bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A near-optimal algorithm for estimating the entropy of a stream
Authors: Chakrabarti Amit , Cormode Graham , Mcgregor Andrew
Published: June 2010

We describe a simple algorithm for approximating the empirical entropy of a stream of
m
values up to a multiplicative factor of (1+ϵ) using a single pass,
O
(ϵ
−2
log (δ
−1
) log
m
) words of space, and
O
(log ϵ
−1
+ log log δ
−1
+ log log
m
) processing time per item in the stream. Our algorithm is based upon a novel extension of a method introduced by Alon et al. [1999]. This improves over previous work on this problem. We show a space lower bound of Ω(ϵ
−2
/log
2
(ϵ
−1
)), demonstrating that our algorithm is near-optimal in terms of its dependency on ϵ.

We show that generalizing to multiplicative-approximation of the
k
th-order entropy requires close to linear space for
k
≥1. In contrast we show that additive-approximation is possible in a single pass using only poly-logarithmic space. Lastly, we show how to compute a multiplicative approximation to the entropy of a random walk on an undirected graph.
On mitigating sampling-induced accuracy loss in traffic anomaly detection systems
Authors: Ali Sardar , Haq Irfan Ul , Rizvi Sajjad , Rasheed Naurin , Sarfraz Unum , Khayam Syed Ali , Mirza Fauzan
Published: June 2010

Real-time Anomaly Detection Systems (ADSs) use packet sampling to realize traffic analysis at wire speeds. While recent studies have shown that a considerable loss of anomaly detection accuracy is incurred due to sampling, solutions to mitigate this loss are largely unexplored. In this paper, we propose a Progressive Security-Aware Packet Sampling (PSAS) algorithm which enables a real-time inline anomaly detector to achieve higher accuracy by sampling larger volumes of malicious traffic than random sampling, while adhering to a given sampling budget. High malicious sampling rates are achieved by deploying inline ADSs progressively on a packet's path. Each ADS encodes a binary score (malicious or benign) of a sampled packet into the packet before forwarding it to the next hop node. The next hop node then samples packets marked as malicious with a higher probability. We analytically prove that under certain realistic conditions, irrespective of the intrusion detection algorithm used to formulate the packet score, PSAS always provides higher malicious packet sampling rates. To empirically evaluate the proposed PSAS algorithm, we simultaneously collect an Internet traffic dataset containing DoS and portscan attacks at three different deployment points in our university's network. Experimental results using four existing anomaly detectors show that PSAS, while having no extra communication overhead and extremely low complexity, allows these detectors to achieve significantly higher accuracies than those operating on random packet samples.
Measurement lab
Authors: Dovrolis Constantine , Gummadi Krishna , Kuzmanovic Aleksandar , Meinrath Sascha D.
Published: June 2010

Measurement Lab (M-Lab) is an open, distributed server platform for researchers to deploy active Internet measurement tools. The goal of M-Lab is to advance network research and empower the public with useful information about their broadband connections. By enhancing Internet transparency, M-Lab helps sustain a healthy, innovative Internet. This article describes M-Lab's objectives, administrative organization, software and hardware infrastructure. It also provides an overview of the currently available measurement tools and datasets, and invites the broader networking research community to participate in the project.
The O28 Antigen Gene Clusters ofSalmonella entericasubsp.entericaSerovar Dakar and Serovar Pomona Are Different
Authors: Clark Clifford G. , Grant Christopher C. R. , Trout-Yakel Keri M. , Tabor Helen , Ng Lai-King , Rahn Kris , Franklin Kristyn , Kropinski Andrew M.
Published: June 2010

A 10 kb O-antigen gene cluster was sequenced from aSalmonella entericasubsp.entericaDakar O28 reference strain and from twoS. Pomona serogroup O28 isolates. The twoS. Pomona O antigen gene clusters showed only moderate identity with theS. Dakar O28 gene cluster, suggesting that the O antigen oligosaccharides may contain one or more sugars conferring the O28 epitope but may otherwise be different. These novel findings are absolutely critical for the correct interpretation of molecular serotyping assays targeting genes within the O antigen gene clusters of theseSalmonellaserotypes and suggest the possibility that the O antigen gene clusters of otherSalmonellaserovars may also be heterogenous.
Modelling the Biphasic Growth and Product Formation byEnterococcus faeciumCECT 410 in Realkalized Fed-Batch Fermentations in Whey
Authors: Guerra Nelson Pérez , Fajardo Paula , Fuciños Clara , Amado Isabel Rodríguez , Alonso Elisa , Torrado Ana , Pastrana Lorenzo
Published: June 2010

The influence of initial pH on growth and nutrient (total sugars, nitrogen, and phosphorous) consumption byEnterococcus faeciumCECT 410 was studied during batch cultures in whey. With these data, two realkalized fed-batch fermentations were developed using different feeding substrates. The shift from homolactic to mixed acid fermentation, the biphasic kinetics observed for cell growth and nitrogen consumption and the increase in the concentrations of biomass and products (lactic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, and butane-2,3-diol) were the most noteworthy observations of these cultures. Modelling the fed-batch growth ofEnt. faeciumwith the Logistic and bi-Logistic models was not satisfactory. However, biomass production was best mathematically described with the use of a double Monod model, which was expressed in terms of biomass, product accumulation, and nitrogen utilization. Product formation was successfully modelled with a modified form of the Luedeking and Piret model developed in this study.
PROCARB: A Database of Known and Modelled Carbohydrate-Binding Protein Structures with Sequence-Based Prediction Tools
Authors: Malik Adeel , Firoz Ahmad , Jha Vivekanand , Ahmad Shandar
Published: June 2010

Understanding of the three-dimensional structures of proteins that interact with carbohydrates covalently (glycoproteins) as well as noncovalently (protein-carbohydrate complexes) is essential to many biological processes and plays a significant role in normal and disease-associated functions. It is important to have a central repository of knowledge available about these protein-carbohydrate complexes as well as preprocessed data of predicted structures. This can be significantly enhanced by toolsde novowhich can predict carbohydrate-binding sites for proteins in the absence of structure of experimentally known binding site. PROCARB is an open-access database comprising three independently working components, namely, (i)Core PROCARB module, consisting of three-dimensional structures of protein-carbohydrate complexes taken from Protein Data Bank (PDB), (ii)Homology Models module, consisting of manually developed three-dimensional models of N-linked and O-linked glycoproteins of unknown three-dimensional structure, and (iii)CBS-Pred prediction module, consisting of web servers to predict carbohydrate-binding sites using single sequence or server-generated PSSM. Several precomputed structural and functional properties of complexes are also included in the database for quick analysis. In particular, information about function, secondary structure, solvent accessibility, hydrogen bonds and literature reference, and so forth, is included. In addition, each protein in the database is mapped to Uniprot, Pfam, PDB, and so forth.
Laboratory Evaluation of Time-Domain Reflectometry for Bridge Scour Measurement: Comparison with the Ultrasonic Method
Authors: Yu Xinbao , Yu Xiong
Published: June 2010

Bridge scour is a major factor causing instability of bridges crossing waterways. Excessive scour contributes to their high construction and maintenance costs. Design of innovative scour-monitoring instrumentation is essential to ensure the safety of scour-critical bridges. The ability of real-time surveillance is important since the most severe scour typically happens near the peak flood discharge. A new scour-monitoring instrument based on the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) principle has been developed to provide real-time monitoring of scour evolution. A framework based on dielectric mixing model has been developed, which can be easily incorporated into an automatic analysis algorithm. This paper introduces a comparative study of TDR method and ultrasonic method for scour measurements. The results indicate that both TDR and ultrasonic methods can accurately estimate scour depth. TDR method, with the developed analysis algorithm, yields information on the river properties such as the electrical conductivity of river water and the density of sediments. TDR methods are also found less influenced by turbulence and air bubbles, both likely to occur during flood events.
Synthesis and Field Emission Properties of Hierarchical ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Peng Deyan , Huang Yanjun , Yu Ke , Li Lijun , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: June 2010

Three novel kinds of hierarchical ZnO nanostructures: nanocombs nanoscrewdrivers and nanonails, have been synthesized in large quantities via a simple thermal evaporation process in the same run of growth in different regions of the quartz tube. The morphologies could be well controlled by adjusting the distances between the source materials and the substrates. These ZnO products were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The field emission properties of the ZnO nanostructures were investigated. These hierarchical ZnO nanostructures may be attractive building blocks for field emission microelectronic devices and other devices.
The High Spin Expansion of Twist Sector Dimensions: The Planar 𝒩 = 4 Super Yang‐Mills Theory
Authors: Fioravanti Davide , Rossi Marco
Published: June 2010

This review is devoted to collecting some results on the high spin expansion of (minimal) anomalous dimension. Thanks to the recent rationale on integrability, planar 𝒩 = 4 super Yang‐Mills theory (or its AdS5 × S5 string counterpart) represents a very practicable field. Here the attention will be restricted to its sector of twist operators, although the analysis tools are quite general (in integrable theories). Some structures and ideas turn out to be general also for other sectors or gauge theories.
Quaternary Ammonium Polyethyleneimine: Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Yudovin-Farber Ira , Golenser Jacob , Beyth Nurit , Weiss Ervin I. , Domb Abraham J.
Published: June 2010

Quaternary ammonium polyethyleneimine‐ (QA‐PEI‐) based nanoparticles were synthesized using two synthetic methods, reductive amination and N‐alkylation. According to the first method, QA‐PEI nanoparticles were synthesized by cross‐linking with glutaraldehyde followed by reductive amination with octanal and further N‐methylation with methyl iodide. The second method is based on crosslinking with dialkyl halide followed by N‐alkylation with octyl halide and further N‐methylation with methyl iodide. QA‐PEI nanoparticles completely inhibited bacterial growth (>106 bacteria), including both Gram‐positive, that is, Staphylococcus aureus at 80 μg/mL, and Gram‐negative, that is, Escherichia coli at 320 μg/mL. Activity analysis revealed that the degree of alkylation and N‐methylation of the QA‐PEI nanoparticles plays a significant role in antibacterial activity of the reagent. The most potent compound was octyl alkylated QA‐PEI alkylated at 1 : 1 mole ratio (primary amine of PEI monomer units/alkylating agent). Also, cytotoxicity studies on MAT‐LyLu and MBT cell lines were performed with QA‐PEI nanoparticles. These findings confirm previous reports that polycations bearing quaternary ammonium moieties inhibit bacterial growth in vitro and have a potential use as additives in medical devices which need antibacterial properties.
The Determination of Melanoma Stage at Diagnosis
Authors: Lee John A. H.
Published: June 2010

The rising proportion of melanomas diagnosed at an early pathologic stage is commonly ascribed to better public education. However in the US SEER program of cancer registration it has been found that the rates for in situ melanomas are closely related by a log linear relationship to the incidence of invasive melanomas and that this relationship is unrelated to calendar year or gender or patient age. This relationship is sufficiently strong to leave little room for other factors. The relationship may be different in populations with different melanoma rates and responses to them. It is suggested that the results are due to variations within populations of individual response to melanoma cell proliferation.
The Effect of the APOE-ε4 Allele and ACE-I/D Polymorphism on Cognition during a Two-Year Follow-Up in First-Ever Stroke Patients
Authors: Bour A.M.J.J. , Rasquin S.M.C. , Baars L. , van Boxtel M.P.J. , Visser P.J. , Limburg M. , Verhey F.R.J.
Published: July 2010

Background: Cognitive impairment is commonly observed after stroke and has a negative impact on survival and rehabilitation. Some stroke patients deteriorate in cognitive functioning whereas others do not. Environmental and demographic risk factors cannot fully explain this. There is growing evidence that a genetic predisposition plays a role in the pathogenesis of post-stroke cognitive decline. Objective: To study the influence of the APOE-Ε4 allele and the ACE-I/D polymorphism on cognitive functioning after stroke. Methods: We included 194 first-ever stroke patients of whom information about APOE genotyping and ACE-I/D polymorphism was available in 92 and 129 patients, respectively. Patients were cognitively assessed at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after the event. Linear mixed models with slope estimates were used to study the influence of the APOE-Ε4 allele and the ACE-I/D polymorphism on the MMSE score, CAMCOG, executive functioning, psychomotor speed, and verbal memory function during follow-up. Results: Patients carrying the APOE-Ε4 allele more often suffered a lacunar infarction than non-carriers. The APOE-Ε4 allele had no effect on cognitive functioning during the follow-up. ACE-DD homozygosity was associated with a worse performance in executive functioning compared to patients with neither an APOE-Ε4 allele nor the ACE-DD genotype. There was no interaction between the APOE-Ε4 allele and the ACE-DD phenotype in the prediction of cognitive decline. Conclusion: The ACE-DD genotype may be associated with post-stroke cognitive decline while the APOE-Ε4 allele is not. Further research is needed to examine the role of genetic risk factors for post-stroke cognitive decline and to determine why some patients deteriorate cognitively after stroke but others do not.
Associations between Genetic Variants in the ACE, AGT, AGTR1 and AGTR2 Genes and Renal Function in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Campbell Catherine Y. , Fang Belle F. , Guo Xiuqing , Peralta Carmen A. , Psaty Bruce M. , Rich Stephen S. , Young J. Hunter , Coresh Josef , Kramer Holly J. , Rotter Jerome I. , Post Wendy S.
Published: July 2010

Background/Aims: Some studies suggest that polymorphisms in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin II type I receptor (AGTR1) and angiotensin II type II receptor (AGTR2) genes may contribute to renal function variation. Methods: Genotyping for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these candidate genes was performed in 2,847 participants from four racial/ethnic groups (African American, Chinese, White and Hispanic) without known cardiovascular disease in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. SNP and haplotype analyses were performed to determine associations between genotypes and cross-sectional renal function measurements, including urine albumin excretion (UAE) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using serum creatinine and cystatin C. Results: Twenty-four ACE SNPs, 10 AGT SNPs, 15 AGTR1 SNPs and 6 AGTR2 SNPs were typed successfully. After adjusting for ancestry, age and gender, 3 SNPs (AGT M235T, AGT rs2148582 and AGTR1 rs2131127) showed associations with an empiric p value <0.05 with the same phenotype in multiple racial/ethnic groups, suggesting replication. The AGT M235T SNP has been shown previously to be associated with diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy. Conclusions: These data suggest that genetic polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin system are associated with renal phenotypes in the general population, but that many associations differ across racial/ethnic groups.
Impact of Low Vision on Employment
Authors: Mojon-Azzi Stefania M. , Sousa-Poza Alfonso , Mojon Daniel S.
Published: July 2010

Background: We investigated the influence of self-reported corrected eyesight on several variables describing the perception by employees and self-employed persons of their employment. Methods: Our study was based on data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). SHARE is a multidisciplinary, cross-national database of microdata on health, socioeconomic status, social and family networks, collected on 31,115 individuals in 11 European countries and in Israel. With the help of ordered logistic regressions and binary logistic regressions, we analyzed the influence of perceived visual impairment – corrected by 19 covariates capturing socioeconomic and health- related factors – on 10 variables describing the respondents’ employment situation. Results: Based on data covering 10,340 working individuals, the results of the logistic and ordered regressions indicate that respondents with lower levels of self-reported general eyesight were significantly less satisfied with their jobs, felt they had less freedom to decide, less opportunity to develop new skills, less support in difficult situations, less recognition for their work, and an inadequate salary. Respondents with a lower eyesight level more frequently reported that they feared their health might limit their ability to work before regular retirement age and more often indicated that they were seeking early retirement. Conclusions: Analysis of this dataset from 12 countries demonstrates the strong impact of self-reported visual impairment on individual employment, and therefore on job satisfaction, productivity, and well-being.
Concurrency and Network Disassortativity
Authors: Khor Susan
Published: June 2010

The relationship between a network's degree-degree correlation and a loose version of graph coloring is studied on networks with broad degree distributions. We find that, given similar conditions on the number of nodes, number of links, and clustering levels, fewer colors are needed to color disassortative than assortative networks. Since fewer colors create fewer independent sets, our finding implies that disassortative networks may have higher concurrency potential than assortative networks. This in turn suggests another reason for the disassortative mixing pattern observed in biological networks such as those of protein-protein interaction and gene regulation. In addition to the functional specificity and stability suggested by Maslov and Sneppen, a disassortative network topology may also enhance the ability of cells to perform crucial tasks concurrently. Hence, increased concurrency may also be a driving force in the evolution of biological networks.
The Center Still Holds: Liberal Internationalism Survives
Authors: Chaudoin Stephen , Milner Helen V. , Tingley Dustin H.
Published: July 2010

Recent research, including an article by Charles Kupchan and Peter Trubowitz in this journal, has argued that the United States' long-standing foreign policy orientation of liberal internationalism has been in serious decline because of rising domestic partisan divisions. A reanalysis of the theoretical logic driving these arguments and the empirical evidence used to support them suggests a different conclusion. Extant evidence on congressional roll call voting and public opinion surveys, which is often used to support the claim that liberal internationalism has declined, as well as new evidence about partisan divisions in Congress using policy gridlock and cosponsorship data from other studies of American politics do not demonstrate the decline in bipartisanship in foreign policy that conventional wisdom suggests. The data also do not show evidence of a Vietnam War or a post–Cold War effect on domestic partisan divisions on foreign policy. Contrary to the claims of recent literature, the data show that growing domestic political divisions over foreign policy have not made liberal internationalism impossible. It persists as a possible grand strategy for the United States in part because of globalization pressures.
Perpetuating U.S. Preeminence: The 1990 Deals to “Bribe the Soviets Out” and Move NATO In
Authors: Sarotte Mary Elise
Published: July 2010

Washington and Bonn pursued a shared strategy of perpetuating U.S. preeminence in European security after the end of the Cold War. As multilingual evidence shows, they did so primarily by shielding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) from potential competitors during an era of dramatic change in Europe. In particular, the United States and West Germany made skillful use in 1990 of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's political weakness and his willingness to prioritize his country's financial woes over security concerns. Washington and Bonn decided “to bribe the Soviets out,” as then Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gates phrased it, and to move NATO eastward. The goal was to establish NATO as the main post–Cold War security institution before alternative structures could arise and potentially diminish U.S. influence. Admirers of a muscular U.S. foreign policy and of NATO will view this strategy as sound; critics will note that it alienated Russia and made NATO's later expansion possible. Either way, this finding challenges the scholarly view that the United States sought to integrate its former superpower enemy into postconflict structures after the end of the Cold War.
Reizphysiologische Untersuchungen an Blutsaugenden Arthropoden Im Zusammenhang Mit Ihrer Nahrungswahl
Authors: Krijgsman B.J.
Published: July 2010

Mit Larven von Rhipicephalus sanguineus und Boophilus annulatus wurden sinnesphysiologische Untersuchungen ausgeführt in ähnlicher Wahlanordnung wie sie früher bei Stomoxys und Lyperosia benutzt wurde. Die Zeckenlarven besitzen einen Hautlichtsinn. Ältere Larven zeigen eine positive Phototaxis; Larven in der ersten Lebens-woche verhalten sich negativ gegenüber diffuses Tageslicht. Die Ursache dieses Verhaltens steht wahrscheinlich in direktem Zusammenhang mit der progressiven Pigmentierung der Haut. Weiter zeigen die Larven eine positive Thigmotaxis, Empfindlichkeit für Erschütterungsreize, eine positive Thermotaxis und eine positive Hydrotaxis, wobei sie jedoch Berührung mit feuchten Gegenständen sorgfältig vermeiden. Auch besteht ein Fernperzeptionsvermögen für chemische Reize, indem die Tiere Hautgeruch von Pferd, Rind und Mensch wahrnehmen. Nur in den ersten Lebenstagen reagieren sie nicht auf Hautgeruch oder Wasser. Geotaktische Orientierung konnte bei hungrigen Larven nicht festgestellt werden. In der Natur wird die Nahrungsreaktion wahrscheinlich auf folgende Weise ausgelöst: Durch positive Phototaxis klettern die Tiere auf Grashalmen hinauf, durch Erschütterung der Pflanzen und des Bodens bei der Annäherung des Wirtstieres werden sie aktiviert, durch Perzeption von Geruch, Feuchtigkeit und Wärme haften sie sich an das Wirtstier. Feuchtigkeit, Wärme (und Geruch) der Haut rufen Stechbewegungen hervor, und schliesslich wird vielleicht der Blutgeschmack die Saugreaktion auslösen.
On the Structure of Cyclopic, Synophthalmic and Anophthalmic Embryos, Obtained By the Action of Lithium in Limnaea Stagnalis
Authors: Raven Chr P.
Published: July 2010

1. The structure of the head in 42 cyclopic, synophthalmic, triophthalmic, anophthalmic and acephalic embryos of Limnaea stagnalis, obtained by the action of lithium, has been studied. 2. Besides the displacement, reduplication, fusion or reduction of the eyes, the following deviations of the normal structure of the head have been obtained: a shortening of the cerebral commissure, with fusion of the right and left cerebral ganglion in the median plane of the head; suppression of the anterior and posterior part of the apical plate, of the head vesicle and velum; and fusion of the lateral tentacle fields into a single median tentacle field. Only in the acephalic embryos, further reductions of head organs (nervous system, statocysts, pharynx) occur. 3. The suppression of the differentiation of the 4 posterior cells of the apical plate occurs with absolute constancy in these embryos. In normal development, these cells are derived from the apical cells, which surround the animal pole of the egg. 4. The results do not lend support to the hypothesis that interactions comparable to the "embryonic induction" known in other groups play a part in the development of the head of Limnaea. 5. They prove, however, that lithium acts on a gradient-field in Limnaea as it does in the echinoids and the amphibia. 6. Recent experiments on the direct effects of lithium on the eggs of Limnaea are discussed.
Staying Alive: Genetics in the Service of the Welfare “People’s Home”
Authors: Spektorowski Alberto , Ireni-Saban Liza
Published: July 2010

This article aims to contribute to the ongoing debate over population politics and the perceived reinvigoration of eugenic practices in “people’s home” countries. The ability of governments to subsidize genetic technologies or familial lifestyle choices also gives them the ability to choose who has access to these technologies and in so doing the ability to favor the procreation of one group over another. The authors suggest that such subsidization is used under the guise of productivist strategies by nations interested first and foremost in preserving their ethno-national identity. Although these countries, adhering to liberal democratic economics, profess to reward productivity, there seems to be more than a coincidental relationship between the “productive” and the ethnic national stock. The authors use as a case study a comparison between Israel and Sweden to show how such eugenic strategies arose over time in people’s home countries that synthesized productivism and national welfare. They suggest that genetics today is just as prone to being used for purposes of social engineering in welfare states and results in exclusion of individuals and communities. Indeed, as the authors demonstrate, welfare states provide generous benefits such as reproductive technology and child allowances to members of their national stock, at the same time hardly providing benefits to those who do not have share in ethnic membership.
Homosexuality: Mental health and quality of life in a Brazilian socio-cultural context
Authors: Ghorayeb Daniela Barbetta , Dalgalarrondo Paulo
Published: July 2010

Background: The following study has focused on the production of empirical knowledge regarding homosexuality in the Brazilian social-cultural context. Little is known about this population in Brazil or in others in Latin America.

Aims: Investigation and comparison of prevalence of mental disorder, search for mental health services and quality of life between a group of homosexual individuals and a heterosexual control group.

Methods: A cross-sectional study, using ‘snowball’ sampling was carried out in order to form both groups, matched according to gender, age and educational degree.

Instruments: Data were gathered in individual interviews, through the Brazilian versions of MINI Plus and WHOQOL Bref. Statistical analysis was used to identify frequencies and make comparisons concerning the dimensions that were investigated.

Conclusion: A higher prevalence of mental disturbance and attendance at mental health services by the homosexual group was verified, when compared to the control. The negative impact on the mental health of homosexuals as a result of discrimination in the Brazilian socio-cultural context is suggested.
A Method for the Comparison of Item Selection Rules in Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: Barrada Juan Ramón , Olea Julio , Ponsoda Vicente , Abad Francisco José
Published: July 2010

In a typical study comparing the relative efficiency of two item selection rules in computerized adaptive testing, the common result is that they simultaneously differ in accuracy and security, making it difficult to reach a conclusion on which is the more appropriate rule. This study proposes a strategy to conduct a global comparison of two or more selection rules. A plot showing the performance of each selection rule for several maximum exposure rates is obtained and the whole plot is compared with other rule plots. The strategy was applied in a simulation study with fixed-length CATs for the comparison of six item selection rules: the point Fisher information, Fisher information weighted by likelihood, Kullback-Leibler weighted by likelihood, maximum information stratification with blocking, progressive and proportional methods. Our results show that there is no optimal rule for any overlap value or root mean square error (RMSE). The fact that a rule, for a given level of overlap, has lower RMSE than another does not imply that this pattern holds for another overlap rate. A fair comparison of the rules requires extensive manipulation of the maximum exposure rates. The best methods were the Kullback-Leibler weighted by likelihood, the proportional method, and the maximum information stratification method with blocking.
Late Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage-Like Lesions in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Horsch Sandra , Kutz Patrizia , Roll Claudia
Published: July 2010

In preterm infants, the germinal matrix is a common origin of hemorrhages during the first 7 days of life. Sonographically, germinal matrix hemorrhages present as subventricular echodensities evolving into pseudocysts. Similar lesions have been reported as incidental findings also beyond 7 days of life. They may result from vasculitis and ischemic infarction, rather than hemorrhage. To assess the occurrence, time course, and significance for neurodevelopment of such late germinal matrix hemorrhage-like lesions, we reviewed serial cerebral ultrasound examinations obtained in 86 sequentially admitted infants (gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <1500 g). Neurodevelopment was assessed at 3 years (Bayley Scales of Infant Development). Nine infants had late isolated germinal matrix hemorrhage-like lesions. Their Psychomotor Development Index scores were significantly lower than that in infants without hemorrhage. Our results suggest that late isolated germinal matrix hemorrhage-like lesions are of clinical significance because of their notable incidence and association with neurodevelopmental outcome.
Art Interpretation as a Clinical Intervention Toward Healing
Authors: Rancour Patrice , Barrett Terry
Published: July 2010

Art interpretation is described as a clinical approach in assisting individuals to move toward ever higher levels of wellness. Using it with healthy as well as ill individuals prompts participants to attend to the connection between themselves and the larger world. Asking individuals in a group setting to look closely at art, to make a connection between what they see and their own life experiences, can help them give voice to emotional experiences that help them connect to one another within a community. The exercise can sharpen perceptual and cognitive skills as well as provide the impetus to increase communication. Very often, participants responded to conversational prompts with new insights that were mediated through the use of the observed works of art. Making such connections, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and socially, is helpful in developing coping skills that teach such patients new ways to not only survive but also to thrive despite their health challenges.
An Amyloid-Notch Hypothesis for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ethell Douglas W.
Published: July 2010

For more than 20 years, the amyloid hypothesis has provided an important framework for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research, yet after 50,000 papers, the nonpathological function of beta-amyloid (Aβ) remains enigmatic. This mystery is compounded by an absence of gross abnormalities in amyloid precursor protein (APP)—deficient mice and zebrafish even though APP has been highly conserved throughout vertebrate evolution. Here, the author hypothesizes that vertebrate cells express APP and release Aβ as part of a mechanism to optimize blood vessel density with the metabolite removal needs of local tissue neighborhoods. High-gain feedback of Aβ production at the rate-limiting γ-secretase step reduces Aβ production and Notch activation. Notch inhibition causes endothelial cells to adopt a tip cell morphology that induces more highly branched blood vessels. In vivo, γ-secretase inhibitors block Notch signaling and induce dense capillary networks that are similar to those in the brains of AD patients and mice. Notch inhibition could also contribute to synapse loss by reducing EphB2 receptor expression. EphB receptors are critical for the maintenance of dendritic spine morphology, and deficiencies result in immature spines that lack synaptic activity. This revised amyloid-Notch hypothesis may also explain the disappointing results of recent clinical trials with γ-secretase inhibitors.
“Just Because You’ve Got Lung Cancer Doesn’t Mean I Will”: Lung Cancer, Smoking, and Family Dynamics
Authors: Robinson Carole A. , Bottorff Joan L. , Smith Michelle L. , Sullivan Kelli M.
Published: July 2010

Although individuals who are diagnosed with smoking-related disorders are offered smoking cessation programs, little attention has been directed toward reducing tobacco use among healthy relatives who smoke. The purpose of this article is to report smoking relatives’ responses to a family member’s diagnosis of lung disease, their constructions of smoking in this context, and their interaction patterns with the patient. Interviews with 11 family members where there was a diagnosis of lung cancer and 3 family members where there was another serious smoking-related diagnosis were analyzed. Family members used two strategies to support their continued smoking: distancing themselves from the diagnosis and taking the position that smoking cessation needed to be internally motivated by the “right reason” and initiated at the “right time” to anticipate success. The few participants who chose to quit, did so in support of their ill family member. The findings provide direction for intervening with family members who smoke.
Post-occupancy Evaluation of a Built Environment: The Case of Konak Square (İzmir, Turkey)
Authors: Malkoc Emine , Ozkan Mehmet Bulent
Published: July 2010

Konak Square and its environs in the city of İzmir have a diversity of users and activities. The area was studied to establish how much such a public open space meets user expectations. Taking environmental factors into account and investigating user dissatisfaction will help in the design of similar public open spaces in the future. Some 271 public users and 56 specialists were consulted for their opinions through questionnaires. At the same time bioclimatic comfort conditions were calculated using the Olgyay method so that we could investigate the relationship between user satisfaction and these conditions. The central tendency (average) of general user satisfaction was calculated as 4.5 using the seven-step Likert attitude scale while the average for general satisfaction of specialist consultants was 4.1. Of the 271 questionnaires received 179 were completed on days when bioclimatic comfort conditions were not reached and, surprisingly, users indicated that they were more satisfied on these days.

Konak Square was built in 2003 at a cost of 3,600,000. The companies involved reported that bureaucracy and application costs were sometimes restricting factors during the design and construction stages.
China the Anomaly
Authors: Baehr Peter
Published: July 2010

During the autumn of 1949, Hannah Arendt completed the manuscript of The Origins of Totalitarianism. On 1 October of the same year, the People’s Republic of China was founded under the leadership of Mao Zedong. This article documents Arendt’s claim in 1949 that the prospects of totalitarianism in China were ‘frighteningly good’, and yet her ambivalent judgment, on the eve of the Cultural Revolution, about the totalitarian character of the Maoist regime. Despite being the premier theorist of totalitarian formations, Arendt’s interest in China was half-hearted and her analysis often wildly inaccurate. The concern of this paper, however, is less with the veracity of her remarks, than with a counterfactual question. If Arendt had known what we know now, would she have considered Maoist China to be a totalitarian regime? Put another way: to what extent is our modern picture of Mao’s regime consistent with Arendt’s depiction of the Soviet Union under Stalin or Germany under Hitler? While Arendt got many of her facts wrong, her theory of totalitarianism — as shapeless, febrile, voracious of human flesh, and endlessly turbulent — was in good measure applicable to Mao’s regime, even though she failed to recognize it.
Using action research to develop a research aware community pharmacy team
Authors: Karebor Tuhaise Ngwerume  , Themessl-Huber Markus
Published: July 2010

An action research approach was applied to develop a community pharmacy team into a research aware practice. A pharmacy team consisting of a pharmacist and medicine counter assistants carried out this project. They started by reflecting on their own practice and in doing so examined the reliability of the evidence base they used to give advice to customers regarding the sale of medicines. The team used this opportunity to discuss and critically analyse their core activities. This process resulted in the development of portfolios of evidence-based counter recommendations and a more knowledgeable, self-aware, confident as well as research-aware pharmacy team.
Gender Differences in Inmates’ Anticipated Desistance
Authors: Friestad Christine , Skog Hansen Inger Lise
Published: July 2010

This article addresses the importance of offenders’ perceived chances of anticipated desistance. The aim is to investigate to what extent anticipated desistance is associated with (objective) welfare deficiencies, perceived social status and personal agency as measured by the concept of perceived self-efficacy. Secondly, potential differences between men and women in the prediction of future chances of avoiding crime are investigated. Data derive from a survey of a nationwide representative sample of Norwegian prison inmates (225 men and 35 women). The results indicated the presence of severe welfare deficiencies among both male and female inmates. Despite this, a large majority among both genders anticipated their chances of abstaining from crime in the future as good or very good. Practical as well as theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Individual Contributions: A Fundraising Advantage for the Ideologically Extreme?
Authors: Johnson Bertram
Published: July 2010

Some ideologically extreme candidates appear to generate enthusiastic support from individual donors, but previous systematic analysis has found no overall fundraising benefits accruing to extremism. I propose that the similar amount of funds raised by extreme and moderate candidates masks different fundraising coalitions. Just as senior members of Congress may have a comparative advantage in raising money from access-oriented contributors, ideologically extreme members of Congress may have a comparative advantage in raising money from ideologically motivated individual contributors. I test for this possibility by using a multilevel model to predict the proportion of funds candidates raise from individual contributions and confirm that, holding total fundraising amounts constant, extreme candidates are more likely to rely on individual contributors than are moderate candidates.
The political economy of tobacco and poverty alleviation in Southeast Asia: contradictions in the role of the state
Authors: Barraclough Simon , Morrow Martha
Published: July 2010

Of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), all but Indonesia have embraced the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and all endorse some form of tobacco control policy. Nevertheless, except for Brunei, all these states are, to varying degrees, complicit in investing in or promoting the tobacco industry, often using the justification of poverty alleviation. Tobacco use is the major preventable cause of illness and death among the populations of these countries. Claims that tobacco alleviates poverty in developing countries have increasingly been discredited: thus continuing state support for the industry represents a fundamental paradox. Using primary documents from governments and the tobacco industry, and published studies investigating tobacco and poverty, this article explores the contradictions inherent in the state seeking to prevent tobacco use in the interests of health, while actively promoting tobacco for the economic benefit of its citizens. These contradictions result in both symbolic and substantial harm to tobacco control efforts: tobacco production is legitimized, rational policy principles are violated, direct cooperation between the state and multinational tobacco corporations is made possible with associated opportunities for mollifying control policies, and different state agencies work at cross purposes. Although tobacco exports within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also threaten the group’s health solidarity, it is argued that divestiture of state ownership of capital in tobacco corporations and a commitment by states not to promote tobacco are urgently required if the Convention is to have full effect both in the countries of the region and in other states that have ratified it.
Disparity in smoking prevalence by education: can we reduce it?
Authors: Zhu Shu-Hong , Hebert Kiandra , Wong Shiushing , Cummins Sharon , Gamst Anthony
Published: July 2010

Can an intervention program that is highly effective in reducing the prevalence of an unhealthy behavior in the general population also reduce the disparity among its subgroups? That depends on what measure of disparity is used. Using simple algebraic models, this study demonstrates that disparity measured in terms of relative difference between two groups tends to increase when the prevalence of the behavior is in decline. The study then shows an empirical example, by analyzing the effects of the California tobacco control program on smoking prevalence of two education groups, the lowest (less than 12 years) and the highest (16 years or more). It examines the data from four California Tobacco Surveys covering the years 1996, 1999, 2002, and 2005. The effects of three components of the tobacco control program known to be effective in decreasing prevalence (media, worksite policy, and price) on the two education groups are assessed. The smoking prevalence for the two groups is obtained from these four surveys and a regression line is computed for each education group from 1996 to 2005. Results show that the California program is effective with both low education and high education groups and that the rate of decline in smoking prevalence from 1996 to 2005 is no smaller for the low education group than for the high education group. The paper then discusses that an analysis of disparity based on relative difference, however, could result in misleading recommendations that an intervention like the California tobacco program needs to change from its current whole-population approach to one that focuses on targeting subgroups because it has not reduced disparity. It proposes that research should focus more on increasing the rate of change among less advantaged groups and less on the relative disparity compared to some other group.
Strengthening the capacity for health promotion in South Africa through international collaboration
Authors: Van den Broucke Stephan , Jooste Heila , Tlali Maki , Moodley Vimla , Van Zyl Greer , Nyamwaya David , Tang Kwok-Cho
Published: July 2010

Background. This paper describes a project to strengthen the capacity for health promotion in two Provinces in South Africa. The project draws on the key health promotion capacity dimensions of partnership and networking, infrastructure, problem-solving capacity, and knowledge transfer. The project was carried out in a partnership between the Provinces, the Ministry of Health of South Africa, the government of Flanders, Belgium, and the World Health Organization (WHO). Objectives. The project aimed to: (i) integrate health promotion into national, Provincial and district level health policy plans (ii) strengthen the health promotion capacity in the two Provinces; and (iii) support the development of tools to monitor and evaluate health promotion interventions. Method. Starting from a situation analysis and identification of priority health issues and existing actions in each Province, capacity-building workshops were organized for senior participants from various sectors. Community-based health promotion interventions were then planned and implemented in both Provinces. Outcomes. A systematic evaluation of the project involving an internal audit of project activities and results based on document analysis, site visits, focus groups and interviews with key persons demonstrated that stakeholders in both Provinces saw an increase of capacity in terms of networking, knowledge transfer, problem solving, and to a lesser extent infrastructure. Health promotion had been well integrated in the Provincial health plans, and roll-out processes with local stakeholders had started after the conclusion of the project. The development of tools for monitoring and evaluation of health promotion was less well achieved. Lessons learnt. The project illustrates how capacities to deliver health promotion interventions in a developing country can be enhanced through international collaboration. The conceptual model of capacity building that served as a basis for the project provided a useful framework to plan, identify and assess the key components of health promotion capacity in an African context.
Traditional healers and diabetes: results from a pilot project to train traditional healers to provide health education and appropriate health care practices for diabetes patients in Cameroon
Authors: Mbeh George N. , Edwards Richard , Ngufor George , Assah Felix , Fezeu Leopold , Mbanya Jean-Claude
Published: July 2010

In resource-limited countries where the challenge of diabetes management is especially severe, there has been a recent call for the inclusion of traditional healers in the fight against diabetes. In response, some researchers have highlighted the dangers of incorporating traditional healers while others, have presented them as a potential asset to the health care system if well trained and guided. We report here on a pilot intervention to include traditional healers in the health promotion and prevention efforts for diabetes in Cameroon, as part of the Cameroon Burden of Diabetes (CAMBoD) project. We trained 106 healers in a range of topics and practices relating to diabetes prevention and care. Eight months later we carried out a field evaluation of 36 of them using in-depth semi-structured interviews and direct observation methods to find out if they remembered and applied the learning from the training. Most healers recalled and were applying some of the lessons learnt, including referral of patients for blood glucose tests at biomedical health facilities, desisting from scarifying patients with diabetes, and educating their patients, peers and other people in their communities about diabetes. Healers were enthusiastic about collaboration with the diabetes control program, though some wanted additional responsibilities. We conclude that healers could learn prevention strategies of diabetes relatively rapidly and collaborate in health promotion.