bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future tenseWebmind says hello
Authors: Sawyer Robert J.
Published: May 2009

Future Tense, one of the revolving features on this page, presents stories and essays from the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, their boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what will and could be.

Artificial intelligence doesn't necessarily require a programmer.
Looking backward and forward
Authors: Violino Bob
Published: May 2009

CRA's Computing Community Consortium hosted a day-long symposium to discuss the important computing advances of the last several decades and how to sustain that track record of innovation.
A quasi-polynomial time approximation scheme for minimum weight triangulation
Authors: Remy Jan , Steger Angelika
Published: May 2009

The Minimum Weight Triangulation problem is to find a triangulation
T*
of minimum length for a given set of points
P
in the Euclidean plane. It was one of the few longstanding open problems from the famous list of twelve problems with unknown complexity status, published by Garey and Johnson [1979]. Very recently, the problem was shown to be
NP
-hard by Mulzer and Rote [2006]. In this article, we present a quasi-polynomial time approximation scheme for Minimum Weight Triangulation.
Adding nesting structure to words
Authors: Alur Rajeev , Madhusudan P.
Published: May 2009

We propose the model of
nested words
for representation of data with both a linear ordering and a hierarchically nested matching of items. Examples of data with such dual linear-hierarchical structure include executions of structured programs, annotated linguistic data, and HTML/XML documents. Nested words generalize both words and ordered trees, and allow both word and tree operations. We define
nested word automata
—finite-state acceptors for nested words, and show that the resulting class of regular languages of nested words has all the appealing theoretical properties that the classical regular word languages enjoys: deterministic nested word automata are as expressive as their nondeterministic counterparts; the class is closed under union, intersection, complementation, concatenation, Kleene-*, prefixes, and language homomorphisms; membership, emptiness, language inclusion, and language equivalence are all decidable; and definability in monadic second order logic corresponds exactly to finite-state recognizability. We also consider regular languages of infinite nested words and show that the closure properties, MSO-characterization, and decidability of decision problems carry over.

The linear encodings of nested words give the class of
visibly pushdown languages
of words, and this class lies between balanced languages and deterministic context-free languages. We argue that for algorithmic verification of structured programs, instead of viewing the program as a context-free language over words, one should view it as a regular language of nested words (or equivalently, a visibly pushdown language), and this would allow model checking of many properties (such as stack inspection, pre-post conditions) that are not expressible in existing specification logics.

We also study the relationship between ordered trees and nested words, and the corresponding automata: while the analysis complexity of nested word automata is the same as that of classical tree automata, they combine both bottom-up and top-down traversals, and enjoy expressiveness and succinctness benefits over tree automata.
Improved bounds on the average length of longest common subsequences
Authors: Lueker George S.
Published: May 2009

It has long been known [Chvátal and Sankoff 1975] that the average length of the longest common subsequence of two random strings of length
n
over an alphabet of size
k
is asymptotic to γ

k

n
for some constant γ

k

depending on
k
. The value of these constants remains unknown, and a number of papers have proved upper and lower bounds on them. We discuss techniques, involving numerical calculations with recurrences on many variables, for determining lower and upper bounds on these constants. To our knowledge, the previous best-known lower and upper bounds for γ
2
were those of Dančík and Paterson, approximately 0.773911 and 0.837623 [Dančík 1994; Dančík and Paterson 1995]. We improve these to 0.788071 and 0.826280. This upper bound is less than the γ
2
given by Steele's old conjecture (see Steele [1997, page 3]) that γ
2
= 2/(1 + √2)≈ 0.828427. (As Steele points out, experimental evidence had already suggested that this conjectured value was too high.) Finally, we show that the upper bound technique described here could be used to produce, for any
k
, a sequence of upper bounds converging to γ

k

, though the computation time grows very quickly as better bounds are guaranteed.
Fourier depth of field
Authors: Soler Cyril , Subr Kartic , Durand Frédo , Holzschuch Nicolas , Sillion François
Published: May 2009

Optical systems used in photography and cinema produce depth-of-field effects, that is, variations of focus with depth. These effects are simulated in image synthesis by integrating incoming radiance at each pixel over the lense aperture. Unfortunately, aperture integration is extremely costly for defocused areas where the incoming radiance has high variance, since many samples are then required for a noise-free Monte Carlo integration. On the other hand, using many aperture samples is wasteful in focused areas where the integrand varies little. Similarly, image sampling in defocused areas should be adapted to the very smooth appearance variations due to blurring. This article introduces an analysis of focusing and depth-of-field in the frequency domain, allowing a practical characterization of a light field's frequency content both for image and aperture sampling. Based on this analysis we propose an adaptive depth-of-field rendering algorithm which optimizes sampling in two important ways. First, image sampling is based on conservative bandwidth prediction and a splatting reconstruction technique ensures correct image reconstruction. Second, at each pixel the variance in the radiance over the aperture is estimated and used to govern sampling. This technique is easily integrated in any sampling-based renderer, and vastly improves performance.
Python CS1 as preparation for C++ CS2
Authors: Enbody Richard J. , Punch William F. , McCullen Mark
Published: May 2009

How suitable is a Python-based CS1 course as preparation for a C++-based CS2 course? After fifteen years of using C++ for both CS1 and CS2, the Computer Science Department at Michigan State University changed the CS1 course to Python. This paper examines the impact of that change on the second course in the sequence, CS2, which kept C++ as its primary language. We report results on a CS2 class which had a mixture of students who had used either C++ or Python from our CS1 course. The CS2 class covered the same topics as previously, though with some changes, and even gave the same final exam as a previous offering. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare students from the Python group with students from the non-Python group on three outcomes: final exam grade, programming projects scores, and final grade for the course. The main result was that there were no significant differences between the groups for all three outcomes. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that students' past performance (overall GPA) in the University predicted final grades, final exam scores, and programming project scores for the course, but there was no effect of the programming language feature: Python or non-Python. We feel this shows that the Python-based CS1 course prepared students for the C++-based CS2 course as well as the C++-based CS1 course did---while exposing them to a different, powerful and useful language.
Using peer-led team learning to increase participation and success of under-represented groups in introductory computer science
Authors: Horwitz Susan , Rodger Susan H. , Biggers Maureen , Binkley David , Frantz C. Kolin , Gundermann Dawn , Hambrusch Susanne , Huss-Lederman Steven , Munson Ethan , Ryder Barbara , Sweat Monica
Published: May 2009

This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of a program that uses
active recruiting
and
peer-led team learning
to try to increase the participation and success of women and minority students in undergraduate computer science. These strategies were applied at eight universities starting in the fall of 2004. There have been some impressive results:

We succeeded in attracting under-represented students who would not otherwise have taken a CS course.

Evaluation shows that participation in our program significantly improves retention rates and grades, especially for women.

Students in the program, as well as the students who served as peer leaders, are uniformly enthusiastic about their experience.
A multidisciplinary approach towards computational thinking for science majors
Authors: Hambrusch Susanne , Hoffmann Christoph , Korb John T. , Haugan Mark , Hosking Antony L.
Published: May 2009

This paper describes the development and initial evaluation of a new course ``Introduction to Computational Thinking'' taken by science majors to fulfill a college computing requirement. The course was developed by computer science faculty in collaboration with science faculty and it focuses on the role of computing and computational principles in scientific inquiry. It uses Python and Python libraries to teach computational thinking via basic programming concepts, data management concepts, simulation, and visualization. Problems with a computational aspect are drawn from different scientific disciplines and are complemented with lectures from faculty in those areas. Our initial evaluation indicates that the problem-driven approach focused on scientific discovery and computational principles increases the student's interest in computing.
A CS unplugged design pattern
Authors: Nishida Tomohiro , Kanemune Susumu , Idosaka Yukio , Namiki Mitaro , Bell Tim , Kuno Yasushi
Published: May 2009

"Computer Science (CS) Unplugged" is an educational method for introducing non-specialists to concepts of CS through hands-on activities that don't require the use of a computer. Often the deeper concepts of CS have been considered as being too difficult for elementary and middle school students, and many educators teaching "IT" are not even aware of the richness of the topic. CS Unplugged methods have been used successfully with students of a wide range of ages. In this paper, we analyze the structure of CS Unplugged activities to identify the elements that make them work well. Based on the analysis, we propose a design pattern which will be useful as a guideline for developing new activities, and to revise existing ones. We also describe our experience developing original teaching material, using the pattern as a benchmark for evaluation.
Integrating pedagogical code reviews into a CS 1 course
Authors: Hundhausen Christopher , Agrawal Anukrati , Fairbrother Dana , Trevisan Michael
Published: May 2009

Formal code inspections
are employed by teams of professional software engineers to identify software defects and improve the quality of software. After reviewing a piece of code individually, members of an inspection team come together to log the issues they have found, and to find new ones. Within the scope of a multi-institutional research project to adapt, refine, and evaluate studio-based learning methods in computing education, we are developing an adaptation of the formal code inspection called the
pedagogical code review
for use in lower-division computer science courses. In a pedagogical code review, a group of three to four students, led by a trained moderator, (a) walk through segments of each other's programming assignments, (b) check the code against a list of best coding practices, and (c) discuss and log issues that arise. We implemented pedagogical code inspections in three lab sessions of a CS 1 course. Through an analysis of inspection logs and exit surveys, we compiled evidence that the reviews improved the quality of students' code, stimulated increasingly sophisticated discussions of programming issues and practices, and promoted a sense of community.
Another look at the behaviors of novice programmers
Authors: Fenwick James B. , Norris Cindy , Barry Frank E. , Rountree Josh , Spicer Cole J. , Cheek Scott D.
Published: May 2009

This paper reports on the progress of an NSF funded research project investigating the development practices of students in introductory programming courses. In previous work, we describe our extension of the BlueJ IDE to capture events associated with program development. Here we report on data collected during the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 semesters on CS 1 students. In particular, we show that our data analysis independently confirms the results obtained in separate studies by Jadud [3, 2]. In addition we use our empirical evidence to discern some higher level "patterns" of beginning student programming behaviors including potential cheating and the impact on success of students starting projects late.
Increasing engagement in automata theory with JFLAP
Authors: Rodger Susan H. , Wiebe Eric , Lee Kyung Min , Morgan Chris , Omar Kareem , Su Jonathan
Published: May 2009

We describe the results from a two-year study with fourteen universities on presenting formal languages in a more visual, interactive and applied manner using JFLAP. In our results the majority of students felt that having access to JFLAP made learning course concepts easier, made them feel more engaged in the course and made the course more enjoyable. We also describe changes and additions to JFLAP we have made based on feedback from users. These changes include new algorithms such as a CYK parser and a user-controlled parser, and new resources that include a JFLAP online tutorial, a wiki and a listserv.
LC3uArch
Authors: Brownfield Andrew , Norris Cindy
Published: May 2009

The small instruction set size of the LC-3 as well as its similarities to more powerful instruction sets make it an ideal hypothetical machine for introductory computer science and computer engineering students. Several tools are available for working with this hypothetical machine including simulators, and assemblers for various platforms. We have created an additional tool, LC3uArch, that is useful for debugging LC-3 programs like the existing simulators, but unlike existing simulators also helps student to develop an understanding of the LC-3 microarchitecture. The results of a student survey on the use of LC3uArch indicate our students find LC3uArch a valuable learning tool.
CSbots
Authors: Lauwers Tom , Nourbakhsh Illah , Hamner Emily
Published: May 2009

We present CSbots, an ongoing program to use robots as educational tools in the Introduction to Computer Science CS1) course. We aim to use robotics to improve learning and retention by altering course work so that it is more relevant to students.

In our development process we use an iterative cycle composed of design, pilot, and evaluation steps. We have completed the first of these cycles, the alpha cycle, and describe the robot hardware, software, and curriculum development processes as well as key evaluation results from pilots conducted at two community colleges in Fall 2007. We discuss the implications of these results and our experiences on the in-progress beta design cycle and planned pilots.
Personalizing CS1 with robots
Authors: Summet Jay , Kumar Deepak , O'Hara Keith , Walker Daniel , Ni Lijun , Blank Doug , Balch Tucker
Published: May 2009

We have developed a CS1 curriculum that uses a robotics context to teach introductory programming [1]. Core to our approach is that each student has their own personal robot. Our robot and software have been specifically developed to support the needs of a CS1 curriculum. We frame traditional problems (robot control) in terms that are personal, relevant, and fun. Initial trial classes have shown that our approach is successful and adaptable.
A synthesis course in hardware architecture, compilers, and software engineering
Authors: Schocken Shimon , Nisan Noam , Armoni Michal
Published: May 2009

We describe a synthesis course that provides a hands-on treatment of many hardware and software topics learned in computer science (CS) programs. Using a modular series of twelve projects, we walk the students through the gradual construction of a simple hardware platform and a modern software hierarchy, yielding a basic yet powerful computer system. In the process of building the computer, the students gain a first-hand understanding of how hardware and software systems are designed and how they work together, as one enterprise. The course web site contains all the materials necessary to run this course in open source, and students and instructors are welcome to use and extend them freely. The course projects are modular and self-contained, and any subset of them can be implemented in any order and in any programming language. Therefore, they comprise a flexible library of exercises that can be used in many applied CS courses. This paper gives a description of the approach and the course, juxtaposed against general educational principles underlying meaningful learning.
Enhancing undergraduate education
Authors: Raicu Daniela Stan , Furst Jacob David
Published: May 2009

This paper presents a successful model for undergraduate research where student participants work on interdisciplinary research projects; in our case, at the frontier between computer science and medicine. Students are part of research teams comprised of other undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and medical experts, participate in professional development and training activities within the larger group, and disseminate their results at the host institutions or conferences specific to the interdisciplinary focus. The model outcomes at the end of the first three years (2005-2007) indicate that the interdisciplinary model successfully 1) expanded the student participation in research by recruiting students who might not otherwise have research opportunities, 2) attracted a diversified pool of talented students into science, 3) promoted interdisciplinary undergraduate studies in computer science and medical informatics as well as in future graduate studies; and 4) trained students in all phases of research, including writing and presenting research papers at conferences.
The summer academy for advancing deaf and hard of hearing in computing
Authors: Cavender Anna C. , Ladner Richard E. , Roth Robert I.
Published: May 2009

Deaf and hard of hearing students are an underrepresented group in computing and face extra challenges in university-level computing courses. This paper describes a 9-week Summer Academy for Advancing Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Computing that jump-starts the academic careers of deaf and hard of hearing students and strengthens their interest in computing. Students take introductory computing and animation in a fun, supportive, accessible environment. We report on some of the problems students face and lessons we have learned about helping them overcome those problems. Through the academy, they meet other successful deaf and hard of hearing technology professionals, tour top computing companies, and display their own work to the local deaf and hard of hearing community. Students gain leadership, independent learning skills, and complete the program better prepared for a college major in computing.
An experience report on the design and delivery of two new software design courses
Authors: Baker Alex , van der Hoek André
Published: May 2009

In this paper, we report on our experience in designing and deliv-ering two new software design courses in the Informatics major at UC Irvine. When the major was created in 2004, it explicitly con-tained slots for two software design courses to be created from the ground up. The authors led this effort, focusing one course on the topic of
system design
and one course on the topic of
implementation design
. We discuss the philosophy and pedagogy behind the courses, present key class activities, and reflect on having offered each course twice over the past two years.
A brief survey on anonymization techniques for privacy preserving publishing of social network data
Authors: Zhou Bin , Pei Jian , Luk WoShun
Published: May 2009

Nowadays, partly driven by many Web 2.0 applications, more and more social network data has been made publicly available and analyzed in one way or another. Privacy preserving publishing of social network data becomes a more and more important concern. In this paper, we present a brief yet systematic review of the existing anonymization techniques for privacy preserving publishing of social network data. We identify the new challenges in privacy preserving publishing of social network data comparing to the extensively studied relational case, and examine the possible problem formulation in three important dimensions: privacy, background knowledge, and data utility. We survey the existing anonymization methods for privacy preservation in two categories: clustering-based approaches and graph modification approaches.
Web data mining
Authors: Nasraoui Olfa
Published: May 2009

This paper presents a review of the book "Web Data Mining - Exploring Hyperlinks, Contents, and Usage Data" by Bing Liu. The review concludes that the breadth and depth of this book makes it a required staple for every Web mining researcher, student, or practitioner.
Report on the second KDD workshop on data mining for advertising
Authors: Shen Dou , Surendran Arun C. , Li Ying
Published: May 2009

Following the success of our first workshop, we organized ADKDD 2008 1 - the second International Workshop on Data Mining and Audience Intelligence for Advertising, in conjunction with KDD 2008 at Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. This report is a summary of the workshop, including brief descriptions of the accepted papers.
KDD2008 workshop report DMMT'08
Authors: Ding Chris , Li Tao , Zhu Shenghuo
Published: May 2009

We provide a summary of theWorkshop on Data Mining Using Matrices and Tensors (DMMT'08) held in conjunction with ACM SIGKDD 2008, on August 24th in Las Vegas, USA. About 100 people attended the workshop. We report in detail about the research issues addressed in the talks at the workshop. More information about the workshop can be found at http://www.cs.fiu.edu/~taoli/kdd08-workshop.
MMIS07, 08
Authors: Zhu Xingquan , Jin Ruoming , Breitbart Yuri , Agrawal Gagan
Published: May 2009

In this report, we summarize the research issues, contents, and outcomes of the two recent workshops on Mining Multiple Information Sources (MMIS-07, 08) collocated with the 13th and the 14th ACM SIGKDD International Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD-07 and KDD-08). We first summarize the research issues and topics which in workshop co-chairs' view are the major challenges for mining multiple information sources. Then we briefiy introduce the content of the contributed papers in two years' program, along with the introduction to three keynote talks given by the invited speakers.
Knowledge discovery from sensor data (SensorKDD)
Authors: Vatsavai Ranga Raju , Omitaomu Olufemi A. , Gama Joao , Chawla Nitesh V. , Gaber Mohamed Medhat , Ganguly Auroop R.
Published: May 2009

Extracting knowledge and emerging patterns from sensor data is a nontrivial task. The challenges for the knowledge discovery community are expected to be immense. On one hand, dynamic data streams or events require real-time analysis methodologies and systems, while on the other hand centralized processing through high end computing is also required for generating offline predictive insights, which in turn can facilitate real-time analysis. In addition, emerging societal problems require knowledge discovery solutions that are designed to investigate anomalies, changes, extremes and nonlinear processes, and departures from the normal. Keeping in view the requirements of the emerging field of knowledge discovery from sensor data, we took initiative to develop a community of researchers with common interests and scientific goals, which culminated into the organization of Sensor-KDD series of workshops in conjunction with the prestigious ACM SIGKDD International Conference of Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining. In this report, we summarize the events of the Second ACM-SIGKDD International Workshop on Knowledge Discovery form Sensor Data (Sensor-KDD 2008).
SNAKDD 2008 social network mining and analysis postworkshop report
Authors: Zhang Haizheng , Smith Marc , Giles C. Lee , Yen John , Foley Henry
Published: May 2009

In this report, we summarize the contents and outcomes of the recent SNAKDD 2008 workshop on Social Network Mining and Analysis that was held in conjunction with the 14th ACM SIGKDD International Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD 2008), August 24-27, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The SNAKDD 2008 is the second in a successful series of workshops on social network mining and analysis. It solicited papers on broad overview subject "Social Network Mining and Analysis". The workshop drew a large number of participants from academia and industry. In this report we reflect on the results of the workshop, as captured in the regular paper session as well as the poster session.
The Posttranslational Processing of Prelamin A and Disease
Authors: Davies Brandon S.J. , Fong Loren G. , Yang Shao H. , Coffinier Catherine , Young Stephen G.
Published: May 2009

Human geneticists have shown that some progeroid syndromes are caused by mutations that interfere with the conversion of farnesyl-prelamin A to mature lamin A. For example, Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is caused by LMNA mutations that lead to the accumulation of a farnesylated version of prelamin A. In this review, we discuss the posttranslational modifications of prelamin A and their relevance to the pathogenesis and treatment of progeroid syndromes.
Shape Memory Polymer Research
Authors: Mather Patrick T. , Luo Xiaofan , Rousseau Ingrid A.
Published: May 2009

The past several years have witnessed significant advances in the field of shape memory polymers (SMPs) with the elucidation of new compositions for property tuning, the discovery of new mechanisms for shape fixing and recovery, and the initiation of phenomenological modeling. We critically review research findings on new shape memory polymers along these lines, emphasizing exciting progress in the areas of composites, novel recovery triggering, and new application developments.
Doped Oxides for High-Temperature Luminescence and Lifetime Thermometry
Authors: Chambers M.D. , Clarke D.R.
Published: May 2009

The measurement of high temperatures in oxides and oxide-based structures in practical applications often presents challenges including steep thermal gradients, the presence of flames or chemically aggressive environments, and the transparency or translucency of most oxides. For turbine engines, oxide coatings are of great commercial importance, and the rapid motion of parts prohibits contact thermometry. Luminescence thermometry offers a number of advantages for measuring temperature in such systems and has been the subject of ongoing study for many years. Recent work on rare-earth-doped thermal barrier coatings, environmental barrier coatings, and related oxides has demonstrated the feasibility of luminescence thermometry to temperatures well in excess of 1000°C. The luminescent properties of these materials and the analytical techniques used to extract reproducible temperature measurements from the measured luminescence are reviewed.
Successful Primary Treatment of a Hydatidiform Mole with Methotrexate and EMA/CO
Authors: De Vos M. , Leunen M. , Fontaine C. , De Sutter Ph.
Published: May 2009

Background. The preferred treatment method of most hydatidiform moles is suction aspiration. In rare circumstances uterine abnormalities may preclude surgical treatment.Case. We report a case of complete molar pregnancy successfully treated with methotrexate followed by EMA/CO. A 38-year-old woman with a complete hydatidiform mole and multiple uterine fibroids underwent a failed attempt at suction aspiration. Following treatment with methotrexate, a nonmetastatic persistent trophoblastic tumour developed. Six cycles of EMA/CO led to complete remission.Conclusion. We propose that primary treatment of molar pregnancies with chemotherapy is a useful treatment option in cases where uterine abnormalities interfere with suction aspiration.
Mitoxantrone Therapy for Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy with Cerebral Vasculitis
Authors: Massé Hélène , Guyomard Jean-Laurent , Baudet Dominique , Pinel Jean-François , Edan Gilles , Charlin Jean-François
Published: May 2009

Purpose. To report favorable outcome of a case of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) associated with cerebral vasculitis after treatment with immunosuppressive therapy by mitoxantrone.Design. Single case report.Method. A 22-year-old man presented with acute isolated bilateral loss of vision revealing APMPPE. Corticosteroid therapy was initiated and visual acuity gradually improved. Seventeen days later, visual function deteriorated again, associated with flu-like syndrome and severe headaches. A relapse of APMPPE was diagnosed, complicated with lymphocytic meningitis and cerebral ischemia. Intravenous therapy with mitoxantrone was performed in combination with methylprednisolone.Results. Headaches disappeared in a few days whereas visual acuity gradually improved and stabilized at 20/40 in the right eye and 20/32 in the left eye. No adverse event was observed. Clinical improvement was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging.Conclusion. Cerebral vasculitis is the most severe complication of the extraocular manifestations of APMPEE. This diagnosis should be evoked when severe headaches or behavior disorder are associated with APMPEE.
Analytical and Experimental Study Using Output‐Only Modal Testing for On‐Orbit Satellite Appendages
Authors: Alam Mashiul , Sedaghati Ramin , Soucy Yvan , Bhat Rama B.
Published: May 2009

Output‐only modal testing is an effective technique to identify the modal parameters of structural systems under ambient or operational conditions and has potential applications in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. It may effectively be used for model validation, model updating, quality control, and health monitoring through the determination of modal characteristics of the structures. This approach to modal testing has great potential for ground and on‐orbit modal testing of space hardware, especially for flexible structures such as membrane payloads where the operating and ambient excitations, such as firing of AC thrusters and ambient thermal shock, are difficult or impossible to measure. The main objective of this work is to conduct analytical and experimental study on output‐only modal testing and to demonstrate its potential application to effectively extract modal parameters of an on‐orbit satellite appendage.
Hypertension Telemanagement in Blacks
Authors: Finkelstein Joseph , Cha Eunme
Published: May 2009

We propose evaluation of a multi-component home automated telemanagement system providing integrated support to both clinicians and patients in implementing hypertension treatment guidelines. In a randomized clinical study, 550 blacks with hypertension are followed for 18 months. The major components of the intervention and control groups are identical and are based on the current standard of care. For the purpose of this study, we define “standard of care” as the expected evidence-based care provided according to the current hypertension treatment guidelines. Although intervention and control groups are similar in terms of their care components, they differ in the mode of care delivery. For the control group the best attempt is made to deliver all components of a guideline-concordant care in a routine clinical environment whereas for the intervention group the routine clinical environment is enhanced with health information technology that assists clinicians and patients in working together in implementing treatment guidelines. The home automated telemanagement system guides patients in following their individualized treatment plans and helps care coordination team in monitoring the patient progress. The study design is aimed at addressing the main question of this trial: whether the addition of the information technology–enhanced care coordination in the routine primary care setting can improve delivery of evidence-based hypertension care in blacks. The outcome parameters include quality of life, medical care use, treatment compliance, psychosocial variables, and improvement in blood pressure control rates. The trial will provide insight on the potential impact of information technology–enhanced care coordination in blacks with poorly controlled hypertension.
Plasma Parathyroid Hormone and the Risk of Cardiovascular Mortality in the Community
Authors: Hagström Emil , Hellman Per , Larsson Tobias E. , Ingelsson Erik , Berglund Lars , Sundström Johan , Melhus Håkan , Held Claes , Lind Lars , Michaëlsson Karl , Ärnlöv Johan
Published: May 2009

Background—

Diseases with elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) such as primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism are associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and death. However, data on the prospective association between circulating PTH levels and cardiovascular mortality in the community are lacking.

Methods and Results—

The Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM), a community-based cohort of elderly men (mean age, 71 years; n=958), was used to investigate the association between plasma PTH and cardiovascular mortality. During follow-up (median, 9.7 years), 117 participants died of cardiovascular causes. In Cox proportional-hazards models adjusted for established cardiovascular risk factors (age, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, antihypertensive treatment, lipid-lowering treatment, and history of cardiovascular disease), higher plasma PTH was associated with higher risk for cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio for 1-SD increase in PTH, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.18 to 1.60;
P
<0.001). This association remained essentially unaltered in participants without previous cardiovascular disease and in participants with normal PTH (<6.8 pmol/L) with no other signs of a disturbed mineral metabolism (normal serum calcium, 2.2 to 2.6 mmol/L; normal glomerular filtration rate, >50 mL · min
−1
· 1.73 m
−2
and without vitamin D deficiency, plasma 25-OH vitamin D >37.5 nmol/L). Interestingly, elevated plasma PTH (>5.27 pmol/L) accounted for 20% (95% confidence interval, 10 to 26) of the population-attributable risk proportion for cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions—

Plasma PTH levels predict cardiovascular mortality in the community, even in individuals with PTH within the normal range. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical implications of measuring PTH in cardiovascular risk prediction and to elucidate whether PTH is a modifiable risk factor.
Microparticles From Ischemic Muscle Promotes Postnatal Vasculogenesis
Authors: Leroyer Aurelie S. , Ebrahimian Téni G. , Cochain Clément , Récalde Alice , Blanc-Brude Olivier , Mees Barend , Vilar José , Tedgui Alain , Levy Bernard I. , Chimini Giovanna , Boulanger Chantal M. , Silvestre Jean-Sébastien
Published: May 2009

Background—

We hypothesized that microparticles (MPs) released after ischemia are endogenous signals leading to postischemic vasculogenesis.

Methods and Results—

MPs from mice ischemic hind-limb muscle were detected by electron microscopy 48 hours after unilateral femoral artery ligation as vesicles of 0.1- to 1-μm diameter. After isolation by sequential centrifugation, flow cytometry analyses showed that the annexin V
+
MP concentration was 3.5-fold higher in ischemic calves than control muscles (1392±406 versus 394±180 annexin V
+
MPs per 1 mg;
P
<0.001) and came mainly from endothelial cells (71% of MPs are CD
144+
). MPs isolated from ischemic muscles induced more potent in vitro bone marrow–mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) differentiation into cells with endothelial phenotype than those isolated from control muscles. MPs isolated from atherosclerotic plaques were ineffective, whereas those isolated from apoptotic or interleukin-1β–activated endothelial cells also promoted BM-MNC differentiation. Interestingly, MPs from ischemic muscles produced more reactive oxygen species and expressed significantly higher levels of NADPH oxidase p47 (6-fold;
P
<0.05) and p67 subunits (16-fold;
P
<0.001) than controls, whereas gp91 subunit expression was unchanged. BM-MNC differentiation was reduced by 2-fold with MPs isolated from gp91-deficient animals compared with wild-type mice (
P
<0.05). MP effects on postischemic revascularization were then examined in an ischemic hind-limb model. MPs isolated from ischemic muscles were injected into ischemic legs in parallel with venous injection of BM-MNCs. MPs increased the proangiogenic effect of BM-MNC transplantation, and this effect was blunted by gp91 deficiency. In parallel, BM-MNC proangiogenic potential also was reduced in ABCA1 knockout mice with impaired vesiculation.

Conclusion—

MPs produced during tissue ischemia stimulate progenitor cell differentiation and subsequently promote postnatal neovascularization.
Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, and Cognitive Function Among Women With or at Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Kang Jae Hee , Cook Nancy R. , Manson JoAnn E. , Buring Julie E. , Albert Christine M. , Grodstein Francine
Published: May 2009

Background—

Cardiovascular factors are associated with cognitive decline. Antioxidants may be beneficial.

Methods and Results—

The Women’s Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study was a trial of vitamin E (402 mg every other day), beta carotene (50 mg every other day), and vitamin C (500 mg daily) for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. From 1995 to 1996, women ≥40 years of age with cardiovascular disease or ≥3 coronary risk factors were randomized. From 1998 to 1999, a cognitive function substudy was initiated among 2824 participants ≥65 years of age. With 5 cognitive tests, cognition was assessed by telephone 4 times over 5.4 years. The primary outcome was a global composite score averaging all scores; repeated-measures analyses were used to examine cognitive change over time. Vitamin E supplementation and beta carotene supplementation were not associated with slower rates of cognitive change (mean difference in change for vitamin E versus placebo, −0.01; 95% confidence interval, −0.05 to 0.04;
P
=0.78; for beta carotene, 0.03; 95% confidence interval, −0.02 to 0.07;
P
=0.28). Although vitamin C supplementation was associated with better performance at the last assessment (mean difference, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.20;
P
=0.0005), it was not associated with cognitive change over time (mean difference in change, 0.02; 95% confidence interval, −0.03 to 0.07;
P
=0.39). Vitamin C was more protective against cognitive change among those with new cardiovascular events during the trial (
P
for interaction=0.009).

Conclusions—

Antioxidant supplementation did not slow cognitive change among women with preexisting cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk factors. A possible late effect of vitamin C or beta carotene among those with low dietary intake on cognition warrants further study.
Initial Results of Posterior Leaflet Extension for Severe Type IIIb Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: de Varennes Benoit , Chaturvedi Rakesh , Sidhu Surita , Côté Annie V. , Shan William Li Pi , Goyer Caroline , Hatzakorzian Roupen , Buithieu Jean , Sniderman Allan
Published: May 2009

Background—

Management of severe ischemic mitral regurgitation remains difficult with disappointing early and intermediate-term surgical results of valve repair.

Methods and Results—

Forty-four patients with severe (4+) Carpentier type IIIb ischemic mitral regurgitation underwent mitral valve repair, with or without surgical revascularization, by posterior leaflet extension with a patch of bovine pericardium and a remodeling annuloplasty. Serial echocardiography was performed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively to assess mitral valve competence. The postoperative functional status of patients was assessed. The average Parsonnet score was 38±13. Thirty-day mortality was 11%, and late mortality was 14%. Mean follow-up was 38 months. The actuarial freedom from moderate or severe recurrent mitral regurgitation was 90% at 2 years, whereas 90% of patients were in New York Heart Association class I at 2 years.

Conclusion—

Posterior leaflet extension with annuloplasty of the mitral valve for severe type IIIb ischemic regurgitation is a safe, effective method that provides good early and intermediate-term competence of the mitral valve and therefore good functional status.
Advocacy Groups and Multi-Stakeholder Negotiations
Authors: Bisht Medha
Published: May 2009

The article attempts to highlight the role of non-governmental organizations1 in international negotiations. It studies the role and place of non-state actors through the concept of multistakeholder negotiations and focuses on the processes employed by non-governmental actors to influence negotiation outcomes. Pointing towards the changing frameworks of diplomatic practice, the article argues that domestic-level mobilization is an important factor in engendering political will among state actors. An illustrative case study of World Commission on Dams is presented, which links theoretical debates and empirical observations. While attempting to delineate linkages between international relations theory and diplomatic practice, the role of leadership by non-governmental organizations is highlighted as a key strategy for influencing the perception of state actors. Framing political communication and ripeness have been pre sented as key constituents of the leadership strategy. The article is informed through interviews, which includes negotiators, policy-makers, activists and heads of international humanitarian organizations.
Lived experiences
Authors: Grover Shalini
Published: May 2009

In the popular discourse, ‘arranged marriage’ and ‘love marriage’ are assumed to be radically opposed forms of conjugal union, associated with equally polarised responses from the natal kin—approval and encouragement for the former and the opposite for the latter. This article critically examines the lived experiences of ‘arranged marriages’ and ‘love marriages’ among working–class women in Delhi in order to show how, in practice, conjugal relations, in both instances, elicit complex and heterogeneous responses from natal kin. The article highlights the role of emotional, material and practical support provided by the primary natal kin to their married daughters in shaping women's relationship with their husbands and affines. Using ethnographic methods to study the dynamics of married couples’ everyday marital conflicts in slums and low–income resettlement colonies in Delhi, this research makes a case for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of contemporary natal kin support structures, mother–daughter bonds and spousal intimacy in urban north India.
The political economy of bonded labour in the Pakistani Punjab
Authors: Martin Nicolas
Published: May 2009

This article examines economic and social relations in order to understand political assertion and mobilisation among rural bonded labourers in the Pakistan Punjab. Bonded labour, characterised by economic and extra–economic forms of compulsion together with vertical ties of patronage, remains widespread in the region. I propose that the perpetuation of these relations is largely explained by the capture of state institutions by a traditional landlord elite and its monopoly over the means of coercion coupled with a highly seasonal demand for labour. I examine how employment and indebtedness combine to restrict workers’ physical and economic mobility. I argue that labourers have not been able to unite politically as a class and challenge their employers because years of authoritarian rule in Pakistan have entrenched a highly factional style of politics dominated by the landed elites. My article contributes to the literature on agrarian change, class formation and the state in south Asia.
Categories of relatedness
Authors: Hardenberg Roland
Published: May 2009

The distinction between supposedly static and formal ‘old’ approaches to the study of kinship and Janet Carsten's ‘new’ study of ‘relatedness’ is examined. Her shift towards a broader understanding of ‘kinship’ has the positive effect of elucidating a number of ‘tropes’ for the construction of such relatedness. However, her simultaneous deconstruction of all classic conceptions of kinship neglects central dimensions of social life such as relationship terminologies and marriage rules. In discussing forms of relatedness among the Dongria Kond, a so-called Scheduled Tribe inhabiting the highlands of Orissa (India), I argue that studies of the emotional and practical aspects of kinship should not supersede the formal aspects of rules and classification but rather complement them. In the ethnographic context, all dimensions and expressions of relatedness merit anthropological inquiry. By combining classic approaches and the study of cultural ideas concerning ‘kinship’ the multiple dimen-sions of relatedness—as encountered in the field—may be conceptionalised.
Brahmins in the modern world
Authors: T.S Ramesh Bairy
Published: May 2009

This article discusses Brahmin ‘caste’ associations in Karnataka. Extant scholarly litera-ture on the theme has inadequately addressed the conceptual questions of how caste asso-ciations are structured and configured, whether they play out differently across different levels, the contexts of caste mobilisation, etc. This article attempts to address these questions, albeit based on the specific case of the Brahmins of Karnataka. It addresses three issues. One, it suggests that caste associations force the Brahmin self to confront the non-Brahmin challenge most directly. Two, it argues that the differences between Brahmin jati-specific associations and all-Brahmin associations tell us something interesting about the nature of caste association itself. Finally, it proposes that we approach caste association as an enunciatory space, whose primary task is to publicly speak as, and on behalf of, a modern caste self.
Influence of venous reservoir level on microbubbles in cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Nielsen PF , Funder JA , Jensen MØ , Nygaard H
Published: May 2009

Patients undergoing open-heart surgery may, post-operatively, suffer from neurological disorders due to microbubbles created during extracorporeal circulation. Venous air is not completely removed in open hard-shell venous reservoirs. We, therefore, investigated the relationship between venous reservoir blood level and the amount of microbubbles in different commercially available reservoirs for comparison and determination of safe level. An in vitro flow loop with a heart-lung machine was used to compare three different reservoirs (Maquet, Sorin and Medtronic) at different levels. Microbubbles were measured after the reservoir and after the arterial filter with a GAMPT BCC200 detector. Microbubble count and volume were significantly higher with decreasing reservoir level ( p = 0.014), but not as much as earlier studies have shown. Reducing the level from 1000 ml to 250 ml resulted in a 12.4% increase in bubble volume after the reservoir and 40.2% after the arterial filter. There was an almost linear trend towards more bubble volume with decreasing reservoir level (R2 = 0.98-0.83). There was a significant difference in microbubbles between the 3 tested reservoirs, up to 32.6%, p < 0.001 measured after the reservoir. Bubble volume from the Sorin reservoir was markedly lower after the arterial filter than from the Medtronic and Maquet reservoirs (up to 60 times p < 0.001). A lower reservoir level results in a moderate rise in microbubbles passing the reservoir. The minimum levels recommended by the manufacturers are safe. There was a significant difference in bubbles between the different reservoirs, especially after the arterial filter.