bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mathematical model of the occurrence of human error in manufacturing processes
Authors: Myszewski Jan M. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractVarious types of phenomena contribute to the variability of process results. Their common feature is randomness. Some of them can be described by continuous probability distributions, for example, the performance of machines or the properties of processed material. There are also discretely distributed contributions, such as human errors or machine failures. Six sigma methodology encompasses both continuous and discrete phenomena by expressing measures of variability by the so‐called ‘sigma measure’. However, this methodology cannot be used directly to assess the individual impact of a specific class of factors, such as human errors in a continuously distributed production process. This paper describes the development of a probabilistic model of human error. The model makes use of classical reliability concepts, such as a failure rate function, to represent substantial phenomena of various types (continuous and discrete) that play a significant role in the creation of errors in human work. The model includes a mechanism that is inherently associated with human work (i.e. the ‘bathtub curve’ that represents the processes of learning and fatiguing) and mechanisms introduced by the work environment (accumulation of tasks). The hypothesis is formulated that, in industrial processes, special causes of errors are closely related to the assignment of inadequate amounts of time for properly performing the operations. Graphs of error rate functions enable intuitive graphical interpretation of the causes of problems, and they can be used to support some considerations regarding the organization and measurement of workflow during a work shift. Thus, an intuitive graph can be useful for figuring out the potential impact on the risk of errors that will result from certain system events. Such graphs can be applied in a general capability study of a process to assess the variability measures associated with the individual impacts of particular classes of factors, for example, the sigma measure used in the six sigma methodology. It can be used to identify mechanisms of potential failures associated with human error in risk analysis, such as FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple correspondence discriminant analysis: An application to detect stratification in copy number variation
Authors: Caceres, Alejandro , Basagaña Xavier , Gonzalez Juan R. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe illustrate the use of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to correct for population stratification of copy number alteration data. In addition, we propose the use of multiple correspondence discriminant analysis (MCDA) to identify an optimal set of copy number variants (CNVs) that correctly infers the population stratification of a CNV map. Within MCDA, we highlight the novel use of correlation with class directions for variable ranking. We found a set of 20 CNVs with 98 per cent predictability in a CNV map of the HapMap populations. On this sample, the selection of variables based on centroid ranking outperformed the most common practice of ranking variables with their correlation to the principal axes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Animal visual perception
Authors: Mascalzoni Elena , Regolin Lucia 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPerception processes can be investigated at the physical (concerning the stimulation from the environment to the receptors), physiological (the processes taking place in the neural system), and psychological (the ‘sense’ of perception, the outcome produced by the physical stimulation and the physiological processes) level. The present paper focuses on visual perception, mainly from a psychological level of investigation, and revises comparative literature, highlighting both similarities and differences in the visual structures and functions in different animal classes. For this purpose, the structure of the current eyes is described in a comparative perspective, as well as perceptual organization and object recognition processes, color perception, three‐dimensional structuring of the image, and motion perception. Finally, the literature about comparative susceptibility to various visual illusions will be discussed, as illusory perception has been revealed to be a most useful tool to unveil the perceptual algorithms shared by the different species. In spite of major differences between animal species in the structures in charge of perception and in the adaptations to specific ecological niches, experimental data presented here will lead to the conclusion that a number of basic perceptual principles of organization and functioning are shared between species. WIREs Cogn Sci 2011 2 106–116 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.97This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition
Psychology > Comparative Psychology
Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics
On the dynamical theory of thermoelastic simple shells
Authors: Bîrsan M. , Altenbach H. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn this paper we present a mathematical study of the equations of motion for orthotropic thermoelastic simple shells. We use a direct approach to the mechanics of thin shells, in which the shell‐like body is modeled as a deformable surface endowed with a triad of orthonormal vectors connected with each material point. The thermal effects are described by introducing two temperature fields which represent the temperature on the two major faces of the three‐dimensional shell. In the framework of the linear theory, we establish first the uniqueness of solution to the associated boundary–initial–value problem. Then we prove the properties of reciprocity, we give a variational characterization, and we investigate the continuous dependence of solutions on the external data. Finally, we present an existence result for the weak solutions to the equations of motion of thermoelastic simple shells.
A superconvergent scheme for a locking‐free FEM in a Timoshenko optimal control problem
Authors: Hernández E. , Otárola E. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn this work we analyze the numerical approximation of an optimal control problem of a Timoshenko beam, by considering two kinds of distributed control. The discretization of the control variables is performed by using piecewise constant functions. The states and the adjoint states are approximated by a locking free scheme of linear finite elements. An interpolation postprocessing technique is used for the approximations of the optimal solution of the continuous optimal control problem. It is proved that these approximations have superconvergence order h2, which do not depend on the thickness of the beam.
Diabetes mellitus, cachexia and obesity in heart failure: rationale and design of the Studies Investigating Co‐morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure (SICA‐HF)
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Lainscak Mitja , Doehner Wolfram , Ponikowski Piotr , Rosano Giuseppe , Jordan Jens , Rozentryt Piotr , Rauchhaus Mathias , Karpov Rostislav , Tkachuk Vsevolod , Parfyonova Yelena , Zaritskey Andrey Y. , Shlyakhto Eugeniy V. , Cleland John G. , Anker Stefan D. 
Published: December 2010

BackgroundChronic heart failure (CHF) is increasing in prevalence. Patients with CHF usually have co‐morbid conditions, but these have been subjected to little research and consequently there is a paucity of guidance on how to manage them. Obesity and diabetes mellitus are common antecedents of CHF and often complicate management and influence outcome. Cachexia is an ominous and often missed sign in patients with CHF.MethodsThis manuscript describes the rationale and the design of Studies Investigating Co‐morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure (SICA‐HF), a prospective, multicentre, multinational, longitudinal, pathophysiological evaluation study, which is being conducted in 11 centres across six countries in the European Union and in Russia. We aim to recruit >1,600 patients with CHF due to various common aetiologies, irrespective of left ventricular ejection fraction, and with or without co‐morbidities at study entry. In addition, >300 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without CHF and >150 healthy subjects will serve as control groups. Participants will be systematically investigated at annual intervals for up to 48 months. Additional investigations focusing on cellular and subcellular mechanisms, adipose and skeletal muscle tissue, and in endothelial progenitor cells will be performed in selected subgroups.ConclusionsSICA‐HF will provide insights into common co‐morbidities in CHF with a specific emphasis on diabetes mellitus and body mass. This will provide a more thorough pathophysiological understanding of the complexity of CHF that will help develop therapies tailored to manage specific co‐morbidities.
Overt fatal and chronic subclinical Encephalitozoon cuniculi microsporidiosis in a colony of captive emperor tamarins (Saguinus imperator)
Authors: Guscetti F. , Mathis A. , Hatt J.‐M. , Deplazes P. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract: The course of an infection with the microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a colony of captive emperor tamarins (Saguinus imperator) is described. In two litters, the infection was associated with overt disease and death of all infants. Immunohistochemistry for E. cuniculi showed generalized infections, and histopathologic evaluation revealed systemic vasculitis and disseminated mixed inflammatory cell infiltration with and without necrosis in several organs. Serologically, some of the juvenile animals presented with high titres for Encephalitozoon, while the adults had low titres. The E. cuniculi‘dog strain’ was identified by molecular means for the first time in Europe. The origin of the infection appeared to be a pair of breeding adults that originated from the US. Our data suggest that the organism persisted over years in the colony, and that subclinically infected animals most likely were involved in perpetuating the infection. Efforts should be made to ascertain if this microorganism is present in other captive populations of this endangered monkey species and to prevent its further spreading.
Instantaneous Capture and Mineralization of Flue Gas Carbon Dioxide: Pilot Scale Study
Authors: Reddy KJ , Weber Hollis , Bhattacharyya Pradip , Morris Argyle , Taylor David , Christensen Mikol , Foulke Thomas , Fahlsing Paul 
Published: December 2010

AbstractMultiple CO2 capture and storage (CCS) processes are required to address anthropogenic CO2 problems. However, a method which can directly capture and mineralize CO2 at a point source, under actual field conditions, has advantages and could help offset the cost associated with the conventional CCS technologies. The mineral carbonation (MC), a process of converting CO2 into stable minerals (mineralization), has been studied extensively to store CO2. However, most of the MC studies have been largely investigated at laboratory scale. Objectives of this research were to develop a pilot scale AMC (accelerated mineral carbonation) process and test the effects of flue gas moisture content on carbonation of fly ash particles. A pilot scale AMC process consisting of a moisture reducing drum (MRD), a heater/humidifier, and a fluidized-bed reactor (FBR) was developed and tested by reacting flue gas with fly ash particles at one of the largest coal-fired power plants (2120 MW) in the USA. The experiments were conducted over a period of 2 hr at ~ 300 SCFM flow-rates, at a controlled pressure (115.1 kPa), and under different flue gas moisture contents (2-16%). The flue gas CO2 and SO2 concentrations were monitored before and during the experiments by an industrial grade gas analyzer. Fly ash samples were collected from the reactor sample port from 0-120 minutes and analyzed for total inorganic carbon (C), sulfur (S), and mercury (Hg). From C, S, and Hg concentrations, %calcium carbonate (CaCO3), %sulfate (SO42-), and %mercury carbonate (HgCO3) were calculated, respectively. Results suggested significant mineralization of flue gas CO2, SO2, and Hg within 10-15 minutes of reaction. Among different moisture conditions, ~16% showed highest conversion of flue gas CO2 and SO2 to %CaCO3 and %SO42- in fly ash samples. For example, an increase of almost 4% in CaCO3 content of fly ash was observed. Overall, the AMC process is cost-effective with minimum carbon footprint and can be retrofitted to coal fired power plants (existing and/or new) as a post-combustion unit to minimize flue gas CO2, SO2, and Hg emissions into the atmosphere. Used in conjunction with capture and geologic sequestration, the AMC process has the potential to reduce overall cost associated with CO2 separation/compression/transportation/pore space/brine water treatment. It could also help protect sensitive amines and carbon filters used in flue gas CO2 capture and separation process and extend their life.
User Centered and Ontology Based Information*Retrieval System for Life Sciences
Authors: Ranwez Sylvie , Ranwez Vincent , Sy Mohameth François , Montmain Jacky , Crampes Michel 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBecause of the increasing number of electronic data, designing efficient tools to retrieve and exploit documents is a major challenge. Current search engines suffer from two main drawbacks: there is limited interaction with the list of retrieved documents and no explanation for their adequacy to the query. Users may thus be confused by the selection and have no idea how to adapt their query so that the results match their expectations.This talk describes a request method and an environment based on aggregating models to assess the relevance of documents annotated by concepts of ontology. The selection of documents is then displayed in a semantic map to provide graphical indications that make explicit to what extent they match the user’s query; this man/machine interface favors a more interactive exploration of data corpus.
RETRACTED: Two RNA subunits and POT1a are components of Arabidopsis telomerase
Authors: Cifuentes-Rojas Catherine , Kannan Kalpana , Tseng Lin , Shippen Dorothy E. 
Published: December 2010

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) reverse transcriptase whose essential RNA subunit (TER) functions as a template for telomere repeat synthesis. Here we report the identification of two divergent TER moieties in the flowering plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
. Although both TER1 and TER2 copurify with telomerase activity and serve as templates for telomerase in vitro, depletion of TER1, but not TER2, leads to decreased telomerase activity and progressive telomere shortening in vivo. Moreover, mutation of the templating domain in TER1 results in the incorporation of mutant telomere repeats on chromosome ends. Thus, TER1 provides the major template for telomerase in vivo. We also show that POT1a binds TER1 with a Kd of 2 × 10
-7
M and the two components assemble into an enzymatically active RNP in vivo. In contrast, TER1-POT1b and TER2-POT1a associations were not observed. In other organisms POT1 proteins bind telomeric DNA and provide chromosome end protection. We propose that duplication of TER and POT1 in Arabidopsis fueled the evolution of novel protein–nucleic acid interactions and the migration of POT1 from the telomere to the telomerase RNP.
Venous air embolism during semi‐sitting craniotomy evokes thrombocytopenia
Authors: Schäfer S. T. , Sandalcioglu I. E. , Stegen B. , Neumann A. , Asgari S. , Peters J. 
Published: December 2010

SummaryVenous air embolism activates platelets in vitro and can evoke platelet dysfunction in swine. We tested the hypothesis that venous air embolism during semi‐sitting craniotomy induces thrombocytopenia in humans. We analysed the charts of 799 patients who had an elective craniotomy in the semi‐sitting position between 1990 and June 2009. Venous air embolism occurred in 52 patients (6.5%) and was associated with a decrease in mean (SD) in platelet count from 270 (75) × 109 l−1 to 194 (62) × 109 l−1 (p < 0.001). In age‐matched controls without venous air embolism mean (SD) platelet count did not change (254 (82) × 109 l−1 vs. 250 (97) × 109 l−1 (NS). While mean (SD) haematocrit fell slightly in both groups (venous air embolism: 0.40 (0.05) to 0.32 (0.04), p < 0.001; no venous air embolism: 0.41 (0.04) to 0.35 (0.05), p < 0.001), normalising platelet count to haematocrit did not alter the results.
Recombinant, activated factor VII for surgery in factor VII deficiency: a prospective evaluation – the surgical STER
Authors: Mariani Guglielmo , Dolce Alberto , Batorova Angelika , Auerswald Günter , Schved Jean Francois , Siragusa Sergio , Napolitano Mariasanta , Knudsen Jens Bjerre , Ingerslev Jørgen ,   on behalf of the STER and the International Factor VII Deficiency Study Groups
Published: December 2010

SummaryExcessive bleeding represents a major complication of surgical interventions and its control is especially relevant in patients with Congenital Bleeding Disorders (CBD). In factor VII (FVII) deficiency, scanty data on surgery is available to guide treatment strategies. The STER (Seven Treatment Evaluation Registry) is a multi‐centre, prospective, observational, web‐based study protocol providing the frame for a structured and detailed data collection. Inhibitor occurrence was checked in a centralized fashion. Forty‐one surgical operations (24 ‘major’ and 17 ‘minor’) were performed in 34 subjects with a carefully characterized FVII deficiency under the coverage of recombinant activated Factor VII (rFVIIa). Bleeding occurred during three major interventions of orthopaedic surgery, but rFVIIa was given at very low dose in each case. An antibody to FVII was observed in one patient who underwent a multiple dental extraction. No thromboses were reported during the 30‐d follow up period. Replacement therapy with rFVIIa proved effective when suitable doses were used, which, during the period of maximum bleeding risk (the day of operation), were calculated (Receiver Operated Characteristic analysis) to be of at least 13 μg/kg/body weight per single dose and no less than three administrations. This indication is important especially in the case of major surgery.
Large B cell lymphoma presenting initially in bone marrow, liver and spleen: an aggressive entity associated frequently with haemophagocytic syndrome
Authors: Yeh Yu‐Min , Chang Kung‐Chao , Chen Ya‐Ping , Kao Lin‐Yuan , Tsai Huey‐Pin , Ho Chung‐Liang , Wang Jen‐Ren , Jones Dan , Chen Tsai‐Yun 
Published: December 2010

Yeh Y‐M, Chang K‐C, Chen Y‐P, Kao L‐Y, Tsai H‐P, Ho C‐L, Wang J‐R, Jones D & Chen T‐Y (2010) Histopathology57, 785–795 Large B cell lymphoma presenting initially in bone marrow, liver and spleen: an aggressive entity associated frequently with haemophagocytic syndrome Aims:  To describe diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) presenting initially in bone marrow, liver and spleen (BLS‐type) without lymphadenopathy.Methods and results:  The clinicopathological and cytogenetic features of 11 such cases (eight men, three women; mean age: 62.7 years are described). Usually presenting with fever and haemophagocytic syndrome suggesting infection and complicating timely diagnosis, bone marrow examination showed patchy and interstitial infiltration of large tumour cells without sinusoidal involvement. All cases had a high Ki‐67 index (≥90%), commonly a non‐germinal centre/activated B cell immunophenotype and were negative for Epstein–Barr virus and human herpesvirus 6 and 8. The more frequent cytogenetic changes involved chromosomal loci 14q32 and 9p24, as well as del(3)(q21), add(7)(p22), t(3;6), del(8)(p22), +18 and add(19)(p13). Clinical behaviour was very aggressive, with a 2‐year survival rate of 18% (45% of patients died within 3 weeks). High‐dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation prolonged survival in one patient.Conclusions:  Although it shares with intravascular LBCL a subtle presentation and an aggressive clinical course, this primary BLS large cell lymphoma variant is distinguished by lacking an intravascular component and having different cytogenetic findings.
Fibrinolytic activity is associated with presence of cystic medial degeneration in aneurysms of the ascending aorta
Authors: Borges Luciano F , Gomez Delphine , Quintana Mercedes , Touat Ziad , Jondeau Guillaume , Leclercq Anne , Meilhac Olivier , Jandrot‐Perrus Martine , Gutierrez Paulo S , Freymuller Edna , Vranckx Roger , Michel Jean‐Baptiste 
Published: December 2010

Borges L F, Gomez D, Quintana M, Touat Z, Jondeau G, Leclercq A, Meilhac O, Jandrot‐Perrus M, Gutierrez P S, Freymuller E, Vranckx R & Michel J‐B (2010) Histopathology57, 917–932 Fibrinolytic activity is associated with presence of cystic medial degeneration in aneurysms of the ascending aorta Aims:  Thoracic ascending aortic aneurysms (TAA) are characterized by elastic fibre breakdown and cystic medial degeneration within the aortic media, associated with progressive smooth muscle cell (SMC) rarefaction. The transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β/Smad2 signalling pathway is involved in this process. Because the pericellular fibrinolytic system activation is able to degrade adhesive proteins, activate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), induce SMC disappearance and increase the bioavailability of TGF‐β, the aim was to investigate the plasminergic system in TAA.Methods and results:  Ascending aortas [21 controls and 19 TAAs (of three different aetiologies)] were analysed. Immunohistochemistry showed accumulation of t‐PA, u‐PA and plasmin in TAAs, associated with residual SMCs. Overexpression of t‐PA and u‐PA was confirmed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), immunoblotting and zymography on TAA extracts and culture medium conditioned by TAA. Plasminogen was present on the SMC surface and inside cytoplasmic vesicles, but plasminogen mRNA was undetectable in the TAA medial layer. Plasmin–antiplasmin complexes were detected in TAA‐conditioned medium and activation of the fibrinolytic system was associated with increased fibronectin turnover. Fibronectin‐related material was detected immunohistochamically in dense clumps around SMCs and colocalized with latent TGF‐β binding protein‐1.Conclusions:  The fibrinolytic pathway could play a critical role in TAA progression, via direct or indirect impact on ECM and consecutive modulation of TGF‐β bioavailability.
Nurses’ pay in Japan: market forces vs. institutional constraints
Authors: Nakata Yoshifumi , Miyazaki Satoru 
Published: December 2010

Aims and objectives.  To analyse Japan’s labour market for nurses and determine reasons for the continuing excess demand.Background.  Japan has long been experiencing a shortage of nurses. The situation has been worsening over the past few years, as is reflected in the growing media coverage of the issue.Design.  We constructed an economic model of wage setting for Japanese nurses and analysed those wages applying standard labour economics theories.Methods.  We constructed a nurse labour market data base from various public sets and estimated a few alternative wage functions from this data base. We then interpreted these parameters and the differences of some parameters by function to make an evaluation of relative importance of labour market forces and policies on the setting of the Japanese nurse wages.Results.  The government’s move to improve the nursing staff–inpatient ratio and the shorter inpatient hospital stays have had a positive impact on the wages of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practicing nurses (LPNs). Yet, the nursing labour market imbalance remains.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings show that individual hospitals and clinics could take three steps to help fill the nursing vacancies. First, they could introduce a reorientation program for those nurses no longer in the labour market. Second, they could restructure the working arrangements for those nurses with family responsibilities. Third, they could be instrumental in having the current wage system reassessed.