bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) recommendations for diagnosing gestational diabetes compared with former criteria: a retrospective study on pregnancy outcome
Authors: Lapolla A. , Dalfrà M. G. , Ragazzi E. , De Cata A. P. , Fedele D.
Published: June 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1074–1077 (2011)

Aims  The International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) Consensus Panel recommends new criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes. We evaluated the clinical and metabolic characteristics, and pregnancy outcome, in women previously classifiable as ‘normal’ according to the 4th International Workshop Conference on gestational diabetes criteria, but reclassified as ‘abnormal’ according to the new recommendations.

Methods  Using the new IADPSG criteria, 3953 pregnancies were retrospectively reclassified as 1815 women with normal glucose tolerance and 2138 with gestational diabetes, 112 (2.8%) of whom would have been classified as normal according to the older criteria.

Results  Of the 2138 women classified as abnormal by the new criteria, the 112 women now reclassified as abnormal were younger and had a lower pre‐pregnancy BMI than the 2026 women who had also been classified as abnormal by the previous criteria. The 100‐g oral glucose tolerance test showed significantly higher glucose levels in these 112 women than in the 1815 women reclassified as normal (P < 0.0001). Caesarean section was significantly more frequent (P < 0.01) and the ponderal index for the newborn significantly higher in these reclassified women than in those classified as normal (P < 0.0001), and their basal glucose levels correlated significantly with the ponderal index (P < 0.05).

Conclusion  The new criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes identified a group of women previously classifiable as normal according to the 4th International Workshop Conference criteria, but revealing metabolic characteristics and pregnancy outcomes resembling those of women who would have been considered to have gestational diabetes by the previous criteria.
Systems Theory, Family Attachments and Processes of Triangulation: Does the Concept of Triangulation Offer a Useful Bridge?
Authors: Dallos Rudi , Vetere Arlene
Published: June 2011

This article reviews the usefulness of the systemic concept of triangulation as a bridge between systemic thinking and practice and attachment theory. Traditionally attachment theory has theorized and researched with dyads, parent‐child and adult romantic partners, whereas systemic theory has worked therapeutically with the triangle as the basic human relationship; that is, when any two people interact, their interactions are influenced by their respective relationships with the same third person. Here it is argued, for example, that a child's attachment representations are shaped not only by the relationship with each parent but with the relationship between them. Thus, the process of triangulation in intimate relationships is seen in this article to link attachment theory with systemic thinking, as systemic theory needs a theory of love and attachment theory needs to consider how intimate relationships are nested and interconnected in an attachment network.
Economic effects of water recovery on irrigated agriculture in the Murray‐Darling Basin*
Authors: Quentin Grafton Rupert , Jiang Qiang
Published: June 2011

In October 2010, the Murray‐Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) proposed that a range of 3000–4000 GL per year, on average, of additional water be made available for the environment in the Murray‐Darling Basin (MDB) to mitigate the effects of what it considers to be inadequate environmental flows. To help quantify the costs of this water reallocation, a hydro‐economic model was constructed based on the 19 regions of the MDB. The model results indicate the following: (i) substantial reductions in surface water extractions of up to 4400 GL per year impose only a moderate reduction on net profits in irrigated agriculture, Basin wide, given competitive water markets, but the effects are much more pronounced in particular regions/catchments and (ii) the costs of the water reallocation are comparable with the amount budgeted by the Australian government to acquire water from willing sellers and increase environmental flows if inter‐regional water trade is unrestricted.
CULTURAL COMMODIFICATION AND TOURISM: THE GOO‐MOREMI COMMUNITY, CENTRAL BOTSWANA
Authors: MBAIWA JOSEPH E.
Published: June 2011

Botswana is promoting cultural tourism to diversify the country's nature‐based tourism industry, to increase citizen participation in tourism development; and, improve rural livelihoods. The objective of this paper is to analyse tourism and cultural commodification at Goo‐Moremi Village, Central Botswana, an emerging destination for cultural tourism. Conceptually, the study is informed by the debates around cultural commodification. Using both primary and secondary data sources, culture at Goo‐Moremi Village and Gorge is considered sacred as ancestor worship controls the day‐to‐day lives of people. Ambivalence, tensions and local resistance emerge in the process of commodifying culture at Goo‐Moremi village. Some local people embrace the commodification of their culture into a tourism product because of anticipated socio‐economic benefits whereas others resist cultural commodification as a result of fears that it may devalue their culture and belief system.
Perceptual reversals during binocular rivalry: ERP components and their concomitant source differences
Authors: Britz Juliane , Pitts Michael A.
Published: June 2011

We used an intermittent stimulus presentation to investigate event‐related potential (ERP) components associated with perceptual reversals during binocular rivalry. The combination of spatiotemporal ERP analysis with source imaging and statistical parametric mapping of the concomitant source differences yielded differences in three time windows: reversals showed increased activity in early visual (∼120 ms) and in inferior frontal and anterior temporal areas (∼400–600 ms) and decreased activity in the ventral stream (∼250–350 ms). The combination of source imaging and statistical parametric mapping suggests that these differences were due to differences in generator strength and not generator configuration, unlike the initiation of reversals in right inferior parietal areas. These results are discussed within the context of the extensive network of brain areas that has been implicated in the initiation, implementation, and appraisal of bistable perceptual reversals.
Biomedical and health sciences publication productivity from Malaysia
Authors: Zainal Hazmir , Zainab Awang Ngah
Published: June 2011

Background:  The aim of this study was to examine Malaysian contributions in the field of biomedical and health sciences.

Methods:  In this study, 3697 publications affiliated to Malaysian addresses from the sci database between 1990 and 2005 were sampled. This study also explored publication productivity trends, authorship and collaboration pattern, core journals used, and citations obtained.

Results:  Main contributions were journal articles (73.3%). Most authors (63.7%) contributed only one article and 16.1% produced over 30–68 publications. Multi‐authored works were the norm. The productive authors were named either first or second in publications. There were active collaborations with authors from Asia‐Pacific countries (35%) and Europe (30%). The majority of publications were contributed by institutions of higher learning (87%). Core journals used follow quite close to Bradford’s zonal ratios of 44:152:581. The active research areas were identified. About 71.3% of publications received citations especially those published from 1995 to 1999.

Conclusion:  This study helped librarians identify active researchers, active research areas and journals relevant to biomedical and health sciences researchers and useful when producing reports to university management and planning medical collection policies and deciding on journal subscriptions and cancellations.
Integration of panoramic hyperspectral imaging with terrestrial lidar data
Authors: Kurz Tobias H. , Buckley Simon J. , Howell John A. , Schneider Danilo
Published: June 2011

In many close‐range applications it is essential to obtain information about the geometry of the target surface as well as its chemical composition. In this study, close‐range hyperspectral imaging was integrated with terrestrial laser scanning to provide mineral and chemical information for geological field studies. The spectral data was collected with the HySpex SWIR‐320m sensor, which operates in the infrared spectrum between the wavelengths of 1·3 and 2·5 μm. This sensor permits surfaces to be imaged with high spectral resolution, allowing detailed classification and analysis to be carried out. Photogrammetric processing of the hyperspectral imagery was achieved using an existing geometric model for rotating linear‐array‐based panoramic cameras. Bundle block adjustment of multiple images resulted in the registration of the spectral images in the lidar coordinate system, with a precision of around one image pixel. Although the image and control point network was not optimised for photogrammetric processing, it was possible to recover the exterior camera orientations, as well as additional camera calibration parameters. With the known image orientations, 3D lidar models could be textured with hyperspectral classifications, and the quality of the registration determined. The integration of the hyperspectral image products with the terrestrial lidar data enabled data interpretation and evaluation in a real‐world coordinate system, and provided a reliable means of linking material and geometric information.
Large Eddy Simulation of a Stenosed Artery Using a Femoral Artery Pulsatile Flow Profile
Authors: Barber Tracie J. , Simmons Anne
Published: June 2011

Computational fluid dynamics simulation of stenosed arteries allows the analysis of quantities including wall shear stress, velocity, and pressure; detailed in vivo measurement is difficult yet the analysis of the fluid dynamics related to stenosis is important in understanding the likely causes and ongoing effects on the integrity of the vessel. In this study, a three‐dimensional Large Eddy Simulation is conducted of a 50% occluded vessel, with a typical femoral artery profile used as the transient inlet conditions. The fluid is assumed to be homogenous, Newtonian and incompressible and the walls are assumed rigid. The stenosis is axisymmetric, however the three‐dimensional study allows for a flow field that is not axisymmetric and results show significant three‐dimensionality. High values of wall shear stress and oscillatory values of wall shear stress (varying in both space time) are observed. The results of the study give insight into the time‐varying flow structures for a mildly stenosed artery and indicate that three‐dimensional simulations may be important to gain a complete understanding of the flow field.
Diagnostic Criteria for Headache Due to Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension: A Perspective
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Dodick David W. , Mokri Bahram , Silberstein Stephen , Bousser Marie‐Germaine , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: June 2011

The clinical and radiographic manifestations of spontaneous intracranial hypotension are highly variable and many patients do not satisfy the 2004 International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria. We developed new diagnostic criteria for spontaneous intracranial hypotension based on cases we have seen reflecting the variable manifestations of the disorder. These criteria provide a basis for change when the classification criteria are next revised.

The diagnostic criteria consist of A, orthostatic headache; B, the presence of at least one of the following: low opening pressure (≤60 mm H2O), sustained improvement of symptoms after epidural blood patching, demonstration of an active spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak, cranial magnetic resonance imaging changes of intracranial hypotension (eg, brain sagging or pachymeningeal enhancement); C, no recent history of dural puncture; and D, not attributable to another disorder.
Hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti‐IH
Authors: Irani Mehraboon S. , Richards Cheryl
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: Anti‐IH is usually a clinically insignificant antibody that may complicate a serologic workup. However, it can occasionally cause hemolysis. We report a rare case of acute hemolysis caused by anti‐IH.

CASE REPORT: A 60‐year‐old man with a long history of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and anemia, blood group A, D+ was found to have an unidentified antibody on serologic workup. He received an A, D+ red blood cell (RBC) unit that was crossmatch compatible by immunoglobulin G indirect antiglobulin test and then experienced an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction with fever, hemoglobinuria, and acute renal failure. The antibody was later identified as an anti‐IH with a wide thermal amplitude. The transfused RBCs were later typed as A2. The patient was subsequently typed as an A1 individual. The patient recovered completely from the effects of this reaction and was transfused with A1 RBCs over the next few days with no adverse effect.

CONCLUSION: Anti‐IH, which is usually clinically insignificant and often found in A1, B, and A1B individuals, can, on rare occasions, cause acute hemolytic transfusion reactions, especially when an A2 unit is transfused to an A1 patient.
Microstructural, Electrical, and Magnetic Properties of Acceptor‐Doped Nanostructured Lead Zirconate Titanate
Authors: Puthucheri Smitha , Pandey Prashant K. , Gajbhiye Namdeo S. , Gupta Arti , Singh Anupinder , Chatterjee Ratnamala , Date Sadgopal K.
Published: June 2011

The changes in the ferroelectric and magnetic properties of the nanostructured Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)1‐xFexO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) due to the doping of different amounts of acceptor ions (Fe3+) have been studied. X‐ray diffraction studies show that the system maintains the tetragonal phase up to the doping of 2 mol% of Fe3+ and the formation of secondary phase magnetoplumbite (PbFe12O19) on further doping. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies have revealed the formation of defect centers which in turn arise due to the interaction of Fe3+ ions with oxygen vacancies, which are generated in the lattice. This results in the appearance of room temperature ferromagnetic (RTFM) behavior in the doped samples. The dielectric studies reveal that with the concentration of Fe3+ the peak near the maxima of dielectric constant (ε′m) is broadened. Studies of the defect dipoles on the ferroelectric properties have been performed by polarization measurement. The variations of the above properties with the structural and morphological features of the samples have also discussed.
Preparation and Characterization of High‐Purity Metal Fluorides for Photonic Applications
Authors: Patterson Wendy M. , Stark Peter C. , Yoshida Thomas M. , Sheik‐Bahae Mansoor , Hehlen Markus P.
Published: June 2011

We combine chelate‐assisted solvent extraction (CASE) and hot hydrogen fluoride gas treatment to enable a general method for the preparation of high‐purity binary metal fluorides. The fluorozirconate glass ZBLANI:Yb3+ (ZrF4–BaF2–LaF3–AlF3–NaF–InF3–YbF3), a solid‐state laser‐cooling material, is used as a test case to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of the purification method. The reduction of transition‐metal and oxygen‐based impurities is quantified directly by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and indirectly by laser‐induced cooling, respectively. The concentrations of Cu, Fe, Co, Ni, V, Cr, Mn, and Zn impurities in the ZrCl2O precursor solution were measured individually by ICP‐MS at various stages of the purification process. CASE was found to reduce the total transition‐metal concentration from 72500 to ~100 ppb. Laser cooling was most efficient in ZBLANI:Yb3+ glass fabricated from CASE‐purified metal fluoride precursors, confirming the results of the ICP‐MS analysis and demonstrating the effectiveness of the purification methods in a finished optical material. High‐purity metal fluorides prepared by the methods presented herein will enable new high‐performance optical materials for solid‐state optical refrigerators, crystals for vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectroscopy of the Thorium‐229 nucleus, VUV optics, fibers, and thin‐film coatings.
The Rise of SASAC: Asset Management, Ownership Concentration, and Firm Performance in China's Capital Markets
Authors: Wang Junmin , Guthrie Doug , Xiao Zhixing
Published: June 2011

Since the mid 1990s the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) has emerged as a key institution governing firm ownership in China, but its impact on firm performance is understudied. Through an analysis of Chinese firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 1994-2003, we examine how the changing ownership patterns following the rise of SASAC influenced firm performance. We have three findings. First, contrary to the popular view that state ownership in China's listed firms has declined, we find that the state shares have been moved from the original state offices to the SASAC in the format of ‘state institutional shares’. Second, compared with the old state shares, the SASAC institutions affect firm performance more positively. Third, after controlling for state and SASAC ownership, ownership concentration is a strong positive factor in firm performance. Our findings fit squarely within a long tradition of agency theorists who argue that ownership concentration helps solve the free-rider problem and thus has positive effects on firm performance. However, we focus on the ways in which ownership concentration allows firm owners to monitor and stabilize firm behaviour, which has more important implications for emerging economies such as China's domestic capital markets.
Crystal structures of open and closed forms of d‐serine deaminase from Salmonella typhimurium – implications on substrate specificity and catalysis
Authors: Bharath Sakshibeedu Rajegowda , Bisht Shveta , Savithri Handanhal Subbarao , Murthy Mattur Ramabhadrashastry Narasimha
Published: June 2011

Metabolism of d‐amino acids is of considerable interest due to their key importance in cell structure and function. Salmonella typhimuriumd‐serine deaminase (StDSD) is a pyridoxal 5′ phosphate (PLP) dependent enzyme that catalyses degradation of d‐Ser to pyruvate and ammonia. The first crystal structure of d‐serine deaminase described here reveals a typical Foldtype II or tryptophan synthase β subunit fold of PLP‐dependent enzymes. Although holoenzyme was used for crystallization of both wild‐type StDSD (WtDSD) and selenomethionine labelled StDSD (SeMetDSD), significant electron density was not observed for the cofactor, indicating that the enzyme has a low affinity for the cofactor under crystallization conditions. Interestingly, unexpected conformational differences were observed between the two structures. The WtDSD was in an open conformation while SeMetDSD, crystallized in the presence of isoserine, was in a closed conformation suggesting that the enzyme is likely to undergo conformational changes upon binding of substrate as observed in other Foldtype II PLP‐dependent enzymes. Electron density corresponding to a plausible sodium ion was found near the active site of the closed but not in the open state of the enzyme. Examination of the active site and substrate modelling suggests that Thr166 may be involved in abstraction of proton from the Cα atom of the substrate. Apart from the physiological reaction, StDSD catalyses α, β elimination of d‐Thr, d‐Allothr and l‐Ser to the corresponding α‐keto acids and ammonia. The structure of StDSD provides a molecular framework necessary for understanding differences in the rate of reaction with these substrates.
FINANCE AND GROWTH: NEW EVIDENCE ON THE ROLE OF INSURANCE
Authors: AZMAN‐SAINI W.N.W , SMITH PETER
Published: June 2011

This paper provides new evidence that sheds light on the impact of insurance sector development on output growth, capital accumulation and productivity improvement, using data from 51 countries (developed and developing) during 1981‐2005. The dynamic panel data analysis results demonstrate that insurance sector development affects growth predominantly through productivity improvement in developed countries, while in developing countries it promotes capital accumulation.
TempNet: a method to display statistical parsimony networks for heterochronous DNA sequence data
Authors: Prost Stefan , Anderson Christian N. K.
Published: June 2011

1. Heterochronous data have been used to study demographic changes in epidemiology and ancient DNA studies, revolutionizing our understanding of complex evolutionary processes such as invasions, migrations and responses to drugs or climate change. While there are sophisticated applications based on Markov‐Chain Monte Carlo or Approximate Bayesian Computation to study these processes through time, summarizing the raw genetic data in an intuitively meaningful graphic can be challenging, most notably if identical haplotypes are present at different points in time.

2. We present temporal networks, an attractive way to display and summarize relationships within the heterochronous data so commonly used in ancient DNA or epidemiological research. TempNet is a user‐friendly R script that creates journal‐quality figures from genetic data in standard formats (FASTA, CLUSTAL, etc.). These figures are customizable and interactive within the R graphics window. Using three examples, we demonstrate that TempNet can deal with standard‐sized datasets, as well as datasets of hundreds of sequences from fast‐evolving organisms.

3. Temporal networks are flexible ways to illustrate genetic relationships through time. Furthermore, this approach is not limited to time‐stamped data, but can also be used for different data partitioning strategies, such as spatial or phenotypic groupings. The R script presented here will be useful in illustrating complex genetic relationships between groups.
Distance weighting avoids erroneous scale effects in species‐habitat models
Authors: Aue Birgit , Ekschmitt Klemens , Hotes Stefan , Wolters Volkmar
Published: June 2011

1. In species‐habitat models, curves describing the changes in correlation strength between habitat cover and species occurrence over a continuum of spatial scales tend to be hump‐shaped, and the correlation maximum is generally assumed to indicate the ecologically most meaningful scale of habitat influence on the species. This approach does not take account of the fact that distant habitat is overrated by increasing area with larger buffer sizes whilst habitat influence decays with distance. We devised four levels of distance weighting, down‐weighting more distant habitat with increasing realism.

2. We analysed correlation strength across scale (200 m − 50 km) in simulations assuming a Gaussian distance kernel of habitat influence and in empirical data for Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) covering Central Europe. Regressions were run with the four levels of distance weighting.

3. Both in the simulated data and the empirical data distance weighting transformed humped correlation curves into saturation curves with high correlations at large scales, thereby eliminating a well‐defined correlation maximum.

4. We argue that saturation curves naturally reflect the integration of habitat influence over increasing buffer areas. We conclude that without distance weighting, the correlation strength between habitat cover and species occurrence is prone to misinterpretation. We present two approaches to implementing distance weighting in species‐habitat regressions.
Selection of Bending Parameters for Minimal Spring-Back Using an ANFIS Model and Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Baseri H. , Rahmani B. , Bakhshi-Jooybari M.
Published: June 2011

In this research, a simulated annealing algorithm was used to minimize the spring-back in V-die bending process. First, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model was developed using the data generated based on experimental observations. The output parameter of the ANFIS model is spring-back and the input parameters are sheet thickness, sheet orientation, and punch tip radius. The performance of the ANFIS model in training and testing sets is compared with those observations. The results indicated that the ANFIS model can be applied successfully for prediction of spring-back. Then, the ANFIS model was used as a function in simulated annealing algorithm to minimize the spring-back. The results showed that the proposed model has an acceptable performance to optimize the bending process.
Microcredit in Theory and Practice: Using Randomized Credit Scoring for Impact Evaluation
Authors: Karlan Dean , Zinman Jonathan
Published: June 2011

A randomized controlled trial reveals both expected and surprising effects of microcredit.
Mice Prompt Look at Cholesterol's Role in Female Fertility
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: June 2011

A small group of researchers is wondering whether cholesterol helps maintain fertility—and whether cholesterol abnormalities impair a woman's ability to get and stay pregnant.
South African Cave Slowly Shares Secrets of Human Culture
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: June 2011

In the hands of a skilled archaeologist, a South African site serves as a laboratory for testing ideas about early human culture and cognition.
A hands-on guide on obtaining research ethics approval
Authors: Hunter David
Published: June 2011

It is an uncontested truth that many medical students and practising clinicians dread having to get their research proposal through a research ethics committee. In this paper, the author, a long-standing member of a research ethics committee, offers a practical guide on applying for research ethics approval, detailing common mistakes and flaws in applications, and giving specific guidance on getting through what can seem a daunting process.
Two-year impact of the Spanish smoking law on exposure to secondhand smoke: evidence of the failure of the ‘Spanish model’
Authors: López Maria J , Nebot Manel , Schiaffino Anna , Pérez-Ríos Mónica , Fu Marcela , Ariza Carles , Muñoz Gloria , Fernández Esteve
Published: June 2011

Objective

Studies evaluating the long-term impact of smoking laws on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure using airborne markers are scarce. This study aimed to assess the long-term impact of the Spanish smoking law on SHS levels, using a specific and objective marker.

Methods

Follow-up study, measuring vapour-phase nicotine levels before the implementation of the law and 6, 12 and 24 months after the initial assessment. A total of 443 samples were taken at baseline in eight different regions in offices in the public administration, private sector, universities and hospitality venues.

Results

Two years after the law was implemented, the nicotine concentration decreased by a minimum of 60% in public administration, university and private sector offices, as well as in venues where smoking was totally banned. However, nicotine levels significantly increased by 40% in hospitality venues allowing smoking. No significant differences were found in hospitality venues with areas for smokers and non-smokers or in pubs and discotheques.

Conclusions

Two years after the smoking law came into force, levels of SHS exposure in the workplace were significantly lower than before the law was implemented. Importantly, however, SHS levels were even higher than before the law was implemented in venues still allowing smoking. The data obtained in this study clearly show that the ‘Spanish model’ is not protecting the health of hospitality workers and that a complete ban is required. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring of compliance with smoking laws over time.
CLASS COUNTING AUTOMATA ON DATAWORDS
Authors: MANUEL AMALDEV , RAMANUJAM R.
Published: June 2011

In the theory of automata over infinite alphabets, a central difficulty is that of finding a suitable compromise between expressiveness and algorithmic complexity. We propose an automaton model where we count the multiplicity of data values on an input word. This is particularly useful when such languages represent behaviour of systems with unboundedly many processes, where system states carry such counts as summaries. A typical recognizable language is: "every process does at most k actions labelled a". We show that emptiness is elementarily decidable, by reduction to the covering problem on Petri nets.
AVOIDING ABELIAN POWERS IN BINARY WORDS WITH BOUNDED ABELIAN COMPLEXITY
Authors: CASSAIGNE JULIEN , RICHOMME GWÉNAËL , SAARI KALLE , ZAMBONI LUCA Q.
Published: June 2011

The notion of Abelian complexity of infinite words was recently used by the three last authors to investigate various Abelian properties of words. In particular, using van der Waerden's theorem, they proved that if a word avoids Abelian k-powers for some integer k, then its Abelian complexity is unbounded. This suggests the following question: How frequently do Abelian k-powers occur in a word having bounded Abelian complexity? In particular, does every uniformly recurrent word having bounded Abelian complexity begin in an Abelian k-power? While this is true for various classes of uniformly recurrent words, including for example the class of all Sturmian words, in this paper we show the existence of uniformly recurrent binary words, having bounded Abelian complexity, which admit an infinite number of suffixes which do not begin in an Abelian square. We also show that the shift orbit closure of any infinite binary overlap-free word contains a word which avoids Abelian cubes in the beginning. We also consider the effect of morphisms on Abelian complexity and show that the morphic image of a word having bounded Abelian complexity has bounded Abelian complexity. Finally, we give an open problem on avoidability of Abelian squares in infinite binary words and show that it is equivalent to a well-known open problem of Pirillo–Varricchio and Halbeisen–Hungerbühler.
ESTIMATION OF QUALITY FACTOR Q FROM THE INSTANTANEOUS FREQUENCY AT THE ENVELOPE PEAK OF A SEISMIC SIGNAL
Authors: GAO JINGHUAI , YANG SENLIN , WANG DAXING , WU RUSHAN
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we derive an approximate equation combining the quality factor Q, the travel time of a wave, and the variation of the instantaneous frequency (IF) at the envelope peaks of two successive seismic wavelets, along the wave-propagating direction, based on the theory of one-way wave propagation in a 1D viscoelastic medium. We then propose a method (called the WEPIF method) to estimate Q by measuring the variations of the wavelet envelope peak IF (WEPIF) with the travel time of seismic wavelet. For zero-offset VSP data and poststack seismic data, we describe how to implement the WEPIF method in detail. A test on synthetic VSP data shows that the WEPIF method is less sensitive to interference from the reflector than the logarithm spectral ratio and the centroid frequency shift methods. Applied to field VSP data, the WEPIF method gives a Q-curve with nearly the same distribution as the results from a known well. Applied to poststack seismic data, it produces a Q-profile that indicates an intense absorption zone corresponding to the excellent gas-bearing reservoir. This allows us to predict a potential high-productivity gas well. Drilling confirmed this prediction. The WEPIF method can be applied to poststack seismic data and zero-offset VSP data.
APPLICATION OF A BIPHASIC REPRESENTATIVE VOLUME ELEMENT TO THE SIMULATION OF WAVE PROPAGATION THROUGH CANCELLOUS BONE
Authors: ILIC S. , HACKL K. , GILBERT R. P.
Published: June 2011

This paper deals with the application of the multiscale finite element method for simulating the cancellous bone. For this purpose, two types of biphasic representative volume elements are proposed. In the first one, the solid frame consists of thin walls simulated by shell elements. On the other hand, the solid phase of the second model is made up of columns consisting of eight-node brick elements. This choice of representative volume elements is motivated by experimental investigations reporting on the existence of plate-like and rode-like types of cancellous bone and possible conversions between them. The proposed representative volume elements are used to calculate effective material tensors and parameters and to investigate their change in terms of increasing porosity, which is typical for osteoporosis. As a first example, changes in the geometry of the representative volume elements are used to explore material anisotropy. In the end, the final example considers wave propagation through the bone treated as a homogenized medium.
Consumers' Knowledge: The Missing Element in Online Purchasing Expenditures
Authors: Kim Yong-Mi
Published: June 2011

This study introduces two knowledge-related constructs (i.e., consumer competency and product knowledge) into online purchasing expenditures and then analyses variables (i.e., convenience, trust, and privacy) that have been discussed in existing literature in order to investigate how knowledge plays out in the online purchasing context. The findings, derived from the responses of 124 survey participants, show that consumer competency is the focal element of online expenditures. While convenient service is still one of the most important factors, trust and privacy do not directly impact online expenditures. It is interpreted that competent consumers, who are already determined to purchase something online, are able to locate trustworthy sites and make purchases from those sites; consequently, these issues that are traditionally considered important do not necessarily dissuade consumers' online expenditures, but may affect individual web sites. This study shows that consumers' knowledge about technology and the Web are the main determining factors for online purchasing expenditures.
A Process for Innovation in a Collaborative Network
Authors: Ebecken Nelson F. F.
Published: June 2011

The convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science is transforming global society. Technological convergence is beginning to define the way societies themselves interact, the way science is done, and the way the global marketplace is organised. In the middle of 2006, Petrobras, a Brazilian oil company, established a pioneering, multi-disciplinary team of senior academics and end-users working in partnership to identify potential opportunities and benefits surrounding this convergence of technology. The goal of this paper is to present the methodology adopted by Petrobras — an e-science collaborative project fostering the generation of ideas for new opportunities identified in areas of converging technology. The Petrobras effort is based on contributions by a group of 50 senior scientists from the top five Brazilian research institutes working iteratively via the Web. This convergence analysis is based on developments in text mining, and involves processing the abstracts of the selected papers to start fruitful discussions and to analyse comments in the knowledge fusion activity. It is completely integrated into a collaborative network environment. Results from one of these convergence cycles are discussed.
Automated Generation of Personal Data Reports from Relational Databases
Authors: Fakas Georgios John , Cawley Ben , Cai Zhi
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a novel approach for extracting personal data and automatically generating Personal Data Reports (PDRs) from relational databases. Such PDRs can be used among other purposes for compliance with Subject Access Requests of Data Protection Acts. Two methodologies with different usability characteristics are introduced: (1) the GDSBased Method and (2) the By Schema Browsing Method. The proposed methdologies combine the use of graphs and query languages for the construction of PDRs. The novelty of these methodologies is that they do not require any prior knowledge of either the database schema or of any query language by the users. An optimisation algorithm is proposed that employs Hash Tables and reuses already found data. We conducted several queries on two standard benchmark databases (i.e. TPC-H and Microsoft Northwind) and we present the performance results.
Aspirin-triggered lipoxin enhances macrophage phagocytosis of bacteria while inhibiting inflammatory cytokine production
Authors: Prescott David , McKay Derek M.
Published: June 2011

The macrophage plays a major role in the induction and resolution phases of inflammation; however, how lipid mediator-derived signals may modulate macrophage function in the resolution of inflammation driven by microbes (e.g., in inflammatory bowel disease) is not well understood. We examined the effects of aspirin-triggered lipoxin (ATL), a stable analog of lipoxin A4, on the antimicrobial responses of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived macrophages and the monocytic THP-1 cell line. Additionally, we assessed the expression and localization of the lipoxin receptor, formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), in colonic mucosal biopsies from patients with Crohn's disease to determine whether the capacity for lipoxin signaling is altered in inflammatory bowel disease. We found that THP-1 cells treated with ATL (100 nM) displayed increased phagocytosis of inert fluorescent beads and Escherichia coli in a scavenger receptor- and PI3K-dependent, opsonization-independent manner. This ATL-induced increase in phagocytosis was also observed in primary human macrophages, where it was associated with an inhibition of E. coli -induced IL-1β and IL-8 production. Finally, we found that FPR2 gene expression was increased approximately sixfold in the colon of patients with Crohn's disease, a finding reproduced in vitro by the treatment of THP-1 cells with interferon-γ or lipopolysaccharide. These results suggest that lipoxin signaling is upregulated in inflammatory environments, and, in addition to their known role in tissue resolution following injury, lipoxins can enhance macrophage clearance of invading microbes.
Silencing of NHE-1 blunts the slow force response to myocardial stretch
Authors: Pérez Néstor G. , Nolly Mariela B. , Roldan Mirian C. , Villa-Abrille María C. , Cingolani Eugenio , Portiansky Enrique L. , Álvarez Bernardo V. , Ennis Irene L. , Cingolani Horacio E.
Published: June 2011

Myocardial stretch induces a biphasic force response: a first abrupt increase followed by a slow force response (SFR), believed to be the in vitro manifestation of the Anrep effect. The SFR is due to an increase in Ca2+transient of unclear mechanism. We proposed that Na+/H+exchanger (NHE-1) activation is a key factor in determining the contractile response, but recent reports challenged our findings. We aimed to specifically test the role of the NHE-1 in the SFR. To this purpose small hairpin interference RNA capable of mediating specific NHE-1 knockdown was incorporated into a lentiviral vector (l-shNHE1) and injected into the left ventricular wall of Wistar rats. Injection of a lentiviral vector expressing a nonsilencing sequence (scramble) served as control. Myocardial NHE-1 protein expression and function (the latter evaluated by the recovery of pHiafter an acidic load and the SFR) were evaluated. Animals transduced with l-shNHE1 showed reduced NHE-1 expression (45 ± 8% of controls; P < 0.05), and the presence of the lentivirus in the left ventricular myocardium, far from the site of injection, was evidenced by confocal microscopy. These findings correlated with depressed basal pHirecovery after acidosis [maxdpHi/d t 0.055 ± 0.008 (scramble) vs. 0.009 ± 0.004 (l-shNHE1) pH units/min, P < 0.05], leftward shift of the relationship between JH+(H+efflux corrected by the intrinsic buffer capacity), and abolishment of SFR (124 ± 2 vs. 101 ± 2% of rapid phase; P < 0.05) despite preserved ERK1/2 phosphorylation [247 ± 12 (stretch) and 263 ± 23 (stretch l-shNHE1) % of control; P < 0.05 vs. nonstretched control], well-known NHE-1 activators. Our results provide strong evidence to propose NHE-1 activation as key factor in determining the SFR to stretch.
Exponentially Convex Functions on Hypercomplex Systems
Authors: Bin Dehaish Buthinah A.
Published: June 2011

A hypercomplex system (h.c.s.) L1(Q, m) is, roughly speaking, a space which is defined by a structure measure (c(A, B, r), (A, B ∈ ℬ(Q))), such space has been studied by Berezanskii and Krein. Our main result is to define the exponentially convex functions (e.c.f.) on (h.c.s.), and we will study their properties. The definition of such functions is a natural generalization of that defined on semigroup.
Effects of Turbulent Reynolds Number on the Displacement Speed Statistics in the Thin Reaction Zones Regime of Turbulent Premixed Combustion
Authors: Chakraborty Nilanjan , Klein Markus , Cant R. S.
Published: June 2011

The effects of turbulent Reynolds number on the statistical behaviour of the displacement speed have been studied using three‐dimensional Direct Numerical Simulation of statistically planar turbulent
premixed flames. The probability of finding negative values of the displacement speed is found to
increase with increasing turbulent Reynolds number when the Damköhler number is held constant. It
has been shown that the statistical behaviour of the Surface Density Function, and its strain rate and
curvature dependence, plays a key role in determining the response of the different components of
displacement speed. Increasing the turbulent Reynolds number is shown to reduce the strength of the
correlations between tangential strain rate and dilatation rate with curvature, although the qualitative
nature of the correlations remains unaffected. The dependence of displacement speed on strain rate
and curvature is found to weaken with increasing turbulent Reynolds number when either Damköhler
or Karlovitz number is held constant, but the qualitative nature of the correlation remains unaltered.
The implications of turbulent Reynolds number effects in the context of Flame Surface Density (FSD)
modelling have also been addressed, with emphasis on the influence of displacement speed on the
curvature and propagation terms in the FSD balance equation.
Rough Filters in BL‐Algebras
Authors: Torkzadeh Lida , Ghorbani Shokoofeh
Published: June 2011

We apply the rough set theory to BL‐algebras.
As a generalization of filters (subalgebras) of BL‐algebras, we introduce
the notion of rough filters (subalgebras) of BL‐algebras and investigate
some of their properties.
How Does Nursing Staff Perceive the Use of Electronic Handover Reports? A Questionnaire-Based Study
Authors: Meum Torbjørg , Wangensteen Gro , Soleng Karen S. , Wynn Rolf
Published: June 2011

Following the implementation of electronic nursing records in a psychogeriatric ward, we examined nursing staff's attitudes and perceptions to the implementation of an electronic handover routine. A web-based anonymous and secure questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to all nursing staff at a psychogeriatric ward at a university hospital. Most respondents were satisfied with the electronic handover, and they believed they managed to keep informed by the new routine. The simultaneous introduction of a morning meeting, to ensure a forum for oral professional discussion, was a success. A minority of staff did not fully trust the information conveyed in the electronic handover, and a significant proportion expressed a need for guidance in using the system. Staff that had a high level of trust in written reports believed these saved time, had little trouble finding time and a place to read the reports, and were more positive to the new handover routine.
In Vitro Study on Apoptosis Induced by Strontium‐89 in HumanBreast Carcinoma Cell Line
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wang Jing , Jiang Han , Zhu Min , Chen Baoguo , Bao Weiguang
Published: June 2011

Many radiopharmaceuticals used for medical diagnosis and therapy
are beta emitters; however, the mechanism of the cell death caused
by beta‐irradiation is not well understood. The objective of this
study was to investigate the apoptosis of human breast carcinoma
MCF‐7 cell lines induced by Strontium‐89 (89Sr) and its
regulation and control mechanism. High‐metastatic Breast Carcinoma
MCF‐7 cells were cultured in vitro using 89Sr with
different radioactive concentration. The inhibition rate of cell
proliferation was measured by MTT color matching method. The cell
cycle retardation, apoptosis conditions, mitochondrion
transmembrane potential difference and Fas expression were tested
and analyzed. The genes P53 and bcl‐2 expressions was also
analyzed using immunity histochemical analysis. After being
induced by 89Sr with various of radioactive
concentration, it was found that the inhibition of cell
proliferation of MCF‐7 cells was obviously, the retardation of
cell cycle occurred mainly in G2‐M. It was also found that the
obvious apoptosis occurred after being induced by 89Sr,
the highest apoptosis rate reached 46.28%. The expressions of
Fas acceptor and P53 gene increased, while bcl‐2 gene expression
decreasesd. These findings demonstrate that in the ranges of a
certain radioactive concentration, the inhibition rate of MCF‐7
cell proliferation and retardation of cell cycle had positive
correlation with the concentration of 89Sr. And the
mitochondrion transmembrane potential decrease would induce the
apoptosis of MCF‐7 cell notably, which were controlled by P53 and
bcl‐2 genes, involved with the Fas acceptor.
A Methodology for Determination of Resilient Modulus of Asphaltic Concrete
Authors: Patel A. , Kulkarni M. P. , Gumaste S. D. , Bartake P. P. , Rao K. V. K. , Singh D. N.
Published: June 2011

Resilient modulus, , is an important parameter for designing pavements. However, its determination by resorting to cyclic triaxial tests is tedious and time consuming. Moreover, empirical relationships, correlating to various other material properties (namely, California Bearing Ratio, CBR; Limerock Bearing Ratio, LBR; R-value and the Soil Support Value, SSV), give vast variation in the estimated results. With this in view, an electronic circuitry, which employs bender and extender elements (i.e., piezo-ceramic elements), was developed. Details of the circuitry and the testing methodology adopted for this purpose are presented in this paper. This methodology helps in determining the resilient modulus of the material quite precisely. Further, it is believed that this methodology would be quite useful to engineers and technologists for conducting quality check of the pavements, quite rapidly and easily.
Outcomes of Recurrent Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dean Nichole R. , Sweeny Larissa , Magnuson J. Scott , Carroll William R. , Robinson Daniel , Desmond Renee A. , Rosenthal Eben L.
Published: June 2011

Recurrent, advanced stage cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is uncommon with limited publications on patient outcomes. A retrospective study including patients who underwent surgical resection for recurrent, advanced stage cSCC of the head and neck was performed (n=72). Data regarding tumor site, stage, treatment, parotid involvement, perineural invasion, positive margins, metastasis, and disease-free survival was analyzed. The majority of patients were male (85%) and presented with recurrent stage III (89%) cSCC. Two-year disease-free survival was 62% and decreased to 47% at 5 years. Parotid involvement, positive margins, nodal metastasis, or the presence of perineural invasion did not correlate with decreased survival (P>.05). Distant metastasis was a strong indicator of poor overall survival (P<.001). Adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy did not improve overall survival (P=.42). Overall survival was poor for patients with advanced recurrent cSCC despite the combined treatment with surgery and radiotherapy.