bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unpacking the television
Authors: Barkhuus Louise , Brown Barry
Published: September 2009

This article investigates the changing television watching practices amongst early adopters of personal hard-disk video recorders (such as Tivo) and Internet downloading of video. Through in-depth interviews with 21 video enthusiasts, we describe how the rhythms of television watching change when decoupled from broadcast TV schedules. Devices such as Tivo do not simply replace videotapes; TV watching becomes more active as programs are gathered from the schedules, played from a stored collection and fast forwarded and paused during playback. Downloads users exploit the Internet to view shows and movies not broadcast, yet this watching is not fundamentally different from recording shows using a PVR, since both involve selection of shows from a limited range and a wait before the shows can be watched.
The study and handling of program inputs in the selection of garbage collectors
Authors: Shen Xipeng , Mao Feng , Tian Kai , Zhang Eddy Zheng
Published: September 2009

Many studies have shown that the best performer among a set of garbage collectors tends to be different for different applications. Researchers have proposed applicationspecific selection of garbage collectors. In this work, we concentrate on a second dimension of the problem: the influence of program inputs on the selection of garbage collectors. We collect tens to hundreds of inputs for a set of Java benchmarks, and measure their performance on Jikes RVM with different heap sizes and garbage collectors. A rigorous statistical analysis produces four-fold insights. First, inputs influence the relative performance of garbage collectors significantly, causing large variations to the top set of garbage collectors across inputs. Profiling one or few runs is thus inadequate for selecting the garbage collector that works well for most inputs. Second, when the heap size ratio is fixed, one or two types of garbage collectors are enough to stimulate the top performance of the program on all inputs. Third, for some programs, the heap size ratio significantly affects the relative performance of different types of garbage collectors. For the selection of garbage collectors on those programs, it is necessary to have a cross-input predictive model that predicts the minimum possible heap size of the execution on an arbitrary input. Finally, by adoptingstatistical learning techniques, we investigate the cross-input predictability of the influence. Experimental results demonstrate that with regression and classification techniques, it is possible to predict the best garbage collector (along with the minimum possible heap size) with reasonable accuracy given an arbitrary input to an application. The exploration opens the opportunities for tailoring the selection of garbage collectors to not only applications but also their inputs.
ClientVisor
Authors: Chen Huacai , Jin Hai , Shao Zhiyuan , Hu Kan , Yu Ke , Tian Kun
Published: September 2009

As an emerging trend, virtualization is more and more widely used in today's computing world. But, the introduction of virtual machines bring trouble for the
power management
(PM for short), since the operating system can not directly access and control the hardware as before. Solutions were proposed to manage the power in the server consolidation case. However, such solutions are VMM-centric: the VMM gathers the PM decisions of the guests as hints, and makes the final decision to manipulate the hardware. These solutions do not fit well for the virtualized desktop environment, which is highly interactive with the users.

In this paper, we propose a novel solution, called ClientVisor, to manage the power in the virtualized desktop environment. The key idea of our scheme is to leverage the functionalities of the
Commercial-Off-The-Shelf
(COTS) operating system, which actually interacts with the user, to manage the power of the processor and the peripheral devices in all possible cases. VMM coordinates the PM decisions of the guests only at the key points. By prototype implementation and experiments, we find our scheme results in 22% lower power consumption in the static power usage scenario, and about 8% lower in the dynamic scenario than the corresponding cases of Xen. Moreover, the experimental data shows that the deployment of our scheme will not deteriorate the user experience.
Cone Beam Micro‐CT System for Small Animal Imaging and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Zhu Shouping , Tian Jie , Yan Guorui , Qin Chenghu , Feng Jinchao
Published: September 2009

A prototype cone‐beam micro‐CT system for small animal imaging has been developed by our group recently, which consists of a microfocus X‐ray source, a three‐dimensional programmable stage with object holder, and a flat‐panel X‐ray detector. It has a large field of view (FOV), which can acquire the whole body imaging of a normal‐size mouse in a single scan which usually takes about several minutes or tens of minutes. FDK method is adopted for 3D reconstruction with Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) acceleration. In order to reconstruct images with high spatial resolution and low artifacts, raw data preprocessing and geometry calibration are implemented before reconstruction. A method which utilizes a wire phantom to estimate the residual horizontal offset of the detector is proposed, and 1D point spread function is used to assess the performance of geometric calibration quantitatively. System spatial resolution, image uniformity and noise, and low contrast resolution have been studied. Mouse images with and without contrast agent are illuminated
in this paper. Experimental results show that the system is suitable for small animal imaging and is adequate to provide high‐resolution anatomic information for bioluminescence tomography to build a dual modality system.
Optical Transitions and Charge-Exchange in Highly Charged Quasi-Molecules
Authors: Devdariani A. , Dalimier E. , Sauvan P.
Published: September 2009

The interaction between quasimolecular states produces not only nonadiabatic transitions but also some exotic features in the wings of the spectral profiles emitted by the ions in collision. Although this concept has been fruitfully used for neutral species, some new highlighted experimental data on
quasimolecular optical transitions in hot dense plasma have renewed the interest to the concept in
the recent years. The present review deals with highly charged quasimolecules and it is dedicated specifically to
quasimolecules formed by two bare nuclei and one bound electron. The reason for this choice is that,
for such quasimolecules, the energy terms and the dipole moments of the optical transitions can be
obtained straightforwardly in nonrelativistic case without any approximation that are typical for
neutrals. Although the results obtained in the frame of the approach developed here are directly
applicable to the case of single collisions or to low-density plasmas, they form a reasonable initial
approximation for the problem of optical profiles in hot dense plasmas and can be regarded as a safe
framework for qualitative discussions of profiles in those environments.
Prostate-Regenerating Capacity of Cultured Human Adult Prostate Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yao M. , Taylor R.A. , Richards M.G. , Sved P. , Wong J. , Eisinger D. , Xie C. , Salomon R. , Risbridger G.P. , Dong Q.
Published: September 2009

Experimentation with the progenitor/stem cells in adult prostate epithelium can be inconvenient due to a tight time line from tissue acquisition to cell isolation and to downstream experiments. To circumvent this inconvenience, we developed a simple technical procedure for culturing epithelial cells derived from human prostate tissue. In this study, benign prostate tissue was enzymatically digested and fractionated into epithelium and stroma, which were then cultured in the medium designed for prostate epithelial and stromal cells, respectively. The cultured cells were analyzed by immunocytochemical staining and flow cytometry. Prostate tissue-regenerating capacity of cultured cells in vitro was determined by co-culturing epithelial and stromal cells in dihydrotestosterone-containing RPMI. Cell lineages in formed acini-like structures were determined by immunohistochemistry. The culture of epithelial cells mainly consisted of basal cells. A minor population was negative for known lineage markers and positive for CD133. The culture also contained cells with high activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase. After co-culturing with stromal cells, the epithelial cells were able to form acini-like structures containing multiple cell lineages. Thus, the established culture of prostate epithelial cells provides an alternative source for studying progenitor/stem cells of prostate epithelium.
Myonucleus-Related Properties in Soleus Muscle Fibers of mdx Mice
Authors: Terada Masahiro , Lan Yong Bo , Kawano Fuminori , Ohira Takashi , Higo Yoko , Nakai Naoya , Imaizumi Kazuhiko , Ogura Akihiko , Nishimoto Norihiro , Adachi Yasuo , Ohira Yoshinobu
Published: September 2009

Distribution and total number of myonuclei in single soleus muscle fibers, sampled from tendon to tendon, were analyzed in mdx and wild-type (WT) mice. Apoptotic myonuclei and the microscopic structure around the myonuclei were also analyzed. Three types of muscle fibers of mdx mice with myonuclear distribution at either central, peripheral, or both central and peripheral regions were observed in the longitudinal analyses. All of the myonuclei were located at the peripheral region in WT mice. The total number of myonuclei counted in the whole length of fibers with peripheral myonuclei only was 17% less in mdx than in WT mice (p < 0.05). But the total myonuclear numbers in mdx mouse fibers with different distribution (peripheral vs. central) of myonuclei were identical, and the peripheral nucleus was noted where the central nucleus was missing. Myonuclei located between the center and peripheral regions were also seen in the cross-sectional analyses of muscle fibers. The cross-sectional area and length of fibers, sarcomere number, myonuclear size, myosin heavy chain expression, satellite cell number and neuromuscular junction were identical between each type of fiber. Apoptosis was not detected in any myonuclei located either in central or peripheral regions of muscle fibers. Thus, it was suggested that apoptosis-related loss of central myonuclei and regeneration-related new accretion at the peripheral region is not the cause of different distribution of myonuclei seen in muscle fibers in mdx mice. However, it was speculated that cross-sectional migration of myonuclei from central to peripheral regions may be induced in response to regeneration, because the total myonuclear numbers in fibers with different distribution of myonuclei were identical, and the peripheral nucleus was noted where the central nucleus was missing. Further, myonuclei located between the center and peripheral regions were also seen. However, the question remains as to how or why nuclei might migrate to the periphery in a regenerating muscle fiber, since there was no microscopic evidence of any structural changes around the myonuclei that may be responsible for the movement of the nucleus.
Spontaneous Differentiation of Murine Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Adipocytes without Malignant Transformation after Long-Term Culture
Authors: Gou Shanmiao , Wang Chunyou , Liu Tao , Wu Heshui , Xiong Jiongxin , Zhou Feng , Zhao Gang
Published: September 2009

Some observations have suggested that extensive culture of adult stem cells can lead to malignant transformation. Therefore, it has become commonplace to use stem cells undergoing little or no in vitro culture to circumvent this presumptive limitation. Recently, a detailed study documented that malignant transformation of adult neural stem cells can be avoided under suitable culture conditions. Here, we report the first demonstration that murine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bMSCs) were propagated in vitro for up to 50 passages without any transformation sign under suitable conditions. However, it must be noted that although the long-term cultured bMSCs were comparable with short-term cultured bMSCs in proliferation, migration and invasion, they lost their pluripotent potential. The long-term cultured bMSCs could only differentiate into adipocytes but not into osteocytes or chondrocytes. In conclusion, murine bMSCs can be propagated in vitro for up to 50 passages with no malignant transformation sign under suitable conditions, but how to sustain their pluripotent potential requires further investigation.
Consent for Newborn Screening: The Attitudes of Health Care Providers
Authors: Miller F.A. , Hayeems R.Z. , Carroll J.C. , Wilson B. , Little J. , Allanson J. , Bytautas J.P. , Paynter M. , Christensen R. , Chaktraborty P.
Published: September 2009

Background: As newborn screening (NBS) expands to meet a broader definition of benefit, the scope of parental consent warrants reconsideration. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study of health care provider attitudes toward consent for NBS, including a survey (n = 1,615) and semi-structured interviews (n = 36). Results: Consent practices and attitudes varied by provider but the majority supported mandatory screening (63.4%) and only 36.6% supported some form of parental discretion. Few health care providers (18.6%) supported seeking explicit consent for screening condition-by-condition, but a larger minority (39.6%) supported seeking consent for the disclosure of incidentally generated sickle cell carrier results. Qualitative findings illuminate these preferences: respondents who favored consent emphasized its ease while dissenters saw consent as highly complex. Conclusion: Few providers supported explicit consent for NBS. Further, those who supported consent viewed it as a simple process. Arguably, these attitudes reflect the public health emergency NBS once was, rather than the public health service it has become. The complexity of NBS panels may have to be aligned with providers’ capacity to implement screening appropriately, or providers will need sufficient resources to engage in a more nuanced approach to consent for expanded NBS.
Relationship between Small Airway Function and Health Status, Dyspnea and Disease Control in Asthma
Authors: Takeda Tomoshi , Oga Toru , Niimi Akio , Matsumoto Hisako , Ito Isao , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Matsuoka Hirofumi , Jinnai Makiko , Otsuka Kojiro , Oguma Tsuyoshi , Nakaji Hitoshi , Chin Kazuo , Mishima Michiaki
Published: September 2009

Background: Small airways play important roles in the pathophysiology of asthma. However, relationships between small airway involvement and health status and dyspnea have not been investigated. Objectives: It was the aim of this study to assess the relationships between proximal and peripheral airway functions and health status, dyspnea and disease control in patients with asthma, using impulse oscillometry (IOS). Methods: We performed IOS, spirometry and assessment of health status (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire), dyspnea (Baseline Dyspnea Index) and disease control (Asthma Control Questionnaire) in 65 asthmatics and evaluated their relationships. Results: Peripheral airway function as evaluated by IOS [R5–R20 (the fall in resistance from 5 to 20 Hz) and X5 (reactance at 5 Hz)], in addition to the proximal airway index (R20), significantly correlated with health status, dyspnea and disease control. Multiple regression analyses revealed that peripheral airway function significantly contributes to these, independently of the proximal airway index. In contrast, forced expiratory volume in 1 s did not significantly contribute to health status or dyspnea. Conclusions: IOS correlated better with clinical symptoms and asthma control than spirometry in patients with asthma. Peripheral and proximal airway functions as assessed separately by IOS independently contribute to health status, dyspnea and disease control, indicating that peripheral airways also represent an important therapeutic target.
In Vivo Genetic Evidence for Suppressing Vascular and Soft-Tissue Calcification Through the Reduction of Serum Phosphate Levels, Even in the Presence of High Serum Calcium and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Levels
Authors: Ohnishi Mutsuko , Nakatani Teruyo , Lanske Beate , Razzaque M. Shawkat
Published: September 2009

Background—

Klotho
-knockout mice (
klotho
−/−
) have increased renal expression of sodium/phosphate cotransporters (NaPi2a), associated with severe hyperphosphatemia. Such serum biochemical changes in
klotho
−/−
mice lead to extensive soft-tissue anomalies and vascular calcification. To determine the significance of increased renal expression of the NaPi2a protein and concomitant hyperphosphatemia and vascular calcification in
klotho
−/−
mice, we generated
klotho
and
NaPi2a
double-knockout (
klotho
−/−
/NaPi2a
−/−
) mice.

Methods and Results—

Genetic inactivation of NaPi2a activity from
klotho
−/−
mice reversed the severe hyperphosphatemia to mild hypophosphatemia or normophosphatemia. Importantly, despite significantly higher serum calcium and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in
klotho
−/−
/NaPi2a
−/−
mice, the vascular and soft-tissue calcifications were reduced. Extensive soft-tissue anomalies and cardiovascular calcification were consistently noted in
klotho
−/−
mice by 6 weeks of age; however, these vascular and soft-tissue abnormalities were absent even in 12-week-old double-knockout mice.
Klotho
−/−
/NaPi2a
−/−
mice also regained body weight and did not develop the generalized tissue atrophy often noted in
klotho
−/−
single-knockout mice.

Conclusion—

Our in vivo genetic manipulation studies have provided compelling evidence for a pathological role of increased NaPi2a activities in regulating abnormal mineral ion metabolism and soft-tissue anomalies in
klotho
−/−
mice. Notably, our results suggest that serum phosphate levels are the important in vivo determinant of calcification and that lowering serum phosphate levels can reduce or eliminate soft-tissue and vascular calcification, even in presence of extremely high serum calcium and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels. These in vivo observations have significant clinical importance and therapeutic implications for patients with chronic kidney disease with cardiovascular calcification.
Complementary Prognostic Values of Stress Myocardial Perfusion and Late Gadolinium Enhancement Imaging by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Patients With Known or Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Steel Kevin , Broderick Ryan , Gandla Vijay , Larose Eric , Resnic Frederick , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Brown Kenneth A. , Kwong Raymond Y.
Published: September 2009

Background—

Recent studies have demonstrated the significant prognostic value of stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial perfusion imaging. Apart from characterizing reversible perfusion defect (RevPD) from flow-limiting coronary stenosis, CMR late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging is currently the most sensitive method for detecting subendocardial infarction (MI). We therefore tested the hypothesis that characterization of these 2 processes from coronary artery disease by CMR can provide complementary prognostic values.

Methods and Results—

We performed CMR myocardial perfusion imaging followed by LGE imaging on 254 patients referred with symptoms of myocardial ischemia. At a median follow-up of 17 months, 49 cardiac events occurred, including 12 cardiac deaths, 16 acute MIs, and 21 cardiac hospitalizations. RevPD and LGE both maintained a >3-fold association with cardiac death or acute MI (death/MI) when adjusted for each other and for the effects of patient age and gender (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.31;
P
=0.02; and hazard ratio, 3.43;
P
=0.01, respectively). In patients without a history of MI who had negative RevPD, LGE presence was associated with a >11-fold hazards increase in death/MI. Patients with neither RevPD nor LGE had a 98.1% negative annual event rate for death/MI. For association with major adverse cardiac events, RevPD was the strongest multivariable variable in the best overall model (hazard ratio, 10.92;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

CMR imaging provides robust risk stratification for patients who present with symptoms of ischemia. Characterization of RevPD and LGE by CMR provides strong and complementary prognostic implication for cardiac death or acute MI.
Effects of Telmisartan, Ramipril, and Their Combination on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Individuals at High Vascular Risk in the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global End Point Trial and the Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in ACE Intolerant Subjects With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Verdecchia Paolo , Sleight Peter , Mancia Giuseppe , Fagard Robert , Trimarco Bruno , Schmieder Roland E. , Kim Jae-Hyung , Jennings Garry , Jansky Petr , Chen Jyh-Hong , Liu Lisheng , Gao Peggy , Probstfield Jeffrey , Teo Koon , Yusuf Salim
Published: September 2009

Background—

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers reduce left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The effect of these drugs on LVH in high-risk patients without heart failure is unknown.

Methods and Results—

In the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global End Point Trial (ONTARGET), patients at high vascular risk and tolerant of ACE inhibitors were randomly assigned to ramipril, telmisartan, or their combination (n=23 165). In the Telmisartan Randomized Assessment Study in ACE Intolerant Subjects With Cardiovascular Disease (TRANSCEND), patients intolerant of ACE inhibitors were randomized to telmisartan or placebo (n=5343). Prevalence of LVH at entry in TRANSCEND was 12.7%. It was reduced by telmisartan (10.5% and 9.9% after 2 and 5 years) compared with placebo (12.7% and 12.8% after 2 and 5 years) (overall odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.68 to 0.91;
P
=0.0017). New-onset LVH occurred less frequently with telmisartan compared with placebo (overall odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.79;
P
=0.0001). LVH regression was similar in the 2 groups. In ONTARGET, prevalence of LVH at entry was 12.4%. At follow-up, it occurred slightly less frequently with telmisartan (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.01;
P
=0.07) and the combination (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.02;
P
=0.12) than with ramipril, but differences between the groups were not significant. New-onset LVH was associated with a higher risk of primary outcome during follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.50 to 2.07).

Conclusions—

In patients at high vascular risk, telmisartan is more effective than placebo in reducing LVH. New-onset LVH is reduced by 37%. The effect of combination of the 2 drugs on LVH is similar to that of ramipril alone.
Intrarenal Dopamine Attenuates Deoxycorticosterone Acetate/High Salt–Induced Blood Pressure Elevation in Part Through Activation of a Medullary Cyclooxygenase 2 Pathway
Authors: Yao Bing , Harris Raymond C. , Zhang Ming-Zhi
Published: September 2009

Locally produced dopamine in the renal proximal tubule inhibits salt and fluid reabsorption, and a dysfunctional intrarenal dopaminergic system has been reported in essential hypertension and experimental hypertension models. Using catechol-O-methyl-transferase knockout (COMT−/−) mice, which have increased renal dopamine because of deletion of the major renal dopamine-metabolizing enzyme, we investigated the effect of intrarenal dopamine on the development of hypertension in the deoxycorticosterone acetate/high-salt (DOCA/HS) model. DOCA/HS led to significant increases in systolic blood pressure in wild-type mice (from 115±2 to 153±4 mm Hg), which was significantly attenuated in COMT−/−mice (from 114±2 to 135±3 mm Hg). In DOCA/HS COMT−/−mice, the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390 increased systolic blood pressure (156±2 mm Hg). DOCA/HS COMT−/−mice also exhibited more urinary sodium excretion (COMT−/−versus wild-type: 3038±430 versus 659±102 μmol/L per 24 hours;P<0.01). Furthermore, DOCA/HS-induced renal oxidative stress was significantly attenuated in COMT−/−mice. COX-2–derived prostaglandins in the renal medulla promote sodium excretion, and dopamine stimulates medullary prostaglandin production. Renal medullary COX-2 expression and urinary prostaglandin E2excretion were significantly higher in COMT−/−than in wild-type mice after DOCA/HS treatment. In DOCA/HS-treated COMT−/−mice, the COX-2 inhibitor SC-58236 reduced urinary sodium and prostaglandin E2excretion and increased systolic blood pressure (153±2 mm Hg). These studies indicate that an activated renal dopaminergic system attenuates the development of hypertension, at least in large part through activating medullary COX-2 expression/activity, and also decreases oxidative stress resulting from DOCA/HS.
Sildenafil Increases Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function and Improves Ischemia-Induced Neovascularization in Hypercholesterolemic Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice
Authors: Dussault Sylvie , Maingrette Fritz , Ménard Catherine , Michaud Sophie-Élise , Haddad Paola , Groleau Jessika , Turgeon Julie , Perez Gemma , Rivard Alain
Published: September 2009

Hypercholesterolemia is associated with impaired neovascularization in response to ischemia. Potential mechanisms include defective NO bioactivity and a reduction in the number/function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Here we tested the hypothesis that sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor that increases NO-driven cGMP levels, could stimulate EPC function and improve ischemia-induced neovascularization in hypercholesterolemic conditions. Apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice were treated (or not treated) with sildenafil (40 mg/kg per day in water), and hindlimb ischemia was surgically induced by femoral artery removal. Sildenafil treatment led to an improved blood flow recovery, an increased capillary density, and a reduction of oxidative stress levels in ischemic muscles at day 7 after surgery. Sildenafil therapy is associated with an increased activation of angiogenic transduction pathways, including Akt, p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and p38. In vitro, sildenafil increases cellular migration and tubule formation of mature endothelial cells (human umbilical vascular endothelial cells) in a cGMP-dependent manner. In vivo, ApoE
−/−
mice treated with sildenafil exhibit a significant increase in the number of bone marrow–derived EPCs. Moreover, the angiogenic activities of EPCs (migration and adhesion) are significantly improved in ApoE
−/−
mice treated with sildenafil. In summary, this study demonstrates that sildenafil treatment is associated with improved ischemia-induced neovascularization in hypercholesterolemic ApoE
−/−
mice. The mechanisms involve beneficial effects on angiogenic transduction pathways together with an increase in the number and the functional activity of EPCs. Sildenafil could constitute a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce tissue ischemia in atherosclerotic diseases.
Tropopause-Level Waveguides
Authors: Martius O. , Schwierz C. , Davies H. C.
Published: September 2009

Jet streams located on the dynamical tropopause are accompanied by coaligned bands of enhanced potential vorticity (PV) gradients, and these bands can serve as space–time evolving waveguides for synoptic and larger-scale flow. Consideration is given to the detection and examination of the along-flow extent and lateral confinement of the waveguides on the dynamic tropopause (i.e., iso-PV surface) and on tropopause-cutting isentropic surfaces. Thereafter a two-part study is undertaken of the possible interaction between such waveguides (i.e., jet streams). First, a highly idealized theoretical model points to the nature of the dynamical linkage that can exist between perturbations on coaligned waveguides. Second, diagnostic analysis of two observed events helps identify the contemporaneous space–time evolution of the jets and serves to illustrate the nature of the transfer of wave activity from the extratropical waveguide onto a subtropical and a polar waveguide, respectively.
Diagnosis of the Downstream Ridging Associated with Extratropical Transition Using Short-Term Ensemble Forecasts
Authors: Torn Ryan D.
Published: September 2009

The dynamical mechanisms that led to downstream ridging during the extratropical transition (ET) of Typhoons Tokage and Nabi are evaluated using data drawn from a cycling ensemble Kalman filter coupled with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). During both transitions, the ensemble covariances indicate that the 350-K potential vorticity (PV) at the apex of the ridge, which is used to define the ridge structure, is proportional to the amount of precipitation along the baroclinic zone to the northeast of the tropical cyclone (TC), and at some times to the upper-tropospheric divergence above the tropical cyclone. Multivariate regression calculations indicate that the frontal precipitation has the largest impact on the ridge amplitude and area during Tokage’s transition, while the TC divergence has roughly equal impact during some times of Nabi’s transition. The amount of precipitation along the baroclinic zone is modulated by the lower-tropospheric frontogenesis and moisture flux on the east side of the tropical cyclone, both of which are related to the TC winds. Although both of these metrics covary with the PV at the ridge apex, a one standard deviation perturbation to the moisture flux is associated with a larger change in the ridge PV.

Diagnostic perturbations to the initial conditions confirm that increasing (decreasing) the initial moisture flux leads to comparatively lower (higher) PV at the ridge apex 12 h later. Assimilating a single hypothetical wind or moisture observation within the large moisture flux region leads to a 0.3 standard deviation change in the 12-h PV forecast when the observation innovation is comparable to the observation error. Overall, these results suggest that better wind and moisture analyses at the periphery of the TC could improve forecasts of the downstream ridging during ET.
Habermas and analytical Marxism
Authors: Heath Joseph
Published: September 2009

John Roemer once described the ‘intellectual foundations’ of analytical Marxism as the recognition that, despite having a valid core, Marxism rested upon outdated social science. The solution, he believed, was to update the theory ‘using state-of-the-art methods of analytical philosophy and “positivist” social science’. If one takes this definition literally, Jürgen Habermas’ early work qualifies as that of an analytical Marxist. Yet although he developed his project in a way that was independent of the self-identified analytical Marxists, there are important points of convergence in their views. In particular, in their efforts to update Marxism, both Habermas and the analytical Marxists managed to talk themselves out of being Marxists in any recognizable sense of the term. This is a noteworthy outcome, given the differences in their points of departure. This article tracks the intellectual history of these two movements, in order to identify the tendencies that pushed this rather disparate group of theorists in the same direction.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Business Support Services in England
Authors: Mole Kevin F. , Hart Mark , Roper Stephen , Saal David S.
Published: September 2009

In England, publicly supported advice to small firms is organized primarily through the Business Link (BL) network. Using the programme theory underlying this business support, we develop four propositions and test these empirically using data from a new survey of over 3000 English SMEs. We find strong support for the value to BL operators of a high profile to boost take-up. We find support for the BL’s market segmentation that targets intensive assistance to younger firms and those with limited liability. Allowing for sample selection, we find no significant effects on growth from ‘other’ assistance but find a significant employment boost from intensive assistance. This partially supports the programme theory assertion that BL improves business growth and strongly supports the proposition that there are differential outcomes from intensive and other assistance. This suggests an improvement in the BL network, compared with earlier studies, notably Roper et al. (2001), Roper and Hart (2005).
Is there Ethnic Discrimination in the UK Market for Small Business Credit?
Authors: Fraser Stuart
Published: September 2009

A large-scale survey of UK small business finances is analysed for evidence of ethnic discrimination in the credit market. A summary analysis of credit outcomes (loan denials , loan interest rates and discouragement) reveals large differences across ethnic groups with Black and Bangladeshi businesses, in particular, experiencing poorer outcomes than White and Indian businesses. Econometric analysis indicates that ethnic differencs in denial rates and interest rates can be explained by variations in non-ethnic risk factors such as missed loan repayments and overdraft excesses. This suggests there is no ethnic discrimination in credit markets. However, ethnicity appears to influence whether business owners felt discouraged from applying for loans even after controlling for differences in loan application costs and risk. This suggests some ethnic groups may be affected by misperceptions of ethnic discrimination. The implications of these findings for UK policy are discussed.
Effect of m-3M3FBS on Ca2+ movement in Madin-Darby canine renal tubular cells
Authors: Fang Yi-Chien , Kuo Daih-Huang , Shieh Pochuen , Chen Fu-An , Kuo Chun-Chi , Jan Chung-Ren
Published: September 2009

The effect of 2,4,6-trimethyl-N-(meta-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-benzenesulfonamide (m-3M3FBS), a presumed phospholipase C (PLC) activator, on cytosolic free Ca2+concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells is unclear. This study explored whether m-3M3FBS changed basal [Ca2+]ilevels in suspended MDCK cells using fura-2 as a Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dye. M-3M3FBS at concentrations between 0.1 and 20 μM increased [Ca2+]iin a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+signal was decreased by removing extracellular Ca2+. M-3M3FBS-induced Ca2+influx was inhibited by the store-operated Ca2+channel blockers nifedipine, econazole, and SK&F96365, and by the phospholipase A2 inhibitor aristolochic acid. In Ca2+-free medium, 20-μM m-3M3FBS pretreatment abolished the [Ca2+]irise induced by the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+pump inhibitors thapsigargin (TG) and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Conversely, pretreatment with TG or CPA partly reduced m-3M3FBS-induced [Ca2+]irise. The inhibition of PLC with U73122 did not alter m-3M3FBS-induced [Ca2+]irise. Collectively, in MDCK cells, m-3M3FBS induced [Ca2+]irises by causing PLC-independent Ca2+release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+influx via store-operated Ca2+channels and other unidentified Ca2+channels.
Connections Between Performer and Teacher Identities in Music Teachers: Setting an Agenda for Research
Authors: Pellegrino Kristen
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this article is to examine the literature concerning the connections between performer and teacher selves in the formation of a music teacher’s identity. This article begins by framing an issue facing preservice and in-service music teachers, namely, the tension between a performer identity and a teacher identity. An overview is provided of (a) the literature documenting preservice music teacher identities that privileges the performer identity and (b) the literature that focuses on balancing and negotiating the performer and teacher identities. To understand aspects of the current debate about music teacher identities, the author develops five themes based on a critical analysis of the selected literature: teacher versus performer identity conflict, personal and professional benefits of music making, holistic view of musical identities, roles and situated identities, and defining music teacher identity. The author concludes by synthesizing the commonalities of the recent research and suggesting approaches and topics for future research on music teacher identity.
Masculinity and Sexuality: Impact on Intimate Relationships of African American Men
Authors: Crook Tylon , Thomas Chippewa M. , Cobia Debra C.
Published: September 2009

In the absence of specific literature, this article provides information about racial identity and masculinity in regard to issues of sex, sexuality, and intimate relationships among African American men. To aid counselors in their understanding and response to these sex-related issues, culturally relevant practices are identified. Recommendations for counseling practice are discussed.
Attentional blink in young people with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s disorder
Authors: Rinehart Nicole , Tonge Bruce , Brereton Avril , Bradshaw John
Published: September 2009

The aim of the study was to examine the temporal characteristics of information processing in individuals with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s disorder using a rapid serial visual presentation paradigm. The results clearly showed that such people demonstrate an attentional blink of similar magnitude to comparison groups. This supports the proposition that the social processing difficulties experienced by these individuals are not underpinned by a basic temporal-cognitive processing deficit, which is consistent with Minshew’s complex information processing theory. This is the second study to show that automatic inhibitory processes are intact in both autism and Asperger’s disorder, which appears to distinguish these disorders from some other frontostriatal disorders. The finding that individuals with autism were generally poorer than the comparison group at detecting black Xs, while being as good in responding to white letters, was accounted for in the context of a potential dual-task processing difficulty or visual search superiority.
Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux: current practice and the need for multifactorial assessment
Authors: Läckgren Göran , Stenberg Arne
Published: September 2009

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) affects around 1% of all children. It carries an increased risk of febrile urinary-tract infections (UTIs) and is associated with impaired renal function. Antibiotic prophylaxis is an established approach to managing the condition, but it does not protect against UTI and encourages bacterial resistance. Ureteral re-implantation (open surgery) is a relatively traumatic procedure typically requiring hospitalization, and there is a risk of significant post-treatment complications. Endoscopic treatment with NASHA/Dx gel (Deflux®) is minimally invasive, well tolerated and provides cure rates approaching those of open surgery: 80-90% in several studies. It has also been shown to be effective in a variety of ‘complicated’ cases. Thus, endoscopic treatment is generally preferable to open surgery and long-term antibiotic prophylaxis. Non-treatment of VUR is being discussed as an alternative option, although this mainly appears suitable for children with low-grade reflux and normal kidneys. A new approach to managing VUR may be considered, with treatment decisions based not only on the grade of reflux but also on factors such as age, sex, renal scarring and bladder dysfunction. Open surgery would be reserved only for use in the 10-15% of children not responding to endoscopic treatment and those with severe ureteral anomalies.
Low temperature gaseous nitriding of Ni based superalloys
Authors: Eliasen K. M. , Christiansen T. L. , Somers M. A. J.
Published: September 2009

In the present work the nitriding response of selected Ni based superalloys at low temperatures is addressed. The alloys investigated are nimonic series nos. 80, 90, 95 and 100 and nichrome (Ni/Cr≈80:20). Systematic nitriding experiments at different temperatures were carried out in a thermobalance. The morphology of the ‘case’ developed upon low temperature nitriding of Ni based superalloys was characterised with reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The alloy composition proved to have a major influence on the nitriding response of the different alloys; it is demonstrated that it is possible to obtain expanded austenite in the nimonic alloys nos. 80, 90 and 100 and in nichrome. Expanded austenite was not identified in nimonic 95.
Plastic deformations in kyanites by tectonometamorphic processes: a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study
Authors: Gatta G. D. , Rotiroti N. , M. Zucali
Published: September 2009

The crystalch emistry and crystal structure of naturalky anite crystals from the Eclogitic Micaschists Complex of the Sesia-Lanzo Zone, Western Italian Alps, have been investigated by means of optical microscopy, wavelength dispersive X-ray microanalysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The association of kyanite + garnet + phengitic-mica + chloritoid suggests that the eclogite-facies stages occurred at P ≤ 2.1 GPa and T ≤ 650ºC. Kyanite grains are large (cm-sized) porphyroblasts grown dynamically during one of the deformational events related to the subduction of the Austroalpine continentalcr ust. Under the polarizing microscope, kyanite grains show almost homogeneous cores, whereas rims are sometimes symplectitic aggregates of quartz and kyanite, confirming at least two stages of growth most likely related to the multistage deformational history of these rocks. Chemical analysis shows that Fe3+ is the major substituting cation for Al3+, ranging between 0.038 and 0.067 a.p.f.u.

The single-crystal X-ray diffraction investigation of the kyanites shows severely textured patterns on the (h0l)*-plane. Such evidence is not observed in the unwarped diffraction patterns on (0kl)* and (hk0)*. The most significant difference between the structuralp arameters refined in this study, with respect to those of previously published unstrained gem-quality crystals, concerns the displacement parameters. The anisotropic displacement ellipsoids of all the atomic sites are significantly larger than those previously described, and systematically oriented with the largest elliptical section almost perpendicular to [010]. The larger ellipsoids in the kyanite crystal investigated here reflect the displacement of the centre of gravity of the electron distribution, rather than an anomalous atomic thermal motion. The magnitude and orientation of the displacement parameters and the textured/strained diffraction pattern may be the result of two combined effects: (1) that the kyanite crystals are actually composed of several blocks; (2) the crystals are affected by a pervasive residual strain, as a result of tectonometamorphic plastic deformations and re-crystallization.
H2O and CO2in minerals of the haüyne-sodalite group: an FTIR spectroscopy study
Authors: Bellatreccia F. , Della Ventura G. , Piccinini M. , Cavallo A. , Brilli M.
Published: September 2009

This paper reports an infrared spectroscopic study of a set of sodalite-group minerals. The specimens have been identified using a combination of X-ray diffraction and microchemical analysis. As expected, the Si/Al ratio is ~1; the extra framework cation content is characterized by a well-defined Na ⇌ (Ca+K) substitution. The lattice parameters of the studied samples range from sodalite (sample LM11) with a = 8.889(2) Å, to haüyne (sample HR3S) with a = 9.1265(2) Å. The specimens, having the SO2–group as a dominant anion, show a clear correlation between the a cell edge and the K content. Singlecrystal FTIR spectroscopy shows that haüyne and nosean typically contain enclathrated CO2molecules, inadditionto H2O and minor carbonate, while sodalite is virtually CO2-free. Detailed microspectrometric mappings show a non-homogeneous distribution of volatile constituents across the crystals, which may be related to the presence of fractures in the crystals. Because of such zoning, a relatively wide variation is observed when calibrating extinction coefficients on the basis of a bulk analytical method such as CHN elemental analysis.
High TCL1 levels are a marker of B-cell receptor pathway responsiveness and adverse outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Herling Marco , Patel Kaushali A. , Weit Nicole , Lilienthal Nils , Hallek Michael , Keating Michael J. , Jones Dan
Published: September 2009

Although activation of the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), its clinical impact and the molecular correlates of such response are not clearly defined. T-cell leukemia 1 (TCL1), the AKT modulator and proto-oncogene, is differentially expressed in CLL and linked to its pathogenesis based on CD5+ B-cell expansions arising in TCL1-transgenic mice. We studied here the association of TCL1 levels and its intracellular dynamics with the in vitro responses to BCR stimulation in 70 CLL cases. The growth kinetics after BCR engagement correlated strongly with the degree and timing of induced AKT phospho-activation. This signaling intensity was best predicted by TCL1 levels and the kinetics of TCL1-AKT corecruitment to BCR membrane activation complexes, which further included the kinases LYN, SYK, ZAP70, and PKC. High TCL1 levels were also strongly associated with aggressive disease features, such as advanced clinical stage, higher white blood cell counts, and shorter lymphocyte doubling time. Higher TCL1 levels independently predicted an inferior clinical outcome (ie, shorter progression-free survival, P < .001), regardless of therapy regimen, especially for ZAP70+ tumors. We propose TCL1 as a marker of the BCR-responsive CLL subset identifying poor prognostic cases where targeting BCR-associated kinases may be therapeutically useful.
A CD44v6 peptide reveals a role of CD44 in VEGFR-2 signaling and angiogenesis
Authors: Tremmel Martina , Matzke Alexandra , Albrecht Imke , Laib Anna M. , Olaku Vivienne , Ballmer-Hofer Kurt , Christofori Gerhard , Héroult Mélanie , Augustin Hellmut G. , Ponta Helmut , Orian-Rousseau Véronique
Published: September 2009

A specific splice variant of the CD44 cell- surface protein family, CD44v6, has been shown to act as a coreceptor for the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met on epithelial cells. Here we show that also on endothelial cells (ECs), the activity of c-Met is dependent on CD44v6. Furthermore, another receptor tyrosine kinase, VEGFR-2, is also regulated by CD44v6. The CD44v6 ectodomain and a small peptide mimicking a specific extracellular motif of CD44v6 or a CD44v6-specific antibody prevent CD44v6-mediated receptor activation. This indicates that the extracellular part of CD44v6 is required for interaction with c-Met or VEGFR-2. In the cytoplasm, signaling by activated c-Met and VEGFR-2 requires association of the CD44 carboxy-terminus with ezrin that couples CD44v6 to the cytoskeleton. CD44v6 controls EC migration, sprouting, and tubule formation induced by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) or VEGF-A. In vivo the development of blood vessels from grafted EC spheroids and angiogenesis in tumors is impaired by CD44v6 blocking reagents, suggesting that the coreceptor function of CD44v6 for c-Met and VEGFR-2 is a promising target to block angiogenesis in pathologic conditions.