bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Gromov–Witten invariants of the Hilbert schemes of points on surfaces with pg > 0
Authors: Hu Jianxun , Li Wei-Ping , Qin Zhenbo
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we study the Gromov–Witten theory of the Hilbert schemes X[n] of points on a smooth projective surface X with positive geometric genus pg. For fixed distinct points x1, …, xn-1 ∈ X, let βn be the homology class of the curve {ξ + x2 + ⋯ + xn-1 ∈ X[n] | Supp (ξ) = {x1}}, and let βKX be the homology class of {x + x1 + ⋯ + xn-1 ∈ X[n] | x ∈ KX}. Using cosection localization technique due to Y. Kiem and J. Li, we prove that if X is a simply connected surface admitting a holomorphic differential two-form with irreducible zero divisor, then all the Gromov–Witten invariants of X[n] defined via the moduli space [Formula: see text] of stable maps vanish except possibly when β is a linear combination of βn and βKX. When n = 2, the exceptional cases can be further reduced to the Gromov–Witten invariants: [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and d ≤ 3, and [Formula: see text] with d ≥ 1. When [Formula: see text], we show that [Formula: see text] which is consistent with a well-known formula of C. Taubes. In addition, for an arbitrary surface X and d ≥ 1, we verify that [Formula: see text].
BIOMECHANICAL STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF VARUS AND VALGUS DEFORMITIES OF THE KNEE ON THE WEIGHT-BEARING DOME OF ACETABULUM
Authors: BAI BO , TANG MINSHENG , YE JING , CHEN YUSHU , ZENG YANJUN
Published: January 2015

This study's purpose was to investigate the biomechanical effects of varus and valgus knee deformities in different degrees on the acetabulum's weight-bearing dome. We collected six lower extremity specimens from three fresh adult male cadavers, including the L5 vertebral body, pelvis, bilateral hips, bilateral knees and lower leg sections. We visually examined all specimens and then X-rayed them to exclude the presence of hip and knee pathology. We adjusted the tibiofemoral angle to 180° (knee varus at 10°, Group A), 190° (knee varus at 20°, Group B), 160° (knee valgus at 10°, Group C) and 150° (knee valgus at 20°, Group D) using the external fixator, respectively, fixed them, respectively, and then monitored them through the above 3D laser scanning imager. We found the acetabulum's weight-bearing dome area, stress and stress distribution by loading and coloring on the pressure-sensitive film. We measured them using a FPD-305 density meter and FPD-306 pressure converter. We compared the areas, average stresses and peak stresses of the acetabulum's weight-bearing dome between groups B and D and group A, respectively. The differences between groups B and D had no significance. Compared to group A's area, average stress and peak stress, the areas of groups C and E decreased, and their average stresses and peak stresses increased significantly. The differences between groups B and C and groups D and E were also significant. Due to different degrees of knee varus and valgus angles, the areas of the weight-bearing acetabulum dome, average stress and peak stress are different. The knee varus and valgus at 20° were statistically significant, which may be the key pathogenesis of hip arthritis.
Concomitant Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava and Horseshoe Kidney
Authors: Jaffer Faraz , Chandiramani Vijay
Published: January 2015

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) and horseshoe kidney (HSK) are common congenital abnormalities; however presence of both in the same person is extremely rare. A patient with hepatitis C cirrhosis awaiting transplant presented with worsening liver dysfunction, diagnosed with acute renal failure secondary to hepatorenal syndrome, and required X-ray fluoroscopy guided tunneled venous catheter placement for hemodialysis. Review of imaging studies demonstrated coexistence of PLSVC and HSK. PLSVC in adulthood is usually incidental with the most common drainage pattern being without physiologic dysfunction. Isolated horseshoe kidney is still the most common of renal fusion anomalies; however etiology of coexistent PLSVC remains unknown.
Intraosseous Ganglion of the Distal Tibia: Clinical, Radiological, and Operative Management
Authors: Sedeek Sedeek Mohamed , Choudry Q. , Garg S.
Published: January 2015

Intraosseous ganglia are benign cystic lesions located in the subchondral bone. Intraosseous ganglion cysts of the ankle are relatively uncommon. We present a case of recurrent intraosseous ganglion in the ankle of a 41-year-old female who had recurrence after initial surgery. She was treated effectively by curettage and autogenous cancellous bone grafting. At the final follow-up, satisfactory results were obtained with no recurrence or complications.
Nonuniform Overlapping Method in Designing Microstrip Patch Antennas Using Genetic Algorithm Optimization
Authors: Jayasinghe J. M. Jeevani W. , Anguera Jaume , Uduwawala Disala N. , Andújar Aurora
Published: January 2015

Genetic algorithm (GA) has been a popular optimization technique used for performance improvement of microstrip patch antennas (MPAs). When using GA, the patch geometry is optimized by dividing the patch area into small rectangular cells. This has an inherent problem of adjacent cells being connected to each other with infinitesimal connections, which may not be achievable in practice due to fabrication tolerances in chemical etching. As a solution, this paper presents a novel method of dividing the patch area into cells with nonuniform overlaps. The optimized design, which is obtained by using fixed overlap sizes, shows a quad-band performance covering GSM1800, GSM1900, LTE2300, and Bluetooth bands. In contrast, use of nonuniform overlap sizes leads to obtaining a pentaband design covering GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS, LTE2300, and Bluetooth bandswith fractional bands with of 38% due to the extra design flexibility.
Genetic Algorithm for Multiple Bus Line Coordination on Urban Arterial
Authors: Yang Zhen , Wang Wei , Chen Shuyan , Ding Haoyang , Li Xiaowei
Published: January 2015

Bus travel time on road section is defined and analyzed with the effect of multiple bus lines. An analytical model is formulated to calculate the total red time a bus encounters when travelling along the arterial. Genetic algorithm is used to optimize the offset scheme of traffic signals to minimize the total red time that all bus lines encounter in two directions of the arterial. The model and algorithm are applied to the major part ofZhongshan NorthStreet in the city of Nanjing. The results show that the methods in this paper can reduce total red time of all the bus lines by 31.9% on the object arterial and thus improve the traffic efficiency of the whole arterial and promote public transport priority.
Physical Properties of ZnO Thin Films Codoped with Titanium and Hydrogen Prepared by RF Magnetron Sputtering with Different Substrate Temperatures
Authors: Wang Fang-Hsing , Chao Jen-Chi , Liu Han-Wen , Kang Tsung-Kuei
Published: January 2015

Transparent conducting titanium‐doped zinc oxide (TZO) thin films were prepared on glass substrates by RF magnetron sputtering using 1.5 wt% TiO2‐doped ZnO as the target. Electrical, structural, and optical properties of films were investigated as a function of H2/(Ar + H2) flow ratios (RH) and substrate temperatures (TS). The optimal RH value for achieving high conducting TZO:H thin film decreased from 10% to 1% when TS increased from RT to 300°C. The lowest resistivity of 9.2 × 10−4 Ω‐cm was obtained as TS = 100°C and RH = 7.5%. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that all of TZO:H films had a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a preferred orientation in the (002) direction. Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed that the film surface roughness increased with increasing RH. The average visible transmittance decreased with increasing RH for the RT‐deposited film, while it had not considerably changed with different RH for the 300°C‐deposited films. The optical bandgap increased as RH increased, which is consistent with the Burstein‐Moss effect. The figure of merits indicated that TS = 100°C and RH = 7.5% were optimal conditions for TZO thin films as transparent conducting electrode applications.
Scar Dechanneling
Authors: Berruezo Antonio , Fernández-Armenta Juan , Andreu David , Penela Diego , Herczku Csaba , Evertz Reinder , Cipolletta Laura , Acosta Juan , Borràs Roger , Arbelo Elena , Tolosana Jose María , Brugada Josep , Mont Lluis
Published: January 2015

Background—

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) substrate ablation usually requires extensive ablation. Scar dechanneling technique may limit the extent of ablation needed.

Methods and Results—

The study included 101 consecutive patients with left ventricular scar–related VT (75 ischemic patients; left ventricular ejection fraction, 36±13%). Procedural end point was the elimination of all identified conducting channels (CCs) by ablation at the CC entrance followed by abolition of residual inducible VTs. By itself, scar dechanneling rendered noninducibility in 54.5% of patients; ablation of residual inducible VT increased noninducibility to 78.2%. Patients needing only scar dechanneling had a shorter procedure (213±64 versus 244±71 minutes;
P
=0.027), fewer radiofrequency applications (19±11% versus 27±18%;
P
=0.01), and external cardioversion/defibrillation shocks (20% versus 65.2%;
P
<0.001). At 2 years, patients needing scar dechanneling alone had better event-free survival (80% versus 62%) and lower mortality (5% versus 11%). Incomplete CC-electrogram elimination was the only independent predictor (hazard ratio, 2.54 [1.06–6.10]) for the primary end point. Higher end point-free survival rates were observed in patients noninducible after scar dechanneling (log-rank
P
=0.013) and those with complete CC-electrogram elimination (log-rank
P
=0.013). The complications rate was 6.9%, with no deaths.

Conclusions—

Scar dechanneling alone results in low recurrence and mortality rates in more than half of patients despite the limited ablation extent required. Residual inducible VT ablation improves acute results, but patients who require it have worse outcomes. Recurrences are mainly related to incomplete CC-electrogram elimination.
Percutaneous Treatment of Adult Isthmic Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Kische Stephan , D’Ancona Giuseppe , Stoeckicht Yannik , Ortak Jasmin , Elsässer Albrecht , Ince Hüseyin
Published: January 2015

Background—

To present perioperative and long-term results of percutaneous treatment of adult isthmic coarctation of the aorta by means of a self-expandable closed-web uncovered nitinol stent (Sinus-XL, Optimed, Esslingen, Germany).

Methods and Results—

Preoperative, perioperative, and long-term clinical and computed tomographic angiography data were collected and analyzed prospectively. A total of 52 consecutive patients were treated with the Sinus-XL stent. Mean age was 36.6 (21–67) years, peak invasive trans–coarctation of the aorta gradient was 54.7±9.9 mm Hg, and upper body hypertension unresponsive to medical treatment was present in all patients. Mean stent diameter and length were 24.2 mm (22–28 mm) and 70.4 mm (40–80 mm), respectively. Eight patients (15.4%) required coarctation of the aorta predilatation. All patients underwent poststent dilatation with a noncompliant balloon. Postoperative peak gradient (3.3±2.5 mm Hg) was reduced significantly (
P
<0.001) and minimal aortic diameter was increased significantly (4.6±1.9 versus 18.6±2.5 mm;
P
<0.001). All patients were discharged home (mean hospitalization, 3.5 days). At follow-up (47.6 months; 12–84), 1 (1.9%) noncardiovascular mortality was reported. Aortic computed tomography confirmed the absence of stent collapse and secondary migration and documented stability in aortic diameter (18.3±2.7 mm). Thirty patients (57.7%) were completely weaned-off antihypertensive medications and their use dropped from 2.6 to 0.9 drugs/patient (
P
<0.001). Ankle-brachial pressure index increased from 0.75 to 0.98 (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Adult coarctation of the aorta treatment by means of a self-expandable uncovered stent is safe and durable. The peculiar stent design maintains adequate localized radial strength over time with minimal trauma on the adjacent aortic wall and negligible device-related complications. Blood pressure control optimization is immediate and persistent even at long-term follow-up.
A seed micromorphology study of Astragalus sect. Caprini (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) from NE Iran
Authors: Saghi Mohammad Reza - , Jafari Azarnoosh - , Yazdanbakhsh Zahra -
Published: January 2015

Seed micromorphology of 14 species of the Astragalus sect. Caprini from Khorasan Razavi Province (NE Iran) was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Three main seed shapes, ovoid, mitiform and reniform, and four types of seed coat ornamentation, rugulate, reticulate–rugulate, velate and velate–foveolate were found. Seed micromorphology of the studied specimens was found to be variable between species. An identification key is presented based on seed coat characters.
How Does the Majority Public React to Multiculturalist Policies? A Comparative Analysis of European Countries
Authors: Hooghe Marc , de Vroome Thomas
Published: January 2015

Migration and ethnic minority integration remain heavily contested issues in numerous European countries. Over the past decade, researchers and political commentators have observed an apparent retreat from multiculturalist policies related to a belief that multiculturalism has lost support among the majority public. Recently, however, based on analyses of the evolution of migrant integration policies, it has been demonstrated that multiculturalist policies were largely left in place. To investigate the effect of multiculturalist policies on public opinion, we use a multilevel analysis of three policy indicators (Multiculturalism Policy Index, Index of Citizenship Rights for Immigrants–Cultural diversity, and Migrant Integration Policy Index) and European Social Survey data in 20 European countries. Results show that multiculturalist policies, as measured by Multiculturalism Policy Index and Index of Citizenship Rights for Immigrants–Cultural diversity, and migrant integration policies more generally, as measured by Migrant Integration Policy Index, to some extent are associated with lower levels of anti-immigrant sentiments, while they do not affect public attitudes toward political institutions. Regarding political attitudes, especially respondents with higher education levels tend to respond in a more positive manner to multiculturalist policies than respondents with lower education levels.
Color-Blind and Color-Visible Identity Among American Whites
Authors: McDermott Monica
Published: January 2015

Many signs point to the contemporary period as a color-blind era, one in which Whites purport to be unaware of race in social or political life. At the same time, White ethnic and racial identity continues to be measured in official government statistics such as the decennial U.S. Census and the annual American Community Survey (ACS). To adjudicate between the two, the ACS ancestry question response can be used not just as a means to measure the actual size of national origin populations but can also be a way to understand what it means to be “White” in an era of color blindness and optional ethnicity. White identities can provide the mechanisms by which color-blind ideologies are understood and expressed. Whites whose primary identity is “American” will understand race in a different way than a White respondent who identifies with a European ethnicity—yet each identity can lead to the same color-blind beliefs. To assess the appeal of different varieties of White identity, the responses of 16,632 non-Hispanic Whites to the ancestry question on the 2011 ACS are used. Based on these data, one can discern four primary types of White identity prevalent in the United States today: “White” (6%), “American” (10%), “ethnic” (62%), and “none” (12%). Each identity is most appealing to a different segment of the population—for example, older, urban Whites are most likely to claim an ethnic identity, while younger Whites living in rural areas with larger Hispanic populations are most likely to claim simply that their ethnic ancestry is “White.” Each identity also suggests a different pathway to color blindness.
Priming Implicit Prosody: Prosodic Boundaries and Individual Differences
Authors: Jun Sun-Ah , Bishop Jason
Published: January 2015

Using the structural priming paradigm, the present study explores predictions made by the implicit prosody hypothesis (IPH) by testing whether an implicit prosodic boundary generated from a silently read sentence influences attachment preference for a novel, subsequently read sentence. Results indicate that such priming does occur, as evidenced by an effect on relative clause attachment. In particular, priming an implicit boundary directly before a relative clause – cued by commas in orthography – encouraged high attachment of that relative clause, although the size of the effect depended somewhat on individual differences in pragmatic/communication skills (as measured by the Autism Spectrum Quotient). Thus, in addition to supporting the basic claims of the IPH, the present study demonstrates the relevance of such individual differences to sentence processing, and that implicit prosodic structure, like syntactic structure, can be primed.
Fear-Appeal Messages: Message Processing and Affective Attitudes
Authors: Rhodes Nancy
Published: January 2015

Theories of fear appeals suggest that fear-inducing messages can be effective, but public service announcements (PSAs) that emphasize fear do not always lead to desired change in behavior. To better understand how fear-inducing PSAs are processed, an experiment testing the effects of exposure to safe-driving messages is reported. College students ( N = 108) viewed PSAs of varying message sensation value (MSV). Results indicated that messages with medium MSV resulted in intentions to drive more slowly than messages with low or high MSV. Measures of affective attitudes indicated that medium MSV messages resulted in fast driving being rated as less fun and exciting than those of either high or low MSV. These affective evaluations mediated the effect of message exposure on driving intention. Message derogation was not related to message intensity. Production of message-related thoughts decreased, and emotional thoughts increased with message intensity. This decrease in processing of message content suggested a limited capacity explanation for the effect of highly intense fear appeals.
Strategic masculinities: Vulnerabilities, risk and the production of prison masculinities
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary , Maier Katharina , Hannah-Moffat Kelly
Published: January 2015

Expressions of masculinity in prison are most often characterized as being structured in response to an environment that encourages displays of stoicism, bravery, physical prowess and violence/aggression. However, we found that the antagonistic, precarious and risk-prone environment of the prison shapes prisoners’ behaviours and the constitution of ‘normative’ and hegemonic masculinities in more nuanced ways than prior research suggests. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 56 male parolees, we explored how these men perceived and responded to risk while incarcerated, as well as how prison masculinities are linked with experiences and management of risk to their personal (legal, physical and emotional) safety. In this article, we focus on how prisoners mobilized and negotiated their masculine subjectivities to handle the uncertainty of imprisonment and the various risks they encountered in prison. We argue that penal risks and prison masculinities are mutually constitutive; risk is linked to perceptions of physical and emotional vulnerability, which shape prisoners’ masculine embodiment. Simultaneously, prisoners try to respond to uncertainty and perceived risk in ways that present their masculinity as empowered rather than submissive. Our findings advance the conceptualization of prison and hegemonic masculinities, penal environments and risk/uncertainty.
Streptococcal M1 protein triggers chemokine formation, neutrophil infiltration, and lung injury in an NFAT-dependent manner
Authors: Zhang Songen , Zhang Su , Garcia-Vaz Eliana , Herwald Heiko , Gomez Maria F , Thorlacius Henrik
Published: January 2015

Streptococcus pyogenes of the M1 serotype can cause STSS, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of NFAT signaling in M1 protein-induced lung injury. NFAT-luc mice were treated with the NFAT inhibitor A-285222 before administration of the M1 protein. Neutrophil infiltration, edema, and CXC chemokines were quantified in the lung, 4 h after challenge with the M1 protein. Flow cytometry was used to determine Mac-1 expression. Challenge with the M1 protein increased NFAT-dependent transcriptional activity in the lung, spleen, and liver in NFAT-luc mice. Administration of the NFAT inhibitor A-285222 abolished M1 protein-evoked NFAT activation in the lung, spleen, and liver. M1 protein challenge induced neutrophil recruitment, edema, and CXC chemokine production in the lung, as well as up-regulation of Mac-1 on circulating neutrophils. Inhibition of NFAT activity attenuated M1 protein-induced neutrophil infiltration by 77% and edema formation by 50% in the lung. Moreover, administration of A-285222 reduced M1 protein-evoked pulmonary formation of CXC chemokine >80%. In addition, NFAT inhibition decreased M1 protein-triggered Mac-1 up-regulation on neutrophils. These findings indicate that NFAT signaling controls pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils in response to streptococcal M1 protein via formation of CXC chemokines and neutrophil expression of Mac-1. Thus, the targeting of NFAT activity might be a useful way to ameliorate lung injury in streptococcal infections.
Randomized Phase III Trial Comparing Weekly Docetaxel Plus Cisplatin Versus Docetaxel Monotherapy Every 3 Weeks in Elderly Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: The Intergroup Trial JCOG0803/WJOG4307L
Authors: Abe Tetsuya , Takeda Koji , Ohe Yuichiro , Kudoh Shinzoh , Ichinose Yukito , Okamoto Hiroaki , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Minato Koichi , Sawa Toshiyuki , Iwamoto Yasuo , Saka Hideo , Mizusawa Junki , Shibata Taro , Nakamura Shinichiro , Ando Masahiko , Yokoyama Akira , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Saijo Nagahiro , Tamura Tomohide
Published: January 2015

Purpose

This phase III trial aimed to confirm the superiority of weekly docetaxel and cisplatin over docetaxel monotherapy in elderly patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and Methods

Chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage III, stage IV, or recurrent NSCLC age ≥ 70 years with a performance status of 0 or 1 who were considered unsuitable for bolus cisplatin administration were randomly assigned to receive docetaxel 60 mg/m2 on day 1, every 3 weeks, or docetaxel 20 mg/m2 plus cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15, every 4 weeks. The primary end point was overall survival (OS).

Results

In the first interim analysis, OS of the doublet arm was inferior to that of the monotherapy arm (hazard ratio [HR], 1.56; 95% CI, 0.98 to 2.49), and the predictive probability that the doublet arm would be statistically superior to the monotherapy arm on final analysis was 0.996%, which led to early study termination. In total, 276 patients with a median age of 76 years (range, 70 to 87 years) were enrolled. At the updated analysis, the median survival time was 14.8 months for the monotherapy arm and 13.3 months for the doublet arm (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.69). The rates of grade ≥ 3 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia were higher in the monotherapy arm, and those of anorexia and hyponatremia were higher in the doublet arm.

Conclusion

This study failed to demonstrate any survival advantage of weekly docetaxel plus cisplatin over docetaxel monotherapy as first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC in elderly patients.
Actions of the Small Molecule Ligands SW106 and AH-3960 on the Type-1 Parathyroid Hormone Receptor
Authors: Carter Percy H. , Dean Thomas , Bhayana Brijesh , Khatri Ashok , Rajur Raj , Gardella Thomas J.
Published: January 2015

The parathyroid hormone receptor-1 (PTHR1) plays critical roles in regulating blood calcium levels and bone metabolism and is thus of interest for small-molecule ligand development. Of the few small-molecule ligands reported for the PTHR1, most are of low affinity, and none has a well-defined mechanism of action. Here, we show that SW106 and AH-3960, compounds previously identified to act as an antagonist and agonist, respectively, on the PTHR1, each bind to PTHR1-delNT, a PTHR1 construct that lacks the large amino-terminal extracellular domain used for binding endogenous PTH peptide ligands, with the same micromolar affinity with which it binds to the intact PTHR1. SW106 antagonized PTHR1-mediated cAMP signaling induced by the peptide analog, M-PTH(1–11), as well as by the native PTH(1–9) sequence, as tethered to the extracellular end of transmembrane domain (TMD) helix-1 of the receptor. SW106, however, did not function as an inverse agonist on either PTHR1-H223R or PTHR1-T410P, which have activating mutations at the cytoplasmic ends of TMD helices 2 and 6, respectively. The overall data indicate that SW106 and AH-3960 each bind to the PTHR1 TMD region and likely to within an extracellularly exposed area that is occupied by the N-terminal residues of PTH peptides. Additionally, they suggest that the inhibitory effects of SW106 are limited to the extracellular portions of the TMD region that mediate interactions with agonist ligands but do not extend to receptor-activation determinants situated more deeply in the helical bundle. The study helps to elucidate potential mechanisms of small-molecule binding at the PTHR1.
Ethnolinguistic vitality, attitudes and normative pressure as predicors of motivation in learning and speaking Hungarian as second language in Slovenia
Authors: Marton Enikő , Joyce Nicholas , Vincze László
Published: January 2015

The present study examines the motivational context of learning and speaking Hungarian as a second language among the Slovenian-speaking youth in the Dolinsko/ Lendvavidék region of Slovenia. Survey data (N = 119) was collected among secondary school students in 2012 and analysed with path analysis. The results provided considerable support for the proposed model. Findings and implications are discussed, and suggestions for future research are made.Kokkuvõte. Enikő Marton, Nicholas Joyce ja László Vincze: Etnolingvistiline vitaalsus, suhtumised ja normatiivne surve motivatsiooni argumenttunnustena ungari keele kui teise keele õppimisel ja rääkimisel Sloveenias. Artiklis uuritakse motivatsiooni õppida ja rääkida ungari keelt teise keelena sloveeni keelt kõnelevate noorte hulgas Dolinsko/Lendvavidéki piirkonnas Sloveenias. Küsitlusandmed koguti 119 keskkooliõpilaselt 2012. aastal ning neid analüüsiti teeanalüüsi abil. Tulemused toetasid autorite esitatud mudelit. Artiklis käsitletakse tulemusi ja järeldusi ning antakse soovitusi edasiseks uurimistööks.Märksõnad: etnolingvistiline vitaalsus, teise keele õppimine, motivatsioon, suhtlustahe, vähemuskeel, ungari keel Sloveenias
A Course on Advanced Software Tools for Operations Research and Analytics
Authors: Dunning Iain , Gupta Vishal , King Angela , Kung Jerry , Lubin Miles , Silberholz John
Published: January 2015

It is increasingly important for researchers and practitioners to be familiar with methods and software tools for analyzing large data sets, formulating and solving large-scale mathematical optimization models, and sharing solutions using interactive media. Unfortunately, advanced software tools are seldom included in curricula of graduate-level operations research (OR) and analytics programs. We describe a course consisting of eight three-hour modules intended to introduce master’s and Ph.D. students to advanced software tools for OR and analytics: machine learning in R, data wrangling, visualization, big data, algebraic modeling with JuMP, high-performance and distributed computing, Internet and databases, and advanced mixed integer linear programming (MILP) techniques. For each module, we outline content, provide course materials, summarize student feedback, and share lessons learned from two iterations of the course. Student feedback was very positive, and all students reported that the course equipped them with software skills useful for their own research. We believe our course materials could serve as a template for the development of effective OR and analytics software tools courses and discuss how they could be adapted to other educational settings.
Game—The Dressing Change Game
Authors: Tucker Anita L , Lefton Cindy
Published: January 2015

Many employees face operational failures—missing or insufficient supplies, equipment, information, and personnel—that interfere with their workflow and can negatively impact organizational performance. However, employees often devise methods to work around these obstacles that may come with negative side effects. The Dressing Change Game is a 40-minute in-class exercise that enables students to directly experience workarounds as a natural response to operational failures and allows them to see the trade-off between short-term and longer-term organizational performance that occurs as a result of workarounds. The overarching learning objective is for students to gain an appreciation that optimizing individual- or unit-level performance likely undermines organizational-level performance.

Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Puzzle—Shedding Light on Higher Dimensions
Authors: Chlond Martin J.
Published: January 2015

Lights Out puzzles have been a popular computer pastime since the eighties. They consist of a grid of cells with each cell in one of two states, lit or unlit. When a cell is clicked, then that cell and its immediate neighbors toggle between lit and unlit. The objective is to identify the set of cells that must be clicked such that the entire grid is lit. Many variations on this theme devised by Jaap Scherphuis are at www.jaapsch.net/puzzles/lights.htm and one particularly interesting twist is at www.jaapsch.net/puzzles/java/lograph/lographapp.htm . This page implements, in the form of a Java applet, a set of tools to allow the creating, editing and playing of Lights Out puzzles on graphs. The nodes of the graph represent cells, and edges join any two cells that are considered neighbours. I show how to formulate Lights Out puzzles as integer programs and produce solutions using GLPK and Minisat. These are, respectively, open source software programs to solve Integer Programs and Satisfiability problems and are available within the GUSEK environment which may be downloaded from http://gusek.sourceforge.net/gusek.htm.
An Exact Decomposition Approach for the Real-Time Train Dispatching Problem
Authors: Lamorgese Leonardo , Mannino Carlo
Published: January 2015

Trains’ movements on a railway network are regulated by official timetables. Deviations and delays occur quite often in practice, demanding fast rescheduling and rerouting decisions in order to avoid conflicts and minimize overall delay. This is the real-time train dispatching problem. In contrast with the classic “holistic” approach, we show how to decompose the problem into smaller subproblems associated with the line and the stations. This decomposition is the basis for a master-slave solution algorithm, in which the master problem is associated with the line and the slave problem is associated with the stations. The two subproblems are modeled as mixed integer linear programs, with specific sets of variables and constraints. Similarly to the classical Benders’ decomposition approach, slave and master communicate through suitable feasibility cuts in the variables of the master. Extensive tests on real-life instances from single and double-track lines in Italy showed significant improvements over current dispatching performances. A decision support system based on this exact approach has been in operation in Norway since February 2014 and represents one of the first operative applications of mathematical optimization to train dispatching.
Paget's disease: a clinical review
Authors: Shah Mukul , Shahid Farhan , Chakravarty Kuntal
Published: January 2015

Paget's disease was first described more than 150 years ago, but the exact cause is still unknown – genes and the environment are both important. This article explores the basic science and clinical aspects of this intriguing condition.
Treat to target in managing inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Mian A , Scott DL
Published: January 2015

Treating to target has been used in many areas of medicine, including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease risk. This principle has now been applied to rheumatological conditions, notably inflammatory arthritis. This article discusses the role and importance of this management approach in inflammatory arthritis.
The definitive guide to good teaching?
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: January 2015

The review What Makes Great Teaching? brings together evidence to guide practitioners. But should this review of research lead to a revolution in practice? Suzanne O'Connell takes a look at the study and speaks to schools with outstanding teaching
Family Homework Project: Learning together
Authors: Carpentieri JD , Swain Jon
Published: January 2015

The Family Homework project, run by five primary schools in London, has proved successful at engaging parents and encouraging families to work and learn together. Jon Swain and JD Carpentieri explain more
Supporting pupils with ADHD
Authors: Lloyd Tony
Published: January 2015

Dr Tony Lloyd offers advice on how to improve learning and achievement for pupils with ADHD
Some practical ideas and advice for computing
Authors: Mainprize Patrick , Elleston Gregory
Published: January 2015

We continue our recent series of articles offering advice and practical ideas for teaching the new computing curriculum. Here, former headteacher Pat Mainprize and teacher Gregory Elleston offer some ideas for each of the core elements of the new curriculum
Meeting the Workload Challenge
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: January 2015

The government's consultation on teacher workload has ended with an estimated 40,000 teachers responding to the call for evidence. While we wait for the Department for Education's conclusions, Suzanne O'Connell looks at what methods headteachers are using to reduce the load for their staff
The effectiveness of auditory stimulation in children with autism spectrum disorders: A case–control study
Authors: Gee Bryan , Thompson Kelly , Pierce Aaron , Toupin Megan , Holst Jennifer
Published: January 2015

Background/Aim:

The Listening Program (TLP) is a sound-based intervention that claims to treat the behavioural challenges of children diagnosed on the autism spectrum with sensory processing difficulties. There is a paucity of peer-reviewed evidence supporting its use. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TLP reduces sensory over-responsitivity (SOR) to auditory stimuli.

Methods:

Data were collected over a 28-week period using an ABAB multiple events case–control design of testing and treatment intervals to capture the responses of three participants to TLP.

Results:

Graphs from repeated measures data were drawn to analyse the direction and level of trend lines. There was a high variability of responses, with participants responding positively and others negatively at different stages of the study.

Conclusions:

The results lend some support to the use of TLP with children on the autism spectrum who are experiencing auditory SOR.
Proposing a model for absorption capacity of technology
Authors: Gholizadeh Hossein , Bonyadi Naeini Ali , Moini Alireza
Published: January 2015

Absorption capacity of knowledge is the concept which is been introduced in this situation. This phenomenon describes why some countries are in a better condition with a view to technology. Many countries believe that the power to stay in the battle and excel other competitors directly depends on their abilities in taking knowledge. Many countries have used their technological gap with developed countries as an accelerator for improving their absorption capacity. In this study, authors tried to produce a complete definition for absorption capacity through analyzing different research. Then with using expert opinions, a categorization for dimensions of absorption capacity will be prepared by using the structural equation modeling analysis, and finally a model for measuring absorption capacity is suggested. The results show effective dimensions in 5 different section. Studies depict that the most important one is keeping which could be a fundamental for long-term policies of 1404.
Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling for Exclusive Breastfeeding in Rural Pediatrics: A Cluster RCT
Authors: Sikander Siham , Maselko Joanna , Zafar Shamsa , Haq Zaeem , Ahmad Ikhlaq , Ahmad Mansoor , Hafeez Assad , Rahman Atif
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE:

To test the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral counseling on the rate and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first 6 months of an infant’s life compared with routine counseling.

METHODS:

A single blind cluster-randomized controlled trial was undertaken in 40 Union Councils of a rural district in the northwest province of Pakistan between May 2009 and April 2010. By simple unmatched randomization, 20 Union Councils were each allocated to intervention and control arms. Two hundred twenty-four third trimester pregnant women in the intervention and 228 third trimester pregnant women in the control arm were enrolled and followed-up biweekly until 6 months postpartum. Analyses were by intention to treat. Mothers in the intervention group received 7 sessions of cognitive-behavioral counseling from antenatal to 6 months postpartum, whereas the control group received an equal number of routine sessions. Proportion of mothers exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months postpartum and duration of EBF through these 6 months was assessed.

RESULTS:

At 6 months postpartum, 59.6% of mothers in the intervention arm and 28.6% in the control arm were exclusively breastfeeding. This translates into a 60% reduced risk of stopping exclusively breastfeeding during the first 6 months (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.40 [95% confidence interval: 0.27–0.60], P < .001). Mothers in the intervention group were half as likely to use prelacteal feeds with their infants (adjusted relative risk, 0.51 [95% confidence interval: 0.34–0.78]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with routine counseling, cognitive-behavioral counseling significantly prolonged the duration of EBF, doubling the rates of EBF at 6 months postpartum.
Caustic Ingestions Mimicking Anaphylaxis: Case Studies and Literature Review
Authors: Sherenian Michael G. , Clee Mark , Schondelmeyer Amanda C. , de Alarcón Alessandro , Li Jinzhu , Assa’ad Amal , Risma Kimberly
Published: January 2015

Anaphylaxis presents in children with rapid involvement of typically 2 or more organ systems including cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory. Caustic ingestions (CI) may also present with acute involvement of cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. We present 2 cases of “missed diagnosis” that illustrate how CI presenting with respiratory symptoms can be mistaken for anaphylaxis owing to these similarities. Both of these patients had delay in appropriate care for CI as a result. These cases demonstrate the importance of considering CI in children who have gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory distress, and oropharyngeal edema.
Assessment of Color Stability of Treated Leathers with Silicone Oil and Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: K. Alireza , Ahmadi Hossein , Mohammadi Mohsen
Published: January 2015

Lubricants and leather dressings are the most common treatments of dry and water logged historical leathers. Color change has a great importance during the time and treatment process, due to visual and aesthetic values of historic leather relics. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and silicone oil (SiO) are frequently used leather dressings in the conservation procedures. Therefore, color stability of treated leathers with PEG and SiO were investigated before and after heat accelerated aging. Moreover, application of ascorbic acid was evaluated as an antioxidant additive for PEG (PEG+AA).Color change after treatment and aging were studied by colorimetry technique in the CIE *L*a*b system. Results indicated to severe color alteration in PEG treated and aged leathers with or without ascorbic acid. Whereas, SiO treated samples showed better stability and minimum color shift after aging. Silicone oil was characterized as the best dressing for historical leathers with compared to PEG and PEG+AA, due to its high stability and aesthetical properties.
Waterflood Using a Muskeg Water Source - Milligan Creek Unit, B.C.
Authors: Cracknell W.C.
Published: January 2015

The Milligan Creek field, in northeastern British Columbia, is a small but high-capacity sand reservoir of Triassic age. Waterflooding was initiated early in the life of the reservoir to provide pressure maintenance and increase oil recovery from the pool. Due to the lack of a subsurface supply in the area, muskeg water from a nearby creek was utilized. This cold water, with its high content of iron and organic material, has proved to be a major water treatment problem. After considerable experimentation, a process using flocculation, filtration through a sand-anthracite filter and deaeration was found to yield water satisfactory for injection, although a seasonal variation in water quality remains a problem.

Four years of waterflooding have yielded satisfactory results, with a decrease in voidage, an increase in reservoir pressure and the attainment of a high level of production for a pool of this size. Performance has been accurately predicted by means of a potentiometric model, which has proved to be a useful tool in guiding the progress of pool operation. Recovery to date of 15 per cent of the original oil in place is approaching what was expected under primary solution gas drive, and this should more than double under waterflood.
Interpretation of Dipmeter Data in the Devonian Carbonates and Evaporites of the Rainbow and Zama Areas
Authors: Cox John W.
Published: January 2015

Knowledge of structural dip in the carbonates and evaporites overlying Keg River reefs is a valuable aid in describing reef geometry. Access to this information can be achieved through the interpretation of the continuous dipmeter log.

The route to structural dip and direction is not always straightforward, as local bedding patterns may be quite different from the over-all structural dip. With selectivity in the computing system and an understanding of the environment from which data are extracted, reliable resolution of structural dip is made possible.

Correlations between wells drilled on close spacing indicate excellent continuity on many of the very thin beds and bedding planes used for dipmeter computation. The structural dip computed from this device compares favorably with the dip calculated from correlations between wells.

The use of the dipmeter tool has enabled operators to evaluate adjoining acreage and to whipstock up-dip into production from a dry hole.
Chalcopyrite semimagnetic semiconductors: From nanocomposite to homogeneous material
Authors: Kilanski L. , Dobrowolski W. , Szymczak R. , Dynowska E. , Wójcik M. , Romcevic M. , Romcevic N. , Fedorchenko I.V. , Marenkin S.F.
Published: January 2015

Currently, complex ferromagnetic semiconductor systems are of significant
interest due to their potential applicability in spintronics. A key feature
in order to use semiconductor materials in spintronics is the presence of
room temperature ferromagnetism. This feature was recently observed and is
intensively studied in several Mn-alloyed II-IV-V2 group diluted magnetic
semiconductor systems. The paper reviews the origin of room temperature
ferromagnetism in II-IV-V2 compounds. In view of our recent reports the room
temperature ferromagnetism in Mn-alloyed chalcopyrite semiconductors with
more than 5 molar % of Mn is due to the presence of MnAs clusters. The
solubility of magnetic impurities in bulk II-IV-V2 materials is of the order
of a few percent, depending on the alloy composition. High values of the
conducting hole - Mn ion exchange constant Jpd have significant value equal
to 0.75 eV for Zn0.997Mn0.003GeAs2. The sample quality has significant effect
on the magnetotransport of the alloy. The magnetoresistance of the alloy
change main physical mechanism from spin-disorder scattering and weak
localization for homogeneous samples to cluster-related geometrical effect
observed for nanocomposite samples. The magnetoresistance of the II-IV-V2
alloys can be then tuned up to a few hundreds of percent via changes of the
chemical composition of the alloy as well as a degree of disorder present in
a material.
Isokinetic parameters of thermal degradation of powder of [Cd(N-Boc-gly)2(H2O)2]n
Authors: Begovic N. , Vasic M.M. , Grkovic A. , Blagojevic V.A. , Minic D.M.
Published: January 2015

The coordination polymer [Cd(N-Boc-gly)2(H2O)2]n undergoes thermally induced
degradation in temperature region between 60 and 900oC. Kinetic parameters
were determined for dehydration (63-123oC) and further degradation processes
(123-461?C) using different isoconversional and non-isoconversional methods.
Due to appearance of kinetic ?compensation effect?, isokinetic temperatures
were determined for individual degradation processes and correlated with
resonant vibrational frequencies ascribed to Cd-OH2 coordination bond, Cd-O
(O from N-Boc-glyH ligand) coordination bond and C-O covalent bond.
Preparation and properties of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 glass-ceramics by sintered frits particle from mining wastes
Authors: He F. , Zheng Y. , Xie J.
Published: January 2015

The paper reports on some experimental results obtained from the production
of glass-ceramics containing gold tailings powder (GTP). Frits particle
sintered technology was used to prepare glass ceramic products. SiO2, CaO,
ZnO, BaO and B2O3 were selected to adjust the composition of the glass. Based
on the results of differential thermal analysis (DTA), the nucleation and
crystallization temperature of parent glass samples with different schedule
were identified, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the
produced glass-ceramics materials revealed that the main crystalline phase
was ?-wollastonite. With the increasing of CaO content, the intensity of
crystal diffractive peaks also increases. The formation of ?-wollastonite
crystal could be accelerated by the increasing of CaO. The glass-ceramics
with fine microstructure showed better physical, mechanical properties and
chemical resistance. Overall results indicated that it was a feasible attempt
to produce glass-ceramics for building and decorative materials from waste
materials. The amount of GTP used in the glass batches was more than 65 wt%
of the whole raw.
Influence of nitrogen and air atmosphere during thermal treatment on micro and nano sized powders and sintered TiO2 specimens
Authors: Labus N. , Mentus S. , Djuric Z.Z. , Nikolic M.V.
Published: January 2015

The influence of air and nitrogen atmosphere during heating on TiO2 nano and
micro sized powders as well as sintered polycrystalline specimens was
analyzed. Sintering of TiO2 nano and micro powders in air atmosphere was
monitored in a dilatometer. Non compacted nano and micro powders were
analyzed separately in air and nitrogen atmospheres during heating using
thermo gravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The anatase
to rutile phase transition temperature interval is influenced by the powder
particle size and atmosphere change. At lower temperatures for nano TiO2
powder a second order phase transition was detected by both thermal
techniques. Polycrystalline specimens obtained by sintering from nano powders
were reheated in the dilatometer in nitrogen and air atmosphere, and their
shrinkage is found to be different. Powder particle size influence, as well
as the air and nitrogen atmosphere influence was discussed.