bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Implementation of Enhanced Surveillance Platform with Low-Power Wireless Audio Sensor Network
Authors: Zhao Guotao , Ma Huadong , Sun Yan , Luo Hong
Published: May 2012

Video surveillance system, which can provide real-time display of the monitored scene and video playback, has been employed in many areas including commercial security, accident investigation, law enforcement, and emergency response. However, audio which carries important information not available in video is usually not taken seriously and used effectively. In this paper, we develop an enhanced surveillance platform by organically integrating the low-power wireless audio sensor network (WASN) with the traditional visual surveillance network. We can obtain more comprehensive and precise monitoring without the limitation of the line-of-sight and lighting condition. Moreover, this platform is designed and built for providing key support to varieties of applications in wireless multimedia sensor networks. This paper describes the platform architecture, including design, implementation, and performance. We describe the hardware and software components of the audio/video sensors. Then, we present the multimedia synchronization mechanism in the heterogeneous network which is the foundation of applications in the proposed platform. Besides, we describe a sample application and data management mechanism that we have implemented to show the usefulness of our platform. Our experiments include an in-depth analysis of the bottlenecks within the platform as well as measurements for the various components.
Extensive Introgression among Ancestral mtDNA Lineages: Phylogenetic Relationships of the Utaka within the Lake Malawi Cichlid Flock
Authors: Anseeuw Dieter , Nevado Bruno , Busselen Paul , Snoeks Jos , Verheyen Erik
Published: May 2012

We present a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the Utaka, an informal taxonomic group of cichlid species from Lake Malawi. We analyse both nuclear and mtDNA data from five Utaka species representing two (CopadichromisandMchenga) of the three genera within Utaka. Within three of the five analysed species we find two very divergent mtDNA lineages. These lineages are widespread and occur sympatrically in conspecific individuals in different areas throughout the lake. In a broader taxonomic context including representatives of the main groups within the Lake Malawi cichlid fauna, we find that one of these lineages clusters within the non-Mbuna mtDNA clade, while the other forms a separate clade stemming from the base of the Malawian cichlid radiation. This second mtDNA lineage was only found in Utaka individuals, mostly withinCopadichromissp. “virginalis kajose” specimens. The nuclear genes analysed, on the other hand, did not show traces of divergence within each species. We suggest that the discrepancy between the mtDNA and the nuclear DNA signatures is best explained by a past hybridisation event by which the mtDNA of another species introgressed into the ancestralCopadichromissp. “virginalis kajose” gene pool.
The Role ofFoxp3-Expressing Regulatory T Cells and T Helpers in Immunopathogenesis of Multidrug Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Churina E. G. , Urazova O. I. , Novitskiy V. V.
Published: May 2012

Subpopulation structure of regulatory T cells and T helpers of peripheral blood in patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis depending on the clinical form of disease and sensitivity ofMycobacterium tuberculosisto antituberculosis drugs has been analyzed in this work. It has been shown that the leading part in immune suppression at infiltrative, dissemination, and fibrosis-cavity pulmonary tuberculosis is played by natural regulatory CD4+CD25+Foxp3+-T lymphocytes. Thus we estimate increase of their number in blood by drug-resistance and drug-susceptible patients. It has been demonstrated that in patients with fibrocavernous and infiltrative form of the disease and drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis the number of CD4+CD25−Foxp3+-regulatory T cells was increasing. In patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis, including multidrug-resistantM. tuberculosis, an increased number of CD3+CD4+CD25−T helpers is determined by the pathogenic features of the development of the tuberculosis infection and is connected with the activation of Th1-dependent immune response. Reduction in the number of T-helpers in the blood of patients with dissemination and fibrosis-cavity pulmonary tuberculosis mediates inefficient implementation of cell-mediated protective immunity.
Applying Hierarchical Bayesian Neural Network in Failure Time Prediction
Authors: Kao Ling-Jing , Chen Hsin-Fen
Published: May 2012

With the rapid technology development and improvement, the product failure time prediction becomes an even harder task because only few failures in the product life tests are recorded. The classical statistical model relies on the asymptotic theory and cannot guarantee that the estimator has the finite sample property. To solve this problem, we apply the hierarchical Bayesian neural network (HBNN) approach to predict the failure time and utilize the Gibbs sampler of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to estimate model parameters. In this proposed method, the hierarchical structure is specified to study the heterogeneity among products. Engineers can use the heterogeneity estimates to identify the causes of the quality differences and further enhance the product quality. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical Bayesian neural network model, the prediction performance of the proposed model is evaluated using multiple performance measurement criteria. Sensitivity analysis of the proposed model is also conducted using different number of hidden nodes and training sample sizes. The result shows that HBNN can provide not only the predictive distribution but also the heterogeneous parameter estimates for each path.
The Time Required to Estimate the Case Fatality Ratio of Influenza Using Only the Tip of an Iceberg: Joint Estimation of the Virulence and the Transmission Potential
Authors: Ejima Keisuke , Omori Ryosuke , Cowling Benjamin J. , Aihara Kazuyuki , Nishiura Hiroshi
Published: May 2012

Estimating the case fatality ratio (CFR) of a novel strain of influenza virus during the early stage of the pandemic is one of key epidemiological tasks to be conducted as rapid research response. Past experience during the epidemics of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and influenza A (H1N1-2009) posed several technical challenges in estimating the CFR in real time. The present study aimed to develop a simple method to estimate the CFR based on readily available datasets, that is, confirmed cases and deaths, while addressing some of the known technical issues. To assess the reliability and validity of the proposed method, we examined the minimum length of time required for the assigned CFR to be included within the 95% confidence intervals and for the estimated CFR to be below a prespecified cut-off value by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Overall, the smaller the transmission potential was, the longer it took to compare the estimated CFR against the cut-off value. If policymaking and public health response have to be made based on the CFR estimate derived from the proposed method and readily available data, it should be noted that the successful estimation may take longer than a few months.
The T-cell Receptor Repertoire of Tumor-Infiltrating Regulatory T Lymphocytes Is Skewed Toward Public Sequences
Authors: Sainz-Perez Alexander , Lim Annick , Lemercier Brigitte , Leclerc Claude
Published: May 2012

The accumulation of CD4+ T regulatory cells (Treg) in tumor tissue is a widely described phenomenon in mouse models and in human cancer patients. Understanding the mechanisms by which Treg migrate and accumulate in tumors is important because they strongly influence the potential efficacy of many immunotherapies. In this study, we used immunoscope technology to analyze the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of tumor-infiltrating T cells in non-TCR transgenic mice. Both tumor-infiltrating Tregs and T effector cells (Teff) displayed sequence profiles in the CDR3 region that were characteristic of biased repertoires seen during clonal cell expansions, implying that strong T-cell responses have occurred within the tumor tissue. By comparing the TCR sequences of tumor-infiltrating Tregs, we obtained evidence of the presence of so-called public TCR sequences that are common to many individuals yet were tumor-specific in nature. Such comparisons also suggested that the Treg–Teff conversion process is not an active process at the tumor site or tumor-draining lymph nodes. Our findings strongly suggest that Treg infiltration of tumor tissue is followed by marked proliferation of a few dominant T-cell clones in the tumor. Cancer Res; 72(14); 3557–69. ©2012 AACR.
Sensitivity of Glioblastomas to Clinically Available MEK Inhibitors Is Defined by Neurofibromin 1 Deficiency
Authors: See Wendy L. , Tan I-Li , Mukherjee Joydeep , Nicolaides Theodore , Pieper Russell O.
Published: May 2012

Loss of neurofibromin 1 (NF1) leads to hyperactivation of RAS, which in turn signals through the RAF/MEK/ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mTOR pathways to regulate cell growth and survival. Because NF1-deficient acute myeloid leukemias are sensitive to MEK inhibitors, we investigated here whether NF1-deficient glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) would respond to MEK inhibition. In 19 GBM cell lines, we found that treatment with the clinically available MEK inhibitors PD0325901 or AZD6244 decreased levels of phospho-ERK, the downstream effector of MEK, regardless of NF1 status. However, growth inhibition occurred only in a subset of NF1-deficient cells, in association with decreased levels of cyclin D1, increased levels of p27, and G1 arrest. As a single agent, PD0325901 suppressed the growth of NF1-deficient, MEK inhibitor–sensitive cells in vivo as well. Mechanistically, NF1-deficient, MEK inhibitor–sensitive cells were dependent upon the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway for growth and did not activate the PI3K pathway as a mechanism of acquired resistance. Importantly, NF1-deficient cells intrinsically resistant to MEK inhibition were sensitized by the addition of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PI-103. Taken together, our findings indicate that a subset of NF1-deficient GBMs may respond to MEK inhibitors currently being tested in clinical trials. Cancer Res; 72(13); 3350–9. ©2012 AACR.
Phase I Trial of a Glypican-3–Derived Peptide Vaccine for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Immunologic Evidence and Potential for Improving Overall Survival
Authors: Sawada Yu , Yoshikawa Toshiaki , Nobuoka Daisuke , Shirakawa Hirofumi , Kuronuma Toshimitsu , Motomura Yutaka , Mizuno Shoichi , Ishii Hiroshi , Nakachi Kohei , Konishi Masaru , Nakagohri Toshio , Takahashi Shinichiro , Gotohda Naoto , Takayama Tadatoshi , Yamao Kenji , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Furuse Junji , Kinoshita Taira , Nakatsura Tetsuya
Published: May 2012

Purpose: The carcinoembryonic antigen glypican-3 (GPC3) is an ideal target of anticancer immunotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this nonrandomized, open-label, phase I clinical trial, we analyzed the safety and efficacy of GPC3 peptide vaccination in patients with advanced HCC.

Experimental Design: Thirty-three patients with advanced HCC underwent GPC3 peptide vaccination (intradermal injections on days 1, 15, and 29 with dose escalation). The primary endpoint was the safety of GPC3 peptide vaccination. The secondary endpoints were immune response, as measured by IFN-γ ELISPOT assay, and the clinical outcomes tumor response, time to tumor progression, and overall survival (OS).

Results: GPC3 vaccination was well-tolerated. One patient showed a partial response, and 19 patients showed stable disease 2 months after initiation of treatment. Four of the 19 patients with stable disease had tumor necrosis or regression that did not meet the criteria for a partial response. Levels of the tumor markers α-fetoprotein and/or des-γ-carboxy prothrombin temporarily decreased in nine patients. The GPC3 peptide vaccine induced a GPC3-specific CTL response in 30 patients. Furthermore, GPC3-specific CTL frequency after vaccination correlated with OS. OS was significantly longer in patients with high GPC3-specific CTL frequencies (N = 15) than in those with low frequencies (N = 18; P = 0.033).

Conclusions: GPC3-derived peptide vaccination was well-tolerated, and measurable immune responses and antitumor efficacy were noted. This is the first study to show that peptide-specific CTL frequency can be a predictive marker of OS in patients with HCC receiving peptide vaccination. Clin Cancer Res; 18(13); 3686–96. ©2012 AACR.
Evidence for Efficacy of New Hsp90 Inhibitors Revealed by Ex Vivo Culture of Human Prostate Tumors
Authors: Centenera Margaret M. , Gillis Joanna L. , Hanson Adrienne R. , Jindal Shalini , Taylor Renea A. , Risbridger Gail P. , Sutherland Peter D. , Scher Howard I. , Raj Ganesh V. , Knudsen Karen E. , Yeadon Trina ,   for the Australian Prostate Cancer BioResource, Tilley Wayne D. , Butler Lisa M.
Published: May 2012

Purpose: Targeting Hsp90 has significant potential as a treatment for prostate cancer, but prototypical agents such as 17-allylamino-17 demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) have been ineffective in clinical trials. Recently, a phase I study aimed at defining a biologically active dose reported the first response to an Hsp90 inhibitor in a patient with prostate cancer, which supports the development of new generation compounds for this disease.

Experimental Design: The biological actions of two new synthetic Hsp90 inhibitors, NVP-AUY922 and NVP-HSP990, were evaluated in the prostate cancer cell lines PC-3, LNCaP, and VCaP and in an ex vivo culture model of human prostate cancer.

Results: In cell lines, both NVP-AUY922 and NVP-HSP990 showed greater potency than 17-AAG with regard to modulation of Hsp90 client proteins, inhibition of proliferation, and induction of apoptotic cell death. In prostate tumors obtained from radical prostatectomy that were cultured ex vivo, treatment with 500 nmol/L of NVP-AUY922, NVP-HSP990, or 17-AAG caused equivalent target modulation, determined by the pharmacodynamic marker Hsp70, but only NVP-AUY922 and NVP-HSP990 showed antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity.

Conclusions: This study provides some of the first evidence that new generation Hsp90 inhibitors are capable of achieving biologic responses in human prostate tumors, with both NVP-AUY922 and NVP-HSP990 showing potent on-target efficacy. Importantly, the ex vivo culture technique has provided information on Hsp90 inhibitor action not previously observed in cell lines or animal models. This approach, therefore, has the potential to enable more rational selection of therapeutic agents and biomarkers of response for clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 18(13); 3562–70. ©2012 AACR.
New Directions for Biologic Targets in Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Richter Suzanne , Sridhar Srikala S.
Published: May 2012

Urothelial carcinoma remains an important oncologic problem with significant morbidity and mortality. This article provides an overview of the current status of treatment of urothelial carcinoma, with an update on current trials and recent American Society of Clinical Oncology abstracts. As an alternative to focusing on the metastatic setting, we take a broad look at drug development to date, as it spans from early disease to advanced disease in the context of emerging molecular data. This approach allows us to show that each stage involves key considerations based on emerging evidence regarding molecular biology, stage-specific novel endpoints, and rational patient selection that may help further trial designs in the future. Key issues, such as neoadjuvant versus adjuvant perioperative chemotherapy, approaches to salvage second-line therapy in the metastatic setting, and treatment of elderly and cisplatin-ineligible patients, are discussed. New paradigms in clinical research, including novel endpoints, upfront rational patient selection, biomarkers, and trial design, are also addressed. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(6); 1226–35. ©2012 AACR.
Beta-Testing of PI3-Kinase Inhibitors: Is Beta Better?
Authors: Shepherd Peter R. , Denny William A.
Published: May 2012

Although it has been known for some time that PTEN-null tumors require expression of the p110β isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase for growth, the corollary demonstration that small-molecule inhibitors of p110β are effective drugs for such tumors has not been shown. This has now been rectified by the demonstration that the TGX221 analogue KIN-193 is effective in mouse xenografts of HCC70 and PC3 human tumor cell lines. Cancer Discov; 2(5); 393–4. ©2012 AACR.

Commentary on Ni et al., p. 425.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Strains Causing Neonatal Sepsis between 1998 and 2008
Authors: Guiral Elisabet , Bosch Jordi , Vila Jordi , Soto Sara M.
Published: May 2012

Background: Bloodstream infections are a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and death. An increase in the incidence of early neonatal sepsis due to Escherichia coli has been reported. The objective was to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli strains causing early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) and their evolution. Methods:E. coli strains from EONS and hospital-acquired LONS collected at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona were included in the study. Results: No statistically significant differences in resistance profiles were found between strains causing EONS and LONS. An increase in the resistance to all the antimicrobial agents studied was observed for the period 2000–2008 in comparison with the 1985–1999 period, with the increase in resistance to gentamicin, piperacillin and tobramycin being statistically significant. Two strains carried the blaCTX-M genes (blaCTX-M-14 and blaCTX-M-15). Conclusion: The increase in ampicillin and gentamicin resistance makes a change in the treatment of neonates necessary.
A Pilot Study of Long-Acting Octreotide for Symptomatic Malignant Ascites
Authors: Jatoi Aminah , Nieva Jorge J. , Qin Rui , Loprinzi Charles L. , Wos Edward J. , Novotny Paul J. , Moore, Jr. Dennis F. , Mowat Rex B. , Bechar Naftali , Pajon, Jr. Eduardo R. , Hartmann Lynn C.
Published: May 2012

Background: Effective, non-invasive, palliative strategies for symptomatic malignant ascites are unavailable. This trial explored whether octreotide, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor, a putative mediator of ascites, prolongs the interval to next paracentesis. Methods: After a baseline paracentesis and a test of short-acting agent, patients with symptomatic ascites were randomly assigned to long-acting octreotide (Sandostatin LAR®) depot 30 mg intramuscularly every month versus 0.9% sodium chloride administered similarly. Patients were then monitored for recurrent, symptomatic ascites. Results: Thirty-three patients were enrolled: 16 assigned to the octreotide and 17 to the control arm. The median time to next paracentesis was 28 and 14 days in the octreotide and placebo arm, respectively (p = 0.17). After adjustment for extracted ascites volume and abdominal girth change, no statistically significant difference between the groups was observed (hazard ratio = 0.52, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.21–1.28; p = 0.15, per Cox model). Octreotide-treated patients described less of abdominal bloating (p = 0.01), abdominal discomfort (p = 0.02), and shortness of breath (p = 0.007) at one month, although other quality of life symptoms were comparable between the arms. Long-acting octreotide was reasonably well tolerated. Conclusion: As prescribed in this trial, octreotide did not seem effective in prolonging the time to next paracentesis, although improvements in symptoms suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition merits further investigation.
Evaluation of Falls Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Using Body-Worn Sensors
Authors: Greene Barry R. , Doheny Emer P. , Walsh Cathal , Cunningham Clodagh , Crosby Lisa , Kenny Rose A.
Published: May 2012

Background: Falls are the most common cause of injury and hospitalization and one of the principal causes of death and disability in older adults worldwide. This study aimed to determine if a method based on body-worn sensor data can prospectively predict falls in community-dwelling older adults, and to compare its falls prediction performance to two standard methods on the same data set. Methods: Data were acquired using body-worn sensors, mounted on the left and right shanks, from 226 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 71.5 ± 6.7 years, 164 female) to quantify gait and lower limb movement while performing the ‘Timed Up and Go’ (TUG) test in a geriatric research clinic. Participants were contacted by telephone 2 years following their initial assessment to determine if they had fallen. These outcome data were used to create statistical models to predict falls. Results: Results obtained through cross-validation yielded a mean classification accuracy of 79.69% (mean 95% CI: 77.09–82.34) in prospectively identifying participants that fell during the follow-up period. Results were significantly (p < 0.0001) more accurate than those obtained for falls risk estimation using two standard measures of falls risk (manually timed TUG and the Berg balance score, which yielded mean classification accuracies of 59.43% (95% CI: 58.07–60.84) and 64.30% (95% CI: 62.56–66.09), respectively). Conclusion: Results suggest that the quantification of movement during the TUG test using body-worn sensors could lead to a robust method for assessing future falls risk.
The Epidemic of Distraction
Authors: Weksler Marc E. , Weksler Babette B.
Published: May 2012

Multitasking is a rapidly growing phenomenon affecting all segments of the population but is rarely as successful as its proponents believe. The use of mobile electronic devices contributes importantly to multitasking and cognitive overload. Although personal electronic devices provide many benefits, their adverse effects are frequently overlooked. Personal observation and a review of the scientific literature supports the view that overuse or misuse of personal electronic devices promotes cognitive overload, impairs multitasking and lowers performance at all ages but particularly in the elderly. This phenomenon appears to be rapidly increasing and threatens to become a tsunami as spreading electronic waves cause an ‘epidemic of distraction’. Mobile electronic devices often bring benefits to their users in terms of rapid access to information. However, there is a dark side to the increasing addiction to these devices that challenges the health and well-being of the entire population, targeting, in particular, the aged and infirm. New approaches to information gathering can foster creativity if cognitive overload is avoided.
Multisite Randomized Trial of a Single-Session Versus Multisession Literacy-Sensitive Self-Care Intervention for Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: DeWalt Darren A. , Schillinger Dean , Ruo Bernice , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten , Baker David W. , Holmes George M. , Weinberger Morris , Macabasco-O'Connell Aurelia , Broucksou Kimberly , Hawk Victoria , Grady Kathleen L. , Erman Brian , Sueta Carla A. , Chang Patricia P. , Cene Crystal Wiley , Wu Jia-Rong , Jones Christine D. , Pignone Michael
Published: May 2012

Background—

Self-care training can reduce hospitalization for heart failure (HF), and more intensive intervention may benefit more vulnerable patients, including those with low literacy.

Methods and Results—

A 1-year, multisite, randomized, controlled comparative effectiveness trial with 605 patients with HF was conducted. Those randomized to a single session received a 40-minute in-person, literacy-sensitive training; the multisession group received the same initial training and then ongoing telephone-based support. The primary outcome was combined incidence of all-cause hospitalization or death; secondary outcomes included HF-related hospitalization and HF-related quality of life, with prespecified stratification by literacy. Overall, the incidence of all-cause hospitalization and death did not differ between intervention groups (incidence rate ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.22). The effect of multisession training compared with single-session training differed by literacy group: Among those with low literacy, the multisession training yielded a lower incidence of all-cause hospitalization and death (incidence rate ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.45–1.25), and among those with higher literacy, the multisession intervention yielded a higher incidence (incidence rate ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.99–1.50; interaction
P
=0.048). For HF-related hospitalization, among those with low literacy, multisession training yielded a lower incidence (incidence rate ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–1.12), and among those with higher literacy, it yielded a higher incidence (incidence rate ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.88; interaction
P
=0.005). HF-related quality of life improved more for patients receiving multisession than for those receiving single-session interventions at 1 and 6 months, but the difference at 12 months was smaller. Effects on HF-related quality of life did not differ by literacy.

Conclusions—

Overall, an intensive multisession intervention did not change clinical outcomes compared with a single-session intervention. People with low literacy appear to benefit more from multisession interventions than people with higher literacy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00378950.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of T-Wave Inversions in Right Precordial Leads of a 12-Lead Electrocardiogram in the Middle-Aged Subjects
Authors: Aro Aapo L. , Anttonen Olli , Tikkanen Jani T. , Junttila M. Juhani , Kerola Tuomas , Rissanen Harri A. , Reunanen Antti , Huikuri Heikki V.
Published: May 2012

Background—

T-wave inversion in right precordial leads V
1
to V
3
is a relatively common finding in a 12-lead ECG of children and adolescents and is infrequently found also in healthy adults. However, this ECG pattern can also be the first presentation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. The prevalence and prognostic significance of T-wave inversions in the middle-aged general population are not well known.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 12-lead ECGs of 10 899 Finnish middle-aged subjects (52% men, mean age 44±8.5 years) recorded between 1966 and 1972 for the presence of inverted T waves and followed the subjects for 30±11 years. Primary end points were all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and arrhythmic death. T-wave inversions in right precordial leads V
1
to V
3
were present in 54 (0.5%) of the subjects. In addition, 76 (0.7%) of the subjects had inverted T waves present only in leads other than V
1
to V
3
. Right precordial T-wave inversions did not predict increased mortality (not significant for all end points). However, inverted T waves in leads other than V
1
to V
3
were associated with an increased risk of cardiac and arrhythmic death (
P
<0.001 for both).

Conclusions—

T-wave inversions in right precordial leads are relatively rare in the general population, and are not associated with adverse outcome. Increased mortality risk associated with inverted T waves in other leads may reflect the presence of an underlying structural heart disease.
Space–Time Extremes in Short-Crested Storm Seas
Authors: Fedele Francesco
Published: May 2012

This study develops a stochastic approach to model short-crested stormy seas as random fields both in space and time. Defining a space–time extreme as the largest surface displacement over a given sea surface area during a storm, associated statistical properties are derived by means of the theory of Euler characteristics of random excursion sets in combination with the Equivalent Power Storm model. As a result, an analytical solution for the return period of space–time extremes is given. Subsequently, the relative validity of the new model and its predictions are explored by analyzing wave data retrieved from NOAA buoy 42003, located in the eastern part of the Gulf of Mexico, offshore Naples, Florida. The results indicate that, as the storm area increases under short-crested wave conditions, space–time extremes noticeably exceed the significant wave height of the most probable sea state in which they likely occur and that they also do not violate Stokes–Miche-type upper limits on wave heights.
Corrective Experiences in Everyday Life
Authors: Friedlander Myrna L. , Lee Hsin-Hua , Bernardi Shaina
Published: May 2012

Based on a transtheoretical definition of corrective experience (CE), the authors interviewed 25 adults who could identify a pivotal event or relationship they had experienced, at any point in their lifetime, as positively transformative. The narratives show that the CEs described by participants often had a negative precipitant or took place during a life transition. CEs involving other people tended to occur when an important relationship ended or was reflected upon in retrospect. Many participants had a new cognitive understanding while the CE was occurring as well as long afterward. Interestingly, the life-changing consequences of the CEs were similar to desired outcomes in psychotherapy: positive outlook, changed relationships, self-affirmation, and determination. Notably, the few individuals who had discussed the circumstances surrounding their specific CE with a therapist reported the importance of common change factors (support, validation, emotional release). Results are examined for their theoretical and practical implications.
Correlation Attenuation Due to Measurement Error
Authors: Padilla Miguel A. , Veprinsky Anna
Published: May 2012

Issues with correlation attenuation due to measurement error are well documented. More than a century ago, Spearman proposed a correction for attenuation. However, this correction has seen very little use since it can potentially inflate the true correlation beyond one. In addition, very little confidence interval (CI) research has been done for correction for attenuation. In the present study, the authors propose a bootstrap procedure for estimating the deattenuated correlation and corresponding CIs. The authors use Monte Carlo simulations to generate data under certain conditions and assess the performance of the bootstrapped deattenuated correlation. The authors investigate for bias and 95% CI coverage. Results indicate that the bootstrap deattenuated correlation provided adequate percentile CI coverage in all but three conditions. The bias-corrected and accelerated CI, however, provided adequate coverage under all simulation conditions.
Applicability of the Nonverbal Learning Disability Paradigm for Children With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Schoch Kelly , Harrell Waverly , Hooper Stephen R. , Ip Edward H. , Saldana Santiago , Kwapil Thomas R. , Shashi Vandana
Published: May 2012

Chromosome 22qll.2 deletion syndrome (22qllDS) is the most common microdeletion in humans. Nonverbal learning disability (NLD) has been used to describe the strengths and deficits of children with 22q11DS, but the applicability of the label for this population has seldom been systematically evaluated. The goal of the current study was to address how well the NLD diagnosis characterizes children and adolescents with 22q11DS. A total of 74 children and adolescents with 22q11DS were given neurocognitive, socioemotional, and academic assessments to measure aspects of NLD. Of the cohort, 20% met at least 7 of 9 assessed criteria for NLD; 25% showed verbal skills exceeding their nonverbal skills as assessed by an IQ test; and 24% showed the good rote verbal capacity commonly associated with NLD. Hypothesizing that if the entire cohort did not show consistent NLD characteristics, the descriptor might be more accurate for a distinct subgroup, the authors used latent class analysis to divide participants into three subgroups. However, the lines along which the groups broke out were more related to general functioning level than to NLD criteria. All three groups showed a heightened risk for psychiatric illness, highlighting the importance of careful mental health monitoring for all children with 22qllDS.
Construct Validity of the Children’s Music-Related Behavior Questionnaire
Authors: Valerio Wendy H. , Reynolds Alison M. , Morgan Grant B. , McNair Anne A.
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this research was to investigate the construct validity of the Children’s Music-Related Behavior Questionnaire (CMRBQ), an instrument designed for parents to document music-related behaviors about their children and themselves. The research problem was to examine the hypothesized factorial structure of the questionnaire. From a national sample, parents of children 5 years old or younger returned 616 usable questionnaires. Items were parceled, and the model was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis to assess the goodness of model-data fit for a one-factor solution using the parcels as indicators. Internal consistency of subscale reliability estimates ranged from α = .77 to α = .97. Three multiple fit indices suggested that the one-factor model adequately fit the data: standardized root square residual (.028), comparative fit index (.968), and Tucker-Lewis index (.955). Greater knowledge regarding parents’ observations of music’s role in children’s development may help researchers, practitioners, parents, and policy makers collaboratively consider how best to meet musical needs of young children in childcare and school settings.
The Effect of Selected Nonmusical Factors on Adjudicators’ Ratings of High School Solo Vocal Performances
Authors: Howard Sandra A.
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of differentiated performance attire and stage deportment on adjudicators’ ratings of high school solo vocal performances. High school choral students ( n = 153) and undergraduate ( n = 97) and graduate music majors ( n = 32) served as adjudicators ( N = 282). Adjudicators rated recorded solo vocal performances displayed in audio-only and four audiovisual presentation conditions with differentiated combinations of performance attire and stage deportment. Performance quality ratings were affected significantly by soloists’ performance attire and stage deportment and adjudicators’ academic level. Significant two-way interactions were identified: adjudicator gender by academic level for comparisons of performance ratings assigned in four of the five presentation conditions and adjudicator gender by academic level when differentiated attire was isolated from presentation conditions. Adjudicators assigned significantly higher ratings to performances presented in the audio-only condition.
Suppressing the Harmful Effects of Key Risk Factors
Authors: Hay Carter , Stults Brian , Restivo Emily
Published: May 2012

Many programs try to reduce adolescent offending with a risk factor approach in which services target the key causes of crime pertaining to families, peer groups, and schools. These programs often reduce crime, presumably through either prevention (in which exposure to a risk factor is prevented from ever occurring) or reversal (in which an individual possessing a risk factor advances to a state of no longer having it). This study examines an alternative way in which such programs may reduce delinquency: They may achieve the goal of risk factor suppression, whereby a risk factor that is neither prevented nor reversed is rendered inconsequential by program treatment. Thus, the risk factor continues to be present, but by virtue of program treatment, it no longer elevates individual involvement in crime. The authors consider this possibility with evaluation data from the experimental Children at Risk program, a 2-year case management intervention that served high-risk early adolescents.
Intelligence, Birth Order, and Family Size
Authors: Kanazawa Satoshi
Published: May 2012

The analysis of the National Child Development Study in the United Kingdom ( n = 17,419) replicates some earlier findings and shows that genuine within-family data are not necessary to make the apparent birth-order effect on intelligence disappear. Birth order is not associated with intelligence in between-family data once the number of siblings is statistically controlled. The analyses support the admixture hypothesis, which avers that the apparent birth-order effect on intelligence is an artifact of family size, and cast doubt on the confluence and resource dilution models, both of which claim that birth order has a causal influence on children’s cognitive development. The analyses suggest that birth order has no genuine causal effect on general intelligence.
Verbal Irony
Authors: Burgers Christian , van Mulken Margot , Schellens Peter Jan
Published: May 2012

According to Gibbs and Colston, one of the biggest challenges for irony research is the uncovering of the various ways in which irony is used in discourse. This article takes up a genre-based approach to deal with this research challenge. In a content analysis of ironic utterances from six written genres (commercial and noncommercial advertisements, columns, cartoons, letters to the editor, book and film reviews), ironic utterances are compared on the usage of irony factors and irony markers. Results indicate that every genre in the corpus differs from the general distribution for at least one irony factor and one category of irony markers. Taken together, the clustering of irony factors and markers in specific genres is a first step toward identifying the various ways in which verbal irony is used differently across various genres.
‘We The People’: Seamless Webs and Social Revolution in India’s Constituent Assembly Debates
Authors: Ramnath Kalyani
Published: May 2012

Although the Preamble of the Constitution proclaims that ‘We the People’ have solemnly adopted and enacted it, there is almost no further mention of ‘the people’ in the constitutional text itself. Asking who are ‘the people’ in whose name the Indian Constitution was drafted, this article re-examines the Constituent Assembly Debates (CAD) and highlights the fragmented image of ‘the people’ as a multivocal, multivalent reflection of imaginations and expectations attributed to people within and behind the Constituent Assembly. It becomes obvious that the aspirations of the actual Constitution makers find clearer expression in the constitutional text than the perceptions of ‘the people’ in whose name such law making takes place. Using the lens of the social revolution that the Constitution was to bring about, the article clarifies the implications of this multiplicity of visions, distinguishing ‘We the People’ seeking to claim such unfulfilled constitutional promises today, on the one hand, and the functionaries obligated to translate constitutional promises into reality and to enforce them, on the other. Asking why it is that the ambitions of the latter find clearer expression in the constitutional text than those of the former, the article also poses deeper questions about representativeness of political institutions and about the strength and depth of Indian social reform agenda.
Occlusive Fungal Tracheitis in 4 Captive Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Delaney M. A. , Terio K. A. , Colegrove K. M. , Briggs M. B. , Kinsel M. J.
Published: May 2012

Respiratory disease is common in dolphins, primarily affecting pulmonary parenchyma and sparing large airways. Over a 10-year period, 4 captive adult bottlenose dolphins succumbed to chronic, progressive respiratory disease with atypical recurrent upper respiratory signs. All dolphins had severe, segmental to circumferential fibrosing tracheitis that decreased luminal diameter. Histologically, tracheal cartilage, submucosa, and mucosa were distorted and replaced by extensive fibrosis and pyogranulomatous inflammation centered on fungal hyphae. In 3 of 4 cases, hyphae were morphologically compatible with Aspergillus spp and confirmed by culture in 2 cases. Amplification of fungal DNA from tracheal tissue was successful in one case, and sequences had approximately 98% homology to Aspergillus fumigatus. The remaining case had fungi compatible with zygomycetes; however, culture and polymerase chain reaction were unsuccessful. Lesions were evaluated immunohistochemically using antibodies specific to Aspergillus spp. Aspergillus-like hyphae labeled positively, while presumed zygomycetes did not. These cases represent a novel manifestation of respiratory mycoses in bottlenose dolphins.
Processes of Intermittency in Criminal Careers
Authors: Carlsson Christoffer
Published: May 2012

This article explores the concept of “intermittency” and uses qualitative life history narratives with male offenders from The Stockholm Life Course Project to distinguish between two qualitatively different forms of intermittent offending. Findings suggest that one form of intermittency can be characterized by “breaks” and “pauses” in offending, where the offender for a period of time “holds up” but without attempting to commit to any long-term change in trajectory. The second form can best be understood as incomplete or aborted attempts at desistance, where attempts to change are present but not realized. Perceived or experienced failure to enter conventional roles and engage in conventional practices is highly relevant to understand these attempts. The intermittent zigzag patterns of offending observed in quantitative studies of criminal careers can thus actually entail qualitatively different life course processes of continuity and change. Implications for policy and future research are highlighted.
For the Sake of Whom
Authors: Jing-ying Guo
Published: May 2012

Regarded as beneficial and preferable to the clients, advice delivery has been an integral part of counseling; however, there are controversies over the suitability of giving advice in counseling services, including counseling conducted in the context of prisons. Based on conversation analysis, this article tries to explore when and how police counselors in two Chinese prisons give advice and how inmate clients respond to and seek advice in offender counseling. It is found that advice delivery, supposed to be for the inmate clients’ sake, only serves a phatic function in the context of prisons in which security is a priority, and transforming inmates into law-abiding citizen is the overall goal of prison rehabilitation and correction. Hence, offender counselors, intending to alleviate depression and anxiety in inmate clients, are caught in a dilemma.
Family Firm Types Based on the Professionalization Construct
Authors: Dekker Julie C. , Lybaert Nadine , Steijvers Tensie , Depaire Benoît , Mercken Roger
Published: May 2012

This article responds to the calls from the research field to find effective ways to distinguish between different categories of family firms. The authors contribute to this literature by extending and refining previous family firm typologies. To attain this objective, the authors introduce the professionalization construct as basis for distinguishing family firms. As this construct is often approached in an oversimplified, one-dimensional manner, they first conduct an exploratory factor analysis to reveal its multidimensional nature. Based on these results, drawn from a representative sample of 532 Belgian family businesses, a cluster analysis facilitates a distinction between different “types” of family firms based on a multidimensional conceptualization of firm professionalization.
Experimental design of control strategy based on brake pressure changes on wet and slippery surfaces of rough road for variable damper setting during braking with activated anti-lock brake system
Authors: Koylu Hakan , Cinar Ali
Published: May 2012

In this study, the control strategy based on experimental study is established for a variable damper setting with activated anti-lock brake system. For this, anti-lock brake system braking tests have been conducted by using hard, medium–hard and soft dampers on a rough road which has wet and slippery surfaces. In anti-lock brake system tests, brake pressure has been measured. The brake pressure increasing and decreasing rates have been obtained using measured brake pressure. The control strategy has been designed by using threshold values acquired from these test results related to brake pressure. For this, firstly, the brake pressure change thresholds of damper providing the shortest braking distance are determined. Then, the damping capacity stage rules are designed by depending on the brake pressure thresholds corresponding to the road conditions. The control strategy performance has been evaluated during transitions between wet and slippery roads. The results show that this control strategy is effectively applied to passenger cars without any change in electronic control unit configuration of anti-lock brake system. For this control strategy, it is considerably important that the damper setting to provide the shortest braking distance is detected.
Application and evaluation of biomechanical models and scores for the planning of total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Eschweiler Jörg , Fieten Lorenz , Dell’Anna Jasmin , Kabir Koroush , Gravius Sascha , Tingart Markus , Radermacher Klaus
Published: May 2012

Intimate knowledge of the biomechanics of a given individual hip joint provides a potential advantage during the planning of total hip arthroplasty, and would thus have a positive influence over the outcome of such an intervention. In current clinical practise, the surgical planning is based solely on the status of the individual hip and its radiographic appearance. However, additional information could be gathered from the radiography to be used as input data for biomechanical models aimed at calculating the resultant force FR within the hip joint.

An investigation of the biomechanical models by Pauwels, Debrunner and Iglič was performed, where the magnitude of FR calculated by the models showed a favourable comparison to the in-vivo data from instrumented prostheses by Bergmann. The Blumentritt model returned abnormally high results. The computational results showed large variations for FR orientation, which tends to depend more on the model used than on patient-specific parameters.

Furthermore, a discrepancy was found between the data gathered from instrumented prostheses and the Standing Human Model within the ‘AnyBody Modeling System™’ software by AnyBody Tech. Additionally, the variations in inter-rater and intra-rater errors made while localizing radiographic landmarks were analysed with respect to their influence on Babisch-Layher-Blumentritt (BLB)-scoring using the Blumentritt hip model.
Wear of moderately cross-linked polyethylene in fixed-bearing total knee replacements
Authors: Brockett Claire L , Jennings Louise M , Hardaker Catherine , Fisher John
Published: May 2012

Cross-linked polyethylene has been introduced into total joint replacement to improve wear resistance. Although the performance of highly cross-linked polyethylene is well documented clinically and experimentally for total hip replacements, the reduction in mechanical properties with increasing irradiation is of concern for application to total knee replacement. The aim of this study was to investigate the wear performance of a moderately cross-linked polyethylene material in a fixed-bearing total knee replacement. The study was conducted using two femoral geometries, a conventional cruciate-retaining femoral and a high-flexion femoral geometry. The femoral geometry appeared to have no effect on the wear of the knee replacement under standard gait conditions. A significant reduction in wear volume was measured with the moderately cross-linked polyethylene compared with the conventional polyethylene over a six-million-cycle wear study. This study indicates the use of a moderately cross-linked polyethylene in a fixed-bearing total knee replacement may provide a low wearing option for total knee replacement.