bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Statistical Approach to Assess Referendum Results: the Venezuelan Recall Referendum 2004
Authors: Cordero Maria M. Febres , Márquez Bernardo 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThis article presents a statistical approach to assess the coherence of official results of referendum processes. The statistical analysis described is divided in four phases, according to the methodology used and the corresponding results: (1) Initial Study, (2) Quantification of irregular certificates of election, (3) Identification of irregular voting centers and (4) Estimation of recall referendum results.The technique of cluster analysis is applied to address the issue of heterogeneity of the parishes with respect to their political preferences.The Venezuelan recall referendum 2004 is the case study we used to apply the proposed methodology, based on the data published by the “Consejo Nacional Electoral” (CNE‐National Electoral Council). Finally, we present the conclusions of the study which we summarize as follows: The percentage of irregular certificates of election is between 22.2% and 26.5% of the total; 18% of the voting centers show an irregular voting pattern in their certificates of election, the votes corresponding to this irregularity are around 2,550,000; The result estimate, using the unbiased votes as representative of the population for the percentage of YES votes against President Chávez is 56.4% as opposed to the official result of 41%.
Estimation in Two‐Stage Models with Heteroscedasticity
Authors: Buonaccorsi John 
Published: August 2010

SummaryA surprising number of important problems can be cast in the framework of estimating a mean and variance using data arising from a two‐stage structure. The first stage is a random sampling of “units” with some quantity of interest associated with the unit. The second stage produces an estimate of that quantity and usually, but not always, an estimated standard error, which may change considerably across units. Heteroscedasticity in the estimates over different units can arise for a number of reasons, including variation associated with the unit and changing sampling effort over units. This paper presents a broad discussion of the problem of making inferences for the population mean and variance associated with the unobserved true values at the first stage of sampling. A careful discussion of the causes of heteroscedasticity is given, followed by an examination of ways in which inferences can be carried out in a manner that is robust to the nature of the within unit heteroscedasticity. Among the conclusions are that under any type of heteroscedasticity, an unbiased estimate of the mean and the variance of the estimated mean can be obtained by using the estimates as if they were true unobserved values from the first stage. The issue of using the mean versus a weighted average which tries to account for the heteroscedasticity is also discussed. An unbiased estimate of the population variance is given and the variance of this estimate and its covariance with the estimated mean is provided under various types of heteroscedasticity. The two‐stage setting arises in many contexts including the one‐way random effects models with replication, meta‐analysis, multi‐stage sampling from finite populations and random coefficients models. We will motivate and illustrate the problem with data arising from these various contexts with the goal of providing a unified framework for addressing such problems.
Virtual Experiments and Their Use in Teaching Experimental Design
Authors: Darius Paul L. , Portier Kenneth M. , Schrevens Eddie 
Published: August 2010

Summary The ability to design experiments in an appropriate and efficient way is an important skill, but students typically have little opportunity to get that experience. Most textbooks introduce standard general‐purpose designs, and then proceed with the analysis of data already collected. In this paper we explore a tool for gaining design experience: computer‐based virtual experiments. These are software environments which mimic a real situation of interest and invite the user to collect data to answer a research question. Two prototype environments are described. The first one is suitable for a course that deals with screening or response surface designs, the second one allows experimenting with block and row‐column designs. They are parts of a collection we developed called ENV2EXP, and can be freely used over the web. We also describe our experience in using them in several courses over the last few years.
Hydrologic Modeling of an Extreme Flood in the Guadalupe River in Texas1
Authors: Sharif Hatim O. , Hassan Almoutaz A. , Bin‐Shafique Sazzad , Xie Hongjie , Zeitler Jon 
Published: August 2010

Sharif, Hatim O., Almoutaz A. Hassan, Sazzad Bin‐Shafique, Hongjie Xie, and Jon Zeitler, 2010. Hydrologic Modeling of an Extreme Flood in the Guadalupe River in Texas. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1‐11. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2010.00459.xAbstract:  Many of the storms creating the greatest rainfall depths in Texas, measured over durations ranging from one minute to 48 hours, have occurred in the Texas Hill Country area. The upstream portion of the Guadalupe River Basin, located in the Texas Hill Country, is susceptible to flooding and rapid runoff due to thin soils, exposed bedrock, and sparse vegetation, in addition to the Balcones Escarpment uplift contributing to precipitation enhancement. In November 2004, a moist air mass from the Gulf of Mexico combined with moist air from the Pacific Ocean resulted in the wettest November in Texas since 1895. Although the peak discharges were not the highest on record, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gauge on the Guadalupe River at Gonzales, Texas reported a daily mean discharge of 2,304 m3/s on November 23, 2004 (average discharge is 53 m3/s). In this paper, we examine the meteorological conditions that led to this event and apply a two‐dimensional, physically based, distributed‐parameter hydrologic model to simulate the response of a portion of the basin during this event. The study results clearly demonstrate the ability of physically based, distributed‐parameter simulations, driven by operational radar rainfall products, to adequately model the cumulative effect of two rainfall events and route inflows from three upstream watersheds without the need for significant calibration.
The interplay between the effectiveness of the grass‐endophyte mutualism and the genetic variability of the host plant
Authors: Gundel Pedro E. , Omacini Marina , Sadras Victor O. , Ghersa Claudio M. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractNeotyphodiumendophytic fungi, the asexual state ofEpichloëspecies, protect cool‐season grasses against stresses. The outcomes ofNeotyphodium‐grass symbioses are agronomically relevant as they may affect the productivity of pastures. It has been suggested that the mutualism is characteristic of agronomic grasses and that differential rates of gene flow between both partners’ populations are expected to disrupt the specificity of the association and, thus, the mutualism in wild grasses. We propose that compatibility is necessary but not sufficient to explain the outcomes ofNeotyphodium‐grass symbiosis, and advance a model that links genetic compatibility, mutualism effectiveness, and endophyte transmission efficiency. For endophytes that reproduce clonally and depend on allogamous hosts for reproduction and dissemination, we propose that this symbiosis works as an integrated entity where gene flow promotes its fitness and evolution. Compatibility between the host plant and the fungal endophyte would be high in genetically close parents; however, mutualism effectiveness and transmission efficiency would be low in fitness depressed host plants. Increasing the genetic distance of mating parents would increase mutualism effectiveness and transmission efficiency. This tendency would be broken when the genetic distance between parents is high (out‐breeding depression). Our model allows for testable hypotheses that would contribute to understand the coevolutionary origin and future of the endophyte‐grass mutualism.
Cultural Identifications, Political Representations and National Project(s) on the Symbolic Arena of the Orange Revolution
Authors: Narvselius Eleonora 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe article is a study of the interplay of several important generators of meanings of the Orange Revolution, namely, background representations, cultural scripts, actors and audiences. The events of the Orange Revolution are interpreted as a symbolically charged socio‐cultural performance. The analysis is focused on the cultural identity component of the political representations of the main stage characters (two presidential candidates) which were constructed in such a way that they explicated visions of national development and vectors of identity work that currently coexist and compete in Ukrainian society. The author suggests that the symbolic arena of the Orange Revolution revealed that a culturally informed project of nation building, well in line with aspirations of wider circles of nationally conscious Ukrainian intelligentsia, might become one of the crucial factors of political mobilisation in present‐day Ukraine.
Skiing Nation: Towards an Anthropology of Slovenia's National Sport
Authors: Kotnik Vlado 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis paper explores the role of alpine skiing in Slovenian culture and society by focusing on the construction and maintenance of a sporting national story. The research, which is based on discourse analysis and the ethnographic method, suggests that in Slovenia, alpine skiing, with its natural sceneries, amateurish background, sporting events, media attention and national heroes, is one of the main sports arenas in which the Slovenian nation‐imagining, nationalism and national identity have been exercised throughout the twentieth century. The national importance of alpine skiing was further confirmed after Slovenia's secession from Yugoslavia. The findings also suggest that the media, especially television, perpetuated the myth of skiing as the Slovenian national sport and as an autochthonous Slovenian sporting practice.
Identities in India: Region, Nationality and Nationalism ‐ A Theoretical Framework
Authors: Behera Subhakanta 
Published: August 2010

AbstractGiven the complexity of identity in India, where ethnicity alone can only inadequately define constituent regional communities such as the Oriyas, Bengalis, Tamils and Keralites, a regional perspective provides a more useful analytical approach. In India, a territorially defined region is the most inclusive segment, which has linguistic, historical and socio‐cultural connotations. Apart from the historical importance of region, it has now taken many ethnic characteristics within its ambit. While discussing the importance of ‘region’ in India, this article tries to show the weakness of an ethnic perspective in defining the identity of various language‐based, but geographically confined, communities of India. The article also tries to explore how regional identities can be reconciled with a pan‐Indian ideology. Perhaps in the post‐modern world, this is the greatest challenge that India has to grapple with, and one that requires judicious policies and practices
(Re)imagining the Muslim Identity in Singapore
Authors: Tan Charlene 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis paper discusses how the Singapore government attempted to (re)imagine the Muslim identity in Singapore based on the crisis of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) arrests in 2002. The paper argues that the government sought to resolve and manage the crisis using the combined apparatuses of the mass media, education and administrative regulations. The paper further analyses the constraints and challenges faced by the government in the process of (re)constructing and sustaining the Singapore Muslim identity. The attempt by the Singapore government provides a useful example of how the government of a multi‐ethnic, multi‐religious and multi‐lingual country has responded to internal terrorist threats by (re)imagining the Muslim identity, and the problems and controversies such a (re)imaging process generates.
A Chinese Malaysian in Taiwan: Negarakuku and a Song of Exile in the Diaspora
Authors: Koh Keng We 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis article examines the controversy surrounding a Chinese Malaysian student's use of the Malaysian anthem in a rap song criticising the corruption of Malaysia and its marginalisation of the ethnic Chinese. Race and religion have been crucial in the imagining of and contestations over the Malaysian nation. They became taboo subjects in the public sphere after the 13 May racial riots in 1969. Language, education, and the mass media became important fields of contestation between the Chinese communities and the Malay‐dominant government. With the growing state control of traditional public media such as television, radio, and newspapers, the internet thus became an important space for the stifled public sphere. Concomitantly, dissatisfaction with the dominant party coalition has led increasingly to the growth of a multi‐ethnic opposition that encompasses the different ethnic groups. Wee's songs and the political backlash resulting from the government's attempts to suppress it exemplify the convergence of these forces. They also tell us something about the ways in which ethnicity, diaspora, and nationalism intertwine in the imaginings and world‐view of a Chinese Malaysian student who felt himself displaced by the national education system. Taiwan, an important cultural and political node in the Chinese overseas imagination, constituted escape, opportunity and an important cultural and political influence but he remains oriented towards his homeland. His songs show how his identity is framed within the local (Muar), the ethnic (vis‐a‐vis the Malays on the one hand and the other Chinese linguistic communities on the other) and the nation (Malaysia and vis‐à‐vis Singapore).
SNP detection in Na/K ATP‐ase gene α1 subunit of bisexual and parthenogenetic Artemia strains by RFLP screening
Authors: MANAFFAR R. , ZARE S. , AGH N. , ABDOLAHZADEH N. , SOLTANIAN S. , SORGELOOS P. , BOSSIER P. , VAN STAPPEN G. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn order to find a marker for differentiating between a bisexual and a parthenogenetic Artemia strain, Exon‐7 of the Na/K ATPase α1 subunit gene was screened by RFLP technique. The results revealed a constant synonymous SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in digestion by the Tru1I enzyme that was consistent with these two types of Artemia. This SNP was identified as an accurate molecular marker for discrimination between bisexual and parthenogenetic Artemia. According to the Nei’s genetic distance (1973), the lowest genetic distance was found between individuals from Artemia urmiana Günther 1890 and parthenogenetic populations, making the described marker the first marker to easily distinguish between these two cooccurring species.
Comparison of visual performance of silicone and acrylic multifocal IOLs utilizing the same diffractive design
Authors: Hütz Werner W. , Jäckel Richard , Hoffman Peter C. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the visual outcomes in patients implanted with a diffractive silicone multifocal in one eye and a diffractive acrylic multifocal IOL in their fellow eye.Setting:  Augenklinik, Bad Hersfeld, Germany.Methods:  Forty‐two eyes of 21 cataract surgery patients were randomized to undergo implantation with either a silicone diffractive multifocal IOL (Tecnis ZM900, Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA, USA) or an acrylic diffractive multifocal IOL (Tecnis ZMA00, AMO). The two IOLs share the same design platform. Outcome measurements included uncorrected and best‐corrected distance and near visual acuity, spherical equivalent, reading speed and reading acuity, as well as photic phenomena. Patients were followed for 6 months following surgery.Results:  The mean spherical equivalent was 0.161 D (acrylic) and 0.065 D (silicone). The mean uncorrected visual acuity was 0.17 logMAR for the acrylic eyes and 0.17 logMAR for the silicone eyes, a difference of 0.01 (p = 0.861). The mean best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.08 for the acrylic eyes and 0.10 for the silicone lens, a difference of 0.03 (p = 0.321).Conclusions:  Given that the designs of the lenses are identical and that this was a contralateral eye study, it is reasonable to expect that the results between the two eyes and two types of lenses were similar. Both versions of this lens provide excellent visual function.
Genomic fingerprinting and serotyping of Salmonella from Galápagos iguanas demonstrates island differences in strain diversity
Authors: Wheeler Emily , Cann Isaac K. O. , Mackie Roderick I. 
Published: August 2010

Summary Salmonella carriage patterns in wild and captive reptiles suggest that both geographical proximity and host ecological differences may determine bacterial diversity among reptile populations. In this study, we explore the relative importance of these factors on Salmonella diversity in free‐living Galápagos iguanas. We isolated Salmonella enterica from marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) and land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus and C. pallidus) living on two islands (Plaza Sur and Santa Fe). We evaluated Salmonella population patterns using genomic fingerprints, sequence typing and serotyping. Rep‐PCR fingerprinting revealed significant grouping of isolates by iguana population. Island residence had the strongest effect on isolate similarity, but a smaller divergence among Salmonella isolates from different iguana ecotypes (land versus marine) was detected within each island. In contrast, sequence typing detected a marginal difference in isolate genotypes between islands. Sequence types corresponded strongly to serotype identity, with both islands hosting a unique serovar pool. Our findings suggest that both geographical location and host ecotype differences (either from within host strain selection or from differences in habitat use) contribute to Salmonella population patterns in the Galápagos Islands.
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF SERUM ENZYME DETERMINATIONS
Authors: Dunavant Michael L. , Rich L. J. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryThis study determined the normal enzyme levels in horses, cattle, and dogs for a group of 10 enzymes. The enzyme tests were then evaluated under clinical conditions, and case histories are presented to illustrate the useful applications of these tests.Following clinical evaluations, the tests were grouped into profiles for the study of disease syndromes. Each profile contained the tests of greatest value in evaluating a specific organ or tissue. Sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and glutamic dehydrogenase (GLDH) are enzymes found primarily in the liver and are combined with the less tissue specific glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) to monitor hepatocellular degeneration. Aldolase (ALD) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) are enzymes found primarily in skeletal muscle. Elevations of ALD, CPK, and GOT can assist in the diagnosis of skeletal muscle degeneration. Not only are the newer enzyme tests relatively organ specific but also offer greater sensitivity than has previously been obtained.
Greatest lower bounds on the Ricci curvature of Fano manifolds
Authors: Székelyhidi Gábor 
Published: August 2010

AbstractOn a Fano manifoldMwe study the supremum of the possibletsuch that there is a Kähler metricω∈c1(M) with Ricci curvature bounded below byt. This is shown to be the same as the maximum existence time of Aubin’s continuity path for finding Kähler–Einstein metrics. We show that onP2blown up in one point this supremum is 6/7, and we give upper bounds for other manifolds.
Irreducible quotients ofA-hypergeometric systems
Authors: Saito Mutsumi 
Published: August 2010

AbstractGel’fand, Kapranov and Zelevinsky proved, using the theory of perverse sheaves, that in the Cohen–Macaulay case anA-hypergeometric system is irreducible if its parameter vector is non-resonant. In this paper we prove, using the theory of the ring of differential operators on an affine toric variety, that in general anA-hypergeometric system is irreducible if and only if its parameter vector is non-resonant. In the course of the proof, we determine the irreducible quotients of anA-hypergeometric system.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Efficacy of Florfenicol for Treatment of
Francisella asiatica
Infection in Tilapia
Authors: Soto Esteban , Endris Richard G. , Hawke John P. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Francisella asiatica
is a recently described, Gram-negative, facultative intracellular fish pathogen, known to be the causative agent of francisellosis in warm-water fish. Francisellosis outbreaks have increased in frequency among commercial aquaculture operations and have caused severe economic losses in every case reported. The lack of effective treatments for piscine francisellosis led us to investigate the potential efficacy of florfenicol for inhibition of
F. asiatica in vitro
and as an oral therapeutic agent
in vivo
. The MIC of florfenicol for
F. asiatica
, as determined by the broth dilution method, was 2 μg/ml, which indicates its potential efficacy as a therapeutic agent for treatment of francisellosis. The intracellular susceptibility of the bacterium to florfenicol in tilapia head kidney-derived macrophages (THKDM) was also investigated. Addition of florfenicol to the medium at 10 μg/ml was sufficient to significantly reduce bacterial loads in the THKDM
in vitro
. Cytotoxicity assays done in infected THKDM also demonstrated drug efficacy
in vivo
, as determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Levels of LDH released from infected THKDM were significantly lower in macrophages treated with florfenicol (
P
< 0.001) than in untreated cells. In medicated-feed trials, fish were fed 15 mg of florfenicol/kg of fish body weight for 10 days, and the feeding was initiated at either 1, 3, or 6 days postchallenge. Immersion challenges resulted in 30% mean percent survival in nontreated fish, and fish receiving medicated feed administered at 1 and 3 days postinfection showed higher mean percent survival (100% and 86.7%, respectively). A significant decrease (
P
< 0.001) in bacterial numbers (number of CFU/g of spleen tissue) was observed in treated groups compared to nontreated infected fish at both 1 and 3 days postchallenge. There were no differences in bacterial burden in the spleens between fish treated 6 days postchallenge and untreated controls. In conclusion, if florfenicol is administered during early stages of infection, it has the potential for effectively treating piscine francisellosis, including the capacity for intracellular penetration and bacterial clearance.