bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General models for resource use or other compositional count data using the Dirichlet‐multinomial distribution
Authors: de Valpine Perry , Harmon-Threatt Alexandra N.
Published: December 2013

Many ecological studies investigate how organisms use resources, such as habitats or foods, in relation to availability or other variables. Related statistical problems include analysis of proportions of species or genotypes in a community or population. These require statistical modeling of compositional count data: data on relative proportions of each category collected as counts. Common methods for analyzing compositional count data lack one or more important considerations. Some methods lack explicit accommodation of count data, dealing instead with proportions. Others do not handle between‐sample heterogeneity for overdispersed data. Yet others do not allow general types of relationships between explanatory variables and resource use. All three components have been combined in a Bayesian framework, but for frequentist hypothesis tests and AIC model selection, maximum‐ likelihood estimation is needed. Here we propose the Dirichlet‐multinomial distribution to accommodate overdispersed compositional count data. This approach can be used flexibly in combination with explanatory models, but the only correlations among compositional proportions that it can accommodate are the negative correlations due to the fact that proportions must sum to 1. Many existing models can be generalized to use the Dirichlet‐multinomial distribution for residual variation, and the flexibility of the approach allows new hypotheses that have often not been considered in resource preference analysis, including that availability has no relation to use. We also highlight a new design for resource use studies, with multiple individual‐use data sets from each of multiple sites, with different explanatory data for each site. We illustrate the approach with three examples. For two previously published habitat use data sets, we support the original conclusions and show that use is not unrelated to availability. For a data set of pollen collected by multiple bees from each of two sites, pollen use differs between the sites. Using bootstrap goodness‐of‐fit tests, we illustrate that the Dirichlet‐multinomial is acceptable for two of the examples but unsuitable for one of the habitat use examples.
Environmental stress, facilitation, competition, and coexistence
Authors: Hart Simon P. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: December 2013

The major theories regarding the combined influence of the environment and species interactions on population and community dynamics appear to conflict. Stress/disturbance gradient models of community organization, such as the stress gradient hypothesis, emphasize a diminished role for competition in harsh environments whereas modern coexistence theory does not. Confusion about the role of species interactions in harsh environments is perpetuated by a disconnect between population dynamics theory and data. We linked theory and data using response surface experiments done in the field to parameterize mathematical, population‐dynamic competition models. We replicated our experiment across two environments that spanned a common and important environmental stress gradient for determining community structure in benthic marine systems. We generated quantitative estimates of the effects of environmental stress on population growth rates and the direction and strength of intra‐ and interspecific interactions within each environment. Our approach directly addressed a perpetual blind spot in this field by showing how the effects of competition can be intensified in stressful environments even though the apparent strength of competition remains unchanged. Furthermore, we showed how simultaneous, reciprocal competitive and facilitative effects can stabilize population dynamics in multispecies communities in stressful environments.
Study on Early Warning System of Coal and Gas Outburst
Authors: Liu Xianglan , Zhao Xusheng , Zhang Qinghua
Published: December 2013

Coal and gas outburst is an extremely complex and serious gas dynamic phenomenon. Therefore, building an
early warning system based on computer system, safety monitoring systems of coal mines and local area network is a precondition
for effectively preventing coal and gas outburst. The early warning system for coal and gas outburst is a complicated
system project and has blended together the coal mine safety theory, the information technology and the early warning
technology. Combining the hardware conditions, organization management structures and characteristics of preventing
outburst technology systems, this paper discusses the principle, logic structure and implementation process of gas outburst
warning, devises the software and hardware structure of the warning system and therefore offers theoretical thought
and methods for the forecasting of coal and gas outburst.
Fast Elliptic Curve Algorithm of Embedded Mobile Equipment
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Chen Shuqian , Fu Yanglie
Published: December 2013

Selection Algorithm and Generation Algorithm of elliptic curves have been the focus of research and hotspot of
the Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem. This paper discusses a random elliptic curve realization method of Embedded Mobile
Equipment, the SEA algorithm and its improved algorithm from Elliptic Curve's selection, Elliptic Curve's structure and
Elliptic Curve's generation. Ensuring that the embedded system in the security situation goes through invariable situation
causes the embedded system to realize a fast elliptic curve realization method, which enhances the efficiency of embedded
system.
Buttonhole Cannulation and Clinical Outcomes in a Home Hemodialysis Cohort and Systematic Review
Authors: Muir Christopher A. , Kotwal Sradha S. , Hawley Carmel M. , Polkinghorne Kevan , Gallagher Martin P. , Snelling Paul , Jardine Meg J.
Published: December 2013

Background and objectives

The relative merits of buttonhole (or blunt needle) versus rope ladder (or sharp needle) cannulation for hemodialysis vascular access are unclear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Clinical outcomes by cannulation method were reviewed in 90 consecutive home hemodialysis patients. Initially, patients were trained in rope ladder cannulation. From 2004 on, all incident patients were started on buttonhole cannulation, and prevalent patients were converted to this cannulation method. Coprimary outcomes were arteriovenous fistula-attributable systemic infections and a composite of arteriovenous fistula loss or requirement for surgical intervention. Secondary outcomes were total arteriovenous fistula-related infections and staff time requirements. Additionally, a systematic review evaluating infections by cannulation method was performed.

Results

Seventeen systemic arteriovenous fistula-attributable infections were documented in 90 patients who were followed for 3765 arteriovenous fistula-months. Compared with rope ladder, buttonhole was not associated with a significantly higher rate of systemic arteriovenous fistula-attributable infections (incidence rate ratio, 2.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.66 to 11.09; P=0.17). However, use of buttonhole was associated with a significantly higher rate of total arteriovenous fistula infections (incidence rate ratio, 3.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.66 to 12.77; P=0.03). Initial and ongoing staff time requirements were significantly higher with buttonhole cannulation. Arteriovenous fistula loss or requirement for surgical intervention was not different between cannulation methods. A systematic review found increased arteriovenous fistula-related infections with buttonhole compared with rope ladder in four randomized trials (relative risk, 3.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.91 to 12.20), seven observational studies comparing before with after changes (relative risk, 3.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.90 to 5.21), and three observational studies comparing units with different cannulation methods (relative risk, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.44 to 7.43).

Conclusion

Buttonhole cannulation was associated with higher rates of infectious events, increased staff support requirements, and no reduction in surgical arteriovenous fistula interventions compared with rope ladder in home hemodialysis patients. A systematic review of the published literature found that buttonhole is associated with higher risk of arteriovenous fistula-related infections.
Comparison of Hospitalization Rates among For-Profit and Nonprofit Dialysis Facilities
Authors: Dalrymple Lorien S. , Johansen Kirsten L. , Romano Patrick S. , Chertow Glenn M. , Mu Yi , Ishida Julie H. , Grimes Barbara , Kaysen George A. , Nguyen Danh V.
Published: December 2013

Background and objectives

The vast majority of US dialysis facilities are for-profit and profit status has been associated with processes of care and outcomes in patients on dialysis. This study examined whether dialysis facility profit status was associated with the rate of hospitalization in patients starting dialysis.

Design, setting, participants, & methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries starting dialysis between 2005 and 2008 using data from the US Renal Data System. All-cause hospitalization was examined and compared between for-profit and nonprofit dialysis facilities through 2009 using Poisson regression. Companion analyses of cause-specific hospitalization that are likely to be influenced by dialysis facility practices including hospitalizations for heart failure and volume overload, access complications, or hyperkalemia were conducted.

Results

The cohort included 150,642 patients. Of these, 12,985 (9%) were receiving care in nonprofit dialysis facilities. In adjusted models, patients receiving hemodialysis in for-profit facilities had a 15% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 13% to 18%) higher relative rate of hospitalization compared with those in nonprofit facilities. Among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis, the rate of hospitalization in for-profit versus nonprofit facilities was not significantly different (relative rate, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.17). Patients on hemodialysis receiving care in for-profit dialysis facilities had a 37% (95% CI, 31% to 44%) higher rate of hospitalization for heart failure or volume overload and a 15% (95% CI, 11% to 20%) higher rate of hospitalization for vascular access complications.

Conclusions

Hospitalization rates were significantly higher for patients receiving hemodialysis in for-profit compared with nonprofit dialysis facilities.
Optical observations of the nearby galaxy IC342 with narrow band [SII] and Hα filters. I
Authors: Vucetic M.M. , Arbutina B. , Urosevic D. , Dobardzic A. , Pavlovic M.Z. , Pannuti T.G. , Petrov N.
Published: December 2013

We present observations of a portion of the nearby spiral galaxy IC342 using
narrow band [SII] and H? filters. These observations were carried out in
November 2011 with the 2m RCC telescope at Rozhen National Astronomical
Observatory in Bulgaria. In this paper we report coordinates, diameters, H?
and [SII] fluxes for 203 HII regions detected in two fields of view in IC342
galaxy. The number of detected HII regions is 5 times higher than previously
known in these two parts of the galaxy.
Computation of Gordian distances and H2-Gordian distances of knots
Authors: Zekovic Ana
Published: December 2013

One of the most complicated problems in Knot theory is to compute unknotting
number. Hass, Lagarias and Pippenger proved that the unknotting problem is NP
hard. In this paper we discuss the question of computing unknotting number
from minimal knot diagrams, Bernhard-Jablan Conjecture, unknown knot
distances between non-rational knots, and searching for minimal distances by
using a graph with weighted edges, which represents knot distances. Since
topoizomerazes are enzymes involved in changing crossing of DNA, knot
distances can be used to study topoizomerazes actions. In the existing tables
of knot smoothing, knots with smoothing number 1 are computed by Abe and
Kanenobu [27] for knots with at most n = 9 crossings, and smoothing knot
distances are computed by Kanenobu [26] for knots with at most n = 7
crossings. We compute some undecided knot distances 1 from these papers, and
extend the computations by computing knots with smoothing number one with at
most n = 11 crossings and smoothing knot distances of knots with at most n =
9 crossings. All computations are done in LinKnot, based on Conway notation
and non-minimal representations of knots.
A Survey of Privacy-Aware Supply Chain Collaboration: From Theory to Applications
Authors: Hong Yuan , Vaidya Jaideep , Wang Shengbin
Published: December 2013

In the contemporary information era, the ubiquitous collection of data from different parties frequently accommodates significant mutual benefits to the involved participants. However, data is a double-bladed sword. Inappropriate access or use of data by the recipients may pose serious privacy issues that explicitly harm the data owners. In the past decade, swiftly increasing privacy concerns arise in many business processes such as supply chain management. How to protect the private information of different participants in the supply chain has become a key multidisciplinary research problem in information systems, production and operations management, computer science, and mathematics. Specifically, in the real world, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers commonly collaborate with each other to cater to the demands of supplying and marketing. In their traditional cooperation, all the parties completely share their proprietary information so as to jointly optimize their operations (e.g., maximize their profit or minimize their cost). Now, they realize that completely sharing such information would bring considerable negative impact to themselves. For overcoming this, some recent research results begin to make the following ideal occasion possible—all the participants collaboratively solve a realistic problem without revealing any private proprietary information to each other.

In this paper, we primarily review the literature on the applications of privacy-preserving techniques to supply chain collaboration among multiple parties. We first identify various private proprietary information required in the supply chain collaboration, and discuss several potential privacy-preserving techniques. Then, we review the relevant research results from theory to applications. Since intensive collaboration in modern supply chains opens even more opportunities in both academia and industry, we finally outline the future research trend and the potential challenges in this promising area.
The β-Cell/EC Axis: How Do Islet Cells Talk to Each Other?
Authors: Peiris Heshan , Bonder Claudine S. , Coates P. Toby H. , Keating Damien J. , Jessup Claire F.
Published: December 2013

Within the pancreatic islet, the β-cell represents the ultimate biosensor. Its central function is to accurately sense glucose levels in the blood and consequently release appropriate amounts of insulin. As the only cell type capable of insulin production, the β-cell must balance this crucial workload with self-preservation and, when required, regeneration. Evidence suggests that the β-cell has an important ally in intraislet endothelial cells (ECs). As well as providing a conduit for delivery of the primary input stimulus (glucose) and dissemination of its most important effector (insulin), intraislet blood vessels deliver oxygen to these dense clusters of metabolically active cells. Furthermore, it appears that ECs directly impact insulin gene expression and secretion and β-cell survival. This review discusses the molecules and pathways involved in the crosstalk between β-cells and intraislet ECs. The evidence supporting the intraislet EC as an important partner for β-cell function is examined to highlight the relevance of this axis in the context of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Recent work that has established the potential of ECs or their progenitors to enhance the re-establishment of glycemic control following pancreatic islet transplantation in animal models is discussed.
A 5-Day High-Fat, High-Calorie Diet Impairs Insulin Sensitivity in Healthy, Young South Asian Men but Not in Caucasian Men
Authors: Bakker Leontine E.H. , van Schinkel Linda D. , Guigas Bruno , Streefland Trea C.M. , Jonker Jacqueline T. , van Klinken Jan B. , van der Zon Gerard C.M. , Lamb Hildo J. , Smit Johannes W.A. , Pijl Hanno , Meinders A. Edo , Jazet Ingrid M.
Published: December 2013

South Asians (SAs) develop type 2 diabetes at a younger age and lower BMI compared with Caucasians (Cs). The underlying cause is still poorly understood but might result from an innate inability to adapt to the Westernized diet. This study aimed to compare the metabolic adaptation to a high-fat, high-calorie (HFHC) diet between both ethnicities. Twelve healthy, young lean male SAs and 12 matched Cs underwent a two-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp with skeletal muscle biopsies and indirect calorimetry before and after a 5-day HFHC diet. Hepatic triglyceride content (HTG) and abdominal fat distribution were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. At baseline, SAs had higher insulin clamp levels than Cs, indicating reduced insulin clearance rate. Despite the higher insulin levels, endogenous glucose production was comparable between groups, suggesting lower hepatic insulin sensitivity in SAs. Furthermore, a 5-day HFHC diet decreased the insulin-stimulated (nonoxidative) glucose disposal rate only in SA. In skeletal muscle, no significant differences were found between groups in insulin/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, metabolic gene expression, and mitochondrial respiratory chain content. Furthermore, no differences in (mobilization of) HTG and abdominal fat were detected. We conclude that HFHC feeding rapidly induces insulin resistance only in SAs. Thus, distinct adaptation to Western food may partly explain their propensity to develop type 2 diabetes.
Multiple HLA Epitopes Contribute to Type 1 Diabetes Susceptibility
Authors: Roark Christina L. , Anderson Kirsten M. , Simon Lucas J. , Schuyler Ronald P. , Aubrey Michael T. , Freed Brian M.
Published: December 2013

Disease susceptibility for type 1 diabetes is strongly associated with the inheritance of specific HLA alleles. However, conventional allele frequency analysis can miss HLA associations because many alleles are rare. In addition, disparate alleles that have similar peptide-binding sites, or shared epitopes, can be missed. To identify the HLA shared epitopes associated with diabetes, we analyzed high-resolution genotyping for class I and class II loci. The HLA epitopes most strongly associated with susceptibility for disease were DQB1 A57, DQA1 V76, DRB1 H13, and DRB1 K71, whereas DPB1 YD9,57, HLA-B C67, and HLA-C YY9,116 were more weakly associated. The HLA epitopes strongly associated with resistance were DQB1 D57, DQA1 Y80, DRB1 R13, and DRB1 A71. A dominant resistance phenotype was observed for individuals bearing a protective HLA epitope, even in the presence of a susceptibility epitope. In addition, an earlier age of disease onset correlated with significantly greater numbers of susceptibility epitopes and fewer resistance epitopes (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of both DQ and DR susceptibility epitopes was higher in patients than in control subjects and was not exclusively a result of linkage disequilibrium, suggesting that multiple HLA epitopes may work together to increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Neuropathy and Related Findings in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study
Authors: Martin Catherine L. , Albers James W. , Pop-Busui Rodica ,   for the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE

To describe the development and progression of neuropathy and related findings among patients with type 1 diabetes who participated in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The main diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) outcome was assessed using clinical symptoms, signs, and nerve conduction study results during DCCT and repeated in EDIC year 13/14. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) was assessed by R-R response to paced breathing, Valsalva ratio, and blood pressure response to standing during DCCT and in EDIC years 13/14 and 16/17. Additionally, symptoms reflecting neuropathic pain and autonomic function (including hypoglycemia awareness) were collected yearly in EDIC using standardized questionnaires; peripheral neuropathy was also assessed annually using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Assessments of genitourinary function were collected at EDIC year 10.

RESULTS

Intensive therapy during the DCCT significantly reduced the risk of DPN and CAN at DCCT closeout (64% and 45%, respectively, P < 0.01). The prevalence and incidence of DPN and CAN remained significantly lower in the DCCT intensive therapy group compared with the DCCT conventional therapy group through EDIC year 13/14.

CONCLUSIONS

The persistent effects of prior intensive therapy on neuropathy measures through 14 years of EDIC largely mirror those observed for other diabetes complications. DCCT/EDIC provides important information on the influence of glycemic control, and the clinical course of diabetic neuropathy, and, most important, on how to prevent neuropathy in type 1 diabetes.
The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study at 30 Years: Summary and Future Directions
Authors: Gubitosi-Klug Rose A. ,   for the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) study continues to address knowledge gaps in our understanding of type 1 diabetes and the effects of intensive therapy on its long-term complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

During the DCCT (1982–1993), a controlled clinical trial of 1,441 subjects with type 1 diabetes, and the EDIC (1994–present), an observational study of the DCCT cohort, core data collection has included medical history questionnaires, surveillance health exams, and frequent laboratory and other evaluations for microvascular and macrovascular disease. Numerous collaborations have expanded the outcome data with more detailed investigations of cardiovascular disease, cognitive function, neuropathy, genetics, and potential biological pathways involved in the development of complications.

RESULTS

The longitudinal follow-up of the DCCT/EDIC cohort provides the opportunity to continue monitoring the durability of intensive treatment as well as to address lingering questions in type 1 diabetes research. Future planned analyses will address the onset and progression of microvascular triopathy, evidence-based screening for retinopathy and nephropathy, effects of glycemic variability and nonglycemic risk factors on outcomes, long-term impact of intensive therapy on cognitive decline, and health economics. Three new proposed investigations include an examination of residual C-peptide secretion and its impact, prevalence of hearing impairment, and evaluation of gastrointestinal dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

With the comprehensive data collection and the remarkable participant retention over 30 years, the DCCT/EDIC continues as an irreplaceable resource for understanding type 1 diabetes and its long-term complications.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Ocular Findings in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study
Authors: Aiello Lloyd Paul ,   for the DCCT/EDIC Research Group
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether intensive treatment (INT) with the goal of achieving blood glucose levels as close to the nondiabetic range as safely possible reduced the risk of onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared with conventional therapy (CON).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) (1982–1993) was a multicenter, controlled clinical trial comparing INT with CON for onset and progression of DR. The Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study (1994–present) is an observational follow-up of the DCCT cohort.

RESULTS

Of the 1,441 DCCT subjects, 726 had no DR (primary prevention cohort) and 715 had mild DR (secondary intervention cohort) at baseline. Subjects were followed for a mean of 6.5 years. INT median HbA1c was 7% compared with CON median of 9%. INT reduced the adjusted mean risk for the development of DR by 76% and slowed progression of DR by 54% compared with CON. Following DCCT, the HbA1c levels in the original INT and CON groups converged (year 8, INT 7.98%; CON 8.07%); nevertheless, the groups continued to have a durable effect of initial assigned therapy with significantly lower incidence of further DR progression in the INT group (hazard reduction 53–56%). Severe retinal outcomes and procedures to treat them were reduced by 50% in the original INT group.

CONCLUSIONS

INT delays the onset and slows the progression of DR. Furthermore, the early effects of metabolic control continue to accrue over many years despite subsequent comparable glycemic control (metabolic memory). These results emphasize the need for optimizing glycemic control as early as possible in patients with diabetes.
A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed: Preliminary Screening Criteria for Arabic-Speaking Adults, Ages 40 to 80 Years
Authors: Wiig Elisabeth H. , Al-Halees Yousef
Published: December 2013

A Quick Test of Cognitive Speed (AQT) color, form, and color-form scales were administered to 90 educated (5–22 years of education) and 45 uneducated (0–2 years of education) healthy, Arabic-speaking adults. Lognormal ( ln) transformations of time measures (sec.) were used for statistical analyses. There were statistically significant mean differences for the color-form processing-speed measures between middle-aged (ages 40–50) and older (ages 51–80) educated adults and between educated and uneducated adults (ages 40–78). The study developed preliminary criterion cut-off times for color-form naming for screening educated and uneducated Arabic-speaking adults. The normal, slower-than-normal, and atypical/pathological performance ranges were characterized with frequency distributions and standard deviations. Age and education are factors that must be considered in stratifying samples in future studies to develop valid and reliable criteria for cognitive screening of Arabic speakers with the AQT.
The Effect of a Silicone Wristband in Dynamic Balance
Authors: Teruya Thiago Toshi , Matareli Bruno Machado , Romano Fillipe Soares , Mochizuki Luis
Published: December 2013

The effect of a wristband on the dynamic balance of young adults was assessed. Twenty healthy young adults wore a commercial Power Balance™ or fake silicone wristband. A 3D accelerometer was attached to their lumbar region to measure body sway. They played the video game Tightrope (Wii® video game console) with and without a wristband; body sway acceleration was measured. Mean balance sway acceleration and its variability were the same in all conditions, so silicone wristbands do not modify dynamic balance control.
Relationship between Ethnic Backgrounds, Family Socioeconomic Status, Leisure Participation, and Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Hung Hank , Lee Chia Wen
Published: December 2013

Relations between ethnic backgrounds, family socioeconomic status, leisure participation, and psychological well-being were explored. Participants returned 827 valid pencil-and-paper surveys. An increase in student-athlete leisure participation was associated with better psychological well-being and sense of accomplishment. Compared with Aboriginal student-athletes, Han student-athletes had higher passive leisure participation; there was no correlation between their families' socioeconomic status and the student-athletes' leisure participation or psychological well-being.
Effect of Weight Load Added to Wrists on Manual Non-Exploratory and Exploratory Behaviors in Infants
Authors: Soares Daniele de Almeida , de Toledo Aline Martins , Carvalho Raquel de Paula , Tudella Eloisa
Published: December 2013

Investigating manual actions when infants' upper limbs are heavier can provide information on whether mechanical forces can influence the early ability of exploring grasped objects. This study assessed whether additional weight load affected typical infants' manual non-exploratory and exploratory behaviors. Ten healthy full-term infants were evaluated longitudinally at 5, 6, and 7 months of age. They were tested consecutively without weight and with a weight of 20% of the total upper limb mass ( M = 74.7–85.3 g) attached to their wrists while seated in a baby chair. During each condition, a malleable rubber object was presented at the infant's midline to elicit reaching, grasping, and object exploration for 2 min. Reactions were recorded using three digital cameras. Behaviors were coded as non-exploratory (dropping) and manual exploratory behaviors (waving, banging, rotating, alternating and mouthing) and were computed by frequencies of their occurrence. The analyses indicated that the frequency of dropping increased in the weight condition independent of age. This indicates that the non-exploratory behavior was affected by the load disturbance imposed by the additional weight.
Expertise of Using Striking Techniques for Power Stroke in Badminton
Authors: Zhu Qin
Published: December 2013

Two striking techniques (fast swing and angled striking) were examined to see if they allowed effective use of string tension for the power stroke in badminton. 12 participants (4 novices, 4 recreational, and 4 expert badminton players) were recorded by a fast-speed camera while striking a shuttlecock with racquets of 8 different string tensions. The peak speed of the shuttlecock, the racquet angle and the shuttlecock angle were analyzed. The results showed that expert players succeeded in using both striking techniques to overcome the constraint of string tension and produce a consistently superior stroke. Failure to use either striking technique resulted in inferior performance that was constrained by string tension. Expertise in badminton allows the necessary motor adjustments based on the affordance perception of the string tension.
Self-Reported Reading as a Predictor of Vocabulary Knowledge
Authors: Pratheeba N. , Krashen S.
Published: December 2013

25 engineering students in India, who were highly motivated to improve their English, filled out a questionnaire about their reading habits in English and took a demanding vocabulary test based on words taken from preparation books for the Graduate Records Examination. The correlation between reading habits and vocabulary was substantial ( r = .78).
On the Issue of Inter-Correlation in Proprioceptive Ability across Body Areas: A Comment on Han, et al. (2013)
Authors: Tremblay François
Published: December 2013

In this comment, a critical point of view is presented regarding a recent report by Han, et al. (2013), where the authors asked whether proprioceptive acuity in a given joint is correlated with that in another joint. The criticism is first directed at the rationale of the study to address the problem of establishing parallels between physiological processes involved in muscle force production and pain and those involved in proprioception. Then, some issues are indicated with regard to the methodology used in the report to assess proprioceptive acuity at different joints.
Effectiveness of Systematic Articulation Training Program Accessing Computers (SATPAC) Approach to Remediate Dentalized and Interdental/S,Z/: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sacks Stephen , Flipsen Peter , Neils-Strunjas Jean
Published: December 2013

Traditional methods for treating speech distortion errors in older school-age children have tended to yield mixed success. The current study was a preliminary evaluation of an alternative approach called the Systematic Articulation Training Program Accessing Computers (SATPAC), which was tested for the remediation of /s/ and /z/. Procedures involved a sequence of phonetic placement and/or oral-motor placement cues as needed to establish the targets, followed by concentrated drill structured around a facilitating context nonsense word and then advanced to more natural contexts. Participants were 18 children aged 6 years, 9 months to 11 years, 10 months. Treatment involved once per week, individual, 10-min. sessions with an experienced speech-language pathologist. Group A ( n = 9) received 15 weeks of treatment, while treatment was delayed for Group B ( n = 9). Then the groups were reversed. During period one, Group A (treated) significantly improved their accuracy of /s, z/ in spontaneous speech, while Group B (untreated) showed no significant change. During period two, Group B improved significantly when treatment was applied. The majority of the participants retained proficiency two years later.
Effect of Perceptual Load on Conceptual Processing: An Extension of Vermeulen's Theory
Authors: Xie Jiushu , Wang Ruiming , Sun Xun , Chang Song
Published: December 2013

The effect of color and shape load on conceptual processing was studied. Perceptual load effects have been found in visual and auditory conceptual processing, supporting the theory of embodied cognition. However, whether different types of visual concepts, such as color and shape, share the same perceptual load effects is unknown. In the current experiment, 32 participants were administered simultaneous perceptual and conceptual tasks to assess the relation between perceptual load and conceptual processing. Keeping color load in mind obstructed color conceptual processing. Hence, perceptual processing and conceptual load shared the same resources, suggesting embodied cognition. Color conceptual processing was not affected by shape pictures, indicating that different types of properties within vision were separate.
Surf & Turf: Effects of Ground Substrate on Perceived Threat, Enclosure, and Perceived Walkability
Authors: Stamps Arthur E.
Published: December 2013

Permeability theory suggests that perceived enclosure should be mitigated by the walkability of the surface underneath a person. This prediction was tested by obtaining ratings of perceived threat, perceived walkability, and perceived enclosure for five types of surfaces: pavement, grass, sand, water, and rocks. There were three experiments, 20 stimuli, and 112 participants. Perceived threat and perceived enclosure were highly correlated, as were perceived walkability and type of surface underfoot. Environments in which the surface underneath were difficult to walk over were perceived as being more enclosing and more threatening than surfaces that were easy to walk over. The findings all supported a priori hypotheses generated from the permeability theory of environmental perception and preference.
Effects of Music Tempo on Performance, Psychological, and Physiological Variables during 20 Km Cycling in Well-Trained Cyclists
Authors: Dyer Barry J. , McKune Andrew J.
Published: December 2013

Few studies have investigated the effects of music on trained athletes during high intensity endurance tasks. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of different music tempi on performance, psychological, and physiological responses of well-trained cyclists to time trial cycling. 10 male road cyclists ( M age = 35 yr., SD = 7), with a minimum of three years racing experience, performed four 20-km time trials on a Computrainer™ Pro 3D indoor cycle trainer over a period of four weeks. The time-trials were spaced one week apart. The music conditions for each trial were randomised between fast-tempo (140 bpm), medium-tempo (120 bpm), slow-tempo (100 bpm), and no music. Performance (completion time, power output, average speed and cadence), physiological (heart rate, oxygen consumption, breathing frequency and respiratory exchange ratio), psychophysical (RPE), and psychological (mood states) data were collected for each trial. Results indicated no significant changes in performance, physiological, or psychophysical variables. Total mood disturbance and tension increased significantly in the fast-tempo trial when compared with medium and no-music conditions.
Time-of-Day Effects on Psychomotor and Physical Performances in Highly Trained Cyclists
Authors: Petit Elisabeth , Bourdin Hubert , Mougin Fabienne , Tio Gregory , Haffen Emmanuel
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to examine, in trained young cyclists, whether psychomotor performances were dependent on time of day and fluctuated similarly to changes in athletic performance. 14 highly trained male cyclists ( M age = 17.3 yr., SD = 1.6; M height = 179.0 cm, SD = 0.1; M body weight = 67.4 kg, SD = 4.5) voluntarily took part in 6 test sessions, at 08:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30 and 18:30. Each test session comprised a maximal-intensity exercise consisting of 2 × 10-sec. sprints (all-out exercise) preceded by an attentional performance test including 4 fields of attention performed in a randomized order at different times throughout the same day, every 2 hr. between 08:30 and 18:30. The main results indicated that attentional and physical performances depended on the time of day, with an improvement in reaction times in phasic alertness, visual scanning, flexibility, Go/No-go, and an increase in maximum power throughout the day. This study shows the daily variations in physical performances and that fluctuations are reflected in psychomotor performances. These findings suggest that cyclists' training sessions cannot be programmed throughout the day without taking into consideration the effects of the time of day, with several practical applications for coaches and athletes.
An all-pairs shortest path algorithm for bipartite graphs
Authors: Torgasin Svetlana , Zimmermann Karl-Heinz
Published: December 2013

Bipartite graphs are widely used for modeling of complex structures in biology, engineering, and computer science. The search for shortest paths in such structures is a highly demanded procedure that requires optimization. This paper presents a variant of the all-pairs shortest path algorithm for bipartite graphs. The method is based on the distance matrix product and improves the general algorithm by exploiting the graph topology. The space complexity is reduced by a factor of at least four and the time complexity decreased by almost an order of magnitude when compared with the basic APSP algorithm.
Denoising of digital images through PSO based pixel classification
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Somnath , Mandal Jyotsna
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes a de-noising method where the detection and filtering is based on unsupervised classification of pixels. The noisy image is grouped into subsets of pixels with respect to their intensity values and spatial distances. Using a novel fitness function the image pixels are classified using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique. The distance function measured similarity/dissimilarity among pixels using not only the intensity values, but also the positions of the pixels. The detection technique enforced PSO based clustering, which is very simple and robust. The filtering operator restored only the noisy pixels keeping noise free pixels intact. Four types of noise models are used to train the digital images and these noisy images are restored using the proposed algorithm. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed technique. Various benchmark images are used to produce restoration results in terms of PSNR (dB) along with other parametric values. Some visual effects are also presented which conform better restoration of digital images through the proposed technique.
U.S. Postal Airmail Routing Optimization
Authors: Li Yihua , Miao Qing , Wang Bruce X.
Published: December 2013

An airmail routing problem at the United States Postal Service (USPS) is studied in this paper. Each day, millions of airmails of different priorities are collected and shipped between local USPS mail processing and distribution centers (P&DCs) by commercial air carriers. The carriers provide flight capacities and services according to contracts. Each available flight has a finite, maximum capacity for the airmails. In addition, the shipping between P&DCs incurs a cost that is determined by the type of mail, the volume, and the shipping distance. The research objective is to decide airmail allocation onto flights subject to the agreed-on air capacity to minimize system shipping costs while maintaining service quality. An integrated mathematical model is developed to design air routes and to allocate airmails optimally to routes for an improvement on the practice of isolated scheduling at each P&DC. A column generation method is proposed for the model. A numerical test is conducted with operational data. The test not only shows a significant increase in the total volume that can be shipped but also indicates better service in terms of on-time and early deliveries.
Evaluating Beat Structure and Truck Allocation for the Tarrant County, Texas, Courtesy Patrol
Authors: Daneshgar Farzad , Mattingly Stephen P. , Haghani Ali
Published: December 2013

Nonrecurring congestion poses a significant concern for drivers on urban freeways. Effective incident management relies on many tools to prevent the delays caused by crashes, road debris, and stalled or disabled vehicles. Many urban areas have adopted freeway service patrol (FSP) programs that search the freeway network for incidents, provide aid to motorists, and assist with incident management and clearance. FSP management must consider the patrols' beat structure and the fleet allocation. Both deterministic and probabilistic response time estimates for each beat are used to assess fleet allocations. The goal is to consider whether the urban network should be segmented into as many beats as possible, with individual trucks assigned to each beat, or whether additional trucks should be allocated to fewer beats. The Tarrant County, Texas, Courtesy Patrol (CP) is used as a case study to explore the truck allocation problem with field data. The Tarrant County CP typically uses a one-beat, two-beat, or three-beat configuration with a single truck allocated to each beat. The merits of a two-beat configuration are examined. The study indicates that the incident distribution must be considered during both beat and tour design.
Optimal Allocation of Service Frequencies over Transit Network Routes and Time Periods
Authors: Verbas İ. Ömer , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: December 2013

This study proposes a formulation for the transit network frequency setting problem. The formulation provides an optimal allocation of resources over space and time while recognizing the existence of multiple service patterns along each bus route. Transit agencies must allocate their limited resources optimally to maximize user benefits, operator benefits, or a combination of the two. The coupling of the routes with the service patterns provided along all or portions of the routes is effectively captured, and the user perspective and the operator perspective are merged into one formulation. The service patterns may be scheduled with different subsets of stops for a given route. Users see the resulting combined route headways at the stops. The number of riders varies with the prevailing number of bus trips at a given stop, which is the combination of different pattern dispatch frequencies. Two main formulations are introduced. The first extends work of Furth and Wilson and seeks to maximize the number of riders and the total wait time savings under budget, fleet, policy headway, and bus loading constraints. The second minimizes the net cost under fleet, policy headway, bus loading, minimum ridership, and minimum wait time savings constraints. In both formulations, pattern headways in different time-of-day intervals are the decision variables. This paper provides the mathematical formulation underlying the proposed methodology, describes the solution method and implementation, and demonstrates, by example, important properties of the frequency setting problem in this context, including some that may at first appear counterintuitive.
Assessment of Adherence to the Condition of Proportionality in User Equilibrium Traffic Assignments with Uniquely Determined Route Flows
Authors: Aungsuyanon Aroon , Boyce David , Ran Bin
Published: December 2013

The standard formulation of the static deterministic user equilibrium (UE) traffic assignment problem based on the criterion of Wardrop provides a unique solution in terms of link flows; however, route flows are not determined uniquely. Analyses based on an arbitrary choice among the infinite number of possible route flow solutions could cause inconsistencies or even controversies in applications. In 2010, a computationally efficient algorithm named Traffic Assignment by Paired Alternative Segments (TAPAS) was successfully implemented to identify UE route flows uniquely. To date, no study has examined to what extent solutions adhere to the condition of proportionality in UE traffic assignments with uniquely determined route flows. In this paper, TAPAS is applied to obtain proportional UE route flows for the Chicago, Illinois, regional network in three highly precise solutions. Various assessments of adherence to proportionality are performed for a selected pair of alternative segments. The results show that route and link flows determined by TAPAS correspond closely to expected proportionality. Only inconsequential differences are found between the expected and computed proportional UE route flows. Systematic characteristics of the plots for the two segments ensure that TAPAS behaves properly according to the condition of proportionality. Insights from these empirical results may help transportation planning professionals to become aware of the magnitude of differences in UE route flows based on proportionality and in distinguishing uniqueness from nonuniqueness of route flows in UE traffic assignments. The results may also be useful to software developers in seeking improved adherence to proportionality of route flow solutions.
Online Stochastic Routing Incorporating Real-Time Traffic Information
Authors: Du Lili , Peeta Srinivas , Kim Yong Hoon
Published: December 2013

In this paper, online stochastic routing policies are developed to identify the optimal next action (path choice) at the current decision node (intersection) for travelers on the basis of their preference for future paths with the shortest travel time, the lowest travel time variability, or a combination, given the network conditions. A modified label-correcting algorithm is provided to solve for the shortest path that results from the proposed routing policies. Its running time is bounded by O(mn2), where m and n are the number of arcs and nodes, respectively, in the network. Since real-time traffic information is usually available with a certain level of accuracy, the proposed online routing policy integrates an existing information fusion model, which provides real-time short-term arc travel time distributions by considering information accuracy. Numerical experiments are used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed routing policies and algorithms, as well as the impacts of real-time information accuracy on the online stochastic routing.