bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DATA MINING AND MACHINE LEARNING IN ASTRONOMY
Authors: BALL NICHOLAS M. , BRUNNER ROBERT J.
Published: July 2010

We review the current state of data mining and machine learning in astronomy. Data Mining can have a somewhat mixed connotation from the point of view of a researcher in this field. If used correctly, it can be a powerful approach, holding the potential to fully exploit the exponentially increasing amount of available data, promising great scientific advance. However, if misused, it can be little more than the black box application of complex computing algorithms that may give little physical insight, and provide questionable results. Here, we give an overview of the entire data mining process, from data collection through to the interpretation of results. We cover common machine learning algorithms, such as artificial neural networks and support vector machines, applications from a broad range of astronomy, emphasizing those in which data mining techniques directly contributed to improving science, and important current and future directions, including probability density functions, parallel algorithms, Peta-Scale computing, and the time domain. We conclude that, so long as one carefully selects an appropriate algorithm and is guided by the astronomical problem at hand, data mining can be very much the powerful tool, and not the questionable black box.
REACTIVE HOT PRESSING AND OXIDATION BEHAVIOR OFHf-BASED ULTRA-HIGH- TEMPERATURE CERAMICS
Authors: LEE SEUNG JUN , KANG EUL SON , BAEK SEUNG SU , KIM DO KYUNG
Published: July 2010

A HfB2-SiC ceramics were fabricated via a reactive hot pressing using Hf , B4C , and Si as precursors. The reaction temperature for the reactive hot pressing between 1800 and 1900°C was determined by reaction of the precursor at different temperatures from 900 to 1800°C. The effective size reduction of precursors was investigated by vibration milling, which exhibited a critical role to achieve high densification and uniform microstructure. Also, it has affected the oxidation behavior of HfB2–SiC in air. Vibration milled sample showed uniform surface of SiO2layer, but sample which was fabricated by as-received powder exhibited non-uniform oxidation behavior. Examination of the mechanical properties showed that particle size reduction via vibration also led to improved flexural strength, hardness and fracture toughness.
Ti STRIP PROPERTIES FABRICATED BY POWDER ROLLING METHOD
Authors: HONG JAE-KEUN , LEE CHAE-HUN , KIM JEOUNG-HAN , YEOM JONG-TAEK , PARK NHO-KWANG
Published: July 2010

In the present study, the characteristics of the Ti powders fabricated by Hydride–Dehydride (HDH) were analyzed in terms of particle shape, size and size distribution. Ti powders were subjected to roll compaction and their microstructure and green densities were evaluated in terms of particle size, powder morphology, roll gap and rolling speed. Effects of blending elements having different powder sizes on densification properties were analyzed. The strip thickness was proportional to the roll gap up to 0.9 mm and the density of titanium strip was decreased with the increase in roll gap. As the roll speed increased, the strip density and thickness were decreased by using -200 mesh Ti powder. However, the effect of rolling speed for -400 mesh Ti powder was not greater than that of -200 mesh powder. The highest density by 93% was achieved by using -400 mesh Ti powder at 0.1 mm roll gap, however edge cracks and alligator cracks were occurred.
FABRICATION OF MICRO GEARS BY MICRO-POWDER INJECTION–COMPRESSION MOLDING
Authors: JANG JIN MAN , LEE WONSIK , SON SEONG-HO , KO SE-HYUN , KIM IL-HO
Published: July 2010

Micro-spur gears were fabricated by powder injection–compression molding and micro-two-step gears were produced through stacking and sintering of the green parts. Shrinkage of micro-gears by sintering was larger in teeth and with increase of compression pressure, shrinkage was decreased due to increase of density in green parts. Surface roughness of sintered body was reduced to a few hundreds of nanometers by ultrasonic micro-polishing. The joining of green bodies by stacking and sintering was achieved using the pressurized sintering and insert of feedstock powders between both green bodies.
FABRICATION OF NANOSTRUCTURED WC-BASED HARD MATERIALS WITH DIFFERENT CONTENTS OF Co BY HIGH FREQUENCY INDUCTION HEATED SINTERING
Authors: KANG DUCK-SOO , WOO KEE-DO , KWON EUI-PYO , KIM SANG-HYUK , MOON MIN-SEOK , SHON IN-JIN
Published: July 2010

Hard materials, in particular tungsten carbide ( WC ) hard material has been used in many industries as cutting tool and abrasive materials. For improving toughness, binders are added into carbide materials. The effect of Co as binder on the mechanical properties in the nanosized WC was discussed. The hardness and fracture toughness were also investigated using 30 kgf load Vickers indenter. The nanosized WC-8 , 10 and 12 vol.% Co composites were successfully fabricated without grain growth by high frequency induction heated sintering (HFIHS), which is the rapid sintering method, due to short sintering time 1140°C. The nanosized WC–Co composites fabricated by HFIHS have better mechanical properties than WC–Co composite fabricated by commercial sintering.
DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY STUDY ON THE DECOMPOSITION MECHANISMS OF POLYNITROTRIPRISMANES: C6H6-n (NO2)n (n = 2, 4, 6)
Authors: OUYANG YONGZHONG , TANG ZHONGHAI , LIANG YIZENG
Published: July 2010

Density functional theory (DFT) has been carried out to predict some possible decomposition pathways of polynitrotriprismanes C 6 H 6-n ( NO 2)n (n = 2, 4, 6) at B3LYP/6-31 + G (d, p) level. The calculated results (BDE298) suggest that the most preferred dissociation reaction for these compounds involves an initial rupture of C–C bond in the triprismane cage skeleton, followed by an opening of the second C–C bond of the intermediate to form nitro Dewar benzene, which has a similar reaction pathway as that of octanitrocubane. In addition, the predicted reaction energy shows that the whole decomposition reaction is exothermic, and the rupture of the second C–C bond is mainly the energy origin of these compounds. The predicted dissociation route for three selected PNNPs will be very helpful not only for synthesis of PNNPs, but also for characterization of other nitro-substituted high energy density materials (HEDMs).
DFT STUDY ON METAL CATIONIZATION AND O6-PROTONATION ON 2′-DEOXYGUANOSINE CONFIGURATION: CHANGES ON SUGAR PUCKERING AND STRENGTH OF THE N-GLYCOSIDIC BOND
Authors: AHMADI MARYAM S. , FATTAHI ALIREZA
Published: July 2010

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G (d, p) level to determine coordination geometries, absolute metal ion affinities, and free energies for all possible complexation stable products formed by monovalent metal cations including Li+ , Na+ , K+ with the nucleoside 2′-Deoxyguanosine. All computations indicate that the metal ion affinity (MIA) decreases on going from Li+ to Na+ and K+ for 2′-Deoxyguanosine. For example, the affinities for the metal ions described above are 75.2, 57.3, 43.4 kcal/mol, respectively.

Furthermore, the influence of metal cationization and O6 protonation on the strength of the N-glycosidic bond, torsion angles and angle of pseudorotation (P) have been studied. With respect to the results, it has been found that metal binding significantly change the values of the phase angle of pseudorotation (P) in the sugar unit of these nucleosides but, O6 -protonation do not significantly change the values of the torsion angles and angle of pseudorotation (P). In all modified forms, the length of the C1'–N9 bond increases. The Mulliken population analysis and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis on atomic charges have been carried out on the optimized geometries.
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF WATER IN THE 1-BUTYL-3-METHYLIMIDAZOLIUM TETRAFLUOROBORATE/WATER MIXTURE
Authors: TIAN GUOCAI , LI JIAN
Published: July 2010

The micro-structure, and IR spectrum of water molecules in 1-butyl-3-methylimi- dazolium tetrafluoroborate( [Bmim]BF4 )/water mixture with different concentrations (x1 = 25.0%, 50.0%, 75.0%, and 90.0%) were studied with molecular dynamics simulation at room temperature. It was shown that water molecules tend to be isolated from each other in mixtures with more ions than water molecules in pure water. With the increase of the molar fraction of water in the mixture, the rotation bands and the bending bands of water display red shift from 566.2 to 651.4 cm-1 and from 1638.4 to 1683.2 cm-1 respectively, whereas the O–H stretch bands show blue shift from 3519.8 to 3452 cm-1, which agree well with the experimental results. This suggests that the molecules are hindered and their motions are difficult and slow, due to the hydrogen-bond interactions and the inharmonic interactions between the inter- or intra-molecular modes of water molecules.
Transcriptional regulation of CXC-ELR chemokines KC and MIP-2 in mouse pancreatic acini
Authors: Orlichenko Lidiya S. , Behari Jaideep , Yeh Tzu-Hsuan , Liu Shiguang , Stolz Donna B. , Saluja Ashok K. , Singh Vijay P.
Published: July 2010

Neutrophils and their chemoattractants, the CXC-ELR chemokines keratinocyte cytokine (KC) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), play a critical role in pancreatitis. While acute pancreatitis is initiated in acinar cells, it is unclear if these are a source of CXC-ELR chemokines. KC and MIP-2 have NF-κB, activator protein-1 (AP-1) sites in their promoter regions. However, previous studies have shown increased basal and reduced caerulein-induced AP-1 activation in harvested pancreatic tissue in vitro, which limits interpreting the caerulein-induced response. Moreover, recent studies suggest that NF-κB silencing in acinar cells alone may not be sufficient to reduce inflammation in acute pancreatitis. Thus the aim of this study was to determine whether acinar cells are a source of KC and MIP-2 and to understand their transcriptional regulation. Primary overnight-cultured murine pancreatic acini were used after confirming their ability to replicate physiological and pathological acinar cell responses. Upstream signaling resulting in KC, MIP-2 upregulation was studied along with activation of the transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1. Cultured acini replicated critical responses to physiological and pathological caerulein concentrations. KC and MIP-2 mRNA levels increased in response to supramaximal but not to physiological caerulein doses. This upregulation was calcium and protein kinase C (PKC), but not cAMP, dependent. NF-κB inhibition completely prevented upregulation of KC but not MIP-2. Complete suppression of MIP-2 upregulation required dual inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1. Acinar cells are a likely source of KC and MIP-2 upregulation during pancreatitis. This upregulation is dependent on calcium and PKC. MIP-2 upregulation requires both NF-κB and AP-1 in these cells. Thus dual inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 may be a more successful strategy to reduce inflammation in pancreatitis than targeting NF-κB alone.
Arterial stiffening following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage
Authors: Barnes Jill N. , Trombold Justin R. , Dhindsa Mandeep , Lin Hsin-Fu , Tanaka Hirofumi
Published: July 2010

Acute inflammatory responses are linked to a transient increase in risk of a cardiovascular event, and this risk may be mediated by a concomitant reduction in vascular function. Humans experience an acute inflammatory response as a consequence of infection, injury, or muscle damage. We measured macrovascular function before and after eccentric exercise to determine whether muscle damage from unaccustomed exercise has an unfavorable effect on the large elastic arteries. A total of 27 healthy sedentary or recreationally active men (age 18–38 years) participated in either bilateral leg press eccentric exercise or unilateral elbow flexor eccentric exercise. Postexercise muscle damage was confirmed by significant reductions in isometric strength and increases in muscle soreness ( P < 0.05). Carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity was significantly elevated 48 h after leg exercise (808 ± 31 vs. 785 ± 30 cm/s; P < 0.05) and arm exercise (790 ± 28 vs. 755 ± 24 cm/s; P < 0.05). There were no changes in mean arterial pressure. C-reactive protein was elevated after leg exercise but not after arm exercise. The increase in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity 48 h after arm exercise was associated with muscle strength ( r = −0.47; P < 0.05) and creatine kinase concentrations ( r = 0.70; P < 0.01). We concluded that eccentric exercise in both small and large muscle mass translates to transient, unfavorable changes in central macrovascular function and that the increase in central arterial stiffness after small muscle eccentric exercise is associated with indicators of muscle damage.
Expression of Receptors for Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) in Prostate Cancers following Therapy with LH-RH Agonists
Authors: Liu Stephen V. , Schally Andrew V. , Hawes Debra , Xiong Shigang , Fazli Laden , Gleave Martin , Cai Jie , Groshen Susan , Brands Frank , Engel Juergen , Pinski Jacek
Published: July 2010

Purpose: In addition to their expression on pituitary cells, receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) are found on most prostate cancer cells. These tumoral LH-RH receptors mediate the direct cytotoxic effects of LH-RH analogs and are potential therapeutic targets. Although pituitary LH-RH receptors are downregulated following prolonged exposure to LH-RH agonists, there is no evidence that tumoral receptors behave in a similar manner. To better characterize expression of tumoral LH-RH receptors, specimens of prostate cancer from various cohorts of patients were analyzed.

Experimental Design: Surgical specimens were obtained from untreated patients with prostate cancer and from patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer previously treated with bilateral orchiectomy. To address the possibility of receptor downregulation, two additional cohorts of patients who had been previously treated with LH-RH agonists were included. One group received neoadjuvant therapy prior to prostatectomy, and the other group was treated for metastatic disease with LH-RH agonists and, at progression, required palliative resection of the prostate. Lymph node metastases from previously untreated patients were subjected to similar analysis.

Results: Expression of LH-RH receptors was found in most specimens. The relative expression of LH-RH receptor mRNA in untreated patients was greater in patients whose tumor had received a Gleason score <8.

Conclusions: LH-RH receptor expression persisted despite prolonged exposure to LH-RH agonists. These findings support the concept of targeting cytotoxic LH-RH analogs to prostatic LH-RH receptors, using these receptors to gain entry into cancer cells to deliver a hybridized cytotoxic moiety for the treatment of prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 16(18); 4675–80. ©2010 AACR.
Assessment of Vaccine-Induced CD4 T Cell Responses to the 119-143 Immunodominant Region of the Tumor-Specific Antigen NY-ESO-1 Using DRB1*0101 Tetramers
Authors: Ayyoub Maha , Pignon Pascale , Dojcinovic Danijel , Raimbaud Isabelle , Old Lloyd J. , Luescher Immanuel , Valmori Danila
Published: July 2010

Purpose: NY-ESO-1 (ESO), a tumor-specific antigen of the cancer/testis group, is presently viewed as an important model antigen for the development of generic anticancer vaccines. The ESO119-143 region is immunodominant following immunization with a recombinant ESO vaccine. In this study, we generated DRB1*0101/ESO119-143 tetramers and used them to assess CD4 T-cell responses in vaccinated patients expressing DRB1*0101 (DR1).

Experimental Design: We generated tetramers of DRB1*0101 incorporating peptide ESO119-143 using a previously described strategy. We assessed ESO119-143-specific CD4 T cells in peptide-stimulated postvaccine cultures using the tetramers. We isolated DR1/ESO119-143 tetramer+ cells by cell sorting and characterized them functionally. We assessed vaccine-induced CD4+ DR1/ESO119-143 tetramer+ T cells ex vivo and characterized them phenotypically.

Results: Staining of cultures from vaccinated patients with DR1/ESO119-143 tetramers identified vaccine-induced CD4 T cells. Tetramer+ cells isolated by cell sorting were of TH1 type and efficiently recognized full-length ESO. We identified ESO123-137 as the minimal optimal epitope recognized by DR1-restricted ESO-specific CD4 T cells. By assessing DR1/ESO119-143 tetramer+ cells using T cell receptor (TCR) β chain variable region (Vβ)-specific antibodies, we identified several frequently used Vβ. Finally, direct ex vivo staining of patients' CD4 T cells with tetramers allowed the direct quantification and phenotyping of vaccine-induced ESO-specific CD4 T cells.

Conclusions: The development of DR1/ESO119-143 tetramers, allowing the direct visualization, isolation, and characterization of ESO-specific CD4 T cells, will be instrumental for the evaluation of spontaneous and vaccine-induced immune responses to this important tumor antigen in DR1-expressing patients. Clin Cancer Res; 16(18); 4607–15. ©2010 AACR.
Blood Gases and Retinopathy of Prematurity: The ELGAN Study
Authors: Hauspurg Alisse K. , Allred Elizabeth N. , Vanderveen Deborah K. , Chen Minghua , Bednarek Francis J. , Cole Cynthia , Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Leviton Alan , Dammann Olaf
Published: July 2010

Objective: This study tested the hypothesis that preterm infants who had a blood gas derangement on at least 2 of the first 3 postnatal days are at increased risk for more severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Method: 1,042 infants born before 28 weeks’ gestational age (GA) were included. An infant was considered to be exposed if his/her blood gas measure was in the highest or lowest quartile for GA on at least 2 of the first 3 postnatal days. Results: Multivariable models adjusting for confounders indicate that exposure to a PCO2 in the highest quartile predicts ROP (stage 3, 4 or 5: OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.3); zone 1: 2.0, 1.1–3.6; prethreshold/threshold: 1.9, 1.2–3.0; plus disease: 1.8, 1.1–2.9). Estimates are similar for a low pH for zone 1 (2.1, 1.2–3.8), prethreshold/threshold (1.8, 1.1–2.8), but did not quite achieve statistical significance for ROP stage 3, 4, or 5 (1.4, 0.9–2.0) and plus disease (1.5, 0.9–2.4). A PaO2 in the highest quartile for GA on at least 2 of the first 3 postnatal days was associated with a doubling of the risk of ROP in zone 1 (2.5, 1.4–4.4) and of prethreshold/threshold disease (2.1, 1.4–3.3), a 70% risk increase for plus disease (1.7, 1.04–2.8), while a 40% risk increase for ROP stage 3 or higher did not achieve statistical significance (1.4, 0.96–2.0). Conclusion: Infants exposed to high PCO2, low pH and high PaO2 appear to be at increased risk of more severe ROP.
Fast and Robust Association Tests for Untyped SNPs in Case-Control Studies
Authors: Allen Andrew S. , Satten Glen A. , Bray Sarah L. , Dudbridge Frank , Epstein Michael P.
Published: July 2010

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) aim to genotype enough single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to effectively capture common genetic variants across the genome. Even though the number of SNPs genotyped in such studies can exceed a million, there is still interest in testing association with SNPs that were not genotyped in the study sample. Analyses of such untyped SNPs can assist in signal localization, permit cross-platform integration of samples from separate studies, and can improve power – especially for rarer SNPs. External information on a larger collection of SNPs from an appropriate reference panel, comprising both SNPs typed in the sample and the untyped SNPs we wish to test for association, is necessary for an untyped variant analysis to proceed. Linkage disequilibrium patterns observed in the reference panel are then used to infer the likely genotype at the untyped SNPs in the study sample. We propose here a novel statistical approach for testing untyped SNPs in case-control GWAS, based on an efficient score function derived from a prospective likelihood, that automatically accounts for the variability in the process of estimating the untyped variant. Computationally efficient methods of phasing can be used without affecting the validity of the test, and simple measures of haplotype sharing can be used to infer genotypes at the untyped SNPs, making our approach computationally much faster than existing approaches for untyped analysis. At the same time, we show, using simulated data, that our approach often has performance nearly equivalent to hidden Markov methods of untyped analysis. The software package ‘untyped’ is available to implement our approach.
‘Access Arrangements’ for Biobanks: A Fine Line between Facilitating and Hindering Collaboration
Authors: Fortin S. , Pathmasiri S. , Grintuch R. , Deschênes M.
Published: July 2010

This decade is witnessing the proliferation of large-scale population-based biobanks. Many biobanks have reached the stage of offering access to their collection of data and samples to the scientific community. This, however, requires that access arrangements be established to govern the relationship between biobanks and users. Access arrangements capture the convergence of all normative elements in the life cycle of a biobank: policies, laws, common practices, commitments made by the biobank to participants, the expectations of funders, and the needs of the scientific community. Furthermore, access arrangements shape new legal agreements between ‘biobankers’ and researchers to ensure appropriate, regulated and efficient use of biobank materials. This paper begins by examining the particularities of access arrangements, identifying the key elements of these new regulatory instruments. Second, the paper looks at various strategies used by biobanks to regulate access and surveys the underlying motivations of these strategies and the impact they can have on potential international collaboration. Third, an example of the challenges encountered in creating access policy is illustrated using the case of CARTaGENE, a biobank based in Montreal, Canada. Last, the paper presents how Public Population Project in Genomics (P3G) facilitates the work of biobankers and improves collaboration throughout the international human genomics research community.
Parental Attitudes toward Ethical and Social Issues Surrounding the Expansion of Newborn Screening Using New Technologies
Authors: Hasegawa L.E. , Fergus K.A. , Ojeda N. , Au S.M.
Published: July 2010

Aims: This study assessed parent knowledge of newborn screening (NBS) and parent attitudes toward NBS for untreatable conditions, NBS for late-onset disorders and informed consent in NBS. Methods: Seventeen qualitative focus groups were held in Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Washington with mothers of children 10 years old or younger. Results: Most participants did not recall receiving information about NBS, and all wanted this information prenatally. In addition, most felt that the current system of ‘informed dissent’ was adequate, provided they were told about NBS prior to delivery. All women supported NBS for conditions that occur in infancy without a proven treatment. However, they disagreed about NBS for disorders that manifest in late childhood or adulthood. Conclusions: The results show a general consensus among the focus group participants about issues that cause dissent among public health and health care professionals. Parent attitudes differ from those of many professional communities with regard to timing of NBS education, informed consent, NBS for disorders that lack an effective treatment, and predictive testing of children for late-onset disorders. The results highlight the need to further research parent opinions about expanded NBS using new technologies and to include parents in the development of NBS policies.
Hysterectomy, Oophorectomy and Risk of Dementia: A Nationwide Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Phung Thien Kieu Thi , Waltoft Berit Lindum , Laursen Thomas Munk , Settnes Annette , Kessing Lars Vedel , Mortensen Preben Bo , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: July 2010

Background: This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between hysterectomy and dementia. Methods: All female Danish residents born before 1966, alive on their 40th birthday and without a dementia diagnosis prior to 1977 (n = 2,313,388) were followed from January 1, 1977, or the age of 40, whichever came later, until dementia diagnosis, death, emigration or December 31, 2006, whichever came first. The relative risks (RR) for developing dementia in women with hysterectomy/oophorectomy compared to referent women were calculated. Results: Overall, hysterectomy did not increase the risk of dementia. When stratified by age at dementia diagnosis, hysterectomy was associated with an increased risk for early-onset dementia before the age of 50: hysterectomy alone (RR = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07–1.78), with unilateral oophorectomy (RR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.28–3.45), with bilateral oophorectomy (RR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.44–3.77). The younger the age at hysterectomy/oophorectomy, the greater was the risk. Conclusions: Although statistically significant, the association between premenopausal hysterectomy and early-onset dementia is uncertain due to study limitations. Premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy is associated with a higher risk, suggesting a dose effect of premature estrogen deficiency on dementia. The age-dependent effect suggests that the younger brain is probably more vulnerable to estrogen deficiency.
The Effect of Aging on Venous Valves
Authors: van Langevelde Kirsten , Šrámek Alexandr , Rosendaal Frits R.
Published: July 2010

Objective—

Age is the strongest risk factor for venous thrombosis. Vessel wall changes such as thickening of venous valves may be one of the contributing mechanisms. We determined thickness and function of venous valves in the popliteal vein with ultrasound in 77 healthy individuals.

Methods and Results—

The study included 6 age groups ranging from 20 to 80 years old. Thickness of the valves was compared between age groups. Valve closure time was assessed as an indicator for valve function. In 69 of 77 participants, valve parameters could be measured. We found an increasing thickness of the valves with age, with a mean thickness of 0.35 mm (range, 0.25 to 0.44 mm) in the group of 20 to 30 years and 0.59 mm (range, 0.30 to 1.21 mm) in the group of 71 to 80 years. The increase in valve thickness per year (linear regression coefficient) was 0.004 mm (95% CI, 0 to 0.009). Valve function was not directly associated with age. Valve thickness, however, was inversely associated with valve function.

Conclusion—

Our results show that deep venous valves change with age, with thicker valves in older individuals. The increase of valve thickness with age may be part of the explanation for the age gradient seen in the incidence of venous thrombosis.
Developmental Origin, Growth, and Three-Dimensional Architecture of the Atrioventricular Conduction Axis of the Mouse Heart
Authors: Aanhaanen Wim T.J. , Mommersteeg Mathilda T.M. , Norden Julia , Wakker Vincent , de Gier-de Vries Corrie , Anderson Robert H. , Kispert Andreas , Moorman Antoon F.M. , Christoffels Vincent M.
Published: July 2010

Rationale:

The clinically important atrioventricular conduction axis is structurally complex and heterogeneous, and its molecular composition and developmental origin are uncertain.

Objective:

To assess the molecular composition and 3D architecture of the atrioventricular conduction axis in the postnatal mouse heart and to define the developmental origin of its component parts.

Methods and Results:

We generated an interactive 3D model of the atrioventricular junctions in the mouse heart using the patterns of expression of Tbx3, Hcn4, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45, and Nav1.5, which are important for conduction system function. We found extensive figure-of-eight rings of nodal and transitional cells around the mitral and tricuspid junctions and in the base of the atrial septum. The rings included the compact node and nodal extensions. We then used genetic lineage labeling tools (

Tbx2
+/Cre

,
Mef2c-AHF-Cre
,

Tbx18
+/Cre

), along with morphometric analyses, to assess the developmental origin of the specific components of the axis. The majority of the atrial components, including the atrioventricular rings and compact node, are derived from the embryonic atrioventricular canal. The atrioventricular bundle, including the lower cells of the atrioventricular node, in contrast, is derived from the ventricular myocardium. No contributions to the conduction system myocardium were identified from the sinus venosus, the epicardium, or the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion.

Conclusions:

The atrioventricular conduction axis comprises multiple domains with distinctive molecular signatures. The atrial part proliferates from the embryonic atrioventricular canal, along with myocytes derived from the developing atrial septum. The atrioventricular bundle and lower nodal cells are derived from ventricular myocardium.
Cortical Neuromodulation Modifies Cerebral Vasomotor Reactivity
Authors: Vernieri Fabrizio , Assenza Giovanni , Maggio Paola , Tibuzzi Francesco , Zappasodi Filippo , Altamura Claudia , Corbetto Marzia , Trotta Laura , Palazzo Paola , Ercolani Matilde , Tecchio Franca , Rossini Paolo Maria
Published: July 2010

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral vasomotor reactivity (VMR) is a capability of cerebral vessels to dilate in response to hypercapnia. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects on cerebral hemodynamics have been poorly studied.

Methods and Results—

Ten healthy subjects underwent anodal/cathodal tDCS on the left motor cortex. Before and after tDCS, VMR assessment by transcranial Doppler and an electrocardiogram were performed. Normalized low-frequency band power of heart rate variability and its reactivity from basal to VMR condition (LFN
react
) were estimated as relative markers of sympathetic activation. tDCS exerted a polarity-specific effect on both VMR (
P
=0.0001) and LFN
react
(
P
=0.001). Anodal tDCS decreased VMR by 3.4%/mm Hg CO
2
bilaterally and increased LFN
react
, whereas cathodal tDCS increased VMR by 0.8%/mm Hg CO
2
bilaterally and reduced LFN
react
.

Conclusions—

Cerebral VMR is modified by tDCS. Based on the consensual changes with heart rate variability, we can hypothesize that the sympathetic nervous system could modulate the bihemispheric modification of VMR. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Small Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Verification Study
Authors: Sonobe Makoto , Yamazaki Tomosato , Yonekura Masahiro , Kikuchi Haruhiko
Published: July 2010

Background and Purpose—

The natural history and optimal management of incidentally found small unruptured aneurysms <5 mm in size remain unclear. A prospective study was conducted to determine the optimal management for incidentally found small unruptured aneurysms.

Methods—

From September 2000 to January, 2004, 540 aneurysms (446 patients) were registered. Four hundred forty-eight unruptured aneurysms <5 mm in size (374 patients) have been followed up for a mean of 41.0 months (1306.5 person-years) to date. We calculated the average annual rupture rate of small unruptured aneurysms and also investigated risk factors that contribute to rupture and enlargement of these aneurysms.

Results—

The average annual risks of rupture associated with small unruptured aneurysms were 0.54% overall, 0.34% for single aneurysms, and 0.95% for multiple aneurysms. Patient <50 years of age (
P
=0.046; hazard ratio, 5.23; 95% CI, 1.03 to 26.52), aneurysm diameter of ≥4.0 mm (
P
=0.023; hazard ratio, 5.86; 95% CI, 1.27 to 26.95), hypertension (
P
=0.023; hazard ratio, 7.93; 95% CI, 1.33 to 47.42), and aneurysm multiplicity (
P
=0.0048; hazard ratio, 4.87; 95% CI, 1.62 to 14.65) were found to be significant predictive factors for rupture of small aneurysms.

Conclusions—

The annual rupture rate associated with small unruptured aneurysms is quite low. Careful attention should be paid to the treatment indications for single-type unruptured aneurysms <5 mm. If the patient is <50 years of age, has hypertension, and multiple aneurysms with diameters of ≥4 mm, treatment should be considered to prevent future aneurysmal rupture.
Constructing the Prediction Model for the Risk of Stroke in a Chinese Population
Authors: Chien Kuo-Liong , Su Ta-Chen , Hsu Hsiu-Ching , Chang Wei-Tien , Chen Pei-Chun , Sung Fung-Chang , Chen Ming-Fong , Lee Yuan-Teh
Published: July 2010

Background and Purpose—

Prediction rules for the risk of stroke have been proposed. However, most studies were conducted with whites or for secondary prevention, and it is not clear whether these models apply to the Chinese population. The purpose of this study was to construct a simple points-based clinical model for predicting incident stroke among Chinese adults in Taiwan.

Methods—

We estimated the 10-year risk of stroke in a cohort study of middle-aged and elderly participants who were free from stroke at baseline. Multivariate Cox model-derived coefficients were used to construct the simple points-based clinical and biochemical model and the prediction measures using the area under the receive operating characteristic curve, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement statistics were applied.

Results—

Of the 3513 participants without stroke at baseline, 240 incident cases of stroke were documented for a median 15.9-year follow-up. Age (8 points), gender (1 point), systolic blood pressure (3 points), diastolic blood pressure (2 points), family history of stroke (1 point), atrial fibrillation (3 points), and diabetes (1 point) were found to significantly predict stroke events. The estimated area under the receive operating characteristic curve for this clinical points-based model was 0.772 (95% CI, 0.744 to 0.799). The discrimination ability of this clinical model was similar to the coefficients-based models and better than available stroke models.

Conclusions—

We have constructed a model for predicting 15-year incidence of stroke in Chinese adults and this model may be useful in identifying individuals at high risk of stroke.
The Hodayot’s Use of the Psalter: Text-critical Contributions (Book 3: Pss 73-89)
Authors: Elwolde John
Published: July 2010

This is the third article in a series of studies that analyses detailed correspondences between the Psalms and the Hodayot for the light the Hodayot may shed on the textual development of the Psalter. The texts discussed in this article include Pss 77:6, 7; 77:18, 78:15, 38, 69; 79:8; 80:13; 82:3; 86:4, 12; 86:14/54:5; 88:4; 89:6, 7, 8, 10, 12.
Pourquoi le lecteur rit-il d’Haman en Esther 6™?
Authors: Wénin André
Published: July 2010

This study is dedicated to the narrative working out of the dramatic irony that makes the reader laugh at the expense of Haman in the Masoretic text of Esther 6. Two main devices contribute to create this effect: the transparency in the characterisation of the prime minister of Persia in chaps 3, 5 and 6, and the intelligent use of internal focalisation by the omniscient narrator in 6:6b. In this text, irony has clearly a humoristic function, but also an axiological one.
Vom Propheten und seiner Frau, einem Ephod und einem Teraphim—Anmerkungen zu Hos 3:1-4, 5
Authors: Rudnig-Zelt Susanne
Published: July 2010

This article has a double focus. On the one hand it covers the problems of Hos 3. It shows that Hos 3:3 announces punishment to the inhabitants of the former Northern kingdom and that Hos 3:5 represents a later addition. Hos 3:1-4,5 proves to be a late text. Thus it cannot be used as a biographical source for the 8th-century prophet Hosea. But it gives valuable insight in the theological debates of the late Persian era.

On the other hand this article investigates the origins of ephod and teraphim (Hos 3:4): do the names apply to figurines of gods or even of Yahwe himself? The results point in a different direction. ‘Ephod’ seems to be the name of a priestly garment, and ‘teraphim’ originally designates a group of artefacts used for mantic purposes. Only in late texts do ephod und teraphim denote forbidden images illustrating supposed cultic abuses of ancient times.
Twenty Years of Economic Transition in the Balkans: Transition Failures and Development Challenges
Authors: Petrakos George , Monastiriotis Vassilis
Published: July 2010

This paper seeks to review and evaluate a series of theoretical and policy issues with regards to the process of transition and European accession of the Balkan countries. We begin by reviewing some key aspects of economic structure and performance relating to the processes of transition and integration. We then examine in turn what these aspects imply for the assumptions of theory and policy concerning the speed of transition, the benefits of integration, and the process of convergence, as well as for the policy approach to transition, accession and development that was followed in the Balkans. We conclude that this stock-taking, twenty years since the advent of transition in the Balkans and at a time when the region starts to slowly recover from the effects of the global economic crisis, highlights the need for a radical revision of the growth model of the region and the design of a concrete Development Plan for its future.
WINSE: WiMAX NS-2 extension
Authors: Sayenko Alexander , Alanen Olli , Martikainen Henrik , Tykhomyrov Vitaliy , Puchko Oleksandr , Hytönen Vesa , Hämäläinen Timo
Published: July 2010

The IEEE 802.16 standard defines a wireless broadband technology called WiMAX. When compared with other wireless technologies, it introduces many interesting advantages at PHY, MAC, and QoS layers. Heavy simulations are needed to study the performance of IEEE 802.16 and propose further enhancements to this standard. Link-level simulations are not always sufficient, while system-level simulators are not always accurate enough to capture MAC and transport protocol details. We implemented an 802.16 extension for the NS-2 network simulator. It includes upper PHY modeling, almost all of the features of the 802.16 MAC layer, as well as the QoS framework. This article describes the implemented features and simulation methodology, while sharing our experience that can be used with other NS-2 modules. There is also an overview of the past and ongoing research.
Families and Home Computer Use: Exploring Parent Perceptions of the Importance of Current Technology
Authors: Ortiz Robert W. , Green Tim , Lim HeeJeong
Published: July 2010

Many families today have access to computers that help them with their daily living activities, such as finding employment and helping children with schoolwork. With more families owning personal computers, questions arise as to the role they play in these households. An exploratory study was conducted looking at parents whose children were enrolled in a Southern California elementary school. The study’s purpose was to examine parent perceptions of the importance placed on computer usage for themselves and their children. A total of 596 surveys were returned from parents. Findings suggest that parents place a high value on computer usage and see it as vital to job success and academic achievement.
Latino Immigrant and Guest Bilingual Teachers: Overcoming Personal, Professional, and Academic Culture Shock
Authors: Fee Joan F.
Published: July 2010

School districts that offer bilingual education often find it difficult to hire enough teachers for their growing Latino populations. To expand the pool of bilingual teachers, some districts recruit teachers from Spanish-speaking countries. Yet there has been little research on how these teachers fare or what supports they need to succeed. This article investigates issues confronted by 31 foreign-educated Latino teachers, teaching in a high-needs Midwestern urban district while attaining U.S. certification. The article delineates the teachers’ personal, professional, and academic adjustments and describes the elements they required for success, emphasizing the importance of social capital.
Justice for All or Justice for Just Us? Toward a Critical Race Pedagogy of Hope Through Brown in Urban Education
Authors: Hughes Sherick
Published: July 2010

This article uses critical theoretical methods to reconsider the potential of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka in urban education. It finds Brown as a potentially useful tool for coconstructing critical race pedagogy of hope that involves (a) Socratic questioning of the endemic nature of racism and power dynamics of public education and the political discursive innovations of Brown; (b) a commitment to justice in urban education for all stakeholders, including stakeholders representing injustices linking race to class and gender; and (c) tragicomic hope—locating, critiquing, and ultimately engaging the action of hope to sustain participation in the struggle for distributive justice in public education.
A formal feasibility study of sublingual methadone for breakthrough cancer pain
Authors: Hagen Neil A , Moulin Dwight E , Brasher Penny MA , Biondo Patricia D , Eliasziw Misha , Watanabe Sharon M , Stiles Carla R
Published: July 2010

We conducted a feasibility study of sublingual methadone for breakthrough cancer pain, to determine whether a larger, randomized trial was warranted, and to identify a study design that would be likely to succeed. From approximately 1930 patients in the initial pool, nine patients were enrolled. Five patients completed the study, generating data on 83 discrete episodes of breakthrough cancer pain at optimal dose. Mean pain intensity dropped by 1.7 points (on a 10 point numerical scale) within 10 min of sublingual methadone administration, and by 3.2 points after 15 min. No serious or severe toxicity was encountered. Based on the results of this feasibility study, a larger randomized clinical trial of sublingual methadone for breakthrough cancer pain using this trial model would not be successful. Extensive information obtained from small numbers of carefully studied patients provides proof of concept that sublingual methadone is effective, safe, and well tolerated.
The use of morphine to control pain in advanced cancer: an investigation of clinical usage in Bangladesh
Authors: Dehghan Roghieh , Ramakrishnan Jairam , Ahmed Nezamuddin , Harding Richard
Published: July 2010

In 2007, 13% of all deaths worldwide were due to cancer, and of these 72% occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Opioids are essential for the successful delivery of palliative care and pain control.

This paper reports data from a cross-sectional survey that aimed to investigate the use of morphine in advanced cancer in palliative care setting in Bangladesh, in order to inform clinical practice and fledgling service development. The study was a single semi-structured qualitative interview study.

Cancer patients, family members and palliative care specialists (20 in total) were interviewed in two medical settings. Transcripts were transcribed verbatim, translated and cross-checked with two local interpreters. Data were imported into NVIVO 8 for coding. A coding frame was generated following line by line coding. Relational codes were established following peer review of coding units and the resulting frame.

Despite having been under the pain and palliative care clinics only six out of 10 patients had received morphine. Lack of morphine availability resulted in physical suffering of patients and emotional distress of their families. Lack of availability of morphine was identified as the main barrier to pain control. International attention and collaboration with local policy makers is needed to simplify narcotic regulations and increase the availability of morphine.
Graph Literacy
Authors: Galesic Mirta , Garcia-Retamero Rocio
Published: July 2010

Background. Visual displays are often used to communicate important medical information to patients. However, even the simplest graphs are not understood by everyone. Objective. To develop and test a scale to measure health-related graph literacy and investigate the level of graph literacy in the United States and Germany. Design. Experimental and questionnaire studies. Setting. Computerized studies in the laboratory and on probabilistic national samples in the United States and Germany. Participants. Nationally representative samples of people 25 to 69 years of age in Germany ( n = 495) and the United States ( n = 492). Laboratory pretest on 60 younger and 60 older people. Measurements. Psychometric properties of the scale (i.e., reliability, validity, discriminability) and level of graph literacy in the two countries. Results. The new graph literacy scale predicted which patients can benefit from visual aids and had promising measurement properties. Participants in both countries completed approximately 9 of 13 items correctly (in Germany, x¯ = 9.4, s = 2.6; in the United States, x¯ = 9.3, s = 2.9). Approximately one third of the population in both countries had both low graph literacy and low numeracy skills. Limitations. The authors focused on basic graph literacy only. They used a computerized scale; comparability with paper-and-pencil versions should be checked. Conclusions. The new graph literacy scale seems to be a suitable tool for assessing whether patients understand common graphical formats and shows that not everyone profits from standard visual displays. Research is needed on communication formats that can overcome the barriers of both low numeracy and graph literacy.
Classification and Semantic Mapping of Urban Environments
Authors: Douillard B. , Fox D. , Ramos F. , Durrant-Whyte H.
Published: July 2010

In this paper we address the problem of classifying objects in urban environments based on laser and vision data. We propose a framework based on Conditional Random Fields (CRFs), a flexible modeling tool allowing spatial and temporal correlations between laser returns to be represented. Visual features extracted from color imagery as well as shape features extracted from 2D laser scans are integrated in the estimation process. The paper contains the following novel developments: (1) a probabilistic formulation for the problem of exploiting spatial and temporal dependencies to improve classification; (2) three methods for classification in 2D semantic maps; (3) a novel semi-supervised learning algorithm to train CRFs from partially labeled data; (4) the combination of local classifiers with CRFs to perform feature selection on high-dimensional feature vectors. The system is extensively evaluated on two different datasets acquired in two different cities with different sensors. An accuracy of 91% is achieved on a seven-class problem. The classifier is also applied to the generation of a 3 km long semantic map.
Nitrate records of a shallow ice core from East Antarctica: Atmospheric processes, preservation and climatic implications
Authors: Laluraj C.M. , Thamban M. , Naik S.S. , Redkar B.L. , Chaturvedi A. , Ravindra R.
Published: July 2010

High-resolution records of nitrate (NO3−), oxygen isotope (δ 18O) and non-sea salt sulphate (nssSO42− ) were studied using an ice core collected from central Dronning Maud Land in East Antarctica to identify the influence of environmental variability on accumulation of NO3− over the past 450 years. The results confirmed that multiple processes were responsible for the production and preservation of NO3− in Antarctic ice. Correlation between NO3− and nssSO42− peaks revealed that sulphate aerosols released during major volcanic eruptions might have activated the production of nitric acid, which was scavenged by ion-induced nucleation in polar ice sheets. The correlation between the nitrate and δ18 O records further suggest that enhanced NO3− preservation in the ice occurred during periods of lower atmospheric temperature. Major shifts in the NO3− record of the ice core presently studied and its comparison with 10Be record from a core collected from South Pole suggest that a reduction in solar activity influenced the NO3− accumulation in Antarctica through enhanced production of odd nitrogen species.