bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regression splines in the time‐dependent coefficient rates model for recurrent event data
Authors: Amorim Leila D. , Cai Jianwen , Zeng Donglin , Barreto Maurício L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMany epidemiologic studies involve the occurrence of recurrent events and much attention has been given for the development of modeling techniques that take into account the dependence structure of multiple event data. This paper presents a time‐dependent coefficient rates model that incorporates regression splines in its estimation procedure. Such methods would be appropriate in situations where the effect of an exposure or covariates changes over time in recurrent event data settings. The finite sample properties of the estimators are studied via simulation. Using data from a randomized community trial that was designed to evaluate the effect of vitamin A supplementation on recurrent diarrheal episodes in small children, we model the functional form of the treatment effect on the time to the occurrence of diarrhea. The results describe how this effect varies over time. In summary, we observed a major impact of the vitamin A supplementation on diarrhea after 2 months of the dosage, with the effect diminishing after the third dosage. The proposed method can be viewed as a flexible alternative to the marginal rates model with constant effect in situations where the effect of interest may vary over time. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical analysis for investigating the effect of object‐oriented metrics on fault proneness: a replicated case study
Authors: Aggarwal K. K. , Singh Yogesh , Kaur Arvinder , Malhotra Ruchika 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe importance of software measurement is increasing, leading to the development of new measurement techniques. Many metrics have been proposed related to the various object‐oriented (OO) constructs like class, coupling, cohesion, inheritance, information hiding and polymorphism. The purpose of this article is to explore relationships between the existing design metrics and probability of fault detection in classes. The study described here is a replication of an analogous study conducted by Briandet al. The aim is to provide empirical evidence to draw the strong conclusions across studies. We used the data collected from Java applications for constructing a prediction model. Results of this study show that many metrics capture the same dimensions in the metric set, hence are based on comparable ideas and provides redundant information. It is shown that by using a subset of metrics prediction models can be built to identify faulty classes. The model predicts faulty classes with more than 90% accuracy. The predicted model shows that import coupling and size metrics are strongly related to fault proneness, confirming the results from previous studies. However, there are also differences reported in this study with respect to previous studies such as inheritance metric which counts methods inherited in a class is also included in the predicted model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy evaluation of inelastic structures subjected to random earthquake excitations
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wong Kevin K. F. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe modified force analogy method combined with static condensation is applied to study the seismic behaviour of inelastic structures, while energy transfer and dissipation in the structure during an earthquake hazard are investigated through energy formulation based on the equation of motion. The earthquake ground motion is modelled as a non‐stationary Gaussian random process. Rigid‐end offsets of the plastic hinges forming on the members, as well as the ability for panel zones to deform, are included in the structural analysis model. Monte Carlo simulation method is performed on a six‐story real moment‐resisting frame to determine the mean and the standard deviation of seismic energy dissipation time histories. Based on this combination of the force analogy method and energy formulation in the equation of motion with the stochastic earthquake model, the feasibility of the analysis procedure for studying the dynamics of inelastic structures is demonstrated through varying the rigidity of panel zones. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study of structural material quantities of multi‐storey linear‐type residential buildings
Authors: Kim Sang Bum , Lee Young Hak , Scanlon Andrew 
Published: August 2008

AbstractOne of the main factors in the selection of the structural system for a multi‐storey linear‐type residential building is the initial construction cost of various structural systems. In many Asian countries, composite steel and concrete construction, and cast‐in‐place concrete framing construction are the most commonly used structural systems. However, there is insufficient data related to relative construction costs of these two structure types. In this paper, a representative floor plan was developed based on the examination of existing buildings of this type. A comparison of structural material quantities for representative building models up to 40 storeys in height using both types of structural systems was performed. Six models were developed based on a typical floor plan and were designed for gravity and lateral loadings. Quantities of materials for each model were calculated and compared in terms of each main structural material such as steel, concrete and reinforcement, and ratios of structural material quantities. The information presented can be utilized with appropriate cost data to compare estimates of initial construction costs of the two structural systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SSADH deficiency leads to elevated extracellular GABA levels and increased GABAergic neurotransmission in the mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Drasbek K. R. , Vardya I. , Delenclos M. , Gibson K. M. , Jensen K. 
Published: August 2008

SummarySuccinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency is an inherited disorder in which patients display neurodevelopmental retardation, ataxia, and epileptic seizures. The recently engineered SSADH knock‐out (KO) mouse models the severe form of the human disorder. The SSADH enzyme participates in the breakdown of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, and studies have shown increases in brain GABA and downregulation of GABAA receptor β2 subunits in the cerebral cortex of these mice. Here, we used brain slice electrophysiology to investigate the alterations in GABA neurotransmission in SSADH KO mouse cortex. In layer 2/3 pyramidal cells, spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs), reflecting activity of GABAergic synaptic contacts, were normal in SSADH KO mice. Also, IPSCs evoked by electrical single‐axon stimulation in KO mice were normal. In contrast, tonic inhibition mediated by presumed extrasynaptic GABAA receptors was strongly increased, indicating significantly raised extracellular GABA levels. The excessive cortical GABAergic neurotransmission may participate in the seizure activity in SSADH deficiency.
Germination responses of Erica andevalensis to different chemical and physical treatments
Authors: Rossini Oliva S. , Leidi E. O. , Valdés B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractErica andevalensis Cabezudo & Rivera is a threatened edaphic endemic species of Andalusia (SW Spain). Under natural conditions, the plants produce a very large number of small seeds (0.3–0.4 mm) but very few seedlings survive. Different treatments (high temperature, cold pre‐treatment, nitrogen salts, and gibberellic acid applications) were tested to assess germination patterns in different populations and to determinate the most favorable conditions for germination. Gibberellic acid was provided in five different concentrations from 0 to 400 ppm GA3, while nitrogen was applied as 10 mM of either KNO3 or NH4NO3. The effect of pH on germination was also tested. The species always showed a low germination rate (6.50–22%) that was not stimulated either by 1 or 4 months in dry cold pre‐treatment, nitrogen application, acid pH medium, or by high temperature (80°C for 10 min); although gibberellic acid application (100–400 ppm) significantly enhanced germination. The highest percentage of germination (41.6%) was achieved with a mean germination time to start germination (t0) of 7.6 ± 0.54 days when the seeds were subjected to 400 ppm gibberellic acid treatment. The population origin did not have a significant effect on germination percentage.
Intragenic microdeletion of RUNX2 is a novel mechanism for cleidocranial dysplasia
Authors: Lee Ming Ta Michael , Tsai Anne Chun-Hui , Chou Ching-Heng , Sun Feng-Mei , Huang Li-Chen , Yen Pauline , Lin Chyi-Chyang , Liu Chih-Yang , Wu Jer-Yuarn , Chen Yuan-Tsong , Tsai Fuu-Jen 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD; MIM 119600) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by facial, dental, and skeletal malformations. To date, rearrangement and mutations involving RUNX2, which encodes a transcription factor required for osteoblast differentiation on 6p21, has been the only known molecular etiology for CCD. However, only 70% patients were found to have point mutations, 13% large/contiguous deletion but the rest of 17% remains unknown. We ascertained a family consisted of eight affected individuals with CCD phenotypes. Direct sequencing analysis revealed no mutations in the RUNX2. Real time quantitative PCR were performed which revealed an exon 2 to exon 6 intragenic deletion in RUNX2. Our patients not only demonstrated a unique gene change as a novel mechanism for CCD, but also highlight the importance of considering “deletion” and “duplication” in suspected familial cases before extensive effort of gene hunting be carried.
Fatty Acid, Tocopherol and Sterol Compositions of Canadian Prairie Fruit Seed Lipids
Authors: Anwar Farooq , Przybylski Roman , Rudzinska Magdalena , Gruczynska Eliza , Bain John 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe seeds of four prairie fruits—chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), thorny buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea), Woods’ rose (Rosa woodsii) and hawthorn (Crataegus × mordenensis)—from Southern Alberta were investigated. The lipid contents of the seeds were found to be 10.4, 11.5, 3.7 and 3.4%, respectively. The tested seed lipids contained mainly linoleic acid in the range from 27.9 to 65.6% and oleic acid from 19.7 to 61.9%. The thorny buffaloberry and Woods’ rose seed lipids contained 29.2 and 30.8% of linolenic acid, respectively. The contents of palmitic and stearic acids ranged from 3.2 to 5.4% and 1.6 to 2.2%, respectively. The contents of total tocopherols in the chokecherry, thorny buffaloberry, Woods’ rose and hawthorn seed lipids accounted for 595, 897, 2,358 and 2,837 mg/kg, respectively. The main sterols in the lipids were β‐sitosterol, Δ5‐avenasterol, cycloartenol, campesterol, stigmasterol and gramisterol. The results of the present study show that the lipids from the seeds of the investigated prairie fruits could be a good source of valuable essential fatty acids, tocopherols and sterols, thus suggesting their application as functional foods and nutraceuticals.
A NOTE ON THE UNCLOUDING THE SKY OF NEGATIVELY CURVED MANIFOLDS
Authors: BORBÉLY ALBERT 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe problem of finding geodesics that avoid certain obstacles in negatively curved manifolds has been studied in different situations. In this note we give a generalization of the unclouding theorem of J. Parkkonen and F. Paulin: there is a constant s0=1.534 such that for any Hadamard manifold M with curvature ≤−1 and for any family of disjoint balls or horoballs {Ca}a∈A and for any point p∈M−⋃ a∈ACa if we shrink these balls uniformly by s0 one can always find a geodesic ray emanating from p that avoids the shrunk balls. It will be shown that in the theorem above one can replace the balls by arbitrary convex sets.
SEMIGROUPS OF LINEAR TRANSFORMATIONS WITH RESTRICTED RANGE
Authors: SULLIVAN R. P. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn 1975, Symons described the automorphisms of the semigroup T(X,Y ) consisting of all total transformations from a set X into a fixed subset Y of X. Recently Sanwong, Singha and Sullivan determined all maximal (and all minimal) congruences on T(X,Y ), and Sommanee studied Green’s relations in T(X,Y ). Here, we describe Green’s relations and ideals for the semigroup T(V,W) consisting of all linear transformations from a vector space V into a fixed subspace W of V.
MINORS IN WEIGHTED GRAPHS
Authors: JOIŢA CEZAR , JOIŢA DANIELA 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe define the notion of minor for weighted graphs. We prove that with this minor relation, the set of weighted graphs is directed. We also prove that, given any two weights on a connected graph with the same total weight, we can transform one into the other using a sequence of edge subdivisions and edge contractions.
ARENS REGULARITY OF MODULE ACTIONS AND THE SECOND ADJOINT OF A DERIVATION
Authors: MOHAMMADZADEH S. , VISHKI H. R. E. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we give a simple criterion for the Arens regularity of a bilinear mapping on normed spaces, which applies in particular to Banach module actions, and then investigate those conditions under which the second adjoint of a derivation into a dual Banach module is again a derivation. As a consequence of the main result, a simple and direct proof for several older results is also included.
IDEALS IN DIRECT PRODUCTS OF COMMUTATIVE RINGS
Authors: ANDERSON D. D. , KINTZINGER JOHN 
Published: August 2008

AbstractLet R and S be commutative rings, not necessarily with identity. We investigate the ideals, prime ideals, radical ideals, primary ideals, and maximal ideals of R×S. Unlike the case where R and S have an identity, an ideal (or primary ideal, or maximal ideal) of R×S need not be a ‘subproduct’ I×J of ideals. We show that for a ring R, for each commutative ring S every ideal (or primary ideal, or maximal ideal) is a subproduct if and only if R is an e-ring (that is, for r∈R, there exists er∈R with err=r) (or u-ring (that is, for each proper ideal A of R, $\sqrt {A}\not =R$)), the Abelian group (R/R2 ,+) has no maximal subgroups).
AMENABILITY FOR REAL C*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: HO NHAN BAO 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIt is shown that the complexification of a positive linear map on a real C*-algebra need not be positive whereas the complexification of a completely positive linear map is completely positive. It is further shown that a real C*-algebra is amenable if and only if its complexification is amenable and that a completely positive linear map is amenable if and only if its complexification is. Finally, a real version of the Choi–Effros lifting theorem is established.
OPERATORS ONC0(L,X) WHOSE RANGE DOES NOT CONTAINc0
Authors: TALPONEN JARNO 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper contains two results: (a) if$\mathrm {X}\neq \{0\}$is a Banach space and (L,τ) is a nonempty locally compact Hausdorff space without isolated points, then each linear operatorT:C0(L,X)→C0(L,X) whose range does not contain an isomorphic copy ofc00satisfies the Daugavet equality$\|\mathbf {I}+T\|=1+\|T\|$; (b) if Γ is a nonempty set andXandYare Banach spaces such thatXis reflexive andYdoes not containc0isomorphically, then any continuous linear operatorT:c0(Γ,X)→Yis weakly compact.
An Early Cretaceous spinosaurid theropod from southern China
Authors: BUFFETAUT ERIC , SUTEETHORN VARAVUDH , TONG HAIYAN , AMIOT ROMAIN 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTeeth from the Early Cretaceous Napai Formation of Fusui County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (South China), initially described as the sauropterygianSinopliosaurus fusuiensis, are redescribed as belonging to a spinosaurid theropod closely allied toSiamosaurus suteethorni, from the Early Cretaceous of Thailand. This identification extends to China the geographical range of Asian spinosaurs, previously reported from Thailand and Japan.
THE SCOPE OF THE SUPREMACY CLAUSE OF THE UNITED NATIONS CHARTER
Authors: Liivoja Rain 
Published: August 2008

AbstractArticle 103 of the United Nations (UN) Charter stipulates that the obligations of UN Member States under the Charter prevail, in the event of a conflict, over their obligations under any other international agreement. While this important provision is often mentioned, its precise meaning remains something of a mystery. The present article tries to shed some light on the scope of this ‘supremacy clause’ by discussing, first, its operation with respect to treaties, and then by looking at its relevance to various other contractual arrangements and to customary international law.
GATS' PRUDENTIAL CARVE OUT IN FINANCIAL SERVICES AND ITS RELATION WITH PRUDENTIAL REGULATION
Authors: Yokoi-Arai Mamiko 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) has been the leading force of trade liberalization in services. This article attempts to decipher the implications of GATS in financial services. It explains the schedules of commitments made by Member States, and the way countries engage in commitments in financial services. These are critical in understanding how the GATS rules are applied by each Member, and whether GATS has been effective.The so-called ‘prudential carve out’ is analysed in detail with consideration to the general prudential regime of the financial system since it has implications for the stability and integrity of the financial system. The article concludes with some policy analysis on how prudential carve out might be better implemented.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties of human cerumen
Authors: Lum C L , Jeyanthi S , Prepageran N , Vadivelu J , Raman R 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective:To assess the antibacterial and antifungal properties of human cerumen by studying its effect on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Esherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans.Materials and methods:Cerumen samples were collected from 75 normal, healthy subjects aged from seven to 80 years, without ear pathology, who attended the ear, nose and throat out-patient clinic of the University Malaya Medical Center from May 2006 to October 2006. Of these 75 samples, 31 had no growth when cultured on nutrient agar. Inhibition studies on these 31 samples were performed for Staphylococcus aureus (American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 25923), Esherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Candida albicans. Nutrient agar was used to conserve all three bacterial strains and Sabouraud dextrose agar was used for Candida albicans.Results:A decrease in Staphylococcus aureus growth was observed for 27 of the 31 samples. All 31 samples induced decreased growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while 29 induced decreased growth of Candida albicans. However, only four samples induced decreased growth of Escherichia coli.Conclusions:Cerumen was demonstrated to have potential antimicrobial effects on strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans.
Genetic profile of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: clinical implications
Authors: Agada F O , Patmore H , Alhamarneh O , Stafford N D , Greenman J 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe outcome for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma remains poor, despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment over the past three decades. This has triggered great interest in the genetic events that underpin the aetiology and clinical behaviour of this group of cancers. As a result, the genetic profile for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas at different sub-sites has been relatively well characterised at the chromosomal level. Various studies have shown links between specific aberrations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and clinical outcome, e.g. loss of heterozygosity at 2q and 18q is commonly associated with poor prognosis, and loss of heterozygosity at 9p21 is associated with recurrence. However, there is as yet no significant clinical application of this genetic knowledge as regards the screening, diagnosis or treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we summarise the current state of knowledge, and highlight the most promising areas of research that may facilitate the translation of genetic data into clinical benefit.
Modified sleeve tympanotomy approach for removal of congenital cholesteatoma
Authors: Park H J , Park G H , Shin J E , Chang S O 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective:We present a technique which we have found useful for the management of congenital cholesteatoma extensively involving the middle ear.Case report:A five-year-old boy was presented to our department for management of a white mass on the right tympanic membrane. This congenital cholesteatoma extensively occupied the tympanic cavity. It was removed through an extended tympanotomy approach using our modified sleeve technique. The conventional tympanotomy approach was extended by gently separating the tympanic annulus from its sulcus in a circular manner. The firm attachment of the tympanic membrane at the umbo was not severed, in order to avoid lateralisation of the tympanic membrane.Conclusion:Although various operative techniques can be used, our modified sleeve tympanotomy approach provides a similarly sufficient and direct visualisation of the entire middle ear, with, theoretically, no possibility of lateralisation of the tympanic membrane and subsequent conductive hearing loss.
Towards a comprehensive simulation model of malaria epidemiology and control
Authors: SMITH T. , MAIRE N. , ROSS A. , PENNY M. , CHITNIS N. , SCHAPIRA A. , STUDER A. , GENTON B. , LENGELER C. , TEDIOSI F. , DE SAVIGNY D. , TANNER M. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYPlanning of the control of Plasmodium falciparum malaria leads to a need for models of malaria epidemiology that provide realistic quantitative prediction of likely epidemiological outcomes of a wide range of control strategies. Predictions of the effects of control often ignore medium- and long-term dynamics. The complexities of the Plasmodium life-cycle, and of within-host dynamics, limit the applicability of conventional deterministic malaria models. We use individual-based stochastic simulations of malaria epidemiology to predict the impacts of interventions on infection, morbidity, mortality, health services use and costs. Individual infections are simulated by stochastic series of parasite densities, and naturally acquired immunity acts by reducing densities. Morbidity and mortality risks, and infectiousness to vectors, depend on parasite densities. The simulated infections are nested within simulations of individuals in human populations, and linked to models of interventions and health systems. We use numerous field datasets to optimise parameter estimates. By using a volunteer computing system we obtain the enormous computational power required for model fitting, sensitivity analysis, and exploration of many different intervention strategies. The project thus provides a general platform for comparing, fitting, and evaluating different model structures, and for quantitative prediction of effects of different interventions and integrated control programmes.