bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for ABO Genotyping Using a DNA Chip
Authors: Watanabe Ken , Ikegaya Hiroshi , Hirayama Koichi , Motani Hisako , Iwase Hirotaro , Kaneko Hiroto , Fukushima Hisayo , Akutsu Tomoko , Sakurada Koichi
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  ABO genotyping is often performed to identify the blood type of decomposed samples, which is difficult to be determined by a serological test. In this study, we developed a simple method for ABO genotyping using a DNA chip. In this method, polymerase chain reaction‐amplified and fluorescent‐labeled fragments in the ABO gene and primate‐specific D17Z1 were hybridized with DNA probes on a chip designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ABO gene and part of the D17Z1 sequence. Using blood samples from 42 volunteers and 10 animal species, we investigated whether the chip could be used to detect SNPs in the ABO gene and the D17Z1 sequence. This method was then applied to various forensic samples, and it was confirmed that this method was suitable for the simultaneous analyses of ABO genotyping and species identification. This method fulfills the recent need for the development of rapid and convenient methods for criminal investigations.
Choosing Relatives for DNA Identification of Missing Persons
Authors: Ge Jianye , Budowle Bruce , Chakraborty Ranajit
Published: December 2010

Abstract:  DNA‐based analysis is integral to missing person identification cases. When direct references are not available, indirect relative references can be used to identify missing persons by kinship analysis. Generally, more reference relatives render greater accuracy of identification. However, it is costly to type multiple references. Thus, at times, decisions may need to be made on which relatives to type. In this study, pedigrees for 37 common reference scenarios with 13 CODIS STRs were simulated to rank the information content of different combinations of relatives. The results confirm that first‐order relatives (parents and fullsibs) are the most preferred relatives to identify missing persons; fullsibs are also informative. Less genetic dependence between references provides a higher on average likelihood ratio. Distant relatives may not be helpful solely by autosomal markers. But lineage‐based Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA markers can increase the likelihood ratio or serve as filters to exclude putative relationships.
Comparing habitat quality within and between environments using giving up densities: an example based on the winter habitat of white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
Authors: Vickery William L. , Rieucau Guillaume , Jean Doucet G.
Published: December 2010

We previously developed a model, based on the precepts of optimal patch use, to compare habitat quality both within and between environments. Here we illustrate the use of this model in a study estimating quality of winter habitats (deer yards) of white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus near the northern limit of their range by following their foraging behaviour. We compare giving up densities (GUDs), the amount of food remaining in a patch when a forager ceases foraging there, with and without the presence of supplemental food in order to draw inferences about the relative quality either of habitats within an environment or of distinct environments. We use our model to evaluate the impact of alterations to the winter habitat of deer at two distinct sites that differed in their level of predation risk and food availability. The first site, the Mont Rigaud deer yard, was surrounded by farm land and gradually‐expanding suburbs. Predators were rare and food was available in winter either in farm fields or around private homes but deer browsing in the past had left little food in the forest. At the second site, the Calumet deer yard, deer experienced a higher predation risk and did not have access to supplemental food from farm fields or private homes. However, past browsing by deer had not drastically reduced food in the forest. We offered food to deer in four habitats per site (forest, forest edge, clearing, clearing edge) with four to six replicates per site and measured the GUDs after 24 h. Analysis of these data, interpreted according to our model, suggests that deer are more sensitive to metabolic costs at Mont Rigaud and food availability at Calumet; predation risk does not alter deer behaviour between the two sites. Within habitats, deer at Mont Rigaud reacted to clearings as though they imposed higher metabolic costs than the forest. They also reacted to an interaction in which missed food costs influenced GUD only when metabolic costs were not too high. Thus our model appears to provide a convenient tool for comparing habitat quality both within and between environments.
Female Genital Tract Secretions and Semen Impact the Development of Microbicides for the Prevention of HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Herold Betsy C. , Mesquita Pedro M. , Madan Rebecca P. , Keller Marla J.
Published: December 2010

Citation  Herold BC, Mesquita PM, Madan RP, Keller MJ. Female genital tract secretions and semen impact the development of microbicides for the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 325–333

Pharmacologic strategies for the prevention of HIV include vaccines, post‐exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral therapy, and topical microbicides. Vaginal microbicides have the potential to augment innate defenses in the genital tract but may also disrupt endogenous protection and increase HIV acquisition risk, as observed in clinical trials of nonoxynol‐9. The initially disappointing results of microbicide clinical trials stimulated the development of more sensitive and comprehensive pre‐clinical safety studies, which include dual‐chamber culture systems to model the epithelial barrier and post‐coital studies to evaluate the effects of semen and sexual intercourse on microbicide efficacy. This review discusses the key factors that contribute to a healthy female genital tract environment, the impact of semen on mucosal defense, and how our understanding of these mediators informs the development of effective vaginal microbicides.
Biology of the Male Reproductive Tract: Its Cellular and Morphological Considerations
Authors: Bronson Richard
Published: December 2010

Citation  Bronson R. Biology of the male reproductive tract: Its cellular and morphological considerations. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 212–219

For many years, the focus of attention in the study of semen has been on spermatozoa, its major cellular component, given their importance in the process of reproduction, and the role of the seminal fluid as their transport medium. More recently, evidence has accumulated of the complexity of seminal fluid, its components that perturb the female reproductive tract in ways promoting both survival of spermatozoa there‐in and facilitating the implantation of embryos within the endometrium, hence initiating pregnancy. These same factors, however, may also make the female reproductive tract susceptible to invasion not only by spermatozoa but viruses, playing a significant role in the male‐to‐female transmission of HIV. Knowledge of the histology, anatomy, and immunology of the male reproductive tract is essential in understanding its role in HIV pathogenesis.
The effectiveness of health promotion materials and activities on breastfeeding outcomes
Authors: Pannu PK , Giglia RC , Binns CW , Scott JA , Oddy WH
Published: December 2010

Aim:  To determine the effect of mothers receiving health promotion material and education antenatally and/or postnatally on breastfeeding outcomes in Perth, Western Australia.

Methods:  A 12‐month longitudinal study was conducted in two public maternity hospitals in Perth, Western Australia, between 2002 and 2003. Data were collected on a consecutive sample 587 mothers.

Results:  The results showed that mothers who received an individual consultation or were involved in a discussion on breastfeeding antenatally with hospital staff were approximately 55% less likely to cease fully breastfeeding (HR 0.44; 95% CI 0.24–0.88) before 6 months, and 50% less likely to cease any breastfeeding before 12 months postnatally (HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.28–0.92). In the postnatal period, mothers who received instruction on positioning and attachment of the infant to the breast while in hospital were approximately 30% less likely to cease fully breastfeeding before 6 months (HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.45–0.99).

Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest a positive association between receiving individualized breastfeeding information in both the antenatal and postnatal period, and breastfeeding outcomes.
THE EFFECT OF SEQUENCE SELECTION AND FIELD STRENGTH ON DETECTION OF OSTEOCHONDRAL DEFECTS IN THE METACARPOPHALANGEAL JOINT
Authors: WERPY NATASHA M. , HO CHARLES P. , PEASE ANTHONY P. , KAWCAK CHRISTOPHER E.
Published: December 2010

Six cadaver forelimbs were imaged in two high‐field magnetic resonance (MR) systems and one low‐field MR system following the creation of osteochondral defects on the palmar distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone. The following sequences were performed using all three systems: proton density (PD) turbo spin echo, T2* gradient echo (GRE), T2‐weighted fast spin echo, and short tau inversion recovery. In addition, 3D T1 GRE sagittal standard and motion insensitive sequences were obtained using the low‐field system. PD fat saturated and 3D T1‐weighted spoiled GRE images with and without fat suppression were acquired with the high‐field systems. Lesions were measured and assigned a confidence score. The images obtained using high‐field systems (1.0 and 1.5 T) more accurately represented the osteochondral defects when compared with low‐field system (0.27 T) images. The largest difference was observed when evaluating articular cartilage defects, which were not identified on the low‐field images. Sequence selection affected the appearance of the lesions. On all systems the turbo and fast spin echo sequences more accurately represented the lesion size and shape when compared with the GRE sequences. The T1 GRE sequence is the only sequence that appears to allow visualization of the articular cartilage on the low‐field images, but is limited in providing adequate cartilage visualization. Confidence scores were greater on the high‐field systems when compared with the low‐field system.
RADIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE OS PENIS IN THE CAT
Authors: PIOLA VALENTINA , POSCH BARBARA , AGHTE PETRA , CAINE ABBY , HERRTAGE MICHAEL E.
Published: December 2010

The os penis in the cat has not been described radiographically, as compared with the dog. However, a small linear bony radiopacity is sometimes detected in the perineal area of male cats. We hypothesized that the feline os penis might be visible on survey radiographs of the pelvis, and we aimed to investigate the frequency of its visualization using analog and computed radiography (CR) system. One hundred radiographs of the pelvis of 99 male cats were reviewed retrospectively (50 were obtained with a CR system and 50 with an analog system). Age, breed, neutering status, and reason for presentation were recorded, as well as the visualization of the os penis. An os penis was detected in 19/50 (38%) cats with CR and in eight of 50 (16%) cats with analog radiography; this difference was statistically significant. With CR, the median age of cats with a visible os penis was significantly higher than in cats where the os penis was not seen. In one cat with a visible os penis examined with CR and analog radiography, the os penis was only visible on CR images. The penile tissues were examined histopathologically in one cat and well‐differentiated bone was found but there were no pathologic findings detected in surrounding tissues. Thus, the os penis can be detected on radiographs of cats and this should not be mistaken for a pathologic finding such as urolithiasis or dystrophic mineralization.
Employment and Volunteering for Adults With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Trembath David , Balandin Susan , Stancliffe Roger J. , Togher Leanne
Published: December 2010

Employment is a fundamental part of adult life. Adults with intellectual disability (ID) face multiple barriers to employment, however, and are underrepresented in the paid workforce. Formal volunteering has been promoted as both a stepping stone and an alternative to employment for some adults with disability. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of research findings relating to volunteering and employment for work‐age adults with ID. Few studies have examined the experiences of adults with ID who volunteer. The findings indicate that volunteering alone is unlikely to lead to employment for adults with ID. However, some adults with ID view volunteering as a meaningful and desirable alternative to paid work. There is a need for further research to examine the relationship between volunteering and employment for adults with ID. In addition, there is a need for practice guidelines to ensure that the outcomes for adults with ID who volunteer, and those who seek paid employment, are successful.
Career Interests and Self‐Efficacy Beliefs Among Young Adults With an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Nota Laura , Ginevra Maria Cristina , Carrieri Loredana
Published: December 2010

Work is important for people with disabilities, and fosters their career development and quality of life. Findings from social cognitive theory suggest that transition to work and work inclusion processes should be based on opportunities to explore the world of work, awareness of professional options (of which people with an intellectual disability (ID) frequently have little knowledge), and consideration of career interests and self‐efficacy beliefs. The present study was aimed at verifying whether people with ID present interests and self‐efficacy beliefs in less complex occupations, and whether self‐efficacy beliefs can predict career interests, similar to results observed with individuals without ID. The study also investigated differences associated with ID level and with gender. One hundred and twenty‐nine young adults with ID were interviewed about their interests in and self‐efficacy beliefs concerning occupations in six different occupational areas (e.g., realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional). Results showed that participants with ID tended to be interested in, and have higher self‐efficacy belief levels, in low‐to‐mid‐complexity occupations and also showed the predictive role of self‐efficacy beliefs. Contrary to our expectations, however, no ID level or gender effects were observed. The findings underscore the importance of very early vocational guidance activities that emphasize these aspects in helping persons with ID set their professional goals.
EXPLORING FEAR: ROUSSEAU, DEWEY, AND FREIRE ON FEAR AND LEARNING
Authors: English Andrea , Stengel Barbara
Published: December 2010

Fear is not the first feature of educational experience associated with the best‐known progressive educational theorists—Jean‐Jacques Rousseau, John Dewey, and Paolo Freire. But each of these important thinkers did, in fact, have something substantive to say about how fear functions in the processes of learning and growth. Andrea English and Barbara Stengel juxtapose the ideas of these thinkers in this essay for three purposes: (1) to demonstrate that there is a progressive tradition that accounts for negative emotion in learning; (2) to explore doubt, discomfort, and difficulty as pedagogically useful, with links to fear as both a prompt for and an impediment to growth; and (3) to suggest that teachers take negative affect into account in their pedagogical practice. In doing so, English and Stengel join with contemporary theorists in and out of education to recognize that affect cannot be left out of social theory and that understanding the play of emotion is an integral part of creating truly educational contexts and experiences. The authors' focus here is on fear in processes of learning.
THE CONCEPT OF PHILOSOPHICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Bøyum Steinar
Published: December 2010

Strangely, the concept of philosophical education is not much in use, at least not as a philosophical concept. In this essay, Steinar Bøyum attempts to outline such a philosophical concept of philosophical education. Bøyum uses Plato's Allegory of the Cave, René Descartes's life of doubt, and Immanuel Kant's criticism of metaphysics as paradigms or defining examples of this concept. Bøyum's aim in this essay is not exegetical; rather, he hopes to describe these examples in a way that will let their character as conceptions of philosophical education show forth. His underlying aims are to show which forms such conceptions may take and why philosophical education is or should be an important topic for both philosophy and education.
HOW COMPREHENSIVE IS YOUR CONCEPTION OF THE GOOD? LIBERAL PARENTS, DIFFERENCE, AND THE COMMON SCHOOL
Authors: Suissa Judith
Published: December 2010

In this essay, Judith Suissa examines the central Rawlsian notion of a “comprehensive conception of the good” through a discussion of some recent work on issues of identity and difference, alongside a reflective account of life in a multicultural, liberal family. Suissa discusses the justificatory role the notion of “comprehensive conceptions of the good” plays in liberal theory, particularly in the context of work by philosophers of education, and she questions the normative value and descriptive adequacy of this conceptualization. Suissa suggests that there is a great deal of confusion surrounding this notion and the associated notions of “cultural coherence” and “substantive commitments,” and that this has given rise to a particular imagery regarding the relation between the liberal school and the family. This imagery, Suissa argues, is an unhelpful way to think about education, and she ends with some tentative suggestions for a more nuanced understanding of this relation.
The Pharmacological Role of Phosphatases (Acid and Alkaline Phosphomonoesterases) in Snake Venoms related to Release of Purines ‐ a Multitoxin
Authors: Dhananjaya Bhadrapura L. , D’Souza Cletus J.M.
Published: December 2010

Abstract: Snake venom components, acting in concert in the prey, cause their immobilization and initiate digestion. To achieve this, several hydrolytic enzymes of snake venom have evolved to interfere in various physiological processes, which are well defined. However, hydrolytic enzymes such as phosphatases (acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterases) are less studied and their pharmacological role in venoms is not clearly defined. Also, they show overlapping substrate specificities and have other common biochemical properties causing uncertainty about their identity in venoms. The near‐ubiquitous distribution of these enzymes in venoms, suggests a significant role for these enzymes in envenomation. It appears that these enzymesmayplay a central role in liberating purines (mainly adenosine) ‐ a multitoxin and through the action of purines help in prey immobilization. However, apart from this, these enzymes could also possess other pharmacological activities as venom enzymes have been evolved to interfere in diverse physiological processes. This has not been verified by pharmacological studies using purified enzymes. Further research is needed to biologically characterize these enzymes in snake venoms, such that their role in venom is clearly established.
Women surgeons in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Sharon Wing‐Wai , Cheung Polly Suk‐Yee , Lee Janet Fung‐Yee , Fung James Tak‐Kwan , Patil Nivritti G. , Kwok Samuel Po‐Yin , Lam Siu‐Ho
Published: December 2010

Objective:  To survey Hong Kong women surgeon's current situation: their ability to balance career, personal and family life, and to look into some gender‐specific issues.

Methods:  A 28‐item questionnaire online survey was emailed to 142 female and 761 male surgeons with questions asking about four areas: demographic data, job satisfaction, work life balance and work opportunity.

Results:  Fifty‐eight female and 114 male surgeons completed the questionnaire. The mean age of female surgeon respondents was significantly younger than male surgeon respondents (33 vs 43 years, P < 0.001). Both female and male surgeons worked long hours (70% female and 64% male worked >= 60 hours per week, P = 0.402); however, both felt satisfied or very satisfied with their current job situation (74% female and 76% male, P = 0.536) and were happy or very happy with other aspects of their lives (84% female and 82% male). More male respondents were married (83% male vs 35 % female, P < 0.001) and more married men had biological children at the time of the survey (83% male vs 62% female, P = 0.034). Both married males and females had family commitments affecting training, career advancement and overseas training. The majority of male and female surgeons did not experience discrimination during training or career advancement; however, more females felt discriminated against during selection and training processes (25% female vs 12% male, P = 0.001) and during career advancement (18% female vs 10% male, P = 0.013).

Conclusion:  Our survey results showed that both female and male surgeons are able to combine productive careers with satisfactory personal and family lives. However, both female and male surgeons faced many difficulties in their working lives; women may have more difficulties regarding family issues, as our survey showed that more women surgeons remained single and more married women surgeons had no children. Policies that facilitate a work life balance are important to attract and retain the best and talented physicians, regardless of sex. In view of the increasing number of women surgeons, frequent surveys are needed to determine whether women surgeons experience a working environment that ensures a level playing field.
Is E‐mail Communication a Feasible Method to Interview Young People With Mental Health Problems?
Authors: Cleary Michelle , Walter Garry
Published: December 2010

TOPIC:  E‐mail interviewing—not to be confused with “online surveying”—shows promise for researchers working with adolescent mental health populations as a data collection method.

PURPOSE:  To explore potential advantages, constraints, and applications of e‐mail interviewing as a research method for staff working with adolescent mental health populations.

CONCLUSIONS:  At face value, there appear to be several advantages to e‐mail interviewing with young populations and further exploration of this method is warranted.
Regulatory harmonization and agricultural biotechnology in Argentina and China: Critical assessment of state‐centered and decentered approaches
Authors: van Zwanenberg Patrick , Ely Adrian , Smith Adrian , Chuanbo Chen , Shijun Ding , Fazio Maria‐Eugenia , Goldberg Laura
Published: December 2010

The international harmonization of technology‐related regulations seeks certain norms across diverse contexts. Harmonization efforts are based primarily on the promulgation of state‐centered command and control forms of regulation, though they may also be accompanied by the diffusion of more plural approaches that are decentered from the state. We contrast the ways in which the “proper” use of transgenic cotton seed technologies is understood in harmonizing regulations with the way this technology is used in practice in regions of Argentina and China. We find divergence that poses challenges for both state‐centered and decentered approaches to harmonization. While state‐centered approaches are blind to some critical processes on the ground, decentered strategies are found wanting in situations where norms remain deeply contested amongst actors situated in very uneven power relations. In both cases, we find that establishing and securing norms that are socially just and environmentally sustainable means attending much more explicitly to the political economies in which technological practices actually take root.
Plunging epidermal cyst of the floor of the mouth in a young child
Authors: Kamadjaja D.B.
Published: December 2010

Epidermal (epidermoid) cysts are considered rare lesions in the oral cavity. They may be present early in life and are confined to one anatomical area but they are usually excised later in life when they eventually cause discomfort, difficulty in swallowing or cosmetic problems. In rare cases, however, they may rapidly enlarge in young individuals, in which case, early excisions of the cysts are required. A case of a large epidermoid cyst of the floor of the mouth extending extraorally in a 3‐year‐old boy is presented. It is likely that the cyst originated intraorally, which then enlarged and involved the submandibular and the neck region; therefore, the term ‘plunging epidermal cyst’ is used in this case. Ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology suggested the diagnosis of either dermoid or epidermoid cyst. The lesion was surgically excised under general anaesthesia, and because of its large size, the surgery was done with combined intraoral and extraoral approach. The histopathology report of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of epidermal cyst. One‐year follow‐up review revealed no recurrence of the cyst.
Permanent Genetic Resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 August 2010 – 30 September 2010
Authors:   Molecular Ecology Resources Primer Development Consortium, AGGARWAL RAMESH K. , ALLAINGUILLAUME JOEL , BAJAY M. M. , BARTHWAL SANTAN , BERTOLINO P. , CHAUHAN PRITI , CONSUEGRA SOFIA , CROXFORD ADAM , DALTON DESIRÉ L. , Den BELDER E. , DÍAZ‐FERGUSON E. , DOUGLAS M. R. , DREES MICHAEL , ELDERSON J. , ESSELINK G. D. , FERNÁNDEZ‐MANJARRÉS J. F. , FRASCARIA‐LACOSTE N. , GÄBLER‐SCHWARZ STEFFI , De LEANIZ CARLOS GARCIA , GINWAL H. S. , GOODISMAN MICHAEL A. D. , GUO BAOLING , HAMILTON M. B. , HAYES PAUL K. , HONG YAN , KAJITA TADASHI , KALINOWSKI STEVEN T. , KELLER LAURENT , KOOP BEN F. , KOTZÉ ANTOINETTE , LALREMRUATA ALBERT , LEESE FLORIAN , LI CHUNHONG , LIEW W. Y. , MARTINELLI S. , MATTHEWS EMILY A. , MEDLIN LINDA K. , MESSMER AMBER M. , MEYER ELISABETH I. , MONTEIRO M. , MOYER G. R. , JOHN NELSON R. , NGUYEN THUY T. T. , OMOTO C. , ONO JUNYA , PAVINATO V. A. C. , PEARCY MORGAN , PINHEIRO J. B. , POWER L. D. , RAWAT ANITA , REUSCH THORSTEN B. H. , SANDERSON DAN , SANNIER J. , SATHE SANTOSH , SHERIDAN C. K. , SMULDERS M. J. M. , SUKGANAH A. , TAKAYAMA KOJI , TAMURA MARIKO , TATEISHI YOICHI , VANHAECKE DELPHINE , VU NINH V. , WICKNESWARI R. , WILLIAMS A. S. , WIMP G. M. , WITTE VOLKER , ZUCCHI M. I.
Published: December 2010

This article documents the addition of 229 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Acacia auriculiformis × Acacia mangium hybrid, Alabama argillacea, Anoplopoma fimbria, Aplochiton zebra, Brevicoryne brassicae, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Bucorvus leadbeateri, Delphacodes detecta, Tumidagena minuta, Dictyostelium giganteum, Echinogammarus berilloni, Epimedium sagittatum, Fraxinus excelsior, Labeo chrysophekadion, Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi, Paratrechina longicornis, Phaeocystis antarctica, Pinus roxburghii and Potamilus capax. These loci were cross‐tested on the following species: Acacia peregrinalis, Acacia crassicarpa, Bruguiera cylindrica, Delphacodes detecta, Tumidagena minuta, Dictyostelium macrocephalum, Dictyostelium discoideum, Dictyostelium purpureum, Dictyostelium mucoroides, Dictyostelium rosarium, Polysphondylium pallidum, Epimedium brevicornum, Epimedium koreanum, Epimedium pubescens, Epimedium wushanese and Fraxinus angustifolia.
A noninvasive, direct real‐time PCR method for sex determination in multiple avian species
Authors: BRUBAKER JESSICA L. , KAROUNA‐RENIER NATALIE K. , CHEN YU , JENKO KATHRYN , SPRAGUE DANIEL T. , HENRY PAULA F. P.
Published: December 2010

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based methods to determine the sex of birds are well established and have seen few modifications since they were first introduced in the 1990s. Although these methods allowed for sex determination in species that were previously difficult to analyse, they were not conducive to high‐throughput analysis because of the laboriousness of DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis. We developed a high‐throughput real‐time PCR‐based method for analysis of sex in birds, which uses noninvasive sample collection and avoids DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis.
An Analysis of Monopolistic and Competitive Take‐Back Schemes for WEEE Recycling
Authors: Toyasaki Fuminori , Boyacι Tamer , Verter Vedat
Published: December 2010

We study two prevailing types of take‐back schemes for electrical and electronic equipment waste recycling: monopolistic and competitive. We address key market and operating factors that make one scheme preferable to the other from the viewpoints of recyclers, manufacturers, and consumers. To this end, we model competitive decision making in both take‐back schemes as two‐stage sequential games between competing manufacturers and recyclers. Deriving and computing equilibria, we find that the competitive take‐back scheme often accomplishes a win–win situation, that is, lower product prices, and higher recycler and manufacturer profits. Exceptionally, recyclers prefer the monopolistic scheme when the substitutability level between the manufacturers' original products is high or economies of scale in recycling are very strong. We show that consolidation of the recycling industry could benefit all stakeholders when the economies of scale in recycling are strong, provided that manufacturer's products are not highly substitutable. Higher collection rates also render recycler consolidation desirable for all stakeholders. We also identify a potential free rider problem in the monopolistic scheme when recyclers differ in operational efficiency, and propose mechanisms to eliminate the discrepancy. We show that our results and insights are robust to the degree of competition within the recycling industry.
Impact of Demand Uncertainty on Stability of Supplier Alliances in Assembly Models
Authors: Sošić Greys
Published: December 2010

In their recent paper, Nagarajan and Sošić study an assembly supply chain in which n suppliers sell complementary components to a downstream assembler, who faces a price‐sensitive deterministic demand. Suppliers may form alliances, and each alliance then sells a kit of components to the assembler and determines the price for that kit. The assembler buys the components (kits) from the alliances and sets the selling price of the product. Nagarajan and Sošić consider three modes of competition—supplier Stackelberg, vertical Nash (VN), and assembler Stackelberg models—which correspond to different power structures in the market, and study stable supplier alliances when the assembler faces linear and isoelastic demand. In this paper, we study the impact that demand uncertainty has on stability results obtained in Nagarajan and Sošić. We first analyze models in which all decisions are made before the uncertainty is resolved, and show that the alliance of all suppliers remains stable when demand is isoelastic, or under Stackelberg models when demand is linear. However, demand uncertainty may change stability results when both parties make decisions simultaneously (VN model) and demand is linear. We then extend our results by considering scenarios in which some decisions may be postponed and made after the actual demand is known. When the ordering quantity can be determined after observing the true demand, we show that stable outcomes correspond to those obtained in the deterministic case and uncertainty has no impact on coalition stability; if only the assembler's pricing decision is postponed, we need additional conditions for stability results to carry over in the additive demand model.
Cosmogenic nuclides in Almahata Sitta ureilites: Cosmic‐ray exposure age, preatmospheric mass, and bulk density of asteroid 2008 TC3
Authors: WELTEN Kees C. , MEIER Matthias M. M. , CAFFEE Marc W. , NISHIIZUMI Kuni , WIELER Rainer , JENNISKENS Peter , SHADDAD Muawia H.
Published: December 2010

Abstract– On October 7, 2008, a small F‐class asteroid, 2008 TC3, exploded in Earth’s atmosphere, and produced a strewn field of meteorites in the Nubian Desert of Sudan. Subsequent searches yielded several hundred meteorite fragments, known as Almahata Sitta. This fall was classified as a polymict ureilite. We measured cosmogenic radionuclides in six fragments and noble gases in four fragments of the Almahata Sitta ureilite. The concentrations of 10Be, 26Al, and 36Cl in the meteorite fragments of asteroid 2008 TC3 indicate a preatmospheric radius of 300 ± 30 g cm−2. Combined with an absolute radius of 1.8 ± 0.2 m, which was derived from its brightness in space, the cosmogenic radionuclides constrain the bulk density of asteroid 2008 TC3 to 1.66 ± 0.25 g cm−3 and the bulk porosity to 50 ± 7%. The bulk density of asteroid TC3 is on the low end of the range of 1.6–3.3 g cm−3 determined for 40 of the recovered ureilite fragments. Since the denser materials have a higher chance of surviving atmospheric fragmentation, the low‐density ureilites are probably more representative of the bulk asteroid. We thus conclude that the high porosity of asteroid 2008 TC3 is mainly due to microporosity, which implies that not all low‐density asteroids are necessarily rubble pile structures. Finally, from the cosmogenic 21Ne concentrations, we determined a cosmic‐ray exposure (CRE) age of 19.5 ± 2.5 Myr. This age represents the time since asteroid 2008 TC3 was ejected from a large F‐class parent body in the asteroid belt, until its collision with Earth.
Motivation and Attitude of Preservice Elementary Teachers toward Mathematics
Authors: Perry Christine A.
Published: December 2010

This study investigated preservice elementary teachers' achievement goal orientations for learning mathematics and the relationship of those goals to their attitudes toward mathematics. Self‐report instruments were administered to assess three achievement goals—mastery, performance‐approach, and performance‐avoid, and three constructs of attitude—confidence in learning mathematics, usefulness of mathematics, and mathematics as a male domain. The preservice teachers were higher in mastery goals than in performance goals, and performance‐avoid goals were higher than performance‐approach goals. Mastery goals correlated positively to all three constructs of attitude. Since mathematics classes are traditionally performance‐oriented, these results suggest a mismatch between personal and classroom goals that could result in negative attitudes and the adoption of maladaptive performance‐avoid goals. These findings suggest that mathematics content courses for preservice elementary teachers should be taught in a classroom climate that supports and encourages mastery goals.
Evaluation of DNA melting analysis as a tool for species identification
Authors: Winder Louise , Phillips Craig , Richards Nicky , Ochoa‐Corona Francisco , Hardwick Scott , Vink Cor J. , Goldson Stephen
Published: December 2010

1. One of the ongoing challenges in molecular biology is to develop rapid, accurate and reliable techniques to identify organisms. This contribution evaluates the value of DNA melt peak analysis for the identification of pests and pathogens significant to biosecurity.

2. The method evaluated in this study capitalises on the observation that double‐stranded DNA separates into single strands (melts) at a temperature dependant on the nucleotide sequence of the DNA strands. The temperature and shape of melt peaks from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products using standard primers and amplification protocols were evaluated for species identification, and the advantages of this method over agarose gel electrophoresis exemplified.

3. Three insect (weevil) species were discriminated by the melt profile shape and temperature of their cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) PCR product using order‐specific universal primers.

4. Three of four arachnid (tick) species were discriminated by the melt profile shape and temperature of their COI and 18S PCR product using order‐specific universal primers.

5. Plum pox virus‐specific primers amplified only the target virus that was verified by its unique melt temperature rather than by conventional staining of the amplicon on an electrophoretic gel.

6. Melt peak analysis is a useful and robust tool for the rapid detection of PCR products and the identification of organisms. An efficiency study revealed this technique required half the time input, and cost half as much, as PCR followed by AGE.
Subcooled Water Flow Boiling Heat Transfer in a Short SUS304-Tube With Twisted-Tape Insert
Authors: Hata Koichi , Masuzaki Suguru
Published: December 2010

The subcooled boiling heat transfer and the steady-state critical heat fluxes (CHFs) in a short SUS304-tube with twisted-tape insert are systematically measured for mass velocities (G=4016–13,850 kg/m2 s), inlet liquid temperatures (Tin=285.82–363.96 K), outlet pressures (Pout=764.76–889.02 kPa), and exponentially increasing heat input (Q=Q0 exp(t/τ), τ=8.5 s) by the experimental water loop comprised of a multistage canned-type circulation pump controlled by an inverter. The SUS304 test tube of inner diameter (d=6 mm), heated length (L=59.5 mm), effective length (Leff=49.1 mm), L/d(=9.92), Leff/d(=8.18), and wall thickness (δ=0.5 mm) with average surface roughness (Ra=3.18 μm) is used in this work. The SUS304 twisted tape with twist ratio, y(=H/d=(pitch of 180 deg rotation)/d), of 3.39 is used. The relation between inner surface temperature and heat flux for the SUS304-tube with the twisted-tape insert are clarified from nonboiling to CHF. The subcooled boiling heat transfer for SUS304-tube with the twisted-tape insert is compared with our empty SUS304-tube data and the values calculated by our and other workers’ correlations for the subcooled boiling heat transfer. The influences of the twisted-tape insert and the swirl velocity on the subcooled boiling heat transfer and the CHFs are investigated into details and the widely and precisely predictable correlations of the subcooled boiling heat transfer and the CHFs for turbulent flow of water in the SUS304-tube with twisted-tape insert are given based on the experimental data. The correlations can describe the subcooled boiling heat transfer coefficients and the CHFs obtained in this work within −25 to +15% difference.
An Extended Continuation Problem for Bifurcation Analysis in the Presence of Constraints
Authors: Dankowicz Harry , Schilder Frank
Published: December 2010

This paper presents an extended formulation of the basic continuation problem for implicitly defined, embedded manifolds in Rn. The formulation is chosen so as to allow for the arbitrary imposition of additional constraints during continuation and the restriction to selective parametrizations of the corresponding higher-codimension solution manifolds. In particular, the formalism is demonstrated to clearly separate between the essential functionality required of core routines in application-oriented continuation packages, on the one hand, and the functionality provided by auxiliary toolboxes that encode classes of continuation problems and user definitions that narrowly focus on a particular problem implementation, on the other hand. Several examples are chosen to illustrate the formalism and its implementation in the recently developed continuation core package COCO and auxiliary toolboxes, including the continuation of families of periodic orbits in a hybrid dynamical system with impacts and friction as well as the detection and constrained continuation of selected degeneracies characteristic of such systems, such as grazing and switching-sliding bifurcations.
UNITARITY AND THE COLOR CONFINEMENT
Authors: TROSHIN S. M. , TYURIN N. E.
Published: December 2010

We discuss how confinement property of QCD results in the rational unitarization scheme and how unitarity saturation leads to the appearance of a hadron liquid phase at very high temperatures.
THE JONES POLYNOMIAL AND THE PLANAR ALGEBRA OF ALTERNATING LINKS
Authors: BURGOS-SOTO HERNANDO
Published: December 2010

It is a well known result that the Jones polynomial of a non-split alternating link is alternating. We find the right generalization of this result to the case of non-split alternating tangles. More specifically: the Jones polynomial of tangles is valued in a certain skein module; we describe an alternating condition on elements of this skein module, show that it is satisfied by the Jones invariant of the single crossing tangles (⤲) and (⤲), and prove that it is preserved by appropriately "alternating" planar algebra compositions. Hence, this condition is satisfied by the Jones polynomial of all alternating tangles. Finally, in the case of 0-tangles, that is links, our condition is equivalent to simple alternation of the coefficients of the Jones polynomial.
WAVELET-BASED DENOISING ALGORITHM FOR ROBUST EMG PATTERN RECOGNITION
Authors: PHINYOMARK ANGKOON , PHUKPATTARANONT PORNCHAI , LIMSAKUL CHUSAK
Published: December 2010

A successful pre-processing stage based on wavelet denoising algorithm for electromyography (EMG) signal recognition is proposed. From the limitation of traditional universal wavelet denoising, the optimal weighted parameter is assigned for universal thresholding method. The optimal weight for increasing EMG recognition accuracy is 50–60% of traditional universal threshold with hard transformation. Experimental results show that it improved approximately from 2 to 50% of recognition accuracy for EMG with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the range of 20 to 0 dB compared to a baseline system (without pre-processing stage) and traditional universal wavelet denoising. The results are evaluated through a large EMG dataset with seven kinds of hand movements and eight types of muscle positions.
PROJECTIONS ONTO THE CONE OF OPTIMAL TRANSPORT MAPS AND COMPRESSIBLE FLUID FLOWS
Authors: WESTDICKENBERG MICHAEL
Published: December 2010

The system of isentropic Euler equations in the potential flow regime can be considered formally as a second order ordinary differential equation on the Wasserstein space of probability measures. This interpretation can be used to derive a variational time discretization. We prove that the approximate solutions generated by this discretization converge to a measure-valued solution of the isentropic Euler equations. The key ingredient is a characterization of the polar cone to the cone of optimal transport maps.
A PLATE MODEL FOR THE EVALUATION OF PULL-IN INSTABILITY OCCURRENCE IN ELECTROSTATIC MICROPUMP DIAPHRAGMS
Authors: BERTARELLI EMANUELE , ARDITO RAFFAELE , ARDITO RAFFAELE , CORIGLIANO ALBERTO , CONTRO ROBERTO
Published: December 2010

This work deals with the mechanical response of circular microplates undergoing electrostatic actuation. A one degree-of-freedom model and Finite Element approaches are exploited in a nondimensional framework. First, a quasi-static conventional approach is adopted. From the one degree-of-freedom model a closed form solution for the plate electromechanical problem is obtained for the first time.

Then a strong attention is paid to pull-in phenomena in nonlinear dynamics. Dynamic behavior of the structure is explored, leading to the identification of a pull-in loading condition which is dependent on the quality factor Q. The outcomes are discussed and widely compared with those available in the literature for similar microsystems.
COMPRESSION INSTABILITIES OF TISSUES WITH LOCALIZED STRAIN SOFTENING
Authors: DESTRADE MICHEL , MERODIO JOSE
Published: December 2010

The stress–strain relationship of biological soft tissues affected by Marfan's syndrome is believed to be nonconvex. More specifically, Haughton and Merodio recently proposed a strain energy density leading to localized strain-softening, in order to model the unusual mechanical behavior of these isotropic, incompressible tissues. Here we investigate how this choice of strain energy affects the results of some instabilities studies, such as those concerned with the compression of infinite and semi-infinite solids, slabs, and cylinders, or with the bending of blocks, and draw comparisons with known results established previously for the case of a classical neo-Hookean solid. We find that the localized strain-softening effect leads to early instability only when instability occurs at severe compression ratios for neo-Hookean solids, as is the case for bulk, surface, and bending instabilities.
MODELING AND SIMULATION OF BUCKLING AND POSTBUCKLING OF PLANT STEMS UNDER COMBINED LOADING CONDITIONS
Authors: CUI HAO-LEI , SHEN HUI-SHEN
Published: December 2010

Numerical simulations for local buckling and postbuckling behavior of plant stems are presented under two combined loading cases: (1) axial compression (caused by axial grains) combined with wind pressure; and (2) bending moment (caused by eccentric axial grains) combined with wind pressure. Based on its microstructure, a hollow plant stem is modeled as a stringer stiffened multiwalled shell. The material properties of the stem are assumed to be orthotropic. The nonlinear governing equations for buckling and postbuckling of plant stems are solved through arc-length method along with Newton–Raphson technique. The numerical calculations are carried out using the finite element package ABAQUS. The results show that the postbuckling equilibrium path is unstable for plant stems subjected to axial compression or bending combined with relatively low values of wind pressure. Large reduction in buckling load and in postbuckling strength can be found even if the applied wind pressure is relatively small, which results in the easy occurrence of stem lodging.
THEORETICAL VIBRATION ANALYSIS OF SOFT MOUNTED TWO-POLE INDUCTION MOTORS WITH STATIC ROTOR ECCENTRICITY
Authors: WERNER ULRICH
Published: December 2010

The paper shows a mathematical model for vibration analysis of soft mounted two-pole induction motors regarding electromagnetic excitation due to static rotor eccentricity. A static rotor eccentricity causes an electromagnetic force, acting on the rotor and on the stator and oscillating with the double supply frequency. This magnetic force is implemented into a simplified analytical machine dynamic model and the correlations between the rotor dynamics, electromagnetic, oil film characteristics of the sleeve bearings, and the stiffness and damping of a soft foundation are mathematically described. The derived results are clarified using an example that shows the influence of the rotor speed and the direction of the magnetic force on the vibration behavior. On one hand the aim of the paper is to show the mathematical correlations, based on a simplified model. On the other hand, the aim is to derive a method for calculating the forced vibrations — as a worst case — caused by a static rotor eccentricity. Therefore, the paper shall prepare the basis for implementing this method in more detailed numerical programs, e.g., finite element programs.
A COMBINED MODEL FOR THE GASEOUS MIXTURE PAST A CYLINDER IN ABLATION ENVIRONMENT
Authors: HUANG HAIMING , XU XIAOLIANG
Published: December 2010

When a cylinder specimen lies in the gaseous mixture under high temperature and high pressure, the ablation and the denudation may appear on the cylinder surface, which will lead to the mass loss and shape alteration. A combined model is developed for solving the mass loss rate resulted from the ablation and the denudation. In this model, three chemical formulas and ablation mechanism are presented to evaluate the mass loss rate; the core-spread vortex method is used to analyze the flow around the cylinder; and the particle trajectory equation is given to explore the traces of denudation particles. To obtain the mass loss rate of the cylinder in the two-phase flow, the simulations are performed well by using the written codes. Numerical results show that the Re number of gaseous mixture exerts significant effects on both the vortex street and the ablation rate. Furthermore, it is found that the vorticity determines the motion and distribution of denudation particles.