bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEMI-SUPERVISED LEARNING: EXPLOITING UNLABELED DATA WITH SYMMETRICAL DISTRIBUTION AND HIGH CONFIDENCE
Authors: ZHANG YIHAO , WEN JUNHAO , TANG FANGFANG , JIANG ZHUO
Published: January 2013

Current existing representative works to semi-supervised incremental learning prefer to select unlabeled instances predicted with high confidence for model retraining. However, this strategy may degrade the classification performance rather than improve it, because relying on high confidence for data selection can lead to an erroneous estimate to the true distribution, especially when the confidence annotator is highly correlated with the confidence annotator. In this paper, a new semi-supervised incremental learning algorithm was proposed, which selected the high confidence unlabeled instances with symmetrical distribution from unlabeled data, it can reduce the bias in the estimation in some degree. In detail, expectation maximization algorithm was used to estimate the confidence of each instance, and Gaussian function was used to calculate the data distribution, then the selected unlabeled data was used for retraining model with classifier algorithm. The experimental results based on a large number of UCI data sets show that our algorithm can effectively exploit unlabeled data to enhance the learning performance.
CLUSTERING FUNCTIONAL DATA USING WAVELETS
Authors: ANTONIADIS ANESTIS , BROSSAT XAVIER , CUGLIARI JAIRO , POGGI JEAN-MICHEL
Published: January 2013

We present two strategies for detecting patterns and clusters in high-dimensional time-dependent functional data. The use on wavelet-based similarity measures, since wavelets are well suited for identifying highly discriminant local time and scale features. The multiresolution aspect of the wavelet transform provides a time-scale decomposition of the signals allowing to visualize and to cluster the functional data into homogeneous groups. For each input function, through its empirical orthogonal wavelet transform the first strategy uses the distribution of energy across scales to generate a representation that can be sufficient to make the signals well distinguishable. Our new similarity measure combined with an efficient feature selection technique in the wavelet domain is then used within more or less classical clustering algorithms to effectively differentiate among high-dimensional populations. The second strategy uses a similarity measure between the whole time-scale representations that is based on wavelet-coherence tools. The clustering is then performed using a k-centroid algorithm starting from these similarities. Practical performance is illustrated through simulations as well as daily profiles of the French electricity power demand.
TECHNIQUES FOR SMOOTHING AND SPLITTING IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TIGHT FRAME GABOR WINDOWS
Authors: JANG SUMI , JEONG BYEONGSEON , KIM HONG OH
Published: January 2013

We consider Gabor systems with compactly supported windows and rational sampling rate. Two modification techniques for tight frame Gabor windows, splitting for shorter support and smoothing for better smoothness, are introduced. As an illustration of such techniques, we construct multiwindow tight frame Gabor windows with smaller support and C∞ continuity from certain tight frame Gabor windows.
TWO CURVELETS VARIATIONAL MODELS DEPEND ON DECOMPOSITION SPACES
Authors: LIU GUOJUN , FENG XIANGCHU , WANG WEIWEI , ZHANG XUANDE
Published: January 2013

Wavelet has become an appealing image processing technique, due to the fact that the sparseness of wavelet expansion is equivalent to smoothness measure in Besov spaces so that the regularization of image can be performed by manipulating its wavelet coefficients. Unfortunately, wavelets have good performance especially at representing point singularities, but they fail to efficiently represent object edges. As one of computational harmonic analysis tools, curvelets have an essentially optimal representation of objects which is C2 away from a C2 edge. In this paper, we first apply constraint of curvelet-type decomposition spaces as a regularizing term to variational model for image denoising. Based on the equivalent relationship between semi-norm of curvelet-type decomposition spaces and the weighted curvelet coefficients, solution to the proposed model approximately equals to different curvelet shrinkages. As a second contribution, we also propose another image restoration model from image decomposition point of view. Furthermore, an equivalent theorem of two proposed models is given. Finally, the experiment results show the superiority of proposed models over traditional wavelet-based ones.
FINITE IMPULSE RESPONSE DOUBLE DENSITY FILTER BANKS AND FRAMELETS
Authors: JAYAWARDENA ASHOKA , KWAN PAUL
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we focus on the design of oversampled filter banks and the resulting framelets. The framelets obtained exhibit improved shift invariant properties over decimated wavelet transform. Shift invariance has applications in many areas, particularly denoising, coding and compression. Our contribution here is on filter bank completion. In addition, we propose novel factorization methods to design wavelet filters from given scaling filters.
How Older Adults Learn to Use Mobile Devices
Authors: Leung Rock , Tang Charlotte , Haddad Shathel , Mcgrenere Joanna , Graf Peter , Ingriany Vilia
Published: January 2013

Mobile computing devices, such as smart phones, offer benefits that may be especially valuable to older adults (age 65+). Yet, older adults have been shown to have difficulty learning to use these devices. In the research presented in this article, we sought to better understand how older adults learn to use mobile devices, their preferences and barriers, in order to find new ways to support them in their learning process. We conducted two complementary studies: a survey study with 131 respondents from three age groups (20--49, 50--64, 65+) and an in-depth field study with 6 older adults aged 50+. The results showed, among other things, that the preference for trial-and-error decreases with age, and while over half of older respondents and participants preferred using the instruction manual, many reported difficulties using it. We discuss implications for design and illustrate these implications with an example help system, Help Kiosk, designed to support older adults’ learning to use mobile devices.
Participatory sensing
Authors: Heggen Scott
Published: January 2013

Sustainability in (Inter)Action provides a forum for innovative thought, design, and research in the area of interaction design and environmental sustainability. The column explores how HCI can contribute to the complex and interdisciplinary efforts to address sustainability challenges.

Elaine M. Huang, Editor
Journal-conference interaction and the competitive exclusion principle
Authors: Grudin Jonathan
Published: January 2013

Timelines provides perspectives on HCI history, glancing back at a road that sometimes took unexpected branches and turns. History is not a dry list of events; it is about points of view and differing interpretations.

Jonathan Grudin, Editor
Gandhigiri in cyberspace
Authors: Garg Vaibhav , Camp L. Jean
Published: January 2013

The interpretation of the terms 'information' and 'ethics' is often culturally situated. A common understanding is contingent to facilitating dialogue concerning the novel ethical issues we face during computer-mediated interactions. Developing a nuanced understanding of information ethics is critical at a point when the number of information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled interactions may soon exceed traditional human interactions. Utilitarianism and deontology, the two major schools of ethics are based in a western perspective. We contribute to the existing discourse on information ethics by arguing for the inclusion of Gandhian notions of non-violence and confrontation. These are particularly relevant to cyberspace, which does not always lend itself to coercion due to legal, political and economic limitations. We address the applicability of ahimsa, satyagraha, and swaraj to cyberspace. We discuss a Gandhian approach to system design. Finally, we use case studies to illuminate the application of Gandhian notions as well as their limitations.
Necrotic renal epithelial cell inhibits renal interstitial fibroblast activation: role of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B
Authors: Ponnusamy Murugavel , Ma Li , Zhuang Shougang
Published: January 2013

Our recent studies showed that contents of necrotic renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC) from 2 × 106 cells/ml directly induced death of cultured renal interstitial fibroblasts. However, it remains unknown whether nonlethal number of necrotic RPTC would also alter the fate of renal interstitial fibroblasts. To address this issue, renal interstitial fibroblasts (NRK-49F) were exposed to necrotic RPTC supernatant (RPTC-Sup) obtained from 2 × 104 to 5 × 105 cells/ml. These concentrations of RPTC did not induce cell death, but led to inactivation of renal fibroblasts as indicated by reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin and fibronectin, two hallmarks of activated fibroblasts. Concurrently, the same doses of necrotic RPTC-Sup suppressed phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3) in a time- and dose-dependent manner, but did not affect phosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, AKT, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. The presence of sodium orthovanadate, a general protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor or TCS-401 (a selective PTP1B inhibitor), abrogated those effects of RPTC-Sup, whereas coincubation with the EGFR inhibitor (Gefitinib) or silencing of EGFR with siRNA preserved the ability of RPTC-Sup in suppressing renal fibroblast activation and STAT3 phosphorylation. Moreover, RPTC-Sup treatment induced PTP1B phosphorylation and its interaction with EGFR. Collectively, these results indicate that nonlethal necrotic RPTC-Sup can induce inactivation of renal interstitial fibroblasts, which occurs through a mechanism involved in PTP1B-mediated inhibition of EGFR signaling.
Prostaglandin E2promotes cellular recovery from established nephrotoxic serum nephritis in mice, prosurvival, and regenerative effects on glomerular cells
Authors: Kvirkvelia Nino , McMenamin Malgorzata , Chaudhary Kapil , Bartoli Manuela , Madaio Michael P.
Published: January 2013

We postulated that prostaglandin E2(PGE2), which exhibits regulatory functions to control immune-mediated inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and tissue/cellular regeneration, has the potential to improve the course of nephritis. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of prostanoid on established nephritis in mice was evaluated focusing on its role on renal cellular recovery, with emphasis on its cytoprotecting and growth-promoting effects. Acute nephritis was induced in mice by single injection of nephrotoxic serum (NTS), followed by PGE2administration with severity of nephritis evaluated over time. Mice injected with PGE2recovered promptly with normalization of blood urea nitrogen and urine protein levels and histology. Recovery was observed with dosing of prostanoid at day 1, as well as day 4. With the use of selective EP1–4 receptor agonists, EP3 receptor has been identified as important in mediating beneficial effects of PGE2in our system. PGE2normalized glomerular cell losses during nephrotoxic serum-induced nephritis, restored synaptopodin distribution and F-actin filaments arrangement in glomeruli. In cell culture, PGE2reduced nephrotoxim serum (NTS)-induced apoptosis of glomerular cells and promoted cell reproliferation after NTS-mediated injury. In conclusion, PGE2treatment promotes resolution of glomerular inflammation. Consistent with this observation, the regenerative and cytoprotective effects of prostanoid on glomerular cells in culture were observed, suggesting that PGE2may be beneficial in the treatment of glomerulonephritis.
Olivocochlear suppression of outer hair cells in vivo: evidence for combined action of BK and SK2 channels throughout the cochlea
Authors: Maison Stéphane F. , Pyott Sonja J. , Meredith Andrea L. , Liberman M. Charles
Published: January 2013

Cholinergic inhibition of cochlear hair cells via olivocochlear (OC)-efferent feedback is mediated by Ca2+ entry through α9-/α10-nicotinic receptors, but the nature of the K+ channels activated by this Ca2+ entry has been debated (Yoshida N, Hequembourg SJ, Atencio CA, Rosowski JJ, Liberman MC. J Neurophysiol 85: 84–88, 2001). A recent in vitro study (Wersinger E, McLean WJ, Fuchs PA, Pyott SJ. PLoS One 5: e13836, 2010) suggests that small-conductance (SK2) channels mediate cholinergic effects in the apical turn, whereas large-conductance (BK) channels mediate basal turn effects. Here, we measure, as a function of cochlear frequency, the magnitude of BK and SK2 expression in outer hair cells and the strength of in vivo OC suppression in BK+/+ mice vs. BK−/− lacking the obligatory α-subunit (Meredith AL, Thorneloe KS, Werner ME, Nelson MT, Aldrich RW. J Biol Chem 279: 36746–36752, 2004). Except at the extreme apical tip, we see immunostaining for both BK and SK2 in BK+/+. Correspondingly, at all testable frequencies (8–45 kHz), we see evidence for both SK2 and BK contributions to OC effects evoked by electrically stimulating the OC bundle: OC-mediated suppression was reduced, but not eliminated, at all frequencies in the BK−/− ears. The suppression remaining in BK nulls was blocked by strychnine, suggesting involvement of α9-/α10-cholinergic receptors, coupled to activation of the remaining SK2 channels.
Signless Laplacian Polynomial and Characteristic Polynomial of a Graph
Authors: Ramane Harishchandra S. , Gudimani Shaila B. , Shinde Sumedha S.
Published: January 2013

The signless Laplacian polynomial of a graph G is the characteristic polynomial of the matrix Q(G)=D(G)+A(G), where D(G) is the diagonal degree matrix and A(G) is the adjacency matrix of G. In this paper we express the signless Laplacian polynomial in terms of the characteristic polynomial of the induced subgraphs, and, for regular graph, the signless Laplacian polynomial is expressed in terms of the derivatives of the characteristic polynomial. Using this we obtain the characteristic polynomial of line graph and subdivision graph in terms of the characteristic polynomial of induced subgraphs.
The Solubility of Two Magnetite Powders in Oxalic Acid: Applicability of Empirical Modelling
Authors: Salmimies Riina , Huhtanen Mikko , Kallas Juha , Häkkinen Antti
Published: January 2013

Phenomena-based models can be used in a predictive manner, but statistical modelling methods can also yield interesting findings and can serve as a tool for analysing the effects of different variables on the overall phenomenon. In addition, the generation of theoretical models can sometimes be limited due to the unideality of the studied system. Statistical modelling, in this case multiple-linear regression (MLR), was used to describe the effects of temperature and acid concentration on the dissolution of magnetite, Fe3O4 with oxalic acid. Whereas a linear model with an interaction term was sufficient in describing the dissolution of synthetic Fe3O4, a more complex full quadratic model had to be used to describe the dissolution of industrial Fe3O4 in the same conditions.
Thioxopyrimidine in Heterocyclic Synthesis III: Synthesis and Properties of Some Novel Heterocyclic Chalcone Derivatives Containing a Thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐Based Chromophore
Authors: Ho Yuh Wen , Yao Wei Hua
Published: January 2013

Cyclization of 4‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐6‐thioxo‐1,6‐dihydropyrimidine‐5‐carbonitrile 1 with chloroacetone in DMF in the presence of excess potassium carbonate anhydrous gave the 1‐(5‐amino‐4‐methyl‐2‐phenylthieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐6‐yl)ethanone 3, which can react with 2,5‐dimethoxytetrahydrofuran in glacial acetic acid producing the 1‐[4‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐5‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐6‐yl]ethanone 4. On the other hand, a series of novel 3‐aryl‐1‐[4‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐5‐(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)‐thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐6‐yl]prop‐2‐en‐1‐one chalcone dyes 6a—n were obtained by the condensation reaction of 1‐[4‐methyl‐2‐phenyl‐5(1H‐pyrrol‐1‐yl)thieno[2,3‐d]‐pyrimidin‐6‐yl]ethanone 4 with appropriate aldehydes. The structures of chalcone dyes were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, mass, elemental analysis, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The dyes were applied to polyester fibers for creating hues ranging from greenish‐yellow to orange; their spectral characteristics, substituent effect in DMF solution, fastness properties, and colorimetric assessment are also discussed.
Further Results on the Stability Analysis of Singular Systems with Time-Varying Delay: A Delay Decomposition Approach
Authors: Liu Pin-Lin
Published: January 2013

This paper deals with the problem of stability analysis for singular systems with time-varying delay. By developing a delay decomposition approach, information of the delayed plant states can be taken into full consideration, and new delay-dependent sufficient stability criteria are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which can be easily solved by various optimization algorithms. The merits of the proposed results lie in their less conservatism which is realized by choosing different Lyapunov matrices in the decomposed intervals and taking the information of the delayed plant states into full consideration. It is proved that the newly proposed criteria may introduce less conservatism than some existing ones. Meanwhile, the computational complexity of the presented stability criteria is reduced greatly since fewer decision variables are involved. Numerical examples are included to show that the proposed method is effective and can provide less conservative results.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Revealing Primary Sjögren Syndrome: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Mercurio A. , Altieri M. , Saraceni V. M. , Paolucci T. , Lenzi G. L.
Published: January 2013

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease of the exocrine glands, characterized by focal lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of these glands. Neurologic complications are quite common, mainly involving the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The most common central nervous system (CNS) manifestations are myelopathy and microcirculation vasculitis. However, specific diagnostic criteria for CNS SS are still lacking. We report two cases of primary SS in which the revealing symptom was cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) in the absence of genetic or acquired thrombophilias.
Efficient Identification of Transcription Factor Binding Sites with a Graph Theoretic Approach
Authors: Song Jia , Xu Li , Sun Hong
Published: January 2013

Identifying transcription factor binding sites with experimental methods is often expensive and time consuming. Although many computational approaches and tools have been developed for this problem, the prediction accuracy is not satisfactory. In this paper, we develop a new computational approach that can model the relationships among all short sequence segments in the promoter regions with a graph theoretic model. Based on this model, finding the locations of transcription factor binding site is reduced to computing maximum weighted cliques in a graph with weighted edges. We have implemented this approach and used it to predict the binding sites in two organisms,Caenorhabditis elegansandmus musculus. We compared the prediction accuracy with that of the Gibbs Motif Sampler. We found that the accuracy of our approach is higher than or comparable with that of the Gibbs Motif Sampler for most of tested data and can accurately identify binding sites in cases where the Gibbs Motif Sampler has difficulty to predict their locations.
Constitutive HER2 Signaling Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis through Cellular Senescence
Authors: Angelini Pier Davide , Fluck Mariano F. Zacarias , Pedersen Kim , Parra-Palau Josep Lluís , Guiu Marc , Bernadó Morales Cristina , Vicario Rocio , Luque-García Antonio , Navalpotro Nerea Peiró , Giralt Jordi , Canals Francesc , Gomis Roger R. , Tabernero Josep , Baselga José , Villanueva Josep , Arribas Joaquín
Published: January 2013

Senescence, a terminal cell proliferation arrest, can be triggered by oncogenes. Oncogene-induced senescence is classically considered a tumor defense barrier. However, several findings show that, under certain circumstances, senescent cells may favor tumor progression because of their secretory phenotype. Here, we show that the expression in different breast epithelial cell lines of p95HER2, a constitutively active fragment of the tyrosine kinase receptor HER2, results in either increased proliferation or senescence. In senescent cells, p95HER2 elicits a secretome enriched in proteases, cytokines, and growth factors. This secretory phenotype is not a mere consequence of the senescence status and requires continuous HER2 signaling to be maintained. Underscoring the functional relevance of the p95HER2-induced senescence secretome, we show that p95HER2-induced senescent cells promote metastasis in vivo in a non–cell-autonomous manner. Cancer Res; 73(1); 450–8. ©2012 AACR.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) E7-Mediated Attenuation of Retinoblastoma (Rb) Induces hPygopus2 Expression via Elf-1 in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Tzenov Youlian R. , Andrews Phillip G. , Voisey Kim , Popadiuk Paul , Xiong Jieying , Popadiuk Catherine , Kao Kenneth R.
Published: January 2013

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the etiologic agent of cervical cancer. In this study, we provide evidence for the human Pygopus (hPygo)2 gene as a cellular biomarker for HPV-related disease. In a tumor microarray of cervical cancer progression, hPygo2 levels were greater in high-grade lesions and squamous cell carcinomas than in normal epithelia. Similarly, hPygo2 mRNA and protein levels were greater in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells relative to uninfected primary cells. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated depletion of HPV-E7 increased whereas E74-like factor (Elf)-1 RNAi decreased association of Retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor with the hPygo2 promoter in cervical cancer cell lines. Transfection of dominant-active Rb inhibited Elf-1-dependent activation of hPygo2, whereas Elf-1 itself increased hPygo2 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that Rb repressed hPygo2 by inhibiting Elf-1 at the Ets-binding site in the hPygo2 promoter. These results suggested that abrogation of Rb by E7 resulted in derepression of Elf-1, which in turn stimulated expression of hPygo2. Thus, initiation of hPygo2 expression by Elf-1 was required for proliferation of cervical cancer cells and its expression therefore may act as a surrogate marker for dysplasia. Mol Cancer Res; 11(1); 19–30. ©2012 AACR.
Synchrotron Radiation Imaging for Advancing Our Understanding of Cardiovascular Function
Authors: Shirai Mikiyasu , Schwenke Daryl O. , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Umetani Keiji , Yagi Naoto , Pearson James T.
Published: January 2013

Synchrotron radiation (SR) is increasingly being used for micro-level and nano-level functional imaging in in vivo animal experiments. This review focuses on the methodology that enables repeated and regional assessment of vessel internal diameter and flow in the resistance vessels of different organ systems. In particular, SR absorption microangiography approaches offer unique opportunities for real-time in vivo vascular imaging in small animals, even during dynamic motion of the heart and lungs. We also describe recent progress in the translation of multiple phase-contrast imaging techniques from ex vivo to in vivo small-animal studies. Furthermore, we also review the utility of SR for multiple pinpoint (dimensions 0.2×0.2 mm) assessments of myocardial function at the cross-bridge level in different regions of the heart using small-angle X-ray scattering, resulting from increases in SR flux at modern facilities. Finally, we present cases for the use of complementary SR approaches to study cardiovascular function, particularly the pathological changes associated with disease using small-animal models.
Neutrophil-Derived Cathelicidin Promotes Adhesion of Classical Monocytes
Authors: Wantha Sarawuth , Alard Jean-Eric , Megens Remco T.A. , van der Does Anne M. , Döring Yvonne , Drechsler Maik , Pham Christine T.N. , Wang Ming-Wei , Wang Ji-Min , Gallo Richard L. , von Hundelshausen Philipp , Lindbom Lennart , Hackeng Tilman , Weber Christian , Soehnlein Oliver
Published: January 2013

Rationale:

The leukocyte response in acute inflammation is characterized by an initial recruitment of neutrophils preceding a second wave of monocytes. Neutrophil-derived granule proteins were suggested to hold an important role in this cellular switch. The exact mechanisms by which neutrophils mediate these processes are only partially understood.

Objective:

To investigate the role of neutrophils and their granule contents in the adhesion of monocyte subpopulations in acute inflammation.

Methods and Results:

Here, we show that neutrophil-derived cathelicidins (human: LL37, mouse: CRAMP) induce adhesion of classical monocytes but not of nonclassical monocytes in the mouse cremaster muscle and in in vitro flow chamber assays. CRAMP is released from emigrated neutrophils and then transported across the endothelium, where it is presented to rolling leukocytes. Endothelial-bound cathelicidin activates formyl-peptide receptor 2 on classical monocytes, resulting in monocytic β
1
- and β
2
-integrin conformational change toward an extended, active conformation that allows for adhesion to their respective ligands, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1.

Conclusions:

These data elucidate a novel mechanism of neutrophil-mediated monocyte recruitment, which could be targeted in conditions where recruitment of classical monocytes plays an unfavorable role.
Associations Among Lung Function, Arterial Elasticity, and Circulating Endothelial and Inflammation Markers
Authors: Duprez Daniel A. , Hearst Mary O. , Lutsey Pamela L. , Herrington David M. , Ouyang Pamela , Barr R. Graham , Bluemke David A. , McAllister David , Carr J. Jeffrey , Jacobs David R.
Published: January 2013

A parallel physiological pathway for elastic changes is hypothesized for declines in arterial elasticity and lung function. Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation could potentially decrease elasticity of both vasculature and lung tissue. We examined biomarkers, large arterial elasticity and small arterial elasticity (SAE), and forced vital capacity (FVC) in a period cross-sectional design in the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis, which recruited 1823 women and 1803 men, age range 45 to 84 years, black, white, Hispanic, and Chinese, free of clinically recognized cardiovascular disease. Radial artery tonometric pulse waveform registration was performed and large arterial elasticity and SAE were derived from diastole. Spirometric data and markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation (soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, fibrinogen, hs-C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6) were obtained. Mean large arterial elasticity was 13.7±5.5 mL/mm Hg×10 and SAE was 4.6±2.6 mL/mm Hg×100. Mean FVC was 3 192±956.0 mL and forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 2 386±734.5 mL. FVC was about 40±5 mL higher per SD of SAE, stronger in men than women. The association was slightly weaker with large arterial elasticity, with no sex interaction. After regression adjustment for demographic, anthropometric, and cardiovascular risk factors, the biomarkers tended to be related to reduced SAE and FVC, particularly in men. These biomarker associations suggest important cardiovascular disease risk alterations that occur concurrently with lower arterial elasticity and lung function. The observed positive association of SAE with FVC and with forced expiratory volume in 1 second in middle-aged to older free-living people is consistent with the hypothesis of parallel physiological pathways for elastic changes in the vasculature and in lung parenchymal tissue.
Network Modeling Reveals Steps in Angiotensin Peptide Processing
Authors: Schwacke John H. , Spainhour John Christian G. , Ierardi Jessalyn L. , Chaves Jose M. , Arthur John M. , Janech Michael G. , Velez Juan Carlos Q.
Published: January 2013

New insights into the intrarenal renin–angiotensin (Ang) system have modified our traditional view of the system. However, many finer details of this network of peptides and associated peptidases remain unclear. We hypothesized that a computational systems biology approach, applied to peptidomic data, could help to unravel the network of enzymatic conversions. We built and refined a Bayesian network model and a dynamic systems model starting from a skeleton created with established elements of the renin–Ang system and further developed it with archived matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectra from experiments conducted in mouse podocytes exposed to exogenous Ang substrates. The model-building process suggested previously unrecognized steps, 3 of which were confirmed in vitro, including the conversion of Ang(2–10) to Ang(2–7) by neprilysin, Ang(1–9) to Ang(2–9), and Ang(1–7) to Ang(2–7) by aminopeptidase A. These data suggest a wider role of neprilysin and aminopeptidase A in glomerular formation of bioactive Ang peptides and shunting their formation. Other steps were also suggested by the model, and supporting evidence for those steps was evaluated using model-comparison methods. Our results demonstrate that systems biology methods applied to peptidomic data are effective in identifying novel steps in the Ang peptide processing network, and these findings improve our understanding of the glomerular renin–Ang system.
Early and Late Systolic Wall Stress Differentially Relate to Myocardial Contraction and Relaxation in Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Chirinos Julio A. , Segers Patrick , Rietzschel Ernst R. , De Buyzere Marc L. , Raja Muhammad W. , Claessens Tom , De Bacquer Dirk , St. John Sutton Martin , Gillebert Thierry C.
Published: January 2013

Experimental studies implicate late systolic load as a determinant of impaired left-ventricular relaxation. We aimed to assess the relationship between the myocardial loading sequence and left-ventricular contraction and relaxation. Time-resolved central pressure and time-resolved left-ventricular geometry were measured with carotid tonometry and speckle-tracking echocardiography, respectively, for computation of time-resolved ejection-phase myocardial wall stress (EP-MWS) among 1214 middle-aged adults without manifest cardiovascular disease from the general population. Early diastolic annular velocity and systolic annular velocities were measured with tissue Doppler imaging, and segment-averaged longitudinal strain was measured with speckle-tracking echocardiography. After adjustment for age, sex, and potential confounders, late EP-MWS was negatively associated with early diastolic mitral annular velocity (standardized β=−0.25;
P
<0.0001) and mitral inflow propagation velocity (standardized β=−0.13;
P
=0.02). In contrast, early EP-MWS was positively associated with early diastolic mitral annular velocity (standardized β=0.18;
P
<0.0001) and mitral inflow propagation velocity (standardized β=0.22;
P
<0.0001). A higher late EP-MWS predicted a lower systolic mitral annular velocity (standardized β=−0.31;
P
<0.0001) and lesser myocardial longitudinal strain (standardized β=0.32;
P
<0.0001), whereas a higher early EP-MWS was associated with a higher systolic mitral annular velocity (standardized β=0.16;
P
=0.002) and greater longitudinal strain (standardized β=−0.24;
P
=0.002). The loading sequence remained independently associated with early diastolic mitral annular velocity after adjustment for systolic mitral annular velocity or systolic longitudinal strain. In the context of available experimental data, our findings support the role of the myocardial loading sequence as a determinant of left-ventricular systolic and diastolic function. A loading sequence characterized by prominent late systolic wall stress was associated with lower longitudinal systolic function and diastolic relaxation.
A Constraint-Based Hypergraph Partitioning Approach to Coreference Resolution
Authors: Sapena Emili , Padró Lluís , Turmo Jordi
Published: January 2013

This work is focused on research in machine learning for coreference resolution. Coreference resolution is a natural language processing task that consists of determining the expressions in a discourse that refer to the same entity.

The main contributions of this article are (i) a new approach to coreference resolution based on constraint satisfaction, using a hypergraph to represent the problem and solving it by relaxation labeling; and (ii) research towards improving coreference resolution performance using world knowledge extracted from Wikipedia.

The developed approach is able to use an entity-mention classification model with more expressiveness than the pair-based ones, and overcome the weaknesses of previous approaches in the state of the art such as linking contradictions, classifications without context, and lack of information evaluating pairs. Furthermore, the approach allows the incorporation of new information by adding constraints, and research has been done in order to use world knowledge to improve performances.

RelaxCor, the implementation of the approach, achieved results at the state-of-the-art level, and participated in international competitions: SemEval-2010 and CoNLL-2011. RelaxCor achieved second place in CoNLL-2011.
Deterministic Coreference Resolution Based on Entity-Centric, Precision-Ranked Rules
Authors: Lee Heeyoung , Chang Angel , Peirsman Yves , Chambers Nathanael , Surdeanu Mihai , Jurafsky Dan
Published: January 2013

We propose a new deterministic approach to coreference resolution that combines the global information and precise features of modern machine-learning models with the transparency and modularity of deterministic, rule-based systems. Our sieve architecture applies a battery of deterministic coreference models one at a time from highest to lowest precision, where each model builds on the previous model's cluster output. The two stages of our sieve-based architecture, a mention detection stage that heavily favors recall, followed by coreference sieves that are precision-oriented, offer a powerful way to achieve both high precision and high recall. Further, our approach makes use of global information through an entity-centric model that encourages the sharing of features across all mentions that point to the same real-world entity. Despite its simplicity, our approach gives state-of-the-art performance on several corpora and genres, and has also been incorporated into hybrid state-of-the-art coreference systems for Chinese and Arabic. Our system thus offers a new paradigm for combining knowledge in rule-based systems that has implications throughout computational linguistics.
Plagiarism Meets Paraphrasing: Insights for the Next Generation in Automatic Plagiarism Detection
Authors: Barrón-Cedeño Alberto , Vila Marta , Martí M. , Rosso Paolo
Published: January 2013

Although paraphrasing is the linguistic mechanism underlying many plagiarism cases, little attention has been paid to its analysis in the framework of automatic plagiarism detection. Therefore, state-of-the-art plagiarism detectors find it difficult to detect cases of paraphrase plagiarism. In this article, we analyze the relationship between paraphrasing and plagiarism, paying special attention to which paraphrase phenomena underlie acts of plagiarism and which of them are detected by plagiarism detection systems. With this aim in mind, we created the P4P corpus, a new resource that uses a paraphrase typology to annotate a subset of the PAN-PC-10 corpus for automatic plagiarism detection. The results of the Second International Competition on Plagiarism Detection were analyzed in the light of this annotation.

The presented experiments show that (i) more complex paraphrase phenomena and a high density of paraphrase mechanisms make plagiarism detection more difficult, (ii) lexical substitutions are the paraphrase mechanisms used the most when plagiarizing, and (iii) paraphrase mechanisms tend to shorten the plagiarized text. For the first time, the paraphrase mechanisms behind plagiarism have been analyzed, providing critical insights for the improvement of automatic plagiarism detection systems.
Bodily and Embodied: Being Human in the Tradition of the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Schroer Silvia , Staubli Thomas
Published: January 2013

A depiction of the ancient Hebrew understanding of the human being must take into account the fact that the Bible does not contain a systematic anthropology, but unfolds the multiplicity of human existence inductively, aspectively, and in narrative fashion. In comparison to Greek body/soul dualism, but also in the context of body-(de-)construction and gender debates, this circumstance makes it a treasure trove of interesting, often contrasting recollections and insights with liberating potential. This assertion will be illustrated concretely in terms of the nexus points of the human body (throat, heart, and womb), the relationship of humans to animals and angels, and the questions of the power and value of a human being.
Reclaiming Christ’s Body (soma christou): Embodiment of God’s Gospel in Paul’s Letters
Authors: Kim Yung Suk
Published: January 2013

Traditionally, “the body of Christ” has been read through an organism metaphor that emphasizes unity of the community in Christ. The weakness of this reading is that there is no clear articulation of how members of the community are united with Christ. The body language in Paul’s letters can be best understood when read through a metaphor for a way of living that emphasizes Christ’s embodiment of God’s gospel. The body of Christ in Paul’s letters is, first of all, his physical body that represents his life and death. Then, derivatively, it is also associated with Christian living—for example, “You are Christ-like body” (1 Cor 12:27).
Reclaiming the Body for Faith
Authors: Reagan Debra A.
Published: January 2013

This essay examines what it means to be embodied members of the Body of Christ, exploring the metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, variant embodiment, abused bodies, and sexual bodies.
Third-Party Conflict Management and the Willingness to Make Concessions
Authors: Beardsley Kyle , Lo Nigel
Published: January 2013

Third-party conflict management, particularly legal dispute resolution (arbitration and adjudication) and mediation, can help improve the willingness of disputants to make asymmetric concessions by ameliorating commitment problems and providing political cover. In both regards, and especially pertaining to commitment problems, mediation has substantial limitations when compared to legal dispute resolution. We develop these arguments and test the observable implications on the Issue Correlates of War data. To get traction on the mechanisms at work, we distinguish between challenger concessions and defender concessions, positing that challenger concessions face the primary hurdle of political cover while defender concessions face the primary hurdle of commitment problems. We find that legal dispute resolution strongly increases the propensity for concessions by both challengers and targets, even major asymmetric concessions. Mediation, on the other hand, only helps increase minor challenger concessions. Also consistent with expectations, mediation best enables asymmetric challenger concessions in the highly salient cases that need the most political cover, and legal dispute resolution best enables asymmetric concessions when there has been a history of failed conflict management attempts that perpetuate mistrust.
Efficacy of Commercial Earplugs in Preventing Water Intrusion during Swimming
Authors: Mahboubi Hossein , Lee Austin , Kiumehr Saman , Zardouz Shawn , Shahriari Shawhin , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of commercially available earplugs in preventing water intrusion in healthy individuals.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Setting

Tertiary care medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Ten subjects (20 ears) were assessed. After insertion of the earplugs, subjects underwent 3 standardized head‐wetting protocols, including (1) surface swimming for 10 minutes, which entailed no head submersion and moderate splashing; (2) head submersion at a 90‐cm depth for 20 seconds with their head upright; and (3) head submersion at a 90‐cm depth with head tilted 90 degrees left and then tilted 90 degrees right for 10 seconds on each side to apply vertical pressure. Color change of a wetness indicator was used to determine water intrusion after each protocol. The same protocol was repeated for all 9 earplugs.

Results

Water intrusion was observed in 44%, 67%, and 88% of ears after surface swimming, horizontal submersion, and vertical submersion, respectively. The results revealed a significant difference in the waterproofing qualities of the various types of earplugs. The soft silicone type (Pillow Soft) earplug had the lowest rate of water penetration during all 3 protocols (P <. 001). The difference between the most effective earplugs, Pillow Soft and Aquaseal, were only significant during the horizontal submersion protocol (P =. 008).

Conclusion

Water intrusion occurred even with the use of earplugs. The intrusion was more significant with horizontal or vertical head submersion. The soft silicone Pillow Soft earplug was the most effective earplug for preventing water intrusion in surface swimming.
Getting closer: The effects of personalized and interactive online political communication
Authors: Kruikemeier Sanne , van Noort Guda , Vliegenthart Rens , de Vreese Claes H
Published: January 2013

Political parties and politicians increasingly use the possibilities of the Internet to communicate interactively with citizens and vice versa. The Internet also offers opportunities for individual politicians to profile themselves. These developments are often said to bring politics closer to citizens, increasing their political engagement in politics. Empirical evidence for such claims is, however, scarce. In a scenario experiment and a laboratory experiment using real-world websites, the authors examine whether more personalized online communication (a focus on individual politicians) and the use of interactive features increase political involvement among citizens. The results from both studies demonstrate that both highly interactive and personalized online communication do increase citizens’ political involvement. Moreover, it was also found that political personalization positively moderates the effect of interactivity on political involvement, meaning that the effects of interactivity are even stronger in a personalized setting.
Aerobic Versus Resistance Training Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life, Body Composition, and Function of Older Adults
Authors: Wanderley Flávia Accioly Canuto , Oliveira Nórton Luis , Marques Elisa , Moreira Pedro , Oliveira José , Carvalho Joana
Published: January 2013

This study aimed to investigate the effects of training on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), body composition, and function in older adults. Fifty participants were randomized into aerobic training (AT—70%-80% HRreserve), resistance training (RT—80% 1RM), or controls. They had HRQoL, body composition, and function assessed before and after 8 months. Training groups reduced body fat, increased performance in the stair ascent, 8-ft up-and-go and sit-to-stand five-times tests, and improved their physical component score (PCS; p ≤ .03). AT increased performance in the 6MWT test, and improved general and mental health (MH) domains when compared to controls ( p < .01). Finally, changes in stair ascent were associated with changes in bodily pain, MH, and mental component score ( p ≤ .04), while changes in handgrip strength were associated with changes in physical role and MH ( p = .03). AT and RT were effective interventions for decreasing body fat and improving functionality and the PCS in older adults.
The Relationship between Community Design and Crashes Involving Older Drivers and Pedestrians
Authors: Dumbaugh Eric , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2013

This study uses negative binomial regression models to understand how urban form may affect total and KSI (killed or seriously injured) crashes involving drivers and pedestrians aged seventy-five and older. Intersections, strip commercial establishments, big box stores, and arterial thoroughfares were associated with increases in crashes involving older motorists, while big box stores and arterials increased crashes for older pedestrians. Networks of lower-speed streets were associated with fewer crashes involving older motorists and pedestrians. This study concludes by detailing community design considerations that may enhance the safety of older motorists and pedestrians
Fabrication and characterization of oil-absorptive fiber by polypropylene and poly(butyl methacrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) blends
Authors: Zhao Jian , Xiao Changfa , Xu Naiku
Published: January 2013

A series of blend fibers based on a certain weight polypropylene (PP) and poly(butyl methacrylate- co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PBMA- co-HEMA) were prepared via melt spinning in a corotating twin screw extruder. The morphology and structure of the blend fiber was studied by stereoscopic microscopy, polarized optical microscopy, wide-angle x-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electronic microscopy. Thermal properties were carried out by means of differential scanning calorimetry and melt flow index. The results demonstrated that the crystalline structure is proven to be greatly destroyed owing to the entanglement and cross-linking of molecular chains caused by hydrogen bond network of the copolymer in the blend. Oil absorbency decreases with increasing mass fraction of PP in the blend fiber. Moreover, the enthalpy of crystallization and supercooling temperature decrease as the content of PBMA- co-HEMA component increases.
Higher Levels of Masculine Gender Role Stress in Masculine than in Feminine Nations
Authors: Arrindell W. A. , van Well Sonja , Kolk Annemarie M. , Barelds Dick P.H. , Oei Tian P. S. , Lau Pui Yi ,   Cultural Clinical Psychology Study Group
Published: January 2013

It was hypothesized that societies that put greater emphasis on men being rigidly committed to culturally accepted models of masculinity (nations with high Hofstede MASculinity scores) would report higher mean national levels of masculine gender role stress (MGRS) than societies that emphasize such to a clearly lesser extent (low national MAS scores). Supporting this expectation, a large country-level correlation of +.64 ( p = .01) was found across 13 countries ( n = 6,420) between national MAS scores and national MGRS scores. In line with previous findings, Hofstede’s MAS measure was found to be conceptually distinct from Bem’s measure of instrumentality. Implications for intervention and further studies are briefly pinpointed.
Old Science Fiction, New Inspiration
Authors: Gross Matthias
Published: January 2013

Although it is implicitly acknowledged that many aspects of contemporary geothermal energy utilization are shrouded in ignorance, this is rarely appreciated or in any way well communicated. Using Jules Verne’s science fiction novel A Journey to the Center of the Earth as a means to highlight the inevitable normality of knowledge gaps and uncertainty, certain aspects are discussed that can be applied to communication strategies regarding the unknown in current geothermal energy utilization. This may be important given that risk assessments can often not be communicated meaningfully to citizens and decision makers.