bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent evolution of China's virtual water trade: analysis of selected crops and considerations for policy
Authors: Shi J. , Liu J. , Pinter L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. China has dramatically increased its virtual water import unconsciously for recent years. Many studies have focused on the quantity of traded virtual water but very few go into analysing geographic distribution and the properties of China's virtual water trade network. This paper provides a calculation and analysis of the crop-related virtual water trade network of China based on 27 major primary crops between 1986 and 2009. The results show that China is a net importer of virtual water from water-abundant areas of North and South America, and a net virtual water exporter to water-stressed areas of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Virtual water import is far larger than virtual water export and in both import and export a small number of trade partners control the supply chain. Grain crops are the major contributors to virtual water trade, and among grain crops soybeans, mostly imported from the US, Brazil and Argentina are the most significant. As crop yield and crop water productivity in North and South America are generally higher than those in Asia and Africa, the effect of China's crop-related virtual water trade positively contributes to optimizing crop water use efficiency at the global scale. In order to mitigate water scarcity and secure the food supply, virtual water should be actively incorporated into national water management strategies. From the national perspective, China should reduce the export and increase the import of water-intensive crops. But the sources of virtual water import need to be further diversified to reduce supply chain risks and increase resilience.
Modelling fire frequency and area burned across phytoclimatic regions in Spain using reanalysis data and the Canadian Fire Weather Index System
Authors: Bedia J. , Herrera S. , Gutiérrez J. M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We develop fire occurrence and burned area models in peninsular Spain, an area of high variability in climate and fuel types, for the period 1990–2008. We based the analysis on a phytoclimatic classification aiming to the stratification of the territory into homogeneous units in terms of climatic and fuel type characteristics, allowing to test model performance under different climatic and fuel conditions. We used generalized linear models (GLM) and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) as modelling algorithms and temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and wind speed, taken from the ERA-Interim reanalysis, as well as the components of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index (FWI) System as predictors. We also computed the standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index (SPEI) as an additional predictor for the models of burned area. We found two contrasting fire regimes in terms of area burned and number of fires: one characterized by a bimodal annual pattern, characterizing the Nemoral and Oro-boreal phytoclimatic types, and another one exhibiting an unimodal annual cycle, with the fire season concentrated in the summer months in the Mediterranean and Arid regions. The fire occurrence models attained good skill in most of the phytoclimatic zones considered, yielding in some zones notably high correlation coefficients between the observed and modelled inter–annual fire frequencies. Total area burned also exhibited a high dependence on the meteorological drivers, although their ability to reproduce the observed annual burned area time series was poor in most cases. We identified temperature and some FWI system components as the most important explanatory variables, and also SPEI in some of the burned area models, highlighting the adequacy of the FWI system for fire modelling applications and leaving the door opened to the development a more complex modelling framework based on these predictors. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential usefulness of ERA-Interim reanalysis data for the reconstruction of historical fire-climate relationships at the scale of analysis. Fire frequency predictions may provide a preferable basis for past fire history reconstruction, long-term monitoring and the assessment of future climate impacts on fire regimes across regions, posing several advantages over burned area as response variable.
China and Central Asia: the Role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
Authors: Hu Richard
Published: September 2013

The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs; Number 11, 2004, Page 129-151 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i11.111
The Relationship between Oxygen Saturation and Color Alteration of a Compromised Skin Flap: Experimental Study on the Rabbit
Authors: Prasetyono Theddeus O. H. , Adianto Senja
Published: September 2013

Background The aim of this study was to collect important data on the time of oxygen saturation change in relation to skin flap color alteration using non-invasive pulse oximetry to evaluate its ability to provide continuous monitoring of skin flap perfusion.

Methods An experimental study on the monitoring of blood perfusion of 20 tube-island groin flaps of 10 male New Zealand rabbits was performed using pulse oximetry. The animals were randomly assigned to one of two groups representing a blockage of either arterial or venous blood flow. The oxygen saturation change and clinical color alteration were monitored from the beginning of vessel clamping until the saturation became undetectable. The result was analyzed by the t-test using SSPS ver. 10.0.

Results The mean times from the vessel clamping until the saturation became undetectable were 20.19±2.13 seconds and 74.91±10.57 seconds for the artery and vein clamping groups, respectively. The mean time of the clinical alteration from the beginning of vein clamping was 34.5±11.72 minutes, while the alteration in flaps with artery clamping could not be detected until 2.5 hours after clamping.

Conclusions The use of neonate-type reusable flex sensor-pulse oximetry is objective and effective in early detection of arterial and vein blockage. It provides real-time data on vessel occlusion, which in turn will allow for early salvaging. The detection periods of both arterial occlusion and venous congestion are much earlier than the color alteration one may encounter clinically.
The Relationship between Preoperative Wound Classification and Postoperative Infection: A Multi-Institutional Analysis of 15,289 Patients
Authors: Mioton Lauren M , Jordan Sumanas W , Hanwright Philip J , Bilimoria Karl Y , Kim John YS
Published: September 2013

Background Despite advances in surgical techniques, sterile protocols, and perioperative antibiotic regimens, surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a significant problem. We investigated the relationship between wound classification (i.e., clean, clean/contaminated, contaminated, dirty) and SSI rates in plastic surgery.

Methods We performed a retrospective review of a multi-institutional, surgical outcomes database for all patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures from 2006-2010. Patient demographics, wound classification, and 30-day outcomes were recorded and analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results A total of 15,289 plastic surgery cases were analyzed. The overall SSI rate was 3.00%, with superficial SSIs occurring at comparable rates across wound classes. There were similar rates of deep SSIs in the clean and clean/contaminated groups (0.64%), while rates reached over 2% in contaminated and dirty cases. Organ/space SSIs occurred in less than 1% of each wound classification. Contaminated and dirty cases were at an increased risk for deep SSIs (odds ratios, 2.81 and 2.74, respectively); however, wound classification did not appear to be a significant predictor of superficial or organ/space SSIs. Clean/contaminated, contaminated, and dirty cases were at increased risk for a postoperative complication, and contaminated and dirty cases also had higher odds of reoperation and 30-day mortality.

Conclusions Analyzing a multi-center database, we found that wound classification was a significant predictor of overall complications, reoperation, and mortality, but not an adequate predictor of surgical site infections. When comparing infections for a given wound classification, plastic surgery had lower overall rates than the surgical population at large.
Nostril Base Augmentation Effect of Alveolar Bone Graft
Authors: Lee Woojin , Park Hyung Joon , Choi Hyun Gon , Shin Dong Hyeok , Uhm Ki Il
Published: September 2013

Background The aims of alveolar bone grafting are closure of the fistula, stabilization of the maxillary arch, support for the roots of the teeth adjacent to the cleft on each side. We observed nostril base augmentation in patients with alveolar clefts after alveolar bone grafting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nostril base augmentation effect of secondary alveolar bone grafting in patients with unilateral alveolar cleft.

Methods Records of 15 children with alveolar clefts who underwent secondary alveolar bone grafting with autogenous iliac cancellous bone between March of 2011 and May of 2012 were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative worm's-eye view photographs and reconstructed three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scans were used for photogrammetry. The depression of the nostril base and thickness of the philtrum on the cleft side were measured in comparison to the normal side. The depression of the cleft side pyriform aperture was measured in comparison to the normal side on reconstructed three-dimensional CT.

Results Significant changes were seen in the nostril base (P=0.005), the philtrum length (P=0.013), and the angle (P=0.006). The CT measurements showed significant changes in the pyriform aperture (P<0.001) and the angle (P<0.001).

Conclusions An alveolar bone graft not only fills the gap in the alveolar process but also augments the nostril base after surgery. In this study, only an alveolar bone graft was performed to prevent bias from other procedures. Nostril base augmentation can be achieved by performing alveolar bone grafts in children, in whom invasive methods are not advised.
Forehead Augmentation with a Methyl Methacrylate Onlay Implant Using an Injection-Molding Technique
Authors: Park Dong Kwon , Song Ingook , Lee Jin Hyo , You Young June
Published: September 2013

Background The forehead, which occupies about one third of the face, is one of the major determinants of a feminine or masculine look. Various methods have been used for the augmentation of the forehead using autologous fat grafts or alloplastic materials. Methylmethacrylate (MMA) is the most appropriate material for augmentation of the forehead, and we have used an injection-molding technique with MMA to achieve satisfactory results.

Methods Under local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation, an incision was made on the scalp and a meticulous and delicate subperiosteal dissection was then performed. MMA monomers and polymers were mixed, the dough was injected into the space created, and manual molding was performed along with direct inspection. This surgery was indicated for patients who wanted to correct an unattractive appearance by forehead augmentation. Every patient in this study visited our clinics 3 months after surgery to evaluate the results. We judged the postoperative results in terms of re-operation rates caused by the dissatisfaction of the patients and complications.

Results During a 13-year period, 516 patients underwent forehead augmentation with MMA. With the injection-molding technique, the inner surface of the MMA implant is positioned close to the underlying frontal bone, which minimizes the gap between the implant and bone. The borders of the implant should be tapered sufficiently until no longer palpable or visible. Only 28 patients (5.4%) underwent a re-operation due to an undesirable postoperative appearance.

Conclusions The injection-molding technique using MMA is a simple, safe, and ideal method for the augmentation of the forehead.
Nasal Anthropometry on Facial Computed Tomography Scans for Rhinoplasty in Koreans
Authors: Moon Kyung Min , Cho Geon , Sung Ha Min , Jung Min Su , Tak Kyoung Seok , Jung Sung-Won , Lee Hoon-Bum , Suh In Suck
Published: September 2013

Background Cephalometric analysis is essential for planning treatment in maxillofacial and aesthetic facial surgery. Although photometric analysis of the Korean nose has been attempted in the past, anthropometry of the deeper nasal structures in the same population based on computerized tomography (CT) has not been published. We therefore measured three anthropometric parameters of the nose on CT scans in our clinical series of patients.

Methods We conducted the current retrospective study of a total of 100 patients (n=100) who underwent a CT-guided radiological measurement at our institution during a period ranging from January of 2008 to August of 2010. In these patients, we took three anthropometric measurements: the nasofrontal angle, the pyramidal angle, and the linear distance between the nasion and the tip of the nasal bone.

Results The mean nasofrontal angle was 131.14° in the male patients and 140.70° in the female patients. The mean linear distance between the nasion and the tip of the nasal bone was 21.28 mm and 18.02 mm, respectively. The mean nasal pyramidal angle was 112.89° and 103.25° at the level of the nasal root, 117.49° and 115.60° at the middle level of the nasal bone, and 127.99° and 125.04° at the level of the tip of the nasal bone, respectively.

Conclusions In conclusion, our data will be helpful in the preparation of silicone implants for augmentation and/or corrective rhinoplasty in ethnic Korean people.
Wind Technology and Associated Carbon Footprint
Authors: Lamont Lisa Ann , Chaar Lana El
Published: September 2013

Renewable energies such as solar and wind are now widely accepted as possible future energy sources to enhance the energy demands and support the intense desire to reduce the worldwide carbon footprint. Over the last few years, renewable energy sources have won the legislative support of governments in several countries. The main reason for this boom is the need to use alternative energy sources, to fossil fuel, which are free of CO2 emissions and contamination. Unfortunately there are no renewable energy sources that can currently account for zero carbon footprints due to the fact that it is divided into two elements direct and indirect. The direct or primary carbon footprint is related to the CO2 emitted when burning fossil fuels in such areas as transportation and domestic energy consumption. As well as the direct carbon footprint which is universally accepted, there is also an indirect or secondary element which is associated with the life cycle of the products. The problem is how can this indirect carbon footprint be considered or included when discussing the total impact of renewable energy sources.
Life Cycle Assessment is a method used to identify the main types of impact on the environment a wind turbine can cause throughout its 20 year life of operation. Emissions produced while wind turbines are in operation in addition to factors from the start of the manufacturing process to the last stage where dismantling is required at end-of-life. Life cycle assessment showed that wind turbines are not carbon neutral as they have an indirect carbon footprint. However, when compared with traditional energy sources the carbon footprint for non-traditional energy forms is still significantly limited.
Caveolae internalization repairs wounded cells and muscle fibers
Authors: Corrotte Matthias , Almeida Patricia E , Tam Christina , Castro-Gomes Thiago , Fernandes Maria Cecilia , Millis Bryan A , Cortez Mauro , Miller Heather , Song Wenxia , Maugel Timothy K , Andrews Norma W
Published: September 2013

Rapid repair of plasma membrane wounds is critical for cellular survival. Muscle fibers are particularly susceptible to injury, and defective sarcolemma resealing causes muscular dystrophy. Caveolae accumulate in dystrophic muscle fibers and caveolin and cavin mutations cause muscle pathology, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here we show that muscle fibers and other cell types repair membrane wounds by a mechanism involving Ca2+-triggered exocytosis of lysosomes, release of acid sphingomyelinase, and rapid lesion removal by caveolar endocytosis. Wounding or exposure to sphingomyelinase triggered endocytosis and intracellular accumulation of caveolar vesicles, which gradually merged into larger compartments. The pore-forming toxin SLO was directly visualized entering cells within caveolar vesicles, and depletion of caveolin inhibited plasma membrane resealing. Our findings directly link lesion removal by caveolar endocytosis to the maintenance of plasma membrane and muscle fiber integrity, providing a mechanistic explanation for the muscle pathology associated with mutations in caveolae proteins.
Analyzing remediation potential of wastewater through wetland plants: A review
Authors: Bhatia Misha , Goyal Dinesh
Published: September 2013

Treatment of different wastewater using macrophytes‐vegetated constructed wetland reveals its potential in terms of significant reduction in BOD, COD, suspended solids, total solids, total nitrogen, heavy metals along with remediation of xenobiotics, pesticides and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The rhizosphere of macrophytes such as Phragmites, Typha, Juncus, Spartina and Scirpus serves as an active and dynamic zone for the microbial degradation of organic and sequestration of inorganic pollutant resulting in successful treatment of domestic, textile and other effluents. Up to 2049–6648 µg metal per gram dry weight of plant biomass are found to accumulate in plant parts i.e. shoots and roots. Major metal removal mechanisms are bioaccumulation in plant parts, phytoextraction and phytostabilization. Different wastewaters treated through this technology are industrial, domestic, dairy, pesticides, PAHs, and xenobiotics containing effluents. Loading limits of the wetland, removal efficiency, biomass disposal and variation in seasonal growth are some of the limiting factors which can be overcome by stimulating the plant microbe interaction through designer rhizospheres involving pigmentation, biostimulation and genetic alterations of plant and associated microbial community. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 9–27, 2014
A clustering analysis method for exploring microorganism conversion of biomass energy
Authors: Cheng Shau‐Fei , Hung Chen‐I , Chen Chao‐Kuang
Published: September 2013

Biomass energy, a form of clean energy, has the advantage of being environment friendly. It can produce combustible gas through biological conversion, which relies on the selection of microorganisms. Archaea can survive under extreme environments and release energy through genetic metabolism. These characteristics of Archaea can make them ideal for biological conversion; however, only some types of Archaea are actually effective in terms of biological conversion. At the same time, one‐by‐one screening of different Archaea types would be time‐consuming and costly. The objective of the present research was to propose a method and system for rapid screening, and the cluster analysis method is recommended as a selection tool. In light of the gradual sequencing of Archaea DNA, this research used the Codon Usage Number for DNA sequencing to reduce the complexity of the data analysis and increase computing speed. Finally, the cluster results show that the research method possesses the advantages of clear clustering and easy identification, in addition to achieving speed and clarity in computing process. It can thus be used in conjunction with the Bacteria Battery concept to develop new sources of energy. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 636–648, 2014
Rapid determination of catecholamines in urine samples by nonaqueous microchip electrophoresis with LIF detection
Authors: Hu Hongmei , Li Zhenhua , Zhang Xiaoning , Xu Chunxiu , Guo Yuanming
Published: September 2013

A method was developed for the rapid separation of catecholamines by nonaqueous microchip electrophoresis (NAMCE) with LIF detection, A homemade pump‐free negative pressure sampling device was used for rapid bias‐free sampling in NAMCE, the injection time was 0.5 s and the electrophoresis separation conditions were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the samples were separated completely in <1 min. The average migration times of the epinephrine (E), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) were 34.26, 43.81, and 50.07 s, with an RSD of 1.05, 1.26, and 0.89% (n = 7), respectively. The linearity of the method ranged from 0.0125 to 2.0 mg/L for E and 0.025∼4.0 mg/L for DA and NE, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.9978 and 0.9986. The detection limits of E, DA, and NE were 2.5, 5.0, and 5.0 μg/L, respectively. The recoveries of E, DA, and NE in spiked urine samples were between 86 and 103%, with RSDs of 4.5∼6.8% (n = 5). The proposed NAMCE with LIF detection combined with a pump‐free negative pressure sampling device is a simple, inexpensive, energy efficient, miniaturized system that can be successfully applied for the determination of catecholamines in urine samples.
Cortical excitability differences in hand muscles follow a split‐hand pattern in healthy controls
Authors: Menon Parvathi , Kiernan Matthew C. , Vucic Steve
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Differences in cortical and axonal excitability may underlie preferential atrophy of abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and first dorsal interosseous (FDI) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, termed the split‐hand. Consequently, this study aimed to determine whether differences in excitability follow a split‐hand pattern across the intrinsic hand muscles.Methods: Excitability studies were undertaken using threshold tracking techniques in 26 healthy controls with responses recorded over APB, FDI, and abductor digiti minimi.Results: Short interval intracortical inhibition was significantly greater from the APB and FDI. In addition, motor evoked potential amplitude was greater, while cortical silent period was longer from APB and FDI. At a peripheral level, the strength‐duration time constant was greater when recorded over APB.Conclusions: This study establishes that differences in cortical excitability follow the split‐hand pattern in healthy controls, a finding potentially explained by evolution of specialized activity of APB/FDI in complex hand tasks.Muscle Nerve49: 836–844, 2014
Motor unit potential induced repetitive discharges (MIRDs): Description of an unusual iterative discharge
Authors: So Noel F. , Rubin Devon I. , Jones Lyell K. , Litchy William J. , Sorenson Eric J.
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Repetitive discharges may be recorded during nerve conduction studies (NCS) or during needle electromyography in a muscle at rest. Repetitive discharges that occur during voluntary activation and are time‐locked to voluntary motor unit potentials (MUP) have not been described. Methods: Retrospective review of motor unit potential induced repetitive discharges (MIRDs) identified in the EMG laboratory. Characteristics of each MIRD, patient demographics, other EMG findings in the same muscle, and electrophysiological diagnosis were analyzed. Results: MIRDs were observed in 15 patients. The morphology and number of spikes and duration of MIRDs varied. The discharges fired at rates of 50–200 Hz. All but 2 patients had EMG findings of a chronic neurogenic disorder. Conclusions: MIRDs are rare iterative discharges time‐locked to a voluntary MUP. The pathophysiology of MIRDs is unclear, but their presence may indicate a chronic neurogenic process. Muscle Nerve 48: 977–979, 2013
Variability and distribution of muscle strength and its determinants in humans
Authors: Stebbings Georgina K. , Morse Christopher I. , Williams Alun G. , Day Stephen H.
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Inter‐individual variability in measurements of muscle strength and its determinants was identified to: (1) produce a normative data set describing the normal range and (2) determine whether some measurements are more informative than others when evaluating inter‐individual differences. Methods: Functional and morphological characteristics of the vastus lateralis were measured in 73 healthy, untrained adult men. Results: Inter‐individual variability (coefficient of variation) was greater for isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque (18.9%) compared with fascicle force (14.6%; P = 0.025) and physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA; 17.2%) compared with anatomical cross‐sectional area (ACSA, 13.0%; P < 0.0005). The relationship between ACSA and isometric MVC torque (r2 = 0.56) was weaker than that between PCSA and fascicle force (r2 = 0.68). Conclusions: These results provide a normative data set on inter‐individual variability in a variety of muscle strength‐related measurements and illustrate the benefit of using more stringent measures of muscle properties. Muscle Nerve 49: 879–886, 2014
A Study on the Potential of Satellite Image-derived Hyperspectral Signatures to Assess the Grades of Iron ore Deposits
Authors: Magendran T. , Sanjeevi S.
Published: September 2013

This paper present the results of a study made to assess the grades of iron ore deposits in parts of Noamundi area using the hyperspectral image data (EO-1 Hyperion). The study involves hyperspectral image data, preprocessing (removal of atmospheric effects), spectral curve generation from the image, extraction of certain spectral parameters and spectral data analysis. Atmospheric correction was carried out by using algorithms involving atmospheric analysis of spectral hyper-cubes and Quick Atmospheric Correction modules. Spectral curves generated for the pixels that contain iron ores resemble the spectral signature of iron ores, i.e., very strong absorption at 850-900nm region is observed. The strength of the absorption varies spatially at different pixels. Hence, spectral parameters such as radius of curvature of NIR absorption trough (750-1000nm), position of NIR absorption trough and distance from a reference(100% reflectance) line have been derived for all the image-derived spectra and were compared with the concentration of iron in the ore samples of mines. Empirical models were generated by relating the image-derived spectral parameters of iron ore locations and geochemistry of the samples collected from the same location which shows a reasonable match. Strong negative correlation is seen between the radius of curvature of the NIR absorption trough and concentration of iron with a R2 value of 0.809. The position of the NIR absorption trough is seen to shift towards longer wavelengths with decreasing iron content and the distance from the reference line increases with increasing iron content. Thus, this study indicates that it is feasible to discriminate the grades of iron ores from the spectral parameters derived from Hyperspectral satellite images.
Hypsometric Analysis and Watershed Management of Diyung Watershed in North Eastern India
Authors: Kusre B. C.
Published: September 2013

The Diyung river descends in Nagaon district of Assam. After its confluence with main channel Kopili it causes enormous losses to life and property due to floods. Appropriate watershed treatment measures are, therefore, required for moderating the flood damage. In the present study landscape information viz., the hypsometric integral has been analysed. The Diyung watershed has been subdivided into 23 sub-watersheds for hypsometric analysis. The hypsometric integral for the entire Diyung watershed ranged from 0.14 to 0.56. According to the present study there are two stages of geologic/geomorphologic development, namely equilibrium stage and monadnock stage. The hypsometric integral indicates that surface runoff is the dominant process. Although static, the topographic characteristics indicate response of watershed to various natural phenomenon and dominant processes such as runoff and erosion. Based on the intensity of the processes sub-watershed can be prioritized for taking up appropriate conservation measures. The study also highlights the use of hypsometric integral for prioritizing watershed for planning engineering measures to mitigate the impact.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the extract of Alternanthera sessilis—antiproliferative effect against prostate cancer cells
Authors: Firdhouse M. Jannathul , Lalitha P.
Published: September 2013

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out using the aqueous extract of Alternanthera sessilis under various experimental conditions. The aqueous extract of Alternanthera sessilis showed significant potential for the quick reduction of silver ions. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized with UV-visible absorption spectrophotometer, XRD, SEM, and FTIR analysis. The average crystallite size as calculated from x-ray diffraction studies and SEM analysis was found to be less than 100 nm. The cytotoxic activity of synthesized nanosilver was carried out against prostate cancer cells (PC3) by MTT assay and found to show significant activity. The present work of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Alternanthera sessilis appears to be cost effective, eco-friendly, and an alternative to conventional method of synthesis.
Regularity of \( p\left(\right.\cdot\left.\right) \)-superharmonic functions, the Kellogg property and semiregular boundary points
Authors: Adamowicz Tomasz , Björn Anders , Björn Jana
Published: September 2013

We study various boundary and inner regularity questions for

p( \cdot )

-(super)harmonic functions in Euclidean domains. In particular, we prove the Kellogg property and introduce a classification of boundary points for

p( \cdot )

-harmonic functions into three disjoint classes: regular, semiregular and strongly irregular points. Regular and especially semiregular points are characterized in many ways. The discussion is illustrated by examples.

Along the way, we present a removability result for bounded

p( \cdot )

-harmonic functions and give some new characterizations of

W_{0}^{1,p( \cdot )}

spaces. We also show that

p( \cdot )

-superharmonic functions are lower semicontinuously regularized, and characterize them in terms of lower semicontinuously regularized supersolutions.
Auditoría a la etapa de planificación y dise˜no del proceso de compensación
Authors: Sánchez Henríquez Jorge , Calderón Calderón Viviana
Published: September 2013

El objetivo de este artículo es desarrollar una propuesta de auditoría focalizada en la etapa de planificacióny diseño que apoye la gestión de las compensaciones en una organización de ámbito tanto público comoprivado. La metodología utilizada para el programa de auditoría ha sido tomar como base el enfoqueclásico de la auditoría financiera, que consta de 3 elementos clave: atributos, riesgos y procedimientos,además de una nutrida revisión bibliográfica, seguida de la flujogramación de la etapa. Los resultados de lainvestigación han sido incluidos en un programa de auditoría que consta de una serie de procedimientospara auditar el proceso de compensación.
Metodología para implantar el Modelo Integrado de Capacidad de Madurez en grupos pequeños y emergentes
Authors: Arboleda Hugo , Paz Andrés , Casallas Rubby
Published: September 2013

En este artículo se presenta QualDev-Software Process Improvement (SPI), una metodología para ayudar ala gerencia de empresas o departamentos de software peque˜nos y emergentes a implantar el CapabilityMaturity Model Integration (CMMI). El objetivo de esta metodología es aumentar la competitividad deestos grupos para que ofrezcan mayor calidad en sus productos y tengan mejores indicadores de produc-tividad. QualDev-SPI se basa en 3 principios: a) peque˜nos pasos para el mejoramiento alineados con losproyectos de desarrollo; b) procesos livianos apoyados en herramientas, y c) visibilidad a corto plazo delos beneficios. La metodología incluye un modelo de mejoramiento organizacional, una matriz de gradosde logro de las prácticas y un mapa de ruta que contiene una definición estandarizada de procesos y delas herramientas de apoyo que facilitan su puesta en marcha.
Telediagnosis of heart failure with continuous intrathoracic impedance monitoring by Medtronic CareLink Network: Importance of the elevation pattern of OptiVol Fluid Index
Authors: Sasaki Shingo , Ishida Yuji , Kinjo Takahiko , Itoh Taihei , Horiuchi Daisuke , Sasaki Kenichi , Owada Shingen , Kimura Masaomi , Okumura Ken
Published: September 2013

Background

The Medtronic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT‐D) device is equipped with the OptiVol fluid status monitoring system, which continuously measures intrathoracic impedance and provides an early warning of thoracic fluid retention, which is indicative of decompensated heart failure (HF). The accuracy of the telediagnosis of HF with this system still remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We studied 82 chronic HF patients implanted with a Medtronic ICD/CRT‐D (mean age 66±12 years, 62 men, ICD in 44 and CRT‐D in 38, left ventricular ejection fraction 37±14%). During follow‐up, we analyzed OptiVol alerts, which were sent by monthly scheduled transmission and by unscheduled CareAlerts transmission for threshold‐crossing events. The elevation patterns of OptiVol Fluid Index (OVFI), including the duration of threshold crossing, time interval from threshold crossing to peak OVFI, and peak OVFI, were compared between true decompensated HF and false‐positive events.

Results

During a mean period of 861±239 days, 612 OptiVol alerts were transmitted from 70 of the 82 patients (85.4%). These 612 alerts were derived from 298 episodes that potentially represented decompensated HF (2.1 alerts per episode). Of these 298 possible HF events, 119 (40%) were judged as true decompensated HF based on clinical findings, while the other 179 events (60%) were false positives, including unexpected OVFI elevation (n=83), paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (n=37), excessive exercise (n=18), non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (n=10), and other causes. The analysis of the OVFI elevation pattern revealed that both the duration of threshold crossing and the peak OVFI value were significantly related to decompensated HF. The cutoff value for the duration of threshold crossing of OVFI for the diagnosis of HF was 21 days, showing 87% sensitivity and 85% specificity. The cutoff value of OVFI peak was 136.0 Ω, showing 90% sensitivity and 92% specificity.

Conclusions

Not every OptiVol alert is indicative of decompensated HF. A threshold‐crossing OVFI for >21 days and an OVFI peak>136 Ω are both strongly indicative of decompensated HF, and may be useful in the telediagnosis of HF.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and its risk factors in Japanese patients living with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: A preliminary examination
Authors: Kobayashi Sayaka , Nishimura Katsuji , Suzuki Tsuyoshi , Shiga Tsuyoshi , Ishigooka Jun
Published: September 2013

Background

Trauma reactions, including post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have recently garnered increased attention. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine the incidence of and risk factors for PTSD and to assess its impact on psychosocial distress and health‐related quality of life (QOL) in Japanese patients with ICD.

Methods

Seventy‐four outpatients with ICD (63 men, 11 women; age 59.3±13.6 years) completed a questionnaire comprising a modified PTSD Checklist Specified for a stressor that included arrhythmias and ICD shocks, the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)‐State scale, and Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short‐Form (SF‐36) for health‐related QOL. We compared relevant sociodemographic and medical variables of patients with and without PTSD. The mean number of days since ICD implantation was 2471±703.

Results

Of 74 patients, 28 (37.8%) had received ICDs for secondary prevention, 42 (56.8%) had experienced ICD shocks, 36 (48.6%) had experienced ≥1 appropriate ICD shock, and 12 (16.2%) had experienced electrical storms. We diagnosed 19 patients (25.8%) with PTSD. Compared with the non‐PTSD group, the PTSD group had significantly higher SDS and STAI‐S scores and significantly lower scores in all eight subscales of the SF‐36. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified experiencing ≥1 appropriate ICD shock (odds ratio [OR]: 6.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45–24.63, and p<0.013) and anxiolytic use (OR: 15.0, 95% CI: 3.38–66.26, and p<0.001) as independent risk factors for PTSD.

Conclusions

Our study shows that PTSD in patients with ICD has significant psychosocial impact with associated impairment of both physical and mental QOL and suggests that, in particular, patients who experience appropriate ICD shocks or take anxiolytics require psychiatric/psychological intervention.
Tea‐drinking habit among new university students: Associated factors
Authors: Tseng Hsiu Chen , Wang Chi‐Jane , Cheng Shu Hui , Sun Zih‐Jie , Chen Po See , Lee Chih‐Ting , Lin Shih‐Hsien , Yang Yen Kuang , Yang Yi‐Ching
Published: September 2013

The habit of drinking tea is highly prevalent in Asian countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of tea drinking and to explore the correlated factors on tea drinking among young new students in the university, using a validated self‐reported questionnaire. This study was carried out with 5936 new students in a university in Taiwan. It comprised a self‐administered structured questionnaire, including items related to personal and medical history, and lifestyle habits, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the 12‐item Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ‐12). Anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests were also performed. In total, 2065 (36.1%) students were in the tea‐drinking group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the following factors were significant predictors of tea drinking: postgraduate students (p < 0.001), coffee drinking (p < 0.001), alcohol drinking (p < 0.001), minor mental morbidity (p = 0.009), poorer sleepers (p = 0.037), higher body mass index (p = 0.004), and sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption (p < 0.001). Our data showed that the tea‐drinking habit was correlated with higher body mass index, which was contrary to the findings of a previous study. In clinical practice, perhaps we could consider more tea‐drinking‐related factors when we suggest tea consumption.
Chemical mapping of the colorectal cancer microenvironment via MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MSI) reveals novel cancer‐associated field effects
Authors: Mirnezami R. , Spagou K. , Vorkas P.A. , Lewis M.R. , Kinross J. , Want E. , Shion H. , Goldin R.D. , Darzi A. , Takats Z. , Holmes E. , Cloarec O. , Nicholson J.K.
Published: September 2013

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MSI) is a rapidly advancing technique for intact tissue analysis that allows simultaneous localisation and quantification of biomolecules in different histological regions of interest. This approach can potentially offer novel insights into tumour microenvironmental (TME) biochemistry. In this study we employed MALDI‐MSI to evaluate fresh frozen sections of colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue and adjacent healthy mucosa obtained from 12 consenting patients undergoing surgery for confirmed CRC. Specifically, we sought to address three objectives: (1) To identify biochemical differences between different morphological regions within the CRC TME; (2) To characterise the biochemical differences between cancerous and healthy colorectal tissue using MALDI‐MSI; (3) To determine whether MALDI‐MSI profiling of tumour‐adjacent tissue can identify novel metabolic ‘field effects’ associated with cancer. Our results demonstrate that CRC tissue harbours characteristic phospholipid signatures compared with healthy tissue and additionally, different tissue regions within the CRC TME reveal distinct biochemical profiles. Furthermore we observed biochemical differences between tumour‐adjacent and tumour‐remote healthy mucosa. We have referred to this ‘field effect’, exhibited by the tumour locale, as cancer‐adjacent metaboplasia (CAM) and this finding builds on the established concept of field cancerisation.
Retrieval of Additional Epinephrine From Auto-Injectors
Authors: Hawkins Seth C. , Weil Carl , Baty Fred , Fitzpatrick David , Rowell Bryan
Published: September 2013

Anaphylaxis is a challenging condition for any austere environment. It is unpredictable, has sudden onset and a high fatality rate, and is responsive only to epinephrine, a prescription medication. The Wilderness Medical Society has formally recommended that non-medical providers working in austere environments be trained to administer epinephrine. Medical providers frequently prescribe auto-injectors for this purpose due to their ease of use by nonmedical providers. However, auto-injectors have limitations in the wilderness environment, particularly due to their single-dose (or at most 2-dose) design. This paper describes an austere environment technique for obtaining multiple additional doses of epinephrine from auto-injectors that have already been used as designed.
Spiral resonators for on-chip laser frequency stabilization
Authors: Lee Hansuek , Suh Myoung-Gyun , Chen Tong , Li Jiang , Diddams Scott A. , Vahala Kerry J.
Published: September 2013

Frequency references are indispensable to radio, microwave and time keeping systems, with far reaching applications in navigation, communication, remote sensing and basic science. Over the past decade, there has been an optical revolution in time keeping and microwave generation that promises to ultimately impact all of these areas. Indeed, the most precise clocks and lowest noise microwave signals are now based on a laser with short-term stability derived from a reference cavity. In spite of the tremendous progress, these systems remain essentially laboratory devices and there is interest in their miniaturization, even towards on-chip systems. Here we describe a chip-based optical reference cavity that uses spatial averaging of thermorefractive noise to enhance resonator stability. Stabilized fibre lasers exhibit relative Allan deviation of 3.9 × 10−13 at 400 μs averaging time and an effective linewidth <100 Hz by achieving over 26 dB of phase-noise reduction.
Numerical Model for Artificial Cilia
Authors: Stark Holger
Published: September 2013

Artificial cilia attached to bounding surfaces are highly interesting for transporting and mixing fluids which is an essential task in microfluidics. The chapter introduces a numerical model for artificial cilia based on a bead‐spring chain with bending rigidity whose beads interact hydrodynamically. We explain in detail how one implements the model in its viscous fluid environment using self‐ and cross‐mobilities. In particular, we describe how one treats the bounding surface with its no‐slip boundary condition to which the cilium is attached. The characteristic sperm number compares bending to frictional forces and helps to classify the dynamic behavior of the actuated filament.

The second part of the chapter addresses the numerical modeling of a superparamagnetic filament actuated by an external magnetic field which is a very attractive realization of an artificial cilium. The chapter reviews our numerical work, where we explore how the filament can be used for pumping fluid. Our investigations demonstrate that three‐dimensional strokes have a considerably higher pumping performance than their two‐dimensional counterparts. In addition, we mimic metachronal waves in a line of beating cilia by applying actuating fields to each filament separately with a constant phase shift between nearest neighbors. We demonstrate that a specific phase shift enhances the pumping performance strongly and thereby reveal an essential property of metachronal waves in nature.
Modeling the Interaction of Active Cilia with Species in Solution: From Chemical Reagents to Microscopic Particles
Authors: Dayal Pratyush , Kuksenok Olga , Bhattacharya Amitabh , Buxton Gavin A. , Berk Usta O. , Balazs Anna C.
Published: September 2013

Biological cilia can sense minute chemical variations or the presence of particulates in their environment, transmit this information to their neighbors, and thereby produce a global response to a local change. Using computational modeling, we demonstrate two distinct examples of analogous sensing and communicating behavior performed by artificial cilia. In the first example, cilia formed from chemo‐responsive gels undergo the oscillatory Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. The activator for the reaction, u, is generated within these BZ cilia and diffuses between the neighboring gels. By varying the spatial arrangement of the BZ cilia, we not only alter the directionality of the traveling waves within the array, but also uncover a distinctive form of chemotaxis, where the tethered gels bend towards higher concentrations of u and, hence, towards each other. We also show that the cilial oscillations can be controlled remotely and non‐invasively by light. In our second example, we model the transport of a microscopic particle via a regular array of beating elastic cilia, whose tips experience an adhesive interaction with the particle’s surface. By varying the cilia–particle adhesion strength and the cilia stiffness, we pinpoint the parameters where the particle can be ‘released’, ‘propelled’ or ‘trapped’ by the cilial layer.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of a boronic acid based artificial receptor for l-DOPA in aqueous media
Authors: Ueno Haruna , Iwata Takayuki , Koshiba Nozomi , Takahashi Daisuke , Toshima Kazunobu
Published: September 2013

Design and synthesis of a boronic acid based artificial receptor which selectively and effectively bound to a neurotransmitter, l-DOPA (1), in aqueous media.
Vibrationally enhanced charge transfer and mode/bond-specific H+ and D+ transfer in the reaction of HOD+ with N2O
Authors: Bell David M. , Anderson Scott L.
Published: September 2013

The reaction of HOD+ with N2O was studied over the collision energy (Ecol) range from 0.20 eV to 2.88 eV, for HOD+ in its ground state and in each of its fundamental vibrational states: bend (010), OD stretch (100), and OH stretch (001). The dominant reaction at low Ecol is H+ and D+ transfer, but charge transfer becomes dominant for Ecol > 0.5 eV. Increasing Ecol enhances charge transfer only in the threshold region (Ecol < 1 eV), but all modes of HOD+ vibrational excitation enhance this channel over the entire energy range, by up to a factor of three. For reaction of ground state HOD+, the H+ and D+ transfer channels have similar cross sections, enhanced by increasing collision energy for Ecol < 0.3 eV, but suppressed by Ecol at higher energies. OD stretch excitation enhances D+ transfer by over a factor of 2, but has little effect on H+ transfer, except at low Ecol where a modest enhancement is observed. Excitation of the OH stretch enhances H+ transfer by up to a factor of 2.5, but actually suppresses D+ transfer over most of the Ecol range. Excitation of the bend mode results in ∼60% enhancement of both H+ and D+ transfer at low Ecol but has little effect at higher energies. Recoil velocity distributions at high Ecol are strongly backscattered in the center-of-mass frame, indicating direct reaction dominated by large impact parameter collisions. At low Ecol the distributions are compatible with mediation by a short-lived collision complex. Ab initio calculations find several complexes that may be important in this context, and RRKM calculations predict lifetimes and decay branching that is consistent with observations. The recoil velocity distributions show that HOD+ vibrational excitation enhances reactivity in all collisions at low Ecol, while for high Ecol with enhancement comes entirely from the subset of collisions that generate strongly back-scattered product ions.