bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DYNAMIC SEARCH SPACE TRANSFORMATIONS FOR SOFTWARE TEST DATA GENERATION
Authors: Sagarna Ramón , Lozano José A.
Published: September 2010

Among the tasks in software testing, test data generation is particularly difficult and costly. In recent years, several approaches that use metaheuristic search techniques to automatically obtain the test inputs have been proposed. Although work in this field is very active, little attention has been paid to the selection of an appropriate search space. The present work describes an alternative to this issue. More precisely, two approaches which employ an Estimation of Distribution Algorithm as the metaheuristic technique are explained. In both cases, different regions are considered in the search for the test inputs. Moreover, to depart from a region near to the one containing the optimum, the definition of the initial search space incorporates static information extracted from the source code of the software under test. If this information is not enough to complete the definition, then a grid search method is used. According to the results of the experiments conducted, it is concluded that this is a promising option that can be used to enhance the test data generation process.
Model Based Evaluation of Bridge Decks Using Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Belli Kimberly , Wadia‐Fascetti Sara , Rappaport Carey
Published: September 2010

Abstract: Ground penetrating radar (GPR) has become a viable technology for non‐destructive condition assessment of reinforced concrete structures. Interpretation of the radar signal is typically performed through preliminary filtering techniques and interpretation is based on viewing numerous signals in the form of a scan. Although anomalies can be evident in the scanned image, quantification and interpretation of the main issue remain ambiguous. This article presents the ambiguity and common methods of interpretation based on response amplitude and travel time. An integrated medium is developed and used as a forward modeling tool to generate a realistic radar reflection of a reinforced concrete bridge deck with defects. A healthy deck reflection is obtained from a separate model and is combined with an inverse solution to quantifiably estimate unknown subsurface properties such as layer thickness and dielectric constants of subsurface materials evident in the realistic radar trace as well as. The forward modeling tool and associated model based assessment provides an objective computational alternative to the interpretation of scanned images.
Re: Influence of Rate Stability on Project Cost Simulation
Authors: Wang Ching‐Hwang , Lee Wei‐Hsien , Huang Yu‐Chun
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  The rate stability has significant influence on project cost variance and should be taken into consideration when operating simulations on cost estimation. This, however, has been largely neglected by most previous studies. The rate stability, the main issue of this article, is the phenomenon that the rate vibrates in a fairly narrow range. Compared with the fluctuation of the rate, the continuous vibration can be deemed as a constant rate on the time axis. A lack of awareness of the rate stability results in the inaccurate estimate of project cost variance. To tackle this problem, the multi‐interval cost rate model, MICOR, is proposed to explicitly evaluate the variation due to the rate stability of the project cost. Furthermore, a new simulation mechanism, which effortlessly integrates the rate stability into the simulations of the construction project's cost, is designed to facilitate the MICOR after the theoretical feasibility of the MICOR is analytically verified. This article indicates that the rate stability does influence the project cost variation significantly and should be involved in the stimulations for the cost estimate of a construction project.
The Optimization of Signal Settings on a Signalized Roundabout Using the Cross‐entropy Method
Authors: Maher Mike
Published: September 2010

Abstract: The cross‐entropy method (CEM) is a newly developed approach to the solution of complex combinatorial optimization problems. It is an iterative process that consists of generating solutions from some probability distribution whose parameter values are updated in each iteration using information from the best solutions found in that iteration. The article applies the method to the problem of the optimization of signal settings on a signalized roundabout. The performance of any given set of timings is evaluated using the cell transmission model, a deterministic macroscopic traffic flow model that permits the modeling of the spatial extent of queues and the possibility of “blocking back.” The results from the investigations are encouraging, and show that the CEM has the potential to be a useful technique for tackling global optimization problems.
A Polymorphic Dynamic Network Loading Model
Authors: Yu (Marco) Nie , Ma Jingtao , Zhang H. Michael
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  A polymorphic dynamic network loading (PDNL) model is developed and discretized to integrate a variety of macroscopic traffic flow and node models. The polymorphism, realized through a general node‐link interface and proper discretization, offers several prominent advantages. First of all, PDNL allows road facilities in the same network to be represented by different traffic flow models based on the tradeoff of efficiency and realism and/or the characteristics of the targeted problem. Second, new macroscopic link/node models can be easily plugged into the framework and compared against existing ones. Third, PDNL decouples links and nodes in network loading, and thus opens the door to parallel computing. Finally, PDNL keeps track of individual vehicular quanta of arbitrary size, which makes it possible to replicate analytical loading results as closely as desired. PDNL, thus, offers an ideal platform for studying both analytical dynamic traffic assignment problems of different kinds and macroscopic traffic simulation.
Sensitivity Analysis of Logit‐Based Stochastic User Equilibrium Network Flows with Entry–Exit Toll Schemes
Authors: Meng Qiang , Wang Xiubin
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  This article addresses sensitivity analysis of logit‐based stochastic user equilibrium (SUE) network flows on transportation networks with entry–exit toll schemes. These schemes have a technical challenge that the generalized travel time including tolls on a path is nonadditive. First, it shows that the perturbed logit‐based network flows—link and entry–exit flows—are implicit but continuously differentiable functions with respect to the perturbation parameters arising from link travel time functions, origin–destination demands, and entry–exit tolls. Second, this article derives elegant analytical expressions of gradients of perturbed logit‐based SUE network flows, and elaborates that these gradients can be calculated by the two‐stage stochastic network loading algorithm, which obviates the need for path enumeration. Finally, two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the calculation process and computational capability.
Insider Ownership and Capital Constraints: An Empirical Investigation of the Credit Rationing Hypothesis in Estonia
Authors: Hobdari Bersant
Published: September 2010

Manuscript Type: Empirical

Research Question/Issue: This study investigates the impact of insider ownership on investment rates using a large and representative sample of Estonian firms.

Research Findings/Results: Using a unique and rich panel data for a large and representative sample of firms from Estonia between 1993 and 2002, we find that investment rates of employee‐owned firms are positively related to measures of internal funds and negatively related to measures of external funds, indicating that these firms are financially constrained in carrying out their investment. Further, the probability that these firms operate as financially constrained is high and consistent over time. When manager‐owned firms are considered, they are found to face barriers to access of external financing.

Theoretical Implications: Our empirical results suggest that barriers to access to capital are an important determinant of the decline of employee‐owned firms in Estonia. In addition, agency conflicts with potential providers of capital constrain manager‐owned firms access to external funds and their ability to carry out investment projects.

Practical Implications: This study offers insights to policy makers interested in designing policies easing firms' access to capital and improving the governance system within which firms operate. In addition, it suggests practical implications to owner managers interested in mitigating agency conflicts and attracting outside investors.
Face attack and patients’ response strategies in a Kenyan hospital1
Authors: Ojwang Benson Oduor , Matu Peter Maina , Ogutu Emily Atieno
Published: September 2010

Social power can be exercised by face attack where power differentials are sufficiently great and significant retaliation or sanctions are unlikely. Such exercise of social power is common in military contexts. It is not commonly observed in hospital settings yet some nurses in Kenya's public hospitals routinely attack the face of their patients. Using data from interactions observed in a provincial hospital, it is illustrated how nurses initiate conflict and how patients counter the face‐attacking moves. The investigation shows that nurses use a high frequency of utterances that violate the dignity of patients while the latter prefer conflict avoidance strategies. Nurses generally make no attempt to mitigate the impact of most of their face‐threatening utterances while patients demonstrate awareness of the need to preserve mutual face and reclaim dignity. Three strategies used by patients to reclaim dignity – namely silence, retaliatory face damage and face repair – are illustrated.

Nguvu za kijamii zinaweza kutekelezwa kwa kushambulia uso mahali kadri za nguvu ni mazito mno na ulipizaji kisasi wala vikwazo haviruhusiwi. Utekelezaji huu wa nguvu hudhihirika sana katika mazingira ya kijeshi. Hauonekani sana katika hospitali. Ingawaje, baadhi ya manesi katika hospitali za umma nchini Kenya mara kwa mara hushambulia uso ya wagonjwa wao. Huku tukitumia data ya miingiliano iliyotazamwa katika hospitali moja ya mkoa, twaonyesha jinsi manesi hubuni migogoro na vile wagonjwa hukabiliana nayo. Uchunguzi huu unaonyesha kuwa manesi hukiuka hadhi ya ubinafsi ya wagonjwa pakubwa ilhali wagonjwa huchagua mikakati ya kuepuana na migogoro. Kwa ujumla, manesi hawaonyeshi nia ya kupunguza athari za shambulio la uso katika matamshi yao ilhali wagonjwa huonyesha ufahamu wa kuhifadhi heshima na kudai tena hadhi. Mikakati mitatu ya wagonjwa ya kudai tena hadhi ikiwemo kimya, ulipizaji kisasi na urekebishaji uso inaelezwa humu.
Coming of age in African American English: A longitudinal study1
Authors: Van Hofwegen Janneke , Wolfram Walt
Published: September 2010

This study examines trajectories of development in the use of African American English (AAE) for 32 speakers through the first 17 years of their lives based on a unique, longitudinal database. Temporal data points in the analysis include 48 months, Grade 1 (about age 6), Grade 4 (about age 9), Grade 6 (about age 11), Grade 8 (about age 13), and Grade 10 (about age 15). Complementary methods of analysis for assessing AAE include a token‐based Dialect Density Measure (DDM), a type‐based vernacular diversity index, and frequency‐based variation analysis. The study reveals different trajectories and peak periods for the use of AAE, including a ‘roller coaster’ and a curvilinear trajectory; at the same time, there is a common dip among speakers in the overall use of vernacular AAE from Grade 1 through Grade 4. Examination of a selective set of demographic and self‐regard measures shows no significant differences for gender, school racial density, racial peer contacts, and measures of Afro‐centrality, but does show a significant correlation between mothers’ and child use of AAE as well as age/grade.
When Is Employee Retaliation Acceptable at Work? Evidence from Quasi‐Experiments
Authors: CHARNESS GARY , LEVINE DAVID I.
Published: September 2010

When is employee retaliation acceptable in the workplace? We use a quasi‐experimental design to study the acceptability of several forms of retaliatory behavior at work, gathering data in this untested area. Consistent with hypotheses from theories of fairness, we find that employee retaliation in the workplace is perceived to be more acceptable if it is an act of omission instead of an act of commission. We do not find that a more damaging retaliatory act is significantly less acceptable than a less damaging one, suggesting a qualitative rather than a quantitative relationship. We also find individual differences: Respondents who are older, female, politically conservative, and managers typically show less tolerance for retaliation, while union members are a bit more accepting than average.
Abstracts: Modeling the time‐dependent water wave stability of human hair
Authors: Wortmann F.‐J. , Stapels M. , Chandra L.
Published: September 2010

pp. 31–38

The viscoelastic bending recovery of human hair is described by a hydro‐rheologically complex, two‐phase model, where the humidity dependence of the pertinent parameters as well as the effects of physical aging are known. Model calculations are conducted to assess the consequences of the time‐ and humidity‐dependent bending recovery of human hair for the formation and the stability of the water wave. It is shown that a hair fiber that has been set in bending will achieve at 65% RH a recovery of about 50% after about ten times its storage time prior to release, if it is a non‐aging material. However, aging drastically slows the recovery process so that it approaches an apparent ‘equilibrium,’ final recovery value of about 60%. The values of final recovery decrease linearly with water content, vanishing as expected at maximum water content, where the hair fiber is above its glass transition. The calculations further show that damage to the elastic modulus, attributed to the intermediate filaments, is expected to reduce recovery and thus enhance fiber set. The calculations demonstrate that it is in fact the phenomenon of physical aging that makes water waving a feasible and practically successful process for hair styling.
Abstracts: Development of 3D powdery cosmetics with new ‘dry binder’
Authors: Watanabe H. , Takahashi K. , Kumagai S.
Published: September 2010

pp.23–28

Recently, various kinds of powdery cosmetics with multiple colors or unique surface patterns have been developed, but they are often difficult to mold. In this case we can use binders such as oil, wax and ultra fine particles in the molding process, but those binders sometimes cause the problem of ‘caking’. In this work, we studied petal‐like calcium silicate (P‐CS), which is one of the tablet molding binders in the pharmaceutical field, as a new dry binder for powdery cosmetics. We evaluated properties of P‐CS by measuring the kinematic friction for the texture, Olzen hardness for the binding effect and the powder amount paid off for the usefulness as a cosmetic. From those results, it was found that size modified P‐CS (10) had three unique properties as a binder for cosmetics: 1) P‐CS (10) has a smooth and silky feeling when actually used for cosmetics, 2) the molded powdery cosmetics containing P‐CS (10) resist causing caking and 3) the molded powdery cosmetics containing P‐CS (10) have constant pay off across a wide range of hardness. Finally we developed an ultimate 3D powdery cosmetic that has a desirable texture and excellent usefulness without caking by using those properties.
Abstracts: Development of youthful‐looking makeup foundation by controlling transmitted light
Authors: Uehara K. , Minami K. , Iwamoto H. , Osada M. , Igarash T. , Nakao K. , Oosaki K. , Uematsu T. , Nojiri N. , Kashimoto A. , Fukuda K.
Published: September 2010

pp.48–56

Based on the factor analysis of facial appearance using facial texture images, it was found that evenness of skin produced a youthful appearance. We developed a new composite powder which has the optical property to provide ‘youthful‐looking’ skin. Facial images of 161 women volunteers with make‐up were prepared, and the appearance of skin and face were evaluated by 15 subjects. The results of correlation analysis showed that ‘evenness of skin texture’ and ‘color evenness’ caused a ‘youthful impression’. In order to obtain the evenness of skin, we attempted to develop a new powder that has an ideal optical property of transmitted light. Titanium oxide‐containing silica/color pigment composite powder prepared by the super critical solution method had effective light transmission, diffusion and chroma saturation. We achieved the production of a youthful appearance by application of the composite powder as an ingredient of a foundation.
Abstracts: 18‐MEA and hair appearance
Authors: Tanamachi H. , Tokunaga S. , Tanji N. , Oguri M. , Inoue S.
Published: September 2010

pp. 147–160

The effects of the removal of 18‐MEA on the dynamic contact angle (advancing contact angle and receding contact angle) and friction force (friction force microscopy (FFM)) were examined in the present study. Chemically untreated hair tresses formed more finely ordered bundles, with the fibers aligned more parallel to each other, in the wet state, and lying flat and aligned parallel to each other in the dry state. Hair tresses in which 18‐MEA had been removed by potassium t‐butoxide treatment formed coarser tangled bundles and were aligned in a disorderly manner in the wet state, causing the hair to become entangled and disorderly in the dry state. This was because the 18‐MEA‐removed hair fibers adhered to each other and were not easy to realign in the wet state. The distorted part of the bundle dried faster and the tress shape was eventually fixed in the entangled shape. One role of 18‐MEA is to allow hair fibers to lie flat and parallel with respect to each other in the wet state by providing relatively high receding contact angles and low surface friction. Hair alignment in the dry state is directly affected by hair alignment in the wet environment, particularly in the case of damaged hair.
The use of psychotropic medication with adults with learning disabilities: survey findings and implications for services
Authors: Chapman Melanie , Gledhill Paul , Jones Phillip , Burton Mark , Soni Saroj
Published: September 2010

This paper describes the findings of a survey into prescribing of psychotropic medication with adults with learning disabilities in a British city. A self‐completion questionnaire was sent to staff in dispersed housing and community learning disability teams to gather information about the number of people prescribed psychoactive medication, the type of medication prescribed, General Practitioner and Consultant Psychiatrist visits. The survey identified 55 people who were prescribed psychotropic medication. Of these, 89% were prescribed antipsychotic medication, whilst 47% were prescribed antidepressants. Forty‐four per cent were prescribed more than one category of psychotropic medication, whilst 22% were prescribed more than one antipsychotic medication. Worryingly, a clear diagnosis was not provided in a large proportion of cases. The survey has informed a number of service developments, which are briefly described.
Aging and decision making: Differences in susceptibility to the risky‐choice framing effect between older and younger adults in Japan
Authors: WATANABE SATOSHI , SHIBUTANI HIROHIDE
Published: September 2010

This study investigates the characteristics of the risky‐choice framing effect among older adults (more than 65 years of age) in comparison to younger adults. Data from a questionnaire survey with randomly sampled participants from voter lists in two cities in northern Japan were reanalyzed. Wang's (1996) definition of the risky‐choice framing effect was applied for analyzing data. The younger group showed a typical risky‐choice framing effect, while the older group failed to show any framing effect. Both age groups in the positive frame showed an increasingly higher risk‐aversive tendency corresponding to the monotonically increased number of human lives at risk. The modified value function was proposed to explain the susceptibility differences in the framing effect between the two groups. The socioemotional selectivity theory and the decision mode were applied for explaining the shape of the modified value function of the older group.
Is learning a family matter?: Experimental study of the influence of social environment on learning by older adults in the use of mobile phones
Authors: MORI KENJI , HARADA ETSUKO T.
Published: September 2010

It is necessary to investigate the ways in which designs for the use of artifacts created by information technology (IT) can improve the quality of life of older adults who use these devices. The present research investigated how older adults learned to use mobile phones in daily life; it focused on the effects that families may exert on the acquisition of this kind of knowledge. A 3‐week experiment was conducted with 11 users who had no previous experience using mobile phones. For half of the participants, their household comprised only a spouse; the households of the remaining participants comprised three generations, including children and grandchildren. The results showed that learning to use mobile phones was facilitated in participants living in households with larger families, particularly those living with younger generations. The findings suggest that differences in users' social environments create differences in the levels of use of the technology. The results are discussed in terms of the effects of family structure on older adults learning new technology.
Age influences visual attention characteristics among accident‐free and accident‐involved drivers
Authors: ISHIMATSU KAZUMA , MIURA TOSHIAKI , SHINOHARA KAZUMITSU
Published: September 2010

The present study investigated age‐related characteristics of visual attention by employing a useful field of view (UFOV) format with a procedure consisting of a central target letter identification task and a peripheral target regularity discrimination task. This study aimed to examine the effects of aging on UFOV performance as well as the relationship between accident history and UFOV performance. Using divided and focused attention designs, the performance of participants in two age groups (younger, older) was examined in the central‐task and the peripheral‐task as a function of the participants' accident histories (accident‐free vs. accident‐involved). The results indicated that the cost of divided attention was most evident in the peripheral‐task and was significantly greater for older than younger participants. In particular, older participants had more difficulty processing events that were not part of their typical scan pattern. The results suggest that UFOV performance might function as an independent indicator of accident risk for younger adults. For older adults, evaluation of the UFOV performance in combination with self‐regulation and self‐assessment of driving behavior might be better indicators of accident risk.
Effects of age‐related decline of visual attention, working memory and planning functions on use of IT‐equipment
Authors: SUTO SATORU , KUMADA TAKATSUNE
Published: September 2010

The effects of age‐related decline of cognitive functions, such as visual attention, working memory and planning functions on use of IT‐equipment were investigated. Older participants (n = 34; aged 65–73 years) were divided into two groups based on AIST‐cognitive aging test (AIST‐CAT) scores. They were then asked to purchase a reserved seat for the Japanese bullet train, using a ticket vending machine. The results showed that: (a) the decline in visual attention caused a disruption in searching for objects on the screen; (b) the decline in working memory interrupted maintaining subgoals; and (c) information related to subgoals; and the decline in planning function, interrupted constructing and maintaining a behavior sequence for operating a ticket vending machine. These results indicate that the age‐related decline of cognitive functions is differentially related to problems with using IT‐equipment.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in different ethnic groups in Thailand
Authors: FLATZ By G. , SRINGAM S.
Published: September 2010

G‐6‐PD deficiency in different population groups in Thailand showed more correlation with the incidence of malaria than with ethnic affiliation. The value of G‐6‐PDD in the genetical study of migrations seems to be limited.

This work was supported by a grant and stipend from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft. We are indebted to Mr Kraisri Nimmanahaeminda, Rev. E. Rulison, Rev. A. Pretel, and their fellow missionaries, to Dr H. Roberts, Col. Serm Yakasem, and many officers of the Thai Border Police Patrol, and the Thai Department of Public Health, for their support in collecting blood samples; and to Dr Chaloem Puranananda, Dr Bunsom Martin, and Dr Somsak Phansombun, for the permission to use laboratory facilities.
The age incidence of kuru
Authors: MCARTHUR NORMA
Published: September 2010

The incidence of kuru in the populations of the South Fore and Gimi census divisions in the Eastern Highlands of New Guinea has been analysed. When the probable accuracy of the initial estimates of age (or years of birth) is taken into account, the mortality curves for females lack the bimodality thought to be characteristic of kuru; instead, their mortality and morbidity rates increase fairly steadily with age, attaining their maximum value at about 45 years of age, and then decline. The two populations differ from one another in the level of mortality from kuru, and possibly also in their patterns of incidence. Accepting the simple genetic hypothesis proposed by Bennett et al. (1959), gene frequencies were estimated from the deaths from kuru in the life table populations, but in the South Fore at least these frequencies were so high that the initial hvnothesis becomes untenable.
Screening for effects of maternal age and birth order in a register of handicapped children
Authors: NEWCOMBE H. B.
Published: September 2010

Studies of effects of maternal age and birth‐order differences on the risk of handicapping conditions among children are described. Data were obtained by linking 4716 records of cases in the British Columbia Register of Handicapped Children and Adults born in the years 1953 to 1958, to birth registrations of the same children, using as controls all live births in the province over the same period. Only the broad categories of disease recognized by the International Classification have been considered in the present account. The Register was used to screen for examples of special risks to (1) offspring of very young mothers, (2) offspring of older mothers, (3) first‐born offspring, and (4) offspring of higher birth orders. Appropriate statistical analyses were used to ensure the detection and measurement of maternal age effects independent of an influence of birth order, and vice versa.

The methods, both of obtaining data systematically and of analysis, serve to illustrate the kind of work that will be needed in the future if information on parental age and parity are to be used effectively to detect mutation in humans.

I am indebted to Mrs Olwyn Tavendale who carried out all of the statistical calculations reported here (first by hand and again using the G20 computer), to Miss Martha Smith who wrote the computer program and did the record linkages by which information from the birth registration and handicap registration files was integrated, to Mrs Pamela Attree who wrote the ‘101 Simulator’ program which was used to produce the tabulations, and to Dr J. M. Kennedy who wrote the ‘Newstat’ program used for analysing the data. The project of which this study is a part has depended much upon the help and collaboration of A.E.C.L.'s Computation Centre, the British Columbia Vital Statistics Division, and the Health and Welfare Division of the Dominion Bureau of Statistics.

Permission to use the handicap records in this study was obtained from the Health Branch, Department of Health and Welfare, Province of British Columbia. The permission was conditional upon strict observance of the oath of secrecy respecting the non‐statistical information contained in the records.
Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, colour vision and Xg blood groups in Greece: linkage and population data
Authors: FRASER G. R. , DEFARANAS B. , KATTAMIS C. A. , RACE R. R. , SANGER RUTH , STAMATOYANNOPOULOS G.
Published: September 2010

1. The same recombination frequency (26 %) between the loci for G‐6‐PD and Xg was found in Greek populations as had been found in Israelis. Prof. Siniscalco's data from Sardinia do not agree with this frequency.

2. In four Greek populations sampled there is no correlation between the frequency of colour blindness and of G‐6‐PD deficiency. Furthermore, there is no evidence of an excess of X chromosomes bearing both abnormal genes in coupling in Greece. In both these respects the Greeks differ from the Sardinians.

3. It is possible that the discrepancies between Greeks and Israelis on the one hand and Sardinians on the other are due, as Prof. Siniscalco has suggested, to a high prevalence in Sardinia of an abnormal chromosomal rearrangement such as an inversion.

4. No recombination between the loci for G‐6‐PD and colour vision was found in four sibships.

We are grateful to Prof. C. Choremis, Dr P. Fessas, Dr E. R. Giblett, Prof. A. G. Motulsky and Dr L. Zannos‐Mariolea for encouragement and advice.

We also thank the following for help at various stages of the investigation: Dr N. Votetsianos of Karditsa, Dr G. Rizos of Arta, Dr E. Gavriilidou, Dr E. Tjartjoura and Dr E. Tzingos of Athens, Mrs N. Keil, Mrs N. Morrow and Mrs L. Steinmann of Seattle, Miss J. Gavin and Dr P. Tippett of London.

This study was partially supported by U.S. Public Health Service Grant H. 3091.
Haptoglobins and transferrins in patients with Down's syndrome
Authors: HUTTON A. C. , SMITH G. F.
Published: September 2010

100 institutionalized patients with Down's syndrome were examined for their haptoglobin and transferrin patterns. The haptoglobin patterns in mongols were found to be essentially the same as those in the normal population samples. All the mongols were found to have a transferrin C pattern and therefore they were considered to be no different from the general English population.

We wish to thank Prof. L. S. Penrose for his suggestions and assistance; and Dr A. Shapiro and M. Ridler of Harperbury Hospital for their co‐operation.
Human aconitase polymorphism in three samples from northeastern Brazil
Authors: AZEVĚDO ELIANE S. , CHRISTINA MARIA , SILVA B. OLYMPIO Da , LIMA ÂCNGELA MARIA V. MUNIZ DIAS , FONSECA EMMANOEL FELIX , CONCEIçAtilde;O MARIA MENDES
Published: September 2010

Human aconitase (ACNO8) polymorphism was studied in three samples from northeastern Brazil. Two of the samples were collected in the State of Bahia and one in the State of Sergipe. The main characteristic of the samples was given by different degrees of Black admixture. The results showed that the more negroid the saniples the higher the frequencies of the alleles ACNO48and ACNO68. These findings fit well with the known ACONsgene frequencies in prcmnt‐day Siperians and with the past history of Yoruba slaves in Bahia.
A variant protein in human parotid saliva detected by SDS polyacrylamide ǵel electrophoresis and its inheritance
Authors: IKEMOTO SHIGENORI , MINAGUCH KIYOSHI , TOMITA KOICHI , SUZUKI KAZUO
Published: September 2010

In 2118 parotid saliva samples collected at random from a Japanese population, two phenotypes were observed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Inheritance was controlled by a dominant allele a t an autosomal locus. The frequencies of the genes determining these phenotypes were for the Japanese population studied: Ph+= 0.026 ± 0.008, Ph‐= 0.974 ± 0.008.
Genetical studies of the palmar and sole patterns and some derrnatoǵlyphic measurements in twins
Authors: LOESCH DANUTA
Published: September 2010

Some genetic parametes such as: genetic variance (GCT based on within and between mean squares of the two types of twins, the within‐pair variance ratio and teh coveriance/variance ratio in MZ twins have also been obtained for all these traits and considered in relation to differences in respect of the total and between‐pair variances and means for all specified characters.

The highest values of genetic parameters have been obtained for pattern intensities and ridge counts on finger‐tips, considered separately or combined, for the H hypothenar loop and the axial t triradii on palms, and for the majority of sole loops and triradii. The lowest values have been found for several palmar loops and measurements such as minutiae counts. These results are, in respect of some pattern elements, not in agreement with the estimated heritability based on correlations between other relatives. A comparison of genetic parameters for single loops or triradii and for their varous combinations indicates that some pattern elements or their combinations may be each influenced by a specific genetic system which modifies their phenotypie expression. It is believed that the obtained results are, for some proportion of characters, clearly biased by inequality of the total variances in MZ and DZ twins.

The within ‐and between‐pair mean squares and means have been estimated for dermatoglyphie patterns on finger‐tips, palms and soles and compared between samples of 110 MZ and 111 DZ twins of Polish origin. Dermatoglyphie patterns have been represented by topologically significant pattern elements (loops and triradii) on finger‐tips, palms and soles, considered separately and in various combinations, ridge counts on finger‐tips and on palms and several other palmar and sole measurements.
Maternal height and twinning
Authors: CORNEY G. , SEEDBURGH D. , THOMPSON B. , CAMPBELL D. M. , MacGILLIVRAY‡ I. , TIMLINS D.
Published: September 2010

Data on maternal height are presented for 307 pairs of newborn twins of known zygosity from Oxford and 267 pairs from Aberdeen and north‐east Scotland. The results support the hypothesis that mothers of DZ twins are taller than those of MZ twins. Mothers of MZ twins resemble mothers of singletons in height, whereas mothers of DZ twins are taller.
CIRCULATING LEVELS OF PREGNANCY‐SPECIFIC β1−GLYCOPROTEIN AND HUMAN PLACENTAL LACTOGEN IN THE THIRD TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY: THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO PARITY, BIRTH WEIGHT, AND PLACENTAL WEIGHT
Authors: Gordon Y. B. , Grudzinskas J. G. , Lewis J. D. , Jeffrey Diana , Letchworth A. T.
Published: September 2010

Circulating levels of pregnancy‐specific β1‐glycoprotein (SP1) and human placental lactogen (HPL) were measured in 153 normal subjects during the third trimester of pregnancy. The levels of SP1 and HPL showed a skewed distribution and rose progressively to reach a plateau by the 36th week. The normal range was calculated by ranking the data and division into centiles as well as by logarithmic transformation of the values. A low but significant correlation was observed between SP1 and HPL levels, SP1 and birth weight. There was also a correlation between HPL levels and placental weight.
VENOUS DISTENSIBILITY DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE
Authors: Walters W. A. W. , Shields Lyndall
Published: September 2010

Changes in the distensibility of dorsal hand veins during the menstrual cycle were measured in 19 healthy young women using a new optical method relying upon a pressure‐diameter principle. Significantly greater venous distensibility was found during the first half compared with the second half of the menstrual cycle. The possible causes for this finding, particularly the role of oestrogen, are discussed.
Defining success in overactive bladder management: the importance of patient‐focused outcomes
Authors: Kelleher C , Cortes E
Published: September 2010

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common and costly condition affecting up to 16% of the adult population in Europe and the USA. OAB results in significant impairment of the quality of life (QoL) of sufferers. In clinical trials of OAB treatments, symptom measurements remain the most important primary outcome measures. Without understanding and measuring QoL, the true impact of OAB and the benefit of treatment cannot be evaluated. Many different multidimensional QoL questionnaires have been used to assess people with OAB. Generic questionnaires lack the sensitivity to detect important improvements in QoL following OAB therapies. For this reason, disease‐specific QoL measures have been developed. Disease‐specific questionnaires focus on aspects of QoL impacted by lower urinary tract symptoms. Such instruments offer far greater sensitivity, specificity, and clinical relevance to patient populations with OAB. Minimal important difference assessments have improved our understanding of the relevance of improvements in questionnaire scores. Unfortunately, the apparent complexity of QoL questionnaires has restricted their widespread use in clinical practice and to some extent in clinical trials. Short transparent patient‐perception measures and symptom bother scales are increasingly being used to fulfil this role. Short screening versions of these questionnaires have been developed to detect symptom bother and OAB‐related QoL impairment in symptomatic but currently untreated patients. Our understanding of OAB, the impairment it causes, and the benefit of treatments both to individuals and society have greatly improved through the use of validated QoL assessment tools. The questionnaires and their usage continue to evolve.
Journal Innovention: A single injection technique for midface rejuvenation
Authors: Cattin Teresa A
Published: September 2010

The correction of volume loss has become an important part of facial rejuvenation treatments, particularly in the midface region. Techniques to date have largely relied on multiple injections, fanning techniques and deep placement of product under muscle or on periosteum. This article describes a new technique to enhance volume in the midface using a single injection of cross‐linked hyaluronic acid at the subdermal level and above the muscle. The technique approaches midface rejuvenation with reference to both the bony skeleton and the medial malar fat compartment. After appropriately marking the skin, the filler is placed using a blunt cannula. The treatment achieves satisfactory volume correction, enhancing the sharp cheek bones and malar fullness typical of an attractive adult face. The approach is simple, quick, and well tolerated by the patient and may result in less bruising than deeper techniques.
Original Contribution: Wound‐healing properties of nut oil from Pouteria lucuma
Authors: Rojo Leonel E , Villano Caren M , Joseph Gili , Schmidt Barbara , Shulaev Vladimir , Shuman Joel L , Lila Mary Ann , Raskin Ilya
Published: September 2010

Background  Cell migration, angiogenesis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodeling are key events in wound healing. Natural products, including fatty acids (FAs), can accelerate wound healing by modulating the aforementioned events.

Aims   This study aims to evaluate the effect of lucuma (Pouteria lucuma O Kezte) nut oil (LNO) on fibroblasts migration, angiogenesis, inflammation, bacterial and fungal growth, and wound healing.

Methods  GC–MS analysis of FAs methyl esters (FAMES) was used for chemical characterization of LNO. In vitro studies were carried out with LNO investigating the induction of cell migration, cytoskeleton remodeling of human fibroblasts, inhibition of LPS‐induced nitric oxide production in macrophages, and antibacterial and antifungal effects. Two in vivo studies were carried out to study LNO’s effect on angiogenesis and wound healing: (i) tail fin regeneration in transgenic zebrafish larvae expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in vascular endothelial cells was used to study vessel sprouting and wound healing and (ii) the closure of wounds was evaluated in CD‐1 mice after topical applications of LNO‐containing formulations.

Results  Lucuma nut oil is a mixture of FAs, 99.7% of which were characterized. Major components of LNO (w/w) are linoleic acid (38.9%), oleic acid (27.9%), palmitic acid (18.6%), stearic acid (8.9%), and γ linolenic acid (2.9%). In vitro studies showed that LNO significantly promoted migration and vinculin expression in human fibroblasts. LNO decreased LPS‐induced nitric oxide production and did not display significant antibacterial or antifungal effects. LNO induced tail fin regeneration in transgenic zebrafish larvae 48 h after tail fin amputation and significantly accelerated cutaneous wound closure in CD‐1 mice.

Conclusions  Natural FAs from P. lucuma nut promote skin regeneration and, thus, may have applications in medicine and skin care.
Original Contribution: Stearic acid delivery to corneum from a mild and moisturizing cleanser
Authors: Mukherjee Surajit , Edmunds Melody , Lei Xuegong , Ottaviani Maria Francesca , Ananthapadmanabhan Kavssery P , Turro Nicholas J
Published: September 2010

Objective  A mild moisturizing body wash with stearic acid, a key component of corneum lipids, and emollient soybean oil has been introduced in the market place. The objectives of this study are to determine the amount and the location of the stearic acid in the corneum after in vivo cleansing by the formulation.

Method  Clinical cleansing studies for one and five consecutive days were carried out with the formulation containing soybean oil or petroleum jelly (PJ). The free stearic acid in it was replaced by the fully deuterated variant. The amounts of stearic acid in 10 consecutive corneum tape strips were measured by liquid chromatograph–mass spectroscopy. Separately, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements were taken with a porcine skin after a wash by the soybean oil formulation with its free fatty acid replaced by its spin probe analogue, 5‐doxyl stearic acid.

Results  Deuterated stearic acid was detected in all 10 consecutive layers of stratum corneum and the total amount after five washes with the soybean oil formulation was 0.33 μg/cm2. The spin probe in cleanser‐treated skin was incorporated in a partially ordered hydrophobic region similar to corneum lipids. The probe mobility increased in the temperature region where lipid disorder was expected.

Conclusions  The estimated total fatty acid delivered to skin from cleansing is comparable to the amount of fatty acid in a corneum layer. The delivered fatty acid is most likely incorporated in the corneum lipid phase.
Original Contribution: An evaluation of the effect of a topical product containing salicin on the visible signs of human skin aging
Authors: Gopaul Remona , Knaggs Helen E , Lephart Janet F , Holley Kara C , Gibson Erica M
Published: September 2010

Background  There are many different visible signs of skin aging. These include wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, lack of firmness, poor texture, enlarged pores, and dryness. While there are many topical agents that claim to deliver wide‐spectrum anti‐aging benefits, few target all of the signs of skin aging to the same extent. Salicin, an extract from white willow bark, has been researched as a potent anti‐inflammatory agent when taken orally. Based on unpublished in‐house comprehensive consumer clinical studies, it is believed salicin may have anti‐aging capabilities when applied topically to human skin.

Aim  This research evaluated the effect of a topical serum formulation containing salicin at 0.5% on the visible signs of skin aging.

Materials and Methods  This single‐center study enrolled 30 female subjects, showing mild to moderate signs of aging, between the ages of 35 and 70 having Fitzpatrick skin types ranging between I and IV. Subjects used the study serum product containing 0.5% salicin on their face twice daily for 12 weeks. Ordinal grading on a nine‐point scale (0 = none, 1–3 = mild, 4–6 = moderate, 7–9 = severe) of facial fine lines, molted pigmentation, uneven skin tone, tactile roughness, global firmness appearance, jaw‐line contour, radiance, and overall appearance was performed by investigator at baseline, week 1, week 4, week 8, and week 12. Digital photography, ultrasound, cutometry, and corneometry measurements were also performed at each time point.

Results  Twenty‐nine of 30 subjects successfully completed the study. No tolerability issues were reported. The clinical investigator found statistically significant improvements in wrinkles, tactile roughness, pore size, radiance, and overall appearance at week 1 time point (P ≤ 0.05) against baseline and statistically significant improvements in mottled pigmentation, global firmness, and jaw‐line contour at week 4 time point (P ≤ 0.05) against baseline. Cutometry, corneometry, and ultrasound measurements showed significant improvements at week 12 time point (P ≤ 0.05) against baseline.

Conclusion  Based on the findings from this study, it can be concluded that salicin has the ability to reduce the visible signs of skin aging when applied topically.
Original Contribution: Top 10 botanical ingredients in 2010 anti‐aging creams
Authors: Cronin Hyland , Draelos Zoe Diana
Published: September 2010

New developments in the realm of skin rejuvenation such as phytotherapy are at an astounding increasing pace in the cosmeceutical market. Yet, many of these products that are classified as cosmeceuticals are tested less vigorously and do not have to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration to establish efficacy and safety. Thus, as clinicians, we must ask the question, “Is there science‐based evidence to validate the mechanism of these new treatments?” We assessed the top anti‐aging creams currently on the market specifically evaluating their botanical ingredients. Some of the most common botanicals that are hot off the market are: Rosmarinus officinalis, Vitis vinifera (grape seed extract), Citronellol, Limonene, Oenothera biennis (evening primrose), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice extract), Aframomum angustifolium seed extract, Diosgenin (wild yam), N6 furfuryladenine (kinetin), and Ergothioneine. Through researching each of these botanical ingredients, we have concluded that randomized controlled trials are still needed in this area, but there is promise in some of these ingredients and science to validate them.