bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arrogance in Business Planning
Authors: Vixie Paul
Published: October 2012

In the Internet addressing and naming market there’s a lot of competition, margins are thin, and the premiums on good planning and good execution are nowhere higher. To survive, investors and entrepreneurs have to be bold. Some entrepreneurs, however, go beyond "bold" and enter the territory of "arrogant" by making the wild assumption that they will have no competitors if they create a new and profitable niche. So it is with those who would unilaterally supplant or redraw the existing Internet resource governance or allocation systems. Because alternative DNS (Domain Name System) roots provide such a well-proved and well-understood example of this kind of arrogance, this article begins with a short slog through that swamp before discussing the more current and topical matter of alternative numbering Whois.
Maps in Multiple Belief Change
Authors: Peppas Pavlos , Koutras Costas D. , Williams Mary-Anne
Published: October 2012

Multiple Belief Change extends the classical AGM framework for Belief Revision introduced by Alchourron, Gardenfors, and Makinson in the early ’80s. The extended framework includes epistemic input represented as a (possibly infinite)
set of sentences
, as opposed to a
single sentence
assumed in the original framework. The transition from single to multiple epistemic input worked out well for the operation of belief revision. The AGM postulates and the system-of-spheres model were adequately generalized and so was the representation result connecting the two. In the case of belief contraction however, the transition was not as smooth. The generalized postulates for contraction, which were shown to correspond precisely to the generalized
partial meet model
, failed to match up to the generalized
epistemic entrenchment model
. The mismatch was fixed with the addition of an extra postulate, called the
limit postulate
, that relates contraction by multiple epistemic input to a series of contractions by single epistemic input. The new postulate however creates problems on other fronts. First, the limit postulate needs to be mapped into appropriate constraints in the partial meet model. Second, via the Levi and Harper Identities, the new postulate translates into an extra postulate for multiple revision, which in turn needs to be characterized in terms of systems of spheres. Both these open problems are addressed in this article. In addition, the limit postulate is compared with a similar condition in the literature, called (K*F), and is shown to be strictly weaker than it. An interesting aspect of our results is that they reveal a profound connection between rationality in multiple belief change and the notion of an
elementary set
of possible worlds (closely related to the notion of an elementary class of models from classical logic).
An empirical study on clone stability
Authors: Mondal Manishankar , Roy Chanchal K. , Schneider Kevin A.
Published: October 2012

Code cloning is a controversial software engineering practice due to contradictory claims regarding its effect on software maintenance. Code stability is a recently introduced measurement technique that has been used to determine the impact of code cloning by quantifying the changeability of a code region. Although most existing stability analysis studies agree that cloned code is more stable than non-cloned code, the studies have two major flaws: (i) each study only considered a single stability measurement (e.g., lines of code changed, frequency of change, age of change); and, (ii) only a small number of subject systems were analyzed and these were of limited variety.

In this paper, we present a comprehensive empirical study on code stability using four different stability measuring methods. We use a recently introduced hybrid clone detection tool, NiCAD, to detect the clones and analyze their stability in different dimensions: by clone type, by measuring method, by programming language, and by system size and age. Our in-depth investigation on 12 diverse subject systems written in three programming languages considering three types of clones reveals that: (i) cloned code is generally less stable than non-cloned code, and more specifically both Type-1 and Type-2 clones show higher instability than Type-3 clones; (ii) clones in both Java and C systems exhibit higher instability compared to the clones in C# systems; (iii) a system's development strategy might play a key role in defining its comparative code stability scenario; and, (iv) cloned and non-cloned regions of a subject system do not follow any consistent change pattern.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, and In Vitro Antimicrobial Studies of Pyridine-2-Carboxylic Acid N′-(4-Chloro-Benzoyl)-Hydrazide and Its Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) Complexes
Authors: Singh Jagvir , Singh Prashant
Published: October 2012

N-substituted pyridine hydrazide (pyridine-2-carbonyl chloride and 4-chloro-benzoic acid hydrazide) undergoes hydrazide formation of the iminic carbon nitrogen double bond through its reaction with cobalt(II), nickel(II), and copper(II) metal salts in ethanol which are reported and characterized based on elemental analyses, IR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance, and thermal analysis (TG). From the elemental analyses data, 1 : 2 metal complexes are formed having the general formulae [MCl2(HL)2] ·yH2O (where M = Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II),y= 1–3). The important infrared (IR) spectral bands corresponding to the active groups in the ligand and the solid complexes under investigation were studied. IR spectra show that ligand is coordinated to the metal ions in a neutral bidentate manner with ON donor sites. The solid complexes have been synthesized and studied by thermogravimetric analysis. All the metal chelates are found to be nonelectrolytes. From the magnetic and solid reflectance spectra, the complexes (cobalt(II), nickel(II), and copper(II)) have octahedral and square planner geometry, respectively. The antibacterial and antifungal activity’s data show that the metal complexes have a promising biological activity comparable with the parent ligand against bacterial and fungal species.
Periarticular Injection with Bupivacaine for Postoperative Pain Control in Total Knee Replacement: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Yuenyongviwat Varah , Pornrattanamaneewong Chaturong , Chinachoti Thitima , Chareancholvanich Keerati
Published: October 2012

Background. Local periarticular injection with bupivacaine alone in TKA has not been studied. Thus, we aimed to examine the effectiveness of local periarticular injection with bupivacaine for post-operative pain control in TKA.Method. Sixty patients undergoing TKA by a single surgeon were randomly assigned into two groups in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. In the injection group, patients received periarticular injections with 0.25% bupivacaine before wound closure; in the control group, patients received a 0.9% normal saline injection. Both groups received the same anesthetic procedure, post-operative pain control, and rehabilitation protocol.Results. There was a significant reduction in post-operative morphine consumption in the first six hours after the operation (mean 0.9 mg and 2.43 mg,P=0.01), but there was no significant difference in post-operative morphine consumption between six hours and ninety-six hours after the operation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, morphine side effects during the first 96 hours, length of hospital stay, or complications from morphine consumption.Conclusion. Local periarticular injection with bupivacaine alone before wound closer was shown to be an effective method to improve pain control after TKA with a few complications and ease of use.
Distributed and Fault-Tolerant Routing for Borel Cayley Graphs
Authors: Ryu Junghun , Noel Eric , Tang K. Wendy
Published: October 2012

We explore the use of a pseudorandom graph family, Borel Cayley graph family, as the network topology with thousands of nodes operating in a packet switching environment. BCGs are known to be an efficient topology in interconnection networks because of their small diameters, short average path lengths, and low-degree connections. However, the application of BCGs is hindered by a lack of size flexibility and fault-tolerant routing. We propose a fault-tolerant routing algorithm for BCGs. Our algorithm exploits the vertex-transitivity property of Borel Cayley graphs and relies on extra information to reflect topology change. Our results show that the proposed method supports good reachability and a small End-to-End delay under various link failures scenarios.
Expression of the Autoimmune Regulator Gene and Its Relevance to the Mechanisms of Central and Peripheral Tolerance
Authors: Perniola Roberto
Published: October 2012

The autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1) is a monogenic disease due to pathogenic variants occurring in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. Its related protein, AIRE, activates the transcription of genes encoding for tissue-specific antigens (TsAgs) in a subset of medullary thymic epithelial cells: the presentation of TsAgs to the maturating thymocytes induces the apoptosis of the autoreactive clones and constitutes the main form of central tolerance. Dysregulation of thymicAIREexpression in genetically transmitted and acquired diseases other than APS-1 may contribute to further forms of autoimmunity. AsAIREand its murine homolog are also expressed in the secondary lymphoid organs, the extent and relevance of AIRE participation in the mechanisms of peripheral tolerance need to be thoroughly defined.
Barriers and Facilitators for Utilization of Genetic Counseling and Risk Assessment Services in Young Female Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Anderson Beth , McLosky Jennifer , Wasilevich Elizabeth , Lyon-Callo Sarah , Duquette Debra , Copeland Glenn
Published: October 2012

Introduction. Women diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age are more likely to carry a cancer predisposing genetic mutation. Per the current NCCN recommendations, women diagnosed under age 50 should be referred to cancer genetic counseling for further risk evaluation. This study seeks to assess patient-reported barriers and facilitators to receiving genetic counseling and risk assessment among a community-based population of young breast cancer survivors (YBCS).Methods. Through the Michigan Cancer Surveillance Program, a state-based cancer registry, 488 women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50 in 2006-2007 were identified. They received a mail survey regarding family history and facilitators and barriers to receiving genetic counseling and risk assessment.Results. Responses were received from 289 women (59.2%). One hundred twenty-two (42.2%) reported having received cancer genetic counseling. The most frequent reason identified for receiving services was to benefit their family's future. The top reasons for not attending were “no one recommended it” and “medical insurance coverage issues.”Discussion. This study is the first published report using a state cancer registry to determine facilitators and barriers to receiving genetic counseling and risk assessment among YBCS. These findings demonstrate the need for additional awareness and education about appropriate indications for genetic services.
Atrial Fibrillation after Inhalational Lung Injury: A Troubling Complication of a Rare Problem
Authors: Panikkath Ragesh , Nugent Kenneth , Perez-Verdia Alejandro
Published: October 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with lung diseases like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but has only infrequently been associated with inhalational lung injury. We report two cases of resistant AF, which developed in young healthy manual laborers shortly after inhalational lung injury due to massive quantity of pesticides and anhydrous ammonia, respectively. They had no evidence of valvular or structural heart disease and did not have any previous medical problems. The AF was resistant to antiarrhythmic drugs and required pulmonary vein isolation in first patient and possibly the second patient who is currently being evaluated for this procedure. These arrhythmias may reflect direct myocardial injury during and after exposure. Alternatively, multiple mechanisms can cause atrial fibrillation in lung diseases, including hypoxemia, acidemia, inflammatory mediators, and structural changes in the atria and ventricle, and these could lead to AF in inhalational lung injury cases. AF needs to be excluded when patients present with palpitations after inhalational lung injury, especially since, if unrecognized, AF may lead to complications, like thromboembolic phenomenon and tachycardiomyopathy.
New Treatment in Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Giuffrida Dario , Prestifilippo Angela , Scarfia Alessia , Martino Daniela , Marchisotta Stefania
Published: October 2012

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine tumor. Thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine, and TSH suppression represent the standard treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer. Since chemotherapy has been shown to be unsuccessful in case of advanced thyroid carcinomas, the research for new therapies is fundamental. In this paper, we reviewed the recent literature reports (pubmed, medline, EMBASE database, and abstracts published in meeting proceedings) on new treatments in advanced nonmedullary and medullary thyroid carcinomas. Studies of many tyrosine kinase inhibitors as well as antiangiogenic inhibitors suggest that patients with thyroid cancer could have an advantage with new target therapy. We summarized both the results obtained and the toxic effects associated with these treatments reported in clinical trials. Reported data in this paper are encouraging, but further trials are necessary to obtain a more effective result in thyroid carcinoma treatment.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy for Splenic Hamartoma: A Case Report
Authors: Pisani Ceretti Andrea , Bislenghi Gabriele , Virdis Matteo , Maroni Nirvana , Gatti Andrea , Opocher Enrico
Published: October 2012

Hamartoma is a rare splenic benign tumor usually accidentally detected as a radiologic finding. Preoperative diagnosis poses a challenge and thus surgery becomes necessary to confirm the clinical suspicion. Laparoscopic splenectomy has gained consensus as a standard surgical procedure particularly for autoimmune hematological diseases. This former experience has allowed this technique to be extended to other splenic pathologies. Here we report a case of total laparoscopic splenectomy for a bulky splenic hamartoma in a young male patient.
Fermented Mistletoe Extract as a Multimodal Antitumoral Agent in Gliomas
Authors: Podlech Oliver , Harter Patrick N. , Mittelbronn Michel , Pöschel Simone , Naumann Ulrike
Published: October 2012

In Europe, commercially available extracts from the white-berry mistletoe (Viscum albumL.) are widely used as a complementary cancer therapy. Mistletoe lectins have been identified as main active components and exhibit cytotoxic effects as well as immunomodulatory activity. Since it is still not elucidated in detail how mistle toe extracts such as ISCADOR communicate their effects, we analyzed the mechanisms that might be responsible for their antitumoral function on a molecular and functional level. ISCADOR-treated glioblastoma (GBM) cells down-regulate central genes involved in glioblastoma progression and malignancy such as the cytokine TGF-βand matrix-metalloproteinases. Usingin vitroglioblastoma/immune cell co-cultivation assays as well as measurement of cell migration and invasion, we could demonstrate that in glioblastoma cells, lectin-rich ISCADOR M and ISCADOR Q significantly enforce NK-cell-mediated GBM cell lysis. Beside its immune stimulatory effect, ISCADOR reduces the migratory and invasive potential of glioblastoma cells. In a syngeneic as well as in a xenograft glioblastoma mouse model, both pretreatment of tumor cells and intratumoral therapy of subcutaneously growing glioblastoma cells with ISCADOR Q showed delayed tumor growth. In conclusion, ISCADOR Q, showing multiple positive effects in the treatment of glioblastoma, may be a candidate for concomitant treatment of this cancer.
Lung Compliance and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Papandrinopoulou D. , Tzouda V. , Tsoukalas G.
Published: October 2012

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, namely, pulmonary emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a chronic inflammatory response of the airways to noxious particles or gases, with resulting pathological and pathophysiological changes in the lung. The main pathophysiological aspects of the disease are airflow obstruction and hyperinflation. The mechanical properties of the respiratory system and its component parts are studied by determining the corresponding volume-pressure (P-V) relationships. The consequences of the inflammatory response on the lung structure and function are depicted on the volume-pressure relationships.
Blood Flow Restricted Exercise and Vascular Function
Authors: Horiuchi Masahiro , Okita Koichi
Published: October 2012

It is established that regular aerobic training improves vascular function, for example, endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and arterial stiffness or compliance and thereby constitutes a preventative measure against cardiovascular disease. In contrast, high-intensity resistance training impairs vascular function, while the influence of moderate-intensity resistance training on vascular function is still controversial. However, aerobic training is insufficient to inhibit loss in muscular strength with advancing age; thus, resistance training is recommended to prevent sarcopenia. Recently, several lines of study have provided compelling data showing that exercise and training with blood flow restriction (BFR) leads to muscle hypertrophy and strength increase. As such, BFR training might be a novel means of overcoming the contradiction between aerobic and high-intensity resistance training. Although it is not enough evidence to obtain consensus about impact of BFR training on vascular function, available evidences suggested that BFR training did not change coagulation factors and arterial compliance though with inconsistence results in endothelial function. This paper is a review of the literature on the impact of BFR exercise and training on vascular function, such as endothelial function, arterial compliance, or other potential factors in comparison with those of aerobic and resistance training.
An Efficient Reliable Communication Scheme in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Linear Network Coding
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Xiumin , Zhang Shukui , Zhu Yanqin , Jia Juncheng
Published: October 2012

We address the modeling and design of linear network coding (LNC) for reliable communication against multiple failures in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). To fulfill the objective, we design a deterministic LNC scheme RDLC based on the average number of path failures simultaneously happening in the network other than the maximum number of path failures. The scheme can significantly improve the network throughput comparing with the traditional approaches. In our study, we also investigate the potential of random linear code RRLC for providing reliable communication in WSNs and prove the low bound of the probability that the RRLC can provide the reliable communication. Finally, extensive simulation experiments have been conducted, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed LNC schemes.
Real‐Time Simulation of Fluid Scenes by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics and Marching Cubes
Authors: Wang Weihong , Jiang Zhongzhou , Qiu Honglin , Li Wei
Published: October 2012

Simulating fluid scenes in 3DGIS is of great value in both theoretical research and practical applications. To achieve this goal, we present an algorithm for simulation of fluid scenes based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics. A 3D spatial grid partition algorithm is proposed to increase the speed for searching neighboring particles. We also propose a real‐time interactive algorithm about particle and surface topography. We use Marching Cubes algorithm to extract the surface of free moving fluids from particles data. Experiments show that the algorithms improve the rate of rendering frame in realtime, reduce the computing time, and extract good real effects of fluid surface.
Discrete‐Time Multioverlapping Controller Design for Structural Vibration Control of Tall Buildings under Seismic Excitation
Authors: Palacios-Quiñonero Francisco , Rubió-Massegú Josep , Rossell Josep M. , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: October 2012

In this paper, a computationally effective strategy to obtain multioverlapping controllers via the Inclusion Principle is applied to design discrete‐time state‐feedback multioverlapping LQR controllers for seismic protection of tall buildings. To compute the corresponding control actions, the proposed semidecentralized controllers only require state information from neighboring stories. This particular configuration of information exchange allows introducing a dramatic reduction in the transmission range required for a wireless implementation of the communication system. To investigate the behavior of the proposed semidecentralized multioverlapping controllers, a proper simulation model has been designed. This model includes semiactive actuation devices with limited force capacity, control sampling times consistent with the communication latency, time‐delayed state information, and communication failures. The performance of the proposed multioverlapping controllers has been assessed through numerical simulations of the seismic response of a 20‐story building with positive results.
Relationship of Morning Cortisol to Circadian Phase and Rising Time in Young Adults with Delayed Sleep Times
Authors: Rea Mark S. , Figueiro Mariana G. , Sharkey Katherine M. , Carskadon Mary A.
Published: October 2012

The present study was aimed at further elucidating the relationship between circadian phase, rising time, and the morning cortisol awakening response (CAR). The results presented here are a secondary analysis of experimental data obtained from a study of advanced sleep-wake schedules and light exposures on circadian phase advances measured by dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO). The present results demonstrate that morning CAR is strongly related to rising time and more weakly related to DLMO phase.
A Note on the Comparison of the Bayesian and Frequentist Approaches to Estimation
Authors: Neath Andrew A. , Langenfeld Natalie
Published: October 2012

Samaniego and Reneau presented a landmark study on the comparison of Bayesian and frequentist point estimators. Their findings indicate that Bayesian point estimators work well in more situations than were previously suspected. In particular, their comparison reveals how a Bayesian point estimator can improve upon a frequentist point estimator even in situations where sharp prior knowledge is not necessarily available. In the current paper, we show that similar results hold when comparing Bayesian and frequentist interval estimators. Furthermore, the development of an appropriate interval estimator comparison offers some further insight into the estimation problem.
Modeling and Characteristic Parameters Analysis of a Trough Concentrating Photovoltaic/Thermal System with GaAs and Super Cell Arrays
Authors: Ji Xu , Li Ming , Lin Weidong , Wang Wenbo , Wang Liuling , Luo Xi
Published: October 2012

The paper established the one-dimension steady models of a trough concentrating photovoltaic/thermal system with a super cell array and a GaAs cell array, respectively, and verified the models by experiments. The gaps between calculation results and experimental results were less than 5%. Utilizing the models, the paper analyzed the influences of the characteristic parameters on the performances of the TCPV/T system with a super cell array and a GaAs cell array, respectively. The reflectivity of the parabolic mirror in the TCPV/T system was an important factor to determine the utilizing efficiency of solar energy. The performances of the TCPV/T system can be optimized by improving the mirror reflectivity and the thermal solar radiation absorptivity of the lighting plate and pursuing a suitable focal line with uniform light intensity distribution. All these works will benefit to the utilization of the trough concentrating system and the combined heat/power supply.
Differential Effects of Chronic Pulsatile versus Chronic Constant Maternal Hyperglycemia on Fetal Pancreaticβ-Cells
Authors: Frost Mackenzie S. , Zehri Aqib H. , Limesand Sean W. , Hay William W. , Rozance Paul J.
Published: October 2012

Constant maternal hyperglycemia limits, while pulsatile maternal hyperglycemia may enhance, fetal glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in sheep. However, the impact of such different patterns of hyperglycemia on the development of the fetalβ-cell is unknown. We measured the impact of one week of chronic constant hyperglycemia (CHG,n=6) versus pulsatile hyperglycemia (PHG,n=5) versus controls (n=7) on the percentage of the fetal pancreas staining for insulin (β-cell area), mitotic and apoptotic indices and size of fetalβ-cells, and fetal insulin secretion in sheep. Baseline insulin concentrations were higher in CHG fetuses (P<0.05) compared to controls and PHG. GSIS was lower in the CHG group (P<0.005) compared to controls and PHG. PHGβ-cell area was increased 50% (P<0.05) compared to controls and CHG. CHGβ-cell apoptosis was increased over 400% (P<0.05) compared to controls and PHG. These results indicate that late gestation constant maternal hyperglycemia leads to significantβ-cell toxicity (increased apoptosis and decreased GSIS). Furthermore, pulsatile maternal hyperglycemia increases pancreaticβ-cell area but did not increase GSIS, indicating decreasedβ-cell responsiveness. These findings demonstrate differential effects that the pattern of maternal hyperglycemia has on fetal pancreaticβ-cell development, which might contribute to later life limitation in insulin secretion.
Metastasis of Renal Cell Carcinoma to the Buccal Mucosa 19 Years after Radical Nephrectomy
Authors: Gil-Julio Hernani , Vázquez-Alonso Fernando , Fernández-Sánchez Antonio J. , Puche-Sanz Ignacio , Flores-Martín José F. , Cózar José M.
Published: October 2012

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has high metastatic potential, which requires early diagnosis to optimize the chance of cure. Metastasis of RCC to the head and neck region is less common and metastasis to the buccal mucosa is extremely rare. This phenomenon occurs mostly in patients with generalized dissemination, especially with lung metastases. In this article we report a case of buccal mucosa metastasis from RCC in a 65-year-old man who presented 19 years after undergoing a left radical nephrectomy for clear cell RCC. Surgical excision of the buccal lesion was performed without evidence of recurrence or new metastatic lesions after 6 years of followup. To our knowledge, this is the first case of metastasis to the buccal mucosa from a RCC reported in the literature.
Effective Red Compensation of Sr2SiO4 : Dy3+ Phosphor by Codoping Mn2+ Ions and Its Energy Transfer
Authors: Zhang Le , Lu Zhou , Han Pengde , Wang Lixi , Zhang Qitu
Published: October 2012

Mn2+ ions codoped Sr2SiO4 : Dy3+ phosphors were prepared by the solid‐state reaction method using NH4Cl as the flux. Their phase compositions, photoluminescence properties, and the energy transfer process were systematically investigated. All Mn/Dy codoped powders were α′‐Sr2SiO4. The codoping concentration range of Mn2+ was ≤4.0 mol% to keep the structure undamaged. The broad red emission of Mn2+ centered at 647 nm in Sr2SiO4 : Mn, Dy powders, which effectively compensated the red emission of Sr2SiO4 : Dy3+ phosphor. The CIE chromaticity coordinates dramatically changed from (0.310, 0.340) to (0.332, 0.326) due to the red enhancement via the energy transfer from Dy3+ to Mn2+. This energy transfer is realized by the exchange interaction. But the luminescence quenching of Sr2SiO4 : Dy, Mn phosphor was mainly caused by the electric multipoles interaction. The concentration optimized (Sr0.96, Mn0.02, Dy0.02)2SiO4 phosphor with high and almost pure white emission has great potential to act as a single‐matrix white phosphor for white LEDs.
Conservation Laws for Some Systems of Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations via Multiplier Approach
Authors: Naz Rehana
Published: October 2012

The conservation laws for the integrable coupled KDV type system, complexly coupled kdv system, coupled system arising from complex‐valued KDV in magnetized plasma, Ito integrable system, and Navier stokes equations of gas dynamics are computed by multipliers approach. First of all, we calculate the multipliers depending on dependent variables, independent variables, and derivatives of dependent variables up to some fixed order. The conservation laws fluxes are computed corresponding to each conserved vector. For all understudying systems, the local conservation laws are established by utilizing the multiplier approach.
Demand for Fresh Vegetables in the United States: 1970–2010
Authors: Naanwaab Cephas , Yeboah Osei
Published: October 2012

This paper analyzes a demand system for eight major fresh vegetables in the USA using the most recently available dataset (1970–2010). A first-differenced Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System (LA-AIDS) is applied to estimate price and expenditure elasticity of demand, imposing homogeneity and symmetry restrictions. We find that not only are consumers responsive to changes in own-prices but they also respond significantly to changes in prices of other fresh vegetables that are consumed together. Conditional budget share allocation to lettuce, cabbage, and celery has declined, while the share of the consumer dollar going to tomatoes, peppers, and onions has increased over the period. Except for cabbage, all own-price elasticity estimates are negative, less than unity in absolute value, and statistically significant. About half of the 56 cross-price elasticities are negative and significant, indicating high, albeit asymmetric, complementarities among these fresh vegetables. Expenditure elasticities are positive and significant for all but one of these eight vegetables. Over the period under consideration, demand and expenditure elasticities remained fairly stable.
Mutual Influence of Special Components in Baotou Steel Blast Furnace Slag on the Crystallization Behavior of Glass
Authors: Wang Yici , Jiang Qi , Luo Guoping , Yu Wenwu , Ban Yan
Published: October 2012

In the process of glass-ceramics prepared with Baotou steel blast furnace slag, quartz sand, and other raw materials by melting method, the mutual influence of the special components such as CaF2, REXOY, TiO2, K2O, and Na2O in the blast furnace slag on the crystallization behavior of parent glass was investigated using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the special components in slag can reduce the crystallization temperature and promote crystallization of glass phase, which belongs to surface crystallization of glass, and they cannot play the role of the nucleating agent; the major crystal phase composed of diopside, diopside containing aluminum and anorthite, is slightly different from the expected main crystal phase of diopside. Therefore, the nucleating agents of proper species and quantity must be added into the raw materials in order to obtain glass-ceramics. The results have important theoretical guidance meaning for realizing industrial production of Baotou steel blast furnace slag glass-ceramics preparation.
Protective and Aggravating Effects of Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation in IBD Models: Influence of Genetic and Environmental Factors
Authors: Bauer Christian , Duewell Peter , Lehr Hans-Anton , Endres Stefan , Schnurr Max
Published: October 2012

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation due to dysregulation of the mucosal immune system. The cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 appear early in intestinal inflammation and their pro-forms are processed via the caspase-1-activating multiprotein complex, the Nlrp3 inflammasome. Previously, we reported that the uptake of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) by macrophages activates the Nlrp3 inflammasome and that Nlrp3–/– mice are protected in the acute DSS colitis model. Of note, other groups have reported opposing effects in regards to DSS susceptibility in Nlrp3–/– mice. Recently, mice lacking inflammasomes were found to develop a distinct intestinal microflora. Methods: To reconcile the contradicting observations, we investigated the role of Nlrp3 deficiency in two different IBD models: acute DSS colitis and TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid)-induced colitis. In addition, we investigated the impact of the intestinal flora on disease severity by performing cohousing experiments of wild-type and Nlrp3–/– mice, as well as by antibiotic treatment. Results: Nlrp3–/– mice treated with either DSS or TNBS exhibited attenuated colitis and lower mortality. This protective effect correlated with an increased frequency of CD103+ lamina propria dendritic cells expressing a tolerogenic phenotype in Nlrp3–/– mice in steady state conditions. Interestingly, after cohousing, Nlrp3–/– mice were as susceptible as wild-type mice, indicating that transmission of endogenous bacterial flora between the two mouse strains might increase susceptibility of Nlrp3–/– mice towards DSS-induced colitis. Accordingly, treatment with antibiotics almost completely prevented colitis in the DSS model. Conclusions: The composition of the intestinal microflora significantly influences disease severity in IBD models comparing wild-type and Nlrp3–/– mice. This observation may – at least in part – explain contradictory results concerning the role of the inflammasome in different labs. Further studies are required to define the role of the Nlrp3 inflammasome in noninflamed mucosa under steady state conditions and in IBD.
Guidelines for the Recording and Evaluation of Pharmaco-EEG Data in Man: The International Pharmaco-EEG Society (IPEG)
Authors: Jobert Marc , Wilson Frederick J. , Ruigt Gé S.F. , Brunovsky Martin , Prichep Leslie S. , Drinkenburg Wilhelmus H.I.M. ,   The IPEG Pharmaco-EEG Guideline Committee
Published: October 2012

The International Pharmaco-EEG Society (IPEG) presents updated guidelines summarising the requirements for the recording and computerised evaluation of pharmaco-EEG data in man. Since the publication of the first pharmaco-EEG guidelines in 1982, technical and data processing methods have advanced steadily, thus enhancing data quality and expanding the palette of tools available to investigate the action of drugs on the central nervous system (CNS), determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of novel therapeutics and evaluate the CNS penetration or toxicity of compounds. However, a review of the literature reveals inconsistent operating procedures from one study to another. While this fact does not invalidate results per se, the lack of standardisation constitutes a regrettable shortcoming, especially in the context of drug development programmes. Moreover, this shortcoming hampers reliable comparisons between outcomes of studies from different laboratories and hence also prevents pooling of data which is a requirement for sufficiently powering the validation of novel analytical algorithms and EEG-based biomarkers. The present updated guidelines reflect the consensus of a global panel of EEG experts and are intended to assist investigators using pharmaco-EEG in clinical research, by providing clear and concise recommendations and thereby enabling standardisation of methodology and facilitating comparability of data across laboratories.
Removing the Master Script
Authors: Swartz Ellen E.
Published: October 2012

Master-scripted “agreed-upon versions of knowledge” are hegemonic constructions that derail the process of recording the past. In the earliest grades, children are introduced to such topics as exploration, settlement, manifest destiny, and freedom and democracy through the grand narratives of U.S. national development. These triumphalist accounts are all framed through a Euro-lens that typically omits or marginalizes Indigenous and African peoples even though they figured prominently in these topics. Using Afrocentric theory and culturally informed principles, one can recover history from these exclusions and misrepresentations by reconnecting or “re-membering” the multiple and shared knowledge bases and experiences that have shaped the past. To exemplify this, we show how to re-member the life of Benjamin Banneker using Afrocentric theory. Although Banneker has been included in textbooks and standard curricula for decades, master scripts present him as anomalistic in his exceptionality. In “re-membered” texts, more than the knowledge and experiences of Banneker the individual are present. Also included is content that links Banneker to his African continental and diasporan contexts, showing not only the African source of his scientific genius but his agency and advocacy for human freedom in the colonial period. Thus, “re-membered” texts teach what it is about Banneker’s being African that informs who he was and what he was able to do. The article concludes by suggesting how to invite students to use knowledge about Benjamin Banneker to explore the connections between the past and the present—connections between human agency and knowledge for human freedom then and now.
A study of spherical compression properties of knitted spacer fabrics part II: comparison with experiments
Authors: Du Zhaoqun , Hu Hong
Published: October 2012

The objective of this part is to compare the results calculated from the model developed in part I with experimental measurements. Five warp-knitted spacer fabrics made with polyester filaments but with different thicknesses and outer layer structures, as well as different spacer yarn fineness, are selected for testing their compression properties under both the plane plate and spherical ball compressions. The plane compression stress–strain curve of each fabric sample is divided into three regions and the curve segment in each region is approximately represented by a linear equation. The equation constants, that is, modulus E and intercept σ0 for each curve segment, are obtained by the linear fitting method. Based on the values of E and σ0 obtained, the compression curve under spherical ball compression of each fabric sample is calculated and compared with the experimental one. Three compression parameters, including the maximal compression force and compression work at the compression strain of 0.70, as well as the linear degree, are also used for comparison. Good agreements are obtained between the calculations and measurements. Thus, based on the plane compression testing results, the validated model can be used to predict the spherical compression behaviors of knitted spacer fabrics compressed with different radii of the spherical balls.
Investigation of electromagnetic shielding properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics with stainless steel and polyester fiber
Authors: Ozen Mustafa Sabri , Sancak Erhan , Beyit Ali , Usta Ismail , Akalin Mehmet
Published: October 2012

In this study, electromagnetic shielding properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics were investigated. The paper evaluates and compares the electromagnetic shielding of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics produced from stainless steel/polyester and normal polyester fibers. Stainless steel/polyester fiber and normal polyester fiber were blended at specified ratios in the experimental study. Webs were produced from the fibers with the carding machine and then bonded with the needle-punching machines. The thickness and electromagnetic shielding properties of the needle-punched fabrics were tested. An electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) device was used for measuring the electromagnetic shielding. The experimental study indicated that as the conductive stainless steel fiber ratio in nonwoven fabrics increases, the EMSE also increases at low, medium and high frequencies. Satisfactory electromagnetic shielding values were obtained at wide bandwidth, i.e. 1200–3000 MHz. The highest EMSE values of the needle-punched nonwoven fabric with 25% conductive steel fiber were, respectively, 6 dB at 0–300 MHz low frequency, 12 dB at 300–1200 MHz medium frequency and 18 dB at 1200–3000 MHz high frequency. It was found that 90% of electromagnetic waves were shielded by nonwoven fabric at high frequencies, 85% at medium frequencies and 80% at low frequencies.
Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization on cotton fabric in water aqueous
Authors: Xing Tieling , Liu Jie , Li Shiwei
Published: October 2012

In this work, 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide was first reacted with the hydroxyl groups on the surface of cotton fabric to obtain cotton macroinitiator (C-Br) for surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of (2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). Then C-Br was grafted with DMAEMA via the ATRP method in water aqueous. The tertiary amino groups of immobilized DMAEMA polymer on the cotton fabric were quaternized with bromomethane to produce the antibacterial function. The structure of cotton-grafted-PDMAEMA (C-g-PDMAEMA) was characterized by attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microcopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that DMAEMA was grafted onto the surface of cotton and the tertiary amino groups were quaternized. The C-g-PDMAEMA has good thermostability. The whiteness and strength of C-g-PDMAEMA decreased slightly, but the wrinkle recovery angle increased distinctly compared with the control sample. The quaternized grafted cotton has the great antibacterial property and good laundry resistance.
Cleaning efficiency of poly(ethylene terephthalate) washing procedure in recycling process
Authors: Krehula Ljerka Kratofil , Siročić Anita Ptiček , Dukić Maja , Hrnjak-Murgić Zlata
Published: October 2012

This work demonstrates the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) washing process, which is the very important step in the overall PET recycling procedure. The samples of waste PET bottles were washed in sodium hydroxide at two different temperatures, that is, at 70 and 75°C, at a time intervals of 15 and 30 min. The cleaning efficiency of the washing processes was determined through the identification of the residual impurities and products of PET degradation. The samples before and after the washing procedure were characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Due to low obtained oligomer molecular masses, it can be concluded that the degradation during all washing processes is not strong. Results show good purity of washed PET, especially at 75°C, due to very low content of adhesives, toxic compounds and formed monomers. The washing process carried out at 75°C for 15 min can be considered as the most successful. It results with low polymer degradation and the removal of the high quantity of contaminants in short time interval.
Inter-professional Barriers and Knowledge Brokering in an Organizational Context: The Case of Healthcare
Authors: Currie Graeme , White Leroy
Published: October 2012

Our study examines brokering of situated knowledge within an organizational context, characterized by professional hierarchy. We examine how professional affiliation and associated power differentials impact upon knowledge brokering at the individual and group levels within an organization. Our empirical case, which combines social network analysis and qualitative fieldwork, is set in healthcare with a focus upon integration of management, psychosocial and clinical component knowledge domains deemed necessary for treatment of a long-term condition. Our study shows that peer-to-peer knowledge brokering, which is framed by professional hierarchy, remains pervasive with respect to medical knowledge brokering. However, social structures might be mediated through developing architectural knowledge, reflected in both formal and informal organizational routines and schema, which engenders community tendencies that transcend professional hierarchy, so that knowledge brokering is more widely distributed to benefit patients.
Theorizing Uptake and Knowledge Mobilization
Authors: Tachino Tosh
Published: October 2012

Recent scholarship in genre studies has extended its focus from studying single genres to multiple genres, as well as how these genres interact with one another. This essay seeks to contribute to this growing scholarship by adding a new concept, intermediary genre. That is, a genre that facilitates the “uptake” of a genre by another genre. This concept is designed to reveal a particular aspect of multiple genres: that one genre can be used to connect and mobilize two otherwise unconnected genres to make uptake possible. The concept is illustrated in case study of knowledge mobilization, an instance in which scientific research was used in the judicial system to inform public policies on eyewitness handling and police-lineup procedures. The case study shows how intermediary genres emerge, how they connect other genres, and how knowledge circulates as a result of such connections and affects policy decisions.
The Effect of Retributive and Restorative Sentencing on Psychological Effects of Criminal Proceedings
Authors: Laxminarayan Malini
Published: October 2012

Retribution and restoration have been cited as two goals of sentencing for victims. Furthermore, there is a perspective that acknowledges the overlap of these two aims, seeking to obtain restoration through retribution. Achieving these goals may have implications for the victim’s psychological well-being. The current study examines 101 victims of serious crime and how different outcomes may impact their perceptions of psychological well-being. Incarceration, community service, compensation from the offender, and compensation from the state, in addition to acquittals, are included as predictors of the dependent variable. After reviewing the literature on retributive and restorative sentencing, also making a distinction between compensation from the offender and compensation from the state, hierarchical regression analysis finds that compensation from the offender is the only sentencing option significantly associated with psychological effects.
Establishing an Online and Social Media Presence for Your IBCLC Practice
Authors: McCann Amber D. , McCulloch Jeanette E.
Published: October 2012

Women of childbearing age, especially in industrialized nations, are using social media in record numbers and are seeking information about pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding online. Social media is a form of communication that enables online communities to share ideas, information, and personal messages. Those providing support to breastfeeding mothers are uniquely equipped to share information, guidance, and encouragement with new mothers. Lactation professionals, advocates, and volunteers should be aware that mothers are using Web-based communication to gain information about breastfeeding. Those who support breastfeeding mothers can also learn to use these methods to engage with the breastfeeding community online. Regardless of the chosen platform, social media is most successful when it promotes engagement with a target audience. Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and Pinterest are identified as useful platforms for connecting with breastfeeding mothers.