bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The k-Fibonacci matrix and the Pascal matrix
Authors: Falcon Sergio
Published: September 2011

We define the k-Fibonacci matrix as an extension of the classical Fibonacci matrix and relationed with the k-Fibonacci numbers. Then we give two factorizations of the Pascal matrix involving the k-Fibonacci matrix and two new matrices, L and R. As a consequence we find some combinatorial formulas involving the k-Fibonacci numbers.
On (p, 1)-total labelling of 1-planar graphs
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yu Yong , Liu Guizhen
Published: September 2011

A graph is 1-planar if it can be drawn on the plane so that each edge is crossed by at most one other edge. In this paper, it is proved that the (p, 1)-total labelling number of every 1-planar graph G is at most Δ(G) + 2p − 2 provided that Δ(G) ≥ 8p+4 or Δ(G) ≥ 6p+2 and g(G) ≥ 4. As a consequence, the well-known (p, 1)-total labelling conjecture has been confirmed for some 1-planar graphs.
Giant cell formation: the way to cell death or cell survival?
Authors: Horbay Rostyslav , Stoika Rostyslav
Published: September 2011

The study of giant cells in populations of different tumor cells and evaluation of their role in cancer development is an expanding field. The formation of giant cells has been shown to be followed by mitotic catastrophe, apoptosis, necrosis, and other types of cell elimination. Reports also demonstrate that giant cells can escape cell death and give rise to new cancer cells. However, it is not known if the programmed cell death is involved in this type of cell cycle disorders. Here we describe principal events that are observed during giant cell formation. We also consider the role of giant cells in cancer development, taking into account both published work and our own recent data in this field.
Metallic Foreign Body in a Patient With Knee Pain
Authors: Croy Theodore
Published: September 2011

The patient was a 26-year-old man with a history of a nonhealing, complicated right clavicle fracture. He also complained of right medial knee pain that was thought to be insidious in onset and made worse during magnetic resonance imaging, which was done to evaluate the status of the right clavicle fracture. Subsequent to the patient reporting his right knee pain to his orthopaedic surgeon, magnetic resonance imaging of the right knee was ordered. Anterior-to-posterior and lateral radiographs were then ordered by the physical therapist, which identified a radioopaque foreign body along the medial knee within the subcutaneous tissues.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(9):696. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0419
Resolution of syringohydromyelia with targeted CT-guided epidural blood patching
Authors: Kranz Peter G. , Viola Ronald J. , Gray Linda
Published: September 2011

In the scientific literature, syringohydromyelia has only rarely been reported in association with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Management of the syringohydromyelia in these patients has heretofore involved relatively invasive surgical procedures. The authors report the first case of syringohydromyelia in the setting of intracranial hypotension successfully treated with CT-guided epidural blood patches. This case is important in that it represents a potential minimally invasive treatment strategy. Furthermore, the case also highlights the need to consider spontaneous intracranial hypotension when clinically appropriate as a cause of syrinx in patients with cerebellar tonsillar ectopia, in whom the lesion might otherwise be misclassified as a Chiari I malformation. Finally, the responses to the various attempted treatments offer insight into the pathophysiology of this syringohydromyelia, which may differ from classical models of syrinx formation.
Associated disorders of Chiari Type I malformations: a review
Authors: Loukas Marios , Shayota Brian J. , Oelhafen Kim , Miller Joseph H. , Chern Joshua J. , Tubbs R. Shane , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: September 2011

A single pathophysiological mechanism of Chiari Type I malformations (CM-I) has been a topic of debate. To help better understand CM-I, the authors review disorders known to be associated with CM-I. The primary methodology found among most of them is deformation of the posterior cranial fossa, usually with subsequent decrease in volume. Other mechanisms exist as well, which can be categorized as either congenital or acquired. In understanding the relationship of such disorders with CM-I, we may gain further insight into the process by which cerebellar tonsillar herniation occurs. Some of these pathologies appear to be true associations, but many appear to be spurious.
Growing mammary choristoma masquerading as a lumbosacral lipomyelomeningocele in a pubertal girl
Authors: Chen Xueyan , Harter Josephine , Iskandar Bermans J. , Salamat M. Shahriar
Published: September 2011

The authors report, to the best of their knowledge, the first case of lumbosacral choristoma of breast origin, presenting in a young girl with lumbosacral lipomyelomeningocele. Although choristomas are considered to be benign, the regrowth of this mass when the patient was 15 and 16 years of age, and its involvement in the conus medullaris and cauda equina, warranted 2 additional resections with spinal cordotomy resulting in cessation of any further growth. The authors describe the case and provide a review of pertinent literature and a discussion of the mechanisms involving the development and growth of this lesion.
Resection of infantile brain tumors after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: the St. Jude experience
Authors: Van Poppel Mark , Klimo Paul , Dewire Mariko , Sanford Robert A. , Boop Frederick , Broniscer Alberto , Wright Karen , Gajjar Amar J.
Published: September 2011

Object

Brain tumors in infants are often large, high grade, and vascular, making complete resection difficult and placing children at risk for neurological complications and excessive blood loss. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may reduce tumor vascularity and volume, which can facilitate resection. The authors evaluated how an ongoing institutional prospective chemotherapy trial would affect patients who did not have a gross-total resection (GTR) immediately and who therefore required further surgical intervention to achieve definitive tumor resection.

Methods

Thirteen infants (4 girls and 9 boys) who were enrolled in an institutional protocol in which they were treated with multiagent chemotherapy (methotrexate, vincristine, cisplatin, and cyclophosphamide with vinblastine for high-risk patients) subsequently underwent second-look surgery. The primary outcome was extent of resection achieved in postchemotherapy surgery. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative blood loss, radiographic response to the chemotherapy, complications during chemotherapy, and survival.

Results

Three infants underwent biopsy, 9 underwent subtotal resection, and 1 patient did not undergo surgery prior to chemotherapy. On subsequent second-look surgery, 11 of 13 patients had a GTR, 1 had a near-total resection, and 1 had a subtotal resection. In each case, a marked reduction in tumor vascularity was observed intraoperatively. The average blood loss was 19% of estimated blood volume, and 6 (46%) of 13 patients required a blood transfusion. Radiographically, chemotherapy induced a reduction in tumor volume in 9 (69%) of 13 patients. Emergency surgery was required in 2 patients during chemotherapy, 1 for intratumoral hemorrhage and 1 for worsening peritumoral edema. The average follow-up period for this cohort was 16.5 months, and at last follow-up, 4 patients (31%) had died, 1 patient had progressive metastatic spinal disease, and the rest had either no evidence of disease or stable disease.

Conclusions

A GTR of pediatric brain tumors is one of the most important predictors of outcome. The application of the authors' neoadjuvant induction chemotherapy protocol in a variety of tumor types resulted in devascularization of all tumors and volume regression in the majority, and subsequently facilitated resection, with acceptable intraoperative blood loss. Intracranial complications may occur during chemotherapy, ranging from incidental and asymptomatic to life threatening, necessitating close monitoring of these children.
Severely impaired cerebrovascular reserve in patients with cerebral proliferative angiopathy
Authors: Fierstra Jorn , Spieth Stephanie , Tran Leanne , Conklin John , Tymianski Michael , ter Brugge Karel G. , Fisher Joseph A. , Mikulis David J. , Krings Timo
Published: September 2011

Object

Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) has been morphologically distinguished from classically appearing brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) by exhibition of functional brain parenchyma that is intermingled with abnormal vascular channels. The presence of oligemia in this intralesional brain tissue may suggest ischemia, which is not detected in classic brain AVMs. The authors hypothesized that patients with CPA would exhibit a greater impairment of cerebrovascular reserve in neuronal tissue surrounding the true nidus compared with those with brain AVMs.

Methods

Four patients with CPA, 10 patients with brain AVMs and seizures, and 12 young healthy individuals were studied. The 4 patients with CPA underwent blood oxygen level–dependent MR imaging examinations while applying normoxic step changes in end-tidal CO2 to obtain quantitative cerebrovascular reactivity measurements.

Results

Patients with a CPA lesion exhibited severely impaired perilesional cerebrovascular reserve in comparison with patients with brain AVMs and seizures (0.10 ± 0.03 vs 0.16 ± 0.03, respectively; p < 0.05), and young healthy individuals (0.10 ± 0.03 vs 0.21 ± 0.06, respectively; p < 0.01)

Conclusions

This study demonstrated severely impaired cerebrovascular reserve in the perilesional brain tissue surrounding the abnormal vessels of patients with CPA. This finding may provide an additional means to distinguish CPA from classic brain AVMs.
Preparation and Preliminary Study on Irradiated and Thermally Treated Polypropylene (PP) - Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Composite
Authors: Mozumder M. S. I. , Rahman M. M. , Rashid M. A. , Islam M. A. , Haque M. E.
Published: September 2011

The tensile strength (TS) and elastic modulus (ES) of non-irradiated (thermally treated) and irradiated Polypropylene (PP) - styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were studied. The content of SBR (mass %) on PP and radiation dose play an important role on tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of PP-SBR composites. Tensile strength (TS) decreased markedly on increasing the SBR content on PP and even on exposing to radiation. The elastic modulus (EM) of PP-SBR composite has a tendency to increase with radiation dose and aging time but decreases with SBR loading. The water uptakes increase with SBR loading which accelerate with aging.Keywords: Polypropylene; Styrene butadiene rubber; Tensile strength; Elastic modulus.© 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi:10.3329/jsr.v3i3.3288               J. Sci. Res. 3 (3), 481-489 (2011)
Effect of Intensive and Semi-intensive Feeding System on Productive and Reproductive Performances of Native Sheep
Authors: Sultana N. , Hassan N. , Ershaduzzaman M. , Talukder M. A. I. , Iqbal A.
Published: September 2011

The experiment was conducted with forty four pre-pubertal stages female lambs of 12.5±2.5 kg average live weight and 7.5±0.5 months of average age. Animals were equally and randomly allocated into two feeding groups, intensive and semi-intensive feeding systems with 22 animals in each group. Under intensive system, animals were fed concentrate mixture (15.0% crude protein (CP); 11 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/kg dry matter (DM)) at the rate of 1.5% of live weight with ad libitum green grass from May to November and supplied urea molasses straw (UMS) in place of green grass from December to April. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in service per conception, litter size, lambing interval, gestation length, service period, birth weight and weaning weight between intensive and semi-intensive feeding system. Reproductive traits and productive traits were not affected by feeding system. Conception rate was higher (98.0%) in semi-intensive system than intensive system (83.0%). On the other hand lamb survivability was higher in intensive system than in semi-intensive system. The semi-intensive feeding system is found to be better to rear sheep for commercial purpose compared to intensive feeding system. Keywords: Feeding system; Productive; Reproductive; Native sheep. © 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi:10.3329/jsr.v3i3.7129                 J. Sci. Res. 3 (3), 692-698 (2011)
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(aryleneethynylene)s and Their Corresponding Platinum-Linked Polymers
Authors: Hossain M. I. , Debnath D. , Younis M. , Bari M. A. , Miah M. A. J.
Published: September 2011

A series of thermally stable organic polymers [poly(2,5-diethynylpyridine] (5), [poly(1,4- diethynyl benzene)] (6), [poly(2,5-dialkyl-p-phenyleneethynylene)] (7), and [poly(p,p-diethynylbiphenyl)] (8), were synthesized by the reaction between diterminal aryleneethynylene, [HCCArCCH] {Ar = C5H5N (1); Ar = C6H6 (2); Ar = C6H4(CH3)2 (3); Ar = C6H4-C6H4 (4)} and CuCl in pyridine by Hay’s oxidative coupling method. Then the organometallic polymers [Ph (PnBu3)2Pt-C≡C-(Ar-C≡C-C≡C)n-Pt((PnBu3)2Ph] {Ar = C5H5N (9); Ar = C6H6 (10); Ar = C6H4(CH3)2 (11); Ar = C6H4-C6H4 (12)}   were synthesized by the reaction of organic polymers 5, 6, 7 and 8 with metal precursor (PnBu3)2 PtPhCl in diethylisopropileamine with good yield. These metal-linked polymers were characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and 31P-NMR spectra. Finally the molecular weight of the organometallic polymers (9, 10, 11 and 12) was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). It is clearly observed from GPC that the polymers were synthesized with different degree of polymerization. Keywords:  Organometallic polymers; Hay’s Oxidative coupling; GPC. © 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: 10.3329/jsr.v3i3.7293               J. Sci. Res. 3 (3), 587-597 (2011)
Aspect Ratio Effect of Vertical Lid Driven Chamber Having a Centered Conducting Solid on Mixed Magnetoconvection
Authors: Nasrin R.
Published: September 2011

We study the relativistic equation of spin-1/2 particles under the hyperbolic potential and a Coulomb-like tensor potential. By using the generalized parametric of the Nikiforov-Uvarov method and the pseudo-spin symmetry, we obtain the energy eigenvalues equation and the corresponding unnormalized wave functions. Some numerical results are given, too.Keywords: Dirac equation; Tensor potential; Pseudo-spin symmetry; Nikiforov-Uvarov.© 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserveddoi:10.3329/jsr.v3i3.8071               J. Sci. Res. 3 (3), 503-510 (2011)
Physico-chemical Properties of Soil of Rangapani Tea Estate of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam M. N. , Sanaullah A. F. M.
Published: September 2011

Bangladesh is one of the tea producing countries of the world. It has 163 tea estates. Rangapani is a low yielding tea estate relative to other neighboring tea estates of Chittagong district in Bangladesh. A total 54 soil samples were collected from six different hills and three topographic positions having different depths of Rnagapanni Tea-Estate. Physico-Chemical properties of soils such as active acidity, reserve acidity, cation exchange capacity and clay content of the collected soil samples were determined. The measured parameters of the soil samples were plotted and analyzed with reference to site and topography. The parameters have been found to vary with sampling sites, depths and topography. Active acidity and reserve acidity were very low, with some exceptions compared to the optimum range for tea cultivation. Sand, silt, clay and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were found in reasonable range Keywords:  Soil; Active acidity; Reserve acidity; Cation exchange capacity; Clay content. © 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: 10.3329/jsr.v3i3.7503               J. Sci. Res. 3 (3), 683-688 (2011)
Heat Transfer Enhancement of Copper-water Nanofluids in an Inclined Lid-driven Triangular Enclosure
Authors: Billah M. M. , Rahman M. M. , Shahabuddin M. , Azad A. K.
Published: September 2011

A numerical study is conducted to investigate the transport mechanism of mixed convection in an inclined lid-driven triangular enclosure subject to cooling at the inclined right surface and simultaneous heating at the base surface filled with nanofluids. Fluid mechanics and conjugate heat transfer, described in terms of continuity, linear momentum and energy equations, are predicted by using the Galerkin finite element method. Numerical results are obtained for a wide range of parameters such as the Richardson number, tilt angle, and copper-water nanofluids is used with Prandtl number, Pr = 6.2. The streamlines, isotherm plots and the variation of the average Nusselt number at the hot surface as well as average fluid temperature in the enclosure is presented and discussed. It is found that the tilt angle strongly affects the fluid flow and heat transfer in the enclosure at the three convective regimes.Keywords: Copper-water nanofluid; Penalty finite element method; Lid-driven triangular enclosure; Tilt angle; Mixed convection.© 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi:10.3329/jsr.v3i3.7642               J. Sci. Res. 3 (2), 535-548 (2011)
Complete Cototal Domination Number of a Graph
Authors: Basavanagoud B. , Hosamani S. M.
Published: September 2011

Let  be a graph. A set  of a graph  is called a total dominating set if the induced subgraph  has no isolated vertices. The total domination number  of G is the minimum cardinality of a total dominating set of G. A total dominating set D is said to be a complete cototal dominating set if the induced subgraph  has no isolated vertices. The complete cototal domination number  of G is the minimum cardinality of a complete cototal dominating set of G. In this paper, we initiate the study of complete cototal domination in graphs and present bounds and some exact values for . Also its relationship with other domination parameters are established and related two open problems are explored.Keywords: Domination number; Total domination number; Cototal domination number; Complete cototal domination number.© 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.doi:10.3329/jsr.v3i3.7744               J. Sci. Res. 3 (3), 557-565 (2011)
L'hypothèse de demande induite : un bilan économique
Authors: Rochaix Lise , Jacobzone Stéphane
Published: September 2011

The Induced Demand Hypothesis: an Economic Assessment by Lise Rochaix and Stéphane Jacobzone

In health economics the induced demand hypothesis is bringing about a transformation in the way health-care demand is perceived. It posits that health-care demand does not simply reflect choice in terms of patient utility but can also be determined by a doctor's implicit motivation. This extremely polemical hypothesis has formed the basis for numerous empirical studies. In this paper we demonstrate that the controversy arises partly from the exact formulation of the hypothesis. A detailed analysis of available work on the extent of induced demand leads to a qualified judgement. On the empirical level, the academic debate seems to be partly closed, although it has not been definitively resolved given the limitations of the tools. Nevertheless, this economic assessment underlines the weight of the incentives to which doctors are exposed in the practice of their profession. This is not without an effect on discussion of payment systems for providers and may shed light on certain economic policy choices.
Expliquer la croissance des dépenses de santé : le rôle du niveau de vie et du progrès technique
Authors: L'Horty Yannick , Quinet Alain , Rupprecht Frédéric
Published: September 2011

Expliquer la croissance des dépenses de santé : le rôle du niveau de vie et du progrès technique par Yannick L'Horty, Alain Quinet et Frédéric Rupprecht

Afin d'expliquer la progression des dépenses de santé en France sur longue période, on procède en premier lieu à un survol des études empiriques existantes en traitant plus particulièrement deux questions : la santé est-elle un bien supérieur ? Dans quelle mesure des facteurs d'offre et en particulier le progrès technique médical, contribuent-il à l'accroissement des dépenses de soins ? Dans un deuxième temps, on estime une fonction de dépenses de santé sur séries temporelles en France entre 1970 et 1995. Les dépenses de santé apparaissent très sensibles à l'évolution du niveau de vie, mesuré par le PIB par tête qui expliquerait près des deux cinquièmes de leur progression. L'élasticité prix des dépenses de santé en France s'avère également assez élevée même lorsque l'on prend en compte la prise en charge de ces dépenses par le système de protection sociale. Le progrès technique médical exerce également une influence significative. Les conditions démographiques et le vieillissement de la population n'auraient eu qu'une influence marginale.
Productivités et externalités des dépenses publiques
Authors: Herrera Rémy
Published: September 2011

Productivités et externalités des dépenses publiques : une étude économétrique sur séries temporelles pour l'Inde et le Pakistan

par Rémy Herrera

Cet article propose une estimation économétrique sur séries temporelles des contributions productives et des effets de productivités factorielles relatives et d' externalités des secteurs publics d'infrastructures, d'éducation santé et de consommation. Cette estimation est effectuée dans le cadre d'un modèle d'offre augmenté de type Feder Ram, à partir de données budgétaires pour l'Inde (1960-1993) et le Pakistan (1972-1993), entièrement reconstituées. Les résultats font apparaître : une contribution à la croissance et un différentiel de productivité (par rapport au secteur privé) positifs du capital public dans les deux pays ; des effets positifs de productivité et sous certaines spécifications d'externalité du capital humain en Inde seulement ; aucun impact de la consommation publique sur la croissance en longue période.
La décroissance des prix au cours d'enchères séquentielles : sources et mesures
Authors: Chanel Olivier , Vincent Stéphanie
Published: September 2011

La décroissance des prix au cours d'enchères séquentielles : sources et mesure par Olivier Chanel et Stéphanie Vincent

La tendance des prix au cours d'enchères séquentielles constitue un enjeu d'importance pour l'ensemble des acteurs (acheteurs, vendeurs et commissaires-priseurs) : lorsqu'elle s'avère ne plus suivre une marche aléatoire, elle révèle des opportunités non saisies et constitue alors "une anomalie".

Nous envisageons dans un premier temps les réponses apportées par la théorie des enchères pour expliquer la décroissance mise en évidence dans certaines études empiriques. Ces justifications concernent les hypothèses sur les préférences et les contraintes des acheteurs, mais aussi sur les règles institutionnelles et l'organisation même de l'enchère. Nous examinons ensuite différentes techniques mesurant la tendance des prix dans les enchères séquentielles. Enfin, nous vérifions sur des échantillons simulés et des données d'enchères de vins leur capacité à agréger correctement des variations individuelles de prix. L'utilisation de techniques de rééchantillonnage permet l'étude des propriétés statistiques et la construction de tests.
Sensibilités des taux de change d'équilibre aux output gaps et aux cibles de la balance courante
Authors: Borowski Didier , Couharde Cécile , Thibault Florence
Published: September 2011

Sensibilités des taux de change d'équilibre aux output gaps et aux cibles de balance courante. Méthodologie et

estimation pour les grands pays industrialisés

Didier Borowski, Cécile Couharde et Florence Thibault

À la suite des travaux initiés par le Fonds monétaire international dans les années soixante-dix, John Williamson définit le concept de taux de change d'équilibre fondamental comme le taux de change effectif réel assurant à moyen terme qu'une économie réalise simultanément son équilibre interne (correspondant au sentier de croissance non accélérateur d'inflation) et son équilibre externe (le solde de la balance courante est dit "soutenable").

L'objet de cet article est d'évaluer les taux de change d'équilibre fondamentaux des principaux pays industrialisés (G7, Espagne, Belgique et Pays-Bas) sur la période 1984-1995. Pour procéder à ces estimations, nous développons une maquette statique qui repose sur les spécifications de long terme du modèle multinational Nigem (National Institute 's Global Econometric Model). Notre démarche s'inspire en partie des travaux menés au sein du NIESR (Nationale Institute of Economie and Social Research) mais s'en éloigne dans la mesure où l'équilibre interne est ici supposé exogène.

Les cibles de balances courantes et les rythmes de croissance potentielle - définissant respectivement les équilibres externe et interne - sont au cœur de la détermination des taux de change d'équilibre fondamentaux. Dans la mesure où ils présentent un contenu normatif important, les valeurs retenues pour chacun de ces éléments sont avant tout proposées à titre d'illustration.

Notre méthode de résolution de la maquette de long terme présente plusieurs avantages. D'une part nous obtenons directement des parités bilatérales d'équilibre à partir desquelles sont calculés les taux de change effectifs réels. D'autre part, nous mettons en évidence la sensibilité des taux de change aux écarts aux cibles de balances courantes et aux output gaps. Cette démarche autorise de ce fait un diagnostic plus précis concernant la surévaluation ou la sous-évaluation des monnaies.
Structures productives de l'industrie du transport urbain et effets des schémas réglementaires
Authors: Gagnepain Philippe
Published: September 2011

Productive Structures in Urban Transport and Effects of Regulatory Arrangements

by Philippe Gagnepain

French urban transport is a highly regulated industry. Different contractual systems create contrasting cost-cutting incentives. The purpose of this paper is to study the industry's productive structures and evaluate the impact of regulations on costs. We use the maximum likelihood method to fit a translog cost function to panel data on the different urban transport networks.
Estimation d'une fonction de prix hédonistiques pour le vin de Champagne
Authors: Gergaud Olivier
Published: September 2011

Estimation of a Hedonic Price Function for Wine from the Champagne Region

by Olivier Gergaud

This paper applies the hedonic price method to wine from Champagne. The data used are taken from experimental studies published in two French consumer magazines (50 millions de consommateurs and Que Choisir). Some 286 champagnes are described and evaluated. To analyse the link between champagne prices, quality and reputation, we estimate a hedonic price function (the first concerning a sparkling wine we know) followed by a jury grade equation and lastly a value-for-money equation.
Estimation des inefficiences techniques et allocatives des banques de dépôts tunisiennes : une frontière de coût fictif
Authors: Chaffai Mohamed
Published: September 2011

Estimation des inefficiences techniques et allocatives des banques de dépôts tunisiennes :

une frontière de coût fictif

par Mohamed E. Chaffai

Cet article présente une extension de la modélisation de la fonction de coût par la méthode des prix fictifs pour estimer les inefficacités techniques et allocatives. Sur un panel de banques tunisiennes, on mesure les inefficiences au niveau de chaque banque et de leur évolution dans le temps sans imposer de contraintes sur la technologie utilisée ni d'hypothèses particulières sur les distributions de probabilité des inefficiences. Les résultats montrent que l' inefficience allocative est croissante sur la période 1980-1995, alors que l'inefficience technique s'est légèrement améliorée à la fin de la période.
L'offre de travail des femmes des exploitants agricoles "indépendants" : application sur données françaises
Authors: Benjamin Catherine , Guyomard Hervé , Sollogoub Michel
Published: September 2011

L'offre de travail des femmes des exploitants agricoles "indépendants" : application sur données françaises

par Catherine Benjamin, Hervé Guyomard et Michel Sollogoub

Les femmes des exploitants agricoles effectuent, en matière d'allocation de leur temps de travail, un arbitrage entre travailler sur l'exploitation et/ou travailler hors de l'exploitation. Une spécificité dans leur comportement d'offre de travail apparaît dans le fait que la rémunération marginale de l'activité agricole est une variable non observée définie par les activités de production du ménage agricole. Le modèle du ménage agricole producteur et consommateur permet de définir les critères de participation de la femme à une activité professionnelle. L'étude empirique basée sur un échantillon de ménages agricoles français montre que les variables exogènes (formation, caractéristiques de l'exploitation,..) ont, en général, des effets opposés sur les probabilités de travailler sur l'exploitation et hors de l'exploitation.
OMERACT 10 Sharp Symposium: Important Findings in Examination of Imaging Methods for Measurement of Joint Damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: STRAND VIBEKE , KINGSBURY SARAH R. , WOODWORTH THASIA , LANDEWÉ ROBERT , ØSTERGAARD MIKKEL , PETERFY CHARLES , van der HEIJDE DÉSIRÉE , D’AGOSTINO MARIA-ANTONIETTA , MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER , TAK PAUL P. , WELLS GEORGE , CONAGHAN PHILIP G.
Published: September 2011

The Sharp Symposium was held at the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials 2010 meeting (OMERACT 10) in honor of the late John Sharp, consummate rheumatologist and researcher. The symposium focused on the status of current scoring methods in radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as on the use of soluble and tissue biomarkers in RA, with the aim of updating recommendations regarding methods for enhanced detection, monitoring, and prediction of joint damage in clinical trials.
The OMERACT Ultrasound Task Force — Status and Perspectives
Authors: NAREDO ESPERANZA , WAKEFIELD RICHARD J. , IAGNOCCO ANNAMARIA , TERSLEV LENE , FILIPPUCCI EMILIO , GANDJBAKHCH FREDERIQUE , AEGERTER PHILIPPE , AYDIN SIBEL , BACKHAUS MARINA , BALINT PETER V. , BRUYN GEORGE A.W. , COLLADO PAZ , FINZEL STEPHANIE , FREESTON JANE E. , GUTIERREZ MARWIN , JOSHUA FREDERICK , JOUSSE-JOULIN SANDRINE , KANE DAVID , KEEN HELEN I. , MOLLER INGRID , MANDL PETER , OHRNDORF SARAH , PINEDA CARLOS , SCHMIDT WOLFGANG A. , SZKUDLAREK MARCIN , CONAGHAN PHILIP G. , D’AGOSTINO MARIA-ANTONIETTA
Published: September 2011

This article reports the most recent work of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Ultrasound Task Force, and highlights the future research priorities discussed at the OMERACT 10 meeting. Results of the following studies were presented: (1) intra- and interobserver reliability of ultrasound detecting and scoring synovitis in different joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); (2) systematic review of previous ultrasound scoring systems of synovitis in RA; (3) enthesitis systematic review and Delphi definition exercise in spondyloarthritis enthesitis; (4) enthesitis intra- and interobserver reliability exercise; and (5) Delphi definition exercise in hand osteoarthritis, and reliability exercises. Study conclusions were discussed, and a future research agenda was approved, notably further validation of an OMERACT ultrasound global synovitis score (GLOSS) in RA, emphasizing the importance of testing feasibility, predictive value, and added value over standard clinical variables. Future research areas will include validating scoring systems for enthesitis and osteoarthritis, and testing the metric qualities of ultrasound for evaluating tenosynovitis and structural damage in RA.
A Passive Sampling Study of Small-Scale Variations in Ambient Acetaldehyde and Formaldehyde Concentrations
Authors: Evans Amanda M. , Stuart Amy L.
Published: September 2011

Radiello passive diffusive aldehyde samplers were used to measure ambient formaldehyde and acetaldehyde levels, approximately every 0.7 km in a 10 km2 sampling area in Hillsborough County, Florida from January 21 to 28, 2010. Samples were analyzed for aldehyde-DNPH derivatives via high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Concentrations were compared with values at a regulatory fixed-site monitor. Distribution statistics, concentration ratios, and spatial contours were calculated to investigate spatial variability. Mean aldehyde concentrations were 2.4 and 1.1 μg/m3 for formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, respectively. Observed spatial concentration patterns were similar for both aldehydes and suggest the influence of nearby roadway emissions. Overall, the spatial variation was small, with coefficients of variation of 13% and 22%, respectively. Results here provide methods and data for understanding exposures to aldehydes at high spatial resolution.
Cellular Imaging Using Equivalent Cross-Relaxation Rate Technique in Rabbit VX-2 Tumor Model
Authors: Nishiofuku Hideyuki , Matsushima Shigeru , Taguchi Osamu , Inaba Yoshitaka , Yamaura Hidekazu , Sato Yozo , Tanaka Toshihiro , Kichikawa Kimihiko
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Equivalent cross-relaxation rate (ECR) imaging (ECRI) is a measurement technique that can be used to quantitatively evaluate changes in structural organization and cellular density by MRI. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the ECR value and cellular density in the rabbit VX2 tumor model.

Materials and Methods

Five rabbits implanted with 10 VX2 tumors in the femur muscles were included in this study. We adopted the off-resonance technique with a single saturation transfer pulse frequency of 7 ppm downfield from water resonance. The ECR value was defined as the percentage of signal loss between the unsaturated and saturated images. ECR images were constructed based on the percentage of the ECR value. Pathological specimens were divided into 34 areas and classified into two groups: the viable group and the necrotic group. ECR values were measured and compared between groups. The correlation between the ECR value and cellular density was then determined.

Results

The mean ECR value was significantly higher in the viable group than in the necrotic group (61.2% vs. 35.8%). The area under the curve that calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.991 at 7 ppm. The regression graph showed a linear relationship between the ECR value and cellular density; the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.858.

Conclusion

There is a strong association between the ECR value and cellular density in VX2 tumors and so ECRI could be a potentially useful technique for accurately depicting viable and necrotic areas.
Multicenter Breast Cancer Collaborative Registry
Authors: Sherman Simon , Shats Oleg , Fleissner Elizabeth , Bascom George , Yiee Kevin , Copur Mehmet , Crow Kate , Rooney James , Mateen Zubeena , Ketcham Marsha A. , Feng Jianmin , Sherman Alexander , Gleason Michael , Kinarsky Leo , Silva-Lopez Edibaldo , Edney James , Reed Elizabeth , Berger Ann , Cowan Kenneth
Published: September 2011

The Breast Cancer Collaborative Registry (BCCR) is a multicenter web-based system that efficiently collects and manages a variety of data on breast cancer (BC) patients and BC survivors. This registry is designed as a multi-tier web application that utilizes Java Servlet/JSP technology and has an Oracle 11g database as a back-end. The BCCR questionnaire has accommodated standards accepted in breast cancer research and healthcare. By harmonizing the controlled vocabulary with the NCI Thesaurus (NCIt) or Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT), the BCCR provides a standardized approach to data collection and reporting. The BCCR has been recently certified by the National Cancer Institute's Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (NCI CBIIT) as a cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG®) Bronze Compatible product.

The BCCR is aimed at facilitating rapid and uniform collection of critical information and biological samples to be used in developing diagnostic, prevention, treatment, and survivorship strategies against breast cancer. Currently, seven cancer institutions are participating in the BCCR that contains data on almost 900 subjects (BC patients and survivors, as well as individuals at high risk of getting BC).
Increased Self-Efficacy for Vegetable Preparation following an Online, Skill-Based Intervention and In-Class Tasting Experience as a Part of a General Education College Nutrition Course
Authors: Brown Katie N. , Wengreen Heidi J. , Vitale Tamara S. , Anderson Janet B.
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

Assess the effectiveness of the integration of vegetable demonstration videos and tasting experiences into a college nutrition course to influence students' readiness to change vegetable intake, self-efficacy for vegetable preparation, and usual vegetable intake.

Design.

Quasiexperimental, preintervention-postintervention comparisons.

Setting.

College nutrition course.

Subjects.

Of the 376 students enrolled in the course, 186 completed the online assessments (145 female, 41 male; mean age, 20 years).

Intervention.

Participants viewed online vegetable preparation videos and participated in vegetable tasting experiences that featured four target vegetables, one vegetable each month for 4 months.

Measures.

Preintervention and postintervention online surveys determined usual vegetable intake, readiness to change vegetable consumption, and self-efficacy of vegetable preparation.

Analysis.

Chi-square distribution and paired sample t-tests were used to examine differences preintervention and postintervention.

Results.

Stage of readiness to change vegetable intake shifted from contemplation toward preparation (p < .001). Self-efficacy of vegetable preparation increased and postintervention self-efficacy was associated with total and target vegetable consumption (p = .001 and p = .005, respectively). The average intake of asparagus, one of four target vegetables, increased (p = .016); similar changes were not observed for target or total vegetable consumption.

Conclusion.

Online vegetable demonstration videos may be an effective and cost-efficient intervention for increasing self-efficacy of vegetable preparation and readiness to increase vegetable consumption among college students. More research is needed to determine long-term effects on vegetable consumption.
Intervention Mapping as a Framework for Developing an Intervention at the Worksite for Older Construction Workers
Authors: Hengel Karen M. Oude , Joling Catelijne I. , Proper Karin I. , van der Molen Henk F. , Bongers Paulien M.
Published: September 2011

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to apply the Intervention Mapping approach as a framework in the development of a worksite intervention to improve the work ability of construction workers.

Design.

Development of an intervention by using the Intervention Mapping approach.

Setting.

Construction worksite.

Participants.

Construction workers aged 45 years and older.

Measures and Analysis.

According to the principles of Intervention Mapping, evidence from the literature was combined with data collected from stakeholders (e.g., construction workers, managers, providers).

Results.

The Intervention Mapping approach resulted in an intervention with the following components: (1) two individual visits of a physical therapist to lower the physical workload, (2) a Rest-Break tool to improve the balance between work and recovery, and (3) two empowerment training sessions to increase the range of influence at the worksite.

Conclusions.

Application of Intervention Mapping in the development of a worksite prevention program was useful in the construction industry to obtain a positive attitude and commitment. Stakeholders could give input regarding the program components as well as provide specific leads for the practical intervention strategy. Moreover, it also gives insight in the current theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field of improving the work ability of older workers in the construction industry.
Public E-Procurement and the Duality of Technology: A Comparative Study in the Context of Brazil and of the State of Paraíba
Authors: Mota Flávio Perazzo Barbosa , Filho José Rodrigues
Published: September 2011

In this study, an attempt was made to understand the e-procurement theme from the perspective of the duality of technology, understanding it both as a product and as a means for human actions, which, interacting with institutional properties, produces and reproduces the current organizational practices. From the multiple interpretative case studies conducted, it was evidenced that e-procurement is a subjective element, sometimes understood inconsistently by human agents in the different organizational contexts studied (Brazil and the State of Paraíba). Users appropriate the rules, knowledge, and assumptions incorporated into the implemented system to perform tasks, contributing to a reaffirmation of the status quo.
The HNO3 forming branch of the HO2 + NO reaction: pre-industrial-to-present trends in atmospheric species and radiative forcings
Authors: Søvde O. A. , Hoyle C. R. , Myhre G. , Isaksen I. S. A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Recent laboratory measurements have shown the existence of a HNO3 forming branch of the HO2 + NO reaction. This reaction is the main source of tropospheric O3, through the subsequent photolysis of NO2, as well as being a major source of OH. The branching of the reaction to HNO3 reduces the formation of these species significantly, affecting O3 abundances, radiative forcing and the oxidation capacity of the troposphere. The Oslo CTM2, a three-dimensional chemistry transport model, is used to calculate atmospheric composition and trends with and without the new reaction branch. Results for the present day atmosphere, when both temperature and pressure effects on the branching ratio are accounted for, show an 11 % reduction in the calculated tropospheric burden of O3, with the main contribution from the tropics. An increase of the global, annual mean methane lifetime by 10.9 %, resulting from a 14.1 % reduction in the global, annual mean OH concentration is also found. Comparisons with measurements show that including the new branch improves the modelled O3 in the Oslo CTM2, but that it is not possible to conclude whether the NOy distribution improves. We model an approximately 11 % reduction in the tropical tropospheric O3 increase since pre-industrial times, and a 4 % reduction of the increase in total tropospheric burden. Also, an 8 % decrease in the trend of OH concentrations is calculated, when the new branch is accounted for. The radiative forcing due to changes in O3 over the industrial era was calculated as 0.33 W m−2, reducing to 0.26 W m−2 with the new reaction branch. These results are significant, and it is important that this reaction branching is confirmed by other laboratory groups.
Airborne hyperspectral surface and cloud bi-directional reflectivity observations in the Arctic using a commercial, digital camera
Authors: Ehrlich A. , Bierwirth E. , Wendisch M. , Herber A. , Gayet J.-F.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Spectral radiance measurements by a digital single-lens reflex camera were used to derive the bi-directional reflectivity of clouds and different surfaces in the Arctic. The camera has been calibrated radiometrically and spectrally to provide accurate radiance measurements with high angular resolution. A comparison with spectral radiance measurements with the SMART-Albedometer showed an agreement within the uncertainties of both instruments. The bi-directional reflectivity in terms of the hemispherical directional reflectance factor HDRF was obtained for sea ice, ice free ocean and clouds. The sea ice, with an albedo of ρ = 0.96, showed an almost isotropic HDRF, while sun glint was observed for the ocean HDRF (ρ = 0.12). For the cloud observations with ρ = 0.62, the fog bow – a backscatter feature typically for scattering by liquid water droplets – was covered by the camera. For measurements above a heterogeneous stratocumulus clouds, the required number of images to obtain a mean HDRF which clearly exhibits the fog bow has been estimated with about 50 images (10 min flight time). A representation of the HDRF as function of the scattering angle only reduces the image number to about 10 (2 min flight time). The measured cloud and ocean HDRF have been compared to radiative transfer simulations. The ocean HDRF simulated with the observed surface wind speed of 9 m s−1 agreed best with the measurements. For the cloud HDRF, the best agreement was obtained by a broad and weak fog bow simulated with a cloud droplet effective radius of Reff = 4 μm. This value agrees with the particle sizes from in situ measurements and retrieved from the spectral radiance of the SMART-Albedometer.
Bulk microphysical properties of semi transparent cirrus from AIRS: a six years global climatology and statistical analysis in synergy with CALIPSO and CloudSat
Authors: Guignard A. , Stubenrauch C. J. , Baran A. J. , Armante R.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. This article presents a retrieval method and a statistical analysis of the bulk micropysical properties of semi-transparent ice clouds using the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). Global and long-term coverage provides information on the effective diameter (De) and habits of ice crystals in relation with their environment, ice water path (IWP) and temperature. The method relies on spectral absorption differences between 8 and 12 μm that depend on ice crystal properties. Using single scattering properties for column-like or aggregate-like ice crystals, the method is sensitive to De of up to 85 μm and IWP of up to 120 g m−2. Uncertainties due to the hypotheses on atmospheric parameters and ice crystal single scattering properties as well as horizontal heterogeneities have been demonstrated to be small. The behaviour of bulk microphysical properties as a function of temperature demonstrates that pure ice clouds only occur when Tcld<230 K. On a global scale, these clouds represent practically 25 % of all high clouds and are mainly encountered in the mid-latitudes during winter and in the tropics. Colocated Radar-Lidar Geometrical Profiling (GEOPROF) data reveal an increase in the vertical extent of these cloud layers during mid-latitude winter but which does not significantly impact ice crystal characteristics. A comparative study with bulk microphysical properties from the TIROS-N Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) reveals improvements, especially for optically thin and thick semi-transparent ice clouds. Finally, we investigated parametrizations of De as a function of IWP or Ice Water Content (IWC), which could be useful for modelling cirrus in General Circulation Models.