bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Approximate Cone Beam Reconstruction Algorithm for Gantry‐Tilted CT Using Tangential Filtering
Authors: Yan Ming , Zhang Cishen , Liang Hongzhu
Published: June 2006

FDK algorithm is a well‐known 3D (three‐dimensional) approximate algorithm for CT (computed tomography) image reconstruction and is also known to suffer from considerable artifacts when the scanning cone angle is large. Recently, it has been improved by performing the ramp filtering along the tangential direction of the X‐ray source helix for dealing with the large cone angle problem. In this paper, we present an FDK‐type approximate reconstruction algorithm for gantry‐tilted CT imaging. The proposed method improves the image reconstruction by filtering the projection data along a proper direction which is determined by CT parameters and gantry‐tilted angle. As a result, the proposed algorithm for gantry‐tilted CT reconstruction can provide more scanning flexibilities in clinical CT scanning and is efficient in computation. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated with turbell clock phantom and thorax phantom and compared with FDK algorithm and a popular 2D (two‐dimensional) approximate algorithm. The results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve better image quality for gantry‐tilted CT image reconstruction.
Hydrodynamic scaling limit of continuum solid‐on‐solid model
Authors: Savu Anamaria
Published: June 2006

A fourth‐order nonlinear evolution equation is derived from a
microscopic model for surface diffusion, namely, the continuum
solid‐on‐solid model. We use the method developed by Varadhan for
the computation of the hydrodynamic scaling limit of nongradient
models. What distinguishes our model from other models discussed
so far is the presence of two conservation laws for the dynamics
in a nonperiodic box and the complex dynamics that is not
nearest‐neighbor interaction. Along the way, a few steps have to
be adapted to our new context. As a byproduct of our main result,
we also derive the hydrodynamic scaling limit of a perturbation of
the continuum solid‐on‐solid model, a model that incorporates both
surface diffusion and surface electromigration.
Constrained estimation and the theorem of Kuhn-Tucker
Authors: Davidov Ori
Published: June 2006

We explore several important, and well-known, statistical models in which the estimation procedure leads naturally to a constrained optimization problem which is readily solved using the theorem of Kuhn-Tucker.
Existence results for second‐order impulsive functional differential inclusions
Authors: Chang Yong-Kui , Qi Li-Mei
Published: June 2006

The existence of solutions on a compact interval to second‐order
impulsive functional differential inclusions is investigated.
Several new results are obtained by using Sadovskii′s fixed point
theorem.
A positive solution for singular discrete boundary value problems with sign‐changing nonlinearities
Authors: Lü Haishen , O′regan Donal , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: June 2006

This paper presents new existence results for the singular
discrete boundary value problem −Δ2u(k − 1) = g(k, u(k)) + λh(k, u(k)), k ∈ [1, T], u(0) = 0 = u(T + 1). In particular, our
nonlinearity may be singular in its dependent variable and is
allowed to change sign.
On fuzzy ϕψ‐continuous multifunction
Authors: Alimohammady M. , Roohi M.
Published: June 2006

Here, we would study and characterize fuzzy
ϕψ‐continuity for fuzzy multifunctions which
extend fuzzy ϕψ‐continuity of fuzzy
functions. Moreover, we obtain some results in fuzzy
multifunctions.
Explicit solutions of some fractional partial differential equations via stable subordinators
Authors: Debbi Latifa
Published: June 2006

The aim of this work is to represent the solutions of
one‐dimensional fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs)
of order (α ∈ ℝ+\ℕ)
in
both quasi‐probabilistic and probabilistic ways. The canonical
processes used are generalizations of stable Lévy processes.
The fundamental solutions of the fractional equations are given as
functionals of stable subordinators. The functions used generalize
the functions given by the Airy integral of Sirovich (1971). As a
consequence of this representation, an explicit form is given to
the density of the 3/2‐stable law and to the density of escaping
island vicinity in vortex medium. Other connected FPDEs are also
considered.
Hyperglycemia in Streptozotocin‐Induced DiabetesLeads to Persistent Inflammation and Tissue Damage FollowingUveitis Due to Reduced Levels of Ciliary Body Heme Oxygenase‐1
Authors: Rossi Settimio , D′Amico Michele , Capuano Annalisa , Romano Mary , Petronella Pasquale , Di Filippo Clara
Published: June 2006

This study investigated the heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and the
endotoxin‐induced uveitis (EIU) in diabetic streptozotocin
(STZ)‐hyperglycemic rats. STZ‐hyperglycemic rats had impaired
levels of the enzyme HO‐1 within the ciliary bodies if
compared with the nondiabetic rats. STZ‐hyperglycemic rats also
predisposed the eye to produce high levels of both the cytokines
IL‐1β
and CXCL8. Subsequent EIU further and significantly
(P < .01)
increased the cytokines production, an effect partly
prevented by hemin treatment. Most importantly, hemin, an inducer
of heme oxygenase expression and activity, recovered the huge
number of infiltrated polymorphonuclear leukocytes PMN within the
ciliary bodies associated with STZ‐hyperglycemic state and EIU
damage. Impairment of the stress‐sensitive enzyme HO‐1 in
STZ‐hyperglycemic rats increases and prolongs the inflammatory
response to EIU.
Null controllability of neutral evolution integrodifferential systems with infinite delay
Authors: Balachandran K. , Leelamani A.
Published: June 2006

We establish a set of sufficient conditions for the controllability of nonlinear neutral evolution integrodifferential systems with infinite delay in Banach spaces. The results are established by using the Sadovskiĭ fixed point theorem and generalize the previous results.
Endoscope effects on MHD peristaltic flow of a power‐law fluid
Authors: Hayat T. , Momoniat E. , Mahomed F. M.
Published: June 2006

To understand the influence of an inserted endoscope and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power‐law fluid on peristaltic motion, an attempt has been made for flow through tubes. The magnetic field of uniform strength is applied in the transverse direction to the flow. The analysis has been performed under long wavelength at low‐Reynolds number assumption. The velocity fields and axial pressure gradient have been evaluated analytically. Numerical results are also presented and discussed.
The Radiation Response of Sarcomas by Histologic Subtypes: A Review With Special Emphasis Given to Results Achieved With Razoxane
Authors: Rhomberg Walter
Published: June 2006

Purpose. Relatively few results are available in the literature about the radiation response of unresectable sarcomas in relation to their histology. Therefore, an attempt was made to summarize the present situation. Materials and methods. This report is based on a review of the literature and the author′s own experience. Adult‐type soft tissue sarcomas, chondrosarcomas, and chordomas were analyzed. Radioresponse was mainly associated with the degree of tumor shrinkage, that is, objective responses. Histopathologic responses, that is, the degree of necrosis, are only discussed in relation to radiation treatment reports of soft tissue sarcomas as a group. Results. Radiation therapy alone leads to major responses in about 50% of lipo‐, fibro‐, leiomyo‐, or chondrosarcomas. The response rate is less than 50% in malignant fibrous histiocytomas, synovial, neurogenic, and other rare soft tissue sarcomas. The response rates may increase up to 75% through the addition of radiosensitizers such as halogenated pyrimidines or razoxane, or by the use of high‐LET irradiation. Angiosarcomas become clearly more responsive if biologicals, angiomodulating, and/or tubulin affinic substances are given together with radiation therapy. Razoxane is able to increase the duration and quality of responses even in difficult‐to‐treat tumors like chondrosarcomas or chordomas. Conclusions. The available data demonstrate that the radioresponsiveness of sarcomas is very variable and dependent on histology, kind of radiation, and various concomitantly given drugs. The rate of complete sustained remissions by radiation therapy alone or in combination with drugs is still far from satisfactory although progress has been made through the use of sensitizing agents.
An Equivalent Medium Method for the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding Process Simulation
Authors: (Jonathan) Dong Chensong
Published: June 2006

Computer simulation has been an efficient and cost-effective tool for liquid composite molding, including resin transfer molding (RTM), vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), and resin infusion, compared to trial and error. The control volume finite element method (CVFEM) has been the predominant method for simulation. When the CVFEM simulation is used for the VARTM process, because of the existence of two distinct flow media: fiber preform and high permeable media (HPM), 3-D models are required. Since the HPM is usually much thinner than the fiber preform, a large number of nodes and elements need to be used in simulation, which significantly increases the computation load and time. In addition, the time-consuming preprocessing process makes simulation not feasible for industry applications.

This article presents an equivalent medium method (EMM) for fast and accurate VARTM process simulation. This method increases the thickness of the HPM or both the HPM and the fiber preform and applies the equivalent material properties. This is an improved method over previously presented equivalent permeability method (EPM) by correcting its two shortcomings: (1) The EPM does not account for the influence of the porosity of HPM, thus the resin flow through HPM is changed and (2) The EPM does not consider the change of through-thickness permeability after the equivalence. A new mesh generation algorithm is also discussed, which provides a faster and more convenient way for preprocessing. The approach presented in this article provides the fundamental for developing a universal computer simulation tool for both the RTM and VARTM processes. The effectiveness of this approach has been validated by comparing to the conventional CVFEM simulation and experiments.
Cure Behavior of Epoxy Resin E51–Melamine Phosphate (MP)–MeTHPA–2,4-EMI Halogen-free Fire Retardant Composite by the Dynamic Torsional Vibration Method
Authors: Yiyun Cheng , Pingsheng He
Published: June 2006

The cure behavior of epoxy resin E51–melamine phosphate (MP)–methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MeTHPA)–2-ethyl-4-methyl-imidazole (2,4-EMI) halogen-free fire retardant composite at varying temperatures and MP loading is investigated by the dynamic torsional vibration method (DTVM). The dynamic parameters, such as gelation time tg, apparent activation energy Ea, and curing rate k are estimated as well. The theoretical prediction is in good agreement with the experimental results obtained by the DTVM. The results show that the rate of cure reactions depends distinctly on the cure temperature. At low MP loadings, the tg for the systems does not change obviously, while at higher MP loadings, it has a remarkable increase. Furthermore, the Flory's gelation theory and the Avrami equation are used to describe the cure behavior of the halogen-free fire retardant composite system.
Murder, Denunciation and Criminal Policing in Weimar Berlin
Authors: Elder Sace
Published: June 2006

The pre-history of the ‘culture of denunciation’ or, more accurately, ‘mutual surveillance’ of the nazi period can be found in the institutions and practices developed by the criminal police of the Weimar period. Excluding criminal policing from the realm of denunciation creates an analytically and historically false distinction that misses the interconnection between the public surveillance of criminal, political and sexual activity in Germany in the 1920s and 1930s. Focusing on the criminal police in Berlin, and in particular the work of the homicide squad, the article demonstrates how the efforts of police to cultivate a partnership with its citizens in the war on crime, through public relations campaigns and a close but problematic relationship with the press, helped to produce a set of ‘accusatory practices’ that both served and undermined the interests of the state. A case study of a 1931 murder investigation that lasted five years illustrates the similarities between citizens’ behaviour in criminal policing and the denunciatory behaviour of the nazi period. The article ultimately argues for a new approach to denunciation research that accounts for accusatory practices in liberal, not just authoritarian, regimes.
Visual Influences on Arabic Linguistic Sciences
Authors: Baalbaki Ramzi
Published: June 2006

Associated with reliance on vision unaided by hearing, tashif adversely affected several scholarly fields, especially grammatical study since a large part of its data originates in Qur'anic readings, prophetic tradition and poetry, all influenced by tashif. Further, because of concern with the analysis of linguistic usage, the grammarians' reliance on the written form of language was prone to errors in analysis due to the inherent deficiencies of any written system in representing spoken language. In Arabic linguistics, sarf (morphology) is the only branch in which analysis was largely made on the written form of words. However, Arabic, like most Semitic scripts, indicates consonants and long vowels as the skeleton of words to which short vowels and other markers may be added externally. Although this ‘skeletal’ writing of Arabic fairly reflects its spirit as a Semitic language, it greatly misled the grammarians. This article dwells on four types of morphological rules traceable in the tradition to visual influences. These are: hadf (elision), i‘lāl (vowel mutation), naql al-haraka (vowel transfer), and ibdāl (alternation).
Spectral Armies, Snakes, and a Giant from Gog and Magog
Authors: Montgomery James
Published: June 2006

This article is based on a close reading of Ibn Faḏlān's narrative of his forced detention by the King of the Volga Bulghār during which he saw some local mirabilia. I propose to consider the wonders he describes, including his use of the Qur'an as corroboration for some of them, from the point of view of ‘iyān, visual perception, eye-witness testimony. To this end, Ibn Faḏlān's wonders will be compared with several textual forebears, including al-Sindibād, and they will be considered as exempla of what Anthony Pagden has called ‘the Autoptic Imagination’.
The Gaze in Ibn al-Haytham
Authors: Simon Gérard
Published: June 2006

The article looks at the revolutionary shift of visual interpretation as it occurred in the works of one of the most prominent Arab scientists, Ibn al-Haytham. In his critique of the visual theories of Euclide and Ptolemy, Ibn al-Haytham developed a new conception of estimating distance. Distance is no longer calculated geometrically by the visual faculty, but by the interpretation of signs which are implicit in the visual field and of which an image is formed. This necessity to interpret signs gave Ibn al-Haytham's theory an intellectualist and distinct style and methodology.
The Exchange
Authors: DeLys Sherre , Foley Marius
Published: June 2006

In this discussion, an Australian sound artist/radio producer and a new media educator debate the potential for a radio-web project that enables new forms of radio content, production and distribution. The radio-website will offer two levels of interaction: digital media producers can use it as an ‘open studio’, and the public can interact with published works. The project explores the ways in which radio artists, who now find limited avenues for research and development in broadcast radio, can exploit new forms of listening made available through internet services. The site is intended to offer content appropriate for convergent media, thereby demonstrating how latest technologies can be used to extend content approaches beyond accepted broadcast forms.
The Development of DAB Digital Radio in the UK
Authors: Rudin Richard
Published: June 2006

This article examines the cultural, economic and political pressures and influences that determined the adoption of the ‘European’ technical system of digital radio in the UK. Debates over the potential of the new technology to expand both programming content and the range of individuals, companies and organizations with access to radio broadcasting were curtailed in favour of a bureaucratic and technocratic approach to media policy and a desire by the European Commission to establish a new product for the consumer electronics market that would be developed and made in Europe. The article shows that the development of the new system resulted in a ‘forced marriage’ between the BBC and the commercial sector and that the convergence between DAB and other ‘platforms’ has profound implications for the relationship between public service broadcaster, government and industry. Furthermore, in order to encourage the larger commercial radio groups to commit themselves to the new technology, they were granted new and unprecedented control over content regulation. This had the effect of further consolidating the hold of dominant interests in the UK radio sector and stifling new initiatives and approaches to the medium. Finally, the article analyses the extent to which DAB digital radio has succeeded in establishing itself in the UK media landscape against strong competition from other, converging technologies.
The role of emission tomography in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in clinical psychopharmacology
Authors: Malizia Andrea L.
Published: June 2006

Position Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) can be used for both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic measures in vivo in man. As such they have a wide range of applications including description of neurochemical changes in disease, occupancy, brain effects of medicines and discovery and validation of biomarkers. The power of these tools is in their chemical specificity and sensitivity, and in the ability to describe processes in vivo, thus documenting the effects of genetic and environmental interactions. The future of these technologies is dependent on an investment in bringing out and validating new radiotracers.
Unhealthy Parenting and Potential Mediators As Contributing Factors To Future Intimate Violence
Authors: Schwartz Jonathan P. , Hage Sally M. , Bush Imelda , Burns Lauren Key
Published: June 2006

Efforts to understand and prevent intimate violence have often focused on the intergenerational transmission of intimate violence. Although witnessing and/or experiencing abuse in the family of origin is well supported in the literature as a key component of the intergenerational transmission of intimate violence, there has been less attention to other family-of-origin factors that contribute to or mediate and/or moderate future intimate violence. Particularly, a focus on the effect of parenting on future intimate violence is needed beyond the effect of modeling abusive behavior. In this article, corporal punishment and poor parenting are reviewed as familyof-origin factors related to future intimate violence. In addition, attachment theory, interpersonal skills, and emotional and behavioral regulation and/or conduct disorder are reviewed as variables that may result and mediate the relationship between family-of-origin factors and future intimate violence. Implications for preventing intimate violence by intervening in thefamily of origin are also identified.
Protective effects of ethanolic extract of Delphinium denudatum in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ahmad Muzamil , Yousuf Seema , Khan M Badruzzaman , Ahmad Abdullah Shafique , Saleem Sofiyan , Hoda Md Nasrul , Islam Fakhrul
Published: June 2006

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the major neurodegenerative disorders, and oxidative stress has been implicated in playing an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In the present study, we investigated if Delphinium denudatum extract can slow down the neuronal injury in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of Parkinsonism. Rats were treated with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of D. denudatum extract for 3 weeks. On day 22, 2 mL of 6-OHDA (10 mgin 0.1% ascorbic acid-saline) or vehicle was infused into the right striatum of the animals. Three weeks after the 6-OHDA injections, the rats were killed for estimation of lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, catecholamines, dopaminergic D2receptor binding and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression. Increased LPO and significant depletion of reduced GSH content in the substantia nigra resulting from the lesion were appreciably prevented with Delphinium treatment. Delphinium extract also dose-dependently attenuated the activities of SOD and CAT in striatum, which had been reduced significantly by lesioning. A significant decrease in the level of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites and an increase in the number of dopaminergic D2receptors in striatum were observed after 6-OHDA injection, both parameters were significantly recovered with treatment of the extract. Finally, all these results were confirmed by an increase in expression of TH in the ipsilateral striatum of the lesioned groups following treatment with Delphinium extract.

Thus, the study indicates that D. denudatum extract may be helpful in checking neuronal injury in Parkinsonism.
Comparative study of the protective effect between deferoxamine and deferiprone on chronic iron overload induced cardiotoxicity in rats
Authors: Emara A M , El Kelany R S , Moustafa K A
Published: June 2006

Patients with iron overload frequently suffer from hemochromatosis of major organs, such as the heart and liver. Heart affection is the most common cause of death in patients with iron overload. Although the beneficial effects of deferoxamine (DFO) on iron-associated mortality are well documented, the role of deferiprone in the management of transfusional iron overload is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the protective effect of iron chelators (DFO and deferiprone) individually and in combination with the anti-oxidant (vitamin C) in the prevention of myocardial damage. Sixty albino rats were divided into six groups: two control groups (noniron-loaded and iron-loaded) and four iron-loaded groups classified as follows: DFO group, DFO combined with vitamin C group, deferiprone group and deferiprone combined with vitamin C group. Heart tissue and blood samples were taken for histopathological examination of the heart, determination of total iron-binding capacity, 8-OH-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), myocardial lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) content. Less histopathological cardiac changes and a significant decrease in all biochemical parameters, except myocardial GSH, were observed in the deferiprone group. The addition of vitamin C improves the biochemical and histopathological changes in comparison to those rats administered DFO or deferiprone individually.
Hyperprolactinaemia as an adverse effect in regulatory and clinical toxicology: role in breast and prostate cancer
Authors: Harvey P W , Everett D J , Springall C J
Published: June 2006

Historically, hyperprolactinaemia has been considered of low toxicological relevance when detected in toxicity studies, and even mammary carcinogenesis induced in the rat by prolactin excess has been considered of no relevance to humans. However, recent findings from human epidemiology and molecular biology suggests that prolactin is a risk factor for human breast cancer, and probably prostate cancer. Therefore, this new evidence should be considered in the various decisions to develop and license a new drug or chemical if the compound causes hyperprolactinaemia. This emerging evidence suggests that prolactin can also be produced locally from human breast cancer cells, and that, regardless of source (ie, pituitary or autocrine/paracrine production from cancer cells), prolactin is mitogenic, stimulates proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in breast and prostate cancer cells. This review outlines the evidence that hyperprolactinaemia should be considered a toxicological adverse effect and concludes that prolactin-induced rodent mammary carcinogenesis is relevant to humans and is not species-specific. The effects of prolactin on the prostate gland are also discussed; hyperprolactinaemia may be an additional risk factor for prostate cancer and this also requires consideration in toxicological risk assessments. The implications of increased prolactin secretion as an adverse effect for regulatory toxicology of drugs and chemicals, and in high risk patients receiving therapeutic drugs with hyperprolactinaemic side effects, is discussed. Alteration of prolactin level is also a novel mechanism that requires consideration in endocrine disruption research, since both endogenous oestrogens and also xenoestrogens stimulate prolactin secretion or affect prolactin receptors.
Evaluating linguistic equivalence of patient-reported outcomes in a cancer clinical trial
Authors: Hahn Elizabeth A , Bode Rita K , Du Hongyan , Cella David
Published: June 2006

Background In order to make meaningful cross-cultural or cross-linguistic comparisons of health-related quality of life (HRQL) or to pool international research data, it is essential to create unbiased measures that can detect clinically important differences. When HRQL scores differ between cultural/linguistic groups, it is important to determine whether this reflects real group differences, or is the result of systematic measurement variability.

Purpose To investigate the linguistic measurement equivalence of a cancer-specific HRQL questionnaire, and to conduct a sensitivity analysis of treatment differences in HRQL in a clinical trial.

Methods Patients with newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia ( n = 1049) completed serial HRQL assessments in an international Phase III trial. Two types of differential item functioning (uniform and non-uniform) were evaluated using item response theory and classical test theory approaches. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to compare HRQL between treatment arms using items without evidence of differential functioning.

Results Among 27 items, nine (33%) did not exhibit any evidence of differential functioning in both linguistic comparisons (English versus French, English versus German). Although 18 items functioned differently, there was no evidence of systematic bias. In a sensitivity analysis, adjustment for differential functioning affected the magnitude, but not the direction or interpretation of clinical trial treatment arm differences.

Limitations Sufficient sample sizes were available for only three of the eight language groups. Identification of differential functioning in two-thirds of the items suggests that current psychometric methods may be too sensitive.

Conclusions Enhanced methodologies are needed to differentiate trivial from substantive differential item functioning. Systematic variability in HRQL across different groups can be evaluated for its effect upon clinical trial results; a practice recommended when data are pooled across cultural or linguistic groups to make conclusions about treatment effects.
Problems in comprehension of informed consent in rural and peri-urban Mali, West Africa
Authors: Krosin Michael T , Klitzman Robert , Levin Bruce , Cheng Jianfeng , Ranney Megan L
Published: June 2006

Background Clinical trials undertaken by industrialized nations in undeveloped nations pose several critical ethical dilemmas. One key potential problem concerns misunderstandings of the consent process by participants. Though other reports have begun to explore this area, needs remain to identify specific areas of misunderstanding.

Purpose To identify deficits in comprehension during consent processes in Mali, West Africa.

Methods After obtaining informed consent for participation for a malaria vaccine trial being conducted in two West African villages, we administered to participants a nine-item questionnaire testing their understanding of information relevant for their consent. After testing their ability to understand a multiple choice format, 78 of 100 subjects were administered the questionnaire in one village and 85 of 100 in the other.

Results Participants had difficulty comprehending several concepts relevant to informed consent: 90% of respondents did not understand withdrawal criterion, 93% did not understand the existence of study side effects, and 74% did not understand that they were enrolled in an investigation as opposed to receiving therapy. The response rate and percentage of correct answers was generally much higher in the village nearer an urban center than the more rural village. The percent of correct answers exceeded 50% for five questions in the urban village and for only two question in the more rural setting.

Limitations Potential limitations of this study are relating to translation, cultural differences in the notion of informed consent, staff differences between each village, the proportion who could not understand the survey instrument and the fact that the study explored participants' understanding of the consent process but did not observe the process itself.

Conclusions This study illustrates potential areas of miscomprehension in the consent process in a developing country. The degree of miscomprehension found in this study appeared to be more than that found in similar studies conducted in industrialized nations. Despite efforts to obtain truly informed consent, several factors make it more challenging in the developing world. This research highlights the need for more comprehensive studies of consent in developing countries. Such studies may eventually aid investigators in identifying, targeting and addressing specific areas of miscomprehension and thereby improve the informed consent process in the developing world.
The Role of Competition in Health Care: A Western European Perspective
Authors: Jost Timothy Stoltzfus , Dawson Diane , den Exter André
Published: June 2006

The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice 2004 report Improving Health Care: A Dose of Competition expresses a clear allegiance to competition as the organizing principle for health care. In Europe, by contrast, the key organizing principle of health care systems is solidarity. Solidarity means that all have access to health care based on medical needs, regardless of ability to pay. This is not to say that competition is not important in Europe, but competition must take place within the context of solidarity. This article critiques the report from a European perspective, describes the role of competition in Europe (focusing in particular on European Union law), and suggests that the United States could learn from the European perspective.
Facile Synthesis of Highly-dispersed Yttria-doped Zirconia Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Shaoyan , Li Xiaoan , Zhai Yuchun , Li Yang , Wang Kaiming
Published: June 2006

By dissolving starting materials ZrOCl2·8H2O and Y(NO3)3·6H2O in ethanol and adding concd NH3·H2O diluted with ethanol, the coprecipitation is easily brought about to generate hydroxide precursor. The precursor is filtrated, washed with ethanol, dried, and calcined to form highly dispersed uniform yttria-doped zirconia nanoparticles ready for good YSZ powder compacts.
Paying Not to Go to the Gym
Authors: Della Vigna Stefano , Malmendier Ulrike
Published: June 2006

How do consumers choose from a menu of contracts? We analyze a novel dataset from three U.S. health clubs with information on both the contractual choice and the day-to-day attendance decisions of 7,752 members over three years. The observed consumer behavior is difficult to reconcile with standard preferences and beliefs. First, members who choose a contract with a flat monthly fee of over $70 attend on average 4.3 times per month. They pay a price per expected visit of more than $17, even though they could pay $10 per visit using a 10-visit pass. On average, these users forgo savings of $600 during their membership. Second, consumers who choose a monthly contract are 17 percent more likely to stay enrolled beyond one year than users committing for a year. This is surprising because monthly members pay higher fees for the option to cancel each month. We also document cancellation delays and attendance expectations, among other findings. Leading explanations for our findings are overconfidence about future self-control or about future efficiency. Overconfident agents overestimate attendance as well as the cancellation probability of automatically renewed contracts. Our results suggest that making inferences from observed contract choice under the rational expectation hypothesis can lead to biases in the estimation of consumer preferences.
Long-Term Educational Consequences of Secondary School Vouchers: Evidence from Administrative Records in Colombia
Authors: Angrist Joshua , Bettinger Eric , Kremer Michael
Published: June 2006

Colombia's PACES program provided over 125,000 poor children with vouchers that covered the cost of private secondary school. The vouchers were renewable annually conditional on adequate academic progress. Since many vouchers were assigned by lottery, program effects can reliably be assessed by comparing lottery winners and losers. Estimates using administrative records suggest the PACES program increases secondary school completion rates by 15 to 20 percent. Correcting for the greater percentage of lottery winners taking college admissions tests, the program increased test scores by two-tenths of a standard deviation in the distribution of potential test scores.
Is greater patient choice consistent with equity? The case of the English NHS
Authors: Dixon Anna , Le Grand Julian
Published: June 2006

There are substantial inequities within the current National Health Service (NHS), with people in lower socioeconomic groups (SEGs) using a wide range of services less relative to their needs than people in higher SEGs. These inequities are likely to arise due to factors on both the demand and the supply side of the system. On the demand side, they could arise from differences in patients' beliefs, knowledge, costs, resources and capabilities. On the supply side, professional beliefs and attitudes, and risk selection or cream-skimming by providers may result in inequities. This paper discusses whether these factors are at play within the English NHS and analyses whether current policy to extend patient choice of provider is likely to reduce or increase these inequities. It shows that extending patient choice may leave unchanged inequity due to differences in health beliefs (because choice does not affect these directly), increase inequity due to unequal resources (because patients may have to travel further), and decrease inequity due to unequal capabilities (because the poor will have access to a new and, for them a more effective, source of leverage over health service professionals). On the supply side, there will be little change. The paper then discusses policy options for dealing with factors that contribute to greater inequity on the demand side. It proposes a package of supported choice whereby individuals from lower SEGs would receive assistance in making choices, including an identified key worker to act as patient care adviser and help with transport costs. The paper concludes that policies for extending patient choice can enhance equity – so long as they are properly designed.
Why disclosure of genetic tests for health insurance should be voluntary
Authors: Smith Richard , Raithatha Nick
Published: June 2006

Whether the disclosure of genetic (and non-genetic) information should be mandatory or voluntary is of concern. At present there are two opposing camps – the insurance industry argues for mandatory disclosure to avoid problems of adverse selection, and genetic interest groups argue for voluntary disclosure, fearing discrimination and public reluctance to have tests, thus missing out on any benefits from subsequent interventions. Policy has to balance these sides of the debate, as reducing adverse selection and encouraging maximum take-up of tests are both important for public health. We outline why voluntary disclosure is the optimal policy as it creates an incentive for people both to undergo testing and to disclose their result thus reducing the potential for adverse section.
Design of Active Noise Control System Using Phase Shift Network for a Hydraulic Surface Grinder
Authors: Muzammil M. , Gupta Anuj Kumar , Farooq Omar , Hasan Faisal
Published: June 2006

In the present research the feedforward method of Active Noise Control (ANC) using Phase Shift Network (PSN) has been proposed for reducing noise generated by a hydraulic Surface Grinder. The PSN was a simple network whose function was to change the phase of the input wave. A passive damping material was used to prepare a duct of 150 mm × 150 mm × 1960 mm for converting multidimensional random noise into a single dimension. The duct was also utilized for housing two speakers employed in the ANC system. The system when installed on the grinder resulted in a total noise reduction of 13.1 dB(A).
Design and Implementation of a Vehicular Controller Area Network Bus System with an Application of Active Noise Control for Engine Exhaust System
Authors: Wu Jian-Da , Hwang Chipan , Ku Yun-Sheng
Published: June 2006

This paper describes the design of a vehicular controller area network (CAN) bus system with an application of active noise control (ANC) for engine exhaust systems. The work includes two parts: the first part is the design and implementation of a CAN bus platform system; the second is an application of ANC to an engine exhaust system which utilizes the CAN network implementation. The proposed ANC uses the adaptive control algorithm with engine speed as a reference. Most of the conventional methods for ANC involve primarily an adaptive filter with the least-mean-square (LMS) error algorithm. Unfortunately, convergence speed is often limited when a sound source or a filtering plant varies, because the learning process of the adaptive algorithm fails to respond quickly to the changing operational conditions. In this study, a variable step-size affine-projection algorithm (VSS-APA) is proposed. The proposed VSS-APA filtering algorithm is a combination of the variable step-size convergence algorithm and the affine-projection algorithm (APA). The controller is implemented on the proposed CAN bus system. Experiments are carried out to evaluate the noise attenuation performance at various engine speeds. The experimental results indicated that the ANC system achieved the noise attenuation in an engine exhaust system by using the proposed CAN bus system.
Acoustical Standards for Classroom Design Comparison of International Standards and Low Frequency Criteria
Authors: Evans Jack B.
Published: June 2006

Many countries have acoustical standards or regulations for educational facility design and construction. They are based on speaking and hearing abilities of teachers and learners. Criteria are often stipulated for reverberation decay time, sound isolation and allowable background noise. The standards may use single number A-weighted overall level descriptors (dBA), or octave band spectrum criteria (NC, RC, NR, etc.). A-weighted overall level criteria control mid- to high frequencies better than lower frequencies. Very few, if any countries specify low frequency noise standards, although limitations are implicit in spectrum criteria curves, such as (North American) Noise Criteria (NC) or Room Criteria (RC) or (European) Noise Rating (NR). Many educators focus on mid- to high-frequency effects on speech intelligibility, but low frequency noise (LFN) may cause some (upward) masking of speech with reduction of intelligibility. In addition, LFN may affect student attitudes, behaviour, performance and/or fatigue. This paper compares acoustical criteria from several countries with respect to spectrum. Frequency spans or reverberation, sound isolation and background noise are contrasted with hearing and speech characteristics of children and adult learners. Principal findings of some LFN research by others are introduced, such as annoyance, speech intelligibility and fatigue. Tabular comparisons of acoustical criteria and graphic charts of representative criteria will be presented. General recommendations are made, based on findings inferred from review and comparison of standards.
Modelling of Ethane/Ethylene Separation Using Microporous
Authors: Curbelo Susana , Müller Erich A.
Published: June 2006

Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations of the adsorption of a mixture of ethane and ethylene on microporous slit graphite pores are reported. A two-centre Lennard-Jones with point quadrupole potential and a Steele potential with embedded quadrupoles for the carbon were used to model the fluids and solids, respectively. Under conditions of moderate temperature (260–400 K) and pressure (0.1–1.0 MPa), ethane was preferentially adsorbed over ethylene for the pore widths studied. For micropores less than 2 nm wide, the selectivity towards ethane varied markedly with small changes in the pore structure, whilst for the mesopores with widths greater than 2 nm the selectivity was remarkably insensitive towards the pore size. The results provide qualitative guidelines for the synthesis and design of carbons for lower olefin/paraffin separations.
Air Oxidation of Carbon Spheres. I. Master Curves of Pore Parameters
Authors: Nishikawa Tetsuo , Inagaki Michio
Published: June 2006

Carbon spheres prepared from a resol-type phenol–formaldehyde resin at 1000°C were activated in a flow of dry air in order to understand the process of pore development through the use of master curves for each pore parameter. Pore development in the carbon spheres by such oxidation was characterized through analyses of nitrogen adsorption isotherms by different methods.

The adsorptivity of the activated carbon spheres towards phenol was measured as a function of oxidation temperature and time, its dependence on the micropore volume being discussed.

The development of pores by air oxidation was interpreted in terms of master curves measured at the reference temperature (400°C) for each pore parameter, viz. surface areas and pore volumes due to different pores. The pore parameters were determined via the BET, αS-plot, BJH and DFT methods.

The results presented suggest that the effect of oxidation temperature and time on pore development could be converted with each other as well as oxidation yield. The temperature dependence of the different parameters corresponded to an apparent activation energy of ca. 150 kJ/mol. Pore development was assumed to proceed principally via the enlargement and collapse of micropores through mesopores to macropores.
Wind Energy Simulation Toolkit (WEST): A Wind Mapping System for Use by the Wind-Energy Industry
Authors: Yu Wei , Benoit Robert , Girard Claude , Glazer Anna , Lemarquis David , Salmon James R. , Pinard Jean-Paul
Published: June 2006

A state-of-art wind mapping system, the Wind Energy Simulation Toolkit (WEST), was developed in the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) for use by the wind energy industry. WEST is based on a statistical-dynamical downscaling approach, i.e. (i) a statistical analysis of climate data to determine the basic atmospheric states, and (ii) a dynamic adaptation of each basic state to high-resolution terrain and surface roughness by using mesoscale and microscale models. The approach has already been used by Frank and Landberg (1997), in their KAMM/WAsP method, to create a numerical wind atlas. The novel part of WEST is the fixed wind-speed interval in classification scheme and the integration of different modules (meso-/micro-scale models and statistical module) into a single toolkit in a more portable form. WEST was built for use by industries not having sophisticated computer facilities. WEST is applied to the Gaspé region of Canada. The mesoscale model MC2 (operated within WEST) is run at 5 km resolution, while the microscale model within WEST is at 200 m resolution. The simulation results are evaluated in comparison with tower observations at a height of 40 m above ground level. The mean of the 29 observed sets of wind data is 6.6 m/s. The mean absolute difference between the observed and simulated sets of wind data is 0.83 m/s with MC2 (meso-component of WEST) and 0.69 with ‘full WEST’ (with both meso- and micro- components). The correlation coefficient of the mean wind-speeds between the simulations and observations for the 29 stations is improved from 0.5 with MC2 to 0.7 with WEST.
“Down but Not out”: An Exploration of the Psychological Factors That Impact the Unexplained Underperformance Syndrome (UPS)
Authors: Brown Joanna F. M. , Wilson Marcia A. , Sharp N. C. Craig
Published: June 2006

The Unexplained Underperformance Syndrome (UPS) is characterized by a continued decrement in athletic performance, unresolved by two weeks rest (Robson, 2003). This study qualitatively examined psychological factors of potential relevance to UPS, with specific consideration of the consequences of a mentally tough attitude in the interpretation of fatigue Seven elite athletes, clinically diagnosed with UPS or Chronic Fatigue, participated in one-to-one interviews to examine their experience of UPS The results of this study revealed a paradoxical relationship between mental toughness and UPS. Specifically, a mentally tough attitude, deemed desirable in competitive sport, obviated physiological markers of fatigue Furthermore, the results indicated that non-training related stressors appeared to have a pivotal influence on the onset of UPS.
Sports Biomechanics: Does it Have a Role in Coaching?
Authors: Elliott Bruce , Bartlett Roger
Published: June 2006

Focusing on their own research work in tennis serving, javelin throwing and cricket bowling, the authors discuss performance enhancement and injury reduction, areas with which sports biomechanics are most frequently involved. Issues such as laboratory vs. field-testing are also addressed. The authors argue that the sports biomechanist is concerned with performance optimisation in an injury-free environment. Working closely with coaches and performers, the sports biomechanist can play an integral role in athlete development.
The Physiology of the World Record Holder for the Women's Marathon
Authors: Jones Andrew M.
Published: June 2006

The purpose of this paper is to review the physiological determinants of endurance exercise performance by using the data of the World Record holder for the women's marathon (PR), to illustrate the link between an athlete's physiology and success in distance running. The maximal oxygen (O2) uptake, O2 cost of running at sub-maximal speeds (running economy), and blood lactate response to exercise can all be determined using standard physiology laboratory exercise tests and the results used to track changes in ‘fitness' and to make recommendations for future training. PR's data demonstrate a 15% improvement in running economy between 1992 and 2003 suggesting that improvements in this parameter are very important in allowing a distance runner to continue to improve their performance over the longer-term. PR's data demonstrate how 15 years of directed training have created the ‘complete’ female distance runner and enabled the setting of an extraordinary World record of 2:15:25 for the Marathon.