bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic design of application-specific reconfigurable processor extensions with UPaK synthesis kernel
Authors: Wolinski Christophe , Kuchcinski Krzysztof , Raffin Erwan
Published: August 2010

This article presents a new tool for automatic design of application-specific reconfigurable processor extensions based on UPaK (Abstract
U
nified
Pa
tterns Based Synthesis
K
ernel for Hardware and Software Systems). We introduce a complete design flow that identifies new instructions, selects specific instructions and schedules a considered application on the newly created reconfigurable architecture. The identified extensions are implemented as specialized sequential or parallel instructions. These instructions are executed on a reconfigurable unit implementing all merged patterns. Our method uses specially developed algorithms for subgraph isomorphism that are implemented as graph matching constraints. These constraints together with separate algorithms are able to efficiently identify computational patterns and carry out application mapping and scheduling. Our methods can handle both time-constrained and resource-constrained scheduling. Experimental results show that the presented method provides high coverage of application graphs with small number of patterns and ensures high application execution speedup both for sequential and parallel application execution with reconfigurable processor extensions implementing selected patterns.
Performance-constrained voltage assignment in multiple supply voltage SoC floorplanning
Authors: Wu Meng-Chen , Lu Ming-Ching , Chen Hung-Ming , Jou Jing-Yang
Published: August 2010

Using voltage island methodology to reduce power consumption for System-on-a-Chip (SoC) designs has become more and more popular recently. Currently this approach has been considered either in system-level architecture or postplacement stage. Since hierarchical design and reusable intellectual property (IP) are widely used, it is necessary to optimize floorplanning/placement methodology considering voltage islands generation to solve power and critical path delay problems. In this article, we propose a floorplanning methodology considering voltage islands generation and performance constraints. Our method is flexible and can be extended to hierarchical design. The experimental results on some MCNC benchmarks show that our method is effective in meeting performance constraints and can simultaneously consider the tradeoff between power routing cost and total power dissipation.
Exponential time algorithms for the minimum dominating set problem on some graph classes
Authors: Gaspers Serge , Kratsch Dieter , Liedloff Mathieu , Todinca Ioan
Published: August 2010

The minimum dominating set problem remains NP-hard when restricted to any of the following graph classes:
c
-dense graphs, chordal graphs, 4-chordal graphs, weakly chordal graphs, and circle graphs. Developing and using a general approach, for each of these graph classes we present an exponential time algorithm solving the minimum dominating set problem faster than the best known algorithm for general graphs. Our algorithms have the following running time:
O
(1.4124

n

) for chordal graphs,
O
(1.4776

n

) for weakly chordal graphs,
O
(1.4845

n

) for 4-chordal graphs,
O
(1.4887

n

) for circle graphs, and
O
(1.2273

(1+√1−2
c
)
n

) for
c
-dense graphs.
Jitter regulation for multiple streams
Authors: Hay David , Scalosub Gabriel
Published: August 2010

For widely used interactive communication, it is essential that traffic is kept as smooth as possible; the smoothness of the traffic is typically captured by its
delay jitter
, that is, the difference between the maximal and minimal end-to-end delays. The task of minimizing the jitter is done by jitter regulators that use a limited-size buffer in order to shape the traffic. In many real-life situations regulators must handle multiple streams simultaneously and provide low jitter on each of them separately. Moreover, communication links have limited capacity, and these may pose further restrictions on the choices made by the regulator. This article investigates the problem of minimizing jitter in such an environment, using a fixed-size buffer.

We show that the offline version of the problem can be solved in polynomial time, by introducing an efficient offline algorithm that finds a release schedule with optimal jitter. When regulating
M
streams in the online setting, we take a
competitive analysis
point of view and note that, in the upcapacitated case, previous results in Mansour and Patt-Shamir [2001] can be extended to an online algorithm that uses a buffer of size 2⋅
M
⋅
B
and obtains the optimal jitter possible with a buffer of size
B
(and an offline algorithm). The question arises whether such a resource augmentation is essential. We answer this question in the affirmative, by proving a lower bound that is tight up to a factor of 2, thus showing that jitter regulation does not scale well as the number of streams increases unless the buffer is sized-up proportionally.
Time-dependent multi-scheduling of multicast
Authors: Cohen Rami , Rawitz Dror , Raz Danny
Published: August 2010

Many network applications that need to distribute content and data to a large number of clients use a hybrid scheme in which one (or more) multicast channel is used in parallel to a unicast dissemination. This way the application can distribute data using one of its available multicast channels or by sending one or more unicast transmissions. In such a model the utilization of the multicast channels is critical for the overall performance of the system.

We study the scheduling algorithm of the sender in such a model. We describe this scheduling problem as an optimization problem where the objective is to maximize the utilization of the multicast channel. Our model captures the fact that it may be beneficial to multicast an object more than once (e.g., page update). Thus, the benefit depends, among other things, on the last time the object was sent, which makes the problem much more complex than previous related scheduling problems. We show that our problem is NP-hard. Then, using the
local ratio technique
we obtain a 4-approximation algorithm for the case where the objects are of fixed size and a 10-approximation algorithm for the general case. We also consider a special case which may be of practical interest, and prove that a simple greedy algorithm is a 3-approximation algorithm in this case.
Approximating the minimum quadratic assignment problems
Authors: Hassin Refael , Levin Asaf , Sviridenko Maxim
Published: August 2010

We consider the well-known minimum quadratic assignment problem. In this problem we are given two
n
×
n
nonnegative symmetric matrices
A
= (

a
ij

) and
B
= (

b
ij

). The objective is to compute a permutation π of
V
= {1,…,
n
} so that ∑
i
,
j
∈
V

i
≠
j

a

π(
i
),π(
j
)

b

i
,
j

is minimized.

We assume that
A
is a 0/1 incidence matrix of a graph, and that
B
satisfies the triangle inequality. We analyze the approximability of this class of problems by providing polynomial bounded approximations for some special cases, and inapproximability results for other cases.
Computing rank-convolutions with a mask
Authors: Babai László , Felzenszwalb Pedro F.
Published: August 2010

Rank-convolutions have important applications in a variety of areas such as signal processing and computer vision. We define a
mask
as a function taking only values zero and infinity. Rank-convolutions with masks are of special interest to image processing.

We show how to compute the rank-
k
convolution of a function over an interval of length
n
with an arbitrary mask of length
m
in
O
(
n
√
m
log
m
) time. The result generalizes to the
d
-dimensional case. Previously no algorithm performing significantly better than the brute-force
O
(
nm
) bound was known.

Our algorithm seems to perform well in practice. We describe an implementation, illustrating its application to a problem in image processing. Already on relatively small images, our experiments show a signficant speedup compared to brute force.
A market-based bandwidth charging framework
Authors: Turner David Michael , Prevelakis Vassilis , Keromytis Angelos D.
Published: August 2010

The increasing demand for high-bandwidth applications such as video-on-demand and grid computing is reviving interest in bandwidth reservation schemes. Earlier attempts did not catch on for a number of reasons, notably lack of interest on the part of the bandwidth providers. This, in turn, was partially caused by the lack of an efficient way of charging for bandwidth. Thus, the viability of bandwidth reservation depends on the existence of an efficient market where bandwidth-related transactions can take place. For this market to be effective, it must be efficient for both the provider (seller) and the user (buyer) of the bandwidth. This implies that: (a) the buyer must have a wide choice of providers that operate in a competitive environment, (b) the seller must be assured that a QoS transaction will be paid by the customer, and (c) the QoS transaction establishment must have low overheads so that it may be used by individual customers without a significant burden to the provider.

In order to satisfy these requirements, we propose a framework that allows customers to purchase bandwidth using an open market where providers advertise links and capacities and customers bid for these services. The model is close to that of a commodities market that offers both advance bookings (futures) and a spot market. We explore the mechanisms that can support such a model.
iMapping
Authors: Haller Heiko , Abecker Andreas
Published: August 2010

We present iMapping, a zooming based approach for visually organizing information objects. It was developed on top of semantic desktop technologies and especially targets the support of personal knowledge management. iMapping has been designed to combine the advantages of spatial hypertext and other proven visual mapping approaches like mind-mapping and concept mapping, which are incompatible in their original form. We describe the design and prototypical implementation of iMapping -- which is fundamentally based on deep zooming and nesting. iMapping bridges the gap between unstructured content like informal text notes and semantic models by allowing annotations with the whole range from vague associations to formal relations. First experimental evaluation of the iMapping user-interface approach indicates favorable user experience and functionality, compared with state-of-the-art Mind-Mapping software.
Up and coming SIGWEB supported conferences
Authors: Deshpande Yogesh
Published: August 2010

SIGWEB supports several specialized conferences, short courses, and workshops, as well as the Annual Hypertext Conference. SIGWEB sponsored conferences focus on timely topics in applied and computational hypertext and Web disciplines and provide a place for members and the entire applied Hypermedia and Web community to exchange ideas and to meet with and expand their network of colleagues. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SIGWEB sponsored conferences, in addition to events that are in cooperation with SIGWEB.
Enhanced aperiodic responsiveness by multi budget bandwidth preserving server
Authors: Ranvijay  , Yadav Rama Shankar , Agrawal Smriti
Published: August 2010

This paper presents multi budget bandwidth preserving server (MBBPS) to improve the quality of service in terms of better responsiveness of the aperiodic task by utilizing the concept of multi budget and multi priority of the server while ensure the feasibility of periodic task at the same time. Feasibility analysis is done at offline by assigning the priority of periodic tasks as well as server to service the aperiodic tasks by fixed priority rate monotonic first algorithm. Theorem has been formulated to ensure the feasibility of the periodic tasks with enhanced budget. Besides providing better responsiveness to the aperiodic tasks, this work also improves the quality of service (QoS) by accepting aperiodic tasks that were rejected by the existing deferrable server. The complexity of proposed MBBPS algorithm is same as deferrable server. The extensive examples and simulation results illustrate that our approach can effectively reduce the average response time of aperiodic tasks as well as reduce the rejection ratio while guaranteeing the periodic tasks at the same time.
The Inner Regions of Protoplanetary Disks
Authors: Dullemond C.P. , Monnier J.D.
Published: August 2010

To understand how planetary systems form in the dusty disks around pre-main-sequence stars, a detailed knowledge of the structure and evolution of these disks is required. Although this is reasonably well understood for the regions of the disk beyond about 1 AU, the structure of these disks inward of 1 AU remains a puzzle. This is partly because it is very difficult to spatially resolve these regions with current telescopes. But it is also because the physics of this region, where the disk becomes so hot that the dust starts to evaporate, is poorly understood. With infrared interferometry it has become possible in recent years to directly spatially resolve the inner 1 AU of protoplanetary disks, albeit in a somewhat limited way. These observations have partly confirmed current models of these regions, but also posed new questions and puzzles. Moreover, it has turned out that the numerical modeling of these regions is extremely challenging. In this review, we give a rough overview of the history and recent developments in this exciting field of astrophysics.
Digital Ischemic Loss in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Marvi Umaima , Chung Lorinda
Published: August 2010

Digital ischemic loss is a cause of significant morbidity in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Microvascular disease with intimal proliferation and luminal narrowing of small digital arteries, as well as macrovascular disease with narrowing or occlusion of larger digital arteries, contribute to the perfusion defects involved in digital ischemic loss. Immediate clinical evaluation and treatment are mandatory at the onset of critical digital ischemia to prevent digital loss. Hospitalization for medical therapies including intravenous prostacyclin therapy should be considered for all SSc patients who present with critical digital ischemia. Surgical interventions are typically reserved for patients who fail medical therapies and for those with late stage, necrotic tissue. This paper summarizes the current knowledge regarding the risk factors, pathogenesis, evaluation, and treatment of digital ischemic loss in SSc.
Effects of Ti-Based Additives on the Hydrogen Storage Properties of aLiBH4/CaH2Destabilized System
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Ibikunle Adeola , Goudy Andrew J.
Published: August 2010

The hydrogen storage properties of a destabilizedLiBH4/CaH2system ball-milled withTiCl3,TiF3, andTiO2additives have been investigated. It is found that the system withTiCl3additive has a lower dehydrogenation temperature than the ones with other additives. Further study shows that a higher amount ofTiCl3is more effective in reducing the desorption temperature of theLiBH4/CaH2system, since it leads to a lower activation energy of dehydrogenation. The activations energies for mixtures containing 4, 10, and 25 mol% ofTiCl3are 141, 126, and 110 kJ/mol, respectively. However, the benefits of higher amounts ofTiCl3are offset by a larger reduction in hydrogen capacity of the mixtures.
Effects of S100B on Serotonergic Plasticity and Neuroinflammation in the Hippocampus in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease: Studies in an S100B Overexpressing Mouse Model
Authors: Shapiro Lee A. , Bialowas-McGoey Lynn A. , Whitaker-Azmitia Patricia M.
Published: August 2010

S100B promotes development and maturation in the mammalian brain. However, prolonged or extensive exposure can lead to neurodegeneration. Two important functions of S100B in this regard, are its role in the development and plasticity of the serotonergic neurotransmitter system, and its role in the cascade of glial changes associated with neuroinflammation. Both of these processes are therefore accelerated towards degeneration in disease processes wherein S100B is increased, notably, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS). In order to study the role of S100B in this context, we have examined S100B overexpressing transgenic mice. Similar to AD and DS, the transgenic animals show a profound change in serotonin innervation. By 28 weeks of age, there is a significant loss of terminals in the hippocampus. Similarly, the transgenic animals show neuroinflammatory changes analogous with AD and DS. These include decreased numbers of mature, stable astroglial cells, increased numbers of activated microglial cells and increased microglial expression of the cell surface receptor RAGE. Eventually, the S100B transgenic animals show neurodegeneration and the appearance of hyperphosphorylated tau structures, as seen in late stage DS and AD. The role of S100B in these conditions is discussed.
Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Al‐MCM‐41 via In Situ AqueousSynthesis
Authors: Alonso-Lemus Ivonne , Verde-Gomez Ysmael , Aguilar-Elguézabal Alfredo , Álvarez-Contreras Lorena
Published: August 2010

MCM‐41 have been used to custom synthesize catalysts in because of the controllable properties, such as pore size, active phase incorporation, crystal size, and morphology, among others. In this paper, a simple and versatile method for the incorporation of platinum, ruthenium, and palladium onto Al‐MCM‐41 mesoporous silica by direct inclusion of various precursors was studied. M/Al‐MCM‐41 structure, textural properties, morphology, and elemental composition were analyzed. The results obtained indicate that the Al‐MCM‐41 mesoporous‐ordered structure was not affected by metallic particle incorporation. High‐surface areas were obtained (1131 m2/g). Metallic nanoparticles dispersion on Al‐MCM‐41 was homogeneous for all samples and its particles sizes were between 6 nm to 20 nm. Microscopy results show round shape particles in platinum and palladium samples; however, ruthenium catalysts exhibit a spherical and rod shapes. Electrochemical testing for Pt/Al‐MCM‐41 showed electrocatalytic activity for H2 oxidation which indicates that these materials can be used as a catalyst in electrochemical devices.
MMSA: Metamodel Multimedia Software Architecture
Authors: Derdour Makhlouf , Roose Philippe , Dalmau Marc , Ghoualmi Zine Nacéra , Alti Adel
Published: August 2010

Interoperability explains how two or more systems or components exchange and process information. The heterogeneity communication mechanisms of the components (GPRS, WIFI, Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.), transmission speed, as well as the variety of the media (sound, video, text, and image) they manage have a strong influence on the interoperability. That requires the management of the adaptation to an abstract level in order to avoid ad hoc nonreusable, and/or generalizable solutions. In this paper we propose a metamodel for architectures with heterogeneous multimedia components. It enables the description of the software architectures as a collection of components manipulating various types and formats of data, and interacting between them via specific adaptation connectors.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors Protect against Apoptosis via 14-3-3
Authors: Wu Kenneth K.
Published: August 2010

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) were reported to prevent cells from stress-induced apoptosis and protect tissues against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The underlying transcriptional mechanism is unclear. Recent reports indicate that the antiapoptotic actions of ligand-activated PPARδand PPARγare mediated through enhanced binding of PPAR to the promoter of 14-3-3εand upregulation of 14-3-3εexpression. We propose that ligand-activated PPARαexerts its anti-apoptotic actions via the identical pathway. The PPAR to 14-3-3 transcriptional axis plays an important role in protection of cell and tissue integrity and is a target for drug discovery.
Toll-Like Receptors: Role in Dermatological Disease
Authors: Hari Aswin , Flach Tracy L. , Shi Yan , Mydlarski P. Régine
Published: August 2010

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of conserved receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) present in microbes. In humans, at least ten TLRs have been identified, and their recognition targets range from bacterial endotoxins to lipopeptides, DNA, dsRNA, ssRNA, fungal products, and several host factors. Of dermatological interest, these receptors are expressed on several skin cells including keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells. TLRs are essential in identifying microbial products and are known to link the innate and adaptive immune systems. Over the years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of TLRs in skin inflammation, cutaneous malignancies, and defence mechanisms. In this paper, we will describe the association between TLRs and various skin pathologies and discuss proposed TLR therapeutics.
Primordial Non‐Gaussianity in the Cosmic Microwave Background
Authors: Yadav Amit P. S. , Wandelt Benjamin D.
Published: August 2010

In the last few decades, advances in observational cosmology have given us a standard model of cosmology.
We know the content of the universe to within a few percent. With more ambitious experiments on the way,
we hope to move beyond the knowledge of what the universe is made of, to why the universe is the way it
is. In this paper we focus on primordial non‐Gaussianity as a probe of the physics of the dynamics of
the universe at the very earliest moments. We discuss (1) theoretical predictions from inflationary models and
their observational consequences in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies; (2) CMB‐based
estimators for constraining primordial non‐Gaussianity with an emphasis on bispectrum templates (3) current
constraints on non‐Gaussianity and what we can hope to achieve in the near future and (4) nonprimordial
sources of non‐Gaussianities in the CMB such as bispectrum due to second order effects, three way crosscorrelation
between primary‐lensing‐secondary CMB, and possible instrumental effects.
Determination of the Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Toasted Bread Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Al-Rashdan Amal , Helaleh Murad I. H. , Nisar A. , Ibtisam A. , Al-Ballam Zainab
Published: August 2010

Concentration of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in eighteen baked bread samples using gas oven toasting were evaluated in this study. Samples were classified into the following categories: (1) bread baked from white wheat flour, (2) bread baked from brown wheat flour, and (3) sandwich bread baked from white wheat flour. Analysis was performed by GC-MS after Soxhlet extraction of the sample and clean up of the extract. The levels of B[a]P was not detected in ten of eighteen samples. In the rest of the samples, B[a]P are varied from 2.83 to 16.54 g/kg. B[a]A, CHR, B[b]FA, B[k] FA, IP, DB[a,h]A, and B[ghi]P concentrations were found to be less than 10.0 g/kg. However, B[a]P are not detected in original white and brown wheat flour. The total PAHs were varied in the range 1.06–44.24 g/kg and 3.08–278.66 g/kg for H-PAH and L-PAH, respectively. Reproducibility and repeatability of the proposed method was calculated and presented in terms of recovery and relative standard deviations (RSD, %). Recoveries were varied from 72.46% to 99.06% with RSD ± 0.28–15.01% and from 82.39% to 95.01% with RSD ±1.91–13.01% for repeatability and reproducibility, respectively. Different commercialized samples of toasted bread were collected and analyzed.
Viscosity Solutions and American Option Pricing in a Stochastic Volatility Model of the Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck Type
Authors: Roch Alexandre F.
Published: August 2010

We study the valuation of American‐type derivatives in the stochastic volatility model of Barndorff‐Nielsen and Shephard (2001). We characterize the value of such derivatives as the unique viscosity solution of an integral‐partial differential equation when the payoff function satisfies a Lipschitz condition.
Stable Iteration Procedures in Metric Spaces which Generalize a Picard-Type Iteration
Authors: De la Sen M
Published: August 2010

This paper investigates the stability of iteration procedures defined by continuous functions acting on self-maps in continuous metric spaces. Some of the obtained results extend the contraction principle to the use of altering-distance functions and extended altering-distance functions, the last ones being piecewise continuous. The conditions for the maps to be contractive for the achievement of stability of the iteration process can be relaxed to the fulfilment of being large contractions or to be subject to altering-distance functions or extended altering functions.
Serum Endoglin Levels in Patients Suffering from Systemic Sclerosis and Elevated Systolic Pulmonary Arterial Pressure
Authors: Coral-Alvarado Paola Ximena , Garces Maria Fernanda , Caminos Jorge Eduardo , Iglesias-Gamarra Antonio , Restrepo José Félix , Quintana Gerardo
Published: August 2010

Background. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the main cause of morbimortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Increased Eng expression has been demonstrated in SSc patients.Objective. Ascertaining serum levels of Eng in SSc patients with and without elevated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) and comparing them with that of healthy volunteers.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A commercial ELISA kit was used for measuring serum concentrations of Eng in 60 subjects: 40 patients with SSc with and without elevated sPAP, compared to 20 healthy control subjects. Elevated sPAP was detected by echocardiogram.Results. No association between positive Eng and elevated sPAP was found when compared to the SSc without elevated sPAP group (OR=2.85; 0.65–12.88 95% CI;P=.11); however, an association was found between positive Eng and elevated sPAP compared to healthy controls (OR=23.22; 2.46–1050.33 95% CI;P=.001), and weak association was found between the positive Eng with SSc without elevated sPAP group compared to healthy controls (OR=8.14, 0.8–393.74 95% CI;P=.046).Conclusion. Raised serum levels of Eng in SSc patients compared to healthy controls were found, suggesting a role for Eng in SSc vasculopathy and not just in elevated sPAP. However, prospective studies are needed to verify such observations.
Histopathologic and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Rash to Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 1 (HER1) and HER1/2 Inhibitors in Cancer Patients
Authors: Nardone Beatrice , Nicholson Kimberly , Newman Marissa , Guitart Joan , Gerami Pedram , Talarico Nicholas , Yang Ximing J. , Rademaker Alfred , West Dennis P. , Lacouture Mario E.
Published: August 2010

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 1 and HER 1/2 inhibitors have shown benefit against a wide range of solid tumors. However, their use is associated with rash in 40% to 90% of patients, which impacts quality of life and interrupts antineoplastic therapy. The pathologic characteristics of affected skin remain unclear, precluding development of rational therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in histologic and immunohistochemical alterations in rash caused by lapatinib, a dual HER1/2 inhibitor (HER1/2i), and the single HER1 inhibitors (HER1i) cetuximab, erlotinib, and panitumumab.

Experimental Design: For each of the four drugs, skin biopsies were collected and analyzed from 8 patients with rash (n = 32). Blinded independent histologic analysis and automated measurement of 17 skin biomarkers involved in proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation were conducted.

Results: Increased expression of pAKT and decreased dermal K16 and p27 for HER1/2i when compared with each of the HER1i were observed. In addition, decreased epidermal atrophy and follicular neutrophilic infiltrate were evidenced in the skin of patients on HER1/2i when compared with HER1i.

Conclusions: We found a lower inhibition of epidermal kinetics and decreased inflammation in HER1/2i-induced rash. These findings underscore differences in skin toxicity as related to specificity of HER blockade, concordant with clinical tolerability and decreased severity of skin toxicity seen with the HER1/2i lapatinib compared with the HER1 inhibitors cetuximab, erlotinib, and panitumumab. Clin Cancer Res; 16(17); 4452–60. ©2010 AACR.
Comparing Survival Curves Using an Easy to Interpret Statistic
Authors: Hess Kenneth R.
Published: August 2010

Here, I describe a statistic for comparing two survival curves that has a clear and obvious meaning and has a long history in biostatistics. Suppose we are comparing survival times associated with two treatments A and B. The statistic operates in such a way that if it takes on the value 0.95, then the interpretation is that a randomly chosen patient treated with A has a 95% chance of surviving longer than a randomly chosen patient treated with B. This statistic was first described in the 1950s, and was generalized in the 1960s to work with right-censored survival times. It is a useful and convenient measure for assessing differences between survival curves. Software for computing the statistic is readily available on the Internet. Clin Cancer Res; 16(20); 4912–3. ©2010 AACR.
Independent Susceptibility Markers for Atrial Fibrillation on Chromosome 4q25
Authors: Lubitz Steven A. , Sinner Moritz F. , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Makino Seiko , Pfeufer Arne , Rahman Rosanna , Veltman Caroline E. , Barnard John , Bis Joshua C. , Danik Stephan P. , Sonni Akshata , Shea Marisa A. , del Monte Federica , Perz Siegfried , Müller Martina , Peters Annette , Greenberg Steven M. , Furie Karen L. , van Noord Charlotte , Boerwinkle Eric , Stricker Bruno H.C. , Witteman Jacqueline , Smith Jonathan D. , Chung Mina K. , Heckbert Susan R. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Rosand Jonathan , Arking Dan E. , Alonso Alvaro , Kääb Stefan , Ellinor Patrick T.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Genetic variants on chromosome 4q25 are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to determine whether there is more than 1 susceptibility signal at this locus.

Methods and Results—

Thirty-four haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the 4q25 locus were genotyped in 790 case and 1177 control subjects from Massachusetts General Hospital and tested for association with AF. We replicated SNPs associated with AF after adjustment for the most significantly associated SNP in 5066 case and 30 661 referent subjects from the German Competence Network for Atrial Fibrillation, Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities Study, Cleveland Clinic Lone AF Study, Cardiovascular Health Study, and Rotterdam Study. All subjects were of European ancestry. A multimarker risk score composed of SNPs that tagged distinct AF susceptibility signals was constructed and tested for association with AF, and all results were subjected to meta-analysis. The previously reported SNP, rs2200733, was most significantly associated with AF (minor allele odds ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.50 to 2.15,
P
=1.2×10
−20
) in the discovery sample. Adjustment for rs2200733 genotype revealed 2 additional susceptibility signals marked by rs17570669 and rs3853445. A graded risk of AF was observed with an increasing number of AF risk alleles at SNPs that tagged these 3 susceptibility signals.

Conclusions—

We identified 2 novel AF susceptibility signals on chromosome 4q25. Consideration of multiple susceptibility signals at chromosome 4q25 identifies individuals with an increased risk of AF and may localize regulatory elements at the locus with biological relevance in the pathogenesis of AF.
Long-Term Administration of Endothelin Receptor Antagonist Improves Coronary Endothelial Function in Patients With Early Atherosclerosis
Authors: Reriani Martin , Raichlin Eugenia , Prasad Abhiram , Mathew Verghese , Pumper Geralyn M. , Nelson Rebecca E. , Lennon Ryan , Rihal Charanjit , Lerman Lilach O. , Lerman Amir
Published: August 2010

Background—

Endothelin (ET-1) is one of the most potent vasoconstrictors and plays a seminal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that long-term treatment with an endothelin-A (ET
A
) receptor antagonist improves coronary endothelial function in patients with early coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Forty-seven patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, nonobstructive coronary artery disease, and coronary endothelial dysfunction were randomized in a double-blind manner to either the ET
A
receptor antagonist atrasentan (10 mg) or placebo for 6 months. Coronary endothelium-dependent vasodilation was examined by infusing acetylcholine (10
−6
to 10
−4
mol/L) in the left anterior descending coronary artery.
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine was administered to a subgroup of patients. Endothelium-independent coronary flow reserve was examined by use of intracoronary adenosine and nitroglycerin. Baseline characteristics and incidence of adverse effects were similar between the 2 groups. There was a significant improvement in percent change of coronary blood flow in response to acetylcholine at 6 months from baseline in the atrasentan group compared with the placebo group (39.67%, 95% confidence interval 23.23% to 68.21%, versus −2.22%, 95% confidence interval −27.37% to 15.28%;
P
<0.001). No significant difference in the percent change of coronary artery diameter or change in coronary flow reserve was demonstrated. Coronary blood flow, coronary artery diameter, and the effect of
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine were similar between the groups at baseline and at 6 months.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates that 6-month treatment with atrasentan improves coronary microvascular endothelial function and supports the role of the endogenous endothelin system in the regulation of endothelial function in early atherosclerosis in humans.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00271492.
Noninvasive Evaluation of Left Ventricular Afterload
Authors: Chirinos Julio A. , Segers Patrick
Published: August 2010

The mechanical load imposed by the systemic circulation to the left ventricle is an important determinant of normal and abnormal cardiovascular function. Left ventricular afterload is determined by complex time-varying phenomena, which affect pressure and flow patterns generated by the pumping ventricle and cannot be expressed as a single numeric measure or described in terms of pressure alone. Left ventricular afterload is best described in terms of pressure-flow relations. High-fidelity arterial applanation tonometry can be used to record time-resolved central pressure noninvasively, whereas contemporary noninvasive imaging techniques, such as Doppler echocardiography and phase-contrast MRI, allow for accurate assessments of aortic flow. Central pressure and flow can be analyzed using simplified biomechanical models to characterize various components of afterload, with great potential for mechanistic understanding of the role of central hemodynamics in cardiovascular disease and the effects of therapeutic interventions. In the first part of this tutorial, we review noninvasive techniques for central pressure and flow measurements and basic concepts of wave conduction and reflection as they relate to the interpretation of central pressure-flow relations. Conceptual descriptions of various models and methods are emphasized over mathematical ones. Our review is aimed at helping researchers and clinicians apply and interpret results obtained from analyses of left ventricular afterload in clinical and epidemiological settings.
Noninvasive Evaluation of Left Ventricular Afterload
Authors: Chirinos Julio A. , Segers Patrick
Published: August 2010

The mechanical load imposed by the systemic circulation to the left ventricle is an important determinant of normal and abnormal cardiovascular function. Left ventricular afterload is determined by complex time-varying phenomena, which affect pressure and flow patterns generated by the pumping ventricle. Left ventricular afterload is best described in terms of pressure-flow relations, allowing for quantification of various components of load using simplified biomechanical models of the circulation, with great potential for mechanistic understanding of the role of central hemodynamics in cardiovascular disease and the effects of therapeutic interventions. In the second part of this tutorial, we review analytic methods used to characterize left ventricular afterload, including analyses of central arterial pressure-flow relations and windkessel modeling (pressure-volume relations). Conceptual descriptions of various models and methods are emphasized over mathematical ones. Our review is aimed at helping researchers and clinicians obtain and interpret results from analyses of left ventricular afterload in clinical and epidemiological settings.
The Living Cosmos: A Fabric That Binds Art and Science
Authors: Impey Chris , Green Heather
Published: August 2010

The authors, an astronomer and an artist, have collaborated on a series of seven mixed-media constructions and prose pieces that follow the flow and themes of Impey's book on astrobiology, The Living Cosmos. The book summarizes recent research on astrobiology, from the origin of life on Earth and its environmental range on this planet to the search for life in the solar system and beyond. The artist's work encapsulates these ideas with its use of material objects, textures, images and metaphors that mirror the elements of the scientific approach to astrobiology.
Connecting Art and Science for Education: Learning through an Advanced Virtual Theater with “Talking Heads”
Authors: Adamo Adolfo , Bertacchini Pier Augusto , Bilotta Eleonora , Pantano Pietro , Tavernise Assunta
Published: August 2010

The authors present an innovative virtual theater in which the language of performance joins advanced technologies for educational goals. On the stage of this pioneering theatrical environment human actors interact with 3D faces (“talking heads”) on a wide screen. These synthetic characters are endowed with emotional expressions and voices and resemble famous personalities such as Pythagoras and Einstein. The performance aims at the exposition of difficult subjects in various fields and making learning enjoyable and entertaining.
Relating Theory, Practice and Evaluation in Practitioner Research
Authors: Edmonds Ernest , Candy Linda
Published: August 2010

The authors have developed a model of practice-based research from observations and studies of practitioners undertaking Ph.D.s in digital art and specifically interactive art. Trajectories of research and practice have been identified that have common elements but are driven by different practitioner goals and preferences. The authors present a model of practitioner research that represents the relationship between theory, practice and evaluation, and they describe how different trajectories of research and practice lead to the development of theoretical frameworks by practitioners. Whilst the common features of the trajectories are important to identify so that the characteristics of practitioner research can be understood more generally, the authors believe that having scope for individuality is vital to such research.
Kryolab
Authors: Dumitriu Anna , Tenetz Antti , Lawrence Dave
Published: August 2010

KryoLab is an installation and performance that brings together bioart, ice sculpture and sound, in an investigation of delicate relationships in the Arctic ecosystem.

It traces our individual and collective journeys, in terms of investigative art/science research as well as in terms of being part of the experimental European/worldwide collaborative e-MobiLArt project—designed to encourage collaboration with scientists and with artists from other cultural backgrounds and geographic locations. This article briefly describes the KryoLab installation concept itself, and the collaboration process.
ON TRACK: A Slippery Mechanic-Robotic Performance
Authors: Gemeinboeck Petra , Traenkle Marion , Dement Linda , Saunders Rob
Published: August 2010

This article explores the production of ON TRACK, a performative installation, whose slippery, smelly narrative emerges from the interactions and interferences between a mechanical mop, a troupe of robotic brushes and spilling viscous fluids. The machinic assemblage performs ‘other ways of knowing’, unfolding where the programmed and choreographed meet the messy and unknown. The work was created within the e-MobiLArt project.
The Grafting Parlour
Authors: Higgins Saoirse
Published: August 2010

The Grafting Parlour is a collective of artists and external researchers who exchange and combine their methodologies through thoughtful experimentation. Our collective was formed through the framework of the eMobiLArt lab project. Our art practice includes interdisciplinary research viewed in the gallery, workshops, performative experimentation and public discussion. The Grafting Parlour's conversations with scientists in the field punctuate and re-direct our research and methods of enquiry. We have developed portals into live habitats, spanning from the sky to the forest to the laboratory, creating accessible interfaces to these remote habitats and biological forms.
Multiscale Interactions in the Life Cycle of a Tropical Cyclone Simulated in a Global Cloud-System-Resolving Model. Part II: System-Scale and Mesoscale Processes*
Authors: Fudeyasu Hironori , Wang Yuqing , Satoh Masaki , Nasuno Tomoe , Miura Hiroaki , Yanase Wataru
Published: August 2010

The life cycle of Tropical Storm Isobel was simulated reasonably well in the Nonhydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM), a global cloud-system-resolving model. The evolution of the large-scale circulation and the storm-scale structure change was discussed in Part I. Both the mesoscale and system-scale processes in the life cycle of the simulated Isobel are documented in this paper. In the preconditioned favorable environment over the Java Sea, mesoscale convective vortices (model MCVs) developed in the mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and convective towers with cyclonic potential vorticity (PV) anomalies throughout the troposphere [model vortical hot towers (VHTs)] appeared in the model MCVs. Multiple model VHTs strengthened cyclonic PV in the interior of the model MCV and led to the formation of an upright monolithic PV core at the center of the concentric MCV (primary vortex enhancement). As the monolithic PV core with a warm core developed near the circulation center, the intensification and the increase in horizontal size of the cyclonic PV were enhanced through the system-scale intensification (SSI) process (the secondary vortex enhancement), leading to the genesis of Isobel over the Timor Sea. The SSI process can be well explained by the balanced dynamics.

After its genesis, the subsequent evolution of the simulated Isobel was controlled by both the external influence and the internal dynamics. Under the unfavorable environmental conditions, the development of asymmetric structure reduced the axisymmetric diabatic heating in the inner core and the SSI process became ineffective and the storm weakened. Later on, as the eyewall reformed as a result of the axisymmetrization of an inward-propagating outer spiral rainband, the SSI process became effective again, leading to the reintensification of Isobel. Therefore, the large-scale environmental flow provided the precondition for the genesis of Isobel and the triggering mechanism for subsequent storm-scale structure change as discussed in Part I. The system-scale and mesoscale processes, such as the evolution of MCVs and merging VHTs, were responsible for the genesis, while the eyewall processes were critical to the storm intensity change through the SSI process.
Global Prospects and Sources of Economic Growth
Authors: Holland Dawn , Barrell Ray , Fic Tatiana , Hurst Ian , Liadze Iana , Orazgani Ali , Whitworth Rachel
Published: August 2010

Global output declined by 1 per cent in 2009, but the pace of recovery has been relatively rapid, especially in economies outside the OECD. We estimate that the level of global GDP regained its pre-crisis peak in the first quarter of 2010 (see figure A3 in the Appendix). The volume of world trade in goods and services remained some 6 per cent below its pre-crisis peak in the first quarter, but has rebounded by nearly 10 per cent since the trough reached in the second quarter of 2009 (see figure A2 in the Appendix). China remains a vital source of global demand. GDP increased by 11.9 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2010, while imports of goods in US$ terms rose by more than 60 per cent over the same period. India also bears little scarring from the global crisis and the economy expanded rapidly throughout 2009. Other Asian economies, such as Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea, have also recovered rapidly from the global recession, expanding by 6.3, 3.3 and 4.5 per cent, respectively, in the second half of 2009. Outside of Asia, Brazil and Mexico have seen a strong rebound in growth, although the level of output in Mexico remains well below its pre-crisis peak.
Citizenship, care and companionship: Approaching geographies of health and bioscience
Authors: Greenhough Beth
Published: August 2010

Despite a shared interest in engaging critically with biomedicine, there has been little crossover between ‘geographies of bioscience’ and ‘geographies of health’. This paper aims to bridge that gap, using the concept of ontological politics to provide a framework for making connections between geographies of bioscience and geographies of health. Ontological politics can be defined as the conviction that the material or ‘real’ world does not precede our interactions with it and is therefore open to political negotiation. Within social studies of health and bioscience there is a growing body of work that uses ontological politics to gain insight into relations between biomedicine and society and how these are materialized at different sites and scales, ranging from public health interventions to everyday experiences of patient care. This paper takes three of these sites — spaces of biological citizenship, spaces of care, and spaces of cross-species companionship — and explores how they might form shared areas of interest for current research in geographies of health and the biosciences. The paper concludes that ontological politics offers a useful starting point from which to develop research agendas which cross the divide between geographies of health and geographies of bioscience.
The Personal Meaning of Eating Disorder Symptoms
Authors: Fox Andrew P. , Larkin Michael , Leung Newman
Published: August 2010

The current study aimed to explore the personal meaning of eating difficulties. Eight women with a variety of eating issues were interviewed. These conversations were then analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to construct a framework for understanding the personal world of the interviewees. Three overarching themes identified in participants’ accounts of their experiences are reported here: the experience of the eating difficulties as functional; negative effects of having eating difficulties; ambivalence towards the eating difficulties. These themes add to our knowledge of the potential role of personal experiences in the aetiology and maintenance of eating difficulties.