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System Used (system + used)
Selected AbstractsA REMOTE BIOPSY SYSTEM USED TO SAMPLE STELLER SEA LION (EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS) BLUBBERMARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, Issue 3 2006Laura K. Hoberecht First page of article [source] A Computer Implementation of the Separate Maintenance Model for Complex-system ReliabilityQUALITY AND RELIABILITY ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL, Issue 7 2006M. Tortorella Abstract Reliability modeling and quantitative reliability prediction for all but the simplest system architectures demands intensive computer support for the numerical computations required. Many commercial and academic reliability modeling software packages provide support for the Markov-chain state diagram system reliability model. Other system reliability models, such as those offering non-exponential life and/or repair time distributions, transient analysis, or other special handling, may sometimes be desirable. Users have fewer choices for software supporting these options. This paper describes SUPER, a software package developed at Bell Laboratories, which provides computational support for the separate maintenance model as well as for some other useful system reliability descriptions. SUPER is an acronym for System Used for Prediction and Evaluation of Reliability. The paper also includes a brief tutorial to assist practitioners with system reliability model selection, a review of the models contained in SUPER and their theoretical bases, and implementation issues. SUPER has been used in the telecommunications industry for over 15 years. The paper includes an example from this experience. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Modeling and Simulation of a Transcutaneous Energy Transmission System Used in Artificial Organ ImplantsARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 12 2009Wan Fang Abstract We present a mathematical model to simulate transcutaneous energy transmission systems. Treating such systems as resonant power electronic converters, we develop the equivalent circuit equations, for which the circuit variables are then expanded as Fourier series and a multi-frequency averaging method was applied. Keeping terms up to first-order, the analysis produces a dynamic and harmonic model describing these energy transmission systems. With appropriate values for the circuit parameters, numerical results are compared with those of the exact time domain model. This comparison verifies that our model can adequately represent to first-order such energy-transmission systems. [source] Clock synchronization in Cell/B.E. tracesCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 14 2009M. Biberstein Abstract Cell/B.E. is a heterogeneous multicore processor that was designed for the efficient execution of parallel and vectorizable applications with high computation and memory requirements. The transition to multicores introduces the challenge of providing tools that help programmers tune the code running on these architectures. Tracing tools, in particular, often help locate performance problems related to thread and process communication. A major impediment to implementing tracing on Cell is the absence of a common clock that can be accessed at low cost from all cores. The OS clock is costly to access from the auxiliary cores and the hardware timers cannot be simultaneously set on all the cores. In this paper, we describe an offline trace analysis algorithm that assigns wall-clock time to trace records based on their thread-local time stamps and event order. Our experiments on several Cell SDK workloads show that the indeterminism in assigning wall-clock time to events is low, on average 20,40 clock ticks (translating into 1.4,2.8,µs on the system used in our experiments). We also show how various practical problems, such as the imprecision of time measurement, can be overcome. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The Need to Rationalize and Prioritize Threatening Processes Used to Determine Threat Status in the IUCN Red ListCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009MATT W. HAYWARD carnivora; competencia; estatus de conservación; procesos amenazantes Abstract:,Thorough evaluation has made the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List the most widely used and accepted authority on the conservation status of biodiversity. Although the system used to determine risk of extinction is rigorously and objectively applied, the list of threatening processes affecting a species is far more subjectively determined and has not had adequate review. I reviewed the threats listed in the IUCN Red List for randomly selected groups within the three most threatened orders of mammals: Artiodactyla, Carnivora, and Primates. These groups are taxonomically related and often ecologically similar, so I expected they would suffer relatively similar threats. Hominoid primates and all other terrestrial fauna faced similar threats, except for bovine artiodactyls and large, predatory carnivores, which faced significantly different threats. Although the status of bovines and hominoids and the number of threats affecting them were correlated, this was not the case for large carnivores. Most notable, however, was the great variation in the threats affecting individual members of each group. For example, the endangered European bison (Bison bonasus) has no threatening processes listed for it, and the lion (Panthera leo) is the only large predator listed as threatened with extinction by civil war. Some threatening processes appear spurious for the conservation of the species, whereas other seemingly important factors are not recorded as threats. The subjective nature of listing threatening processes, via expert opinion, results in substantial biases that may be allayed by independent peer review, use of technical manuals, consensus among multiple assessors, incorporation of probability modeling via decision-tree analysis, and adequate coordination among evaluators. The primary focus should be on species-level threats rather than population-level threats because the IUCN Red List is a global assessment and smaller-scale threats are more appropriate for national status assessments. Until conservationists agree on the threats affecting species and their relative importance, conservation action and success will be hampered by scattering scarce resources too widely and often by implementing conflicting strategies. Resumen:,La evaluación exhaustiva ha hecho que la Lista Roja de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN) sea la autoridad más aceptada y ampliamente utilizada respecto al estatus de conservación de la biodiversidad. Aunque el sistema utilizado para determinar el riesgo de extinción es aplicado rigurosa y objetivamente, la lista de procesos amenazantes que afectan a las especies es determinado muy subjetivamente y no es revisado adecuadamente. Revisé las amenazas consideradas en la Lista Roja UICN para grupos seleccionados aleatoriamente en los tres órdenes de mamíferos más amenazados: Artyodactila, Carnivora y Primates. Estos grupos están relacionados taxonómicamente y a menudo son ecológicamente similares, así que esperaba que tuvieran amenazas relativamente similares. Los primates homínidos y toda la demás fauna terrestre enfrentan amenazas similares, excepto por los bovinos artiodáctilos y los carnívoros depredadores mayores, que enfrentan amenazas significativamente diferentes. Aunque el estatus de los bovinos y homínidos y el número de amenazas que los afectan estuvieron correlacionados, este no fue el caso para los carnívoros mayores. Sin embargo, lo más notable fue la gran variación en las amenazas que afectan a miembros individuales de cada grupo. Por ejemplo, no hay procesos amenazantes enlistados para el bisonte europeo (Bison bonasus), y el león (Panthera leo) es el único depredador mayor enlistado como amenazado de extinción por la guerra civil. Algunos procesos amenazantes parecen espurios para la conservación de las especies, mientras que otros factores aparentemente importantes no están registrados como amenazas. La naturaleza subjetiva de los procesos de enlistado, por medio de la opinión de expertos, resulta en sesgos sustanciales que pueden disiparse por la revisión independiente por pares, el uso de manuales técnicos, el consenso de múltiples asesores, la incorporación del modelado probabilístico mediante análisis de árboles de decisión y la adecuada coordinación entre evaluadores. El enfoque principal debería ser sobre amenazas a nivel de especies en lugar de amenazas a nivel de poblaciones porque la Lista Roja UICN es una evaluación global y las amenazas a menor escala son más apropiadas para evaluaciones nacionales de estatus. Hasta que los conservacionistas estén de acuerdo sobre las amenazas que afectan a las especies y su importancia relativa, las acciones de conservación y su éxito estarán obstaculizados por la dispersión demasiado amplia de recursos limitados y a menudo por la implementación de estrategias contrapuestas. [source] Factors influencing the publication of social performance information: an Australian case studyCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2005Tony McMurtrie Abstract Traditional research into the social responsibility information published by firms has concentrated on the information published in the annual report and has not considered closely the driving forces that have guided the identification and preparation of information that is to be included in that publication. This paper reports on a case study that has examined some of the internal factors that have driven the publication of social responsibility information, and shows that while the annual report is still a major publication medium the internet plays a very significant role in the dissemination of information. Factors that impact on the publication media and the content of the published information in these cases were seen to be the nature of the information system used, the intended audience and their perceived power, and the level of corporate conservatism that guided the companies' management. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Validity Evidence of an Electronic Portfolio for Preservice TeachersEDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT: ISSUES AND PRACTICE, Issue 1 2008Yuankun Yao This study applied Messick's unified, multifaceted concept of construct validity to an electronic portfolio system used in a teacher education program. The subjects included 128 preservice teachers who recently completed their final portfolio reviews and student teaching experiences. Four of Messick's six facets of validity were investigated for the portfolio in this study, along with a discussion of the remaining facets examined in two previous studies. The evidence provided support for the substantive and generalizability aspects of validity, and limited support for the content, structural, external, and consequential aspects of validity. It was suggested that the electronic portfolio may be used as one requirement for certification purposes, but may not be valid for the purpose of assessing teacher competencies. [source] Here today , not gone tomorrow: Roles for activating receptors in sustaining NK cells during viral infectionsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2010Seung-Hwan Lee Abstract The conclusive evidence supporting a role for NK cells in defense against viruses has been obtained under conditions of NK cell deficiencies prior to infections. NK cell proliferation can be induced during infections, but the advantages of resulting expansion have been unclear because NK cell basal frequency is already high. However, NK cell decreases are also observed during certain conditions of viral infection. Given the range of potent antiviral and immunoregulatory functions of NK cells, such "disappearance" dramatically changes the resources available to the host. New studies demonstrate that proliferation dependent on activating receptors for virus-induced ligands is key for NK cell maintenance, and allows their continued availability for control of adaptive immune responses and immunopathology. This pathway for sustaining NK cells may represent a system used generally to select subsets for rescue during homeostatic purging. In the case of NK cells, though, nonselection limits continued access to the many beneficial functions of NK cells. The observations resolve the long-standing conundrum of reported NK cell increases and decreases during viral infections. Moreover, they demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for activating receptors, i.e. to keep NK cells here today and also tomorrow. [source] Effect of dentin conditioning on dentin permeability and micro-shear bond strengthEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2007Danuchit Banomyong The purpose of this study was to compare fluid flow rates across dentin surfaces treated with four conditioners. The effect of conditioning on the micro-shear bond strengths of glass ionomer cement (Fuji IX GP) and resin-based adhesives (Single Bond 2 or Clearfil SE Bond) were also investigated. Under a simulated pressure of 1.3 kPa, two dentin conditioners, phosphoric acid, and a self-etching primer were applied to the dentin surfaces. Dentinal fluid flows at baseline and after conditioning were recorded for 15 min each. The conditioned surfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscope. The micro-shear bond strengths of the glass ionomer cement and of the resin-based adhesives bonded to conditioned dentin surfaces were evaluated while simulated intrapulpal pressure was maintained at 0 or 1.3 kPa. Only the dentin surface etched with phosphoric acid showed a significant increase in permeability. Micro-shear bond strengths of Fuji IX GP were not affected by conditioning the dentin surfaces or by bonding at different intrapulpal pressures (0 or 1.3 kPa). The effects on bond strengths of resin-based adhesives depended on the system used. The simulated positive intrapulpal pressure during bonding significantly affected the adherence of Single Bond 2, whereas Clearfil SE Bond was unaffected. [source] Effect of endodontic irrigation on bonding of resin cement to radicular dentinEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 1 2005Mikako Hayashi The influence of endodontic irrigation on shear bond strengths of resin cement to radicular dentin was investigated. Human radicular dentin blocks were divided into four groups and subjected to one of four endodontic irrigations: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) group, 17% EDTA for 60 s; EDTA/sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) group, 17% EDTA for 60 s followed by 10 ml of 5% NaOCl for 15 s; NaOCl group, 10 ml of 5% NaOCl for 15 s; and control group, no treatment. Morphological changes of dentin surface after endodontic irrigation were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A resin block was bonded to the radicular dentin after irrigation using resin cement with either wet-bonding (Uni-Etch/One-Step; Bisco) or self-etching (Tyrian SPE/One-Step Plus; Bisco) adhesives. Shear bond strengths were measured and the penetration of resin tags into dentinal tubules at resin,dentin interface was observed by SEM. With the wet-bonding system, the shear bond strengths for the EDTA/NaOCl group, in which dentinal tubules openings and uniform resin tag penetration into dentinal tubules were observed, were significantly higher than the EDTA and control groups. With the self-etching system, the shear bond strengths were significantly lower in the EDTA group compared with the NaOCl and control groups. The effects of endodontic irrigation on the bonding of resin cement to radicular dentin depended on the dentin bonding system used. [source] Hybrid expert,fuzzy approach for evaluation of complex systemsEXPERT SYSTEMS, Issue 3 2009Veysi Öztürk Abstract: Evaluation of complex systems is generally complicated and time consuming. Evaluation is needed for nearly all engineering tasks and the obstacles related to evaluation increase in proportion to complexity. New techniques can be used to automate manual evaluation and to overcome the obstacles related to evaluation that cannot be solved (or can only be solved with great difficulty) with conventional computing. In this study, a methodology was developed to handle the heuristic knowledge of experts for evaluation purposes. In this method, knowledge was represented as a reference model of evaluation objectives, production rules, measures, methods and parameters. A ,common evaluation process' and ,common evaluation model', which simplify and speed up the evaluation process and decrease evaluation cost, were proposed and developed. A hybrid expert,fuzzy system, called ,intelligent evaluation system' (INES), which can be used for evaluation of complex systems was developed. To define a process and develop a system that simplifies and speeds up evaluation can save time, decrease cost and provide reusability. As the evaluation of complex systems includes uncertainty in some aspects, fuzzy logic was incorporated with an expert system for reasoning. INES was implemented successfully for the evaluation of an air defence system, which is a complex system used to protect a region from all air threats. [source] Molecular mass of macromolecules and subunits and the quaternary structure of hemoglobin from the microcrustacean Daphnia magnaFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 14 2006Tobias Lamkemeyer The molecular masses of macromolecules and subunits of the extracellular hemoglobin from the fresh-water crustacean Daphnia magna were determined by analytical ultracentrifugation, multiangle laser light scattering and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The hemoglobins from hypoxia-incubated, hemoglobin-rich and normoxia-incubated, hemoglobin-poor Daphnia magna were analyzed separately. The sedimentation coefficient of the macromolecule was 17.4 ± 0.1 S, and its molecular mass was 583 kDa (hemoglobin-rich animals) determined by AUC and 590.4 ± 11.1 kDa (hemoglobin-rich animals) and 597.5 ± 49 kDa (hemoglobin-poor animals), respectively, determined by multiangle laser light scattering. Measurements of the hemoglobin subunit mass of hemoglobin-rich animals by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed a significant peak at 36.482 ± 0.0015 kDa, i.e. 37.715 kDa including two heme groups. The hemoglobin subunits are modified by O-linked glycosylation in the pre-A segments of domains 1. No evidence for phosphorylation of hemoglobin subunits was found. The subunit migration behavior during SDS/PAGE was shown to be influenced by the buffer system used (Tris versus phosphate). The subunit mass heterogeneity found using Tris buffering can be explained by glycosylation of hemoglobin subunits. Based on molecular mass information, Daphnia magna hemoglobin is demonstrated to consist of 16 subunits. The quaternary structure of the Daphnia magna hemoglobin macromolecule was assessed by three-dimensional reconstructions via single-particle analysis based on negatively stained electron microscopic specimens. It turned out to be much more complex than hitherto proposed: it displays D4 symmetry with a diameter of approximately 12 nm and a height of about 8 nm. [source] Potential agronomic options for energy-efficient sugar beet-based bioethanol production in northern JapanGCB BIOENERGY, Issue 3 2009NOBUHISA KOGA Abstract Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) is deemed to be one of the most promising bioethanol feedstock crops in northern Japan. To establish viable sugar beet-based bioethanol production systems, energy-efficient protocols in sugar beet cultivation are being intensively sought. On this basis, the effects of alternative agronomic practices for sugar beet production on total energy inputs (from fuels and agricultural materials during cultivation and transportation) and ethanol yields (estimated from sugar yields) were assessed in terms of (i) direct drilling, (ii) reduced tillage (no moldboard plowing), (iii) no-fungicide application, (iv) using a high-yielding beet genotype, (v) delayed harvesting and (vi) root+crown harvesting. Compared with the conventional sugar beet production system used in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, northern Japan, which makes use of transplants, direct drilling and no-fungicide application contributed to reduced energy inputs from raising seedlings and fungicides, respectively, but sugar (or ethanol) yields were also reduced by these practices, to a greater equivalent extent than the reductions in energy inputs. Consequently, direct drilling (6.84 MJ L,1) and no-fungicide application (7.78 MJ L,1) worsened the energy efficiency (total energy inputs to produce 1 L of ethanol), compared with conventional sugar beet production practices (5.82 MJ L,1). Sugar yields under conventional plow-based tillage and reduced tillage practices were similar, but total energy inputs were reduced as a result of reduced fuel consumption from not plowing. Hence, reduced tillage showed improved energy efficiency (5.36 MJ L,1). The energy efficiency was also improved by using a high-yielding genotype (5.23 MJ L,1) and root+crown harvesting (5.21 MJ L,1). For these practices, no major changes in total energy inputs were noted, but sugar yields were consistently increased. Neither total energy inputs nor ethanol yields were affected by extending the vegetative growing period by delaying harvesting. [source] How Likely is Proportional Representation in the House of Commons?GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION, Issue 4 2009Lessons from International Experience This article asks what international evidence suggests about the likelihood of major reform of the system used to elect the British House of Commons. It identifies four paths that have generated major electoral reform or come close to doing so in established democracies in recent decades and examines how likely each is to lead to reform in the UK. It argues that, on this evidence, reform in the UK is unlikely but not impossible. [source] Management of complicated head and neck wounds with vacuum-assisted closure systemHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 11 2006Brian T. Andrews MD Abstract Background The vacuum-assisted closure system (V.A.C.), or negative pressure dressings, has been successfully used to manage complex wounds of the torso and extremities, but its role in the head and neck region has not been frequently described. Methods A retrospective study was performed. The V.A.C. system (Kinetic Concepts Inc., San Antonio, TX) was used at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for management of complicated head and neck wounds. Results The V.A.C. system was utilized at 13 sites for 12 patients. Nine subjects had exposed calvarium (4 had failed pedicled reconstructive flaps, 3 had ablative or Moh's defects, and 2 had traumatic scalping injuries) necessitating bony coverage. Three subjects had the V.A.C. system used as a bolster dressing placed over split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) used to reconstruct large defects of the face and skull, and 1 patient had a large soft tissue neck defect after radical surgical resection for necrotizing fascitis. One subject used the V.A.C. system for the management of 2 distinct wounds. All patients had successful healing of their wounds with the V.A.C. system without complication. All STSGs had 100% viability after 5 to 7 days of the V.A.C. system use as a bolster dressing. Conclusion This study demonstrates the V.A.C. system is a valuable tool in the management of complicated head and neck wounds. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006 [source] Numerical simulation of high-temperature phase change heat storage systemHEAT TRANSFER - ASIAN RESEARCH (FORMERLY HEAT TRANSFER-JAPANESE RESEARCH), Issue 1 2004Yu-Ming Xing Abstract In this paper, numerical results pertaining to cyclic melting and freezing of an encapsulated phase-change material (PCM) have been reported. The cyclic nature of the present problem is relevant to latent heat thermal energy storage system used to power solar Brayton engines in space. In particular, a physical and numerical model of the single-tube phase change heat storage system was developed. A high-temperature eutectic mixture of LiF-CaF2 was used as the PCM and dry air was used as the working fluid. Numerical results were compared with available experimental data. The trends were in close agreement. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 33(1): 32,41, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.10132 [source] History of hemodialyzers' designsHEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2008Zbylut J. TWARDOWSKI Abstract Accumulation of knowledge requisite for development of hemodialysis started in antiquity and continued through Middle Ages until the 20th century. Firstly, it was determined that the kidneys produce urine containing toxic substances that accumulate in the body if the kidneys fail to function properly; secondly, it was necessary to discover the process of diffusion and dialysis; thirdly, it was necessary to develop a safe method to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circulation; and fourthly, it was necessary to develop biocompatible dialyzing membranes. Most of the essential knowledge was acquired by the end of the 19th century. Hemodialysis as a practical means of replacing kidney function started and developed in the 20th century. The original hemodialyzers, using celloidin as a dialyzing membrane and hirudin as an anticoagulant, were used in animal experiments at the beginning of the 20th century, and then there were a few attempts in humans in the 1920s. Rapid progress started with the application of cellophane membranes and heparin as an anticoagulant in the late 1930s and 1940s. The explosion of new dialyzer designs continued in the 1950s and 1960s and ended with the development of capillary dialyzers. Cellophane was replaced by other dialyzing membranes in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Dialysis solution was originally prepared in the tank from water, electrolytes, and glucose. This solution was recirculated through the dialyzer and back to the tank. In the 1960s, a method of single-pass dialysis solution preparation and delivery system was designed. A large quantity of dialysis solution was used for a single dialysis. Sorbent systems, using a small volume of regenerated dialysis solution, were developed in the mid 1960s, and continue to be used for home hemodialysis and acute renal failure. At the end of the 20th century, a new closed system, which prepared and delivered ultrapure dialysis solution preparation, was developed. This system also had automatic reuse of lines and dialyzers and prepared the machine for the next dialysis. This was specifically designed for quotidian home hemodialysis. Another system for frequent home hemodialysis or acute renal failure was developed at the turn of the 21st century. This system used premanufactured dialysis solution, delivered to the home or dialysis unit, as is done for peritoneal dialysis. [source] Array-MLPA: comprehensive detection of deletions and duplications and its application to DMD patients,HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 1 2008Fanyi Zeng Abstract Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is widely used to screen genes of interest for deletions and duplications. Since MLPA is usually based on size-separation of the amplification products, the maximum number of target sequences that can be screened in parallel is usually limited to ,40. We report the design of a robust array-based MLPA format that uses amplification products of essentially uniform size (100,120,bp) and distinguishes between them by virtue of incorporated tag sequences. We were thus able to increase probe complexity to 124, with very uniform product yields and signals that have a low coefficient of variance. The assay designed was used to screen the largest set studied so far (249 patients) of unrelated Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cases from the Chinese population. In a blind study we correctly assigned 98% of the genotypes and detected rearrangements in 181 cases (73%); i.e., 163 deletions (65%), 13 duplications (5%), and five complex rearrangements (2%). Although this value is significantly higher for Chinese patients than previously reported, it is similar to that found for other populations. The location of the rearrangements (76% in the major deletion hotspot) is also in agreement with other findings. The 96-well flow-through microarray system used in this research provides high-throughput and speed; hybridization can be completed in 5 to 30,minutes. Since array processing and data analysis are fully automated, array-MLPA should be easy to implement in a standard diagnostic laboratory. The universal array can be used to analyze any tag-modified MLPA probe set. Hum Mutat 29(1), 190,197, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The shallow flow equations solved on adaptive quadtree gridsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN FLUIDS, Issue 6 2001A. G. L. Borthwick Abstract This paper describes an adaptive quadtree grid-based solver of the depth-averaged shallow water equations. The model is designed to approximate flows in complicated large-scale shallow domains while focusing on important smaller-scale localized flow features. Quadtree grids are created automatically by recursive subdivision of a rectangle about discretized boundary, bathymetric or flow-related seeding points. It can be fitted in a fractal-like sense by local grid refinement to any boundary, however distorted, provided absolute convergence to the boundary is not required and a low level of stepped boundary can be tolerated. Grid information is stored as a tree data structure, with a novel indexing system used to link information on the quadtree to a finite volume discretization of the governing equations. As the flow field develops, the grids may be adapted using a parameter based on vorticity and grid cell size. The numerical model is validated using standard benchmark tests, including seiches, Coriolis-induced set-up, jet-forced flow in a circular reservoir, and wetting and drying. Wind-induced flow in the Nichupté Lagoon, México, provides an illustrative example of an application to flow in extremely complicated multi-connected regions. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Administration of noradrenaline in the autonomic ganglia modifies the testosterone release from the testis using an ex vivo systemINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 4 2009Zulema Y. Sosa Summary The male gonad receives nerve fibres from the autonomic ganglionic system. These fibres converge on the testis along two pathways, the superior and the inferior spermatic nerves. The superior spermatic nerve runs from the superior mesenteric ganglion alongside the testicular artery, whereas the inferior spermatic nerve originates in inferior mesenteric ganglion, accompanies the vas deferens and penetrates the inferior pole of the testis. The aim of this work was to evaluate androgen release after the addition of noradrenaline or adrenoreceptor antagonists (propranolol or phentolamine) to the ganglionic compartment. An ex vivo system used in a previous work was incubated in two separate containers, one for the testis and the other for the ganglion. Both organs remain interconnected (as in vivo) by the respective spermatic nerve. When noradrenaline was added to the inferior mesenteric ganglion, testosterone release in the gonad container underwent a progressive and significant increment. Propranolol diminishes and phentolamine increases the androgen release. When using the superior mesenteric ganglion, no changes were observed. These results indicate that the ganglionic stimulation of the autonomic system clearly participates in testosterone release from the testis. This effect depends on the ganglion involved. These results make it evident that not only the classical and well-known hypothalamus,hypophysial axis, but also the peripheral nervous system, via the autonomic ganglia, are directly involved in the endocrine control of the testis. [source] The STRokE DOC trial technique: ,video clip, drip, and/or ship'INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, Issue 4 2007B. C. Meyer Rationale To describe the clinical trial methods of a site-independent telemedicine system used in stroke. Aims A lack of readily available stroke expertise may partly explain the low rate of rt-PA use in acute stroke. Although telemedicine systems can reliably augment expertise available to rural settings, and may increase rt-PA use, point-to-point systems do require fixed base stations. Site-independent systems may minimize delay. The STRokE DOC trial assesses whether site-independent telemedicine effectively and efficiently brings rt-PA to a remote population. Design STRokE DOC is a 5-year, 400-participant, noninvasive trial, comparing two consultative techniques at four remote sites. Participants are randomized to acute ,STRokE DOC telemedicine' or ,telephone' consultations. Treatment decision accuracy is adjudicated at two time points, using three levels of data availability and an independent auditor. Study outcomes The primary outcome measure is whether there was a ,correct decision to treat or not to treat using rt-PA' at each of three adjudication levels (primarily at Level #2). Secondary outcomes include the number of thrombolytic recommendations, intracerebral hemorrhage, and 90-day outcomes. Using the STRokE DOC system (or telephone evaluation), medical history, neurologic scales, CT interpretations, and recommendations have been completed on over 200 participants to date. Of the initial 11, nonrandomized, ,run-in' patients, six (65%) were evaluated wirelessly, and five (45%) were evaluated with a site-independent LAN or cable modem. Three (27%) received rt-PA. The adjudication methodology was able to show both agreements and disagreements in these 11 cases. It is feasible to perform site-independent stroke consultations, and adjudicate those cases, using the STRokE DOC system and trial design. Telemedicine efficacy remains to be proven. [source] Effects of ethyl benzoate on performance, morphology, and erosion of PLGA implants formed in situADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2008R. Astaneh Abstract An in situ forming implant (ISFI) is a novel drug delivery system used for protein and peptide delivery, especially for cancer treatment. An ISFI based on 33% (w/w) poly(D,L -lactide- co -glycolide)(PLGA; 50:50)/3% (w/w) leuprolide acetate (LA)/64% (w/w) N -methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) was prepared for this study. After injection of the final formulation, which is a viscous liquid to an aqueous medium, it deforms to become a semisolid or solid matrix. The performance of this matrix was investigated on the basis of peptide release from it. Erosion and morphology of ISFI were also studied. The effects of adding 12.8% (w/w) ethyl benzoate (EB) as a rate-modifying agent on performance, erosion, and morphology of ISFI were assessed. The implant containing EB showed very low burst release (5.53% ± 0.82%) and the morphology turns to closed pore-like structures. After adding EB, the morphology turns to closed pore-like structures. This type of morphology has very close relation to the performance of the implant as well. Finally, the effect of EB on performance, erosion, and morphology is explained by means of solvent,nonsolvent affinity, water permeation, and the rate of phase inversion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 27:17,26, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20114 [source] On the vascularization and structure of the skin of a Korean bullhead Pseudobagrus brevicorpus (Bagridae, Teleostei) based on its entire body and appendagesJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 1 2010J. Y. Park Summary To investigate the vascularization and structure of the skin and its relationship to cutaneous respiration in Pseudobagrus brevicorpus, a histological study by light microscopy was carried out on 15 regions of the skin, including eight body regions, six fins and the barbel. The skin consisted of the epidermis, dermis and subcutis in all regions, except for the barbel that had a relatively thin dermis and subcutis. The epidermis was composed of the outermost layer, the middle layer and the stratum germinativum. There were two kinds of gland cells: the unicellular mucus cells and large club cells. The middle layer had a small number of fine blood capillaries accompanied by dermal collagen in all regions; the mean number of blood capillaries ranged from 0.9 to 5.9. The mean diffusion distance between the capillary endothelial cells and the surface of the epidermis ranged from 50.6 to 126.8 ,m. Based on these intra-epithelial blood capillaries, the relative surface area of the respiratory epithelium ranged from 0.1 to a maximum value of 1.2%. The dermis lacking scales had collagen bundles arranged parallel to each other, but vertical fiber bundles around the dorso-lateral regions were seen at intervals. Sensory organs such as taste buds, pit organs and lateral canals were found whereby the taste buds in particular were more abundant in the epidermis of the barbel. The vascularization of the skin may be closely related to an additional respiratory system used to deal with an extreme hypoxic condition during dry seasons. [source] Immediate implants at fresh extraction sockets: bone healing in four different implant systemsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 8 2009Massimo De Sanctis Abstract Objectives: To describe the differences in bone healing, when placing four different implant systems in fresh extraction sockets. Material and Methods: Eight beagle dogs received implants randomly installed into the distal socket of three P3 and four P4. Four-implant systems were evaluated. Each animal provided four test implant sites. All animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks after implant placement, providing specimens for histo-morphometric analysis of bone to implant contact (BIC), bone area, new bone formation, as well as histometric measurements of the ridge alterations. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed among the four-implant systems. The mean BIC % ranged between 58.5% and 72.1%. Bone modelling of the buccal plate was marked and amounted approximately to 2.5 mm, independently of the system used. Conclusion: This study failed to demonstrate differences in the healing pattern after 6 weeks when placing four different implant systems in fresh extraction sockets. In spite of achieving predictable osteointegration with the four implants studied, the occurrence of buccal bone resorption may limit the use of this surgical approach. [source] BANK CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS, BUSINESS CYCLE FLUCTUATIONS AND THE BASEL ACCORDS: A SYNTHESISJOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS, Issue 5 2009Ines Drumond Abstract In order to survey the mechanisms through which the introduction of Basel II bank capital requirements is likely to accentuate the procyclical tendencies of banking, this paper brings together the theoretical literature on the bank capital channel of propagation of exogenous shocks and the literature on the regulatory framework of capital requirements under the Basel Accords. We conclude that the theoretical models that revisit the bank capital channel under the new accord generally support the Basel II procyclicality hypothesis and that the magnitude of the procyclical effects essentially depends on (i) the composition of banks' asset portfolios, (ii) the approach adopted by banks to compute their minimum capital requirements, (iii) the nature of the rating system used by banks, (iv) the view adopted concerning how credit risk evolves through time, (v) the capital buffers over the regulatory minimum held by the banking institutions, (vi) the improvements in credit risk management and (vii) the supervisor and market intervention under Basel II. The recent events and instability in financial markets all over the world have led the procyclicality issue to enter the agendas of several political international,fora,and some measures to mitigate procyclicality are being put forward. The bank capital channel literature should now play an important role in evaluating their effectiveness. [source] Use of Shade Guides for Color Measurement in Tooth-Bleaching StudiesJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 2003WILLIAM D. BROWNING DDS ABSTRACT Several different methods are used to measure tooth color in bleaching studies. The ADA Acceptance Program Guidelines for Home Use Tooth Whitening Products specify the use of a value-oriented shade guide and/or electronic color measurement devices. Since people perceive color differently, shade guides are a subjective measure. Differences between raters and by the same rater are well documented in the dental literature. The purposes of this article will be to discuss the advantages and disadvantages using shade guides to measure color change related to tooth whitening, and to evaluate the correlation of data gathered from the use of shade guides to electronic color measurement devices. Using an order published by the manufacturer, both the TRUBYTE® Bioform and Vita Classical guides can be arranged by value. A study by O'Brien demonstrated however, that the order is flawed and the change in brightness from tab to tab varies greatly. Despite these disadvantages, a review of data from several clinical trials demonstrates that Vita Classical shade guide data is consistent with data gathered using electronic color measurements. Furthermore, the O'Brien data can be used to make both these guides better measurement systems. The ADA Certification program standards define the degree of overall color change that should be considered clinically important. This issue is as critical as the measurement system used. Reporting color changes that are neither detectable to the human eye nor considered by the public to be important offers the profession little usable information. Given that any standard for color change during bleaching must relate to the abilities of the human eye, it is the conclusion of the author that shade guides should remain a critical element of any bleaching study. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Clinicians are frequently exposed to reports of bleaching agents that have been shown to result in a change of 6, 7, 8, etc., tabs. Without understanding the limitations of the shade guide used, reports of a specific shade tab change are of little use and may actually be misleading. [source] Evaluation of a community mental health carepath for early psychosisJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 1 2006Laura A. Hanson PhD RPsych Abstract Purpose, To implement a carepath for early psychosis across all community mental health centres through the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme in the Fraser South Area of British Columbia, Canada. Methods, Prior to developing the carepath, chart reviews and interviews were performed to assess for adherence to published guidelines for early psychosis intervention. This assessment revealed the inadequacies of narrative recording and that core psychosocial interventions were inconsistently provided. The carepath developed included prompts for interventions and standardized assessments and ultimately replaced the charting system used in the mental health centres for early psychosis clients. Results and conclusions One-year evaluation revealed some improvements in clinical practice but also identified other areas that require further improvement. This project demonstrated that it is possible to successfully implement a carepath in community mental health and that doing so provides a standardized method for ongoing improvements in care. [source] REDUCTIONS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI, COLIFORMS, AEROBIC PLATE COUNTS AND CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI BY A SMALL-SCALE, HIGH-PRESSURE SYSTEM DEVISED TO CLEAN A MINIATURIZED POULTRY GIBLETS TRANSPORT SYSTEMJOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 4 2009OMAR A. OYARZABAL ABSTRACT The efficacy of using direct high-pressure hot water (60C, 140F) and a quaternary ammonium compound to clean the inside of stainless steel pipe used to transport chicken giblets was evaluated. The giblets were collected from a commercial processing plant and were inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni. The cleaning system was effective in reducing the numbers of inoculated C. jejuni and naturally occurring mesotrophic bacteria (aerobic plate counts) on the inside surface of the stainless steel pipe used to transport the giblets. However, the decreases in naturally occurring Escherichia coli and coliforms were not significant. These results suggest that additional improvements are needed to better disinfect the piping system used to transport giblets to reduce the potential for cross-contamination with C. jejuni and E. coli. The devised cleaning system could be optimized to reduce the use of chemical agents, the cleaning time and the cost of cleaning pipes in poultry processing facilities. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS These experiments suggest that the traditional use of hot water and quaternary ammonium compounds to clean the inside of the piping system used to transport chicken giblets may not be sufficient to reduce the contamination with Campylobacter jejuni and mesotrophic bacteria (aerobic plate count). Poultry processors should be aware of the limitations of cleaning closed piping systems and develop and test high-pressure systems to thoroughly clean the pipes used to transport giblets after processing to avoid potential sources of cross-contamination with C. jejuni and mesotrophic bacteria. [source] Inactivation of Shigella boydii 18 IDPH and Listeria monocytogenes Scott A with Power Ultrasound at Different Acoustic Energy Densities and TemperaturesJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Edgar Ugarte-Romero ABSTRACT:, The effect of acoustic energy density (AED) on inactivation of Shigella boydii 18 IDPH and Listeria monocytogenes Scott A in a cell suspension was studied at sublethal temperatures and at AEDs of 0.49, 0.85, and 1.43 W/mL. The effect of temperature on ultrasonic inactivation of L. monocytogenes Scott A at 35, 50, and 65 °C was examined at an AED of 1.43 W/mL. Increasing AED increased the rate of inactivation for both S. boydii and L. monocytogenes. The destruction of S. boydii and L. monocytogenes followed 1st order kinetics in a 20-min treatment, except for S. boydii inactivation at 1.43 W/mL where a tailing effect was observed after 15 min. At sublethal temperatures, the D-values of S. boydii were 8.8, 4.3, and 2.5 min for AEDs of 0.49, 0.85, and 1.43 W/mL, whereas those for L. monocytogenes at the 3 AED levels were 31.5, 13.5, and 7.3 min, respectively. Ultrasonic treatment of L. monocytogenes at 35 and 50 °C enhanced inactivation. However, at 65 °C, application of ultrasound did not result in additional inactivation compared to thermal treatment alone at the same temperature. With the experimental conditions and the ultrasound system used in this study, an upper temperature limit for thermosonication was evident above which no added killing due to ultrasound was observed. [source] Cracking the Code: A Decode Strategy for the International Business Machines Punch Cards of Korean War SoldiersJOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 3 2006Erin M. Mitsunaga B.A. ABSTRACT: During the Korean War, International Business Machines (IBM) punch cards were created for every individual involved in military combat. Each card contained all pertinent personal information about the individual and was utilized to keep track of all soldiers involved. However, at present, all of the information known about these punch cards reveals only their format and their significance; there is little to no information on how these cards were created or how to interpret the information contained without the aid of the computer system used during the war. Today, it is believed there is no one available to explain this computerized system, nor do the original computers exist. This decode strategy is the result of an attempt to decipher the information on these cards through the use of all available medical and dental records for each individual examined. By cross-referencing the relevant personal information with the known format of the cards, a basic guess-and-check method was utilized. After examining hundreds of IBM punch cards, however, it has become clear that the punch card method of recording information was not infallible. In some cases, there are gaps of information on cards where there are data recorded on personal records; in others, information is punched incorrectly onto the cards, perhaps as the result of a transcription error. Taken all together, it is clear that the information contained on each individual's card should be taken solely as another form of personal documentation. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||