bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double mobility
Authors: Luo Ji , Wang Dan , Zhang Qian
Published: June 2009

We are interested in the sensor networks for scientific applications to cover and measure statistics on the sea surface. Due to flows and waves, the sensor nodes may gradually lose their positions; leaving the points of interest uncovered. Manual readjustment is costly and cannot be performed in time. We argue that a network of mobile sensor nodes which can perform self-adjustment is the best candidate to maintain the coverage of the surface area. A key observation of our scheme is that the motion of the flows is not only a curse but should also be considered as a fortune. The sensor nodes can be pushed by free to some locations that potentially improve the overall coverage. To this end, we present a dominating set maintenance scheme to maximally exploit the uncontrollable mobility and balance the energy consumption among all the sensor nodes. We proved that the coverage is guaranteed in our scheme. The simulation demonstrates that the network lifetime can be significantly extended, compared to a straight forward back-to-original reposition scheme.
Burstiness and scaling in the structure of low-power wireless links
Authors: Rusak Tal , Levis Philip
Published: June 2009

We observe that low-power wireless links have non-trivial time-scaling characteristics at both the physical- and link-layers. Packet reception rate (PRR) analysis shows that links are bursty rather than constant, i.e., their reception quality varies greatly from the overall packet reception rate at different times. Furthermore, this variation is seen at many timescales. We provide a possible explanation for burstiness using wavelet analysis of RSSI traces from a variety of wireless links. We show that these traces can be considered as consistent with statistical self-similarity but not with long range dependence. Using the variance in RSSI, we suggest a way to easily characterize when scaling occurs. Finally, while current simulators do not capture scaling, we propose and validate a possible modeling technique for network links that conforms to scaling phenomena.
SurroundSense
Authors: Azizyan Martin , Choudhury Romit Roy
Published: June 2009

Proliferating mobile phones provide a foundation for revolutionary innovations in peoplecentric computing. Numerous applications are on the rise, many of which exploit the phone's location as the primary indicator of context. We argue that existing physical localization schemes based on GPS/WiFi/GSM have limitations which make them impractical for use in such applications. Instead, in this poster we describe a means of localization where phones sense their surroundings, and use this ambient information to classify their location. Put differently, we postulate that different surroundings have photo-acoustic fingerprints, that can be sensed and used for localization. We demonstrate the feasibility using Tmote Invent motes that have light and sound sensors. Our ongoing work is extending SurroundSense to the mobile phone platform, and exploiting additional sensors (such as accelerometers and compasses) towards even better localization.
A computer scientist's introductory guide to business process management (BPM)
Authors: Ko Ryan K. L.
Published: June 2009

Computers play an integral part in designing, modelling, optimising and managing business processes within and across companies. While Business Process Management (BPM), Workflow Management (WfM) and Business Process Reengineering (BPR) have been IT-related disciplines with a history of about three decades, there is still a lack of publications clarifying definitions and scope of basic BPM terminologies like business process, BPM versus WfM, workflow, BPR, etc. Such a myriad of similar-sounding terminologies can be overwhelming for computer scientists and computer science students who may wish to venture into this area of research. This guide aims to address this gap by providing a high level overview of the key concepts, rationale, features and the developments of BPM.
Interspecies Chemical Communication in Bacterial Development
Authors: Straight Paul D. , Kolter Roberto
Published: June 2009

Our view of bacteria, from the earliest observations through the heyday of antibiotic discovery, has shifted dramatically. We recognize communities of bacteria as integral and functionally important components of diverse habitats, ranging from soil collectives to the human microbiome. To function as productive communities, bacteria coordinate metabolic functions, often requiring shifts in growth and development. The hallmark of cellular development, which we characterize as physiological change in response to environmental stimuli, is a defining feature of many bacterial interspecies interactions. Bacterial communities rely on chemical exchanges to provide the cues for developmental change. Traditional methods in microbiology focus on isolation and characterization of bacteria in monoculture, separating the organisms from the surroundings in which interspecies chemical communication has relevance. Developing multispecies experimental systems that incorporate knowledge of bacterial physiology and metabolism with insights from biodiversity and metagenomics shows great promise for understanding interspecies chemical communication in the microbial world.
B Physics at the Tevatron
Authors: Paus Christoph , Tsybychev Dmitri
Published: June 2009

We review the contributions of the Tevatron experiments, CDF and D0, to our present understanding of B physics. The Tevatron has by now delivered data corresponding to more than 6 fb−1 of integrated luminosity to each of the two experiments. Although the physics involving B+ and B0 mesons is still dominated by the B factory experiments, Tevatron has taken the lead in B0s and b baryon analyses. All measurements are in good agreement with the expectations, and physics beyond the Standard Model is constrained by the data. In the future, due to increasingly large data samples and excellent detector precision, we expect that CDF and D0 will begin to impact more areas in B+ and B0 measurements, as long as they are based on decays involving only charged particles.
Goals, Attention, and (Un)Consciousness
Authors: Dijksterhuis Ap , Aarts Henk
Published: June 2009

In this article, literature from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and social cognition is integrated to discuss the relation between goals, attention, and consciousness. Goals are the tools with which people engage in volitional behavior. Whereas goal pursuit was traditionally assumed to be strongly related to consciousness, recent research and theorizing suggest that goals guide behavior through attention, and this guidance can occur outside of a person's awareness. The crucial explanatory role of goals and attention in behavior, as well as the relative unimportance of consciousness, is examined in the context of social cognition research on goal priming. Furthermore, three research domains are discussed that are relevant for the understanding of the implementation of volitional behavior: implicit learning, evaluative conditioning, and unconscious thought. It is concluded that these processes are goal dependent and that they need attention, but that they can generally proceed without awareness. Finally, when people are consciously aware of their behavior or their goals, the effects can be beneficial as well as detrimental.
In Vitro Evaluation of Oxoplatin: An Oral Platinum(IV) Anticancer Agent
Authors: Olszewski Ulrike , Ach Florian , Ulsperger Ernst , Baumgartner Gerhard , Zeillinger Robert , Bednarski Patrick , Hamilton Gerhard
Published: June 2009

Platinum(IV) compounds like oxoplatin (cis, cis, trans-diammine-dichlorido-dihydroxido-platinum(IV)) show increased stability and therefore can be applied orally. In a panel of 38 human cancer cell lines this drug induced S-phase arrest and cell death withIC50values 2.5-fold higher than cisplatin. Oxoplatin may be converted to cisplatin by intracellular reducing agents, however, exposure to 0.1 M HCl mimicking gastric acid yielded cis-diammine-tetrachlorido-platinum(IV) exhibiting twofold increased activity. Similar results were obtained for another platinum(IV) compound, JM 149 (ammine-dichlorido-(cyclohexylamine)-dihydroxido-platinum(IV)), but not for its parent drug JM 216/satraplatin. Genome-wide expression profiling of H526 small cell lung cancer cells treated with these platinum species revealed clear differences in the expression pattern of affected genes between oxoplatin and cisplatin. In conclusion, oxoplatin constitutes a potent oral agent that is either reduced or converted to distinct active compounds, for example, by gastric acid or acidic areas prevailing in solid tumors, in dependence of the respective pharmaceutical formulation.
Fixed Point Theorems for Contractive Mappings in Complete "Equation missing" -Metric Spaces
Authors: Mustafa Zead , Sims Brailey
Published: June 2009

We prove some fixed point results for mappings satisfying various contractive conditions on Complete "Equation missing"-metric Spaces. Also the Uniqueness of such fixed point are proved, as well as we showed these mappings are "Equation missing"-continuous on such fixed points.
High-Density Substrate Mapping in Brugada Syndrome
Authors: Lambiase P.D. , Ahmed A.K. , Ciaccio E.J. , Brugada R. , Lizotte E. , Chaubey S. , Ben-Simon Ron , Chow A.W. , Lowe M.D. , McKenna W.J.
Published: June 2009

Background—

Two principal mechanisms are thought to be responsible for Brugada syndrome (BS): (1) right ventricular (RV) conduction delay and (2) RV subepicardial action potential shortening. This in vivo high-density mapping study evaluated the conduction and repolarization properties of the RV in BS subjects.

Methods and Results—

A noncontact mapping array was positioned in the RV of 18 BS patients and 20 controls. Using a standard S
1
-S
2
protocol, restitution curves of local activation time and activation recovery interval were constructed to determine local maximal restitution slopes. Significant regional conduction delays in the anterolateral free wall of the RV outflow tract of BS patients were identified. The mean increase in delay was 3-fold greater in this region than in control (
P
=0<0.001). Local activation gradient was also maximally reduced in this area: 0.33±0.1 (mean±SD) mm/ms in BS patients versus 0.51±0.15 mm/ms in controls (
P
<0.0005). The uniformity of wavefront propagation as measured by the square of the correlation coefficient,
r
2
, was greater in BS patients versus controls (0.94±0.04 versus 0.89±0.09 [mean±SD];
P
<0.05). The odds ratio of BS hearts having any RV segment with maximal restitution slope >1 was 3.86 versus controls. Five episodes of provoked ventricular tachycardia arose from wave breaks originating from RV outflow tract slow-conduction zones in 5 BS patients.

Conclusions—

Marked regional endocardial conduction delay and heterogeneities in repolarization exist in BS. Wave break in areas of maximal conduction delay appears to be critical in the initiation and maintenance of ventricular tachycardia. These data indicate that further studies of mapping BS to identify slow-conduction zones should be considered to determine their role in spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias.
Psychosocial Modulators of Angina Response to Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Arnold Suzanne V. , Spertus John A. , Ciechanowski Paul S. , Soine Laurie A. , Jordan-Keith Kier , Caldwell James H. , Sullivan Mark D.
Published: June 2009

Background—

Although angina is often caused by atherosclerotic obstruction of the coronary arteries, patients with similar amounts of myocardial ischemia may vary widely in their symptoms. We sought to compare clinical and psychosocial characteristics associated with more frequent angina after adjusting for the amount of inducible ischemia.

Methods and Results—

From 2004 to 2006, 788 consecutive patients undergoing single-photon emission computed tomography stress perfusion imaging at 2 Seattle hospitals were assessed for their frequency of angina over the previous 4 weeks with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire and for a broad range of psychosocial characteristics. Among patients with demonstrable ischemia on single-photon emission computed tomography (summed difference score ≥2; n=191), angina frequency was categorized as none (Seattle Angina Questionnaire score=100; n=68), monthly (score=61 to 99; n=66), and weekly or daily (score=0 to 60; n=57). Using multivariable ordinal logistic regression, increasing angina was significantly associated with a history of coronary revascularization (odds ratio 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 4.19), anxiety (odds ratio 4.72, 95% confidence interval 1.91 to 11.66), and depression (odds ratio 3.12, 95% confidence interval 1.45 to 6.69) after adjustment for the amount of inducible ischemia.

Conclusions—

Among patients with a similar burden of inducible ischemia, a history of coronary revascularization and current anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with more frequent angina. These results support the study of angina treatment strategies that aim to reduce psychosocial distress in conjunction with efforts to lessen myocardial ischemia.
Lecithin: Cholesterol Acyltransferase Expression Has Minimal Effects on Macrophage Reverse Cholesterol Transport In Vivo
Authors: Tanigawa Hiroyuki , Billheimer Jeffrey T. , Tohyama Jun-ichiro , Fuki Ilia V. , Ng Dominic S. , Rothblat George H. , Rader Daniel J.
Published: June 2009

Background—

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) catalyzes the formation of plasma cholesteryl ester, plays a key role in high-density lipoprotein metabolism, and has been believed to be critical in the process of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT).

Methods and Results—

The role of LCAT in RCT from macrophages was quantified with a validated assay involving intraperitoneal injection in mice of
3
H-cholesterol–labeled J774 macrophages and monitoring the appearance of tracer in plasma, liver, bile, and feces. Human LCAT overexpression in human apolipoprotein A-I transgenic mice substantially increased plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels but surprisingly did not increase macrophage RCT. Even in the setting of coexpression of scavenger receptor BI or cholesteryl ester transfer protein, both of which promoted the transfer of LCAT-derived high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ester to the liver, LCAT overexpression still had no effect on RCT. Serum from LCAT-overexpressing mice had reduced ability to promote cholesterol efflux from macrophages ex vivo via ABCA1. To determine the effect of LCAT deficiency on macrophage RCT, LCAT
−/−
and LCAT
+/−
mice were compared with wild-type mice. Despite extremely low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LCAT-deficient mice had only a 50% reduction in RCT. LCAT
+/−
mice had normal RCT despite a significant reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Serum from LCAT-deficient mice had increased ability to promote ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux from macrophages ex vivo.

Conclusions—

These results demonstrate that LCAT overexpression does not promote an increased rate of macrophage RCT. Although LCAT activity does become rate limiting in the context of complete LCAT deficiency, RCT is reduced by only 50% even in the absence of LCAT. These data suggest that macrophage RCT may not be as dependent on LCAT activity as has previously been believed.
Elevated Depression Symptoms Predict Long-Term Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure
Authors: Frasure-Smith Nancy , Lespérance François , Habra Martine , Talajic Mario , Khairy Paul , Dorian Paul , Roy Denis
Published: June 2009

Background—

Depression predicts prognosis in many cardiac conditions, including congestive heart failure (CHF). Despite heightened cardiac risk in patients with comorbid atrial fibrillation (AF) and CHF, depression has not been studied in this group. This substudy, from the AF-CHF Trial of rate- versus rhythm-control strategies, investigated whether depression predicts long-term cardiovascular mortality in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, CHF symptoms, and AF history who receive optimal medical care.

Methods and Results—

Depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II) were assessed in 974 participants (833 men), with 32.0% showing elevated scores (Beck Depression Inventory-II ≥14). Over a mean follow-up of 39 months, there were 246 cardiovascular deaths (111 presumed arrhythmic; 302 all-cause deaths). Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for other prognostic factors (including age, marital status, cause of CHF, creatinine level, left ventricular ejection fraction, paroxysmal AF, previous AF hospitalization, previous electrical conversion, and baseline medications) showed that elevated depression scores significantly predicted cardiovascular mortality (primary outcome), arrhythmic death, and all-cause mortality. The adjusted hazard ratios were 1.57 (95% confidence interval 1.20 to 2.07,
P
<0.001), 1.69 (95% confidence interval 1.13 to 2.53,
P
=0.01), and 1.38 (95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.77,
P
=0.01), respectively. The risks associated with depression and marital status were additive, with the highest risk in depressed patients who were unmarried.

Conclusions—

Elevated depression symptoms are related to cardiovascular mortality even after adjustment for other prognostic indicators in patients with comorbid AF and CHF who receive optimized treatment. Unmarried patients are also at increased risk. Mechanisms and treatment options deserve additional study.
Preoperative Hemoglobin Level as a Predictor of Survival After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: van Straten Albert H.M. , Soliman Hamad Mohamed A. , van Zundert André J. , Martens Elisabeth J. , Schönberger Jacques P.A.M. , de Wolf Andre M.
Published: June 2009

Background—

The predictive value of the preoperative hemoglobin value after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has not been well established. We studied how the preoperative hemoglobin level affects the survival of patients after CABG. Late mortality was compared with that of a general population.

Methods and Results—

Early and late mortality of all consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG between January 1998 and December 2007 were determined. Patients were classified into 4 groups stratified by preoperative hemoglobin level. The cutoff point for anemia was 13 g/dL for men and 12 g/dL for women. Expected survival of a matched general Dutch population cohort was obtained from the database of the Dutch Central Bureau for Statistics. After the exclusion of 122 patients who were lost to follow-up and 481 patients with missing preoperative hemoglobin levels, complete data were obtained in 10 025 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed anemia to be an independent risk factor for higher early mortality. Cox regression analyses revealed low hemoglobin level, both as a continuous variable and as a dichotomous variable (anemia), to be a predictor of higher late mortality. Compared with expected survival, patients with the lowest preoperative hemoglobin levels had a worse outcome, whereas patients with the highest hemoglobin levels had a better outcome.

Conclusions—

A lower preoperative hemoglobin level is an independent predictor of late mortality in patients undergoing CABG, whereas anemia is a risk factor for early and late mortality. Compared with the general population, anemic patients had worse survival than expected, whereas nonanemic patients had better survival than expected.
Prevention of Pulmonary Hypertension by Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Gene Transfer
Authors: Yamazato Yoriko , Ferreira Anderson J. , Hong Kwon-Ho , Sriramula Srinivas , Francis Joseph , Yamazato Masanobu , Yuan Lihui , Bradford Chastity N. , Shenoy Vinayak , Oh Suk P. , Katovich Michael J. , Raizada Mohan K.
Published: June 2009

In spite of recent advancements in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, successful control has yet to be accomplished. The abundant presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the lungs and its impressive effect in the prevention of acute lung injury led us to test the hypothesis that pulmonary overexpression of this enzyme could produce beneficial outcomes against pulmonary hypertension. Monocrotaline (MCT) treatment of mice for 8 weeks resulted in significant increases in right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricle:left ventricle plus septal weight ratio, and muscularization of pulmonary vessels. Administration of a lentiviral vector containing ACE2, 7 days before MCT treatment prevented the increases in right ventricular systolic pressure (control: 25±1 mm Hg; MCT: 44±5 mm Hg; MCT+ACE2: 26±1 mm Hg; n=6;
P
<0.05) and right ventricle:left ventricle plus septal weight ratio (control: 0.25±0.01; MCT: 0.31±0.01; MCT+ACE2: 0.26±0.01; n=8;
P
<0.05). A significant attenuation in muscularization of pulmonary vessels induced by MCT was also observed in animals overexpressing ACE2. These beneficial effects were associated with an increase in the angiotensin II type 2 receptor:angiotensin II type 1 receptor mRNA ratio. Also, pulmonary hypertension–induced increases in proinflammatory cytokines were significantly attenuated by lentiviral vector–containing ACE2 treatment. Furthermore, ACE2 gene transfer in mice after 6 weeks of MCT treatment resulted in a significant reversal of right ventricular systolic pressure. These observations demonstrate that ACE2 overexpression prevents and reverses right ventricular systolic pressure and associated pathophysiology in MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension by a mechanism involving a shift from the vasoconstrictive, proliferative, and fibrotic axes to the vasoprotective axis of the renin-angiotensin system and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines.
Long-Term Risk of Sustained Hypertension in White-Coat or Masked Hypertension
Authors: Mancia Giuseppe , Bombelli Michele , Facchetti Rita , Madotto Fabiana , Quarti-Trevano Fosca , Friz Hernan Polo , Grassi Guido , Sega Roberto
Published: June 2009

It is debated whether white-coat (WCHT) and masked hypertension (MHT) are at greater risk of developing a sustained hypertensive state (SHT). In 1412 subjects of the Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate e Loro Associazioni Study, we measured office blood pressure (BP), 24-hour ambulatory BP, and home BP. The condition of WCHT was identified as office BP >140/90 mm Hg and 24-hour BP mean <125/79 mm Hg or home BP <132/82 mm Hg. Corresponding values for MHT diagnosis were office BP <140/90 mm Hg, 24-hour BP ≥125/79 mm Hg, and home BP ≥132/82 mm Hg. SHT was identified when both office and 24-hour BP means or home BP were over threshold values and normotension was under the threshold value. Subjects were reassessed 10 years later to evaluate the BP status of the various conditions defined previously. At the first examination, 758 (54.1%), 225 (16.1%), 124 (8.9%), and 293 (20.9%) subjects were normotensive, WCHT, MHT, and SHT subjects, respectively. At the second examination, 136 normotensives (18.2%), 95 WCHT (42.6%), and 56 MHT (47.1%) subjects became SHT. As compared with normotensives, adjusting for age and sex, the risk of becoming SHT was significantly higher for WCHT and MHT subjects (odds ratio: 2.51 and 1.78, respectively;
P
<0.0001). Similar results were obtained when the definition of the various conditions was based on home BP. Independent contributors of worsening of hypertension status were not only baseline BP, but also, although to a lesser extent, metabolic variables and age. Subjects with WCHT and MHT are at increased risk of developing SHT. This may contribute to their prognosis that appears to be worse as compared with that of normotensive subjects.
Plasma-Mediated Vascular Dysfunction in the Reduced Uterine Perfusion Pressure Model of Preeclampsia
Authors: Walsh Sarah K. , English Fred A. , Johns Edward J. , Kenny Louise C.
Published: June 2009

Preeclampsia is associated with widespread maternal vascular dysfunction, which is thought to be mediated by circulating factor(s). The aim of the study was to characterize vascular function in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of preeclampsia and to investigate the role of plasma factors in mediating any observed changes in vascular reactivity. Mean arterial blood pressure and vascular function were measured in RUPP and control rats. Mesenteric vessels from both virgin and pregnant rats were exposed for 1 hour or overnight to plasma from both RUPP and control rats and their vascular function assessed. RUPP rats were characterized by severe hypertension, restricted fetal growth, and reduced placental weight (
P
<0.001). Vasorelaxation was impaired in resistance vessels from RUPP compared with control rats (acetylcholine:
R
max
70±3 versus 92±1 [NP] and 93±3% [sham],
P
<0.01; bradykinin: 40±2 versus 62±2 [NP] and 59±4% [sham],
P
<0.001). Incubation of vessels from pregnant (but not virgin) animals with RUPP plasma overnight resulted in an attenuation of vasorelaxant responses (acetylcholine: 63±7 versus 86±2%,
P
<0.05; bradykinin: 35±5 versus 55±6%,
P
<0.001). The residual relaxant response in RUPP plasma-treated vessels was not further attenuated after treatment with

N
ω

-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester (acetylcholine: 57±7 versus 63±7%, ns; bradykinin: 37±5 versus 35±5%, ns). The RUPP rat model is characterized by an impaired response to vasodilators which may be attributable to one or more circulating factors. This plasma-mediated endothelial dysfunction appears to be a pregnancy-dependent effect. Furthermore, nitric oxide–mediated vasorelaxation appears to be absent in RUPP plasma-treated vessels.
Endothelial Cells Negatively Modulate Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Xu Shaoping , He Ying , Vokurkova Martina , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: June 2009

In intact vessels, endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) act as an integrated system, possibly through reactive oxygen species (ROS). Using a coculture system we tested whether ECs modulate VSMC redox status by regulating activity of NAD(P)H oxidase and antioxidants. VSMC production of O
2
•−
, H
2
O
2
, and NO was assessed using fluoroprobes and amplex-red. NAD(P)H oxidase subunit expression and oxidase activity were determined by Western blotting and chemiluminescence, respectively. Expression of thioredoxin, SOD, growth signaling pathways (PCNA, p21cip1, CDK4, ERK1/2, p38MAPK) was evaluated by immunoblotting. Thioredoxin activity was assessed by the insulin disulfide reduction assay. In cocultured conditions, VSMC ROS production was reduced by ≈50% without changes in NAD(P)H oxidase expression/activity versus monoculture (
P
<0.05). This was associated with decreased cell growth (
P
<0.05). Expression of Cu/Zn SOD and thioredoxin was increased in coculture versus monoculture VSMCs (
P
<0.01). Pretreatment of ECs with L-NAME (NOS inhibitor), NS-398 (Cox2 inhibitor), and HET0016 (20-HETE inhibitor) did not influence VSMC ROS formation, whereas CDNB, thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, abolished ROS modulating effects of ECs. These findings indicate that in a coculture system recapitulating intact vessels, ECs negatively regulate ROS production in VSMCs through thioredoxin upregulation. Functionally this is associated with growth inhibition. The modulatory actions of ECs are independent of NOS/NO, Cox2, and HETE and do not involve NAD(P)H oxidase. Our data identify novel mechanisms whereby ECs protect against VSMC oxidative stress, a process that may be important in maintaining vascular integrity.
Adding Omalizumab to the Therapy of Adolescents With Persistent Uncontrolled Moderate—Severe Allergic Asthma
Authors: Massanari M. , Milgrom H. , Pollard S. , Maykut R.J. , Kianifard Farid , Fowler-Taylor A. , Geba G.P. , Zeldin R.K.
Published: June 2009

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of omalizumab among adolescents with moderate—severe allergic asthma inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids. Patients and methods. Data from patients 12 to 17 years of age were pooled from 5 placebo-controlled registration trials of omalizumab. Impact on asthma control was assessed by need for rescue bursts of oral corticosteroids, lung function, symptom scores, and unscheduled office visits. Results. In adolescents (n = 146), addition of omalizumab decreased mean number of rescue bursts (0.3 vs 0.9) versus placebo; relative risk 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.99; P = .047). At study conclusion, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second increased 268 mL (13.8%) in omalizumab-treated subjects versus 98 mL (5.5%) for placebo (least squares mean treatment difference 146 mL [95% CI, 19.4-272.6; P = .024]). Omalizumab significantly improved asthma symptom scores and reduced unscheduled office visits. Conclusion. Omalizumab added to baseline therapy improves measures of asthma control in adolescents with persistent moderate—severe allergic asthma.
Practice Patterns of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physicians Caring for Young Febrile Infants
Authors: Ferguson Catherine C. , Roosevelt Genie , Bajaj Lalit
Published: June 2009

The authors conducted a chart review of all febrile infants between 28 and 90 days of age who presented to the emergency department (ED) between December 1 and March 31 during 2004-2006. The objectives of the study were to describe the practice patterns of pediatric ED physicians caring for these infants and to determine whether the evaluation and management of these infants differed based on their age at presentation. Two groups were compared—infants aged 28 to 59 days (n = 79) and infants aged 60 to 90 days (n = 88). As compared with the younger age group, infants in the older age group had fewer complete blood cell counts (relative risk, RR = 3.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.15-5.95), fewer blood cultures (RR = 3.38; 95% CI, 1.99-5.74), fewer urine cultures (RR = 3.83; 95% CI, 1.81-8.13), and fewer cerebrospinal fluid cultures (RR = 2.56; 95% CI, 1.94-3.40). Overall, there was poor adherence to current guidelines for the diagnostic evaluation of young febrile infants.
The Academic Motivation of At-Risk Students in a Counseling Prevention Program
Authors: Scheel Michael John , Madabhushi Soumya , Backhaus Autumn
Published: June 2009

School dropout is a problem that has distressing personal and societal consequences. Not surprising, students who drop out are typically not academically motivated. This phenomenological study examined the meanings that students construct about academic motivation while participating in a dropout prevention program that primarily uses counseling. Twenty interviews were conducted and transcribed. Six themes emerged from 172 significant statements and corresponding meaning units: self-efficacy, purpose of school, family influences, relationships at school, counselor influence, and school structures and activities. Findings revealed the essence of academic motivation—namely, the importance of relationships in nurturing such motivation. Implications highlight caring relationships as a key factor, fostered through dropout prevention programs that use counseling. Additional implications include the use of career interventions to construct future orientations, the influence of family, and the need for assistance to gain academic self-efficacy.
Revising social work's international policy statement on health
Authors: Bywaters Paul , Napier Lindsey
Published: June 2009

English

This article presents the new IFSW policy statement on health. In addition to describing the consultation process undertaken, it identifies the core content and background analysis informing it. Issues raised include the relationship between local practices of social work and processes of globalization. Implications for future social work policy development are discussed.

French

Cet article présente la nouvelle déclaration de politique de santé de la FITS. En plus de décrire le processus de consultation entrepris, il identifie le coeur de son contenu et les analyses de fond qui la renseignent. Les questions posées incluent la relation entre les pratiques locales de travail social et les processus de mondialisation. Les implications pour le développement de la politique de travail social future sont discutées.

Spanish

Este artículo presenta el nuevo manifiesto de la Federación Internacional de Trabajo Social (IFSW) sobre la salud. Además de describir el proceso de consulta llevado a cabo, identifica el contenido básico y el análisis que lo soporta. Las cuestiones que emergen incluyen la relación entre las prácticas locales de trabajo social y los procesos de globalización. Se examinan las implicaciones para el futuro de la política de desarrollo del trabajo social.
Embodying social class
Authors: Rose Stephen M. , Hatzenbuehler Stephanie
Published: June 2009

English

Poverty, income inequality and the inequitable distribution of health invariably co-occur. The strength of the relationship between wealth and health holds even in countries with universal health care. A systematic literature review describes pathways from inequality of wealth to embodied diseases. The significance for social policy and social work practice is developed.

French

La pauvreté, l’inégalité de revenus et la distribution inégalitaire de la santé se co-produisent invariablement. Le pouvoir de la relation entre richesse et santé s’exerce même dans des pays pourvus d’une couverture santé universelle. Une revue systématique de la littérature décrit les chemins de l’inégalité de la répartition des richesses dans la prise en charge des maladies. La signification pour la politique sociale et la pratique du travail social sera développée.

Spanish

Hay una concurrencia invariable entre la pobreza, desigualdad de ingresos, y la distribución desigual de la salud. El fuerte vínculo entre riqueza y salud se mantiene incluso en países donde el cuidado de la salud es universal. Una revisión sistemática de la literatura indica las conexiones entre la desigualdad de riqueza y las enfermedades corporales. Se desarrolla lo significativo de la política social y el trabajo social.
Vulnerability
Authors: Fawcett Barbara
Published: June 2009

English

Vulnerability is a policy and practice concept which is often ascribed a fixed meaning with universal connotations. In this article, different conceptualizations of vulnerability are examined. It is argued that this exploration militates against the erosion of self-determination and autonomy and revitalizes working relationships between service users and professionals.

French

Vulnérabilité est un concept de politique et de pratique auquel est souvent attribuée une signification fixe aux connotations universelles. Dans cet article, les conceptualisations différentes de la vulnérabilité sont examinées. Il y est discuté que cette exploration milite contre l’érosion de l’autodétermination et de l’autonomie et revitalise des rapports de travail entre les usagers des services et les professionnels.

Spanish

La vulnerabilidad es un concepto de política y práctica social al que se adscribe un significado fijo, con connotaciones universales. Se examinan diferentes conceptualizaciones de vulnerabilidad. Se arguye que este examen milita en contra de la erosión de la autodeterminación y la autonomía, y revitaliza las relaciones de trabajo entre los usuarios de servicios y los profesionales.
Food security and women's health
Authors: Phillips Ruth
Published: June 2009

English

Food security is increasingly affected by global economic and environmental phenomena. Food price increases and food scarcity cause social and political instability, and can escalate to humanitarian crises. As women are particularly likely to be affected by threats to food security, this paper argues for feminist analyses in social work responses and research.

French

La sécurité alimentaire est de plus en plus affectée par l’économie mondiale et par les phénomènes environnementaux. Les prix des aliments augmentent et la raréfaction de la nourriture est cause d’instabilité sociale et politique, et peut dégénérer en crises humanitaires. Dans la mesure où les femmes sont susceptibles d’être particulièrement affectées par les menaces sur la sécurité alimentaire, cet article argumente en faveur des analyses féministes dans la recherche et les réponses apportées par le travail social.

Spanish

Los fenómenos del medioambiente y la globalización afectan cada vez más a la seguridad alimenticia. El precio de los alimentos y su escasez causan inestabilidad social y política que pueden abocar a crisis humanitarias. Ya que la seguridad alimenticia tiende a afectar a las mujeres de una forma particular, este artículo arguye a favor de un análisis feminista por parte del trabajo social y la investigación.
Inequalities in health and community-oriented social work
Authors: Backwith Dave , Mantle Greg
Published: June 2009

English

This article argues that, in tackling health inequalities, lessons can be learned from the community-oriented social work which has helped Cuba maintain population health comparable with much wealthier countries, in contrast to the UK where efforts to reduce the health gap between rich and poor have enjoyed limited success.

French

Cet article soutient que, lorsqu’on aborde les inégalités de santé, des leçons peuvent être tirées du travail social communautaire qui a aidé Cuba à maintenir la santé de sa population à un niveau comparable à celui de pays beaucoup plus riches, par contraste avec le Royaume-Uni où les efforts pour réduire le fossé dans l’accès aux soins entre les riches et les pauvres ont rencontré un succès limité.

Spanish

Se arguye que, en la lucha contra desigualdades en la salud, se puede aprender de la experiencia del trabajo social comunitario en Cuba. Este trabajo ayudó a que Cuba mantuviera un nivel de salud comparable a la de países mucho más ricos. Todo ello contrasta con el limitado éxito de los esfuerzos en el Reino Unido por reducir distancias en cuanto a salud entre ricos y pobres.
A Unified Statistical Approach for Simulation, Modeling, Analysis and Mapping of Environmental Data
Authors: Fassò Alessandro , Cameletti Michela
Published: June 2009

In this paper, hierarchical models are proposed as a general approach for spatio-temporal problems, including dynamical mapping, and the analysis of the outputs from complex environmental modeling chains. In this frame, it is easy to define various model components concerning both model outputs and empirical data and to cover with both spatial and temporal correlation. Moreover, special sensitivity analysis techniques are developed for understanding both model components and mapping capability. The motivating application is the dynamical mapping of airborne particulate matters for risk monitoring using data from both a monitoring network and a computer model chain, which includes an emission, a meteorological and a chemical-transport module. Model estimation is determined by the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm associated with simulation-based spatio-temporal parametric bootstrap. Applying sensitivity analysis techniques to the same hierarchical model provides interesting insights into the computer model chain.
Class-Based Grid Resource Management Strategies for On-Demand Jobs
Authors: Navdeep Kaur Kapoor  , Majumdar Shikharesh , Nandy Biswajit
Published: June 2009

Grid computing has emerged as a new paradigm for distributed systems, which promotes sharing of distributed resources. To maximize its benefits, it is essential to discover the resources available on the grid, and then effectively map the jobs to the resources for maximizing a given objective function. This paper focuses on the problem of matching of jobs to resources in a computing grid. Jobs are classified based on their service demands. Matching policies that use only the knowledge of job classes are introduced in this paper; simulation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of these policies. Under a variety of different workload parameters the proposed matching policies demonstrate a performance comparable to, or better than, the well-known Minimum Completion Time matching policy, which is based on detailed a priori knowledge of jobs and resource characteristics.
Patterns for Automatic Generation of Soft Real-time System Models
Authors: Florescu Oana , Voeten Jeroen , Theelen Bart , Corporaal Henk
Published: June 2009

Worst-case assumptions about the timing of systems are often too conservative when analyzing distributed soft real-time systems as they lead to over-dimensioned and expensive products. For these systems, a certain percentage of deadline misses is often affordable. Instead of a binary answer regarding the schedulability of such a system, a more interesting metric is the degree to which the system meets the timing requirements. For this, an appropriate model that realistically expresses the behavior of a soft real-time system when deployed on a multiprocessor platform should be built and analyzed. In this article, we present such a modeling approach based on the formal modeling language POOSL (parallel object-oriented specification language). Moreover, to alleviate the process of modeling, we present a pattern-based description language that allows an application, together with the multiprocessor platform and the deployment to be described in a concise way. Such a pattern-based description can be translated automatically into an executable POOSL model through which performance properties can be analyzed based on simulations. The suitability of our approach is demonstrated by exploring the design space of a distributed in-car radio navigation system.
Secure Referee Selection for Fair and Responsive Peer-to-Peer Gaming
Authors: Webb Steven Daniel , Soh Sieteng , Trahan Jerry L.
Published: June 2009

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architectures for Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG) provide better scalability than Client/Server (C/S), however, they increase the possibility of cheating. Recently proposed P2P protocols use trusted referees that simulate/validate the game to provide security equivalent to C/S. When selecting referees from un-trusted peers, selecting non-colluding referees becomes critical. Further, referees should be selected such that the range and length of delays to players is minimized (maximizing game fairness and responsiveness). In this paper we formally define the referee selection problem and propose two secure referee selection algorithms, SRS-1 and SRS-2, to solve it. Both algorithms ensure the probability of corrupt referees controlling a zone/region is below a pre-defined limit, while attempting to maximize responsiveness and fairness. The trade-off between responsiveness and fairness is adjustable for both algorithms. Simulations of three different scenarios show the effectiveness of our algorithms.
A Simulation Environment for Hierarchical Process Chains Based on OMNeT++
Authors: Bause Falko , Buchholz Peter , Kriege Jan , Vastag Sebastian
Published: June 2009

OMNeT++ is a discrete event simulation environment primarily designed for communication networks. In this paper we present an approach to enable OMNeT++ to simulate complex hierarchical process chains. Process chains are a common modeling paradigm in the logistics area for analysis and optimization, and have been used intensely in many practical applications. Their evaluation is supported by the ProC/B toolset, a collection of software tools for modeling, analysis, validation and optimization of process chains. Here we describe how OMNeT++ has been integrated as a new simulation engine into the toolset. The integration has to overcome some core problems to allow a smooth interaction between OMNeT++ and the other tools: in particular, the OMNeT++ model description of the logistics network should be kept manageable, it should reflect the entire model structure and non-standard performance figures, being relevant for an economic evaluation should be ascertainable in order to satisfy the specific needs of the application area. This paper highlights the main steps of the automatic transformation of a hierarchical process chain model into a hierarchical model in OMNeT++. Furthermore, we show how the transformation has been validated and how detailed performance figures can be evaluated with OMNeT++.
A Formal Framework for Stochastic Discrete Event System Specification Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Castro Rodrigo , Kofman Ernesto , Wainer Gabriel
Published: June 2009

We introduce an extension of the classic Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism that includes stochastic features. Based on the use of the probability spaces theory we define the stochastic DEVS (STDEVS) specification, which provides a formal framework for modeling and simulation of general non-deterministic discrete event systems. The main theoretical properties of the STDEVS framework are treated, including a new definition of legitimacy of models in the stochastic context and a proof of STDEVS closure under coupling. We also illustrate the new stochastic modeling capabilities introduced by STDEVS and their relation with those found in classic DEVS. Practical simulation examples are given involving performance analysis of computer systems and hybrid modeling of networked control systems, applications where the modeling of stochastic components is vital.
eUDEVS: Executable UML with DEVS Theory of Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Risco-Martín José L. , de la Cruz Jesús M. , Mittal Saurabh , Zeigler Bernard P.
Published: June 2009

Modeling and simulation (M&S) for system design and prototyping is practiced today both in industry and academia. M&S are two different areas altogether and have specific objectives. However, most of the time these two separate areas are taken together. The developed code is woven tightly around both the model and the underlying simulator that executes it. This constrains both the model development and the simulation engine that has an impact on the scalability of the developed code. Furthermore, a lot of time is spent in developing a model because it needs both domain knowledge and simulation techniques, which also requires communication among users and developers. The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is widely accepted in industry, whereas discrete event specification (DEVS)-based modeling that separates the model and the simulator, provides a cleaner methodology to develop models and is much used in academia. DEVS today is used by engineers who understand discrete event modeling at a highly detailed level and are able to translate requirements to DEVS modeling code. There have been earlier efforts to integrate UML and DEVS but they have not succeeded in providing a transformation mechanism owing to inherent differences in these two modeling paradigms. In this paper we present an integrated approach to cross-transformations between UML and DEVS using the proposed eUDEVS, which stands for executable UML based on DEVS. Further, we also show that the obtained DEVS models belong to a specific class of DEVS models called finite deterministic DEVS (FD-DEVS) that is available as a W3C XML schema in XFD-DEVS. We also put the proposed eUDEVS in a much larger unifying framework called the DEVS unified process that allows bifurcated model-continuity-based lifecycle methodology for systems M&S. Finally, we demonstrate the concepts with a complete example.