bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIMITS TO THE PHYSICAL PARAMETERS IN EXTRAGALACTIC GAMMA-RAY SOURCES
Authors: DERISHEV E. V.
Published: October 2009

We examine several constraints on the physical parameters in active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray burst, originating from the assumption that these sources are efficient in converting their energy into gamma-rays. It is shown that in most cases these constraints may be reformulated in terms of bounds on the jet Lorentz factor, for which both the lower and the upper limits can be evaluated.
PECSI: A PRACTICAL PERCEPTUALLY-ENHANCED COMPRESSION FRAMEWORK FOR STILL IMAGES
Authors: WONG ALEXANDER
Published: October 2009

This paper presents PECSI, a perceptually-enhanced image compression framework designed to provide high compression rates for still images while preserving visual quality. PECSI utilizes important human perceptual characteristics during image encoding stages (e.g. downsampling and quantization) and image decoding stages (e.g. upsampling and deblocking) to find a better balance between image compression and the perceptual quality of an image. The proposed framework is computationally efficient and easy to integrate into existing block-based still image compression standards. Experimental results show that the PECSI framework provides improved perceptual quality at the same compression rate as existing still image compression methods. Alternatively, the framework can be used to achieve higher compression ratios while maintaining the same level of perceptual quality.
CONTINUOUS SKELETON-DRIVEN SKINNING — A GENERAL APPROACH FOR MODELING SKIN DEFORMATION
Authors: CHANG JIAN , YANG XIAOSONG , ZHANG JIAN J.
Published: October 2009

Defects by the linear blend skinning (LBS) approach, such as "collapsing joints" and "candy-wrapper artefacts", are visually unpleasant when skinning animated characters and they are tedious to rectify. The cause of the defects is that the inherent non-linear skinning problem is handled linearly. Despite its shortcomings, this linear technique has been incorporated into the industrial production pipeline as a standard approach in character rigging. In this paper, we present a new skinning technique aiming at remedying the defects of the LBS approach without much disturbance of the current production pipeline. Our technique can be implemented by reusing the LBS as its sub-module offering an important advantage over other existing non-linear skinning techniques in terms of its simplicity and robustness. In our approach, we represent the skinning process as a continuous temporal deformation problem, where the skin deforms step-by-step to its final configuration. As a consequence, we reach a smooth and continuous solution without noticeable defects. Furthermore, our approach can be accelerated by caching the previous frames to boost the efficiency.
ONE-DIMENSIONAL OXIDE NANOSTRUCTURES PRODUCED BY GAS PHASE REACTION
Authors: DINAN BEN , AKBAR SHEIKH A.
Published: October 2009

One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures are of great interest due to the promise of enhanced properties and improved device performance such as increased efficiency in solar cells by improved charge separation. There are many means of producing 1D nanostructures including chemical synthesis, lithography, template assisted growth and gas phase reaction. While all of these have their advantages and disadvantages, growth by gas phase reaction has the benefit of low cost and scalability to be used in mass production. This work outlines several of the more common growth mechanisms which utilize gas phase reactions to produce 1D nanostructures. The similarities and differences between the different mechanisms are discussed with an emphasis on the confinement of growth to 1D.
PHASE INVERSION PREPARATION AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF POLYVINYLIDENE FLUORIDE ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANE MODIFIED BY NANO-SIZED ALUMINA
Authors: BAZARGAN A. M. , GHOLAMVAND Z. , NAGHAVI M. , SHAYEGH M. R. , SADRNEZHAAD S. K.
Published: October 2009

In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with various structures ranging from dense to highly asymmetric morphologies were obtained by changing the effective parameters in the phase inversion process. The effect of some important processing parameters such as solution concentration, harshness of the precipitation bath, exposure time before immersion in coagulation bath and bath temperature was studied and the mentioned parameters were optimized. The membranes were then modified with nano-sized alumina powder in order to improve the hydrophilicity of the PVDF membranes. The surface morphology, surface and cross-sectional structures of the membranes were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The specific surface area of the membranes was determined using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. The contact angles between water and the membranes' surfaces were measured in order to study the hydrophilicity changes of the membrane surface. The results indicated that the addition of nano-sized alumina to the casting dope increased the hydrophilicity of the PVDF membrane surface.
WATER OPENS THE TEMPERATURE WINDOW FOR THE GROWTH OF SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES BY CATALYTIC CHEMICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION
Authors: OUYANG YU , SHI SHAOHUA , LI DAOYONG , CAO WEIRAN
Published: October 2009

A new way to open the temperature window for the growth of SWCNTs is reported. With little water induced, high quality SWCNTs without amorphous carbons have been produced at 1000°C in Ar . The water opens the temperature window for the growth of SWCNTs to the high temperature side. The high growth temperature improves the crystallinity of SWCNTs. The water impedes the progress of the self-decomposition of CH4 . The results have been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy.
Is the image crisis over?
Authors: Vardi Moshe Y.
Published: October 2009

When
Communications
relaunched in July 2008, the issue included a "Viewpoint" column by Rick Rashid, entitled "Image Crisis: Inspiring a New Generation of Computer Scientists."
In the virtual extension
Authors: CACM Staff
Published: October 2009

Communications'
Virtual Extension brings more quality articles to ACM members. These articles are now available in the ACM Digital Library.
Computer science curriculum, deceptive advertising
Authors: Rao Ramana , Linden Greg
Published: October 2009

The
Communications
Web site, http://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish excerpts from selected posts.

Ramana Rao writes about the evolution of computer science curriculum and Greg Linden reflects on ethics and advertising.
Legally speakingAre business methods patentable?
Authors: Samuelson Pamela
Published: October 2009

How the U.S. Supreme Court's forthcoming decision in the
Bilski v. Doll
case is expected to affect existing and future software patents.
The single-referent collector
Authors: Wegiel Michal , Krintz Chandra
Published: October 2009

Compactors that move or copy objects need to adjust pointers. In extant compactors, pointer adjustment involves inspecting every pointer in the heap and computing the target address for each pointer. At the same time, in modern Managed Runtime Environments (MREs), only a fraction of pointers in the heap changes during compaction. This is because state-of-the-art MREs do not compact the prefix of the heap that contains few dead objects, allowing gaps between live objects and tolerating small space overhead.

We describe the design and implementation of the Single-Referent Collector (SRC), a new compactor that reduces the cost of pointer manipulation by avoiding inspection and adjustment of pointers that do not change. SRC exploits the fact that in modern applications, most live objects have only one incoming pointer. For such objects, SRC stores the address of the referent in the object header. Only objects that move have their referent inspected and adjusted. The remaining pointers in the heap are not processed. SRC uses an overflow table to handle objects with multiple incoming pointers.

We investigate a number of standard benchmarks and open-source applications to substantiate key statistical observations that underlie the design of SRC. We implement SRC in the HotSpot JVM as part of a generational collection system and compare it empirically with the Lisp2 compactor. We find that, by decreasing the cost of pointer processing, SRC enables significant reduction in pause times and improves application throughput.
Scalable FPGA-based architecture for DCT computation using dynamic partial reconfiguration
Authors: Huang Jian , Parris Matthew , Lee Jooheung , Demara Ronald F.
Published: October 2009

In this article, we propose field programmable gate array-based scalable architecture for discrete cosine transform (DCT) computation using dynamic partial reconfiguration. Our architecture can achieve quality scalability using dynamic partial reconfiguration. This is important for some critical applications that need continuous hardware servicing. Our scalable architecture has three features. First, the architecture can perform DCT computations for eight different zones, that is, from 1 × 1 DCT to 8× 8 DCT. Second, the architecture can change the configuration of processing elements to trade off the precisions of DCT coefficients with computational complexity. Third, unused PEs for DCT can be used for motion estimation computations. Using dynamic partial reconfiguration with 2.3MB bitstreams, 80 distinct hardware architectures can be implemented. We show the experimental results and comparisons between different configurations using both partial reconfiguration and nonpartial reconfiguration process. The detailed trade-offs among visual quality, power consumption, processing clock cycles, and reconfiguration overhead are analyzed in the article.
A local equilibrium model for P2P resource ranking
Authors: Korzun Dmitry , Gurtov Andrei
Published: October 2009

Many Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems rely on cooperation among nodes that should be supported with incentives. Introducing ranks into P2P designs could reward cooperating nodes and increase overall system performance. In this paper, we consider the problem of P2P ranking. In a P2P resource sharing system (RSS), the ranks allow a node to decide which sources to keep locally, which external resources to download and through which nodes, what control to apply for transit resource requests, and how much quality of service (QoS) to provide. We introduce a mathematical model for local P2P resource ranking that optimizes these decisions. Complete proofs can be found in our technical report.
Optimal speed scaling under arbitrary power functions
Authors: Andrew Lachlan L.H. , Wierman Adam , Tang Ao
Published: October 2009

This paper investigates the performance of online dynamic speed scaling algorithms for the objective of minimizing a linear combination of energy and response time. We prove that (SRPT,
P
--1
(
n
)), which uses Shortest Remaining Processing Time (SRPT) scheduling and processes at speed such that the power used is equal to the queue length, is 2-competitive for a very wide class of power-speed tradeoff functions. Further, we prove that there exist tradeoff functions such that no online algorithm can attain a competitive ratio less than 2.
Heavy-traffic analysis of the M/PH/1 discriminatory processor sharing queue with phase-dependent weights
Authors: Verloop I. M. , Ayesta U. , Núñez-Queija R.
Published: October 2009

We analyze a generalization of the Discriminatory Processor Sharing (DPS)queue in a heavy-traffic setting. Customers present in the system are served simultaneously at rates controlled by a vector of weights. We assume phase-type distributed service requirements and allow that customers have different weights in various phases of their service. We establish a state-space collapse for the queue length vector in heavy traffic. The result shows that in the limit, the queue length vector is the product of an exponentially distributed random variable and a deterministic vector. This generalizes a previous result by [2] who considered a DPS queue with exponentially distributed service requirements. We finally discuss some implications for residual service requirements and monotonicity properties in the ordinary DPS model.
A randomized interleaved DRAM architecture for the maintenance of exact statistics counters
Authors: Lin Bill , Xu Jun (Jim) , Hua Nan , Wang Hao , Zhao Haiquan (Chuck)
Published: October 2009

We extend a previously proposed randomized interleaved DRAM architecture [1] that can maintain wirespeed updates (say 40 Gb/s) to a large array (say millions) of counters. It works by interleaving updates to randomly distributed counters across multiple memory banks. Though unlikely, an adversary can conceivably overload a memory bank by triggering frequent updates to the same counter. In this work, we show this "attack" can be mitigated through caching pending updates, which can catch repeated updates to the same counter within a sliding time window. While this architecture of combining randomization with caching is simple and straightforward, the primary contribution of this work is to rigorously prove that it can handle with overwhelming probability all adversarial update patterns, using a combination of tail bound techniques, convex ordering theory, and queueing analysis.
Simple and fast micro-architecture simulation
Authors: Yu Zhibin , Jin Hai
Published: October 2009

Due to the prohibitively long time when detailedly simulating a realistic benchmark to its completion, sampling is frequently used to reduce the simulation time. However, it may often require profiling or iterative simulations to determine the sampling parameters. This paper employs the generation procedure of trisection Cantor set, one classic fractal, to select instructions simulated in detail as an approach to enable a simple and fast micro-architecture simulation. Randomly selected six benchmarks from SPEC CPU2000 are tested on the simulator, CantorSim, which implements the trisection Cantor fractal approach. The results show that it is very easy to use this approach and it can achieve actual average acceleration of 23.4% over SMARTS [3] while the accuracy only reduces marginally.CantorSims accuracy is validated against the sim-outorder and is accurate in a 3.2% error margin. Similar CPI relative errors with the same parameter values of experiments on simulators of different processor models indicate that this approach is micro-architecture independent and can be applied to well predict the performance of new micro-architecture design.
Routing games with elastic traffic
Authors: Key Peter , Proutiere Alexandre
Published: October 2009

In this paper, we introduce and investigate a novel class of multipath routing games with elastic traffic. Users open one or more connections along diffierent feasible paths from source to destination and act selfishly--seeking to transfer data as fast as possible.Users only control their routing choices , and once these choices have been made, the connection rates are elastic and determined via congestion control algorithms (e.g.TCP) which ultimately maximize a certain notion of the network utility. We analyze the existence and the performance of the Nash Equilibria (NEs) of the resulting routing games.
Towards multihop available bandwidth estimation
Authors: Baccelli François , Kauffmann Bruno , Veitch Darryl
Published: October 2009

We evaluate the algorithm proposed in [1], which estimates the residual bandwidth on each hop of an Internet path using a para-metric model which consists of a Kelly queueing network. The evaluation is driven by simulation based on real network traces over a two node path. Correction factors are proposed and evaluated to cope with deviations from model assumptions.
On the Moments of Hitting Times for Random Walks on Trees
Authors: Palacios José Luis
Published: October 2009

Using classical arguments we derive a formula for the moments of hitting times for an ergodic Markov chain. We apply this formula to the case of simple random walk on trees and show, with an elementary
electric argument, that all the moments are natural numbers.
DNA Damage/Repair and Polymorphism of the hOGG1 Gene in Lymphocytes of AMD Patients
Authors: Wozniak Katarzyna , Szaflik Jacek P. , Zaras Malgorzata , Sklodowska Anna , Janik-Papis Katarzyna , Poplawski Tomasz R. , Blasiak Janusz , Szaflik Jerzy
Published: October 2009

Oxidative stress is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). We determined the extent of oxidative DNA damage and the kinetics of its removal as well as the genotypes of the Ser326Cys polymorphism of the hOGG1 gene in lymphocytes of 30 wet AMD patients and 30 controls. Oxidative DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide and its repair were evaluated by the comet assay and DNA repair enzymes. We observed a higher extent of endogenous oxidative DNA damage and a lower efficacy of its repair in AMD patients as compared with the controls. We did not find any correlation between the extent of DNA damage and efficacy of DNA repair with genotypes of the Ser326Cys polymorphism. The results obtained suggest that oxidative DNA damage and inefficient DNA repair can be associated with AMD and the variability of the hOOG1 gene may not contribute to this association.
Decreased Plasma Cysteinylglycine and Taurine Levels in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Pinna Antonio , Zinellu Angelo , Franconi Flavia , Solinas Giuliana , Carru Ciriaco
Published: October 2009

Purpose: Our aim was to determine the plasma levels of the sulfur-containing amino acids homocysteine, cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutamylcysteine, glutathione and taurine in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and in healthy subjects and to ascertain whether there are statistically significant differences between patients and controls. Methods: Homocysteine, cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutamylcysteine, glutathione and taurine plasma levels were measured in 40 patients with BRVO and 80 age- and gender-matched control subjects by using laser-induced fluorescence capillary electrophoresis methods. Wilcoxon’s or Student’s t test was used, when appropriate, to determine differences between the groups. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for BRVO. Results: BRVO patients showed significantly lower plasma concentrations of cysteinylglycine (p = 0.02) and taurine (p < 0.0001) than controls. Conversely, there were no significant differences in plasma homocysteine, cysteine, glutamylcysteine and glutathione between patients with BRVO and controls. Conditional logistic regression analysis revealed an odds ratio of 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.92–0.98, p = 0.001) for taurine and 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.78–0.96, p = 0.006) for cysteinylglycine. Conclusions: This study failed to demonstrate an association between BRVO and the plasma levels of homocysteine, cysteine, glutamylcysteine and glutathione. Cysteinylglycine and taurine were significantly lower in BRVO patients, thus suggesting that reduced plasma levels of these sulfur-containing amino acids may contribute to the pathogenesis of BRVO.
Pressure-Induced Renal Injury in Angiotensin II Versus Norepinephrine-Induced Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Polichnowski Aaron J. , Cowley Allen W.
Published: October 2009

The susceptibility to renal perfusion pressure (RPP)–induced renal injury was investigated in angiotensin II (Ang II)– versus norepinephrine (NE)-infused hypertensive rats. To determine the magnitude of RPP-induced injury, Sprague-Dawley rats fed a 4% salt diet were instrumented with a servocontrolled aortic balloon occluder positioned between the renal arteries to maintain RPP to the left kidney at baseline levels whereas the right kidney was exposed to elevated RPP during a 2-week infusion of Ang II IV (25 ng/kg per minute), NE IV (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 μg/kg per minute on days 1, 2, and 3 to 14, respectively), or saline IV (sham rats). Over the 14 days of Ang II infusion, RPP averaged 161.5±8.0 mm Hg to uncontrolled kidneys and 121.9±2.0 mm Hg to servocontrolled kidneys. In NE-infused rats, RPP averaged 156.3±3.0 mm Hg to uncontrolled kidneys and 116.9±2.0 mm Hg to servocontrolled kidneys. RPP averaged 111.1±1.0 mm Hg to kidneys of sham rats. Interlobular arterial injury and juxtamedullary glomerulosclerosis were largely RPP dependent in both models of hypertension. Superficial cortical glomerulosclerosis was greater and RPP dependent in NE- versus Ang II-infused rats, which was primarily independent of RPP. Outer medullary tubular necrosis and interstitial fibrosis were also primarily RPP dependent in both models of hypertension; however, the magnitude of injury was exacerbated in Ang II-infused rats. We conclude that elevated RPP is the dominant cause of renal injury in both NE- and Ang II-induced hypertensive rats and that underlying neurohumoral factors in these models of hypertension alter the pattern and magnitude of RPP-induced renal injury.
Living Technology: Exploiting Life's Principles in Technology
Authors: Bedau Mark A. , McCaskill John S. , Packard Norman H. , Rasmussen Steen
Published: October 2009

The concept of living technology—that is, technology that is based on the powerful core features of life—is explained and illustrated with examples from artificial life software, reconfigurable and evolvable hardware, autonomously self-reproducing robots, chemical protocells, and hybrid electronic-chemical systems. We define primary (secondary) living technology according as key material components and core systems are not (are) derived from living organisms. Primary living technology is currently emerging, distinctive, and potentially powerful, motivating this review. We trace living technology's connections with artificial life (soft, hard, and wet), synthetic biology (top-down and bottom-up), and the convergence of nano-, bio-, information, and cognitive (NBIC) technologies. We end with a brief look at the social and ethical questions generated by the prospect of living technology.
Spray-Mediated Enthalpy Flux to the Atmosphere and Salt Flux to the Ocean in High Winds
Authors: Andreas Edgar L.
Published: October 2009

Forecasts for the intensity and intensity changes of tropical cyclones have not improved as much as track forecasts. In high winds, two routes exist by which air and sea exchange heat and momentum: by spray-mediated processes and by interfacial transfer right at the air–sea interface, the only exchange route currently parameterized in most storm models. This manuscript quantifies two processes mediated by sea spray that could affect predictions of storm intensity when included in coupled ocean–atmosphere models. Because newly formed spray droplets cool rapidly to an equilibrium temperature that is lower than the air temperature, they cool the ocean when they reenter it, clearly transferring enthalpy from sea to air. These reentrant droplets proliferate in storm winds and are predicted to transfer enthalpy at a rate comparable to interfacial processes when the near-surface wind speed reaches 30 m s−1. Because reentrant spray droplets give up pure water to the atmosphere during their brief lifetime, they return to the sea saltier than the surface ocean water and thus also constitute an effective salt flux to the ocean (also related to a freshwater flux and a buoyancy flux). That is, reentrant spray droplets add enthalpy to the atmosphere to power storms and destabilize the ocean by increasing the salinity at the surface. Both processes can affect storm intensity. This manuscript demonstrates the magnitudes of the spray enthalpy and salt fluxes by combining a sophisticated microphysical model and data from the study of Humidity Exchange over the Sea (HEXOS) and the Fronts and Atlantic Storm-Tracks Experiment (FASTEX). It goes on to develop a fast algorithm for predicting these two fluxes in large-scale models.
Potential Vorticity Anomalies of the Lowermost Stratosphere: A 10-Yr Winter Climatology
Authors: Kew Sarah F. , Sprenger Michael , Davies Huw C.
Published: October 2009

Inspection of the potential vorticity (PV) distribution on isentropic surfaces in the lowermost stratosphere reveals the ubiquitous presence of numerous subsynoptic positive PV anomalies. To examine the space–time characteristics of these anomalies, a combined “identification and tracking” tool is developed that can catalog each individual anomaly’s effective amplitude, location, overall spatial structure, and movement from genesis to lysis. A 10-yr winter climatology of such anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere is derived for the period 1991–2001 based upon the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40). The climatology indicates that the anomalies are frequently evident above high topography and in a quasi-annular band at about 70°N, are long lived (days to weeks), and that their effective amplitude is typically 2 PV units (PVU) higher than that of the ambient environment. In addition, the derived climatologies and associated composites pose questions regarding the origin of the anomalies, detail their life cycle, and shed light on their dynamics and role as long-lived precursors of surface cyclogenesis.
Argumentation, metadiscourse and social cognition: organizing knowledge in political communication
Authors: Martínez Guillem Susana
Published: October 2009

The present article attempts to contribute to a multidisciplinary approach to communication phenomena that emphasizes the interplay among cognition, discourse and society. I propose an examination of the role that these three elements play in argumentation and meta-discourse as a useful starting point for understanding, first, how arguments are formed and second, the role that meta-discursive devices play in this process. In the first two sections I conduct a brief review of literature on the concepts of argumentation and meta-discourse to show how a socio-cognitive approach can enlighten our understanding of both. This model is then applied in the analysis section to look at a plenary session at the European Parliament. I conduct a socio-cognitive discourse analysis, based on which I identify different relevant paths followed by speakers when constructing arguments: (re)framings, (re)definitions, quotations and references to previous events. The findings demonstrate how the different levels of meta-discourse — intra-textual, inter-textual and contextual — are equally relevant for argumentative communication. Through meta-discourse, speakers invoke knowledge about both the ongoing interaction and other past or future communicative events. These other discourses, however, are not only constituted by the actual words uttered, but they encompass the context and situation models (Van Dijk and Kintsch, 1983) that allow participants to make sense of them.
Language and ideology: gender stereotypes of female and male artists in Taiwanese tabloids
Authors: Wang Hung-Chun
Published: October 2009

This study adopts the Critical Discourse Analysis approach in order to examine gender stereotypes in Taiwanese tabloid culture. Focusing on a gossip-filled entertainment column in a tabloid, this study collected 111 news reports released in May 2008. All news entries were probed to discern pervading gender stereotypes held regarding female and male artists. A subsequent online survey investigated any stereotypical depictions that had been identified. Administered to 120 respondents, this survey attempted to evaluate how representative views held throughout society were pervading gender stereotypes in media discourse. Results showed that female artists, as portrayed in the tabloids, were commonly associated with belligerence, money worship, and social pressures with respect to marriage and sexuality. By contrast, portrayals of male artists focused on personal defects in physical appearance and love affairs, and invariably involved manipulation of how the private lives of these artists were viewed. Most stereotypical depictions were further shown to be highly defined beliefs shared among the survey respondents. This article concludes with a discussion on the close-knit nature of tabloid culture and social ideology.
Families’ and Nurses’ Responses to the “One Question Question”: Reflections for Clinical Practice, Education, and Research in Family Nursing
Authors: Duhamel Fabie , Dupuis France , Wright Lorraine
Published: October 2009

The “One Question Question,” first coined by Dr. Lorraine M. Wright in 1989, is an interventive question designed to elicit family members’ most pressing needs or concerns within the context of a therapeutic conversation. In this article, two clinical projects analyzed the responses to this unique interventive question. The first project analyzed the responses of 192 family members experiencing illness who were asked the question in the context of a therapeutic conversation; families focused on their need to deal with the impact of the illness on the family. The second project examined responses of 297 nurses who were asked the question prior to a 1-week Family Systems Nursing training program; nurses wanted to know how to deal with conflictual relationships between families and health care professionals and how to offer families time-efficient interventions. The responses from both groups, which were markedly different, triggered reflections about teaching, research, and practice in family nursing.
Examining the festival attributes that impact visitor experience, satisfaction and re-visit intention
Authors: Cole Shu Tian , Chancellor H. Charles
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of a downtown festival’s attributes (programs, amenities and entertainment quality) on visitors’ overall experience, their levels of satisfaction and intentions to return. A theoretical model depicting the relationships among festival attributes, experience quality, overall satisfaction and revisit intention was examined using path analysis. The fi nal model suggests entertainment quality of the festival had the strongest impact on visitors’ overall experience at the festival, their satisfaction and intentions to return. All three festival attribute categories studied had direct impacts on visitors’ overall experience, but only entertainment quality directly contributed to visitor satisfaction and re-visit intention. Implications and limitations of the study were also discussed.
The Impact of Gender and Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Activity on Depressive Symptoms Following Surgical Stress
Authors: Pinna Keri , Cremeans-Smith Julie K. , Greene Kenneth , Delahanty Douglas L.
Published: October 2009

The impact of gender and cortisol levels on depression following planned surgery was examined in 95 men and women. Patients were assessed prior to surgery and at one and three months following surgery. Higher cortisol levels conferred greater risk for depression at one and three months following surgery. This effect was stronger for men than women at one month following surgery, but did not differ between genders at three months post-surgery. Results support a mechanistic role of HPA alterations in depression following a surgical stressor that differs in strength between men and women.
Development and Validation of the Physician—Patient Humor Rating Scale
Authors: Haskard Zolnierek Kelly B. , Dimatteo M. Robin , Mondala Melissa M. , Zhang Zhou , Martin Leslie R. , Messiha Andrew H.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of this study was the development of a rating instrument to assess the use of humor in physician— patient interactions, and to compare humor use as a function of patients’ socioeconomic status. The 46-item Physician—Patient Humor Rating Scale (PPHRS) was used to rate 246 audiotaped primary care interactions. Four subscales were reliable and valid, demonstrating correlations with patient satisfaction and reports of physician humor, with physician satisfaction and with separate affective communication ratings. There was a significant difference in use of humor as a function of patient socioeconomic status, such that there was greater mutual trust between physicians and high versus low income patients.
Anxiety Sensitivity and Catastrophizing
Authors: Tsao Jennie C.I. , Allen Laura B. , Evans Subhadra , Lu Qian , Myers Cynthia D. , Zeltzer Lonnie K.
Published: October 2009

This study examined the relationships among anxiety sensitivity (AS), catastrophizing, somatization and pain in 240 non-clinical children (121 girls; mean age = 12.7 years). Children with pain problems ( n = 81; 33.8%) reported greater AS and catastrophizing ( ps < .01) relative to children without pain problems. AS but not catastrophizing was significantly associated with current pain. However, both AS and catastrophizing were significantly associated with somatization. AS and catastrophizing represent related but partially distinct cognitive constructs that may be targeted by interventions aimed at alleviating pain and somatization in children.
Variation in cytokine genes can contribute to severity of acetabular osteolysis and risk for revision in patients with ABG 1 total hip arthroplasty: a genetic association study
Authors: Gallo Jiri , Mrazek Frantisek , Petrek Martin
Published: October 2009

Background

The differences in total hip arthroplasty (THA) survivorship may be influenced by individual susceptibility to periprosthetic osteolysis. This may be driven by functional polymorphisms in the genes for cytokines and cytokine receptors involved in the development of osteolysis in THA, thereby having an effect on the individual's phenotype.

Methods

We performed a study on 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 11 cytokines and two cytokine receptor candidate genes for association with severity of acetabular osteolysis and risk to failure in THA. Samples from 205 unrelated Caucasian patients with cementless type THA (ABG 1) were investigated. Distribution of investigated SNP variants between the groups of mild and severe acetabular osteolysis was determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. Time-dependent output variables were analyzed by the Cox hazards model.

Results

Univariate analysis showed: 1)TNF-238*A allele was associated with severe osteolysis (odds ratio, OR = 6.59,p= 0.005, population attributable risk, PAR 5.2%); 2) carriers of theIL6-174*G allele were 2.5 times more prone to develop severe osteolysis than non-carriers (OR = 2.51,p= 0.007, PAR = 31.5%); 3) the carriage ofIL2-330*G allele was associated with protection from severe osteolysis (OR = 0.55,p= 0.043). Based on logistic regression, the allelesTNF-238*A andIL6-174*G were independent predictors for the development of severe acetabular osteolysis. Carriers ofTNF-238*A had increased cumulative hazard of THA failure according to Cox model (p= 0.024). In contrast,IL2-330*G allele predicted lower cumulative hazard of THA failure (p= 0.019).

Conclusion

Genetic variants of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6 confer susceptibility to severe OL. In this way, presence of the minorTNFallele could increase the cumulative risk of THA failure. Conversely, SNP in theIL2gene may protect carriers from the above THA complications.
LMP1-augmented kappa intron enhancer activity contributes to upregulation expression of Ig kappa light chain via NF-kappaB and AP-1 pathways in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu HaiDan , Zheng Hui , Duan Zhi , Hu DuoSha , Li Ming , Liu SuFang , Li ZiJian , Deng XiYun , Wang ZhenLian , Tang Min , Shi Ying , Yi Wei , Cao Ya
Published: October 2009

Background

Expression of kappa gene is under the control of distinct cis-regulatory elements, including the kappa intron enhancer (iEκ) and the kappa 3' enhancer (3'Eκ). The active enhancers and expression of immunoglobulin is generally considered to be restricted to B lymphocytes. However, accumulating evidence indicated that epithelial cancer cells, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines, express immunoglobulins. The mechanisms underlying the expression of Igs in nonlymphoid cells remain unknown. On the basis of our previous finding that expression of kappa light chain in NPC cells can be upregulated by EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1(LMP1) through the activation of NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways, we thus use NPC cells as model to further explore the molecular mechanisms of nonlymphoid cells expressing Ig kappa.

Results

In this study, luciferase reporter plasmid containing human wild-type iEκ, and its derivative plasmids containing mutant binding sites for transcription factor NF-κB or AP-1 were constructed. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrate iEκ is active in Igκ-expressing NPC cells and LMP1 expression can upregulate the activity of iEκ in NPC cells. Mutation of the NF-κB or AP-1 site within and downstream the iEκ, inhibition of the NF-κB and AP-1 pathways by their respective chemical inhibitor Bay11-7082 and SP600125 as well as stable or transient expression of dominant-negative mutant of IκBα (DNMIκBα) or of c-Jun (TAM67) indicate that both sites are functional and LMP1-enhanced iEκ activity is partly regulated by these two sites. Gel shift assays show that LMP1 promotes NF-κB subunits p52 and p65 as well as AP-1 family members c-Jun and c-Fos binding to the κNF-κB and the κAP-1 motifs in vitro, respectively. Both chemical inhibitors and dominant negative mutants targeting for NF-κB and AP-1 pathways can attenuate the LMP1-enhanced bindings. Co-IP assays using nuclear extracts from HNE2-LMP1 cells reveal that p52 and p65, c-Jun and c-Fos proteins interact with each other at endogenous levels. ChIP assays further demonstrate p52 and p65 binding to the κB motif as well as c-Jun and c-Fos binding to the AP-1 motif of Ig kappa gene in vivo.

Conclusion

These results suggest that human iEκ is active in Igκ-expressing NPC cells and LMP1-stimulated NF-κB and AP-1 activation results in an augmenting activation of the iEκ. LMP1 promotes the interactions of heterodimeric NF-κB (p52/p65) and heterodimeric AP-1 (c-Jun/c-Fos) transcription factors with the human iEκ enhancer region are important for the upregulation of kappa light chain in LMP1-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.
Increased Apolipoprotein AI Production Rate and Redistribution of High-Density Lipoprotein Size Induced by Estrogen plus Progestin as Oral Contraceptive
Authors: Duvillard Laurence , Dautin Guillaume , Florentin Emmanuel , Jeannin Aline , Pais de Barros Jean-Paul , Lagrost Laurent , Petit Jean-Michel , Gambert Philippe , Vergès Bruno
Published: October 2009

Context: The impact of estrogen plus progestin as an oral contraceptive on high density lipoprotein (HDL) apolipoprotein (apo) AI metabolism in humans is poorly understood.

Objectives: This study was designed to measure the in vivo effect of Moneva (30 μg ethinylestradiol, 75 μg gestodene) on HDL apoAI production rate and fractional catabolic rate.

Design: Using 13C-leucine, we performed two kinetic studies in the fed state in 10 normolipidemic young women, before and 3 months after beginning Moneva.

Results: On Moneva, serum triglycerides increased by 12% (P = 0.03) in the fed state, whereas low-density lipoprotein and HDL cholesterol remained unchanged. HDL apoAI pool size and production rate were increased by 9.2% (67.3 ± 7.1 vs. 61.6 ± 6.7 mg · kg−1; P = 0.05) and 26.5% (14.3 ± 2.7 vs. 11.3 ± 2.2 mg · kg−1 · d−1; P = 0.02), respectively. HDL apoAI fractional catabolic rate was not significantly modified. Three-month treatment by Moneva induced a shift of HDL size distribution from HDL2 toward HDL3 (HDL3 = 51.5 ± 8.1 vs. 46.5 ± 9.2% of total HDL; P = 0.02) and an increase in the proportion of apoAI among HDL components (38.8 ± 4.3 vs. 34.4 ± 2.8%; P = 0.01).

Conclusion: Oral contraception by estrogen plus progestin induces changes in HDL apoAI metabolism characterized by an increase in production rate and pool size, with a higher proportion of HDL3 particles. Whether or not these changes are beneficial to prevent atherosclerosis has to be explored further.
Synthesis of New Green-emitting Phosphors Based on Zirconium Oxide Phosphate
Authors: Kim Sun Woog , Masui Toshiyuki , Matsushita Hitoshi , Imanaka Nobuhito
Published: October 2009

New green-emitting phosphors, Zr2O(PO4)2:x%Tb3+ (1≤x≤10), were synthesized in a single-phase form by a liquid-phase method and photoluminescence properties were characterized. The excitation spectrum consisted of a strong broad band from 220 to 290 nm, corresponding to the 4f–5d transition of Tb3+. The phosphors exhibit typical emission peaks assigned to the transition from 5D4 to 7FJ (J=6, 5, 4, and 3) of Tb3+. The maximum peak intensity was obtained for Zr2O(PO4)2:3%Tb3+.
Seeing is a verb
Authors: Rafal Bob
Published: October 2009

This commentary on ‘The interaction of attention and action: From seeing action to acting on perception’ by Humphreys et al. (2010) considers selection‐for‐action in relation to the role of parietal cortex corollary discharge in the ‘mastery of sensori‐motor contingencies’ that O'Regan and Noe (2001) suggest gives rise to visual awareness.
The Effect of Weekend and Holiday Sleep Compensation on Childhood Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Wing Yun Kwok , Li Shirley Xin , Li Albert Martin , Zhang Jihui , Kong Alice Pik Shan
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES: A growing trend in childhood sleep habits is to compensate for the weekday sleep deficit by longer weekend and holiday sleep duration. We aimed to investigate the effect of weekend/holiday sleep compensation in relation to childhood overweight and obesity.

METHODS: This is a community-based cross-sectional study with 5159 children (49.6% boys), mean age of 9.25 years (SD: 1.78), from 13 primary schools in Hong Kong. Data on sleep patterns, lifestyle, body weight, and height of children were obtained from questionnaires. Sleep durations during weekdays, weekends, and holidays were predictor variables. BMI z scores and obesity/overweight status were the outcome measures.

RESULTS: Children slept significantly longer during holidays (mean [SD]: 10.20 (0.92) hours) and weekends (school terms) (10.07 [0.93] hours) than during school weekdays (9.18 [0.95] hours). Children with shorter sleep duration had higher BMI z scores regardless of the sleep parameters used in the analysis. Among children who slept <8 hours during weekdays, those children who did not compensate for their sleep deficit during weekends or holidays had significantly increased risk of overweight/obesity compared with those children with sleep compensation (odds ratios: 2.59 [95% confidence interval: 1.22–5.48] and 2.32 [95% confidence interval: 1.00–5.53], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: There was a prominent difference in sleep duration between weekdays and weekends/holidays among school children. Short sleep duration was associated with higher BMI, but compensation of sleep during weekends/holidays may partly ameliorate the risk of childhood overweight/obesity. Further prospective and interventional study is needed to delineate the risk-benefit effect of these increasingly common sleep habits among children and adolescents.
Consensus Statement on Diagnostic Criteria for PHACE Syndrome
Authors: Metry Denise , Heyer Geoffrey , Hess Christopher , Garzon Maria , Haggstrom Anita , Frommelt Peter , Adams Denise , Siegel Dawn , Hall Karla , Powell Julie , Frieden Ilona , Drolet Beth
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES: A subgroup of patients with infantile hemangiomas have associated structural anomalies of the brain, cerebral vasculature, eyes, sternum, and/or aorta in the neurocutaneous disorder known as PHACE syndrome. The diagnosis has been broadly inclusive by using a case definition of a facial hemangioma plus ≥1 extracutaneous features, leading to numerous reports of potential associated disease features, many of uncertain significance. This consensus statement was thus developed to establish diagnostic criteria for PHACE syndrome.

METHODS: A multidisciplinary group of specialists with expertise in PHACE syndrome drafted initial diagnostic criteria on the basis of review of published, peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical experience. The group then convened in both executive and general sessions during the PHACE Syndrome Research Conference held in November 2008 for discussion and used a consensus method. All conflicting recommendations were subsequently reconciled via electronic communication and teleconferencing.

RESULTS: These criteria were stratified into 2 categories: (1) PHACE syndrome or (2) possible PHACE syndrome. Major and minor criteria were determined for the following organ systems: cerebrovascular, structural brain, cardiovascular, ocular, and ventral/midline. Definite PHACE requires the presence of a characteristic segmental hemangioma or hemangioma >5 cm on the face or scalp plus 1 major criterion or 2 minor criteria. Possible PHACE requires the presence of a hemangioma >5 cm on the face or scalp plus 1 minor criterion. The group recognized that it may be possible to have PHACE syndrome with a hemangioma affecting the neck, chest, or arm only or no cutaneous hemangioma at all. In such cases, fulfillment of additional required criteria would also lead to a possible PHACE diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS: These criteria represent current knowledge and are expected to enhance future assessments of PHACE syndrome. It is understood that modifications are to be expected over time to incorporate new research findings.
Prenatal Corticosteroid Prophylaxis for Women Delivering at Late Preterm Gestation
Authors: Joseph K. S. , Nette Farrell , Scott Heather , Vincer Michael J.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: We studied patterns of prenatal corticosteroid use, respiratory distress syndrome, and associated mortality rates to assess the congruence between knowledge and clinical practice related to such prophylaxis.

METHODS: We used data on all live births in the United States (for the years 1989–1991, 1995–1997, and 2002–2004) and Nova Scotia, Canada (for the years 1988–2007). Gestational age-specific temporal trends in infant deaths resulting from respiratory distress syndrome were quantified in the United States, and gestational age-specific temporal trends in corticosteroid use and morbidity (respiratory distress syndrome and intraventricular hemorrhage) were quantified in Nova Scotia.

RESULTS: In the United States, infant deaths associated with respiratory distress syndrome decreased by 48% (95% confidence interval: 46%–50%) from 1989–1991 to 1995–1997 and then decreased by another 18% (95% confidence interval: 15%–22%) by 2002–2004. The latter mortality reduction was evident at 28 to 32 weeks but not 33 to 36 weeks of gestation. Corticosteroid use at 28 to 32 weeks was high in Nova Scotia and increased from 30.7% in 1988–1989 to 50.0% in 1996–1997 and to 52.9% in 2006–2007, whereas rates of use at 33 to 36 weeks were much lower (eg, 6.7%, 17.0%, and 15.7% at 34 weeks in the 3 periods). Increased corticosteroid use at 33 and 34 weeks was estimated to reduce respiratory distress syndrome substantially.

CONCLUSION: Addressing the knowledge-practice gap in corticosteroid use at 33 to 34 weeks should reduce infant morbidity and mortality rates.
Measuring anisotropy in Young’s modulus of copper using microcantilever testing
Authors: Armstrong David E.J. , Wilkinson Angus J. , Roberts Steve G.
Published: October 2009

Focused ion beam machining was used to manufacture microcantilevers 30 μm by 3 μm by 4 μm with a triangular cross section in single crystal copper at a range of orientations between. These were imaged and tested using AFM/nanoindentation. Each cantilever was indented multiple times at a decreasing distance away from the fixed end. Variation of the beam’s behavior with loading position allowed a critical aspect ratio (loaded length:beam width) of 6 to be identified above which simple beam approximations could be used to calculate Young’s modulus. Microcantilevers were also milled within a single grain in a polycrystalline copper sample and electron backscattered diffraction was used to identify the direction of the long axis of the cantilever. The experimentally measured values of Young’s modulus and their variation with orientation were found to be in good agreement with the values calculated from the literature data for bulk copper.