Showing papers by "Brunel University London published in 2004"

Sequence and comparative analysis of the chicken genome provide unique perspectives on vertebrate evolution

Abstract: We present here a draft genome sequence of the red jungle fowl, Gallus gallus. Because the chicken is a modern descendant of the dinosaurs and the first non-mammalian amniote to have its genome sequenced, the draft sequence of its genome--composed of approximately one billion base pairs of sequence and an estimated 20,000-23,000 genes--provides a new perspective on vertebrate genome evolution, while also improving the annotation of mammalian genomes. For example, the evolutionary distance between chicken and human provides high specificity in detecting functional elements, both non-coding and coding. Notably, many conserved non-coding sequences are far from genes and cannot be assigned to defined functional classes. In coding regions the evolutionary dynamics of protein domains and orthologous groups illustrate processes that distinguish the lineages leading to birds and mammals. The distinctive properties of avian microchromosomes, together with the inferred patterns of conserved synteny, provide additional insights into vertebrate chromosome architecture.

Unemployment Alters the Set Point for Life Satisfaction

Abstract: According to set-point theories of subjective well-being, people react to events but then return to baseline levels of happiness and satisfaction over time. We tested this idea by examining reaction and adaptation to unemployment in a 15-year longitudinal study of more than 24,000 individuals living in Germany. In accordance with set-point theories, individuals reacted strongly to unemployment and then shifted back toward their baseline levels of life satisfaction. However, on average, individuals did not completely return to their former levels of satisfaction, even after they became reemployed. Furthermore, contrary to expectations from adaptation theories, people who had experienced unemployment in the past did not react any less negatively to a new bout of unemployment than did people who had not been previously unemployed. These results suggest that although life satisfaction is moderately stable over time, life events can have a strong influence on long-term levels of subjective well-being.

Impact of preventing exacerbations on deterioration of health status in COPD.

Abstract: Exacerbations of chronic obstuctive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with worse health status. The Inhaled Steroids in Obstructive Lung Disease in Europe (ISOLDE) study showed that treatment with fluticasone propionate (FP) reduced exacerbation frequency and the rate of deterioration in health status as compared with placebo. The present study analysed these data to test whether the effect of FP on health status was attributable to its effect on exacerbations. Rates of deterioration in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score were obtained for 613 patients with moderate to severe COPD followed for a maximum of 3 yrs. Exacerbation rates were skewed and could not be normalised, therefore, patients were stratified into three exacerbation groups: none, infrequent ( 1.65 exacerbations x yr(-1)). There were 91 patients with no exacerbations, 285 with infrequent exacerbations and 235 with frequent exacerbations. Frequent exacerbations were independently associated with a worse baseline SGRQ score (p<0.0001) and a more rapid rate of deterioration in health status (p=0.0003). Exacerbation frequency and rate of decline in forced expiratory volume in one second were independently related to the rate of deterioration in SGRQ score. Statistical modelling showed the beneficial effect of fluticasone propionate on deterioration in health status to be largely due to its effect on exacerbation frequency.

Masculinity at Work The Experiences of Men in Female Dominated Occupations

Abstract: This article presents the findings of a research project on the implications of men’s non-traditional career choices for their experiences within the organization and for gender identity. The research is based on 40 in-depth interviews with male workers from four occupational groups: librarians, cabin crew, nurses and primary school teachers. Results suggest a typology of male workers in female dominated occupations: seekers (who actively seek the career), finders (who find the occupation in the process of making general career decisions) and settlers (who settle into the career after periods of time in mainly male dominated occupations). Men benefit from their minority status through assumptions of enhanced leadership (the assumed authority effect), by being given differential treatment (the special consideration effect) and being associated with a more careerist attitude to work (the career effect). At the same time, they feel comfortable working with women (the zone of comfort effect). Despite this com...

Using industrial processes to improve patient care

Abstract: Might industrial processes improve quality, reduce waiting times, and enhance the working environment?

Robust filtering under randomly varying sensor delay with variance constraints

Abstract: This paper deals with a new filtering problem for linear uncertain discrete-time stochastic systems with randomly varying sensor delay. The norm-bounded parameter uncertainties enter into the system matrix of the state space model. The system measurements are subject to randomly varying sensor delays, which often occur in information transmissions through networks. The problem addressed is the design of a linear filter such that, for all admissible parameter uncertainties and all probabilistic sensor delays, the error state of the filtering process is mean square bounded, and the steady-state variance of the estimation error for each state is not more than the individual prescribed upper bound. We show that the filtering problem under consideration can effectively be solved if there are positive definite solutions to a couple of algebraic Riccati-like inequalities or linear matrix inequalities. We also characterize the set of desired robust filters in terms of some free parameters. An illustrative numerical example is used to demonstrate the usefulness and flexibility of the proposed design approach.

Testability transformation

Abstract: A testability transformation is a source-to-source transformation that aims to improve the ability of a given test generation method to generate test data for the original program. We introduce testability transformation, demonstrating that it differs from traditional transformation, both theoretically and practically, while still allowing many traditional transformation rules to be applied. We illustrate the theory of testability transformation with an example application to evolutionary testing. An algorithm for flag removal is defined and results are presented from an empirical study which show how the algorithm improves both the performance of evolutionary test data generation and the adequacy level of the test data so-generated.

EULAR standardised operating procedures for the elaboration, evaluation, dissemination, and implementation of recommendations endorsed by the EULAR standing committees

Abstract: It is the objective of the EULAR executive committee to promote actions and/or projects aimed at improving the knowledge and/or the recognition of musculoskeletal disorders. The chief aim is to contribute to the improvement of outcome of patients with rheumatic disorders. Apart from the projects devoted to education and research, projects aimed at facilitating the conduct of clinical studies or at improving the management of musculoskeletal disorders are welcome. Such studies can be categorised in four sections: It is the objective of the EULAR executive committee to maintain and to homogenise a high level of intrinsic quality and comparability of such studies. To achieve such an objective it appeared that the definition and publication of standardised procedures for the elaboration, evaluation, dissemination, and implementation of recommendations might be a relevant and useful starting point. Obviously these standardised operating procedures should not be a barrier to acceptance of a project if not all points are satisfied but might be important to consider before starting a project. These recommendations are not mandatory in themselves but can be used flexibly. At each step of such projects (application, elaboration, dissemination, etc), the individual items summarised in table 1 should be discussed. The reader is invited to visit the EULAR website (http://www.eular.org) to check the most recently updated version of these procedures. ### A Which wording? The three proposals are “points to consider”, “recommendations”, “guidelines”. It is the opinion of the EULAR executive committee members that, on the one hand, “guidelines” might appear too constraining and that, on the other hand, “points to consider” might be considered as too open. Recommendations can …

Traffic on complex networks: Towards understanding global statistical properties from microscopic density fluctuations.

Abstract: We study the microscopic time fluctuations of traffic load and the global statistical properties of a dense traffic of particles on scale-free cyclic graphs. For a wide range of driving rates R the traffic is stationary and the load time series exhibits antipersistence due to the regulatory role of the superstructure associated with two hub nodes in the network. We discuss how the superstructure affects the functioning of the network at high traffic density and at the jamming threshold. The degree of correlations systematically decreases with increasing traffic density and eventually disappears when approaching a jamming density R(c). Already before jamming we observe qualitative changes in the global network-load distributions and the particle queuing times. These changes are related to the occurrence of temporary crises in which the network-load increases dramatically, and then slowly falls back to a value characterizing free flow.

HIV/AIDS Policy in Africa: What Has Worked in Uganda and What Has Failed in Botswana

Abstract: A comparison of HIV/AIDS policies in Botswana and Uganda is revealing. It helps to highlight the kinds of policies that are necessary to come to terms with the pandemic in Africa, where it is already a public health disaster. It is argued that the promotion of condoms at an early stage proved to be counter-productive in Botswana, whereas the lack of condom promotion during the 1980s and early 1990s contributed to the relative success of behaviour change strategies in Uganda. Other important factors included national and local- level leadership, the engagement (or alienation) of religious groups and local healers and, most controversially, procedures of social compliance. We end with a call for more draconian measures than are currently envisaged. Copyright # 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Since the early 1990s there have been indications from Uganda that HIV prevalence and rates of new infection have been stable or in decline. During the same period rates in Botswana have rapidly increased. On the face of things, this is all rather strange. The governments of the two countries introduced HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns at about the same time, have been open to advice from international experts and have welcomed external assistance. Moreover, control programmes might have been expected to work more effectively in Botswana than Uganda. In the late 80s, Uganda was widely viewed as the worst HIV/AIDS affected country in the world. It was also very poor and only just beginning to recover from decades of political upheaval. It had a relatively large population of over 20 million, divided into numerous different language groups. It had extremely limited public health and education systems, high levels of illiteracy and low life expectancy. By contrast, Botswana had enjoyed decades of stable government and high economic growth. It had a small population of around one million, virtually all of which spoke Setswana, a much higher literacy rate and an effective public health service.

Choice of FACTS device control inputs for damping interarea oscillations

Abstract: A method is proposed in this paper to select the input signals for both single and multiple flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) devices in small and large power systems. Different input-output controllability analyses are used to assess the most appropriate input signals (stabilizing signal) for the static var compensator (SVC), the static synchronous compensator (SSSC), and the unified power-flow controller (UPFC) for achieving good damping of interarea oscillations. The study presented in this paper is carried out on one small system with one FACTS device at a time; and one large system equipped with the SVC, the SSSC, and the UPFC.

A note on the robust stability of uncertain stochastic fuzzy systems with time-delays

Abstract: Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy models are now often used to describe complex nonlinear systems in terms of fuzzy sets and fuzzy reasoning applied to a set of linear submodels. In this note, the T-S fuzzy model approach is exploited to establish stability criteria for a class of nonlinear stochastic systems with time delay. Sufficient conditions are derived in the format of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), such that for all admissible parameter uncertainties, the overall fuzzy system is stochastically exponentially stable in the mean square, independent of the time delay. Therefore, with the numerically attractive Matlab LMI toolbox, the robust stability of the uncertain stochastic fuzzy systems with time delays can be easily checked.

Respiratory Muscle Training in Healthy Humans: Resolving the Controversy

Abstract: Specific respiratory muscle training offers the promise of improved exercise tolerance and athletic performance for a wide range of users However, the literature addressing respiratory muscle training in healthy people remains controversial Studies into the effect of respiratory muscle training upon whole body exercise performance have used at least one of the following modes of training: voluntary isocapnic hyperpnea, flow resistive loading, and pressure threshold loading Each of these training modes has the potential to improve specific aspects of respiratory muscle function Some studies have demonstrated significant improvements in either time to exhaustion or time trial performance, whilst others have demonstrated no effect We present an overview of the literature that rationalizes its contradictory findings Retrospective analysis of the literature suggests that methodological factors have played a crucial role in the outcome of respiratory muscle training studies We conclude that in most well controlled and rigorously designed studies, utilizing appropriate outcome measures, respiratory muscle training has a positive influence upon exercise performance The mechanisms by which respiratory muscle training improves exercise performance are unclear Putative mechanisms include a delay of respiratory muscle fatigue, a redistribution of blood flow from respiratory to locomotor muscles, and a decrease in the perceptions of respiratory and limb discomfort

Complexity of random energy landscapes, glass transition, and absolute value of the spectral determinant of random matrices.

Abstract: Finding the mean of the total number ${N}_{\mathrm{tot}}$ of stationary points for $N$-dimensional random energy landscapes is reduced to averaging the absolute value of the characteristic polynomial of the corresponding Hessian. For any finite $N$ we provide the exact solution to the problem for a class of landscapes corresponding to the ``toy model'' of manifolds in a random environment. For $N\ensuremath{\gg}1$ our asymptotic analysis reveals a phase transition at some critical value ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{c}$ of a control parameter $\ensuremath{\mu}$ from a phase with a finite landscape complexity: ${N}_{\mathrm{tot}}\ensuremath{\sim}{e}^{N\ensuremath{\Sigma}}$, $\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\ensuremath{\mu}l{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{c})g0$ to the phase with vanishing complexity: $\ensuremath{\Sigma}(\ensuremath{\mu}g{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{c})=0$. Finally, we discuss a method of dealing with the modulus of the spectral determinant applicable to a broad class of problems.

Skin-sparing mastectomy.

Abstract: Background Skin-sparing mastectomy represents a new surgical approach that allows a mastectomy while preserving the natural skin envelope of the breast. It facilitates immediate breast reconstruction using an implant or myocutaneous flap, resulting in excellent cosmesis. Data sources A PubMed database literature search was performed. Conclusions Skin-sparing mastectomy is an oncologically safe technique in selected cases; T1/T2, multicentric tumors, ductal carcinoma in situ, and prophylactic mastectomies are particularly suited to this technique. Further research is required to confirm oncologic safety in T3 tumors. In selected cases, the nipple-areola complex can be preserved. A modification of skin-sparing mastectomy includes the removal of the nipple while preserving the areola. The balance of evidence suggests that skin-sparing mastectomy does not increase the risk of locoregional recurrence. Furthermore, it does not delay adjuvant therapies. Contraindications to skin-sparing mastectomy approaches include inflammatory breast cancer and extensive skin involvement by tumor. Preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy are not a contraindication to skin-sparing mastectomy.

Measurement of the B -> X(s)l(+)l(-) branching fraction with a sum over exclusive modes

Abstract: We present a preliminary measurement of time-dependent We measure the branching fraction for the flavor-changing neutral-current process B -> Xs l+ l- with a sample of 89 x 10^6 Upsilon(4S) -> BBbar events recorded with the BaBar detector at the PEP-II e+e- storage ring. The final state is reconstructed from e+e- or mu+mu- pairs and a hadronic system consisting of one K or K0s and up to two pions, with at most one pi0. We observe a signal of 40 +/- 10(stat) +/- 2(syst) events and extract the inclusive branching fraction B(B -> Xs l+ l-) = (5.6 +/- 1.5(stat) +/- 0.6(exp syst) +/- 1.1(model syst)) x 10^-6 for mll > 0.2 GeV/c^2.

Bank Lending and Commercial Property Cycles: Some Cross-country Evidence

Abstract: Motivated by the frequently observed link between commercial property price volatility and banking crises, this paper investigates at a macroeconomic level the determination of commercial property prices and the interaction between commercial property prices and bank lending. We develop a reduced-form theoretical model which suggests bank lending is closely related to commercial property prices and that commercial property can develop cycles given plausible assumptions, where the cycles are largely driven by the dynamic linkage between the commercial property sector, bank credit and the macroeconomy. Cross-country empirical analysis based on a sample of 17 developed economies, using a unique dataset collected by the BIS, confirms the model's predictions. An investigation of determinants of commercial property prices shows particularly strong links of credit to commercial property in the countries that experienced banking crises linked to property losses in 1985-95. Further studies of dynamic interaction suggest that commercial property prices are rather "autonomous", in that they tend to cause credit expansion, rather than excessive bank lending boosting property prices. In addition, GDP has an important influence on both commercial property prices and bank credit. The work has implications for risk management and prudential supervision.

The emotional abuse of elite child athletes by their coaches

Abstract: This study investigates the prevalence of emotional abuse of elite child athletes by their coaches in the UK. Previous research has focused primarily on the parent–child relationship, with little attention given to date on the sports environment. Participants were 12 former elite child athletes who competed as internationals in their respective age groups. All participants had been identified as elite athletes between the ages of 8 and 16 years (M = 13.1 yr, SD = 2.4 yr) and had competitive careers of between 6 and 10 years. Participants were from the sports of diving (N = 2), football (N = 3), gymnastics (N = 4), hockey, netball and track and field athletics (N = 1 each). The study was a retrospective analysis of their experiences as elite child athletes. (Age at interview: M = 22.9 yr, SD = 0.9 yr. male = 4, female = 8.) Thus, participants were reflecting on experiences from about 10 years previously, so their responses represented the residual impact of their experiences that had survived over this period. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and response-coding techniques. Abusive behaviours were categorized under eight headings: belittling, humiliating, shouting, scapegoating, rejecting, isolating, threatening and ignoring. Results showed that all (N = 12) of the participants reported experiencing belittling and shouting by their coach, nine athletes reported frequent threatening behaviour, nine reported frequent humiliation, seven reported scapegoating, six reported rejection or being ignored and four reported being isolated when they were elite child athletes. All participants reported that the behaviour of their coaches changed and became more negative after they were identified as elite performers. Participants reported feeling stupid, worthless, upset, less confident, humiliated, depressed, fearful and angry as a result of the behaviour of their coaches. The results provide tentative evidence that the behaviour of some coaches is a threat to the psychological well-being of elite child athletes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Broadband development in South Korea: institutional and cultural factors

Abstract: This paper is about the broadband development in South Korea (henceforth Korea). Korea is considered to be a world leader in this field. Based on various sources including a study trip to Seoul that took place in July 2002, the reasons for this success are offered in this paper. The purpose of the study trip was to investigate how Korea achieved such a relatively fast penetration rate in a time span of approximately 4 years. Using documentary secondary data such as, written documents published materials, and primary data, such as interviews, the paper explores and presents the factors contributing to this development. The factors covered include government leadership, fierce competition, low prices due to the competition, cultural aspects, and geographic and demographic aspects. Although some strategies and success factors are Korea specific, there are general lessons that can be drawn. Anyone considering the deployment of broadband and other future innovations will benefit from this investigation into the successful strategies undertaken in Korea. European Journal of Information Systems (2004) 13, 103-114.

How to Overcome the Equivalent Mutant Problem and Achieve Tailored Selective Mutation Using Co-evolution

Abstract: The use of Genetic Algorithms in evolution of mutants and test cases offers new possibilities in addressing some of the main problems of mutation testing. Most specifically the problem of equivalent mutant detection, and the problem of the large number of mutants produced. In this paper we describe the above problems in detail and introduce a new methodology based on co-evolutionary search techniques using Genetic Algorithms in order to address them effectively. Co-evolution allows the parallel evolution of mutants and test cases. We discuss the advantages of this approach over other existing mutation testing techniques, showing details of some initial experimental results carried out.