bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ATTRACTOR–REPELLER PAIR, MORSE DECOMPOSITION AND LYAPUNOV FUNCTION FOR RANDOM DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: LIU ZHENXIN , JI SHUGUAN , SU MENGLONG
Published: October 2008

In the stability theory of dynamical systems, Lyapunov functions play a fundamental role. In this paper, we study the attractor–repeller pair decomposition and Morse decomposition for compact metric space in the random setting. In contrast to [7,17], by introducing slightly stronger definitions of random attractor and repeller, we characterize attractor–repeller pair decompositions and Morse decompositions for random dynamical systems through the existence of Lyapunov functions. These characterizations, we think, deserve to be known widely.
MAKING OBJECT LEARNING AND RECOGNITION AN ACTIVE PROCESS
Authors: UDE ALEŠ , OMRČEN DAMIR , CHENG GORDON
Published: October 2008

The exploration and learning of new objects is an essential capability of a cognitive robot. In this paper we focus on making use of the robot's manipulation abilities to learn complete object representations suitable for 3D object recognition. Taking control of the object allows the robot to focus on relevant parts of the images, thus bypassing potential pitfalls of purely bottom-up attention and segmentation. The main contribution of the paper consists in integrated visuomotor processes that allow the robot to learn object representations by manipulation without having any prior knowledge about the objects. Our experimental results show that the acquired data is of sufficient quality to train a classifier that can recognize 3D objects independently of the viewpoint.
IMITATION LEARNING OF DUAL-ARM MANIPULATION TASKS IN HUMANOID ROBOTS
Authors: ASFOUR T. , AZAD P. , GYARFAS F. , DILLMANN R.
Published: October 2008

In this paper, we present an approach to imitation learning of arm movements in humanoid robots. Continuous hidden Markov models (HMMs) are used to generalize movements demonstrated to a robot multiple times. Characteristic features of the perceived movement, so-called key points, are detected in a preprocessing stage and used to train the HMMs. For the reproduction of a perceived movement, key points that are common to all (or almost all) demonstrations, so-called common key points, are used. These common key points are determined by comparing the HMM state sequences and selecting only those states that appear in every sequence. We also show how the HMM can be used to detect temporal dependencies between the two arms in dual-arm tasks. Experiments reported in this paper have been performed using a kinematics model of the human upper body to simulate the reproduction of arm movements and the generation of natural-looking joint configurations from perceived hand paths. Results are presented and discussed.
TOWARD A VISUAL COGNITIVE SYSTEM USING ACTIVE TOP-DOWN SACCADIC CONTROL
Authors: LACROIX JOYCA , POSTMA ERIC , VAN DEN HERIK JAAP , MURRE JAAP
Published: October 2008

The saccadic selection of relevant visual input for preferential processing allows the efficient use of computational resources. Based on saccadic active human vision, we aim to develop a plausible saccade-based visual cognitive system for a humanoid robot. This paper presents two initial steps toward our objective by extending the saccade-based model of human memory called NIM1 to a plausible model of natural visual classification. NIM builds feature-vector representations from selected local image samples and uses these to make memory-based decisions. As a first step, we adapt NIM to a straightforward saccade-based model for the classification of natural visual input called NIM-CLASS and evaluate the model in a face-classification experiment. As a second step, we aim to approach the interactive nature of human vision by extending NIM-CLASS to NIM-CLASSTD by adding active top-down saccadic control. We then assess to what extent top-down control enhances classification performance. The results show that the incorporation of top-down saccadic control benefits classification performance compared to the purely bottom-up control, reducing the amount of visual input required for correct classification. We conclude that NIM-CLASSTD may provide a fruitful basis for an active visual cognitive system in a humanoid robot that enables efficient visual processing.
A tribute to Jim Gray
Authors: Stonebraker Michael , DeWitt David J.
Published: October 2008

We knew him as both scholar and friend.
TIMELINESAn exciting interface foray into early digital music
Authors: Pew Richard W.
Published: October 2008

This is Richard Pew's second Timelines contribution. He describes twists and turns in designing a groundbreaking digital synthesizer---inspired by Stevie Wonder and built by Ray Kurzweil. Kurzweil is the inventor also known for pioneering work in optical character recognition (OCR), speech technologies, and predictions that we are bearing down on a technological singularity. Pew was program chair for the first official CHI Conference in 1983 and participated on three panels at CHI'86. He has been president of the Human Factors Society and was the first chair of the National Research Council Committee on Human Factors.---Jonathan Grudin
Learning about the world through long-term query logs
Authors: Richardson Matthew
Published: October 2008

In this article, we demonstrate the value of long-term query logs. Most work on query logs to date considers only short-term (within-session) query information. In contrast, we show that long-term query logs can be used to learn about the world we live in. There are many applications of this that lead not only to improving the search engine for its users, but also potentially to advances in other disciplines such as medicine, sociology, economics, and more. In this article, we will show how long-term query logs can be used for these purposes, and that their potential is severely reduced if the logs are limited to short time horizons. We show that query effects are long-lasting, provide valuable information, and might be used to automatically make medical discoveries, build concept hierarchies, and generally learn about the sociological behavior of users. We believe these applications are only the beginning of what can be done with the information contained in long-term query logs, and see this work as a step toward unlocking their potential.
Beautiful Code Exists, if You Know Where to Look
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: October 2008

I’ve been reading your rants for a while now and I can’t help asking, is there any code you do like? You always seem so negative; I really wonder if you actually believe the world of programming is such an ugly place or if there is, somewhere, some happy place that you go to but never tell your readers about.
Software Transactional Memory: Why Is It Only a Research Toy?
Authors: Cascaval Calin , Blundell Colin , Michael Maged , Cain Harold W. , Wu Peng , Chiras Stefanie , Chatterjee Siddhartha
Published: October 2008

TM (transactional memory) is a concurrency control paradigm that provides atomic and isolated execution for regions of code. TM is considered by many researchers to be one of the most promising solutions to address the problem of programming multicore processors. Its most appealing feature is that most programmers only need to reason locally about shared data accesses, mark the code region to be executed transactionally, and let the underlying system ensure the correct concurrent execution. This model promises to provide the scalability of fine-grain locking, while avoiding common pitfalls of lock composition such as deadlock. In this article we explore the performance of a highly optimized STM and observe that the overall performance of TM is significantly worse at low levels of parallelism, which is likely to limit the adoption of this programming paradigm.
The Ada paradox(es)
Authors: Rosen Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2008

Ada was designed as a tool tailored for industrial software engineering. When we compare the initial requirements with the current language, the match is excellent. However, Ada did not gain the popularity that was expected by its designers - without any technical reason for this. This talk explores this paradox, and many others related to the gap between the goals of the language and its actual use.
A buffer container class hierarchy using Ada 2005
Authors: Moore Brad J.
Published: October 2008

This paper describes the design of a set of multi-purpose containers that implement a buffer abstraction. These buffers feature a multi-layered approach where specialized higher level abstractions can statically select their low level implementation. The lower level implementations include bounded, unbounded, and persistent buffer types, whereas higher level abstractions provide support for various synchronization needs, streaming capabilities, and remote usage capabilities. The design and implementation incorporates some of the new Ada 2005 features including interfaces (limited, protected, and task), object prefix notation, extended returns, and new uses for anonymous access types. In addition, the design utilizes remote interface capabilities, which is the subject of an Ada 2005 AI work item for WG9, the ISO Working group responsible for maintaining the Ada language standard.
GNAT BoF
Authors: Gicca Greg , Brosgol Ben
Published: October 2008

This BoF will discuss future directions for the GNAT technology, including both the GAP and Pro versions. We at AdaCore will give some of our thoughts on interesting future possibilities, but mostly we would like to hear from the user community, so we see this session as an open discussion of interesting ideas for the future. This is a chance for you to say what you want -- for example, some additional libraries or bindings -- and have your ideas discussed!
Molecular Pathogenesis of Cutaneous Melanocytic Neoplasms
Authors: Ibrahim Nageatte , Haluska Frank G.
Published: October 2008

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer without an effective treatment. An understanding of the genetic basis of melanoma has recently shed light on some of the mechanisms of melanomagenesis. This review explores the major genes involved in familial and sporadic cutaneous melanoma with an emphasis on CDKN2A, CDK4, MC1R, and MAPK pathway targets (e.g., RAS and BRAF), apoptosis regulators (e.g., BCL-2, AKT, and APAF-1), and the tumor-suppressor genes TP53 and PTEN. New directions for therapeutics based on our current knowledge of the genes implicated in melanoma are also discussed.
Scavenging superoxide selectively in mouse forebrain is associated with improved cardiac function and survival following myocardial infarction
Authors: Lindley Timothy E. , Infanger David W. , Rishniw Mark , Zhou Yi , Doobay Marc F. , Sharma Ram V. , Davisson Robin L.
Published: October 2008

Dysregulation in central nervous system (CNS) signaling that results in chronic sympathetic hyperactivity is now recognized to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF) following myocardial infarction (MI). We recently demonstrated that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase (Ad-Cu/ZnSOD) to forebrain circumventricular organs, unique sensory structures that lack a blood-brain barrier and link peripheral blood-borne signals to central nervous system cardiovascular circuits, inhibits both the MI-induced activation of these central signaling pathways and the accompanying sympathoexcitation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this forebrain-targeted reduction in oxidative stress translates into amelioration of the post-MI decline in myocardial function and increase in mortality. Adult C57BL/6 mice underwent left coronary artery ligation or sham surgery along with forebrain-targeted gene transfer of Ad-Cu/ZnSOD or a control vector. The results demonstrate marked MI-induced increases in superoxide radical formation in one of these forebrain regions, the subfornical organ (SFO). Ad-Cu/ZnSOD targeted to this region abolished the increased superoxide levels and led to significantly improved myocardial function compared with control vector-treated mice. This was accompanied by diminished levels of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the Ad-Cu/ZnSOD but not the control vector-treated group. These effects of superoxide scavenging with Ad-Cu/ZnSOD in the forebrain paralleled increased post-MI survival rates compared with controls. This suggests that oxidative stress in the SFO plays a critical role in the deterioration of cardiac function following MI and underscores the promise of CNS-targeted antioxidant therapy for the treatment of MI-induced HF.
Developmental Sensitivity of Hippocampal Interneurons to Ethanol: Involvement of the Hyperpolarization-Activated Current, Ih
Authors: Yan Haidun , Li Qiang , Fleming Rebekah , Madison Roger D. , Wilson Wilkie A. , Swartzwelder H. Scott
Published: October 2008

Ethanol (EtOH) has powerful effects on GABAA receptor-mediated neurotransmission, and we have previously shown that EtOH-induced enhancement of GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in the hippocampus is developmentally regulated. Because synaptic inhibition is determined in part by the firing properties of interneurons, we have investigated the mechanisms whereby EtOH influences the spontaneous firing characteristics and hyperpolarization-activated cation current ( Ih) of hippocampal interneurons located in the near to the border of stratum lacunosum moleculare and s. radiatum of adolescent and adult rats. EtOH did not affect current injection-induced action potentials of interneurons that do not exhibit spontaneous firing. However, in neurons that fire spontaneously, EtOH enhanced the frequency of spontaneous action potentials (sAPs) in a concentration-dependent manner, an effect that was more pronounced in interneurons from adolescent rats, compared with adult rats. EtOH also modulated the afterhyperpolarization (AHP) that follows sAPs by shortening the τslow decay time constant, and this effect was more pronounced in slices from adolescent rats. EtOH increased Ih amplitudes, accelerated Ih activation kinetics, and increased the maximal Ih conductance in interneurons from animals in both age groups. These effects were also more pronounced in interneurons from adolescents and persisted in the presence of glutamatergic and GABAergic blockers. However, EtOH failed to affect sAP firing in the presence of ZD7288 or cesium chloride. These results suggest that Ih may be of mechanistic significance in the effect of EtOH on interneuron spontaneous firing.
More than Anticipated – Production of Antibiotics and Other Secondary Metabolites by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42
Authors: Chen Xiao-Hua , Koumoutsi Alexandra , Scholz Romy , Borriss Rainer
Published: October 2008

The genome of environmental Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 harbors numerous gene clusters involved in synthesis of antifungal and antibacterial acting secondary metabolites. Five gene clusters, srf, bmy, fen, nrs, dhb, covering altogether 137 kb, direct non-ribosomal synthesis of the cyclic lipopeptides surfactin, bacillomycin, fengycin, an unknown peptide, and the iron siderophore bacillibactin. Bacillomycin and fengycin were shown to act against phytopathogenic fungi in a synergistic manner. Three gene clusters, mln, bae, and dif, with a total length of 199 kb were shown to direct synthesis of the antibacterial acting polyketides macrolactin, bacillaene, and difficidin. Both, non-ribosomal synthesis of cyclic lipopeptides and synthesis of polyketides are dependent on the presence of a functional sfp gene product, 4′-phosphopantetheinyl transferase, as evidenced by knockout mutation of the sfp gene resulting in complete absence of all those eight compounds. In addition, here we present evidence that a gene cluster encoding enzymes involved in synthesis and export of the antibacterial acting dipeptide bacilysin is also functional in FZB42. In summary, environmental FZB42 devoted about 340 kb, corresponding to 8.5% of its total genetic capacity, to synthesis of secondary metabolites useful to cope with other competing microorganisms present in the plant rhizosphere.
Current Technology in Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Terris David J. , Stack, Jr. Brendan C.
Published: October 2008

Background/Aims: After nearly 100 years of inertia in the field of thyroid surgery, the last 5 years have seen substantial changes in how patients with thyroid disease are approached surgically. Much of this evolution has been technologically driven, particularly as a result of advances in high-resolution endoscopy and ultrasonic technology, intraoperative image guidance, and cranial nerve monitoring. Methods: State-of-the-art review. Results: Three emerging technologies that are gradually becoming embraced by thyroid surgeons are reviewed in detail. Conclusion: Modern endocrine-head and neck surgeons bear an obligation to cautiously consider value-adding technologies when a benefit to their patients is apparent.
Advantages of a Video-Assisted Approach to Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Lombardi Celestino Pio , Raffaelli Marco , Traini Emanuela , De Crea Carmela , Corsello Salvatore Maria , Sollazzi Liliana , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Bellantone Rocco
Published: October 2008

In recent years the advances in preoperative localization studies, the availability of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) assay and the introduction of cervicoscopy revolutionized the surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Several endoscopic and video-assisted techniques for parathyroidectomy have been described. In spite of the enthusiasm manifested by some authors, the role of these techniques with respect to the time-honored conventional surgery have been largely debated. Among them, video-assisted parathyroidectomy (VAP) has emerged as one of the leading and more diffuse techniques. To date many large and comparative studies have shown that VAP is an efficacious and feasible procedure with the same complication rate as conventional surgery. Moreover, VAP seems to have significant advantages in terms of cosmetic results, postoperative pain, recovery, and patient satisfaction. When compared with other minimally invasive techniques, it offers the significant advantages of being more similar to conventional surgery and reproducible in different surgical settings. Moreover, it permits bilateral neck exploration, associated thyroid resections and can be performed under locoregional anesthesia. All these characteristics and the excellent results obtained render VAP a valid and well-validated, and even preferable, alternative to conventional surgery for the surgical treatment of sporadic PHPT, especially in case of suspected single adenoma.
Surgery for Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Shindo Maisie
Published: October 2008

Surgical treatment of hyperthyroidism requires an understanding of the pathophysiology of thyrotoxicosis and of differentiating hyperthyroidism from non-hyperthyroid causes of thyrotoxicosis. The surgeon must determine or confirm the etiology of the patient’s hyperthyroidism for surgical planning and ensure that surgery is indicated. Furthermore, preoperative preparation with appropriate medication is essential for minimizing intraoperative and postoperative complications. This chapter outlines the differential diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, preoperative evaluation and preparation for surgery.
The Role of Intraoperative Measurement of Parathyroid Hormone in Parathyroid Surgery
Authors: Pellitteri Phillip K.
Published: October 2008

Technological developments have significantly contributed to the rapid evolution of the surgical management of parathyroid disorders. The ability to physiologically determine the intraoperative status of the patient is now possible through the assessment of changing levels of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) during surgery. In most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, this method provides biochemical confirmation of hyperfunctional gland removal, and is predictive of a eucalcemic state and surgical cure. Patients with renal-induced disease (excluding tertiary hyperparathyroidism) do not follow the same kinetic decline in PTH and are therefore less likely to benefit from this modality. An emerging population of patients with primary disease and lower baseline levels of intact PTH appear to demonstrate a greater likelihood of manifesting multiple gland disease and do not follow a consistently predictable kinetic degradation profile. Although this category of patients will require further investigation, potentially resulting in modification of the utility of intraoperative determination of PTH levels, it is clear that this modality represents a very powerful technique which has significantly enhanced the surgical treatment of parathyroid disease.
Ipsilateral Lung Volumes Assessed by Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography in Fetuses with Isolated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Ruano Rodrigo , Aubry Marie-Cécile , Barthe Bruno , Dumez Yves , Zugaib Marcelo , Benachi Alexandra
Published: October 2008

Objective: To evaluate the precision of three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) in estimating the ipsilateral lung volume and the potential of this measurement to predict neonatal death in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods: Between January 2002 and December 2004, the ipsilateral lung volumes were assessed by 3DUS using the technique of rotation of the multiplan imaging in 39 fetuses with CDH. The observed/expected ipsilateral lung volume ratios (o/e-IpsiFLVR) were compared to the lung/head ratios (LHR) and to the observed/expected total fetal lung volume ratios (o/e-TotFLVR) as well as to postnatal death. Results: Ipsilateral lung volumes (median 0.12, range 0.01–0.66) were more reduced than the total lung volumes (median 0.52, range 0.11–0.95, p < 0.001) in CDH. The bias and precision of 3DUS in estimating ipsilateral lung volumes were –0.61 and 0.99 cm3, respectively, with absolute limits of agreement from –2.56 to +1.33 cm3. The o/e-IpsiFLVR was lower in neonatal death cases (median 0.09, range 0.01–0.46) than in survivals (median 0.18, range 0.01–0.66), but this difference was not statistically significance (p > 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, (positive and negative) predictive values and accuracy of o/e-IpsiFLVR in predicting neonatal death was 52.6% (10/19), 83.3% (10/12), 83.3% (10/12), 52.6% (10/19) and 64.5% (20/31), respectively. Conclusion: Although the ipsilateral lung volume can be measured by 3DUS, it cannot be used to predict neonatal death when considering it alone. However, it is important to measure it to calculate the total fetal lung volumes as the o/e-TotFLVR has the best efficacy in predicting neonatal death in isolated CDH.
Protein Restriction during Pregnancy Induces Hypertension and Impairs Endothelium-Dependent Vascular Function in Adult Female Offspring
Authors: Sathishkumar Kunju , Elkins Rebekah , Yallampalli Uma , Yallampalli Chandra
Published: October 2008

Intrauterine undernutrition plays a role in the development of adult hypertension. Most studies are done in male offspring to delineate the mechanisms whereby blood pressure may be raised; however, the vascular mechanisms involved in female offspring are unclear. Female offspring of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats fed either a control (C; 18%) or a low-protein (LP; 6%) diet during pregnancy were used. Birth weight and later growth were markedly lower in LP than in C offspring. LP offspring exhibited impaired estrous cyclicity with increased mean arterial pressure. Hypotensive response to acetylcholine (ACh) and the hypertensive response to phenylephrine (PE) were greater in LP than in C rats. N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced greater hypertensive responses in C than in LP rats. Endothelium-intact mesenteric arteries from LP offspring exhibited increased contractile responses to PE and reduced vasodilation in response to ACh. In endothelium-denuded arteries, relaxation responses to sodium nitroprusside were similar in both groups. Basal and ACh-induced increase in vascular nitrite/nitrate production was lower in LP than in C offspring. L-NAME or 1H-1,2,4-oxadiazolo-4,3-quinoxalin-1-one inhibited ACh relaxations and enhanced PE contractions in C offspring, but had minimal effect in LP rats. The decreasedNO-mediated vascular response might explainthe increased vascular contraction and arterial pressure infemale offspring with low birth weight.
Antithrombotic Therapy With Fondaparinux in Relation to Interventional Management Strategy in Patients With ST- and Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Mehta Shamir R. , Boden William E. , Eikelboom John W. , Flather Marcus , Steg P. Gabriel , Avezum Alvaro , Afzal Rizwan , Piegas Leopoldo S. , Faxon David P. , Widimsky Petr , Budaj Andrzej , Chrolavicius Susan , Rupprecht Hans-Jurgen , Jolly Sanjit , Granger Christopher B. , Fox Keith A.A. , Bassand Jean-Pierre , Yusuf Salim
Published: October 2008

Background—

The Fifth and Sixth Organization to Assess Strategies in Ischemic Syndromes (OASIS 5 and 6) trials evaluated fondaparinux, a synthetic factor Xa inhibitor, in patients with non–ST- and ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, respectively. Combined results for these 2 trials on major efficacy and safety outcomes and data on the effects of fondaparinux in relation to interventional management strategy have not been previously reported.

Methods and Results—

We performed an individual patient–level combined analysis of 26 512 patients from the OASIS 5 and 6 trials who were randomized in a double-blind fashion to fondaparinux 2.5 mg daily or a heparin-based strategy (dose-adjusted unfractionated heparin or enoxaparin). Results were stratified according to whether an early invasive, a delayed invasive, or an initial conservative management strategy was performed. Fondaparinux was superior to heparin in reducing the composite of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (8.0% versus 7.2%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.91;
P
=0.03) and death alone (4.3% versus 3.8%; HR, 0.89;
P
=0.05). Fondaparinux reduced major bleeding by 41% (3.4% versus 2.1%; HR, 0.59;
P
<0.00001) and had a more favorable net clinical outcome than heparin (11.1% versus 9.3%; HR, 0.83;
P
<0.0001). In 19 085 patients treated with an invasive strategy, fondaparinux suppressed ischemic events to an extent similar to heparin and reduced major bleeding by more than one-half, resulting in a superior net clinical outcome (10.8% versus 9.4%; HR, 0.87;
P
=0.008). A similar benefit also was observed in those treated with a conservative strategy (HR, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.64 to 0.85;
P
<0.001).

Conclusion—

Compared with a heparin-based strategy, fondaparinux reduced mortality, ischemic events, and major bleeding across the full spectrum of acute coronary syndromes and was associated with a more favorable net clinical outcome in patients undergoing either an invasive or a conservative management strategy.
Loss of Biphasic Effect on Na/K-ATPase Activity by Angiotensin II Involves Defective Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor-Nitric Oxide Signaling
Authors: Banday Anees Ahmad , Lokhandwala Mustafa F.
Published: October 2008

Oxidative stress causes changes in angiotensin (Ang) type 1 receptor (AT1R) function, which contributes to hypertension. Ang II affects blood pressure via maintenance of sodium homeostasis by regulating renal Na+absorption through its effects on Na/K-ATPase (NKA). At low concentrations, Ang II stimulates NKA; higher concentrations inhibit the enzyme. We examined the effect of oxidative stress on renal AT1R function involved in biphasic regulation of NKA. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received tap water (control) and 30 mmol/L ofl-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an oxidant, with and without 1 mmol/L of Tempol (antioxidant) for 2 weeks. BSO-treated rats exhibited increased oxidative stress, AT1R upregulation, and hypertension. In proximal tubules from control rats, Ang II exerted a biphasic effect on NKA activity, causing stimulation of the enzyme at picomolar and inhibition at micromolar concentrations. However, in BSO-treated rats, Ang II caused stimulation of NKA at both of the concentrations. The effect of Ang II was abolished by the AT1R antagonist candesartan and the mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor UO126, whereas the Ang type 2 receptor antagonist PD-123319 and NO synthase inhibitorNG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester had no effect. The inhibitory effect of Ang II was sensitive to candesartan andNG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, whereas PD-123319 and UO126 had no effect. In BSO-treated rats, Ang II showed exaggerated stimulation of NKA, mitogen-activated protein kinase, proline-rich-tyrosine kinase 2, and NADPH oxidase but failed to activate NO signaling. Tempol reduced oxidative stress, normalized AT1R signaling, unmasked the biphasic effect on NKA, and reduced blood pressure in BSO-treated rats. In conclusion, oxidative stress-mediated AT1R upregulation caused a loss of NKA biphasic response and hypertension. Tempol normalized AT1R signaling and blood pressure.
Optimizing Crop Insurance under Climate Variability
Authors: Liu Juan , Men Chunhua , Cabrera Victor E. , Uryasev Stan , Fraisse Clyde W.
Published: October 2008

This paper studies the selection of optimal crop insurance under climate variability and fluctuating market prices. A model was designed to minimize farmers’ expected losses (including insurance costs) while using the conditional-value-at-risk measure to acquire the risk-aversion level. The application of the model was illustrated by studying a farm with two crops (cotton and peanut) in Jackson County, Florida. The climate variability was caused by ENSO phenomenon. Crop-insurance contracts with minimized losses were 75% actual production history (APH) during El Niño and neutral years and 65% APH during La Niña years for peanut and 75% APH in all ENSO phases for cotton. In addition, risk-averse farmers could select 75% APH for peanut during La Niña years as a means of attaining less expected loss.
Three Transformations of Industrial Relations in Laos
Authors: Fry Simon
Published: October 2008

This article provides an account of industrial relations in Laos, in light of the transformation theory from the industrial relations literature. The scope of the article is limited to employment in the formal, wage-earning sector of the civilian economy. The article argues that the history of industrial relations in Laos can be divided into four eras: the French colonial era (1890s to 1947); the Royal Lao Government era (1947—1975); the first decade or so of the Lao People's Democratic Republic following the communist revolution in 1975; and the contemporary reform era under the New Economic Mechanism (1986 to the present). Following the transformation literature, the article argues that these four eras were divided by three transformations: the first of these, from the colonial to Royal Lao Government regime, was incremental or gradual; the second and third were cases of discontinuous change. The first and third of the transformations, to some extent, are `controversial'.
The Diffusion of Employment Practices in Multinationals: `Americanness' within US MNCs in Spain?
Authors: Quintanilla Javier , Susaeta Lourdes , Sánchez-Mangas Rocío
Published: October 2008

Drawing on several theoretical perspectives, including institutionalism and strategic choice, this article examines the impact of home and host country national business systems on the diffusion of human resource management practices by American multinational corporations to their subsidiaries in Spain. Our evidence suggests that the tight control that American multinational corporations usually exert over their subsidiaries has recently increased. In most of the case studies, successful implementation of corporate human resource policies has mainly been achieved due to the degree of malleability and openness that characterized the Spanish business system. However, increased control also reflects the legitimacy given to managerial human resource practices originating in the USA and the willingness of host country managers to implement corporate policy. To this extent, it can be argued that subsidiary management plays a critical role in the configuration and implementation of human resource management and industrial relations policies and practices in multinational corporations.
Increased prevalence of white matter hyperintensities in patients with panic disorder
Authors: Bae S. , Kim JE , Hwang J. , Lee YS , Lee HH , Lee J. , Lyoo IK , Renshaw PF , Yoon SJ
Published: October 2008

The aim of the current study is to compare the prevalence, severity and location of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) between patients with panic disorder (PD) and healthy control subjects. Patients with PD (n = 24) and matched healthy control subjects (n = 24) were scanned using a 3.0 Tesla whole-body magnetic resonance scanner. Axial T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images were acquired and evaluated for the prevalence, severity and location of WMH using the modified composite scale of Fazekas and Coffey and coded separately for deep and periventricular WMH. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between WMH and the diagnosis of PD. A greater severity of total WMH was associated with a diagnosis of PD in a dose-dependent pattern (odds ratio [OR] = 8.8, P = 0.005 for mild WMH; OR = 27.7, P = 0.007 for moderate to severe WMH). Deep WMH, where most group differences originated, were predominantly located in the frontal region of the brain (n = 16 in PD, n = 1 in control). The current report is the first study to report an increased prevalence of WMH in patients with PD.
An Exploratory Investigation of the Periodic Performance Evaluation Processes for Marketing Faculty
Authors: Shepherd C. David , Carley Susan S. , Stuart Randy S.
Published: October 2008

Whether a first entrant into the academic job market or a seasoned professional, career outcomes for marketing educators depend heavily on the evaluation process used at their institutions. This research explores the periodic performance evaluation process for marketing faculty members using data collected from a national sample of marketing department chairpersons. Several aspects of the evaluation and its potential outcomes are explored, including teaching and research expectations. The results indicate that regular and frequent performance evaluations are a routine part of life for marketing faculty, whatever their institutional affiliation. Furthermore, these evaluations tend to play a role in promotion, tenure, compensation, and retention decisions. Several interesting conclusions emerge when the results from doctoral-granting and non-doctoral-granting universities are compared, including that doctoral-granting universities tend to have a more restrictive view of what constitutes acceptable research. Additionally, teaching and service were found to play a more important role in the tenure decision at non-doctoral-granting universities, whereas research was found to play a larger role at doctoral-granting universities. These and other results offer a unique look at the policies and procedures used in the periodic performance evaluation of marketing faculty members.
Maintaining Programme Integrity
Authors: Vanstone Maurice
Published: October 2008

This article describes the process and results of monitoring the programme integrity of FOR . . . A Change , a group programme for offenders, as it was being delivered in three prisons in the United Kingdom. In so doing, it briefly describes the aims, structure, and theoretical orientation of the programme; explains what informed the particular approach to checking for integrity and how it was implemented; outlines the results; and finally, postulates the requisite conditions for the successful maintenance of programme integrity.
Communication within archaeology: Do we understand each other?
Authors: Venclová Natalie
Published: October 2008

Academic discourse has its own norms related to the national culture, but also to the academic community concerned. In a linguistic classification, discourse communities are being formed with their own conventions and their own academic languages, rhetoric and intellectual styles, sharing paradigms, goals and methods. A positive aspect of discourse communities is that they spread across different national languages and across different – mainstream and minor – communities (using the language of the leading group of researchers). Can this be seen in present-day archaeology, and can it bridge the gap in communication between mainstreams and minorities?
Determinants of appropriate antibiotic use in the community — a survey in Sydney and Hong Kong
Authors: Lee S.S. , Yau Bernard , Huang Joe Q , You Joyce H S
Published: October 2008

A telephone survey was conducted in Hong Kong and Sydney to identify factors associated with appropriate antibiotic use in the community. The overall knowledge score was high in both cities. Satisfactory knowledge and appropriate attitude were associated with age >40, residency in Sydney, and a higher education level. Both residency in Sydney and good antibiotic knowledge were predictors of appropriate attitude. There was a higher expectation of antibiotics for minor ailments in Hong Kong than Sydney. In both cities, Sydney in particular, expectation for antibiotic prescription increased when one was sick or when there was fever. Completion of full course of treatment and a positive attitude were, however, associated with a good knowledge of antibiotics, irrespective of one's residency and demographics. The promotion of proper use of antibiotic requires not just good knowledge and a positive attitude, but an understanding of one's expectations at different stages of illnesses.
Putting a Glitch in the Field: Bourdieu, Actor Network Theory and Contemporary Music
Authors: Prior Nick
Published: October 2008

Bourdieu's cultural sociology has become increasingly attractive to sociologists of music looking to account for the complex interrelations between industry, institution and practice. There remains, however, a tendency in such work to reduce the complexity and scope of Bourdieu's ideas. This paper attempts to apply Bourdieu's field theory to music, but does so with a critical orientation. The focus of the paper is the fin de millénaire music style called glitch, a style characterized by sonic fragments of technological error. While we learn a lot about the social trajectories of glitch from greater sensitization to its position in a structured setting of socio-economic relations, it becomes difficult to account for the centrality of technological mediators to this contemporary style of music using Bourdieu's categories alone. The paper pursues the possibility of supplementing or combining a Bourdieusian approach with actor network theory.
Cultural Classifications in Literary Education: Trends in Dutch Literary Textbooks, 1968—2000
Authors: Verboord Marc , van Rees Kees
Published: October 2008

This article examines how cultural classification processes develop over time. Specifically, we analyse author selection in literary textbooks for Dutch secondary education, and how this selection has changed since the 1960s. The content analysis of 34 literary textbooks addresses both structural properties of classifications (levels of consensus, hierarchical order and innovation) and background characteristics of selected authors. Results show textbooks increasingly focus on a more limited group of authors, raising the overall levels of consensus and hierarchy. At the same time, textbooks have become more heterogeneous and innovative, inasmuch as they increasingly include female, ethnic minority and semi-literary authors as well as authors who recently made their debut. These results suggest, first, that literary experts continue to influence curriculum content and, second, that the erosion of boundaries between `high art' and `low art' may not be as clear-cut as has recently been suggested.
`True Stories' of Canada
Authors: Cormack Patricia
Published: October 2008

This article discusses the connection between brands, national identity and the social and historic practices of the Canadian nation-state. Specifically, it examines the long-running `True Stories' ad campaign of Tim Hortons coffee shops, Canada's most successful quick-service restaurant chain. These ads insert Tim Hortons into customers' stories about travel, endurance and adventure, and authorize Tim Hortons itself as both the site and source of Canada's self-image.This authorization occurs in three ways: 1) by taking advantage of a space generated by overt, statist, bureaucratic management of Canadian identity and culture, 2) by locating national identity within mundane, sensual consumptive desire, and 3) by capitalizing on the ambiguities of articulating Canadian national culture, especially within the context of an officially multi-cultural project.
Both primitive and definitive blood cells are derived from Flk-1+ mesoderm
Authors: Lugus Jesse J. , Park Changwon , Ma Yunglin D. , Choi Kyunghee
Published: October 2008

Emerging evidence suggests that all hematopoietic and endothelial cells originate from Flk-1+ mesoderm in the mouse. However, this concept has not been completely proven, especially for the origin of blood cells. Using either Flk1+/Cre;Rosa26R-EYFP or Flk1+/Cre;Rosa26R-LacZ mice, we permanently marked Flk-1+ cells and their progenies to determine the relationship between hematopoietic tissues and cells that express Flk-1. In embryos, all blood cells within the yolk sac and aorta were of Flk-1+ origin. In addition, nearly all CD45+ cells in bone marrow and circulating blood in adults were of Flk-1+ origin. These results provide clear evidence that all blood cells, primitive and definitive, in mice are derived from Flk-1+ mesodermal cells.
Long-term correction of inhibitor-prone hemophilia B dogs treated with liver-directed AAV2-mediated factor IX gene therapy
Authors: Niemeyer Glenn P. , Herzog Roland W. , Mount Jane , Arruda Valder R. , Tillson D. Michael , Hathcock John , van Ginkel Frederik W. , High Katherine A. , Lothrop Clinton D.
Published: October 2008

Preclinical studies and initial clinical trials have documented the feasibility of adenoassociated virus (AAV)–mediated gene therapy for hemophilia B. In an 8-year study, inhibitor-prone hemophilia B dogs (n = 2) treated with liver-directed AAV2 factor IX (FIX) gene therapy did not have a single bleed requiring FIX replacement, whereas dogs undergoing muscle-directed gene therapy (n = 3) had a bleed frequency similar to untreated FIX-deficient dogs. Coagulation tests (whole blood clotting time [WBCT], activated clotting time [ACT], and activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]) have remained at the upper limits of the normal ranges in the 2 dogs that received liver-directed gene therapy. The FIX activity has remained stable between 4% and 10% in both liver-treated dogs, but is undetectable in the dogs undergoing muscle-directed gene transfer. Integration site analysis by linear amplification–mediated polymerase chain reaction (LAM-PCR) suggested the vector sequences have persisted predominantly in extrachromosomal form. Complete blood count (CBC), serum chemistries, bile acid profile, hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, and liver biopsy were normal with no evidence for tumor formation. AAV-mediated liver-directed gene therapy corrected the hemophilia phenotype without toxicity or inhibitor development in the inhibitor-prone null mutation dogs for more than 8 years.
Maternal Oct-4 is a potential key regulator of the developmental competence of mouse oocytes
Authors: Zuccotti Maurizio , Merico Valeria , Sacchi Lucia , Bellone Michele , Brink Thore C , Bellazzi Riccardo , Stefanelli Mario , Redi Carlo Alberto , Garagna Silvia , Adjaye James
Published: October 2008

Background

The maternal contribution of transcripts and proteins supplied to the zygote is crucial for the progression from a gametic to an embryonic control of preimplantation development. Here we compared the transcriptional profiles of two types of mouse MII oocytes, one which is developmentally competent (MIISN oocyte), the other that ceases development at the 2-cell stage (MIINSN oocyte), with the aim of identifying genes and gene expression networks whose misregulated expression would contribute to a reduced developmental competence.

Results

We report that: 1) the transcription factor Oct-4 is absent in MIINSN oocytes, accounting for 2) the down-regulation of Stella, a maternal-effect factor required for the oocyte-to-embryo transition and of which Oct-4 is a positive regulator; 3) eighteen Oct-4-regulated genes are up-regulated in MIINSN oocytes and are part of gene expression networks implicated in the activation of adverse biochemical pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.

Conclusion

The down-regulation of Oct-4 plays a crucial function in a sequence of molecular processes that leads to the developmental arrest of MIINSN oocytes. The use of a model study in which the MII oocyte ceases development consistently at the 2-cell stage has allowed to attribute a role to the maternal Oct-4 that has never been described before. Oct-4 emerges as a key regulator of the molecular events that govern the establishment of the developmental competence of mouse oocytes.
Changes induced by dietary energy intake and divergent selection for muscle fat content in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), assessed by transcriptome and proteome analysis of the liver
Authors: Kolditz Catherine-Ines , Paboeuf Gilles , Borthaire Maïena , Esquerré Diane , SanCristobal Magali , Lefèvre Florence , Médale Françoise
Published: October 2008

Background

Growing interest is turned to fat storage levels and allocation within body compartments, due to their impact on human health and quality properties of farm animals. Energy intake and genetic background are major determinants of fattening in most animals, including humans. Previous studies have evidenced that fat deposition depends upon balance between various metabolic pathways. Using divergent selection, we obtained rainbow trout with differences in fat allocation between visceral adipose tissue and muscle, and no change in overall body fat content. Transcriptome and proteome analysis were applied to characterize the molecular changes occurring between these two lines when fed a low or a high energy diet. We focused on the liver, center of intermediary metabolism and the main site for lipogenesis in fish, as in humans and most avian species.

Results

The proteome and transcriptome analyses provided concordant results. The main changes induced by the dietary treatment were observed in lipid metabolism. The level of transcripts and proteins involved in intracellular lipid transport, fatty acid biosynthesis and anti-oxidant metabolism were lower with the lipid rich diet. In addition, genes and proteins involved in amino-acid catabolism and proteolysis were also under expressed with this diet. The major changes related to the selection effect were observed in levels of transcripts and proteins involved in amino-acid catabolism and proteolysis that were higher in the fat muscle line than in the lean muscle line.

Conclusion

The present study led to the identification of novel genes and proteins that responded to long term feeding with a high energy/high fat diet. Although muscle was the direct target, the selection procedure applied significantly affected hepatic metabolism, particularly protein and amino acid derivative metabolism. Interestingly, the selection procedure and the dietary treatment used to increase muscle fat content exerted opposite effects on the expression of the liver genes and proteins, with little interaction between the two factors. Some of the molecules we identified could be used as markers to prevent excess muscle fat accumulation.