bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cultural diversity in science education through Novelization: Against the Epicization of science and cultural centralization
Authors: van Eijck Michiel , Roth Wolff‐Michael 
Published: June 2011

AbstractScience educators are confronted with the challenge to accommodate in their classes an increasing cultural and linguistic diversity that results from globalization. Challenged by the call to work towards valuing and keeping this diversity in the face of the canonical nature of school science discourse, we propose a new way of thinking about and investigating these problems. Drawing on the work of Mikhail Bakhtin, we articulate epicization and novelization as concepts that allow us to understand, respectively, the processes of (a) centralizing and homogenizing culture and language and (b) pluralizing culture and language. We present and analyze three examples that exhibit how existing mundane science education practices tend, by means of epicization, towards a unitary language and to cultural centralization. We then propose novelization as a way for thinking the opening up of science education by interacting with and incorporating alternative forms of knowing that arise from cultural diversity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 48: 824–847, 2011
Investigating and theorizing discourse during analogy writing in chemistry
Authors: Bellocchi Alberto , Ritchie Stephen M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractExplanations of the role of analogies in learning science at a cognitive level are made in terms of creating bridges between new information and students' prior knowledge. In this empirical study of learning with analogies in an 11th grade chemistry class, we explore an alternative explanation at the “social” level where analogy shapes classroom discourse. Students in the study developed analogies within small groups and with their teacher. These classroom interactions were monitored to identify changes in discourse that took place through these activities. Beginning from socio‐cultural perspectives and hybridity, we investigated classroom discourse during analogical activities. From our analyses, we theorized a merged discourse that explains how the analog discourse becomes intertwined with the target discourse generating a transitional state where meanings, signs, symbols, and practices are in flux. Three categories were developed that capture how students intertwined the analog and target discourses—merged words, merged utterances/sentences, and merged practices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 48: 771–792, 2011
Differential diagnosis of adnexal masses: sequential use of the risk of malignancy index and HistoScanning, a novel computer‐aided diagnostic tool
Authors: Vaes E. , Manchanda R. , Autier P. , Nir R. , Nir D. , Bleiberg H. , Robert A. , Menon U. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the value of ovarian Histo‐Scanning™, a novel computerized technique for interpreting ultrasound data, in combination with the risk of malignancy index (RMI) in improving triage for women with adnexal masses.MethodsRMI indices were assessed in 199 women enrolled in a prospective study to investigate the use of HistoScanning. Ultrasound scores were obtained by blinded analysis of archived images. The following sequential test was developed: HistoScanning was modeled as a second‐line test for RMI between a lower cut‐off and an upper cut‐off. The optimal combination of these cut‐offs that together maximized the Youden index (Sensitivity + Specificity − 1) was determined.ResultsUsing RMI at the standard cut‐off value of 250 resulted in a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 86%. When RMI was combined with HistoScanning, the highest accuracy was achieved by using HistoScanning as a sequential second‐line test for patients with RMI values between 105 and 2100. At these cut‐off values, sequential use of RMI and HistoScanning resulted in mean sensitivity and specificity estimates of 88% and 95%, respectively.ConclusionsOur data suggest that HistoScanning may have the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy of RMI, which could result in better triage for women with adnexal masses. Further prospective validation is warranted. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of mechanical systems with nonlinear nonholonomic constraints – II Differential equations of motion
Authors: Zeković D.N. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractDepending on how the nonholonomic constraints have been introduced to the Lagrange‐D'Alemberts's principle, there are several differential equations of motion in the mechanics of nonholonomic systems. In this work, the most general type of differential equations of motion (fundamental to all known forms of the equations of motion for nonholonomic as well as holonomic systems) is derived. Here, the equations represent the generalization of Poincare's equation [1]. In published works [2, 3, 4, 5, 6], these have already taken into account nonlinear nonholonomic constraints and linear relations between real velocities and kinematic parameters. A method of dedication of the most generalized form of the equations of motion will be shown. It is followed by the analysis of particular cases. Then, it will be shown how to get form the generalized form to Maggi, Appell, Voronec, Chaplygin, Volterra, Ferrers, and Boltzmann‐Hamel's equations appearing in nonholonomic systems. Further, a system of material points of variable mass, where the equations of motion are derived for the most general case of reactive forces and in case of constraints depending on mass variables will be considered. All theoretical considerations are illustrated with the analysis of the relevant nonholonomic model.
Optimization of a functionally graded circular plate with inner rigid thin obstacles. II. Approximate problems
Authors: Hlaváček I. , Lovíšek J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractOptimal design of a simply supported functionally graded axisymmetric circular plate resting on several inner rigid rings is presented in Part I. The variable thickness and the exponent of the power‐law of the grading function are to be optimized. In Part II the approximate state problem and approximate optimal design problems are introduced, using spaces of linear and cubic Hermite splines, respectively. We prove the existence of approximate solutions and the convergence of a subsequence of the solutions to a solution of the original continuous optimal design problem.
The impact of unsupervised regular walking on health: a sample of Turkish middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Atalay Orcin Telli , Cavlak Uğur 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Regular walking is one of the most recommended and popular physical activity worldwide. This study (1) detected the effects of unsupervised regular walking on physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life in middle-aged and older adults and (2) compared the results with inactive controls. Forty middle-aged and older adults with a mean age of 56.30 ± 4.85 years (range 40–70) walking for at least 1 year, at least three times a week, and at least 45 min a day and 40 inactive participants with a mean age of 55.15 ± 5.64 years (range 40–70) participated. Before testing, sociodemographics of the participants were recorded. Body mass index and waist–hip ratio were calculated. The two groups were evaluated and compared in terms of physical functioning (handgrip strength, balance performance, cardio-vascular endurance, flexibility, muscular endurance and coordination), cognitive functioning (Mini Mental Test), emotional status (Beck Depression Inventory), and health related quality of life (CDC HRQOL- 4). The results obtained from this study showed that there were significant differences in terms of all outcome measurements between the groups (p < 0.05). The regular walking group had better scores in most parameters than the inactive controls. The results indicate that unsupervised regular walking improves health and is also a safe, cheap, and can easily be adapted into daily life. Therefore, it can be recommended to improve physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life of middle-aged and older adults.
TMAH‐Catalyzed Transesterification of EPA and DHA in Encapsulated Fish Oil Products
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐Jung , Liu Chih‐Cheng , Hung Lang‐Bang , Pan Bonnie Sun 
Published: June 2011

AbstractTetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)‐catalyzed transesterification was developed as a rapid and reliable method using gas chromatography (GC) to determine the total fatty acid profile and to quantify the ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in 20 brands of encapsulated fish oil products. The AOAC method with boron trifluoride (BF3) as a catalyst was used as a reference. After the respective transesterifications of BF3 and TMAH, seven brands of encapsulated fish oil showed a single peak of EPA or DHA in the chromatograms, while 13 brands showed a single peak in the chromatograms after BF3 esterification, but doublet peaks of EPA or DHA after TMAH esterification. By comparing with the GC/MS NIST library and authentic standard fatty acids of ethyl esters, the two pairs of doublet peaks were confirmed the ethyl and methyl esters of EPA and DHA, while the sum of the peak areas of the doublet represented the content of EPA or DHA. The reaction time course concluded that optimal TMAH transesterification was obtained at 25 °C for 10 min and using GC columns of low to medium polarity including Rtx‐wax and Rtx‐2330 were able to differentiate and quantify the ethyl‐ and methyl‐esterified EPA and DHA, while RT‐2560 column with higher polarity than the two other columns was unable to resolve the ethyl ester from the methyl ester of EPA or DHA. An EPA/DHA ratio of ≥1.10 may serve as an indicator of fish oil fortified with the ethyl ester of EPA.
A socially-driven topology improvement framework with applications in content distribution and trust management
Authors: Stai Eleni , Karyotis Vasileios , Papavassiliou Symeon 
Published: June 2011

AbstractContemporary networking infrastructures are required to be capable of adapting to the increasing trends of user demands, as well as the impairments of their operational environment. In this work, by exploiting the power varying capabilities of multihop wireless networks and inspired by social structures of the higher protocol layers, we develop a distributed and dynamic physical topology modification framework for weighted and directed multihop networks. The operational robustness and effectiveness of the proposed framework is demonstrated in two highly popular application areas, namely QoS-oriented content distribution and trust management in wireless multihop networks. We focus on the emerging trade-offs of topology modification, and through analysis and simulation, we demonstrate how social features can be used in improving the physical network topology and corresponding performance.
Geochemical trends through time and lateral variability of diatom floras in the Pleistocene Olorgesailie Formation, southern Kenya Rift Valley
Authors: Owen R. B. , Renaut R. W. , Potts R. , Behrensmeyer A. K. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe Olorgesailie Formation (1.2–0.49 Ma) consists of fluvial and lacustrine rift sediments that have yielded abundant Acheulean artifacts and a fossil hominin (Homo cf. erectus). In testing prior understandings of the paleoenvironmental context, we define nine new geochemical zones. A Chemical Index of Alteration suggests increased catchment weathering during deposition of Members 1, 2, 7, 11, and 13. Biophile elements (Br, S) peak in M8–9 and lower M13 possibly reflecting increased input from soil erosion. REE data show that the Magadi Trachytes supplied most siliciclastic grains. Sixteen diatom stages indicate conductivities of 200–16,000 μS cm− 1 and pH of 7.5–9.5 for five deep-water lakes, ten shallow lakes and sixteen wetlands. These results are compared with diatom data from other sections in the basin and show aquatic spatial variability over km-scale distances. Similar floras are traceable over several kilometers for M2, M3 and M9, indicating broadly homogeneous lacustrine conditions during these times, but diatoms in other members imply variable conditions, some related to local tectonic controls. This lateral and temporal variability emphasizes the importance of carrying out stratigraphic sampling at multiple sites within a basin in efforts to define the environmental context relevant to human evolution.
Up-regulation of PPARγ, heat shock protein-27 and -72 by naringin attenuates insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction, hepatic steatosis and kidney damage in a rat model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kumar Sharma Ashok , Bharti Saurabh , Ojha Shreesh , Bhatia Jagriti , Kumar Narender , Ray Ruma , Kumari Santosh , Singh Arya Dharamvir 
Published: June 2011

Naringin, a bioflavonoid isolated from grapefruit, is well known to possess lipid-lowering and insulin-like properties. Therefore, we assessed whether naringin treatment ameliorates insulin resistance (IR), β-cell dysfunction, hepatic steatosis and kidney damage in high-fat diet (HFD)–streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Wistar albino male rats were fed a HFD (55 % energy from fat and 2 % cholesterol) to develop IR and on the 10th day injected with a low dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (ip)) to induce type 2 diabetes. After confirmation of hyperglycaemia (>13·89 mmol/l) on the 14th day, different doses of naringin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg per d) and rosiglitazone (5 mg/kg per d) were administered orally for the next 28 d while being maintained on the HFD. Naringin significantly decreased IR, hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, TNF-α, IL-6, C-reactive protein and concomitantly increased adiponectin and β-cell function in a dose-dependent manner. Increased thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in the serum and tissues of diabetic rats were also normalised. Moreover, naringin robustly increased PPARγ expression in liver and kidney; phosphorylated tyrosine insulin receptor substrate 1 in liver; and stress proteins heat shock protein (HSP)-27 and HSP-72 in pancreas, liver and kidney. In contrast, NF-κB expression in these tissues along with sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c and liver X receptor- expressions in liver were significantly diminished. In addition, microscopic observations validated that naringin effectively rescues β-cells, hepatocytes and kidney from HFD-STZ-mediated oxidative damage and pathological alterations. Thus, this seminal study provides cogent evidence that naringin ameliorates IR, dyslipidaemia, β-cell dysfunction, hepatic steatosis and kidney damage in type 2 diabetic rats by partly regulating oxidative stress, inflammation and dysregulated adipocytokines production through up-regulation of PPARγ, HSP-27 and HSP-72.
Bone-protective effects of bioactive fractions and ingredients in Sambucus williamsii HANCE
Authors: Xiao Hui-Hui , Dai Yi , Wan Hoi-Ying , Wong Man-Sau , Yao Xin-Sheng 
Published: June 2011

Our previous study demonstrated that 60 % ethanol crude extract of Sambucus williamsii HANCE (SWH) improved bone mass, bone strength and bone micro-structure in both ovariectomised (OVX) rats and mice. The present study aims to identify the bioactive fractions and ingredients in SWH that account for its osteoprotective effects. Bilateral sham-operated mice acted as controls. OVX C57BL/6J mice, aged 12 weeks, were orally administrated daily with vehicle or 17β-oestradiol (3·2 mg/kg), SWH (60 % ethanol crude extract; 1·0 g/kg), SWA (water eluate; 0·570 g/kg), SWB (30 % ethanol eluate; 0·128 g/kg) or SWC (50 and 95 % ethanol eluates; 0·189 g/kg) for 12 weeks. The effects of the different fractions on bone properties in the OVX mice model were studied. In addition, their effects on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation were evaluated in UMR 106 cells. SWC significantly restored bone mineral density and improved bone size and bone content parameters in the femur and tibia as well as increased biomechanical strength at the tibia diaphysis in OVX mice. Similarly, SWC was the most potent fraction in stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation in UMR 106 cells. Also, SWC did not alter uterus weight in OVX mice. Nine major peaks, seven lignans and two phenolic acids, in the HPLC fingerprint of the SWC fraction were identified, isolated and characterised. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that SWC was the most potent fraction in SWH that exerted anti-osteoporotic effects. Furthermore, lignans might be the potential bioactive components in SWC.
Tannic acid is more effective than clofibrate for the elevation of hepatic β-oxidation and the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase and aortic lesion formation in apo E-deficient mice
Authors: Do Gyeong-Min , Kwon Eun-Young , Ha Tae-Youl , Bok Park Yong , Kim Hye-Jin , Jeon Seon-Min , Lee Mi-Kyung , Choi Myung-Sook 
Published: June 2011

The effects of tannic acid (TA) supplementation (0·02 %, wt/wt) were compared with the effects of clofibrate (CF) supplementation (0·02 %, wt/wt) in apo E-deficient (apo E− / −) mice fed a AIN-76 semi-synthetic diet (normal diet) over 20 weeks. The mice were monitored for the modulation of hepatic mRNA expression and the activities of lipid-regulating enzymes. Both TA and CF supplementation lowered hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) activity and prevented atherosclerotic lesion formation in comparison with the control group. Hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase and β-oxidation activities were significantly higher in the TA and CF groups than in the control group. Both CF and TA supplementation resulted in significant decreases in hepatic HMGR mRNA levels in association with its enzyme activity. However, in contrast to CF supplementation, TA supplementation seemed to decrease the accumulation of hepatic lipids in the apo E− / −mice without increasing liver weight. These results suggest that the overall effect of TA is more desirable than CF for the alleviation of hepatic lipogenesis and atherogenesis in apo E− / −mice.
Audiological manifestations of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Singh Satbir , Nagarkar Anu N , Bansal Sandeep , Vir Dharm , Gupta Ashok K 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground:Allergic rhinitis is associated with excess specific immunoglobulin E. Inner ear involvement (via both cellular and humoral immunity) is poorly understood, but appears to arise from the endolymphatic sac and duct.Aims:To assess the otological and audiological status of patients with allergic rhinitis.Methodology:Thirty allergic rhinitis patients (14 men, 16 women; age 17–45 years, mean 31 years) and 20 controls (12 men, eight women; age 21–42 years, mean 27 years) underwent audiological investigation.Results:All study group patients had sensorineural (rather than conductive) hearing loss, worse at high frequencies. All had abnormal transient evoked otoacoustic emissions and 27 had abnormal distortion product otoacoustic emissions. All had a statistically significantly prolonged wave I latency, and shortened absolute wave I–III and I–V interpeak latencies, compared with controls.Conclusion:Allergic rhinitis patients had a higher prevalence of hearing loss and otoacoustic emission abnormalities than controls. The endolymphatic sac can process antigens and produce its own local antibody response; the resulting inflammatory mediators and toxic products may interfere with hair cell function. Additional research is needed to determine the clinical value of audiometry and otoacoustic emission testing in allergic rhinitis.
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii complex species in clinical specimens in Singapore
Authors: KOH T. H. , TAN T. T. , KHOO C. T. , NG S. Y. , TAN T. Y. , HSU L-Y. , OOI E. E. , VAN DER REIJDEN T. J. K. , DIJKSHOORN L. 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYThis study was performed to determine the prevalence, distribution of specimen sources, and antimicrobial susceptibility of the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii (Acb) species complex in Singapore. One hundred and ninety-three non-replicate Acb species complex clinical isolates were collected from six hospitals over a 1-month period in 2006. Of these, 152 (78·7%) were identified as A. baumannii, 18 (9·3%) as ‘Acinetobacter pittii’ [genomic species (gen. sp.) 3], and 23 (11·9%) as ‘Acinetobacter nosocomialis’ (gen. sp. 13TU). Carbapenem resistance was highest in A. baumannii (72·4%), followed by A. pittii (38·9%), and A. nosocomialis (34·8%). Most carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and A. nosocomialis possessed the blaOXA-23-like gene whereas carbapenem-resistant A. pittii possessed the blaOXA-58-like gene. Two imipenem-resistant strains (A. baumannii and A. pittii) had the blaIMP-like gene. Representatives of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii were related to European clones I and II.
Reducing fuzzy answer set programming to model finding in fuzzy logics
Authors: JANSSEN JEROEN , VERMEIR DIRK , SCHOCKAERT STEVEN , DE COCK MARTINE 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn recent years, answer set programming (ASP) has been extended to deal with multivalued predicates. The resulting formalismsallow for the modeling of continuous problems as elegantly as ASP allows for the modeling of discrete problems, by combining thestable model semantics underlying ASP with fuzzy logics. However, contrary to the case of classical ASP where manyefficient solvers have been constructed, to date there is no efficient fuzzy ASP solver. A well-knowntechnique for classical ASP consists of translating an ASP programPto a propositional theory whose models exactlycorrespond to the answer sets ofP. In this paper, we show how this idea can be extended to fuzzy ASP, paving the wayto implement efficient fuzzy ASP solvers that can take advantage of existing fuzzy logic reasoners.
Investment strategies in retirement: in the presence of a means-tested government pension
Authors: BUTT ADAM , DENG ZIYONG 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA simulation approach is used to investigate how various investment strategies affect the ability of retirees to spend at a desired level up until death. Retirees are assumed to maintain all investment and longevity risk, and also have access to a government-sponsored and means-tested Age Pension to provide part of their desired expenditure. It is found that a 100% allocation to growth assets is optimal for large expenditure desires relative to initial balance levels, with allocations outside of this being sensitive to movements in initial balance and desired expenditure level, as well as interactions with the Age Pension.
Saddle towers and minimal k-noids in ℍ2 × ℝ
Authors: Morabito Filippo , Rodríguez M. Magdalena 
Published: June 2011

AbstractGiven k ≥ 2, we construct a (2k − 2)-parameter family of properly embedded minimal surfaces in ℍ2 × ℝ invariant by a vertical translation T, called saddle towers, which have total intrinsic curvature 4π(1 − k), genus zero and 2k vertical Scherk-type ends in the quotient by T. Each of those examples is obtained from the conjugate graph of a Jenkins–Serrin graph over a convex polygonal domain with 2k edges of the same (finite) length. As limits of saddle towers, we obtain properly embedded minimal surfaces, called minimal k-noids, which are symmetric with respect to a horizontal slice (in fact they are vertical bi-graphs) and have total intrinsic curvature 4π(1 − k), genus zero and k vertical planar ends.