bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histograms of local intensity differences for pedestrian classification in far‐infrared images
Authors: Kim D.S. , Kim M. , Kim B.S. , Lee K.H.
Published: February 2013

Presented is an intensity‐based feature extraction method for pedestrian classification in far‐infrared (FIR) images. The underlying idea of the method is that only intensity differences between neighbouring pixels can represent both the direction and the magnitude of the gradient, as FIR images are characterised by monotonic grey‐level changes. A new intensity‐based feature called the histogram of local intensity differences (HLID) is introduced which is a modified version of the well‐known histograms of oriented gradients (HOGs) feature. Experiments show that the HLID is more suited to FIR images than HOGs in terms of both accuracy and computational efficiency.
Polarisation independent split ring frequency selective surface
Authors: Zabri S.N. , Cahill R. , Schuchinsky A.
Published: February 2013

A frequency selective surface (FSS) is described which exhibits coincident spectral responses for TE and TM polarisation when the FSS operates at 45° incidence. The structure consists of two closely spaced arrays of ring elements with the conductor split at one or two locations to provide independent control of the resonances for the vertical and horizontal field directions. The FSS is designed to diplex two channels separated by an edge of a band ratio of 1.7:1 and yield a common − 10 dB reflection bandwidth of 10.2%. Measured and numerical results are shown to be in good agreement over the frequency range 9–12 GHz.
Room‐temperature operation of InAs‐based interband‐cascade‐lasers beyond 6 µm
Authors: Dallner M. , Höfling S. , Kamp M.
Published: February 2013

A report is presented on long wavelength room‐temperature operation of InAs‐based interband cascade lasers (ICLs) at 6.06 µm. The broad area and ridge waveguide devices operate in pulsed mode up to 25 and 40 °C, respectively, and therewith extend the available room‐temperature operation range of ICLs to longer wavelengths.
Model of superconducting alternating current bolometers
Authors: Lindeman M. A. , Khosropanah P. , Hijmering R. A.
Published: February 2013

We present a model of the response of superconducting AC bolometers to signal and noise using parameters and matrix formalism that were previously adopted in modeling DC bolometers and microcalorimeters. The model was developed to investigate novel AC bolometer designs, which have properties not described by previous models. It is applicable to kinetic inductance devices, kinetic inductance thermometers, AC transition edge sensors, and other technologies based on AC read out and frequency mixing. The AC bolometer model includes the temperature and current dependence of both resistive and inductive bolometers and microcalorimeters. The bolometers may be thermal or athermal. The model compactly describes the complex relationships between electrical and thermal signals and it simplifies the associated calculations. This model is useful for characterizing bolometers, predicting the effects of various noise sources on performance and designing new detectors. Additionally, a measurement technique is developed for characterizing these devices.
Classical dynamics of state-resolved hyperthermal O(3P) + H2O(1A1) collisions
Authors: Braunstein Matthew , Conforti Patrick F.
Published: February 2013

Classical dynamics calculations are performed for O(3P) + H2O(1A1) collisions from 2 to 10 km s‑1 (4.1–101.3 kcal mol−1), focusing on product internal energies. Several methods are used to produce ro-vibrationally state-resolved product cross sections and to enforce zero-point maintenance from analysis of the classical trajectories. Two potential energy surfaces are used: (1) a recently developed set of global reactive surfaces for the three lowest triplet states which model OH formation, H elimination to make H + OOH, O-atom exchange, and collisional excitation and (2) a non-reactive surface used in past classical and quantum collision studies. Comparisons to these previous studies suggest that for H2O vibrational excitation, classical dynamics which include Gaussian binning procedures and/or selected zero-point maintenance algorithms can produce results which approximate quantum scattering cross sections fairly well. Without these procedures, the classical cross sections can be many orders of magnitude greater than the quantum cross sections for exciting the bending vibration of H2O, especially near threshold. The classical cross section over-estimate is due to energy borrowing from stretching modes which dip below zero-point values. For results on the reactive surfaces, the present calculations show that at higher velocities there is an unusually large amount of product internal excitation. For OOH, where 40% of available collision energy goes into internal motion, the excited product vibrational and rotational energy distributions are relatively flat and values of the OOH rotational angular momentum exceed J = 100. Other product channel distributions show an exponential fall-off with energy consistent with an energy gap law. The present detailed distributions and cross sections can serve as a guide for future hyperthermal measurements of this system.
Reflection and transmission of Lamb waves at an imperfect joint of plates
Authors: Mori Naoki , Biwa Shiro , Hayashi Takahiro
Published: February 2013

The reflection and transmission of Lamb waves at an imperfect joint of plates are analyzed numerically by the modal decomposition method and the hybrid finite element method. The joint is modeled as a spring-type interface characterized by distributed normal and tangential stiffnesses. The analysis is focused on a low-frequency range where the lowest-order symmetric and antisymmetric Lamb waves are the only propagating modes. The frequency-dependent reflection and transmission characteristics of these Lamb modes are computed for different interfacial stiffnesses, together with the generation behavior of localized, non-propagating higher-order Lamb modes. As a result, S0-mode Lamb wave is shown to exhibit the reflection and transmission characteristics which are monotonically frequency-dependent. On the other hand, A0-mode Lamb wave shows complicated and non-monotonic frequency dependence in the reflection and transmission characteristics. The obtained Lamb wave characteristics are discussed in the light of approximate one-dimensional models constructed based on classical plate theories. As a result, the reflection and transmission coefficients of S0-mode Lamb wave are accurately reproduced by a simple model of longitudinal wave in thin plates, while those of A0-mode Lamb wave are well described by the Mindlin plate model of flexural wave. It is also shown that stiffness reduction at the corners of the contacting edges of plates has only minor influence on the reflection and transmission characteristics.
Ultraviolet to near infrared response of optically sensitive nonvolatile memories based on platinum nano-particles and high-k dielectrics on a silicon on insulator substrate
Authors: Mikhelashvili V. , Meyler B. , Shneider Y. , Yofis S. , Salzman J. , Atiya G. , Cohen-Hyams T. , Ankonina G. , Kaplan W. D. , Lisiansky M. , Roizin Y. , Eisenstein G.
Published: February 2013

An optically triggered nonvolatile memory based on platinum nano-particles embedded within a SiO2 and HfO2 dielectric stack on a silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate is presented. The memory cell exhibits a very wide spectral response, from 220 nm to 950 nm; much wider than common photo-detectors fabricated on SOI. It offers several functionalities including a low programming voltage and wide hysteresis of the capacitance-voltage characteristics, an illumination and voltage sweep amplitude dependent hysteresis of the current-voltage characteristics, and plasmonic enhanced, efficient broad-band photo detection.
Optical response of ferroelectric liquid crystals doped with metal nanoparticles
Authors: Tripathi Shashank , Ganguly Prasun , Haranath D. , Haase W. , Biradar A. M.
Published: February 2013

As-synthesized deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) material with high spontaneous polarization and rotational viscosity is characterized. The FLC material is then systematically doped with various noble metal nanoparticles (MNPs) such as Ag, Au, and Pt in the size range of 5 nm. The optical behavior of MNP doped FLC material is studied via electro-optic and photoluminescence measurements. The observed optical response has been discussed on the basis of the interaction of plasmons in MNPs with the electromagnetic wave from the incident light that traverses through the FLC molecules.
Cu3BiS3 as a potential photovoltaic absorber with high optical efficiency
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Persson Clas
Published: February 2013

Cu3BiS3 is a potential photovoltaic material. Employing a first-principles approach, we calculate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of Cu3BiS3, and we demonstrate that Cu3BiS3 is an indirect band gap semiconductor in contrast to similar chalcogenide semiconductors. The fundamental band gap energy is estimated to be Eg ≈ 1.5–1.7 eV. The analysis reveals that Cu3BiS3 has a much stronger absorption coefficient (>105 cm−1) compared to other Cu-S based materials like CuInS2 and Cu2ZnSnS4. This is explained by the presence of localized Bi 6p states in the band gap region, generating a flat lowest conduction band.
Effects of Orientation and Contrast upon Targets in Straight and Curved Arrays
Authors: Levine Michael W , Anderson Jennifer E , McAnany J Jason
Published: February 2013

A regular array of black squares against a gray background increases the threshold for a light disk in an intersection of the alleys separating the squares, an illusion variously called the extinction illusion, “blanking” phenomenon, or “vanishing disk”. Curving the alleys (making the squares into curved “tetragons”) further increases the thresholds for both light and dark disks. This raises three questions: (1) Do the edges of the tetragons interact with similarly oriented components of a target? (2) Is blanking a different phenomenon from the obscuring (more moderate increase in threshold in the presence of an array) that affects dark disks, or is blanking simply weaker for dark disks? (3) Is blanking a function of light versus dark targets or dependent upon contrast relative to the polarity of the inducing array? We replaced the target disks with parallel line segments to explore the influence of orientation of the line segments relative to the nearby orientation of the alleys. We show that the blanking phenomenon is sensitive to the orientation of the line segments, while the weaker obscuring of dark targets is not. We also examine these effects with white tetragons. Reversing the polarity of the tetragons exchanged which line segments were orientation-sensitive, although the effectiveness of white tetragons for blanking was weaker than that of black tetragons. We consider possible reasons why white tetragons may be less effective than black tetragons under our conditions.
Mixed-Ethnicity Face Shape and Attractiveness in Humans
Authors: Little Anthony C , Hockings Kimberley J , Apicella Coren L , Sousa Claudia
Published: February 2013

Many studies show agreement within and between populations and cultures for general judgments of facial attractiveness. Studies that have examined the attractiveness of specific traits have also highlighted cross-cultural differences for factors such as symmetry, averageness, and masculinity. One trait that should be preferred across cultures is heterozygosity. Indeed, several studies suggest that mixed ethnicity, in terms of appearing to possess a mixture of traits from different human population groups, may be found attractive, which could reflect preferences for heterozygosity. We examined preferences for manipulated face shape associated with different populations in both Europeans (Britain) and Africans (Guinea-Bissau). We found that mixed-ethnicity face shapes were more attractive than enhanced single-ethnicity face shape across both populations. These results are consistent with evolutionary theories suggesting individuals should prefer heterozygosity in partners because facial cues to mixed-ethnicity are likely to indicate diverse genes compared to cues that indicate a face belongs to a single particular culture or population.
Fuel mass and forest structure following stand-replacement fire and post-fire logging in a mixed-evergreen forest
Authors: Donato Daniel C. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Kauffman J. Boone , Robinson W. Douglas , Law Beverly E.
Published: February 2013

Following severe wildfires, managing fire hazard by removing dead trees (post-fire logging) is an important issue globally. Data informing these management actions are relatively scarce, particularly how fuel loads differ by post-fire logging intensity within different environmental settings. In mixed-evergreen forests of Oregon, USA, we quantified fuel profiles 3–4 years after stand-replacement fire – assessing three post-fire logging intensities (0, 25–75, or >75% basal area cut) across two climatic settings (mesic coastal, drier interior). Stand-replacement fire consumed ~17% of aboveground biomass. Post-fire logging significantly reduced standing dead biomass, with high-intensity treatment leaving a greater proportion (28%) of felled biomass on site compared with moderate-intensity treatment (14%) because of less selective tree felling. A significant relationship between logging intensity and resulting surface fuels (per-hectare increase of 0.4–1.2Mg per square metre of basal area cut) indicated a broadly applicable predictive tool for management. Down wood cover increased by 3–5 times and became more spatially homogeneous after logging. Post-fire logging altered the fuel profile of early-seral stands (standing material removed or transferred, short-term increase in surface fuels, likely reduction in future large fuel accumulation), with moderate-intensity and unlogged treatments yielding surface fuel loads consistent with commonly prescribed levels, and high-intensity treatment resulting in greater potential need for follow-up fuel treatments.
Foliar, fruit and soilborne diseases.
Authors: Dann E. K. , Ploetz R. C. , Coates L. M. , Pegg K. G.
Published: February 2013

This chapter provides an in-depth review of important diseases affecting avocado production throughout the world. The importance of understanding the interaction of plant pathogens with their avocado host in order for the development of disease management options is also discussed.
Dog zoonoses and human health: a global perspective - Mini Review.
Authors: Macpherson C. N. L.
Published: February 2013

Dogs are appreciated and kept or tolerated in high numbers, playing a variety of roles in human society. The relationship facilitates over 65 zoonoses whose distribution depends on a complex interplay between the hosts and environment. Children are most at risk. Some national/local control programmes have been implemented.
Recording therapy sessions: What do clients and therapists really think?
Authors: Brown Ellie , Moller Naomi , Ramsey-Wade Christine
Published: February 2013

Aims: Recording therapy sessions has become part of routine practice amongst trainee psychotherapists. To date most research has focused on the benefits of recording sessions to support clinical supervision. There are few data about the benefits or risks for clients. This study aimed to explore the views of clients who had had their therapy sessions recorded and therapists who had recorded sessions. Design: Five clients and 25 therapists completed a qualitative survey, the results of which were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: All clients and several therapists reported that the recording devices are soon forgotten. Both therapists and clients reported the benefits of recording as being purely for the therapist with none identified for clients. Conclusions: It was observed that clients perhaps did not always understand how recordings were used, suggesting the need for clearer practice guidance.
The path towards a professional identity: An IPA study of Greek family therapy trainees
Authors: Fragkiadaki Evangelia , Triliva Sofia , Balamoutsou Sophia , Prokopiou Achilleas
Published: February 2013

Objective: Contemporary psychotherapy research has focused mainly on practitioners' training and education. The impact of training on professional development and the application of therapeutic skills have been the primary foci of the empirical literature. The aim of this paper is to present the experiences of seven family therapy trainees regarding their personal paths toward the development of professional identity as they underwent training in systemic psychotherapy. Method: In‐depth interviews were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results & Conclusions: Seven themes were identified: The Quest, Developing by Relating, Learnings, Personification of Training, Use of Self, Self‐Care and Empowerment, and Reflecting on the Role of the Therapist. The findings are discussed with regard to the development of the ‘therapist as a person’, gaining acknowledgement and autonomy, and the development of a community of therapeutic practice.
An approximate Bayesian approach for mapping paired-end DNA reads to a reference genome
Authors: Shrestha Anish Man Singh , Frith Martin C.
Published: February 2013

Summary: Many high-throughput sequencing experiments produce paired DNA reads. Paired-end DNA reads provide extra positional information that is useful in reliable mapping of short reads to a reference genome, as well as in downstream analyses of structural variations. Given the importance of paired-end alignments, it is surprising that there have been no previous publications focusing on this topic. In this article, we present a new probabilistic framework to predict the alignment of paired-end reads to a reference genome. Using both simulated and real data, we compare the performance of our method with six other read-mapping tools that provide a paired-end option. We show that our method provides a good combination of accuracy, error rate and computation time, especially in more challenging and practical cases, such as when the reference genome is incomplete or unavailable for the sample, or when there are large variations between the reference genome and the source of the reads. An open-source implementation of our method is available as part of Last, a multi-purpose alignment program freely available at http://last.cbrc.jp.

Contact:  martin@cbrc.jp

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Wessim: a whole-exome sequencing simulator based on in silico exome capture
Authors: Kim Sangwoo , Jeong Kyowon , Bafna Vineet
Published: February 2013

Summary: We propose a targeted re-sequencing simulator Wessim that generates synthetic exome sequencing reads from a given sample genome. Wessim emulates conventional exome capture technologies, including Agilent’s SureSelect and NimbleGen’s SeqCap, to generate DNA fragments from genomic target regions. The target regions can be either specified by genomic coordinates or inferred from in silico probe hybridization. Coupled with existing next-generation sequencing simulators, Wessim generates a realistic artificial exome sequencing data, which is essential for developing and evaluating exome-targeted variant callers.

Availability: Source code and the packaged version of Wessim with manuals are available at http://sak042.github.com/Wessim/.

Contact:  sak042@cs.ucsd.edu or vbafna@cs.ucsd.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The equilibria of vesicles adhered to substrates by short-ranged potentials
Authors: Blount Maurice J. , Miksis Michael J. , Davis Stephen H.
Published: February 2013

In equilibrium, a vesicle that is adhered to a horizontal substrate by a long-range attractive, short-range repulsive force traps a thin layer of fluid beneath it. In the asymptotic limit that this layer is very thin, there are quasi-two-dimensional boundary-layer structures near the edges of the vesicle, where the membrane's shape is governed by a balance between bending and adhesive stresses. These boundary layers are analysed to obtain corrections to simpler models that instead represent the adhesive interaction by a contact potential, thereby resolving apparent discontinuities that arise when such models are used. Composite expansions of the shapes of two-dimensional vesicles are derived. When, in addition, the adhesive interaction is very strong, there is a nested boundary-layer structure for which the adhesive boundary layers match towards sharp corners where bending stresses remain important but adhesive stresses are negligible. Outside these corners, bending stresses are negligible and the vesicle's shape is given approximately by the arc of a circle. Simple composite expansions of the vesicle's shape are derived that account for the shape of the membrane inside these corners.
Three 2-(methysulfanyl)nicotinamides
Authors: Gomes Ligia R. , Low John Nicolson , Wardell James L. , Pinheiro Alessandra C. , Mendonça Thais C. N. de , Souza Marcus V. N. de
Published: February 2013

The molecular conformations of threeN-alkyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)nicotinamide derivatives, namelyN-cyclohexyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)nicotinamide, C13H18N2OS, (I),N-isopropyl-2-(methylsulfanyl)nicotinamide, C10H14N2OS, (II), in which there are two molecules in the asymmetric unit which were chosen to form a hydrogen-bonded pair, andN-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(methylsulfanyl)nicotinamide dihydrate, C9H12N2O2S·2H2O, (III), are compared with those of four unsubstitutedN-alkylnicotinamide compounds. The substituted compounds show a higher degree of torsion of the pyridine ring with respect to the amide group than do the unsubstituted compounds, with dihedral angles in the range 40–60° for the former and 20–35° for the latter. In (I) and (II), the supramolecular structure is defined by amide-N to carbonyl-O chains. In (III), the nicotinamide molecules are linked by hydrogen bonds to two water molecules resulting in two linked chains of rings which form the three-dimensional network.
Determinants of financial governance practices: evidence from NGOs in Ghana
Authors: Ogeh Fiador Vera
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore financial governance as practiced by NGOs in Ghana and further examines the determinants of the financial governance structures of the NGOs. The study specifically investigates which organizational‐level characteristics exhibit any link whatsoever with governance as it relates to budget preparation, budget execution and internal controls and budget monitoring.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a questionnaire to conduct the survey, a cross‐sectional regression analysis was executed.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that the most positively influential factor in explaining an NGO's adoption of a governance framework is its size. The other variables, organizational age and independence, are not significant across all three financial governance proxies and when they prove significant, the effect is negative.

Originality/value

The findings hold important policy implications and especially so for countries that attract significant funding via relatively small‐sized NGOs.
Finding the intersection of the learning organization and learning transfer
Authors: Hee Kim Jun , L. Callahan Jamie
Published: February 2013

Purpose

– This article aims to develop a conceptual framework delineating the key dimension of the learning organization which significantly influences learning transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

– The conceptual framework was developed by analyzing previous studies and synthesizing the results associated with the following four relationships: the learning organization and learning transfer; the learning organization and organizational performance; the Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) and learning transfer; and the Dimensions of Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) and the LTSI.

Findings

– This paper developed the learning transfer framework of the learning organization, which emphasizes the significance of leadership for learning on facilitating learning transfer in the learning organization.

Research limitations/implications

– First, empirical-analytical research needs to be accumulated to verify the conceptual framework developed in the present paper. Second, instruments to measure the learning organization need to incorporate the learning transfer concept. Last, organizations need to focus on leadership for learning to increase learning transfer if the organization does not have enough resources to develop all dimensions of the learning organization.

Originality/value

– This article contributes to the literature by producing a conceptual framework that isolates leadership for learning as a key dimension of the learning organization that specifically influences learning transfer. The pivotal dimension of leadership for learning was extracted through investigating the numerous empirical-analytical studies.
Assessment of supply chain risk: scale development and validation
Authors: Punniyamoorthy Murugesan , Thamaraiselvan Natarajan , Manikandan Lakshminarayanan
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a reliable and accurate instrument to assess the supply chain risk of similar comparable industries. This enables the firms which fall in this category of industry to identify and incorporate suitable risk sources under various risk constructs. This paper also provides a framework to the top management to prioritize the various risk constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach is used to develop and validate an instrument for assessing overall risk of supply chain. This includes specifying the domain and dimensionality of a construct, generation of initial pool of items, refinement of the initial items by the expert group, assessment of content validity, evaluation of reliability and construct validity of the scale items. Also a higher order measurement model of structural equation modeling is used to prioritize the various risk constructs.

Findings

The process yielded a robust instrument to assess overall risk of the supply chain. Through empirical verification, this instrument is shown to exhibit high levels of reliability and validity. The framework for prioritization of risk constructs revealed the importance of various supply chain risk constructs.

Practical implications

The framework is intended to be useful in practice for assessment of overall risk of heavy engineering industries supply chain. The procedure will be extended for development of risk assessment instrument for other industries which shares a common risk profile. Prioritization of various risk constructs with respect to the overall risk enables the top management to focus their attention to plan and manage the supply chain risks based on their relative importance.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need for the development of an empirically validated instrument by identifying the significant supply chain risk sources under major supply chain risk constructs for assessing the supply chain risk of industries which are similar in their risk profiles. Also provides a higher order model to identify the most influential risk constructs.
Gross Anatomical Features of the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) of Blue and Yellow Macaws (Ara ararauna) – Oral Cavity and Pharynx
Authors: Aizawa J. , Tivane C. , Rodrigues M. N. , Wagner P. G. , Campos D. B. , Guerra R. R. , Miglino M. A.
Published: February 2013

Morphological studies of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of blue and yellow macaws (Ara ararauna) are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to describe the macaw's oropharyngeal cavity in order to supply the deficiency of anatomical data and as part of a broad study of the GIT of these birds. Two male and one female adult blue and yellow macaws were anatomically dissected to expose the oropharynx. The macaw oropharynx was ‘V‐shaped’ and flattened laterally being composed of maxillary and mandibular rhamphotheca of the beak. The tongue, lingual frenulum and laryngeal mound (containing ‘spindle‐shaped’ glottis and prominent mucosal papillae) formed the floor of the oropharynx. The roof revealed two distinct regions separated by a ‘step‐like depression’, whereas in the floor, the mandibular rhamphotheca was separated from the oral cavity mucosa by a large vestibulum enclosing the lingual frenulum. The palate was hard without any signs of rugae nor palatine raphe. A smooth ridge extended caudally from the choana to the common opening of the Eustachian tubes. This study, in addition to confirming the basic features of the oropharynx previously described for birds in general, provided new, unreported morphological data, some of which may be important when studying nutrition and health of these birds.
High prevalence of genetic variants previously associated with Brugada syndrome in new exome data
Authors: Risgaard B , Jabbari R , Refsgaard L , Holst AG , Haunsø S , Sadjadieh A , Winkel BG , Olesen MS , Tfelt‐Hansen J
Published: February 2013

More than 300 variants in 12 genes have been associated with Brugada syndrome (BrS) which has a prevalence ranging between 1:2000 and 1:100,000. Until recently, there has been little knowledge regarding the distribution of genetic variations in the general population. This problem was partly solved, when exome data from the NHLI GO Exome Sequencing Project (ESP) was published. In this study, we aimed to report the prevalence of previously BrS‐associated variants in the ESP population. We performed a search in ESP for variants previously associated with BrS. In addition, four variants in ESP were genotyped in a second Danish control population (n = 536) with available electrocardiograms. In ESP, we identified 38 of 355 (10%) variants, distributed on 272 heterozygote carriers and two homozygote carriers. The genes investigated were on average screened in 6258 individuals. This corresponds to a surprisingly high genotype prevalence of 1:23 (274:6258). Genotyping the four common ESP‐derived variants CACNA2D1 S709N, SCN5A F2004L, CACNB2 S143F, and CACNB2 T450I in the Danish controls, we found a genotype prevalence comparable with that found in ESP. We suggest that exome data are used in research, as an additive tool to predict the pathogenicity of variants in patients suspected for BrS.
Optimal Pricing Strategies for Capacity Leasing Based on Time and Volume Usage in Telecommunication Networks
Authors: Kasap Nihat , Sivrikaya Berna Tektas , Delen Dursun
Published: February 2013

In this study, we examined optimal pricing strategies for “pay‐per‐time,” “pay‐per‐volume,” and “pay‐per‐both‐time‐and‐volume” based leasing of data networks in a monopoly environment. Conventionally, network capacity distribution includes short‐/long‐term bandwidth and/or usage time leasing. When customers choose connection‐time–based pricing, their rational behavior is to fully utilize the bandwidth capacity within a fixed time period, which may cause the network to burst (or overload). Conversely, when customers choose volume‐based strategies their rational behavior is to send only the minimum bytes necessary (even for time‐fixed tasks for real time applications), causing the quality of the task to decrease, which in turn creates an opportunity cost for the provider. Choosing a pay‐per time and volume hybridized pricing scheme allows customers to take advantage of both pricing strategies while lessening the disadvantages of each, because consumers generally have both time‐ and size‐fixed tasks such as batch data transactions. One of the key contributions of this study is to show that pay‐per both time and volume pricing is a viable and often preferable alternative to the offerings based on only time or volume, and that judicious use of such a pricing policy is profitable to the network provider.
Patients' perceptions and experiences of venous leg ulceration and their attitudes to larval therapy: an in‐depth qualitative study
Authors: McCaughan Dorothy , Cullum Nicky , Dumville Joanne ,   on behalf of the VenUS II team
Published: February 2013

Background

Venous leg ulcers are a common and distressing condition that can impair quality of life. Larval therapy has been widely promoted for the treatment of different types of chronic wounds, yet little is known about its acceptability to patients.

Objectives

To explore patients' experiences of venous leg ulceration and of the acceptability of larval therapy as a treatment.

Design

Qualitative study, using semi‐structured interviews alongside a randomized controlled trial. Interview data were transcribed and analysed for thematic content. Data were collected from April 2007 to July 2007.

Setting and participants

Eighteen people (12 men, 6 women), aged between 29 and 93 years (median age 64 years), with at least one venous leg ulcer, took part in the study. Fourteen people were recruited from two vascular clinics (one attached to a hospital and the other located in a community setting). A further four people were recruited through referral from a team of community nurses.

Findings

Participants portrayed lives blighted by the presence of one or more leg ulcers. The majority were willing to try ‘maggots’ (larvae) and able to overcome feelings of squeamishness because of their strong desire to heal their ulcers. Five people treated with larvae were included in the study. Initial improvements in the condition of their ulcers were not sustained, and two participants experienced severe pain.

Discussion and conclusions

Patients may hold unrealistic expectations that larval therapy will effect a longed‐for cure for their leg ulcer(s) but an absence of healing may lead to feelings of disappointment or despair.
Prenatal diagnosis of isolated congenital pyloric atresia in a sibling
Authors: Usui Noriaki , Kamiyama Masafumi , Kimura Takuya , Kamata Shinkichi , Nose Keisuke , Fukuzawa Masahiro
Published: February 2013

Although familial occurrence of congenital pyloric atresia (CPA) has been frequently reported in the past, many of these cases were associated with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), and familial isolated CPA was a relatively rare condition. We prenatally diagnosed and successfully treated a sibling of a subject with isolated CPA, who was diagnosed prenatally by fetal ultrasonography based on the findings of a distended stomach combined with polyhydramnios. The first case was a 2398‐g female infant born at 36 weeks of gestation, who had been prenatally diagnosed as CPA. The second case, a younger sister of the first case, was a female infant weighing 2434 g, who had been also diagnosed as CPA by fetal ultrasonography at the check‐up for the polyhydramnios of the same mother. Neither of the infants showed dermal lesions such as EB, and both underwent pyloroplasty with an excision of the pyloric membrane successfully after birth.
Anemos‐ity, Apatheia, Enthousiasmos: An Economic Sociology of Law and Wind Farm Development in Cyprus
Authors: Perry‐Kessaris Amanda
Published: February 2013

This piece sketches ‘an’ economic sociology of law: one possible approach, in relation to one case study of wind farm development in Cyprus. Carbon emissions are a global threat to which wind farms may offer something of a solution. But wind farms can also pose local threats. So they tend to produce conflicts on different levels of social life: action, interaction, regime, and rationality. As such they are ill‐suited to exploration through law or economics, and ideally suited to exploration through economic sociology of law. The approach set out in this article enables social life of all levels, intensities, and types (including the economic) to be placed on the same analytical page. What emerges is a most human story of animosity, apathy, and enthusiasm in which law acts variously as means, obstacle, and irrelevance.
Maine (and Weber) Against the Grain: Towards a Postcolonial Genealogy of the Corporate Person
Authors: Birla Ritu
Published: February 2013

This essay forges ties between postcolonial methodologies and the economic sociology of law, emphasizing the history, legal production, and governmental habitus of that modern abstraction called ‘the economy’. It pursues three interrelated sites to do so: the categories of government and economy, via Weber and Foucault; classical legal discourse on corporate or group life and its temporizing from status to contract; and the relationship between the legal subject and homo economicus, investigated and telescoped through the figure of the corporate person. Empirically, focusing on India as a lens to highlight a colonial genealogy of neoliberal modernity, the analysis animates these themes via the history of colonial market governance, its relationship to the ‘embedded’ practices of vernacular capitalism, and emergent forms of economic citizenship today, seen through Indian case law on the corporate person and corporate veil‐piercing.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND THE EVALUATION OF PARTICIPATORY INSTRUMENTS IN SPANISH CITIES
Authors: FONT JOAN , NAVARRO CLEMENTE
Published: February 2013

The article examines the role that personal experience with participatory mechanisms plays in the explanation of the perceived efficacy of these instruments. The first part demonstrates that , contrary to most expectations, citizens who have direct experience with these processes have a more negative evaluation of their performance. Where does this frustration effect come from? The second part analyzes three potential explanations of why this pattern emerges: (1) overly high prior expectations; (2) the existence of an underdeveloped institutional participatory context; and (3) the design of participatory mechanisms. We use a public opinion survey representative of the Spanish adult population living in medium sized cities to test these hypotheses. Results show that participants' overly high expectations are not crucial. On the other hand, people who live in more participatory cities and those who participate in individually based mechanisms do not feel the same disappointment with participatory experiences.
Exploring the Association between Lifetime Prevalence of Mental Illness and Transition from Substance Use to Substance Use Disorders: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)
Authors: Lev‐Ran Shaul , Imtiaz Sameer , Rehm Jürgen , Le Foll Bernard
Published: February 2013

Background and Objectives

The association between substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental illness (MI) has been well established. Previous studies reporting this association in various clinical populations have not taken into account former substance use. This may be important as increased prevalence of substance use among individuals with MI may partially explain the strong association between SUDs and MI.

Methods

In this study we included only individuals with previous substance use and explored the association between lifetime diagnosis of MI and transition from substance use to SUDs. Analyses were conducted across six different categories of substances (alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants) based on a large representative US sample, the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, n = 43,093).

Results

Lifetime diagnoses of any MI, and particularly personality disorders and psychotic disorders, were found to be associated with higher prevalence of transition from substance use to SUDs across most categories of substances. This association was particularly strong for nicotine (adjusted OR = 2.95 (2.72–3.20)).

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

This cross‐sectional study expands on previous research by highlighting the association between lifetime diagnosis of any MI and increased rates of transition from substance use to SUDs across a range of substances. Longitudinal studies exploring temporal effects of this association are further needed. (Am J Addict 2013;22:93‐98)
Differences between Men and Women in Condom Use, Attitudes, and Skills in Substance Abuse Treatment Seekers
Authors: Calsyn Donald A. , Peavy Michelle , Wells Elizabeth A. , Campbell Aimee N. C. , Hatch‐Maillette Mary A. , Greenfield Shelly F. , Tross Susan
Published: February 2013

Background

For substance abuse treatment‐seekers engaging in high risk sexual behavior, their inconsistent condom use may be related to their condom use attitudes and skills.

Objective

This study compared treatment‐seeking male and female substance abusers in their reported barriers to condom use and condom use skills.

Methods

Men and women (N = 1,105) enrolled in two multi‐site HIV risk reduction studies were administered the Condom Barriers Scale, Condom Use Skills, and an audio computer‐assisted structured interview assessing sexual risk behavior.

Results

Men endorsed more barriers to condom use, especially on the Effects on Sexual Experience factor. For both men and women, stronger endorsement of barriers to condom use was associated with less use of condoms. However, the difference between condom users and non‐users in endorsement of condom barriers in general is greater for men than women, especially for those who report having casual partners.

Conclusions

Findings support the need to focus on gender‐specific barriers to condom use in HIV/STI prevention interventions, especially risk behavior intervention techniques that address sexual experience with condoms.

Scientific Significance

Results provide additional information about the treatment and prevention needs of treatment‐seeking men and women. (Am J Addict 2013;22:150‐157)
Alcohol and Drug Use as Predictors of Intentional Injuries in Two Emergency Departments in British Columbia
Authors: Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Martin Gina , Macdonald Scott , Brubacher Jeffrey R. , Stenstrom Rob
Published: February 2013

Background

While a substantial literature exists demonstrating a strong association of alcohol and intentional injury, less is known about the association of intentional injury with recreational drug use, either alone, or in combination with alcohol.

Objectives

The risk of intentional injury due to alcohol and other drug use prior to injury is analyzed in a sample of emergency department (ED) patients.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to examine the predictive value of alcohol and drug use on intentional versus non‐intentional injury in a probability sample of ED patients in Vancouver, BC (n = 436).

Results

Those reporting only alcohol use were close to four times more likely (OR = 3.73) to report an intentional injury, and those reporting alcohol combined with other drug(s) almost 18 times more likely (OR = 17.75) than those reporting no substance use. Those reporting both alcohol and drug use reported drinking significantly more alcohol (15.7 drinks) than those reporting alcohol use alone (5 drinks).

Conclusions

These data suggest that alcohol in combination with other drugs may be more strongly associated with intentional injury than alcohol alone.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

The strong association of alcohol combined with other drug use on injury may be due to the increased amount of alcohol consumed by those using both substances, and is an area requiring more research with larger samples of intentional injury patients. (Am J Addict 2013;22:87‐92)
Survey Research and Social Class in Venezuela: Evaluating Alternative Measures and Their Impact on Assessments of Class Voting
Authors: Handlin Samuel
Published: February 2013

The ascendance of the left in Latin America has sparked new interest in the politicization of social class. What factors should scholars consider in choosing and constructing measures of social class in survey research? To what degree can measurement affect results? This article evaluates several common measures in terms of validity and reliability. It then shows that alternative measures produce strikingly different results when examining class voting in Venezuela’s 2006 presidential election. Simple measures of household income or wealth, which fare poorly in validity assessment, suggest minimal levels of class voting. Various socioeconomic scales that also incorporate data on education and, in some cases, weights for household composition, suggest very high levels of class voting. The article provides guidelines for evaluating measures and illuminates the debate on class voting in Venezuela. Scholars have reached contradictory conclusions while using different measures, but the decisive role of measurement has gone unrecognized.
Young Statisticians Writing Competition: Celebrate the International Year of Statistics in 2013 by Writing with Significance!
Authors: Dwan Kerry , Gray Laura , Champkin Julian
Published: February 2013

Enter the Young Writers Competition hosted by the Young Statisticians Section of the Royal Statistical Society and Significance magazine. It is an ideal way to find yourself in print.
Richard Price, Bayes’ Theorem, and God
Authors: Hooper Martyn
Published: February 2013

Bayes’ theorem is 250 years old this year. But did the Rev. Thomas Bayes actually devise it? Martyn Hooper presents the case for the extraordinary Richard Price, friend of US presidents, mentor, pamphleteer, economist, and above all preacher. And did Price develop Bayes’ theorem in order to prove the existence of God?
When will we see People of Negative Height?
Authors: Perlman Patrik
Published: February 2013

The heights of human beings follow the normal distribution. Or do they? If they do, say Patrik Perlman and colleagues, why don't we see human beings with negative heights?
Effect of Physical Aging Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of Te2As3Se5 (TAS) Glass Fibers
Authors: Yang Guang , Sangleboeuf Jean‐Christophe , Boussard‐Plédel Catherine , Bureau Bruno
Published: February 2013

Effect of three aging conditions, in dark, in light, and in light synchronously with load (with load), on the mechanical properties of Te2As3Se5 (TAS) glass have been investigated through a series of tensile strength (σ) measurements. Relief of σ in three aging conditions could be related to structural relaxation. And the relaxation time almost 1.5 months is well in agreement with our previous results of calorimetric and mechanical properties. Compared with dark condition, photoinduced effect makes the relief of σ more obvious, but load effect makes the σ to be stronger in direction of testing. Thus, we suggest that, to keep fibers with good σ, they should be stored in dark and with load.