bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ubiquity symposium: What is information?
Authors: Rocchi Paolo
Published: March 2011

Editor's Introduction
This fourteenth piece is inspired by a question left over from the Ubiquity Symposium entitled What is Computation? Peter J. Denning Editor

Computing saw the light as a branch of mathematics in the '40s, and progressively revealed ever new aspects [gol97]. Nowadays even laymen have become aware of the broad assortment of functions achieved by systems, and the prismatic nature of computing challenges thinkers who explore the various topics that substantiate computer science [mul98].
Ubiquity symposium: Is the Symposium Question Harmful?
Authors: Freeman Peter A.
Published: March 2011

Editor's Introduction
In this fifteenth piece to the Ubiquity symposium discussing What is computation? Peter A. Freeman considers the theoretical and practical aspects of the question.
Peter J. Denning - Editor
Enhancement-Mode AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Fabricated by Standard Fluorine Ion Implantation with a Si3N4 Energy-Absorbing Layer
Authors: Chen Hongwei , Wang Maojun , Chen Kevin J.
Published: March 2011

This paper presents a fabrication technology of enhancement-mode AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) using standard fluorine ion implantation. An 80 nm silicon nitride layer was deposited on the AlGaN as an energy-absorbing layer that slows down the high energy (∼25 keV) fluorine ions so that majority of the fluorine ions are incorporated in the AlGaN barrier. The threshold voltage was successfully shifted from −1.9 to +1.8 V, converting depletion mode HEMTs to enhancement-mode ones. The fluorine ion distribution profile was confirmed by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).
Highly Selective Cu Electrodeposition for Filling Through Silicon Holes
Authors: Dow Wei-Ping , Lu Chun-Wei , Lin Jing-Yuan , Hsu Fu-Chiang
Published: March 2011

In this work, a copper plating formula that can directly and selectively fill the through silicon holes (TSHs) for 3D chip stacking packaging was developed. The copper plating technology reduced and simplified the process steps for fabricating through silicon vias (TSVs) and TSHs. The highly selectivity of copper fill in the TSHs also reduced the manufacture cost of 3D chip stacking packaging, because the copper plating technology reduced the loading of a post-copper chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) and did not need a post-thermal annealing treatment. The copper plating formula was very simple, just containing single organic additive.
Stability and Superstability of Ring Homomorphisms on Non‐Archimedean Banach Algebras
Authors: Eshaghi Gordji M. , Alizadeh Z.
Published: March 2011

Using fixed point methods, we prove the superstability and generalized Hyers‐Ulam stability of ring homomorphisms on non‐Archimedean Banach algebras. Moreover, we investigate the superstability of ring homomorphisms in non‐Archimedean Banach algebras associated with the Jensen functional equation.
Two Coupled Queues with Vastly Different Arrival Rates: Critical Loading Case
Authors: Knessl Charles , Morrison John A.
Published: March 2011

We consider two coupled queues with a generalized processor sharing service discipline. The second queue has a much smaller Poisson arrival rate than the first queue, while the customer service times are of comparable magnitude. The processor sharing server devotes most of its resources to the first queue, except when it is empty. The fraction of resources devoted to the second queue is small, of the same order as the ratio of the arrival rates. We assume that the primary queue is heavily loaded and that the secondary queue is critically loaded. If we let the small arrival rate to the secondary queue beO(ε), where0≤ε≪1, then in this asymptotic limit the number of customers in the first queue will be large, of orderO(ε-1), while that in the second queue will be somewhat smaller, of orderO(ε-1/2). We obtain a two-dimensional diffusion approximation for this model and explicitly solve for the joint steady state probability distribution of the numbers of customers in the two queues. This work complements that in (Morrison, 2010), which the second queue was assumed to be heavily or lightly loaded, leading to mean queue lengths that wereO(ε-1)orO(1), respectively.
Immunological and Clinical Effects of Vaccines Targeting p53‐Overexpressing Malignancies
Authors: Vermeij R. , Leffers N. , van der Burg S. H. , Melief C. J. , Daemen T. , Nijman H. W.
Published: March 2011

Approximately 50% of human malignancies carry p53 mutations, which makes it a potential antigenic target for cancer immunotherapy. Adoptive transfer with p53‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTL) and CD4+ T‐helper cells eradicates p53‐overexpressing tumors in mice. Furthermore, p53 antibodies and p53‐specific CTLs can be detected in cancer patients, indicating that p53 is immunogenic. Based on these results, clinical trials were initiated. In this paper, we review immunological and clinical responses observed in cancer patients vaccinated with p53 targeting vaccines. In most trials, p53‐specific vaccine‐induced immunological responses were observed. Unfortunately, no clinical responses with significant reduction of tumor‐burden have occurred. We will elaborate on possible explanations for this lack of clinical effectiveness. In the second part of this paper, we summarize several immunopotentiating combination strategies suitable for clinical use. In our opinion, future p53‐vaccine studies should focus on addition of these immunopotentiating regimens to achieve clinically effective therapeutic vaccination strategies for cancer patients.
MEG/EEG Source Reconstruction, Statistical Evaluation, and Visualization with NUTMEG
Authors: Dalal Sarang S. , Zumer Johanna M. , Guggisberg Adrian G. , Trumpis Michael , Wong Daniel D. E. , Sekihara Kensuke , Nagarajan Srikantan S.
Published: March 2011

NUTMEG is a source analysis toolbox geared towards cognitive neuroscience researchers using MEG and EEG, including intracranial recordings. Evoked and unaveraged data can be imported to the toolbox for source analysis in either the time or time-frequency domains. NUTMEG offers several variants of adaptive beamformers, probabilistic reconstruction algorithms, as well as minimum-norm techniques to generate functional maps of spatiotemporal neural source activity. Lead fields can be calculated from single and overlapping sphere head models or imported from other software. Group averages and statistics can be calculated as well. In addition to data analysis tools, NUTMEG provides a unique and intuitive graphical interface for visualization of results. Source analyses can be superimposed onto a structural MRI or headshape to provide a convenient visual correspondence to anatomy. These results can also be navigated interactively, with the spatial maps and source time series or spectrogram linked accordingly. Animations can be generated to view the evolution of neural activity over time. NUTMEG can also display brain renderings and perform spatial normalization of functional maps using SPM's engine. As a MATLAB package, the end user may easily link with other toolboxes or add customized functions.
ElectroMagnetoEncephalography Software: Overview and Integration with Other EEG/MEG Toolboxes
Authors: Peyk Peter , De Cesarei Andrea , Junghöfer Markus
Published: March 2011

EMEGS (electromagnetic encephalography software) is a MATLAB toolbox designed to provide novice as well as expert users in the field of neuroscience with a variety of functions to perform analysis of EEG and MEG data. The software consists of a set of graphical interfaces devoted to preprocessing, analysis, and visualization of electromagnetic data. Moreover, it can be extended using a plug-in interface. Here, an overview of the capabilities of the toolbox is provided, together with a simple tutorial for both a standard ERP analysis and a time-frequency analysis. Latest features and future directions of the software development are presented in the final section.
Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 Induces Akt-Dependent Genomic Instability and BRCA1 Inhibition in Breast Cancer
Authors: Gonzalez Maria E. , DuPrie Matthew L. , Krueger Heather , Merajver Sofia D. , Ventura Alejandra C. , Toy Kathy A. , Kleer Celina G.
Published: March 2011

Increased levels of EZH2, a critical regulator of cellular memory, signal the presence of metastasis and poor outcome in breast cancer patients. High levels of EZH2 are associated with nuclear pleomorphism, lack of estrogen receptor expression, and decreased nuclear levels of BRCA1 tumor suppressor protein in invasive breast carcinomas. The mechanism by which EZH2 overexpression promotes the growth of poorly differentiated invasive carcinomas remains to be defined. Here, we show that EZH2 controls the intracellular localization of BRCA1 protein. Conditional doxycycline-induced upregulation of EZH2 in benign mammary epithelial cells results in nuclear export of BRCA1 protein, aberrant mitoses with extra centrosomes, and genomic instability. EZH2 inhibition in CAL51 breast cancer cells induces BRCA1 nuclear localization and rescues defects in ploidy and mitosis. Mechanistically, EZH2 overexpression is sufficient for activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway specifically through activation of Akt isoform 1. EZH2-induced BRCA1 nuclear export, aneuploidy, and mitotic defects were prevented by treatment with the PI3K inhibitors LY294002 or wortmannin. Targeted inhibition of Akt-1, Akt-2, and Akt-3 isoforms revealed that the EZH2-induced phenotype requires specific activation of Akt-1. The relevance of our studies to human breast cancer is highlighted by the finding that high EZH2 protein levels are associated with upregulated expression of phospho-Akt-1 (Ser473) and decreased nuclear expression of phospho-BRCA1 (Ser1423) in 39% of invasive breast carcinomas. These results enable us to pinpoint one mechanism by which EZH2 regulates BRCA1 expression and genomic stability mediated by the PI3K/Akt-1 pathway. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2360–70. ©2011 AACR.
Influence of Affinity and Antigen Internalization on the Uptake and Penetration of Anti-HER2 Antibodies in Solid Tumors
Authors: Rudnick Stephen I. , Lou Jianlong , Shaller Calvin C. , Tang Yong , Klein-Szanto Andres J.P. , Weiner Louis M. , Marks James D. , Adams Gregory P.
Published: March 2011

Antibody drugs are widely used in cancer therapy, but conditions to maximize tumor penetration and efficacy have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the impact of antibody binding affinity on tumor targeting and penetration with affinity variants that recognize the same epitope. Specifically, we compared four derivatives of the C6.5 monoclonal antibody (mAb), which recognizes the same HER2 epitope (monovalent KD values ranging from 270 to 0.56 nmol/L). Moderate affinity was associated with the highest tumor accumulation at 24 and 120 hours after intravenous injection, whereas high affinity was found to produce the lowest tumor accumulation. Highest affinity mAbs were confined to the perivascular space of tumors with an average penetration of 20.4 ± 7.5 μm from tumor blood vessels. Conversely, lowest affinity mAbs exhibited a broader distribution pattern with an average penetration of 84.8 ± 12.8 μm. In vitro internalization assays revealed that antibody internalization and catabolism generally increased with affinity, plateauing once the rate of HER2 internalization exceeded the rate of antibody dissociation. Effects of internalization and catabolism on tumor targeting were further examined using antibodies of moderate (C6.5) or high-affinity (trastuzumab), labeled with residualizing (111In-labeled) or nonresidualizing (125I-labeled) radioisotopes. Significant amounts of antibody of both affinities were degraded by tumors in vivo. Furthermore, moderate- to high-affinity mAbs targeting the same HER2 epitope with monovalent affinity above 23 nmol/L had equal tumor accumulation of residualizing radiolabel over 120 hours. Results indicated equal tumor exposure, suggesting that mAb penetration and retention in tumors reflected affinity-based differences in tumor catabolism. Together, these results suggest that high-density, rapidly internalizing antigens subject high-affinity antibodies to greater internalization and degradation, thereby limiting their penetration of tumors. In contrast, lower-affinity antibodies penetrate tumors more effectively when rates of antibody–antigen dissociation are higher than those of antigen internalization. Together, our findings offer insights into how to optimize the ability of therapeutic antibodies to penetrate tumors. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2250–9. ©2011 AACR.
MAP Kinase-Interacting Kinase 1 Regulates SMAD2-Dependent TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Grzmil Michal , Morin Pier , Lino Maria Maddalena , Merlo Adrian , Frank Stephan , Wang Yuhua , Moncayo Gerald , Hemmings Brian A.
Published: March 2011

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common aggressive brain cancer with a median survival of approximately 1 year. In a search for novel molecular targets that could be therapeutically developed, our kinome-focused microarray analysis identified the MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase-interacting kinase 1 (MNK1) as an attractive theranostic candidate. MNK1 overexpression was confirmed in both primary GBMs and glioma cell lines. Inhibition of MNK1 activity in GBM cells by the small molecule CGP57380 suppressed eIF4E phosphorylation, proliferation, and colony formation whereas concomitant treatment with CGP57380 and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin accentuated growth inhibition and cell-cycle arrest. siRNA-mediated knockdown of MNK1 expression reduced proliferation of cells incubated with rapamycin. Conversely, overexpression of full-length MNK1 reduced rapamycin-induced growth inhibition. Analysis of polysomal profiles revealed inhibition of translation in CGP57380 and rapamycin-treated cells. Microarray analysis of total and polysomal RNA from MNK1-depleted GBM cells identified mRNAs involved in regulation of TGF-β pathway. Translation of SMAD2 mRNA as well as TGF-β–induced cell motility and vimentin expression was regulated by MNK1 signaling. Tissue microarray analysis revealed a positive correlation between the immunohistochemical staining of MNK1 and SMAD2. Taken together, our findings offer insights into how MNK1 pathways control translation of cancer-related mRNAs including SMAD2, a key component of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Furthermore, they suggest MNK1-controlled translational pathways in targeted strategies to more effectively treat GBM. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2392–402. ©2011 AACR.
Spontaneous Cytotoxic T-Cell Reactivity against Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase-2
Authors: Sørensen Rikke Bæk , Køllgaard Tania , Andersen Rikke Sick , van den Berg Joost Huibert , Svane Inge Marie , Straten Per thor , Andersen Mads Hald
Published: March 2011

Several lines of data have suggested a possible link between the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-like protein IDO2 and cancer. First, IDO2 expression has been described in human tumors, including renal, gastric, colon, and pancreatic tumors. Second, the apparent selective inhibition of IDO2 by the D stereoisomer of the IDO blocker 1-methyl-tryptophan (1MT), which tends to be more active than the L-isomer in a variety of biological assays for IDO function, suggests that IDO2 may be important to sustain immune escape and growth of tumors. Especially, D-1MT heightens chemotherapeutic efficacy in mouse models of cancer in a nontoxic fashion. Here, we describe the immunogenicity of IDO2 by showing the presence of spontaneous cytotoxic T-cell reactivity against IDO2 in peripheral blood of both healthy donors and cancer patients. Furthermore, we show that these IDO2-specific T cells are cytotoxic effector cells that recognize and kill tumor cells. Our data suggest that IDO2 might be a useful target for anticancer immunotherapeutic strategies. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2038–44. ©2011 AACR.
Interaction between MYC and MCL1 in the Genesis and Outcome of Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Allen Thaddeus D. , Zhu Chang Qi , Jones Kirk D. , Yanagawa Naoki , Tsao Ming-Sound , Bishop J. Michael
Published: March 2011

MYC exerts both positive and negative functions in cancer cells, such that its procancerous effects are unmasked only after its anticancer effects are blocked. Here we used multiple mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma to identify genetic events that can cooperate with MYC activation to promote the genesis of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of lung cancer in humans. MYC overexpression targeted to pulmonary alveolar cells was sufficient to induce lung adenomas and carcinomas. Tumorigenesis was assisted by either spontaneous mutations in Kras or experimental introduction of activated RAS, but investigations revealed that additional events were required to circumvent apoptosis, one of the most significant negative functions exerted by MYC. We determined that overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein MCL1 was sufficient to circumvent apoptosis in this setting. Previous clinical studies have indicated that prognosis of human NSCLC is not associated with MCL1, despite its overexpression in many NSCLCs. In reexamining the prognostic value in this setting, we found that MCL1 overexpression does correlate with poor patient survival, but only when accompanied by MYC overexpression. Our findings therefore produce a convergence of mouse and human results that explain how MCL1 can block an important negative consequence of MYC overexpression in both experimental models and clinical cases of NSCLC. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2212–21. ©2011 AACR.
CCL11–CCR3 Interactions Promote Survival of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Cells via ERK1/2 Activation
Authors: Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Sugaya Makoto , Murakami Takashi , Asano Yoshihide , Tada Yayoi , Kadono Takafumi , Okochi Hitoshi , Tamaki Kunihiko , Sato Shinichi
Published: March 2011

CCR3 is a specific marker of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) cells. ALCL cells also express CCL11, a ligand for CCR3, leading to the hypothesis that CCL11 may play an autocrine role in ALCL progression. In this study, we investigated a role of CCL11 in cell survival and growth of human Ki-JK cells, established from an ALCL patient, and murine EL-4 lymphoma cells. Both Ki-JK and EL-4 cells expressed cell surface CCR3. CCL11 increased cell survival rates of Ki-JK cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it promoted EL-4 cell proliferation. Furthermore, CCL11 induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 in both Ki-JK cells and EL-4 cells. Cell survival and tumor proliferation promoted by CCL11 was completely blocked by inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. CCL11 induced expression of antiapoptotic proteins, Bcl-xL and survivin, in Ki-JK cells. CCL11 also enhanced tumor growth of EL-4 and Ki-JK cells in vivo. Consistent with these results, tumor cells of cutaneous ALCL expressed CCR3 and increased levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2, Bcl-xL, and survivin in situ. Thus, our findings prompt a novel therapeutic approach to treat relapses of an aggressive form of lymphoma based on the discovery that a cell surface marker of disease functions as a critical autocrine growth receptor. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2056–65. ©2011 AACR.
MYC and Metastasis
Authors: Wolfer Anita , Ramaswamy Sridhar
Published: March 2011

Aggressive primary tumors express transcriptional signatures that correlate with their metastatic propensity. A number of these signatures have been deployed in the clinic as risk stratification tools. However, the molecular basis of these clinically useful prognostic signatures has remained a largely unresolved area of controversy. We recently found that many prognostic signatures reflect the activity of the MYC oncogene, which in turn regulates tumor metastasis through specific effects on cancer cell invasion and migration. These findings offer a general framework for understanding the molecular basis of clinically prognostic transcriptional signatures and suggest potentially new avenues for studying metastasis. Cancer Res; 71(6); 2034–7. ©2011 AACR.
Perspectives on Emerging Trends in Cancer Research
Authors: Prendergast George C.
Published: March 2011

‘‘Cancer poses enormous personal, clinical, and societal challenges, but it is exciting to consider prospects for historic progress in treatment this decade based on developments emerging in many areas of the field. Here, I offer a personal perspective on core problems, emerging developments, and responses which investigators and their advocates may benefit from considering. This is the first of a series of editorials which will delve into the issues introduced below.’’
Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Transcriptional Regulation: A Fascinating Dance of Multiple Promoters
Authors: Cichocki Frank , Miller Jeffrey S. , Anderson Stephen K.
Published: March 2011

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) recognize class I major histocompatibility complex molecules and participate in the calibration of activation thresholds during human natural killer (NK) cell development. The stochastic expression pattern of the KIR repertoire follows the product rule, meaning that the probability of the coexpression of two or more different KIRs equals the product of the individual expression frequencies for those KIRs. The expression frequencies of individual KIRs are independent of major histocompatibility complex class I and are instead established and maintained by a dynamic, yet ill-defined, transcriptional program. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the architecture of the regulatory regions within KIR genes and discuss a potential role for non-coding RNA in KIR transcriptional regulation during NK cell development. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie KIR expression may help guide us in the design of novel, rational strategies for the use of NK cells in transplantation and immunotherapy.
Common Variation at the 11-β Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Gene Is Associated With Left Ventricular Mass
Authors: Rahman Thahira J. , Mayosi Bongani M. , Hall Darroch , Avery Peter J. , Stewart Paul M. , Connell John M.C. , Watkins Hugh , Keavney Bernard
Published: March 2011

Background—

Polymorphisms in 11-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1, encoded by
HSD11B1
) have been reported to be associated with obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors, such as type II diabetes and hypertension. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death associated with these factors but has significant additional heritability, the cause of which is undetermined. The 11β-HSD1 is believed to maintain tonic inhibition of the mineralocorticoid receptor in cardiomyocytes, and mineralocorticoid receptor activation is involved in the pathophysiology of LVH. We assessed the association between polymorphisms in the
HSD11B1
gene and left ventricular mass (LVM) in 248 families ascertained through a proband with hypertension.

Methods and Results—

LVM was measured by electrocardiography and echocardiography in 868 and 829 participants, respectively. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) tagging common variation in the
HSD11B1
gene were genotyped by mass spectrometry. The rs846910 SNP, which lies in the flanking region 5′ to exon 1B of
HSD11B1
, was associated with LVM both by electrocardiography (≈5% lower LVM per copy of the rare allele,
P
=0.02) and by echocardiography (≈10% lower LVM per copy of the rare allele,
P
=0.003). Genotype explained 1% to 2% of the population variability in LVM, or approximately 5% of the heritable fraction. There were no significant associations between any
HSD11B1
SNP and blood pressure or body mass index that could have confounded the association with LVM.

Conclusions—

Genotype at
HSD11B1
has a small, but significant effect on LVM, apparently independently of any effect on obesity-related traits. These findings suggest a novel action of 11β-HSD1 in the human cardiomyocyte, which may be of therapeutic importance.
Mechanisms of Abnormal Systolic Motion of the Interventricular Septum During Left Bundle-Branch Block
Authors: Gjesdal Ola , Remme Espen W. , Opdahl Anders , Skulstad Helge , Russell Kristoffer , Kongsgaard Erik , Edvardsen Thor , Smiseth Otto A.
Published: March 2011

Background—

In a majority of patients with left bundle-branch block (LBBB), there is abnormal leftward motion of the interventricular septum during the preejection phase. This motion was considered to be passive, caused by early rise in right ventricular (RV) pressure, and has therefore been excluded from most indices of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. If considered active, however, the leftward motion reflects onset of septal activation and should be included. We therefore investigated if the motion was a passive response to pressure changes or caused by active contraction.

Methods and Results—

LBBB was induced in 8 anesthetized dogs with micromanometers. Cardiac dimensions were measured by sonomicrometry and echocardiography. Induction of LBBB resulted in preejection leftward motion of the septum, simultaneously with shortening of septal segments (
P
<0.01). In each experiment, preejection septal shortening occurred against rising LV pressure, consistent with active contraction. Furthermore, the LV pressure–segment length relationships were shifted upward (
P
<0.01) relative to the passive elastic curve, indicating stiffening of septal myocardium, confirming an active mechanism. Initially, RV pressure increased faster than LV pressure, suggesting that the leftward septal motion may have a passive pressure component. However, the passive component appeared to play a minor role. The magnitude of preejection septal shortening was modified by load alterations.

Conclusions—

Leftward preejection motion of the septum during LBBB is mainly a result of active septal contraction, whereas alterations in diastolic ventricular pressures modulate the amplitude of this motion. The findings imply that the preejection phase should be included when assessing LV dyssynchrony.
Association of Incident Cardiovascular Disease With Progression of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Authors: Chami Hassan A. , Resnick Helaine E. , Quan Stuart F. , Gottlieb Daniel J.
Published: March 2011

Background—

Prospective data suggest that sleep-disordered breathing enhances risk for incident and recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, a reverse causal pathway whereby incident CVD causes or worsens sleep-disordered breathing has not been studied.

Methods and Results—

A total of 2721 Sleep Heart Health Study participants (mean age 62, standard deviation=10 years; 57% women; 23% minority) without CVD at baseline underwent 2 polysomnograms 5 years apart. Incident CVD events, including myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and stroke, were ascertained and adjudicated. The relation of incident CVD to change in apnea-hypopnea index between the 2 polysomnograms was tested with general linear models, with adjustment for age, sex, race, study center, history of diabetes mellitus, change in body mass index, change in neck circumference, percent sleep time spent in supine sleep, and time between the 2 polysomnograms. Incident CVD occurred in 95 participants between the first and second polysomnograms. Compared with participants without incident CVD, those with incident CVD experienced larger increases in apnea-hypopnea index between polysomnograms. The difference in adjusted mean apnea-hypopnea index change between subjects with and without incident CVD was 2.75 events per hour (95% confidence interval, 0.26 to 5.24;
P
=0.032). This association persisted after subjects with central sleep apnea were excluded. Compared with participants without incident CVD, participants with incident CVD had greater increases in both mean obstructive and central apnea indices, by 1.75 events per hour (95% confidence interval, 0.10 to 1.75;
P
=0.04) and by 1.07 events per hour (95% confidence interval, 0.40 to 1.74;
P
=0.001), respectively.

Conclusions—

In a diverse, community-based sample of middle-aged and older adults, incident CVD was associated with worsening sleep-disordered breathing over 5 years.
Fallacies of the Enthalpy Transfer Coefficient over the Ocean in High Winds
Authors: Andreas Edgar L
Published: March 2011

Mesoscale and large-scale atmospheric models use a bulk surface flux algorithm to compute the turbulent flux boundary conditions at the bottom of the atmosphere from modeled mean meteorological quantities such as wind speed, temperature, and humidity. This study, on the other hand, uses a state-of-the-art bulk air–sea flux algorithm in stand-alone mode to compute the surface fluxes of momentum, sensible and latent heat, and enthalpy for a wide range of typical (though randomly generated) meteorological conditions over the open ocean. The flux algorithm treats both interfacial transfer (controlled by molecular processes right at the air–sea interface) and transfer mediated by sea spray. Because these two transfer routes obey different scaling laws, neutral-stability, 10-m transfer coefficients for enthalpy CKN10, latent heat CEN10, and sensible heat CHN10 are quite varied when calculated from the artificial flux data under the assumption of only interfacial transfer—the assumption in almost all analyses of measured air–sea fluxes. That variability increases with wind speed because of increasing spray-mediated transfer and also depends on surface temperature and atmospheric stratification. The analysis thereby reveals as fallacious several assumptions that are common in air–sea interaction research—especially in high winds. For instance, CKN10, CEN10, and CHN10 are not constants; they are not even single-valued functions of wind speed, nor must they increase monotonically with wind speed if spray-mediated transfer is important. Moreover, the ratio CKN10/CDN10, where CDN10 is the neutral-stability, 10-m drag coefficient, does not need to be greater than 0.75 at all wind speeds, as many have inferred from Emanuel’s seminal paper in this journal. Data from the literature and from the Coupled Boundary Layers and Air–Sea Transfer (CBLAST) hurricane experiment tend to corroborate these results.
Natural Connections
Authors: Bruni Coral M. , Chance Randie C. , Schultz P. Wesley , Nolan Jessica M.
Published: March 2011

Three studies are reported that examine the effects of valence on connectedness with nature. In Study 1, results showed that the implicit association test (IAT) effect is robust to the valence of the stimuli. Participants showed stronger self-nature than self-built associations, regardless of whether the stimuli were positively or negatively valenced. Study 2 further tested that the positive IAT effect is due to the valence of the stimuli and showed an equally large IAT effect and a strong positive correlation between the positively and negatively valenced IAT stimuli. In Study 3, we address potential confounding effects of valence with a newly matched set of stimuli. Results were consistent with our prior findings in showing that valence of the stimuli did not affect the IAT scores. We conclude that while there are individual differences in connectedness with nature, such beliefs are not affected by positive or negative aspects of natural or built environments.
Furniture Forms and Their Influence on Our Emotional Responses Toward Interior Environments
Authors: Dazkir Sibel S. , Read Marilyn A.
Published: March 2011

The existing body of literature suggests that evoking emotions through design provides rich interactions. The authors tested Pleasure and Approach reactions of 111 participants toward two curvilinear and two rectilinear simulated interior settings. The curvilinear forms resulted in significantly stronger Pleasure ratings than the rectilinear forms. The circumplexes of emotions indicated that the curvilinear settings elicited higher amounts of pleasant-unarousing emotions (such as feeling relaxed, peaceful, and calm) than the rectilinear settings. The respondents desired to approach those settings more compared with the settings with only rectilinear lines. This research extends the empirical findings for study of emotions and forms by focusing specifically on furniture forms in the interior environment.
Benefits of moderate-intensity exercise during a calorie-restricted low-fat diet
Authors: Apekey Tanefa A , Morris AEJ , Fagbemi S , Griffiths GJ
Published: March 2011

Objective: Despite the health benefits, many people do not undertake regular exercise. This study investigated the effects of moderate-intensity exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness (lung age, blood pressure and maximal aerobic power, VO2max), serum lipids concentration and body mass index (BMI) in sedentary overweight/obese adults consuming a calorie-restricted low-fat diet.

Design: Randomized diet and exercise intervention.

Setting: Lincolnshire, UK.

Methods: Sixty overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25kgm−2) adults were randomized to either a calorie restricted low-fat diet (20 per cent of total energy as fat) or the same diet with the addition of moderate-intensity physical exercise (30 minutes, twice a week) for eight weeks; 20 completed the study. Participants’ serum lipids concentrations, BMI, blood pressure, resting pulse rate, VO2max and lung age were measured before the start of the intervention and during the fourth and eighth weeks.

Results: Reductions in blood pressure (10 per cent versus 1 per cent), pulse rate (13 per cent versus 8 per cent) and weight (5 per cent versus 2 per cent) were greatest for the diet with exercise group. Exercise resulted in a significant ( p ≤ 0.05) increase in average VO2max (by 17 per cent) and reduction in average lung age by about 19 years. Further, reduction in participants’ lung age ranged from 1 to 37 years. However, there was no significant difference in BMI, blood pressure and serum lipids concentration between groups.

Conclusion: Although exercise on most days of the week would result in maximum health benefits, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise twice a week could significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness (blood pressure and lung age) and the risk of cardiovascular diseases in previously sedentary overweight/obese adults.
Associational culture and civic engagement in colonial Lucknow
Authors: Stark Ulrike
Published: March 2011

Despite their importance in forging notions of civility, civic engagement and political participation, nineteenth century voluntary associations have received little attention in the growing body of literature on the rise and nature of civil society in India. This article explores the mutually constitutive relationship between voluntary association and middle-class formation through the example of the Jalsah-e Tahzib (est. 1868), the first voluntary society in colonial Lucknow. A cross-communal alliance of Hindus and Muslims, representing the city’s traditional service elites and new professional classes, the Jalsah provided a secular forum of discourse and action to an emerging middle class in search of self-determination and empowerment. In investigating the association’s public-sphere activities, its role as a self-styled intermediary between the colonial state and its Indian subjects and its transformation from a literary-cultural society into a politically vocal body, I argue that voluntary association afforded a space for cultural self-assertion and critical participation eminently suited to the aspirations of the new hybrid middle class. In highlighting the vernacular character of Indian associational culture, the article seeks to demonstrate how a more rigorous engagement with the vernacular archive will provide a better understanding of the social and intellectual networks that created the fabric of Indian civic life.
Individualism within conformity
Authors: Naim C.M.
Published: March 2011

Islamicate societies produced an abundance of texts laying down Adab or rules for correct/ideal behaviour in professional and personal life. That literature, avidly read and invoked in South Asia too, gives one an impression that conformity must have been the rule. One must then ask: were there any efforts to not conform, and be more individualistic? And if there were, how did the society at large respond? This article traces a brief history of one form of acceptable individualism called waz’dari, which was for a while in the nineteenth century a notable feature of the Islamicate elite society at Delhi and Lucknow, and is still considered a cherished value by many. From it we learn that minor breaches in the observance of normative protocols were not only considered acceptable but were in fact admired if they were committed with elaborate consistency, instead of randomly or at whim. In other words, ‘consistency in non-conformity’ was also a cherished value for the civilised men of Delhi and Lucknow, though it may not have been an ideal for all. In fact, for some, it was seen as an obstacle in the path of the same elite’s progress.
India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) in the New Global Order
Authors: Flemes Daniel
Published: March 2011

A question of interest to scholars of International Politics concerns the manner in which weaker states attempt to influence stronger ones. This article offers a case study of one recent exercise in coalition-building among southern powers as a vehicle for change in international relations. It analyzes the global interests, strategies and values of India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) and the impact of the IBSA Dialogue Forum on the global order. Five major points are outlined. First, common ideas and values shape the global discourse of the emerging coalition. Second, soft balancing based on a value-driven middle power discourse is a suitable concept to explain IBSA’s strategy in global institutions. Third, institutional foreign policy instruments such as agenda-setting and coalition-building are pivotal elements of IBSA’s soft balancing approach. Fourth, the trilateral coalition suffers from considerable divergence of interest in global governance issues and limited potential gains of its sectoral cooperation, particularly in trade, due to a lack of complementarities of the participating economies. Finally, despite these obstacles the IBSA Forum has impacted the global order in recent years as a powerful driver for change. India, Brazil and South Africa have contributed to an incremental global power shift in their favour. The southern coalition also induced a change in the character of multilateralism and, in particular, its procedural values.
The Politics of Energy Cooperation in Latin America
Authors: Singh Priti
Published: March 2011

The rich and diverse sources of energy in Latin America have given the region a distinctive status as a net energy exporter. But the energy-related issues among countries of the region have, in recent years, become increasingly politicized, preventing them from evolving a common regional energy security strategy. This essay examines the current political and economic environment in the region and its apparent effect on energy production and distribution. It analyzes the recent regional initiatives for energy cooperation and explores how some of the energy-rich countries use their resources to gain political advantages through their foreign and economic policies.
Performance and evaluation of nonasbestos organic brake friction composites with SiC particles as an abrasive
Authors: Rongping Yun  , Martynková Simha G. , Yafei Lu
Published: March 2011

The effects of silicon carbide (SiC) as an abrasive on friction and wear performance of nonasbestos organic brake friction composites were studied using a tailored series of samples with 0—14.6 vol.% SiC. Friction coefficient of the friction composites containing SiC increased with increasing SiC content; especially, the thermal fade of the friction material without SiC (SiC-0) improved. The specific wear rate of the friction composites containing SiC increased with SiC added up to 9.0 vol.% and then turned down, but the negative specific wear rate of SiC-0 obviously improved. With elevating friction temperature, an increase in both friction coefficient and wear of all the samples was observed. The extension evaluation method represents an effective tool to rank the friction composites. The ranking of five friction materials, described in the weighted average dependent degrees, was evaluated in the order from the best to the worst: SiC-3.4, SiC-14.6, SiC-5.6, SiC-0, and SiC-9.0. The formulation SiC-3.4 exhibited the best overall quality, and was recommended for future optimization of the brake friction composites. Microstructures of friction surfaces of the brake friction composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis and electron microprobe analysis, and phase analysis was performed using X-ray powder diffraction methods. Formation and development of the friction layer were discussed. The friction layer, known as secondary plateaus, was easily formed and it grew among the adjacent or lined-up primary plateaus, which were helpful for improving the friction stability and wear resistance.
Effects of Epoxidized Natural Rubber on Gas Barrier and Mechanical Properties of NR/BIIR Composites
Authors: Jiamjitsiripong Karoon , Pattamaprom Cattaleeya
Published: March 2011

The mechanical properties and gas permeability of natural rubber/bromobutyl rubber blends were investigated when using epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as a compatibilizer. The blend composites used in this study were composites of commercial precipitated silica. Several types of layered silicates were investigated here as secondary fillers due to their high-aspect ratio platelet structures, which could help delaying the gas permeation rate. These fillers include talcum, montmorillonite clay, and kaolinite clay. We found that, ENR could promote faster cure and could improve the mechanical properties, compression set, and abrasion resistance of the composites with significant improvement in its gas barrier property. Among different types of fillers, talcum could provide superior gas barrier property to other types of fillers, even though the strength and modulus of talcum composite were still inferior to those of other composites. However, the addition of ENR to talcum composite did not further improve its gas barrier property further, though it could improve the other properties.
Reserve Forces—After the Cold War: An International Perspective
Authors: Griffith James
Published: March 2011

The topic of reserve military service began with the citizen-soldier who performs military duties periodically, fending off community threats. Now, the reservist routinely performs full-time military service in support of national security operations. Evident in this shift are matters of importance, such as the preparedness of the reserve force, staffing the reserve force in its new role, the demographic and social representative-ness of the force, and so forth. Authors from different countries examine these and other issues concerning their reserve forces. Common content and themes in the articles are briefly described.
Mind Scripting
Authors: Allhutter Doris
Published: March 2011

The interventionist turn in science and technology studies (STS) increasingly involves researchers with practices of technology development and thus entails the need for appropriate methodologies. Based in software engineering, this article introduces the deconstructive technique of “mind scripting” as a method for analyzing processes of the co-materialization of gender and technology and as a tool to support cooperative, reflective work practices. Anchored in critical design approaches, “mind scripting” is a means for development teams to disclose discourses implicitly guiding work practices in order to make negotiable the underlying value systems. After discussing its foundation in deconstructivist feminist theory, the author illustrates how the method is applied by drawing on selected empirical results. Generating insights into the reproduction of hegemonic social discourses in development processes, “mind scripting” enables the rethinking of established ways of doing.
Testing informative hypotheses in SEM increases power: An illustration contrasting classical hypothesis testing with a parametric bootstrap approach
Authors: van de Schoot Rens , Strohmeier Dagmar
Published: March 2011

In the present paper, the application of a parametric bootstrap procedure, as described by van de Schoot, Hoijtink, and Deković (2010), will be applied to demonstrate that a direct test of an informative hypothesis offers more informative results compared to testing traditional null hypotheses against catch-all rivals. Also, more power can be gained when informative hypotheses are tested directly. In this paper we will (a) compare the results of traditional analyses with the results of this novel methodology; (b) introduce applied researchers to the parametric bootstrap procedure for the evaluation of informative hypotheses; and (c) provide the results of a simulation study to demonstrate power gains when using inequality constraints. We argue that researchers should directly evaluate inequality-constrained hypotheses if there is a strong theory about the ordering of relevant parameters. In this way, researchers can make use of all knowledge available from previous investigations, while also learning more from their data compared to traditional null-hypothesis testing.
Validation of a Quality‐of‐Life Measure for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Youth
Authors: Patrick Donald L. , Edwards Todd C. , Skalicky Anne M. , Schick Brenda , Topolski Tari D. , Kushalnagar Poorna , Leng Mei , O’Neill‐Kemp Aprille M. , Sie Kathleen
Published: March 2011

Objective

Quality‐of‐life (QOL) measures targeting youth with hearing loss are useful in population needs assessment, educational placement, and program design and evaluation. This study assesses the cross‐sectional validity of the Youth Quality of Life Instrument–Deaf and Hard of Hearing Module (YQOL‐DHH).

Study Design

Instrument development and cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Recruitment through schools, professional organizations, clinics, and programs for youth who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty‐five candidate items were administered to 230 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years: 49% female, 61% white, 11% mild hearing loss, 20% moderate/moderate‐severe, 41% severe/profound, and 28% with cochlear implants. Participants completed individual or group‐administered questionnaires by paper and pencil (58%), Web‐based English (29%), American Sign Language (ASL) or Pidgin Signed English (PSE) (9%) on DVD, or interviewer‐supervised ASL or PSE DVD (4%). The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI‐S) was also completed. Factor structure, reliability, construct validity, and respondent burden were assessed.

Results

Thirty‐two items were retained in the final instrument covering 3 domains: self‐acceptance/advocacy (14 items, Cronbach α = 0.84), perceived stigma (8 items, Cronbach α = 0.85), and participation (10 items, Cronbach α = 0.86). QOL was not significantly associated with hearing level. One‐week test‐retest coefficients were acceptable: self‐acceptance/ advocacy (0.70), perceived stigma (0.78), and participation (0.92). As predicted, the total CDI‐S score was associated in the appropriate direction (P <. 0001) with all YQOL‐DHH domains. Time to complete the paper‐and‐pencil version was 12 minutes.

Conclusion

The YQOL‐DHH shows good reliability and validity for assessing hearing‐specific QOL in adolescents.
The impact of ICT on innovation activities: Evidence for UK SMEs
Authors: Higón Dolores Añón
Published: March 2011

There is a continuous commitment of policymakers in the UK to support innovation in small and medium-sized firms. For these policy initiatives to be successful, an understanding of the factors driving innovation activities is required. In this study, the focus is upon the role that information and communication technologies (ICT) play in the innovation performance of UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using data drawn from the 2004 Annual Small Business Survey (ASBS) database, it is shown that ICT operate primarily as efficiency-enhancing technologies, although specific market-oriented applications (that is, website development) exhibit the potential to create competitive advantage through product innovation.