bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic creation of indexed presentations from classroom lectures
Authors: Dickson Paul E. , Adrion W. Richards , Hanson Allen R.
Published: September 2009

This paper describes a system designed to automatically capture classroom events as videos and images. This content is delivered in several ways, most commonly as indexed multimedia presentations but also in real time as notes of classroom events. This content creation system identifies when significant events occur, e.g., material presented by computer and projected on a screen or written on a standard whiteboard, and saves these events as enhanced images. In parallel with the whiteboard capture, a digitally-zoomed video of the speaker is created. The significant event images (from cameras and computers) are used to create an index into the video and the images, video and index are complied into a Flash presentation. These presentations are used by on-campus or distance students. The event images can also be stored and exported to a Ubiquitous Presenter-style server that provides students with real-time, in-class access. The event images and video are recorded transparently to the lecturer. The lecturer need not make any modifications to teaching style or modality (whiteboard, computer-based presentation, or a combination). The primary focus of this paper is on event image and video capture techniques. The lecture capture system has great benefits for education and we report some initial experience using it in support of computer science curricula.
An open integrated exploratorium for database courses
Authors: Brusilovsky Peter , Sosnovsky Sergey , Lee Danielle H. , Yudelson Michael , Zadorozhny Vladimir , Zhou Xin
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we present an open architecture that combines different SQL learning tools in an integrated Exploratorium for database courses. The integrated Exploratorium provides a unique learning environment that allows database students to take complimentary advantages of multiple advanced learning tools.
ClockIt
Authors: Norris Cindy , Barry Frank , Fenwick Jr. James B. , Reid Kathryn , Rountree Josh
Published: September 2009

The Information Technology sector is suffering from a dramatic reduction in the number of students studying the field and subsequently entering the IT market. The number of freshmen expressing "interest in CS" has dramatically decreased since 2000 [16] and CS attrition rates are very high (DUE 0633640). As part of an effort funded by the National Science Foundation (DUE 0633640), this paper introduces the ClockIt toolset that we believe can be used to help educators understand and reduce the high attrition rates of CS 1 and CS 2 students. Using ClockIt, we can unobtrusively monitor and log student software development activities allowing us to determine what practices make a student a successful software developer and what practices do not.
Teaching computer aided software engineering at the graduate level
Authors: Jenkins Marcelo
Published: September 2009

Although computer-aided software engineering (CASE) is one of the most current and interesting subjects within software engineering, relatively little has been published on the issue of teaching CASE at the graduate level. This paper reports a case study in teaching a graduate-level course on CASE tools in a span of six years. We explain the structure and contents of the course, describe the work the students perform as their term project, and summarize the outcome and lessons learned in five course offerings. The issues discussed in this paper might help educational institutions and college professors in designing and implementing software engineering courses at the graduate level.
A set of tools to teach compiler construction
Authors: Demaille Akim , Levillain Roland , Perrot Benoît
Published: September 2009

Compiler construction is a widely used software engineering exercise, but because most students will not be compiler writers, care must be taken to make it relevant in a core curriculum. Auxiliary tools, such as generators and interpreters, often hinder the learning: students have to fight tool idiosyncrasies, mysterious errors, and other poorly educative issues. We introduce a set of tools especially designed or improved for compiler construction educative projects in C++. We also provide suggestions about new approaches to compiler construction. We draw guidelines from our experience to make tools suitable for education purposes.
How to teach semantic web?
Authors: Diaz-Agudo Belén , Jiménez-Diaz Guillermo , Recio-Garcia Juan A.
Published: September 2009

The goals, technologies and problems related to the Semantic Web are well known for research purposes. Due to its extent, the inclusion of the concepts that concern to the Semantic Web in Computer Science courses is not easy. In this paper we detail our experience on a project-oriented approach to learn and to put into practice the main problems, concepts and technologies related to the Semantic Web. The project domain focuses on semantic mark up and retrieval of pictures, and the comparison between syntactical and semantic retrieval methods.
Exploring accessibility and visibility relationships in java
Authors: Cross James H. , Hendrix T. Dean , Umphress David A. , Barowski Larry A.
Published: September 2009

Inheritance and polymorphism are important OOP topics in CS1 and CS2. While these concepts are generally straightforward, there are subtleties that may leave students confused. For example, accessibility of a field in an object is generally determined by the declaring type and access modifiers of the field, and the context in the executing program from which the field is referenced. The dynamic object viewers in jGRASP have been expanded to allow the user to: (1) change the declared type of the object reference to any compatible type and (2) change the accessibility context of the object reference. These options enable the user to explore accessibility and visibility relationships by experimenting with any object on the workbench or in the debugger. Symbols, color, and text are used in the viewer to indicate inheritance relationships, accessibility, and visibility of fields and methods. Initial classroom use has demonstrated the potential for these new viewer features as an aid to students who are learning about inheritance and polymorphism.
An environment for supporting active learning in courses on language processing
Authors: Sierra José-Luis , Fernández-Pampillon Ana M. , Fernández-Valmayor Alfredo
Published: September 2009

PAG (
Prototyping with Attribute Grammars
) is an environment that promotes active learning in courses on language processing (e.g. compiler construction and computational linguistics). In PAG, learners can specify the syntax and the semantics of their languages with attribute grammars. Then, the environment generates prototypes of processors for the languages specified which learners can test with different inputs. For each valid input the prototypes produce one or more decorated syntax trees, which learners can navigate using the semantic equations in the original grammar. In this paper we describe the environment and we report its educational uses.
Building an economical VR system for CS education
Authors: Adams Joel C. , Hotrop Joshua
Published: September 2009

As an immersive, interactive 3D environment, virtual reality (VR) is a way to capture students' imaginations and unleash their creativity. Such a system might be used in
Computer Graphics, Gaming, Simulation,
and with a suitable API, introductory courses. As such, it offers an excellent means of attracting CS students in a time of dwindling enrollments. However, the cost and complexity of building a VR system has been prohibitive until recently. This paper presents a fully immersive, 2-sensor, six degrees of freedom VR system we built for less than $4000.
Virtual chat in an enquiry-based team project
Authors: Albin-Clark Adrian
Published: September 2009

In an enquiry-based first year team project, students are encouraged to develop their social skills through both non-technical and technical activities which, over the course of the year, increase in complexity, and have higher demands in terms of interaction. During a short period of tutor absence, two virtual chat sessions were conducted to maintain continuity in the tutorial programme. The interactions were analysed by examining a chat log, which showed a work ethic similar to that usually encountered in a traditional tutorial. Potential uses of chat software are then considered for other areas of this course unit.
Experiences with a synchronous virtual classroom in distance education
Authors: Koppelman Herman , Vranken Harald
Published: September 2009

Modern technology offers the tools for having synchronous virtual classes. This paper reports about experiences of such a class in the context of distance education. The paper focuses on the tool as well as on the pedagogy. It outlines the pedagogical approach of the virtual class, which is an adaptation of good practices of face-to-face classes. The results of an experiment are discussed. Strong and weak aspects of synchronous virtual classes are identified.
Going SOLO to assess novice programmers
Authors: Sheard Judy , Carbone Angela , Lister Raymond , Simon Beth , Thompson Errol , Whalley Jacqueline L.
Published: September 2009

This paper explores the programming knowledge of novices using Biggs' SOLO taxonomy. It builds on previous work of Lister et al. (2006) and addresses some of the criticisms of that work. The research was conducted by studying the exam scripts for 120 introductory programming students, in which three specific questions were analyzed using the SOLO taxonomy. The study reports the following four findings: when the instruction to students used by Lister et al. - "In plain English, explain what the following segment of Java code does" - is replaced with a less ambiguous instruction, many students still provide multistructural responses; students are relatively consistent in the SOLO level of their answers; student responses on SOLO reading tasks correlate positively with performance on writing tasks; postgraduates students manifest a higher level of thinking than undergraduates.
Towards generic and flexible web services for e-assessment
Authors: Amelung Mario , Forbrig Peter , Rösner Dietmar
Published: September 2009

In computer science education, lectures are typically accompanied by exercise courses and/or lab practices are essential for the learning effect since they provide opportunities for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical problems. The automatic testing and assessment of assignments in a Web-based environment offers students more learning possibilities (e.g., time and location-independent) with immediate feedback and helps teachers to reduce their workload so they can concentrate on issues regarding content and didactics. In this paper we present a generic, flexible, and reusable Web-based system architecture and its implementation for automatic testing of programming assignments and assignments in other formal systems. We also describe our practical experience gathered with this approach in computer science courses at two different universities.
SRec
Authors: Velázquez-Iturbide J. Ángel , Pérez-Carrasco Antonio , Urquiza-Fuentes Jaime
Published: September 2009

In this paper we describe SRec, a system to animate recursion in Java programs. It is intended to assist in algorithm courses to better understand and analyze algorithm behavior. We make several contributions. Firstly, SRec exhibits a comprehensive set of animation and educational features. It provides three complem- entary, coordinated views of recursion: traces, the execution stack and activation trees. SRec allows the user constructing and modifying animations without effort. The animation can be played flexibly, both forward and backwards. It also provides facilities to integrate animations into courses. Secondly, the paper describes the educational features of the system and its use in algorithm courses. Thirdly, the system has been fully evaluated with respect to usability (using formative and summative methods) and has been compared to other systems reported in the literature. The results of both evaluations are highly positive.
Concurrent CS
Authors: Ernst Daniel J. , Stevenson Daniel E.
Published: September 2009

Current trends in microprocessor design are fundamentally changing the way that performance is extracted from computer systems. The previous programming model of sequential uniprocessor execution is being replaced quickly with a need to write software for tightly-coupled shared memory multiprocessor systems. Academicians and business leaders have both challenged programmers to update their skill sets to effectively tackle software development for these newer platforms [2].

At the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, we have taken steps early in our curriculum to introduce our students to concurrent programming. Our approach is not to add parallel programming as a separate class, but to integrate concurrency concepts into traditional material throughout a student's coursework, beginning in CS1. Our goal is for students to gain both familiarity and confidence in using parallelism to their advantage. This paper describes the programming process we seek to introduce to our students and provides example assignments that illustrate the ease of integrating this process into a typical curriculum.
A gentle introduction to mutual recursion
Authors: Rubio-Sánchez Manuel , Urquiza-Fuentes Jaime , Pareja-Flores Cristóbal
Published: September 2009

Recursion is an important topic in computer science curricula. It is related to the acquisition of competences regarding problem decomposition, functional abstraction and the concept of induction. In comparison with direct recursion, mutual recursion is considered to be more complex. Consequently, it is generally addressed superficially in CS1/2 programming courses and textbooks. We show that, when a problem is approached appropriately, not only can mutual recursion be a powerful tool, but it can also be easy to understand and fun. This paper provides several intuitive and attractive algorithms that rely on mutual recursion, and which have been designed to help strengthen students' ability to decompose problems and apply induction. Furthermore, we show that a solution based on mutual recursion may be easier to design, prove and comprehend than other solutions based on direct recursion. We have evaluated the use of these algorithms while teaching recursion concepts. Results suggest that mutual recursion, in comparison with other types of recursion, is not as hard as it seems when: (1) determining the result of a (mathematical) function call, and, most importantly, (2) designing algorithms for solving simple problems.
Dangers of a fixed mindset
Authors: Murphy Laurie , Thomas Lynda
Published: September 2009

Psychology studies have shown that students' beliefs about their own intelligence--whether they view intelligence as fixed or malleable-have an important influence on student development and achievement. Yet the impact of these theories on success in Computer Science (CS) has not been directly investigated. Self-theories research has shown that students with a
fixed mindset
are more likely to exhibit a helpless response to substantial challenges and to experience decreases in self-esteem during college. Those with a
growth mindset
welcome challenges, displaying a mastery-oriented response, and maintaining self-esteem, primarily because they attribute failure to a lack of effort rather than a lack of intellectual ability. This paper introduces self-theories research, and relates this research to several issues in CS Education. We then make suggestions for how CS educators can consider self-theories in their teaching and research.
Tutoring model for promoting teaching skills of computer science prospective teachers
Authors: Ragonis Noa , Hazzan Orit
Published: September 2009

One of the greatest challenges Computer Science (CS) teachers face is that of guiding their pupils through problem-solving processes, i.e., the process of constructing a solution for a given problem as an algorithm or a computer program. This paper suggests a tutoring model, to be implemented by prospective CS teachers, that aims at training them to accomplish this challenge. The model is based on one-on-one tutoring sessions, in which the prospective teacher meets a novice undergraduate student taking an introductory CS course and guides him or her through problem-solving processes. The tutoring activity provides the prospective CS teachers with an opportunity to experience teaching situations, especially learners' difficulties with respect to problem-solving processes, and consequently, to improve their teaching skills. The tutoring model was integrated into the Methods of Teaching Computer Science course and was accompanied by a qualitative research. The main research findings indicate that the prospective CS teachers: (a) change their perspective with respect to teaching processes; (b) focus in their teaching on learners' difficulties; (c) increase their awareness to problem-solving processes and to the need to adapt different teaching approaches for different learners; (d) become reflective practitioners; and (e) increase their confidence with respect to teaching processes.
Computer-science education as a cultural encounter
Authors: Kolikant YifatBen-David
Published: September 2009

We present a framework for articulating learning difficulties in computer science (CS) based on the socio-cultural theoretical idea that learning means entering a culture. In school, teachers and students participate in two cultures simultaneously: (1) school and (2) the domain studied. CS students are members of a third culture, computer users and thus, in CS lessons, three cultural viewpoints are employed simultaneously, which might recast students' understanding of CS with ungenuine- CS elements. The power of this framework was demonstrated in a three-phase investigation into difficulties regarding correctness using questionnaires. The first two phases revealed how both school and the user's culture nurture students' misconceptions of correctness, which contribute to students' inadequate work habits. The third phase exposed teachers' dual viewpoint on a programming activity, which students can misinterpret as agreement with their (mis)understanding of the concept.
Comparing capacity building frameworks for computer science education in underdeveloped countries
Authors: Plane Jandelyn D. , Venter Isabella
Published: September 2009

In this paper, programs for capacity building in computer science education of developing countries are being compared in terms of: the type of framework implemented; its advantages and disadvantages; the influence of societal issues and language on the perceived success of the framework and finally how the technology used for communication, influence the success of the program. Since both researchers are actively engaged in four of the projects, participative observation is the preferred qualitative research methodology used. We have found that: each framework has different benefits; many of the challenges are consistent across many less technologically developed countries; and that improved communication technologies make it easier to have alliances and support between computer science departments at universities on different continents. This paper is a report on research currently in progress.
JLS
Authors: Poplawski David A. , Kurmas Zachary
Published: September 2009

JLS is a GUI-based digital logic simulation tool specifically designed for use in a wide range of digital logic and computer organization courses. It is comparable in features and functionality to commercial products, but includes many student and instructor-friendly aspects not found in those products such as state-machine and truth table editors, extensive error checking, and multiple simulation result views. Students quickly become proficient in its use, enabling them to concentrate on circuit design and debugging issues. The circuit drawing interface is convenient enough to allow instructors to use it for classroom presentations, and circuits can be modified and tested so quickly that it promotes exploring alternatives not prepared for in advance.
Eclipse as a teaching tool
Authors: Deugo Dwight
Published: September 2009

In this Demonstration session, I will show what to teach students about Eclipse, while remaining in the contexts of existing courses, such as CS1/CS2, in higher-level courses such as Quality Assurance, and in project courses.
Cooperative learning in operating systems laboratory
Authors: Pérez Jorge E. , García Martín Javier , Muñoz Fernández Isabel
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we describe the use of cooperative learning (with jigsaw) in lab sessions in an operating systems course.
A python graphics package for the first day and beyond
Authors: Goldwasser Michael H. , Letscher David
Published: September 2009

We demonstrate the use of a new Python graphics package named cs1graphics, while discussing its impact on pedagogy and showcasing the recent work of our students. Our package was originally developed with two goals in mind. First, we insisted that it be intuitive enough that students can sit down and make use of it from the very first day of an introductory class. Second, we wanted to provide seamless support for intermediate and advanced lessons as students progress. The resulting package is freely available at www.cs1graphics.org. We find its combination of simplicity and functionality unmatched by existing packages.
Digital topology java applet
Authors: Escribano Carmen , Giraldo Antonio , Sastre María Asunción , Trotta Mario
Published: September 2009

We present here a java applet, accessible through the World Wide Web, which allows to apply to a binary digital image a series of topological algorithms for image processing.
Teaching SQL
Authors: Caldeira Carlos Pampulim
Published: September 2009

In this poster we describe a class experiment focused on a different way of teaching SQL language. Classically students are introduced to SQL programming and start right way to write code lines. Based on my teaching experience this is not the ideal methodology. This poster presents a new approach for teaching SQL programming in the context of a Portuguese University: "in order to write first we have to be able to read". This case study - although in its first steps - clearly recognizes the potential benefits of this approach.
Adopting pen-based technology to facilitate active learning in the classroom
Authors: Chidanandan Archana , Sexton Shannon
Published: September 2009

In this work, we identify factors that should be examined when considering the adoption of collaboration-facilitating software and hardware and also determine what needs to be done to facilitate the use of this technology in the classroom.
What students say about gender in hiring software professionals
Authors: Chinn Donald , VanDeGrift Tammy
Published: September 2009

We asked students to make hiring decisions for a program manager and a software engineer for a fictitious software company. In one population of students, a pool of four candidates was provided. In another population of students, the candidates differed from the first in that the descriptions of two of the candidates were represented by the opposite gender. This poster provides evidence to help answer the following research questions: 1) Does gender matter in the rate of selection among candidates? and 2) Does gender matter in how candidates are perceived? Through analyzing students' work, we show that gender plays a role: the female candidate is more popular and assumptions and perceptions about candidates vary with gender.
Complecto mutatio
Authors: Connolly Randy W.
Published: September 2009

Students can best understand the benefits of software design principles when they have to work on a project in which requirements change repeatedly in some substantial way over the course of a semester. This poster describes two different semester-long projects in which substantial change was enforced upon the students by making them develop a system that had to work on three different user interface platforms (text-based console, desktop Windows, and a mobile Pocket PC). By making the students plan and adapt for this change the students were better able to truly appreciate the benefits of good design and were willing to take the extra effort to implement a design that reflects the principles taught in most object-oriented design courses. One of the key principles engaged by this approach was the importance of a layered architecture to software projects driven by change.
Computer science and information technology associate-level curricular guidelines
Authors: Hawthorne Elizabeth K. , Klee Karl J. , Campbell Robert D. , Wright Anita M.
Published: September 2009

This poster presentation will feature draft curriculum guidelines recently developed by the Two-Year College Education Committee (TYCEC), a standing committee of the ACM Education Board. The TYCEC is charged with developing and updating computing curricula guidelines for associate-degree granting institutions worldwide. To this end, the TYCEC is in the process of substantial revisions of the associate-level curriculum guidelines for transfer Computer Science degree programs and career Information Technology degree programs.
Program animation activities in Moodle
Authors: Moreno Andrés
Published: September 2009

This poster introduces a Moodle module oriented to include program animation activities using Jeliot 3. By installing it, teachers can easily define animation activities that students are requested to complete within the moodle environment.
Self-organized maps in scientific data analysis
Authors: Soo Hoo Jason T.
Published: September 2009

The Thermal Ion Dynamics Experiment (TIDE) investigates low energy (0 - 500 eV) plasma in the Earth's magnetosphere, especially in the polar regions. It is part of NASA's larger POLAR mission. Shortly after the POLAR spacecraft was in orbit, TIDE's mass spectrometer functionality failed. However, data from other instruments can be used to create energy vs. time spectrograms. The number of peaks in these spectrograms relates to the composition of the plasma, so determining the number of peaks in the spectrogram effectively regains the mass spectrometer functionality. Kohonen self-organized maps (SOMs,) a type of neural network, are particularly suited to this problem due to the amount of data that needs to be analyzed and the algorithm's ability to find patterns within data. The algorithm leads to clustering of similar data points on the map. Ultimately, the location of the input data point on the map allows for determination of how many peaks the data point contains, and thus the composition of the plasma at that time. The SOM correctly classified 99% of the input data, making it a viable solution to the problem. Further research is planned, namely the possibility of extending this concept to investigate energetic neural atom (ENA) images in order to determine the source of these atoms.
Web-based dynamic learning through lexical chaining
Authors: Shaban-Nejad Arash , Haarslev Volker
Published: September 2009

In this paper we report on our experience using a linguistic technique, called lexical chaining, in assisting the dynamic hierarchical learning of sequentially accessible information for both human and software agents.
Bertrand competition in networks
Authors: Chawla Shuchi , Niu Feng , Roughgarden Tim
Published: September 2009

We briefly summarize our recent work characterizing the efficiency of equilibria in pricing games in two-sided combinatorial markets.
Convergence to equilibrium in local interaction games
Authors: Montanari Andrea , Saberi Amin
Published: September 2009

We study a simple game-theoretic model for the spread of an innovation in a network. The diffiusion of the innovation is modeled as the dynamics of a coordination game in which the adoption of a common strategy between players has a higher payoff. Classical results in game theory provide a simple condition for the innovation to spread through the network. The present paper characterizes the rate of convergence as a function of graph structure. In particular, we derive a dichotomy between well-connected (e.g. random) graphs that show slow convergence and poorly connected, low dimensional graphs that show fast convergence.
Functional Significance of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Saini Sharanjot , Liu Jan , Yamamura Soichiro , Majid Shahana , Kawakami Kazumori , Hirata Hiroshi , Dahiya Rajvir
Published: September 2009

The secreted Frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) is a Wingless-type (Wnt) antagonist that has been associated with various malignancies, including renal cell carcinomas (RCC). However, the functional significance of SFRP1 has never been investigated in metastatic RCC. Here, we investigated the role of this molecule in kidney cancer progression and metastasis. Using Wnt pathway-focused cDNA expression profiling in normal renal, primary RCC, and metastatic RCC cell lines, we identified that SFRP1 is up-regulated in metastatic RCC. SFRP1 overexpression in metastatic RCC was confirmed by immunostaining in renal tissues. We explored the molecular mechanisms underlying SFRP1 up-regulation by analyzing DNA methylation and histone modification patterns on SFRP1 promoter. We found that this gene is unmethylated/hypomethylated and enriched in activating histone modifications in metastatic RCC. To understand the functional significance of SFRP1 overexpression in metastatic RCC with regard to tumorigenesis, we used a small interfering RNA–mediated approach to knockdown the gene and monitored cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and metastatic behavior. Proliferation was unaltered and apoptosis increased on attenuation of SFRP1 expression. Also, SFRP1 depletion decreased the invasive potential of the metastatic RCC cell line, suggesting that the overexpression of this Wnt antagonist may be related to invasiveness and metastatic behavior in RCC. We investigated the molecular basis of the role of SFRP1 in invasion and metastasis and found that matrix metalloproteinase MMP10 is regulated by SFRP1. In conclusion, our data suggest that SFRP1 plays a role in the metastatic potential of RCC. The present findings may be important in the design of treatment modalities for metastatic RCC. [Cancer Res 2009;69(17):6815–22]
The Prioritization of Cancer Antigens: A National Cancer Institute Pilot Project for the Acceleration of Translational Research
Authors: Cheever Martin A. , Allison James P. , Ferris Andrea S. , Finn Olivera J. , Hastings Benjamin M. , Hecht Toby T. , Mellman Ira , Prindiville Sheila A. , Viner Jaye L. , Weiner Louis M. , Matrisian Lynn M.
Published: September 2009

The purpose of the National Cancer Institute pilot project to prioritize cancer antigens was to develop a well-vetted, priority-ranked list of cancer vaccine target antigens based on predefined and preweighted objective criteria. An additional aim was for the National Cancer Institute to test a new approach for prioritizing translational research opportunities based on an analytic hierarchy process for dealing with complex decisions. Antigen prioritization involved developing a list of “ideal” cancer antigen criteria/characteristics, assigning relative weights to those criteria using pairwise comparisons, selecting 75 representative antigens for comparison and ranking, assembling information on the predefined criteria for the selected antigens, and ranking the antigens based on the predefined, preweighted criteria. Using the pairwise approach, the result of criteria weighting, in descending order, was as follows: (a) therapeutic function, (b) immunogenicity, (c) role of the antigen in oncogenicity, (d) specificity, (e) expression level and percent of antigen-positive cells, (f) stem cell expression, (g) number of patients with antigen-positive cancers, (h) number of antigenic epitopes, and (i) cellular location of antigen expression. None of the 75 antigens had all of the characteristics of the ideal cancer antigen. However, 46 were immunogenic in clinical trials and 20 of them had suggestive clinical efficacy in the “therapeutic function” category. These findings reflect the current status of the cancer vaccine field, highlight the possibility that additional organized efforts and funding would accelerate the development of therapeutically effective cancer vaccines, and accentuate the need for prioritization. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(17):5323–37)
Critical Role of Mast Cell Chymase in Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation
Authors: Sun Jiusong , Zhang Jie , Lindholt Jes S. , Sukhova Galina K. , Liu Jian , He Aina , Åbrink Magnus , Pejler Gunnar , Stevens Richard L. , Thompson Robert W. , Ennis Terri L. , Gurish Michael F. , Libby Peter , Shi Guo-Ping
Published: September 2009

Background—Mast cell chymase may participate in the pathogenesis of human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), yet a direct contribution of this serine protease to AAA formation remains unknown.

Methods and Results—Human AAA lesions had high numbers of chymase-immunoreactive mast cells. Serum chymase level correlated with AAA growth rate (P=0.009) in a prospective clinical study. In experimental AAA produced by aortic elastase perfusion in wild-type (WT) mice or those deficient in the chymase ortholog mouse mast cell protease-4 (mMCP-4) or deficient in mMCP-5 (Mcpt4−/−,Mcpt5−/−),Mcpt4−/−but notMcpt5−/−had reduced AAA formation 14 days after elastase perfusion. Even 8 weeks after perfusion, aortic expansion inMcpt4−/−mice fell by 50% compared with that of the WT mice (P=0.0003). AAA lesions inMcpt4−/−mice had fewer inflammatory cells and less apoptosis, angiogenesis, and elastin fragmentation than those of WT mice. AlthoughKitW-sh/W-shmice had protection from AAA formation, reconstitution with mast cells from WT mice, but not those fromMcpt4−/−mice, partially restored the AAA phenotype. Mechanistic studies suggested that mMCP-4 regulates expression and activation of cysteine protease cathepsins, elastin degradation, angiogenesis, and vascular cell apoptosis.

Conclusions—High chymase-positive mast cell content in human AAA lesions, greatly reduced AAA formation inMcpt4−/−mice, and significant correlation of serum chymase levels with human AAA expansion rate suggests participation of mast cell chymase in the progression of human and mouse AAA.
Emergency Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular Diseases and Ambient Levels of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Bell Michelle L. , Peng Roger D. , Dominici Francesca , Samet Jonathan M.
Published: September 2009

Background—

Evidence on risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) hospitalization associated with short-term exposure to outdoor carbon monoxide (CO), an air pollutant primarily generated by traffic, is inconsistent across studies. Uncertainties remain on the degree to which associations are attributable to other traffic pollutants and whether effects persist at low levels.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a multisite time-series study to estimate risk of CVD hospitalization associated with short-term CO exposure in 126 US urban counties during 1999–2005 for >9.3 million Medicare enrollees aged ≥65 years. We considered models with adjustment by other traffic-related pollutants: NO
2
, fine particulate matter (with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm), and elemental carbon. We found a positive and statistically significant association between same-day CO and increased risk of hospitalization for multiple CVD outcomes (ischemic heart disease, heart rhythm disturbances, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, total CVD). The association remained positive and statistically significant but was attenuated with copollutant adjustment, especially NO
2
. A 1-ppm increase in same-day daily 1-hour maximum CO was associated with a 0.96% (95% posterior interval, 0.79%, 1.12%) increase in risk of CVD admissions. With same-day NO
2
adjustment, this estimate was 0.55% (0.36%, 0.74%). The risk persisted at low CO levels <1 ppm.

Conclusions—

We found evidence of an association between short-term exposure to ambient CO and risk of CVD hospitalizations, even at levels well below current US health-based regulatory standards. This evidence indicates that exposure to current CO levels may still pose a public health threat, particularly for persons with CVD.
Effect of Epithelial Sodium Channel Blockade on the Myogenic Response of Rat Juxtamedullary Afferent Arterioles
Authors: Guan Zhengrong , Pollock Jennifer S. , Cook Anthony K. , Hobbs Janet L. , Inscho Edward W.
Published: September 2009

The mechanotransduction mechanism underlying the myogenic response is poorly understood, but evidence implicates participation of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-like proteins. Therefore, the role of ENaC on the afferent arteriolar myogenic response was investigated in vitro using the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron technique. Papillectomy was used to isolate myogenic influences by eliminating tubuloglomerular feedback signals. Autoregulatory responses were assessed by manipulating perfusion pressure in 30-mm Hg steps. Under control conditions, arteriolar diameter increased by 15% from 13.0±1.3 to 14.7±1.2 μm (
P
<0.05) after reducing perfusion pressure from 100 to 70 mm Hg. Diameter decreased to 11.3±1.1 and 10.6±1.0 μm after increasing pressure to 130 and 160 mm Hg (88±1 and 81±2% of control diameter,
P
<0.05), respectively. Pressure-mediated autoregulatory responses were significantly inhibited by superfusion of 10 μmol/L amiloride (102±2, 97±4, and 94±3% of control diameter), or 10 μmol/L benzamil (106±5, 100±3, and 103±3% of control diameter), and when perfusing with blood containing 5 μmol/L amiloride (106±2, 97±4, and 97±4% of control diameter). Vasoconstrictor responses to 55 mmol/L KCl were preserved as diameters decreased by 67±4, 55±8, and 60±4% in afferent arterioles superfused with amiloride or benzamil, and perfused with amiloride, respectively. These responses were similar to responses obtained from control afferent arterioles (64±6%,
P
>0.05). Immunofluorescence revealed expression of the α, β, and γ subunits of ENaC in freshly isolated preglomerular microvascular smooth muscle cells. These results demonstrate that selective ENaC inhibitors attenuate afferent arteriolar myogenic responses and suggest that ENaC may function as mechanosensitive ion channels initiating pressure-dependent myogenic responses in rat juxtamedullary afferent arterioles.
Characteristics of Deep Tropical and Subtropical Convection from Nadir-Viewing High-Altitude Airborne Doppler Radar
Authors: Heymsfield Gerald M. , Tian Lin , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Li Lihua , Guimond Stephen
Published: September 2009

This paper presents observations of deep convection characteristics in the tropics and subtropics that have been classified into four categories: tropical cyclone, oceanic, land, and sea breeze. Vertical velocities in the convection were derived from Doppler radar measurements collected during several NASA field experiments from the nadir-viewing high-altitude ER-2 Doppler radar (EDOP). Emphasis is placed on the vertical structure of the convection from the surface to cloud top (sometimes reaching 18-km altitude). This unique look at convection is not possible from other approaches such as ground-based or lower-altitude airborne scanning radars. The vertical motions from the radar measurements are derived using new relationships between radar reflectivity and hydrometeor fall speed. Various convective properties, such as the peak updraft and downdraft velocities and their corresponding altitude, heights of reflectivity levels, and widths of reflectivity cores, are estimated. The most significant findings are the following: 1) strong updrafts that mostly exceed 15 m s−1, with a few exceeding 30 m s−1, are found in all the deep convection cases, whether over land or ocean; 2) peak updrafts were almost always above the 10-km level and, in the case of tropical cyclones, were closer to the 12-km level; and 3) land-based and sea-breeze convection had higher reflectivities and wider convective cores than oceanic and tropical cyclone convection. In addition, the high-resolution EDOP data were used to examine the connection between reflectivity and vertical velocity, for which only weak linear relationships were found. The results are discussed in terms of dynamical and microphysical implications for numerical models and future remote sensors.
The Atmospheric Response to a Thermohaline Circulation Collapse: Scaling Relations for the Hadley Circulation and the Response in a Coupled Climate Model
Authors: Drijfhout Sybren S.
Published: September 2009

The response of the tropical atmosphere to a collapse of the thermohaline circulation (THC) is investigated by comparing two 5-member ensemble runs with a coupled climate model (CCM), the difference being that in one ensemble a hosing experiment was performed. An extension of the Held–Hou–Lindzen model for the Hadley circulation is developed to interpret the results. The forcing associated with a THC collapse is qualitatively similar to, but smaller in amplitude than, the solstitial shift from boreal summer to winter. This forcing results from reduced ocean heat transport creating an anomalous cross-equatorial SST gradient. The small amplitude of the forcing makes it possible to arrive at analytical expressions using standard perturbation theory. The theory predicts the latitudinal shift between the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and Southern Hemisphere (SH) Hadley cells, and the relative strength of the anomalous cross-equatorial Hadley cell compared to the solstitial cell. The poleward extent of the Hadley cells is controlled by other physics. In the NH the Hadley cell contracts, while zonal velocities increase and the subtropical jet shifts equatorward, whereas in the SH cell the opposite occurs. This behavior can be explained by assuming that the poleward extent of the Hadley cell is determined by baroclinic instability: it scales with the inverse of the isentropic slopes. Both theory and CCM results indicate that a THC collapse and changes in tropical circulation do not act in competition, as a possible explanation for abrupt climate change; they act in concert.
Privacy and Disclosure in Psychoanalysis
Authors: Kantrowitz Judy L.
Published: September 2009

The tension between privacy and disclosure in psychoanalysis operates in various ways in analyst, supervisee, and supervisor. Analysts need to maintain the privacy of their patients by keeping their material confidential; they also need to know and share their own internal conscious conflicts to be able to discover unconscious conflicts and their characterological ramifications. Clinical writing is one vehicle for the exploration, discovery, and communication of transference-countertransference issues and other conflicts stimulated by clinical work, but it does not provide the perspective that comes from sharing with another person. Telling a trusted colleague what we think and feel in relation to our patients and ourselves enables us to see our blind spots, as well as providing perspective and affect containment in our work. Mutuality in peer supervision tends to reduce the transference. The special problems of privacy and disclosure in psychoanalytic training are addressed, as are the ways the analyst’s belief in maintaining privacy may affect the analytic process and therapeutic relationship.
Research in Child Psychoanalysis: Twenty-Five-Year Follow-Up of a Severely Disturbed Child
Authors: Tyson Phyllis
Published: September 2009

In an era of managed care, psychoanalytic treatment of children is under fire as critics question whether the evidence of success in child analysis is sufficiently robust to warrant the large commitment of time and money required for this treatment. This article chronicles the history and current state of research at the Anna Freud Centre, and describes the evolution of a database that has methodically recorded and systematically organized data from over 750 cases of children referred to the Centre over a forty-five-year period. Analysis of this database has determined what kinds of childhood disorders are best treated with intensive psychoanalysis, and what kinds do not respond to this form of treatment. A long-term follow-up of a small sample of these childreen suggests the kinds of long-term benefits that can be gained when an individual is treated with intensive psychoanalysis as a child. As an example, clinical material from the analysis of an eight-year-old is presented along with follow-up interview data twenty-five years later.
Child Analytic Training: the Establishment of a Separate Training Track At Institutes of the American Psychoanalytic Association
Authors: Morales Julio , Farley Arthur J.
Published: September 2009

In 2002 a pilot program was established under the auspices of the American Psychoanalytic Association, with the participation of four of its institutes, to study the feasibility of creating a separate training track in child analysis without the requirement of previous adult analytic training. The program, which ran from 2003 through 2006, was evaluated by a research project completed in 2007. These efforts resulted in the formal creation of a separate training track in child analysis to train child analysts only. The experience of two of the pilot programs, which required the analysis of three children and one adult, is described.
Item Parameter Invariance of the Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test Across Male and Female Samples
Authors: Immekus Jason C. , Maller Susan J.
Published: September 2009

The Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test (KAIT™) is an individually administered test of intelligence for individuals ranging in age from 11 to 85+ years. The item response theory—likelihood ratio procedure, based on the two-parameter logistic model, was used to detect differential item functioning (DIF) in the KAIT across males and females in the standardization sample. Root mean squared differences and item parameter differences were used to indicate the magnitude of DIF and identify which group the item parameter favored. A z test of proportion differences was conducted to determine if the number of parameters exhibiting gender DIF exceeded the number expected by chance, estimated by randomly dividing the sample in half and repeating the analyses. Of the 176 item parameters examined, 42 (24%) lacked invariance, with most items reporting uniform DIF. Implications for test score interpretation and future research are discussed.
Development of the Competitive Work Environment Scale: A Multidimensional Climate Construct
Authors: Fletcher Thomas D. , Nusbaum David N.
Published: September 2009

Recent research suggests that competitive work environments may influence individual’s attitudes, behaviors, stress, and performance. Unfortunately, adequate measures of competitive environments are lacking. This article traces the development of a new multidimensional competitive work environment scale. An initial 59-item pool covering five dimensions of a competitive environment was generated and scrutinized. Then, using two independent data samples, the authors psychometrically analyzed, organized, and reduced the items using a combination of exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and item response theory. The final scale consists of 20 items across five distinct dimensions: competition for tangible rewards, nontangible rewards, recognition, status, and competition influenced by coworkers. Results indicate that the final multidimensional scale maintains strong psychometric properties and provides preliminary evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.