itself, or in the form of local preparations. Considering the fact that numerous drugs affect various metabolic phases of methotrexate and may increase its toxicity, it is of utmost importance to consider other prescribed drugs, especially certain antibiotics, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, retinoids, proton pump inhibitors and so on. If the selection of patients is correct, if drugs are taken regularly and laboratory monitoring is included, methotrexate is a truly efficient and safe drug that can be taken for months or years if necessary.
A Critical Analysis of Fractional Reserve Banking with Regard to Regulatory Arbitrage
Authors: Draper Thomas
Published: February 2013

The concept of a fractional reserve to be retained in any bank or lending institution is as old as money lending itself. The practical necessity of being able to maintain liquidity in terms of covering withdrawals was well understood by the early Jewish money lenders of renaissance Italian states. The statement '1 would rather the worst debtor were indebted to me, than I to the best of creditors"is a saying still well known today amongst certain communities (Feldman, 2011). This paper will thus first examine the history of fractional reserve banking. Second explain the organisations currently operating in this field, including the Basel 1, 2, and 3 accords which have been developed as a result of continual problems. Third, it will explore the scope and inclusiveness of international organisations and agreements in regard to their efficacy. Finally conclusions will be drawn, and a formula derived, to calculate appropriate financial penalties for transgression. Lastly recommendations will be made for an effective enforcement system for a given fractional reserve.
Preoperative percutaneous mapping of the frontal branch of the facial nerve to assess the risk of frontalis muscle palsy after a supraorbital keyhole approach
Authors: Park Jaechan , Jung Tae-du , Kang Dong-Hun , Lee So-Hyun
Published: February 2013

Object

Although a supraorbital keyhole approach utilizing an eyebrow incision and supraorbital minicraniotomy is one of the most commonly used keyhole approaches for treating cerebral aneurysms, the risk of frontalis muscle palsy due to an injury of the frontal branch of the facial nerve remains a serious drawback to a supraorbital keyhole approach as a minimally invasive surgical technique. Therefore, the authors attempted to evaluate the risk of frontalis muscle palsy by mapping the frontal nerve branch in the lower forehead using a nerve conduction study in individual patients.

Methods

Percutaneous mapping of the frontal nerve branch was performed preoperatively on 52 patients who underwent supraorbital keyhole approaches for aneurysmal clipping. The maximal compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) in the lower forehead were observed at 5 points along a laterally inclined line angled 30° from the midpupillary line, in which the points were 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 cm as measured from the supraorbital margin.

Results

Severe frontalis muscle palsy was observed in 11 patients (21.2%), yet recovery occurred 2–5 months after surgery. No patients experienced permanent palsy. The incidence of severe palsy was 7.4% in those patients showing clear CMAPs with a high location (exclusively at 2.0, 2.5, or 3.0 cm), 14.3% in those with a bimodal distribution, 40.0% in those with a low location (exclusively at 1.5 cm), and 83.3% in those with an extremely low location (exclusively at 1.0 cm).

Conclusions

Percutaneous mapping of the frontal branch of the facial nerve using a nerve conduction study can be used to assess the risk of postoperative frontalis muscle palsy following a supraorbital keyhole approach. The patients with the highest risk of postoperative palsy showed a clear CMAP exclusively at 1.0 cm along the inclined line measured from the supraorbital margin.
Moderating Effects of Novelty and Spontaneity on Personal Electronic Communication at Work
Authors: Mahatanankoon Pruthikrai
Published: February 2013

This exploratory study aims to examine the moderating effect of novelty seeking and spontaneity on the relationship between asynchronous and synchronous personal electronic communication at work. Hierarchical moderated regression analyses were used to analyze a survey of 110 white-collar employees working in the midwestern region of the United States. Data analysis revealed the moderating effects of spontaneity and novelty seeking on the transition from personal asynchronous to synchronous communication, emphasizing the role of novelty seeking and spontaneity as the precursors to higher media synchronicity—a transition from conveyance to convergence processes as observed in various hedonic settings. Strategies for workplace communication management are discussed.
A Full Review of Attacks and Countermeasures in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Niksaz Pejman , Kargar Mohammad Javad
Published: February 2013

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been recognized for their utility in a variety of different fields including military sensing and tracking, environmental monitoring, patient monitoring and tracking smart environments. The more scientists try to develop further cost and energy efficient computing devices and algorithms for WSNs, the more challenging it becomes to fit the security of WSNs into such a constrained environment. Thus, familiarity with the security aspects of WSNs is essential before designing WSN systems. In order to provide effective integrity, confidentiality, and authentication during communication, the need for additional security measures in WSNs emerges. In this paper, the authors review the security requirements for WSNs, the different kinds of possible attacks, and security mechanisms used to overcome these attacks. The authors also present some statistical data for such attacks in WSN and some tables that indicate a comparison between different security mechanisms.