bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk‐based decision making in a scientific issue: A study of teachers discussing a dilemma through a microworld
Authors: Levinson Ralph , Kent Phillip , Pratt David , Kapadia Ramesh , Yogui Cristina 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRisk has now become a feature of science curricula in many industrialized countries. While risk is conceptualized within a number of different theoretical frameworks, the predominant model used in examination specifications is a utility model in which risk calculations are deemed to be objective through technical expert assessment and where the perceptions of individual actors can be corrected by appropriate rationalization of action and thought. However, research studies and other theories on risk suggest that a utility‐based approach fails to take into account social, experiential, and cultural factors, which frame what is considered to be risky. Our research study with science and mathematics teachers deploys a microworld, “Deborah's dilemma,'' which presents a decision‐making process involving probabilistic estimates in which teachers construct their own personal models of risk. Teachers were recorded in dialogue while working through the microworld. Inductive coding of the dialogue and interactions with the microworld show that teachers' decisions on risk have a rational underpinning, but that use of data and information only becomes coherent and comprehensible within the explicated values of decision makers. We suggest that designing programs on learning about risk in science must incorporate the opportunity to make values explicit and coordination of different dimensions of risk. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96:212–233, 2012
Contrary Effects of Microstructure and Cleanliness on Tensile and Toughness Properties in Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels
Authors: Nick Eva‐Maria , Müller Merle G. J. , Voigt Sally G. , Park Daesung , Reinholdt Alexander , Schwedt Alexander , Weirich Thomas E. , Bleck Wolfgang , Münstermann Sebastian 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA detailed microstructural analysis on two precipitation hardening steels of similar chemical composition and of identical heat treatment but with different microstructures and mechanical properties was performed to reveal the constituents that are of major importance for strength and toughness. Light optical microscopy, magnetic saturation measurements, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to identify and quantify the internal cleanliness, the secondary phases (δ‐ferrite, retained austenite), and the copper‐rich precipitates. The high purity and homogeneity of the steel's microstructure proved to be beneficial for upper shelf toughness and general isotropic behavior. In contrast, good elongation depended on local element segregation, allowing the stabilization of austenite to ambient temperature. The precipitation of copper‐enriched inter‐metallic phase was documented both in the martensitic matrix and in the δ‐ferrite; it ensured – for given heat treatment – sufficient yield strength independent of other microstructural constituents.
A new control algorithm to protect nonlinear base‐isolated structures against earthquakes
Authors: Khoshnoudian Faramarz , Mehrparvar Behnam 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYCurrently, nonlinear base isolation systems are widely used in the construction of earthquake resistant structures. However, they are found to be vulnerable in near‐fault regions as a result of long‐period pulses that may exist in near‐source ground motions. Various control strategies including passive, active and semi‐active control systems have been studied in order to handle this issue. In this study, a semi‐active control algorithm based on the different performance levels anticipated from an isolated building during different levels of ground shaking was developed. The proposed performance‐based algorithm is based on a modified version of the well‐known semi‐active skyhook control algorithm. A series of analyses were performed on the base‐isolated benchmark building, suggested by the American Society of Civil Engineers committee, subject to seven pairs of scaled ground‐motion records. The results proved that the new control algorithm is successful in improving structural and nonstructural performance of isolated buildings under near‐fault earthquakes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound for the study of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions
Authors: Belitsos P. , Papoutsis D. , Rodolakis A. , Mesogitis S. , Antsaklis A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the blood flow characteristics of the cervix in normal women and in women with cervical precancerous lesions or cervical cancer.MethodsWe studied 165 women with three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound (3D‐PDU), of whom 71 had cervical cancer, 61 had precancerous lesions and 33 were healthy controls. The cervix was manually traced in the stored volumes using 15° rotation steps and the following 3D‐PDU indices were calculated: vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI). These indices were compared among the study groups and were also correlated with features of the precancerous lesions group and cancer group.ResultsThe three indices were all statistically significantly higher in the cervical cancer group and precancerous lesions group than in controls (P < 0.001). In addition, significantly higher values of all indices were found in the cervical cancer group than in the precancerous lesions group (P < 0.001). Further analysis according to patient characteristics in the cancer group showed that VI, FI and VFI were not significantly different in relation to grade, histology, presence of positive lymph nodes or lymphovascular space involvement (P > 0.05). However, VI was significantly higher in patients with Stages IIIB–IV cancer than in patients with less advanced disease (P = 0.045). In the cervical cancer group there was a significant positive correlation between 3D‐PDU indices and cervical volume.Conclusion3D‐PDU assessment of the cervix reveals significant differences in all indices studied between women with cervical precancerous lesions or cancer and healthy women. In women with cervical cancer, an advanced stage is associated with higher VI, but 3D‐PDU indices are not related to other pathological characteristics. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitigating plague risk in utah prairie dogs: Evaluation of a systemic flea‐control product
Authors: Jachowski David S. , Brown Nathanael L. , Wehtje Morgan , Tripp Daniel W. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Gompper Matthew E. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPlague, the disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is a major threat to the Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens), a species listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Fleas are the primary vectors of plague, and flea control can stop the spread of plague epizootics and increase Utah prairie dog survival. We evaluated a newly developed grain‐bait insecticide treated with the active ingredient imidacloprid. In 2009, we conducted a single application of the product in treatment plots within each of 4 study sites and sampled fleas from captured Utah prairie dogs on treatment and control plots at monthly intervals. We observed mixed results; the product generally was effective at reducing flea prevalence, abundance, and intensity on prairie dogs at some sites and not at others, and the effectiveness within a site varied over time. In 2010, we doubled the amount of bait on treatment plots, yet we still failed to observe a consistent decline in flea prevalence, abundance, and intensity on prairie dogs. At the application rates we evaluated, the imidacloprid product is likely not as effective at controlling fleas on Utah prairie dogs as the more commonly used topical insecticide containing deltamethrin. However, managers should also consider the risk of flea species developing resistance following the repeated application of a single flea‐control product. Furthermore, because we observed a higher than expected diversity of flea species (8) on Utah prairie dogs, future work should be undertaken to investigate how other mammalian host species might mediate flea population dynamics, plague ecology, and the outcome of flea management approaches. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
JEAN-LOUIS DELOLME AND THE POLITICAL SCIENCE OF THE ENGLISH EMPIRE
Authors: McDANIEL IAIN 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThis article aims to extend our understanding of eighteenth-century political science through a re-examination of the writings of Jean-Louis Delolme (1741–1806). Beginning with an account of Delolme's conception of a modern ‘science of politics’, the article demonstrates that Delolme's ambition to rest the study of politics on scientific foundations developed in the context of an evolving concern with the stability and durability of the English ‘empire’. Underlining Delolme's critique of traditional republican political science as well as the comparative science of politics set out in Montesquieu'sThe spirit of the laws, the article thus sheds light on the connection between eighteenth-century conceptions of political science and eighteenth-century analyses of the English constitution and the British state. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the resonance of Delolme's central ideas in late eighteenth-century debates, in Britain, America, and France, about the character and properties of the modern constitutional republic.
THE CONTROVERSY AND CONSEQUENCES OF JOHN REDMOND'S ESTATE SALE UNDER THE WYNDHAM LAND ACT, 1903
Authors: COSGROVE PATRICK 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThis article examines the controversy surrounding the sale of John Redmond's estate under the Wyndham Land Act of 1903, its impact on Redmond's political career, and divisions within Irish nationalism. As chairman of the Irish Parliamentary Party, Redmond automatically assumed the mantle of spokesman for nationalist tenant farmers. However, after inheriting his uncle's estate in 1902, his political responsibilities as a tenant representative and his personal position as a landlord were set on a collision course. Although now a landlord he chose to attend the 1902–3 Land Conference, whose report heavily influenced the Wyndham Act, as the chief tenant representative. After accepting an offer by some of his tenants to purchase their holdings just prior to the commencement of the new act, many nationalists felt that the terms were exorbitant and Redmond was castigated for setting a precedent for landlords to follow. Even though the estate was eventually sold at a lower price, allegations that Redmond had extracted an excessive price from his own tenants and doubts about his trustworthiness as a tenant representative were slow to disappear. Against this backdrop, this article offers a fresh perspective on John Redmond's political career, post-1900.
‘THE SPACE OF THE SOUL’: AN INTERVIEW WITH SOFIA GUBAIDULINA
Authors: Moody Ivan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this interview Gubaidulina discusses her understanding of religion and the way in which it relates to her music, by means of symbolism and metaphor. In particular she speaks of her understanding of the Apocalypse as a book of light, greatly influenced by the writings of Fr Aleksandr Men. She talks about the symbolism of instruments in her work, notably percussion, which she sees as a way to the subconscious; her understanding of the role of modernism in music, and the way in which her work connects with this historical process; and also her use of the Fibonacci sequence. The relationship of her music to liturgy is discussed, as is the double path, apparently contradictory, of the artist who composes both liturgical and concert music. The experience of the composer during the profound changes in music during the 20th century, specifically as regards possible intersections between modernism and spirituality, are also discussed.
THE EVOLUTION OF FORM IN THE MUSIC OF ROGER REYNOLDS (I)
Authors: Boyd Michael 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThroughout his career, Roger Reynolds has studied perception and used this knowledge in an overt manner to shape many of his compositional decisions. Though this concern affects the ways that he works with many musical parameters, its influence is perhaps most clearly manifested in his global temporal designs. This article examines how he has approached form over the course of his career. Reynolds's initial compositional work from the early 1960s employed formal proportions that were derived from rows. Since 1970 Reynolds has used logarithmically expanding and contracting proportions to define sectional durations in his music to the near-exclusion of other designs. At the end of the 1980s and into the early 1990s, Reynolds began to look for sources of ‘alternative proportional authority’ such as chaos theory, while in more recent compositions his approach to formal design has been more variable.
Prevalence of types of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusin turkey flocks and personnel attending the animals
Authors: RICHTER A. , STING R. , POPP C. , RAU J. , TENHAGEN B.-A. , GUERRA B. , HAFEZ H. M. , FETSCH A. 
Published: February 2012

SUMMARYLivestock-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(LA-MRSA) have been isolated from a number of livestock species and persons involved in animal production. We investigated the prevalence of LA-MRSA in fattening turkeys and people living on farms that house fattening turkeys. Eighteen (90%) of 20 investigated flocks were positive for MRSA, and on 12 of the farms 22 (37·3%) of 59 persons sampled were positive for MRSA. People with frequent access to the stables were more likely to be positive for MRSA. In most flocks MRSA that could be assigned to clonal complex (CC) 398 were detected. In five flocks MRSA ofspa-type t002 that is not related to CC398 were identified. Moreover, other methicillin-resistantStaphylococcusspp. were detected on 11 farms and in eight people working on the farms.
Body weight perception is associated with socio-economic status and current body weight in selected urban and rural South Indian school-going children
Authors: Pauline Maria , Selvam Sumithra , Swaminathan Sumathi , Vaz Mario 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the current and ideal body weight perceptions of schoolchildren in relation to their actual body weight and socio-economic status (SES).DesignBaseline evaluation of schoolchildren from January 2008 to April 2008 as part of a 3-year longitudinal study.SettingCity and non-city locations, Karnataka State, South India.SubjectsSchoolchildren (n1877) aged between 8 and 14 years.ResultsGirls, children of more educated parents and city dwellers were more likely to be overweight (P< 0·001). Younger children aged <10 years and those of lower SES were more likely to perceive themselves as underweight (adjusted OR = 1·63, 95 % CI 1·25, 2·11 and adjusted OR = 1·87, 95 % CI 1·32, 2·65). Underweight children were ten times more likely to overestimate their current weight status, while overweight children were four times more likely to underestimate it. The odds of children of lower SES underestimating their weight, as well as desiring a higher weight, were higher than those of higher-SES children.ConclusionsSES is associated with body weight perception. Underweight children are more likely to overestimate their weight status and overweight children more likely to underestimate it.
Statistical analysis of network data and evolution on GPUs: High-performance statistical computing
Authors: Thorne Thomas , Stumpf Michael 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNetwork analysis typically involves as set of repetitive tasks that are particularly amenable to poor-man's parallelization. This is therefore an ideal application are for GPU architectures, which help to alleviate the tedium inherent to statistically sound analysis of network data. Here we will illustrate the use of GPUs in a range of applications, which include percolation processes on networks, the evolution of protein-protein interaction networks, and the fusion of different types of biomedical and disease data in the context of molecular interaction networks. We will pay particular attention to the numerical performance of different routines that are frequently invoked in network analysis problems. We conclude with a review over recent developments in the generation of random numbers that address the specific requirements posed by GPUs and high-performance computing needs.
A quantitative model for efficient construction of lentiviral vectors with a unique clone site
Authors: Zhang Gang , Tandon Anurag 
Published: February 2012

AbstractLentiviral vectors (LVs) were a powerful tool for transgene expression in vivo and in vitro. However, the construction of LVs is of low efficiency, due to the large sizes and lack of proper clone sites. Therefore, it is critical to develop efficient strategies for cloning LVs. Here, we reported a combinatorial strategy to efficiently construct LVs using EGFP, hPlk2 wild type (WT) and mutant genes as inserts. Firstly, site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) was performed to create BamH I site for the inserts; secondly, pWPI LV was dephosphorylated after BamH I digestion; finally, the amounts and ratios of the insert and vector DNA were optimized to increase monomeric ligation. Our results showed that the total percentage of positive clones was approximately 51.3%±15.2%. Using this model, almost all the vectors could be constructed through two or three minipreps, therefore, our study provided an efficient quantitative model for constructing large-size vectors.This paper has since been published in Scientific Reports: Zhang, G. & Tandon, A. Quantitative assessment on the cloning efficiencies of lentiviral transfer vectors with a unique clone site. Sci. Rep. 2, 415;DOI:10.1038/srep00415 (2012)
Sonografische Mikrokalkdetektion – Potenzial einer neuen Methode
Authors: Fischer T. , Grigoryev M. , Bossenz S. , Diekmann F. , Bick U. , Slowinski T. , Thomas A. 
Published: February 2012

Zusammenfassung
Ziel: Ermöglicht die erleichterte Mikrokalkdetektionsmethode (EMD) die sonografische Mikrokalkdarstellung an stereotaktisch gewonnenen Mammastanzzylindern im Vergleich zur Mammografie?
Material und Methoden: In einer prospektiv randomisierten Studie wurden 105 stereotaktisch gewonnen Stanzzylinder mammografisch und sonografisch untersucht. Die EMD-Methode, integriert in ein High-end-Ultraschallsystem, bestand aus 3 Einstellungsstufen (0 – 2 blau, 3 – 5 violett und 6 – 8 schwarz-weiß, 14 MHz). Die Anzahl der Mikroverkalkungen pro Stanze wurde für beide Verfahren bestimmt. Die EMD-Bildqualität konnte auf einer Skala von 1 – 9 beurteilt werden. ANOVA und Post-Hoc nach Sidak, Regressionsanalyse nach Pearson (r) und Spearmansche Rangrelationskorrelation (rho) wurden ermittelt. Der Intraklassen-Korrelationskoeffizient (ICC) wurde berechnet und eine ROC-Analyse durchgeführt.
Ergebnisse: Die blaue Farbmappe 1 wurde mit 1,5 ± 0,7 (MW) am besten bewertet (p< 0,05 im Vergleich zu schwarz-weiß und violett). Bei einer guter Korrelation der Verfahren (r = 0,708 und rho = 0,694) lag die Anzahl der erkannten Mikroverkalkungen pro Stanze bei 3,5 ± 3,1 sonografisch und 4,3 ± 4,8 mammografisch (p> 0,05). Der ICC zeigte mit 0,773 eine nur geringe Abweichung der Verfahren. Basierend auf dem histologischen Nachweis der Verkalkungen war die Mammografie der Sonografie in der ROC-Analyse überlegen (AUC = 0,837 vs. AUC = 0,728).
Schlussfolgerung: Die sonografische Mikrokalkdetektion mittels EMD-Methode korreliert gut mit der digitalen Mammografie an stereotaktisch gewonnenen Stanzen. Die Verfahren weichen gering zugunsten der Mammografie voneinander ab.
An Injectable Adipose Matrix for Soft-Tissue Reconstruction
Authors: Wu Iwen , Nahas Zayna , Kimmerling Kelly A. , Rosson Gedge D. , Elisseeff Jennifer H. 
Published: February 2012

Background:
Soft-tissue repair is currently limited by the availability of autologous tissue sources and the absence of an ideal soft-tissue replacement comparable to native adipose tissue. Extracellular matrix–based biomaterials have demonstrated great potential as instructive scaffolds for regenerative medicine, mechanically and biochemically defined by the tissue of origin. As such, the distinctive high lipid content of adipose tissue requires unique processing conditions to generate a biocompatible scaffold for soft-tissue repair.

Methods:
Human adipose tissue was decellularized to obtain a matrix devoid of lipids and cells while preserving extracellular matrix architecture and bioactivity. To control degradation and volume persistence, the scaffold was cross-linked using hexamethylene diisocyanate and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. In vitro studies with human adipose-derived stem cells were used to assess cell viability and adipogenic differentiation on the biomaterial. In vivo biocompatibility and volume persistence were evaluated by subcutaneous implantation over 12 weeks in a small-animal model.

Results:
The scaffold provided a biocompatible matrix supporting the growth and differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells in vitro. Cross-linking the matrix increased its resistance to enzymatic degradation. Subcutaneous implantation of the acellular adipose matrix in Sprague-Dawley rats showed minimal inflammatory reaction. Adipose tissue development and vascularization were observed in the implant, with host cells migrating into the matrix indicating the instructive potential of the matrix for guiding tissue remodeling and regeneration.

Conclusions:
With its unique biological and mechanical properties, decellularized adipose extracellular matrix is a promising biomaterial scaffold that can potentially be used allogenically for the correction of soft-tissue defects.
Prophylactic Muscle Flaps in Vascular Surgery
Authors: Fischer John P. , Nelson Jonas A. , Rohrbach Jeff I. , Wu Liza C. , Woo Edward Y. , Kovach Stephen J. , Low David W. , Serletti Joseph M. , Kanchwala Suhail 
Published: February 2012

Background:
High-risk patients undergoing vascular procedures through inguinal incisions experience significant benefit from undergoing prophylactic muscle flaps. The authors present a risk assessment tool, an evidence-based algorithm for using prophylactic muscle flaps, and a comprehensive cost analysis.

Methods:
Data derived from the authors' previously performed retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing open vascular groin surgery were used to construct an evidence-based risk assessment tool. A multivariate regression analysis identified significant, independent predictors of complications, which were used to construct a scoring system. An institutional cost analysis and preoperative assessment algorithm were derived based on patient risk stratification and statistical analyses.

Results:
Sixty-eight prophylactic flaps in 53 patients were compared with 195 open femoral access procedures without flaps in 178 patients. Multivariate regression demonstrated that obesity, smoking, reoperation, and prosthetic graft reconstruction are significant predictors of complications. A weighted risk factor score (0 to 7) was devised: obesity, for a value of 1; smoking, 2; reoperation for open groin surgery, 2; and prosthetic graft material, 2. Patients with higher scores had significantly more complications, infections, and more frequently required secondary salvage flap procedures. Using study data, the authors constructed an algorithm to guide preoperative groin assessment and use of prophylactic muscle flaps.

Conclusions:
The authors provide an assessment tool, called the Penn Groin Assessment Scale, that accurately predicts groin complications. They also describe a simple algorithm to assess for prophylactic muscle coverage. Their results suggest that patients with two or more risk factors will benefit from prophylactic muscle flaps.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Risk, II.