bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
General detection model in cooperative multirobot localization
Authors: Odakura Valguima Victoria Viana Aguiar , da Costa Bianchi Reinaldo Augusto , Costa Anna Helena Reali 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The cooperative multirobot localization problem consists in localizing each robot in a group within the same environment, when robots share information in order to improve localization accuracy. It can be achieved when a robot detects and identifies another one, and measures their relative distance. At this moment, both robots can use detection information to update their own poses beliefs. However some other useful information besides single detection between a pair of robots can be used to update robots poses beliefs as: propagation of a single detection for non participants robots, absence of detections and detection involving more than a pair of robots. A general detection model is proposed in order to aggregate all detection information, addressing the problem of updating poses beliefs in all situations depicted. Experimental results in simulated environment with groups of robots show that the proposed model improves localization accuracy when compared to conventional single detection multirobot localization.
Compulsory Flow Q-Learning: an RL algorithm for robot navigation based on partial-policy and macro-states
Authors: Silva Valdinei Freire da , Costa Anna Helena Reali 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Reinforcement Learning is carried out on-line, through trial-and-error interactions of the agent with the environment, which can be very time consuming when considering robots. In this paper we contribute a new learning algorithm, CFQLearning, which uses macro-states, a low-resolution discretisation of the state space, and a partial-policy to get around obstacles, both of them based on the complexity of the environment structure. The use of macro-states avoids convergence of algorithms, but can accelerate the learning process. In the other hand, partial-policies can guarantee that an agent fulfils its task, even through macro-state. Experiments show that the CFQ-Learning performs a good balance between policy quality and learning rate.
Donor Conversion and Procurement Failure: The Fate of Our Potential Organ Donors
Authors: Branco Bernardino C. , Inaba Kenji , Lam Lydia , Salim Ali , Barmparas Galinos , Teixeira Pedro G. R. , Talving Peep , Demetriades Demetrios 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackgroundDonor availability remains the primary limiting factor for organ transplantation today. The purpose of this study was to examine the causes of procurement failure amongst potential organ donors.MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board approval, all surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients admitted to the LAC + USC Medical Center from 01/2006 to 12/2008 who became potential organ donors were identified. Demographics, clinical data, and procurement data were abstracted. In non‐donors, the causes of procurement failure were documented.ResultsDuring the 3‐year study period, a total of 254 patients were evaluated for organ donation. Mean age was 44.8 ± 18.7 years; 191 (75.2%) were male, 136 (53.5%) were Hispanic, and 148 (58.3%) were trauma patients. Of the 254 patients, 116 (45.7%) were not eligible for donation: 34 had multi‐system organ failure, 24 did not progress to brain death and had support withdrawn, 18 had uncontrolled sepsis, 15 had malignancy, 6 had human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis B or C, and 19 patients had other contraindications to organ donation. Of the remaining 138 eligible patients, 83 (60.2%) did not donate: 56 because the family denied consent, 9 by their own choice. In six, next of kin could not be located, five died because of hemodynamic instability before organ procurement was possible, four had organs that could not be placed, and three had their organs declined by the organ procurement organization. The overall consent rate was 57.5% (n = 67). From the 55 donors, 255 organs were procured (yield 4.6 organs/donor).ConclusionsOf all patients screened for organ donation, only a fifth actually donated. Denial of consent was the major potentially preventable cause of procurement failure, whereas hemodynamic instability accounted for only a small percentage of donor losses. With such low conversion rates, the preventable causes of procurement failure warrant further study.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of biliary reconstruction techniques in orthotopic deceased donor liver transplantation
Authors: Paes‐Barbosa Fabio Colagrossi , Massarollo P. C. , Bernardo W. M. , Ferreira F. G. , Barbosa F. K. , Raslan M. , Szutan L. A. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackgroundBiliary complications remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in liver transplantation and the biliary anastomosis technique could increase this risk. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of biliary reconstruction techniques in orthotopic liver transplantation on the incidence of biliary complications.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis using the Medline‐PubMed, EMBASE, Scielo‐LILACS, and Cochrane Databases were performed comparing biliary reconstruction techniques in liver transplantation with regard to the occurrence of biliary complications. Number needed to treat (NNT) was calculated at a 95% confidence interval.ResultsFifty‐seven articles were selected (3 randomized clinical trials, 6 clinical trials, and 48 historical cohort studies). There was a lower risk for biliary complications (NNT = 6) using end‐to‐end choledochocholedochostomy (EECC) without drainage compared with EECC with drainage. The biliary complication risk was lower (NNT = 4) for side‐to‐side choledochocholedochostomy (SSCC) with drainage compared with SSCC without drainage. No difference was found between EECC without drainage and SSCC with drainage.ConclusionsAccording to our results, considering the highest level of evidence available in the literature, we suggest that biliary reconstruction in liver transplantation should be performed using EECC or SSCC, without drainage in the former, and with drainage in the latter.
Tissue damage with different surgical techniques in a porcine model of liver resection: implications for living‐donor liver transplantation?
Authors: Goralczyk Armin Dietmar , Obed Aiman , Große Beilage Angelika , Sattler Burckhardt , Füzesi Laszlo , Lorf Thomas 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground/purposeFor living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) it is of paramount importance to preserve as much viable liver tissue as possible to avoid postoperative complications in the donor and recipient. The depth of tissue damage caused by common surgical techniques for liver resection has not been studied so far.MethodsHere we compared the depth of tissue damage and the immunohistochemical expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 70, a marker for tissue damage, in a porcine model of liver resection, to assess the effect of different surgical techniques, i.e., blunt dissection (BD), and dissection with an ultrasound aspirator (UA), an ultrasound scalpel (US), or a water‐jet (WJ).ResultsAnalysis with linear mixed effects models (LME) showed significantly less tissue damage with BD and UA than with US and WJ (jointp value <0.001). Damage also increased within 6 h after surgery (p value = 0.004). Semiquantitative evaluation of HSP 70 showed increased expression after resection with US compared to all other resection methods (p value <0.001), indicating increased tissue damage with this method.ConclusionWe suggest that in cases of liver resection for LDLT surgeons should reevaluate using US and WJ because of possible excessive tissue damage compared to BD and UA. Overall we advocate the use of BD as it requires no special equipment and, hence, has considerably higher cost‐effectiveness without compromising tissue preservation and clinical outcome and is readily available even in low‐tech environments.
Magnetic compression anastomosis for biliary obstruction: review and experience at Tokyo Medical University Hospital
Authors: Itoi Takao , Kasuya Kazuhiko , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Kurihara Toshio , Ikeuchi Nobuhito , Takeuchi Mami , Nagano Takeshi , Iwamoto Hitoshi , Yamanouchi Eigoro , Shimazu Motohide , Tsuchida Akihiko 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackgroundMagnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is a revolutionary, minimally invasive method of performing choledochoenterostomy or choledochocholedochostomy without using surgical techniques in patients with biliary stricture or obstruction. Herein, we describe a case series of MCA for severe biliary stricture or obstruction, which could not be treated with conventional therapies.Patients and methodsTwo patients with biliary obstruction were treated using MCA for choledochocholedochostomy and choledochoenterostomy at Tokyo Medical University Hospital and Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center. Endoscopically, a samarium–cobalt (Sm–Co) rare‐earth magnet was placed at the superior site of obstruction through the percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage route and another Sm–Co magnet was placed at the inferior site of obstruction. A comprehensive computer‐aided literature search for MCA was performed up to September 2009 by using MEDLINE and EMBASE.ResultsMCA techniques enabled complete anastomosis in both cases without procedure‐related complications.ConclusionsThe MCA technique is a revolutionary method of performing choledochocholedochostomy and choledochoenterostomy interventionally in patients with biliary obstruction, for whom the conventional endoscopic procedure is not available, or in candidates who are deemed unsuitable for surgery.
Value-Maximizing Managers, Value-Increasing Mergers, and Overbidding
Authors: Akdoğu Evrim 
Published: December 2010

AbstractSome acquisitions can be viewed as the quickest means to obtain a scarce resource required for restructuring in response to an economic shock. Such acquisitions can give the acquirer a competitive edge and hurt its competitors. In this paper, I first show that if a firm will be adversely affected by a competitor’s acquisition, then it can rationally “overpay” for the target to avoid this outcome within a value-maximizing framework due to industry equilibrium effects. Next, I show that depending on the level of anticipation by the market, the magnitude of the cost of losing, and the competition between bidders, an acquirer can earn negative payoffs at the announcement of such an acquisition. Even though the merger is the best decision given the circumstances, negative returns incorporate the understanding that the target is a necessary resource to survive in this changing environment, losing it to a rival is costly, and there is a positive probability that the bidder may not win or win by paying more than the synergy value of the target. Finally, I extend the model to include 2 targets that become available sequentially to multiple bidders and show that when there are alternatives available for the target’s resources, overbidding subsides.
Player's Antarctic cigarette cards and the involvement of ‘Teddy’ Evans
Authors: Codling Rosamunde 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTDuring World War 1 John Player & Sons issued two series of cigarette cards, both entitled ‘Polar Exploration’. The first, probably issued in 1915, covered both Arctic and Antarctic subjects, but the second, issued in 1916, confined itself to the southern continent. Eight cards from the first series were derived from Shackleton's book The heart of the Antarctic. Commander E.R.G.R. ‘Teddy’ Evans, captain of R.F. Scott's vessel Terra Nova, was responsible for both the illustrations and texts of the cards in the second series.
Macrobenthic communities of the north-western Ross Sea shelf: links to depth, sediment characteristics and latitude
Authors: Cummings V.J. , Thrush S.F. , Chiantore M. , Hewitt J.E. , Cattaneo-Vietti R. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn early 2004 the Victoria Land Transect project sampled coastal north-western Ross Sea shelf benthos at Cape Adare, Cape Hallett, Cape Russell and Coulman Island from 100–500 m deep. We describe the benthic macrofaunal assemblages at these locations and, to assess the use of seafloor sediment characteristics and/or depth measures in bioregionalizations, determine the extent to which assemblage compositions are related to measured differences in these factors. Percentages of fine sand and silt, the ratio of sediment chlorophyllato phaeophytin, and depth were identified as important explanatory variables, but in combination they explained only 17.3% of between-location differences in assemblages. Consequently, these variables are clearly not strong determinants of macrofaunal assemblage structure. Latitudeper sewas not a useful measure of community variability and change. A significant correlation between both number of individuals and number of taxa and sediment phaeophytin concentration across locations suggests that the distribution of the benthos reflects their response to seafloor productivity. A number of factors not measured in this study have probably influenced the structure and function of assemblages and habitats. We discuss the implications of the results to marine classifications, and stress the need to incorporate biogenic habitat complexity into protection strategies.
Population structure ofFriesea grisea(Collembola, Neanuridae) in the Antarctic Peninsula and Victoria Land: evidence for local genetic differentiation of pre-Pleistocene origin
Authors: Torricelli Giulia , Frati Francesco , Convey Peter , Telford Marco , Carapelli Antonio 
Published: December 2010

AbstractFriesea griseais the only springtail species currently described from both East (Victoria Land) and West Antarctica (Antarctic Peninsula), although levels of genetic divergence between the two regions suggest the possibility of cryptic species. Determining the genetic structure of populations in the two regions is necessary in order to compare the effects of the different environmental conditions in the two regions, the different evolutionary histories of their inhabitants, and for assessing any influence of latitude in each region on genetic diversity. We analysed sequences of the mitochondrial COX1 and ATP6 genes from a total of 111 individuals for 17 sites (nine on the Antarctic Peninsula and eight in Victoria Land), to assess levels of genetic diversity. Both regions have their own unique sets of haplotypes, differing by about 20% of their nucleotide sequences. A similar number of haplotypes was found in the two regions, and within each we found two groups of populations sharing no haplotypes. In the Antarctic Peninsula, two, presumably ancestral, haplotypes are dominant in frequency. In Victoria Land, the Cape Hallett population showed a distinct set of haplotypes, genetically different from the southernmost populations, suggesting differentiation on pre-Pleistocene timescales.
Country characteristics and non-indigenous species
Authors: GREN ING-MARIE , THIERFELDER TOMAS , BERGLUND HELENA 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an econometric test of two hypotheses underlying the occurrence of non-indigenous species (NIS) at the global scale: openness of recipient nations which allows for international trade to act as a vector of NIS, and habitat fragmentation in recipient nations which facilitates establishment of introduced NIS. Explorative econometric methods have been utilised that combine the analysis of dimensionality with subset variable selection and multiple linear regression. Both NIS hypotheses are thereby supported, although slightly different in the cases of the mainland and island nations. It is concluded that expressions of openness have a larger impact on the number of NIS per unit territorial area in the mainland nations, whereas biota variables play a more dominant role in the case of the island nations. It is also concluded that different expressions of NIS occurrence affect the result, where NIS per area unit facilitates excellent explanatory performance.
The use of economic instruments for pollution control in Latin America: lessons for future policy design*
Authors: CAFFERA MARCELO 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTI review the few programs implemented in Latin America to control pollution with direct economic instruments and draw general lessons for the future implementation of these instruments in the region. The available evidence suggests that a combination of low capacities and political economy issues negatively affected the implementation of these programs. As a result, the capacity of the economic instruments to induce emission reductions cost effectively and their future political viability in these countries in the short- or medium-run may have been compromised. This present state of affairs provides more evidence in favor of the policy recommendation that Latin American countries should build local capacities before implementing direct economic instruments, than in favor of the alternative that these countries should adapt direct economic instruments to their institutional and political characteristics.
Variable Resolution Fluctuation Electron Microscopy on Cu-Zr Metallic Glass Using a Wide Range of Coherent STEM Probe Size
Authors: Hwang Jinwoo , Voyles P.M. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe report variable resolution fluctuation electron microscopy (VRFEM) measurements on Cu64.5Zr35.5metallic glass acquired using scanning transmission electron microscopy nanodiffraction using coherent probes 0.8 to 11 nm in diameter. The VRFEM results show that medium range atomic order structure of Cu64.5Zr35.5bulk metallic glass at the ∼1 nm scale has large fluctuations, but the structure becomes almost completely homogeneous at the 11 nm scale. We show that our experimental VRFEM data are consistent with two different models, the pair persistent model and the amorphous/nanocrystal composite model. We also report a new way to filter VRFEM data to eliminate the effect of specimen thickness gradient using high-angle annular dark field images as references.
Extended Depth of Field for High-Resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Hovden Robert , Xin Huolin L. , Muller David A. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEMs) provide sub-Angstrom lateral resolution; however, the large convergence angle greatly reduces the depth of field. For microscopes with a small depth of field, information outside of the focal plane quickly becomes blurred and less defined. It may not be possible to image some samples entirely in focus. Extended depth-of-field techniques, however, allow a single image, with all areas in focus, to be extracted from a series of images focused at a range of depths. In recent years, a variety of algorithmic approaches have been employed for bright-field optical microscopy. Here, we demonstrate that some established optical microscopy methods can also be applied to extend the ∼6 nm depth of focus of a 100 kV 5th-order aberration-corrected STEM (αmax = 33 mrad) to image Pt-Co nanoparticles on a thick vulcanized carbon support. These techniques allow us to automatically obtain a single image with all the particles in focus as well as a complimentary topography map.
High-Resolution Imaging of Kidney Vascular Corrosion Casts with Nano-CT
Authors: Wagner Roger , Van Loo Denis , Hossler Fred , Czymmek Kirk , Pauwels Elin , Van Hoorebeke Luc 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA vascular corrosion cast of an entire mouse kidney was scanned with a modular multiresolution X-ray nanotomography system. Using an isotropic voxel pitch of 0.5 μm, capillary systems such as the vasa recta, peritubular capillaries and glomeruli were clearly resolved. This represents a considerable improvement over corrosion casts scanned with microcomputed tomography systems. The resolving power of this system was clearly demonstrated by the unique observation of a dense, subcapsular mat of capillaries enveloping the entire outer surface of the cortical region. Resolution of glomerular capillaries was comparable to similar models derived from laser scanning confocal microscopy. The high-resolution, large field of view and the three-dimensional nature of the resulting data opens new possibilities for the use of corrosion casting in research.
Age-Related Changes in Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials Using a Modified Blood Pressure Manometer Feedback Method
Authors: Tourtillott Brandon M. , Ferraro John A. , Bani-Ahmed Ali , Almquist Elaine , Deshpande Nandini 
Published: December 2010

PurposeTo collect age-specific vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) data and to characterize age-related differences in VEMP parameters using a modified blood pressure manometer (BPM) method of sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle monitoring.MethodsVEMPs were recorded on healthy adults ranging in age from 23 to 84 years with no history of dizziness, neuromuscular pathologies, or cervical complaints. Participants were assigned to 3 groups using a nonprobability static group assignment based on their age. VEMP P1 and N1 latency, threshold, peak-to-peak amplitude, and interamplitude difference (IAD) ratios were obtained at 130 dB SPL.ResultsStatistical differences were detected in peak-to-peak mean amplitude and threshold measures among groups. Post hoc analysis revealed that differences shown were between the young group and both older groups. No significant differences were noted in P1 and N1 latencies or IAD ratios.ConclusionsThis study confirmed a significant decline in VEMP amplitude and increase in VEMP thresholds in healthy older persons. Normative age-related data may be necessary to properly interpret VEMP recordings in a clinical setting when evaluating aging populations. The BPM method utilized for controlling SCM muscle may be a valuable alternative to control SCM muscle contraction when electromyography equipment is not available.
Five Reasons Why Nonspeech Oral Motor Exercises (NSOME) Do Not Work
Authors: Lof Gregory L. , Watson Maggie 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Nonspeech oral motor exercises (NSOME) are used often by speech-language pathologists to help children improve their speech sound productions. However, the phonology, articulation, and motor speech development and disorders literature does not support their use. This article presents five reasons (four theoretical, one empirical) why NSOME are not an appropriate therapeutic technique for treating children's speech sound production problems.
Material Development for Language Intervention With Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Jansen Stephanie , Thompson Carmen , Mulder Andrea , McFarlane Lu-Anne 
Published: December 2010

AbstractFew targeted resources exist for teaching speech and language to children with ADHD, despite the high prevalence of such deficits within this population. While these children can be challenging to teach given their deficits in selective and sustained attention, as well as their impulsivity and hyper-activity, success in learning improves when difficulties in processing physical, visual, and aural stimuli are addressed. This article will provide methods, strategies, and sample materials to support educational assistants, teachers, parents, and speech language pathologists in generating effective and motivating activities to optimize learning in children with ADHD.
A Year in the Life of RtI: The First Year
Authors: Dooley-Zawacki Lizbeth 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
A speech-language pathologist in a public elementary school (grades K-5) was asked to become a participant in reviewing a district design of Response to Intervention (RtI) services, while initiating a building based RtI program for speech-language therapy. The instructional support team (IST) would serve as an initiator and facilitator for the SLP, RtI process and the targeted struggling learners. The purpose of this article is to review the development and changes made to an RtI program during the first year of enactment.