bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed‐sided individuals with neuroticism sustain more unintentional injuries in India
Authors: Mandal Manas K. , Sabharwal Amri , Misra Indiwar , Suman Shanti , Suar Damodar
Published: November 2011

Previous research has shown a positive association between unintentional injury liability and non‐right‐handedness (especially mixed‐handedness). Research has also shown neuroticism to be one of the main predictors of unintentional injuries. In the present study we investigated the relationship of the three variables—frequency of unintentional injuries, side bias, and neuroticism. Further, the study aimed at extending the findings of previous studies establishing a relationship between non‐right‐handedness and unintentional injuries to a similar pattern in other domains of side bias—footedness, eyedness, and earedness. Data were collected from a large sample (N = 3474) using the side bias questionnaire, the shorter version of Maudsley's Personality Inventory, and an unintentional injury checklist. Results revealed positive correlations between the frequency of unintentional injuries and mixed‐sidedness, followed by left‐sidedness and right‐sidedness in each of the four domains of side bias. Furthermore, an increase in the frequency of unintentional injuries was observed for mixed‐sided and left‐sided individuals with higher levels of neuroticism.
Genetic variation for tolerance to acidic water in salmonids
Authors: Gjedrem T. , Rosseland B. O.
Published: November 2011

Water pH is an important factor affecting the general water quality as well as quality traits in fishes, and the magnitude of the effect varies among species. The massive and negative effect of acidification of rivers and lakes became evident during the 1960s and 1970s and caused the depletion of fish stocks in several countries in the northern hemisphere. Significant variation in tolerance to acidic water has been documented among salmonid species, and large genetic variation has been identified among strains of brown trout Salmo trutta, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. For S. trutta, S. fontinalis and S. salar, there is considerable additive genetic variation in tolerance to acidic water, with heritabilities (h2) ranging from 0·09 to 0·27 for dead eyed‐eggs (the period most sensitive to low pH). The main reasons for depletion of freshwater fish stocks are discussed.
The rod to L‐form transition of Bacillus subtilis is limited by a requirement for the protoplast to escape from the cell wall sacculus
Authors: Domínguez‐Cuevas Patricia , Mercier Romain , Leaver Mark , Kawai Yoshikazu , Errington Jeff
Published: November 2011

L‐forms are variants of common bacteria that can grow and proliferate without a cell wall. Little is known about their molecular cell biology but they undergo a remarkable mode of proliferation that is independent of the normally essential FtsZ‐dependent division machinery. We have isolated a strain of Bacillus subtilis that can quickly and quantitatively convert from the walled to the L‐form state. Analysis of the transition process identified an unexpected ‘escape’ step needed for L‐form emergence from the rod. Mutations in two different genes, walR and sepF, contribute to the high frequency of escape: walR, a transcriptional regulator involved in cell wall homeostasis; and sepF, required for accurate and efficient cell division. Time‐lapse imaging shows that the mutations act by facilitating the release of the L‐form from its walled parent cell but that they act in different ways. The walR mutation renders the activity of the protein partially constitutive, inappropriately upregulating the activity of autolytic enzymes that weaken the cell wall. The sepF mutation probably works by perturbing the formation of a properly constructed division septum, generating a mechanical breach in the wall. The new strain provides a powerful experimental system for studying the genetics and cell biology of L‐forms.
Modern management of primary B‐cell immunodeficiencies
Authors: Hoernes Miriam , Seger Reinhard , Reichenbach Janine
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Hoernes M, Seger R, Reichenbach J. Modern management of primary B‐cell immunodeficiencies. Pediatr Allergy Immunology 2011: 22: 758–769.

B‐cell defects constitute the majority of primary immunodeficiencies. Although a heterogeneous group of diseases, all are characterized by the reduction in or absence of immunoglobulins and/or specific antimicrobial antibodies. Substitution of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is therefore the mainstay of treatment. While from the late 1970s, the intravenous route of administration was the most common, in the past decades, subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement therapy has become more popular among patients and physicians. Independently of the optimal route of administration, dosage and IgG trough level remain subjects of debate. Higher IgG trough levels seem to improve the protection against recurrent infections and thus better prevent complications such as bronchiectasis. Some patients, however, achieve protection with IgG trough levels on the lower IgG limit of healthy persons. Therefore, an individual protective IgG trough level needs to be defined for each patient. Use of additional prophylactic antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs differs amongst specialized immunodeficiency centres and clearly requires future investigation in multi‐centre trials. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is to date indicated as curative treatment in certain patients with B‐cell defects associated with cell deficiencies, for example in two class‐switch recombination defects and in selected severe forms of common variable immunodeficiency.
Causes of mortality in South American fur seal pups (Arctophoca australis gracilis) at Guafo Island, southern Chile (2004–2008)
Authors: Seguel Mauricio , Pavés Héctor , Paredes Enrique , Schlatter Roberto
Published: November 2011

Abstract

As part of population dynamics studies of the South American fur seal (Arctophoca australis gracilis) rookery at Punta Weather in Guafo Island (43°36'S, 74°43’W), the causes and extent of pup mortality were monitored. During four breeding seasons, daily counts of live and dead pups were carried out to determine pup production and pup mortality. Dead pups were retrieved from the rookery to perform necropsies. The mean pup production was 1,735.5 ± 336 pups and the mean pup mortality up to 12 wk old was 6.0%± 2.6%. The major causes of death were enteritis with microscopic lesions of bacteremia (28.4%), starvation (23.5%), drowning (21%), trauma (19.8%), and stillbirths (2.5%). Enteritis with microscopic lesions of bacteremia, and starvation had higher incidence during January (beginning and middle of the breeding season) while most trauma and drowning occurred during February (end of the breeding season). In the 2006–2007 breeding season there was an increase in mortality due to starvation and trauma. Most pup deaths at Guafo Island are generated by extrinsic factors; therefore, additional studies that assess the impact of environmental changes and fishing activities, are needed in order to determine the exact causes of the decline of this species along Chilean coasts.
Navier–Stokes and Potential Calculations of Axial Spacing Effect on Vortical and Potential Disturbances and Gust Response in an Axial Compressor
Authors: Chung M.-H. , Wo A. M.
Published: November 2011

The effect of blade row axial spacing on vortical and potential disturbances and gust response is studied for a compressor stator/rotor configuration near design and at high loadings using two-dimensional incompressible Navier–Stokes and potential codes, both written for multistage calculations. First, vortical and potential disturbances downstream of the isolated stator in the moving frame are defined; these disturbances exclude blade row interaction effects. Then, vortical and potential disturbances for the stator/rotor configuration are calculated for axial gaps of 10, 20, and 30 percent chord. Results show that the potential disturbance is uncoupled locally; the potential disturbance calculated from the isolated stator configuration is a good approximation for that from the stator/rotor configuration upstream of the rotor leading edge at the locations studied. The vortical disturbance depends strongly on blade row interactions. Low-order modes of vortical disturbance are of substantial magnitude and decay much more slowly downstream than do those of potential disturbance. Vortical disturbance decays linearly with increasing mode except very close to the stator trailing edge. For a small axial gap, e.g., 10 percent chord, both vortical and potential disturbances must be included to determine the rotor gust response.
Three-Dimensional Navier–Stokes Computation of Turbine Nozzle Flow With Advanced Turbulence Models
Authors: Luo J. , Lakshminarayana B.
Published: November 2011

A three-dimensional Navier–Stokes procedure has been used to compute the three-dimensional viscous flow through the turbine nozzle passage of a single-stage turbine. A low-Reynolds-number k–ε model and a zonal k-ε/ARSM (algebraic Reynolds stress model) are utilized for turbulence closure. The algebraic Reynolds stress model is used only in the endwall region to represent the anisotropy of turbulence. A four-stage Runge–Kutta scheme is used for time integration of both the mean-flow and the turbulence transport equations. For the turbine nozzle flow, comprehensive comparisons between the predictions and the experimental data obtained at Penn State show that most features of the vortex-dominated endwall flow, as well as nozzle wake structure, have been captured well by the numerical procedure. An assessment of the performance of the turbulence models has been carried out. The two models are found to provide similar predictions for the mean flow parameters, although slight improvement in the prediction of some secondary flow quantities has been obtained by the ARSM model.
Design Method for Turbomachine Blades With Finite Thickness by the Circulation Method
Authors: Jiang J. , Dang T.
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a procedure to extend a recently developed three-dimensional inverse method for infinitely thin blades to handle blades with finite thickness. In this inverse method, the prescribed quantities are the blade pressure loading and the blade thickness distributions, and the calculated quantity is the blade mean camber line. The method is formulated in the fully inverse mode whereby the blade shape is determined iteratively using the flow-tangency condition along the blade surfaces. Design calculations are presented for an inlet guide vane, an impulse turbine blade, and a compressor blade in the two-dimensional inviscid- and incompressible-flow limit. Consistency checks are carried out for these design calculations using a panel analysis method and the analytical solution for the Gostelow profile.
Onset of Thermogravitational Convection in a Ferrofluid Layer With Temperature Dependent Viscosity
Authors: Shivakumara I. S. , Lee Jinho , Nanjundappa C. E.
Published: November 2011

The onset of thermogravitational convection in a horizontal ferrofluid layer is investigated with viscosity depending exponentially on temperature. The bounding surfaces of the ferrofluid layer are considered to be either stress free or rigid-ferromagnetic and insulated to temperature perturbations. The resulting eigenvalue problem is solved numerically using the Galerkin technique and also by a regular perturbation technique for different types of velocity boundary conditions, namely free-free, rigid-rigid, and lower rigid- upper free. It is observed that increasing the viscosity parameter, Λ, and the magnetic number, M1, is to hasten the onset of ferroconvection, while the nonlinearity of fluid magnetization, M3, is found to have no influence on the stability of the system. The critical stability parameters are found to be the same in the limiting cases of either no magnetic forces or no buoyancy forces.
Mechanism of Amphotericin B Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Leishmania donovani
Authors: Purkait Bidyut , Kumar Ashish , Nandi Nilay , Sardar Abul Hasan , Das Sushmita , Kumar Sudeep , Pandey Krishna , Ravidas Vidyananda , Kumar Manish , De Tripti , Singh Dharmendra , Das Pradeep
Published: November 2011

The clinical value of amphotericin B, the mainstay therapy for visceral leishmaniasis in sodium antimony gluconate-nonresponsive zones of Bihar, India, is now threatened by the emergence of acquired drug resistance, and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms is the need of the hour. We have selected an amphotericin B-resistant clinical isolate which demonstrated 8-fold-higher 50% lethal doses (LD
50
) than an amphotericin B-sensitive strain to explore the mechanism of amphotericin B resistance. Fluorimetric analysis demonstrated lower anisotropy in the motion of the diphenylhexatriene fluorescent probe in the resistant strain, which indicated a higher fluidity of the membrane for the resistant strain than for the sensitive strain. The expression patterns of the two transcripts of
S
-adenosyl-
l
-methionine:C-24-Δ-sterol methyltransferase and the absence of ergosterol, replaced by cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3β-ol in the membrane of the resistant parasite, indicate a decreased amphotericin B affinity, which is evidenced by decreased amphotericin B uptake. The expression level of MDR1 is found to be higher in the resistant strain, suggesting a higher rate of efflux of amphotericin B. The resistant parasite also possesses an upregulated tryparedoxin cascade and a more-reduced intracellular thiol level, which helps in better scavenging of reactive oxygen species produced by amphotericin B. The resistance to amphotericin B was partially reverted by the thiol metabolic pathway and ABC transporter inhibitors. Thus, it can be concluded that altered membrane composition, ATP-binding cassette transporters, and an upregulated thiol metabolic pathway have a role in conferring amphotericin B resistance in clinical isolates of
Leishmania donovani
.
Pregnancy-Related Effects on Tenofovir Pharmacokinetics: a Population Study with 186 Women
Authors: Benaboud Sihem , Hirt Déborah , Launay Odile , Pannier Emmanuelle , Firtion Ghislaine , Rey Elisabeth , Bouazza Naïm , Foissac Frantz , Chappuy Hélène , Urien Saik , Tréluyer Jean Marc
Published: November 2011

According to the European AIDS Clinical Society, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate can be used in HIV-infected pregnant women if started prior to pregnancy, although no data are available on the pharmacokinetics of tenofovir (TFV) during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to describe TFV pharmacokinetics in HIV-infected women and to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on TFV disposition. Samples were collected according to a therapeutic drug monitoring in 186 women, including 46 pregnant women treated with TFV and retrospectively analyzed by a population approach. TFV pharmacokinetics were ascribed to an open two-compartment model with linear absorption and elimination. The mean population parameter estimates (between-subject variability) were as follows: absorption rate constant, 0.56 h
−1
; elimination clearance, 59.9 liters h
−1
(0.436); central volume of distribution, 552 liters (1.96); intercompartmental clearance, 172 liters/h; and peripheral volume of distribution, 1,390 liters. Pregnant women had a 39% higher apparent clearance compared to nonpregnant women. Apparent clearance significantly decreased with age. In order to obtain an exposure similar to the known exposure in adults and guarantee similar trough concentrations (
C
min
) as observed in adults, an increase in the TFV dose should be considered for women from the second trimester to delivery.
Evaluation of Telavancin Activity versus Daptomycin and Vancomycin against Daptomycin-Nonsusceptible Staphylococcus aureus in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Steed Molly E. , Vidaillac Céline , Rybak Michael J.
Published: November 2011

Daptomycin-nonsusceptible (DNS)
Staphylococcus aureus
strains have been reported over the last several years. Telavancin is a lipoglycopeptide with a dual mechanism of action, as it inhibits peptidoglycan polymerization/cross-linking and disrupts the membrane potential. Three clinical DNS
S. aureus
strains, CB1814, R6212, and SA-684, were evaluated in an
in vitro
pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model with simulated endocardial vegetations (starting inoculum, 10
8.5
CFU/g) for 120 h. Simulated regimens included telavancin at 10 mg/kg every 24 h (q24h; peak, 87.5 mg/liter;
t
1/2
, 7.5 h), daptomycin at 6 mg/kg q24h (peak, 95.7 mg/liter;
t
1/2
, 8 h), and vancomycin at 1 g q12h (peak, 30 mg/liter;
t
1/2
, 6 h). Differences in CFU/g between regimens at 24 through 120 h were evaluated by analysis of variance with a Tukey's
post hoc
test. Bactericidal activity was defined as a ≥3-log
10
CFU/g decrease in colony count from the initial inoculum. MIC values were 1, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/liter (telavancin), 4, 2, and 2 mg/liter (daptomycin), and 2, 2, and 2 mg/liter (vancomycin) for CB1814, R6212, and SA-684, respectively. Telavancin displayed bactericidal activities against R6212 (32 to 120 h; −4.31 log
10
CFU/g), SA-684 (56 to 120 h; −3.06 log
10
CFU/g), and CB1814 (48 to 120 h; −4.9 log
10
CFU/g). Daptomycin displayed initial bactericidal activity followed by regrowth with all three strains. Vancomycin did not exhibit sustained bactericidal activity against any strain. At 120 h, telavancin was significantly better at reducing colony counts than vancomycin against all three tested strains and better than daptomycin against CB1814 (
P
< 0.05). Telavancin displayed bactericidal activity
in vitro
against DNS
S. aureus
isolates.
ON THE PRESERVATION OF SEMIORDERS FROM THE FUZZY TO THE CRISP SETTING
Authors: INDURÁIN E. , MARTINETTI D. , MONTES S. , DÍAZ S. , ABRÍSQUETA F. J.
Published: November 2011

Different definitions of the concept of a fuzzy semiorder are compared. It is proved that their α-cuts are crisp binary relations that may fail to be Ferrers and semitransitive, in general. Consequently, we analyze the preservation of semiorders when coming back from the fuzzy to the crisp setting using α-cuts. In the final sections, a discussion is developed about the extension to the fuzzy setting of the concept of a threshold of utility discrimination, and its corresponding numerical representability of fuzzy semiorders by means of the representability of their α-cuts as crisp binary relations.
RECONSIDERING THE APPLICATION SCOPE OF FUZZY NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: YEN EVA C.
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we first examine limitations of fuzzy neural networks. We find the following. (1) If training errors are the main concerns, Spline can perform better than the generalized dynamic fuzzy neural network (GD-FNN). (2) If the model is nonlinear with a disturbance term, the testing error of the GD-FNN is very large. If the model is chaotic with a disturbance term, both the training error and testing error of the GD-FNN are very large. (3) Using a sequential algorithm as in the GD-FNN, we would always be trapped at the local minima rather than the global minimum. In addition, we propose to use the characteristics among moments and fuzzy rules to identify the density function in advance.
Unconscious and Conscious Processing of Color Rely on Activity in Early Visual Cortex: A TMS Study
Authors: Railo Henry , Salminen-Vaparanta Niina , Henriksson Linda , Revonsuo Antti , Koivisto Mika
Published: November 2011

Chromatic information is processed by the visual system both at an unconscious level and at a level that results in conscious perception of color. It remains unclear whether both conscious and unconscious processing of chromatic information depend on activity in the early visual cortex or whether unconscious chromatic processing can also rely on other neural mechanisms. In this study, the contribution of early visual cortex activity to conscious and unconscious chromatic processing was studied using single-pulse TMS in three time windows 40–100 msec after stimulus onset in three conditions: conscious color recognition, forced-choice discrimination of consciously invisible color, and unconscious color priming. We found that conscious perception and both measures of unconscious processing of chromatic information depended on activity in early visual cortex 70–100 msec after stimulus presentation. Unconscious forced-choice discrimination was above chance only when participants reported perceiving some stimulus features (but not color).
Design, manufacture, and evaluation of traction features on sprint footwear using laser sintered nylon-12 sole units
Authors: Vinet A , Caine M P
Published: November 2011

A novel method for incorporating traction features within sprint shoe sole units using laser sintered nylon-12 was investigated. The design, manufacture, and mechanical testing of the sprint shoe sole units are detailed. Three proof-of-principle concept sole units, incorporating traction features typically embodied in commercially available sprint shoes, were developed and manufactured using laser sintered nylon-12 and assembled with standard sprint shoe uppers. The traction properties of both commercially available and laser sintered outsoled sprint shoes were tested on a bespoke rig. Under the prescribed testing conditions, the laser sintered outsoled sprint shoes compared favourably with the commercially available sprint shoes, with the laser sintered concept shoes generating mean peak traction forces to within 15 per cent of those exhibited by an individual commercially available sprint shoe. The results indicate the potential to create a fully functional sprint shoe sole unit using laser sintering technologies, and thereby to create one-off sprint shoes for athletes, is viable in terms of the shoe being able to provide traction levels close to conventional sprint shoes. However, as the strain rates encountered during sprinting are considerably higher than in the test methods implemented, further human performance testing is recommended.
Prioritizing WHO normative work on maternal and perinatal health: a multicountry survey
Authors: Coltart Cordelia EM , Souza João Paulo , Gülmezoglu Ahmet M
Published: November 2011

Background

WHO develops evidence-based guidelines for setting global standards and providing technical support to its Member States and the international community, as a whole. There is a clear need to ensure that WHO guidance is relevant, rigorous and up-to date. A key activity is to ascertain the guidance needs of the countries. This study provides an international comparison of priority guidance needs for maternal and perinatal health. It incorporates data from those who inform policy and implementation strategies at a national level, in addition to targeting those who use and most need the guidance at grassroot level.

Methods

An online multi-country survey was used to identify WHO guidance priorities for the next five years in the field of maternal and perinatal health. WHO regional and country offices were requested to respond the survey and obtain responses from Ministries of Health around the world. In addition, the survey was disseminated through other networks and relevant electronic forums.

Results

A total of 393 responses were received, including 56 from Ministries of Health and 54 from WHO/UN country offices. 75% of responses were from developing countries and 25% from developed countries. Guidance on strategies focusing on 'quality of care' issues to reduce all-cause maternal/perinatal mortality was considered the most important domain to target, which includes for instance guidance to improve access, dissemination, implementation of effective practices and health professionals' education.

Conclusions

This study provides a panorama of international priority guidance needs for maternal and perinatal health. Although clinical guidance remains a priority, there are other areas related to health systems guidance, which seem to be even more important. Overall, the domain ranked highest in terms of greatest need for guidance was around quality of care, which included questions related to educational needs, access to and implementation of guidance.
Several clinical interests regarding lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema: meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Wen R , Deng Bo , Tan You Q , Jiang Guang Y , Zhou Hai Jing , He Yong
Published: November 2011

Objectives

We aim to address several clinical interests regarding lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for severe emphysema using meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Eight RCTs published from 1999 to 2010 were identified and synthesized to compare the efficacy and safety of LVRS vs conservative medical therapy. One RCT was obtained regarding comparison of median sternotomy (MS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). And three RCTs were available evaluating clinical efficacy of using bovine pericardium for buttressing, autologous fibrin sealant and BioGlue, respectively.

Results

Odds ratio (95%CI), expressed as the mortality of group A (the group underwent LVRS) versus group B (conservative medical therapies), was 5.16(2.84, 9.35) in 3 months, 3(0.94, 9.57) in 6 months, 1.05(0.82, 1.33) in 12 months, respectively. On the 3rd, 6th and 12th month, all lung function indices of group A were improved more significantly as compared with group B. PaO2 and PaCO2 on the 6th and 12th month showed the same trend. 6MWD of group A on the 6th month and 12th month were improved significantly than of group B, despite no difference on the 3rd month. Quality of life (QOL) of group A was better than of group B in 6 and 12 months. VATS is preferred to MS, due to the earlier recovery and lower cost. And autologous fibrin sealant and BioGlue seems to be the efficacious methods to reduce air leak following LVRS.

Conclusions

LVRS offers the more benefits regarding survival, lung function, gas exchange, exercise capacity and QOL, despite the higher mortality in initial three postoperative months. LVRS, with the optimization of surgical approach and material for reinforcement of the staple lines, should be recommended to patients suffering from severe heterogeneous emphysema.
Collaborative evaluation and management of students’ health-related physical fitness: applications of cluster analysis and the classification tree
Authors: Chen Jou-An , Shih Chi-Chuan , Lin Pay-Fan , Chen Jin-Jong , Lin Kuan-Chia
Published: November 2011

Health-related physical fitness has decreased with age; this is od immense concern to adolescents. School-based health intervention programs can be classified as either population-wide or high-risk approach. Although the population-wide and risk-based approaches adopt different healthcare angles, they all need to focus resources on risk evaluation. In this paper, we describe an exploratory application of cluster analysis and the tree model to collaborative evaluation of students’ health- related physical fitness from a high school sample in Taiwan (n=742). Cluster analysis show that physical fitness can be divided into relatively good, moderate and poor subgroups. There are significant differences in biochemical measurements among these three groups. For the tree model, we used 2004 school-year students as an experimental group and 2005 school-year students as a validation group. The results indicate that if sit-and-reach is shorter than 33 cm, BMI is >25.46 kg/m2, and 1600 m run/walk is >534 s, the predicted probability for the number of metabolic risk factors ≥2 is 100% and the population is 41, both results are the highest. From the risk-based healthcare viewpoint, the cluster analysis can sort out students’ physical fitness data in a short time and then narrow down the scope to recognize the subgroups. A classification tree model specifically shows the discrimination paths between the measurements of physical fitness for metabolic risk and would be helpful for self-management or proper healthcare education targeting different groups. Applying both methods to specific adolescents’ health issues could provide different angles in planning health promotion projects.
Prestressing of bridges in Germany up to 1965: part 2
Authors: Pelke Eberhard
Published: November 2011

Part 1 of this article described the early history of prestressed concrete construction and pilot bridges in Germany. Part 1 also covered the first two nuclei of prestressed structures of the post-war period: the engineers of Wayss & Freytag and the eminent German engineer and inventor Ulrich Finsterwalder. Part 2 completes the main period of orientation and competition in prestressing development up to 1965. The four nuclei described in this paper indicate the development of today's prestressed bridge building.
Ant colony optimisation-based multiobjective frame design under seismic conditions
Authors: Ghasemi Mohammad Reza , Farshchin Mohammad
Published: November 2011

Ordinary moment-resisting frames are studied for multiobjective design under seismic loading, using the ant colony optimisation method. The objective function contains minimisation of the total weight as well as the corresponding seismic base shear. The modal spectral method is applied for the analysis of ordinary moment-resisting frames. The structure is under strength and serviceability constraints, enforced by penalty functions. All design requirements correspond to uniform building code (UBC) and American Institute of Steel Construction allowable stress design codes of practice. The frame sections are selected from the standard set of American Institute of Steel Construction W-shapes. A new type of initial pheromone depositing is introduced in the ant colony optimisation. Also, to enable improvements on the results, a novel local search is developed and applied to moment frames. For the purpose of comparison, a genetic algorithm is applied to the same problems.
Estimating Dynamic Income Responses to Tax Reform
Authors: Holmlund Bertil , Söderström Martin
Published: November 2011

We study income responses to income tax changes by using a large panel of Swedish tax payers over the period 1991–2002. Changes in statutory tax rates as well as changes in tax bracket thresholds provide exogenous variations in tax rates that can be used to identify income responses. We estimate dynamic income models which allow us to distinguish between short-run and long-run effects in a straightforward fashion. For men, the estimates of the long-run elasticity of income with respect to the net-of-tax rate hover in a range between 0.10 and 0.30. The estimates for women are statistically insignificant. We simulate the fiscal consequences of a tax reform that reduces the top marginal tax rate by five percentage points. Such a reform may have negligible effects on tax revenues when the interactions between income taxes and other taxes are taken into account.
Comparison of results for commercially available microbiological media plates with results for standard bacteriologic testing of bovine milk
Authors: Wallace Jodi A. , Bouchard Émile , DesCôteaux Luc , Messier Serge , Du Tremblay Denis , Roy Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2011

Objective—To compare results for 3 commercially available microbiological media plates with those for standard bacteriologic testing of bovine milk.

Sample—Milk samples from postpartum cows and cows with a high somatic cell count (SCC) or clinical mastitis (CM).

Procedures—Sample-ready Staphylococcus culture medium (SRSC) plates were used to detect Staphylococcus aureus in milk samples obtained from postpartum cows and cows with a high SCC or CM. Rapid coliform count (RCC) plates were used to detect coliforms in milk samples obtained from cows with CM. Aerobic count (AC) plates were used to detect streptococci in CM samples. Fresh mastitic milk samples were frozen and then thawed to evaluate the effects of freezing for the SRSC and RCC plates. The effects of dilution (1:10) of samples were determined. Agreement of results between the commercially available plates and standard bacteriologic testing was evaluated.

Results—The ability of SRSC plates to detect S aureus in milk samples was highest with diluted samples from postpartum cows and cows with a high SCC or CM. Sensitivity of the RCC plate for detection of coliforms was highest with diluted mastitic milk samples. The AC plates had a poor positive predictive value for detection of streptococci in mastitic milk samples. Freezing increased S aureus detection.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Overall, the SRSC and RCC plates were accurate, were easy to use, and yielded results comparable to those of standard bacteriologic testing for the detection of S aureus and coliforms in bovine milk.
Pilot Study: Alteration of Deleted in Liver Cancer1 and Phosphorylated Focal Adhesion Kinase Y397 Cytoplasmic Expression and the Prognostic Value in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Fan Dong-Mei , Shi Hui-Rong
Published: November 2011

Background: Deletion in liver cancer gene (DLC1) and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) have recently been reported as metastasis-related genes. However, the roles and prognostic values of their expression in epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs) remain unclear. Methods: The expression and prognostic value of DLC1 and p-FAK Y397 in EOC were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and multivariate analysis. Results: Low expression of DLC1 and high expression of p-FAK Y397 were found in the 76 cases of EOC. The expression of DLC1 and p-FAK Y397 were negatively correlated. Multivariate analysis showed that the combination of them was an independent prognostic marker of EOC (P = 0.0319). Conclusions: DLC1 and pFAK Y397 had an association with the clinicopathologic characteristics of EOC. Expression of neither of these genes was a prognostic factor alone, but the combination revealed a significant prognostic value in the 60 cases of advanced stage EOC.
Skilled labour migration in the European context : Franco-British capital and skill transfers
Authors: Findlay Allan , Lelièvre Éva , Paddison Ronan , Boyle Mark
Published: November 2011

International skilled migration has been identified as an increasingly salient component of the internationalization of firms and the world-economy. This paper investigates how such transfers take place within firms operating in Europe, specifically of French firms with capital investments within the U.K. Using a channel approach, and focussing on movements of French skilled labour within the internal labour market of the firm, it is shown that the scale of such transfers varies between different types of enterprise. Several explanations are offered, some of which suggest that alternatieve methodological approaches to the channel framework may be necessary in order to understand the incidence of such international transfers.
Le modèle gravitaire et le facteur d'échelle. Application aux migrations intérieures de la Belgique 1989-1991
Authors: Grimmeau Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2011

The gravity model in relation with the scale, its application to the internal migration in Belgium 1989-1991

One of the most difficulties in the transposition of Newton's law to migration results from the division of the migratory space which is arbitrary and ordered hierarchically. The level is generally chosen according to the scale of analysis. If we add the observed fluxes in each commune of one arrondissement to each commune of another one, we find of course the total fluxes from the first to the second arrondissement. The gravity model does not reproduct this basic property. This problem is of considerable practical importance. By compararing the estimations of the fluxes between the Belgian arrondissements, computed respectively to the level of the arrondissements and of the communes, we remark that differences can double or vary more. The diagnoses of attractivity or repulsivity are different for 15% of the cases according to the model we used. On the average distances between the gravity centres of the arrondissements are 12% wrong compared with the average, distances travelled by the migrants estimated by the mean of the gravity model at the communal level; they are generally overestimated.
Où en est la transition démographique de la Polynésie française en 1992 ?
Authors: Villedieu-Liou Marjorie
Published: November 2011

What is the Position of Demographic Transition in French Polynesia in 1992?

With regard to the natural shifts of population, the recent demographic evolution of French Polynesia gives a good example of the situation in the other countries of the South Pacific Islands. The main trends of this evolution are: a slow adjustment on occidental fertility, the preservation of traditional behaviours for nuptiality, the continuation of mortality decrease. So the demographic increase still constitutes a social, economical and political challenge, and this will be for a long time.
Croissance démographique et répartition de la population chinoise: 1880-1990
Authors: Cartier Michel
Published: November 2011

Population Growth and Distribution in China.

In opposition with the majority of developing countries, China went through a steady population growth for several centuries, the country finally entering the phase of demographic transition less than fifty years ago. The author of this article attemps to show that the most obvious result of such an evolution has been the gradual filling up of the Chinese agricultural space by a dense peasant population, especially vulnerable to malthusian crises. Population growth was much higher in peripheral regions, whereas the transition towards an urbanized industrial society just started.
Les changements géographiques de la mortalité en France.
Authors: Thumerelle Pierre-Jean
Published: November 2011

Geographical Changes in French Mortality.

It seems that gains in life expectancy have had no result on the geographical repartition of general mortality indicators during the last thirty years, the maintenance of regional demographic oppositions reproducing in a way that of socio-cultural structures. Inertia is not entire, but changes can only effect during several generations. They are especially discernible at the young ages but we don't know if they are likely to continue later.
Un demi-siècle de migrations internes en Espagne.
Authors: Faus-Pujol Maria-Carmen
Published: November 2011

Half a Century of Internal Migrations in Spain.

The great mobility of the population in the second half of the 20th century is probably the most important socio-economic phenomenon of the century in Spain. For this study we have made a distinction between three stages according to the socio-political and socio-economic circumstances which, in our judgement, have given rise to the great internal migratory movements in the second half of the century : firstly, the postwar period between 1940 and 1960 ; secondly, the period of the Developing Plans from 1960 to 1975, and finally, the period of European integration when a new model of population distribution is consolidated.
Transformations socio-démographiques en Pologne.
Authors: Protykowska Alina
Published: November 2011

Le processus de transition d'une économie planifiée vers une économie de marché, entamé en 1989 en Pologne, a engendré de nombreuses difficultés. Une profonde récession économique, une dégradation des conditions de vie et un taux de chômage élevé ont accompagné ce changement et ont profondément marqué l'évolution de la situation démographique du pays : diminution de l'espérance de vie moyenne, baisse du taux de reproduction, ralentissement des migrations internes et renforcement de l'émigration à l'étranger, croissance du taux de chômage surtout chez les femmes et les jeunes, dégradation des conditions de vie des familles etc.
La population des chômeurs en République tchèque.
Authors: Pailhé Joël
Published: November 2011

Unemployed Population in the Czech Republic.

Unemployed workers in the Czech Republic are here analysed in words of population. In the whole country, unemployed workers concern only 3.6 % of the labour force. Meanwhile, the distribution in regions and districts offers deep contrasts, particularly the opposition between Prag and old industrial areas, like northern districts in Bohemia and Moravia, in situation of border regions, opposite the lands with economic difficulties (former German Democratic Republic, Poland). Unemployed workers are now a durable componant of the Czech society in transition.
La main-d'oeuvre étrangère dans un contexte de crise de l'emploi
Authors: Viprey Mouna
Published: November 2011

En période de crise économique, la France a eu recours à une organisation tayloriste très poussée de la production, grande consommatrice d'actifs non qualifiés et bon marché où les étrangers ont joué un rôle important. La décision de 1974 annonce un nouvel âge de la main-d'oeuvre étrangère. Composée essentiellement d'actifs à la sortie de la guerre, la population étrangère est aujourd'hui majoritairement constituée d' inactifs. Sitôt recrutés, les immigrés furent d'abord employés dans les travaux délaissés par les nationaux. Au fil des ans la main-d'oeuvre étrangère se stabilise et sort peu à peu de la place spécifique qui lui était octroyée par la société d'accueil. Il serait prématuré de conclure à l'indifférenciation des deux salariats, mais cette évolution s'inscrit en rupture par rapport à ce qu'était la structure de la main-d'œuvre étrangère depuis plus d'un siècle. Mais, la crise de ces dernières années est venue mettre un frein à cette banalisation.
Des familles entre France et Portugal
Authors: Charbit Yves , Petit Véronique
Published: November 2011

This paper examines the consequences of geographical mobility on family structures and nuptiality, and more specifically on endogamy, through a comparison of heads of households who migrated and of those who never left their native village. Slight differences are observed, but for those who migrated, neither the traditional model of family nor nuptiality are influenced by migration.

For the second generation, things are more complex. Children of migrants spending their holidays in the village are different from those born to migrants who definitively returned to Portugal, who in turn tend to be close to those born to non migrants. As shown by data on education, citizenship, place of residence, children living abroad seem to wish to integrate into the host country, but this does not imply a rejection of their country of origin, as proved by the frequency of visits to the villages.
Qualité de vie et habitat précaire dans quelques pays du monde arabe
Authors: El Kadi Galila
Published: November 2011

Quality of Life and Precarious Living Conditions in some Countries of the Arab World.

The two concepts of quality of life and pre-cariousness are two opposit concepts. The quality of life refers to the well-being of persons, to their comfort and to their security, when precariousness expresses fragility, exclusion and even the denial of human being. If these two concepts are incompatible, they however explain each other. The place occupied by the problem of the quality of life in Arab cities is significantly revealed by the interest granted to the question of precarious housing. Our dissertation is found on four papers to the Arab regional population conference (Cairo, 8-12 december 1996), and related to the following Arab countries : Egypt, Morocco, Yemen and Jordan. We shall at first discuss the concepts and their meaning; so we will try to work out a state of the art and clear up the mechnanisms which generate the different forms of precarious housing; we will finally examine the actions aiming to improve the quality of life in order to emphasize the improvements and the contrasts.
Ontologies and Controlled Vocabulary
Authors: Lucas da Silva Daniela , Souza Renato Rocha , Almeida Maurício Barcellos
Published: November 2011

This chapter presents an analytical study about methodology and methods to build ontologies and controlled vocabularies, compiled by the analysis of a literature about methodologies for building ontologies and controlled vocabularies and the international standards for software engineering. Through theoretical and empirical research it was possible to build a comparative overview which can help as a support in the defining of methodological patterns for building ontologies, using theories from the computer science and information science.
Authorship and auteurism in Another Country
Authors: Viljoen Stella
Published: November 2011

In 1873 Benjamin Disraeli could bemoan, "[a]n author who speaks about his own books is almost as bad as a mother who talks about her own children." Today, however, authorship is a consumable that demands endless promoting in order to be profitable. The ironic predicament of the author within contemporary (technocratic) culture is his frequent invisibility. Another Country is an apposite vehicle for raising the quandary of contemporary authorship since it is first, a music video and thus a promotional tool itself and second, an authorial collaboration between musical artists Mango Groove and "fine artist" William Kentridge.
Swart koring van Joan Hambidge as parodie en pastiche op populêre kultuur
Authors: Cochrane Neil
Published: November 2011

In this article the functioning of parody and pastiche as postmodern strategies in Swart koring [Black Wheat] by Joan Hambidge are investigated. Firstly, the concepts of parody and pastiche within traditional and postmodern theoretical frameworks are discussed to clarify the distinction between these two closely related concepts. Secondly, the ways in which popular culture is undermined through the functioning of parody and pastiche and how this process operates within two specific post-modern manifestations will be explored. These manifestations include the disappearance of boundaries between high and popular literature and the manifestation of mass culture.
Hete kole op 'n amper koue vuurherd
Authors: Kannemeyer J. C.
Published: November 2011

In this article - the text of the annual P.J. Nienaber Memorial Lecture which was held at Stellenbosch on 11th March 2004 - the author mentions the important bibliographies and lists of sources which Nienaber published and which served as the necessary data and preliminary spadework for the writing of a history of Afrikaans literature. He outlines the main task of the literary historian and refers to the controversy that arose after the publication of his own work in the 1980s. He mentions other publications in the field of literary history, including Michael Chapman's Southern African Literatures, and in conclusion formulates his own vision of what a history of literature ought to be.