bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Sport Commitment in Female-Only versus Co-Recreational Intramural Basketball Leagues
Authors: Baghurst Timothy , Tapps Tyler , Judy Arianne
Published: April 2015

Although there are a variety of positive benefits of collegiate intramural sports participation, female participation remains low in comparison with male participation. Discovering more about the feelings women have toward intramural sports may improve strategies for their recruitment and retention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate female students' commitment to intramural sports participation to determine whether an all-female league might foster greater levels of sport commitment than a corecreational league. Participants were 109 women from either an all-female ( n = 53) or corecreational ( n = 56) intramural basketball league who were asked to complete the Sport Commitment Model (SCM). The SCM measures constructs of Sport Commitment, Sport Enjoyment, Personal Investments, Social Constraints, Involvement Opportunities, Involvement Alternatives, and Social Support. Participants were recruited for a three-week period toward the end of the regular basketball season. Mean scores for constructs indicated that both groups were highly committed to intramural participation, indicating that sports had perceived value. Paired samples t tests found no significant differences on subscale scores between groups except for the Sport Commitment subscale, where female-only participants had significantly higher levels of Sport Commitment, t (53) = 2.10, p = .04. Female-only groups may develop greater connectedness among teammates in addition to recognizing the need for commitment throughout the season. Further analysis and recommendations for future research into women's participation in intramural sports are discussed to build upon the limited body of knowledge that exists.
Implementation of a Faculty and Staff Intramural Golf League
Authors: Hill Kory , Jones Mark
Published: April 2015

Campus recreation departments have the ability to influence a wide range of students, faculty, staff, and administration. While the majority of programming will undoubtedly focus on students, events tailored to faculty and staff have the potential to strengthen the entire campus community. The purpose of this article is to discuss the logic behind instituting a faculty and staff golf league and to present an exemplar league. A general overview of the planning and administration procedures is presented, followed by a discussion of recommendations and challenges to consider when initiating a similar league.
Injury Rates in Intramural Sports
Authors: McElveen Michael , North Tony , Rossow Alicia , Cattell Maggie
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the rate of injury in eight intramural league sports at a small (< 3,000 students) private college in the southeastern United States. The number and types of injuries were tracked during the 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 academic years for eight intramural league sports: flag football, softball, floor hockey, volleyball, 3v3 basketball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and 5v5 basketball. For the two academic years combined, the injury rate was 5.56 (95% confidence interval, or CI, = [4.67, 6.61]) per 100 participants; the major injury rate was 0.37 (95% CI = [0.19, 0.73]) per 100 participants. By assessing the rate of injury for intramural sports, intramural staff can strategically implement action plans to minimize risk and be better prepared to respond to injuries when they occur.
Intramural Sport Marketing: An Examination of Effectiveness, Participant Motives, and Demographic Differences
Authors: Ciuffo Joseph , Johnson James E. , Tracy Daniel R.
Published: April 2015

Intramural sports exist as a relevant entity in the recruitment and retention of college students (Byl, 2002). The popularity of intramural sport has caused university recreational departments to increase intramural opportunities, thus increasing the need for more targeted marketing efforts. However, marketing strategies for intramural sport are not as refined, funded, or as thoroughly researched as strategies found within intercollegiate and professional sports (Schneider, Stier, Kampf, Wilding, & Haines, 2007). Therefore, in the current study, we examined the effectiveness of 10 intramural marketing techniques in relation to four participation motives and demographic characteristics for 208 intramural participants. Results revealed promotional items as the most effective marketing technique, whereas social media was the least effective. Regarding gender, men were more motivated by discounts, and women participated more for fitness. Our results could aid intramural sports coordinators to better use their marketing resources in relation to participant motives and avoid erroneous spending on ineffective methods.
Examining Diversity/Multicultural Training among Campus Recreation Departments
Authors: Kaltenbaugh Lance P. , Parsons Jennifer , Brubaker Kenneth , Bonadio Wesley , Locust Jonathan
Published: April 2015

Colleges and universities are facing the challenge of providing an environment of acceptance. As a cocurricular activity within higher education, campus recreation programs are expected to provide opportunities for students to become aware and appreciative of cultures or individuals different from themselves. The main purpose of this study was to address the lack of research on diversity/multicultural training programs within campus recreation departments. In this study, we explored the diversity/multicultural training that was offered, the benefits of this training, and the growing need for these programs within campus recreation departments. Of the 105 campus recreation departments surveyed, 93% indicated they agree or strongly agree that campus recreation leadership is fully committed to the long-term success of diversity/multicultural awareness strategies and initiatives. However, only 44% stated they currently provide or implement diversity/multicultural training. Diversity/multicultural training may be a necessary component to impart personal knowledge and training to its employees to effectively achieve diversity goals.
Actinomyces meyeribrain abscess following dental extraction
Authors: Clancy U , Ronayne A , Prentice M B , Jackson A
Published: April 2015

We describe the rare occurrence of anActinomyces meyericerebral abscess in a 55-year-old woman following a dental extraction. This patient presented with a 2-day history of hemisensory loss, hyper-reflexia and retro-orbital headache, 7 days following a dental extraction for apical peridonitis. Neuroimaging showed a large left parietal abscess with surrounding empyema. The patient underwent craniotomy and drainage of the abscess.A. meyeriwas cultured. Actinomycosis is a rare cause of cerebral abscess. TheA. meyerisubtype is particularly rare, accounting for less than 1% of specimens. This case describes an unusually brief course of the disease, which is usually insidious. Parietal lobe involvement is unusual as cerebral abscesses usually have a predilection for the frontal and temporal regions of the brain. Although there are no randomised trials to guide therapy, current consensus is to use a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics, followed by 6–12 months of oral therapy.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated withMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection
Authors: Hui Yee Man Tracy , Pillinger Toby , Luqmani Asad , Cooper Nichola
Published: April 2015

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, potentially fatal condition that can be primary or secondary. Secondary HLH can occur in association with infections, most commonly viral infections, but has also been reported in association withMycobacterium tuberculosis(TB). Prompt identification of the underlying cause of HLH is important as it guides treatment decisions. Early initiation of appropriate treatment (eg, anti-TB treatment) reduces morbidity and mortality. We present a case of HLH associated with TB infection. Initial TB investigations were negative and standard combination chemoimmunotherapy for HLH resulted in a limited clinical response. On apparent relapse of HLH, further investigation revealed TB with changes on CT chest, granuloma on bone marrow and eventual positive TB culture on bronchoalveolar lavage. Subsequent treatment with quadruple anti-TB treatment resulted in rapid clinical response and disease remission. We advocate continued monitoring for TB infection in patients with HLH, and prophylaxis or full treatment for those at high risk.
Influence of loading path on cyclic mechanical response of small-scale shallow strip footing on loose sand
Authors: Galli Andrea , Farshchi Iman , Caruso Marco
Published: April 2015

This paper aims at experimentally exploring the behaviour of a small-scale 1g shallow strip footing on loose dry sand, subjected to vertical and horizontal cyclic loads. An experimental apparatus has been developed and calibrated, and some series of monotonic and cyclic tests with different combinations of load direction and cycle amplitudes have been carried out. Results are presented and discussed in terms of evolution of foundation global stiffness, damping properties, and settlement accumulation along both vertical and horizontal directions with increase in the load cycle’s number. The coupling effect between vertical and horizontal loads is highlighted, underlying its important role even at a low number of cycles, when, in the design practice, the behaviour of the system is often considered to be linear elastic and path independent. The observation also allowed the inference that a variation of the inclination of the cyclic loads may induce significant differences (up to one order of magnitude) in the global stiffness and damping properties. Far from having exhaustively investigated the subject and from the aim of proposing a new empirical quantitative relationship to be directly employed in the design practice, this paper was primarily focused on highlighting some aspects of the mechanical behaviour of the system that are still rather unknown. A further in-depth study allowed the analysis of experimental results within the framework of a meaningful physical interpretation, showing the results to be particularly useful in the perspective of a displacement-based design approach, as required by the current design standards.
Modeling the influence of salmon spawning on hyporheic exchange of marine-derived nutrients in gravel stream beds
Authors: Buxton Todd H. , Buffington John M. , Tonina Daniele , Fremier Alexander K. , Yager Elowyn M.
Published: April 2015

Salmon that spawn in streams deliver marine-derived nutrients (MDN) that catalyze trophic productivity and support rearing juvenile salmon. Salmon spawning also affects hyporheic exchange and movement of dissolved MDN through the stream bed by creating redd topography that induces pumping exchange and by winnowing fine sediment and loosening the bed, which alters hydraulic conductivity and bed porosity. The spatial extent of spawning within the channel likely governs the volume and rate of dissolved MDN exchanged with the stream bed through this process. To explore this issue, we used a two-dimensional groundwater model to predict changes in hyporheic volume, flux, and mean hydraulic residence time of dissolved MDN as a function of the proportion of the bed surface occupied by redds (P). Predictions indicate that hyporheic volume and flux systematically increase with P, while the mean hydraulic residence time of dissolved MDN in the hyporheic zone decreases sharply with P, from 5.79 h on an unspawned bed (P = 0) to 0.03 h for a mass-spawned bed (P = 1.0). Shorter residence time results from hyporheic flux increasing faster than hyporheic volume with higher P. Implications for uptake of dissolved MDN are explored with Damköhler numbers, defined as the ratio of the mean hydraulic residence time to a biogeochemical rate of interest. Given the considerable influence of spawning on hyporheic exchange, additional research is needed to determine conditions under which bioassimilation of dissolved MDN is limited by nutrient supply, extent of the hyporheic zone, or processing rate of MDN in stream beds.
The role of the peripheral cannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of detrusor overactivity evoked by increased intravesical osmolarity in rats
Authors: Juszczak Kajetan , Maciukiewicz Piotr
Published: April 2015

The cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are localized in the urinary bladder and play a role in the regulation of its function. We investigated the pathomechanisms through which hyperosmolarity induces detrusor overactivity (DO). We compared urinary bladder activity in response to blockade of CB1 and CB2 receptors using AM281 and AM630, respectively, in normal rats and after hyperosmolar stimulation. Experiments were performed on 44 rats. DO was induced by intravesical instillation of hyperosmolar saline. Surgical procedures and cystometry were performed under urethane anaesthesia. The measurements represent the average of 5 bladder micturition cycles. We analysed basal, threshold, and micturition voiding pressure; intercontraction interval; compliance; functional bladder capacity; motility index; and detrusor overactivity index. The blockage of CB1 and CB2 receptors diminished the severity of hyperosmolar-induced DO. In comparison with naïve animals the increased frequency of voiding with no significant effect on intravesical voiding pressure profile was observed as a result of the blockage of CB1 and CB2 receptors. These results demonstrate that hyperosmolar-induced DO is mediated by CB1 and CB2 receptors. Therefore, the cannabinoid pathway could potentially be a target for the treatment of urinary bladder dysfunction.
Improved Algorithms for Online Scheduling of Malleable Parallel Jobs on Two Identical Machines
Authors: Zhou Hao , Zhou Ping , Jiang Yiwei
Published: April 2015

This paper addresses online scheduling of malleable parallel jobs to minimize the maximum completion time, i.e., makespan. It is assumed that the execution time of a job Jj with processing time pj is pj/k + (k-1)c if the job is assigned to k machines, where c > 0 is a constant setup time. We consider online algorithms for the scheduling problem on two identical machines. Namely, the job Jj can be processed on one machine with execution time pj or alternatively two machines in parallel with execution time pj/2+c. For the asymptotical competitive ratio, we provide an improved online algorithm with makespan no more than (3/2)C* +c/2, where C* is the optimal makespan. For the strict competitive ratio, we propose an online algorithm with competitive ratio of 1.54, which is close to the lower bound of 1.5.
Memorial to Kolya Uraltsev: On the way to $1/m_b^5$
Authors: Turczyk Sascha
Published: April 2015

In this article I pay my tribute to the memory of Kolya Uraltsev. I look back on my experience with him, and focus especially on two joined projects with him on inclusive semi-leptonic [Formula: see text] decays. This is a field where he had a major impact over the past decades.
Fundamental dynamics: Past, present and the future — like CP violation and EDMs
Authors: Bigi Ikaros I.
Published: April 2015

Working with Kolya Uraltsev was a real 'marvel' for me in general, but in particular about CP and T violation, QCD and its impact on transitions in heavy flavor hadrons and EDMs. The goal was — and still is — to define fundamental parameters for dynamics, how to measure them and compare SM forces with New Dynamics using the best tools including our brains. The correlations of them with accurate data were crucial for Kolya. Here is a review of CP asymmetries in B, D and τ decays, the impact of perturbative and non-perturbative QCD, about EDMs till 2013 — and for the future.
Uraltsev's and other sum rules, theory and phenomenology of D**'s
Authors: Le Yaouanc Alain , Pène Olivier
Published: April 2015

We first discuss Uraltsev's and other sum rules constraining the B → D**(L = 1) weak transitions in the infinite mass limit, and compare them with dynamical approaches in the same limit. After recalling these well established facts, we discuss how to apply infinite mass limit to the physical situation. We provide predictions concerning semileptonic decays and non-leptonic ones, based on quark models. We then present in more detail the dynamical approaches: the relativistic quark model à la Bakamjian–Thomas and lattice QCD. We summarise lattice QCD results in the infinite mass limit and compare them to the quark model predictions. We then present preliminary lattice QCD results with finite b and c quark masses. A systematic comparison between theory and experiment is performed. We show that some large discrepancies exist between different experiments. Altogether the predictions at infinite mass are in fair agreement with experiment for non-leptonic decays contrary to what happens for semileptonic decays. We conclude by considering the prospects to clarify both the experimental situation, the theoretical one and the comparison between both.
Controllability of Fractional-Order Directed Complex Networks, with Self Loop and Double Edge Structure
Authors: Zhang Hao , Chen Diyi , Xu Bei-Bei , Zhou Rui
Published: April 2015

For that the conclusion of maximum matching is an important basic theory for controllability of complex networks, we first study the validity of maximum matching for fractional-order directed complex networks. We also develop a new analytical tool to study the controllability of an arbitrary fractional-order directed complex directed network with self loop by identifying the set of driver nodes with time-dependent control that can guide the system's entire dynamics. Through analyzing a mass of typical examples, we propose a new theory named “variant maximum matching” which is superior to the old one. Finally, we present some typical examples to prove the correctness of our conclusions.
A Scalable Approach to Harvest Modern Weblogs
Authors: Banos Vangelis , Blanvillain Olivier , Kasioumis Nikos , Manolopoulos Yannis
Published: April 2015

Blogs are one of the most prominent means of communication on the web. Their content, interconnections and influence constitute a unique socio-technical artefact of our times which needs to be preserved. The BlogForever project has established best practices and developed an innovative system to harvest, preserve, manage and reuse blog content. This paper presents the latest developments of the blog crawler which is a key component of the BlogForever platform. More precisely, our work concentrates on techniques to automatically extract content such as articles, authors, dates and comments from blog posts. To achieve this goal, we introduce a simple yet robust and scalable algorithm to generate extraction rules based on string matching using the blog's web feed in conjunction with blog hypertext. Furthermore, we present a system architecture which is characterised by efficiency, modularity, scalability and interoperability with third-party systems. Finally, we conduct thorough evaluations of the performance and accuracy of our system.
Visualizing and Interacting with Concept Hierarchies
Authors: Plantié Michel , Crampes Michel
Published: April 2015

Concept Hierarchies and Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) are theoretically well grounded. They rely on line diagrams called Galois lattices for visualizing and analysing object-attribute sets. Galois lattices are visually seducing and conceptually rich for experts. However they present important drawbacks due to their concept oriented overall structure: analysing what they show is difficult for non experts, navigation is cumbersome, interaction is poor, and scalability is a deep bottleneck for visual interpretation even for experts. In this paper we introduce semantic probes as a means to overcome many of these problems and extend usability and application possibilities of traditional FCA visualization methods. Semantic probes are visual user centred objects which extract and organize reduced Galois sub-hierarchies. They are simpler, clearer, and they provide a better navigation support through a rich set of interaction possibilities. Since probe driven sub-hierarchies are limited to users' focus, scalability is under control and interpretation is facilitated. After some successful experiments, several applications are being developed with the remaining problem of finding a compromise between simplicity and conceptual expressivity.
Edge Weight Method for Community Detection on Mixed Scale-Free Networks
Authors: Jarukasemratana Sorn , Murata Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we proposed an edge weight method for performing a community detection on mixed scale-free networks.We use the phrase “mixed scale-free networks” for networks where some communities have node degree that follows a power law similar to scale-free networks, while some have node degree that follows normal distribution. In this type of network, community detection algorithms that are designed for scale-free networks will have reduced accuracy because some communities do not have scale-free properties. On the other hand, algorithms that are not designed for scale-free networks will also have reduced accuracy because some communities have scale-free properties. To solve this problem, our algorithm consists of two community detection steps; one is aimed at extracting communities whose node degree follows power law distribution (scale-free), while the other one is aimed at extracting communities whose node degree follows normal distribution (non scale-free). To evaluate our method, we use NMI — Normalized Mutual Information — to measure our results on both synthetic and real-world datasets comparing with both scale-free and non scale-free community detection methods. The results show that our method outperforms all other based line methods on mixed scale-free networks.
Automatic Extraction of Semantic Relations from Wikipedia
Authors: Arnold Patrick , Rahm Erhard
Published: April 2015

We introduce a novel approach to extract semantic relations (e.g., is-a and part-of relations) from Wikipedia articles. These relations are used to build up a large and up-to-date thesaurus providing background knowledge for tasks such as determining semantic ontology mappings. Our automatic approach uses a comprehensive set of semantic patterns, finite state machines and NLP techniques to extract millions of relations between concepts. An evaluation for different domains shows the high quality and effectiveness of the proposed approach. We also illustrate the value of the newly found relations for improving existing ontology mappings.
Exploiting Linked Data for Open and Configurable Named Entity Extraction
Authors: Fafalios Pavlos , Baritakis Manolis , Tzitzikas Yannis
Published: April 2015

Named Entity Extraction (NEE) is the process of identifying entities in texts and, very commonly, linking them to related (Web) resources. This task is useful in several applications, e.g. for question answering, annotating documents, post-processing of search results, etc. However, existing NEE tools lack an open or easy configuration although this is very important for building domain-specific applications. For example, supporting a new category of entities, or specifying how to link the detected entities with online resources, is either impossible or very laborious. In this paper, we show how we can exploit semantic information (Linked Data) at real-time for configuring (handily) a NEE system and we propose a generic model for configuring such services. To explicitly define the semantics of the proposed model, we introduce an RDF/S vocabulary, called “Open NEE Configuration Model”, which allows a NEE service to describe (and publish as Linked Data) its entity mining capabilities, but also to be dynamically configured. To allow relating the output of a NEE process with an applied configuration, we propose an extension of the Open Annotation Data Model which also enables an application to run advanced queries over the annotated data. As a proof of concept, we present X-Link, a fully-configurable NEE framework that realizes this approach. Contrary to the existing tools, X-Link allows the user to easily define the categories of entities that are interesting for the application at hand by exploiting one or more semantic Knowledge Bases. The user is also able to update a category and specify how to semantically link and enrich the identified entities. This enhanced configurability allows X-Link to be easily configured for different contexts for building domain-specific applications. To test the approach, we conducted a task-based evaluation with users that demonstrates its usability, and a case study that demonstrates its feasibility.
Accurate numerical schemes for approximating initial-boundary value problems for systems of conservation laws
Authors: Mishra Siddhartha , Spinolo Laura V.
Published: April 2015

Solutions of initial-boundary value problems for systems of conservation laws depend on the underlying viscous mechanism, namely different viscosity operators lead to different limit solutions. Standard numerical schemes for approximating conservation laws do not take into account this fact and converge to solutions that are not necessarily physically relevant. We design numerical schemes that incorporate explicit information about the underlying viscosity mechanism and approximate the physical-viscosity solution. Numerical experiments illustrating the robust performance of these schemes are presented.
Elasto-Plastic Analysis of a Functionally Graded Rotating Disk Under Cyclic Thermo-Mechanical Loadings Considering Continuum Damage Mechanics
Authors: Nayebi Ali , Tirmomenin Ali , Damadam Mohsen
Published: April 2015

The goal of this work is to study the influence of continuum damage mechanics on a functionally graded rotating disk subjected to cyclic temperature gradient loading through nonlinear kinematic hardening rule employed to model the back stress. The formulations have been developed on the basis of von Mises' yield criterion. The material properties are assumed to be independent of temperature and vary according to a power law volume fraction relation but Poisson's ratio is assumed to be constant. Return mapping algorithm (RMA), an incremental method, has been used in the numerical procedure. Material behaviors such as elastic shakedown, plastic shakedown and ratcheting were specified in the existence of continuum damage mechanics to obtain the Bree's interaction diagram for different temperatures and angular velocities.
Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics for the Linear and Nonlinear Analyses of Elastoplastic Damage and Fracture of Shell
Authors: Ming F. R. , Zhang A. M. , Wang S. P.
Published: April 2015

It is a troublesome and focused problem of solid mechanics to solve shell structures with Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), which is a fully meshfree method. In this paper, an integral model of SPH shell is proposed to more accurately capture the nonlinear strain along the thickness direction. Though the idea is similar to the "Gaussian integral point" in Finite element method (FEM), it is absent and just the first presentation in SPH. Furthermore, focusing on the metal materials, a high-efficiency iteration algorithm for plasticity is derived and the plastic damage theory of Lemaitre–Chaboche is also introduced based on the studies of Caleyron et al. (2011). As for the dynamic fracture of SPH shell, the multiple line segments algorithm is proposed to treat crack adaptively, which overcomes the mesh dependency occurring in mesh method. These algorithms and theories are successfully applied in the integral model of SPH shell of elasticity, plastic damage and dynamic fracture. Finally, the linear and nonlinear analyses of geometry and material are carried out with FEM, the global model and the integral model of SPH shell to prove the feasibility and the accuracy of the integral model.
Next generation sequencing under de novo genome assembly
Authors: Nimmy Sonia Farhana , Kamal M. S.
Published: April 2015

The next generation sequencing (NGS) is an important process which assures inexpensive organization of vast size of raw sequence dataset over any traditional sequencing systems or methods. Various aspects of NGS such as template preparation, sequencing imaging and genome alignment and assembly outline the genome sequencing and alignment. Consequently, de Bruijn graph (dBG) is an important mathematical tool that graphically analyzes how the orientations are constructed in groups of nucleotides. Basically, dBG describes the formation of the genome segments in circular iterative fashions. Some pivotal dBG-based de novo algorithms and software packages such as T-IDBA, Oases, IDBA-tran, Euler, Velvet, ABySS, AllPaths, SOAPde novo and SOAPde novo2 are illustrated in this paper. Consequently, overlap layout consensus (OLC) graph-based algorithms also play vital role in NGS assembly. Some important OLC-based algorithms such as MIRA3, CABOG, Newbler, Edena, Mosaik and SHORTY are portrayed in this paper. It has been experimented that greedy graph-based algorithms and software packages are also vital for proper genome dataset assembly. A few algorithms named SSAKE, SHARCGS and VCAKE help to perform proper genome sequencing.
Magnetic Order, Spin Waves and Fluctuations in the Triangular Antiferromagnet La2Ca2MnO7
Authors: Dalmas de Réotier P. , Marin C. , Yaouanc A. , Douce T. , Sikora A. , Amato A. , Baines C.
Published: April 2015

We report magnetic susceptibility, specific heat and muon spin relaxation (μSR) experiments on the triangular antiferromagnet La 2 Ca 2 MnO 7 which develops a genuine two-dimensional (2D), three-sublattice [Formula: see text] magnetic order below T N = 2.8 K. From the susceptibility and specific heat an estimate of the exchange interaction is derived. A value for the spin-wave gap is obtained from the latter data. The analysis of a previously reported inelastic neutron scattering data yields values for the exchange and spin-wave gap compatible with the results obtained from macroscopic measurements. An appreciable entropy is still missing at 10 K that may be ascribed to intense short-range correlations. The critical paramagnetic fluctuations extend far above T N , and can be partly understood in terms of two-dimensional spin-wave excitations. While no spontaneous μSR field is observed below T N , persistent spin dynamics is found. Short-range correlations are detected in this temperature range. Their relation to a possible molecular spin substructure and the observed exotic spin fluctuations is discussed.
Affordance Judgments in HMD-Based Virtual Environments
Authors: Lin Qiufeng , Rieser John , Bodenheimer Bobby
Published: April 2015

People judge what they can and cannot do all the time when acting in the physical world. Can I step over that fence or do I need to duck under it? Can I step off of that ledge or do I need to climb off of it? These qualities of the environment that people perceive that allow them to act are called affordances. This article compares people’s judgments of affordances on two tasks in both the real world and in virtual environments presented with head-mounted displays. The two tasks were stepping over or ducking under a pole, and stepping straight off of a ledge. Comparisons between the real world and virtual environments are important because they allow us to evaluate the fidelity of virtual environments. Another reason is that virtual environment technologies enable precise control of the myriad perceptual cues at work in the physical world and deepen our understanding of how people use vision to decide how to act. In the experiments presented here, the presence or absence of a self-avatar—an animated graphical representation of a person embedded in the virtual environment—was a central factor. Another important factor was the presence or absence of action, that is, whether people performed the task or reported that they could or could not perform the task. The results show that animated self-avatars provide critical information for people deciding what they can and cannot do in virtual environments, and that action is significant in people’s affordance judgments.
From the EDVAC to WEBVACs
Authors: Wang Daniel C.
Published: April 2015

By now everyone has heard of cloud computing and realized that it is changing how both traditional enterprise IT and emerging startups are building solutions for the future. Is this trend toward the cloud just a shift in the complicated economics of the hardware and software industry, or is it a fundamentally different way of thinking about computing? Having worked in the industry, I can confidently say it is both.
Imatinib Mesylate Dose Adjustment Based on Body Surface Area for CML Chronic Phase Patients Intolerant to Standard Dosage
Authors: Sung Hwa Jung , Lee Se Ryeon , Choi In Keun , Park Yong , Choi Chul Won , Kim Hyeoung-Joon , Yhim Ho-Young , Kim Byung Soo
Published: April 2015

Aim: Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) chronic phase (CP) patients cannot tolerate a standard dose (400 mg/day) of imatinib mesylate (IM), sometimes needing a reduced dose. This study aimed to find convenient clinical indexes, rather than plasma trough levels of IM, to define the appropriate IM dosage. Methods: Seventy CML CP patients who experienced an IM dose reduction, or a temporary cessation, were enrolled from 2002 to 2010. The IM treatment was resumed and maintained at either ≥400 mg in 25 patients (35.7%; group ≥400 mg) or at ≤300 mg in 45 patients (64.3%; group ≤300 mg). The various clinical characteristics of these patients were evaluated. The plasma trough level of IM was monitored in 20 patients from group ≤300 mg. Results: Via multivariate analysis, the IM dosage divided by the body surface area (BSA) was an important index, presupposing a complete cytogenetic response at 12 months (CCyR12). Patients with IM/BSA >206.7 mg/m2 showed a higher probability of CCyR12 than others. The IM/BSA (221.7 mg/m2) in group ≤300 mg was higher than in group ≥400 mg (207.6 mg/m2). The sustained response and survival rate of group ≤300 mg was comparable to that of group ≥400 mg. The plasma trough level of IM was significantly correlated with the IM/BSA. Conclusion: Our study suggests that IM dose adjustments, based on IM/BSA, could improve the clinical outcomes in CML CP patients.
Measurement of Proteasome Activity in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells as an Indicator of Susceptibility to Bortezomib-Induced Severe Neurological Adverse Events in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Cho Yukiko , Hori Mitsuo , Okoshi Yasushi , Fujisawa Fumie , Shinagawa Atsushi , Kudo Daisuke , Komeno Takuya , Yoshida Chikashi , Katsura Yukitaka , Ota Ikuyo , Shimizu Seiichi , Kamoshita Masaharu , Sasaki Katsuhiro , Tanaka Keiji , Mukai Harumi Y. , Kojima Hiroshi ,   Ibaraki Hematology Oncology Palliation Expert Party (IB-HOPE)
Published: April 2015

Aims: To explore the biomarker for predicting the occurrence of adverse events in myeloma patients treated by intravenous bortezomib, we measured proteasome activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Methods: Samples were obtained from 34 bortezomib-naïve patients. Proteasome activity was measured at pre- and postchemotherapy phase by using a synthetic substrate. Results: Bortezomib injection resulted in a dramatic decrease in proteasome activity, reaching 32.4 ± 18.79% (mean ± SD) of the pretreatment level at 1 h, but it generally recovered at the end of the first course. In total, 6 patients manifested with severe bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (sBIPN) in the second-third course. There was a nonsignificant trend for these patients to have lower levels of the relative proteasome activity at the end of the first course than those without sBIPN (median: 74.03 vs. 103.2%, p = 0.052). Moreover, in all of them, proteasome activity did not recover to the pretreatment level, whereas no patients with complete recovery manifested with sBIPN. Analysis with Fisher's exact test demonstrated that incomplete recovery of proteasome activity is a significant risk factor for sBIPN (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Patients with incomplete recovery of proteasome activity are at high risk for developing sBIPN, and the susceptible patients can be indicated by monitoring proteasome activity.
Rebound Thrombocytosis following Induction Chemotherapy Is an Independent Predictor of a Good Prognosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Attaining First Complete Remission
Authors: Malkan Umit Yavuz , Gunes Gursel , Isik Ayse , Eliacik Eylem , Etgul Sezgin , Aslan Tuncay , Balaban Muruvvet Seda , Haznedaroglu Ibrahim Celalettin , Demiroglu Haluk , Goker Hakan , Ozcebe Osman Ilhami , Sayınalp Nilgun , Aksu Salih , Buyukasik Yahya
Published: April 2015

There are very few data about the relationship between acute myeloid leukemia (AML) prognosis and bone marrow recovery kinetics following chemotherapy. In this study, we aimed to assess the prognostic importance and clinical associations of neutrophil and platelet recovery rates and rebound thrombocytosis (RT) or neutrophilia (RN) in the postchemotherapy period for newly diagnosed AML patients. De novo AML patients diagnosed between October 2002 and December 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. One hundred patients were suitable for inclusion. Cox regression analysis using need for reinduction chemotherapy as a stratification parameter revealed RT as the only parameter predictive of OS, with borderline statistical significance (p = 0.06, OR = 7; 95% CI 0.92-53), and it was the only parameter predictive of DFS (p = 0.024, OR = 10; 95% CI 1.3-75). In order to understand whether RT or RN was related to a better marrow capacity or late consolidation, we considered neutrophil recovery time and platelet recovery time and nadir-first consolidation durations in all patients in the cohort. Both the marrow recovery duration and the time between marrow aplasia and first consolidation were shorter in RT and RN patients. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a correlation between RT/RN and prognosis in AML.
Understanding the Slowing Growth Rate of the People's Republic of China
Authors: Perkins Dwight H.
Published: April 2015

It is increasingly accepted that the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of the People's Republic of China (PRC) is slowing down, but the reasons for the slowdown are not yet well understood. Part of the reason is that growth in all countries that reach high-income status slows down when they reach a global research income level that is still far below the level of the highest income countries. In the PRC, on the supply side, this is happening because total factor productivity (TFP) is slowing down whereas, because of slowing labor force growth, it would have to increase in order to maintain near double-digit GDP growth. On the demand side, a low share of household income in GDP has required the PRC to maintain an unusually high rate of investment in transport infrastructure and housing, but the rapid growth in both of these areas is coming to an end. Environmental investment could take up the slack and keep aggregate demand at a level that would fully employ resources. Finally, the PRC has reached the point where the manufacturing share of GDP has peaked and will begin to decline as the economy becomes increasingly service based, but services seldom grow at the double-digit rates that manufacturing is sometimes capable of.
Health Care Expenditure over Life Cycle in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Feng Jin , Lou Pingyi , Yu Yangyang
Published: April 2015

We use individual level data from eight waves of the China Health and Nutrition Survey during 1991–2011 to investigate age profiles of health expenditure for rural and urban residents in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Employing a two-part model, we find that health expenditure of rural residents is averagely 33% lower than that of urban residents and age-expenditure profile is much steeper in urban areas than in rural areas. However, there is no evidence that the health status of the rural elderly is better than that of the urban elderly. The findings imply that health spending of the rural elderly may increase more during the process of rural–urban integration. In addition, we find a significant difference in age-expenditure profiles across time. Compared with expenditure during 1991–2000, the estimated age-expenditure profile becomes steeper during 2004–2011 in both urban and rural areas.
Venture Capital Investment and the Post-IPO Performance of Entrepreneurial Firms: Evidence from the People's Republic of China
Authors: Guo Di , Jiang Kun , Mai Xiaoting
Published: April 2015

We examine the effects of venture capital (VC) investment on the performance (measured by return on assets, return on equity, and Tobin's Q) and growth (measured by growth of total sales and total number of employees) of entrepreneurial firms in the People's Republic of China (PRC) after an initial public offering (IPO). Firm-level panel data analysis shows that VC investment contributes to the long-term performance and growth of entrepreneurial firms after an IPO. Meanwhile, we observe a significant and positive relationship between corporate governance of firms and VC investment. However, we do not find that experience or specialization of VC firms influences the effects of venture investment on post-IPO performance or growth of entrepreneurial firms in the PRC.
Sustaining Growth of the People's Republic of China
Authors: Lin Justin Yifu , Zhang Fan
Published: April 2015

This paper reviews economic growth theory in the framework of economic development and explores the possibility of sustained growth in the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the long run. We argue that the PRC has the potential to sustain relatively high growth rates. First, since the technological gap with major developed countries still exists, the PRC can continue to enjoy its “advantage of backwardness” in the near future. Second, large-scale infrastructure investment, which began several decades ago, may possibly extend to the future and provide the country a basis for further growth. Third, structural readjustment, which is needed in many areas, should similarly be able to support the Chinese economy. This paper argues that to sustain long-term growth in the PRC, a number of general preconditions need to be fulfilled—these include well-functioning markets, a minimum amount of investment, continued structural upgrading, and effective government.
How Does Financial Opening Affect Industrial Efficiency? The Case of Foreign Bank Entry in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Li Ran , Huang Yiping
Published: April 2015

This paper analyzes the effects of foreign bank entry on industrial efficiency in the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a case study of financial opening. The study reveals an overall positive impact on the industry. However, the effects vary across ownership groups: negative for state and collective sectors, positive for private enterprises, and insignificant for foreign-invested firms. These findings are incompatible with predictions based on the “cream-skimming effect” and information asymmetry. We investigate two transmission channels of the policy effects—via an easing of financing constraints and through increased competition. Foreign bank entry, like financial liberalization, reverses the effects of repressive financial policy, which protects the state sector but discriminates against private enterprises. While enhancing bank competition can be an effective way to support private sector development, the state sector deserves close attention in order to ensure a smooth transition. This case study should offer some useful lessons for future financial opening.
Trilemma Challenges for the People's Republic of China
Authors: Kawai Masahiro , Liu Li-Gang
Published: April 2015

This paper first reviews recent developments in exchange rate regimes, capital account liberalization, interest rate liberalization, and monetary policymaking in the People's Republic of China (PRC). It then observes that the PRC's monetary policy autonomy may have been reduced with falling capital control effectiveness and a rigid exchange regime that is still tightly managed against the United States (US) dollar. This hypothesis is investigated empirically using both the Taylor rule and a McCallum-like rule to test whether the PRC's money market interest rate and/or quantity of money supply are being increasingly influenced by the US interest rate or reserve accumulation. The paper concludes that there is considerable evidence suggesting diminishing monetary policy autonomy in the PRC. To regain policy autonomy, the monetary authority needs to substantially increase exchange rate flexibility of the renminbi as long as it continues to pursue capital account opening.
Model & Metaphor: A Case Study of a New Methodology for Art/Science Residencies
Authors: Farman Nola , Barr Matt , Philp Angela , Lawry Miranda , Belcher Warwick , Dastoor Paul
Published: April 2015

Traditional artist-in-science-residency schemes have tended to focus on artists using scientific tools and technology as a medium for their art. What kind and quality of work might occur, however, between scientists working on cutting-edge solar energy research and a visual artist (a sculptor) when they are integrated in a truly collaborative environment? Is it good for the art? Is it good for the science? The authors describe a new methodology for art-science interactions whereby they have integrated arts practice within a scientific environment. A critical aspect of the methodology for the residency was the development of an interaction framework that ensured that both artist and scientist had equal voice in discussions involving the art and science of the project within an environment of mutual respect. The integration led to the development of outcomes that would not have occurred otherwise.
Dance Becoming Knowledge: Designing a Digital “Body”
Authors: Leach James , deLahunta Scott
Published: April 2015

In this article the authors discuss the possibility of presenting the unique qualities of “the body” in contemporary dance practice through tailored digital choreographic objects. They reflect on some implications of abstraction in cognitive science and on “the body” as a site of exploration and knowledge in the realm of social, moral and relational being.
Mr. Moto: Improbable International Man of Mystery
Authors: Schneider Michael A.
Published: April 2015

Mr. Moto, a fictional Japanese detective, achieved mass popularity through a series of 1930s films starring Peter Lorre. Moto was the creation of successful writer John P. Marquand (1893–1960), whose novels depicted a Japanese international spy quite different from the genial Mr. Moto of film. Revisiting the original Mr. Moto novels illuminates a Japanese character who rationalized Japan’s 1930s continental expansionism in ways that might have been acceptable to many Americans. Although Marquand intended to present Mr. Moto as a “moderate” and reasonable Japanese agent and generally present East Asians in a positive light, it is difficult to see the novels as doing anything more than buttressing prevailing racial and ethnic stereotypes.