bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TESTING OF INFORMATION CONDENSATION IN A MODEL REVERBERATING SPIKING NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: VIDYBIDA ALEXANDER
Published: June 2011

Information about external world is delivered to the brain in the form of structured in time spike trains. During further processing in higher areas, information is subjected to a certain condensation process, which results in formation of abstract conceptual images of external world, apparently, represented as certain uniform spiking activity partially independent on the input spike trains details. Possible physical mechanism of condensation at the level of individual neuron was discussed recently. In a reverberating spiking neural network, due to this mechanism the dynamics should settle down to the same uniform/ periodic activity in response to a set of various inputs. Since the same periodic activity may correspond to different input spike trains, we interpret this as possible candidate for information condensation mechanism in a network. Our purpose is to test this possibility in a network model consisting of five fully connected neurons, particularly, the influence of geometric size of the network, on its ability to condense information. Dynamics of 20 spiking neural networks of different geometric sizes are modelled by means of computer simulation. Each network was propelled into reverberating dynamics by applying various initial input spike trains. We run the dynamics until it becomes periodic. The Shannon's formula is used to calculate the amount of information in any input spike train and in any periodic state found. As a result, we obtain explicit estimate of the degree of information condensation in the networks, and conclude that it depends strongly on the net's geometric size.
The Intention of Delivery Room Staff to Encourage the Presence of Husbands/Partners at Cesarean Sections
Authors: Gutman Yaira , Tabak Nili
Published: June 2011

Objective. In recent years, more and more delivery rooms have allowed husbands/partners to be present during a Cesarean section Nonetheless, many still oppose the idea. The study is designed to investigate the attitudes of Israeli gynecologists, anesthetists, operating-room nurses, and midwives on this issue.Design. The study's theoretical model comes from Fishbein and Ajzen's theory of reasoned action. A self-administered questionnaire was submitted to convenience sample.Subjects. 96 gynecologists, anesthetists, midwives, and operating-room nurses.Results. Significant differences were found between the occupational subgroups. Most of the findings supported the four hypotheses tested and confirmed earlier studies designed to verify the theoretical model.Conclusions. The main conclusion drawn is that delivery and operating-room staff need to be trained in the skills needed to promote the active participation of the baby's father in delivery and, if necessary, in a Cesarean section.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-2 (PTPN11) in Hematopoiesis and Leukemogenesis
Authors: Liu Xia , Qu Cheng-Kui
Published: June 2011

SHP-2 (PTPN11), a ubiquitously expressed protein tyrosine phosphatase, is critical for hematopoietic cell development and function owing to its essential role in growth factor/cytokine signaling. More importantly, germline and somatic mutations in this phosphatase are associated with Noonan syndrome, Leopard syndrome, and childhood hematologic malignancies. The molecular mechanisms by which SHP-2 mutations induce these diseases are not fully understood, as the biochemical bases of SHP-2 functions still remain elusive. Further understanding SHP-2 signaling activities and identification of its interacting proteins/substrates will shed light on the pathogenesis of PTPN11-associated hematologic malignancies, which, in turn, may lead to novel therapeutics for these diseases.
Energy-Aware Distributed Intelligent Data Gathering Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhu Rongbo , Qin Yingying , Wang Jiangqing
Published: June 2011

To plan the data collecting path for the mobile collector in wireless sensor network (WSN), an efficient energy-aware distributed intelligent data gathering algorithm (DIDGA) is proposed, which includes cluster formation and path formation phases. In cluster formation phase, an energy-efficient distributed clustering scheme is proposed to form a coverage-efficient WSN, which constructs a minimum connected dominating set (MCDS) based on maximal independent sets (MISs) in distributed and localized manner, and the node with more power is selected to be the cluster head in turn to prolong the network lifetime. In path formation phase, a path formation optimized algorithm (PFOA) is proposed to resolve the path formation NP problem with dynamic requirements. Then DIDGA uses the cluster head relay mechanism for planning the data gathering path. Compared with existed algorithms, detailed simulation results show that the proposed DIDGA can reduce average hop counts, average data gathering time, energy consumption, increase the efficiency of event detection ratio and prolong the network lifetime.
Geographic Distribution of Environmental Relative Moldiness Index Molds in USA Homes
Authors: Vesper Stephen , Wakefield Jennie , Ashley Peter , Cox David , Dewalt Gary , Friedman Warren
Published: June 2011

Objective. The objective of this study was to quantify and describe the distribution of the 36 molds that make up the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI).Materials and Methods. As part of the 2006 American Healthy Homes Survey, settled dust samples were analyzed by mold-specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR) for the 36 ERMI molds. Each species' geographical distribution pattern was examined individually, followed by partitioning analysis in order to identify spatially meaningful patterns. For mapping, the 36 mold populations were divided into disjoint clusters on the basis of their standardized concentrations, and First Principal Component (FPC) scores were computed.Results and Conclusions. The partitioning analyses failed to uncover a valid partitioning that yielded compact, well-separated partitions with systematic spatial distributions, either on global or local criteria. Disjoint variable clustering resulted in seven mold clusters. The 36 molds and ERMI values themselves were found to be heterogeneously distributed across the United States of America (USA).
Modeling Transmission of Tuberculosis with MDR and Undetected Cases
Authors: Liu Yongqi , Sun Zhendong , Sun Guiquan , Zhong Qiu , Jiang Li , Zhou Lin , Qiao Yupeng , Jia Zhongwei
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a novel mathematical model with multidrug‐resistant (MDR) and
undetected TB cases. The theoretical analysis indicates that the disease‐free equilibrium is
globally asymptotically stable if R0 < 1; otherwise, the system may exist a locally asymptotically
stable endemic equilibrium. The model is also used to simulate and predict TB epidemic
in Guangdong. The results imply that our model is in agreement with actual data and the
undetected rate plays vital role in the TB trend. Our model also implies that TB cannot be
eradicated from population if it continues to implement current TB control strategies.
Existence and Multiplicity of Periodic Solutions Generated by Impulses
Authors: Yang Liu , Chen Haibo
Published: June 2011

We investigate the
existence and multiplicity of periodic solutions
for a class of second‐order differential systems with impulses. By using variational
methods and critical point theory, we obtain such a system possesses
at least one nonzero, two nonzero, or infinitely many periodic solutions generated
by impulses under different conditions, respectively. Recent results in the
literature are generalized and significantly improved.
Numerical Analysis of Water Forced Convection in Channels with Differently Shaped Transverse Ribs
Authors: Manca Oronzio , Nardini Sergio , Ricci Daniele
Published: June 2011

Heat transfer enhancement technology has the aim of developing more efficient systems as demanded in many applications. An available passive method is represented by the employ of rough surfaces. Transversal turbulators enhance the heat transfer rate by reducing the thermal resistance near surfaces, because of the improved local turbulence; on the other hand, higher losses are expected.
In this paper, a numerical investigation is carried out on turbulent water forced convection in a ribbed channel. Its external walls are heated by a constant heat flux. Several arrangements of ribs in terms of height, width, and shape are analyzed. The aim is to find the optimal configuration in terms of high heat transfer coefficients and low losses. The maximum average Nusselt numbers are evaluated for dimensionless pitches of 6, 8, and 10 according to the shape while the maximum friction factors are in the range of pitches from 8 to 10.
Particulate Emissions Hazards Associated with Fueling Heat Engines
Authors: Hendricks Robert C. , Bushnell Dennis
Published: June 2011

All hydrocarbon- (HC-) fueled heat engine exhaust (tailpipe) emissions (<10 to 140 nm) contribute as health hazards, including emissions from transportation vehicles (e.g., aircraft) and other HC-fueled power systems. CO2emissions are tracked and, when mapped, show outlines of major transportation routes and cities. Particulate pollution affects living tissue and is found to be detrimental to cardiovascular and respiratory systems where ultrafine particulates directly translocate to promote vascular system diseases potentially detectable as organic vapors. This paper discusses aviation emissions, fueling, and certification issues, including heat engine emissions hazards, detection at low levels and tracking of emissions, and alternate energy sources for general aviation.
Mixed Variables‐Attributes Test Plans for Single and DoubleAcceptance Sampling under Exponential Distribution
Authors: Li Yan , Pu Xiaolong , Xiang Dongdong
Published: June 2011

The mixed variables‐attributes test plans for single acceptance sampling
are proposed to protect “good lots” from attributes aspect and to optimize
sample sizes from variables aspect. For the single and double mixed plans, exact formulas
of the operating characteristic and average sample number are developed for
the exponential distribution. Numerical illustrations show that the mixed sampling
plans have some advantages over the variables plans or attributes plans alone.
Supercyclicity and Hypercyclicity of an Isometry Plus a Nilpotent
Authors: Yarmahmoodi S. , Hedayatian K. , Yousefi B.
Published: June 2011

Suppose that X is a separable normed space and the operators A
and Q are bounded on X. In this paper, it is shown that if AQ = QA, A is an isometry, and Q is a nilpotent then the operator A + Q is neither supercyclic nor weakly hypercyclic. Moreover, if the underlying space is a Hilbert space and A is a co‐isometric operator, then we give sufficient conditions under which the operator A + Q satisfies the supercyclicity criterion.
Glial Cells in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Lasiene Jurate , Yamanaka Koji
Published: June 2011

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult motor neuron disease characterized by premature death of upper and lower motor neurons. Two percent of ALS cases are caused by the dominant mutations in the gene for superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) through a gain of toxic property of mutant protein. Genetic and chimeric mice studies using SOD1 models indicate that non-neuronal cells play important roles in neurodegeneration through non-cell autonomous mechanism. We review the contribution of each glial cell type in ALS pathology from studies of the rodent models and ALS patients. Astrogliosis and microgliosis are not only considerable hallmarks of the disease, but the intensity of microglial activation is correlated with severity of motor neuron damage in human ALS. The impaired astrocytic functions such as clearance of extracellular glutamate and release of neurotrophic factors are implicated in disease. Further, the damage within astrocytes and microglia is involved in accelerated disease progression. Finally, other glial cells such as NG2 cells, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells are under the investigation to determine their contribution in ALS. Accumulating knowledge of active role of glial cells in the disease should be carefully applied to understanding of the sporadic ALS and development of therapy targeted for glial cells.
Hydrogel Contact Lens for Extended Delivery of Ophthalmic Drugs
Authors: Hu Xiaohong , Hao Lingyun , Wang Huaiqing , Yang Xiaoli , Zhang Guojun , Wang Guoyu , Zhang Xiao
Published: June 2011

Soft contact lenses can improve the bioavailability and prolong the residence time of drugs and, therefore, are ideal drug carriers for ophthalmic drug delivery. Hydrogels are the leading materials of soft contact lenses because of their biocompatibility and transparent characteristic. In order to increase the amount of load drug and to control their release at the expected intervals, many strategies are developed to modify the conventional contact lens as well as the novel hydrogel contact lenses that include (i) polymeric hydrogels with controlled hydrophilic/hydrophobic copolymer ratio; (ii) hydrogels for inclusion of drugs in a colloidal structure dispersed in the contact lenses; (iii) ligand-containing hydrogels; (iv) molecularly imprinted polymeric hydrogels; (v) hydrogel with the surface containing multilayer structure for drugs loading and releasing. The advantages and disadvantages of these strategies in modifying or designing hydrogel contact lenses for extended ophthalmic drug delivery are analyzed in this paper.
Calculation of the Structure of a Shrub in the Mandelbrot Set
Authors: Pastor G. , Romera M. , Orue A. B. , Martín A. , Danca M-F. , Montoya F.
Published: June 2011

We calculate the external arguments of the structure of any shrub in the Mandelbrot set. Before calculating, we revise, expand, and clarify some tools useful for this paper: harmonics, pseudoharmonics, the concept of structure, the structure of a shrub, and the ancestral route. Finally we present the main contribution of this paper, a three‐step algorithm which allows us to calculate the structure of the shrub. In the first step, we use pseudoharmonics that were previously introduced by us, in order to calculate the first and last external arguments of a structural node. In the second step, starting from two general properties of the Misiurewicz points external arguments introduced here by us, we present a new method to calculate the intermediate external arguments. In the last step we introduce a third property that allows us to calculate the external arguments of the representatives of the branches emerging from the structural nodes.
Prolonged Dyspnea after Interscalene Block: Attributed to Undiagnosed Addison's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Skedros John G. , Kiser Casey J. , Mendenhall Shaun D.
Published: June 2011

This report describes a patient who had a series of daily interscalene nerve blocks to treat pain following a shoulder manipulation for postsurgical stiffness. She experienced acute respiratory compromise that persisted for many weeks. All typical and unusual causes of these symptoms were ruled out. Her treating pulmonologist theorized that the ipsilateral carotid body had been injured. However, it was subsequently determined that the constellation of symptoms and their prolonged duration were best explained by a poor stress response from Addison's disease coupled with exacerbation of early onset myasthenia gravis. This patient's case is not a typical reaction to interscalene nerve blocks, and thus preoperative testing would not be recommended for myasthenia gravis or Addison's disease without underlying suspicion. We describe this report to inform physicians to consider a workup for these diagnoses if a typical workup rules out all usual causes of complications from an interscalene block.
Pivotal Role of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Anthracycline Chemotherapy of Established Tumors
Authors: Mattarollo Stephen R. , Loi Sherene , Duret Helene , Ma Yuting , Zitvogel Laurence , Smyth Mark J.
Published: June 2011

We show, in a series of established experimental breast adenocarcinomas and fibrosarcomas induced by carcinogen de novo in mice, that the therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin treatment is dependent on CD8 T cells and IFN-γ production. Doxorubicin treatment enhances tumor antigen–specific proliferation of CD8 T cells in tumor-draining lymph nodes and promotes tumor infiltration of activated, IFN-γ–producing CD8 T cells. Optimal doxorubicin treatment outcome also requires both interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-17 cytokines, as blockade of IL-1β/IL-1R or IL-17A/IL-17Rα signaling abrogated the therapeutic effect. IL-23p19 had no observed role. The presence of γδ T cells, but not Jα18+ natural killer T cells, at the time of doxorubicin treatment was also important. In tumor samples taken from breast cancer patients prior to treatment with anthracycline chemotherapy, a correlation between CD8α, CD8β, and IFN-γ gene expression levels and clinical response was observed, supporting their role in the therapeutic efficacy of anthracyclines in humans. Overall, these data strongly support the pivotal contribution of both innate and adaptive immunity in treatment outcomes of anthracycline chemotherapy. Cancer Res; 71(14); 4809–20. ©2011 AACR.
Novel Changes in Glycosylation of Serum Apo-J in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Comunale Mary Ann , Wang Mengjun , Rodemich-Betesh Lucy , Hafner Julie , Lamontagne Anne , Klein Andrew , Marrero Jorge , Di Bisceglie Adrian M. , Gish Robert , Block Timothy , Mehta Anand
Published: June 2011

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the occurrence of HCC has more than doubled in the United States in the past decade. Early detection is considered key to reducing the mortality of HCC.

Methods: Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography we have analyzed the glycosylation of Apo-J from healthy controls, patients with liver cirrhosis, or those with HCC.

Results: Apo-J in the serum from patients with HCC had decreased levels of (β-1,4) triantennary N-linked glycan compared with the healthy controls or patients with liver cirrhosis. We analyzed this change in an independent cohort of 76 patients with HCC, 32 with cirrhosis, and 43 infected with hepatitis C virus using the Datura stramonium lectin (DSL), which binds to (β-1,4) triantennary N-linked glycan. The level of DSL-reactive Apo-J allowed us to differentiate HCC from cirrhosis with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.852. When Apo-J was combined with other serum biomarkers such as α-fetoprotein (AFP) and fucosylated kininogen by using a multivariate logistic regression model, the AUROC increased to 0.944, a value much greater than that observed with AFP alone (AUROC of 0.765).

Conclusions: The glycosylation of Apo-J is a useful marker when used alone or in combination with outer makers for the early detection of HCC.

Impact: The potential use of a combination of AFP, DSL-reactive Apo-J, and fucosylated kininogen as a biomarker of HCC would have great value in the management of patients with liver disease. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(6); 1222–9. ©2011 AACR.
Genome-wide Association Study Identifies a Genetic Variant Associated with Risk for More Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: FitzGerald Liesel M. , Kwon Erika M. , Conomos Matthew P. , Kolb Suzanne , Holt Sarah K. , Levine David , Feng Ziding , Ostrander Elaine A. , Stanford Janet L.
Published: June 2011

Background: Of the 200,000 U.S. men annually diagnosed with prostate cancer, approximately 20% to 30% will have clinically aggressive disease. Although factors such as Gleason score and tumor stage are used to assess prognosis, there are no biomarkers to identify men at greater risk for developing aggressive prostate cancer. We therefore undertook a search for genetic variants associated with risk of more aggressive disease.

Methods: A genome-wide scan was conducted in 202 prostate cancer cases with a more aggressive phenotype and 100 randomly sampled, age-matched prostate-specific antigen screened negative controls. Analysis of 387,384 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was followed by validation testing in an independent set of 527 cases with more aggressive and 595 cases with less aggressive prostate cancer, and 1,167 age-matched controls.

Results: A variant on 15q13, rs6497287, was confirmed to be most strongly associated with more aggressive (Pdiscovery = 5.20 × 10−5, Pvalidation = 0.004) than less aggressive disease (P = 0.14). Another SNP on 3q26, rs3774315, was found to be associated with prostate cancer risk; however, the association was not stronger for more aggressive disease.

Conclusions: This study provides suggestive evidence for a genetic predisposition to more aggressive prostate cancer and highlights the fact that larger studies are warranted to confirm this supposition and identify further risk variants.

Impact: These findings raise the possibility that assessment of genetic variation may one day be useful to discern men at higher risk for developing clinically significant prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(6); 1196–203. ©2011 AACR.
Urinary Biomarkers of Meat Consumption
Authors: Cross Amanda J. , Major Jacqueline M. , Sinha Rashmi
Published: June 2011

Background: Meat intake has been positively associated with incidence and mortality of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and several different cancers, in observational studies by using self-report methods of dietary assessment; however, these dietary assessment methods are subject to measurement error. One method to circumvent such errors is the use of biomarkers of dietary intake, but currently there are no accepted biomarkers for meat intake.

Methods: We investigated four analytes (creatinine, taurine, 1-methylhistidine, and 3-methylhistidine) specifically found in meat and excreted in urine. Twenty-four–hour urine samples were collected from 17 individuals on controlled diets containing varying levels of meat: vegetarian (0 g/d), low red meat (60 g/d), medium red meat (120 g/d), and high red meat (420 g/d), as part of two randomized crossover feeding studies.

Results: When compared with the low red meat diet or the vegetarian diet, the urinary levels of all four analytes were significantly higher in urine samples collected after 15 days of a high red meat diet (P < 0.0001). Only urinary 1-methylhistidine and 3-methylhistidine were statistically significantly different for every diet type, increasing as the amount of meat in the diet increased (P < 0.01 for 1-methylhistidine and P < 0.05 for 3-methylhistidine). Furthermore, urinary excretion of 1-methylhistidine and 3-methylhistidine elevated with increasing meat intake in every individual.

Conclusion: Urinary 1-methylhistidine and 3-methylhistidine may be good biomarkers of meat intake.

Impact: To determine the public health impact of red meat on cancer risk, biomarkers are crucial to estimate true intake; these potential biomarkers should be further investigated in free-living populations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(6); 1107–11. ©2011 AACR.
Anatomic Localization and Autonomic Modulation of Atrioventricular Junctional Rhythm in Failing Human Hearts
Authors: Fedorov Vadim V. , Ambrosi Christina M. , Kostecki Geran , Hucker William J. , Glukhov Alexey V. , Wuskell Joseph P. , Loew Leslie M. , Moazami Nader , Efimov Igor R.
Published: June 2011

Background—

The structure-function relationship in the atrioventricular junction (AVJ) of various animal species has been investigated in detail; however, less is known about the human AVJ. In this study, we performed high-resolution optical mapping of the human AVJ (n=6) to define its pacemaker properties and response to autonomic stimulation.

Methods and Results—

Isolated, coronary-perfused AVJ preparations from failing human hearts (n=6, 53±6 years) were optically mapped using the near-infrared, voltage-sensitive dye, di-4-ANBDQBS, with isoproterenol (1 μmol/L) and acetylcholine (1 μmol/L). An algorithm detecting multiple components of optical action potentials was used to reconstruct multilayered intramural AVJ activation and to identify specialized slow and fast conduction pathways (SP and FP). The anatomic origin and propagation of pacemaker activity was verified by histology. Spontaneous AVJ rhythms of 29±11 bpm (n=6) originated in the nodal-His region (n=3) and/or the proximal His bundle (n=4). Isoproterenol accelerated the AVJ rhythm to 69±12 bpm (n=5); shifted the leading pacemaker to the transitional cell regions near the FP and SP (n=4) and/or coronary sinus (n=2); and triggered reentrant arrhythmias (n=2). Acetylcholine (n=4) decreased the AVJ rhythm to 18±4 bpm; slowed FP/SP conduction leading to block between the AVJ and atrium; and shifted the pacemaker to either the transitional cell region or the nodal-His region (bifocal activation).

Conclusions—

We have demonstrated that the AVJ pacemaker in failing human hearts is located in the nodal-His region or His bundle regions and can be modified with autonomic stimulation. Moreover, we found that both the FP and SP are involved in anterograde and retrograde conduction.
Comparing start-up activity across capitalist economies
Authors: Clausen Tommy Høyvarde
Published: June 2011

In this article, I analyse a theoretical multi-level model of entrepreneurship in which institutional variables associated with different variants of capitalism and individual level differences in resources can potentially explain whether and why new firms are created. Our model answers calls for more research on why countries differ in terms of ‘entrepreneurial spirit’ and whether and how individual level predictors of start-up activity vary across countries and institutional contexts. In addressing these issues, I ‘merge’ insights from ‘entrepreneurship studies’ in management and the varieties of capitalism tradition in economic sociology. The empirical research draws on a database containing information about 188,835 individuals from 21 countries.
From Dyad to Dialogue
Authors: Litowitz Bonnie E.
Published: June 2011

The centrality of language for a Freudian theory of mind and treatment has not been retained by most post-Freudian theorists. American writers have turned to academic developmental research on mother-child interactions to depict the preoedipal period as preverbal, presymbolic, nonconscious. This view presents the early relationship as developing in linear stages in which visual observational data (e.g., contingent behavior action patterns between two persons) are privileged over aural-oral data of communicational exchanges. An alternative view is presented that redefines the earliest relationship in terms of communicational exchanges, mediation, and dialogue. The claim is that understanding the nature of mediated communication keeps language central to psychoanalysis and reestablishes an intrapsychic dimension in the concept of relationship that is lost when relationship is reduced to behavioral patterns.
Can We Predict Hypertension Among Preterm Children?
Authors: Vasylyeva Tetyana L. , Chennasamudram Sudha P. , Okogbo Michael E.
Published: June 2011

Prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) cause hypertension (HTN), ischemic heart disease, and obesity in young adults. The objective of the study was to identify risk factors for the development of HTN in children born preterm or at a LBW and to assess pediatricians’ awareness of the problem. A retrospective review of 160 cases was conducted. In total, 22% of babies born preterm/LBW developed HTN by age 15 years. The odds of developing HTN were 1.6 times greater for every one standard deviation increase in body mass index. Higher risk posses for those born small for gestational age and under 1000 g. Of the 35 cases of HTN identified, only 31% were recognized as abnormal by the primary care providers. The development of obesity and HTN appear related in preterm/LBW children. Awareness of prematurity or LBW as a risk factor for HTN should be raised among pediatric primary care providers.
Souffrances sociales, parler ordinaire, imaginaires religieux et expression politique
Authors: Corten André
Published: June 2011

Si la souffrance a depuis toujours entretenu un rapport intime avec le langage et qu’aucun pouvoir n’a pu l’extraire du parler ordinaire, a surgi, depuis une quinzaine d’années, un discours sur les souffrances sociales qui a évolué en discours d’experts: médicaux, anthropologues, humanitaires, spécialistes des religions, etc. Maintenant l’association entre religion populaire et religion savante, le christianisme a longtemps empêché cette extraction. Paradoxalement, le prosélytisme caractéristique des mouvements évangéliques constitue une nouvelle manière de résister à cette extraction de la souffrance du parler ordinaire. Conformistes dans leurs contenus, les nouveaux imaginaires religieux ont progressivement habitué une partie de la population à négliger les principes de rangement portés par les imaginaires politiques du droit. L’homme et la femme de la rue sont amenés, sur cette base, à poser dans le parler ordinaire des apories sociétales. Y est réappropriée comme sociale la souffrance. S’y ouvrent en même temps de nouveaux espaces politiques.
A Shining City on Another Hill: Danish Civil Religion as State Mythology
Authors: Reeh Niels
Published: June 2011

The author attempts to break with the Durkheimian approach to civil religion and seeks to develop a new approach. It is suggested that state agency could fruitfully be brought into the centre of the analytical framework. Norbert Elias’s concept of the survival unit is adopted and the democratic Danish state is regarded as a complex collective actor, not restricted to the government but comprising also its citizens, who have access, however limited, to the political process. From this point of departure, the Danish flag days are analyzed, including the introduction of official state recognition of Danish soldiers serving abroad. The consequence of the adoption of a state-centred analytical framework is that civil religion can be regarded as the official state myth, the autobiography of the Danish state.
De “l’angoisse” à l’œcuménisme: La perception catholique du protestantisme en Amérique latine
Authors: Sappia Caroline
Published: June 2011

Au tournant des années cinquante, l’Amérique latine représente tout autant un espoir qu’un défi pour l’Église catholique. Il s’agit du continent abritant le plus de baptisés au monde, alors que le protestantisme et le communisme avancent à grands pas, accélérant le phénomène d’abandon des églises. Face à ce constat, un réseau d’institutions de formation et d’envoi de prêtres pour l’Amérique latine est impulsé depuis le Saint-Siège. En Belgique, le Collège pour l’Amérique latine de Louvain (COPAL) est fondé à cette fin, en 1953. Dans ce contexte, l’auteure analyse les évolutions du rapport au protestantisme tant dans les discours pontificaux que sur le terrain, dans le bulletin du COPAL, ainsi que dans trois ouvrages publiés entre 1959 et 1969 sur l’Amérique latine dont les auteurs participent aux réseaux de l’institution louvaniste.
Religious “Butinage”. Looking at Paranaguá-mirim (Brazil)
Authors: Soares Edio
Published: June 2011

The author discusses the religious practices of the inhabitants of Paranaguá-mirim (southern Brazil). He considers the simultaneous attendance of this social space by multiple religious denominations. This practice, described here as “religious butinage”, is a way of producing new social relationships. In contrast to agreed terms such as “religious transit”, “do-it-yourself-ism”, “syncretism” or “religious hybridization”, the notion of religious butinage renews the contemporary debate on religious pluralism and the “ways of doing things” that result as well as their social contextualization.
Understanding the Diversity of Islamic Identity in Turkey through Popular Music: The Global/Local Nexus
Authors: Erol Ayhan
Published: June 2011

Although it is now often considered that the cantilliation of the Koran is the ideal form of music in the worship of Sunni Orthodoxy in Turkey, the issue appears not yet to be decided in discussions on the subject. However, this also provides a certain legitimacy for those who have argued the theological and moral benefits of music in certain contexts. Needless to say, music is seldom stable in the context of social change. Migration has had a profound effect upon patterns of musical production, patronage and consumption in urban Muslim society. The author aims to show that a closer look at “Islamic pop music”, as produced in Turkey, provides an analytical tool for understanding the complexities of Islamic identities. The study of some commercial recordings illustrates how music may shape and embody multi-dimensional Muslim identities in a polarized global/ local context.
Region-specific Estimates of the Determinants of Real Estate Investment in China
Authors: Mak Stephen , Choy Lennon , Ho Winky
Published: June 2011

This paper utilises a reduced-form equilibrium model to investigate the possible sources of real estate investment differentials among 22 provinces, five autonomous regions and four municipalities of the People’s Republic of China. The model is estimated using panel data from 2001 to 2006, yielding a total of 186 observations. Specifically, empirical results suggest that demographic, economic and planning factors are the major determinants to cause real estate investment to vary among Chinese regions. The relatively small coefficient estimate of real interest rates indicates that it has a significant but modest impact. Based on the coefficient estimates, this paper finally suggests that the Chinese government should focus and work on several policy parameters in order to achieve a more balanced state of real estate investment across Chinese regions.
Analysing the Relationship between Urban Livelihoods and Water Infrastructure in Three Settlements in Cusco, Peru
Authors: Crawford Catherine , Bell Sarah
Published: June 2011

This paper explores the role played by water infrastructure in urban livelihoods. It is based on a study of three settlements in Cusco, Peru, and shows that different modes of organising infrastructure co-exist within the same city, despite national policy prescriptions for urban water provision. Further, unequal access of households to these services exists within the same settlements and amplifies household vulnerability which, in turn, feeds back to undermine local, autonomous governance of water. This paper draws on the work of van Vliet et al. and Marvin and Graham to develop a framework that considers infrastructure organisation alongside household livelihoods in order to analyse the features of governance and vulnerability that affect urban livelihoods by privileging some groups and bypassing others.
Differentiated Markets: Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong in China’s Financial Centre Network
Authors: Lai Karen
Published: June 2011

This paper examines the roles of Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong as financial centres by utilising interview and secondary data to analyse the decision-making of financial and regulatory actors, and the different functional roles of foreign banks in those cities. Their intercity relations demonstrate a complex mix of competition and collaboration that embeds them in evolving networks of interdependence. Empirical findings indicate differentiated markets leading to the distinctive development of Shanghai as a commercial centre, Beijing as a political centre and Hong Kong as an offshore financial centre, with all three financial centres performing distinctive and complementary roles within the regional banking strategies of foreign banks. The analysis first explains Hong Kong’s continued dominance in the region and, secondly, reveals insights into changing intercity relationships between these prominent Chinese cities that contribute to their distinctive development as financial centres.
Paths to Policy Coherence to Create Market Economies in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Careja Romana
Published: June 2011

Policy coherence, understood as synergy between policies, has been found to facilitate development and economic growth. However, there is little research on the conditions in which it emerges. This article identifies different paths conducive to policy coherence in the process of transforming centralized economies of Central and Eastern Europe into market-driven ones. It shows that government characteristics with likely impact on the quality of policy-making, such as accountability and institutional constraints, are associated with coherent policies only in a limited number of cases. It also shows that governments that are not constrained and accountable, formulate coherent policies if they find themselves in contexts that do not pose constraints, or that offer strong incentives.
Cross-linguistic variation and the acquisition of pronominal reference in L2 Spanish
Authors: Jegerski Jill , VanPatten Bill , Keating Gregory D
Published: June 2011

The current investigation tested two predictions regarding second language (L2) processing at the syntax—discourse interface: (1) that L2 performance on measures of interface phenomena can differ from that of native speakers; and (2) that cross-linguistic influence can be a source of such divergence. Specifically, we examined the offline interpretation of ambiguous subject pronouns with intrasentential antecedents in Spanish and English, including discourse—syntactic constraints that are active in pro-drop Spanish and principles of discourse structure that affect pronominal reference in English. Two participant groups of English-speaking learners of L2 Spanish — an intermediate group and an advanced group — failed to show categorically native-like differentiation between null and overt pronouns in Spanish. Both groups, however, did show marginal effects for Discourse Structure (coordination or subordination of clauses), an effect that was also present in their native English. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction with the advanced group between Pronoun and Discourse Structure, so this group seemed to employ to a certain degree a hybrid strategy. This outcome suggests that pre-existing referential strategy persists even at an advanced level of L2 proficiency and may be a primary barrier to native-like performance, even after target-like L2 principles are acquired and begin to apply.
Hereditary Cerebellar Degenerative Disease (Cerebellar Cortical Abiotrophy) in Rabbits
Authors: Sato J. , Sasaki S. , Yamada N. , Tsuchitani M.
Published: June 2011

A pair of rabbits gave birth to a set of littermates (F1) with symptoms of early-onset ataxia. Microscopic examination revealed cerebellar degenerative disease in 5 of 6 littermates. Light microscopy was used to compare the thickness of each cerebellar layer in affected animals in contrast to a normal control. Affected animals showed narrowing of the molecular layer of the vermis, reduced density of Purkinje cell dendrites and irregular thickness in their branchlets, and reduced density of granular cells and scattered pyknotic cells in the granular layer. Pyknotic cells were apoptotic granular cells, confirmed by positive staining using the TUNEL method. Electron microscopy confirmed the thinning of the molecular layer seen by light microscopy and also showed a reduced number of parallel fibers, which indicate granular cells axons, and a reduced number of synaptic junctions between Purkinje and granular cells. Purkinje cells had electron-dense, irregularly shaped cytoplasm with irregularly shaped nuclei, and some of these cells had a central chromatolysis-like region. These findings support a diagnosis of cerebellar cortical abiotrophy, a hereditary condition that causes nerve function impairment leading to early-onset progressive degeneration of the cerebellar cortex.
Young Australian Women and Their Aspirations
Authors: Johnstone Melissa , Lee Christina
Published: June 2011

Previous findings from quantitative research have shown that the majority of young Australian women aged 18 to 23 years aspire to be married, with children, and in the paid workforce when they are 35 years of age. However, the Theory of Emerging Adulthood suggests that this period of the lifespan is characterized by a prolonged stage of exploration and self-focussed identity formation, and young women could be expected to be in the process of formulating and changing their future plans and aspirations. Qualitative analysis is conducted on over 600 comments provided by young Australian women from The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health across three time points, on topics related to these women’s aspirations for the future. This analysis contextualizes existing, quantitative, findings on women’s aspirations for work and family, and provides a richer understanding of women’s thoughts about work and family, and their progression toward decision making around these future roles, in contemporary society.
Evaluation of the Implementation of an Anticoagulation Management Protocol at a Community Hospital
Authors: Crannage Andrew J. , Murphy Julie A.
Published: June 2011

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementation of an anticoagulation protocol involving dosing and monitoring of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin, specifically enoxaparin, for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and/or acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods: Patients with a primary diagnosis of DVT, PE, and/or ACS treated with UFH and/or enoxaparin were included. Data were collected on patients admitted to a community hospital during February 2008 (preimplementation) and February 2009 (postimplementation). Results: Forty-six patients were included in the preimplementation group and 25 patients in the postimplementation group. Forty-six percent of patients were dosed properly in the preimplementation group (UFH 38% and enoxaparin 50%) compared to 76% in the postimplementation group (UFH 56% and enoxaparin 88%; P = .023). Fifty-four percent of patients were monitored properly in the preimplementation group (UFH 31% and enoxaparin 67%) compared to 68% in the postimplementation group (UFH 56% and enoxaparin 75%; P = .318). Conclusion: Standardized dosing with a multidisciplinary-managed anticoagulation protocol significantly increased proper dosing of anticoagulation therapy; however, the protocol did not significantly improve proper monitoring. A lack of understanding of the need for baseline laboratory data contributes to improper monitoring. An approach which includes significant educational strategies is necessary to optimize patient care.
Possible Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACEI)-Induced Small Bowel Angioedema
Authors: Haines Emily C. , Wall Geoffrey C.
Published: June 2011

Objective: To report a case of possible lisinopril-induced angioedema of the small bowel. Case Summary: A 67-year-old female was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen/pelvis was obtained which showed wall thickening around the area of the jejunum and scant ascites consistent with several diagnoses, including small bowel angioedema. She was treated with intravenous fluids and nasogastric decompression. Stool studies were negative. Her lisinopril was held due to the possibility of small bowel angioedema. A CT enterography obtained 5 days after the discontinuation of lisinopril showed complete resolution of the inflammatory changes and perihepatic fluid. It was felt that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)-induced angioedema of the small bowel was the most likely etiology of her symptoms. Discussion: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor small bowel angioedema is an uncommon cause of abdominal symptoms. In several cases, patients had been taking ACEIs for years before symptoms occur. Treatment includes cessation of the ACEI and supportive care. Conclusions: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-related small bowel angioedema should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain.
Fish Oil
Authors: Brinson Betsy E. , Miller Susan
Published: June 2011

Fish and fish oil supplements are often used to lower triglycerides; however, recent studies suggest the beneficial use of fish oil for other cardiovascular reasons. Studies have shown that in addition to decreasing triglycerides, fish oil has shown benefit in providing antiplatelet activity, improving heart failure, and improving vascular function in diabetes. Fish oil was shown to improve triglycerides in combination with other lipid-lowering therapy such as a statin or fibrate. Fish oil also had effects on lowering total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In terms of its antiplatelet activity, fish oil was shown to lower platelet aggregation when given in combination with clopidogrel and aspirin therapy during PCI, thus fish oil appears to enhance platelet response to clopidogrel. Fish oil has a role in heart failure as well. Fish oil was shown to slightly decrease morbidity and mortality in patients with class II-IV heart failure compared to placebo. Finally, fish oil showed benefit in patients with type II diabetes in terms of improving micro- and macrovascular function.
Online tool wear prediction in wet machining using modified back propagation neural network
Authors: Srikant R R , Krishna P Vamsi , Rao N D
Published: June 2011

Tool wear monitoring is one of the critical issues in the automated industry. Though use of artificial neural networks for tool wear monitoring is widely reported in the literature, the models are built only for dry machining. In the present work, a neural network model for cutting fluid assisted machining is proposed. Experimentation has been carried out using different cutting fluids and the results were used to build up and test the model. Further, an improvement in the network is proposed using simulated annealing, which can automatically and effectively optimize the network architecture, as opposed to the conventional trial and error method.
Realizing sustainable process improvement through an understanding of machine–material interaction: part 1 – a methodology for audit, investigation, and improvement
Authors: Hicks B J , Matthews J
Published: June 2011

In striving to become world class, manufacturing organizations employ an array of tools and methods to support improvement programmes to increase quality, efficiency, flexibility, and ultimately reduce unit cost and increase capability. However, many of these programmes are destined to fail at the outset, either in part or in full, due to a lack of holistic and fundamental understanding of the production system, its constituent processes, raw materials, and the product. In addition to this deficiency in understanding, there is further frustration caused by a lack of tools and methods that support the generation of such understanding. To address this critical gap, a methodology has been created to support the practitioner in investigating a processing system and what are referred to as machine–material interactions (MMIs). These interactions ultimately relate to the function of the processing system, and it is the complete and fundamental understanding of these interactions that is necessary to successfully apply improvement tools and approaches to deliver targeted and sustainable benefits. This article is the first of two parts which together present the development of the MMI methodology, its practical application to a complex industrial case, and its relationship to the range of manufacturing improvement tools and methods available, such as TQM, RCM, Lean, and Six Sigma. In this article, the development of the methodology is discussed in detail including the key stages of auditing, investigation and improvement. This article concludes with a discussion of the relationships between the knowledge generated by the methodology and the fundamental understanding required for process improvement.