bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pinto Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as a Functional Food: Implications on Human Health
Authors: Câmara Cristiane , Urrea Carlos , Schlegel Vicki
Published: February 2013

Most foods are considered functional in terms of providing nutrients and energy to sustain daily life, but dietary systems that are capable of preventing or remediating a stressed or diseased state are classified as functional foods. Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) contain high levels of chemically diverse components (phenols, resistance starch, vitamins, fructooligosaccharides) that have shown to protect against such conditions as oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and many types of cancer, thereby positioning this legume as an excellent functional food. Moreover, the United States has a rich dry bean history and is currently a top producer of dry beans in the world with pinto beans accounting for the vast majority. Despite these attributes, dry bean consumption in the US remains relatively low. Therefore, the objective of this manuscript is to review dry beans as an important US agricultural crop and as functional food for the present age with an emphasis on pinto beans.
Supported Membranes Meet Flat Fluidics: Monitoring Dynamic Cell Adhesion on Pump-Free Microfluidics Chips Functionalized with Supported Membranes Displaying Mannose Domains
Authors: Oelke Jochen , Kaindl Thomas , Pasc Andreea , Guttenberg Zeno , Wixforth Achim , Tanaka Motomu
Published: February 2013

In this paper we demonstrate the combination of supported membranes and so-called flat microfluidics, which enables one to manipulate liquids on flat chip surfaces via “inverse piezoelectric effect”. Here, an alternating external electric field applied to the inter-digital transducers excites a surface acoustic wave on a piezoelectric substrate. Employing lithographic patterning of self-assembled monolayers of alkoxysilanes, we successfully confine a free-standing, hemi-cylindrical channel with the volume of merely 7 µL . The experimentally determined maximum flow velocity scales linearly with the acoustic power, suggesting that our current setup can drive liquids at the speed of up to 7 cm/s (corresponding to a shear rate of 280 s−1) without applying high pressures using a fluidic pump. After the establishment of the functionalization of fluidic chip surfaces with supported membranes, we deposited asymmetric supported membranes displaying well-defined mannose domains and monitored the dynamic adhesion of E. Coli HB101 expressing mannose-binding receptors. Despite of the further technical optimization required for the quantitative analysis, the obtained results demonstrate that the combination of supported membranes and flat fluidics opens a large potential to investigate dynamic adhesion of cells on biofunctional membrane surfaces with the minimum amount of samples, without any fluidic pump.
Jellyfish Stings and Their Management: A Review
Authors: Cegolon Luca , Heymann William , Lange John , Mastrangelo Giuseppe
Published: February 2013

Jellyfish (cnidarians) have a worldwide distribution. Despite most being harmless, some species may cause local and also systemic reactions. Treatment of jellyfish envenomation is directed at: alleviating the local effects of venom, preventing further nematocyst discharges and controlling systemic reactions, including shock. In severe cases, the most important step is stabilizing and maintaining vital functions. With some differences between species, there seems to be evidence and consensus on oral/topical analgesics, hot water and ice packs as effective painkillers and on 30 s application of domestic vinegar (4%–6% acetic acid) to prevent further discharge of unfired nematocysts remaining on the skin. Conversely, alcohol, methylated spirits and fresh water should be carefully avoided, since they could massively discharge nematocysts; pressure immobilization bandaging should also be avoided, as laboratory studies show that it stimulates additional venom discharge from nematocysts. Most treatment approaches are presently founded on relatively weak evidence; therefore, further research (especially randomized clinical trials) is strongly recommended. Dissemination of appropriate treatment modalities should be deployed to better inform and educate those at risk. Adequate signage should be placed at beaches to notify tourists of the jellyfish risk. Swimmers in risky areas should wear protective equipment.
Sustainability, Health and Environmental Metrics: Impact on Ranking and Associations with Socioeconomic Measures for 50 U.S. Cities
Authors: Gallagher Jane , Hubal Elaine , Jackson Laura , Inmon Jefferson , Hudgens Edward , Williams Ann , Lobdell Danelle , Rogers John , Wade Timothy
Published: February 2013

Waste and materials management, land use planning, transportation and infrastructure including water and energy can have indirect or direct beneficial impacts on the environment and public health. The potential for impact, however, is rarely viewed in an integrated fashion. To facilitate such an integrated view in support of community-based policy decision making, we catalogued and evaluated associations between common, publically available, Environmental (e), Health (h), and Sustainability (s) metrics and sociodemographic measurements (n = 10) for 50 populous U.S. cities. E, H, S indices combined from two sources were derived from component (e) (h) (s) metrics for each city. A composite EHS Index was derived to reflect the integration across the E, H, and S indices. Rank order of high performing cities was highly dependent on the E, H and S indices considered. When viewed together with sociodemographic measurements, our analyses further the understanding of the interplay between these broad categories and reveal significant sociodemographic disparities (e.g., race, education, income) associated with low performing cities. Our analyses demonstrate how publically available environmental, health, sustainability and socioeconomic data sets can be used to better understand interconnections between these diverse domains for more holistic community assessments.
Localization, Concentration, and Transmission Efficiency of Banana bunchy top virus in Four Asexual Lineages of Pentalonia aphids
Authors: Watanabe Shizu , Greenwell April , Bressan Alberto
Published: February 2013

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is the most destructive pathogenic virus of banana plants worldwide. The virus is transmitted in a circulative non-propagative manner by the banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel. In this work, we examined the localization, accumulation, and transmission efficiency of BBTV in four laboratory-established lineages of Pentalonia aphids derived from four different host plants: taro (Colocasia esculenta), heliconia (Heliconia spp.), red ginger (Alpinia purpurata), and banana (Musa sp.). Mitochondrial sequencing identified three and one lineages as Pentalonia caladii van der Goot, a recently proposed species, and P. nigronervosa, respectively. Microsatellite analysis separated the aphid lineages into four distinct genotypes. The transmission of BBTV was tested using leaf disk and whole-plant assays, both of which showed that all four lineages are competent vectors of BBTV, although the P. caladii from heliconia transmitted BBTV to the leaf disks at a significantly lower rate than did P. nigronervosa. The concentration of BBTV in dissected guts, haemolymph, and salivary glands was quantified by real-time PCR. The BBTV titer reached similar concentrations in the guts, haemolymph, and salivary glands of aphids from all four lineages tested. Furthermore, immunofluorescence assays showed that BBTV antigens localized to the anterior midguts and the principal salivary glands, demonstrating a similar pattern of translocations across the four lineages. The results reported in this study showed for the first time that P. caladii is a competent vector of BBTV.
Functionalization of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes
Authors: Van Hooijdonk Eloise , Bittencourt Carla , Snyders Rony , Colomer Jean-François
Published: February 2013

This review focuses and summarizes recent studies on the functionalization of carbon nanotubes oriented perpendicularly to their substrate, so-called vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs). The intrinsic properties of individual nanotubes make the VA-CNTs ideal candidates for integration in a wide range of devices, and many potential applications have been envisaged. These applications can benefit from the unidirectional alignment of the nanotubes, the large surface area, the high carbon purity, the outstanding electrical conductivity, and the uniformly long length. However, practical uses of VA-CNTs are limited by their surface characteristics, which must be often modified in order to meet the specificity of each particular application. The proposed approaches are based on the chemical modifications of the surface by functionalization (grafting of functional chemical groups, decoration with metal particles or wrapping of polymers) to bring new properties or to improve the interactions between the VA-CNTs and their environment while maintaining the alignment of CNTs.
Jeu vidéo et publicité, deux univers incompatibles?
Authors: Dubuquoy Antoine
Published: February 2013

Résumé L’intégration des marques dans les univers virtuels des jeux vidéo est un thème qui revient régulièrement hanter les rêves des experts média. Pour autant, peu de success stories permettent de valider définitivement l’entrée du jeu vidéo dans la sphère des médias. Et si la monétisation des audiences captives des jeux vidéo n’était qu’une illusion? Et s’il fallait considérer la problématique sous un autre angle? Le jeu ne serait-il finalement qu’un prétexte pour divertir le consommateur et attirer son attention sur une marque? Advergame, in-game, social game ... État des lieux.
Fonds souverains : comment repenser le capitalisme d'État ?
Authors: Jégourel Yves
Published: February 2013

Résumé Désignés sous le terme générique de « fonds souverains », les véhicules d’investissement publics offrent une grande disparité, tant dans leurs stratégies et objectifs financiers que dans leur fonctionnement institutionnel. Les considérer comme une classe d’investisseurs homogènes n’a, en conséquence, pas de sens. Une analyse géoéconomique pertinente de leurs actions se doit au contraire de les considérer, en premier lieu, pays par pays, et de développer une approche englobante des différents « outils » du capitalisme d’État, prenant en compte les synergies possibles entre notamment fonds souverains et entreprises publiques. L’ambiguïté forte du terme « investissement stratégique » doit en second lieu être levée. De ce point de vue, l’importance de la question des ressources naturelles, rarement définies comme stratégiques par les pays susceptibles d’accueillir des fonds souverains, apparaît largement sous-estimée. Une vision précise des risques géostratégiques que pourraient faire peser le développement de ces acteurs publics impose enfin d’éviter un tropisme excessif qui conduirait à ne pas accorder suffisamment d’intérêt à la problématique des pays « tiers », fortement dotés en ressources naturelles et objet de nombreux investissements des fonds ou entreprises d’État.
The labyrinth of pyrexia of unknown origin: A case of intravascular B cell lymphoma
Authors: Cherian Sujith V , Das Subhraleena , Basu Bandita Das , Hutchison Robert E
Published: February 2013

Intravascular large B cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare, aggressive extranodal B cell lymphoma, classified as a subset of diffuse B cell lymphoma. IVLBCL typically occurs in elderly persons, and the clinical heterogeneity of the condition makes the diagnosis elusive in most cases. Most of the reported cases have been in the asian population with the majority of the cases being diagnosed postmortem. We present a unique case of IVLBCL in a 65-year-old Caucasian male who presented with fever of unknown origin.
Crop residue incorporation alters soil nitrous oxide emissions during freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Pelster David E. , Chantigny Martin H. , Rochette Philippe , Angers Denis A. , Laganière Jérôme , Zebarth Bernie , Goyer Claudia
Published: February 2013

Pelster, D. E., Chantigny, M. H., Rochette, P., Angers, D. A., Laganière, J., Zebarth, B. and Goyer, C. 2013. Crop residue incorporation alters soil nitrous oxide emissions during freeze–thaw cycles. Can. J. Soil Sci. 93: 415–425. Freeze–thaw (FT) cycles stimulate soil nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) mineralization, which may induce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. We examined how soybean (Glycine max L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) residue incorporation affect N2O emissions from high C content (35 g kg−1) silty clay and low C content (19 g kg−1) sandy loam soils over eight 10-d FT cycles, as a function of three temperature treatments [constant at +1°C (unfrozen control), +1 to −3°C (moderate FT), or +1 to −7°C (extreme FT)]. In unamended soils, N2O emissions were stimulated by FT, and were the highest with extreme FT. This was attributed to the increased NO3 availability measured under FT. Application of mature crop residues (C:N ratios of 75 for soybean and 130 for corn) caused rapid N immobilization, attenuating FT-induced N2O emissions in the silty clay. In the sandy loam, residue addition also induced immobilization of soil mineral N. However, N2O emissions under moderate FT were higher with than without crop residues, likely because N2O production in this low-C sandy loam was stimulated by C addition in the early phase of incubation. We conclude that FT-induced N2O emissions could be reduced through incorporation of mature crop residues and the subsequent immobilization of mineral N, especially in C-rich soils.
Freezing cycle effects on water stability of soil aggregates
Authors: Dagesse Daryl F.
Published: February 2013

Dagesse, D. F. 2013. Freezing cycle effects on water stability of soil aggregates. Can. J. Soil Sci. 93: 473–483. The freezing process is commonly implicated as a key factor in defining the state of soil structural stability following the winter months. Controversy exists, however, regarding the efficacy, and even the net effect, of this process. The objective of the study was to establish the separate effects of the freezing, freeze–thaw and freeze-drying processes in defining soil structural stability following the over-winter period. Aggregates from soils of varying clay content (0.11, 0.33, 0.44 kg kg−1) and initial water content (0.10, 0.20 or 0.30 kg kg−1) were subjected to freeze-only (F), freeze–thaw (FT) and freeze-dry (FD) treatments. Post-treatment aggregate stability determination was via wet aggregate stability (WAS) and dispersible clay (DC). Freezing alone and freeze-dry treatments generally resulted in greater aggregate stability, while the freeze–thaw generally resulted in lower aggregate stability as compared with a control, not frozen treatment (T). These data suggest the freezing-induced desiccation process improves aggregate stability, while the addition of a thaw component following freezing, with the attendant liquid water, is responsible for degradation of aggregate stability. Clay content and initial water content are important factors governing the magnitude of this process.
Revenue in U.S. hospital based outpatient wound centers: Implications for creating accountable care organizations
Authors: Fife Caroline E. , Wall Vonda , Carter Marissa J. , Walker David , Thomson Brett , Turner Toni
Published: February 2013

Background: One of the experimental health care payment and delivery programs proposed under the auspices of the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is the Accountable Care Organization (ACO). An example of this is the physician hospital organization (PHO), an association of one or more hospitals and a group of physicians which would “bundle” their payments for an episode of care. However, as potential PHO members consider such joint ventures, they require real-world revenue data from which to determine the relative contribution of the physician and the facility to the collective bill in order to make decisions about the contract structure. In the past, physicians and hospitals have not shared cost and charge data with each other. Methods: Using sophisticated electronic medical record software, real-world billing data were obtained from 3 hospital-based outpatient wound centers and the physicians practicing in them (1 full time equivalent each) in order to establish the relative contribution of each entity to a potential PHO. Results: A total of 6,762 patient visits occurred, comprising 887 initial consultations and 5,875 follow-up visits. Based upon Medicare-allowable reimbursement rates, mean physician revenues represented approximately one quarter of total revenue while procedures provided almost three quarters of the global revenue, on average. Conclusions: Among hospital-based wound centers our results confirm that procedures represent the majority of revenue for both the facility and the physician. Our results represent a starting point for hospitals and physicians to negotiate bundled payments as they attempt to transition to a value- and quality-based model of care. A sophisticated EHR designed specifically for the purpose of capturing charge data, provides the mechanism for future cost effectiveness studies.
Probabilistic Design with Gerber Fatigue Model
Authors: E. Osakue Edward
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a probabilistic design approach for the Gerber bending fatigue failure rule using sensitivity-based analysis. The design model parameters are considered as random variables that are characterized by mean values and coefficients of variation (covs). The coefficient of variation of a design parameter is obtained by using first order Taylor series expansion for strength and stress in a stress-based fatigue design. A reliability factor is determined based on the coefficients of variation and a failure probability. The reliability factor is then used for design sizing and analysis. Probabilistic design allows a quantification of risk that is not possible with deterministic design approaches. This risk quantification can help to avoid over- or under-design problems while ensuring that safety and quality levels are economically achieved. Over design requires more resources than necessary and leads to costly products. Avoiding over-design helps to conserve product materials and reduce manufacturing resources, machining accuracy, quality control, and processing. Under-designed products are prone to failures, making the products unsafe and unreliable. This increases the risks of product liability lawsuits, customer dissatisfaction, and even accidents. This study shows a 51% reduction in component size without compromising desired reliability and hence a possible 51% reduction in component mass and cost. Therefore, significant savings in product cost can be obtained through probabilistic design. Probabilistic design seems to be the most practical approach in product design due to the inherent variability associated with service loads, material properties, geometrical attributes, and mathematical design models. It is becoming the preferred design method because over- or under-design can be avoided while still ensuring the safety of a product.
Design and Development of a Class of Rotorcraft-Based UAV
Authors: Kim Gyou Beom , Nguyen Trung Kien , Budiyono Agus , Park Jung Keun , Yoon Kwang Joon , Shin Jinok
Published: February 2013

We discuss the development of a mini-quadrotor system and coaxial quadrotor system for indoor and outdoor applications. The attitude control system consists of a stability augmentation system and a modern control approach. To perform an experimental flight test, a PID controller is used to validate our aerodynamic modelling and basic electronics hardware is developed in a simple configuration. We use a low-cost 100 Hz AHRS for inertial sensing, infrared (IR) sensors for horizontal ranging, an ultrasonic sensor for ground ranging and an AVR microcontroller for the flight control computer. A ground control system is developed for the monitoring and gathering of flight data. Based on the modelling and simulation data of the mini-quadrotor system, a flight test is performed and automatic hovering ability is implemented. A collision detection system is one of the important parts of an indoor and outdoor flight test. To overcome the payload limitation of the mini-quadrotor system, we design a coaxial quadrotor system and we use a Kinect sensor as the collision detect sensor. Kinect sensors give 3D depth information and the collision detection system uses that information.
Optimal Design of the Fuzzy Navigation System for a Mobile Robot Using Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Meléndez Abraham , Castillo Oscar , Valdez Fevrier , Soria Jose , Garcia Mario
Published: February 2013

This paper describes the optimization of an integration block within the proposed navigation control system for a mobile robot. The control blocks that the integrator will combine are two Fuzzy Inference Systems (FIS) in charge of tracking and reaction control, respectively. The integrator block is called a Weighted Fuzzy Inference System (WFIS) and assigns weights to the responses of each behaviour block, to combine them into a single response.
Fabrication of Microstructures Embedding Controllable Particles inside Dielectrophoretic Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Yue Tao , Nakajima Masahiro , Tajima Hirotaka , Fukuda Toshio
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a method of particle manipulation by dielectrophoresis (DEP) and immobilization using photo-crosslinkable resin inside microfluidic devices. High speed particle manipulation, including patterning and concentration control by DEP was demonstrated. Immovable and movable microstructures embedding particles were fabricated on-chip. Several microelectrodes were fabricated using Indium Tin Oxides (ITO) and Cr/Au. The two kinds of DEP responses of yeast cells ( W303) and other particles were experimentally confirmed. Based on negative DEP phenomenon, cell traps generated by microelectrodes were demonstrated. Position control, transportation and patterning of cells were performed with cell traps. The on-chip fabrication of arbitrary shapes of microstructures based on Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) was reported. With cell patterning by DEP and immobilization using on-chip fabrication, microstructures embedding line patterned cells were fabricated inside microfluidic channels. A novel microfluidic device was designed to separate patterning and fabrication areas and movable microstructures embedding concentration controllable particles were fabricated inside this device.
Relational Capital and Performances in Interuniversity Research Consortia
Authors: Cricelli Livio , Greco Marco
Published: February 2013

Interuniversity consortia are linked together through direct (participation in the same consortium) and indirect (participation of the same member in two consortia) connections. The resulting network can be analysed with the techniques of Social Network Analysis. In this article we show that in our sample the consortium's centrality increases its turnover rate and its capacity to reach the break-even point. Moreover, we show that interuniversity consortia, including non-academic organizations, have a lower turnover value than purely academic ones. The results may enhance understanding of the role played by relational capital in the performance of non-profit organizations, which may also lead to policy recommendations.
The Lost Woodlands of Ancient Nasca
Authors: Beresford-Jones David
Published: February 2013

This book presents an archaeological case of prehistoric human environmental impact: a study of ecological and cultural change from the arid south coast of Peru, beginning around 750 bc and culminating in a collapse during the Middle Horizon, around ad 900. Its focus is the lower Ica Valley — today depopulated and bereft of cultivation and yet with archaeological remains attesting to substantial prehistoric occupations — thereby presenting a prima facie case for changed environmental conditions. Previous archaeological interpretations of cultural changes in the region rely heavily on climatic factors such as El Niño floods and long droughts. While the archaeological, geomorphological, and archaeobotanical records presented here do indeed include new evidence of huge ancient flood events, they also demonstrate the significance of more gradual, human-induced destruction of Prosopis pallida (huarango) riparian dry-forest. The huarango is a remarkable leguminous hardwood that lives for over a millennium and provides forage, fuel, and food. Moreover, it is crucial to the integration of a fragile desert ecosystem, enhancing microclimate and soil fertility and moisture. Its removal exposed this landscape to the effects of El Niño climatic perturbations long before Europeans arrived in Peru. This case study therefore contradicts the popular perception that Native Americans inflicted barely perceptible disturbance upon a New World Eden. Yet, it also records correlations between changes in society and degrees of human environmental impact. These allow inferences about the specific contexts in which significant human environmental impacts in the New World did, and did not, arise.
Women, Language and Grammar in Italy, 1500-1900
Authors: Sanson Helena
Published: February 2013

This book examines the relationship between women, language, and grammar with particular reference to the Italian context between the sixteenth and the end of the nineteenth century, from the codification of Italian as a literary language to the formation of a unified state. It investigates the role played by women in the Italian linguistic tradition as addressees, readers, or authors of grammatical texts. In spite of the ever-growing interest in different aspects of women's life in the Western world through the centuries, little attention has been given up to now to women's linguistic education, their relationship with grammar, and the ideas about their use of language. In the context of Italy, these questions were virtually unexplored. This study is the result of extensive first-hand research and detailed analysis of primary sources (well-known texts, as well as minor and rare ones), brought together and made available to a wider public. Sources range from more specifically linguistic writings, to texts on women's education and conduct books, from literary works (e.g., novels, short stories, poetry, plays, satirical writings, children's literature), to official government documents, newspaper articles, women's magazines, school texts, letters, and memoirs). The book's interdisciplinary approach and the richness of its sources make it an engaging journey across four centuries in the history of the Italian language, the history of grammar, the history of linguistic thought, and the history of women and their education. Relevant illustrations accompany the book, offering readers a visual appreciation and understanding of its subjects and themes.
Uma liberdade responsável e descentrada em relação à natureza: leitura antropológica de Princípio responsabilidade
Authors: Frogneux Nathalie
Published: February 2013

Este texto explora a antropologia subjacente ao Princípio Responsabilidade. Jonas, ali, propõe um humanismo não antropocêntrico que leva em conta a posição deiscente do homem na natureza e sublinha a mútua dependência essencial entre eles. A crítica às utopias e essa posição deiscente do humano completam a réplica de Jonas ao dualismo acósmico de tipo gnóstico, isto é, do homem e da natureza, com um argumento ontológico e ético. Com efeito,se a essência da natureza e a do homem são mutuamente dependentes, as consequências do agir (tecnológico) humano importam em última instância para a humanidade também. Ora, desde que o homem é homem, ele é o que deve ser e não é preciso tentar melhorar seuser enquanto tal. Por conseguinte, nenhum humano pode ser sacrificado em nome de um futuro melhor (cf. crítica de Bloch). Por outro lado, seguindo a lógica metabólica do vivente, o humano é caracterizado por um fiat constante, um agir pelo qual ele ganha ou perde sua dignidade moral no seio de cada ato singular, o que contrasta com a lógica da acumulação tecnológica. Em razão do que denominamos uma antropologia dos incomensuráveis, em que o agir moral não é jamais assegurado, Jonas recusa toda concepção utópica que implicaria um sacrifício de alguém (tanto dos contemporâneos pelos homens futuros, quanto dos homens futuros pelos contemporâneos), mas ele propõe uma ética da renúncia. Renunciar àpresunção que nos faria ocupar uma posição que não é a nossa e negligenciar as condições de possibilidade de nosso agir no mundo.
Crítica da técnica, crítica da filosofia: Heidegger e Simondon
Authors: Soares Fragozo Fernando Antonio
Published: February 2013

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar as críticas de Martin Heidegger e de Gilbert Simondon à concepção corrente da técnica, referida por Heidegger como a “concepção instrumental e antropológica da técnica”. Trata-se de mostrar que as críticas desses pensadores, por mais diferentes que possam ser seus universos conceituais, seus objetivos e seus métodos, são ambas realizadas a partir de um processo de interpretação desconstrutiva dos conceitos de “instrumentalidade”, “alienação” e “hilemorfismo”, num conjunto crítico que a cada vez relaciona diretamente crítica da técnica à crítica da filosofia. Nesse sentido, as análises são apresentadas a partir dos respectivos horizontes de reflexão filosófica de cada autor: no caso de Heidegger, o projeto de elaboração da ontologia fundamental e, posteriormente, o pensamento da história do ser e, no caso de Simondon, a questão da individuação.
Acceptability of Countdown Signals at an Urban Signalized Intersection and their Influence on Drivers Behaviour
Authors: Rijavec Robert , Zakovšek Jure , Maher Tomaž
Published: February 2013

There are different factors that affect driver’s behaviour at an urban signalized intersection. Complementary countdown signal heads can be used to inform the driver about the traffic light phase status. In the research presented in this paper, we explored how a countdown signal affects the driver’s reaction. We focused on the analysis of red/amber, red and amber running violations. We also observed and measured traffic flow start-up lost time and headway per cycle. Measurements took place in Ljubljana at a four-way intersection where two countdown signal heads are installed that face different directions. We used the “on-off-on” approach, using video surveillance and detection technology. According to the results of the investigative questionnaire, more than 84% of the surveyed drivers expressed positive opinion about the device. Analyses of field-test results have shown that the red and/or amber running violation rate is higher when the device is turned off. The results of the paper suggest that the countdown device had very little effect on the capacity of an urban signalized intersection.
Distinguishing among weapons offenders, drug offenders, and weapons and drug offenders based on childhood predictors and adolescent correlates
Authors: Stephens Skye , Day David M.
Published: February 2013

Background

Weapons and drug offences incur a large cost to society and tend to be strongly associated. Improved understanding of their antecedents could inform targeted early intervention and prevention programmes.

Aim

This study aimed to examine differences in criminal careers, childhood predictors and adolescent correlates among weapons‐only offenders, drugs‐only offenders and a versatile group of weapons + drugs offenders.

Method

We conducted a longitudinal records study of 455 young Canadians charged with drug and/or weapons offences who started their offending in late childhood/early adolescence.

Results

Consistent with expectation, differences emerged in their criminal careers as the versatile group had a longer criminal career and desisted from offending at a later age than weapons‐only offenders. Against prediction, weapons‐only offenders experienced the greatest number of childhood predictors and adolescent correlates.

Conclusion and implications for practice

The three offending groups could be differentiated on offending trajectories and developmental factors.

In making links between past events and later behaviour, life‐course criminology may inform development of effective early intervention and prevention strategies.

As weapons‐only offenders experience the greatest level of adversity in childhood and adolescence, they may benefit most (of these three groups) from early intervention and prevention programmes.

A reduction in weapon carrying and use might be achieved by early identification of children risk factors (e.g. family adversity) and appropriate intervention.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
InGaAs/InP DHBTs with emitter and base defined through electron‐beam lithography for reduced Ccb and increased RF cut‐off frequency
Authors: Lobisser Evan , Rode Johann C. , Jain Vibhor , Chiang Han‐Wei , Baraskar Ashish , Mitchell William J. , Thibeault Brian J. , Rodwell Mark J. W. , Urteaga Miguel , Loubychev Dmitri , Snyder Andrew , Wu Ying , Fastenau Joel M. , Liu Amy W. K.
Published: February 2013

InGaAs/InP DHBTs are fabricated using electron‐beam lithography to define the emitter and base mesas. Emitter mesas 150 nm wide, and base mesas with < 25 nm misalignment to the emitter have been developed. Emitter contacts are prepared through blanket, refractory metal evaporation to obtain emitter contact resistivity ρex = 2 Ω·µm2. This low record resistivity, combined with the narrow emitter and base mesas, enables device RF performance of simultaneous fτ and fmax of 530 GHz and 750 GHz, respectively, at a power density of > 40 mW/µm2. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gastrointestinal well-being in subjects reporting mild gastrointestinal discomfort: characteristics and properties of a global assessment measure
Authors: Guyonnet Denis , Naliboff Bruce , Rondeau Pascale , Mayer Emeran , Chassany Olivier
Published: February 2013

There is a lack of recognised markers for measuring gastrointestinal (GI) well-being and digestive symptoms in the general population. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate construct validity of a global assessment tool of GI well-being. In this randomised double-blind study, 197 adult women consumed either a probiotic fermented milk or a control dairy product daily during 4 weeks. GI well-being was assessed weekly using a single question and subjects indicated whether their GI well-being remained the same, improved or worsened compared with the baseline period. Responders for GI well-being were subjects reporting improvement for at least 2 weeks of the 4 weeks of intervention. Frequency of individual digestive symptoms was assessed weekly. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Subjects reporting improvement of their GI well-being had a significantly (P< 0·05) lower frequency of combined digestive symptoms than individuals with no change, whereas subjects with worsened GI well-being had a significantly (P< 0·05) higher digestive symptom frequency. Number of weeks with reported GI well-being improvement was significantly (P< 0·05) correlated with the decrease in digestive symptoms (r 0·58) and the HRQoL digestive comfort dimension (r 0·47). When compared with non-responders, responders had significantly (P< 0·0001) fewer average digestive symptoms and higher scores on digestive comfort of the HRQoL questionnaire. The data provide construct validity for a single-item questionnaire as a measure of GI well-being improvement. These data support the use of this questionnaire as an end point for nutritional intervention in the general population.
Concurrent outbreaks with co-infection of norovirus and Clostridium difficile in a long-term-care facility
Authors: LUDWIG A. , SATO K. , SCHIRMER P. , MANIAR A. , LUCERO-OBUSAN C. , FLEMING C. , RYONO R. , ODA G. , WINTERS M. , HOLODNIY M.
Published: February 2013

We describe an outbreak of simultaneous Clostridium difficile and norovirus infections in a long-term-care facility. Thirty patients experienced acute gastroenteritis, and four had co-infection with identical C. difficile 027 and genotype II.4 New Orleans norovirus strains. Co-occurring infection requires improved understanding of risk factors, clinical impact, and testing strategies.
Overview of antidepressant treatment of bipolar depression
Authors: Vázquez Gustavo H. , Tondo Leonardo , Undurraga Juan , Baldessarini Ross J.
Published: February 2013

Bipolar depression remains a major unresolved challenge for psychiatric therapeutics. It is associated with significant disability and mortality and represents the major proportion of the approximately half of follow-up time spent in morbid states despite use of available treatments. Evidence regarding effectiveness of standard treatments, particularly with antidepressants, remains limited and inconsistent. We reviewed available clinical and research literature concerning treatment with antidepressants in bipolar depression and its comparison with unipolar depression. Research evidence concerning efficacy and safety of commonly used antidepressant treatments for acute bipolar depression is very limited. Nevertheless, an updated meta-analysis indicated that overall efficacy was significantly greater with antidepressants than with placebo-treatment and not less than was found in trials for unipolar major depression. Moreover, risks of non-spontaneous mood-switching specifically associated with antidepressant treatment are less than appears to be widely believed. The findings encourage additional efforts to test antidepressants adequately in bipolar depression, and to consider options for depression in types I vs. II bipolar disorder, depression with subsyndromal hypomania and optimal treatment of mixed agitated-dysphoric states – both short- and long-term. Many therapeutic trials considered were small, varied in design, often involved co-treatments, or lacked adequate controls.
Suppression of secondary electron yield by micro-porous array structure
Authors: Ye M. , He Y. N. , Hu S. G. , Wang R. , Hu T. C. , Yang J. , Cui W. Z.
Published: February 2013

We study secondary electron yield (SEY) suppression for metal materials using a roughened surface with a micro-porous array. First, we perform a Monte Carlo simulation of the electron trajectory in a single cylindrical well using a phenomenological model of secondary electron emission and the SEY suppression efficiency of a micro-porous array. The simulation results show that the SEY of a roughened surface is affected significantly by the aspect ratio of the micro-pores and the surface porosity of the metal plate. Then, to verify the simulation results, we produce a micro-porous array on metal plates using photolithography and measure their SEYs. We show that the micro-porous array structure can efficiently suppress the SEY of metal materials, and the measurements agree quantitatively with the corresponding simulation results. Finally, we derive an analytical formula to evaluate easily the SEY suppression efficiency of the Ag micro-porous array. In total, the micro-porous array proposed in this paper offers an alternative to SEY suppression in related areas such as multipactor effects in satellite payloads or electron cloud effects in accelerators.
Type VI secretion system regulation as a consequence of evolutionary pressure
Authors: Miyata Sarah T. , Bachmann Verena , Pukatzki Stefan
Published: February 2013

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a mechanism evolved by Gram-negative bacteria to negotiate interactions with eukaryotic and prokaryotic competitors. T6SSs are encoded by a diverse array of bacteria and include plant, animal, human and fish pathogens, as well as environmental isolates. As such, the regulatory mechanisms governing T6SS gene expression vary widely from species to species, and even from strain to strain within a given species. This review concentrates on the four bacterial genera that the majority of recent T6SS regulatory studies have been focused on:Vibrio,Pseudomonas,BurkholderiaandEdwardsiella.
The benefits of storage and non‐renewable resource price dynamics
Authors: Stevens Jason
Published: February 2013

Abstract Both the Theory of Storage and the Hotelling model play a prominent role in the study of non‐renewable resource prices. This paper combines these approaches by modifying the Hotelling model to allow firms to hold inventory in addition to in‐ground reserves, contributing three new results. First, inventory is more likely to be held if future demand and/or the marginal cost of extraction are uncertain. Second, the market price of the commodity is based on the Theory of Storage when inventory is held. Third, the optimal extraction of the resource is based on the Hotelling model.
Expectations About Single Event Probabilities in the First Year of Life: The Influence of Perceptual and Statistical Information
Authors: Lawson Chris A. , Rakison David H.
Published: February 2013

Recent evidence suggests that infants can generate expectations about future events from a sample of probabilistic data. However, little is known about the conditions that support the development of this ability. Three experiments tested the prediction that 8‐ and 12‐month‐olds respond to base rates as well as perceptual cues when they generate expectations from a sample of probabilistic data. Results revealed that 12‐month‐olds were sensitive to the statistical and perceptual properties of the evidence depending on the distribution of high‐to‐low base rate items in the sample. Specifically, 12‐month‐olds focused on perceptual features of the evidence when a sample was large and more skewed (e.g., 6:1), whereas they attended to statistical properties when the sample was smaller and less skewed (e.g., 4:1). In contrast, eight‐month‐olds always focused on the perceptual features of the evidence. Neither group generated expectations from a small, less skewed sample (e.g., 2:1). These results suggest that the ability to generate expectations about future events is mediated by specific features of the available evidence and undergoes significant change during the first year of life.
“Life Is Not for Sale!”: Confronting Free Trade and Intellectual Property in Costa Rica
Authors: Pearson Thomas W.
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT Expansion of intellectual property rights (IPR) regimes has been achieved in part through bilateral free‐trade agreements. This process, however, has not gone uncontested. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in Costa Rica, in this article I examine a conflict over IPR in the context of a social movement against the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). I focus specifically on reforms that have set the stage for the private appropriation of biodiversity, plant varieties, and other biological materials. Environmentalists have struggled against these reforms since the mid‐1990s, and during the confrontation over CAFTA they positioned “defense of life itself” as a key issue for the social movement. Activists challenged the legal constitution of seeds, biodiversity, and other biological materials as objects of IPR by ideologically situating life outside of commodity exchange and as part of the collective property of the nation.
Heel‐Line Hyperpigmentation: A Variant of Sock‐Line Hyperpigmentation After the Use of Heel‐Length Socks
Authors: Ciliberto Heather , Berk David , Salphale Pankaj , Bayliss Susan
Published: February 2013

Two infants developed hyperpigmented curvilinear patches on the posterior heel after wearing heel‐length socks. Both of the patient's lesions improved after discontinuing the use of the heel‐length socks. Hyperpigmented patches called sock‐line or mitten‐line hyperpigmentation have been reported at sites of tight elastic bands from socks or mittens in infants on the calves and wrists. Recognizing this clinical entity is important to differentiate it from other causes of linear lesions such as child abuse or amniotic band syndrome.
ON THE STRUCTURE OF STATISTICAL FIELD THEORY OF POLYMERS
Authors: MIAO BING
Published: February 2013

We examine several widely used statistical field theoretic methods in theoretical polymer physics. A systematic derivation for the polymer field theoretic model is given within the framework of the effective Landau theory. After constructing the field theoretic model, we perform a perturbative expansion of the model, and then the mean-field approximation and the Gaussian fluctuation approximation are introduced into the treatment of the model in order. We also outline a derivation for the self-consistent Hartree theory in polymer physics within a variational scheme. The applications of these methods are also discussed accordingly.
Linear-Logic Based Analysis of Constraint Handling Rules with Disjunction
Authors: Betz Hariolf , Frühwirth Thom
Published: February 2013

Constraint Handling Rules (CHR) is a declarative rule-based programming language that has cut out its niche over the course of the last 20 years. It generalizes concurrent constraint logic programming to multiple heads, thus closing the gap to multiset transformation systems. Its popular extension CHR with Disjunction (CHR∨) is a multiparadigm declarative programming language that allows embedding of Horn programs with SLD resolution.

We analyze the assets and the limitations of the classical declarative semantics of CHR∨ and highlight its natural relationship with linear-logic. We furthermore develop two linear-logic semantics for CHR∨ that differ in the reasoning domain for which they are instrumental. We show their idempotence and their soundness and completeness with respect to the operational semantics. We show how to apply the linear-logic semantics to decide program properties and to reason about operational equivalence of CHR∨ programs.
Ubiquity symposium: The science in computer science
Authors: Snodgrass Richard
Published: February 2013

Until 2000, computer science enrollments were steadily increasing. Then suddenly students started turning to other fields; by 2008, enrollments had dropped by 50 percent. To that end, Jan Cuny has been leading a program at the National Science Foundation to increase both the number and diversity of students in computing. In this interview with Ubiquity, she discusses the magnitude of the problem and the initiatives underway to turn it around.
Bartonella henselae Infection Associated with Autoimmune Thyroiditis in a Child
Authors: Chiuri Rosa Maria , Matronola Maria Ferrina , Di Giulio Concetta , Comegna Laura , Chiarelli Francesco , Blasetti Annalisa
Published: February 2013

Background: Bartonella henselae was discovered a quarter of a century ago as the causative agent of cat-scratch disease. More recently, Bartonella has been found to be responsible for a broad range of clinical syndromes (prolonged fever, hepatosplenic disease, encephalopathies, ocular disease) and associated with autoimmune conditions. Case: This is the first report of autoimmune thyroiditis related to B. henselae infection. We describe an 11-year-old boy who presented with goiter and weight loss. At the time of admission a 2 × 1 cm mildly tender right supraclavicular lymph node was noted in association with an erythematous papule at the same side of the neck. We describe an association of autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Hashitoxicosis) with B. henselae infection (cat-scratch disease) in a pediatric patient. Conclusion: Different types of infections are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease through molecular mimicry or other mechanisms, despite their role is disputed. We speculated that autoimmune thyroiditis should be added to the spectrum of clinical syndromes that can be triggered by B. henselae.