bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multilevel modelling for engineering design optimization
Authors: Ellman Thomas , Keane John , Schwabacher Mark , Yao Ke-Thia 
Published: March 2010

AbstractPhysical systems can be modelled at many levels of approximation. The right model depends on the problem to be solved. In many cases, a combination of models will be more effective than a single model. Our research investigates this idea in the context of engineering design optimization. We present a family of strategies that use multiple models for unconstrained optimization of engineering designs. The strategies are useful when multiple approximations of an objective function can be implemented by compositional modelling techniques. We show how a compositional modelling library can be used to construct a variety of locally calibratable approximation schemes that can be incorporated into the optimization strategies. We analyze the optimization strategies and approximation schemes to formulate and prove sufficient conditions for correctness and convergence. We also report experimental tests of our methods in the domain of sailing yacht design. Our results demonstrate dramatic reductions in the CPU time required for optimization, on the problems we tested, with no significant loss in design quality.
Innovative dome design: Applying geodesic patterns with shape annealing
Authors: Shea Kristina , Cagan Jonathan 
Published: March 2010

AbstractShape annealing, a computational design method applied to structural design, has been extended to the design of traditional and innovative three-dimensional domes that incorporate the design goals of efficiency, economy, utility, and elegance. In contrast to deterministic structural optimization methods, shape annealing, a stochastic method, uses lateral exploration to generate multiple designs of similar quality that form a structural language of solutions. Structural languages can serve to enhance designer creativity by presenting multiple, spatially innovative, yet functional design solutions while also providing insight into the interaction between structural form and the trade-offs involved in multi-objective design. The style of the structures within a language is a product of the shape grammar that defines the allowable structural forms and the optimization model that provides a functional measure of the generated forms to determine the desirable designs. This paper presents an application of geodesic dome patterns that have been embodied in a shape grammar to define a structural language of domes. Within this language of domes, different dome styles are generated by changing the optimization model for dome design to include the design goals of maximum enclosure space, minimum surface area, minimum number of distinct cross-sectional areas, and visual uniformity. The strengths of the method that will be shown are 1) the generation of both conventional domes similar to shape optimization results and spatially innovative domes, 2) the generation of design alternatives within a defined design style, and 3) the generation of different design styles by modifying the language semantics provided by the optimization model.
Generalized set propagation operations for concurrent engineering
Authors: Habib Walid E. , Ward Allen C. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper defines a number of general operations that accept arbitrary sets of values for two variables and general relations among three variables and generate a variety of third sets that are useful in design. Although the operations are defined without respect to mathematical or engineering domain, computing these operations depends on the specific mathematical domain, and algorithms are available for only a few domains. Appropriate software could make this complexity transparent to the designer, allowing the same conceptual operations to be used in many contexts. The paper proves a number of useful characteristics of the operations and offers examples of their potential use in design.
Underweight and overweight among children in Zahedan, south-east Iran
Authors: Maddah Mohsen , Shahraki Touran , Shahraki Mansour 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe present study examined the prevalence of underweight and overweight in a group of primary-school children in Zahedan, south-east Iran.DesignA cross-sectional study in a randomly selected population of schoolchildren.SettingPrimary-school children in Zahedan city.SubjectsA random sample of 1079 students (boys = 500 and girls = 579). Data on child’s age, parental educational levels, body weight and height were collected.ResultsThe rate of overweight/obesity among boys and girls was 8·9 % and 10·3 %, respectively; and of underweight among boys and girls was 22·8 % and 19·9 %, respectively. Prevalence of overweight increased as the boys and girls approached adolescence and it was more prevalent among girls than boys. Prevalence of overweight was directly related to maternal education in this population.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of underweight in young children as well as increase in the prevalence of overweight in girls and boys near adolescence are of concern. Early poor growth and subsequent rapid weight gain near to adolescent stage is related to adulthood obesity.
Socio-economic status, place of residence and dietary habits among the elderly: the Mediterranean islands study
Authors: Katsarou Alexia , Tyrovolas Stefanos , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Zeimbekis Akis , Tsakountakis Nikos , Bountziouka Vassiliki , Gotsis Efthimios , Metallinos George , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Lionis Christos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether the socio-economic status (SES) of elderly eastern Mediterranean islanders is associated with their dietary habits, particularly with adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet.DesignCross-sectional.SettingAdherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the MedDietScore (range: 0–55), whereas SES was estimated using education and financial status.SubjectsDuring 2005–2007, 300 men and women from Cyprus, 100 from Samothraki, 142 from Mitilini, 114 from Kefalonia, 131 from Crete, 150 from Lemnos, 150 from Corfu and 103 from Zakynthos (aged 65–100 years), free of known chronic diseases, participated in the survey.ResultsMultiple linear regression analysis revealed that belonging to the highest SES was associated with a higher MedDietScore (P< 0·01), after adjusting for potential sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary and clinical confounders. A significant positive association was also found between MedDietScore and years of school (P= 0·004), as well as financial status (P= 0·001).ConclusionsOlder Greek people of higher SES seem to follow a relatively healthier diet. Both education and income seem to play a role in this issue. Thus, public health policy makers should focus on people with low SES in order to improve their quality of diet and, consequently, their health status.
Soft drinks: time trends and correlates in twenty-four European countries. A cross-national study using the DAFNE (Data Food Networking) databank
Authors: Naska Androniki , Bountziouka Vasiliki , Trichopoulou Antonia ,   the DAFNE Participants
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate time trends in the availability of soft drinks, to identify food choices associated with their consumption and to assess the relationship between socio-economic status and daily soft drink availability in a wide range of European countries.DesignData on food and beverage availability collected through the national household budget surveys and harmonized in the DAFNE (Data Food Networking) project were used. Averages and variability of soft drink availability were estimated and tests for time trends were performed. The daily availability of food groups which appear to be correlated with that of soft drinks was further estimated. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were applied to evaluate the association between socio-economic status and the acquisition of soft drinks.SettingTwenty-four European countries.SubjectsNationally representative samples of households.ResultsThe availability of soft drinks is steadily and significantly increasing. Households in West and North Europe reported higher daily availability of soft drinks in comparison to other European regions. Soft drinks were also found to be correlated with lower availability of plant foods and milk and higher availability of meat and sugar products. Lower socio-economic status was associated with more frequent and higher availability of soft drinks in the household.ConclusionsData collected in national samples of twenty-four European countries showed disparities in soft drink availability among socio-economic strata and European regions. The correlation of soft drinks with unfavourable dietary choices has public health implications, particularly among children and adolescents.
The Solar Wind Power Satellite as an alternative to a traditional Dyson Sphere and its implications for remote detection
Authors: Harrop Brooks L. , Schulze-Makuch Dirk 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe search for Dyson Spheres has been propelled not only by the hope of discovering intelligent alien life, but by humanity's ever-increasing need for energy. However, the Dyson Sphere is not a practical design, requiring too much matter to build and too much energy to stabilize. Here we discuss the various designs of a Dyson Sphere and propose the Solar Wind Power (SWP) Satellite, a simplistic, self-sustaining system that draws power from the solar wind and uses a laser to fire energy to collectors (on space stations, bases, etc.) positioned anywhere in the Solar System. While a small SWP Satellite can provide an estimated 2 MW of power, larger (or networks of) satellites could provide terawatts of power or more. The cost of the SWP Satellite would be relatively cheap – it primarily consists of shaped copper, with only a few complex systems onboard. Detection of such a satellite would be difficult using current technology, because at this time we can only detect solar wind deviations of up to 10−13 MS yr−1, while a 2 MW satellite would only divert 10−34 MS yr−1. Thus, only very large SWP Satellites could possibly be detected.
Les effets de l'obstruction des voies aériennes nasales
Authors: Rubin Robert M. 
Published: March 2010

Il existe un grand nombre d'évidences pour accréditer la théorie selon laquelle la relation spatiale mandibule — complexe cranio-facial est influencée par la fonction des muscles élévateurs de la mandibule.
Un des facteurs agissant sur les muscles élévateurs est la position de repos de la mandibule, elle-même influencée par le mode respiratoire. L'obstruction des voies aériennes nasales est accompagnée d'un affaissement de la mandibule de telle sorte qu'elle permette un passage buccal de l'air.
Ce changement postural peut avoir une influence significative sur la croissance de la face aboutissant au syndrome de face longue (Long Face Syndrome) (L.F.S.).
Le pédodontiste et l'orthodontiste sont particulièrement bien placés pour reconnaître les stigmates d'un syndrome de face longue en voie de développement et diriger le patient vers les spécialistes qui l'aideront à trouver un mode normal de respiration.
La consommation des praticiens français en attaches orthodontiques
Authors: Sorel Olivier , El Alam Rajah 
Published: March 2010

Cette étude a pour objectif de cerner les habitudes de consommation des praticiens français, en attaches orthodontiques.
Un questionnaire adressé aux différents fournisseurs de produits orthodontiques nous a permis d'établir, en pourcentages, une répartition des ventes en fonction des sociétés et des techniques.
Les résultats bruts montrent qu'il existe une spécialité suivant les sociétés de distribution :
- le matériel d'arc plan représente plus de la moitié des ventes en attaches orthodontiques ;
- la comparaison aux études antérieures faites Outre-Atlantique montre une similitude entre l'état actuel en France et celui des États-Unis dans les années 1986.
Les traditions de confidentialité ont évidemment limité notre travail.
The Combination of Gravity and Welfare Approaches for Evaluating Nontariff Measures
Authors: Disdier Anne-Célia , Marette Stéphan 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis article explores the link between gravity and welfare frameworks for measuring the impact of nontariff measures. First, an analytical approach suggests how to combine a gravity equation with a partial equilibrium model to determine the welfare impact of nontariff measures. Second, an empirical application focuses on the effects of a standard that caps antibiotic residues in crustaceans in the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Japan. While the econometric estimation of the gravity equation reports a negative impact on imports, welfare evaluations show that in most cases, a stricter standard leads to an increase in both domestic and international welfare.
Endothelial dysfunction, measured by reactive hyperaemia using strain‐gauge plethysmography, is an independent predictor of adverse outcome in heart failure
Authors: de Berrazueta José R. , Guerra‐Ruiz Armando , García‐Unzueta María Teresa , Martín Toca Gema , Sainz Laso Rocío , Sáez de Adana María , Casanova Martín Miguel A. , Cobo Manuel , LLorca Javier 
Published: March 2010

AimsIn congestive heart failure (CHF), arterial response is regulated by endothelial molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether endothelial dysfunction (ED) was a predictor of outcome in a cohort of patients with heart failure.Methods and resultsEndothelial function was assessed in 242 patients with CHF by forearm reactive hyperaemia measured with intermittent venous occlusion plethysmography using a mercury strain gauge. The main endpoints were: ‘total events’ (death, heart attack, angina, stroke, NYHA class IV, or hospitalization due to heart failure) analysed using Cox regression for repeated events and ‘death’. Patients were followed‐up for 5 years. Post‐hyperaemia forearm blood flow (PHFABF) was an independent predictor of total events [P = 0.01; hazard ratio [Exp(B)] 0.665, standard error (SE) 0.182]. Risk stratification by basal forearm blood flow (BFABF) showed that patients with basal blood flow above the median (3.03 mL min−1 100 mL−1) benefited from an increase in PHFABF, whereas in patients with a BFABF below the median, the increase in PHFABF did not diminish the risk of events. There was no relation between variations in PHFABF and death.ConclusionPost‐hyperaemia forearm blood flow, as a measure of ED, is an independent predictor of major events in patients with CHF. A BFABF below the median is more predictive of an increased risk of complications.
Association of obesity and survival in systolic heart failure after acute myocardial infarction: potential confounding by age
Authors: Wu Audrey H. , Pitt Bertram , Anker Stefan D. , Vincent John , Mujib Marjan , Ahmed Ali 
Published: March 2010

AimsTo determine the association between obesity and outcomes in post‐acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with systolic heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsOf the 6632 Eplerenone Post‐Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study (EPHESUS) participants, 6611 had data on baseline body mass index (BMI) and 6561 had BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2. Of these, 1573 were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 4988 were non‐obese (BMI 18.5–29.9 kg/m2). Propensity scores for obesity, estimated for each patient, were used to assemble a cohort of 1519 pairs of obese and non‐obese patients who were balanced on 65 baseline characteristics. All‐cause mortality occurred in 13.7 and 13.8% of matched obese and non‐obese patients, respectively, during 16 months of median follow‐up [matched hazard ratio (HR) for obesity 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–1.21; P = 0.831]. Before matching, the obese group was younger (mean age, 62 vs. 64 years; P < 0.0001) and had more women (37 vs. 26%; P < 0.0001). The paradoxical pre‐match association between obesity and reduced mortality (unadjusted HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.70–0.95; P = 0.008) disappeared when adjusted for age alone (age‐adjusted HR 0.91; 95% CI 0.78–1.06; P = 0.206) but not for gender alone (gender‐adjusted HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.68–0.92; P = 0.003). Obesity had no association with mortality in 1573 pairs of age‐matched obese and non‐obese patients (age‐adjusted HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.77–1.13; P = 0.484).ConclusionIn post‐AMI patients with systolic HF, obesity provides no independent intrinsic survival benefit. The paradoxical unadjusted survival associated with obesity is largely explained by the younger age of obese patients.
Bayesian state-space modelling of the De Lury depletion model: strengths and limitations of the method, and application to the Moroccan octopus fishery
Authors: Robert Marianne , Faraj Abdelmalek , McAllister Murdoch K. , Rivot Etienne 
Published: March 2010

AbstractRobert, M., Faraj, A., McAllister, M. K., and Rivot, E. 2010. Bayesian state-space modelling of the De Lury depletion model: strengths and limitations of the method, and application to the Moroccan octopus fishery. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 1272–1290. The strengths and limitations of a Bayesian state-space modelling framework are investigated for a De Lury depletion model that accommodates two recruitment pulses per year. The framework was applied to the Moroccan fishery for common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) between 1982 and 2002. To allow identifiability, natural mortality (M) and the recruitment rhythm were fixed, and the variance of both process and observation errors were assumed to be equal. A simulation–estimation (SE) approach was derived to test the performance of the method. If the data showed responses to harvest, the estimates of the most important figures, i.e. the initial abundance and the second recruitment pulse, were accurate, with relatively small bias. Results confirm that greater depletion yields smaller bias and uncertainty and that inferences are sensitive to the mis-specification of M. The 21 depletion series in the Moroccan dataset were jointly treated in a hierarchical model including random walk to capture the systematic fluctuations in estimates of catchability and initial abundance. The model provides estimates of the annual recruitment and monthly octopus population size. The recruitment estimates could be used to investigate the link between recruitment variability and the coastal North African upwelling regime to improve understanding of the dynamics and management of octopus stocks.
Understanding the diet composition of marine mammals: grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Lundström Karl , Hjerne Olle , Lunneryd Sven-Gunnar , Karlsson Olle 
Published: March 2010

AbstractLundström, K., Hjerne, O., Lunneryd, S-G., and Karlsson, O. 2010. Understanding the diet composition of marine mammals: grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Baltic Sea. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 1230–1239. Dietary studies are important in understanding the ecological role of marine mammals and in formulating appropriate management plans in terms of their interactions with fisheries. The validity of such studies has, however, often been compromised by unrepresentative sampling procedures, resulting in false weight being given to external factors seeming to influence diet composition. The bias caused by non-random sampling was examined, using canonical correspondence analysis to assess how the prey species composition in digestive tract samples of Baltic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) was related to spatial, temporal, and demographic factors and to whether the samples were collected in association with fishing gear or not (“sampling condition”). Geographic region explained the largest fraction of the observed variation, followed by sampling condition, age group, and year. Season and gender were not statistically significant. Segregation of the two age categories “pups” and “juveniles–adults”, and the two geographic categories “Baltic proper” and “Gulf of Bothnia” are proposed to estimate the diet and fish consumption of the Baltic grey seal population as a whole. Atlantic herring was the most commonly recovered prey item in all areas and age groups, followed by European sprat in the south, and common whitefish in the north. Pups had eaten relatively more small non-commercial species than older seals.
SHORT HYPOCOTYL UNDER BLUE1 Truncations and Mutations Alter Its Association with a Signaling Protein Complex inArabidopsis
Authors: Zhou Yun , Ni Min 
Published: March 2010

AbstractHigher plants monitor their ambient light signals through red/far-red absorbing phytochromes and blue/UV-A light absorbing cryptochromes. Subsequent signaling cascades alter gene expression and initiate morphogenic responses. We previously isolated SHORT HYPOCOTYL UNDER BLUE1 (SHB1), a putative transcriptional coactivator in light signaling. SHB1 is homologous to the SYG1 protein family and contains an N-terminal SPX domain and a C-terminal EXS domain. Overaccumulation of the SPX domain caused a long hypocotyl phenotype similar to that of shb1-D under red, far-red, or blue light. By contrast, overaccumulation of the C-terminal EXS domain led to a short hypocotyl phenotype similar to that of shb1 under blue light. The N-terminal SPX domain was associated with a smaller protein complex than the native protein complex associated with endogenous SHB1. By contrast, the EXS domain was associated with a slightly smaller protein complex than the native protein complex, but it largely displaced endogenous SHB1 from its native protein complex. In addition, all six missense mutations that we identified from a suppressor screen were clustered within or close to the SPX domain, and these mutations impaired the assembly of the SHB1-containing protein complex. We propose that both SPX and EXS domains likely anchor SHB1 to a protein complex, and the SPX domain is critical for SHB1 signaling.
Forage collection, substrate preparation, and diet composition in fungus‐growing ants
Authors: DE FINE LICHT HENRIK H. , BOOMSMA JACOBUS J. 
Published: March 2010

1. Variation and control of nutritional input is an important selective force in the evolution of mutualistic interactions and may significantly affect coevolutionary modifications in partner species.2. The attine fungus‐growing ants are a tribe of more than 230 described species (12 genera) that use a variety of different substrates to manure the symbiotic fungus they cultivate inside the nest. Common ‘wisdom’ is that the conspicuous leaf‐cutting ants primarily use freshly cut plant material, whereas most of the other attine species use dry and partly degraded plant material such as leaf litter and caterpillar frass, but systematic comparative studies of actual resource acquisition across the attine ants have not been done.3. Here we review 179 literature records of diet composition across the extant genera of fungus‐growing ants. The records confirm the dependence of leaf‐cutting ants on fresh vegetation but find that flowers, dry plant debris, seeds (husks), and insect frass are used by all genera, whereas other substrates such as nectar and insect carcasses are only used by some.4. Diet composition was significantly correlated with ant substrate preparation behaviours before adding forage to the fungus garden, indicating that diet composition and farming practices have co‐evolved. Neither diet nor preparation behaviours changed when a clade within the paleoattine genusApterostigmashifted from rearing leucocoprinous fungi to cultivating pterulaceous fungi, but the evolutionary derived transition to yeast growing in theCyphomyrmex rimosusgroup, which relies almost exclusively on nectar and insect frass, was associated with specific changes in diet composition.5. The co‐evolutionary transitions in diet composition across the genera of attine ants indicate that fungus‐farming insect societies have the possibility to obtain more optimal fungal crops via artificial selection, analogous to documented practice in human subsistence farming.