bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification of cracked section shrinkage curvature models
Authors: Forth John P. , Mu Ru , Scott Richard H. , Jones Anthony E. K. , Beeby Andrew W.
Published: August 2013

An attempt is made to theoretically and experimentally verify the shrinkage curvature models presented in Eurocode 2 and BS 8110. These codes claim that the models originally derived and proven for uncracked sections are suitable, with modification, for predicting the behaviour of cracked sections, although this claim has never been proven experimentally. To achieve verification, an alternative theoretical approach is initially proposed in this paper. In this theoretical model, the effect of shrinkage, creep and the variation in the neutral axis position of the section are taken into account. The stresses developed in the steel and concrete at a cracked section according to this theoretical model are then applied to a finite-element (FE) model representing a portion of the beam from the crack to mid-way between the crack and an adjacent crack. Ultimately, the mean curvature is determined. Experimentally, pairs of beams were cast and subjected to a level of flexural loading to produce a stabilised crack pattern in the constant-moment zone. The behaviour of the beams was monitored for up to 180 days. For any pair of beams, one beam was cast using a high-shrinkage concrete and the other with a low-shrinkage concrete. Each concrete type, however, exhibits similar creep. Therefore, shrinkage curvature can be obtained by subtracting the long-term movements of one beam from the other. These experimentally defined curvatures were compared with the mean curvatures obtained from the FE analysis. The comparison showed reasonable agreement. The curvatures were also compared with uncracked and cracked curvatures predicted by the codes. The curvatures derived in this investigation fell within the boundaries of the uncracked and cracked curvatures predicted by the codes and, for the fully cracked case, the curvatures were closer to the uncracked boundary.
Prediction of the collapse mode of axially crushed profiles
Authors: Müller Bernhard , Schagerl Martin , Schröder Kai-Uwe
Published: August 2013

If thin-walled steel profiles are axially crushed, two basic collapse modes can be observed. In the first case the profile crushes by progressively developing local folds. This regular folding is favourable as it promises a high level of energy absorption. In the second case the profile buckles in a global bending mode. Based on results of crash tests and validated numerical analyses, this paper develops an analytical method to predict the relevant collapse mode as a function of the crushing distance. The proposed analytical method successively compares the global buckling load, which changes as the crushing distance increases, with the constant mean crushing force during regular folding. A change of collapse mode is predicted if the global buckling load falls below the mean crushing force. With the available analytical method, design criteria are formulated such as the maximum initial length of a profile allowed to ensure a regular folding mode.
Buckling mode interaction in prestressed stayed columns
Authors: Wadee M. Ahmer , Gardner Leroy , Hunt Tyrone A.
Published: August 2013

Prestressed stayed columns offer an innovative and aesthetically attractive solution where designs demand long and slender elements under compression. The addition of cross-arms and pretensioned cables to the columns provides significant lateral and rotational support that can result in a marked increase of the buckling capacity. The current work presents a simplified model, comprising discrete rigid links and springs with a mathematically exact formulation including the destabilising effect of cable slackening, which mimics the response of stayed columns and reveals the governing physical parameters that drive the behaviour. A recent finite-element study had indicated that these structural components are likely to exhibit interactive buckling phenomena, particularly if the critical buckling mode is antisymmetric, leading to highly unstable responses. However, by its very nature, that study could not reveal the bifurcational structure of the equilibrium response. The results from the present model reveal similar behaviour to that observed in the earlier finite-element study. A sequence of bifurcations is found that switch the post-buckling response from one mode to another by way of a path of interactive buckling.
Land‐use impacts on plant–pollinator networks: interaction strength and specialization predict pollinator declines
Authors: Weiner Christiane Natalie , Werner Michael , Linsenmair Karl Eduard , Blüthgen Nico
Published: August 2013

Land use is known to reduce the diversity of species and complexity of biotic interactions. In theory, interaction networks can be used to predict the sensitivity of species against co‐extinction, but this has rarely been applied to real ecosystems facing variable land‐use impacts. We investigated plant–pollinator networks on 119 grasslands that varied quantitatively in management regime, yielding 25 401 visits by 741 pollinator species on 166 plant species.

Species‐specific plant and pollinator responses to land use were significantly predicted by the weighted average land‐use response of each species' partners. Moreover, more specialized pollinators were more vulnerable than generalists. Both predictions are based on the relative interaction strengths provided by the observed interaction network. Losses in flower and pollinator diversity were linked, and mutual dependence between plants and pollinators accelerates the observed parallel declines in response to land‐use intensification. Our findings confirm that ecological networks help to predict natural community responses to disturbance and possible secondary extinctions.
Enamel Matrix Derivative: Protein Components and Osteoinductive Properties
Authors: Stout Bradshaw M. , Alent Brian J. , Pedalino Peter , Holbrook Ryan , Gluhak‐Heinrich Jelica , Cui Yong , Harris Marie A. , Gemperli Anja C. , Cochran David L. , Deas David E. , Harris Stephen E.
Published: August 2013

Background: Although enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has demonstrated the ability to promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, the specific elements within the EMD compound responsible for these effects remain unknown.

Methods: Nine different protein pools from a commercially produced EMD were collected based on molecular weight. Six of these pools, along with the complete EMD unfractionated compound and positive and negative controls, were tested for their ability to induce bone formation in a calvarial induction assay. Immunocytochemistry of phosphorylated SMAD1/5/8 (phospho‐SMAD), osterix, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) was carried out at selected time points. Finally, proteomic analysis was completed to determine the specific protein‐peptide content of the various osteoinductive pools.

Results: One of the lower‐molecular‐weight pools tested, pool 7, showed bone induction responses significantly greater than those of the other pools and the complete EMD compound and was concentration dependent. Dynamic bone formation rate analysis demonstrated that pool 7 was optimally active at the 5‐ to 10‐μg concentration. It was demonstrated that EMD and pool 7 induced phospho‐SMAD, osterix, and VEGF‐A, which is indicative of increased bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Proteomic composition analysis demonstrated that pool 7 had the highest concentration of the biologically active amelogenin–leucine‐rich amelogenin peptide and ameloblastin 17‐kDa peptides.

Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that the low‐molecular‐weight protein pools (7 to 17 kDa) within EMD have greater osteoinductive potential than the commercially available complete EMD compound and that the mechanism of action, in part, is through increased BMP signaling and increased osterix and VEGF‐A. With this information, selected components of EMD can now be formulated for optimal osteo‐ and angio‐genesis.
Elastin-Derived Peptides Are New Regulators of Insulin Resistance Development in Mice
Authors: Blaise Sébastien , Romier Béatrice , Kawecki Charlotte , Ghirardi Maxime , Rabenoelina Fanja , Baud Stéphanie , Duca Laurent , Maurice Pascal , Heinz Andrea , Schmelzer Christian E.H. , Tarpin Michel , Martiny Laurent , Garbar Christian , Dauchez Manuel , Debelle Laurent , Durlach Vincent
Published: August 2013

Although it has long been established that the extracellular matrix acts as a mechanical support, its degradation products, which mainly accumulate during aging, have also been demonstrated to play an important role in cell physiology and the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In the current study, we show that elastin-derived peptides (EDPs) may be involved in the development of insulin resistance (IRES) in mice. In chow-fed mice, acute or chronic intravenous injections of EDPs induced hyperglycemic effects associated with glucose uptake reduction and IRES in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. Based on in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches, we propose that this IRES is due to interaction between the insulin receptor (IR) and the neuraminidase-1 subunit of the elastin receptor complex triggered by EDPs. This interplay was correlated with decreased sialic acid levels on the β-chain of the IR and reduction of IR signaling. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that EDPs, which mainly accumulate with aging, may be involved in the insidious development of IRES.
Wind Load Test of Earthbag Wall
Authors: Ross Brandon , Willis Michael , Datin Peter , Scott Ryan
Published: August 2013

Earthbag construction is a sustainable, low-cost, housing option for developing countries. Earthbag structures are built of individual soil-filled fabric bags (i.e., sand bags) stacked in a running bond pattern. Once stacked, earthbags are compacted and the soil inside the bags is dried in-place to form earthen bricks. Barbed wires are placed between each course to affect shear transfer within the wall. Results of an out-of-plane load test on a full-scale earthbag wall are presented in this paper. The wall was subjected to out-of-plane pressure up to 3.16 kPa, which resulted in plastic deformations up to 50 mm. The wall did not collapse during loading. Wall behavior and force transfer mechanisms are discussed.
Planning a Regional Energy System in Association with the Creation of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), Statistical Analysis and Energy Efficiency Measures: An Italian Case Study
Authors: Fabbri Kristian
Published: August 2013

Directive 2002/91/EC EPBD introduced the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as a tool to guide the real estate market in the creation of products (buildings) with improved energy performances. The EPC’s information could be useful in the determination of relevant policies and also in studying the characteristics of the building resources of the territory. This paper presents a case study related to the EPC Database of the Emilia-Romagna Region in mid-northern Italy. The case study shows a way of elaborating the EPC information in statistical analysis evaluations with aggregate data, in order to measure a territory and then direct energy policies toward energy efficiency. A statistical approach was used to define a characteristic statistical indicator index of the EPC database, and compare the energy index with the bottom-up and top-down methods, in order to identify some energy policy scenarios.
“Which Child Left Behind”: Historical Issues Regarding Equity in Science Assessment
Authors: Fensham Peter , Cumming J.
Published: August 2013

Assessment of learning plays a dominant role in formal education in the forms of determining features of curriculum that are emphasized, pedagogic methods that teachers use with their students, and parents’ and employers’ understanding of how well students have performed. A common perception is that fair assessment applies the same mode of assessment and content focus for all students—the approach of assessments in international comparative studies of science achievement. This article examines research evidence demonstrating that the act of assessment is not neutral—different forms of assessment advantage or disadvantage groups of students on the basis of family backgrounds, gender, race, or disability. Assessment that implicitly or explicitly captures the social capital of the child serves to consolidate, not address, educational equity. The article provides an overview of ways that science curriculum focus and assessment can introduce bias in the identification of student achievement. It examines the effect of changes to curriculum and assessment approaches in science, and relationships between assessment of science and the cultural context of the student. Recommendations are provided for science–assessment research to address bias for different groups of students.
Arsenic Resistance and Prevalence of Arsenic Resistance Genes in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Isolated from Retail Meats
Authors: Noormohamed Aneesa , Fakhr Mohamed
Published: August 2013

Studies that investigate arsenic resistance in the foodborne bacterium Campylobacter are limited. A total of 552 Campylobacter isolates (281 Campylobacter jejuni and 271 Campylobacter coli) isolated from retail meat samples were subjected to arsenic resistance profiling using the following arsenic compounds: arsanilic acid (4–2,048 μg/mL), roxarsone (4–2048 μg/mL), arsenate (16–8,192 μg/mL) and arsenite (4–2,048 μg/mL). A total of 223 of these isolates (114 Campylobacter jejuni and 109 Campylobacter coli) were further analyzed for the presence of five arsenic resistance genes (arsP, arsR, arsC, acr3, and arsB) by PCR. Most of the 552 Campylobacter isolates were able to survive at higher concentrations of arsanilic acid (512–2,048 μg/mL), roxarsone (512–2,048 μg/mL), and arsenate (128–1,024 μg/mL), but at lower concentrations for arsenite (4–16 μg/mL). Ninety seven percent of the isolates tested by PCR showed the presence of arsP and arsR genes. While 95% of the Campylobacter coli isolates contained a larger arsenic resistance operon that has all of the four genes (arsP, arsR, arsC and acr3), 85% of the Campylobacter jejuni isolates carried the short operon (arsP, and arsR). The presence of arsC and acr3 did not significantly increase arsenic resistance with the exception of conferring resistance to higher concentrations of arsenate to some Campylobacter isolates. arsB was prevalent in 98% of the tested Campylobacter jejuni isolates, regardless of the presence or absence of arsC and acr3, but was completely absent in Campylobacter coli. To our knowledge, this is the first study to determine arsenic resistance and the prevalence of arsenic resistance genes in such a large number of Campylobacter isolates.
Molecular Pathways Involved in Colorectal Cancer: Implications for Disease Behavior and Prevention
Authors: Colussi Dora , Brandi Giovanni , Bazzoli Franco , Ricciardiello Luigi
Published: August 2013

Research conducted during the past 30 years has increased our understanding of the mechanisms involved in colorectal cancer initiation and development. The findings have demonstrated the existence of at least three pathways: chromosomal instability, microsatellite instability and CpG island methylator phenotype. Importantly, new studies have shown that inflammation and microRNAs contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis. Recent data have demonstrated that several genetic and epigenetic changes are important in determining patient prognosis and survival. Furthermore, some of these mechanisms are related to patients’ response to drugs, such as aspirin, which could be used for both chemoprevention and treatment in specific settings. Thus, in the near future, we could be able to predict disease behavior based on molecular markers found on tumors, and direct the best treatment options for patients.
Study of the Warner-Bratzler Shear Force, Sensory Analysis and Sarcomere Length as Indicators of the Tenderness of Sun-Dried Beef
Authors: Ishihara Yuri , Moreira Ricardo , De Souza Geany , Salviano Alanne , Madruga Marta
Published: August 2013

Sun-dried beef is a frequently consumed and valued product in Brazil, however, there have been no scientific studies on its texture. To assess the tenderness of sun-dried beef, an instrumental analysis (Warner-Bratzler Shear Force; WBSF), a sensory analysis (Quantitative Descriptive Analysis; QDA) and the sarcomere length (SL) were used as indicators. Significant differences were observed among the sun-dried beef samples. Sample 3 (composed of sun-dried meat purchased at three fairs from Region 3 in the city of João Pessoa-PB) was considered the most tender by the assessors, with a score of 6.7, and its WBSF analysis revealed a maximum value of 2.70 kgf. Additionally, this sample exhibited the highest SL value (1.89 µm). Samples 1 and 2 (composed of sun-dried meat purchased at three fairs from Regions 1 and 2, respectively, in the city of João Pessoa) exhibited very similar tenderness values (WBSF and QDA) but differed in their SL values, which suggested that sample 2 was the least tender. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the studied parameters are complementary and can be used as tenderness indicators for sun-dried beef. However, although the difference was beyond the detection limit of the assessors and the texturometer, the SL analysis appears to have been the most effective.
Electronic Structure and Mesoscopic Simulations of Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Surfactants. A Combined DFT and DPD Study
Authors: Valencia Diego , Aburto Jorge , García-Cruz Isidoro
Published: August 2013

The aim of this work was to gain insight into the effect of ethylene oxide (EO) chains on the properties of a series of nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) surfactants. We performed a theoretical study of NPE surfactants by means of density functional theory (DFT) and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). Both approximations were used separately to obtain different properties. Four NPEs were selected for this purpose (EO = 4, 7, 11 and 15 length chains). DFT methods provided some electronic properties that are related to the EO units. One of them is the solvation Gibbs energy, which exhibited a linear trend with EO chain length. DPD calculations allow us to observe the dynamic behavior in water of the NPE surfactants. We propose a coarse-grained model which properly simulates the mesophases of each surfactant. This model can be used in other NPEs applications.
Nanostructure-Directed Chemical Sensing: The IHSAB Principle and the Effect of Nitrogen and Sulfur Functionalization on Metal Oxide Decorated Interface Response
Authors: Laminack William , Gole James
Published: August 2013

The response matrix, as metal oxide nanostructure decorated n-type semiconductor interfaces are modified in situ through direct amination and through treatment with organic sulfides and thiols, is demonstrated. Nanostructured TiO2, SnOx, NiO and CuxO (x = 1,2), in order of decreasing Lewis acidity, are deposited to a porous silicon interface to direct a dominant electron transduction process for reversible chemical sensing in the absence of significant chemical bond formation. The metal oxide sensing sites can be modified to decrease their Lewis acidity in a process appearing to substitute nitrogen or sulfur, providing a weak interaction to form the oxynitrides and oxysulfides. Treatment with triethylamine and diethyl sulfide decreases the Lewis acidity of the metal oxide sites. Treatment with acidic ethane thiol modifies the sensor response in an opposite sense, suggesting that there are thiol (SH) groups present on the surface that provide a Brønsted acidity to the surface. The in situ modification of the metal oxides deposited to the interface changes the reversible interaction with the analytes, NH3 and NO. The observed change for either the more basic oxynitrides or oxysulfides or the apparent Brønsted acid sites produced from the interaction of the thiols do not represent a simple increase in surface basicity or acidity, but appear to involve a change in molecular electronic structure, which is well explained using the recently developed inverse hard and soft acids and bases (IHSAB) model.
Stroke Damage Detection Using Classification Trees on Electrical Bioimpedance Cerebral Spectroscopy Measurements
Authors: Atefi Seyed , Seoane Fernando , Thorlin Thorleif , Lindecrantz Kaj
Published: August 2013

After cancer and cardio-vascular disease, stroke is the third greatest cause of death worldwide. Given the limitations of the current imaging technologies used for stroke diagnosis, the need for portable non-invasive and less expensive diagnostic tools is crucial. Previous studies have suggested that electrical bioimpedance (EBI) measurements from the head might contain useful clinical information related to changes produced in the cerebral tissue after the onset of stroke. In this study, we recorded 720 EBI Spectroscopy (EBIS) measurements from two different head regions of 18 hemispheres of nine subjects. Three of these subjects had suffered a unilateral haemorrhagic stroke. A number of features based on structural and intrinsic frequency-dependent properties of the cerebral tissue were extracted. These features were then fed into a classification tree. The results show that a full classification of damaged and undamaged cerebral tissue was achieved after three hierarchical classification steps. Lastly, the performance of the classification tree was assessed using Leave-One-Out Cross Validation (LOO-CV). Despite the fact that the results of this study are limited to a small database, and the observations obtained must be verified further with a larger cohort of patients, these findings confirm that EBI measurements contain useful information for assessing on the health of brain tissue after stroke and supports the hypothesis that classification features based on Cole parameters, spectral information and the geometry of EBIS measurements are useful to differentiate between healthy and stroke damaged brain tissue.
Characterization of the Bell-Shaped Vibratory Angular Rate Gyro
Authors: Liu Ning , Su Zhong , Li Qing , Fu Mengyin , Liu Hong , Fan Junfang
Published: August 2013

The bell-shaped vibratory angular rate gyro (abbreviated as BVG) is a novel shell vibratory gyroscope, which is inspired by the Chinese traditional bell. It sensitizes angular velocity through the standing wave precession effect. The bell-shaped resonator is a core component of the BVG and looks like the millimeter-grade Chinese traditional bell, such as QianLong Bell and Yongle Bell. It is made of Ni43CrTi, which is a constant modulus alloy. The exciting element, control element and detection element are uniformly distributed and attached to the resonator, respectively. This work presents the design, analysis and experimentation on the BVG. It is most important to analyze the vibratory character of the bell-shaped resonator. The strain equation, internal force and the resonator's equilibrium differential equation are derived in the orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. When the input angular velocity is existent on the sensitive axis, an analysis of the vibratory character is performed using the theory of thin shells. On this basis, the mode shape function and the simplified second order normal vibration mode dynamical equation are obtained. The coriolis coupling relationship about the primary mode and secondary mode is established. The methods of the signal processing and control loop are presented. Analyzing the impact resistance property of the bell-shaped resonator, which is compared with other shell resonators using the Finite Element Method, demonstrates that BVG has the advantage of a better impact resistance property. A reasonable means of installation and a prototypal gyro are designed. The gyroscopic effect of the BVG is characterized through experiments. Experimental results show that the BVG has not only the advantages of low cost, low power, long work life, high sensitivity, and so on, but, also, of a simple structure and a better impact resistance property for low and medium angular velocity measurements.
Development of Web GIS-Based VFSMOD System with Three Modules for Effective Vegetative Filter Strip Design
Authors: Park Youn , Engel Bernie , Shin Yongchul , Choi Joongdae , Kim Nam-Won , Kim Seong-Joon , Kong Dong , Lim Kyoung
Published: August 2013

In recent years, Non-Point Source Pollution has been rising as a significant environmental issue. The sediment-laden water problem is causing serious impacts on river ecosystems not only in South Korea but also in most countries. The vegetative filter strip (VFS) has been thought to be one of the most effective methods to reduce the transport of sediment to down-gradient area. However, the effective width of the VFS first needs to be determined before VFS installation in the field. To provide an easy-to-use interface with a scientific VFS modeling engine, the Web GIS-based VFSMOD system was developed in this study. The Web GIS-based VFSMOD uses the UH and VFSM executable programs from the VFSMOD-w model as core engines to simulate rainfall-runoff and sediment trapping. To provide soil information for a point of interest, the Google Map interface to the MapServer soil database system was developed using the Google Map API, Javascript, Perl/CGI, and Oracle DB programming. Three modules of the Web GIS-based VFSMOD system were developed for various VFS designs under single storm, multiple storm, and long-term period scenarios. These modules in the Web GIS-based VFSMOD system were applied to the study watershed in South Korea and these were proven as efficient tools for the VFS design for various purposes.
Повторяемость и вид в русском языке
Authors: Shatunovsky Ilya
Published: August 2013

Повторяемость и вид в русском языке

Понятие повторяемости имеет огромное значение для человеческого познания и тем самым языка. Можно выделить различные типы повторяемости в зависимости от того, что именно повторяется в повторяющемся событии. Выражение повторяемости в русском языке тесно связано с противопоставлением несовершенного и совершенного видов. Характер повторения, выражаемого глаголами несовершен¬ного и совершенного видов, мотивирован их инвариантным / прототипическим значением. Глаголы несовершенного вида выражают повторение в полном смысле — повторение с одними и теми же индивидными объектами. Совершенный вид специализируется на выражении дистрибутивного повторения, то есть повторения с разными индивидными объектами одного рода. Он также может выражать повторение на более высоких уровнях абстракции, а именно повторение различных типов событий, принадлежащих к некоторому более обобщенному типу событий. Указание на повторение посредством глаголов совершенного вида может также использоваться как характеристика субъекта повторяющихся событий.
A New King Lear
Authors: Møller Peter Ulf
Published: August 2013

Un nouveau Roi Lear

Les réactions danoises à la disparition de Tolstoj

L’article donne une vue d’ensemble des réactions danoises à l’annonce de la mort de Tolstoj dans les circonstances dramatiques de 1910. L’article se divise en trois parties. La première est consacrée à la place exceptionnelle que les journaux danois ont accordée à la disparition, la maladie et la mort de Tolstoj à la gare d’Astapovo. Tolstoj a fait la une des journaux pendant plus d’une semaine, et en plus des télégrammes émanant des agences de presse internationales, les journaux ont publié des articles, des nécrologies et des élégies écrites par des journalistes et des écrivains célébres. La seconde partie de l’article se penche sur le numéro spécial de la revue littéraire Ugens Tilskuer consacré à Tolstoj. Il comportait, entre autres, un remarquable poème de Helge Rode qui allait devenir un morceau d’anthologie de la poésie danoise. Rode y comparait la mort de Tolstoj à celle du Roi Lear, en dépit du fait que Tolstoj avait sévèrement critiqué la pièce dans son essai sur Shakespeare. Dans la troisième partie, l’auteur raconte pourquoi le très influent critique danois Georg Brandes n’a curieusement jamais véritablement écrit de nécrologie à la mort de Tolstoj. Tolstoj kak kritik (Tolstoj comme critique), son grand article publié en russe par la revue Russkoe slovo le 17 (30) novembre 1910 et considéré par beaucoup comme une notice nécrologique, est en réalité la traduction et la compilation de plusieurs de ses articles écrits en danois des mois et même des années avant la mort de Tolstoj.
Public Tolstoj, Private Tolstoj
Authors: Layton Susan
Published: August 2013

Tolstoj entre image publique et vie privée Préoccupations biographiques en Angleterre, 1910-1930

En Angleterre, Tolstoj, de son vivant, avait soulevé des polémiques aussi bien autour de son personnage public (l’anarchiste chrétien) qu’autour de sa vie privée (surtout en tant que mari). Sa disparition donna lieu également à des oppositions tranchées. Parmi les Anglais, le prétendant principal au rôle de porteur de flambeau fut Aylmer Maude, mais il rencontra une résistance considérable de la part de Vladimir Čertkov et de ses partisans anglais. Cette rivalité se déroula comme une opposition entre deux genres de biographie : le portrait sans aucun embellissement et l’hagiographie. Des images divergentes de Tolstoj et de sa femme Sof´ja Andreevna en découlèrent. Comme on pouvait peut-être s’y attendre, les deux tendances contribuèrent à développer cette «aversion » pour Tolstoj, répandue en Angleterre en 1928, selon Dmitry Mirsky : les nombreuses critiques adressées à Tolstoj ternirent considérablement sa réputation, tandis que les effusions hagiographiques firent de l’écrivain un personnage mièvre.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Toremifene and Tamoxifen Therapy in Premenopausal Patients with Operable Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Qin T. , Yuan Z.Y. , Peng R.J. , Zeng Y.D. , Shi Y.X. , Teng X.Y. , Liu D.G. , Bai B. , Wang S.S.
Published: August 2013

Background: Given the use of tamoxifen as standard treatment for hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, the use of toremifene as an adjuvant endocrine therapy has not been widely examined. The present retrospective study compared the efficacy and safety of toremifene and tamoxifen in the treatment of operable hormone receptor–positive breast cancer in premenopausal women. Methods: Premenopausal patients with hormone receptor–positive operable breast cancer were eligible. Enrolled patients (n = 1847) received either 60 mg toremifene (n = 396) or 20 mg tamoxifen (n = 1451) daily for a minimum of 5 years after surgery. Disease-free survival (DFS) was the primary endpoint. Overall survival (OS) and time to distant recurrence were secondary endpoints. Results: Treatment with toremifene and tamoxifen resulted in no between-group differences in DFS (p = 0.659) or OS (p = 0.364). Mean DFS was 10.3 years for both groups. Mean OS was 11.2 years for the toremifene group and 11.1 years for tamoxifen group. The 5-year DFS rate was 87.0% in the toremifene group and 85.0% in the tamoxifen group. The 5-year survival rate was 94.3% in the toremifene group and 93.5% in the tamoxifen group. Adverse events rates were similar in the two groups, with the exception of irregular menses, which occurred at a higher rate in the tamoxifen group than in the toremifene group (10.0% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.025). Conclusions: In this retrospective study, the efficacy and safety profiles of toremifene and tamoxifen for the treatment of operable hormone receptor–positive breast cancer in premenopausal women were similar.
Management of Penoscrotal Extramammary Paget Disease: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Moretto P. , Nair V.J. , El Hallani S. , Malone S. , Belanger E. , Morash C. , Canil C.M.
Published: August 2013

Extramammary Paget disease (empd) is a rare, slow-growing neoplasm, considered to be an adenocarcinoma of the apocrine glands. In men, the penoscrotal region is the most commonly affected area. The disease can present as carcinoma in situ or as invasive disease that can subsequently metastasize to lymph nodes and distant sites. Because of the rarity of empd, the medical literature available to guide management of the disease is limited, particularly in patients with metastases. In addition, metastatic disease may pose a diagnostic challenge, because invasive cancer of the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract can occur in association with empd. In the present case series, we describe our experience in treating penoscrotal empd with multimodality therapy, and we review the existing literature concerning its diagnosis and management.
Oncofertility in Canada: The Impact of Cancer on Fertility
Authors: Ronn R. , Holzer H.E.G.
Published: August 2013

Background: Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. In particular, malignancy and its indicated treatments have profoundly negative effects on the fertility of young cancer patients. Oncofertility has emerged as a new interdisciplinary field to address the issue of gonadotoxicity associated with cancer therapies and to facilitate fertility preservation. In Canada, these fertility issues are often inadequately addressed despite the availability of resources. The goal of this four-part series is to facilitate systemic improvements in fertility preservation for adolescent and young adult Canadians with a new diagnosis of cancer. Methods: In this article, we review the gonadotoxic effects of cancer treatment on young men and women of reproductive age. Results: The detrimental effects of cancer on fertility can be severe and may vary depending on the chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical treatments involved. Conclusions: Fertility preservation should be addressed in an effort to mitigate the gonadal damage that may come with cancer therapy.
Are Two-Centimeter Breast Cancers Large or Small?
Authors: Narod S.A. , Iqbal J. , Jakubowska A. , Huzarski T. , Sun P. , Cybulski C. , Gronwald J. , Byrski T. , Lubinski J.
Published: August 2013

Background: Node-negative breast cancers from 2 cm to 5 cm in size are classified as stage ii, and smaller cancers, as stage i. We sought to determine if the prognosis of women with a breast cancer exactly 2 cm in size more closely resembles that of women with a stage i or a stage ii breast cancer. Methods: Using a cohort of 4265 young women with breast cancer, we compared the 10-year breast cancer mortality rates for women who had a tumour 0.1–1.9 cm, exactly 2.0 cm, and 2.1–2.9 cm. Results: In the first 3 years after diagnosis, the survival pattern of women with a 2.0-cm breast cancer was nearly identical to that of women with a larger cancer (2.1–3.0 cm). From year 3 to year 10, the relative survival of women with a 2.0-cm breast cancer was improved and nearly identical to that of women with a smaller cancer. The 10-year survival rate was 89.3% for women with tumours less than 20 mm, 86.1% for women with tumours equal to 20 mm, and 81.2% for women with 21-mm to 29-mm tumours. Conclusions: For young women with small breast cancers, the relative mortality from breast cancer is dynamic with increasing tumour size and varies with time from diagnosis.
Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Correlates with the Risk of Nodal Metastasis in Endocrine-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Morgillo F. , De Vita F. , Antoniol G. , Orditura M. , Auriemma P.P. , Diadema M.R. , Lieto E. , Savastano B. , Festino L. , Laterza M.M. , Fabozzi A. , Ventriglia J. , Petrillo A. , Ciardiello F. , Barbarisi A. , Iovino F.
Published: August 2013

Increased insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling has been observed in breast cancer, including endocrine-responsive cancers, and has been linked to disease progression and recurrence. In particular, IGF-1 has the ability to induce and promote lymphangiogenesis through the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC). In the present study, we analyzed serum and tumour samples from 60 patients with endocrine-positive breast cancer to determine the expression and the possible relationship of circulating IGF-1, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), and VEGFC with the presence of lymphatic metastasis and other immunohistochemical parameters. The analysis revealed a clear and significant correlation between high basal levels of IGF-1, IGFBP3, and VEGFC and lymph node metastasis in endocrine-responsive breast cancer. In addition, expression of those molecules was significantly higher in breast cancer patients than in healthy control subjects. Those findings may enable more accurate prediction of prognosis in patients with breast cancer.
Measuring Concordance with Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Colon Cancer
Authors: Rahal R. , Klein-Geltink J. , Forte T. , Lockwood G. , Bryant H.
Published: August 2013

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death and the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, with an estimated 9200 deaths and 23,300 new cases in 2012. [...]
Estimer les changements de résidence pour permettre les comparaisons internationales
Authors: Courgeau Daniel , Muhidin Salut , Bell Martin
Published: August 2013

Cet article envisage divers modèles, tant spatiaux que temporels, afin de permettre une comparaison internationale des niveaux de migration interne entre tous les pays du monde. En premier lieu, parmi les divers modèles spatiaux utilisés, le modèle reliant les migrations aux découpages du territoire permet de résumer simplement cette relation. Mais ses paramètres n’ont pas de signification claire pour une comparaison internationale. En second lieu, le modèle « migrant-migration » permet de ramener des effectifs de migrants, mesurés sur des périodes variables, à un taux instantané indépendant des migrations multiples et des retours survenant sur une période plus large. Dès lors, une comparaison internationale n’est possible que pour les taux instantanés de changement de logement, indicateur classique dont la signification est claire. Les auteurs montrent à l’aide de nombreux exemples que l’utilisation simultanée des deux types de modèles permet, sous certaines conditions, d’estimer de façon approchée un tel taux, que l’on peut relier aux paramètres de ces modèles. Dans certains pays, où l’on dispose d’une mesure directe des changements de logement, la validité des modèles peut être testée et confirmée.
La diffusion de la cigarette en Allemagne de l'Est et de l'Ouest : une perspective générationnelle
Authors: Westphal Christina , Doblhammer Gabriele
Published: August 2013

Fumer est l’un des principaux facteurs de risque pour la santé de la population et la mortalité prématurée. En Allemagne, l’évolution de la consommation de cigarette montre qu’elle s’est propagée selon les principes de la théorie de la diffusion. Cette note de recherche présente des données empiriques sur la propension à commencer à fumer (individus « ayant déjà fumé ») et à cesser de fumer (« anciens fumeurs ») en mettant l’accent sur le rôle du niveau d’études et les différences entre l’Allemagne de l’Est et de l’Ouest. L’histoire du comportement tabagique est présentée dans une perspective générationnelle. L’analyse repose sur les données de quatre vagues (1995, 1999, 2003 et 2005) du microrecensement allemand ( Mikrozensus ), qui comprennent des informations sur les habitudes tabagiques actuelles et passées des personnes enquêtées appartenant à des générations nées jusqu’en 1970. L’étude porte sur les proportions de personnes ayant déjà fumé et d’anciens fumeurs par groupe d’âges, selon leur niveau d’études, pour les hommes et les femmes d’Allemagne de l’Est et de l’Ouest, avec des modèles d’interaction permettant de comprendre si ces différences sont significatives. Ces résultats confirment les hypothèses de la théorie de la diffusion en Allemagne : les hommes précèdent les femmes dans le processus de diffusion, et les habitudes tabagiques diffèrent selon le niveau d’études. Concernant les femmes, on constate des différences d’évolution de la consommation entre l’Est et l’Ouest de l’Allemagne.
Numerical Methods of Multifractal Analysis in Information Communication Systems and Networks
Authors: Sheluhin Oleg I. , Garmashev Artem V.
Published: August 2013

In this chapter, the main principles of the theory of fractals and multifractals are stated. A singularity spectrum is introduced for the random telecommunication traffic, concepts of fractal dimensions and scaling functions, and methods used in their determination by means of Wavelet Transform Modulus Maxima (WTMM) are proposed. Algorithm development methods for estimating multifractal spectrum are presented. A method based on multifractal data analysis at network layer level by means of WTMM is proposed for the detection of traffic anomalies in computer and telecommunication networks. The chapter also introduces WTMM as the informative indicator to exploit the distinction of fractal dimensions on various parts of a given dataset. A novel approach based on the use of multifractal spectrum parameters is proposed for estimating queuing performance for the generalized multifractal traffic on the input of a buffering device. It is shown that the multifractal character of traffic has significant impact on queuing performance characteristics.
Signals with an Additive Fractal Structure for Information Transmission
Authors: Kapranov M. V. , Khandurin A. V.
Published: August 2013

This chapter is devoted to a new class of wideband signals with an additive fractal structure. Properties and characteristics of the new type of signals are studied. It is shown that such signals possess a high level of an irregularity and unpredictability at simple technical implementation. It is shown that an incommensurability of frequencies of fundamental high-stable oscillations leads to the high level of an irregularity of such signals. For an estimation of a level of signal complexity, authors offer to use the fractal dimensionality of their temporal implementations calculated by means of creation of the structural function. Methods of modification of the signal spectrum with the additive fractal structure are offered, permitting to increase the efficiency of the frequency resource application. For reduction of the high low-frequency signal power the authors suggest using signals with the additive fractal structure, centered in a moving average window. Methods of masking of the voice messages by means of signals of a new type are offered. The results of a computer experiment of secretive sound transmission are described.
Validating the INTERPRETOR Software Architecture for the Interpretation of Large and Noisy Data Sets
Authors: Salatian Apkar
Published: August 2013

In this chapter, the authors validate INTERPRETOR software architecture as a dataflow model of computation for filtering, abstracting, and interpreting large and noisy datasets with two detailed empirical studies from the authors’ former research endeavours. Also discussed are five further recent and distinct systems that can be tailored or adapted to use the software architecture. The detailed case studies presented are from two disparate domains that include intensive care unit data and building sensor data. By performing pattern mining on five further systems in the way the authors have suggested herein, they argue that INTERPRETOR software architecture has been validated.
Modeling of Packet Streaming Services in Information Communication Networks
Authors: Atayero Aderemi A. , Ivanov Yury A.
Published: August 2013

Application of the term video streaming in contemporary usage denotes compression techniques and data buffering, which can transmit video in real time over the network. There is currently a rapid growth and development of technologies using wireless broadband technology as a transport, which is a serious alternative to cellular communication systems. Adverse effect of the aggressive environment used in wireless networks transmission results in data packets undergoing serious distortions and often getting lost in transit. All existing research in this area investigate the known types of errors separately. At present there are no standard approaches to determining the effect of errors on transmission quality of services. Besides, the spate in popularity of multimedia applications has led to the need for optimization of bandwidth allocation and usage in telecommunication networks. Modern telecommunication networks should by their definition be able to maintain the quality of different applications with different Quality of Service (QoS) levels. QoS requirements are generally dependent on the parameters of network and application layers of the OSI model. At the application layer QoS depends on factors such as resolution, bit rate, frame rate, video type, audio codecs, and so on. At the network layer, distortions (such as delay, jitter, packet loss, etc.) are introduced.
Mathematical Models of Video-Sequences of Digital Half-Tone Images
Authors: Petrov E.P. , Trubin I.S. , Medvedeva E.V. , Smolskiy S.M.
Published: August 2013

This chapter is devoted to Mathematical Models (MM) of Digital Half-Tone Images (DHTI) and their video-sequences presented as causal multi-dimensional Markov Processes (MP) on discrete meshes. The difficulties of MM development for DHTI video-sequences of Markov type are shown. These difficulties are related to the enormous volume of computational operations required for their realization. The method of MM-DHTI construction and their statistically correlated video-sequences on the basis of the causal multi-dimensional multi-value MM is described in detail. Realization of such operations is not computationally intensive; Markov models from the second to fourth order demonstrate this. The proposed method is especially effective when DHTI is represented by low-bit (4-8 bits) binary numbers.
ANFIS Modeling of Dynamic Load Balancing in LTE
Authors: Luka Matthew K. , Atayero Aderemi A.
Published: August 2013

Modelling of ill-defined or unpredictable systems can be very challenging. Most models have relied on conventional mathematical models which does not adequately track some of the multifaceted challenges of such a system. Load balancing, which is a self-optimization operation of Self-Organizing Networks (SON), aims at ensuring an equitable distribution of users in the network. This translates into better user satisfaction and a more efficient use of network resources. Several methods for load balancing have been proposed. While some of them have a very buoyant theoretical basis, they are not practical. Furthermore, most of the techniques proposed the use of an iterative algorithm, which in itself is not computationally efficient as it does not take the unpredictable fluctuation of network load into consideration. This chapter proposes the use of soft computing, precisely Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) model, for dynamic QoS aware load balancing in 3GPP LTE. The use of ANFIS offers learning capability of neural network and knowledge representation of fuzzy logic for a load balancing solution that is cost effective and closer to human intuition. Three key load parameters (number of satisfied user in the network, virtual load of the serving eNodeB, and the overall state of the target eNodeB) are used to adjust the hysteresis value for load balancing.
Constitutive Modeling of Wind Energy Potential of Selected Sites in Nigeria
Authors: Ajayi O. O. , Fagbenle R. O. , Katende J.
Published: August 2013

In this chapter, the authors present the result of a study carried out to develop a pre-assessment model that can be used to carry out a preliminary study on the availability of wind energy resources of a site. 21 years’ (1987 – 2007) monthly average wind speeds for 18 locations in Nigeria were used to create the simple constitutive model. The locations span across the six geopolitical zones of the nation with three stations from each zone. Various statistical procedures were employed in the development of the model. The outcome gave an empirical model, which if employed, will lead to determining the modest range of wind energy potential of a site. Further, the results from this model were compared with those from the well-established two-parameter Weibull statistical distribution function and found to be reasonably adequate. Thus with this model, decision on site selection for complete assessment can be made without much rigour.