bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Strong Direct Product Results in Communication Complexity
Authors: Jain Rahul
Published: July 2015

We show two new direct product results in two different models of communication complexity. Our first result is in the one-way public-coin model. Let
f ⊆ X × Y × Z
be a relation and ϵ > 0 be a constant. Let R
1,pub
ϵ
(
f
) represent the communication complexity of
f
, with worst-case error ϵ in this model. We show that if for computing

f
k

(
k
independent copies of
f
) in this model,
o
(
k
ċ R
1, pub
1/3
(
f
)) communication is used, then the success is exponentially small in
k
. We show a new tight characterization of communication complexity in this model which strengthens the tight characterization shown in Jain et al. [2008]. We use this new characterization to show our direct product result and this characterization may also be of independent interest.

Our second direct product result is in the model of two-way public-coin communication complexity. We show a direct product result for all relations in this model in terms of a new complexity measure that we define. Our new measure is a generalization to nonproduct distributions, of the two-way product subdistribution bound of Jain et al. [2008]. Our direct product result therefore generalizes to nonproduct distributions, their direct product result in terms of the two-way product subdistribution bound. As an application of our new direct product result, we reproduce (via completely different arguments) strong direct product result for the set-disjointness problem which was previously shown by Klauck [2010]. We show this by proving that our new complexity measure gives a tight lower bound of Ω(
n
) for the set-disjointness problem on
n
-bit inputs (this strengthens the linear lower bound on the rectangle/corruption bound for set-disjointness shown by Razborov [1992]). In addition, we show that many previously known direct product results in this model are uniformly implied and often strengthened by our result.
Guarded Negation
Authors: Bárány Vince , Cate Balder Ten , Segoufin Luc
Published: July 2015

We consider restrictions of first-order logic and of fixpoint logic in which all occurrences of negation are required to be guarded by an atomic predicate. In terms of expressive power, the logics in question, called GNFO and GNFP, extend the guarded fragment of first-order logic and the guarded least fixpoint logic, respectively. They also extend the recently introduced unary negation fragments of first-order logic and of least fixpoint logic.

We show that the satisfiability problem for GNFO and for GNFP is 2ExpTime-complete, both on arbitrary structures and on finite structures. We also study the complexity of the associated model checking problems. Finally, we show that GNFO and GNFP are not only computationally well behaved, but also model theoretically: we show that GNFO and GNFP have the tree-like model property and that GNFO has the finite model property, and we characterize the expressive power of GNFO in terms of invariance for an appropriate notion of bisimulation.

Our complexity upper bounds for GNFO and GNFP hold true even for their “clique-guarded” extensions CGNFO and CGNFP, in which clique guards are allowed in the place of guards.
Polyhedral Clinching Auctions and the AdWords Polytope
Authors: Goel Gagan , Mirrokni Vahab , Leme Renato Paes
Published: July 2015

A central issue in applying auction theory in practice is the problem of dealing with budget-constrained agents. A desirable goal in practice is to design incentive compatible, individually rational, and Pareto optimal auctions while respecting the budget constraints. Achieving this goal is particularly challenging in the presence of nontrivial combinatorial constraints over the set of feasible allocations.

Toward this goal and motivated by AdWords auctions, we present an auction for
polymatroidal
environments satisfying these properties. Our auction employs a novel clinching technique with a clean geometric description and only needs an oracle access to the submodular function defining the polymatroid. As a result, this auction not only simplifies and generalizes all previous results, it applies to several new applications including AdWords Auctions, bandwidth markets, and video on demand. In particular, our characterization of the AdWords auction as polymatroidal constraints might be of independent interest. This allows us to design the first mechanism for Ad Auctions taking into account simultaneously budgets, multiple keywords and multiple slots.

We show that it is impossible to extend this result to generic polyhedral constraints. This also implies an impossibility result for multiunit auctions with decreasing marginal utilities in the presence of budget constraints.
Schaefer's Theorem for Graphs
Authors: Bodirsky Manuel , Pinsker Michael
Published: July 2015

Schaefer's theorem is a complexity classification result for so-called
Boolean constraint satisfaction problems
: it states that every Boolean constraint satisfaction problem is either contained in one out of six classes and can be solved in polynomial time, or is NP-complete.

We present an analog of this dichotomy result for the
propositional logic of graphs
instead of Boolean logic. In this generalization of Schaefer's result, the input consists of a set
W
of variables and a conjunction Φ of statements (“constraints”) about these variables in the language of graphs, where each statement is taken from a fixed finite set Ψ of allowed quantifier-free first-order formulas; the question is whether Φ is satisfiable in a graph.

We prove that either Ψ is contained in one out of 17 classes of graph formulas and the corresponding problem can be solved in polynomial time, or the problem is NP-complete. This is achieved by a universal-algebraic approach, which in turn allows us to use structural Ramsey theory. To apply the universal-algebraic approach, we formulate the computational problems under consideration as constraint satisfaction problems (CSPs) whose templates are first-order definable in the countably infinite random graph. Our method for classifying the computational complexity of those CSPs is based on a Ramsey-theoretic analysis of functions acting on the random graph, and we develop general tools suitable for such an analysis which are of independent mathematical interest.
Heat training increases exercise capacity in hot but not in temperate conditions: a mechanistic counter-balanced cross-over study
Authors: Keiser Stefanie , Flück Daniela , Hüppin Fabienne , Stravs Alexander , Hilty Matthias P. , Lundby Carsten
Published: July 2015

The aim was to determine the mechanisms facilitating exercise performance in hot conditions following heat training. In a counter-balanced order, seven males (V̇o2max 61.2 ± 4.4 ml·min−1·kg−1) were assigned to either 10 days of 90-min exercise training in 18 or 38°C ambient temperature (30% relative humidity) applying a cross-over design. Participants were tested for V̇o2max and 30-min time trial performance in 18 (T18) and 38°C (T38) before and after training. Blood volume parameters, sweat output, cardiac output (Q̇), cerebral perfusion (i.e., middle cerebral artery velocity [MCAvmean]), and other variables were determined. Before one set of exercise tests in T38, blood volume was acutely expanded by 538 ± 16 ml with an albumin solution (T38A) to determine the role of acclimatization induced hypervolemia on exercise performance. We furthermore hypothesized that heat training would restore MCAvmean and thereby limit centrally mediated fatigue. V̇o2max and time trial performance were equally reduced in T38 and T38A (7.2 ± 1.6 and 9.3 ± 2.5% for V̇o2max; 12.8 ± 2.8 and 12.9 ± 2.8% for time trial). Following heat training both were increased in T38 (9.6 ± 2.1 and 10.4 ± 3.1%, respectively), whereas both V̇o2max and time trial performance remained unchanged in T18. As expected, heat training augmented plasma volume (6 ± 2%) and mean sweat output (26 ± 6%), whereas sweat [Na+] became reduced by 19 ± 7%. In T38 Q̇max remained unchanged before (21.3 ± 0.6 l/min) to after (21.7 ± 0.5 l/min) training, whereas MCAvmean was increased by 13 ± 10%. However, none of the observed adaptations correlated with the concomitant observed changes in exercise performance.
Multipeak Mean Based Optimized Histogram Modification Framework Using Swarm Intelligence for Image Contrast Enhancement
Authors: Babu P. , Rajamani V. , Balasubramanian K.
Published: July 2015

A novel approach, Multipeak mean based optimized histogram modification framework (MMOHM) is introduced for the purpose of enhancing the contrast as well as preserving essential details for any given gray scale and colour images. The basic idea of this technique is the calculation of multiple peaks (local maxima) from the original histogram. The mean value of multiple peaks is computed and the input image’s histogram is segmented into two subhistograms based on this multipeak mean (mmean) value. Then, a bicriteria optimization problem is formulated and the subhistograms are modified by selecting optimal contrast enhancement parameters. While formulating the enhancement parameters, particle swarm optimization is employed to find optimal values of them. Finally, the union of the modified subhistograms produces a contrast enhanced and details preserved output image. This mechanism enhances the contrast of the input image better than the existing contemporary HE methods. The performance of the proposed method is well supported by the contrast enhancement quantitative metrics such as discrete entropy, natural image quality evaluator, and absolute mean brightness error.
Uncertainty Quantification in Application of the Enrichment Meter Principle for Nondestructive Assay of Special Nuclear Material
Authors: Burr Tom , Croft Stephen , Jarman Ken
Published: July 2015

Nondestructive assay (NDA) of special nuclear material (SNM) is used in nonproliferation applications, including identification of SNM at border crossings, and quantifying SNM at safeguarded facilities. No assay method is complete without “error bars,” which provide one widely used way to express confidence in assay results. NDA specialists typically partition total uncertainty into “random” and “systematic” components so that, for example, an error bar can be developed for the SNM mass estimate in one item or for the total SNM mass estimate in multiple items. Uncertainty quantification (UQ) for NDA has always been important, but greater rigor is needed and achievable using modern statistical methods. To this end, we describe the extent to which the guideline for expressing uncertainty in measurements (GUM) can be used for NDA. Also, we describe possible extensions to the GUM by illustrating UQ challenges in NDA that it does not address, including calibration with errors in predictors, model error, and item-specific biases. A case study is presented using gamma spectra and applying the enrichment meter principle to estimate the235U mass in an item. The case study illustrates how to update the ASTM international standard test method for application of the enrichment meter principle using gamma spectra.
Variations in Element Levels Accumulated in Different Parts ofBoletus edulisCollected from Central Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Wang Xue-Mei , Zhang Ji , Li Tao , Li Jie-Qing , Wang Yuan-Zhong , Liu Hong-Gao
Published: July 2015

ICP-AES and microwave assisted digestion were applied to determine P, Mg, Ca, Zn, Na, Cu, Ba, Ni, V, Cd, Sr, Co, and Li in the caps and stipes ofBoletus eduliscollected from six spatially distant sites in Yunnan province, China. Fruiting bodies of King Bolete are abundant in P, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, and Na, followed by Ba, Cd, Ni, V, Li, Sr, and Co. Contents of P, Mg, Zn, and Cu are more abundant in caps than in stipes of King Bolete. However, elements such as Na, Ba, Cd, Ni, V, Li, Sr, and Co prefer to accumulate in stipes of mushrooms from Yaoan, Chuxiong. The results of this study indicate that spatial variations of elements between caps and stipes are mainly related to different bedrock soil geochemistry and enrichment capability for various elements.
Gingival Cyst of the Adult as Early Sequela of Connective Tissue Grafting
Authors: Gil Escalante Mariana , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: July 2015

The subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is a highly predictable procedure with low complication rate. The reported early complications consist of typical postsurgical sequelae, such as pain and swelling. This case report describes the development and management of a gingival cyst following SCTG to obtain root coverage. Three weeks after SCTG procedure, a slightly raised, indurated, ~5 mm diameter asymptomatic lesion was evident. Excisional biopsy was performed and the histopathological evaluation confirmed the gingival cyst diagnosis. At the 1-year follow-up, the site had complete root coverage and normal tissue appearance and the patient remained asymptomatic.
Intramucosal Signet Ring Cell Gastric Cancer Diagnosed 15 Months after the Initial Endoscopic Examination
Authors: Taniuchi Keisuke , Ookawauchi Koji , Kumon Kento , Sumiyoshi Tatsuaki , Iwata Jun , Furihata Mutsuo , Nakamura Toshio , Uchiumi Junko
Published: July 2015

The size and shape of intramucosal signet ring gastric cancer in this case remained endoscopically unchanged for 15 months. Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy was performed, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed Ki-67 and p53 mutations to be negative in this case. Signet ring gastric cancer has long been thought to confer a worse prognosis than other forms of gastric cancer; however, our case did not progress to advanced gastric cancer for 15 months.
Swarm Intelligence-Based Smart Energy Allocation Strategy for Charging Stations of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Rahman Imran , Vasant Pandian M. , Mahinder Singh Balbir Singh , Abdullah-Al-Wadud M.
Published: July 2015

Recent researches towards the use of green technologies to reduce pollution and higher penetration of renewable energy sources in the transportation sector have been gaining popularity. In this wake, extensive participation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) requires adequate charging allocation strategy using a combination of smart grid systems and smart charging infrastructures. Daytime charging stations will be needed for daily usage of PHEVs due to the limited all-electric range. Intelligent energy management is an important issue which has already drawn much attention of researchers. Most of these works require formulation of mathematical models with extensive use of computational intelligence-based optimization techniques to solve many technical problems. In this paper, gravitational search algorithm (GSA) has been applied and compared with another member of swarm family, particle swarm optimization (PSO), considering constraints such as energy price, remaining battery capacity, and remaining charging time. Simulation results obtained for maximizing the highly nonlinear objective function evaluate the performance of both techniques in terms of best fitness.
Bioceramic Resonance Effect on Meridian Channels: A Pilot Study
Authors: Leung Ting-Kai , Chan Wing P. , Tai Chen-Jei , Cho Ting-Pin , Yang Jen-Chang , Lee Po-Tsung
Published: July 2015

Bioceramic is a kind of material which emits nonionizing radiation and luminescence, induced by visible light. Bioceramic also facilitates the breakup of large clusters of water molecules by weakening hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bond weakening, which allows water molecules to act in diverse ways under different conditions, is one of the key mechanisms underlying the effects of Bioceramic on biophysical and physical-chemical processes. Herein, we used sound to amplify the effect of Bioceramic and further developed an experimental device for use in humans. Thirteen patients who suffered from various chronic and acute illnesses that severely affected their sleep patterns and life quality were enrolled in a trial of Bioceramic resonance (i.e., rhythmic 100-dB sound waves with frequency set at 10 Hz) applied to the skin surface of the anterior chest. According to preliminary data, a “Propagated Sensation along Meridians” (PSM) was experienced in all Bioceramic resonance-treated patients but not in any of the nine control patients. The device was believed to enhance microcirculation through a series of biomolecular and physiological processes and to subject the specific meridian channels of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to coherent vibration. This noninvasive technique may offer an alternative to needle acupuncture and other traditional medical practices with clinical benefits.
Challenges and Management of Liver Cirrhosis: Pathophysiology of Renal Dysfunction in Cirrhosis
Authors: Solà Elsa , Ginès Pere
Published: July 2015

Kidney dysfunction is a common complication of patients with advanced cirrhosis and is associated with poor prognosis. Patients with advanced cirrhosis show circulatory dysfunction characterized by reduced systemic vascular resistance due to splanchnic arterial vasodilation, which is caused by portal hypertension. The progressive reduction in systemic vascular resistance leads to effective arterial hypovolemia. In order to maintain arterial pressure within normal limits in this setting, there is activation of systemic vasoconstrictor systems, including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous system and, in late stages, nonosmotic hypersecretion of vasopressin. Although these systems have positive effects in maintaining arterial pressure, they have a negative influence on kidney function, leading to the retention of sodium and solute-free water, and in late stages of the disease an intense kidney vasoconstriction develops, leading to decrease of the glomerular filtration rate and the development of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). Moreover, bacterial translocation and the existence of a systemic inflammatory state in patients with advanced cirrhosis may play a role in the impairment of circulatory function. HRS is a unique cause of kidney failure of functional origin that develops in patients with cirrhosis. However, besides HRS, patients with cirrhosis may develop kidney failure due to other causes, including bacterial infections, prerenal kidney failure, shock, use of nephrotoxic drugs or intrinsic kidney diseases. Considering the existence of circulatory dysfunction and some degree of kidney vasoconstriction, patients with advanced cirrhosis have fragile kidney function and are susceptible to easily developing kidney failure associated with other complications of the disease, particularly bacterial infections and gastrointestinal bleeding.
The Treatment of Hepatorenal Syndrome
Authors: Cavallin Marta , Fasolato Silvano , Marenco Simona , Piano Salvatore , Tonon Marta , Angeli Paolo
Published: July 2015

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe complication that often occurs in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. HRS is a functional renal failure that develops mainly as a consequence of a severe cardiovascular dysfunction which is characterized by an extreme splanchnic arterial vasodilation and a reduction of cardiac output. HRS may develop in two clinical types: as an acute and rapidly progressive renal failure (AKI-HRS) or as chronic and not progressive renal failure (CKD-HRS). Several small studies and some randomized control studies have been published on the use of terlipressin plus albumin in the treatment of HRS, mainly on AKI-HRS. Terlipressin plus albumin was shown to improve renal function in almost 35-45% of patients with AKI-HRS, as well as to improve short-term survival in these patients. Terlipressin was most commonly used by intravenous boluses moving from an initial dose of 0.5-1 mg every 4 h to 3 mg every 4 h in the case of a nonresponse. In other studies, terlipressin was also given by continuous intravenous infusion. Thus, the best way to administer terlipressin in the treatment of HRS has not yet been defined. α-Adrenergic drugs, such as intravenous norepinephrine or oral midodrine plus subcutaneous octreotide, administered with albumin have also been used in the treatment of AKI-HRS, with promising results. However, we need further studies in order to define whether they can represent a real therapeutic alternative. In conclusion, available data are sufficient to state that the use of terlipressin plus albumin has really changed the management of HRS. Nevertheless, some crucial unsolved issues still exist, in particular: (a) how to predict nonresponse to treatment, (b) how to manage nonresponse to treatment and (c) how to consider the response in those patients who are candidates for liver transplant in the priority allocation process.
Treatment of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Authors: Salerno Francesco , La Mura Vincenzo
Published: July 2015

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is an infection of patients with cirrhosis and ascites. This peculiarity is due to the frequent intestinal translocation that allows bacteria to cross the intestinal barrier, colonizing the ascitic fluid. In cirrhosis, SBP is inferior only to urinary tract infections. It is prevalently sustained by Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. Risk factors for developing SBP are advanced age, refractory ascites, variceal bleeding, renal failure, low albumin levels (below 2.5 g/ml), bilirubin over 4 mg/dl, Child-Pugh class C and a previous diagnosis of SBP. Thus, this is an indication for a long-term antibiotic prophylaxis with norfloxacin. Renal failure - especially the hepatorenal syndrome - complicates SBP in about 20% of cases independently of the efficacy of the antibiotic therapy. The mortality of these patients is about 90%. Infusion of albumin significantly reduces the incidence of hepatorenal syndrome and consequently the risk of death. Long-term quinolonic prophylaxis as well as increased antibiotic therapies are causing the emergence of multidrug-resistant agents as frequent causes of SBP. In such cases, the antibiotic sensitivity to quinolones is low, and European recommendations suggest a second-line antibiotic therapy, including meropenem or piperacillin plus tazobactam. Collection of blood, urine and ascitic fluid for cultures is important for bacterial recognition, possibly before starting an empirical antibiotic therapy. Indeed, the probability of positive cultures rapidly vanishes when they are performed during already implemented antibiotic administration. It is important to know that a failure of the first-line therapy is associated with an increased probability of death.
Diagnostic Importance of Selected Protein Serum Markers in the Primary Diagnostics of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Čapoun Otakar , Soukup Viktor , Kalousová Marta , Sobotka Roman , Pešl Michael , Zima Tomáš , Hanuš Tomáš
Published: July 2015

Objective: To determine a predictive model for the primary diagnosis of prostate cancer (PC) based on a multiple serum biomarker assay. Material and Methods: Between August 2011 and February 2013, a total of 387 prostate biopsies were performed. Serum or plasma concentrations of 22 biomarkers (neopterin, IGF-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, sarcosine, endoglin, TGF-β1, periostin, sPLA2-IIa, chromogranin A, ZAG2, clusterin, PSP94, PSP94bp, leptin, cathepsin D, hepsin, KLK11, PSMA, AMACR, CRISP3 and A1AT) were determined. Biomarker levels were correlated with the prostate biopsy results. Several statistical models for PC detection were created. Results: A total of 167 of the 373 evaluated patients (44.8%) were diagnosed with PC. None of the tested biomarkers reached statistical significance using the univariate analysis. However, the level of serum clusterin was not associated with any other tested parameter. Several basic models showed a higher positive predictive value than individual parameters. Addition of serum clusterin to the base model with prostate-specific antigen, digital rectal exam and prostate size significantly improved the area under curve value (0.723 vs. 0.716). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that multiple serum assays based on some promising markers may only have a limited practical benefit for the prediction of PC in the prostate biopsy.
The Role of Ghrelin in Senescence: A Mini-Review
Authors: Yin Yue , Zhang Weizhen
Published: July 2015

Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid hormone produced mainly by the X/A-like endocrine cells in gastric mucosa, has a widespread tissue distribution and diverse physiological functions such as hormonal, orexigenic, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, and immunological activities. Considerable evidence has suggested that ghrelin plays an important role in organism senescence or aging. The present review provides a comprehensive picture of this new development. We first reviewed the aging (senescence)-dependent reduction of ghrelin signaling, and then highlighted its relationship with the aging-associated alteration in food intake, energy metabolism, cardiovascular function, neurological activity, and adaptive immunity. Our literature review suggests that ghrelin is an innovative and promising agent in the treatment of these pathophysiological conditions associated with senescence.
Occult Tumor Cells in Lymph Nodes of Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review on Their Prevalence and Predictive Role
Authors: Tavares Amelia , Monteiro-Soares Matilde , Viveiros Fernando , Maciel Barbosa Jorge , Dinis-Ribeiro Mário
Published: July 2015

Background and Aims: The presence of lymph node (LN) metastasis is a key prognostic factor for gastric adenocarcinoma. However, even among patients without LN metastasis (N0), recurrence may occur. In some of these cases, occult tumor cells (OTC) are thought to play an important role. We aimed to determine the prevalence of OTC and its clinical relevance. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies in English published until September 2013 that addressed OTC prevalence and/or its clinical relevance. The studies were retrieved from the MEDLINE database. Results: We included 42 studies. The most frequently used methods for detecting OTC were immunohistochemical examination (IHC) and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a wide range of markers. Using IHC for OTC detection, in patients and in LN, the prevalence varied from 9 to 88% and 0.4 to 42%, respectively. With PCR, it ranged from 17 to 46% in patients, and from 3 to 33% in LN. In the studies assessing the predictive role of OTC in gastric cancer recurrence (n = 24), 8 studies found no statistical association, while 18 concluded that OTC presence was associated with poorer prognosis. However, only 6 studies presented a significantly different 5-year survival rate between patients with and without LN micrometastasis. Conclusions: OTC seems to occur in gastric cancer patients with a variable prevalence, depending on the definition, methods and setting. The majority of the retrieved studies (75%) evaluating the predictive role of OTC conclude that its presence is associated with a worse prognosis.
Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography-Assisted 27-Gauge Vitrectomy in Eyes with Vitreoretinal Diseases
Authors: Kunikata Hiroshi , Nakazawa Toru
Published: July 2015

Objective: To report intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT)-assisted 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) in eyes with vitreoretinal disease. Methods: A retrospective, interventional case series performed at a single center, including 6 eyes with retinal disease that underwent iOCT-assisted 27-gauge MIVS. Results: The advantages of iOCT were most notable when it was used to evaluate, in real time, different macular areas: the pre-macula, in vitreomacular traction or epiretinal membrane; the intra-macula, in macular edema or macular hole; and the sub-macula, in macular detachment. Real-time imaging and the minimization of shadows cast on the underlying tissues by the 27-gauge instrumentation made it possible to quickly select the best procedure at each critical juncture of the surgery. No patients experienced any complications. Conclusion: Real-time iOCT imaging during 27-gauge MIVS provided excellent intraoperative visualization of retinal tissues without causing significant obstructions to the surgeon. The positive feedback from the system allowed the surgeon to better judge the necessity of additional surgical procedures.
Processing modifier–head agreement in L1 and L2 Finnish: An eye-tracking study
Authors: Vainio Seppo , Pajunen Anneli , Hyönä Jukka
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the effect of first language (L1) on the reading of modifier–head case agreement in second language (L2) Finnish by native Russian and Chinese speakers. Russian is similar to Finnish in that both languages use case endings to mark grammatical roles, whereas such markings are absent in Chinese. The critical nouns were embedded in sentences, where the head noun was either preceded by an agreeing modifier or the modifier was absent. Readers’ eye fixation patterns were used as indices of online processing. Both natives and non-natives showed a facilitatory effect of agreement; reading head nouns was easier when they were preceded by an agreeing modifier. Typological distance in terms of the structural complexity of words between L1 and L2 did not influence the processing.
Innovative approach for the synthesis of benzoxazine-modified montmorillonite
Authors: Andronescu C. , Garea S. A. , Nicolescu A. , Deleanu C. , Eugeniu V. , Iovu H.
Published: July 2015

The synthesis of a benzoxazine (BZ) monomer inside the montmorillonite (MT) layers was done using a diamino-modified MT as the amine component, phenol, and formaldehyde. The formation of the BZ rings within the MT layers was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, this being enhanced when dioxane was used as the solvent. The morphology of the hybrid BZ monomer was investigated by scanning electron microscopy.
Bactericidal effect on Foley catheters obtained by plasma and silver nitrate treatments
Authors: Aflori Magdalena , Miron Camelia , Dobromir Marius , Drobota Mioara
Published: July 2015

New medical, materials, and surgical procedures keep improving current health-care practices. Many of these innovations involve polymeric devices that must meet certain clinical and cost requirements. Novel antimicrobial technologies and nanotechnologies are being implemented in more applications such as implant interphases, coatings, and others to avoid postoperatory infections. Here we present a novel approach to create antimicrobial surfaces on Foley catheters widely used in hospitals in order to avoid a variety of harms including infection, pain, and trauma. The combination of plasma and silver nitrate wet treatments demonstrates to be a fast, easy, and convenient method for obtaining colonization-resistant catheter surfaces.
Photophysical properties of some poly(siloxane–azomethine)s
Authors: Tigoianu Ionut Radu , Airinei Anton , Ribitsch Volker , Gruber Christian , Fifere Nicusor , Vlad Angelica , Cazacu Maria
Published: July 2015

The responsive optical properties of some poly(siloxane–azomethine)s incorporating 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone units (PSA1 and PSA2) toward various metal ions (nickel (Ni2+), copper (Cu2+), silver, zinc, ferric, manganese, calcium (Ca2+), chromium, cadmium, barium, magnesium, lead, mercury, strontium, and cobalt) were investigated by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence techniques. The fluorescence quenching has shown a significant deviation from the Stern–Volmer linearity due to the effect of combination of dynamic and static quenching for PSA1 in the presence of metal ions. Generally, the fluorescence decay is described by a two-exponential relation. The fluorescence of these PSAs was efficiently quenched by Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions, and these derivatives could be investigated as a promising system for the development of new sensors for the detection of Cu2+.
Relaxation behavior of flax-reinforced ethylene–propylene–diene rubber
Authors: Cristea Mariana , Airinei Anton , Ionita Daniela , Stelescu Maria Daniela
Published: July 2015

The molecular dynamics of flax-reinforced ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) composites, with increasing quantities of flax (EPDM0–EPDM20), was investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis. Multifrequency experiments were also performed in order to distinguish between the relaxation and the kinetic events. Also the time–temperature superposition was applied to the multifrequency results for obtaining the master curves. They were used to anticipate the behavior of the composites in time and to calculate the activation energies using the Williams–Landel–Ferry equation.
Private Management and Public Responsibility of Education of the Poor
Authors: Juneja Nalini
Published: July 2015

This paper presents an alternate explanation for the declining enrolments and dropouts from municipal primary schools. In the urban context, dropout has more usually been interpreted as a ‘preference for private/English-medium schools’. On the contrary, this paper points out; this ‘dropout’ could have been forced upon the poor by structural features introduced within the system of educational administration during the British period. Using evidence from studies of nine metropolitan cities, it is pointed out that the phenomenon of negative growth of enrolment at the primary stage is seen only in those cities where the next level of education is provided only/mainly through private-aided schools. Further, studies show that in Mumbai, the anxiety to ensure admission to aided secondary schools causes children to seek admission in aided secondary schools at the fee-charging primary stage itself. It is this manifested anxiety, this paper argues, that could be causing the observed phenomenon of low enrolment, dropout, etc. Thus, instead of representing a desire to leave schooling, the dropout could be likened to the backflow of smoke from a blocked chimney, seeking a way to progress upward. There is therefore a need to examine more closely the flows within the system of education, as also the role of subsidised private schools in providing continuity of education for children from municipal primary schools.
Consciousness and Structure in the Gramscian Perspective Part 2
Authors: Saldanha Denzil
Published: July 2015

This paper discusses Gramsci’s perspective on the role of consciousness in social and historical transformation and more specifically its implications in the sphere of education. It analyses Gramsci’s idea of the necessity of socio-economic and material foundations to develop a collective consciousness for intervention in social history. The paper examines the distinction between the conceptions of consciousness of the masses and ideological consciousness (organic/traditional intellectuals). It also provides an idea of how Gramsci’s epistemological theories and understanding of the development of consciousness in social history could be considered for research in the study of sociology of education.
Search for Educational Quality
Authors: Winch Christopher
Published: July 2015

This paper considers a popular way of looking at the quality of education as a system which receives ‘inputs’ and delivers ‘output’, i.e. what is put into the education system in terms of resources in the broadest sense, and. ‘output’ is what comes out of it in terms of knowledge, skill, understanding, attitude and virtue. The paper argues that this approach is not very helpful and obscures the key issues that any assessment of quality in education needs to address. We find that using the language of inputs and outputs means that we have to address both as they are inextricably entwined. Even when we use this language, important distinctions are missed.
Quality Concerns
Authors: Sarangapani Padma M.
Published: July 2015

The paper analyses the varying meanings of quality in policy discourse since the term’s appearance as an operational element in planning programmes for educational reform, in the Indian context. It argues that the narrowness of meaning now associated with the term has its origins in the management–accountability approach of western donor agencies to third world education, especially as State provided education is increasingly seen as limited to the poor. Such a minimalist conception leads to limiting the possibility of fundamental reform in education.
School Textbooks
Authors: Nawani Disha
Published: July 2015

This paper endeavours to make sense of the various ways in which textbooks have been analysed in India, and the manner in which their goodness or worth is ascertained, based on an exhaustive review of published and unpublished studies. It examines the evolution of criteria for textbook analysis and some of the concerns raised by important policy documents. Researches are classified into three broad type: text, text and the psychological world of the learner, text and the context, based on the extent to which they move beyond the text itself, to include additional dimensions of learner characteristics, classroom and social context. A conceptual framework is presented which could serve to enable future researchers in this field to locate their particular approach as well as relate it to other dimensions while determining ‘goodness’ of text and its pedagogic significance.
Between the Ethnic and the Market Agendas
Authors: Rao S. Srinivasa
Published: July 2015

Contestation, in access to higher education has become inevitable as there is an increasing demand for limited places. The market–driven process of globalisation has accentuated these contestations in developing societies such as Malaysia where earlier strategies adopted were intended to include the hitherto historically excluded ethnic and racial groups, while new strategies aim to meet the requirements of an emerging labour market, industry and the global system of higher education. In this context, the paper discusses the impact of market–driven neoliberal reforms and the ethnicity based affirmative action policies on Malaysian higher education and society.
Europeanization of Energy and Climate Policy
Authors: Tews Kerstin
Published: July 2015

In the course of the post-2020 climate and energy policy framework debate, the European Commission opened a new round in tackling a longstanding governance dilemma between European market integration and member states’ discretion to develop policies according to domestically legitimized preferences. Motivated by ensuring welfare gains from an internal market, the attempts at the European Union level to strictly harmonize national support schemes for renewables ignore costs induced by the heterogeneity of preferences in member states. This article argues for a more flexible approach in coordinating respective energy policies: It might be reasonable to consider more strictly harmonized support schemes for large-scale projects of European relevance. However, there is still a need for less harmonized policies in order to give the necessary room for experimentation with innovations suited to the diverse member states’ preferences and societal risk perceptions.
Print-related practices in low-income Latino homes and preschoolers’ school-readiness outcomes
Authors: Schick Adina R , Melzi Gigliana
Published: July 2015

This study examined literacy practices in the homes of 127 low-income Latino preschoolers enrolled in bilingual preschool classrooms. Specifically, we investigated the print-related practices that Latino primary caregivers engaged in with their preschool-aged children at the start of the school year and explored the relation between these practices and children’s language, literacy, and social–emotional school-readiness outcomes at the end of the preschool year. The results demonstrate the importance of print – including books and non-book-related environmental print – for Latino preschool children’s development of early literacy and self-regulation skills. In addition, the results highlight that when sharing picture books with their children, low-income Latino caregivers provided the majority of the information to their children, and ask few questions of them, thereby adopting a sole-narrator participatory role. Interestingly, the manner in which caregivers shared the books with their children was not related to child outcomes. The results are discussed in relation to the importance of enhancing Latino caregivers’ culturally preferred print-related practices as a means of fostering their preschoolers’ language, literacy, and social–emotional development.
Presumption of Incompetence
Authors: Rood Carrie E. , Kanter Arlene , Causton Julie
Published: July 2015

This article describes the potential impact that state guardianship laws may have on the transition planning process for students identified with intellectual and developmental disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Improvement Act. The authors utilize a disability studies framework to describe how the goals of transition planning under the IDEIA –which promote autonomy and independence– appear to be in direct conflict with the goal of guardianship laws –which is to remove from young adults all or some decision making authority over their own lives. The appointment of guardians for students at the age of majority necessarily limits opportunities for students to develop decision making skills, just at the time in their lives when they should be supported by teachers and school staff to become self-determined adults. The presumption of competency as an underlying approach to all students with disabilities is discussed, and which, if used, will assist teachers, family members, and students themselves in better preparing for and successfully meeting the goals of the IDEIA. The authors suggest that parents, families and educational professionals need to be made aware of alternatives to guardianship that position the student at the center of the decision-making process in order to ensure that the goals of the IDEIA are realized for each student.
Estimating the contribution of infrastructure to national productivity in Europe
Authors: Thoung Chris , Tyler Peter , Beaven Rachel
Published: July 2015

While there is much interest in understanding the contribution that investment in different types of infrastructure can make to the economic development of cities, regions and nations, such research is constrained by various methodological difficulties. Following the approach of Égert, Kozluk and Sutherland (2009), this paper seeks to identify whether countries might be over- or under-investing in infrastructure relative to other forms of capital investment, from the point of view of raising productivity. While subject to various limitations (and also highlighting the continuing data constraints in this area), such an analysis provides a consistent and comparable basis on which to assess whether countries might benefit from additional infrastructure investment or, conversely, whether they might in fact stand to gain from alternative forms of fixed capital formation.

The article analyses five types of infrastructure in the 27 Member States of the European Union (prior to 2013), Norway and Switzerland. We find some evidence of over-investment in electricity-generation capacity (investment in other forms of capital would likely yield higher productivity returns) and under-investment in roads, motorways and telephone infrastructure (there is potential for greater productivity growth from investing in these infrastructures). The evidence of a relationship between rail investment and productivity is less clear. While the results suggest that countries might stand to improve their national productivity by shifting the balance between infrastructure and other capital, higher productivity is not a country’s only objective. Resilient infrastructure provision and/or upgrades with a view to pursuing other objectives such as climate-change mitigation may take precedence, necessitating at least some degree of ‘non-optimal’ investment.
Implementation of the Peer-Led Team-Learning Instructional Model as a Stopgap Measure Improves Student Achievement for Students Opting Out of Laboratory
Authors: Snyder Julia J. , Carter B. Elijah , Wiles Jason R.
Published: July 2015

In entry-level university courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, students participating in associated laboratory sessions generally do better than those who have no related lab classes. This is a problem when, for various reasons, not enough lab sections can be offered for students and/or when students opt out of optional available lab courses. Faced with such a situation, this study evaluated the efficacy of the peer-led team-learning (PLTL) instructional model as a potential method for narrowing the achievement gap among undergraduate students electing not to enroll in an optional laboratory component of an introductory biology course. In peer-led workshops, small groups of students participated in solving problems and other activities that encouraged active learning. Students led by peer leaders attained significantly higher exam and final course grades in introductory biology than comparable students not participating in PLTL. Among the introductory biology students who opted not to enroll in the optional lab course, those who participated in PLTL averaged more than a letter grade higher than those who did not. This difference was statistically significant, and the PLTL workshops almost entirely closed the achievement gap in lecture exam and final grades for students who did not take the lab.
Building National Capacity for Research Mentor Training: An Evidence-Based Approach to Training the Trainers
Authors: Pfund Christine , Spencer Kimberly C. , Asquith Pamela , House Stephanie C. , Miller Sarah , Sorkness Christine A.
Published: July 2015

Research mentor training (RMT), based on the published Entering Mentoring curricula series, has been shown to improve the knowledge and skills of research mentors across career stages, as self-reported by both the mentors engaged in training and their mentees. To promote widespread dissemination and empower others to implement this evidence-based training at their home institutions, we developed an extensive, interactive, multifaceted train-the-trainer workshop. The specific goals of these workshops are to 1) increase facilitator knowledge of an RMT curriculum, 2) increase facilitator confidence in implementing the curriculum, 3) provide a safe environment to practice facilitation of curricular activities, and 4) review implementation strategies and evaluation tools. Data indicate that our approach results in high satisfaction and significant confidence gains among attendees. Of the 195 diverse attendees trained in our workshops since Fall 2010, 44% report implementation at 39 different institutions, collectively training more than 500 mentors. Further, mentors who participated in the RMT sessions led by our trained facilitators report high facilitator effectiveness in guiding discussion. Implications and challenges to building the national capacity needed for improved research mentoring relationships are discussed.
Test-Enhanced Learning: The Potential for Testing to Promote Greater Learning in Undergraduate Science Courses
Authors: Brame Cynthia J. , Biel Rachel
Published: July 2015

Testing within the science classroom is commonly used for both formative and summative assessment purposes to let the student and the instructor gauge progress toward learning goals. Research within cognitive science suggests, however, that testing can also be a learning event. We present summaries of studies that suggest that repeated retrieval can enhance long-term learning in a laboratory setting; various testing formats can promote learning; feedback enhances the benefits of testing; testing can potentiate further study; and benefits of testing are not limited to rote memory. Most of these studies were performed in a laboratory environment, so we also present summaries of experiments suggesting that the benefits of testing can extend to the classroom. Finally, we suggest opportunities that these observations raise for the classroom and for further research.