bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary selection of interesting class association rules using genetic relation algorithm
Authors: Gonzales Eloy , Mabu Shingo , Taboada Karla , Shimada Kaoru , Hirasawa Kotaro
Published: May 2011

During the last years, several association rule‐based classification methods have been proposed, these algorithms may quickly generate accurate rules. However, the generated rules are often very large in terms of the number of rules and usually complex and hardly understandable for users. Among all the rules generated by the algorithms, only some of them are likely to be of any interest to the domain expert analyzing the data. Most of the rules are either redundant, irrelevant or obvious. In this paper, a new method for selecting the interesting class association rules is proposed by an evolutionary method named genetic relation algorithm. The algorithm evaluates the relevance and interestingness of the discovered association rules by the relationships between the rules in each generation using a specific measure of distance among them giving a reduced set of rules as the result in the final generation. This small rule set has the following properties: (i) accurate as it has at least the same classification accuracy as the complete association rule set, (ii) interesting because of the diversity of rules and (iii) comprehensible because it is more understandable for the users as the number of attributes involved in the rules is also small. The efficiency of the proposed method is compared with other conventional methods including genetic network programming‐based mining using ten databases and the experimental results show that it outperforms others keeping a good balance between the classification accuracy and the comprehensibility of the rules. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
MBFP generalized association rule mining and classification in traffic volume prediction
Authors: Zhou Huiyu , Mabu Shingo , Shimada Kaoru , Hirasawa Kotaro
Published: May 2011

Genetic network programming (GNP)‐based time‐related association rules mining method provides a useful mean to investigate future traffic volume of road networks and hence helps us to develop traffic navigation system. Further improvements have been proposed in this paper about the time‐related association rule mining using generalized GNP with multibranches and full‐paths (MBFP) algorithm. For fully utilizing the potential ability of GNP structure, the mechanism of generalized GNP with MBFP is studied. The aim of this algorithm is to better handle association rule extraction from the databases with high efficiency in a variety of time‐related applications, especially in the traffic volume prediction problems. The generalized algorithm which can find the important time‐related association rules is described, and experimental results are presented considering a traffic prediction problem. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Solving the m‐way graph partitioning problem using a genetic algorithm
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Qiang , Wang Rong‐Long
Published: May 2011

The m‐way graph partitioning problem is of central importance in combinatorial optimization. It has many important applications in fields such as VLSI circuit design, task allocation in distributed computing systems, and network partitioning. In this paper, we propose an efficient genetic algorithm to solve this problem. The proposed method searches a large solution space and finds the best possible solution by adjusting the intensification and diversification automatically during the optimization process. The proposed method is tested on a large number of instances and compared with some existing algorithms. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is superior to its competitors in terms of computation time and solution quality. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of a maximum‐power‐point‐limiting control system for a direct methanol fuel cell
Authors: Norimatsu Yasuaki
Published: May 2011

A new maximum‐power‐point limiting (MPPL) control method for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was proposed. In regard to achieving MPPL, it was affirmed by experiment that it is possible to control the DMFC by simply ensuring that its voltage does not fall below a certain level regardless of its state. An MPPL control system that accomplishes the DMFC voltage limitation required for MPPL control by using a ‘soft‐start function’ fitted in a ready‐made DC/DC converter was developed. It was confirmed by experimental tests that the circuit board of the developed MPPL control system can perform DMFC voltage limitation control. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis, NMR‐Spectroscopy, and Molecular Structure of a Phosphonyl Ene Diamine
Authors: Bogomilova Anita , Günther Michael , Hägele Gerhard , Heuermann Sabine , Wagner Ernst , Troev Kolio
Published: May 2011

First examples of ene diamines with a phosphonate function at the C=C double bond were obtained by the reaction of dialkyl H‐phosphonates with bis(N‐tert‐butyl)‐diimine derived from glyoxal, [1,4‐bis(tert‐butyl)‐1,4‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene], and isolated as hydrochlorides. Preferentially the cis‐diamine is formed. The new phosphonates are characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy(1H, 13C, 31P). In addition the methyl ester 8a was characterized by 14,15N NMR spectroscopy as well as by several 2D NMR techniques and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, unequivocally establishing the ene diamine structure. In the crystal dimers of the cations are formed by P–O···H–N hydrogen bonding.
Syntheses and Structural Studies of Several Diynyl‐Ruthenium Complexes and their Adducts with Cyano‐Alkenes
Authors: Bruce Michael I. , Burgun Alexandre , Grelaud Guillaume , Jevric Martyn , Nicholson Brian K. , Skelton Brian W. , White Allan H. , Zaitseva Natasha N.
Published: May 2011

Herein are described some continuing investigations into the reactions of cyano‐alkenes with diynyl‐ruthenium complexes which have resulted in the preparation and characterisation of diynyl‐ruthenium compounds Ru(C≡CC≡CR)(PP)Cp [R = Ph, PP = dppe; R = Fc, PP = dppf; R = CPh=CBr2, PP = (PPh3)2], together with the polycyanobutadienyls Ru{C≡CC[=C(CN)2]CR=CR′(CN)}(PP)Cp′ [R = Fc, (PP)Cp′ = (dppf)Cp; R = H, SiMe3, (PP)Cp′ = (dppe)Cp*] formed by [2 + 2]‐cycloaddition of the cyano‐alkenes to the outer C≡C triple bonds and subsequent ring‐opening reactions. Single‐crystal XRD molecular structure determinations of six complexes are reported.
Postoccupancy evaluations in zoological settings
Authors: Kelling Angela S. , Gaalema Diann E.
Published: May 2011

A postoccupancy evaluation (POE) is a systematic assessment performed to examine the effectiveness of the built environment after occupation. Although POEs have been mainly used to examine the effectiveness of built environments for human usage, they can and should be adapted for use in zoological settings. Zoological exhibits have evolved from when hygiene concerns ruled design to current trends that involve elaborate exhibits that often cost millions of dollars. Thus, it is imperative to conduct evaluations to ensure that these exhibits function to meet the complex needs of all users. It is crucial to perform a comprehensive POE that focuses on all three user groups; animals, visitors, and staff. However, work in this field is limited. Animal research has tended to remain very primate‐focused with differing opinions as to what constitutes optimal outcomes. Zoo visitor studies often have limited scope and differing methodologies. Additionally, research on zoo staff opinions and feedback is almost nonexistent. A new exhibit opening at a zoo has huge potential for improving the welfare of the animals it will house, enhancing the zoo visitor experience, and improving the workplace for zoo personnel. Building the best possible exhibits requires not only the analysis of how the built environment affects all three groups, but also dissemination of those findings to guide future design. Zoo Biol 30:597–610, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local Recurrence after Intended Curative Excision of Presacral Lesions: Causes and Preventions
Authors: Gao Xian Hua , Zhang Wei , Fu Chuan Gang , Liu Lian Jie , Yu En Da , Meng Rong Gui
Published: May 2011

Objective

This study was designed to explore causes for local recurrence of presacral lesions after intended curative surgery and discuss prevention strategies.

Methods

Medical data of presacral lesions in our hospital from January 2001 to September 2009 were retrospectively studied, including preoperative examinations, intraoperative findings, and postoperative histopathologies.

Results

Of 39 patients (29 women and 10 men) with presacral lesions, who ranged in age from 14 to 71 (mean, 39.56) years, 7 patients were diagnosed with recurrent presacral lesions on admission. Preoperative pelvic MRI, pelvic CT, and endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS) were performed in 23, 22, and 8 cases, respectively. MRI/CT showed that five cases had two coexisting lesions and three cases had lobulated or dumbbell shaped lesions, all of which were confirmed by intraoperative findings. ERUS suspected involvement of the rectal wall in three cases: adhesion to the rectal wall in two cases, and tumor invasion in the remaining case. During the operation, 26, 8, and 2 cases were resected by the transsacral, transabdominal, and combined abdominosacral approach, respectively. Four patients underwent simultaneous coccygectomy, and three patients received simultaneous resection of the sacrum and coccyx. Simultaneous partial resection of the invaded sigmoid colon or rectum was performed in two patients, respectively. By postoperative pathological examination, three cases were found to have ruptured cystic lesions, three had previous cyst rupture history, and five had infected lesions.

Conclusions

Presacral lesions are likely to be multiple, lobulated, infected, ruptured, and adhesive to the sacrococcyx and rectum, which contribute to the high local recurrence rate. Preoperative CT/MRI/ERUS and careful intraoperative exploration are required to direct surgical treatment and to reduce local recurrence. Optimal selection of surgical approach also is very important to reduce local recurrence. Presacral lesions attached to the sacrococcyx or rectum require simultaneous partial resection of the sacrococcyx or rectum to reduce local recurrence.
Exposure to Violence and Socioemotional Adjustment in Low‐Income Youth: An Examination of Protective Factors
Authors: Hardaway Cecily R. , McLoyd Vonnie C. , Wood Dana
Published: May 2011

Using a sample of 391 low‐income youth ages 13–17, this study investigated the potential moderating effects of school climate, participation in extracurricular activities, and positive parent–child relations on associations between exposure to violence (i.e., witnessing violence and violent victimization) and adolescent socioemotional adjustment (i.e., internalizing and externalizing problems). Exposure to violence was related to both internalizing and externalizing problems. High levels of participation in extracurricular activities and positive parent–child relations appeared to function as protective factors, weakening the positive association between exposure to violence and externalizing problems. Contrary to prediction, school climate did not moderate associations between exposure to violence and socioemotional adjustment. Further, none of the hypothesized protective factors moderated the association between exposure to violence and internalizing problems.
Reporting outcomes of back pain trials: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Froud Robert , Eldridge Sandra , Kovacs Francisco , Breen Alan , Bolton Jenni , Dunn Kate , Fritz Julie , Keller Anne , Kent Peter , Lauridsen Henrik Hein , Ostelo Raymond , Pincus Tamar , van Tulder Maurits , Vogel Steven , Underwood Martin
Published: May 2011

Background: Low back pain is a common and expensive health complaint. Many low back pain trials have been conducted, but these are reported in a variety of ways and are often difficult to interpret.

Aim: To facilitate consensus on a statement recommending reporting methods for future low back pain trials.

Methods: We presented experts with clinicians’ views on different reporting methods and asked them to rate and comment on the suitability reporting methods for inclusion in a standardized set. Panellists developed a statement of recommendation over three online rounds. We used a modified Delphi process and the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method as a formal framework for establishing appropriateness and quantifying panel disagreement.

Results: A group of 63 experts from 14 countries participated. Consensus was reached on a statement recommending that the continuous patient‐reported outcomes commonly used in back pain trials, are reported using between‐group mean differences (accompanied by minimally important difference (between‐group/population‐level) thresholds where these exist), the proportion of participants improving and deteriorating according to established and relevant minimally important change thresholds, and the number needed to treat; all with 95% confidence intervals. Outcomes may additionally be reported using alternative approaches (e.g. relative risks, odds ratios, or standardized mean difference) according to the needs of a particular trial.

Conclusions: A group of back pain experts reached a high level of consensus on a statement recommending reporting methods for patient‐reported outcomes in future low back pain trials. The statement has the potential to increase interpretability and improve patient care.
99mTc – DMSA absolute and relative renal uptake in cats: procedure and normal values
Authors: Vandermeulen Eva , Ham Hamphrey R. , Dobbeleir André A. , De Sadeleer Carlos , Piepsz Amy , Waelbers Tim , Vermeire Simon T. , Slegers Guido , Peremans Kathelijne Y.
Published: May 2011

In this study we investigated the influence of technical factors (positioning, background (BG) correction and attenuation correction) on qualitative and quantitative (absolute (AU) and relative (RU) uptake) assessment of feline kidneys with 99mtechnetium labelled dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA). Eleven healthy adult cats were included. Influence of BG and depth correction on quantitative assessment was evaluated. Depth correction was based on the geometric mean method (using dorsal and ventral images) and the use of two standards placed over each individual kidney. Visual evaluation showed superiority of dorsal and ventral over lateral positioning due to increased separation of the kidneys permitting region of interest (ROI) placement without overlap. No apparent influence of BG correction was found for RU. However, AU was systematically overestimated without BG correction. Depth correction did not seem to affect RU in most cases, however, in some cats the differences were not negligible. The values for AU without depth correction were lower compared to depth corrected values.
Causes of lower urinary tract disease in Norwegian cats
Authors: Sævik Bente K. , Trangerud Cathrine , Ottesen Nina , Sørum Henning , Eggertsdóttir Anna V.
Published: May 2011

A study was made on causes of lower urinary tract disease in cats, and to investigate whether demographic data and factors related to husbandry might influence the occurrence of a particular diagnosis. The study was a prospective, descriptive, and analytical study of primary cases of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in Norway. Only cats sampled by cystocentesis were included in the present study. Of the 119 cats included, 28.6% were diagnosed with obstructive FLUTD. The majority of cats were diagnosed with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) (55.5%). Urethral plugs were the second most common diagnosis (21.0%), whereas bacterial cystitis and urolithiasis each were diagnosed in 11.8%. Nearly one-third (28.6%) of the cats diagnosed with urolithiasis had significant bacteriuria. Thus, significant bacteriuria was diagnosed in a total of 15.1% of the cats. There were no significant differences in the urine specific gravity, pH and amount of epithelial cells in the urine sediment in the different aetiological categories of FLUTD. There was a higher amount of red blood cells in the urine sediment in cats diagnosed with urethral plugs and urolithiasis, whereas cats with bacterial cystitis and urolithiasis had a higher amount of white blood cells in their sediment. Regarding demographic data and factors related to husbandry, cats diagnosed with FLUTD were more often males and kept strictly indoors, when compared with a ‘reference population’.
Mixed‐type paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma—A case report
Authors: Lee Hsiang‐Ying , Tsai Chia‐Chun , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , Li Wei‐Ming , Yeh Hsin‐Chih , Wu Wen‐Jeng , Wang Chii‐Jye , Chou Yii‐Her , Wu Chun‐Chieh
Published: May 2011

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue tumor of childhood; about 80% of cases occur before the age of 21 with the remaining 20% evenly spread throughout the remaining decades. A primary paratesticular site is considered to have a good prognosis in comparison with other RMS sites. Histologically, any subtype of RMS, including alveolar, pleomorphic, embryonal, and mixed type, may occur in the paratesticular region, but only a relatively small number of cases are mixed and this variant has a poor prognosis. We report a case of paratesticular RMS (mixed embryonal and alveolar type) in a 16‐year‐old boy.
Use of high‐dose nandrolone aggravates septic shock in a mouse model
Authors: Lin Che , Chen Shou‐Tung , Chien Su‐Yu , Kuo Shou‐Jen , Chen Dar‐Ren
Published: May 2011

Nandrolone, an anabolic‐androgenic steroid, is widely misused by athletes who wish to rapidly increase muscle mass and performance. An increasing number of reports have indicated that nandrolone may affect and modulate the immune system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nandrolone on septic shock‐caused immune responses and the cellular mechanism of action using a sepsis murine model. Before septic shock induction, BALB/c mice were given a high dose of nandrolone or peanut oil only. After septic shock induction, mice were sacrificed at different time points. Their blood and tissue specimens were analyzed. It was found that the high‐dose nandrolone group had significantly increased mortality compared with the control group (p < 0.001). The serum malondialdehyde level was significantly increased in the high‐dose group compared with the control group. Animals administered a high dose of nandrolone had significantly increased hepatic tumor necrosis factor‐α or splenic interferon‐γ at 0 and 6 hours. In lung tissue, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor, and IGFBP1 and IGFBP2 mRNA expression were increased in the high‐dose nandrolone group at 6 hours. Nandrolone abuse may hasten the death of patients with septic shock and may aggravate septic shock in mice.
Radioresistance of glioma stem cells: Intrinsic characteristic or property of the ‘microenvironment‐stem cell unit’?
Authors: Mannino Mariella , Chalmers Anthony J.
Published: May 2011

There is increasing evidence that glioblastoma possess ‘stem‐like’ cells, low concentrations of which can initiate a tumour. It has been proposed that these cells are radioresistant, and that this property contributes to the poor treatment outcomes of these tumours. In this paper we propose that radioresistance is not simply an intrinsic characteristic of glioma stem cells but a result of interactions between these cells and microenvironmental factors, i.e. the ‘microenvironment – stem cell unit’. The critical role of the microenvironment, along with glioma stem cells, is supported directly or indirectly by the following observations: glioma stem cells have been shown to reside preferentially in specific niches, the characteristics of which are known to influence cellular responses to radiation; radiation modifies environmental factors; and, contrarily to the consistency of clinical data, in vitro experiments have reported a wide variety in the radiation response of these cells.

The paper, therefore, focuses on the interaction between tumour stem cells and the microenvironment, analyzing how its various elements (endothelial cells, extracellular matrix, cytokines, nitric oxide, oxygen levels) are affected by radiation and how these might influence the response of tumour stem cells to radiation.

Finally, we summarize the ongoing debate on the optimal culture conditions for glioma stem cells and the difficulties in designing assays that reliably characterize their radiation response.
Radon exhalation rate from soil, sand, bricks, and sedimentary samples collected from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Rafique Muhammad , Rahman Saeed Ur , Mahmood Tahir , Rahman Said , Matiullah  , Rehman Shafi Ur
Published: May 2011

Experimental results concerning the radon exhalation rate from samples of building materials which were collected from the districts of Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan are presented. The study aims at assessing the contribution of building materials towards the total indoor radon exposure to the inhabitants of the studied area. In this context, samples of building materials, namely, soil, sand, gravel aggregates, and bricks were collected from different parts of the districts of Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley. After processing, the samples were placed in plastic containers and box type radon detectors were installed in it at heights of 25 cm above the surface of the samples. The containers were then hermetically sealed. After 80 days of exposure to radon, CR-39 detectors were etched in 25% NaOH at 80 °C for 16 h and counted under an optical microscope. The measured track densities were related to radon concentrations. Radon exhalation rate from soil, gravel aggregates, sands, and bricks varied from 171 ± 11 to 344 ± 11, 168 ± 17 to 322 ± 11, 366 ± 8 to 649 ± 8 and 184 ± 14 to 231 ± 14 mBq m–2 h–1, respectively. Present data have been compared with the published data for other parts of the world.

© 2011, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Palynological study of Lake Kotokel’ bottom sediments (Lake Baikal region)
Authors: Bezrukova E.V. , Tarasov P.E. , Kulagina N.V. , Abzaeva A.A. , Letunova P.P. , Kostrova S.S.
Published: May 2011

Pollen and AMS14C analyses of bottom sediments from the upper nine meters of the Lake Kotokel’ section were carried out. The regional climate and landscape dynamics during the Late Glacial and Holocene has been reconstructed with an average time resolution of ~120 years. It is shown that the climatic conditions in the Kotokel’ basin during Termination I (~15.5–11 ka) were characterized by short drastic changes resulting in the reorganization of landscapes and vegetation. Five short (400–1200 years) intervals have been recognized: 15.5–14.7, 14.7–14.3, 14.3–13.2, 13.2–12.5, and 12.5–11.7 ka. In the early Holocene (~11 ka), the climate became less continental and stayed such till ~7 ka. Later on, it again became more continental, which led to a significant decrease in average annual precipitation and winter temperatures and an increase in average summer temperatures. The pollen record from Lake Kotokel’ agrees with the general climatic trend for the Northern Hemisphere. The amplitude of vegetation and climatic variations during the Late Glacial is best expressed as compared with the previous regional pollen records. This is probably because the ecosystem of the small lake localized deep inside the continent, at the boundary of two large ecotones (forest and steppe), is highly sensitive to moisture deficit.

The new dated detailed pollen record from the Lake Kotokel’ bottom sediments might be regarded as a key section for the reconstruction of variations in regional vegetation and climatic dynamics for the last 15–15.5 kyr. The results obtained refined the kind of changes in regional vegetation, and the reliable age model permitted intra- and interregional correlations of environmental changes.
Language and Ideology in Congress
Authors: Diermeier Daniel , Godbout Jean-François , Yu Bei , Kaufmann Stefan
Published: May 2011

Legislative speech records from the 101st to 108th Congresses of the US Senate are analysed to study political ideologies. A widely-used text classification algorithm – Support Vector Machines (SVM) – allows the extraction of terms that are most indicative of conservative and liberal positions in legislative speeches and the prediction of senators’ ideological positions, with a 92 per cent level of accuracy. Feature analysis identifies the terms associated with conservative and liberal ideologies. The results demonstrate that cultural references appear more important than economic references in distinguishing conservative from liberal congressional speeches, calling into question the common economic interpretation of ideological differences in the US Congress.
Revolutionary France and the Transformation of the Rhine
Authors: Spaulding Robert Mark
Published: May 2011

As one of the world's busiest rivers the Rhine carries about 300 million tons of freight annually, upriver and down, between Switzerland and the Dutch ports on the North Sea. Heavy shipping traffic on the Rhine, including ocean vessels reaching Mannheim and barges reaching Basel, has been an integral part of the Rhine valley landscape for the past 150 years. But a bounty of commercial shipping on the Rhine has not always been part of the river's history. Despite the Rhineland's growing population and increasingly productive economy at the end of the early modern period, long-distance shipping activity along the river gradually declined during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. River commerce revived and expanded only in the early nineteenth century, stimulated in part by new developments in transportation technology, business organization, industrial development, and an unprecedented civil engineering assault on the river's natural contours. These material components of the nineteenth century transportation revolution as it unfolded along the Rhine are generally well known.
“The Soldier's Wife Who Ran Away with the Russian”: Sexual Infidelities in World War I Germany
Authors: Todd Lisa M.
Published: May 2011

In May 1917 twenty-seven residents of Landau (Württemberg) sent a long petition to the German Reichstag. The group, which included doctors, pastors, teachers, and industrialists, demanded that the state put an end to the “immoral” behavior of women who had romantic relationships with foreign prisoners of war. The petition included more than one hundred examples of such affairs, gleaned from newspapers, court records, and eyewitness accounts. The petitioners lamented the “sinking morality” of the countryside and the damaged reputation of German women. They also had more immediate concerns. These affairs were threatening the happiness of families, “complicating” the feeding of the nation, weakening the strength of the people, and heightening the fear of espionage. The petitioners went on to warn the Reichstag deputies that “good German citizens are full of anger at such events,” and that the common person's “sense of sacrifice” was dwindling now, in the third year of the war.
A Calculus of Complicity: TheWehrmacht, the Anti-Partisan War, and the Final Solution in White Russia, 1941–42
Authors: Beorn Waitman W.
Published: May 2011

On October 10, 1941, the soldiers of the 3rd Company, 691st Infantry Regiment were uneasy. The task ahead of them was something new. They were to kill the entire Jewish population of Krucha, a town in central Belarus. A few hours later, Private Wilhelm Magel stood with another soldier in front of four Jewish women and an old man with a long, white beard. The company First Sergeant, Emil Zimber, ordered the Jews to turn away from the shooters, but they remained facing the German soldiers. Zimber gave the order to fire but Magel and his colleague, a former divinity student, did not aim at their targets. They requested to be relieved from the execution detail and were assigned to guard the remaining Jews who were waiting in the village square for their turn. This German Army unit without assistance of any other organization murdered a minimum of 150 Jewish men, women, and children in Krucha that day.
RESISTING SILENCE IN ARAB WOMEN'S AUTOBIOGRAPHIES
Authors: Al-Nowaihi Magda M.
Published: May 2011

Fadwa Tuqan, Assia Djebar, and Latifa al-Zayyat are three Arab women who are well known
for their literary and artistic creativity, as well as for their political activism. Each has written at
least one autobiographical work charting her struggles in the personal, political, and literary
arenas, and each has chosen to express these struggles in terms of finding a voice that resists
silence but also acknowledges that silence is a form of resistance.1 In writing their
autobiographical works, these women are interested in creating not simply a female
autobiographical tradition but, rather, a tradition that specifically does credit to their need to
authorize their voices without posing as authorities from above, to write narratives that are
simultaneously antiauthoritarian and authoritative, and to do so by speaking for and on behalf of
others without appropriating them or subsuming them into their own agendas. Their
autobiographical works are thus marked, and ultimately enriched, by tension, hesitation, and
anxiety, particularly regarding their own power and authority as authors. This hesitation enables
them to express collective sorrows and dreams in this seemingly most individualistic of
genres.2
Dividend Increases and Initiations and Default Risk in Equity Returns
Authors: Charitou Andreas , Lambertides Neophytos , Theodoulou Giorgos
Published: May 2011

This study extends the Grullon, Michaely, and Swaminathan (2002) analysis by incorporating default risk. Using data for firms that either increased or initiated cash dividend payments during the 23-year period 1986–2008, we find reduction in default risk. This reduction is shown to be a priced risk factor beyond the Fama and French (1993) risk measures, and it explains the dividend payment decision and the positive market reaction around dividend increases and initiations. Further analysis reveals that the reduction in default risk is a significant factor in explaining the 3-year excess returns following dividend increases and initiations.
Rural Long-term Care Work, Gender, and Restructuring
Authors: Leach Belinda , Joseph Gillian
Published: May 2011

La restructuration – l’introduction de changements qui modifient la façon dont les soins de santé sont délivrés pour optimiser l’éfficacité à moindre coût – s’ajoutant à la ruralité et aux idéologies et pratiques sexistes des milieux ruraux produit des établissements de soins longue durée dont les environnements ne sont pas sans conséquences particulières pour leur personnel féminin et pour les résidents et les communautés qu’ils desservent.

Cette étude avait pour but d’évaluer dans quelle mesure la ruralité affecte la mise en place de la classification des patients dans les foyers de soins longue durée en Ontario. La méthodologie de l’étude comprenait des entretiens et des groupes de travail avec du personnel de soins longue durée directement en contact avec les patients, des administrateurs et des informateurs clés en première ligne. Les conclusions de l’étude ont montré que l’offre des soins de santé de longue durée en milieu rural a lieu lorsqu’un environnement de travail restructuré rejoint les idéologies et pratiques qui prennent des caractéristiques particulières lorsque celles-ci ont été developpées et soutenues dans un contexte rural. Ces facteurs determinent le marché du travail et les conditions de travail des femmes en milieu rural. Nous défendons que ceci produit une expérience rurale unique pour le personnel des soins longue durée, et nous concluons que ceux qui mettent en place les systèmes de classification doivent prendre en compte les facteurs contextuels tout autant que les exigences pratiques et financières.
Les pratiques de soins palliatifs à domicile: lieu d’exclusion sociale des personnes âgées en fin de vie?
Authors: Hébert Marijo , Nour Kareen , Durivage Patrick , Wallach Isabelle , Billette Véronique , Freitas Zelda
Published: May 2011

The understanding of palliative care practices at home (PCH) is limited by the lack of available scientific knowledge. This is explained by the fact that its practices are relatively recent and they question our relationship with death and dying individuals. This study aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge about PCH with the elderly. More specifically, with a perspective of social exclusion, it aims to understand how practices either do or do not produce social exclusion with seniors receiving palliative care. Nineteen participants from two local community services centers were interviewed and six multidisciplinary meetings were attended for observation. This study suggests that positive representations concerning the elderly in palliative care and recognition of their autonomy can avoid social exclusion, including its symbolic and identificatory dimensions. However, standardization of practices seems to contribute to institutional exclusion and foster nonrecognition.
Spinning the Wheel or Tossing a Coin?
Authors: HUSEBY ROBERT
Published: May 2011

In the literature on the so-called numbers problem, some authors have recently argued that the individualist lottery (IL) avoids the flaws of the proportional lottery. This article first presents two recent defenses of the IL, and then argues that both are implausible if we focus, as we should, strictly on their non-consequentialist aspects. This conclusion holds even if we take account of the fact that the IL is arguably that solution to the numbers problem which best meets the marginal difference criterion. The upshot is that non-consequentialists should toss a coin rather than spin a wheel in conflict cases (if and when they must do either).
What's Special about the State?
Authors: DE BRES HELENA
Published: May 2011

Many of us think that we have duties of distributive justice towards our fellow citizens that we do not have towards foreigners. Is that thought justified? This article considers the nature of the state's relationship to distributive justice from the perspective of utilitarianism, a theory that is barely represented in contemporary philosophical debates on this question. My strategy is to mount a utilitarian case for state-specific duties of distributive justice that is similar in its basic structure to the one that is standardly mounted for special duties towards the near and dear. I begin with a discussion of whether or not the co-citizen relationship can be justified in terms of its welfare consequences. I then consider what the answer to that first question implies concerning the duties of distributive justice that arise within that relationship.
The Basic Structure and the Principles of Justice
Authors: MIKLÓS ANDRÁS
Published: May 2011

This article develops an account of how economic and political institutions can limit the applicability of principles of justice even in non-relational cosmopolitan conceptions. It shows that fundamental principles of justice underdetermine fair distributive shares as well as justice-based requirements. It argues that institutions partially constitute the content of justice by determining distributive shares and by resolving indeterminacies about justice-based requirements resulting from strategic interaction and disagreement. In the absence of existing institutions principles of justice might not be applicable for assessing distributions or guiding individual action and institutional design. Hence, accepting a specific cosmopolitan conception of justice is insufficient to settle global distributive questions.
Twinning and Fusion as Arguments against the Moral Standing of the Early Human Embryo
Authors: RAMSAY MARC
Published: May 2011

Some philosophers argue that, because it is subject to twinning and fusion, the early human embryo cannot hold strong moral standing. Supposedly, the fact that an early human embryo can twin or fuse with another embryo entails that it is not a distinct individual, thus precluding it from holding any level of moral standing. I argue that appeals to twinning and fusion fail to show that the early human embryo is not a distinct individual and that these appeals do not provide us with plausible reasons for denying the strong moral standing of the early human embryo. I recognize one possible exception to this general assessment, a particular version of the appeal to fusion. Embryo fusion that results in tetragametic chimerism provides some reason for doubting the early human embryo's moral standing. But twinning and fusion are otherwise irrelevant in this context.
Dead and Gone
Authors: JENKINS JOYCE L.
Published: May 2011

I argue that desire satisfaction theories of welfare are not committed to the view that changes in welfare levels can happen after death, or that events that occur after death impact the agent's welfare levels now. My argument is that events that occur after death have only epistemological import. They may reveal that the person was successful (unsuccessful) in life, but the desire was already frustrated or satisfied before the person died. The virtue of the account is that it gives us a way to acknowledge both the intuition that we cannot be harmed after we die and, in a sense, the intuition that things that happen after we die are relevant to our lives.
Physical activity and obesity in children with congenital cardiac disease
Authors: Ray Trenda D. , Green Angela , Henry Karen
Published: May 2011

Background

Children with congenital cardiac disease experience challenges in developing healthy patterns of physical activity due to decreased exercise capacity and parental fear and confusion about what is permissible. The purpose of this study was to describe physical activity habits in children 10–14 years of age with congenital cardiac disease and the relationship of those habits to obesity as defined by body mass index.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used self-report measures and clinical data to describe the association between physical activity participation and body mass index in 10- to 14-year-old children with congenital cardiac disease. Further, physical activity levels were compared between children who were overweight or obese and those who were not.

Results

Children (n = 84; 51 males; 33 females) reported low rates of physical activity compared to reports on healthy children. Only 9.5% were overweight (body mass index between the 85th and 94th percentile), and alarmingly 26% were obese (body mass index at or above the 95th percentile). Physical activity and body mass index were not significantly correlated (r = −0.11, p = 0.45) and there was no significant difference in mean physical activity (t = 0.67) between children who were overweight or obese and those who were not.

Conclusions

Children in this study reported low rates of physical activity and a higher obesity rate than was reported in previous studies. However, the two were not significantly correlated. Further research is indicated to determine the specific factors contributing to obesity and to test interventions to combat obesity in children with congenital cardiac disease.
Role of toxicological determinations of amphetamines and cannabinoids in hair of adolescent patients in cardiologic diagnostic management
Authors: Kłys Małgorzata , Szydłowski Lesław , Rojek Sebastian
Published: May 2011

Background

Parental suspicions that the child may possibly take narcotics may be substantiated by hair analysis, which may not only identify the narcotic abuse profile, but also define the minimum period of narcotic usage.

Objective

A toxicological hair analysis aiming at detecting the presence of amphetamines and cannabinoids in children with cardiac complaints of unclear aetiology, with a view of establishing a diagnosis.

Material and method

The authors analysed hair samples collected from the occipital region of three adolescent patients for the presence of substances of abuse – amphetamines and cannabinoids. Hair strands were subjected to segmentation and chemical processing and subsequently analysed by liquid chromatography–mass detection method.

Results

Indicating the presence of amphetamines and cannabinoids in hair samples, the toxicological analysis allowed for explaining cardiac complaints and personality changes in adolescent patients, with the said changes being associated with addiction to the above xenobiotics extending over some period.
A Meta-study of the General Insurance Reserving Issues Taskforce and Reserving Oversight Committee Research in this area between 2004 and 2009 ‐ Abstract of the Discussion
Authors: Gibson Elisabeth
Published: May 2011

This abstract relates to the following paper:

GibsonE.R., BarlowC., BruceN.A., FeliskyK.M., FisherS., HilaryN.G.J., HilderI.M., KamH., MatthewsP.N. & WinterR.A Meta-study of the General Insurance Reserving Issues Taskforce and Reserving Oversight Committee Research in this area between 2004 and 2009. British Actuarial Journal, doi:10.1017/S1357321711000067.
A Meta-study of the General Insurance Reserving Issues Taskforce and Reserving Oversight Committee Research in this area between 2004 and 2009
Authors: Gibson E. R. , Barlow C. , Bruce N. A. , Felisky K. M. , Fisher S. , Hilary N. G. J. , Hilder I. M. , Kam H. , Matthews P. N. , Winter R.
Published: May 2011

The General Insurance Board of the Faculty and Institute of Actuaries responded to some of the criticisms raised in the Morris review of the Actuarial Profession and in the press by rating agencies and others, regarding the Actuarial Profession's approach to actuarial reserving in general insurance by setting up a taskforce known as the General Insurance Reserving Issues Taskforce (GRIT). The taskforce worked from 2004 to 2006 and produced a significant report, including some new professional content and recommendations for further areas of development and research. Since then, through the GRIT successor body: the Reserving Oversight Committee (ROC), many working parties have formed and many General Insurance Research Organisation (GIRO) presentations and papers have been forthcoming. One area that has been a recurring theme through the last five years is how the Profession models and communicates the uncertainty in the claims reserving process. In the context of recent events in global financial markets, the forthcoming new regulatory framework of Solvency II, and the developments in other professions globally through IFRS and other drivers, it is timely that actuaries take stock of the many changes in our practices over the last five years and consider the direction actuaries should take for the challenges that lie ahead. This paper is a meta-study of the output of GRIT and ROC on reserving and uncertainty, with the intention of meeting these objectives.
Economic Scenario Generators and Solvency II
Authors: Varnell E. M.
Published: May 2011

The Solvency II Directive mandates insurance firms to value their assets and liabilities using market consistent valuation. For many types of insurance business Economic Scenario Generators (ESGs) are the only practical way to determine the market consistent value of liabilities. The directive also allows insurance companies to use an internal model to calculate their solvency capital requirement. In particular, this includes use of ESG models. Regardless of whether an insurer chooses to use an internal model, Economic Scenario Generators will be the only practical way of valuing many life insurance contracts. Draft advice published by the Committee of European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Supervisors (CEIOPS) requires that insurance firms who intend to use an internal model to calculate their capital requirements under Solvency II need to comply with a number of tests regardless of whether the model (or data) is produced internally or is externally sourced. In particular the tests include a ‘use test’, mandating the use of the model for important decision making within the insurer. This means that Economic Scenario Generators will need to subject themselves to the governance processes and that senior managers and boards will need to understand what ESG models do and what they don't do. In general, few senior managers are keen practitioners of stochastic calculus, the building blocks of ESG models. The paper therefore seeks to explain Economic Scenario Generator models from a non-technical perspective as far as possible and to give senior management some guidance of the main issues surrounding these models from an ERM/Solvency II perspective.
Economic Scenario Generators and Solvency II ‐ Abstract of the Discussion
Authors: Varnell Elliot
Published: May 2011

This abstract relates to the following paper:

VarnellE.M.Economic Scenario Generators and Solvency II. British Actuarial Journal, doi:10.1017/S1357321711000079
Atomic-Scale Phase Composition through Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Atom Probe Tomography Data
Authors: Keenan Michael R. , Smentkowski Vincent S. , Ulfig Robert M. , Oltman Edward , Larson David J. , Kelly Thomas F.
Published: May 2011

We demonstrate for the first time that multivariate statistical analysis techniques can be applied to atom probe tomography data to estimate the chemical composition of a sample at the full spatial resolution of the atom probe in three dimensions. Whereas the raw atom probe data provide the specific identity of an atom at a precise location, the multivariate results can be interpreted in terms of the probabilities that an atom representing a particular chemical phase is situated there. When aggregated to the size scale of a single atom (∼0.2 nm), atom probe spectral-image datasets are huge and extremely sparse. In fact, the average spectrum will have somewhat less than one total count per spectrum due to imperfect detection efficiency. These conditions, under which the variance in the data is completely dominated by counting noise, test the limits of multivariate analysis, and an extensive discussion of how to extract the chemical information is presented. Efficient numerical approaches to performing principal component analysis (PCA) on these datasets, which may number hundreds of millions of individual spectra, are put forward, and it is shown that PCA can be computed in a few seconds on a typical laptop computer.
Strain-Induced Selective Growth in 1.5% Temper-Rolled Fe∼1%Si
Authors: Bennett Tricia A. , Kalu Peter N. , Rollett Anthony D.
Published: May 2011

Strain-induced selective growth was investigated in a 1.5% temper-rolled Fe∼1%Si alloy using the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique. The EBSD technique was used to quantify the presence of orientation spreads within grains and to show that this particular case of selective growth can be directly related to differences in stored energy as reflected in the geometrically necessary dislocation content. The differences in stored energy were sufficient to give rise to selective growth as evidenced by bi-modal grain sizes.