bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiopulmonary effects of three concentrations of isoflurane with or without mechanical ventilation and supramaximal noxious stimulation in New Zealand white rabbits
Authors: Barter Linda S. , Epstein Steven E. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Objective—To determine the cardiopulmonary effects of 3 doses of isoflurane, with and without controlled mechanical ventilation and noxious stimulation, in healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits.
Animals—6 adult female rabbits.
Procedures—Each rabbit was administered isoflurane in oxygen at each of 3 anesthetic doses (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 times the published minimum alveolar concentration of 2.07%). At each anesthetic dose, blood gas and cardiopulmonary measurements were obtained before and during application of a supramaximal noxious stimulus. Effects of spontaneous and mechanical ventilation were assessed during separate anesthetic episodes.
Results—Mean ± SEM isoflurane concentrations used were 2.11 ± 0.04%, 3.14 ± 0.07%, and 4.15 ± 0.06%. During spontaneous ventilation, the rabbits’ Paco2 and mixed venous Pco2 significantly increased with concomitant reductions in both arterial and mixed venous pH as isoflurane concentration increased. Cardiac output and vascular resistance did not change significantly. Noxious stimulation minimally affected measured cardiopulmonary variables. During mechanical ventilation, significant reductions in arterial blood pressures and cardiac output occurred with increasing isoflurane dose. Systemic vascular resistance index at the highest anesthetic dose was significantly lower than the value at the lowest anesthetic dose. During noxious stimulation, systolic arterial blood pressure and cardiac output significantly increased at the 2 lower isoflurane concentrations, but not at the highest concentration.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In rabbits, isoflurane-induced dose-dependent cardiopulmonary depression was attributable to vasodilation and negative inotropy. At an isoflurane concentration of 4.15% with mechanical ventilation, cardiovascular depression was severe; use of unnecessarily high isoflurane concentrations in this species should be avoided.
λ-statistical convergence in n-normed spaces
Authors: Hazarika Bipan , Savaş Ekrem 
Published: September 2013

Abstract In this paper, we introduce the concept of λ-statistical convergence in n-normed spaces. Some inclusion relations between the sets of statistically convergent and λ-statistically convergent sequences are established. We find its relations to statistical convergence, (C,1)-summability and strong (V, λ)-summability in n-normed spaces
Coefficients estimates of some subclasses of analytic functions related with conic domain
Authors: Malik Sarfraz Nawaz , Raza Mohsan , Arif Muhammad , Hussain Saqib 
Published: September 2013

Abstract In this paper, the authors determine the coefficient bounds for functions in certain subclasses of analytic functions related with the conic regions, which are introduced by using the concept of bounded boundary and bounded radius rotations. The effect of certain integral operator on these classes has also been examined.
Three solutions to a p(x)-Laplacian problem in weighted-variable-exponent Sobolev space
Authors: Pan Wen-Wu , Afrouzi Ghasem Alizadeh , Li Lin 
Published: September 2013

Abstract In this paper, we verify that a general p(x)-Laplacian Neumann problem has at least three weak solutions, which generalizes the corresponding result of the reference [R. A. Mashiyev, Three Solutions to a Neumann Problem for Elliptic Equations with Variable Exponent, Arab. J. Sci. Eng. 36 (2011) 1559-1567].
Altering distances, some generalizations of Meir - Keeler theorems and applications
Authors: Patriciu Alina-Mihaela , Popa Valeriu 
Published: September 2013

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to prove a general theorem of Meir - Keeler type using the notion of altering distance for occasionally weakly compatible mappings satisfying an implicit relation. As application, a problem of Meir - Keeler type satisfying a condition of integral type becomes a special case of a problem of Meir - Keeler type with an altering distance.
Combining Local and Global Direct Derivative-Free Optimization for Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Leonetti Matteo , Kormushev Petar , Sagratella Simone 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
We consider the problem of optimization in policy space for reinforcement learning. While a plethora of methods have been applied to this problem, only a narrow category of them proved feasible in robotics. We consider the peculiar characteristics of reinforcement learning in robotics, and devise a combination of two algorithms from the literature of derivative-free optimization. The proposed combination is well suited for robotics, as it involves both off-line learning in simulation and on-line learning in the real environment. We demonstrate our approach on a real-world task, where an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle has to survey a target area under potentially unknown environment conditions. We start from a given controller, which can perform the task under foreseeable conditions, and make it adaptive to the actual environment.
Learning Fast Quadruped Robot Gaits with the RL PoWER Spline Parameterization
Authors: Shen Haocheng , Yosinski Jason , Kormushev Petar , Caldwell Darwin G. , Lipson Hod 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Legged robots are uniquely privileged over their wheeled counterparts in their potential to access rugged terrain. However, designing walking gaits by hand for legged robots is a difficult and time-consuming process, so we seek algorithms for learning such gaits to automatically using real world experimentation. Numerous previous studies have examined a variety of algorithms for learning gaits, using an assortment of different robots. It is often difficult to compare the algorithmic results from one study to the next, because the conditions and robots used vary. With this in mind, we have used an open-source, 3D printed quadruped robot called QuadraTot, so the results may be verified, and hopefully improved upon, by any group so desiring. Because many robots do not have accurate simulators, we test gait-learning algorithms entirely on the physical robot. Previous studies using the QuadraTot have compared parameterized splines, the HyperNEAT generative encoding and genetic algorithm. Among these, the research on the genetic algorithm was conducted by (G l e t t e et al., 2012) in a simulator and tested on a real robot. Here we compare these results to an algorithm called Policy learning by Weighting Exploration with the Returns, or RL PoWER. We report that this algorithm has learned the fastest gait through only physical experiments yet reported in the literature, 16.3% faster than reported for HyperNEAT. In addition, the learned gaits are less taxing on the robot and more repeatable than previous record-breaking gaits.
Using Decision Trees for Identification of Most Relevant Indicators for Effective ICT Utilization
Authors: Tomic Rotim Silvana , Dobsa Jasminka , Krakar Zdravko 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This paper offers a brief overview of the research of ICT utilization and benefits of its usage. The results of several important studies conducted worldwide are presented. One of them is a study by the World Economic Forum that we use as the basis of our research. This study covers 134 countries, NRI (Network Readiness Index) is used as a parameter to distinguish the readiness of different countries to adopt ICT. NRI consists of 68 indicators that are organized into three groups. Each group describes one of the three main factors crucial for effective utilization of ICT: Environment, Readiness and Usage. The observed countries are divided into four groups (leaders, followers, league III and league IV) and classification by a decision tree is conducted. The decision tree method is applied to each of the three main factors and the results are presented by means of F1 measure.
An Efficient Data Structure for Representing Trilateral/Quadrilateral Subdivision Surfaces
Authors: Zhu Jianning , Wang Minjie , Wei Zhaocheng , Cao Bin 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
With the increase of subdivision depths, some problems of common data structures for representing the subdivision surfaces appear, such as excessive computer memory consumption and low efficiency of the data query which restrict the popularization and application of subdivision surfaces in more fields. By utilizing the topological characteristics of the subdivision surface, a two-layer data structure named CELL is presented in order to better realize the piecewise representation of trilateral/quadrilateral subdivision surfaces. The inner structure of CELL represents the subdivision surface patch by using arrays, and the outer structure of CELL represents the topological relations between the subdivision surface patches. Based on Catmull-Clark subdivision scheme, the structural compositions of CELL and the realization mechanism of the subdivision algorithm are proposed. Additionally, sharp and semi-sharp features are constructed, and a primary study on amalgamation of the image/Z-map model and subdivision surface is presented. The results of the experimental and theoretical analysis show the superior performance of CELL with relation to computer memory consumption, data query, subdivision surface computation and algorithm development.
An Efficient Access Control Scheme for Cloud Environment
Authors: Tu Shan-Shan , Niu Shao-Zhang , Li Meng-Jiao 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In order to keep the confidential data in the cloud against unauthorized parties, a cryptographic access control solution based on Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) and Identity-Based Signature (IBS) is introduced in this paper. Under the premise that cloud service provider is untrustful, the proposed scheme can ensure the data security of the cloud storage system in an open environment, as well as reduce the complexity of management. Analysis and experimental results show that the scheme can be semantically secure against adaptive chosen ciphertext attacks under the random oracle model. Our concrete access control scheme can enhance the efficiency of the cloud to a certain extent.
Acyclic Real-Time Traffic Signal Control Based on a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yang Hairong , Luo Dayong 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This paper presents an acyclic real-time traffic signal control model with transit priority based on a rolling horizon process for isolated intersections. The developed model consists of two components, including: an Improved Genetic Algorithm (IGA)-based signal optimization module and a microscopic traffic simulation module. The acyclic real-time traffic signal control model optimizes the phase sequence and the phase length with the aim to minimize the total delay of both transit vehicles and general vehicles for the next decision horizon. Numerical results show that the proposed IGA signal optimization module could provide a more efficient search for optimal solutions. The results also show that the acyclic real-time traffic signal control model outperforms the fixed-time control model. It prioritizes transit vehicles while minimizing the impact on the general vehicles.
Enhancing a Traditional Health Care System of an Organization for Better Service with Agent Technology by Ensuring Confidentiality of Patients’ Medical Information
Authors: Subalakshmi R. Jaya ,   Haleema, Iyengar N. C. S. N. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Agent technology is one of the widely adapted technologies for developing applications that deliver e-Services. Ensuring confidentiality of the patients’ data in e-health care systems remains a serious challenge. Many large enterprises provide in-house health care services free of cost for their employees and their dependents as a competitive benefit to prevent employees turnover and also to maintain healthy and productive human resource. This paper proposes enhancements to the traditional health care system of an organization so that it provides better services with respect to users’ satisfaction. The requirements identification of the system proposed and the evaluation of the new system are done using a feedback model. The new system proved to be mutually beneficial to employees and employers in terms of saving time and cost and thus it enhances productivity.
Silver selenide modification of polyamide fabric
Authors: Milašienė Daiva , Ivanauskas Remigijus 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Formation of a silver selenide layer on silicone coated polyamide cloth was investigated. Fabric samples were selenized in potassium selenotrithionate (K2SeS2O6) solution then treated with AgNO3 solution. Formation of a silver selenide particle layer on the surface was confirmed by a change in appearance, X-ray diffraction, and EDX analysis. XRD revealed two phases: orthorhombic naumannite (Ag2Se) and monoclinic selenium (Se8). SEM showed that the fabric macrostructure and the multifilament yarn microstructure was preserved. The silver selenide particles ranged from 100 nm to more than 20 µm.
Bleeding time and Clotting Time in Healthy Male and Female College Students of Karukutty Village, Kerala
Authors: Kumar SS , VK JM , George J , Mukkadan JK 
Published: September 2013

Background It was reported that females are having high Bleeding time and clotting time than males. The reason for prolonged bleeding and clotting time in females is not clear. The studies on Bleeding time and Clotting time in healthy male and female college students of Kerala are inadequate. Therefore the present study was undertaken to measure and compare bleeding time and clotting time in male and female college students. Methodology Two hundred and twenty two healthy male and female college students, were enrolled in the present study. Bleeding time was estimated by Duke Method and clotting time was estimated by capillary tube method. Results Mean age of the participants of present study is 19±1. We have observed higher bleeding time (BT) and clotting time (CT) in females (155.45±34.91 seconds and 318.18±64.40 seconds) than males (96.06±55.05 seconds and 223.01±50.74 seconds) which is statistically significant (p value <0.001). Minimum and Maximum bleeding time observed in females is 2minutes and 4 minutes respectively while in males, it is 30 seconds and 3 minutes 30 seconds respectively. Minimum and maximum clotting time observed in females is 3minutes 30 seconds and 10 minutes respectively while in males, it is 2 minutes 30 seconds and 5 minutes respsectively. Conclusion Our study suggests that bleeding and clotting time are slightly higher in females. We recommend further detailed study in this area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i1.8720 Health Prospect: Journal of Public Health Vol.12(1) 2013: 7-9
Multiculturalism as Second Reconstruction: The Continuing Quest for Fraternal Membership in North American Liberal Democracies
Authors: Foster Cecil 
Published: September 2013

Abstract:Even though, historically, the black population of Canada has been small, blackness has always been at the forefront of the Canadian imagination of who belongs. First, there was the ideal that Canada was to be a white man’s country, but that shattered in the wake of two major hemispheric developments. The first was the Haitian Revolution and the second was the American Civil War. To this day, the latter continues to cast a shadow over Canada’s ethno-racial relations and provincial affairs. I argue that official multiculturalism in Canada is neo-mythic blackness—the pragmatic realization that blacks and blackness are intrinsic to the Canadian imagination. I argue official multiculturalism results from a second “reconstruction” in North America, this time with Canada setting, as its ideal, the attainment of “a just society” marked by multicultural citizenship. Genuine multiculturalism as an ideal is the attempt by societies to incorporate ethnic and racial difference in a climate of freedom where no group is racialized as dominant and no group is positioned as inferior. Canadian multiculturalism is ethical and ontological blackness.
Does age affect symptom recovery after sports-related concussion? A study of high school and college athletes
Authors: Lee Young M. , Odom Mitchell J. , Zuckerman Scott L. , Solomon Gary S. , Sills Allen K. 
Published: September 2013

Object
Sport-related concussions (SRCs) in high school and college athletes represent a significant public health concern. Research suggests that younger athletes fare worse symptomatically than older athletes after an SRC. Using reliable change index (RCI) methodology, the authors conducted a study to determine if there are age-related differences in number, severity, and resolution of postconcussion symptoms.

Methods
Between 2009 and 2011, baseline measures of neurocognitive functions and symptoms in high school and college athletes were entered into a regional database. Seven hundred forty of these athletes later sustained an SRC. Ninety-two athletes in the 13- to 16-year-old group and 92 athletes in the 18- to 22-year-old group were matched for number of prior concussions, sex, biopsychosocial variables, and days to first postconcussion testing and symptom assessment. A nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the severity of each of 22 symptoms comprising the Total Symptom Scale (TSS) at baseline and first postconcussion test. To obtain a family-wise p value of 0.05 for each test, the significance level for each symptom comparison was set at an alpha of 0.05/22 = 0.0023. The number of days to return to baseline TSS score was compared using the RCI methodology, set at the 80% confidence interval, equal to a change in raw score of 9.18 points on the TSS.

Results
There was no statistically significant difference in symptom presence, symptom severity, and total symptoms between the age groups at baseline or at postconcussion testing. There was no statistically significant difference in return to baseline symptom scores between the age groups.

Conclusions
Using RCI methodology, there was no statistically significant difference between younger and older athletes in return to baseline symptoms postconcussion.
Environmental and genetic variation in leaf anatomy among populations ofAndropogon gerardii(Poaceae) along a precipitation gradient
Authors: Olsen Jacob T. , Caudle Keri L. , Johnson Loretta C. , Baer Sara G. , Maricle Brian R. 
Published: September 2013

•Premise of the study:Phenotypes of twoAndropogon gerardiisubspecies, big bluestem and sand bluestem, vary throughout the prairie ecosystem of North America. This study sought to determine the role of genetics and environment in driving adaptive variation of leaf structure in big bluestem and sand bluestem.•Methods:Four populations of big bluestem and one population of sand bluestem were planted in common gardens at four sites across a precipitation gradient from western Kansas to southern Illinois. Internal leaf structure and trichome density ofA. gerardiiwere examined by light microscopy to separate genetic and environmentally controlled traits. Leaf thickness, midrib thickness, bulliform cells, interveinal distance, vein size, and trichome density were quantified.•Key results:At all planting sites, sand bluestem and the xeric population ofA. gerardiihad thicker leaves and fewer bulliform cells compared with mesic populations. Environment and genetic source population were both influential for leaf anatomy. Leaves from plants grown in mesic sites (Carbondale, Illinois and Manhattan, Kansas) had thicker midribs, larger veins, fewer trichomes, and a greater proportion of bulliform cells compared to plants grown in drier sites (Colby and Hays, Kansas).•Conclusions:Water availability has driven adaptive variation in leaf structure in populations ofA. gerardii, particularly between sand bluestem and big bluestem. Genetically based differences in leaves ofA. gerardiiindicate adaptive variation and evolutionary forces differentiating sand bluestem from big bluestem. Environmental responses ofA. gerardiileaves suggest an ability to adjust to drought, even in populations adapted to mesic home environments.
La « technomie » et le citoyen biochimique
Authors: McGuire Michael 
Published: September 2013

L’apparition du profilage ADN comme outil au service de la justice pénale constitue une étape nouvelle dans l’usage du corps au titre de ressource à des fins de régulation sociale. Le rôle traditionnel du corps pénal – objet visible de distribution de souffrances – a progressivement été dilué dans des projets de régulation plus subtils et invisibles, centrés sur sa structure biochimique. La transformation a été si subtile que l’on peut avancer qu’un nouveau type de sujet de justice est né : le citoyen biochimique. Dans cet article, je suggère que la citoyenneté biologique doit être considérée comme le résultat d’un déplacement régulatoire plus complexe, dans lequel les technologies biochimiques ne constituent qu’un élément d’une matrice plus étendue de la régulation technologique. Dans ce nouvel ordre technologique que je nomme « technomie », les fonctions de la justice pénale traditionnelle et les institutions qui la portent se doivent d’être réarticulées selon des modalités dont nous commençons seulement à nous rendre compte.
La matérialité de la surveillance électronique
Authors: Razac Olivier 
Published: September 2013

La surveillance électronique est souvent pensée en termes de dématérialisation, de virtualisation de l’enfermement. Mais cette approche laisse en suspens le problème de savoir ce qu’est une contrainte physique immatérielle. À l’inverse, et paradoxalement, le placement sous surveillance électronique est volontiers décrit selon un registre matériel et carcéral : comme « couvre-feu » ou « prison à domicile ». Mais cela recouvre la spécificité du fonctionnement d’une surveillance à distance. Il s’agit donc de partir de l’expérience des « placés » pour réussir à saisir le système complexe qui produit effectivement cette contrainte. Or, la surveillance électronique, même largement « virtualisée », s’appuie toujours sur la chair, sur le corps, sur l’environnement. Par-là même, elle réactive d’une manière spécifique, plus qu’elle ne dépasse, le vieux paradigme carcéral.
Les relations entre la France et l'Afrique
Authors: Borloo Jean-Louis 
Published: September 2013

Dans ce grand basculement géoéconomique et géopolitique du monde, qui fait de l’Europe un vieux continent à la dérive, l’Afrique n’est plus la grande oubliée. Le XXI e siècle incarne véritablement le moment africain. Il est temps pour nous de sortir de cette mythologie sulfureuse qui caractérise les relations entre la France et l’Afrique, et de mettre en place un partenariat « gagnant-gagnant » et pluriel (économique, diplomatique, culturelle et écologique) qui leur permettrait de faire face aux nouveaux défis résultant d’une économie mondialisée auxquels ils sont confrontés.
La précarité énergétique, un chantier européen prioritaire
Authors: Derdevet Michel 
Published: September 2013

À l’approche des échéances européennes de 2014, la politique européenne de l’énergie doit être questionnée dans ses priorités. L’Europe de l’énergie peut-elle être réduite à un simple marché intérieur s’assurant du libre-échange entre énergies ? La « transition énergétique » ne doit–elle se traduire que par des pourcentages de CO2 évités et des perspectives théoriques à 2050 ? Michel Derdevet suggère de placer en haut des priorités politiques futures de l’Union l’accès du plus grand nombre à une énergie disponible et de qualité, et d’engager des actions volontaristes contre la pauvreté/précarité énergétique, qui concerne un européen sur sept. Une opportunité, selon lui, de réconcilier l’Europe avec les préoccupations quotidiennes de ses citoyens et de redonner du sens à la construction commune.