bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mating System of Free-Ranging Dogs (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Pal S. K.
Published: July 2011

Fourteen females belonging to five groups were selected for the study of mating system in free-ranging domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) All the matings occurred between August and December with a peak in late monsoon months (September to November). Both males and females differed in their degree of attractiveness to the opposite sex. The duration of courting association increased with the number of courting males in an association. The females exhibited selectivity by readily permitting some males to mate and avoiding, or even attacking others, if they attempted to mount. Frequency of mounting in courting association increased with the number of males present. There was a positive correlation between the duration of courting association and the frequency of mounting. The young adult males were more likely to copulate successfully than the old adult males. There was a negative correlation between the number of males present in an association and the number of successful copulations. In this study, six types of mating (monogamy, polygyny, promiscuity, polyandry, opportunity and rape) were recorded. Mean (±S.E.) duration ofcopulatory tieswas 25.65 (±1.43) min. Several natural factors influencing the duration of copulatory ties were identified.
Stereo Image Matching for Vehicle-Borne Mobile Mapping System Based on Digital Parallax Model
Authors: Zhang Ka , Sheng Yehua , Ye Chun
Published: July 2011

Considering automatic and effective stereo image matching for vehicle-borne mobile mapping system (VMMS), a new stereo image matching algorithm based on digital parallax model (DPM) is proposed in this paper. The new matching propagation strategy is designed in this algorithm, which includes two processes as DPM construction and parallax prediction. With some known matched points, the DPM of stereo image pairs is firstly constructed, and parameters for confirming conjugate epipolar line is also worked out. Then searching range during dense matching can be confirmed under constraints of DPM and epipolar line, which can improve matching speed and accuracy. Furthermore, to improve matching robustness, the computation model of similarity measurement combined with local structure feature and global color feature is designed. The new algorithm is applied to actual stereo images taken by VMMS to verify its validity. Experimental results show that the proposed approach has higher reliability and accuracy.
Emergence ofHaemophilus influenzaeStrains in the Nasopharynx of Children with Tuberculosis
Authors: Martynova Alina V. , Balabanova Larisa A. , Pruschinskyi Alexei
Published: July 2011

Being rigorously studied, epidemiology aspects ofHaemophilus influenzaecarriage are still remaining unclear. Especially it concerns such a group as children with low immune status and also such group as children with tuberculosis infection. We examined nasopharyngeal tract of children with tuberculosis infection in remission and checked how often these children are carriers ofHaemophilus influenzaestrains. Also we gained microbiology characteristics of the isolates and defined the clinical significance ofH. influenzaecarriage in development of opportunistic infections in children with the tuberculosis infection.
A Class of Analytic Functions with Missing Coefficients
Authors: Yang Ding-Gong , Liu Jin-Lin
Published: July 2011

Let Tn(A, B, γ, α)   (−1 ≤ B < 1, B < A, 0 < γ ≤ 1 and α > 0) denote the class of functions of the form which are analytic in the open unit disk U and satisfy the following subordination condition f′(z) + αzf′′(z)≺((1 + Az)/(1 + Bz)) γ, for(z ∈ U; A ≤ 1; 0 < γ < 1), (1 + Az)/(1 + Bz), for(z ∈ U; γ = 1). We obtain sharp bounds on  Re f′(z),  Re f(z)/z, |f(z)|, and coefficient estimates for functions f(z) belonging to the class Tn(A, B, γ, α). Conditions for univalency and starlikeness, convolution properties, and the radius of convexity are also considered.
Classification Performance for Making Decisions about Products Missing from the Shelf
Authors: Papakiriakopoulos Dimitris , Doukidis Georgios
Published: July 2011

The out-of-shelf problem is among the most important retail problems. This work employs two different classification algorithms, C4.5 and naïve Bayes, in order to build a mechanism that makes decisions about whether a product is available on a retail store shelf or not. Following the same classification methods and feature spaces, we examined the classification performance of the algorithms in four different retail chains and utilized ROC curves and the area under curve measure to compare the predictive accuracy. Based on the results obtained for the different retail chains, we identified certain approaches for the development and introduction of such a mechanism in different retail contexts.
Sharp Curvature of Premolar Resulting in External Apical Root Resorption of the Neighbouring Molar
Authors: Ulusoy Özgür İlke Atasoy
Published: July 2011

This case report describes an external apical root resorption resulted from the unusual root morphology of the neighbouring tooth. A 28-year-old female was referred to the department of endodontics with a complaint of intense pain in her maxillary second premolar tooth. The clinical and radiographical evaluation revealed an external apical resorption in the mesial root of the maxillary first molar, which shows close proximity to the severely curved root of the premolar. A successful root canal treatment of the premolar was performed using anticurvature filing method. However, molar tooth received no curative treatment. One-year followup of the apical external resorption did not show any progression. External apical root resorption affecting single permanent tooth may be induced from the pressure exerted during the eruption of the adjacent tooth with unusual root morphology. The preferred approach for the management of such apical resorption cases includes long-term observation and no curative treatment.
The Combination of Polymer, Compliant Wall, and Microbubble Drag Reduction Schemes
Authors: Semenov Boris N.
Published: July 2011

The promising study of turbulence management by joint use of compliant coatings with other drag reduction means is proposed. Its outlooks are conditioned by different considered factors and confirmed by the first experimental and theoretical results.
Transplantable Subcutaneous Hepatoma 22a Affects Functional Activity of Resident Tissue Macrophages in Periphery
Authors: Kisseleva Ekaterina P. , Krylov Andrei V. , Stepanova Olga I. , Lioudyno Victoria I.
Published: July 2011

Tumors spontaneously develop central necroses due to inadequate blood supply. Recent data indicate that dead cells and their products are immunogenic to the host. We hypothesized that macrophage tumor-dependent reactions can be mediated differentially by factors released from live or dead tumor cells. In this study, functional activity of resident peritoneal macrophages was investigated in parallel with tumor morphology during the growth of syngeneic nonimmunogenic hepatoma 22a. Morphometrical analysis of tumor necroses, mitoses and leukocyte infiltration was performed in histological sections. We found that inflammatory potential of peritoneal macrophages in tumor-bearing mice significantly varied depending on the stage of tumor growth and exhibited two peaks of activation as assessed by nitroxide and superoxide anion production, 5′-nucleotidase activity and pinocytosis. Increased inflammatory reactions were not followed by the enhancement of angiogenic potential as assessed by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor mRNA expression. Phases of macrophage activity corresponded to the stages of tumor growth characterized by high proliferative potential. The appearance and further development of necrotic tissue inside the tumor did not coincide with changes in macrophage behavior and therefore indirectly indicated that activation of macrophages was a reaction mostly to the signals produced by live tumor cells.
Determining Solution Space Characteristics for Real-Time Strategy Games and Characterizing Winning Strategies
Authors: Weissgerber Kurt , Lamont Gary B. , Borghetti Brett J. , Peterson Gilbert L.
Published: July 2011

The underlying goal of a competing agent in a discrete real-time strategy (RTS) game is to defeat an adversary. Strategic agents or participants must define an a priori plan to maneuver their resources in order to destroy the adversary and the adversary's resources as well as secure physical regions of the environment. This a priori plan can be generated by leveraging collected historical knowledge about the environment. This knowledge is then employed in the generation of a classification model for real-time decision-making in the RTS domain. The best way to generate a classification model for a complex problem domain depends on the characteristics of the solution space. An experimental method to determine solution space (search landscape) characteristics is through analysis of historical algorithm performance for solving the specific problem. We select a deterministic search technique and a stochastic search method for a priori classification model generation. These approaches are designed, implemented, and tested for a specific complex RTS game, Bos Wars. Their performance allows us to draw various conclusions about applying a competing agent in complex search landscapes associated with RTS games.
Approximately Multiplicative Functionals on the Spaces of Formal Power Series
Authors: Ershad F. , Petroudi S. H.
Published: July 2011

We characterize the conditions under which approximately multiplicative functionals are near multiplicative functionals on weighted Hardy spaces.
Quantifying the Increase in Radiation Exposure Associated with SPECT/CT Compared to SPECT Alone for Routine Nuclear Medicine Examinations
Authors: Larkin Ann M. , Serulle Yafell , Wagner Steven , Noz Marilyn E. , Friedman Kent
Published: July 2011

Purpose. We quantify the additional radiation exposure in terms of effective dose incurred by patients in the CT portion of SPECT/CT examinations.
Methods. The effective dose from a variety of common nuclear medicine procedures is calculated and summarized. The extra exposure from the CT portion of the examination is summarized by examination and body part. Two hundred forty-eight scans from 221 patients are included in this study. The effective dose from the CT examination is also compared to average background radiation.
Results. We found that the extra effective dose is not sufficient to cause deterministic effects. However, the stochastic effects may be significant, especially in patients undergoing numerous follow-up studies. The cumulative effect might increase the radiation exposure compared to patient management with SPECT alone.
Conclusions. While the relative increase in radiation exposure associated with SPECT/CT is generally considered acceptable when compared with the benefits to the patient, physicians should make every effort to minimize this effect by using proper technical procedures and educating patients about the exposure they will receive.
Idiopathic Gingival Hyperplasia: A Case Report with a 17-Year Followup
Authors: Lai Bien , Muenzer Joseph , Roberts Michael W.
Published: July 2011

This is a case report of a patient with idiopathic gingival hyperplasia and an undiagnosed genetic disorder that demonstrated static encephalopathy, mental retardation, developmental delay, seizures, hypotonia, and severe gingival hypertrophy. The clinical dental management and attempts to obtain a genetic diagnosis are described.
Novel Role of Androgens in Mitochondrial Fission and Apoptosis
Authors: Choudhary Vivek , Kaddour-Djebbar Ismail , Lakshmikanthan Vijayabaskar , Ghazaly Taghreed , Thangjam Gagan Singh , Sreekumar Arun , Lewis Ronald W. , Mills Ian G. , Bollag Wendy B. , Kumar M. Vijay
Published: July 2011

Androgen and androgen receptors (AR) play critical roles in the proliferation of prostate cancer through transcriptional regulation of target genes. Here, we found that androgens upregulated the expression of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), which is involved in the induction of mitochondrial fission, a common event in mitosis and apoptosis. Clinical tissue samples and various prostate cancer cell lines revealed a positive correlation between Drp1 and AR levels. Treatment of androgen-sensitive cells with an AR agonist, R1881, and antagonist, bicalutamide, showed that Drp1 is transcriptionally regulated by androgens, as confirmed by an AR ChIP-seq assay. Live imaging experiments using pAcGFP1-Mito stably transfected LNCaP (mito-green) cells revealed that androgen did not induce significant mitochondrial fission by itself, although Drp1 was upregulated. However, when treated with CGP37157 (CGP), an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux, these cells exhibited mitochondrial fission, which was further enhanced by pretreatment with R1881, suggesting that androgen-induced Drp1 expression facilitated CGP-induced mitochondrial fission. This enhanced mitochondrial fission was correlated with increased apoptosis. Transfection with dominant-negative (DN-Drp1, K38A) rescued cells from increased apoptosis, confirming the role of androgen-induced Drp1 in the observed apoptosis with combination treatment. Furthermore, we found that CGP reduced the expression of Mfn1, a protein that promotes mitochondrial fusion, a process which opposes fission. We suggest that androgen-increased Drp1 enhanced mitochondrial fission leading to apoptosis. The present study shows a novel role for androgens in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology that could potentially be utilized in prostate cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 9(8); 1067–77. ©2011 AACR.
The pharmacokinetic diversity of two von Willebrand factor (VWF)/ factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates in subjects with congenital von Willebrand disease
Authors: Kessler Craig M. , Ken Friedman , Schwartz Bruce A. , Gill Joan C. , Powell Jerry S. ,   for the Wilate® PK Study Investigators
Published: July 2011

The pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of von Willebrand factor (VWF) /factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates are important for treatment efficacy and safety of von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients. This prospective, head-to-head, randomised crossover study compared the PK profile of a new, high purity, human plasma-derived (pd)VWF/FVIII concentrate, Wilate®, with the PK profile of an intermediate purity (pd)VWF/FVIII concentrate, Humate-P¯, in VWD patients. Subjects with inherited VWD were randomised to a single intravenous dose (40 IU/kg VWF ristocetin cofactor activity [VWF:RCo]) of Wilate® or Humate-P¯ in Period 1, and switched to the other study drug in Period 2. Each period was preceded by a washout time of ≥7 days. Coagulation factor parameters were analysed at multiple time-points. Of 22 randomised subjects, 20 had evaluable PK profiles, which indicated comparability for VWF antigen and VWF:RCo between Wilate® and Humate-P¯. The reported VWF:RCo average and terminal t1/2 of 10.4 and 15.8 hours (h), respectively, for Wilate® and 9.3 h and 12.8 h for Humate-P®, were not statistically different. Also, the mean VWF:RCo in vivo recoveries (Wilate® 1.89, Humate-P® 1.99 IU/dl per IU/kg) were similar between the two replacement therapies. Wilate® showed parallel decay curves for VWF:RCo and FVIII clotting activity (FVIII:C) over time, while FVIII:C of Humate-P® displayed a plateau between 0 and 12–24 h. This study demonstrated bioequivalent PK properties for VWF between Wilate® and Humate-P®. The PK profile of Wilate®, combined with the 1:1 VWF/FVIII ratio, theoretically should facilitate dosing and laboratory monitoring of VWF replacement to prevent bleeding in individuals with VWD.
Seasonal and monthly variability in the incidence of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Ageno Walter , Rancan Elena , Donati Alberto , Galli Luca , Squizzato Alessandro , Venco Achille , Mannucci Pier , Manfredini Roberto , Dentali Francesco
Published: July 2011

Many studies showed that the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events exhibits a seasonal and monthly variation. Evidences of a seasonal and monthly variation in the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are more conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the literature to assess the presence of an infradian rhythm of this disease. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched up to January 2010. Monthly and seasonal variation in the incidence of VTE were analysed. We included studies analysing seasonal or monthly aggregation in the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) with an objective diagnosis of VTE. Two authors independently reviewed and extracted data. Seventeen studies for a total of about 35,000 patients were included. Twelve studies analysed the seasonal variation and 10 studies the monthly variation of VTE. Our results showed a significantly increased incidence of VTE in winter (chi-square 146.04, p <0.001), with a relative risk (RR) of VTE of 1.143 (99% CI [1.141, 1.144]), and a significantly increased incidence of VTE in January (chi-square 232.57, p <0.001) with an RR of VTE of 1.194 (99% CI 1.186, 1.203). Subgroup analyses including only idiopathic venous thromboembolic events confirmed the results of principal analyses. In conclusion, our data support the presence of an infradian pattern in the incidence of venous thromboembolic events, with a significantly higher risk in Winter and in January. Future studies are needed to better clarify the mechanisms behind this pattern.
Platelet reactivity is a stable and global phenomenon in aspirin-treated cardiovascular patients
Authors: Zufferey Anne , Reny Jean-Luc , Combescure Christophe , Moerloose Philippe de , Sanchez Jean-Charles , Fontana Pierre
Published: July 2011

In healthy subjects, platelet hyperreactivity is a global phenomenon – as opposed to agonist-specific – and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation (EPA) is a reliable marker of this phenotype. Few data are available on platelet reactivity and the relationship between EPA and aggregation induced by other agonists in cardiovascular patients. It was the objective of this study to characterise platelet reactivity in stable cardiovascular patients treated with aspirin and to derive a composite index integrating several aggregation pathways, suitable for selecting patients with extreme phenotypes for further proteomics analysis. Platelet reactivity to agonists was assessed in 110 patients twice, two weeks apart. Factorial analysis was used to determine whether the results obtained with the different agonists could be summarised in a single composite index. EPA correlated with the aggregation values obtained with each of the other agonists, with correlation coefficients of 0.44 to 0.55 (p<0.001). We constructed a composite “platelet reactivity” index that included 60% of the information provided by each agonist. The results obtained at the first patient visit were consistent with those obtained at the second visit (r=0.78, p<0.01). No clinical or biological parameters correlated with the composite index. The extreme phenotypes of six selected subjects were confirmed 12 months after the second visit. In conclusion, platelet reactivity in aspirin-treated cardiovascular patients is a global phenomenon that can be summarised by a composite index based on the aggregation responses to various agonists and integrating several activation pathways. This index is not dependent on clinical or biological variables, suggesting that genetic factors regulate platelet reactivity in these patients.
The Rebellion in Phanagoria in 63 BC (New Numismatic Evidence)
Authors: Kuznetsov Vladimir D. , Abramzon Mikhail G.
Published: July 2011

The authors publish the coins found in excavations at Phanagoria in 2007-2008, conducted by the Taman Archeological Mission of the Institute of Archaeology, Russian Academy of Sciences. This unique numismatic material allows the authors to clarify a number of important events in the history of the Bosporan Kingdom under Mithradates VI Eupator. The most significant finds of the two archaeological seasons are a so-called “hoard” and two purses containing Bosporan and Pontic coins, many isolated silver coins of Panticapaion and Phanagoria, a tetradrachm of Mithradates VI and a golden piece of jewellery found in a large burnt building situated on the acropolis. These finds are thought to be connected not just with the general historical context of the epoch but specifically with the events of 63 BC.
Tanais and Phanagoria
Authors: Kutinova Tatiana M.
Published: July 2011

In the literature devoted to Tanais the opinion had long held sway to the effect that Tanais maintained special relations with Phanagoria, ever since the idea was first formulated by D. B. Shelov as far back as the beginning of the 1970s. On the basis of an analysis of the collections of stamps found in Tanais and Phanagoria, the scholar concluded that the thrust of the economy and politics of the cities in the Asiatic and European Bosporus must have been different and that the trading activities of Tanais must have been linked first and foremost with Phanagoria. Yet at present, thanks to the accumulation of new material and its reinterpretation, these conclusions can no longer be regarded as well-founded. It would seem that a “common economic space” existed within the confines of the Bosporan state during the Hellenistic period.
Honor in the Early Modern Eastern Mediterranean—an Introduction
Authors: Taylor Scott
Published: July 2011

In the last decade, historians have paid renewed attention to the idea of honor in early modern Europe and elsewhere, but until now, the focus has been primarily on individuals. However, this issue seeks to explore the idea of institutional honor and the question of whether a government could possess a sense of honor and what that would mean for its workings and its impact on its subjects. The themes that emerge in these essays are abduction and sexual misbehavior—where honor and sexual crime could be touchstones for the legitimacy of power. If everyone felt honored, then the hierarchical distribution of power could seem fair; but if the subjects of empire felt humiliated, the power that acted on them would become illegitimate. All of these articles see honor, not as a structure, but as a resource that both state and subject could invoke in a crisis.
The Sexual Politics of Empire: Civic Honor and Official Crime outside Renaissance Venice
Authors: O’Connell Monique
Published: July 2011

This article examines a series of cases in which the Venetian state prosecuted officials who had committed “crimes against honor” during their terms in office. These crimes were mostly sexual in nature, and they thus provide a window into the way that the Venetian state perceived individual and collective honor of state, subject, and officeholder. A key part of the self-definition and thus the reputation of the Venetian state was its ability to ensure peace and defend order. Sex crimes by officials representing the Venetian state did not just violate subjects’ honor; they implicated the Venetian state as a whole in “lawless and tyrannical” actions and undermined Venetian attempts to legitimate its republican empire. The prosecutions of these officials also reveal the sometimes blurry boundaries between public service and private interests in the Venetian state’s administration of its empire.
Goal-Directed Reaching: The SNARC Effect Influences Movement Planning but not Movement Execution
Authors: Bingley Taryn , Heath Matthew
Published: July 2011

The spatial–numerical association of response codes (SNARC effect) is a well-documented phenomenon wherein numerical digits spatially bias the selection of a response, with low and high numbers eliciting faster left and right responses, respectively. A host of button press tasks report expression of the SNARC effect for response planning (i.e., reaction time: RT); however, Fischer (2003) reports that the effect can selectively manifest during the movement execution phase (i.e., movement time: MT) of a goal-directed reaching task. Here we employed a kinematic technique to determine whether the reported SNARC effect is expressed in the early or late (or both) stages of a goal-directed reaching trajectory. Results for RT produced a reliable SNARC effect whereas results for MT produced a reversed-SNARC effect that was attributed to the deceleration phase of reach trajectories. More specifically, left space reaches cued by low numbers produced shorter RTs than high number counterparts and were associated with longer MTs (the converse was true of right space reaches). We have interpreted these results in terms of a spatial–numerical bias influencing a trade-off between the temporal properties of movement planning and execution mechanisms.
Relational to the Core
Authors: Park Joonha , Haslam Nick , Kashima Yoshihisa
Published: July 2011

The authors investigated how different cultures understand what it means to be human, focusing on whether people essentialize human nature and conceptualize it in accordance with the culture’s dominant form of self-construal. Seventy-nine European Australian, 76 Japanese, and 97 Korean university students were asked to rate a set of personality traits on humanness, essentialism, individualism, collectivism, and relationism. There was substantial cross-cultural agreement in conceptualization of meanings of humanness. Two proposed dimensions of humanness were distinguished in each culture, the traits understood to compose each dimension were consistent, and traits believed to compose human nature were essentialized in all samples. Relationism was the primary predictor of human nature across cultures.
Motivational Basis of Body Contact
Authors: Hofer Jan , Schröder Lisa , Keller Heidi
Published: July 2011

Evidence suggests that ideas about parenting are often not directly related to parenting behavior, a phenomenon defined as the belief-behavior dilemma. The present study considers both explicit socialization goals but also implicit motives as predictors for parenting behavior emphasizing close body contact between mother and infant. Mothers with 3-month-old infants were recruited in three cultural contexts that represent different cultural models. Socialization goals and implicit motives of power and affiliation were assessed. Finally, mothers were videotaped during an interaction with their infants. The cultural samples meaningfully differed from each other in socialization goals, implicit motives, and parenting behavior. In line with the belief-behavior dilemma, socialization goals did not predict maternal parenting behavior. However, the implicit motive of power predicted mothers’ level of body contact with their infants across and within cultural contexts.
Compression-dependent Up-regulation of Ephrin-A2 in PDL Fibroblasts Attenuates Osteogenesis
Authors: Diercke K. , Sen S. , Kohl A. , Lux C.J. , Erber R.
Published: July 2011

Members of the ephrin/Eph family have recently been shown to be involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis in a murine model. The activation of the EphB4 receptor on osteoblasts by its ligand ephrin-B2 led to stimulation of osteoblastogenesis and therefore to bone formation. The activation of ephrin-A2-EphA2 signaling on osteoblasts inhibited the activation of osteoblast-specific gene expression, leading to bone resorption. Fibroblasts within the periodontal ligament periodontal ligament may be one of the first responders to orthodontic forces. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) are mechanoresponsive. Members of the ephrin/Eph family might link mechanical forces received by PDLF with the regulation of osteoblastogenesis on osteoblasts of the alveolar bone. To study whether ephrin-A2 is modulated upon compression, we subjected human primary PDLF to static compressive forces (30.3 g/cm2). Static compressive forces significantly induced the expression of ephrin-A2, while the expression of ephrin-B2 was significantly down-regulated. Moreover, osteoblasts of the alveolar bone stimulated with ephrin-A2 in vitro significantly suppressed their osteoblastogenic gene expression (RUNX2, ALPL) and decreased signs of osteoblastic differentiation, as demonstrated by a significantly reduced ALP activity. Together, these findings establish a role for this ligand/receptor system linking mechanical forces with the regulation of osteogenesis during orthodontic tooth movement.
The Modern Chinese Family
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: July 2011

Most social science theory and the currently powerful Chinese ideology of modernizationism assume that, with modern development, family-based peasant farm production will disappear, to be replaced by individuated industrial workers and the three-generation family by the nuclear family. The actual record of China’s economic history, however, shows the powerful persistence of the small family farm, as well as of the three-generation family down to this day, even as China’s GDP becomes the second largest in the world. China’s legal system, similarly, encompasses a vast informal sphere, in which familial principles operate more than individualist ones. And, in between the informal-familial and the formal-individualist, there is an enormous intermediate sphere in which the two tendencies are engaged in a continual tug of war. The economic behavior of the Chinese family unit reveals great contrasts with what is assumed by conventional economics. It has a different attitude toward labor from that of both the individual worker and the capitalist firm. It also has a different structural composition, and a different attitude toward investment, children’s education, and marriage. Proper attention to how Chinese modernity differs socially, economically, and legally from the modern West points to the need for a different kind of social science; it also lends social–economic substance to claims for a modern Chinese culture different from the modern West’s.
Some techniques for analyzing time complexity of evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Ding Lixin , Yu Jinghu
Published: July 2011

In this paper we introduce some techniques for the analysis of time complexity of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) based on a finite search space. The Markov property and the decomposition of a matrix are employed for the exact analytic expressions of the mean first hitting times that EAs reach the optimal solutions (FHT-OS). Dynkin’s formula, one-step increment analysis and some other probability methods are adopted for the lower and upper bounds of the mean FHT-OS. The theory of a non-negative matrix, including the Perron–Frobenius theorem, the Jordan standard form, etc., are applied for the convergence of EAs. In addition, some techniques for time complexity and convergence of general adaptive EAs are also involved in this paper. Finally, the theoretical results obtained in this paper are verified effectively by applying them to the analysis of a typical evolutionary algorithm, (1 + 1)-EA.
Neoplastic and Nonneoplastic Liver Lesions Induced by Dimethylnitrosamine in Japanese Medaka Fish
Authors: Hobbie K. R. , DeAngelo A. B. , George M. H. , Law J. M.
Published: July 2011

Small fish models have been used for decades in carcinogenicity testing. Demonstration of common morphological changes associated with specific mechanisms is a clear avenue by which data can be compared across divergent phyletic levels. Dimethylnitrosamine, used in rats to model human alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatic neoplasia, is also a potent hepatotoxin and carcinogen in fish. We recently reported some striking differences in the mutagenicity of DMN in lambda cII transgenic medaka fish vs. Big Blue® rats, but the pre-neoplastic and neoplastic commonalities between the two models are largely unknown. Here, we focus on these commonalities, with special emphasis on the TGF- β pathway and its corresponding role in DMN-induced hepatic neoplasia. Similar to mammals, hepatocellular necrosis, regeneration, and dysplasia; hepatic stellate cell and “spindle cell” proliferation; hepatocellular and biliary carcinomas; and TGF-β1 expression by dysplastic hepatocytes all occurred in DMN-exposed medaka. Positive TGF- β1 staining increased with increasing DMN exposure in bile preductular epithelial cells, intermediate cells, immature hepatocytes and fewer mature hepatocytes. Muscle specific actin identified hepatic stellate cells in DMN-exposed fish. Additional mechanistic comparisons between animal models at different phyletic levels will continue to facilitate the interspecies extrapolations that are so critical to toxicological risk assessments.
Rapid prototyping of tubular polyurethane and cell/hydrogel constructs
Authors: Kai He  , Xiaohong Wang
Published: July 2011

A tubular polyurethane (PU) sandwich-like, adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC)/gelatin/alginate/ fibrin construct was fabricated using a double-nozzle, low-temperature (—20°C) deposition technique. The ADSCs survived the fabrication and cryopreservation stages by incorporating a cryoprotectant (glycerol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) in the cell/hydrogel system. With 5% DMSO or 10% glycerol alone in the hydrogel, the cell viabilities were retained (73% and 62%, respectively). The three-dimensional construct was effectively preserved below —80°C for more than 1 week. After the freeze/thaw processes, cell viability and proliferation ability were regained. This strategy has the potential to be widely used in complex organ manufacturing techniques.
Consumption of DHA + EPA by Low‐Income Women During Pregnancy and Lactation
Authors: Nochera Carmen L. , Goossen Linda H. , Brutus Annette R. , Cristales Miranda , Eastman Bethany
Published: July 2011

Background: The ω‐3‐fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important in infant brain development and maturation. The advisable intake of the ω‐3 fatty acids DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for pregnant and lactating women is 300 mg/d or 9 g/month. The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to test the hypothesis that low‐income pregnant/or lactating women do not consume advisable amounts of DHA+EPA and to determine whether any of the measured demographic factors were related to DHA and EPA consumption. Methods: This study was conducted September 2007 to March 2008 and used the N‐3 Fatty Acid Food Frequency Questionnaire for dietary assessment in a convenience sample of women (N = 68) enrolled in a local maternal infant health program. Women who reported fish or seafood allergies were excluded. The monthly consumption of DHA+EPA from food sources was measured, and participant race, ethnicity, country of origin, primary language, level of education, marital status, intake of prenatal vitamins containing DHA+EPA, and warnings of fish toxicity were assessed. The data were analyzed using 1‐way analysis of variance and t tests. Results: The average reported DHA+EPA intake was 1.18 g/month across all race/ethnicities. African Americans consumed significantly more DHA+EPA, 2.79 g/month, compared with Hispanics (1.64 g) and Caucasians (0.93 g). United States natives consumed significantly more DHA+EPA than immigrants (2.45 g vs 1.55 g). Conclusions: Low‐income pregnant/and lactating women in the study consumed less than the advisable amounts of DHA+EPA. Both ethnicity and country of origin are related to DHA+EPA intake.
International and Beyond: Reflecting on the Identity of International Textile and Apparel Association
Authors: Lee Jaeil , Lee Yoon-Jung , Ulasewicz Connie
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study is to identify the attitudes and perceptions regarding the international identity of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) based on a survey of 2007-2008 membership. This study was conducted with the goal of providing suggestions for future strategic planning for ITAA. Results from the on-line survey revealed that an important value of the membership is that ITAA continues to function as an international organization that accommodates members from around the globe. However, the membership strongly acknowledged the need for further efforts to enhance this global entity by providing opportunities to increase awareness and sensitivity to the cultural diversity among members. The members also voiced an interest in increasing collaborations with other cultures and countries. Research findings suggest ideas for ITAA to consider as it continues to respond to the needs of its current and future global membership.
Valuing the Life Experience of Old Adults and Change in Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Krause Neal
Published: July 2011

Objective: Researchers argue that people may encounter difficulty finding productive roles in late life. The purpose of this study is to see whether older people who have found that fellow church members value their life experience encounter fewer symptoms of depression. Methods: The data are from an ongoing nationwide survey ( N = 501). Results: Support is obtained for the following relationships: (a) Older people who go to church more often are more likely to feel fellow church members value their life experience, (b) having others value their life experience helps older people feel they belong in their congregation, (c) older individuals who feel they belong in their congregation are likely to have greater feelings of self-worth, and (d) greater self-worth is associated with a fewer symptoms of depression over time. Discussion: The findings identify one way in which religion may help older people find a meaningful role to play in late life.
Tannic acid mitigates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice
Authors: Ahmad S T , Sultana S
Published: July 2011

Cisplatin (CP) is a well-known chemotherapeutic drug that displays dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. In this study, tannic acid (TA), a naturally occurring plant polyphenol, was evaluated for its antioxidant and antigenotoxicity potential against the CP-induced renal oxidative stress and genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. The mice were given a prophylactic treatment of TA orally at a dose of 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight (b wt) for 7 consecutive days before the administration of a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of CP at 7 mg/kg b wt. The modulatory effects of TA on CP-induced nephrotoxicity and genotoxicity were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, serum kidney toxicity markers, DNA fragmentation, alkaline unwinding, micronuclei assay, and by histopathological examination of kidney architecture. CP administration altered the antioxidant levels, enhanced lipid peroxidation, induced DNA strand breaks, and altered the levels of micronuclei among polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) significantly ( p < 0.001). Pretreatment of TA in mice showed significant ( p < 0.001) recovery in antioxidant status, viz., reduced glutathione content and its dependent enzymes, quinone reductase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. TA significantly ( p < 0.001) reinstated the normal serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. TA showed strongly inhibited ( p < 0.001) micronuclei induction, DNA strand breaks, and DNA fragmentation. Thus, TA as a phytochemical protects kidneys through its antigenotoxic activity and antioxidant potential.
Trends in Hospital Admissions for Sunburn in Western Australia, 1988 to 2008
Authors: Duke Janine , Wood Fiona , Semmens James , Edgar Dale W. , Rea Suzanne
Published: July 2011

The objective of this study was to assess the trends in hospitalization for sunburn in Western Australia from 1988 to 2008. De-identified linked hospital morbidity data for all index sunburn admissions in Western Australia for the period 1988 to 2008 were analyzed. Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate trends in hospital admissions. Hospitalizations increased from 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-2.2) per 100 000 person years in 1988 to 2.7 (95% CI = 1.9-3.4) per 100 000 person years in 1997, declining thereafter to 1.5 (95% CI = 1.0-2.0) per 100 000 person years in 2008. Increased hospitalizations rates were estimated for adults 25 to 44 years and 65 years or older, with a significant decline estimated for children younger than 5 years; rates remained stable for all other age groups. This study found no significant overall reduction in sunburn hospitalizations over the 20-year study period. Results raise concerns about the sun-protective behaviors and skin cancer risk of the population in Western Australia.
Evaluating Predictors of Program Attrition Among Women Mandated Into Batterer Intervention Treatment
Authors: Buttell Frederick P. , Powers Dolores , Wong Asia
Published: July 2011

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate pretreatment differences between treatment completers and dropouts among a large sample of women ordered into a 26-week batterer intervention program (BIP). Method: The study employed a nonequivalent, control-group design (comparing program completers to dropouts) in a secondary analysis of 485 women mandated into a BIP. Results: Analysis indicated that (a) there are specific psychosocial risk factors associated with an increased probability of program attrition in both women and men batterers; (b) these risk factors increase attrition rates for women in treatment programs; and (c) the level of supervision dictated by the referral source is correlated to program completion for women in this study. Conclusion: These findings reveal characteristics of women batterers as they relate to the likelihood of completing treatment programs.
Client-Centered Design of Residential Addiction and Mental Health Care Facilities
Authors: Novotná Gabriela , Urbanoski Karen A. , Rush Brian R.
Published: July 2011

In this article we discuss the findings from a series of focus groups conducted as part of a 3-year, mixed-method evaluation of clinical programs in a large mental health and substance use treatment facility in Canada. We examined the perceptions of clinical personnel on the physical design of new treatment units and the impact on service delivery and the work environment. The new physical design appeared to support client recovery and reduce stigma; however, it brought certain challenges. Participants reported a compromised ability to monitor clients, a lack of designated therapeutic spaces, and insufficient workspace for staff. They also thought that physical design positively facilitated communication and therapeutic relationships among clinicians and clients, and increased team cohesion. We suggest that, from these findings, new avenues for research on achieving the important balance between client and staff needs in health facility design can be explored.
Modern Management of Malignant Hypercalcemia
Authors: LeGrand Susan B.
Published: July 2011

Hypercalcemia occurs in 10% to 20% of those with advanced cancer. It is considered an oncologic emergency. Presenting symptoms include common gastrointestinal symptoms that may be difficult to differentiate from tumor or treatment-related symptoms. These include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. As levels increase or if development is rapid, neuropsychiatric symptoms such as delirium can develop. Untreated it will lead to coma and death. Current preferred therapies are the bisphosphonate agents, zoledronate and pamidronate with saline rehydration.
Identification of crack location and crack size in a simply supported beam by measurement of natural frequencies
Authors: Sayyad Farook B , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: July 2011

In this paper, theoretical and experimental analysis of a vibrating, simply supported beam with a crack is carried out. This method is used to address the inverse problem of assessing the crack location and crack size in various beam structures. The method is based on measurement of natural frequencies, which are of global parameter and can be easily measured from any point on the structure. In theoretical analysis the crack is simulated by an equivalent spring, connecting the two segments of the beam. Analysis of this approximate model results in algebraic equations, which relate the natural frequencies of the beam, and crack location. Also the relationship between the natural frequencies, crack location and crack size has also been developed. For identification of the crack location and crack size, it was shown that data on the variation of the first two natural frequencies is sufficient. The computation of natural frequencies of an uncracked and cracked beam is facilitated by a finite element method package. This database is to be utilized in an analytical method to address the inverse problem to identify the crack location and crack size. Experiments have also been performed on a simply supported beam. The experimental analysis is done to verify the practical applicability of the theoretical method developed. A good agreement between the predicted and actual crack location and crack size is obtained. The results obtained by theoretical and experimental methods are compared graphically.
Dynamic modeling and control of an atomic force microscope probe measurement system
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Huy Vu Quang , Chiu Chin-Hsun , Chiu Shou-Feng
Published: July 2011

When measuring with an atomic force microscope (AFM), the probe would move to the prescribed position via the platform and its vibration would occur. To achieve precision positioning for the follow-up scanning and high-speed measurement, in this paper, mathematical modeling and control of the probe is focused to avoid the damage incurred by the collision between the probe and the sample and to obtain the high measurement in the scanning step. The Hamilton’s principle is firstly employed to derive the equation of motion and its boundary conditions. Next, the summation method, Lagrangian equation and Laplace transform are applied to obtain natural frequencies, a dynamic model of the AFM probe, and to work out the transfer function of the open-loop system. The proposed model is compared with two conventional AFM probe models: point–mass model and conventional cantilever beam model - where one of the ends of the cantilever and basic platform are assumed to be fixed. Finally, collocated control is exercised to designate the positions for actuator and sensor and the root locus method cooperated with proportional-integral-derivative controllers to simulate the performance of the control system. The result shows that the controller can ensure the stability of this continuous system and perform effective control.
Application of the intrinsic time-scale decomposition method to fault diagnosis of wind turbine bearing
Authors: An Xueli , Jiang Dongxiang , Chen Jie , Liu Chao
Published: July 2011

A fault diagnosis method of wind turbine bearing based on intrinsic time-scale decomposition (ITD) is put forward. In the proposed method, the vibration signal of the main bearing is decomposed into several proper rotation components by the ITD method. The frequency centers of the proper rotation components that contain predominant energy are computed and considered as fault feature vectors. The nearest neighbor algorithm is applied to identify the fault types of the wind turbine bearing. The experimental data of the wind turbine spherical roller bearing in four conditions (normal, outer race fault, inner race fault and roller fault) are applied to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The results demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of this approach for the diagnosis of the wind turbine bearing faults under uncertain conditions.