bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The monte carlo database system
Authors: Jampani Ravi , Xu Fei , Wu Mingxi , Perez Luis , Jermaine Chris , Haas Peter J.
Published: August 2011

The application of stochastic models and analysis techniques to large datasets is now commonplace. Unfortunately, in practice this usually means extracting data from a database system into an external tool (such as SAS, R, Arena, or Matlab), and then running the analysis there. This extract-and-model paradigm is typically error-prone, slow, does not support fine-grained modeling, and discourages what-if and sensitivity analyses.

In this article we describe MCDB, a database system that permits a wide spectrum of stochastic models to be used in conjunction with the data stored in a large database, without ever extracting the data. MCDB facilitates in-database execution of tasks such as risk assessment, prediction, and imputation of missing data, as well as management of errors due to data integration, information extraction, and privacy-preserving data anonymization. MCDB allows a user to define “random” relations whose contents are determined by stochastic models. The models can then be queried using standard SQL. Monte Carlo techniques are used to analyze the probability distribution of the result of an SQL query over random relations. Novel “tuple-bundle” processing techniques can effectively control the Monte Carlo overhead, as shown in our experiments.
Platform-aware bottleneck detection for reconfigurable computing applications
Authors: Koehler Seth , Stitt Greg , George Alan D.
Published: August 2011

Reconfigurable Computing (RC) has the potential to provide substantial performance benefits and yet simultaneously consume less power than traditional microprocessors or GPUs. While experimental performance analysis of RC applications has previously been shown crucial for achieving this potential, existing methods still require application designers to manually locate bottlenecks and determine appropriate optimizations, typically requiring significant designer expertise and effort. Worse, the diversity of platforms employed by RC applications further complicates the process of detecting bottlenecks and formulating optimizations. To address these shortcomings, we first discuss our platform-template system, which enables a performance analysis tool to perform more accurate bottleneck detection and achieve a higher degree of portability across diverse FPGA systems. We then provide details for our implementation of these concepts and techniques in the Reconfigurable Computing Application Performance (ReCAP) tool. Next, we present a taxonomy of common RC bottlenecks, providing associated detection and optimization strategies for each bottleneck, which we use to populate ReCAP's knowledge base for bottleneck detection. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of our approach via two application case studies across a total of three platforms.
Mobile processors for energy-efficient web search
Authors: Reddi Vijay Janapa , Lee Benjamin C. , Chilimbi Trishul , Vaid Kushagra
Published: August 2011

As cloud and utility computing spreads, computer architects must ensure continued capability growth for the data centers that comprise the cloud. Given megawatt scale power budgets, increasing data center capability requires increasing computing hardware energy efficiency. To increase the data center's capability for work, the work done per Joule must increase. We pursue this efficiency even as the nature of data center applications evolves. Unlike traditional enterprise workloads, which are typically memory or I/O bound, big data computation and analytics exhibit greater compute intensity. This article examines the efficiency of mobile processors as a means for data center capability. In particular, we compare and contrast the performance and efficiency of the Microsoft Bing search engine executing on the mobile-class Atom processor and the server-class Xeon processor. Bing implements statistical machine learning to dynamically rank pages, producing sophisticated search results but also increasing computational intensity. While mobile processors are energy-efficient, they exact a price for that efficiency. The Atom is 5× more energy-efficient than the Xeon when comparing queries per Joule. However, search queries on Atom encounter higher latencies, different page results, and diminished robustness for complex queries. Despite these challenges, quality-of-service is maintained for most, common queries. Moreover, as different computational phases of the search engine encounter different bottlenecks, we describe implications for future architectural enhancements, application tuning, and system architectures. After optimizing the Atom server platform, a large share of power and cost go toward processor capability. With optimized Atoms, more servers can fit in a given data center power budget. For a data center with 15MW critical load, Atom-based servers increase capability by 3.2× for Bing.
Perceptual considerations for motion blur rendering
Authors: Navarro Fernando , Castillo Susana , Serón Francisco J. , Gutierrez Diego
Published: August 2011

Motion blur is a frequent requirement for the rendering of high-quality animated images. However, the computational resources involved are usually higher than those for images that have not been temporally antialiased. In this article we study the influence of high-level properties such as object material and speed, shutter time, and antialiasing level. Based on scenes containing variations of these parameters, we design different psychophysical experiments to determine how influential they are in the perception of image quality.

This work gives insights on the effects these parameters have and exposes certain situations where motion blurred stimuli may be indistinguishable from a gold standard. As an immediate practical application, images of similar quality can be produced while the computing requirements are reduced.

Algorithmic efforts have traditionally been focused on finding new improved methods to alleviate sampling artifacts by steering computation to the most important dimensions of the rendering equation. Concurrently, rendering algorithms can take advantage of certain perceptual limits to simplify and optimize computations. To our knowledge, none of them has identified nor used these limits in the rendering of motion blur. This work can be considered a first step in that direction.
A Novel Technique for Transmission of M-Ary Signal through Wireless Fading Channel Using Wavelet Denoising
Authors: Alam Md. Zahangir , Patra Charles Chittaranjan , Patra Colin , Sobhan M. Abdus
Published: August 2011

The paper proposes a novel technique for reducing noise in M-ary signal transmission through wireless fading channel using wavelet denoising that play the key role. The paper also explains that the conventional threshold-based technique is not capable of denoising M-ary quadrature amplitude modulated (M-QAM) signals having multilevel wavelet coefficients through wireless fading channels. A detailed step by step wavelet decomposition and reconstruction processes are discussed here to transform a signal function into wavelet coefficients using simulation software like MATLAB. A 16-QAM modulated symbol through a Rician fading channel is weighted by a control variable of complex form to force the mean of each detail coefficient except low frequency component to zero to enhance noiseless property. The bit error rate (BER) performance of the simulation results are furnished to show the effectiveness of the proposed technique. The root mean square of the deviation of the reconstruct signal from the original signal is used to express the effectiveness of the proposed technique. The traditional denoising provides very high value (above 90%) of the percentage root mean square difference (PDR) and the proposed technique provides only 10% PDR value for the symbol through a noisy channel. The result of the simulation study reveals that the BER performance can be increased using an appropriate control variable to force the mean of each detail coefficient to zero.
Natural Gas Production from Methane Hydrate Deposits Using
Clathrate Sequestration: State-of-the-Art Review and New Technical Approaches
Authors: Nago Annick , Nieto Antonio
Published: August 2011

This paper focuses on reviewing the currently available solutions for natural gas production from methane hydrate deposits using CO2 sequestration. Methane hydrates are ice-like materials, which form at low temperature and high pressure and are located in permafrost areas and oceanic environments. They represent a huge hydrocarbon resource, which could supply the entire world for centuries. Fossil-fuel-based energy is still a major source of carbon dioxide emissions which contribute greatly to the issue of global warming and climate change. Geological sequestration of carbon dioxide appears as the safest and most stable way to reduce such emissions for it involves the trapping of CO2 into hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifers. Indeed, CO2 can also be sequestered as hydrates while helping dissociate the in situ methane hydrates. The studies presented here investigate the molecular exchange between CO2 and CH4 that occurs when methane hydrates are exposed to CO2, thus generating the release of natural gas and the trapping of carbon dioxide as gas clathrate. These projects include laboratory studies on the synthesis, thermodynamics, phase equilibrium, kinetics, cage occupancy, and the methane recovery potential of the mixed CO2–CH4 hydrate. An experimental and numerical evaluation of the effect of porous media on the gas exchange is described. Finally, a few field studies on the potential of this new gas hydrate recovery technique are presented.
A Deconstruction Lattice Description of the D1/D5 Brane World-Volume Gauge Theory
Authors: Giedt Joel
Published: August 2011

I generalize the deconstruction lattice formulation of Endres and Kaplan to two-dimensional super-QCD with eight supercharges, denoted by (4,4), and bifundamental matter. I specialize to a particularly interesting (4,4) gauge theory, with gauge groupU(Nc)×U(Nf), andU(Nf)being weakly gauged. It describes the infrared limit of the D1/D5 brane system, which has been studied extensively as an example of the AdS3/CFT2correspondence. The construction here preserves two supercharges exactly and has a lattice structure quite similar to that which has previously appeared in the deconstruction approach, that is, site, link, and diagonal fields with both the Bose and Fermi statistics. I remark on possible applications of the lattice theory that would test the AdS3/CFT2correspondence, particularly one that would exploit the recent worldsheet instanton analysis of Chen and Tong.
On Relationships among the Aggregation Number, Rheological Property, and Turbulent Drag-Reducing Effect of Surfactant Solutions
Authors: Zhou Ying-Bo , Xu Na , Ma Ning , Li Feng-Chen , Wei Jin-Jia , Yu Bo
Published: August 2011

In this study, turbulent drag-reducing effect, rheological characteristics and micelle aggregation number of aqueous solutions of anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) aided with sodium salicylate (NaSal). SDS solution was experimentally investigated at various concentrations in CMCs (critical micelle concentration) with and without sodium chloride. 200 ppm (ppm means part per million) CTAC/NaSal (mass ratio 1 : 1) solution was tested within temperature range from 20°C to 80°C. We were aiming at gaining insights into relationships among turbulent drag reduction rate, rheological properties and micelle microstructures of drag-reducing surfactant solution. Experiments on aggregation number, turbulent drag reduction and shear-rate dependent shear viscosity were performed for solution of SDS and 200 ppm CTAC/NaSal, respectively. The relationships among these three parameters were analyzed and discussed. The results are of importance from both theoretical and practical viewpoints for micellar transitions of surfactant solution.
Fast and Convenient Synthesis of Amine-Terminated Polylactide as a Macroinitiator forω-Benzyloxycarbonyl-L-Lysine-N-Carboxyanhydrides
Authors: Ju Mingjie , Gong Feirong , Cheng Shujun , Gao Yun
Published: August 2011

Amine-terminated poly (L-lactide) (NH2-PLLA) with various chain lengths were successfully synthesized by sequential tert-butyl-N-(3-hydroxypropyl) carbamate initiated bulk ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of L-lactide (L-LA) in the presence of Stannous(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (Sn(Oct)2) and deprotection of theN-tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group at the end of the polymer chain. The polymers obtained were characterized by FT-IR,1H NMR, and GPC method. NH2-PLLA thus prepared was used to initiate the polymerization of ω-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine-N-carboxyanhydride (Lys (Z)-NCA), and the result confirmed the high nucleophilicity of the terminal amine group. This method was not only suitable for the preparation of low molecular weight NH2-PLLA, but also quite efficient in the synthesis of high molecular weight samples.
Visualizing Production Surfaces in 3D Diagrams
Authors: Seidl I. , Sommersguter-Reichmann M.
Published: August 2011

During the last four decades Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has attracted considerable attention in the OR community. Using DEA, the efficiency frontier is constructed based on assumptions concerning the production possibility set rather than a priori defining a functional relationship between inputs and outputs. In this contribution, we propose an algorithm to visualize the efficiency surface in a 3D diagram and to extract isoquants from the efficient hull based on different RTS assumptions which might be particularly helpful for presentation purposes. In doing so, we extend the existing literature which has concentrated on the visualization of production frontiers in 2D diagrams to the visualization of efficient rather than fully efficient hulls in 3D diagrams. Displaying a fully efficient hull, however, does not reflect all properties of the production possibility set as weakly efficient frontier segments are missing.
Deconvolution-Based CT and MR Brain Perfusion Measurement: Theoretical Model Revisited and Practical Implementation Details
Authors: Fieselmann Andreas , Kowarschik Markus , Ganguly Arundhuti , Hornegger Joachim , Fahrig Rebecca
Published: August 2011

Deconvolution-based analysis of CT and MR brain perfusion data is widely used in clinical practice and it is still a topic of ongoing research activities. In this paper, we present a comprehensive derivation and explanation of the underlying physiological model for intravascular tracer systems. We also discuss practical details that are needed to properly implement algorithms for perfusion analysis. Our description of the practical computer implementation is focused on the most frequently employed algebraic deconvolution methods based on the singular value decomposition. In particular, we further discuss the need for regularization in order to obtain physiologically reasonable results. We include an overview of relevant preprocessing steps and provide numerous references to the literature. We cover both CT and MR brain perfusion imaging in this paper because they share many common aspects. The combination of both the theoretical as well as the practical aspects of perfusion analysis explicitly emphasizes the simplifications to the underlying physiological model that are necessary in order to apply it to measured data acquired with current CT and MR scanners.
Blade by Blade Tip Clearance Measurement
Authors: Sheard A. G.
Published: August 2011

This paper describes a capacitance-based tip clearance measurement system which engineers have used in the most demanding turbine test applications. The capacitance probe has survived extended use in a major European gas turbine manufacturer's high-temperature demonstrator unit, where it functioned reliably at a turbine entry temperature in excess of 1800 degrees Kelvin. This paper explores blade by blade tip clearance measurement techniques and examines probe performance under laboratory conditions in support of high-temperature installations. The paper outlines the blade by blade tip clearance measurement technique and describes the experimental facility used to study tip clearance measurement. The paper also fully describes the method used to calibrate the measurement system in order to ascertain measurement accuracy. The paper clarifies how the practical problems were overcome associated with making blade by blade tip clearance measurements in both compressor and turbine environments. Since its initial development, gas turbine development programmes have routinely used the clearance measurement system. The inherent robustness of the system has resulted in reliable in-service measurement of clearance in real world applications.
Simulation of Coupled Fire/Atmosphere Interaction with the MesoNH‐ForeFire Models
Authors: Filippi Jean-Baptiste , Bosseur Frédéric , Pialat Xavier , Santoni Paul-Antoine , Strada Susanna , Mari Céline
Published: August 2011

Simulating interaction between forest fire and atmospheric processes requires a highly detailed and computationally intensive model. Processing this type of simulations in wildland fires forbids combustion‐based models due to the large amount of fuels to be simulated in terms of quantity and diversity. In this paper, we propose an approach that couples a fire area simulator to a mesoscale weather numerical model in order to simulate local fire/atmosphere interaction. Five idealized simulation cases are analysed showing strong interaction between topography and the fire front induced wind, interactions that could not be simulated in noncoupled simulations. The same approach applied to a real‐case scenario also shows results that are qualitatively comparable to the observed case. All these results were obtained in less than a day of calculation on a dual processor computer, leaving room for improvement in grid resolution that is currently limited to fifty meter.
Identifying Rates of Emigration in the United States Using Administrative Earnings Records
Authors: Schwabish Jonathan A.
Published: August 2011

This paper undertakes a new strategy to estimate emigration rates among US immigrants by inferring the probability of emigration using longitudinal administrative earnings data. Two groups of emigrants are evaluated separately: those who emigrate from the United States and those who leave both the United States and the Social Security system. About 1.0 to 1.5 percent of the foreign‐born population emigrate from the USA every year, and between about 0.8 and 1.2 percent of foreign‐born workers emigrate from the Social Security system. Regression analysis suggests that immigrants with lower earnings are more likely to emigrate and that the likelihood of emigrating from the United States increases with age, but is unchanged for those leaving the US Social Security system.
Intra-Abdominal Testicular Seminoma in a Woman with Testicular Feminization Syndrome
Authors: Rasalkar Darshana D. , Paunipagar Bhawan K. , Ng Alex , Lai Fernand M. , Bagaria Shalini Jain
Published: August 2011

We report a case of intra-abdominal testicular tumor in a 36-year-old married lady presenting with chief complaints of primary amenorrhea. The patient was later diagnosed with testicular feminization syndrome, a form of male pseudohermaphroditism. This testicular tumor was histologically proven as seminoma. Due to rarity, imaging findings in patients with testicular feminization syndrome and intraabdominal testicular tumor have been poorly documented. So far, only one case report had described the combined role of CT and MR imaging in intraabdominal testicular sex-cord stromal tumor. To our knowledge, this case is first to document USG and MR imaging in addition to MR spectroscopy features in intraabdominal testicular seminoma.
Drift and the Risk‐Free Rate
Authors: Gadidov Anda , Spruill M. C.
Published: August 2011

It is proven, under a set of assumptions differing from the usual ones in the
unboundedness of the time interval, that, in an economy in equilibrium consisting of
a risk‐free cash account and an equity whose price process is a geometric Brownian
motion on [0, ∞), the drift rate must be close to the risk‐free rate; if the drift rate
μ and the risk‐free rate r are constants, then r = μ and the price process is the
same under both empirical and risk neutral measures. Contributing in some degree
perhaps to interest in this mathematical curiosity is the fact, based on empirical
data taken at various times over an assortment of equities and relatively short
durations, that no tests of the hypothesis of equality are rejected.
A Multivariate Stochastic Hybrid Model with Switching Coefficients and Jumps: Solution and Distribution
Authors: Siu D. P. , Ladde G. S.
Published: August 2011

In this work, a class of multidimensional stochastic hybrid dynamic models is studied. The system under investigation is a first‐order linear nonhomogeneous system of Itô‐Doob type stochastic differential equations with switching coefficients. The switching of the system is governed by a discrete dynamic which is monitored by a non‐homogeneous Poisson process. Closed‐form solutions of the systems are obtained. Furthermore, the major part of the work is devoted to finding closed‐form probability density functions of the solution processes of linear homogeneous and Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck type systems with jumps.
Preparation of Rhodamine B Fluorescent Poly(methacrylic acid) Coated Gelatin Nanoparticles
Authors: Gan Zhenhai , Ju Jianhui , Zhang Ting , Wu Daocheng
Published: August 2011

Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA)-coated gelatin nanoparticles encapsulated with fluorescent dye rhodamine B were prepared by the coacervation method with the aim to retard the release of rhodamine B from the gelatin matrix. With sodium sulfate as coacervation reagent for gelatin, a kind of biopolymer with excellent biocompatibility, the formed gelatin nanoparticles were cross-linked by formaldehyde followed by the polymerization of methacrylic acid coating. The fluorescent poly(methacrylic acid) coated gelatin (FPMAAG) nanoparticles had a uniform spherical shape and a size distribution of60±5 nm. Infrared spectral analysis confirmed the formation of PMAA coating on the gelatin nanoparticles. Based on UV-Vis spectra, the loading efficiency of rhodamine B for the FPMAAG nanoparticles was 0.26 μg per mg nanoparticles. The encapsulated rhodamine B could sustain for two weeks. Favorable fluorescence property and fluorescence imaging of cells confirmed that the FPMAAG nanoparticles have promising biochemical, bioanalytical, and biomedical applications.
Spectroscopy Methods and Applications of the Tor Vergata Laser‐Plasma Facility Driven by GW‐Level Laser System
Authors: Francucci M. , Gaudio P. , Martellucci S. , Richetta M.
Published: August 2011

A review focused on plasma induced on solid target by GW‐level pulsed laser source is presented. A description of the Tor Vergata laser‐plasma source (TVLPS), at the Tor Vergata University in Rome, is given. Such a facility uses a 1 
GW, tabletop, multistage Nd:YAG/Glass laser system, delivering infrared (IR) pulses with nanosecond width and 1064 nm wavelength (TEM00 mode). Its applications are discussed providing: wide analysis of IR → soft X‐ray conversion efficiency (1.3–1.55 keV); measures and modeling of line emission in soft X‐ray spectra, such as those from zinc plasma near Ne‐like Zn XXI and from barium plasma near Ni‐like Ba XXIX. Particular attention is devoted to high‐n dielectronic Rydberg satellites for finding a useful diagnostic tool for plasma conditions. Dependence of plasma spectra on laser parameters is shown. Finally, microradiography applications are presented for thin biological samples. Images permit to visualize specific structures and detect bioaccumulation sites due to contamination from pollutants.
Effect of Exposure of Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages to High, versus Normal, Glucose on Subsequent Lipid Accumulation from Glycated and Acetylated Low-Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Moheimani Fatemeh , Tan Joanne T. M. , Brown Bronwyn E. , Heather Alison K. , van Reyk David M. , Davies Michael J.
Published: August 2011

During atherosclerosis monocyte-derived macrophages accumulate cholesteryl esters from low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) via lectin-like oxidised LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) and class AI and AII (SR-AI, SR-AII) and class B (SR-BI, CD36) scavenger receptors. Here we examined the hypothesis that hyperglycaemia may modulate receptor expression and hence lipid accumulation in macrophages. Human monocytes were matured into macrophages in 30 versus 5 mM glucose and receptor expression and lipid accumulation quantified. High glucose elevated LOX1 mRNA, but decreased SR-AI, SR-BI, LDLR, and CD36 mRNA. SR-BI and CD36 protein levels were decreased. Normo- and hyperglycaemic cells accumulated cholesteryl esters from modified LDL to a greater extent than control LDL, but total and individual cholesteryl ester accumulation was not affected by glucose levels. It is concluded that, whilst macrophage scavenger receptor mRNA and protein levels can be modulated by high glucose, these are not key factors in lipid accumulation by human macrophages under the conditions examined.
Insights into the Function of the Unstructured N-Terminal Domain of Proteins 4.1R and 4.1G in Erythropoiesis
Authors: Nunomura Wataru , Gascard Philippe , Takakuwa Yuichi
Published: August 2011

Membrane skeletal protein 4.1R is the prototypical member of a family of four highly paralogous proteins that include 4.1G, 4.1N, and 4.1B. Two isoforms of 4.1R (4.1R135and 4.1R80), as well as 4.1G, are expressed in erythroblasts during terminal differentiation, but only 4.1R80is present in mature erythrocytes. One goal in the field is to better understand the complex regulation of cell type and isoform-specific expression of 4.1 proteins. To start answering these questions, we are studying in depth the important functions of 4.1 proteins in the organization and function of the membrane skeleton in erythrocytes. We have previously reported that the binding profiles of 4.1R80and 4.1R135to membrane proteins and calmodulin are very different despite the similar structure of the membrane-binding domain of 4.1G and 4.1R135. We have accumulated evidence for those differences being caused by the N-terminal 209 amino acids headpiece region (HP). Interestingly, the HP region is an unstructured domain. Here we present an overview of the differences and similarities between 4.1 isoforms and paralogs. We also discuss the biological significance of unstructured domains.
Expression of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Related Factors in the Retinas of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Yan Shu , Zheng Cui , Chen Zhi-qi , Liu Rong , Li Gui-gang , Hu Wei-kun , Pei Han , Li Bin
Published: August 2011

Recent reports show that ER stress plays an important role in diabetic retinopathy (DR), but ER stress is a complicated process involving a network of signaling pathways and hundreds of factors, What factors involved in DR are not yet understood. We selected 89 ER stress factors from more than 200, A rat diabetes model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The expression of 89 ER stress-related factors was found in the retinas of diabetic rats, at both 1- and 3-months after development of diabetes, by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction arrays. There were significant changes in expression levels of 13 and 12 ER stress-related factors in the diabetic rat retinas in the first and third month after the development of diabetes, Based on the array results, homocysteine- inducible, endoplasmic reticulum stress-inducible, ubiquitin-like domain member 1(HERP), and synoviolin(HRD1) were studied further by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses showed that the expression of HERP was reduced in the retinas of diabetic rats in first and third month. The expression of Hrd1 did not change significantly in the retinas of diabetic rats in the first month but was reduced in the third month.
A Unified Algorithm for Subband‐Based Discrete Cosine Transform
Authors: Ko Lu-Ting , Chen Jwu-E , Hsin Hsi-Chin , Shieh Yaw-Shih , Sung Tze-Yun
Published: August 2011

Discrete cosine transform (DCT) and inverse DCT (IDCT) have been widely used in many image processing systems and real‐time computation of nonlinear time series. In this paper, the unified DCT/IDCT algorithm based on the subband decompositions of a signal is proposed. It is derived from the data flow of subband decompositions with factorized coefficient matrices in a recursive manner. The proposed algorithm only requires and multiplication time for n‐point DCT and IDCT, with a single multiplier and a single processor, respectively. Moreover, the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) of the proposed algorithm outperforms the conventional DCT/IDCT. As a result, the subband‐based approach to DCT/IDCT is preferable to the conventional approach in terms of computational complexity and system performance. The proposed reconfigurable architecture of linear array DCT/IDCT processor has been implemented by FPGA.
Lysozyme M–Positive Monocytes Mediate Angiotensin II–Induced Arterial Hypertension and Vascular Dysfunction
Authors: Wenzel Philip , Knorr Maike , Kossmann Sabine , Stratmann Jan , Hausding Michael , Schuhmacher Swenja , Karbach Susanne H. , Schwenk Melanie , Yogev Nir , Schulz Eberhard , Oelze Matthias , Grabbe Stephan , Jonuleit Helmut , Becker Christian , Daiber Andreas , Waisman Ari , Münzel Thomas
Published: August 2011

Background—

Angiotensin II (ATII), a potent vasoconstrictor, causes hypertension, promotes infiltration of myelomonocytic cells into the vessel wall, and stimulates both vascular and inflammatory cell NADPH oxidases. The predominant source of reactive oxygen species, eg, vascular (endothelial, smooth muscle, adventitial) versus phagocytic NADPH oxidase, and the role of myelomonocytic cells in mediating arterial hypertension have not been defined yet.

Methods and Results—

Angiotensin II (1 mg · kg
−1
· d
−1
for 7 days) increased the number of both CD11b
+
Gr-1
low
F4/80
+
macrophages and CD11b
+
Gr-1
high
F4/80
−
neutrophils in mouse aorta (verified by flow cytometry). Selective ablation of lysozyme M-positive (LysM
+
) myelomonocytic cells by low-dose diphtheria toxin in mice with inducible expression of the diphtheria toxin receptor (LysM
iDTR
mice) reduced the number of monocytes in the circulation and limited ATII-induced infiltration of these cells into the vascular wall, whereas the number of neutrophils was not reduced. Depletion of LysM
+
cells attenuated ATII-induced blood pressure increase (measured by radiotelemetry) and vascular endothelial and smooth muscle dysfunction (assessed by aortic ring relaxation studies) and reduced vascular superoxide formation (measured by chemiluminescence, cytochrome c assay, and oxidative fluorescence microtopography) and the expression of NADPH oxidase subunits gp91
phox
and p67
phox
(assessed by Western blot and mRNA reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction). Adoptive transfer of wild-type CD11b
+
Gr-1
+
monocytes into depleted LysM
iDTR
mice reestablished ATII-induced vascular dysfunction, oxidative stress, and arterial hypertension, whereas transfer of CD11b
+
Gr-1
+
neutrophils or monocytes from gp91
phox
or ATII receptor type 1 knockout mice did not.

Conclusions—

Infiltrating monocytes with a proinflammatory phenotype and macrophages rather than neutrophils appear to be essential for ATII-induced vascular dysfunction and arterial hypertension.
Developing High-Quality Field Program Sounding Datasets
Authors: Ciesielski Paul E. , Haertel Patrick T. , Johnson Richard H. , Wang Junhong , Loehrer Scot M.
Published: August 2011

Enormous resources of time, effort, and finances are expended in collecting field program rawinsonde (sonde) datasets. Correcting the data and performing quality control (QC) in a timely fashion after the field phase of an experiment are important for facilitating scientific research while interest is still high and funding is available. However, a variety of issues (different sonde types, ground station software, data formats, quality control issues, sonde errors, etc.) often makes working with these datasets difficult and time consuming.

Our experience working with sounding data for several field programs has led to the design of a general procedure for creating user-friendly, bias-reduced, QCed sonde datasets. This paper describes the steps in this procedure, gives examples for the various processing stages, and provides access to software tools to aide in this process.
Depressive symptoms in first-and second-generation migrants: A cross-sectional study of a multi-ethnic working population
Authors: Sieberer Marcel , Maksimović Saša , Ersöz Burcu , Machleidt Wielant , Ziegenbein Marc , Calliess Iris T.
Published: August 2011

Background:

Migrants in Europe may suffer from depression more often than the native-born population of the particular host country. Reports about the prevalence of depression in migrants are, however, heterogeneous and the possible causes are the subject of controversial discussion.

Aims:

The aims of this study are to determine the incidence of depressiveness in a large multi-ethnic working population with and without a history of migration, and to investigate possible connections with migration status and acculturation criteria.

Methods:

The cross-sectional study asked 7062 employees of a university hospital to complete a self-rating questionnaire concerning socio-demographic data, migration status and indicators of acculturation. Depressiveness was assessed by means of the German version of the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).

Results:

The response rate was 41.7% ( N = 2932); 14.9% of the participants ( n = 419) reported a history of migration, 275 (65.8%) of whom were first-generation (M1) and 143 (34.2%) second-generation (M2) migrants. According to the CES-D scores, 8.7% of non-migrants ( n = 207) suffered from clinically relevant depressive symptoms, compared to 16% ( n = 44) of the M1 group (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.44–3.04, p < .001) and 14% ( n = 20) in M2 (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.01–2.79, p = .048). Taking gender into consideration revealed that only the female migrants showed a statistically significant increased rate of depressiveness (χ 2 = 16.68, p < .001).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that first- and second-generation female migrants are more likely to suffer from depressiveness than non-migrant females. In this model a history of migration is shown to be an independent risk factor for depressiveness.
Cross-Cultural Constructions of Self-Schemas
Authors: Ramírez-Esparza Nairán , Chung Cindy K. , Sierra-Otero Gisela , Pennebaker James W.
Published: August 2011

A “spontaneous approach” was used to define self-schemas within and across cultures. Specifically, self-schemas were extracted from open-ended personality descriptions from Americans ( n = 560) and Mexicans ( n = 496) using the Meaning Extraction Method (MEM). The MEM relies on text analytic tools and factor analyses to learn about the most salient and chronically activated dimensions of personality that influence individuals’ self-defining process. The results showed that there were seven relevant self-schemas for Americans and six dimensions for Mexicans. Using qualitative and quantitative analyses, it was possible to observe which self-schemas were cross-cultural and which were culture-specific: Self-schemas common across cultures were Sociability, Values, Hobbies/Daily Activities, and Emotionality. Self-schemas unique to Americans were Fun, Existentialism, and College Experience. Self-schemas unique to Mexicans were Relationships and Simpatía. We discuss cross-cultural differences in self-schemas, along with the advantages and limitations of using the MEM in cross-cultural research.
The Effect of Political Disagreement on Discretion
Authors: Oosterwaal Annemarije , Payne Diane , Torenvlied René
Published: August 2011

Delegation models make contrasting assumptions about how political disagreement affects discretion and empirical research reports contradictory findings. The authors aim to shed new light on this puzzle by distinguishing the mechanisms that drive the effect of political disagreement on discretion. Four conditions influence the strength of each mechanism: (a) policy salience, (b) actors involved, (c) their capacity, and (d) decision rule. They explore this theoretical framework on the case of economic restructuring in the United Kingdom and show that political disagreement reduces discretion. There is no significant interaction effect between salience and political disagreement on discretion.
Administration and the Limits of Democracy
Authors: Stivers Camilla
Published: August 2011

Most administrative theory addresses how to make practice effective by means of abstract concepts: laws, regulations, and theories. Recent history is littered with examples of government’s failure—despite plans and protocols—to cope with disastrous events, calling into question continuing pursuit of a fit between practices and abstract concepts. A closer look at situational action itself may be warranted on both technical and political grounds. The case of federal government administration of the public domain in the early 19th century reveals interpretation and discretionary action on the part of field personnel involved in land survey and sales, and clarifies the relationship between concepts and actions in administrative situations. The author argues that the experiential expertise developed in practice is not only an important coping resource but also supports democratic administration.
Reductions in Long-Term Suspensions Following Adoption of the Virginia Student Threat Assessment Guidelines
Authors: Cornell Dewey G. , Gregory Anne , Fan Xitao
Published: August 2011

This quasi-experimental study examined the adoption of the Virginia Student Threat Assessment Guidelines in 23 high schools. After training, school administrators and other staff members demonstrated substantial increases in knowledge of threat assessment principles and decreased commitment to zero tolerance approaches. Schools using the guidelines showed a 52% reduction in long-term suspensions and a 79% reduction in bullying infractions from the pretraining year to the posttraining year, in contrast to a control group of 26 schools not using the guidelines.
Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Turner Justin H. , Richmon Jeremy D.
Published: August 2011

Objective

To evaluate trends in incidence, survival, and treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the head and neck.

Study Design

Retrospective review of a national database.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subject and Methods

Incidence and survival trends were examined for head and neck RMS diagnosed between 1973 and 2007 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Frequencies, incidence rates, and relative survival curves were calculated for various RMS subtypes and primary sites.

Results

Between 1973 and 2007, the incidence of RMS of the head and neck increased significantly, with an annual percentage change of 1.16%. Relative 5‐year survival was statistically unchanged during the study period at 62.8% ± 2.3%. When analyzed by univariate analysis, overall survival was found to be dependent on sex, age, primary site, extent of disease, and histology. When evaluated by stage, most orbital tumors (60.6%) presented with localized disease, while most parameningeal tumors presented with either regional (53.2%) or distant (28.1%) spread. Multivariate analysis found that age less than 10 years at diagnosis and tumors with localized or regional spread were associated with improved overall survival. Relative survival was found to be largely dependent on extent of disease rather than primary site.

Conclusions

Despite reported advances in overall and disease‐free survival for patients with RMS, population‐based analysis shows no substantial improvement during the past 30+ years. The prognosis of these patients is largely dependent on extent of disease at diagnosis.
Concentration of Hyaluronic Acid in Human Vocal Folds in Young and Old Subjects
Authors: Korn Gustavo Polacow , Martins João Roberto Maciel , Park Sung Woo , Mendes Aline , Kobayashi Elsa Yoko , Nader Helena Bonciani , De Biase Noemi Grigoletto
Published: August 2011

Objective

To compare and evaluate concentrations of hyaluronic acid (HA) in normal vocal folds of both young and elderly people of both sexes.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Setting

The research was carried out at the ENT, Head and Neck Surgery Department and the Pharmacology Institute of São Paulo Federal University.

Subjects and Methods

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay plates coated with biotin‐conjugated binding protein and streptavidin‐europium conjugate were sequentially incubated with samples from the middle portion of the cover, vocal ligament, and vocal muscle of 19 young and 20 elderly subjects of both sexes. After the release of europium in an enhancement solution, final fluorescence was measured using a fluorometer.

Results

Statistically significant comparisons: (1) all subject groups combined exhibited a higher HA concentration in the cover and ligament compared with the muscle samples; (2) women subjects had a significantly lower HA concentration in muscle compared with the ligament, and male subjects showed significantly lower HA in muscle compared with the cover; and (3) both genders of young subjects showed a higher HA concentration in ligament samples compared with the muscle.

Conclusion

HA concentrations are higher in the cover and ligament compared with the muscle in both genders and age groups, and there is a higher HA concentration in ligament compared with the muscle of young subjects of both genders. HA levels in the cover samples of younger women showed great variability that may relate to ovarian hormone levels, reflecting different phases of the menstrual cycle.
Intratympanic Steroids for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Spear Samuel A. , Schwartz Seth R.
Published: August 2011

Objective

To determine the evidence for efficacy of intratympanic (IT) steroid treatment for the management of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss through a systematic review of the existing literature.

Data Sources

Online databases consisting of PubMed, Medline, OVID, Google Scholar, Cochrane Review, and collected additional publications cited in bibliographies.

Review Methods

Literature search by both authors with structured criteria to select studies evaluated for systematic review.

Results

The authors identified 176 articles, of which 32 represented studies of initial or salvage intratympanic steroid injections for sudden hearing loss that included 6 randomized trials and only 2 randomized controlled trials. Despite the paucity of well‐executed trials, the vast majority of studies of intratympanic steroids for salvage treatment in all tiers demonstrated a benefit of intratympanic steroid therapy. A limited meta‐analysis of the higher quality studies revealed a mean difference in improvement of 13.3 dB (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.7‐18.9; P <. 0001). Although statistically significant, it is still unclear if this difference is clinically significant. Initial intratympanic therapy was equivalent to standard therapy in the existing literature of all qualities.

Conclusion

Intratympanic steroid treatment as primary treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss appears equivalent to treatment with high‐dose oral prednisone therapy. As salvage therapy, intratympanic steroids offer the potential for some degree of additional hearing recovery, although it remains uncertain if this improvement is clinically significant and what percentage of patients is likely to show benefit.
Otitis Media
Authors: Ruben Robert J.
Published: August 2011

During most of recorded history, the application of knowledge to the care of individual patients was founded on the experience of individual medical practitioners; when published, it basically took the form of case reports. Not until the middle of the 20th Century did randomized controlled trials (RCTs) come to be the gold standard. By the beginning of the 21st Century, however, the limitations of RCTs and their syntheses, the meta‐analyses, have come to be recognized, and their applicability to the individual patient questioned and, indeed, challenged. The intense increase in our knowledge base and in accompanying technology has made possible the personalization of medicine beyond the possibilities of earlier periods. The approach of personalized medicine requires evaluation of four parameters: the individual patient’s intrinsic susceptibility, intrinsic morbidity, extrinsic susceptibility, and extrinsic morbidity. The characteristics of the disease agent—how much (duration) and how virulent—also must be factored in. These individualized data define the appropriate intervention: high susceptibility and/or morbidity or low susceptibility and/or morbidity and the aggregate of the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors are cofactored in medical decision making.
Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Endothelin‐1 and C‐Reactive Protein Levels in Children with Sleep‐Disordered Breathing
Authors: Tatlıpınar Arzu , Çimen Burak , Duman Dursun , Esen Erkan , Köksal Sema , Gökçeer Tanju
Published: August 2011

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of adenotonsillectomy on the plasma concentration of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in children with sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). The relationship between quality of life and ET‐1 levels was also evaluated.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Study Design

Before‐and‐after case series.

Methods

Fasting blood samples for ET‐1 and high‐sensitivity CRP were drawn preoperatively in all patients and at 3 to 4 months postoperatively. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea–18 (OSA‐18) survey and Brouilette symptom score were completed by each child’s parents during the same time periods.

Results

The mean ET‐1 level decreased from 3.51 ± 0.93 fmol/mL to 2.67 ± 0.69 fmol/mL postoperatively (P <. 01). OSA‐18 survey scores and Brouilette symptom scores also decreased in the postoperative period (P <. 01). When comparing moderate and severe cases to mild cases according to Brouilette scores, ET‐1 levels were significantly higher in moderate and severe cases (P <. 01). There was a significant correlation between ET‐1 and the OSA‐18 survey scale (r = 0.442; P =. 001). Although CRP levels decreased from 0.63 ± 1.19 mg/dL to 0.31 ± 0.23 mg/dL postoperatively, this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Adenotonsillectomy effectively lowered plasma ET‐1 levels in children with SDB and thus may have reduced their related risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, adenotonsillectomy improved quality of life in this group.