bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induced flow due to blowing and suction flow control: an analysis of transpiration
Authors: Woodcock James D. , Sader John E. , Marusic Ivan
Published: November 2011

It has previously been demonstrated that the drag experienced by a Poiseuille flow in a channel can be reduced by subjecting the flow to a dynamic regime of blowing and suction at the walls of the channel (also known as ‘transpiration’). Furthermore, it has been found to be possible to induce a ‘bulk flow’, or steady motion through the channel, via transpiration alone. In this work, we derive explicit asymptotic expressions for the induced bulk flow via a perturbation analysis. From this we gain insight into the physical mechanisms at work within the flow. The boundary conditions used are of travelling sine waves at either wall, which may differ in amplitude and phase. Here it is demonstrated that the induced bulk flow results from the effect of convection. We find that the most effective arrangement for inducing a bulk flow is that in which the boundary conditions at either wall are equal in magnitude and opposite in sign. We also show that, for the bulk flow induced to be non-negligible, the wavelength of the boundary condition should be comparable to, or greater than, the height of the channel. Moreover, we derive the optimal frequency of oscillation, for maximising the induced bulk flow, under such boundary conditions. The asymptotic behaviour of the bulk flow is detailed within the conclusion. It is found, under certain caveats, that if the amplitude of the boundary condition is too great, the bulk flow induced will become dependent only upon the speed at which the boundary condition travels along the walls of the channel. We propose the conjecture that for all similar flows, if the magnitude of the transpiration is sufficiently great, the bulk flow will depend only upon the speed of the boundary condition.
A study of two-fluid model equations
Authors: Ueyama K.
Published: November 2011

A theoretical study of the interaction term in the two-fluid model equations is presented. The relevant Navier–Stokes equation is volume-integrated in a control volume fixed in a field of dispersed two-phase flow; then it is time-integrated. An expression for the interaction term is obtained in the limit of infinitesimal control volume, which rigorously fits to the two-fluid model equation based on time averaging. The interaction term is then analysed for dispersed two-phase flow with homogeneous particle size. The mathematical expression of the resulting interaction term clearly shows its property, which has been overlooked for more than 40 years. It can be decomposed into the conventional interaction term and an additional ‘virtual force’ term. The virtual force term is evaluated approximately for two types of dispersed multiphase flow in order to demonstrate its effectiveness. The first is solid–liquid dispersed two-phase flow with spherical solid particles undergoing creeping flow, and the second is gas–liquid dispersed two-phase flow with large bubbles in a highly turbulent flow field. For solid spherical particles in a homogeneous creeping flow, the term vanishes, as was found numerically by Ten Cate and Sundaresan (Intl J. Multiphase Flow, vol. 32, 2006, pp. 106–131), although the term could be significant for a flow field with velocity gradient. For large bubbles in bubble columns in a recirculating turbulent flow regime, the term is significant. The two-fluid model equations are corrected by the introduction of these virtual force terms, which in some circumstances are important in simulating the macroscopic properties of dispersed two-phase flow with spatial variations.
Urbanisation, nutrition transition and cardiometabolic risk: the Benin study
Authors: Delisle Hélène , Ntandou-Bouzitou Gervais , Agueh Victoire , Sodjinou Roger , Fayomi Benjamin
Published: November 2011

A rising prevalence of CVD and diabetes has been observed in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in cities. The aim of the present study conducted in Benin was to examine the mediating role of nutrition transition in the relationship of urbanisation level and socio-economic status (SES) to cardiometabolic risk markers. A total of 541 subjects in apparent good health were randomly selected from the main city of Cotonou, a small town and its surrounding rural areas. SES was assessed based on a proxy for income and on education. Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed with at least two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. Scores for micronutrient adequacy and preventive diet were used as indicators of diet quality. Cardiometabolic risk markers were BMI, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, serum cholesterol and insulin resistance according to homeostasis model assessment. A more advanced stage of nutrition transition, which correlated with lower diet quality scores and less physical activity, was observed in the large city compared with less urbanised locations. More obesity and more adverse cholesterol profiles, but also lower blood pressure, were present in the large city. Urbanisation, income, sedentary lifestyle and alcohol consumption, but not diet quality, independently contributed to higher BMI and WC. Higher micronutrient adequacy was independently associated with a better cholesterol profile. The study confirmed the positive rural–urban gradient in nutrition transition and cardiometabolic risk, except for blood pressure. This risk could be mitigated by a more adequate diet, particularly micronutrient intake, and a more active lifestyle.
Combining the Hazards of Ministerial Appointment AND Ministerial Exit in the Canadian Federal Cabinet
Authors: Kerby Matthew
Published: November 2011

Abstract. The Canadian federal cabinet stands out among Westminster parliamentary democracies because of the large number of first-time ministers who are appointed to cabinet without any previous parliamentary or political experience. Several explanations have been put forward to account for this peculiarity but no attempt has been made to examine how Canadian prime ministers overcome the information deficit associated with appointing ministers with no experience. How can prime ministers be confident that they are making the right choice? This paper explores the subject by estimating the survival functions of ministerial turnover for potential, but not yet appointed, cabinet ministers were they to survive to a defined political benchmark; these survival rates are included in a logit model of Canadian ministerial appointment following four general elections (1957, 1979, 1984 and 2006) in which the prime minister was tasked with appointing a cabinet with ministerial neophytes.

Résumé. Le Conseil des ministres fédéral du Canada se démarque dans l'ensemble des démocraties parlementaires britanniques en raison du grand nombre de ministres novices qui sont nommés au Conseil alors qu'ils ne possèdent aucune expérience parlementaire ou politique antérieure. Plusieurs explications de cette anomalie ont été proposées, mais aucune démarche d'analyse ne s'est encore penchée sur la manière dont les premiers ministres du Canada arrivent à surmonter le manque d'information associé à la nomination de ministres sans expérience. Comment les premiers ministres peuvent-ils être certains d'avoir fait le bon choix? Cette étude scrute le sujet en évaluant le coefficient de survie, en cas de remaniement ministériel, pour les ministres du Conseil potentiels, mais pas encore mandatés, advenant que ces derniers survivent à certains jalons politiques précis. Ces taux de survie font partie intégrante d'un modèle de répartition des nominations ministérielles qui sont survenues à la suite de quatre élections générales (1957, 1979, 1984 et 2006) où le premier ministre a dû constituer un Conseil des ministres composé de néophytes.
Do Women “Do Better” in Municipal Politics? Electoral Representation across Three Levels of Government
Authors: Tolley Erin
Published: November 2011

Abstract.This article examines the electoral presence of women in federal, provincial and municipal governments. It casts doubt on the notion of a municipal advantage—a prevalent theme in the women in politics literature—and suggests, instead, that female legislators are increasingly present in roughly equivalent proportions across all three levels of government. Unlike prior analyses that have tended to focus on a limited number of provinces, a distinct time period or a select group of larger urban centres, this article uses longitudinal data that encompass all provinces and territories, as well as nearly all of Canada's 3750 municipalities. The findings demonstrate that female legislators often find greater electoral success at the higher levels of government but that the proportion of women elected rarely exceeds 25 per cent at any level. The article thus challenges a pervasive theme in the literature on women in politics.

Résumé.Cet article étudie la présence des femmes parmi les élus aux divers paliers de gouvernement, soit aux niveaux fédéral, provincial et municipal. Il remet en doute l'idée voulant que les femmes soient avantagées au niveau municipal – thème très courant dans la littérature sur les femmes au gouvernement – et propose, au contraire, que les législatrices sont de plus en plus présentes dans des proportions à peu près semblables aux trois niveaux de gouvernement. Contrairement aux études antérieures, qui ont eu tendance à se concentrer sur un nombre limité de provinces, sur une période déterminée ou sur un groupe particulier de grands centres urbains, cet article se sert de données longitudinales qui englobent toutes les provinces, tous les territoires et la majeure partie des 3750 municipalités du Canada. Les conclusions démontrent que les législatrices réussissent souvent mieux aux paliers supérieurs de gouvernement, mais que la proportion des femmes élues excède rarement 25 pour cent, peu importe le niveau. L'auteure remet donc en question un thème omniprésent dans la littérature sur les femmes au gouvernement.
Canadian Foreign Policy: A Linguistically Divided Field
Authors: Cornut Jérémie , Roussel Stéphane
Published: November 2011

Abstract.This study analyses the French-language scholars' place in Canadian foreign policy. More precisely, it measures and compares their productions in French and in English (output) and the citations to this output (impact) in works by English-language scholars. The output is measured using theCanadian Foreign Relations Index. Then a representative sample of bibliographies taken from books and articles written by English-language scholars and published between 1997 and 2007 is analyzed. Various conclusions on the place of French and French-language scholars in the field are drawn from these data, including their small contribution to Canadian foreign policy and the absence of citations to works in French by English-language scholars. Political implications of the results are discussed.

Résumé.Cette analyse examine la place des chercheurs francophones dans l'étude de la politique étrangère canadienne. Plus précisément, elle mesure et compare leurs publications en français et en anglais (la production) et les citations tirées de cette production (l'incidence) que l'on retrouve dans les travaux des chercheurs anglophones. La production est mesurée à l'aide duCanadian Foreign Relations Index. Puis un échantillon représentatif de bibliographies de travaux anglophones publiés entre 1997 et 2007 est analysé. Ces données permettent de tirer diverses conclusions sur la place du français et des chercheurs francophones dans ce champ d'étude. Il apparait, notamment, que la contribution des francophones au domaine de la politique étrangère canadienne est réduite et que les chercheurs anglophones ne citent pratiquement jamais les travaux en français. Les auteurs dégagent, en conclusion, les conséquences politiques de ces résultats.
Astronomical duration of polarity Chron C31r (Lower Maastrichtian): cyclostratigraphy of ODP Site 762 (Indian Ocean) and the Contessa Highway section (Gubbio, Italy)
Authors: HUSSON DOROTHEE , GALBRUN BRUNO , THIBAULT NICOLAS , GARDIN SILVIA , HURET EMILIA , COCCIONI RODOLFO
Published: November 2011

The duration of polarity Chron C31r is estimated with a cyclostratigraphic approach. Two sites are investigated: ODP Site 762 (Indian Ocean) and the Contessa Highway section (Gubbio, Italy). Cyclostratigraphic analysis is performed on greyscale variations (Site 762) and magnetic susceptibility variations (Contessa section). Both sites reveal an astronomical control of the sedimentation, highlighted by the identification of all the orbital periodicities. Cyclostratigraphic signals are tuned on 405 ka eccentricity cycles extracted from the La04 astronomical solution. In both sites, cycle counting gives an estimate of the duration of polarity Chron C31r of about 2.09 ± 0.03 Ma.
Polymorphisms in genes in the SREBP1 signalling pathway and SCD are associated with milk fatty acid composition in Holstein cattle
Authors: Rincon Gonzalo , Islas-Trejo Alma , Castillo Alejandro R , Bauman Dale E , German Bruce J , Medrano Juan F
Published: November 2011

Genes in the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP1) pathway play a central role in regulation of milk fat synthesis, especially the de-novo synthesis of saturated fatty acids. SCD, a SREBP-responsive gene, is the key enzyme in the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids in the mammary gland. In the present study, we discovered SNP in candidate genes associated with this signalling pathway and SCD to identify genetic markers that can be used for genetic and metabolically directed selection in cattle. We resequenced six candidate genes in the SREBP1 pathway (SREBP1, SCAP, INSIG1, INSIG2, MBTPS1, MBTPS2) and two genes for SCD (SCD1 and SCD5) and discovered 47 Tag SNP that were used in a marker-trait association study. Milk and blood samples were collected from Holstein cows in their 1st or 2nd parity at 100–150 days of lactation. Individual fatty acids from C4 to C20, saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, monounsaturated fatty acid content, polyunsaturated fatty acid content and desaturase indexes were measured and used to perform the asociation analysis. Polymorphisms in the SCD5 and INSIG2 genes were the most representative markers associated with SFA/unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) ratio in milk. The analysis of desaturation activity determined that markers in the SCD1 and SCD5 genes showed the most significant effects. DGAT1 K232A marker was included in the study to examine the effect of this marker on the variation of milk fatty acids in our Holstein population. The percentage of variance explained by DGAT1 in the analysis was only 6% of SFA/UFA ratio. Milk fat depression was observed in one of the dairy herds and in this particular dairy one SNP in the SREBP1 gene (rs41912290) accounted for 40% of the phenotypic variance. Our results provide detailed SNP information for key genes in the SREBP1 signalling pathway and SCD that can be used to change milk fat composition by marker-assisted breeding to meet consumer demands regarding human health, as well as furthering understanding of technological aspects of cows' milk.
Evaluation of the immune response induced by DNA vaccines expressing MIF and MCD-1 genes ofTrichinella spiralisin BALB/c mice
Authors: Tang F. , Xu L. , Yan R. , Song X. , Li X.
Published: November 2011

Plasmids expressing macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) ofTrichinella spiralis(TsMIF), multi-cystatin-like domain protein (MCD-1) ofT. spiralis(TsMCD-1), or co-expressingTsMIF andTsMCD-1 were constructed with a pVAX1 vector. Their ability to generate a protective immune response againstT. spiralisinfection was evaluated in BALB/c mice. Groups of mice were immunized twice at 2-week intervals with 100 μg of recombinant plasmids pVAX1-Tsmif, pVAX1-Tsmcd-1or pVAX1-Tsmif-Tsmcd-1. Control animals were immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or blank vector plasmid. Specific antibody levels (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgM, IgA, IgE) against the recombinant proteinTsMIF-TsMCD-1, serum cytokines (interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and IL-17) and CD4+/CD8+T cells were monitored. Challenge infection was performed 2 weeks following the second immunization and worm burden was assayed at 35 days post-challenge. Vaccination with pVAX1-Tsmifinduced moderate serum IFN-γ and increases of CD4+and CD8+T cells, but no specific immunoglobulin antibody response. Vaccination with pVAX1-Tsmcd-1induced a predominant Th1 antibody (IgG2a and IgG2b) response and strong levels of serum IFN-γ, and increases of CD4+T cells. Importantly, co-expression ofTsMIF andTsMCD-1 in DNA immunization produced more serum IFN-γ and markedly enhanced CD4+and CD8+T cells than the single DNA vaccine of the two genes. Challenge infection demonstrated that immunization with pVAX1-Tsmif-Tsmcd-1reduced worm burdens (by 23.17%;P < 0.05).
Vitamin D and respiratory infection in adults
Authors: Laaksi Ilkka
Published: November 2011

Vitamin D insufficiency is a global issue that has significant implications for health. The classical role of vitamin D in bone mineralisation is well known; vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia or osteoporosis. The role of vitamin D in an immune system is less known. Vitamin D is not an actual vitamin but a secosteroid hormone produced in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol after exposure to sunlight UVB radiation. Nutrition and supplements are main sources of vitamin D in wintertime in northern countries as sunlight exposure is inadequate for the production. For activation vitamin D needs to be hydroxylated in liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D and in kidney to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the most active hormone in Ca absorption in the gut. For determination of vitamin D status serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, the major circulating form of the hormone is to be measured. Vitamin D regulates gene expression through binding with vitamin D receptors, which dimerises with retinoid X receptor. This complex binds to vitamin D-responsive elements inside the promoter regions of vitamin D-responsive genes. Vitamin D has a key role in innate immunity activation; the production of antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin and defensins) following Toll-like receptor stimulation by pathogen lipopeptides is dependent on sufficient level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Clinically, there is evidence of the association of vitamin D insufficiency and respiratory tract infections. There is also some evidence of the prevention of infections by vitamin D supplementation. Randomised controlled trials are warranted to explore this preventive effect.
Disentangling the relationships between maternal smoking during pregnancy and co-occurring risk factors
Authors: Ellingson J. M. , Rickert M. E. , Lichtenstein P. , Långström N. , D'Onofrio B. M.
Published: November 2011

Background

Maternal smoking during pregnancy (SDP) has been studied extensively as a risk factor for adverse offspring outcomes and is known to co-occur with other familial risk factors. Accounting for general familial risk factors has attenuated associations between SDP and adverse offspring outcomes, and identifying these confounds will be crucial to elucidating the relationship between SDP and its psychological correlates.

Method

The current study aimed to disentangle the relationship between maternal SDP and co-occurring risk factors (maternal criminal activity, drug problems, teen pregnancy, educational attainment, and cohabitation at childbirth) using a population-based sample of full- (n=206 313) and half-sister pairs (n=19 363) from Sweden. Logistic regression models estimated the strength of association between SDP and co-occurring risk factors. Bivariate behavioral genetic models estimated the degree to which associations between SDP and co-occurring risk factors are attributable to genetic and environmental factors.

Results

Maternal SDP was associated with an increase in all co-occurring risk factors. Of the variance associated with SDP, 45% was attributed to genetic factors and 53% was attributed to unshared environmental factors. In bivariate models, genetic factors accounted for 21% (non-drug-, non-violence-related crimes) to 35% (drug-related crimes) of the covariance between SDP and co-occurring risk factors. Unshared environmental factors accounted for the remaining covariance.

Conclusions

The genetic factors that influence a woman's criminal behavior, substance abuse and her offspring's rearing environment all influence SDP. Therefore, the intergenerational transmission of genes conferring risk for antisocial behavior and substance misuse may influence the associations between maternal SDP and adverse offspring outcomes.
PRAISOS V: A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE 2007 EXCAVATION SEASON
Authors: Whitley James
Published: November 2011

This is a report on the excavations undertaken in 2007 at the site of Praisos in eastern Crete. Three trenches were opened just next to the so-calledAndreionor Almond Tree House on the NW slopes of the First Acropolis, excavated by R.C. Bosanquet in 1901. The upper layers of two of these trenches (A-200 and A-300) consisted of re-deposited material of Classical and Hellenistic date, which we infer came from Bosanquet's dump. Material from these upper layers comprised tile, pottery (including numerous examples of Cretan necked cups), loomweights and terracotta plaques with a distinct masculine iconography. Excavation also reached lower Late-Classical–Hellenistic floor levels, on which a number of pithoi survivedin situ. Some of these pithoi are considerably older than the floor level, aterminus post quemfor which is provided by a bronze coin. The abandonment of these houses must be dated to the final phases of Praisos' occupation, before 146bc. There is however nothing to suggest that the city itself was subject to a fire destruction. Rather, the city seems to have undergone a forced abandonment followed by deliberate demolition.
AN UNPUBLISHED STIRRUP JAR FROM ATHENS AND THE 1871–2 PRIVATE EXCAVATIONS IN THE OUTER KERAMEIKOS
Authors: Galanakis Yannis
Published: November 2011

This article presents an unpublished stirrup jar from the Outer Kerameikos in Athens. The recently discovered archival material in the University of Oxford associated with the purchase of the stirrup jar helps to contextualise this object, and assess its significance in the light of the 1871–2 private excavations in the Outer Kerameikos. It also provides important information regarding the organisation of the antiquities trade in late nineteenth-century Athens.
A LATE GEOMETRIC ARCHITECTURAL MODEL WITH FIGURE DECORATION FROM ANCIENT HELIKE, ACHAEA
Authors: Gadolou Anastasia
Published: November 2011

In memoriamEos Zervoudaki2

The terracotta model presented in this article depicts the roof of a small temple ornaiskos. It was discovered during the excavation of a Late Geometric apsidal temple, probably dedicated to Poseidon Heliconius, at Nikoleika near Aegion. An account of the excavation can be found in the article by Erophile Kolia in this volume. The present article focuses on interpretation and analysis of the model in the context of the religious, social and political life of Achaea during the second half of the eighth centurybc.
Homeric ἀνδροτῆτα καὶ ἥβην
Authors: Barnes Timothy G.
Published: November 2011

This paper points out some of the weaknesses of the traditional account of the Homeric phrase ἀνδροτῆτα καὶ ἥβην and suggests instead that the entire phrase is a relatively recent creation of the tradition on the model of an *ἀμ(β)ροτῆτα καὶ ἥβην. This phrase in turn has a clear Avestan cognate hauruuatātā amərətātā.
Curses, crime detection and conflict resolution at the festival of Demeter Thesmophoros
Authors: Faraone Christopher A.
Published: November 2011

At the heart of the Thesmophoria festival lies the story of Persephone and the promise of agricultural fertility, but scholars point out that more seems to be at stake, suggesting that the scene of women ‘camping out’ in the sanctuary under the control of the female archons recalls a primitive time when women, perhaps, ruled the city or that the festival creates a place where women are at least beyond the control of men. There are hints, moreover, that during the Thesmophoria women were also actively involved in some kind of juridical activity, especially on the second day of the festival, when they fasted in imitation of Demeter's grief over the abduction of Persephone and the injustice perpetrated against her. Indeed, the epithet Thesmophoros was understood already in ancient times to have some connection with human law. This paper argues that on the second day of the festival women engaged in some kind of impromptu juridical procedure aimed at solving crimes and punishing anonymous wrongdoers and it uses as evidence Aristophanes' Thesmophoriazusae and a series of curse inscriptions deposited in late Hellenistic times at the Sanctuary of Demeter at Cnidus, as well as a few single examples from Locri, Amorgos and elsewhere.
Democritus' perspectival theory of vision
Authors: Rudolph Kelli
Published: November 2011

Democritus' theory of vision combines the notions of images (εἴδωλα) streaming from objects and air imprints, which gives him the resources to account for the perception of the relative size and distance of objects, not just their characteristics. This perspectival explanation of the visual theory accommodates important but overlooked evidence from Vitruvius. By comparing Democritus' theory with ancient developments in visual representation, my analysis provides a new approach to the evidence of atomist vision. I begin with the process of vision before turning to the Peripatetic objections, showing how a unified theory of vision takes into account all of the ancient testimony and provides possible atomist responses to the criticisms raised against it. I also identify the importance of vision via air imprints as an important metaphor for the conventionality of sensible qualities. Understanding these fundamental issues puts us in a better position to assess Democritus' place in the development of ancient optics and of atomist approaches to sense perception.
Demetrius and Draco: Athens' property classes and population in and before 317 BC
Authors: Van Wees Hans
Published: November 2011

The nature of the census figures produced by Demetrius of Phaleron, crucial evidence for the size of the Athenian population, has been misunderstood. The census categories were not ‘native Athenians, foreign residents and slaves’, but ‘citizens above the property qualification, residents without political rights and members of households’. The property qualification of 1,000 drachmas associated with Demetrius' regime was the requirement for holding the highest offices; the property requirement for citizenship rights was lower, as it was in the spurious constitution of Draco described in Athenaion Politeia 4, which was probably invented and inserted during Demetrius' reign. In the light of this reinterpretation of the evidence for the structure of the Athenian population under Demetrius, a reconsideration of the evidence for the size of the Athenian population in 322 BC suggests that there were ca. 30,000 adult male citizens and far fewer metics than generally assumed, probably ca. 5,000. The distribution of property among the citizen population was very uneven, with the richest 30% of the population owning about 80% of the wealth. According to Demetrius’ census as reinterpreted here, slaves outnumbered free residents by ‘only’ about 3:1, which still seems an implausibly high figure, but needs to be taken seriously as a government estimate rather than a rhetorical exaggeration.
Prodicus on the correctness of names: the case of τέρψις, χαρά and εὐφροσύνη
Authors: Wolfsdorf David
Published: November 2011

In this paper I advance an interpretation of Prodicus' conception of the correctness of names or terms. I advance this interpretation through examining a distinction between pleasures and pleasure terms that several ancient authors, most importantly the fifth-century Neoplatonist Hermias, attribute to Prodicus. Since Hermias lived many centuries after Prodicus, it is questionable whether Hermias' testimony is accurate. Consequently, I first present evidence to support the view that Hermias' testimony is accurate. Subsequently, I examine the grounds and context of Prodicus' distinction. I reject the view that Prodicus was interested in drawing distinctions between near synonyms according to standard usage. Instead, I argue that Prodicus' linguistic distinctions follow substantive distinctions between natural kinds.
ASYMPTOTIC PROPERTIES OF SELF-NORMALIZED LINEAR PROCESSES WITH LONG MEMORY
Authors: Peligrad Magda , Sang Hailin
Published: November 2011

In this paper we study the convergence to fractional Brownian motion for long memory time series having independent innovations with infinite second moment. For the sake of applications we derive the self-normalized version of this theorem. The study is motivated by models arising in economic applications where often the linear processes have long memory, and the innovations have heavy tails.
Representing and classifying arguments on the Semantic Web
Authors: Rahwan Iyad , Banihashemi Bita , Reed Chris , Walton Douglas , Abdallah Sherief
Published: November 2011

Until recently, little work has been dedicated to the representation and interchange of informal, semi-structured arguments of the type found in natural language prose and dialogue. To redress this, the research community recently initiated work towards an Argument Interchange Format (AIF). The AIF aims to facilitate the exchange of semi-structured arguments among different argument analysis and argumentation-support tools. In this paper, we present a Description Logic ontology for annotating arguments, based on a new reification of the AIF and founded in Walton's theory of argumentation schemes. We demonstrate how this ontology enables a new kind of automated reasoning over argument structures, which complements classical reasoning about argument acceptability. In particular, Web Ontology Language reasoning enables significantly enhanced querying of arguments through automatic scheme classifications, instance classification, inference of indirect support in chained argument structures, and inference of critical questions. We present the implementation of a pilot Web-based system for authoring and querying argument structures using the proposed ontology.
A Brief History of Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Authors: Bonnor Norman
Published: November 2011

This paper charts the history of Global Satellite Navigation Systems (GNSS) from the earliest days of the ‘Space Race’ in the 1960s and 1970s to the latest plans for modernisation of existing systems and the development of new systems yet to be deployed or become operational. The paper is based on lectures and presentations given by the author to postgraduate students at The University of Nottingham, students on the RAF General Duties Aero-Systems Course at the Air Warfare Centre, RAF Cranwell and to a number of RIN, RAeS and IEE Branches and to local aviation groups.
Bit Sign Transition Cancellation Method for GNSS Signal Acquisition
Authors: Sun Kewen , Lo Presti Letizia
Published: November 2011

The next generation Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as Galileo and Global Positioning System (GPS) modernization, will use signals with equal code and bit periods, resulting in a potential bit sign transition in each primary code period of the received signal segments. A bit sign transition occurring within an integration period usually causes a splitting of the Cross Ambiguity Function (CAF) main peak into two smaller side lobes along the Doppler shift axis in the search space and it may lead to an incorrect Doppler shift estimate, which results in a serious performance degradation of the acquisition system. This paper proposes a novel two steps based bit sign transition cancellation method which can overcome the bit sign transition problem and remove or mitigate the CAF peak splitting impairments. The performance of the proposed technique has been comprehensively evaluated with Monte Carlo simulations in terms of detection and false alarm probabilities, which are presented by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) curves. The test results show that the proposed acquisition technique can provide improved performance in comparison with the state-of-the-art acquisition approaches.
A Study on Local Traffic Management to Improve Marine Traffic Safety in the Istanbul Strait
Authors: Aydogdu Y. Volkan , Yurtoren Cemil , Park Jin-Soo , Park Young-Soo
Published: November 2011

The Istanbul Strait is one of the most congested waterways in the world and is difficult to navigate due to its ‘S-shaped’ geographic structure (Akten, 2004). Much of the local marine traffic affects navigation safety. Results of Yurtoren and Inoue (2004)'s study, which investigated navigational risks in the Istanbul Strait in terms of manoeuvring difficulties and accident statistics, indicates the necessity of effective and applicable local traffic management in the southern entrance of the Strait. In this study, Marine Traffic Fast Time Simulation (MTFTS) studies are used and an attempt is made to improve navigation safety by proposing Local Traffic Separation Schemes (LTSS).
A Dual-IMU/GPS based Geolocation System
Authors: Lee Jong Ki , Jekeli Christopher
Published: November 2011

To improve the geolocation performance of an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) survey platform, a geodetic Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver was combined with two tactical-grade Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and mounted on two types of detection systems. Analysis of data collected for typical trajectories focused on the dual-IMU/GPS pre/post processing using optimal nonlinear estimation together with a Wave Correlation Filter (WCF) and end-matching. Each trajectory of the platforms was estimated by the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). The WCF was then applied to the two solutions of the platform trajectories derived from each IMU in order to extract the common components in the frequency domain, assuming that uncorrelated components are errors. The remaining bias and trends of the estimated position results were further removed by end-matching IMU solutions and GPS update points. The results of these methods were applied to our field test data to show that the WCF and end-matching can improve position accuracy from 4% to 14% with respect to the Unscented Kalman Smoother (UKS) solution alone.
Epidemiology of a large restaurant-associated outbreak of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliO111:NM
Authors: BRADLEY K. K. , WILLIAMS J. M. , BURNSED L. J. , LYTLE M. B. , McDERMOTT M. D. , MODY R. K. , BHATTARAI A. , MALLONEE S. , PIERCEFIELD E. W. , McDONALD-HAMM C. K. , SMITHEE L. K.
Published: November 2011

In August 2008, a large outbreak of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) O111:NM infections associated with a buffet-style restaurant in rural Oklahoma was identified. A case-control study of restaurant patrons and a retrospective cohort study of catered event attendees were conducted coupled with an environmental investigation to determine the outbreak's source and mode of transmission. Of 1823 persons interviewed, 341 (18·7%) met the outbreak case definition; 70 (20·5%) were hospitalized, 25 (7·3%) developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome, and one died. Multiple food items were significantly associated with illness by both bivariate and multivariate analyses, but none stood out as a predominant transmission vehicle. All water, food, and restaurant surface swabs, and stool cultures from nine ill employees were negative for the presence of Shiga toxin andE. coliO111:NM although epidemiological evidence suggested the outbreak resulted from cross-contamination of restaurant food from food preparation equipment or surfaces, or from an unidentified infected food handler.
Farm-specific lineages of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clonal complex 398 in Danish pig farms
Authors: ESPINOSA-GONGORA C. , LARSEN J. , MOODLEY A. , NIELSEN J. P. , SKOV R. L. , ANDREASEN M. , GUARDABASSI L.
Published: November 2011

The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clonal complex (CC) 398 using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Dust and pigs at five age groups were sampled in six Danish MRSA-positive pig farms. MRSA CC398 was isolated from 284 of the 391 samples tested, including 230 (74%) animal and 54 (68%) environmental samples. PFGE analysis of a subset of 48 isolates, including the six strains previously isolated from farm workers, revealed the existence of farm-specific pulsotypes. With a single exception, human, environmental and porcine isolates originating from the same farm clustered together in the PFGE cluster analysis, indicating that spread of MRSA CC398 in Danish pig farms is mainly due to clonal dissemination of farm-specific lineages that can be discriminated by PFGE. This finding has important implications for planning future epidemiological studies investigating the spread of CC398 in pig farming.
Hurricane Iniki: measuring the long-term economic impact of a natural disaster using synthetic control
Authors: Coffman Makena , Noy Ilan
Published: November 2011

The long-term impacts of disasters are ‘hidden’ as it becomes increasingly difficult over time to attribute them to a singular event. We use a synthetic control methodology, formalized in Abadie, A.et al.(2010), Synthetic control methods for comparative case studies: estimating the effect of California's tobacco control program,Journal of the American Statistical Association105(490): 493–505, to estimate the long-term impacts of a 1992 hurricane on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Hurricane Iniki, the strongest storm to hit Hawaii in many years, wrought an estimated US$ 7.4 billion (2008) in direct damages. Since the unaffected Hawaiian Islands provide a control group, the case of Iniki is uniquely suited to provide insight into the long-term impact of natural disasters. We show that Kauai's economy has yet to recover, 18 years after this event. We estimate the island's current population to be 12 per cent smaller than it would have been had the hurricane not occurred. Similarly, aggregate personal income and the number of private sector jobs are proportionally lower.
Systemic Risk in Financial Services
Authors: Besar D. , Booth P. , Chan K. K. , Milne A. K. L. , Pickles J.
Published: November 2011

The current banking crisis has reminded us of how risks materialising in one part of the financial system can have a widespread impact, affecting other financial markets and institutions and the broader economy. This paper, prepared on behalf of the Actuarial Profession, examines how such events have an impact on the entire financial system and explores whether such disturbances may arise within the insurance and pensions sectors as well as within banking. The paper seeks to provide an overview of a number of banking and other financial crises which have occurred in the past, illustrated by four case studies. It discusses what constitutes asystemicevent and what distinguishes it from a large aggregate system wide shock. Finally, it discusses how policy-makers can respond to the risk of such systemic financial failures.
Is dieting behaviour decreasing in young adolescents?
Authors: Whittle Claire R , Yarnell John WG , Stevenson Mike , McCay Naomi , Gaffney Brian P , Shields Michael D , Woodside Jayne V
Published: November 2011

Objective

To report trends in underweight, overweight and obesity in 12–15-year-old adolescents and examine changes in dieting behaviour, which have been less well documented.

Design

Comparison of two independent representative cross-sectional surveys.

Setting

Northern Ireland.

Subjects

Weight and height were objectively measured in 1324 boys and 1160 girls in 1996 and 1274 boys and 1374 girls in 2007. Participants reported whether they were following any particular diet including a self-proposed or prescribed weight-reduction diet.

Results

Overweight and obesity increased in girls from 15 % to 23 % and 2 % to 6 %, respectively. Increases were more modest in boys with overweight increasing from 13 % to 18 % and obesity from 3 % to 6 %. The proportion of underweight adolescents decreased from 9 % to 6 % in girls and 8 % to 5 % in boys. Evidence of social disparity was observed in girls from a manual socio-economic background, with overweight/obesity prevalence rates increasing from 21 % to 36 % compared with 15 % to 26 % in girls from a non-manual background. Despite these trends fewer adolescents, in particular girls, reported following weight-reduction diets (14 % of overweight/obese girls in 2007v. 21 % in 1996; 8 % of boys in 2007v. 13 % in 1996). Of these girls, the proportion from a manual background following weight-reduction diets decreased from 25 % to 11 %.

Conclusions

Overweight and obesity are continuing to increase in adolescents despite government and media awareness strategies. There also appears to be reduced dieting behaviour, despite increasing body weight, particularly in girls from manual socio-economic backgrounds.
Is there any relationship between dietary patterns and depression and anxiety in Chinese adolescents?
Authors: Weng Ting-Ting , Hao Jia-Hu , Qian Qing-Wen , Cao Hui , Fu Ji-Ling , Sun Ying , Huang Lei , Tao Fang-Biao
Published: November 2011

Objective

To determine the association between major dietary patterns characterized by factor analysis and risk of depression and anxiety symptoms among adolescents.

Design

Diet and symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed in a cross-sectional survey among students attending junior high school. Dietary patterns were derived from a self-reported FFQ, which consisted of thirty-eight items. Anthropometric measurements were also performed.

Setting

Four junior high schools in Bengbu city, China.

Subjects

A random sample of 5003 adolescents, 11–16 years of age (mean 13·21 years).

Results

Three major dietary patterns were identified in the study based on factor analysis: ‘snack’, ‘animal food’ and ‘traditional’. The prevalence of depression symptoms, anxiety disorders and the coexistence of both were 11·2 % (560/5003), 14·6 % (732/5003) and 12·6 % (629/5003), respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, adolescents in the highest tertile of snack dietary pattern scores had a higher odds for ‘pure’ psychological symptoms (‘depression without anxiety’, OR = 1·64; 95 % CI 1·30, 2·06; and ‘anxiety without depression’, OR = 1·87; 95 % CI 1·51, 2·31) compared with coexisting depression and anxiety (OR = 1·93; 95 % CI 1·54, 2·43). Similar to snacks, high consumption of animal foods was associated with a higher risk of psychological symptoms. Compared with low consumption, adolescents in the highest tertile of traditional dietary pattern scores had lower odds for ‘pure’ depression (OR = 0·38; 95 % CI 0·30, 0·49), ‘pure’ anxiety (OR = 0·85; 95 % CI 0·69, 1·04) and coexisting anxiety and depression (OR = 0·50; 95 % CI 0·39, 0·63).

Conclusions

Data from Chinese secondary-school adolescents validated findings from adult populations. Dietary patterns should be considered as important predictors of depression and anxiety among adolescents in further studies.
N170 – An Index of Categorical Face Perception?
Authors: Gajewski Patrick D. , Stoerig Petra
Published: November 2011

The N170 ERP component is larger for human faces than objects and sensitive to their orientation and race. To learn how it reflects the processing of faces of different species, we recorded event-related potentials in response to upright or inverted unfamiliar faces of human beings, monkeys, and dogs of different races as well as objects. Upright and inverted faces were presented in a between-subject design and elicited a reliable N170. It decreased from human to monkey to dog faces, and inversion enhanced and delayed it for all categories. We suggest that the results favor categorical over prototypical processing.
Progestins activate 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) in breast cancer cells
Authors: Novellasdemunt Laura , Obach Mercè , Millán-Ariño Lluís , Manzano Anna , Ventura Francesc , Rosa Jose Luis , Jordan Albert , Navarro-Sabate Àurea , Bartrons Ramon
Published: November 2011

PFKFB (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase) catalyses the synthesis and degradation of Fru-2,6-P2 (fructose-2,6-bisphosphate), a key modulator of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. The PFKFB3 gene is extensively involved in cell proliferation owing to its key role in carbohydrate metabolism. In the present study we analyse its mechanism of regulation by progestins in breast cancer cells. We report that exposure of T47D cells to synthetic progestins (ORG2058 or norgestrel) leads to a rapid increase in Fru-2,6-P2 concentration. Our Western blot results are compatible with a short-term activation due to PFKFB3 isoenzyme phosphorylation and a long-term sustained action due to increased PFKFB3 protein levels. Transient transfection of T47D cells with deleted gene promoter constructs allowed us to identify a PRE (progesterone-response element) to which PR (progesterone receptor) binds and thus transactivates PFKFB3 gene transcription. PR expression in the PR-negative cell line MDA-MB-231 induces endogenous PFKFB3 expression in response to norgestrel. Direct binding of PR to the PRE box (−3490 nt) was confirmed by ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipiation) experiments. A dual mechanism affecting PFKFB3 protein and gene regulation operates in order to assure glycolysis in breast cancer cells. An immediate early response through the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase)/RSK (ribosomal S6 kinase) pathway leading to phosphorylation of PFKFB3 on Ser461 is followed by activation of mRNA transcription via cis-acting sequences on the PFKFB3 promoter.
Insights into the regulation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase and the interplay between its domains
Authors: Pigott Craig R. , Mikolajek Halina , Moore Claire E. , Finn Stephen J. , Phippen Curtis W. , Werner Jörn M. , Proud Christopher G.
Published: November 2011

eEF2K (eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase) is a Ca2+/CaM (calmodulin)-dependent protein kinase which regulates the translation elongation machinery. eEF2K belongs to the small group of so-called ‘α-kinases’ which are distinct from the main eukaryotic protein kinase superfamily. In addition to the α-kinase catalytic domain, other domains have been identified in eEF2K: a CaM-binding region, N-terminal to the kinase domain; a C-terminal region containing several predicted α-helices (resembling SEL1 domains); and a probably rather unstructured ‘linker’ region connecting them. In the present paper, we demonstrate: (i) that several highly conserved residues, implicated in binding ATP or metal ions, are critical for eEF2K activity; (ii) that Ca2+/CaM enhance the ability of eEF2K to bind to ATP, providing the first insight into the allosteric control of eEF2K; (iii) that the CaM-binding/α-kinase domain of eEF2K itself possesses autokinase activity, but is unable to phosphorylate substrates in trans; (iv) that phosphorylation of these substrates requires the SEL1-like domains of eEF2K; and (v) that highly conserved residues in the C-terminal tip of eEF2K are essential for the phosphorylation of eEF2, but not a peptide substrate. On the basis of these findings, we propose a model for the functional organization and control of eEF2K.