bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐stage mass spectrometric information obtained by deconvolution of energy‐resolved spectra acquired by triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Kanie Osamu , Kanie Yoshimi , Daikoku Shusaku , Shioiri Yuki , Kurimoto Ayako , Mutsuga Sachiko , Goto Satoshi , Ito Yukishige , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: May 2011

Triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry (TQ‐MS) provides the capability to carry out collision‐induced dissociation (CID) and it offers advantages in quantification when connected with high‐performance liquid chromatography through an electrospray ionization interface. However, although TQ‐MS provides information on partial structures through the analysis of product ions obtained by CID experiments, the method only provides single‐stage CID experiments, which limits the detailed structural information that can be obtained. Herein, a method of overcoming this limitation of TQ‐MS is described. A spectrum obtained by energy‐resolved mass spectrometry (ERMS) was used to deconvolute the fragmentation process, with a Galili‐antigenic trisaccharide derivative being used as an example. A replot of the ERMS data showing the ratios of the product ions to the precursor ion resulted in a descriptive graph. Analysis of the sum of the ratios of individual product ions to the precursor ion at specific CID energies revealed that the members of a series of product ions were related to each other. The obtained relationships and the m/z values of the product ions provided information on the fragmentation process taking place during the dissociation, indicating that the ERMS spectrum obtained by TQ‐MS contained equivalent information to that obtainable by multi‐stage MS/MS (MSn; n ≥ 2). This method may allow users of triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometers to obtain MSn‐type information by performing a single ERMS experiment, which is even advantageous over quadrupole ion trap (QIT)‐MS/MS because CID experiments on individual first‐generation product ions are not required. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hypergraph blow‐up lemma
Authors: Keevash Peter
Published: May 2011

We obtain a hypergraph generalisation of the graph blow‐up lemma proved by Komlós, Sarközy and Szemerédi, showing that hypergraphs with sufficient regularity and no atypical vertices behave as if they were complete for the purpose of embedding bounded degree hypergraphs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 39, 275–376, 2011
A Machine Learning Approach to Policy Optimization in System Dynamics Models
Authors: Chen Yao‐Tsung , Tu Yi‐Ming , Jeng Bingchiang
Published: May 2011

The paper proposes a policy design method for system dynamics models based on recurrent neural networks. A policy maker first directly creates an arbitrary desired reference mode and run the algorithm to search for the most appropriate model(s) automatically to fit it. In the searching process, both the system structure and its parameter values evolve simultaneously. Several experiments are conducted to evaluate our approach. The results show that our approach is as good as or better than other comparable methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal hemodynamic development in macrosomic growth
Authors: Ebbing C. , Rasmussen S. , Kiserud T.
Published: May 2011

Objective

To determine the venous and arterial hemodynamics underlying macrosomic fetal growth.

Methods

Fifty‐eight healthy women who previously had given birth to a large neonate were included in a prospective longitudinal study. Of these, 29 gave birth to neonates with birth weight ≥ 90th percentile and were included in the statistical analysis. Umbilical vein blood flow and Doppler measurements of the ductus venosus, left portal vein and the hepatic, splenic, superior mesenteric, cerebral and umbilical arteries were repeated at 3–5 examinations during the second half of pregnancy and compared with the corresponding reference values. Ultrasound biometry was used to estimate fetal weight.

Results

Umbilical blood flow increased faster in macrosomic fetuses, showed less blunting near term and was also significantly higher when normalized for estimated fetal weight (P < 0.0001). The portocaval perfusion pressure of the liver (expressed by the ductus venosus systolic blood velocity) and the left portal vein blood velocity (expressing umbilical venous distribution to the right liver lobe) were significantly higher. Systolic velocity was higher in the splenic, superior mesenteric, cerebral and umbilical arteries, while the pulsatility index was unaltered in the cerebral, hepatic, splenic and mesenteric arteries, but lower in the umbilical artery.

Conclusions

There is an augmented umbilical flow in macrosomic fetuses particularly near term, also when normalized for estimated fetal weight, providing increased liver perfusion, including the right liver lobe. Signs of increased vascular cross section and flow are also seen on the arterial side but not expressed in the pulsatility index of organs with prominent auto‐regulation (i.e. brain, liver, spleen and gut). Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural Studies of Some Compounds Containing C2 Fragments Attached to Various Metal‐Ligand End‐Groups
Authors: Bruce Michael I. , Gaudio Maryka , Hall Benjamin C. , Nicholson Brian K. , Perkins Gary J. , Skelton Brian W. , White Allan H.
Published: May 2011

The preparation, characterisation and single‐crystal XRD molecular structure determinations of four complexes containing –CC–MLn end‐groups, namely Ru{C≡CFc′(I)}(dppe)Cp (1), the vinylidene [Os(=C=CH2)(PPh3)2Cp]PF6 (2), trans‐Pt(C≡CC6H4‐4‐C≡CPh){C≡CC6H4‐4‐C2Ph[Co2(μ‐dppm)(CO)4]}(PPh3)2 (3), and C6H4{μ3‐C2[AuRu3(CO)9(PPh3)]}2‐1,4 (4) are reported. In these compounds a range of –CC– environments is found, extending from the σ‐bonded alkynyl group in 1 to examples where the C2 unit interacts with either a proton (in vinylidene 2), by bridging a dicobalt carbonyl moiety (in 3) or the AuRu3 cluster in 4. Changes in geometry are rationalised by considering the various bonding modes.
Silver(I) Complexes with Dithioether Ligands: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Ying , Gao Dong‐Zhao , Zhang Xin , Sun Ya‐Qiu
Published: May 2011

Two new dithioether ligands, 1,4‐bis[(phenylsulfanyl)methyl]naphthalene (L1), and 4,4′‐bis[(tert‐butylsulfanyl)methyl]biphenyl (L2) were synthesized and their silver(I) complexes were studied. Both AgI complexes, [AgL1(NO3)]n (1) and [AgL2(NO3)]2 (2), were synthesized at ambient temperature and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis shows that complex 1 has a one‐dimensional helical chain structure with the neutral repeating unit [Ag(μ2‐L1)(NO3)], whereas complex 2 has a centrosymmetrical neutral dinuclear structure. Moreover, complexes 1 and 2 are further extended into three‐dimensional supramolecular frameworks by hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions, respectively. In addition, complexes 1 and 2 display strong blue emission in the solid state at room temperature.
Prospective, Controlled, Randomized Study of Intraoperative Colonic Lavage Versus Stent Placement in Obstructive Left‐sided Colonic Cancer
Authors: Alcántara M. , Serra‐Aracil X. , Falcó J. , Mora L. , Bombardó J. , Navarro S.
Published: May 2011

Background

The main aim of this study was to compare short‐term results and long‐term outcomes of patients who underwent intraoperative colonic lavage (IOCL) with primary anastomosis with those who had stent placement prior to scheduled surgery for obstructive left‐sided colonic cancer (OLCC).

Methods

We conducted a prospective, controlled, randomized study of patients diagnosed with OLCC. Patients were divided into two groups: stent and deferred surgery (group 1) and emergency IOCL (group 2). Demographic variables, risk prediction models, postoperative morbidity and mortality, staging, complications due to stent placement, surgical time, clinical follow‐up, health costs, and follow‐up of survival were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients (15 group 1 and 13 group 1) were enrolled. The study was suspended upon detecting excess morbidity in group 2. The two groups were homogeneous in clinical and demographic terms. Overall morbidity in group 1 was 2/15 (13.3%) compared with 7/13 (53.8%) in group 2 (p = 0.042). None of the 15 patients in group 1 presented anastomotic dehiscence compared with 4/13 (30.7%) in group 2 (p = 0.035). Surgical site infection was detected in 2 (13.3%) patients in group 1 and in 6 (46.1%) in group 2 (p = 0.096). Postoperative stay was 8 days (IQR 3, group 1) and 10 days (IQR 10, group 2) (p = 0.05). The mean follow‐up period was 37.6 months (SD = 16.08) with no differences in survival between the groups.

Conclusion

In our setting, the use of a stent and scheduled surgery is safer than IOCL and is associated with lower morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and equally good long‐term survival.
A complete deficiency of Hyaluronoglucosaminidase 1 (HYAL1) presenting as familial juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Imundo Lisa , LeDuc Charles A. , Guha Saurav , Brown Marc , Perino Giorgio , Gushulak Lara , Triggs‐Raine Barbara , Chung Wendy K.
Published: May 2011

We describe a single consanguineous family with three affected children exhibiting knee and/or hip pain associated with swelling. Detailed clinical evaluation demonstrated diffuse joint involvement with an unusual proliferative synovitis on MRI. Synovial biopsies were notable for an infiltration of macrophages with abundant cytoplasm filled with faintly basophilic vacuoles. We used homozygosity mapping with a panel of 262,000 single nucleotide polymorphism markers to identify a homozygous stretch of 40.52 Mb on chromosome 3p22.3 – 3p13 that segregated with the arthropathy in the family. Of the 378 genes in the interval, the three hyaluronoglucosaminidase genes were considered good candidates based on the phenotype. Dideoxy sequencing identified a homozygous deletion in HYAL1, c.104delT, resulting in a premature termination codon, p.Val35AlafsX25, found in all three affected children. Enzymatic analysis confirmed total HYAL1 deficiency in the three affected children. This confirms the diagnosis of Mucopolysaccharidosis IX (MPS IX) which has only been described in a single patient to date. In contrast to the previously described MPS IX patient, our three patients display a phenotype limited to the joints, suggesting that this is the primary manifestation of HYAL1 deficiency.
Characterization of Crude Watermelon Seed Oil by Two Different Extractions Methods
Authors: de Conto Leilane Costa , Gragnani Marco Antonio Lefevre , Maus Diogo , Ambiel Hiria Cristina Ifanger , Chiu Ming Chih , Grimaldi Renato , Gonçalves Lireny Aparecida Guaraldo
Published: May 2011

The aim of this paper was to study the physical–chemical composition of the watermelon seed oil extracted by a mechanical process using an expeller and by a chemical process using hexane as the solvent. The watermelon seed oil had a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. The two primary sterols were stigmasterol and β‐sitosterol, which corresponded to approximately 47 and 30% of the total phytosterols. The oil had a low tocopherol content (65.19 mg/kg for S and 73.19 mg/kg for E). Comparing the two extraction methods, extraction by expeller produced an oil of superior quality with respect to oxidative stability, carotenoids and Lovibond color. No significant differences were found between the two extraction methods with respect to the minor components of the oil considered as functional, such as phytosterols.
German Cities in the World City Network
Authors: V. Beaverstock Jonathan
Published: May 2011

This paper provides a brief critical appraisal of the relationality of German cities in the world city network. The paper is divided into four parts. After the introduction, part two highlights the major findings of each individual contribution to this special issue, and teases out the major patterns of German world city connectivity at both the international and domestic scale. This is followed in part three by a critical evaluation of the sum of all the individual paper findings, which comments on their aggregated contribution to three significant themes in world city studies: methods and empirics, theory and policy. The final part of the paper considers an alternative research agenda, calling for more qualitative research and engagement with in-depth, process-based studies of German world city networks, which will analyse both attributive and relational data.
A coupled chemotaxis-fluid model: Global existence
Authors: Liu Jian-Guo , Lorz Alexander
Published: May 2011

We consider a model arising from biology, consisting of chemotaxis equations coupled to viscous incompressible fluid equations through transport and external forcing. Global existence of solutions to the Cauchy problem is investigated under certain conditions. Precisely, for the chemotaxis–Navier–Stokes system in two space dimensions, we obtain global existence for large data. In three space dimensions, we prove global existence of weak solutions for the chemotaxis–Stokes system with nonlinear diffusion for the cell density.

Nous considérons un modèle provenant de la biologie, composé dʼéquations de chimiotactisme couplées aux équations de fluide visqueux incompressible par le transport et le forçage externe. Lʼexistence globale des solutions du problème de Cauchy est étudiée sous certaines conditions. Précisément, pour le système chimiotactisme–Navier–Stokes en deux dimensions dʼespace, nous obtenons lʼexistence globale pour des données grandes. En trois dimensions dʼespace, nous démontrons lʼexistence globale des solutions faibles pour le système chimiotactisme–Stokes avec une diffusion non-linéaire de la densité des cellules.
Functional genetics in Apicomplexa: Potentials and limits
Authors: Limenitakis Julien , Soldati-Favre Dominique
Published: May 2011

The Apicomplexans are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites and the causative agents of severe diseases in humans and animals. Although complete genome sequences are available since many years and for several parasites, they are replete with putative genes of unassigned function. Forward and reverse genetic approaches are limited only to a few Apicomplexans that can either be propagated in vitro or in a convenient animal model. This review will compare and contrast the most recent strategies developed for the genetic manipulation of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium berghei and Toxoplasma gondii that have taken advantage of the intrinsic features of their respective genomes. Efforts towards the improvement of the transfection efficiencies in malaria parasites, the development of approaches to study essential genes and the elaboration of high‐throughput methods for the identification of gene function will be discussed.
The BRCA1 ubiquitin ligase and homologous recombination repair
Authors: Ohta Tomohiko , Sato Ko , Wu Wenwen
Published: May 2011

Impairment of homologous recombination (HR), a vital process employed during repair of DNA double strand breaks and stalled DNA replication, provides a valuable opportunity for the cell to become transformed. Once transformed, the impairment turns to be a target for therapy as exemplified by the synthetic lethal strategy such as poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor for BRCA1/2‐defective breast and ovarian cancer. Hence, improving mechanistic understanding of HR has emerged as an urgent issue to address due to the high clinical demand. Ubiquitin modification plays a central role in HR and more than a few E3 ubiquitin ligases have been implicated in the process. However, the significance of the activity of one such key E3 ligase, BRCA1, has not yet been clarified and remains as a major obstacle in the field. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of BRCA1 function in HR and discuss possible roles of the activity.
Consistency of children's dietary choices: annual repeat measures from 5 to 13 years (EarlyBird 49)
Authors: Frémeaux Alissa E. , Hosking Joanne , Metcalf Brad S. , Jeffery Alison N. , Voss Linda D. , Wilkin Terence J.
Published: May 2011

The objective of the present study was to explore the consistency of dietary choices made by children as they grow up. The dietary habits of 342 healthy children were reported annually from 5 to 13 years on a forty-five-item FFQ and analysed by factor analysis. The same two principal dietary patterns – ‘Healthy’ and ‘Unhealthy’ – emerged each year, and their consistency was assessed using Tucker's congruence coefficient (φ). Individual dietary z-scores for both of these patterns were then calculated every year for each child, and their consistency was measured by Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Linear mixed-effects modelling was used to investigate individual trends and to quantify reliability of the individual dietary z-scores. Dietary patterns were moderately consistent and systematic over time (0·65 ≤ φHealthy ≤ 0·76; 0·62 ≤ φUnhealthy ≤ 0·78). Individual choices were also consistent year-on-year (0·64 ≤ rHealthy ≤ 0·71; 0·57 ≤ rUnhealthy ≤ 0·68). Reliability rose from 70 % with a single measure to over 90 % with four consecutive measures. The quality of diet diminished over time in 29 % of the children and improved in only 14 %. Dietary habits appear to be set early and seldom improve spontaneously.
Anti-diabetic effect of pyroglutamic acid in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats and KK-Aymice
Authors: Yoshinari Orie , Igarashi Kiharu
Published: May 2011

With the rapidly increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), specific dietary components with anti-diabetic efficacy could be one strategy with therapeutic potential. In the present study, the anti-diabetic effects of an amino acid, pyroglutamic acid (PA), found in vegetables and fruits were investigated in T2DM models using Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and KK-Aymice by measuring glucose tolerance and other markers of diabetes. Moreover, the effect of PA on gene expression in GK rats was measured by DNA microarray analysis. Oral glucose tolerance and serum insulin levels were reduced by PA in both animal models. Serum and liver total cholesterol levels were also improved by PA. Expression of genes involved with gluconeogenesis and those involved with its related transcription factor were down-regulated by feeding PA. In KK-Aymice, the glucokinase:glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) activity ratio increased. From these results, it is suggested that dietary PA beneficially modifies glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic animals, and can potentially contribute to the mitigation of T2DM.
High blood pressure-lowering and vasoprotective effects of milk products in experimental hypertension
Authors: Ehlers Pauliina I. , Kivimäki Anne S. , Turpeinen Anu M. , Korpela Riitta , Vapaatalo Heikki
Published: May 2011

Milk casein-derived angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory tripeptides isoleucine-proline-proline (Ile-Pro-Pro) and valine-proline-proline (Val-Pro-Pro) have been shown to have antihypertensive effects in human subjects and to attenuate the development of hypertension in experimental models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a fermented milk product containing Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro and plant sterols on already established hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and aortic gene expression. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 195 mmHg were given either active milk (tripeptides and plant sterols), milk or waterad libitumfor 6 weeks. SBP was measured weekly by the tail-cuff method. The endothelial function of mesenteric arteries was investigated at the end of the study. Aortas were collected for DNA microarray study (Affymetrix Rat Gene 1.0 ST Array). The main finding was that active milk decreased SBP by 16 mmHg compared with water (178 (sem3)v.195 (sem3) mmHg;P < 0·001). Milk also had an antihypertensive effect. Active milk improved mesenteric artery endothelial dysfunction by NO-dependent and endothelium-derived hyperpolarising factor-dependent mechanisms. Treatment with active milk caused mild changes in aortic gene expression; twenty-seven genes were up-regulated and eighty-two down-regulated. Using the criteria for fold change (fc) <  0·833 or > 1·2 andP < 0·05, the most affected (down-regulated) signalling pathways were hedgehog, chemokine and leucocyte transendothelial migration pathways. ACE expression was also slightly decreased (fc 0·86;P = 0·047). In conclusion, long-term treatment with fermented milk enriched with tripeptides and plant sterols decreases SBP, improves endothelial dysfunction and affects signalling pathways related to inflammatory responses in SHR.
CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION OF FAO-AQUACROP MODEL FOR IRRIGATED AND WATER DEFICIENT BAMBARA GROUNDNUT
Authors: KARUNARATNE A. S. , AZAM-ALI S. N. , IZZI G. , STEDUTO P.
Published: May 2011

Simulation of yield response to water plays an increasingly important role in optimization of crop water productivity (WP) especially in prevalent drought in Africa. The present study is focused on a representative crop: bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), an ancient grain legume grown, cooked, processed and traded mainly by subsistence women farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Over four years (2002, 2006–2008), glasshouse experiments were conducted at the Tropical Crops Research Unit, University of Nottingham, UK under controlled environments with different landraces, temperatures (23 ± 5 °C, 28 ± 5 °C, 33 ± 5 °C) and soil moisture regimes (irrigated, early drought, late drought). Parallel to this, field experiments were conducted in Swaziland (2002/2003) and Botswana (2007/2008). Crop measurements of canopy cover (CC), biomass (B) and pod yield (Y) of selected experiments from glasshouse (2006 and 2007) and field (Botswana) were used to calibrate the FAO AquaCrop model. Subsequently, the model was validated against independent data sets from glasshouse (2002 and 2008) and field (Swaziland) for different landraces. AquaCrop simulations for CC, B and Y of different bambara groundnut landraces are in good agreement with observed data with R2 (CC-0.88; B-0.78; Y-0.72), but with significant underestimation for some landraces.
Bacterial symbiont and salivary peptide evolution in the context of leech phylogeny
Authors: SIDDALL MARK E. , MIN GI-SIK , FONTANELLA FRANK M. , PHILLIPS ANNA J. , WATSON SARA C.
Published: May 2011

The evolutionary history of leeches is employed as a general framework for understanding more than merely the systematics of this charismatic group of annelid worms, and serves as a basis for understanding blood-feeding related correlates ranging from the specifics of gut-associated bacterial symbionts to salivary anticoagulant peptides. A variety of medicinal leech families were examined for intraluminal crop bacterial symbionts. Species ofAeromonasand Bacteroidetes were characterized with DNA gyrase B and 16S rDNA. Bacteroidetes isolates were found to be much more phylogenetically diverse and suggested stronger evidence of phylogenetic correlation than the gammaproteobacteria. Patterns that look like co-speciation with limited taxon sampling do not in the full context of phylogeny. Bioactive compounds that are expressed as gene products, like those in leech salivary glands, have ‘passed the test’ of evolutionary selection. We produced and bioinformatically mined salivary gland EST libraries across medicinal leech lineages to experimentally and statistically evaluate whether evolutionary selection on peptides can identify structure-function activities of known therapeutically relevant bioactive compounds like antithrombin, hirudin and antistasin. The combined information content of a well corroborated leech phylogeny and broad taxonomic coverage of expressed proteins leads to a rich understanding of evolution and function in leech history.
Meaningful literacy: Writing poetry in the language classroom
Authors: Hanauer David I.
Published: May 2011

This paper develops the concept of meaningful literacy and offers a classroom methodology – poetry writing – that manifests this approach to ESL/EFL literacy instruction. The paper is divided into three sections. The first deals with the concept of meaningful literacy learning in second and foreign language pedagogy; the second summarizes empirical evidence that characterizes second language (L2) poetry writing; and the third describes the practical aspects of teaching poetry writing. This approach is presented as a way of humanizing the second and foreign language classroom by refocusing on the individual language learner as the center of the learning process.
Research on foreign language teaching and learning in Turkey (2005–2009)
Authors: Alptekin Cem , Tatar Sibel
Published: May 2011

This is an overview of research on applied linguistics and foreign language education in Turkey, surveying nearly 130 studies from the period 2005–2009. Following a brief presentation of the history and current sociopolitical situation of foreign language education in Turkey, the article focuses on research that characterizes the most common interests of academics and practitioners in the following areas: foreign language teaching and teachers, foreign language learning and learners, foreign language teacher education, the four language skills, measurement and evaluation, and the relationship between language and culture. Our discussion of each area is based on information extracted from local professional journals, conference proceedings and papers and Ph.D. dissertations. The studies examined reveal that, in general, practical concerns assume priority over theoretical issues, a substantial proportion of research being conducted on EFL learning and teaching.
Review of developments in research into English as a lingua franca
Authors: Jenkins Jennifer , Cogo Alessia , Dewey Martin
Published: May 2011

We begin by considering how the recent phenomenon of English as a Lingua Franca (henceforth ELF) fits in with the older notion of lingua francas in general as well as with older versions of ELF. We then explore the beginnings of ELF in its modern manifestation, including the earliest ELF research, and tackle the thorny issue of defining ELF. After discussing the main locations and domains in which ELF research has been carried out to date, we move on to examining research into three linguistic levels, lexicogrammar, phonology and pragmatics, concluding with a discussion of very recent findings revealing ELF's linguistic fluidity. Next, we discuss research into two domains where ELF has proved especially prevalent: business English and academic English. This is followed by a consideration of ELF as a globalized and globalizing practice. We end the article by exploring the implications of ELF research for ELF-oriented English teaching and the role that attitudes are likely to play in this. We conclude that while the relaxed attitudes towards ELF of younger people are promising, strong resistance is still felt by many others, and that the major challenge remains in convincing the examination boards that they should take account of ELF.
Research into language education at The Research Centre for Language Education and Acquisition in Multilingual Societies (RCLEAMS) at the Hong Kong Institute of Education, China
Authors: Kirkpatrick Andy
Published: May 2011

The Research Centre for Language Education and Acquisition in Multilingual Societies (RCLEAMS) is one of four Institute-level Research Centres at the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd). The principal aim of RCLEAMS is to study multilingual acquisition, language contact and the respective roles of different languages of education in contexts where the languages are not cognate (and where the scripts are often different), in order to be able to better understand the processes and issues involved and to inform governments and language policy-makers. Our particular focus is on Asian languages, including, of course, Chinese, and English. Further details about RCLEAMS, including our specific objectives and international partners, can be found at the website (www.ied.edu.hk/rcleams/). While RCLEAMS itself is relatively small, with only four full-time researchers, we conduct collaborative research with colleagues from the Institute itself, other universities in Hong Kong and with a number of international partners. There are also some thirty doctoral students in the field of language education who work closely with the Centre. We invite anyone who might be interested in working collaboratively with us to get in touch. This report will summarise current and recently completed research projects.
Empowering language professionals: Current ECML projects
Authors: Hasselgreen Angela ,   the AYLLIT team members
Published: May 2011

The AYLLIT project (http://ayllit.ecml.at) was launched by the ECML in 2008, with the overall aim of producing material that teachers can use to establish the reading and writing level of young learners (YLs) between 9 and 13 years; the material will ultimately be linked to the CEFR (Council of Europe 2001).
The European Framework for CLIL Teacher Education
Authors: Frigols Martin María Jesus
Published: May 2011

The European Framework for CLIL Teacher Education (EFCT – http://clil-cd.ecml.at) is a conceptual tool for guiding the professional development of CLIL teachers. CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) is a dual-focused approach in which an additional language is used for the learning and teaching of both content and language. The framework provides a set of principles and ideas for designing CLIL professional curricula. CLIL programmes differ widely from country to country in their organisation, content, intensity and choice of languages, and there are corresponding differences in how teacher education providers design and implement teacher training and development programmes. The EFCT aims to serve as a transnational conceptual tool for supporting the development of theoretically-sound educational practice in CLIL contexts. It is not intended as a prescriptive template.
Trajectory estimation of a skid-steering mobile robot propelled by independently driven wheels
Authors: Okada Tokuji , Mahmoud Abeer , Botelho Wagner Tanaka , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: May 2011

This paper analyses a mobile robot with independently rotating wheels travelling on uneven but smooth ground, including ascending or descending surfaces. We formulate a mathematical expression for the energy cost of the robot's movement. For our analysis, we utilise the principle of virtual work and assume that the robot moves with a fixed arrangement of wheel axes and without using a steering handle. The mathematical model reveals that the coefficient of friction and the payload distribution dominate the wheel behaviour, including slipping and skidding. We minimise the virtual work expression to determine the robot's motion complying with driven wheels. The model also enables us to estimate trajectories for different ground conditions. A hybrid robot, PEOPLER-II, is used to demonstrate the predicted motions, including turns and spins, by following angular velocity control rules. Experimental data verifies that the proposed formulation and minimisation of virtual work are valid techniques for predicting a robot's trajectory. The method described is widely applicable to wheeled robots having independently driven wheels.
Stationary and slowly moving localised pulses in a singularly perturbed Brusselator model
Authors: TZOU J. C. , BAYLISS A. , MATKOWSKY B. J. , VOLPERT V. A.
Published: May 2011

Recent attention has focused on deriving localised pulse solutions to various systems of reaction–diffusion equations. In this paper, we consider the evolution of localised pulses in the Brusselator activator–inhibitor model, long considered a paradigm for the study of non-linear equations, in a finite one-dimensional domain with feed of the inhibitor through the boundary and global feed of the activator. We employ the method of matched asymptotic expansions in the limit of small activator diffusivity and small activator and inhibitor feeds. The disparity of diffusion lengths between the activator and inhibitor leads to pulse-type solutions in which the activator is localised while the inhibitor varies on an O(1) length scale. In the asymptotic limit considered, the pulses become spikes described by Dirac delta functions and evolve slowly in time until equilibrium is reached. Such quasi-equilibrium solutions with N activator pulses are constructed and a differential-algebraic system of equations (DAE) is derived, characterising the slow evolution of the locations and the amplitudes of the pulses. We find excellent agreement for the pulse evolution between the asymptotic theory and the results of numerical computations. An algebraic system for the equilibrium pulse amplitudes and locations is derived from the equilibrium points of the DAE system. Both symmetric equilibria, corresponding to a common pulse amplitude, and asymmetric pulse equilibria, for which the pulse amplitudes are different, are constructed. We find that for a positive boundary feed rate, pulse spacing of symmetric equilibria is no longer uniform, and that for sufficiently large boundary flux, pulses at the edges of the pattern may collide with and remain fixed at the boundary. Lastly, stability of the equilibrium solutions is analysed through linearisation of the DAE, which, in contrast to previous approaches, provides a quick way to calculate the small eigenvalues governing weak translation-type instabilities of equilibrium pulse patterns.
Revised population estimate and trends for the Endangered Northern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes moseleyi at Tristan da Cunha
Authors: ROBSON BRAD , GLASS TREVOR , GLASS NORMAN , GLASS JAMES , GREEN JERRY , REPETTO CLIFTON , RODGERS GRAHAM , RONCONI ROBERT A. , RYAN PETER G. , SWAIN GEORGE , CUTHBERT RICHARD J.
Published: May 2011

Around 80% of the world population of Northern Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes moseleyi is found at Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island in the South Atlantic Ocean, where populations appear to be declining. However, numbers of birds at Middle Island, a small satellite island of Nightingale Island at Tristan Cunha, have not been counted since 1973 when an estimated 100,000 pairs were recorded. Updated population counts were obtained for all four islands at Tristan da Cunha (Tristan, Inaccessible, Nightingale and Middle islands) in 2009 providing a census of the whole island group and the first repeat count of Middle Island. Estimated breeding numbers at these four islands were Tristan 6,700 pairs, Inaccessible 54,000 pairs, Nightingale 25,000 pairs and 83,000 pairs at Middle Island. These counts confirm that Tristan da Cunha is a vitally important site for this ?Endangered? species holding over 65% of the global population and that breeding number have been relatively stable over the last 30 years.
Age-dependent effects of milrinone and levosimendan on ventricular function and haemodynamics in newborn and mature pigs
Authors: Hyldebrandt Janus A. , Larsen Signe H. , Schmidt Michael R. , Hjortdal Vibeke E. , Ravn Hanne B.
Published: May 2011

Inodilators are used in the treatment of low cardiac output, mainly after cardiac surgery. At present, there is little knowledge of the effect of inodilators in the newborn heart. Immediately after birth and in the neonatal period, the metabolism and physiology of the heart undergo major changes. We hypothesised that effects of the inodilators milrinone and levosimendan on myocardial contractility and haemodynamics under normal physiological conditions were age dependent. Animal studies were conducted on 48 pigs using a closed-chest biventricular conductance catheter method. Pigs in two age groups, that is, 5–6 days and 5–6 weeks, were assigned to milrinone, levosimendan, or a control group. We observed that both milrinone – 19.2% with a p value of 0.05 – and levosimendan – 25.7% with a p value of 0.03 compared with the control group increased cardiac output, as well as myocardial contractility with a maximum pressure development over time: milrinone 28.2%, p = 0.01 and levosimendan 19.4%, p = 0.05. Milrinone improved diastolic performance (p < 0.05) in the left ventricle in the 5–6-week-old animals. In the newborn animals, neither of the inodilators increased ventricular contractility or cardiac output; however, we observed a significant decrease in the mean arterial pressure: milrinone 34.6%, p < 0.01 and levosimendan 30.1%, p = 0.02. Both inodilators demonstrated age-dependent haemodynamic effects, and it is noteworthy that neither milrinone nor levosimendan was able to increase cardiac output in the newborn heart.
Retrospective, Analytical Study of Field First Aid following the Wenchuan Earthquake in China
Authors: Haojun Fan , Jianqi Song , Shike Hou
Published: May 2011

Field first-aid data from the Wenchuan Earthquake in China was analyzed retrospectively in order to probe into ways to develop field first-aid operations and provide a reference for future emergency rescue. Related documents about the Wenchuan Earthquake were collected and reviewed. The state of injury and leading causes of death during the disaster were identified. The presnece of emergency medical resources on-site after the earthquake was relatively insufficient. Deaths mainly were due to cardiopulmonary arrest, severe craniocerebral injury, incurable hemorrhagic shock, and crush syndrome that caused multiple organ system dysfunction syndrome. Only by strengthening the on-site emergency medical resources, speeding-up triage, and equipping responders with professional, portable medical equipment, can field first-aid operations be delivered more efficiently.
An Open-Source Engine for the Processing of Electron Backscatter Patterns: EBSD-Image
Authors: Pinard Philippe T. , Lagacé Marin , Hovington Pierre , Thibault Denis , Gauvin Raynald
Published: May 2011

An open source software package dedicated to processing stored electron backscatter patterns is presented. The package gives users full control over the type and order of operations that are performed on electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) patterns as well as the results obtained. The current version of EBSD-Image (www.ebsd-image.org) offers a flexible and structured interface to calculate various quality metrics over large datasets. It includes unique features such as practical file formats for storing diffraction patterns and analysis results, stitching of mappings with automatic reorganization of their diffraction patterns, and routines for processing data on a distributed computer grid. Implementations of the algorithms used in the software are described and benchmarked using simulated diffraction patterns. Using those simulated EBSD patterns, the detection of Kikuchi bands in EBSD-Image was found to be comparable to commercially available EBSD systems. In addition, 24 quality metrics were evaluated based on the ability to assess the level of deformation in two samples (copper and iron) deformed using 220 grit SiC grinding paper. Fourteen metrics were able to properly measure the deformation gradient of the samples.
The Tian–Yau–Zelditch Theorem and Toeplitz Operators
Authors: Burns Daniel , Guillemin Victor
Published: May 2011

Zelditch's proof of the Tian–Yau–Zelditch Theorem makes use of the Boutet de Monvel–Sjöstrand results on the asymptotic properties of Szegö projectors for strictly pseudoconvex domains. However, as we will show below, the theorem is also closely related to another theorem of Boutet de Monvel's, namely his wave trace formula for Toeplitz operators. Finally, we will derive, for the pseudoconvex manifolds considered by Zelditch in his proof of the Tian–Yau–Zelditch Theorem, an analogue of another result of Boutet de Monvel's, the extendability theorem of Berndtsson for holomorphic functions on Grauert tubes.
The Froot-Stein Model Revisited
Authors: Høgh N. , Linton O. , Nielsen J. P.
Published: May 2011

We investigate the model of Froot & Stein (1998), a model which has very strong implications for risk management. We argue that their conclusions are too strong and need to be qualified. We also argue that their analysis is incorrect and incomplete. Specifically, there are some unusual consequences of their model, which may be linked to the chosen pricing formula.
Unit-Linked Life Insurance Contracts with Lapse Rates Dependent on Economic Factors
Authors: Kolkiewicz A. W. , Tan K. S.
Published: May 2011

Many recently introduced unit-linked life insurance policies contain provisions allowing policyholders to lapse the product. The problem of pricing this surrender option is difficult as it involves modelling lapse decisions which may be contingent on different factors. This paper develops a methodology which enables us to model lapse behaviour within a framework provided by developments in financial economics. Using marked point processes with stochastic intensities, we present an approach which accounts for changes in the lapse behaviour of policyholders due to different economic factors. As a result, the model produces more accurate financial values for insurance contracts contingent on financial markets. In the context of unit-linked policies, we illustrate the method by allowing the lapse decision to depend on the stochastic volatility of the underlying asset. Our simulation study indicates that there is a strong relation between the single premiums of these policies and the lapse behaviour.
Defined Contribution Based Pension Plans
Authors: Lindset S.
Published: May 2011

In this paper we address the problem of valuing (corporate) pension plans, and in particular defined contribution based pension plans. Several pension plans are proposed, both with and without rate of return guarantees. Both maturity and annual guarantees are considered. Emphasis is also given to the risk management of pension plans.

To tie the analysis closer to real-world problems, we allow for both periodic premium and pension payments and mortality risk to be taken into account. Some new results on forward-start guarantees are also derived.
Multiplicative Hazard Models for Studying the Evolution of Mortality
Authors: Guillen M. , Nielsen J. P. , Perez-Marin A. M.
Published: May 2011

Almost all over the world, decreasing mortality rates and increasing life expectancy have led to greater interest in estimating and predicting mortality. Here we describe some of the pitfalls which can result from the use of the standardised mortality ratio (SMR) while evaluating the development of mortality over time, in particular when SMRs are applied to insurance portfolios varying dramatically over time. Although an excellent comparative study of a single-figure index for a number of countries was recently done by Macdonaldet al. (1998), we advocate care when attempting to extend this type of method to insurance data. Here we promote the use of genuine multiplicative modelling such as in Felipeet al. (2001), who compared the mortality rates in Denmark and Spain. The starting point for our study was the two-dimensional mortality estimator of Nielsen & Linton (1995), which considers mortality as a function of chronological time and age. From the principle of marginal integration (see Nielsen & Linton, 1995, and Lintonet al., 2003), estimators of the multiplicative model can be obtained from this two-dimensional estimator. An application of the method is provided for mortality data of the United States of America, England & Wales, France, Italy, Japan and Russia.
Predictive Distributions of Outstanding Liabilities in General Insurance
Authors: England P. D. , Verrall R. J.
Published: May 2011

This paper extends the methods introduced in England & Verrall (2002), and shows how predictive distributions of outstanding liabilities in general insurance can be obtained using bootstrap or Bayesian techniques for clearly defined statistical models. A general procedure for bootstrapping is described, by extending the methods introduced in England & Verrall (1999), England (2002) and Pinheiro et al. (2003). The analogous Bayesian estimation procedure is implemented using Markov-chain Monte Carlo methods, where the models are constructed as Bayesian generalised linear models using the approach described by Dellaportas & Smith (1993). In particular, this paper describes a way of obtaining a predictive distribution from recursive claims reserving models, including the well known model introduced by Mack (1993). Mack's model is useful, since it can be used with data sets which exhibit negative incremental amounts. The techniques are illustrated with examples, and the resulting predictive distributions from both the bootstrap and Bayesian methods are compared.
Unfinished Accounting Issues: Incorporating Fair Value and Prudence in Accounting Theory
Authors: Asher A.
Published: May 2011

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) is introducing new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which aim to make financial statements more useful. The process has generated considerable debate. This paper is a contribution to the debate, in the particular context of insurance accounting, and attempts to provide a coherent framework for accounting theory which makes a clear distinction between retrospective statements required for administrative accountability, fair value for current market transactions and to measure value creation, and a prospective prudence required to protect policyholders, depositors and other creditors. It is argued that the IASB's founding purpose to provide a single set of accounts is therefore incoherent; different purposes require different numbers. This also implies that fair value accounts should attempt to value intangible assets. In this context, actuarial analyses of surplus would greatly assist in measuring whether model assumptions are appropriate.
Regression Quantile Analysis of Claim Termination Rates for Income Protection Insurance
Authors: Pitt D. G. W.
Published: May 2011

This paper investigates the use of censored regression quantiles in the analysis of claim termination rates for income protection (IP) insurance. The paper demonstrates the importance of modeling quantiles given the growing interest of regulators and others in stochastic approaches to valuation of insurance liabilities and risk margins.
Empirical Evidence on the Use of Dynamic Solvency Testing and Financial Condition Reporting in the United Kingdom Life Insurance Industry
Authors: Shiu Y.-M. , Moles P. , Adams A. T. , Chan C.-C.
Published: May 2011

To gain insight into the use of Dynamic Solvency Testing (DST) and Financial Condition Reporting (FCR), a questionnaire was distributed to Appointed Actuaries in United Kingdom life offices. The response rate of the main survey was 76%. An independent-samples t-test for non-respondent bias was conducted and the results suggest that the respondent sample is representative of the survey population. Results from the 62 firms responding revealed: (1) Scenario testing was the most commonly used DST techniques. (2) Most life offices regularly run less than ten scenarios in scenario testing. (3) Most life offices reported using a five-year forecast period in DST. (4) The two most commonly seen difficulties are: difficulties in communicating complex issues to non-specialists, and how to present extremely adverse scenarios without causing undue concern. (5) Nearly all life offices use FCR. (6) Guidance Note 2 is generally considered acceptable. (7) Compared with the results reported by previous studies, the use of DST techniques is now more common in life offices. (8) There is a significant difference in DST/FCR practices between with-profits and non-profit offices.
Prediction Error of the Chain Ladder Reserving Method applied to Correlated Run-off Triangles
Authors: Merz M. , Wüthrich M. V.
Published: May 2011

In Buchwalder et al. (2006) we revisited Mack's (1993) and Murphy's (1994) estimates for the mean square error of prediction (MSEP) of the chain ladder claims reserving method. This was done using a time series model for the chain ladder method. In this paper we extend the time series model to determine an estimate for the MSEP of a portfolio of N correlated run-off triangles. This estimate differs in the special case N = 2 from the estimate given by Braun (2004). We discuss the differences between the estimates.