bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balanced key tree management for multi‐privileged groups using (N, T) policy
Authors: Angamuthu Muthulakshmi , Ramalingam Anitha
Published: July 2011

Many internet applications are based on group communication model. For secure group communication scenario, key management is an important issue. In a hierarchical architecture, key trees are used. When users join or leave a key tree, all the ancestor nodes in the leave path till root gets affected. It encroaches threat to forward secrecy as well as backward secrecy. This poses a need for rekeying whenever users join or leave. Periodic batch rekeying is a process where the key server waits until the rekey interval is elapsed and does the rekeying process. Nevertheless, there are many key management schemes; there is still research fostering in key management in group communication for multi‐privileged users, where the users of the group have access to multiple resources, unlike the traditional case with single resource. This paper addresses batch user join or leave case in multi‐privileged environment. A variation of batch rekeying is introduced by using min(N, T) policy so that the users need not wait until the rekey interval is reached and the probabilistic analysis based on it are provided. It also discusses about the improvement in terms of number of rekeying done and provides a balanced tree when multiple users join/leave. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Multiparadigm Approach to Developing Policy for the Location of Recreational Facilities
Authors: Taylor Mark John , Higgins Emma , Francis Mike , Francis Hulya
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we examine the use of soft systems methodology (SSM) for analysing patterns of nonparticipation in recreational sports activities, identifying potential barriers to recreational sports participation and assisting the site location process for new or extended recreational sports facilities. The research reported in this paper was based upon a 1‐year case study in a UK regional sports participation agency. The results of the SSM analysis enabled an enhanced understanding of the nature of recreational sports nonparticipation among differing socio‐economic, age and gender groups. This provided a basis for an analysis of the potential barriers to recreational sports participation. This enabled an informed modelling approach to the location of new or extended recreational sports facilities implemented using a geographical information system. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expressing Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (MSCIGF) Promote Fracture Healing and Restore New Bone Formation in Irs1 Knockout Mice: Analyses of MSCIGF Autocrine and Paracrine Regenerative Effects
Authors: Granero-Moltó Froilán , Myers Timothy J. , Weis Jared A. , Longobardi Lara , Li Tieshi , Yan Yun , Case Natasha , Rubin Janet , Spagnoli Anna
Published: July 2011

Failures of fracture repair (nonunions) occur in 10% of all fractures. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in tissue regeneration appears to be rationale, safe, and feasible. The contributions of MSC to the reparative process can occur through autocrine and paracrine effects. The primary objective of this study is to find a novel mean, by transplanting primary cultures of bone marrow-derived MSCs expressing insulin-like growth factor-I (MSCIGF), to promote these seed-and-soil actions of MSC to fully implement their regenerative abilities in fracture repair and nonunions. MSCIGF or traceable MSCIGF-Lac-Z were transplanted into wild-type or insulin-receptor-substrate knockout (Irs1−/−) mice with a stabilized tibia fracture. Healing was assessed using biomechanical testing, microcomputed tomography (μCT), and histological analyses. We found that systemically transplanted MSCIGF through autocrine and paracrine actions improved the fracture mechanical strength and increased new bone content while accelerating mineralization. We determined that IGF-I adapted the response of transplanted MSCIGF to promote their differentiation into osteoblasts. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that IGF-I-induced osteoglastogenesis in MSCs was dependent of an intact IRS1-PI3K signaling. Furthermore, using Irs1−/− mice as a nonunion fracture model through altered IGF signaling, we demonstrated that the autocrine effect of IGF-I on MSC restored the fracture new bone formation and promoted the occurrence of a well-organized callus that bridged the gap. A callus that was basically absent in Irs1−/− left untransplanted or transplanted with MSCs. We provided evidence of effects and mechanisms for transplanted MSCIGF in fracture repair and potentially to treat nonunions.
A computational theory of enterprise transformation
Authors: Yu Zhongyuan , Rouse William B. , Serban Nicoleta
Published: July 2011

This paper translates a qualitative theory of enterprise transformation into a quantitative, mathematical theory. This enables computational exploration of the phenomena outlined in the theory, as well as the sensitivity of these phenomena to a range of parameters intended to reflect the elements of the theory. The overall question addressed is, “What should an enterprise do in response to perceptions of impending substantial change?” A mixture of three types of responses is considered—predict better, learn faster, and act faster. As these responses all require investments, it is not the case that an enterprise should always pursue all of them. Indeed, there are conditions under which an enterprise should not pursue any of them. This paper elaborates the nature of these conditions, explains why they arise, and discusses the implications for enterprises entertaining transformation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing a stakeholder‐assisted agile CONOPS development process
Authors: Mostashari Ali , McComb Sara A. , Kennedy Deanna M. , Cloutier Robert , Korfiatis Peter
Published: July 2011

Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) are documents describing the characteristics and intended usage of proposed and existing systems. They provide information about the requirements and future desired states the project aims to achieve. We reviewed 22 recent CONOPS from government and private sector institutions to ascertain the current approach to CONOPS development. Based on the CONOPS review and research literature, we highlight three key areas, stakeholder involvement, shared mental models, and visualization, through which the development process may be improved. Moreover, we suggest that the development process itself may be transformed into an agile process that addresses current shortcomings in the key areas. To do so, we propose an agile CONOPS development process conducted through three iteration‐driven phases and present corresponding research and commercial tools that may be leveraged at each phase. As such, putting this agile process into effect may reduce development time, improve effectiveness, and change the perception of the CONOPS from a burdensome documentation procedure to an invaluable resource throughout the system lifecycle. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Induction of apoptosis by curcumin in murine myelomonocytic leukemia WEHI‐3 cells is mediated via endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondria‐dependent pathways
Authors: Huang An‐Cheng , Chang Chia‐Ling , Yu Chun‐Shu , Chen Po‐Yuan , Yang Jai‐Sing , Ji Bin‐Chuan , Lin Tsung‐Ping , Chiu Chang‐Fang , Yeh Su‐Peng , Huang Yi‐Ping , Lien Jin‐Cherng , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: July 2011

Curcumin, derived from the food flavoring spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been shown to exhibit anticancer activities and induce apoptosis in many types of cancer cell lines. In our previous study, curcumin was able to inhibit murine myelomonocytic leukemia WEHI‐3 cells in vivo. However, there is no report addressing the cytotoxic responses and the mechanisms underlying curcumin‐induced apoptotic cell death in WEHI‐3 cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that that curcumin affected WEHI‐3 cells and triggered cell death through apoptotic signaling pathways. The effects of curcumin on WEHI‐3 cells were investigated by using flow cytometric analysis, comet assay, confocal laser microscopy and Western blotting. In this study, we found that curcumin induced apoptosis in WEHI‐3 cells in a dose‐dependent (5–20 μM) manner. Interestingly, curcumin enhanced the level of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2 which might show that curcumin‐induced apoptosis is done through the ER stress signaling pathways based on the increase of CIEBP homologous protein (CHOP), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF‐6), inositol‐requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1), and caspase‐12 in WEHI‐3 cells. Moreover, curcumin increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cytosolic Ca2+ release, and induced DNA damage, but decreased the level of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in WEHI‐3 cells. In conclusion, curcumin‐induced apoptosis occurs through the ROS‐affected, mitochondria‐mediated and ER stress‐dependent pathways. The evaluation of curcumin as a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of leukemia seems warranted. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Embryo volume measurement: an intraobserver, intermethod comparative study of semiautomated and manual three‐dimensional ultrasound techniques
Authors: Sur S. D. , Clewes J. S. , Campbell B. K. , Raine‐Fenning N. J.
Published: July 2011

Objective

To compare the reliability of our recently introduced technique for first‐trimester embryo volume measurement, the ‘semiautomated technique’ using both Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL™) and Sonography‐based Automated Volume Count (SonoAVC) with a manual technique using VOCAL alone.

Methods

Seventy‐four subjects with viable, singleton first‐trimester in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies were recruited. Each subject underwent transvaginal sonography, at which a three‐dimensional ultrasound dataset of the entire gestational sac was acquired. Each embryo volume was measured by two techniques, each performed twice. In the semiautomated technique VOCAL was used to calculate the volume of the gestational and yolk sacs, and SonoAVC was used to quantify the fluid volume within the amniotic and extra‐amniotic cavities. Embryo volume was calculated by subtracting the sum of yolk sac, amniotic and extra‐amniotic fluid volumes from gestational sac volume. In the manual technique, VOCAL was used to delineate the entire embryo using 9° rotations. Reliability was assessed using limits of agreement and intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

Datasets were included from 52 eligible subjects. Median gestational age was 7 + 4 weeks; median crown–rump length (CRL) was 13 (range, 2–29) mm; and median embryo volume was 1.8 (range, 0.03–8.1) cm3 using the semiautomated technique and 0.7 (range 0.009–3.6) cm3 using the manual technique. There was a significant discrepancy in the volumes measured by the two different techniques. Assessment of the limits of agreement suggested that the semiautomated technique (−15.8% to 14.0% of the mean embryo volume) was more reliable than was the manual technique (−22.4% to 26.6%).

Conclusion

The semiautomated technique is more reliable than is the manual technique for embryo volume measurement. However, the discrepancy in measurements between the two methods raises concerns over the validity of the semiautomated technique that require further investigation. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of nanometer size of polypyrrole as a suitable adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI)
Authors: Katal Reza , Ghiass Majid , Esfandian Hossein
Published: July 2011

The objective of this work was to investigate the sorption characteristics of polypyrrole (PPy) for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The sorption process was carried out by a dynamic batch method in order to determine the optimum conditions. For a sorbent dose of 0.6 g in 100 mL of a Cr(VI) solution, at a contact time of 15 min and a pH of 3, a removal efficiency of 84.5% was achieved. The Morris–Weber and Lagergren equations, as well as a pseudo‐second‐order equation were examined to explore the kinetics of the removal process. In addition, the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models were applied to estimate the capacity, intensity, and energy of the sorption process. It was found that increasing temperature showed a positive effect on the ion sorption efficiency. In summary, PPy was shown to be a suitable candidate for chromium(VI) ion removal from aqueous solutions at different concentrations. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Application of X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry on quality control of scintillation crystals
Authors: Zhuo Shangjun , Shen Ruxiang , Sheng Cheng
Published: July 2011

The major components PbO and WO3 in PWO crystals, Bi2O3 and GeO2 in BGO crystals, as well as Gd, La, Nb, Mg, Mo, Bi, Sb and Y doped in PWO crystals and Eu doped in BGO crystals were successfully determined with X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) using fusion techniques. Calibration standards were synthesized with high‐purity oxides and standard solutions. The analysis results can meet the general requirements of the quality control of the crystal growth and research purpose. The relative standard deviations for Bi2O3, GeO2, PbO and WO3 are 0.21%, 0.18%, 0.25% and 0.22%, respectively (k = 8). The detection limits for dopants in PWO are below 5 µg/g for Gd, La, Nb, Mo, Sb and Y and below 20 µg/g for Mg and Bi. The detection limits for Eu doped in BGO are 8 µg/g. The testing results of XRF were compared with those of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. It was found that the relative differences of the testing results between the two methods are less than 10% for most dopants in PWO crystals. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Comprehensive Characterization of Hydrated Alkaline Earth Metal Salts of 5‐Amino‐1H‐tetrazole
Authors: Miró Sabaté Carles , Jeanneau Erwann , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: July 2011

Hydrated alkaline earth metal salts of 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole (B) were synthesized by reaction of B with a suitable metal hydroxide in water. All compounds were fully characterized by analytical (elemental analysis and mass spectrometry) and spectroscopic (IR, Raman, 1H and 13C NMR) methods. Additionally, the crystal structures of the magnesium [1·4H2O: triclinic, P$\bar {1}$, a = 5.940(1) Å, b = 7.326(1) Å,c = 7.383(1) Å, α = 106.10(1)°, β = 106.51(1)°, γ = 111.85(1)°, V = 258.0(1) Å3], calcium [2·6H2O: monoclinic, P21/m, a = 6.904(1) Å,b = 6.828(1) Å, c = 10.952(2) Å, β = 94.50(2)°, V = 514.6(1) Å3], and strontium [3·6H2O: orthorhombic, Cmcm, a = 6.987(1) Å, b = 28.394(2) Å, c = 7.007(1) Å, V = 1390.3(2) Å3] were determined by low temperature X‐ray diffraction. Additionally, the (gas phase) structure of the 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole anion ([B]–) was also studied by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis [B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p)]. Lastly, standard tests were used to determine the sensitivity towards impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge of the compounds and the thermal stability was assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis.
New Thioantimonates(III) with Different Sb:S Ratios: Solvothermal Syntheses and Crystal Structures of [(C3H10NO)(C3H10N)][Sb8S13], [(C2H8NO)(C2H8N)(CH5N)][Sb8S13], [(C6H16N2)(C6H14N2)][Sb6S10], and [C8H22N2][Sb4S7]
Authors: Seidlhofer Beatrix , Spetzler Volker , Quiroga‐Gonzalez Enrique , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: July 2011

Four new thioantimonates(III) with compositions [(C3H10NO)(C3H10N)][Sb8S13] (1) (C3H9NO = 1‐amino‐3‐propanol, C3H9N = propylamine), [(C2H8NO)(C2H8N)(CH5N)][Sb8S13] (2) (C2H7NO = ethanolamine, C2H7N = ethylamine, CH5N = methylamine), [(C6H16N2)(C6H14N2)][Sb6S10] (3) (C6H14N2 = 1,2‐diaminocyclohexane) and [C8H22N2][Sb4S7] (4) (C8H20N2 = 1,8‐diaminooctane) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1: triclinic space group P$\bar{1}$, a = 6.9695(6) Å, b = 13.8095(12) Å, c = 18.0354(17) Å, α = 98.367(11), β = 96.097(11) and γ = 101.281(11)°; compound 2: monoclinic space group P21/m, a = 7.1668(5), b = 25.8986(14), c = 16.0436(11) Å, β = 96.847(8)°; compound 3: monoclinic space group P21/n, a = 11.6194(9), b = 10.2445(5) Å, c = 27.3590(18) Å, β = 91.909(6)°; compound 4: triclinic space group P$\bar{1}$, a = 7.0743(6), b = 12.0846(11), c = 13.9933(14) Å, α = 114.723(10), β = 97.595(11), γ = 93.272(11)°. The main structural feature of the two atoms thick layered [Sb8S13]2– anion in 1 are large nearly rectangular pores with dimensions 11.2 × 11.7 Å. The layers are stacked perpendicular to [100] to form tunnels being directed along [100]. In contrast to 1 the structure of 2 contains a [Sb8S13]2– chain anion with Sb12S12 pores measuring about 8.9 × 11.5 Å. Only if longer Sb–S distances are considered as bonding interactions a layered anion is formed. The chain anion [Sb6S10]2– in compound 3 is unique and is constructed by corner‐sharing SbS3 pyramids. Two symmetry‐related single chains consisting of alternating SbS3 units and Sb3S3 rings are bound to Sb4S4 rings in chair conformation. Finally, in the structure of 4 the SbS3 and SbS4 moieties are joined corner‐linked to form a chain of alternating SbS4 units and (SbS3)3 blocks. Neighboring chains are connected into sheets that contain relatively large Sb10S10 heterorings. The sheets are further connected by sulfur atoms generating four atoms thick double sheets.
Synthese und Kristallstruktur von [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐H)(μ‐NO)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐PPh2CH2PPh2)]BF4
Authors: Böttcher Hans‐Christian , Mayer Tobias
Published: July 2011

The reaction of the coordinatively unsaturated complex [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐dppm)] (1, dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2)] with the nitrosonium ion was revisited. Even by variation of the reaction conditions, the reaction afforded in each case not the sole addition product [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐NO)(μ‐H)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐dppm)]+ (2) as reported by us in an earlier paper. Instead always a mixture of three compounds containing the complexes [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐H)2(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐dppm)]+ (3), [Ru2(CO)4(μ‐NO)(μ‐PtBu2)(μ‐dppm)] (4), beside the originally described complex 2 was obtained. A new synthetic procedure affording compound 4 as the sole product by reaction of 1 with the nitrosylating reagent diazald (N‐methyl‐N‐nitroso‐p‐toluenesulfonamide) is described. It was found that complex 2 can act as an acid strong enough to protonate the starting complex 1. Thus, the formation of the mixture of components in the title reaction could be explained. A mixing experiment of equimolar amounts of 1 and 2 showed unambiguously the formation of complexes 3 and 4. A clean preparation of complex 2 as the sole product in form of its tetrafluoridoborate salt is only possible by reaction of 4 with tetrafluoridoboric acid in diethyl ether solution. The X‐ray crystal structure of [2]BF4 is reported confirming the molecular structure of the complex 2. Using the originally described preparation route for 2 afforded in each attempt of crystallization the complexes 2 and 3 as 1:1 mixture in the solid.
Is it possible to predict the development of an incisional surgical site infection and its severity after biliary tract surgery for benign disease?
Authors: Fujii Takehiro , Kato Hiroyuki , Suzaki Makoto , Noguchi Takashi , Isaji Shuji
Published: July 2011

Background/purpose

Wound infection; that is, incisional surgical site infection (ISSI), is a common complication after biliary tract surgery. The aim of the present study was to identify the various risk factors for wound infection and to establish a formula to predict the development and severity of wound infections.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical data on 207 consecutive patients who underwent biliary surgery for benign diseases at our hospital. We identified the factors with the greatest influence on wound infection after biliary tract surgery, based on a statistical procedure. An original scoring system (ISSI predictive score) was proposed based on these risk factors.

Results

The incidence of postoperative wound infection was 9.7% (20/207). The patient's performance status; bile culture; perioperative fasting period (days); and intraoperative bile spillage were the most influential risk factors for wound infection. The incidences of wound infection in patients with ISSI predictive scores of >2.7 points and those with scores of 0—2.7 points were 75.0% (12/16) and 4.2% (8/191), respectively. Our score also correlated significantly with the severity of wound infection (r = 0.488, P < 0.001) and the length of the postoperative hospital stay (R = 0.508, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our original scoring system makes it possible to predict not only the development of a wound infection and its severity after biliary tract surgery, but also the length of the postoperative hospital stay.
Diabetes and cognitive decline in elderly African Americans: A 15‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Wessels Alette M. , Lane Kathleen A. , Gao Sujuan , Hall Kathleen S. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Hendrie Hugh C.
Published: July 2011

Background

Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairment and vascular factors seem to play a role in this relationship. In a sample involving elderly African Americans, we tested the hypothesis that diabetes accelerates cognitive decline and explored possible mediating mechanisms within a follow‐up period of 15 years.

Methods

A total of 1702 subjects, of whom 441 had diabetes, were given the community screening interview for dementia to measure cognitive functioning at six different time points spread over a 15‐year follow‐up period. Mixed effects models with repeated measures were used to examine the association of diabetes and vascular risk factors with cognitive scores over time.

Results

African American subjects with diabetes reported having a significant accelerated cognitive decline as compared with those without diabetes (P = .046), when controlling for basic demographics and baseline comorbid conditions (heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and depression). Adjusting for incident heart disease, and especially stroke, weakened this association (P = .098), thereby indicating a mediating effect of stroke on the association between diabetes and cognitive decline. However, when incident stroke was incorporated into the model, the effect for participants with diabetes increased greatly (P = .007).

Conclusions

Diabetes, mediated by cerebrovascular pathology, accelerates cognitive decline within a follow‐up period of 15 years in a sample comprising African Americans.
The effect of TOMM40 poly‐T length on gray matter volume and cognition in middle‐aged persons with APOEɛ3/ɛ3 genotype
Authors: Johnson Sterling C. , La Rue Asenath , Hermann Bruce P. , Xu Guofan , Koscik Rebecca L. , Jonaitis Erin M. , Bendlin Barbara B. , Hogan Kirk J. , Roses Allen D. , Saunders Ann M. , Lutz Michael W. , Asthana Sanjay , Green Robert C. , Sager Mark A.
Published: July 2011

Objective

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes are associated with variable risk of developing late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), with APOE epsilon 4 (APOE ɛ4) having higher risk. A variable poly‐T length polymorphism at rs10524523, within intron 6 of the translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane (TOMM40) gene, has been shown to influence age of onset in LOAD, with very long (VL) poly‐T length associated with earlier disease onset, and short poly‐T length associated with later onset. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that brain and cognitive changes suggestive of presymptomatic LOAD may be associated with this TOMM40 polymorphism.

Methods

Among healthy APOE ɛ3 homozygous adults (N = 117; mean age, 55 years), we compared those who were homozygous for VL/VL (n = 35) TOMM40 poly‐T lengths (who were presumably at higher risk) with those homozygous for short (S/S; n = 38) poly‐T lengths, as well as those with heterozygous (S/VL; n = 44) poly‐T length polymorphisms, on measures of learning and memory and on structural brain imaging.

Results

The VL/VL group showed lower performance than the S/S TOMM40 group on primacy retrieval from a verbal list learning task, a finding which is also seen in early Alzheimer's disease. A dose‐dependent increase in the VL TOMM40 polymorphism (from no VL alleles, to S/VL heterozygous, to VL/VL homozygous) was associated with decreasing gray matter volume in the ventral posterior cingulate and medial ventral precuneus, a region of the brain affected early in LOAD.

Conclusions

These findings among APOE ɛ3/ɛ3 late middle‐aged adults suggest that a subgroup with VL TOMM40 poly‐T lengths may be experiencing incipient LOAD‐related cognitive and brain changes.
Impact of maternal supplementation with probiotics during pregnancy on atopic eczema in childhood – a meta-analysis
Authors: Doege Katja , Grajecki Donata , Zyriax Birgit-Christiane , Detinkina Elena , zu Eulenburg Christine , Buhling Kai J.
Published: July 2011

In the present study, we sought to conduct a literature review of randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, which assessed the impact of probiotics intake during pregnancy on the development of eczema in children. A meta-analysis was conducted for comparison of the development of atopic eczema in children whose mothers took probiotics during pregnancyv.placebo. Study selection, quality appraisal and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate. The studies were rated according to their size in order to calculate the influence of individual studies on the meta-analysis. A total of seven randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, published between 2001 and 2009, were selected from the PubMed and Ovid databases for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed with statistical software Stata/SE11.0. The completed meta-analysis of the seven studies shows a significant risk reduction for atopic eczema in children aged 2–7 years by the administration of probiotics during pregnancy (reduction 5·7 %;P = 0·022). However, this effect was only significant for lactobacilli (reduction 10·6 %;P = 0·045), but not for a mixture of various bacterial strains as probiotics (difference 3·06 %,P = 0·204). In conclusion, the meta-analysis shows that the administration of lactobacilli during pregnancy prevents atopic eczema in children aged from 2 to 7 years. However, a mixture of various bacterial strains does not affect the development of atopic eczema, independent of whether they contain lactobacilli or not.
Effect of the Mediterranean diet with and without weight loss on surrogate markers of cholesterol homeostasis in men with the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Richard Caroline , Couture Patrick , Desroches Sophie , Benjannet Suzanne , Seidah Nabil G. , Lichtenstein Alice H. , Lamarche Benoît
Published: July 2011

The mechanisms implicated in the LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering effects of the Mediterranean-type diet (MedDiet) are unknown. The present study assessed the impact of the MedDiet consumed under controlled feeding conditions, with and without weight loss, on surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption, synthesis and clearance using plasma phytosterols, lathosterol and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK9) concentrations, respectively, in men with the metabolic syndrome. The subjects' diet (n19, 24–62 years) was first standardised to a baseline North American control diet (5 weeks) followed by a MedDiet (5 weeks), both under weight-maintaining isoenergetic feeding conditions. The participants then underwent a 20-week free-living energy restriction period (10 (sd3) % reduction in body weight,P < 0·01), followed by the consumption of the MedDiet (5 weeks) under controlled isoenergetic feeding conditions. The LDL-C-lowering effect of the MedDiet in the absence of weight loss ( − 9·9 %) was accompanied by significant reductions in plasma PCSK9 concentrations ( − 11·7 %,P < 0·01) and in the phytosterol:cholesterol ratio ( − 9·7 %,P < 0·01) compared with the control diet. The addition of weight loss to the MedDiet had no further impact on plasma LDL-C concentrations and on these surrogate markers of LDL clearance and cholesterol absorption. The present results suggest that the MedDiet reduces plasma LDL-C concentrations primarily by increasing LDL clearance and reducing cholesterol absorption, with no synergistic effect of body weight loss in this process.
Introduction
Authors: Sayigh Yezid
Published: July 2011

Two key variables appear to have influenced the varying responses of national armies to the “Arab Spring.” The first is the manner and degree of the institutionalization of the military into authoritarian systems, and even into the few democratic or partially democratic polities, in the Middle East. No 1960s-vintage military regimes remain in the region: the various direct and indirect consequences of the oil price revolutions of the 1970s—including massive urbanization and a huge expansion of state bureaucracies and of the diversity and complexity of national economies—have seen to that. In the process, however, boundaries have blurred between the military, on the one side, and political elites, the economy, and social actors on the other. The second variable—which is partly a function of the first—is that many armies have had both inclusionary and exclusionary impacts at the same time, serving to co-opt, control, or intimidate various social sectors according to whether the latter are perceived as friendly or hostile within “threat profiles” held by state leaders, security officials, and, occasionally, wide swathes of society. The tension between inclusion and exclusion has been replicated in the social-welfare role of military employment, through which governments have shielded core constituencies from the worst impacts of deepening economic liberalization and privatization while growing numbers of their compatriots have experienced widening income disparities, declining living standards, and a descent to or below the poverty line. These trends are brought together most powerfully in the ground forces. They are not only the largest component by far of most militaries and the most affected by pressures on living standards and pensions but also the only ones that can be deployed effectively in the streets as a last resort to confront protesters. Whether armies support peaceful transition, revert to repression, or fragment will be key to their ability to maintain or develop professional, corporate identities. This ability will also be highly contingent on their readiness to accept readjustment of their institutionalization into state systems and on the manner and pace in which this is pursued by other actors. The outcome is not assured.
From Fighting Formal Wars to Maintaining Civil Peace?
Authors: Droz-Vincent Philippe
Published: July 2011

In the 2011 wave of popular uprisings shaking authoritarian rule in the Middle East, mass societal mobilizations have been the crucial factor. But institutional actors, especially armies, are also playing an active role. Armies in the region have generally had less and less involvement in formal interstate wars and consequently have played more of a role, willingly or not, in underpinning regimes. Recent events demonstrate two patterns: armies that have refused to play this role (Egypt, Tunisia) and armies that have been willing, at least for some time, to answer the regimes’ requests to engage in repression (Bahrain, Yemen, Syria) or even civil war (Libya). How can we account for the military's growing role in civil strife or civil peace?
Economic Involvements of Militaries
Authors: Springborg Robert
Published: July 2011

Middle East militaries can be arrayed along a continuum from more to less involvement in national economies, albeit with a few outliers. At the maximum engagement end are Egypt and Iran. In both countries, as in Pakistan, one can reasonably refer to the existence of a “Military, Inc.” The Egyptian Ministry of Defense and its subordinate Ministry of Military Production preside over a sprawling economic empire that directly owns companies active in the industrial, agricultural, construction, telecommunications, and service sectors. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps presides over a similar economic empire that has particularly strong positions in the oil field service, construction, port operation, and media and telecommunications sectors. Both countries also have what might be described as parallel “officer economies.” These have come into existence as a result of officers, many of them retired, capitalizing on their regime connections by gaining ownership of privatized state-owned enterprises or by forming companies that thrive on state contracts. These two military economies are subject neither to the effective oversight of legislative or nonmilitary executive authority nor to the scrutiny of civil society, including the media. Both provide essential patronage resources to ensure the loyalty of their officer corps. And in both countries, military preparedness and overall capacities suffer as a result of preoccupation with the management of and benefits from military economies.
Rentier Militaries in the Gulf States: The Price of Coup-Proofing
Authors: Hertog Steffen
Published: July 2011

Oil and dynastic rule have led to an idiosyncratic pattern of state formation in the Gulf, and in few parts of the state are the idiosyncrasies more pronounced than in the security sector. Oil income has allowed the ruling families of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to engineer a relatively soft, rent- and patronage-based authoritarianism characterized by multiple centers of power and huge institutional redundancies. Having constructed their police and military forces along these lines, their monarchical rule has become more resilient, but their armed forces also more hapless.
OTTOMAN URBAN PRIVACY IN LIGHT OF DISASTER RECOVERY
Authors: Ayalon Yaron
Published: July 2011

This article examines the relationship between state and society in the Ottoman Empire during the 17th and 18th centuries by examining concepts and practices of privacy. Fatwas of Ottoman jurists reveal certain principles ordering the division of urban areas into public and private spaces. The article explores their application during the rebuilding of Damascus after its devastation by an earthquake in 1759. Archival sources disclose the priorities that guided the state in reconstructing a ruined provincial capital: religious values; a concern for the inhabitants’ well-being; and, rather prominently, an intent to maintain a dichotomy between public and private. In this the Ottomans were different from their contemporary European counterparts, who often took advantage of major disasters to reshape relations between rulers and subjects. This divergence is demonstrated in this article by comparing post-1759 Damascus with London after the Great Fire of 1666 and Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake.
THE JUSTICE AND DEVELOPMENT PARTY: TURKEY'S EXPERIENCE WITH ISLAM, DEMOCRACY, LIBERALISM, AND SECULARISM
Authors: Çınar Alev
Published: July 2011

It would probably be quite curious, if not confusing, for uninformed readers of Turkish politics who are interested in learning more about Turkey's ruling party, the AKP (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi/Justice and Development Party), to pick up these five books, all written by scholars of Turkish politics, all dealing with the ideology of the AKP and the social and political conditions that gave rise to it, all published by prestigious publishers, and realize that they make almost completely opposite claims. For example, while Banu Eligür inThe Mobilization of Political Islam in Turkeyclaims that the AKP is an Islamist party that is “opposed to democracy” (p. 11), William Hale and Ergun Özbudun inIslamism, Democracy and Liberalism in Turkey: The Case of the AKPsee the AKP as a secular, conservative-democratic party that clearly rejects Islamism as a political ideology and is perhaps making the most significant contribution to the expansion of democracy in Turkey.
Morphological and genetic variation in the North Atlantic copepod,Centropages typicus
Authors: Castellani Claudia , Lindley Alistair J. , Wootton Marianne , Lee Christopher M. , Kirby Richard R.
Published: July 2011

This study describes phenotypic and genotypic variations in the planktonic copepod,Centropages typicus(Copepoda: Calanoida) that indicate differentiation between geographical samples. We found consistent differences in the morphology of the chela of the sexually modified fifth pereiopod (P5) of maleC. typicusbetween samples from the Mediterranean, western North Atlantic and eastern North Atlantic. A 560 base pairs (bp) region of theC. typicusmitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) and a 462 bp fragment of the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) tandem array were analysed to determine whether these morphological variations reflect population genetic differentiation. Mitochondrial haplotype diversity was found to be high with 100 unique COI haplotypes among 116 individuals. Analysis of mtCOI variation suggested differentiation between the Mediterranean and Atlantic populations but no separation was detected within the Atlantic. Intragenomic variation in the ITS array suggested genetic differentiation between samples from the western North Atlantic and those from the eastern North Atlantic and Mediterranean. Breeding experiments would be required to elucidate the extent of genetic isolation betweenC. typicusfrom the different population centres.
Biological invasions and climatic warming: implications for south-eastern Aegean ecosystem functioning
Authors: Pancucci-Papadopoulou Maria Antonietta , Raitsos Dionysios E. , Corsini-Foka Maria
Published: July 2011

The Aegean Sea, due to the complexity and variety of morphological features, bathymetry, hydrological, hydrodynamic features and climatic characteristics, offers a unique opportunity for monitoring the spreading and/or invasion of alien biota. It is known that the establishment of warm/tropical marine alien species is related mainly to the increase in sea temperature. A significant increase in aliens' number along the southern Aegean (Dodecanese) coasts has been documented in the last twenty years, while their arrival has produced evident changes in coastal ecosystem composition and function. Although the study area acts as a crossroad for tropical alien species introduction in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, a direct attempt to link temperature alterations with new alien species arrivals has not been performed. Satellite and in situ derived marine temperature data showed that the study area has gone through a remarkable warming, while the link between global temperatures and regional ones revealed that this warming is not a local phenomenon but part of global climate trends. Examining relationships between new alien species arrivals data since 1929 against global temperatures, it is shown that their introduction rate parallels the significant increase of marine temperatures. The association of alien introductions with marine water warming, as well as potential effects on ecosystem functioning of selected species is discussed.
Robot navigation based on view sequences stored in a sparse distributed memory
Authors: Mendes Mateus , Coimbra A. Paulo , Crisóstomo Manuel M.
Published: July 2011

Robot navigation is a large area of research, where many different approaches have already been tried, including navigation based on visual memories. The Sparse Distributed Memory (SDM) is a kind of associative memory based on the properties of high-dimensional binary spaces. It exhibits characteristics, such as tolerance to noise and incomplete data, ability to work with sequences and the possibility of one-shot learning. Those characteristics make it appealing to use for robot navigation. The approach followed here was to navigate a robot using sequences of visual memories stored into a SDM. The robot makes intelligent decisions, such as selecting only relevant images to store, adjusting memory parameters to the level of noise and inferring new paths from the learnt trajectories. The method of encoding the information may influence the tolerance of the SDM to noise and saturation. This paper reports novel results of the limits of the model under different typical navigation problems. The SDM showed to be very robust to illumination and scenario changes, occlusion and saturation. An algorithm to build a topological map of the environment based on the visual memories is also described.
Algorithm for topological design of multi-loop hybrid mechanisms via logical proposition
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Fang Yuefa
Published: July 2011

This paper introduces the mathematical logical proposition into kinematics and presents a novel method for topological design and representation of mechanisms. The six-value non-classical logical matrix in three orders is proposed to represent spatial basic motions, relations, and selection of moving reference frame. The combinatorial logical sets of mechanisms are built and axiomatized to analyze serial–parallel hybrid mechanisms. In accordance to the logical relations, the mapping between topological arrangement and topological geometry is developed, and algorithm of decomposition synthesis is presented. Furthermore, the higher dimensional topological arrangement of multi-loop hybrid mechanism can be obtained by mapping of higher dimensional geometry. At last, four typical examples are developed to illustrate application of method of logical proposition in topological design of mechanisms. The method is helpful for topological design and analysis of multi-loop hybrid mechanisms.
“The Swarming of Life”: Moving Images, Education, and Views through the Microscope
Authors: Gaycken Oliver
Published: July 2011

Argument

Discussions of the scientific uses of moving-image technologies have emphasized applications that culminated in static images, such as the chronophotographic decomposition of movement into discrete and measurable instants. The projection of movement, however, was also an important capability of moving-image technologies that scientists employed in a variety of ways. Views through the microscope provide a particularly sustained and prominent instance of the scientific uses of the moving image. The category of “education” subsumes theses various scientific uses, providing a means by which to bridge the cultures of scientific and popular scientific moving images.
The impact of power line-related mortality on the Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres in a part of its range, with an emphasis on electrocution
Authors: BOSHOFF ANDRÉ F. , MINNIE JOHAN C. , TAMBLING CRAIG J. , MICHAEL MICHAEL D.
Published: July 2011

The global population of the Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres, a threatened southern African endemic, is known to be impacted by electrocutions and collisions on power line infrastructure, but to date this impact has not been estimated or quantified. Using data in a national database from the period prior to our study, conducted in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, we estimated a mean annual mortality rate from power line-related mortality of around 14 vultures per year. After applying an adjusted rate based on the results of a landowner survey, this estimate increased to around 80 vultures per year (i.e. a 5.7 fold increase). For a number of reasons, the estimated mean annual mortality rate is considered to under-represent the true situation, and must therefore be considered a minimum value. A simple model was constructed and run to investigate the potential impact of the mortality rate from electrocution on the study population. It distinguishes between vulture subpopulations in areas of high and low electrocution threat, and a migratory subpopulation that moves between these two areas. The model, simulated over 50 years and applying a constant theoretical maximum annual growth rate of 2%, indicates positive growth of the population in those areas where the electrocution threat from power lines is low, whereas the population in those areas where this threat is high is predicted to crash to extinction, from electrocution mortality alone, within a 20–35 year period. The regional population is predicted to show positive growth over the 50 year period. However, for a number of reasons that relate to the nature of certain parameters used in the model, the simulations must be considered to be conservative, at best. In addition, other unnatural mortality factors (notably inadvertent poisoning, drowning in high-walled farm reservoirs, harvesting for the traditional medicine trade, local food shortage), which are additive to power line-related mortality have not been taken into account. Management recommendations aimed at obtaining an improved estimate of the mean annual mortality rate from power lines, and at ameliorating the impact of electrocutions on the regional Cape Vulture population, are briefly mentioned. These address the former by documenting ways to improve the quantity and quality of the field data, and the latter by identifying areas where urgnt action needs to be taken to reduce or avoid the electrocution of vultures, by mitigating extant ‘unsafe’ power line infrastructure, and by ensuring that that only ‘safe’ infrastructure is used for new power lines.
Chronic total occlusion by stent fracture in Kawasaki disease: is recanalisation possible?
Authors: Kim Gi-Beom , Kim Hyo-Soo , Choi Jung-Yun
Published: July 2011

Despite various medications for Kawasaki disease, a small number of children have been undergoing interventions for severe coronary artery complications. Transcatheter intervention is a feasible alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with chronic totally occluded lesion after Kawasaki disease, even by stent fracture.
AGAINST THE CORE OF THE CASE
Authors: Bertomeu Juan F. Gonzalez
Published: July 2011

The debate over judicial review of legislation is profuse. But differences are often due to the lack of a common methodology. This article discusses the proper way to evaluate judicial review and confronts central challenges raised against it. It develops the two main models that can be used for analyzing the intersection between democracy and constitutional decision-making and shows that judicial oversight may not be rejected, regardless of how we interpret that connection. The article discusses in detail the model developed by Jeremy Waldron. A nice attempt to answer methodological questions, Waldron's model wrongly tips the balance against judicial review. Its excessive level of abstraction and idealization renders it inoperable. Few systems meet its standards, and those that do pay a high price: they contradict the concept of democratic legitimacy that underlies the model. Paradoxically, a system with judicial review may end up being more legitimate than one without it.
Pushing back the frontiers or still running around the same circles? ‘Interpretative archaeoastronomy’ thirty years on
Authors: Ruggles Clive L. N.
Published: July 2011

This personal perspective on the development of archaeoastronomy over the last thirty years focuses on interpretative and methodological issues, picking up for example from the debate between Schaefer and Aveni at Oxford VII. How far we have actually progressed in the last three decades? Are we at last starting to achieve the correct fusion between the social science questions that our discipline addresses and the ‘hard science’ methods that are often involved in tackling them? In this paper I argue that the need for our hypotheses to be solidly grounded in social theory, which has rightly been recognised by most archaeoastronomers in recent years, is not an excuse for avoiding the need to be scientifically rigorous in assessing them against the actual evidence. I conclude that identifying robust methodologies for weighing together the different types of data with which the cultural astronomer is faced in different sitations, so as to infer the ‘best’ interpretation, remains at once the most challenging and the most pressing issue facing our ‘interdiscipline’ in the future.