bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A language for software variation research
Authors: Erwig Martin
Published: February 2011

Managing variation is an important problem in software engineering that takes different forms, ranging from version control and configuration management to software product lines. In this paper, I present our recent work on the choice calculus, a fundamental representation for software variation that can serve as a common language of discourse for variation research, filling a role similar to lambda calculus in programming language research. After motivating the design of the choice calculus and sketching its semantics, I will discuss several potential application areas.
Abstract delta modeling
Authors: Clarke Dave , Helvensteijn Michiel , Schaefer Ina
Published: February 2011

Delta modeling is an approach to facilitate automated product derivation for software product lines. It is based on a set of deltas specifying modifications that are incrementally applied to a core product. The applicability of deltas depends on feature-dependent conditions. This paper presents abstract delta modeling, which explores delta modeling from an abstract, algebraic perspective.

Compared to previous work, we take a more flexible approach with respect to conflicts between modifications and introduce the notion of conflict-resolving deltas. We present conditions on the structure of deltas to ensure unambiguous product generation.
Implicit invocation meets safe, implicit concurrency
Authors: Long Yuheng , Mooney Sean L. , Sondag Tyler , Rajan Hridesh
Published: February 2011

Writing correct and efficient concurrent programs still remains a challenge. Explicit concurrency is difficult, error prone, and creates code which is hard to maintain and debug. This type of concurrency also treats modular program design and concurrency as separate goals, where modularity often suffers. To solve these problems, we are designing a new language that we call Panini. In this paper, we focus on Panini's asynchronous, typed events which reconcile the modularity goal promoted by the implicit invocation design style with the concurrency goal of exposing potential concurrency between the execution of subjects and observers.

Since modularity is improved and concurrency is implicit in Panini, programs are easier to reason about and maintain. The language incorporates a static analysis to determine potential conflicts between handlers and a dynamic analysis which uses the conflict information to determine a safe order for handler invocation. This mechanism avoids races and deadlocks entirely, yielding programs with a guaranteed deterministic semantics. To evaluate our language design and implementation we show several examples of its usage as well as an empirical study of program performance. We found that not only is developing and understanding Panini programs significantly easier compared to standard concurrent object-oriented programs, butt also performance of Panini programs is comparable to their equivalent hand-tuned versions written using Java's fork-join framework.
Adding genericity to a plug-in framework
Authors: Wolfinger Reinhard , Löberbauer Markus , Jahn Markus , Mössenböck Hanspeter
Published: February 2011

Plug-in components are a means for making feature-rich applications customizable. Combined with plug-and-play composition, end users can assemble customized applications without programming. If plug-and-play composition is also dynamic, applications can be reconfigured on the fly to load only components the user needs for his current work. We have created Plux.NET, a plug-in framework that supports dynamic plug-and-play composition. The basis for plug-and-play in Plux is the composer which replaces programmatic composition by automatic composition. Components just specify their requirements and provisions using metadata. The composer then assembles the components based on that metadata by matching requirements and provisions. When the composer needs to reuse general-purpose components in different parts of an application, the component model requires genericity. The composer depends on metadata that specify which components should be connected and for general-purpose components those metadata need to be different on each reuse. We present an approach for generic plug-ins with component templates and an implementation for Plux. The general-purpose components become templates and the templates get parameterized when they are composed.
Applications of enhanced dynamic code evolution for Java in GUI development and dynamic aspect-oriented programming
Authors: Würthinger Thomas , Binder Walter , Ansaloni Danilo , Moret Philippe , Mössenböck Hanspeter
Published: February 2011

While dynamic code evolution in object-oriented systems is an important feature supported by dynamic languages, there is currently only limited support for dynamic code evolution in high-performance, state-of-the-art runtime systems for statically typed languages, such as the Java Virtual Machine. In this tool demonstration, we present the Dynamic Code Evolution VM, which is based on a recent version of Oracle's state-of-the-art Java HotSpot(TM) VM and allows unlimited changes to loaded classes at runtime. Based on the Dynamic Code Evolution VM, we developed an enhanced version of the Mantisse GUI builder (which is part of the NetBeans IDE) that allows adding GUI components without restarting the application under development. Furthermore, we redesigned the dynamic AOP framework HotWave to take advantage of the enhanced dynamic code evolution capabilities. The new version, HotWave2, now supports most AspectJ constructs, including around() advice and static cross-cutting. We will demonstrate both the enhanced Mantisse GUI builder as well as HotWave2, weaving several aspects for dynamic analysis in sizable applications at runtime.
Model-based kinematics generation for modular mechatronic toolkits
Authors: Bordignon Mirko , Schultz Ulrik Pagh , Stoy Kasper
Published: February 2011

Modular robots are mechatronic devices that enable the construction of highly versatile and flexible robotic systems whose mechanical structure can be dynamically modified. The key feature that enables this dynamic modification is the capability of the individual modules to connect to each other in multiple ways and thus generate a number of different mechanical systems, in contrast with the monolithics fixed structure of conventional robots. The mechatronic flexibility, however, complicates the development of models and programming abstractions for modular robots, since manually describing and enumerating the full set of possible interconnections is tedious and error-prone for real-world robots. In order to allow for a general formulation of spatial abstractions for modular robots and to ensure correct and streamlined generation of code dependent on mechanical properties, we have developed the Modular Mechatronics Modelling Language (M3L). M3L is a domain-specific language, which can model the kinematic structure of individual robot modules and declaratively describe their possible interconnections rather than requiring the user to enumerate them in their entirety. From this description, the M3L compiler generates the code that is needed to simulate the resulting robots within Webots, widely used commercial robot simulator, and the software component needed for spatial structure computations by a virtual machine-based runtime system, which we have developed and used for programming physical modular robots
Incremental type-checking for type-reflective metaprograms
Authors: Miao Weiyu , Siek Jeremy G.
Published: February 2011

Garcia introduces a calculus for type-reflective metaprogramming that provides much of the power and flexibility of C++ templates and solves many of its problems. However, one of the problems that remains is that the residual program is not type checked until after meta computation is complete. Ideally, one would like the type system of the metaprogram to also guarantee that the residual program will type check, as is the case in MetaML. However, in a language with type-reflective metaprogramming, type expressions in the residual program may be the result of meta computation, making the MetaML guarantee next to impossible to achieve.

In this paper we offer an approach to detecting errors earlier without sacrificing flexibility: we incrementally type check code fragments as they are created and spliced together during meta computation. The incremental type system is a variant of the gradual type system of Siek and Taha, in which we use type variables to represent type expressions that are not yet normalized and a new dynamic variation on existential types to represent residual code fragments. A type error in a code fragment is treated as a run-time error of the meta computation. We show that the incremental type checker can be implemented efficiently and we prove that if a well-typed metaprogram generates a residual program, then the residual program is also well-typed.
Two Books Alike in Dignity
Authors: Kelly-Bootle Stan
Published: February 2011

Woke up this morning ... surprised to find my Sennheisers still connecting ears to my new MacBook Pro, with iTunes set to blues genre in shuffle mode. Lest you think I’ve succumbed to the despicable placement temptation that seduces so many columnists and filmmakers in these pursy times, I’m reluctant to price the named products, plug their sources, or elaborate on the immense pleasure I derive from their splendid cost-effective performances. Suffice it to mention that the subliminal album playing all night was
Broke, Black and Blue, Volume 1
, available for 7.95 US dollars or 7.95 Apple pounds sterling. The album title is also remarkably appropriate for those living in Iceland, Greece, Ireland, and other economies suffering the effects of bankers’ generosity fueling consumer greed.
The Instructor's Role in Online Discussions
Authors: Everson Michelle
Published: February 2011

Michelle Everson addresses a commonly asked question for online instructors: What's my role in the discussion? Some prefer to observe, others prefer to regularly interact with students. Finding the right balance can be challenging.
Identification of Two Novel HLA‐A∗0201‐Restricted CTL Epitopes Derived from MAGE‐A4
Authors: Jia Zheng-Cai , Ni Bing , Huang Ze-Min , Tian Yi , Tang Jun , Wang Jing-Xue , Fu Xiao-Lan , Wu Yu-Zhang
Published: February 2011

MAGE‐A antigens belong to cancer/testis (CT) antigens that are expressed in tumors but not in normal tissues except testis and placenta. MAGE‐A antigens and their epitope peptides have been used in tumor immunotherapy trials. MAGE‐A4 antigen is extensively expressed in various histological types of tumors, so it represents an attractive target for tumor immunotherapy. In this study, we predicted HLA‐A∗0201‐restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes of MAGE‐A4, followed by peptide/HLA‐A∗0201 affinity and complex stability assays. Of selected four peptides (designated P1, P2, P3, and P4), P1 (MAGE‐A4286-294, KVLEHVVRV) and P3 (MAGE‐A4272-280, FLWGPRALA) could elicit peptide‐specific CTLs both in vitro from HLA‐A∗0201‐positive PBMCs and in HLA‐A∗0201/Kb transgenic mice. And the induced CTLs could lyse target cells in an HLA‐A∗0201‐restricted fashion, demonstrating that the two peptides are HLA‐A∗0201‐restricted CTL epitopes and could serve as targets for therapeutic antitumoral vaccination.
An Exploration of Foreign Language Anxiety and English Learning Motivation
Authors: Liu Meihua , Huang Wenhong
Published: February 2011

Perceived to be two important affective variables, anxiety and motivation have been found to be highly correlated to second/foreign language acquisition. In order to examine the relationship between foreign language anxiety, English learning motivation, and performance in English, the present study investigated 980 undergraduate students from three universities in China who answered a 76-item survey. Analyses of the data revealed that (1) the respondents generally did not feel anxious in English and were moderately motivated to learn English, (2) foreign language anxiety and English learning motivation were significantly negatively correlated with each other, and (3) both foreign language anxiety and English learning motivation were significantly correlated with students' performance in English. Among the scales, foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCAS), intrinsic motivation (IntrinM), instrumental motivation (InstruM), fear of being negatively evaluated (FLCAS1), and interest in foreign languages and cultures (IFLC) proved to be powerful predictors for the latter.
New Findings by High‐Order DNS for Late Flow Transition in a Boundary Layer
Authors: Liu Chaoqun , Chen Lin , Lu Ping
Published: February 2011

This paper serves as a summary of new discoveries by DNS for late stages of flow transition in a boundary layer. The widely spread concept “vortex breakdown” is found theoretically impossible and never happened in practice. The ring‐like vortex is found the only form existing inside the flow field. The ring‐like vortex formation is the result of the interaction between two pairs of counter‐rotating primary and secondary streamwise vortices. Following the first Helmholtz vortex conservation law, the primary vortex tube rolls up and is stretched due to the velocity gradient. In order to maintain vorticity conservation, a bridge must be formed to link two Λ‐vortex legs. The bridge finally develops as a new ring. This process keeps going on to form a multiple ring structure. The U‐shaped vortices are not new but existing coherent vortex structure. Actually, the U‐shaped vortex, which is a third level vortex, serves as a second neck to supply vorticity to the multiple rings. The small vortices can be found on the bottom of the boundary layer near the wall surface. It is believed that the small vortices, and thus turbulence, are generated by the interaction of positive spikes and other higher level vortices with the solid wall. The mechanism of formation of secondary vortex, second sweep, positive spike, high shear distribution, downdraft and updraft motion, and multiple ring‐circle overlapping is also investigated.
Notch1 in Bone Marrow–Derived Cells Mediates Cardiac Repair After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Yuxin , Hiroi Yukio , Ngoy Soeun , Okamoto Ryuji , Noma Kensuke , Wang Chao-Yung , Wang Hong-Wei , Zhou Qian , Radtke Freddy , Liao Ronglih , Liao James K.
Published: February 2011

Background—

The signaling mechanisms that regulate the recruitment of bone marrow (BM)–derived cells to the injured heart are not well known. Notch receptors mediate binary cell fate determination and may regulate the function of BM-derived cells. However, it is not known whether Notch1 signaling in BM-derived cells mediates cardiac repair after myocardial injury.

Methods and Results—

Mice with postnatal cardiac-specific deletion of Notch1 exhibit infarct size and heart function after ischemic injury that is similar to that of control mice. However, mice with global hemizygous deletion of Notch1 (N1
±
) developed larger infarct size and worsening heart function. When the BM of N1
±
mice were transplanted into wild-type (WT) mice, infarct size and heart function were worsened and neovascularization in the infarct border area was reduced compared with WT mice transplanted with WT BM. In contrast, transplantation of WT BM into N1
±
mice lessened the myocardial injury observed in N1
±
mice. Indeed, hemizygous deletion of Notch1 in BM-derived cells leads to decreased recruitment, proliferation, and survival of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Compared with WT MSC, injection of N1
±
MSC into the infarcted heart leads to increased myocardial injury whereas injection of MSC overexpressing Notch intracellular domain leads to decreased infarct size and improved cardiac function.

Conclusions—

These findings indicate that Notch1 signaling in BM-derived cells is critical for cardiac repair and suggest that strategies that increase Notch1 signaling in BM-derived MSC could have therapeutic benefits in patients with ischemic heart disease.
Androgen-Dependent Hypertension Is Mediated by 20-Hydroxy-5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraenoic Acid–Induced Vascular Dysfunction
Authors: Wu Cheng-Chia , Cheng Jennifer , Zhang Frank Fan , Gotlinger Katherine H. , Kelkar Mukul , Zhang Yilun , Jat Jawahar L. , Falck John R. , Schwartzman Michal L.
Published: February 2011

Increased vascular synthesis of 20-hydroxy-5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) is associated with increased vascular contraction, endothelial dysfunction, and endothelial activation; all are believed to account for 20-HETE prohypertensive properties. We demonstrated previously that the 20-HETE–dependent inhibition of NO production is mediated through inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK), suggesting a cross-talk between 20-HETE–mediated endothelial dysfunction and activation. In this study, we examined the temporal relationship among blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, and endothelial activation and the role of IKK in the rat model of androgen-driven 20-HETE–mediated hypertension. In Sprague-Dawley rats treated with 5α-dihydrotestosterone, renal vascular 20-HETE levels increased by day 2 of treatment from 17.7±2.4 to 57.7±9.7 ng/mg, whereas blood pressure elevation reached significance by day 3 (132.7±1.7 versus 117.2±0.8 mm Hg). In renal interlobar arteries, when compared with vehicle, 5α-dihydrotestosterone treatment increased the sensitivity to phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction by 3.5-fold, decreased acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation, and increased nuclear factor κB activity, all of which were attenuated by treatment with the 20-HETE antagonist, 20 hydroxyeicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoic acid, (20-6,15-HEDE). Cotreatment with parthenolide, an IKK inhibitor, attenuated the androgen-dependent 20-HETE–mediated elevation in blood pressure (from 133.7±3.1 to 109.8±3.0 mm Hg). In addition, parthenolide treatment negated 20-HETE–mediated inhibition of the relaxing response to acetylcholine and 20-HETE–mediated increase in vascular nuclear factor κB activity. These findings suggest that inhibition of IKK attenuates the androgen-dependent 20-HETE–mediated increase in blood pressure by inhibiting both 20-HETE–dependent endothelial activation and dysfunction.
P2X
1
Receptor-Mediated Vasoconstriction of Afferent Arterioles in Angiotensin II–Infused Hypertensive Rats Fed a High-Salt Diet
Authors: Inscho Edward W. , Cook Anthony K. , Clarke Andrea , Zhang Shali , Guan Zhengrong
Published: February 2011

Experiments tested the hypothesis that P2 receptor reactivity is impaired in angiotensin (Ang) II hypertensive rats fed an 8%NaCl diet (Ang II+HS). Juxtamedullary afferent arteriolar autoregulatory behavior was determined over a pressure range of 65 to 200 mm Hg. Arteriolar responsiveness to P2X
1
(β,γ-methylene ATP) or P2Y
2
receptor (uridine triphosphate) activation was determined in vitro. Systolic blood pressure averaged 126±3 and 225±4 mm Hg in control and Ang II+HS rats, respectively (
P
<0.05). In control kidneys, β,γ-methylene ATP (10
−8
to 10
−4
mol/L) reduced arteriolar diameter by 8±3%, 13±5%, 19±5%, 22±6%, and 24±9%, respectively, whereas uridine triphosphate reduced diameter by 2±1%, 2±2%, 9±3%, 37±7%, and 58±7%. Autoregulation was markedly blunted in Ang II+HS kidneys, with arteriolar diameter remaining essentially unchanged when perfusion pressure increased to 200 mm Hg compared with a 40±2% decline in diameter observed in normal kidneys over the same pressure range (
P
<0.05). P2X
1
receptor–mediated vasoconstriction was significantly attenuated in Ang II+HS kidneys. β,γ-Methylene ATP reduced arteriolar diameter by 1±1%, 3±2%, 6±1%, 9±3%, and 7±1%, respectively (
P
<0.05), versus control rats. Similar patterns were noted when hypertensive perfusion pressures were used. Uridine triphosphate–mediated responses were unchanged in Ang II+HS rats compared with control, indicating preservation of P2Y
2
receptor function. Ang II+HS blunted P2X
1
-mediated increases in intracellular Ca
2+
concentration in preglomerular smooth muscle cells. Therefore, Ang II+HS rats exhibit attenuated afferent arteriolar responses to P2X
1
receptor stimulation. These data support the hypothesis that P2X
1
receptors are important for pressure-mediated autoregulatory responses. Impairment of P2X
1
receptor function may explain the hypertension-induced decline in renal autoregulatory capability.
The Influence of Eastern Pacific Tropical Cyclone Remnants on the Southwestern United States
Authors: Ritchie Elizabeth A. , Wood Kimberly M. , Gutzler David S. , White Sarah R.
Published: February 2011

Forty-three eastern North Pacific tropical cyclone remnants with varying impact on the southwestern United States during the period 1992–2005 are investigated. Of these, 35 remnants (81%) brought precipitation to some part of the southwestern United States and the remaining 8 remnants (19%) had precipitation that was almost entirely restricted to Mexico, although cloud cover did advect over the southwestern United States in some of these cases. Although the tropical cyclone–strength winds rapidly diminish upon making landfall, these systems still carry a large quantity of tropical moisture and, upon interaction with mountainous topography, are found to drop up to 30% of the local annual precipitation.

Based on common rainfall patterns and large-scale circulation features, the tropical cyclones are grouped into five categories. These include a northern recurving pattern that is more likely to bring rainfall to the southwestern United States; a southern recurving pattern that brings rainfall across northern Mexico and the Gulf Coast region; a largely north and/or northwestward movement pattern that brings rainfall to the west coast of the United States; a group that is blocked from the southwest by a ridge, which limits rainfall to Mexico; and a small group of cases that are not clearly any of the previous four types. Composites of the first four groups are shown and forecasting strategies for each are described.
The Changing Face of Religion in Wales
Authors: Chambers Paul
Published: February 2011

The recent religious history of Wales has been marked by a numerically declining religious constituency although this now appears to be stabilising, albeit in difficult circumstances. ‘Traditional’ Nonconformist Christianity appears in crisis, particularly Welsh medium churches and chapels. The historic churches struggle to maintain themselves with diminishing resources and the evangelical sector is increasingly repositioning itself to meet the challenges brought on by deep changes in Welsh economy, society and culture. On most measures Wales is now a secular society which would appear to confirm the arguments of orthodox proponents of the secularization thesis. This article seeks to relate Welsh secularization to this discourse, arguing that economic and material factors and the creation of social as well as religious capital are a neglected area of secularization studies that traditionally focus on measures of belief. Significant socio-economic changes specific to Wales go a long way to explain both the decline of traditional areas of religious life and contemporary religious adaptation. Furthermore, the field of faith-based social action programmes is expanding in Wales (and elsewhere in the UK) and this raises some interesting questions. Social or structural differentiation is a core element of the orthodox secularization thesis, focussing on the erosion of those social and communal relations that customarily support religion but arguably faith-based social entrepreneurship offers a potential route back to social and communal significance.
Novel Endothelial Biomarkers: Implications for Periodontal Disease and CVD
Authors: Li X. , Tse H.F. , Jin L.J.
Published: February 2011

Endothelial cells are actively involved in various aspects of vascular biology and different stages of atherosclerosis. Endothelial function is increasingly used as an important outcome measure in cardiovascular research. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are closely linked to endothelial function, and their biomarkers have received much attention. EPCs may not only serve as a pool of progenitor cells and possess the capacity to repair the damaged vasculature, but also act as potent effectors in systemic inflammation, suggesting that EPCs may play a critical role in maintaining endothelial function and the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Emerging evidence shows an association of periodontal infections (gingivitis and periodontitis) with endothelial dysfunction, while the relevant mechanisms remain unknown. Our recent finding of the association of periodontitis with EPCs warrants their utilization as additional biomarkers in future studies on periodontal medicine. This review starts with a brief account on the current understanding of the nature of periodontal infections and their link with systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. The paper also provides an update on endothelial biology and function as well as the novel biomarkers of EPCs and concludes with clinical studies on periodontal diseases and CVD.
Does contact work in protracted asymmetrical conflict? Appraising 20 years of reconciliation-aimed encounters between Israeli Jews and Palestinians
Authors: Maoz Ifat
Published: February 2011

In the past few decades, planned contact interventions between groups in conflict have played an important role in attempts at improving intergroup relations and achieving peace and reconciliation. This article focuses on such reconciliation-aimed intergroup encounters between Israeli Jews and Palestinians that seek to reduce hostility and increase understanding and cooperation between the two nationalities. Like other contact interventions conducted in settings of intergroup conflict, encounters between Israeli Jews and Palestinians represent a paradoxical project: this is a project that aspires to generate equality and cooperation between groups that are embedded in a protracted asymmetrical conflict. Though existing research teaches us valuable lessons on the effectiveness of contact conducted under optimal conditions, little is said about contact between groups involved in asymmetrical protracted dispute. The goal of this analysis is to examine the evolution of reconciliation-aimed contact interventions between Israeli Jews and Palestinians in the past 20 years. The research method is qualitative, relying on ethnographic data assembled during the relevant period of time. The findings identify and trace the evolution of four major models of Jewish—Palestinian planned encounters: the Coexistence Model, the Joint Projects Model, the Confrontational Model, and the Narrative-Story-Telling Model. The strengths and limitations of each model in transforming intergroup attitudes in asymmetric conflict are discussed.
Urban Development, Governance and Education
Authors: Bunar Nihad
Published: February 2011

A large, area-based metropolitan development initiative (MDI) was launched in Sweden in 1999 as part of a new metropolitan policy. The Swedish government and seven municipalities invested about 400 million Euros in 24 of the most deprived urban neighbourhoods in the Stockholm region, Gothenburg and Malmö. The overall aim was to promote integration and combat unemployment, low achievement in schools, poor health, criminality and low democratic participation. The idea of urban governance was highlighted as one of the distinguishing hallmarks of the policy. Elementary schools were, after various labour-market projects, the largest receivers of MDI funding. Drawing on empirical findings as well as on secondary literature, this article describes and analyses how local school stakeholders—most notably heads of local education departments, principals and teachers—implemented the MDI with particular focus on the policy’s urban government principle. It is argued that local school stakeholders, as a well-organised group with strong professional identity, captured the idea of urban governance and manipulated it to fit their own particular interests. Some effects of this process include schools becoming further isolated from their local communities, students and parents becoming further isolated from the decision-making processes within schools and money being spent on projects that are exclusively defined by the educators and the administrators, rather than by the communities they serve.
Finding the Global City
Authors: Acuto Michele
Published: February 2011

Saskia Sassen’s concept of the ‘global city’ has evolved in a complex relation with other urban, economic and social students that deal with these strategic sites of the contemporary global urban architecture. This multidisciplinary set of authors could be metaphorically grouped within what John Friedmann described as the ‘invisible college’ of world city researchers. In light of this tradition, the global city is described here in its various theoretical guises, in a chronological account from the early 1900s roots to present-day formulations, in order to establish an eclectic understanding that can speak beyond the college, opening the dialogue on globalisation and cities beyond urban studies. In this sense, the essay describes the ‘global city’ as the status of connectedness to the global attained by some world cities, which rests upon an urban entrepreneurial spirit that situates these metropolises as the strategic hinges of globalisation.
Starting a Functional Assessment of Depression (FAD): Development of a FAD
Authors: Darrow Sabrina M. , Follette William C.
Published: February 2011

Despite abundance of treatment outcome studies, researchers have failed to identify a treatment for depression that works for all individuals. A possible solution is to individualize depression treatment. To test whether this strategy will be more effective, an assessment tied to theory of intervention is necessary. This article describes a current effort to develop a new measure of depression, the functional assessment of depression (FAD), based on behavioral assessment strategies. A factor analysis and cluster analysis were performed in an attempt to identify information provided that might prove useful in treatment planning. Future efforts to explore the incremental validity and treatment utility of the FAD are described.
The effects of procurement policies on ‘downstream’ corporate social responsibility activity
Authors: Baden Denise , Harwood Ian A. , Woodward David G.
Published: February 2011

The majority of businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and yet the main thrust of research into corporate social responsibility (CSR) to date focuses on the practice and behaviour of large organizations. The present study is based on the content analysis of free-flow narrative responses to a survey by 68 SME owner-managers. Insights are gained into the environmental and social criteria these firms face when tendering contracts and opinions are sought on issues such as voluntary versus imposed CSR standards. Evidence provided in the survey suggests that there are many examples of positive CSR practice among the SME community. However, we find that the burden of imposed standards, with related increases in bureaucracy and costs, can create frustrations for such firms, resulting in a potential ‘ceiling effect’ and lower overall engagement with CSR.
Early Lesions of Articular Osteochondrosis in the Distal Femur of Foals
Authors: Olstad K. , Ytrehus B. , Ekman S. , Carlson C. S. , Dolvik N. I.
Published: February 2011

Failure of the cartilage canal blood supply to epiphyseal growth cartilage has been implicated in the pathogenesis of articular osteochondrosis in horses and other animal species. In a previous study of the developmental pattern of the blood supply in the tarsus of foals, early lesions of osteochondrosis were consistently found in regions where the cartilage canal vessels traversed the chondro-osseous junction. The developmental pattern of blood vessels has also been described in the distal femoral epiphysis; however, the group of foals examined in that study did not have lesions of osteochondrosis in this location. Therefore, the relationship between the occurrence of early lesions of osteochondrosis and the developmental pattern of the blood supply to epiphyseal growth cartilage in this site in foals has not been examined. Distal femora were collected from 30 fetuses and foals (up to 11 months old) submitted for postmortem examination. Sections from the lateral trochlear ridge and medial femoral condyle of both hind limbs were examined histologically. Sixteen cartilage lesions were found in 7 of the 30 fetuses and foals. All lesions contained evidence of cartilage canal necrosis and ischemic chondronecrosis. The lesions were located in regions where cartilage canal vessels traversed the chondro-osseous junction, as previously observed in the tarsus. The location and morphology of lesions indicated that a subclinical stage of ischemic chondronecrosis existed that preceded and predisposed to the development of osteochondrosis dissecans and subchondral bone cysts.
Where in the world is environmental justice?
Authors: Reed Maureen G. , George Colleen
Published: February 2011

In recent years, scholars have noted a broadening of environmental justice research, both geographically and conceptually, to include global issues that expand beyond the spatial distributions of environmental ‘goods' and ‘bads' to include other dimensions including recognition, participation, and capabilities. The purpose of this report is to consider how this broadening has influenced research topics and themes, the geographic locations of researchers, and the future course of environmental justice research. We searched for articles identifying environmental justice as a keyword from 2000 to 2009 in Scopus, Web of Science, and GeoBase. While the number of articles published looking at environmental justice has increased over the past decade, our search contradicts the previous claims that environmental justice research has greatly expanded conceptually or geographically beyond its traditional origins. Our findings show that environmental justice research remains firmly rooted in the United States, focusing on the distributional aspects of environmental harms. We introduce alternative research methodologies that can be used to inform a more holistic and just approach to research in this area.
Rural geography III
Authors: Woods Michael
Published: February 2011

Global concerns such as climate change and food security have focused renewed attention on the future of rural space. Although the direct engagement of rural geographers with climate change and food security has been limited to date, recent research in rural geography holds a number of lessons on these issues, highlighting, for example, spatial and social differentiation in the development of alternative food networks and the challenge of contested discourses of rurality to technocratic solutions to both food security and climate change. Through such perspectives, rural geography has a strong and distinctive contribution to make to research on both issues.
Geographies of children and youth II
Authors: Jeffrey Craig
Published: February 2011

This report offers a comparative perspective on the nature of youth agency in different parts of the world, demonstrating how ‘youth’ can provide a window on subaltern responses to economic restructuring. I outline key points about the theorization of agency within human geography and then describe the importance of young people’s resistance. I then discuss young people’s resourcefulness as a form of agency as well as ‘negative agency’: instances in which children and youth reproduce and deepen dominant structures of power. Finally, I identify a need to reflect further on the social nature of young people’s action and the importance of humour and irreverence in youth practice.
Geographies of shit
Authors: Jewitt Sarah
Published: February 2011

Taboos surrounding human waste have resulted in a lack of attention to spatial inequalities in access to sanitation and the consequences of this for human, environmental and economic health. This paper explores spaces where urgent environmental health imperatives intersect with deeply entrenched cultural norms surrounding human waste and the barriers they create for the development of more appropriate excreta management systems. The primary focus is on the global South (particularly India), although literature on sanitation histories in Europe and its colonies is drawn upon to illustrate spatial and temporal differences in cultural attitudes towards excrement.
Prolonged Mechanical Support in Children With Severe Adenoviral Infections: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gupta Punkaj , Tobias Joseph D. , Goyal Sunali , Hervie Peter , Harris Jason B. , Sadot Efraim , Noviski Natan
Published: February 2011

Adenovirus infections occur primarily in infants and children less than 5 years of age, accounting for 2% to 5% of respiratory illnesses in the pediatric population and 4% to 10% of childhood pneumonias. Although the majority of children with adenovirus disease develop mild upper respiratory tract disease, more severe disease may occur with involvement of the lower respiratory tract characterized by pneumonitis and/or small airways disease. The authors present a case series of 3 high-risk children with severe lower respiratory tract adenoviral infections. These cases demonstrate the potential for the development of severe respiratory involvement from adenovirus in infants and children with comorbid conditions and illustrate that there may be a rapid progression of the disease as well as the need, in selected circumstances, for prolonged mechanical support. We review the role of adenovirus in lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children, its potential to result in life-threatening complications in pediatric patients with comorbid conditions, and the potential life-saving role of mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in these children.
Novel soluble aromatic poly(ether amide sulfone amide ether ketone ketone)s by electrophilic solution polycondensation
Authors: Ding Nengwen , Chen Mengfei , Cai Mingzhong
Published: February 2011

A new monomer, N,N '-bis(4-phenoxybenzoyl)-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (BPBDAS), was prepared by the condensation of 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone with 4-phenoxybenzoyl chloride in N,N-dimethylacetamide. Novel soluble aromatic poly(ether amide sulfone amide ether ketone ketone)s (PEASAEKKs) were synthesized by electrophilic solution copolycondensation of BPBDAS with a mixture of terephthaloyl chloride and isophthaloyl chloride in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride and N-methylpyrrolidone in 1,2-dichloroethane. The influences of reaction conditions on the preparation of polymers were examined. All these polymers are amorphous and soluble in aprotic polar solvents due to the incorporation of 4,4'-dibenzoylaminodiphenyl sulfone moieties in the main chain. Thermal analyses showed that the polymers had high Tg values of 236—259 °C and exhibited high thermal stability. All the polymers formed transparent, strong, and flexible films, with tensile strengths of 97.6—103.7 MPa, Young’s moduli of 2.12—2.45 GPa, and elongations at break of 10.6—13.8%.
Preparation and characteristic of novel silicone rubber composites based on organophilic calcium sulfate whisker
Authors: Wang Jincheng , Yang Ke , Lu Shaojie
Published: February 2011

Two types of organic modification agents, hydrogen silicone oil and silane coupling agent, were used in the preparation of novel organic calcium sulfate whiskers (OCSW-H and OCSW-K). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were used to investigate the structure and properties of these surfactant-modified calcium sulfate whiskers (CSWs). Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) composites were prepared by the two types of OCSW. The properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and thermal stabilities were studied and compared. It was observed that addition of OCSW can improve the tensile and thermal properties of the silicone rubber composites. The tensile strength of LSR/OCSW-K-20% was about 60% higher than that of the CSW filled composites, and the elongation at break also showed an enhancement. Thermogravimetric tests showed that the center temperature of thermal degradation was improved from about 450 to 520 °C, and the degradation degree decreased a lot in the temperature range 400∼700 °C. A combination of scanning electron microscopy and swelling test was used to characterize the structure and reinforcing mechanism of OCSW. The reactions between the modification agent and the component of LSR were regarded as the key factors affecting the compatibility between OCSW and LSR composites.
Confidentiality and parental involvement in adolescent sexual and reproductive health care: A cross-sectional study of Lithuanian general practitioners
Authors: Jaruseviciene Lina , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Zaborskis Apolinaras
Published: February 2011

Aim: We surveyed Lithuanian general practitioners’ (GPs) views on the importance of confidentiality for adolescents and on their practices in informing parents about sexual and reproductive health consultations with this age group. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a 41-item questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 607 Lithuanian GPs. The purpose of this questionnaire was to gain knowledge about current practices of GPs in informing parents on the importance of confidentiality as well as in protecting the privacy of minors. GPs’ knowledge of the current legal age limit of confidentiality protection in patient-provider settings was also assessed. Results: Although 67.5% of the responding GPs (response rate 73.5%) stated that they inform the parents or guardians of adolescent patients about the importance of confidentiality, 82.9% of them only did so if the opportunity arose. When consulting on general sexual issues, more than 70% stated that they would guarantee their minor patients confidentiality. However, when cases involved sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, nearly the same percentage said they would inform the parents. 62.3% of GPs incorrectly believed that the law only protects the right to confidentiality for patients who are 18 or older. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that Lithuanian GPs frequently violate adolescents’ right to confidential health services. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the confidentiality of sexual and reproductive health services for this group in Lithuanian primary care.
An outbreak of gastroenteritis among schoolchildren staying in a wildlife reserve: Thorough investigation reveals Norway’s largest cryptosporidiosis outbreak
Authors: Rimšelienė Gražina , Vold Line , Robertson Lucy , Nelke Christian , Søli Kjersti , Johansen Øystein Haarklau , Thrana Frank S. , Nygård Karin
Published: February 2011

Aims: In March and April 2009, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health was notified about two groups of schoolchildren with gastroenteritis following a stay at a Norwegian wildlife reserve. Although at first considered a typical norovirus outbreak, an investigation that considered other possibilities was initiated. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among schoolchildren visiting the reserve in the relevant weeks. A web-based questionnaire was distributed by email. Faecal samples of visitors and employees were analysed. The premises were inspected, and water samples and animal faeces analysed. Results: We received 141 replies (response rate 84%); 74 cases were identified. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in faecal samples from 9/12 (75%) visitors and 2/15 (13%) employees. One employee diagnosed with Cryptosporidium infection helped in the kitchen. Additionally, one pupil was diagnosed with norovirus infection. No food item was identified as a source of the outbreak. Pathogens were not detected in water samples taken in week 12, one week from the start of the outbreak. Escherichia coli, but not Cryptosporidium oocysts, were detected in water samples taken one month later. Conclusions: Although Cryptosporidium is seldom considered as an aetiological agent of gastrointestinal illness in Norway, this outbreak indicates that it should not be excluded. In this cryptosporidiosis outbreak, the largest in Norway to date, the transmission vehicle was not definitively identified, but a food handler, water, and animal contact could not be excluded. We recommend improving hand hygiene routines, boiling drinking water, and emphasise that people who are unwell, particularly those working in catering, should stay away from work.
Strange spaces: A rationale for bringing art and artists into the planning process
Authors: Metzger Jonathan
Published: February 2011

The purpose of this article is to offer a rationale for bringing art and artists into the planning process. Although there appears to exist a nascent interest in planner–artist collaborations in contemporary planning practice and research, accounts of such collaborations in planning literature are generally patchy and often under-theorized. In this article I argue that art and artist-led activities can function as a powerful vehicle of communication in the planning process. The unique potential of planner–artist collaborations is based on the artistic licence that grants the artist a mandate to set the stage for an estrangement of that which is familiar and taken-for-granted, thus shifting frames of references and creating a radical potential for planning in a way that can be very difficult for planners to achieve on their own.
Transcriptional regulation of fetal to adult hemoglobin switching: new therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Wilber Andrew , Nienhuis Arthur W. , Persons Derek A.
Published: February 2011

In humans, embryonic, fetal, and adult hemoglobins are sequentially expressed in developing erythroblasts during ontogeny. For the past 40 years, this process has been the subject of intensive study because of its value to enlighten the biology of developmental gene regulation and because fetal hemoglobin can significantly ameliorate the clinical manifestations of both sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. Understanding the normal process of loss of fetal globin expression and activation of adult globin expression could potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches for these hemoglobin disorders. Herein, we briefly review the history of the study of hemoglobin switching and then focus on recent discoveries in the field that now make new therapeutic approaches seem feasible in the future. Erythroid-specific knockdown of fetal gene repressors or enforced expression of fetal gene activators may provide clinically applicable approaches for genetic treatment of hemoglobin disorders that would benefit from increased fetal hemoglobin levels.
Promotion and maintenance of leukemia by ERG
Authors: Tsuzuki Shinobu , Taguchi Osamu , Seto Masao
Published: February 2011

The Ets-related gene (ERG) located on human chromosome 21 encodes a transcription factor and is thought to be causally related to Down syndrome–associated acute megakaryocytic leukemia in childhood. In clinical adult leukemia, however, increased expression of ERG is indicative of poor prognosis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia, although the involvement of ERG in the development of adult leukemia remains elusive. Here, we show that forced expression of ERG in adult BM cells alters differentiation and induces expansion of T and erythroid cells and increases frequencies of myeloid progenitors in mouse BM transplantation models. The expanded T cells then develop T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia after acquisition of mutations in the Notch1 gene. Targeted expression of ERG into B cells also altered differentiation and promoted growth of precursor B cells. Overall, these findings suggest a general role of ERG in promoting growth of adult hematopoietic cells in various lineages. In line with this, shRNA-mediated silencing of ERG expression attenuated growth of human leukemia cell lines of various lineages. Thus, ERG is capable of promoting the development of leukemia and is crucial for its maintenance.