bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shiga Toxin Producing Escherichia coli in Chile
Authors: M. Vidal Roberto , Onate Angel , C. Salazar Juan , Prado Valeria
Published: November 2012

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are emerging pathogens worldwide. Infections
associated with STEC have a broad clinical spectrum from asymptomatic infections, acute diarrhea, dysenteric
diarrhea and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Some serotypes of STEC are highly virulent for humans due to the
presence of two cytotoxins (Stx1, Stx2) and a pathogenicity island called Locus of Enterocyte Effacement (LEE),
which is responsible for the adherence to intestinal epithelium, mainly through the intimin protein encoded by eae
gene. Other factors have been implicated in virulence, e.g., the products of the efa1, iha, hylA, lpf and saa genes,
which are encoded in the genomes of O157 and non-O157. In Chile, STEC Non-O157 serogroups are the most
important cause of STEC infections. It has been found that the presence of these specific genes is more relevant
than is that of the serogroup. In Chile, a high rate of STEC isolations in swine and bovines as asymptomatic
carriers has been reported. Therefore the Chilean Ministry of Health has incorporated STEC as an agent under
surveillance. Recently, samples from swine and bovines at slaughter were analyzed and, interestingly, only the
bovine carrying STEC exhibited the virulence genes found in human isolates. Several strategies have been
proposed to prevent STEC colonization in the animal host, where findings following vaccination with proteins
from the LEE locus are encouraging. Thus,, DNA vaccines have been used as a novel strategy, and the
immunized animals have shown a strong lymphocyte proliferation against bacterial antigens.
Escherichia coli Animal Reservoirs, Transmission Route and Animal Disease
Authors: F Pestana de Castro Antonio , Bentancor Adriana , C Mercado Elsa , Cataldi Angel , E Parma Alberto
Published: November 2012

Pathogenic Escherichia coli comprise several pathotypes which are able to carry out different
manifestations in animals and humans. Some strains cause zoonotic diseases, affecting both animals and humans,
while others use the animal as a carrier only, becoming pathogenic for it only circumstantially. A greater
understanding of the role of reservoirs, virulence characteristics of the E. coli strains they carry, and transmission
routes is necessary for developing methods of epidemiology, control and prevent infectious diseases caused by E.
coli.
Fungal Lignocellulolytic Enzymes: Applications in Biodegradation and Bioconversion
Authors: Pérez Juana , Moraleda-Muñoz Aurelio
Published: November 2012

Lignocellulosic materials as industrial, agricultural, and forest residues account for the majority of the
total renewable biomass present on Earth. Some fungi are equipped with potent enzymatic systems involved in
the hydrolysis or oxidation of these biopolymers. Herein, we provide an update of lignocellulose biodegradation
processes and the main biotechnological applications of lignocellulolytic fungi or their enzymes in
biotransformation and biodegradation of wastes, and in the conversion of biomass into valuable products.
Genomic and Proteomic Analyses Provide Insights into the Potential of Filamentous Fungi for Biomass Degradation
Authors: Marie Francois Jean , Guais Olivier
Published: November 2012

Fungi are metabolically versatile organisms in Nature, existing either as free-living species, in
association with other species, e.g. lichens, mycorrhiza, or as pathogens in animals and plants. They are
characterized by their notable ability to degrade a wide variety of complex polysaccharides and recalcitrant waste
organic materials. Their attractiveness in Biotechnology comes from the remarkable capacity to secrete a wide
spectrum of enzymes that are used in food and for biomass degradation, as well as to produce a variety of
secondary metabolites ranging from human therapeutics (e.g. antibacterial and antifungal agents) to specialty
chemicals such as polyketides and organic acids. This minireview is mainly focused on filamentous fungi as a
mycofactory for enzyme production dedicated for plant biomass (lignocellulose, hemicelluloses) degradation. As
several filamentous fungi relevant to this industrial application have been recently sequenced, we will first
provide an overview on the main fungal genome sequences, pointing out that 7 to 12 % of the gene content of
these genomes codes for secreted proteins, collectively termed as the ‘secretome’, among which a significant
proportion encodes putative ‘Carbohydrate-Active enzymes’. In the second part, we will review how the
exoproteome, which represents the set of secreted proteins in the medium, has been initially characterized, and
then show that a combination of computational, transcriptomic and proteomics methods is the most effective
approach to reveal the reliability of predicted secretomes. At this stage, two major observations can be made.
Firstly, the exoproteome of a fungus is strongly tied to its culture conditions and/or nutrient source. Secondly, and
more interestingly, a catalog of genes encoding putative Carbohydrate Active enzymes greater than ever expected
has been revealed from genome sequencing. Moreover, transcriptome analyses of filamentous fungi cultivated
under cellulolytic/hemicellulolytic conditions have shed light on an impressive collection of upregulated genes
encoding putative secreted proteins with yet uncharacterized function. Altogether, these new findings show that
there is still a long way to go for a comprehensive understanding of the fungal secretome, which is the basis for a
rational development of optimized strains in white biotechnology.
Mold-Fermented Foods: Penicillium spp. as Ripening Agents in the Elaboration of Cheese and Meat Products
Authors: Chávez Renato , Fierro Francisco , O. García-Rico Ramón , Laich Federico
Published: November 2012

Fungi have been used to elaborate fermented foods by many cultures throughout the world since
ancient times. Many filamentous fungi are currently used in food processing both in eastern and western
countries. As food processors, filamentous fungi participate in different aspects during the elaboration of the
product, contributing to its ripening, avoiding the growth of undesirable molds and bacteria, and providing the
product with characteristic flavors and colors. Penicillium is the fungal genus most frequently found on foods,
and some species are used in the food industry for elaboration of different products. This review will focus on
three Penicillium species widely used in the western world as starter cultures/food processors. P. nalgiovense is
frequently isolated from meat products, mainly dry fermented sausages. In recent years, this species has acquired
biotechnological importance in the meat industry, due to its widespread use as starter culture. After inoculation
with a suspension of asexual spores, P. nalgiovense develops on the product surface a typical homogeneous
whitish thin layer of mycelium during the curing/ripening process. This mycelium contributes significantly to the
product flavor, regulates moisture loss, and prevents the development of potentially mycotoxigenic fungal
species. P. camemberti is the ripening agent of Camembert and Brie cheeses. It produces several enzymes,
including exo- and intracellular proteases, some of which involved in casein hydrolysis during cheese ripening
and thus contributing to the development of flavor and texture, and an alkalyne lipase able to hydrolyze monoand
diacylglycerols, which produces free fatty acids that are important for the organoleptic properties of these
cheese varieties. P. roqueforti is one of the most frequently isolated fungus on cheese due to particular
physiological features that allow it to colonize the inner part of the product, and plays a crucial role in the
ripening of the so-called blue cheeses. Its strong proteolytic and lipolytic activities are responsible for the typical
organoleptic features of these cheeses. In addition, during the ripening process P. roqueforti produces andrastins
(A-D), compounds with antitumoral properties which inhibit the protein farnesyltransferase enzyme.
Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
Authors: Enersen Morten
Published: November 2012

Periodontal diseases are a group of pathological conditions of the supporting tissues of
the teeth. They are generally accepted as polymicrobial infections elicited by a complex of
bacterial species that interact with the release of a broad array of inflammatory cytokines,
chemokines and mediators from the host, some of which lead to destruction of the structures of
the periodontium and alveolar bone [1]. The purpose of this chapter is to give the reader a brief
overview of factors which are considered as risk factors for development of periodontal diseases.
Oral Bacteria in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Olsen Ingar
Published: November 2012

The present chapter focuses on oral bacteria detected in cardiovascular diseases. It
starts describing the diversity of the bacterial flora in the mouth and in the blood stream,
invasion of bacteria in coronary artery cells, bacteria of coronary artery walls, bacteria of
atheromas/atherosclerotic lesions, bacteria of aneurysms, and bacteria in aortic valve stenosis
and infective endocarditis. The review ends with concluding remarks on the possible
significance of oral bacteria in cardiovascular diseases.
Biological Mechanisms: Platelets and Bacteria - Current Scientific Evidence and Methods of Analyses
Authors: W. Kerrigan Steven , Cox Dermot
Published: November 2012

There is a growing awareness of the role of oral pathogens in cardiovascular
disease. Chronic oral disease such as periodontitis, leads to inflammation and bleeding of the
gums. This bleeding provides a viable portal of entry for the bacteria to the circulation. Once
in the circulation oral bacteria can interact with circulating platelets. Their ability to support
platelet adhesion and induce platelet aggregation are critical steps in the pathogenesis of the
infective process. Oral bacteria use multiple mechanisms to interact with, and activate
platelets thus contributing to cardiovascular disease. This chapter will review the various
mechanisms oral bacteria use to interact with platelets.
The Global Petroleum Picture
Authors: Rapier Robert
Published: November 2012

For over 100 years, petroleum has played a key role in the global energy picture. Sharp increases in the
price of petroleum can bring on recession and bankrupt industries in petroleum-importing countries, while at the
same time providing huge windfalls for exporting countries. The twenty-first century, however, will see
petroleum's share of the global energy portfolio diminish as global production begins to decline. A number of
candidates will vie to take over as petroleum’s dominance fades. The renewable candidates include renewable
distillates and ethanol. The energy investment required to produce a renewable fuel will be an important measure
for determining how sustainable these fuels can be if petroleum is no longer enabling their production.
The Economics of Biofuels, Food, and the Environment
Authors: Zilberman David , Rajagopal Deepak , Sexton Steven , Hochman Gal , Serra Teresa
Published: November 2012

This chapter provides optimal welfare economics policies that incorporate some of the recent developments
that led to the introduction of biofuels and policies to manage biofuel, food, and fossil-fuel allocation. Our model
suggests that (1) globalization contributes to higher food and fuel prices by increasing incomes, (2) the introduction of
biofuels puts extra pressure on prices that can be alleviated only through the adoption of innovation and enhanced
supply, and (3) optimal policies include carbon taxes and subsidies for fuel security. Policy making is not as general
and comprehensive as the welfare economics model suggests. Rather, it is piecemeal and adaptable. We argue that
major biofuel policies, such as biofuel mandates, tariffs on imported biofuels, and the renewable fuel standard, can be
explained as the outcome of a policy that tries to maximize fuel security, subject to budgetary, behavioral, and
environmental constraints. Our analysis suggests that some of the impacts of biofuels on food prices as well as
deforestation can be mitigated if regulations and incentives that slow the adoption of modern agricultural technologies
are modified and the capacity to adopt biofuels is expanded. Finally, biofuel policies are in a transitional stage and will
need to be modified once a more comprehensive policy to address climate change has been established.
Measuring the Subsidy Component of Biofuel Tax Credits and Exemptions
Authors: M. Kliauga Erika , de Gorter Harry , R. Just David
Published: November 2012

The subsidy component of biofuel policies is complicated because of the forward linkage to oil markets.
The subsidy associated with tax exemptions is overestimated because consumers purchase fuel for mileage, but fuel
taxes are based on volume. Furthermore, the policies of one country establish the link between biofuel and oil prices,
so tax exemptions in other countries subsidize gasoline consumption and do not directly increase biofuel prices. The
gap between the intercept of the ethanol supply curve and the oil price means part of the subsidy is benefitting no
one. As a result, countries like Brazil do not subsidize ethanol production as much as it would appear.
Critical Economic Factors for Success of a Biomass Conversion Plant for Agricultural Residue, Yard Residue, and Wood Waste in Fl
Authors: R. Granja Ivan , J. Vansickle John , Ingram Lonnie , Weldon Richard
Published: November 2012

This model evaluates the potential success of a cellulosic ethanol plant in Florida. Critical economic
factors of the plant were simulated to assess the feasibility of this project. These critical factors include the
feedstock to be used, the cost of the facility, transportation costs, and the discount rate for the net present value
(NPV). Results and observations are presented in this chapter.
The Economic Feasibility of Electricity Generation from Biomass on the South Plains of Texas
Authors: Liu Xiaolan , Farmer Michael , Capareda Sergio
Published: November 2012

This study explores the economic feasibility of bio-energy generation from agricultural waste biomass
in order to complement local nucleus business by meeting specific market demand for electricity. With GIS maps
combined with production location analysis, we identify the locations of appropriate sites (groups) and associated
volumes of cotton gin waste (CGW). Based on the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, we
estimate the probability distribution of CGW supply, which is an important factor in economic models to search
optimal firm scales. Sensitivity analysis and cost/benefit analysis also are conducted. We find convincing
evidence that onsite gasification has positive profit margins for generating electricity to meet higher-valued peak
power contracts, self consumption, and incidental sale, but bio-oil production using pyrolysis may be too
expensive for generating electricity using bio-oils in the study region.
Biofuels and the Transformation of Agriculture: The Case of Climate Change Policy Instruments
Authors: De La Torre Ugarte Daniel , Hellwinckel Chad
Published: November 2012

Biofuel expansion can create positive conditions for improving food security and environmental
performance in two significant ways: (1) it would create higher commodity prices that would allow investments
within the agricultural sector for poverty reduction, food security, and greater environmental performance and (2) it
would accentuate the benefits of properly designed climate policy. In both circumstances, we emphasize that the
policies enacted along with biofuel expansion must be designed to create positive benefits. POLYSYS, an economic
model of the U.S. agricultural sector, is used to show an example of implementing correctly designed climate policy
in conjunction with biofuels policy to lead to greater carbon reduction than with either policy alone.
The Italian Demand for Imported Virgin Olive Oil: A Threshold Almost Ideal Demand System Approach
Authors: Ben Kaabia Monia , M.Gil Jose
Published: November 2012

This paper analyses the import demand for virgin olive oil in Italy, which concentrates more than 80%
of European Union (EU) imports. More precisely, it aims at determining the relative position of Mediterranean
EU and non-EU countries exports in the Italian market and their degree of substitutability or complementarities.
The methodology used is based on the specification of a Threshold Almost Ideal Demand System (TAIDS) in
which special attention has been paid to the stochastic properties of the series involved. In an empirical context,
the paper aims at providing a set of import demand elasticities that can be useful in trade policies. Results point to
Spain as the leader in the Italian virgin olive oil market. It is expected that this position will be maintained in the
future. Greece has improved its relative position after its accession into the EU. However, imports coming from
Greece are highly dependent on the situation in Spain. Tunisia has good potential for future exports development
as a consequence of new perspectives of trade liberalisation taking into account its relative position in the Italian
market, in spite of its current exports constraints due to existing quotas.
Means-end Chain Analysis of Food Products with Origin Quality Labels: An Application to Wine with Designation of Origin
Authors: Barrena Ramo , Sanchez Mercedes
Published: November 2012

For some agro-food companies, a product-positioning strategy based on product origin or a specific
production method has become a viable option in increasingly globalized settings. The adoption of this approach
to create added value for consumer products nevertheless requires balanced consideration of objective productperformance
factors and the subjective judgments of potential consumers. This study sets out to analyze
relationships between origin-based differentiation features of food products and the personal values on which
consumers base their purchase decisions by applying means-end chain methodology through an interviewing
technique known as laddering. The resulting proposal is that food-product positioning or communication
strategies should not be based on attributes alone, but should also consider consumer personality factors. The
study uses the wine market, where many of the products are differentiated by means of origin quality labels, to
measure the relative impact of objective and subjective (or emotional) factors on the purchase decision, taking
consumption frequency into account. The results show that regional sentiment and quality issues dominate the
choice process, while consumption is associated with a sense of belonging and hedonic benefits. Consumers less
interested in DO-labelled wine pay less attention to quality cues and product differentiation factors.
Is There a Future Market for Genetically Modified Food? An Analysis from Southern Spain Consumer Preferences
Authors: Rodriguez-Entrena Macario , Sayadi Samir
Published: November 2012

Genetically modified (GM) foods have generated intensely negative consumer attitudes in the European
Union (EU); so the concerns about food safety and environmental conservation have increased. Based on a survey of
448 people, an empirical application in the southern Spain is presented. Firstly, some questions regarding food safety
and quality are raised in order to know consumer’s concerns about these issues. Secondly, the Conjoint Analysis
(CA) method is applied to estimate consumer’s preferences structure in relation to a hypothetical genetically
modified (GM) cornflakes cereal, as an alternative of real product. Later, to analyze the sensitivity of the attributes
considered in the experimental design, which characterized the GM cornflakes cereal, market shares have been
simulated. Finally, market segments based on consumer’s preferences for the GM cereal are identified by means of
Cluster analysis. The main results indicate that consumers prefer the conventional ones, despite the advantages
offered in the research by GM cornflakes. Notwithstanding, consumers reject the 2nd generation of GM foods less
than the 1st generation ones. In this regard, the GM cornflakes enriched with Omega-3 would get a relevant market
share in the future. Additionally, findings show that five market segments have been determined. Two segments
called “Anti-GM” and “Extremely Anti-GM” show the highest resistant to purchase products derived from genetic
engineering. On the contrary two segments are related to the GM food accepters (“Pro-GM”; “Pro-2nd GM”) and the
last one focuses on the price (“Price sensible and indifferent quality”).
Global Crisis and Agricultural Public Spending in Kenya: A SAM Multiplier Approach
Authors: Sassi Maria
Published: November 2012

This paper focuses on Kenya with the purpose of understanding the role of public spending in the primary
sector in addressing the current food crisis and in contributing to overall economic growth and alleviating poverty and
food insecurity according to the first Millennium Development Goal. The empirical investigation, based on the 2003
Social Accounting Matrix, integrates two distinguished models - the unconstrained and constrained multiplier
models - for a better characterisation of the country’s economic linkages in a context of international market
volatility. Results point to the potential positive impact of government intervention in agriculture on economic
development and its limits, particularly with reference to the growth-equity nexus.
Measuring the Relative Efficiency of Bank Branches: The Case of the Agricultural Bank of Greece
Authors: N. Rezitis Anthony , Pailas Alexande , A. Kalantzi Maria
Published: November 2012

This paper investigates the relative efficiency of a sample of 19 bank branches of the Agricultural Bank
of Greece for the years 2002 and 2003 by using data envelopment analysis. The present study uses the
intermediation approach to define bank inputs and outputs. The empirical results indicate that 36.8% of the bank
branches operated fully efficiently in both years. In addition, the results indicate that for the input-oriented DEA
the mean efficiency levels are 81.9% and 79% for the years 2002 and 2003, respectively, while for the outputoriented
DEA the mean efficiency levels are 129.9% and 135.7% for the years 2002 and 2003, respectively. The
efficiency performance is also related to the profitability performance. It is found that several bank branches
operated at low efficiency levels and meliorated profitability standards. Another issue that is analyzed is the
procedure for changing the levels of inputs and outputs to increase the branching efficiency. The results indicate
that the branching efficiency can be increased by reducing loans whose payback is delayed for over 180 days.
Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed, which indicates that efficiency is rather more sensitive to loans whose
payback is delayed for over 180 days and to commission fees and other non-interest incomes.
A Wading Component in the Origin of Hominin Bipedalism
Authors: Algis V. Kuliukas
Published: November 2012

For over 150 years the field of palaeo-anthropology has grappled with several problems of understanding human evolution, notably those explaining key differences between human beings and our most closely related species, the African great apes. The first difference to be explained, perhaps in terms of importance but certainly in terms of chronology, is our bipedality.

This chapter will review the models of hominin bipedal origins published to date, and categorize them, as was done by Rose [1], by the adaptive mechanism being suggested. In addition, it will propose a new evaluative framework against which each model may be assessed and compared. In this evaluation, published wading models appear to be among the strongest although they are among the least well reported in university-level text books, a discrepancy attributed here to their association with the so-called ‘ aquatic ape hypothesis’ (AAH). Despite their apparent strengths, published wading models do nevertheless contain weaknesses. This chapter addresses a few of those weaknesses either theoretically or through studies, such as one obtaining new empirical data comparing the energy efficiency of different bipedal gaits in water. Furthermore, a series of falsifiable predictions of the wading hypothesis are made about the postcranial anatomy of australopithecines.

The chapter concludes by proposing a specific timescale and ecological niche where such wading behavior could have provided a stable evolutionary scenario in early hominins that is compatible with the fossil record and other models of human evolution.
Aquatic Scenarios in the Thinking on Human Evolution: What are they and How do they Compare?
Authors: Algis V. Kuliukas  , Elaine Morgan
Published: November 2012

Missing in the literature to date is a concise description of the various scenarios proposing that human evolution was affected, to some extent, by selection from wading, swimming and diving through water. Most of it tends to focus on just one such scenario, first proposed by Hardy [1] and promoted by Morgan [2-6], which suggested that a more aquatic interlude was contemporaneous with, and probably caused, the split between Pan and Homo, and was followed by a U-turn back to a fully terrestrial life. Although theirs is still the most wellknown, it is not the only one. Other scenarios, for example that proposed by Verhaegen et al. [7-11], differ quite markedly in timescale, the proposed degree and mode of aquatic selection, and in terms of the evidence used in support. This Chapter reports more than ten such ideas and summarizes six aquatic scenarios and clarifies the differences between them. It also identifies a common thread between them, and uses it to propose a new label and definition for them.
Kainic Acid Induced Seizures and Brain Damage: Mechanism and Relevant Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Tang Feng Ru , Kato Koichi , Loke Weng Keong
Published: November 2012

By the systemic (i.p., s.c., or i.v.) or local intracerebral injection of kainic acid (KA) into different regions of the brain of experimental animals, status epilepticus and brain damage are induced. After a latent period, progressive neuronal loss, axon sprouting and rewiring, and spontaneously recurrent seizures occurred, which are similar to the pathogenesis of the human temporal lobe epilepsy. Hence, KA models have been considered to be suitable for clarifying the mechanism of onsets of spontaneously recurrent seizures in human and for evaluating or screening anti-epileptic drugs. In this paper, we will review different seizure models induced by KA and its relevant neuropathological changes, discuss possible mechanisms for seizure generation and summarize current therapeutic approaches to control seizures and neuropathological changes. Hopefully, it will shed light on better understanding the mechanism of epiletogenesis in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, and provide some clues for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to effectively control human intractable epilepsy.
Introduction
Authors: V. Arabadzhi Vladimir
Published: November 2012

In this chapter we formulate the basic principles of the approach used in this book. In the beginning we
present a brief description of known traditional passive and active approaches to the problem of “invisibility” of
physical bodies in the wave fields of various physical genesis. All these approaches can be reduced to a
combination of linear electric circuits with constant parameters. Due to the physical conditions of far propagation,
the wavelengths of incident waves retain of the constant order for many years. We consider the contemporary
achievements of electronic actuators and sensors: growth of rapidity and decreasing of geometrical sizes of
actuators and sensors together with the growth of speed and accuracy of computer calculations present the stable
technological tendency. What benefit we could get from this progress in solution of above mentioned problems?
Below we consider several simplest solutions of one-dimensional boundary value problems. The suggested
control algorithms use fast parametric and fast logical operations. Therefore, these algorithms can not be reduced
to a combination of linear electric circuits with constant parameters (as in traditional approaches above). Control
algorithms suggested are characterized by spatial locality and temporal locality of control. This means, for
instance, that we need not know the period and wavelength of incident wave for effective control.
Absorption Maximization
Authors: V. Arabadzhi Vladimir
Published: November 2012

The effect of resonant absorption of long waves by the oscillator of little sizes is investigated analytically
and numerically. This effect means that absorption cross-section of the oscillator (monopole, dipole...) is defined by
wavelength absorbed only, and does not depend on wave geometrical dimensions (much smaller, than the
wavelength absorbed) of the oscillator. The expression of optimum amplitudes of excitation of the group of degrees
of freedom (or oscillators) in the boundary problem of general type is obtained in the form of generalized velocities
and generalized forces. Using linear microstructures (formed by monopoles, which are located on the axis
periodically) we investigated the possibility to achieve maximum absorption cross-section of the acoustic waves by
these microstructures of small wave dimensions. We consider the examples of linear microstructures, which provide
unlimited logarithmic, linear and square growing of the total absorption cross-section, with growing of the quantity
of elements (monopoles) in the linear microstructure with wave dimensions remaining small. The examples of
cooperative and the individual strategies of absorbing oscillators are also compared.
Approach of Transparent Body: Active Suppression of Radiation and Acoustical Scattering Fields, Produced by Some Physical Bodies in Liquids
Authors: V. Arabadzhi Vladimir
Published: November 2012

An algorithm for the suppression of the radiation and scattering fields created by vibration of the
smooth closed surface of a body of arbitrary shape placed in a liquid is designed and analytically explored. The
frequency range of the suppression allows for both large and small wave sizes on the protected surface. An active
control system is designed that consists of: (a) a subsystem for fast formation of a desired distribution of normal
oscillatory velocities or displacements (on the basis of pulsed Huygens' sources, Section 4.6) and (b) a subsystem
for catching and targeting of incident waves on the basis of a grid (one layer) of monopole microphones,
surrounding the surface to be protected (Section 4.7). The efficiency and stability of the control algorithm are
considered. The algorithm forms the control signal during a time much smaller than the minimum time scale of
the waves to be damped. The control algorithm includes logical and nonlinear operations, thus excluding
interpretation of the control system as a traditional combination of linear electric circuits, where all parameters
are constant (in time). This algorithm converts some physical bodies placed in a liquid into one that is transparent
to a special class of incident waves. The active control system needs accurate information on its geometry, but
does not need either prior or current information about the vibroacoustical characteristics of the protected surface,
which in practical cases represent a vast amount of data. Joint suppression of radiating and scattering field by a
coating of controlled thickness is considered. The problems of suppressing the sound field generated by a
vibrating body in a liquid are considered in another representation too. For solving these problems, an
acoustically thin active coating with a real-time thickness control is proposed (Section 4.8). The coating should be
placed directly on the surface of the body to be protected. Solutions to the problems of suppressing the radiation
and scattering of sound by a body are obtained in the general form based on linear operators, which characterize
(i) the sound radiation by a vibrating surface, (ii) the scattering of incident waves by a fixed surface, and (iii) the
vibroelastic properties of the body in an acoustic vacuum. Conditions ensuring the stability of the active system
are formulated. Forming of directions of zero scattered by minimum tools is considered too.
Acoustical Sources of One-sided Radiation
Authors: V. Arabadzhi Vladimir
Published: November 2012

In monochromatic description (sections 5.1, 5.2), the results of the studies of the physical
characteristics of unidirectional acoustic sources used in active sound control systems are presented. A discrete
unidirectional source in the form of two phased monopoles (section 5.1) and a planar array of such unidirectional
sources is considered (section 5.2.1). One-dimensional boundary-value problems with two (the two-point problem)
and three (the three-point problem) controlled parallel planar boundaries between homogeneous media with
arbitrary impedances are studied (sections 5.2.2-5.2.6). The boundaries (two or three) are subjected to the action
of external forces. The case of the zero sum of external forces applied to the controlled boundaries corresponds to
a supportless unidirectional source (SUS). It is shown that a unidirectional source can be created within the twopoint
boundary-value problem, whereas a supportless unidirectional source can be created within the three-point
problem (sections 5.2.5, 5.2.6). Such parameters such as transparency, small size, absence of support, and broad
frequency band can be achieved for a unidirectional source in the form of two piezoelectric layers with the same
impedance and velocity of sound as those of the surrounding medium (5.2.7-5.2.9). The aspects of linearity of the
transparent SUS and its application to active sound control problems are described (sections 5.2.10, 5.2.11). A
spatially one-dimensional model of a plane active double layer between two homogeneous elastic half-spaces is
studied analytically in temporal representation (section 5.3). The layer synthesizes a preset smooth trajectory of
the controlled boundary between the media without any mechanical support. The outer layer of the coating is
piezoelectric, and the inner layer is a polymer that is transparent for low-frequency sound and opaque for highfrequency
sound because of dissipation. An algorithm for controlling the piezoelectric elements of the layer on
the basis of signals from surface particle velocity sensors is proposed (section 5.3.6), and a method for measuring
the particle velocity is developed simultaneously (section 5.3.9). Conditions of stability and efficiency of the
synthesis are formulated (section 5.3.7). It is shown that the active layer thickness can be much smaller than the
wavelength corresponding to the minimal time scale of the boundary trajectory to be formed. The accuracy of the
trajectory synthesis depends on the accuracy of measuring, computing, and actuating elements of the system but
does not depend on the vibroacoustic characteristics of the half-spaces separated by the active layer or on the
presence of smooth waves in these half-spaces. For the synthesis to be efficient, the operating frequency band and
the dynamic range of sensors and actuators should be many times greater than the frequency band and the
dynamic range of the trajectory to be formed.
Index
Authors: V. Arabadzhi Vladimir
Published: November 2012

Full text available.
Researching Special Schools: A Poststructuralist Approach
Authors: Davies Bronwyn , Laws Cath
Published: November 2012

This work involves developing the capacity to apply poststructuralism in a place where other
discourses are dominant. I examine the educational practices used in a special school for those students
who are read as unmanageable and too violent to be maintained in mainstream/regular schooling. In this
chapter, I examine ways of collecting data in a poststructural frame, and ways of making the discursive
practices of the special school more visible. I discuss the difficulties of working in a poststructuralist
way and examine issues of anonymity for the students who were part of my study. I then discuss the
theoretical framework, which is particularly informed by the work of Foucault. During the period of my
study, I was the principal of the school in which the study was undertaken.
Discourses at Work: Examining the Dominant Discourses in the Special Education of Students Positioned as Emotionally/Behavioural
Authors: Davies Bronwyn , Laws Cath
Published: November 2012

As detailed in Chapter 1, Researching special schools: a poststructuralist approach, this
work explores the capacity to apply poststructuralism, in theory and in practice, in a setting where other
discourses are dominant. I focus on my own work as principal in the context of a special education
school where I worked with students categorised as ‘emotionally/behaviourally disordered’. I analyse
the discourses that inform this kind of work, both from the position of one who inevitably took them up,
even becoming expert in them, and from a Foucauldian position of critique which sets out to render
these discourses less able to be taken up.

This chapter explores some of these discourses, in particular the ideas and practices around the
management of students’ behaviour. I scrutinise the dominant practices at work in a special school, and
in regular schools, to understand better the ways children and young people come to be subjected as
‘students’ and so come to desire to be the best possible students they can be. I then examine the
educational/psychological processes used to inform the work of teachers who work with students who
are read as failing to take up appropriate performances as manageable students.
The Bad: Being Positioned as ‘Bad’ and Counteracting that Positioning
Authors: Davies Bronwyn , Laws Cath
Published: November 2012

As detailed in Chapter 1, Researching special schools: a poststructuralist approach, this
work explores the capacity to apply poststructuralism, in theory and in practice, in a setting where other
discourses are dominant. I focus on my own work as principal in the context of a special education
school where I worked with students categorised as ‘emotionally/behaviourally disordered’. I analyse
the discourses that inform this kind of work, both from the position of one who inevitably took them up,
even becoming expert in them, and from a Foucauldian position of critique which sets out to render
these discourses less able to be taken up.

In this chapter I use Foucault’s work on discipline and punishment to make sense of the discipline
practices that are at work in schools such that most students in mainstream schools ‘get it right’ at being
good students and come to desire getting it right. I then explore the workings of punishment for those
students in mainstream schools who perform ‘bad’ behaviour yet remain in mainstream/regular schools.
This exploration is used to gain insight into the ways students in the special school, by contrast, perform
‘bad’ behaviour in such ways that they are read as ‘abnormally bad’ and confined even to the margins
in a special school.
A Balancing Act? The Implications of Mixed Strategies for Performance Measurement System Design
Authors: Dekker Henri C. , Groot Tom , Schoute Martijn
Published: November 2012

This paper examines how firms design performance measurement systems (PMSs) to support the pursuit of mixed strategies. In particular, we examine the implications of firms' joint strategic emphasis on both low cost and differentiation for their use of performance measurement and incentive compensation. Analysis of survey data of 387 firms shows that more than half of the sample to some extent or fully mixes strategic priorities, while strategic priorities resembling strategic archetypes (primarily low cost or differentiation) populate only 36 percent of the sample. Our analyses support that, as compared to archetypal strategies, pursuing mixed strategies elicits design of more comprehensive and complex PMSs that are aimed at balancing effort and decisions toward the multiple strategies pursued.
Decreased Reactivity of Skin Microcirculation in Response to l-Arginine in Later-Onset Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Neubauer-Geryk Jolanta , Kozera Grzegorz M. , Wolnik Bogumil , Szczyrba Sebastian , Nyka Walenty M. , Bieniaszewski Leszek
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to evaluate the vasodilatory effect of l-arginine infusion on the skin microcirculation and to assess the relationship between this effect and the presence of microangiopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Capillaroscopy was performed before and after l-arginine infusion in 48 diabetic patients (26 women and 22 men; age, 39.8 ± 6.3 years) and 24 volunteers free of any chronic disease (13 women and 11 men; age, 38.0 ± 6.7 years). The skin microcirculation reactivity, as expressed by the percentage of area covered by capillaries (coverage) and the distance between capillaries (distance), and the relationship between microcirculation reactivity and the presence of microangiopathic complications were assessed.

RESULTS

The distance before l-arginine infusion was significantly lower in patients than in controls (221 [153–311] vs. 240 [185–356] µm; P = 0.02) and did not differ after l-arginine infusion (223.5 [127–318] vs. 242.5 [181–341] µm; P = 0.27). The difference between the coverage values obtained before and after l-arginine infusion (Δcoverage) was significantly different from zero in the control group but not in the diabetes group. Patients with later onset of diabetes were characterized by decreased skin microcirculation reactivity when compared with patients with earlier onset of diabetes (−1.18 [−5.07 to 11.60] vs. 1.36 [−6.00 to 8.06]; P = 0.02) despite the higher prevalence of retinopathy in patients with earlier onset of diabetes (64% vs. 26%; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Skin microvascular reactivity is impaired in patients with later onset of type 1 diabetes. Capillaroscopy with l-arginine infusion is useful for the identification of skin microangiopathy in type 1 diabetes.
Population-Based Cohort Analyses of the Bidirectional Relationship Between Type 2 Diabetes and Depression
Authors: Chen Pei-Chun , Chan Yen-Ting , Chen Hua-Fen , Ko Ming-Chung , Li Chung-Yi
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

This study addresses the strength of association for the bidirectional relationship between type 2 diabetes and depression.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used two cohort studies with the same source of database to determine the link between depression and type 2 diabetes. The data analyzed included a random sample of 1 million beneficiaries selected from the National Health Insurance claims in 2000. The analysis of diabetes predicting the depression onset consisted of 16,957 diabetic patients and the same number of sex- and age-matched nondiabetic control subjects. The analysis of depression predicting diabetes onset included 5,847 depressive patients and 5,847 sex- and age-matched nondepressive control subjects. The follow-up period was between 2000 and 2006, and onset of end points was identified from ambulatory care claims. The Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusted for potential confounders was used to estimate relative hazards.

RESULTS

The first cohort analysis noted an incidence density (ID) of 7.03 per 1,000 person-years (PY) and 5.04 per 1,000 PY for depression in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects, respectively, representing a covariate-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.43 (95% CI 1.16–1.77). The second cohort analysis noted an ID of 27.59 per 1,000 PY and 9.22 per 1,000 PY for diabetes in depressive and nondepressive subjects, respectively. The covariate-adjusted HR was stronger at 2.02 (1.80–2.27) for incident diabetes associated with baseline depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The two cohort studies provided evidence for the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and depression, with a stronger association noted for the depression predicting onset of diabetes.
Generic Medications and Blood Pressure Control in Diabetic Hypertensive Subjects
Authors: Cummings Doyle M. , Letter Abraham J. , Howard George , Howard Virginia J. , Safford Monika M. , Prince Valerie , Muntner Paul
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

To investigate temporal improvements in blood pressure (BP) control in subjects with diabetes and policy changes regarding generic antihypertensives.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a cross-sectional study we used logistic regression models to investigate the temporal relationship between access to generic antihypertensive medications and BP control (<130/80 mmHg) in 5,375 subjects (mean age, 66 ± 9 years; 61% African American) with diabetes and hypertension (HTN) enrolled in the national Results from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study between 2003 and 2007. At enrollment, BP was measured and medications in the home determined by medication label review by a trained professional. Generic antihypertensive medication status was ascertained from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

RESULTS

The percentage of subjects accessing generically available antihypertensive medications increased significantly from 66% in 2003 to 81% in 2007 (P < 0.0001), and the odds of achieving a BP <130/80 mmHg in 2007 was 66% higher (odds ratio 1.66 [95% CI 1.30–2.10]) than in 2003. Nevertheless, <50% of participants achieved this goal. African American race, male sex, limited income, and medication nonadherence were significant predictors of inadequate BP control. There was no significant relationship between access to generic antihypertensives and BP control when other demographic factors were included in the model (0.98 [0.96–1.00]).

CONCLUSIONS

Among African American and white subjects with HTN and diabetes, BP control remained inadequate relative to published guidelines, and racial disparities persisted. Although access to generic antihypertensives increased, this was not independently associated with improved BP control, suggesting that poor BP control is multifactorial.
Heterogeneity in Phenotype of Usher-Congenital Hyperinsulinism Syndrome
Authors: Al Mutair Angham N. , Brusgaard Klaus , Bin-Abbas Bassam , Hussain Khalid , Felimban Naila , Al Shaikh Adnan , Christesen Henrik T.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the phenotype of 15 children with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) and profound hearing loss, known as Homozygous 11p15-p14 Deletion syndrome (MIM #606528).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Prospective clinical follow-up and genetic analysis by direct sequencing, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, and microsatellite markers.

RESULTS

Genetic testing identified the previous described homozygous deletion in 11p15, USH1C:c.(90+592)_ABCC8:c.(2694–528)del. Fourteen patients had severe CHI demanding near-total pancreatectomy. In one patient with mild, transient neonatal hypoglycemia and nonautoimmune diabetes at age 11 years, no additional mutations were found in HNF1A, HNF4A, GCK, INS, and INSR. Retinitis pigmentosa was found in two patients aged 9 and 13 years. No patients had enteropathy or renal tubular defects. Neuromotor development ranged from normal to severe delay with epilepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

The phenotype of Homozygous 11p15-p14 Deletion syndrome, or Usher-CHI syndrome, includes any severity of neonatal-onset CHI and severe, sensorineural hearing loss. Retinitis pigmentosa and nonautoimmune diabetes may occur in adolescence.