bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability condition for a single-server retrial queue
Authors: Liang Huei-Mei , Kulkarni V. G. 
Published: April 2006

A single-server retrial queue consists of a primary queue, an orbit and a single server. Assume the primary queue capacity is 1 and the orbit capacity is infinite. Customers can arrive at the primary queue either from outside the system or from the orbit. If the server is busy, the arriving customer joins the orbit and conducts a retrial later. Otherwise, he receives service and leaves the system.We investigate the stability condition for a single-server retrial queue. Let λ be the arrival rate and 1/μ be the mean service time. It has been proved that λ/μ < 1 is a sufficient stability condition for the M/G/1/1 retrial queue with exponential retrial times. We give a counterexample to show that this stability condition is not valid for general single-server retrial queues. Next we show that λ /μ < 1 is a sufficient stability condition for the stability of a single-server retrial queue when the interarrival times and retrial times are finite mixtures of Erlangs.
Typification of Linnaean plant names in Rosaceae
Authors: Cafferty Steve , Jarvis Charles E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractLectotypes, neotypes and epitypes are designated by 32 specialists for 52 previously untypified Linnaean plant names belonging to the family Rosaceae. These newly proposed types support current usage of the names concerned. Earlier but ineffective or supersedable type statements are discussed.
Molecular phylogenetics of Thymelaeaceae with particular reference to African and Australian genera
Authors: van der Bank Michelle , Fay Michael F. , Chase Mark W. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPhylogenetic relationships of the African and Australian Thymelaeaceae were investigated by parsimony analysis of 41rbcLnucleotide sequences, including 27 genera and several outgroup taxa. In a second analysis, plastidtrnLintron andtrnL-Fintergenic spacer sequences for the same taxa were included as well. The results from the separate analyses produced highly congruent, although not identical, results. Lastly we combined both sequence regions in one analysis to improve resolution and support. Thymelaeaceae are monophyletic with Thymelaeoideae, Aquilarioideae, Gonystyloideae and Gilgiodaphnoideae clearly recognised.GonystylusandLethedonare grouped together, contrary to previous studies that placedLethedonin Aquilarioideae. The molecular evidence does not support monophyly of the largely African genusGnidia; at least four major lineages could be identified.Pimelea(Australian) is embedded within one of these lineages, and the others are more closely related toDrapetes(New Zealand and South America),Struthiola, PasserinaandLachnaea(all African).
Typification in the genus Rhamnus L. sectio Rhamnastrum Rouy (Rhamnaceae): R. pumilus Turra and R. alpinus L.
Authors: Baldini Riccardo M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA neotype, LINN 262.17, is designated for Rhamnus pumilus Turra and a lectotype, Herb. Burser XXII: 14 (UPS), for R. alpinus L. The typification of these names is necessary in establishing their correct application for a revision of Rhamnus sectio Rhamnastrum Rouy.
Measurement of area by counting
Authors: Russell Allan M. , Josephson Nora S. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThrough the use of a zone mapping transformation, geometrical probability is applied to the problem of measuring the area of a planar figure by counting the points covered when the figure is placed at random on a regular point lattice. An expression for the variance σ2 is obtained as a function of radius for the case of a circle. This expression is equivalent to a more general formula for σ2 derived earlier by Kendall and Rankin using analytical methods. Computer calculations of σ are given for two special cases and the results are compared with those predicted by alternative asymptotic formulae also due to Kendall and Rankin. Some examples of the use of zone mapping to treat asymmetric figures, not subject to analytical methods, are described.
Longest common subsequences of two random sequences
Authors: Chvátal Vacláv , Sankoff David 
Published: April 2006

SummaryGiven two random k-ary sequences of length n, what is f(n,k), the expected length of their longest common subsequence? This problem arises in the study of molecular evolution. We calculate f(n,k) for all k, where n ≦ 5, and f(n,2) where n ≦ 10. We study the limiting behaviour of n–1f(n,k) and derive upper and lower bounds on these limits for all k. Finally we estimate by Monte-Carlo methods f(100,k), f(1000,2) and f(5000,2).
Inequalities with applications to percolation and reliability
Authors: Van Den Berg J. , Kesten H. 
Published: April 2006

A probability measure μ on ℝn+ is defined to be strongly new better than used (SNBU) if for all increasing subsets . For n = 1 this is equivalent to being new better than used (NBU distributions play an important role in reliability theory). We derive an inequality concerning products of NBU probability measures, which has as a consequence that if μ1, μ2, ···, μn are NBU probability measures on ℝ+, then the product-measure μ = μ × μ2 × ··· × μn on ℝn+ is SNBU. A discrete analog (i.e., with N instead of ℝ+) also holds.Applications are given to reliability and percolation. The latter are based on a new inequality for Bernoulli sequences, going in the opposite direction to the FKG–Harris inequality. The main application (3.15) gives a lower bound for the tail of the cluster size distribution for bond-percolation at the critical probability. Further applications are simplified proofs of some known results in percolation. A more general inequality (which contains the above as well as the FKG-Harris inequality) is conjectured, and connections with an inequality of Hammersley [12] and others ([17], [19] and [7]) are indicated.
Approximating last-exit probabilities of a random walk, by application to conditional queue length moments within busy periods of M/GI/1 queues
Authors: Daley D. J. , Servi L. D. 
Published: April 2006

Certain last-exit and first-passage probabilities for random walks are approximated via a heuristic method suggested by a ladder variable argument. They yield satisfactory approximations of the first- and second-order moments of the queue length within a busy period of an M/D/1 queue. The approximation is applied to the wider class of random walks that arise in studying M/GI/1 queues. For gamma-distributed service times the queue length distribution is independent of the arrival rate. For other distributions where the arrival rate affects the queue length distribution, we have to use conjugate distributions in order to exploit a local central limit property. The limit underlying the approximation has the nature of a Brownian excursion.The source of the problem lies in recent queueing inference work; the connection with Takács' interests comes from both queueing theory and the ballot theorem.
Influence of phosphorus level and soaking of food on phosphorus availability and performance in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Lyberg K. , Simonsson A. , Lindberg J. E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstrctThe effects of 1-h soaking of a pig diet based on wheat and barley with low (4·1 g P per kg) and high (6·8 g P per kg) total phosphorus (P) content on total tract apparent digestibility and performance in growing-finishing pigs were studied in a balance and a performance trial respectively. Phosphorus bound to inositol penta- and hexaphosphate (IP5-IP6) was reduced by proportionately 0·1 in the soaked food. Soaking numerically increased the apparent digestibility of P. The digestibility of P did not differ between the dry high P and the soaked low P. Excretion of P in urine was correlated (R2= 0·84) with the intake of digestible P. The average daily weight gain, final body weight and carcass weight were lower (P< 0·001), and the energy conversion ratio was higher (P< 0·001) in the dry low P treatment than in the other treatments. Pigs on the low P diets had lower levels of inorganic P in serum (P< 0·01) and slightly higher serum Ca values (P< 0·05) and there were no effects of soaking. The density of femur was lower (P< 0·01) in both the low P treatments than in the high P treatments, and soaking of the low P diet improved (P< 0·01) femur density. In conclusion, a 1-h soaking of pig food in water appears to be sufficient to improve P availability and growth performance.
Measuring children’s participation in recreation and leisure activities: construct validation of the CAPE and PAC
Authors: King G. A. , Law M. , King S. , Hurley P. , Hanna S. , Kertoy M. , Rosenbaum P. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThere is a need for psychometrically sound measures of children’s participation in recreation and leisure activities, for both clinical and research purposes. This paper provides information about the construct validity of the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) and its companion measure, Preferences for Activities of Children (PAC). These measures are appropriate for children and youth with and without disabilities between the ages of 6 and 21 years. They provide information about six dimensions of participation (i.e. diversity, intensity, where, with whom, enjoyment and preference) and two categories of recreation and leisure activities: (i) formal and informal activities; and (ii) five types of activities (recreational, active physical, social, skill‐based and self‐improvement). This paper presents information about the performance of the CAPE and PAC activity type scores using data from a study involving 427 children with physical disabilities between the ages of 6 and 15 years. Intensity, enjoyment and preference scores were significantly correlated with environmental, family and child variables, in expected ways. Predictions also were supported with respect to differences in mean scores for boys vs. girls, and children in various age groups. The information substantiates the construct validity of the measures. The clinical and research utility of the measures are discussed.
Bone metabolism markers predict increase in bone mass, height and sitting height during puberty depending on the VDR Fok1 genotype
Authors: Terpstra L. , Knol D. L. , Van Coeverden S. C. , Delemarre‐van de Waal H. A. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryObjectives  Longitudinal growth and bone mass accumulation are two important phenomena during puberty, resulting in attainment of peak bone mass (PBM) and final height. They are thought to be under strong genetic control, with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene being among the candidate genes. Bone metabolism markers are reported to be good predictors of longitudinal growth and bone mass increase. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to evaluate whether bone metabolism markers predict bone mass and height increase differently according to Fok1 VDR genotype throughout puberty in healthy adolescents.Patients and measurements  At the start of the study 130 girls were aged 10·8 (range 8·5–12·8) years and 125 boys were aged 11·8 (range 9·4–14·6) years at the first visit. Markers of bone formation and bone resorption were measured at the first visit, as well as height and sitting height (SH), and bone mineral content (BMC) of the lumbar spine, femur, arm and total body. All measurements were repeated after 2 years.Results  A higher BMC of the femur, distal arm and total body was found in ff boys at the first visit, which was not related to higher levels of bone metabolism markers in this group. In girls, no differences between genotypes were seen in BMC (increase). However, concentrations of markers of bone formation [alkaline phosphatase (AP), bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), procollagen aminoterminal propeptide (PINP)] and bone resorption [type I carboxyterminal telopeptide (ICTP)] were higher in ff girls. Regression coefficients between bone metabolism markers and bone mass increase differed according to genotype and sex. A similar pattern was found for height and SH (increase), the latter as a representative of growth of the axial skeleton, mainly consisting of cancellous bone.Conclusions  Our data suggest that the predicting capacities of bone metabolism markers on bone mass (increase), height and SH (increase) are genotype dependent. Their use as predictors of final height or PBM therefore remains questionable without knowing the genotype.
Peripheral fibrinolytic markers, soluble adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines and endothelial function in hypopituitary adults with growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Gómez José Manuel , Sahún Manel , Vila Ramon , Domènech Pere , Catalina Pablo , Soler Juan , Badimón Lina 
Published: April 2006

SummaryBackground  Increased mortality due to cardiovascular disease has been described in adult patients with untreated GH deficiency (GHD). GH replacement has been demonstrate to improve vascular reactivity and reverse early atherosclerotic changes in adults with GHD.Objective  Assessment of fibrinolytic markers, soluble adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines and endothelial function in hypopituitary adults with GHD at baseline and 1 year after GH replacement therapy.Methods  We studied 10 patients with GHD (five men and five women; aged 45·6 ± 10·4 years) at baseline and 1 year after GH replacement therapy compared with a control group (nine men and 16 women) matched for age and body mass index (BMI). All subjects, patients and controls, were life‐long nonsmokers, normotensive and nondiabetic. The following variables were recorded: anthropometric and body composition variables, serum concentrations of glucose, insulin and C‐peptide; thrombin anti‐thrombin (TAT) fragments and fibrin degradation product D‐dimer, which were determined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); IGF‐I by radioimmunoassay (RIA); C‐reactive protein (CRP) by highly sensitive immunonephelometry; E‐selectin, P‐selectin, soluble intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) by ELISA. The assessment of endothelial function in vivo was measured with a Doppler device.Results  Patients with GHD without GH substitution had higher hip/waist ratio and body fat than controls. Insulin, C‐peptide and triglyceride concentrations were also higher. Our results demonstrated no difference in fibrinogen and in TAT fragment concentrations among patients and controls. E‐selectin concentrations were higher in patients than in controls (26·1 ± 11 vs. 10·7 ± 6·2 µg/l, P = 0·0001). P‐selectin, sICAM‐1, sVCAM‐1, IL‐6, MCP‐1 and CRP were similar in the two groups. Vascular reactivity and carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) were also similar in patients and controls. After 1 year of GH treatment we found no changes in biochemical parameters, fibrinolytic markers, soluble adhesion molecules, inflammatory cytokines and endothelial function.Conclusion  Adults with GHD show some subtle changes in soluble adhesion molecules but our data suggest no beneficial effects of GH over these markers in relationship to endothelial function. Factors other than GH treatment, such as differences in age, degree of obesity, the presence of diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension or tobacco consumption, could explain the observed increase in markers of vascular risk in GH‐deficient patients.
Children's and young people's experiences of chronic renal disease: a review of the literature, methodological commentary and an alternative proposal
Authors: Darbyshire Philip , Oster Candice , Henning Paul 
Published: April 2006

Aim. The aims of this paper were to review and critique existing research literature on children's and young people's experiences of chronic renal disease and to propose alternative approaches that may be more fruitful in addressing existing research shortcomings.Background. Chronic renal disease, which results in approximately 1·6–4 new cases per year per million population in the 0–15 years age group, is a serious illness that causes severe and irreversible reduction in kidney function. Despite modern medical advances, its significance and implications for the lives of the children and young people concerned are profound.Method. Salient literature for this review was obtained using the major health and social science electronic databases such as Medline, CINAHL, Psyclit and Sociofile. Manual searching of relevant books, journals and ‘grey literature’, combined with the genealogy approach, extended and strengthened the search.Conclusions. Research in this area focuses mainly on two areas, namely psychological adjustment and adaptation to end‐stage renal disease. This research is grounded within a framework of empirical psychology that values objectivity, measurement and quantification. This predominantly psychometric approach is critiqued for simplifying the complex experience of end‐stage renal disease and for pathologizing children and young people with this disease. We identify a significant gap in the research literature, namely the lack of research that takes into account these children's and young peoples’ownperspectives of their experiences.Relevance to clinical practice. Chronic renal disease has a significant impact on children's and young people's lives. Understanding the experiences of these children is important for the provision of effective healthcare. Conducting child‐centred qualitative research in this area would allow us to explore vital questions of meaning, perception and understanding. If health and social care organizations claim to provide ‘consumer‐focused’ services, it behoves us to develop first a clearer understanding of the lives and experiences of children and families who seek our help and to use this knowledge and understanding to plan and provide more grounded and responsive services.
The Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test predicts the relative efficacy of task preferences for persons with developmental disabilities
Authors: Reyer H. S. , Sturmey P. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground Prior studies have showed that presentation methods could affect the accuracy of a choice assessment.Methods In the current study, high‐ and low‐ preferred work tasks were identified in nine adults with developmental disabilities. Both tasks were then introduced in pairs within a choice assessment using the actual tasks, pictures of the tasks and spoken descriptions of the tasks. Participants were also given the Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities (ABLA) test that evaluated their discrimination skills.Results For five of the participants, their consistent choice of preferred task was predicted by their discrimination skills as assessed by the ABLA.Conclusions These findings extend that of Conyerset al. whereby the systematic assessment of discrimination skills could predict the effectiveness of different presentation methods in this population.
Decision‐making of Chinese caregivers for adult out‐of‐home placement
Authors: Marcus Y. L. Chiu , Rommel C. H. Hung 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  In the light of the existence of lengthy waiting lists for out‐of‐home placements, this study examines the factors affecting the decision to apply or not to apply for this facility in a city traditionally characterized by a cultural and policy emphasis on family responsibility and by relatively low levels of welfare commitment to residential services.Method  A sample of 321 people responsible for providing care for adults with moderate to severe intellectual disability (ID) from 22 service units of seven non‐governmental organizations in Hong Kong was surveyed by means of a structured questionnaire.Results  The non‐application group reported better emotional ties with the people with ID and greater confidence in their caregiving skills, but also tended to be caring for more challenging people with poorer health and higher or more frequent levels of self‐harm behaviour than the application group who exhibited higher levels of worry and fear. Discriminant analysis successfully predicted 80% of non‐application cases, while logistic regression revealed that decline in perceived competence to care, absence of other health problems and at least one parent of the client having long‐term illness were better predictors of the decision to apply than handicap‐specific characteristics of the people with ID themselves.Conclusion  The implications of this finding are discussed, and consideration given to the possibility of developing policies designed to strengthen and treasure family values while not detracting from the importance of providing proper community support.
Finding fathers: spatio‐temporal analysis of paternity assignment in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus)
Authors: TWISS SEAN D. , POLAND VERONICA F. , GRAVES JEFFERSON A. , POMEROY PADDY P. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractMolecular studies of pinniped breeding systems exhibit a broad range of agreement and disagreement with observational indices of male breeding success. Grey seal studies have reported considerable discrepancies between genetic and behavioural paternity measures that have been interpreted as evidence of previously unidentified male strategies and/or tactics. Therefore, these studies have the power to fundamentally alter our perceptions of mating systems. However, other pinniped studies exhibit no such disagreements, and one possible explanation for disparities may be sampling biases in space and time. Therefore, it is essential that potential sampling biases are examined to evaluate the likelihood of previously unidentified male strategies. We examined paternities assigned at the North Rona grey seal colony between 1999 and 2002 in relation to concurrent detailed behavioural and locational data for males and females. We found that (i) for females observed in sexual interaction(s) during their oestrus period, it was highly probable that one of the interacting males fathered their next pup; (ii) over 80% of assigned paternities agreed with observations of the in‐colony behaviour and spatio‐temporal proximity of the males and females involved; and (iii) a minority of females exhibit mate choice and seek sires outside their local male's home range, although evidence suggests that these females mate on the colony rather than at sea. In conclusion, nearly all paternities assigned agreed with expectation based upon detailed knowledge of the spatio‐temporal patterns of individuals during the breeding season. We found little evidence of unidentified male strategies at North Rona, Scotland, whereas further examination of mechanisms of female choice may be productive.
Iliac compartment block following ilioinguinal iliohypogastric nerve block
Authors: SHIVASHANMUGAM THIAYAGARAJAN , KUNDRA PANKAJ , SUDHAKAR SUBRAMANI 
Published: April 2006

SummaryTransient femoral nerve palsy is a known complication associated with percutaneous ilioinguinal iliohypogastric nerve block. Excess volume and higher concentrations of local anesthetic have been implicated for transient femoral nerve palsy. We encountered partial iliac compartment block involving lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh and femoral nerve with a lower concentration (0.25%) of bupivacaine administered in the smallest indicated volume of 0.25 ml·kg−1 using a double‐shot technique.