bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Security: Undermining Human Rights?
Authors: Howard-Hassmann Rhoda E.
Published: February 2012

This article warns that the human security discourse and agenda could inadvertently undermine the international human rights regime. Insofar as human security identifies new threats to well-being, new victims of those threats, new duties of states, or new mechanisms for dealing with threats at the inter-state level, it adds to the established human rights regime. When it simply rephrases human rights principles without identifying new threats, victims, duty-bearers, or mechanisms, however, at best it complements human rights and at worst it undermines them. A narrow view of human security is a valuable addition to the international normative regime requiring state and international action against severe threats to human beings. By contrast, an overly broad view of human security ignores the human rights regime; by subsuming human rights under human security, it also undermines the primacy of civil and political rights as a strategic tool for citizens to fight for their rights against their own states.
"Rescues for Humanity": Rescuers, Mass Atrocities, and Transitional Justice
Authors: Dudai Ron
Published: February 2012

This article is probably the first work to explore systematically the commemoration of rescuers from a human rights and transitional justice perspective. It argues that the documentation and commemoration of acts of rescuers during mass atrocities should become an integral part of the human rights response to such atrocities. These undertakings could make important contributions to the goals of post-conflict reconstruction, especially in relation to conflict-transformation between communities, and to confronting the role of passive bystanders. The article first develops the concept of "rescues for humanity" to elucidate the significance of rescues in the transitional justice framework and, after reviewing existing initiatives, it moves on to identify the potential benefits of such undertakings, as well as the challenges and risks involved in the documentation of rescues.
Evolution of an Edition, Part 3: A Missing Link in the Case of Beethoven's Opus 2
Authors: Stroh Patricia
Published: February 2012

In the 9 March 1796 issue of the Wiener Zeitung , Artaria & Co. announced the publication of Beethoven's latest works, the three Sonatas for Piano, op. 2. Beethoven had completed the sonatas by the early autumn of 1795, but they did not appear in print until March of 1796, while Beethoven was away from Vienna on an extended concert tour. The new sonatas proved to be a challenge for the original publisher, whose first edition is full of errors. How then could Artaria so boldly claim in its announcement that the edition benefited from "the greatest possible attention to beauty and accuracy"? The evidence of Artaria's diligence resides in the existence of multiple proof copies of the edition, each containing handwritten corrections and instructions for revising the music plates. One of these proof copies, which was purchased at Sotheby's auction in 2009 by private collector Matthew Malerich, represents the earliest extant state of the edition, engraved from an autograph manuscript that is now lost. It shows numerous corrections that were likely supervised by Beethoven and possibly marked in his hand. The purpose of this addendum to my previous article, "Punches, Proofs, and Printings: The Seven States of Artaria's First Edition" ( Notes 57, no. 2 [December 2000]: 289-329) is to describe and compare this newly discovered source to other proof copies located in San José, California, and Berlin. The three edited proof copies provide uncommon documentation of the earliest stages of the publication process. By tracking the amendments to the Malerich copy and its descendents, we may gain a better understanding of the collaboration between composers, proofreaders, and engravers in the publication of new music at the end of the eighteenth century.
La réflexion autour de la ponctuation dans l'Antiquité gréco-latine
Authors: Poccetti Paolo
Published: February 2012

Au sein des langues classiques mêmes s’est développée une réflexion sur la ponctuation relative à la spécificité de l’écriture et à son rapport avec l’oral. La notion-clé est celle de « distinguer » (?????ß???? en grec, distinguere en latin). Entre autres signes, le point – déjà de plus en plus important chez les Grecs – devient essentiel chez les Romains ( interpungere comme doublon terminologique). Sans être dénommée, la ponctuation « blanche » était aussi employée à côté de la « noire ». Les marques de ponctuation, appliquées à l’édition des textes littéraires et à l’épigraphie, se manifestent dans les textes poétiques d’une manière plus précoce et soigneuse qu’en prose.
Preventive Agents for Migraine: Focus on the Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Shahien R. , Beiruti K.
Published: February 2012

Migraine is among the 10 most disabling disorders worldwide. It is characterized by episodes of moderate or severe headaches with various degree of disability, resulting in a considerable health burden upon the sufferers and their family. The objective of this article is to review the use of prophylaxis with antiepileptic drugs. Particular focus is given to their mechanism of action, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, safety profile, efficacy and to provide a summary of the most relevant clinical studies and patient preference.
Completeness of Reidemeister-type moves for surfaces embedded in three-dimensional space
Authors: Bellettini Giovanni , Beorchia Valentina , Paolini Maurizio
Published: February 2012

In this paper we are concerned with labelled apparent contours, namely with apparent contours of generic orthogonal projections of embedded surfaces in

\mathbb R^3

, endowed with a suitable information on the relative depth. We give a proof of the following theorem: there exists a finite set of elementary moves (i.e. local topological changes) on labelled apparent contours such that two generic embeddings in

\mathbb R^3

of a closed surface are isotopic if and only if their apparent contours can be connected using only smooth planar isotopies and a finite sequence of moves. This result, that can be obtained as a by-product of general results on knotted surfaces and singularity theory, is obtained here with a direct and rather elementary proof.
A spectral Schwarz lemma, II
Authors: Vesentini Edoardo
Published: February 2012

The spectral Schwarz lemma holding for any operator-valued holomorphic map of the open unit disc

\Delta \subset \mathbb{C}

into the algebra of all continuous linear operators acting on a complex Banach space is extended to other scalar- and vector-valued gauges of continuous linear operators, with particular attention to the numerical range and the numerical radius of any continuous linear mapping acting on a complex Banach space.
Propuesta metodológica para el análisis de las tecnologías de participación en cibermedios
Authors: Sánchez González María , Alonso Jaime
Published: February 2012

El presente artículo recoge los resultados del análisis de los mecanismos de participación, en especial los basados en tecnologías y aplicaciones de la web 2.0, sobre una muestra de catorce casos relevantes de cibermedios españoles, tanto ediciones digitales de diarios como portales de radios y televisiones. Dicho análisis ha sido efectuado durante octubre y noviembre de 2010 en el marco del subproyecto de investigación La evolución de los cibermedios en el marco de la convergencia digital. Tecnología y distribución. Previa realización de una taxonomía de posibles mecanismos de participación, distinguiendo entre los imbricados en sus secciones informativas y los que conforman espacios con entidad propia, se estudian además los mecanismos de gestión puestos en marcha, según las funciones que el medio les asigna. Se trata, además de establecer una comparativa entre los distintos cibermedios, de describir ejemplos y tendencias en el ámbito de la participación.
The effect of titania content on the physical properties of polyimide/titania nanohybrid films
Authors: Kızılkaya Canan , Dumludağ Fatih , Karataş Sevim , Apohan Nilhan Kayaman , Altındal Ahmet , Güngör Atilla
Published: February 2012

In this study, a series of PI/TiO2 nanohybrid materials were prepared from polyamic acid of 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride/3,3′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and titania precursor by the sol‐gel method. The titania content in the hybrid system was varied from 0 to 5 wt %. The physical and mechanical properties of the hybrids such as refractive index, optical transmission, and tensile strength were investigated. It was determined that incorporation of titania precursor into the PI matrix improved the refractive indices and tensile modulus of the hybrid films. It was observed that the optical transmittance and tensile strength of the nanohybrids were slightly decreased with the increasing titania content. It was determined that the hybrid films might have enhanced the UV shielding properties compare to the PI films. Furhermore, the hybrid materials showed better thermal stability than the PI. SEM studies demonstrated that titania particles (1 and 3 wt %) were distributed homogeneously through the PI matrix. The effect of the titania content in the PI on DC conductivity and dielectric constant were also analyzed. For the PI film containing 5 wt % titania, activation energy value increased to 1.0 eV from the value of 0.65 eV. DC conductivity value of the films depending on titania content varied between 3.0 × 10−11 and 1.4 × 10−10 S/cm at room temperature. Relative dielectric constants of the films were calculated from capacitance measurements depending on frequency (40–100 kHz) at different temperatures (303–360 K). The values increased with the increasing titania content. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Isothermal and nonisothermal crystallization of HDPE composites containing multilayer carton scraps as filler
Authors: Di Lorenzo Maria Laura , Avella Maurizio , Avolio Roberto , Bonadies Irene , Carfagna Cosimo , Cocca Mariacristina , Errico Maria Emanuela , Gentile Gennaro
Published: February 2012

The influence of multilayer carton scraps (MC) on crystallization kinetics of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) is detailed in this contribution. HDPE/MC composites were prepared by melt mixing, and a maleated linear low density polyethylene (MAPE) was added as compatibilizer. The crystallization kinetics of HDPE/MC/MAPE was analyzed as function of composition both in isothermal and nonisothermal conditions. The multilayer carton scraps appear to promote the onset of crystallization of HDPE, acting as efficient nucleating agent. The presence of MAPE as compatibilizer slightly reduces the nucleating efficiency of MC: the compatibilizer induces a delay in the onset of crystallization, caused by the need to exclude the bulky pendant groups of maleated linear low‐density polyethylene from the crystals, as HDPE and MAPE chains cocrystallize. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Novel in situ synthesis in the preparation of ultraviolet‐curable nanocomposite barrier coatings
Authors: Pavlacky Erin , Ravindran Neena , Webster Dean C.
Published: February 2012

Ultraviolet‐curable nanocomposites containing organically modified nanoclays were prepared to serve as barrier coatings against oxygen and water permeation. A novel in situ synthesis technique was used to produce well‐dispersed clays in an unsaturated polyester polymer before crosslinking. The in situ dispersion route was compared with nanocomposites prepared by mixing and sonication for several levels of nanoclay loading (1, 2, 5, and 10 wt %). The comparison of nanocomposite properties prepared from each processing method demonstrated that the in situ preparation technique led to better clay dispersion as verified by transmission electron microscopy. The in situ route for nanoclay dispersion produced nanocomposites with lower water vapor transmission and permeability compared with the sonicated dispersion method. The impact on cure characteristics, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and optical clarity of the nanocomposites were also compared. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
A comparative study of TiO2 and surface‐treated TiO2 nanoparticles on thermal and mechanical properties of poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Guangshuo , Chen Guangyi , Wei Zhiyong , Yu Teng , Liu Lian , Wang Pei , Chang Ying , Qi Min
Published: February 2012

Polymer/inorganic nanocomposites were significant hybrid materials because of their unique properties. The surface of bare nanoparticles (b‐TiO2) was modified by aminopropyl trimethoxy silane to obtain grafted TiO2 (g‐TiO2) nanoparticles for the improvement of nanoparticles dispersion. The b‐TiO2 and resulting g‐TiO2 nanoparticles were introduced into poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) matrix to prepare PCL/TiO2 nanocomposites by in situ polymerization. The effects of b‐TiO2 and g‐TiO2 nanoparticles on the structure, morphology, and properties of nanocomposites were characterized and compared. The results showed that the crystalline structure of PCL matrix was not affected significantly by adding b‐TiO2 or g‐TiO2 nanoparticles. The g‐TiO2 nanoparticles had a finer dispersion and better compatibility than bare TiO2. The introduction of g‐TiO2 into PCL matrix increased the crystallization temperature and improved thermal stability of the nanocomposites with respect to untreated TiO2. The surface‐treated nanoparticles played an important role in strengthening mechanical properties of the nanocomposites because of its well dispersion and strong interfacial interaction between the nanoparticles and PCL matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Airflow obstruction, lung function, and risk of incident heart failure: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study
Authors: Agarwal Sunil K. , Heiss Gerardo , Barr R. Graham , Chang Patricia P. , Loehr Laura R. , Chambless Lloyd E. , Shahar Eyal , Kitzman Dalane W. , Rosamond Wayne D.
Published: February 2012

Aims

We examined the relationship between forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), airflow obstruction, and incident heart failure (HF) in black and white, middle‐aged men and women in four US communities.

Methods and results

Lung volumes by standardized spirometry and information on covariates were collected on 15 792 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort participants in 1987–89. Incident HF was ascertained from hospital records and death certificates up to 2005 in 13 660 eligible participants. Over an average follow‐up of 14.9 years, 1369 (10%) participants developed new‐onset HF. The age‐ and height‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for HF increased monotonically over descending quartiles of FEV1 for both genders, race groups, and smoking status. After multivariable adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and height, the HRs [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of HF comparing the lowest with the highest quartile of FEV1 were 3.91 (2.40–6.35) for white women, 3.03 (2.12–4.33) for white men, 2.11 (1.33–3.34) for black women, and 2.23 (1.37–3.59) for black men. The association weakened but remained statistically significant after additional adjustment for systemic markers of inflammation. The multivariable adjusted incidence of HF was higher in those with FEV1/forced vital capacity <70% vs. ≥70%: HR 1.44 (95% CI 1.20–1.74) among men and 1.40 (1.13–1.72) among women. A consistent and positive association with HF was seen for self‐reported diagnosis of emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but not for asthma.

Conclusions

In this large population‐based cohort with long‐term follow‐up, low FEV1 and an obstructive respiratory disease were strongly and independently associated with the risk of incident HF.
The authorship of higher chordate taxa
Authors: Nielsen Claus
Published: February 2012

Nielsen, C. (2012). The authorship of higher chordate taxa. —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 435–436.
Phylogenetic analysis of the north‐east Atlantic and Mediterranean species of the genus Stenosoma (Isopoda, Valvifera, Idoteidae)
Authors: Xavier Raquel , Santos António M. , Harris D. J. , Sezgin Murat , Machado Margarida , Branco Madalena
Published: February 2012

Xavier, R., Santos, A. M., Harris, D. J., Sezgin, M., Machado, M., Branco, M. (2012). Phylogenetic analysis of the north‐east Atlantic and Mediterranean species of the genus Stenosoma (Isopoda, Valvifera, Idoteidae). —Zoologica Scripta, 41, 386–399.

The marine isopod genus Stenosoma is widespread in the northern hemisphere. However, 12 of its 14 known species are found within the Mediterranean basin and adjacent regions of the north‐east Atlantic and the Black Sea. Such a high level of diversity confined to a limited region of a much larger circumglobal distribution suggests that the Mediterranean region may have played a crucial role in the evolutionary history of this genus. In the present work, the phylogeny of the genus Stenosoma was investigated on the basis of DNA sequencing data from one nuclear (28SrRNA) and two mitochondrial (COI, ND4) gene fragments obtained for nine of 12 Atlantic–Mediterranean species. Divergence time estimates point to a Tethyan origin of Stenosoma and suggest that the speciation events from which stem most of the extant species took place well before the Messinian Salinity Crisis. Stenosoma spinosum and Stenosoma appendiculatum are the only exceptions, as they apparently arose within the Mediterranean during the Pleistocene. Phylogenetic reconstruction agrees with current taxonomic status of most species. However, Stenosoma capito clustered in two distinct and well‐supported clades, one composed of eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea specimens and the other by western Mediterranean and Atlantic ones. Such polyphyly suggests the existence of a previously unrecognized species, Stenosoma sp., which so far has been confounded with S. capito.
The Role of Bank Reputation in “Certifying” Future Performance Implications of Borrowers’ Accounting Numbers
Authors: BUSHMAN ROBERT M. , WITTENBERG‐MOERMAN REGINA
Published: February 2012

We investigate the role played by the reputation of lead arrangers of syndicated loans in mitigating information asymmetries between borrowers and lenders. We hypothesize that syndications by more reputable arrangers are indicative of higher borrower quality at loan inception and more rigorous monitoring during the term of the loan. We investigate whether borrowers with more reputable lead arrangers realize superior performance subsequent to loan origination relative to borrowers with less reputable arrangers. We further examine whether certification by high‐reputation lead banks extends to the quality of borrowers’ reported accounting numbers. Controlling for endogenous matching of borrowers and lead banks, we find that higher bank reputation is associated with higher profitability and credit quality in the three years subsequent to loan initiation. We also show that bank reputation is associated with long‐run sustainability of earnings via higher earnings persistence, and debt contracting value of accounting via a stronger connection between pre‐loan profitability and future credit quality. We further document that the enhanced earnings sustainability associated with higher reputation lead banks reflects both superior fundamentals and accruals more closely linked with future cash flows.
Establishing an emergency department syndromic surveillance system to support the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Authors: Elliot Alex J , Hughes Helen E , Hughes Thomas C , Locker Thomas E , Shannon Tony , Heyworth John , Wapling Andy , Catchpole Mike , Ibbotson Sue , McCloskey Brian , Smith Gillian E
Published: February 2012

Background

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a mass gathering event that will present a major public health challenge. The Health Protection Agency, in collaboration with the College of Emergency Medicine, has established the Emergency Department Sentinel Syndromic Surveillance System (EDSSS) to support the public health surveillance requirements of the Games.

Methods

This feasibility study assesses the usefulness of EDSSS in monitoring indicators of disease in the community. Daily counts of anonymised attendance data from six emergency departments across England were analysed by patient demographics (age, gender, partial postcode), triage coding and diagnosis codes. Generic and specific syndromic indicators were developed using aggregations of diagnosis codes recorded during each attendance.

Results

Over 339 000 attendances were recorded (26 July 2010 to 25 July 2011). The highest attendances recorded on weekdays between 10:00 and 11:00 and on weekends between 12:00 and 13:00. The mean daily attendance per emergency department was 257 (range 38–435). Syndromic indicators were developed including: respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiac, acute respiratory infection, gastroenteritis and myocardial ischaemia. Respiratory and acute respiratory infection indicators peaked during December 2010, concomitant with national influenza activity, as monitored through other influenza surveillance systems.

Conclusions

The EDSSS has been established to provide an enhanced surveillance system for the London 2012 Olympics. Further validation of the data will be required; however, the results from this initial descriptive study demonstrate the potential for identifying unusual and/or severe outbreaks of infectious disease, or other incidents with public health impact, within the community.
Lung Physiology and Obesity: Anesthetic Implications for Thoracic Procedures
Authors: Pedoto Alessia
Published: February 2012

Obesity is a worldwide health problem affecting 34% of the American population. As a result, more patients requiring anesthesia for thoracic surgery will be overweight or obese. Changes in static and dynamic respiratory mechanics, upper airway anatomy, as well as multiple preoperative comorbidities and altered drug metabolism, characterize obese patients and affect the anesthetic plan at multiple levels. During the preoperative evaluation, patients should be assessed to identify who is at risk for difficult ventilation and intubation, and postoperative complications. The analgesia plan should be executed starting in the preoperative area, to increase the success of extubation at the end of the case and prevent reintubation. Intraoperative ventilatory settings should be customized to the changes in respiratory mechanics for the specific patient and procedure, to minimize the risk of lung damage. Several non invasive ventilatory modalities are available to increase the success rate of extubation at the end of the case and to prevent reintubation. The goal of this review is to evaluate the physiological and anatomical changes associated with obesity and how they affect the multiple components of the anesthetic management for thoracic procedures.
Single-Port Laparoscopic Spleen Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy
Authors: Chang Stephen K. Y. , Lomanto Davide , Mayasari Maria
Published: February 2012

Single-port laparoscopic surgery has become increasingly popular, with widened indication to more types of surgery. This report will present our initial experience with spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy technique through a small transumbilical incision using the single-port approach for a cystic tumor of pancreatic body. The surgery was done using specialized single-port instruments and normal laparoscopic instruments. The total operative time for this surgery is 233 minutes, and it was completed without drains. Patient was discharged from the hospital on the third day postoperatively in good condition.
Immunoreactivity of the 14F7 Mab (Raised against N-Glycolyl GM3 Ganglioside) as a Positive Prognostic Factor in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Blanco Rancés , Rengifo Charles E. , Cedeño Mercedes , Frómeta Milagros , Rengifo Enrique , Carr Adriana
Published: February 2012

Lung carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Therefore, numerous studies are focusing on the assessment of other biological and molecular prognostic factors in these tumors. We evaluated the relationship between 14F7 Mab reactivity, pathological features, DNA-content and S-phase fraction (SPF), and their impact in the survival of NSCLC patients. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry optical microscopy assays as well as DNA content and SPF measuring using flow cytometry were performed. The 14F7 reactivity was widely observed in NSCLC sections, no depending of the clinicopathological characteristics. We also obtained differences in the intensity of reaction with 14F7 as well as in the SPF between diploid and aneuploid carcinomas. Patients with diploid tumors showing higher SPF and 14F7 reaction joint to a low mitotic index displayed higher survival rates. Our results are in agreement with the assumption of the possible positive prognostic value of 14F7 staining in NSCLC.
Ethnopharmacology of Medicinal Plants of the Pantanal Region (Mato Grosso, Brazil)
Authors: Bieski Isanete Geraldini Costa , Rios Santos Fabrício , de Oliveira Rafael Melo , Espinosa Mariano Martinez , Macedo Miramy , Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino , de Oliveira Martins Domingos Tabajara
Published: February 2012

Traditional knowledge is an important source of obtaining new phytotherapeutic agents. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants was conducted in Nossa Senhora Aparecida do Chumbo District (NSACD), located in Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil using semi-structured questionnaires and interviews. 376 species of medicinal plants belonging to 285 genera and 102 families were cited. Fabaceae (10.2%), Asteraceae (7.82%) and Lamaceae (4.89%) families are of greater importance. Species with the greater relative importance wereHimatanthus obovatus(1.87),Hibiscus sabdariffa(1.87),Solidago microglossa(1.80),Strychnos pseudoquina(1.73) andDorstenia brasiliensis,Scoparia dulcisL., andLuehea divaricata(1.50). The informant consensus factor (ICF) ranged from 0.13 to 0.78 encompassing 18 disease categories,of which 15 had ICF greater than 0.50, with a predominance of disease categories related to injuries, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (ICF  =  0.78) having 65 species cited while 20 species were cited for mental and behavioral disorders (ICF  =  0.77). The results show that knowledge about medicinal plants is evenly distributed among the population of NSACD. This population possesses medicinal plants for most disease categories, with the highest concordance for prenatal, mental/behavioral and respiratory problems.
On Possible Reduction of Equilibrium Radius of a Neutron Star Influenced by Superstrong Magnetic Field
Authors: Skobelev Vladimir V.
Published: February 2012

Necessary condition forβ-decay suppression of a neutron in degenerate magnetized electron gas is formulated. Based on this, it is shown that, in superstrong magnetic field, equilibrium radius of a neutron star is approximately several times smaller than without the field influence. Therefore, we can make a prediction that in short-period pulsars, such fields can be observed. In fact, possible existence of new class of stellar objects is noted, the objects with superstrong magnetic field and supersmall radius about 1 km which we namedminimagnetars. They can be detected by gravitational red shift of their radiation.
Computation of Channel Capacity Based on Self‐Concordant Functions
Authors: Tian Da-gang , Huang Yi-qun
Published: February 2012

The computation of channel capacity is a classical issue in information theory. We prove that algorithms based on self‐concordant functions can be used to deal with such issues, especially when constrains are included. A new algorithm to compute the channel capacity per unit cost is proposed. The same view is suited to the computation of maximum entropy. All the algorithms are of polynomial time.
The Generalized Order‐k Lucas Sequences in Finite Groups
Authors: Deveci Ömür , Karaduman Erdal
Published: February 2012

We study the generalized order‐k Lucas sequences modulo m. Also, we define the ith generalized order‐k Lucas orbit (G) with respect to the generating set A and the constants

α1, α2, and αk−1 for a finite group G = 〈A〉. Then, we obtain the lengths of the periods of the ith generalized order‐k Lucas orbits of the binary polyhedral groups 〈n, 2, 2〉,〈2, n, 2〉,〈2, 2, n〉 and the polyhedral groups (n, 2, 2), (2, n, 2), (2, 2, n) for 1 ≤ i ≤ k.
Multiple‐Set Split Feasibility Problems for Asymptotically Strict Pseudocontractions
Authors: Chang Shih-Sen , Cho Yeol Je , Kim J. K. , Zhang W. B. , Yang L.
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we introduce an iterative method for solving the multiple‐set split feasibility problems for asymptotically strict pseudocontractions in infinite‐dimensional Hilbert spaces, and, by using the proposed iterative method, we improve and extend some recent results given by some authors.
Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Positive Large B-Cell Lymphoma: An Underrecognized Aggressive Lymphoma
Authors: Morgan Elizabeth A. , Nascimento Alessandra F.
Published: February 2012

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase-(ALK-) positive large B-cell lymphoma (ALK+ LBCL) is a rare, aggressive tumor characterized by an immunoblastic or plasmablastic morphologic appearance, expression of ALK, CD138, CD45, EMA, and often IgA by immunohistochemistry, and characteristic chromosomal translocations or rearrangements involving theALKlocus. The morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap of this tumor with other hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies may result in misdiagnosis. The tumor has been identified in both pediatric and adult populations and demonstrates a male predominance. Presentation is most often nodal, particularly cervical. No association with immunocompromise or geographic location has been recognized. The most common gene rearrangement is betweenclathrinandALK(t(2;17)(p23;q23)), resulting in the CLTC-ALK chimeric protein, although other fusions have been described. Response to conventional chemotherapy is poor. The recent introduction of the small molecule ALK inhibitor, crizotinib, may provide a potential new therapeutic option for patients with this disease.
Impaired Caveolae Function and Upregulation of Alternative Endocytic Pathways Induced by Experimental Modulation of Intersectin-1s Expression in Mouse Lung Endothelium
Authors: Predescu Dan N. , Neamu Radu , Bardita Cristina , Wang Minhua , Predescu Sanda A.
Published: February 2012

Intersectin-1s (ITSN-1s), a protein containing five SH3 (A-E) domains, regulates via the SH3A the function of dynamin-2 (dyn2) at the endocytic site. ITSN-1s expression was modulated in mouse lung endothelium by liposome delivery of either a plasmid cDNA encoding myc-SH3A or a specific siRNA targeting ITSN-1 gene. The lung vasculature of SH3A-transduced and ITSN-1s- deficient mice was perfused with gold albumin (Au-BSA) to analyze by electron microscopy the morphological intermediates and pathways involved in transendothelial transport or with dinitrophenylated (DNP)-BSA to quantify by ELISA its transport. Acute modulation of ITSN-1s expression decreased the number of caveolae, impaired their transport, and opened the interendothelial junctions, while upregulating compensatory nonconventional endocytic/transcytotic structures. Chronic inhibition of ITSN-1s further increased the occurrence of nonconventional intermediates and partially restored the junctional integrity. These findings indicate that ITSN-1s expression is required for caveolae function and efficient transendothelial transport. Moreover, our results demonstrate that ECs are highly adapted to perform their transport function while maintaining lung homeostasis.
Robust Wild Bootstrap for Stabilizing the Variance of Parameter Estimates in Heteroscedastic Regression Models in the Presence of Outliers
Authors: Rana Sohel , Midi Habshah , Imon A. H. M. R.
Published: February 2012

Nowadays bootstrap techniques are used for data analysis in many other fields like engineering, physics, meteorology, medicine, biology, and chemistry. In this paper, the robustness of Wu (1986) and Liu (1988)′s Wild Bootstrap techniques is examined. The empirical evidences indicate that these techniques yield efficient estimates in the presence of heteroscedasticity problem. However, in the presence of outliers, these estimates are no longer efficient. To remedy this problem, we propose a Robust Wild Bootstrap for stabilizing the variance of the regression estimates where heteroscedasticity and outliers occur at the same time. The proposed method is based on the weighted residuals which incorporate the MM estimator, robust location and scale, and the bootstrap sampling scheme of Wu (1986) and Liu (1988). The results of this study show that the proposed method outperforms the existing ones in every respect.
Data Reconstruction for a Disturbed Soil‐Column Experiment Using an Optimal Perturbation Regularization Algorithm
Authors: Li Gongsheng , Yao De , Wang Yongzai
Published: February 2012

This paper deals with data reconstruction problem for a real disturbed soil‐column experiment using an optimal perturbation regularization algorithm. A purpose of doing the experiment is to simulate and study transport behaviors of Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, K+, , , , and Cl− when they vertically penetrating through sandy soils. By data analysis to breakthrough data of the eight kinds of solute ions, two kinds of models describing their transport behaviors in the column are given. One is the advection‐dispersion equation with time‐dependent reaction terms suitable for three ions of , , and K+, the other is the ordinary advection‐dispersion equation suitable for the rest ions. Furthermore, all the unknowns in each model are determined by utilizing the optimal perturbation regularization algorithm, respectively, and then the breakthrough data for each considered ion are reconstructed successfully. The inversion results show that the advection‐dispersion model with suitable time‐dependent reaction terms can be utilized to describe the experimental process and reconstruct the experimental data.
A Dynamic Traffic-Aware Duty Cycle Adjustment MAC Protocol for Energy Conserving in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hsu Tz-Heng , Kim Tai-Hoon , Chen Chao-Chun , Wu Jyun-Sian
Published: February 2012

Wireless sensors are battery-limited sensing and computing devices. How to prolong the lifetime of wireless sensors becomes an important issue. In order to reduce the energy consumptions when nodes are in idle listening, duty-cycle-based MAC protocols are introduced to let node go into sleep mode periodically or aperiodically. The long duty cycle makes sensors increase the transmission throughput but consumes more energy. The short duty cycle makes sensors have low energy consumption rate but increases the transmission delay. In this paper, a dynamic traffic-aware MAC protocol for energy conserving in wireless sensor networks is proposed. The proposed MAC protocol can provide better data transmission rate when sensors are with high traffic loading. On the other hand, the proposed MAC protocol can save energy when sensors are with low traffic loading. Simulation results show that the proposed protocol has better data throughput than other duty-cycle-based MAC protocols, for example, S-MAC and U-MAC. We also developed a set of comprehensive experiments based on the well-known OMNET++ simulator and revealed that our proposed TA-MAC performs significantly outstanding than related schemes under various situations.
Tatuidris kapasi sp. nov.: A New Armadillo Ant from French Guiana (Formicidae: Agroecomyrmecinae)
Authors: Lacau Sébastien , Groc Sarah , Dejean Alain , Oliveira Muriel L. de , Delabie Jacques H. C.
Published: February 2012

Tatuidris kapasisp. nov.(Formicidae: Agroecomyrmecinae), the second known species of “armadillo ant”, is described after a remarkable specimen collected in French Guiana. This species can be easily distinguished fromTatuidris tatusiaby characters related to the shape of the mesosoma and petiole as well as to the pilosity, the sculpture, and the color.
Characterization of Orthorhombic α‐MoO 3 Microplates Produced by a Microwave Plasma Process
Authors: Klinbumrung Arrak , Thongtem Titipun , Thongtem Somchai
Published: February 2012

Orthorhombic α‐MoO3 microplates were produced from (NH4)6Mo7O24·4H2O solid powder by a 900 W microwave plasma for 40, 50, and 60 min. Phase, morphologies, and vibration modes were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Sixty min processing resulted in the best crystallization of the α‐MoO3 phase, with photoluminescence (PL) in a wavelength range of 430–440 nm.
Erythropoietin in Brain Development and Beyond
Authors: Alnaeeli Mawadda , Wang Li , Piknova Barbora , Rogers Heather , Li Xiaoxia , Noguchi Constance Tom
Published: February 2012

Erythropoietin is known as the requisite cytokine for red blood cell production. Its receptor, expressed at a high level on erythroid progenitor/precursor cells, is also found on endothelial, neural, and other cell types. Erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor expression in the developing and adult brain suggest their possible involvement in neurodevelopment and neuroprotection. During ischemic stress, erythropoietin, which is hypoxia inducible, can contribute to brain homeostasis by increasing red blood cell production to increase the blood oxygen carrying capacity, stimulate nitric oxide production to modulate blood flow and contribute to the neurovascular response, or act directly on neural cells to provide neuroprotection as demonstrated in culture and animal models. Clinical studies of erythropoietin treatment in stroke and other diseases provide insight on safety and potential adverse effects and underscore the potential pleiotropic activity of erythropoietin. Herein, we summarize the roles of EPO and its receptor in the developing and adult brain during health and disease, providing first a brief overview of the well-established EPO biology and signaling, its hypoxic regulation, and role in erythropoiesis.
Protection against SHIV-KB9 Infection by Combining rDNA and rFPV Vaccines Based on HIV Multiepitope and p24 Protein in Chinese Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Li Chang , Shen Zhenwei , Li Xiao , Bai Jieying , Zeng Lin , Tian Mingyao , Song Ying Jin , Ye Ming , Du Shouwen , Ren Dayong , Liu Cunxia , Zhu Na , Sun Dandan , Li Yi , Jin Ningyi
Published: February 2012

Developing an effective vaccine against HIV infection remains an urgent goal. We used a DNA prime/fowlpox virus boost regimen to immunize Chinese rhesus macaques. The animals were challenged intramuscularly with pathogenic molecularly cloned SHIV-KB9. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of vaccines were investigated by measuring IFN-γlevels, monitoring HIV-specific binding antibodies, examining viral load, and analyzing CD4/CD8 ratio. Results show that, upon challenge, the vaccine group can induce a strong immune response in the body, represented by increased expression of IFN-γ, slow and steady elevated antibody production, reduced peak value of acute viral load, and increase in the average CD4/CD8 ratio. The current research suggests that rapid reaction speed, appropriate response strength, and long-lasting immune response time may be key protection factors for AIDS vaccine. The present study contributes significantly to AIDS vaccine and preclinical research.
Prognostic Role of KiSS-1 and Possibility of Therapeutic Modality of Metastin, the Final Peptide of the KiSS-1 Gene, in Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Takeda Toshikazu , Kikuchi Eiji , Mikami Shuji , Suzuki Eriko , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Miyajima Akira , Okada Yasunori , Oya Mototsugu
Published: February 2012

The KiSS-1 gene has been reported to be a metastasis suppressor gene in human melanoma. The gene product was isolated from human placenta as the ligand of GPR54, a G protein–coupled receptor, and the C-terminally amidated peptide of 54 amino acids is called metastin. The binding of metastin to GPR54 has been shown to inhibit tumor metastasis in some tumor cells; however, its function remains unclear in urothelial carcinoma. We first evaluated KiSS-1 expression and GPR54 expression in 151 patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma to determine their prognostic significance. Next, we examined the role of metastin in the invasiveness and lung metastasis of MBT-2 variant (MBT-2V), which is a highly metastatic murine bladder cancer cell. Multivariate analysis revealed that KiSS-1 expression was an independent predictor of metastasis and overall survival. However, GPR54 expression was not selected. Hematogeneous metastasis had a significantly lower level of KiSS-1 expression compared with lymph node metastasis. Metastin treatment significantly reduced the invasiveness of MBT-2V cells and inhibited the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB by blocking its nuclear translocation, leading to a reduction in the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9. Metastin treatment dramatically prevented the occurrence of lung metastatic nodules (6.3 ± 2.3, n = 15) compared with controls (30.4 ± 5.1, n = 15; P < 0.01), as well as had survival benefit. KiSS-1 plays an important role in the prognosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma and metastin may be an effective inhibitor of metastasis in urothelial carcinoma through its blockade of NF-κB function. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(4); 853–63. ©2012 AACR.
Offering Preservice Teachers Field Experiences in K-12 Online Learning
Authors: Kennedy Kathryn , Archambault Leanna
Published: February 2012

Enrollment in K-12 online learning is growing at an exponential rate throughout the United States. Currently, all 50 states offer K-12 online learning opportunities. Some states such as Michigan, Alabama, New Mexico, and Idaho have passed legislative measures requiring K-12 students to complete at least one online learning experience by the time they graduate high school. Because of this growth, 21st century educators need to be prepared to teach online. This study shares the results of a national survey targeting teacher education programs’ efforts to help prepare preservice teachers for K-12 online learning. Data show that only 1.3% of responding teacher education programs are addressing this need via field experiences in virtual schools. Implications for policy and practice in the field of teacher education are examined.
The Effect of Content-Focused Coaching on the Quality of Classroom Text Discussions
Authors: Matsumura Lindsay Clare , Garnier Helen E. , Spybrook Jessaca
Published: February 2012

This study examines the effect of a comprehensive literacy-coaching program focused on enacting a discussion-based approach to reading comprehension instruction (content-focused coaching [CFC]) on the quality of classroom text discussions over 2 years. The study used a cluster-randomized trial in which schools were assigned to either CFC or standard practice in the district for literacy coaching. Observers rated classroom text discussions significantly higher in CFC schools. Teachers in the CFC schools participated more frequently in coaching activities that emphasized planning and reflecting on instruction, enacting lessons in their classrooms, building knowledge of the theory underlying effective pedagogy, and differentiating instruction than did the teachers in the comparison condition. Qualitative analyses of coach interviews identified substantive differences in the professional development support available to coaches, scope of coaches’ job responsibilities, and focus of coaching resources in the CFC schools and comparison schools.
Target Practice
Authors: Atkinson Becky M.
Published: February 2012

The study reported in this article examines how teachers read and respond to their students’ Stanford Achievement Test 10 (SAT 10) scores with the goal of investigating the assumption that data-based teaching practice is more “objective” and less susceptible to divergent teacher interpretation. The study uses reader response theory to frame teachers’ responses to their students’ SAT 10 test scores as interpretations of a text shaped through unexamined assumptions and political interests related to accountability, rather than strictly statistical “official” interpretations of “objective” data. The findings illustrate that teachers’ interpretations of SAT 10 data that inform their data-based practice are vulnerable to the pervasive influence of local school responses to accountability pressures. More specifically, the findings reveal how moral and discursive texts imbricated in accountability discourses mediate the ways in which teachers read and respond to their students’ SAT 10 scores.
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Teaching Sociology
Authors: Paino Maria , Blankenship Chastity , Grauerholz Liz , Chin Jeffrey
Published: February 2012

This article updates and extends research by Baker and Chin, who tracked changes in studies published in Teaching Sociology from 1973 to 1983 (Baker) and 1984 to 1999 (Chin). The current study traces manuscripts published in Teaching Sociology from 2000 to 2009. We examine both who publishes in the journal and what gets published. In particular, we explore change in the systematic assessment of teaching methods and techniques since Baker’s and Chin’s studies and the extent to which publications in Teaching Sociology reflect improved assessment. We find that while there has been improvement, not all articles reflect the growing scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) movement. While the mission of Teaching Sociology is to publish materials that would be “helpful to the discipline’s teachers” (see the journal’s mission statement at http://asanet.org/journals/ts/index.cfm ), the most useful information is arguably that which is supported by the kind of systematic assessment that SoTL requires. We also discuss implications for assessment and sociological SoTL.
Comte Unplugged
Authors: Hoop Katrina C.
Published: February 2012

Sociology majors learn that sociological theory is foundational to our field; it frames the way we look at the world and provides guiding questions for our social inquiry. But sociology instructors know that teaching theory is a challenge. A number of activities have been created to engage students in sociological theory courses. This note discusses an exercise that adds to these activities and is tied to the learning outcomes of a theory course. The author’s students are given a challenge: For 72 hours back-to-back, avoid checking or communicating via Facebook or MySpace; making calls from cell phones, unless it is an emergency; and texting or e-mailing from cell phones and handheld devices. The author found that this Technology Fast Challenge helped students foster a sociological perspective and allowed them to engage the ideas and questions of major social theorists. The author discusses the format of the challenge, the outcomes, and applications to other courses.