bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does fish oil prevent cardiac arrhythmias?
Authors: Stanley John 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIt is widely accepted that the very long chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC n‐3 PUFA) characteristic of marine oils protect against the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This idea is supported by a large body of consistent epidemiological studies showing favourable associations between intakes of VLC n‐3 PUFA and CVD risk and more importantly by several large and lengthy dietary intervention trials showing favourable effects of VLC n‐3 PUFA on the development of CVD. The effects of VLC n‐3 PUFA on sudden death and on survival from a heart attack demonstrated in these trials could be explained if they have anti‐arrhythmic effects. Recent meta‐analyses of the available dietary intervention trials suggest that neither ventricular nor atrial arrhythmias are influenced by VLC n‐3 PUFA intakes. Hence a convincing mechanism of action of VLC n‐3 PUFA on CVD has yet to emerge.
Detection of ≥1 Mb microdeletions and microduplications in a single cell using custom oligonucleotide arrays
Authors: Bi Weimin , Breman Amy , Shaw Chad A. , Stankiewicz Pawel , Gambin Tomasz , Lu Xinyan , Cheung Sau Wai , Jackson Laird G. , Lupski James R. , den Veyver Ignatia B. Van , Beaudet Arthur L. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveHigh resolution detection of genomic copy number abnormalities in a single cell is relevant to preimplantation genetic diagnosis and potentially to noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Our objective is to develop a reliable array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) platform to detect genomic imbalances as small as ~1 Mb in a single cell.MethodsWe empirically optimized the conditions for oligonucleotide‐based array CGH using single cells from multiple lymphoblastoid cell lines with known copy number abnormalities. To improve resolution, we designed custom arrays with high density probes covering clinically relevant genomic regions.ResultsThe detection of megabase‐sized copy number variations (CNVs) in a single cell was influenced by the number of probes clustered in the interrogated region. Using our custom array, we reproducibly detected multiple chromosome abnormalities including trisomy 21, a 1.2 Mb Williams syndrome deletion, and a 1.3 Mb CMT1A duplication. Replicate analyses yielded consistent results.ConclusionAneuploidy and genomic imbalances with CNVs as small as 1.2 Mb in a single cell are detectable by array CGH using arrays with high‐density coverage in the targeted regions. This approach has the potential to be applied for preimplantation genetic diagnosis to detect aneuploidy and common microdeletion/duplication syndromes and for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis if single fetal cells can be isolated. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructural Characterization and Fatigue Performance Evaluation of MIG‐Welded Ship Hull Steel
Authors: Mondal Biplab Kumar , Pal Tapan Kumar , Maity Joydeep 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe effectiveness of MIG welding with Argo‐shield gas & ER70S‐6 electrode in joining LRS (Grade‐B) steel was investigated through structure–property correlation of the joint region. Microstructure, tensile and fatigue properties, and mode of fracture (SEM fractograph) were correlated. Fatigue behavior has been investigated in air and sea water with thin specimen at near‐endurance stress amplitude up to 105 cycles. The crack growth rate (da/dN) maintained a non‐linear relationship with logarithm of stress intensity factor range (logΔK) for the near‐threshold values of ΔK. Considerable hardness and microstructural variation was observed across the weldment. Weld with more pearlite content was found to possess higher hardness and strength than the parent steel. Though, both in weld and in parent steel, either in air or in sea water, fatigue crack propagated at very slow rate with significant intermittent crack arrest, weld provided much higher resistance to crack growth in air. However, sea water accelerated the crack growth in weld and brought it closer to that in the parent steel. The morphologically complex microstructure of weld suffered much faster crack propagation in sea water than in air. While fatigue fracture in parent steel (both in air and sea water) and weld in air was found to occur through dimple rupture via microvoid coalescence, weld in sea water exhibited a mixed mode of failure.
Titanium Containing High Strength Sulfuric Acid Corrosion Resistant Steel
Authors: Guo Hairong , Li Tingting , Li Hualong , Toshihiko Emi 
Published: January 2012

AbstractTi containing low alloy steel free of Sb is found to have higher strength than and equivalent sulfuric acid corrosion (SAC) resistance to traditional SAC resistant steels in CuCrSb system. SAC resistance of the Ti containing steel was investigated with potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization resistance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and weight loss measurements in a solution of 20 wt% H2SO4 at 20°C. All measurements confirm that Ti addition is suitable for designing high strength SAC resistant steels.
Peak factors of non‐Gaussian wind forces on a complex‐shaped tall building
Authors: Huang Mingfeng , Lou Wenjuan , Chan Chun‐Man , Bao Sheng 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYThis paper focuses on the development of peak factor formulas of non‐Gaussian wind pressure processes after reviewing the current estimation methods of non‐Gaussian peak factors. A skewness‐dependent peak factor is proposed by accounting for the contribution of skewness and kurtosis parameters in some existing Hermite moment‐based formulas. The possible correction on the upcrossing rate used in the translation process approach is also investigated. Wind tunnel pressure data on a practical 43‐story building with unusual shape is used to validate the accuracy of the skewness‐dependent peak factor by investigating various statistical properties of wind‐induced fluctuating pressure field on the complex‐shaped tall building example. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel spreading codes for multicarrier code division multiple access based cognitive radio networks with sidelobe suppression
Authors: Rajabzadeh Morteza , Khoshbin Hossein 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThe deployment of multicarrier code division multiple access as the transmission scheme of the spectrum overlay based cognitive radio (CR) networks faces two challenging issues: (i) the need for spreading codes with arbitrary length and (ii) the interfering effect of the leaked power (due to spectral sidelobes) to the adjacent spectral band used by the primary system. To meet these challenges, we propose two novel complex spreading code sets. For this purpose, a cost function is defined as the ratio of the power leaked to the adjacent primary band to the power transmitted to the band allowed for CR operation. The cost function is shown to be convertible to a trace ratio problem. The two complex spreading code sets are determined by deploying two different standard solutions. The first is the conventional but approximate solution based on generalized eigenvalue decomposition (GEVD) method, and the other is an iterative algorithm that converges to the optimal solution and hence outperforms the GEVD based solution. Simulation results show that by a slight decrease in number of users, the code set yielded by iterative algorithm suppresses the leaked power to almost zero. The applicability of the proposed code sets in different scenarios is discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple linear string constraints
Authors: Fu Xiang , Powell Michael C. , Bantegui Michael , Li Chung-Chih 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Modern web applications often suffer from command injection attacks. Even when equipped with sanitization code, many systems can be penetrated due to software bugs. It is desirable to automatically discover such vulnerabilities, given the bytecode of a web application. One approach would be symbolically executing the target system and constructing constraints for matching path conditions and attack patterns. Solving these constraints yields an attack signature, based on which, the attack process can be replayed. Constraint solving is the key to symbolic execution. For web applications, string constraints receive most of the attention because web applications are essentially text processing programs. We present
simple linear string equation (SISE)
, a decidable fragment of the general string constraint system. SISE models a collection of regular replacement operations (such as the greedy, reluctant, declarative, and finite replacement), which are frequently used by text processing programs. Various automata techniques are proposed for simulating procedural semantics such as left-most matching. By composing atomic transducers of a SISE, we show that a recursive algorithm can be used to compute the solution pool, which contains the value range of each variable in concrete solutions. Then a concrete variable solution can be synthesized from a solution pool. To accelerate solver performance, a symbolic representation of finite state transducer is developed. This allows the constraint solver to support a 16-bit Unicode alphabet in practice. The algorithm is implemented in a Java constraint solver called SUSHI. We compare the applicability and performance of SUSHI with Kaluza, a bounded string solver.
Metabolic decompensation in methylmalonic aciduria: which biochemical parameters are discriminative?
Authors: Zwickler Tamaris , Haege Gisela , Riderer Alina , Hörster Friederike , Hoffmann Georg F. , Burgard Peter , Kölker Stefan 
Published: January 2012

AbstractRecurrent, life‐threatening metabolic decompensations often occur in patients with methylmalonic aciduria (MMAuria). Our study evaluated (impending) metabolic decompensations in these patients aiming to identify the most frequent and reliable clinical and biochemical abnormalities that could be helpful for decision‐making on when to start an emergency treatment. Seventy‐six unscheduled and 179 regular visits of 10 patients with confirmed MMAuria continuously followed by our metabolic centre between 1975 and 2009 were analysed. The most frequent symptom of an impending acute metabolic decompensation was vomiting (90% of episodes), whereas symptoms of intercurrent infectious disease (29%) or other symptoms (such as food refusal and impaired consciousness) were found less often. Thirty‐five biochemical parameters were included in the analysis. Among them, pathological changes of acid–base balance reflecting metabolic acidosis with partial respiratory compensation (decreased pH, pCO2, standard bicarbonate, and base excess) and elevated ammonia were the most reliable biochemical parameters for the identification of a metabolic decompensation and the estimation of its severity. In contrast, analyses of organic acids, acylcarnitines and carnitine status were less discriminative. In conclusion, careful history taking and identification of suspicious symptoms in combination with a small number of rapidly available biochemical parameters are helpful to differentiate compensated metabolic condition and (impending) metabolic crisis and to decide when to start an emergency treatment.
Genetic Testing Integration Panels (GTIPs): A Novel Approach for Considering Integration of Direct‐To‐Consumer and Other New Genetic Tests into Patient Care
Authors: Uhlmann Wendy R. , Sharp Richard R. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThere has been a dramatic increase in the number of genetic tests available but few tests have practice guidelines. In addition, many tests have become available outside of clinical settings through direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) companies and several offer tests not considered standard of care. To address several practical challenges associated with the rapid introduction of clinical and DTC genetic tests, we propose that genetic counselors and geneticists organize expert panels in their institutions to discuss the integration of new tests into patient care. We propose the establishment of Genetic Testing Integration Panels (GTIPs) to bring together local experts in medical genetics, genetic counseling, bioethics and law, health communication and clinical laboratory genetics. We describe key features of this approach and consider some of the potential advantages and limitations of using a GTIP to address the many clinical challenges raised by rapidly emerging clinical and DTC genetic tests.
Water Solubilization Using Nonionic Surfactants from Renewable Sources in Microemulsion Systems
Authors: Szumała Patrycja , Szeląg Halina 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this study the effect of temperature, NaCl and oils (hydrocarbons: C8–C16) on the formation and solubilization capacity of the systems of oil/monoacylglycerols (MAG):ethoxylated fatty alcohols (CEO20)/propylene glycol (PG)/water was investigated. The effects of the surfactant mixture on the phase behavior and the concentration of water or oil in the systems were studied at three temperatures (50, 55, 60 °C) and with varied NaCl solutions (0.5; 2; 11%). Electrical conductivity measurement, FTIR spectroscopy and the DSC method were applied to determine the structure and type of the microemulsions formed. The dimension of the microemulsion droplets was characterized by dynamic light scattering. It has been stated that the concentration of CEO20has a strong influence on the shape and extent of the microemulsion areas. Addition of a nonionic surfactant to the mixture with MAG promotes an increase in the area of microemulsion formation in the phase diagrams, and these areas of isotropic region did not change considerably depending on the temperature, NaCl solution and oil type. It was found that, depending on the concentration of the surfactant mixture, it was possible to obtain U‐type microemulsions with dispersed particles size distribution ranging from 25 to 50 nm and consisting of about 30–32% of the water phase in the systems. The conditions under which the microemulsion region was found (electrolyte and temperature—insensitive, comparatively low oil and surfactant concentration) could be highly useful in detergency.
Multi-micronutrient-fortified biscuits decreased the prevalence of anaemia and improved iron status, whereas weekly iron supplementation only improved iron status in Vietnamese school children
Authors: Hieu Nguyen Trung , Sandalinas Fanny , de Sesmaisons Agnès , Laillou Arnaud , Tam Nguyen Phuong , Khan Nguyen Cong , Bruyeron Olivier , Wieringa Frank Tammo , Berger Jacques 
Published: January 2012

In Vietnam, nutrition interventions do not target school children despite a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies. The present randomised, placebo-controlled study evaluated the impact of providing school children (n 403) with daily multiple micronutrient-fortified biscuits (FB) or a weekly Fe supplement (SUP) on anaemia and Fe deficiency. Micronutrient status was assessed by concentrations of Hb, and plasma ferritin (PF), transferrin receptor (TfR), Zn and retinol. After 6 months of intervention, children receiving FB or SUP had a significantly better Fe status when compared with the control children (C), indicated by higher PF (FB: geometric mean 36·9 (95 % CI 28·0, 55·4) μg/l; SUP: geometric mean 46·0 (95 % CI 33·0, 71·7) μg/l; C: geometric mean 34·4 (95 % CI 15·2, 51·2) μg/l; P < 0·001) and lower TfR concentrations (FB: geometric mean 5·7 (95 % CI 4·8, 6·52) mg/l; SUP: geometric mean 5·5 (95 % CI 4·9, 6·2) mg/l; C: geometric mean 5·9 (95 % CI 5·1, 7·1) mg/l; P = 0·007). Consequently, body Fe was higher in children receiving FB (mean 5·6 (sd 2·2) mg/kg body weight) and SUP (mean 6·1 (sd 2·5) mg/kg body weight) compared with the C group (mean 4·2 (sd 3·3) mg/kg body weight, P < 0·001). However, anaemia prevalence was significantly lower only in the FB group (1·0 %) compared with the C group (10·4 %, P = 0·006), with the SUP group being intermediate (7·4 %). Children receiving FB had better weight-for-height Z-scores after the intervention than children receiving the SUP (P = 0·009). Vitamin A deficiency at baseline modified the intervention effect, with higher Hb concentrations in vitamin A-deficient children receiving FB but not in those receiving the SUP. This indicates that vitamin A deficiency is implicated in the high prevalence of anaemia in Vietnamese school children, and that interventions should take other deficiencies besides Fe into account to improve Hb concentrations. Provision of biscuits fortified with multiple micronutrients is effective in reducing anaemia prevalence in school children.
Body fat and blood pressure: comparison of blood pressure measurements in Chinese children with different body fat levels
Authors: Ma Jun , Wang Zhiqiang , Dong Bin , Song Yi , Hu Peijin , Zhang Bing 
Published: January 2012

Children in China are experiencing a rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity, which is associated with hypertension. To compare the effect of body fat on blood pressure (BP) with that of the normal physical growth, we compared BP levels in Chinese children with different body fat levels. In the present population-based study, 13 972 children in the highest-skinfold-thickness-quartile group were individually matched to 13 972 children in the lowest-skinfold-thickness-quartile group by height and weight. Similarly, 5103 children in the highest-waist-circumference-quartile group were matched to the same number of children in the lowest-waist-circumference-quartile group. The high- and low-fat groups had similar height and weight but the high-fat group had significantly higher skinfold and waist circumference measurements. The differences in systolic BP (SBP) between the high- and low-skinfold-thickness groups were small: 0·01 (95 % CI − 0·41, 0·44) mmHg in boys and 0·20 (95 % CI − 0·15, 0·54) mmHg in girls. The differences in diastolic BP (DBP) were also small (0·39 and 0·38 mmHg for boys and girls, respectively) but were statistically significant. The differences in both SBP and DBP between the high- and low-waist-circumference groups were small but not statistically significant. For a given body size as measured by height and weight, relative body fat had little impact on BP levels in these children. Fat mass and lean mass may have a similar quantitative impact on BP in healthy-weight children.
Life begins when the sea lion is ashore: microhabitat use by a louse living on a diving mammal host
Authors: Leonardi M.S. , Crespo E.A. , Vales D.G. , Feijoo M. , Raga J.A. , Aznar F.J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAmong Anoplura, the family Echinophthiriidae includes species that infest pinnipeds and otters. Previous evidence obtained from pinnipeds infested by echinophthiriids, specifically from seals, indicates that flippers are the preferred infestation sites, while lice from fur seals select areas in the pelage. We studied habitat selection of Antarctophthirus microchir on South American sea lion pups (Otaria flavescens Shaw, 1800) from Patagonia, Argentina, during the austral summer of 2009. We found a clear pattern of habitat selection: eggs are laid on the dorsal surface; nymphs 1 hatch there and then migrate to the belly, where they develop into adults and copulate; and then ovigerous females return to the dorsal surface. On the one hand, nymphs 1 are characterised by their low locomotory ability; therefore, the fact that they migrate as soon as they hatch suggests a clear pressure leading to microhabitat restriction. On the other hand, the described pattern of microhabitat selection seems to respond to the physiological requirements of each stage, which vary according to the physiological process considered, e.g. oviposition, morphogenesis, hatching and development. Accordingly, it appears that A. microchir would prefer the host's ventral area for development and copulation and the dorsal area for oviposition. However, the causes of this pattern are not clear, and many factors could be involved. Considering that sea lion pups periodically soak at high tides, and that prolonged immersion and very high humidity are known to be lethal for lice eggs, selecting the dorsal area would be advantageous for oviposition because it dries much faster. Furthermore, because humidity should be retained for longer periods on the ventral surface of the pup, wetter conditions on the sea lion would prevent desiccation of the nymphs in the very arid environment where O. flavescens breeds.
EXPLORATORY AGRONOMY WITHIN PARTICIPATORY VARIETAL SELECTION: THE CASE OF PEANUT IN EAST TIMOR
Authors: WILLIAMS ROBERT , ANDERSEN REBECCA , MARCAL ARMANDINA , PEREIRA LUIS , ALMEIDA LUIS , ERSKINE WILLIAM 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYWithin the context of participatory varietal selection of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in East Timor, this study investigated an approach to identify yield determinants in farmer-managed varietal trials in a type of exploratory agronomy. A singular increase of 47% in peanut on-farm productivity by variety Utamua over local varieties was recorded across agro-ecologies over 616 farmer-managed trials in five cropping seasons. Utamua has larger (c. 70%) seed than local, which resulted in poor germination initially. Farmers then started seed priming, and, by the last two seasons’ trials, 50% of farmers with on-farm trials seed primed. The volume of trials allied with detailed recording of agro-ecological, household and management conditions allowed the identification of factors affecting yield, such as seeding arrangement (two seeds/hill more productive than one seed/hill) and soil pH (pH 7–8.5 more productive than lower pH), using an unbalanced ANOVA design. Farmer innovations in management could be identified within varietal trials highlighting future agronomic possibilities.
A ratio ergodic theorem for Borel actions of ℤd×ℝk
Authors: HOLT ERIC 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWe prove a ratio ergodic theorem for free Borel actions of ℤd×ℝk on a standard Borel σ-finite measure space. The proof employs a lemma by Hochman involving coarse dimension, as well as the Besicovitch covering lemma. Due to possible singularity of the measure, we cannot use functional analytic arguments and therefore use Rudolph’s diffusion of the measure onto the orbits of the action. This diffused measure is denoted μx, and our averages are of the form (1/(μx(Bn)))∫ Bnf∘T−v(x) dμx(v). A Følner condition on the orbits of the action is shown, which is the main tool used in the proof of the ergodic theorem.