bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Self-Pumped Phase-Conjugated Waves by Pulsed Laser
Authors: Mitsuta Hiroki , Miyao Hiroshi , Yamashita Masafumi
Published: September 2010

Multiple self-pumped phase-conjugated (SPPC) images with more different types of information than previously obtained SPPC images were obtained using a nanosecond-pulsed beam instead of continuous-wave beams. The minimum number of incident pulses, i.e., the minimum energy, required to generate one SPPC wave for one type of information strongly depended on the product of the number of incident pulses and the total power of incident beams. Both the time required for the generation (rise time) and the time required for the elimination (fall time) of SPPC images changed in the first-order exponential manner. These times due to the photorefractive effect were a sensitive function of beam intensity such that total energy transfer required long interaction length in BaTiO3 crystal.
Petrology and tectonic setting of some Ordovician volcanic rocks from the Southern Uplands of Scotland
Authors: Lambert R.St J. , Holland J.G. , Leggett J.K.
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY: Within the Ordovician sequence of the Southern Uplands of Scotland numerous basaltic units occur, forming local basement to sequences of chert, graptolitic mudstone and greywacke. The basalts are fault-bounded at their base. Although they have suffered secondary alteration to varying degrees, the least mobile elements, Ti, Zr, Y and Nb, show a correlation between relative chemical abundances and supposed tectonic level. The most northern tectonic slice contains alkali basalts; the central slice contains 11 examples of what are apparently ocean-floor tholeiites and 4 mildly alkaline basalts; a third slice, found at one locality only, also contains tholeiites whose chemistry is comparable with the most primitive basalts. Samples of Ordovician extrusives from Bail Hill have calc-alkaline to alkaline affinities, while extrusives from Wrae Hill are quartz-keratophyres. The geochemical pattern is consistent with a model of an opening Iapetus Ocean in which rifting pre-dated spreading such that the basement to the Lower Palaeozoic sequence of the Southern Uplands was oceanic.
Deformed stones of varied lithology in Late Precambrian tillites, western Spitzbergen
Authors: Hambrey M.J. , Waddams P.
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY: Late Precambrian tillites in western Spitzbergen, which were metamorphosed and strongly deformed during mid-Palaeozoic and mid-Cenozoic orogenies, contain stones up to 1 m or more in diameter, generally set in a fine-grained psammitic and pelitic matrix. The stones are lithologically varied, and include dolostone, limestone, quartzite, granite, granite-gneiss, volcanic rocks and sandstones. The tillites illustrate the varied rheological behaviour of different rock types under the same TP conditions. Where stones are dispersed through the matrix the degree of deformation appears to follow the pattern: granite (unfoliated) < dolostone < quartzite < metavolcanic rocks < granite-gneiss < limestone, with axial ratios for granite being around 2: 1 and for limestone over 20: 1. Matrix composition has a marked influence on the degree of deformation undergone by the stones. For example, stones in a sandy matrix are more deformed than those in finer-grained matrix of an adjacent horizon, suggesting that the latter is more capable of taking up the regional strain. Similarly, the deformation of stones is greater in rocks bearing only a small amount of matrix.
Competing deformation mechanisms and slaty cleavage in deformed, quartzose meta-sediments
Authors: Morris A.P.
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY: Quartzose sediments from the Lower Palaeozoic orogen of Svalbard have suffered metamorphism to low grade (6 kb and a maximum of 500°C). Studies of the deformed micro-structures of these rocks reveal that pressure solution and intracrystalline deformation mechanisms are the major processes by which deformation occurs. The dominant mechanism for any given lithology (at approximately the above conditions of pressure and temperature) appears to depend on the rock composition. Quartzose rocks containing micaceous and other ‘impurities’ tend to deform by pressure solution, those containing little or no other material apart from quartz tend to deform by intracrystalline deformation mechanisms.
Scattered palaeomagnetic directions acquired during dioritization and stoping of the diorite-metagabbro complex, Jersey, C.I.
Authors: Duff B.A.
Published: September 2010

SUMMARY: Scattered, but stable NRM (natural remanent magnetization) in the Jersey diorite-metagabbro complex, probably acquired during the formation of the complex, can be ascribed to 2 main geological processes: (i) stoping of the late Precambrian or early Cambrian diorites and metagabbros by the Jersey granites, which caused pre-stoping NRM to be dispersed by block rotation and subsidence in the granite melt; this was the largest contributor to palaeomagnetic.scatter; (ii) hybridization of the parent gabbro during granite intrusion, which added a dioritic generation of magnetite and its NRM to the NRM carried by the gabbro, and probably also caused variable, partial remagnetization of the gabbroic NRM before stoping.
Implementation of Compressed Sensing in Telecardiology Sensor Networks
Authors: Correia Pinheiro Eduardo , Postolache Octavian Adrian , Silva Girão Pedro
Published: September 2010

Mobile solutions for patient cardiac monitoring are viewed with growing interest, and improvements on current implementations are frequently reported, with wireless, and in particular, wearable devices promising to achieve ubiquity. However, due to unavoidable power consumption limitations, the amount of data acquired, processed, and transmitted needs to be diminished, which is counterproductive, regarding the quality of the information produced. Compressed sensing implementation in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) promises to bring gains not only in power savings to the devices, but also with minor impact in signal quality. Several cardiac signals have a sparse representation in some wavelet transformations. The compressed sensing paradigm states that signals can be recovered from a few projections into another basis, incoherent with the first. This paper evaluates the compressed sensing paradigm impact in a cardiac monitoring WSN, discussing the implications in data reliability, energy management, and the improvements accomplished by in-network processing.
A Production-Inventory Model for a Deteriorating Item Incorporating Learning Effect Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Das Debasis , Roy Arindam , Kar Samarjit
Published: September 2010

Demand for a seasonal product persists for a fixed period of time. Normally the “finite time horizon inventory control problems” are formulated for this type of demands. In reality, it is difficult to predict the end of a season precisely. It is thus represented as an uncertain variable and known as random planning horizon. In this paper, we present a production-inventory model for deteriorating items in an imprecise environment characterised by inflation and timed value of money and considering a constant demand. It is assumed that the time horizon of the business period is random in nature and follows exponential distribution with a known mean. Here, we considered the resultant effect of inflation and time value of money as both crisp and fuzzy. For crisp inflation effect, the total expected profit from the planning horizon is maximized using genetic algorithm (GA) to derive optimal decisions. This GA is developed using Roulette wheel selection, arithmetic crossover, and random mutation. On the other hand when the inflation effect is fuzzy, we can expect the profit to be fuzzy, too! As for the fuzzy objective, the optimistic or pessimistic return of the expected total profit is obtained using, respectively, a necessity or possibility measure of the fuzzy event. The GA we have developed uses fuzzy simulation to maximize the optimistic/pessimistic return in getting an optimal decision. We have provided some numerical examples and some sensitivity analyses to illustrate the model.
Inhalation Exposures to Particulate Matter and Carbon Monoxide during Ethiopian Coffee Ceremonies in Addis Ababa: A Pilot Study
Authors: Keil Chris , Kassa Hailu , Brown Alexander , Kumie Abera , Tefera Worku
Published: September 2010

The unique Ethiopian cultural tradition of the coffee ceremony increases inhalation exposures to combustion byproducts. This pilot study evaluated exposures to particulate matter and carbon monoxide in ten Addis Ababa homes during coffee ceremonies. For coffee preparers the geometric mean (57 μg/m3) and median (72 μg/m3) contributions to an increase in a 24-hour time-weighted average exposure were above World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. At 40% of the study sites the contribution to the 24-hour average exposure was greater than twice the WHO guideline. Similar exposure increases existed for ceremony participants. Particulate matter concentrations may be related to the use of incense during the ceremony. In nearly all homes the WHO guideline for a 60-minute exposure to carbon monoxide was exceeded. Finding control measures to reduce these exposures will be challenging due to the deeply engrained nature of this cultural practice and the lack of availability of alternative fuels.
Characterization of Pure Ductal Carcinoma In Situ on Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging: Do Nonhigh Grade and High Grade Show Different Imaging Features?
Authors: Chan Siwa , Chen Jeon-Hor , Agrawal Garima , Lin Muqing , Mehta Rita S. , Carpenter Philip M. , Nalcioglu Orhan , Su Min-Ying
Published: September 2010

To characterize imaging features of pure DCIS on dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI), 31 consecutive patients (37-81 years old, mean 56), including 2 Grade I, 16 Grade II, and 13 Grade III, were studied. MR images were reviewed retrospectively and the morphological appearances and kinetic features of breast lesions were categorized according to the ACR BI-RADS breast MRI lexicon. DCE-MRI was a sensitive imaging modality in detecting pure DCIS. MR imaging showed enhancing lesions in 29/31 (94%) cases. Pure DCIS appeared as mass type or non-mass lesions on MRI with nearly equal frequency. The 29 MR detected lesions include 15 mass lesions (52%), and 14 lesions showing non-mass-like lesions (48%). For the mass lesions, the most frequent presentations were irregular shape (50%), irregular margin (50%) and heterogeneous enhancement (67%). For the non-mass-like lesions, the clumped internal enhancement pattern was the dominate feature, seen in 9/14 cases (64%). Regarding enhancement kinetic curve, 21/29 (78%) lesions showed suspicious malignant type kinetics. No significant difference was found in morphology (), tumor size (P= 0.21), and kinetic characteristics () between non-high grade (I+II) and high-grade (III) pure DCIS.
A Counterexample on a Theorem by Khojasteh, Goodarzi, and Razani
Authors: Arandelović IvanD , Kečkić DragoljubJ
Published: September 2010

In the paper by Khojasteh et al. (2010), the authors tried to generalize Branciari's theorem, introducing the new integral type contraction mappings. In this note we give a counterexample on their main statement (Theorem 2.9). Also we give a comment explaining what the mistake in the proof is, and suggesting what conditions might be appropriate in generalizing fixed point results to cone spaces, where the cone is taken from the infinite dimensional space.
Monitoring and Modelling the Trends of Primary and Secondary Air Pollution Precursors: The Case of the State of Kuwait
Authors: Al-Salem S. M. , Khan A. R.
Published: September 2010

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, processes of different scales have contributed greatly to the pollution and waste load on the environment. More specifically, airborne pollutants associated with chemical processes have contributed greatly on the ecosystem and populations health. In this communication, we review recent activities and trends of primary and secondary air pollutants in the state of Kuwait, a country associated with petroleum, petrochemical, and other industrial pollution. Trends of pollutants and impact on human health have been studied and categorized based on recent literature. More attention was paid to areas known to researchers as either precursor sensitive (i.e., nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) or adjacent to upstream- or downstream-related activities. Environmental monitoring and modelling techniques relevant to this study are also reviewed. Two case studies that link recent data with models associated with industrial sectors are also demonstrated, focusing mainly on chemical mass balance (CMB) and Gaussian line source modelling. It is concluded that a number of the monitoring stations and regulations placed by the Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KUEPA) need up-to-date revisions and better network placement, in agreement with previous findings.
Can Engineered “Designer” T Cells Outsmart Chronic Hepatitis B?
Authors: Protzer U. , Abken H.
Published: September 2010

More than 350 million people worldwide are persistently infected with human heptatitis B virus (HBV) and at risk to develop liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma making long-term treatment necessary. While a vaccine is available and new antiviral drugs are being developed, elimination of persistently infected cells is still a major issue. Recent efforts in adoptive cell therapy are experimentally exploring immunotherapeutic elimination of HBV-infected cells by means of a biological attack with genetically engineered “designer” T cells.
On q‐Euler Numbers Related to the Modified q‐Bernstein Polynomials
Authors: Kim Min-Soo , Kim Daeyeoul , Kim Taekyun
Published: September 2010

We consider q‐Euler numbers, polynomials, and q‐Stirling numbers of first and second kinds. Finally, we investigate some interesting properties of the modified q‐Bernstein polynomials related to q‐Euler numbers and
q‐Stirling numbers by using fermionic p‐adic integrals on ℤp.
Suppressive Effect on Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Proinflammatory Mediators by Citrus aurantium L. in Macrophage RAW 264.7 Cells via NF‐κB Signal Pathway
Authors: Kang Sang-Rim , Han Dae-Yong , Park Kwang-Il , Park Hyeon-Soo , Cho Yong-Bae , Lee Hu-Jang , Lee Won-Sup , Ryu Chung Ho , Ha Yeong Lae , Lee Do Hoon , Kim Jin A. , Kim Gon-Sup
Published: September 2010

Citrus fruits have been used as an edible fruit and a traditional medicine since ancient times. In particular, the peels of immature citrus fruits are used widely in traditional herbal medicine in Korea, as they are believed to contain bioactive components exerting anti‐inflammatory activity. This study examined whether the crude methanol extract of Citrus aurantium L. (CME) has a suppressive effect on inducible enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway in LPS‐stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The cells were pretreated with the indicated concentrations of CME (5, 10, 20, and 50 μg/mL) and then treated with LPS (1 μg/mL). The results showed that CME (10, 20, and 50 μg/mL) inhibited the LPS‐ (1 μg/mL) induced mRNA and protein expression of iNOS in macrophage Raw 264.7 cells. In addition, the expression of COX‐2 was inhibited at the mRNA and protein levels by CME in a dose‐dependent manner. The mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF‐α and IL‐6, were markedly reduced by CME (10, 20, and 50 μg/mL). Moreover, CME clearly suppressed the nuclear translocation of the NF‐κB p65 subunits, which was correlated with its inhibitory effect on I‐κB phosphorylation. These results suggest that CME has anti‐inflammatory properties by modulating the expression of COX‐2, iNOS, and proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF‐α and IL‐6, in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells via the NF‐κB pathway.
Law′s Dilemma: Validating Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Clash of Evidential Paradigms
Authors: Iyioha Ireh
Published: September 2010

This paper examines the (in)compatibility between the diagnostic and therapeutic theories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and a science‐based regulatory framework. Specifically, the paper investigates the nexus between statutory legitimacy and scientific validation of health systems, with an examination of its impact on the development of complementary and alternative therapies. The paper evaluates competing theories for validating CAM ranging from the RCT methodology to anthropological perspectives and contends that while the RCT method might be beneficial in the regulation of many CAM therapies, yet dogmatic adherence to this paradigm as the exclusive method for legitimizing CAM will be adverse to the independent development of many CAM therapies whose philosophies and mechanisms of action are not scientifically interpretable. Drawing on history and research evidence to support this argument, the paper sues for a regulatory model that is accommodative of different evidential paradigms in support of a pluralistic healthcare system that balances the imperative of quality assurance with the need to ensure access.
Nedaplatin: A Radiosensitizing Agent for Patients with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Mabuchi Seiji , Kimura Tadashi
Published: September 2010

Despite the recent advances in the management of cervical cancer using cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy, substantial treatment failure still occurs, especially in advanced-stage patients and early-stage cervical cancer patients with high-risk prognostic factors. Therefore, efforts to further improve the survival and quality of life of these patients are necessary.
Nedaplatin (cis-diammine-glycoplatinum), a derivative of cisplatin, was developed with the aim of producing a treatment with a similar effectiveness to cisplatin but decreased renal and gastrointestinal toxicities. Based on the promising results of preclinical studies, the clinical efficacy of nedaplatin as a radiosensitizing agent was evaluated in patients with cervical cancer. Retrospective analysis of nedaplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) against cervical cancer suggested that nedaplatin-based CCRT can be considered as an alternative to cisplatin-based CCRT in both early-stage and advanced-stage cervical cancer patients. However, due to the lack of a randomized controlled study, nedaplatin-based CCRT has not been convincingly proven to be clinically effective in patients with cervical cancer. Further investigations in randomized controlled trials are therefore needed.
T-Cell Costimulatory Molecules in Acute-Graft-Versus Host Disease: Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Briones Javier , Novelli Silvana , Sierra Jorge
Published: September 2010

Acute Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although this process is thought to consist of several phases, T-cell activation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute GVHD. To become efficient effectors, T-cells require additional costimulation after T-cell receptor signaling. A number of molecules are involved in costimulation of T-cells such as CD28, CD40L, CD30, OX40, 4-1BB, ICOS, and LIGHT. The system is regulated by inhibitory molecules, CTLA-4, and PD-1. There is experimental evidence that those molecules are implicated in the pathogenesis of GHVD. We describe how these molecules are involved in acute GVHD and how the blockade of costimulatory molecules may have potential implications for the treatment of patients with acute GVHD.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in p53 Pathway and Aggressiveness of Prostate Cancer in a Caucasian Population
Authors: Sun Tong , Lee Gwo-Shu Mary , Oh William K. , Pomerantz Mark , Yang Ming , Xie Wanling , Freedman Matthew L. , Kantoff Philip W.
Published: September 2010

Purpose: The tumor suppressor p53 plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability and tumor prevention. Mdm2, Mdm4, and Hausp are all critical regulators of the p53 protein. Despite the importance of the p53 pathway in prostate cancer development and progression, little is known about the association of functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the p53 pathway genes and prostate cancer aggressiveness.

Experimental Design: In this study, we analyze the association of SNPs in p53, Mdm2, Mdm4, and Hausp genes with prostate cancer clinicopathologic variables in a large hospital-based Caucasian prostate cancer cohort (N = 4,073).

Results: We found that the Mdm2 SNP309 T allele was associated with earlier onset prostate cancer (P = 0.004), higher Gleason scores (P = 0.004), and higher stages in men undergoing a radical prostatectomy (P = 0.011). Both the Mdm4 and Hausp SNPs (rs1380576 and rs1529916) were found to be associated with higher D'Amico risk prostate cancer category at the time of diagnosis (P = 0.023 and P = 0.046, respectively). Mdm4 SNP was also found to be associated with higher Gleason score at radical prostatectomy (P = 0.047). We did not observe any statistically significant association between the p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism and prostate cancer aggressiveness or pathologic variables.

Conculsions: These results suggested the importance of these p53 regulators in prostate cancer development and progression. Clin Cancer Res; 16(21); 5244–51. ©2010 AACR.
Right Ventricular Ischemic Injury in Patients With Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Masci Pier Giorgio , Francone Marco , Desmet Walter , Ganame Javier , Todiere Giancarlo , Donato Rocco , Siciliano Valeria , Carbone Iacopo , Mangia Matteo , Strata Elisabetta , Catalano Carlo , Lombardi Massimo , Agati Luciano , Janssens Stefan , Bogaert Jan
Published: September 2010

Background—

Experimental data show that the right ventricle (RV) is more resistant to ischemia than the left ventricle. To date, limited data are available in humans because of the difficulty of discriminating reversible from irreversible ischemic damage. We sought to characterize RV ischemic injury in patients with reperfused myocardial infarction using cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Methods and Results—

In 3 tertiary centers, 242 consecutive patients with reperfused acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were studied with cardiovascular magnetic resonance at 1 week and 4 months after myocardial infarction. T2-weighted and postcontrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance scans were used to depict myocardial edema and late gadolinium enhancement, respectively. Early after infarction, RV edema was common (51% of patients), often associated with late gadolinium enhancement (31% of patients). Remarkably, RV edema and late gadolinium enhancement were found in 33% and 12% of anterior left ventricular infarcts, respectively. Baseline regional and global RV functions were inversely related to the presence and extent of RV edema and RV late gadolinium enhancement. At follow-up, a significant decrease in frequency (25/242 patients; 10%) and extent of RV late gadolinium enhancement was observed (
P
<0.001). With the use of multivariable analysis, the presence of RV edema was an independent predictor of RV global function improvement during follow-up (β-coefficient=0.221,
P=
0.003).

Conclusions—

Early postinfarction RV ischemic injury is common and is characterized by the presence of myocardial edema, late gadolinium enhancement, and functional abnormalities. RV injury is not limited to inferior infarcts but is commonly found in anterior infarcts as well. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings suggest reversibility of acute RV dysfunction with limited permanent myocardial damage at 4-month follow-up.
CD69 Limits the Severity of Cardiomyopathy After Autoimmune Myocarditis
Authors: Cruz-Adalia Aranzazu , Jiménez-Borreguero Luis Jesús , Ramírez-Huesca Marta , Chico-Calero Isabel , Barreiro Olga , López-Conesa Erica , Fresno Manuel , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco , Martín Pilar
Published: September 2010

Background—

Experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM), a mouse model of post–infectious cardiomyopathy, reflects mechanisms of inflammatory cardiomyopathy in humans. EAM is characterized by an infiltration of inflammatory cells into the myocardium that can be followed by myocyte fibrosis, edema, and necrosis, leading to ventricular wall dysfunction and heart failure. Different data indicate that CD69 exerts an important immunoregulatory effect in vivo. However, the possible role of CD69 in autoimmune myocarditis has not been studied.

Methods and Results—

We have explored the role of the leukocyte regulatory molecule CD69 in the inflammation that leads to cardiac dysfunction after myocardial injury in EAM. We have found that after induction of EAM, the draining lymph nodes from CD69-deficient mice developed an exacerbated Th17 inflammatory response, resulting in increases in the numbers of infiltrating leukocytes in the myocardium. In the chronic phase of EAM, transthoracic echocardiography revealed a significantly reduced left ventricular fractional shortening and a decreased ejection fraction in CD69-deficient mice, indicative of an impaired cardiac contractility. This condition was accompanied by a greater extent of myocardial fibrosis, an elevated number of sinus pauses on ECG, and an enhanced ratio of heart weight to body weight in CD69
−/−
mice. Moreover, both bone marrow transplantation and adoptive transfer of Th17 cells isolated from immunized CD69
−/−
mice with EAM into naive wild-type recipients reproduced the severity of the disease, demonstrating that CD69 exerts its function within the lymphocyte compartment.

Conclusion—

Our findings indicate that CD69 negatively regulates heart-specific Th17 responses, cardiac inflammation, and heart failure progression in EAM.
Least Square Regression with lp-Coefficient Regularization
Authors: Tong Hongzhi , Chen Di-Rong , Yang Fenghong
Published: September 2010

The selection of the penalty functional is critical for the performance of a regularized learning algorithm, and thus it deserves special attention. In this article, we present a least square regression algorithm based on lp-coefficient regularization. Comparing with the classical regularized least square regression, the new algorithm is different in the regularization term. Our primary focus is on the error analysis of the algorithm. An explicit learning rate is derived under some ordinary assumptions.
Neural Decoding with Hierarchical Generative Models
Authors: van Gerven Marcel A. J. , de Lange Floris P. , Heskes Tom
Published: September 2010

Recent research has shown that reconstruction of perceived images based on hemodynamic response as measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is starting to become feasible. In this letter, we explore reconstruction based on a learned hierarchy of features by employing a hierarchical generative model that consists of conditional restricted Boltzmann machines. In an unsupervised phase, we learn a hierarchy of features from data, and in a supervised phase, we learn how brain activity predicts the states of those features. Reconstruction is achieved by sampling from the model, conditioned on brain activity. We show that by using the hierarchical generative model, we can obtain good-quality reconstructions of visual images of handwritten digits presented during an fMRI scanning session.
Phase Coupling Estimation from Multivariate Phase Statistics
Authors: Cadieu Charles F. , Koepsell Kilian
Published: September 2010

Coupled oscillators are prevalent throughout the physical world. Dynamical system formulations of weakly coupled oscillator systems have proven effective at capturing the properties of real-world systems and are compelling models of neural systems. However, these formulations usually deal with the forward problem: simulating a system from known coupling parameters. Here we provide a solution to the inverse problem: determining the coupling parameters from measurements. Starting from the dynamic equations of a system of symmetrically coupled phase oscillators, given by a nonlinear Langevin equation, we derive the corresponding equilibrium distribution. This formulation leads us to the maximum entropy distribution that captures pairwise phase relationships. To solve the inverse problem for this distribution, we derive a closed-form solution for estimating the phase coupling parameters from observed phase statistics. Through simulations, we show that the algorithm performs well in high dimensions (d = 100) and in cases with limited data (as few as 100 samples per dimension). In addition, we derive a regularized solution to the estimation and show that the resulting procedure improves performance when only a limited amount of data is available. Because the distribution serves as the unique maximum entropy solution for pairwise phase statistics, phase coupling estimation can be broadly applied in any situation where phase measurements are made. Under the physical interpretation, the model may be used for inferring coupling relationships within cortical networks.
Internal-Time Temporal Difference Model for Neural Value-Based Decision Making
Authors: Nakahara Hiroyuki , Kaveri Sivaramakrishnan
Published: September 2010

The temporal difference (TD) learning framework is a major paradigm for understanding value-based decision making and related neural activities (e.g., dopamine activity). The representation of time in neural processes modeled by a TD framework, however, is poorly understood. To address this issue, we propose a TD formulation that separates the time of the operator (neural valuation processes), which we refer to as internal time, from the time of the observer (experiment), which we refer to as conventional time. We provide the formulation and theoretical characteristics of this TD model based on internal time, called internal-time TD, and explore the possible consequences of the use of this model in neural value-based decision making. Due to the separation of the two times, internal-time TD computations, such as TD error, are expressed differently, depending on both the time frame and time unit. We examine this operator-observer problem in relation to the time representation used in previous TD models. An internal time TD value function exhibits the co-appearance of exponential and hyperbolic discounting at different delays in intertemporal choice tasks. We further examine the effects of internal time noise on TD error, the dynamic construction of internal time, and the modulation of internal time with the internal time hypothesis of serotonin function. We also relate the internal TD formulation to research on interval timing and subjective time.
Deep, Big, Simple Neural Nets for Handwritten Digit Recognition
Authors: Cireşan Dan Claudiu , Meier Ueli , Gambardella Luca Maria , Schmidhuber Jürgen
Published: September 2010

Good old online backpropagation for plain multilayer perceptrons yields a very low 0.35% error rate on the MNIST handwritten digits benchmark. All we need to achieve this best result so far are many hidden layers, many neurons per layer, numerous deformed training images to avoid overfitting, and graphics cards to greatly speed up learning.
Data, Basically: Computers, Context and Anthropological Data
Authors: Kaplonski
Published: September 2010

This article explores the intersection of anthropological research and computer database design. It suggests that the design and use of computer databases for anthropological research projects should lead us to rethink our understandings of the role and types of context in anthropological data and research.
Rediscovery of the 'Reality' of Magic: The Revival of Magic in Post-Socialist Russia
Authors: Fujiwara Junko
Published: September 2010

This paper focuses on the revival of magic in post-socialist Russia. In socialist times, atheistic propaganda that insisted religions and magic are unworthy of belief was widespread and scientific knowledge was widely promoted. Therefore a majority of people came to consider magic only a 'superstition'. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, a movement to revive magic began. During fieldwork in the years 2002–2006, the author heard from some people such narratives as, 'Before, because I was a member of the communist organisation, I never believed in magic at all. I believe in it now, though'. In this paper I discuss what kinds of discourse about the 'reality' of magic exist in contemporary Russian society and how they are tied to the memory of the atheistic policy.
Can the Subalterns Not Speak? On the Regime of Oral History in Socialist China
Authors: Bulag Uradyn
Published: September 2010

Rescuing the voice of 'the people' is arguably the most important mission of oral history, and it is now promoted in post-socialist or late socialist states such as China as an effective measure to rewrite history. This article argues, however, that socialist China was and remains in effect an oral-history regime, in which the people in whose name the Communist Party legitimises itself must speak up and narrate their life histories. Oral history in China is a manifestation of 'the people' making history, but it is also an instrument to process them from raw materials into products useful to the Party. This paper brings together issues on the ideologies of orality with the political power of history-making, as well as reflection on the terminological nuance needed to understand the language of 'oral history'.
Socialist Modernisation in Mongolia as Narrated after Socialism
Authors: Konagaya Yuki
Published: September 2010

In this article I introduce our collection of oral histories composed of life histories recorded between 2001 and 2006. First, I discuss some devices implemented in the process of collecting life histories, which was to make oral histories 'polyphonic'. I then suggest that oral history always has a 'dual' tense, in that people talk about 'the past' from the view point of 'the present'. This is illustrated by six cases of statesmen narrating their views about socialist modernisation. Finally, using one of the cases, I demonstrate the co-existence of non-official or private opinions along with official opinions about the socialist period in life-history narratives in the post-socialist period. I call this 'ex-post value'.
Modeling of captured network traffic by the mimic defragmentation process
Authors: Fras Matjaž , Mohorko Jože , Čučej Žarko
Published: September 2010

Over recent years, in order to assist the evaluation, construction, and upgrade of communication networks, the need for the simulation of complex communication networks has increased. Traffic modeling has had a very large impact on network simulation reliability, which is usually statistically described for simulation purposes. Most often, the network traffic analysis is based on the captured packets. However, modeling of network traffic is usually described by statistics of data sources, from higher layers of a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model. For these reasons, we have developed a method that allows distribution parameter estimation of the data-source process from captured packets. This method is based on the algorithm, which mimics defragmentation as opposite to the TCP/IP fragmentation and encapsulation processes. The proposed method achieves an accurate description of network traffic.
A New Perspective on Paul? Rereading Paul in a Time of Ecological Crisis
Authors: Horrell David G.
Published: September 2010

Contemporary contexts, crises, and moral values shape the interpretation of Paul, even in rigorously ‘historical’ scholarship, and the new perspective on Paul well illustrates this point. Our current ecological crisis provides a new and urgent context for interpretation, yet one that has scarcely yet registered on the agenda of recent Pauline studies. Beginning with the obvious eco-texts (Rom. 8.19-23; Col. 1.15-20), but insisting on the need to move beyond these, this essay explores the potential for a broader ecological engagement with Paul, arguing that Paul offers resources for an ecological theology and ethics at the heart of which stands the vision of God’s incorporative transformation of the whole creation in Christ and the associated imperative to embody that transformation in human action shaped by the paradigm of Christ’s self-giving for others.
Kyrios in the Gospel of Mark
Authors: Johansson Daniel
Published: September 2010

Against the common view that the title κύριoς plays a relatively insignificant role in the Gospel of Mark, this article argues that Mark uses κύριoς to set out important aspects of Jesus’ identity. The first instance of κύριoς, which refers to both God and Jesus (Mk 1.3), is seen as the key to Mark’s κύριoς Christology. The difficulty of determining whether κύριoς refers to God or Jesus in many of the following passages should be understood in light of this. Mark used κύριoς ambiguously to link both God and Jesus to the title. While the evangelist maintains that there is only one κύριoς, he also claims that Jesus shares the identity of being κύριoς with the God of Israel.
Acute, subacute and long-term subjective effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a pooled analysis of experimental studies
Authors: Studerus Erich , Kometer Michael , Hasler Felix , Vollenweider Franz X
Published: September 2010

Psilocybin and related hallucinogenic compounds are increasingly used in human research. However, due to limited information about potential subjective side effects, the controlled medical use of these compounds has remained controversial. We therefore analysed acute, short- and long-term subjective effects of psilocybin in healthy humans by pooling raw data from eight double-blind placebo-controlled experimental studies conducted between 1999 and 2008. The analysis included 110 healthy subjects who had received 1–4 oral doses of psilocybin (45–315 µg/kg body weight). Although psilocybin dose-dependently induced profound changes in mood, perception, thought and self-experience, most subjects described the experience as pleasurable, enriching and non-threatening. Acute adverse drug reactions, characterized by strong dysphoria and/or anxiety/panic, occurred only in the two highest dose conditions in a relatively small proportion of subjects. All acute adverse drug reactions were successfully managed by providing interpersonal support and did not need psychopharmacological intervention. Follow-up questionnaires indicated no subsequent drug abuse, persisting perception disorders, prolonged psychosis or other long-term impairment of functioning in any of our subjects. The results suggest that the administration of moderate doses of psilocybin to healthy, high-functioning and well-prepared subjects in the context of a carefully monitored research environment is associated with an acceptable level of risk.
Cyrus, Yhwh’s Bird of Prey (Isa. 46.11): Echoes of an Ancient Near Eastern Metaphor
Authors: Chan Michael Jay
Published: September 2010

In Isa. 46.11, Cyrus is described as a ‘bird of prey’ (‭ט ע‬), a designation that poses a seemingly difficult translational and interpretational problem for many commentators. Generally speaking, two solutions have been forwarded: (1) some, discontented with the apparently awkward parallelism between ‘a bird of prey’ (‭ט ע‬) and ‘his man of purpose’ (‭ו ת צ ע ש א‬), have resorted to speculative and questionable emendations; (2) other commentators maintain the MT, citing as support Xenophon’s description of a golden eagle that served as Cyrus’s ensign or accepting the metaphor as an image of swiftness and ferocity. The important role played by bird of prey imagery in the royal propaganda of the ancient Near East and Egypt, however, is rarely considered. In this article it is proposed that the image of Cyrus as a ‘bird of prey’ (‭ט ע‬) is not strange, awkward, or in need of emendation; nor is it necessary to turn to the oft-cited reference in Xenophon for an explanation. Rather, the image arises out of the author’s familiarity with a larger convention that associates royal monarchs and their military activities with behavior of birds of prey.
The Firstborn Son of Moses as the ‘Relative of Blood’ in Exodus 4.24-26
Authors: Howell Adam J.
Published: September 2010

The enigmatic nature of Exod. 4.24-26 leaves many readers wondering both where the passage originated and also how the passage should be understood. Many of the difficulties of this passage revolve around the identification of the pronominal suffixes in the simple Hebrew grammar. This article argues that the reasonable antecedent of the vague pronominal suffixes is Gershom, Moses’ firstborn son. Gershom, being uncircumcised as he and his family return to Egypt, is considered a foreigner and will suffer the same fate as Egypt’s firstborn in the tenth plague. Therefore, Zipporah circumcises her son and exclaims that he is a ‭ם י מ ד ן ת ח‬, a relative to Yahweh by means of the blood of circumcision. Gershom is now identified as one of the Hebrew people because of the visible blood sign of his circumcision and enjoys Yahweh’s protection. In order to draw this conclusion, one must separate the translation of the word ‭ן ת ח‬ from the contextual meaning of the phrase ‭ם י מ ד ן ת ח‬. Only then does this bizarre passage make the most sense.
Job as Comedy, Revisited
Authors: Pelham Abigail
Published: September 2010

Inspired by William Whedbee’s 1977 claim that the Book of Job is a comedy, this article interprets Job as such, contrasting tragedy’s portrayal of humankind as noble with comedy’s portrayal of humans as fools. When Elihu, an obvious buffoon, enters the story, his foolishness reflects back on Job and his friends, inasmuch as he is like them, turning what has seemed to be a tragedy into a comedy. God, too, becomes a fool when, in his speeches, he picks up on Elihu’s language, even as he attempts to differentiate himself from his self-appointed spokesperson. The article concludes with two comedic readings of God’s speeches and offers a possible reason why the author has chosen to write this way.
Aura attacks from acute convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage not due to cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Field DK , Kleinig TJ
Published: September 2010

Background and purpose: Convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage (cSAH) has recently been recognised as a cause of recurrent aura-like symptoms, mimicking transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). Subarachnoid haemorrhage and recurrent aura-like episodes can occur in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), which has been the presumed cause in the majority of reported cases. However, this syndrome can occur following cSAH secondary to other conditions, and it is important for clinicians to investigate and manage such patients appropriately.

Method: Case series.

Results: We describe two patients who presented with recurrent stereotyped transient neurological symptoms in the setting of acute cSAH identified on MRI. In one patient, SAH occurred secondary to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. In the other, SAH was due to extension of a traumatic subdural haematoma.

Conclusions: Conditions other than CAA can cause the clinicoradiological syndrome of cSAH with recurrent TIA-like events. Gradient echo or susceptibility-weighted imaging should be included in the diagnostic work-up of patients presenting with such events. When cSAH is detected, the full differential diagnosis for this should be considered. Aetiologies other than CAA can cause this syndrome and management can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause.
Delay of 2 or 6 Weeks Adversely Affects the Functional Outcome of Augmented Primary Repair of the Porcine Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Magarian Elise M. , Fleming Braden C. , Harrison Sophia L. , Mastrangelo Ashley N. , Badger Gary J. , Murray Martha M.
Published: September 2010

Background

Enhanced primary anterior cruciate ligament repair, in which suture repair is performed in conjunction with a collagen-platelet composite to stimulate healing, is a potential new treatment option for anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Previous studies have evaluated this approach at the time of anterior cruciate ligament disruption.

Hypothesis

Delaying surgery by 2 or 6 weeks would have a significant effect on the functional outcome of the repair.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Sixteen female Yorkshire pigs underwent staged, bilateral surgical anterior cruciate ligament transections. Anterior cruciate ligament transection was initially performed on 1 knee and the knee closed. Two or 6 weeks later, enhanced primary repair was performed in that knee while the contralateral knee had an anterior cruciate ligament transection and immediate repair. Biomechanical parameters were measured after 15 weeks in vivo to determine the effect of delay time relative to immediate repair on the healing response.

Results

Yield load of the repairs at 15 weeks was decreased by 40% and 60% in the groups where repair was delayed for 2 and 6 weeks, respectively ( P = .01). Maximum load showed similar results (55% and 60% decrease in the 2- and 6-week delay groups, respectively; P = .011). Linear stiffness also was adversely affected by delay (50% decrease compared with immediate repair after either a 2- or 6-week delay, P = .011). Anterior-posterior laxity after 15 weeks of healing was 40% higher in knees repaired after a 2-week delay and 10% higher in those repaired after a 6-week delay ( P = .012) when tested at 30° of flexion, but was not significantly affected by delay when tested at 60° or 90° ( P = .21).

Conclusion

A delay between anterior cruciate ligament injury and enhanced primary repair has a significant negative effect on the functional performance of the repair.

Clinical Relevance

As future investigations assess new techniques of anterior cruciate ligament repair, the timing of the repair should be considered in the design and the interpretation of experimental studies.