bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The exact online string matching problem
Authors: Faro Simone , Lecroq Thierry
Published: March 2013

This article addresses the
online exact string matching problem
which consists in finding
all
occurrences of a given pattern
p
in a text
t
. It is an extensively studied problem in computer science, mainly due to its direct applications to such diverse areas as text, image and signal processing, speech analysis and recognition, information retrieval, data compression, computational biology and chemistry.

In the last decade more than 50 new algorithms have been proposed for the problem, which add up to a wide set of (almost 40) algorithms presented before 2000. In this article we review the string matching algorithms presented in the last decade and present experimental results in order to bring order among the dozens of articles published in this area.
A survey of cost-sensitive decision tree induction algorithms
Authors: Lomax Susan , Vadera Sunil
Published: March 2013

The past decade has seen a significant interest on the problem of inducing decision trees that take account of costs of misclassification and costs of acquiring the features used for decision making. This survey identifies over 50 algorithms including approaches that are direct adaptations of accuracy-based methods, use genetic algorithms, use anytime methods and utilize boosting and bagging. The survey brings together these different studies and novel approaches to cost-sensitive decision tree learning, provides a useful taxonomy, a historical timeline of how the field has developed and should provide a useful reference point for future research in this field.
Bidirectional associative memories
Authors: Acevedo-Mosqueda Maria Elena , Yáñez-Márquez Cornelio , Acevedo-Mosqueda Marco Antonio
Published: March 2013

Bidirectional Associative Memories (BAM) are systems that allow to associate pairs of patterns. Once a memory has learned, patterns can be recalled in two directions. BAMs have many applications in pattern recognition and image processing. The aim of this survey is to present several models of BAM throughout time, since Kosko [1988] proposed the first model; followed by those works based on or inspired by it, trying to improve recall capacity; to some recent one-shot models—such as Morphological BAM and Alpha-Beta BAM—which are of particular interest, given their superior performance.
Sequential pattern mining -- approaches and algorithms
Authors: Mooney Carl H. , Roddick John F.
Published: March 2013

Sequences of events, items, or tokens occurring in an ordered metric space appear often in data and the requirement to detect and analyze frequent subsequences is a common problem. Sequential Pattern Mining arose as a subfield of data mining to focus on this field. This article surveys the approaches and algorithms proposed to date.
P2P group management systems
Authors: Koskela Timo , Kassinen Otso , Harjula Erkki , Ylianttila Mika
Published: March 2013

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks are becoming eminent platforms for both distributed computing and interpersonal communication. Their role in contemporary multimedia content delivery and communication systems is strong, as witnessed by many popular applications and services. Groups in P2P systems can originate from the relations between humans, or they can be defined with purely technical criteria such as proximity. In this article, we present a conceptual analysis of P2P group management systems. We illustrate how groups are formed using different P2P system architectures, and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using each P2P system architecture for implementing P2P group management. The evaluation criteria in the analysis are performance, robustness, fairness, suitability for battery-powered devices, scalability, and security. The outcome of the analysis facilitates the selection of an appropriate P2P system architecture for implementing P2P group management in both further research and prototype development.
Synthesis and optimization of reversible circuits—a survey
Authors: Saeedi Mehdi , Markov Igor L.
Published: March 2013

Reversible logic circuits have been historically motivated by theoretical research in low-power electronics as well as practical improvement of bit manipulation transforms in cryptography and computer graphics. Recently, reversible circuits have attracted interest as components of quantum algorithms, as well as in photonic and nano-computing technologies where some switching devices offer no signal gain. Research in generating reversible logic distinguishes between circuit synthesis, postsynthesis optimization, and technology mapping. In this survey, we review algorithmic paradigms—search based, cycle based, transformation based, and BDD based—as well as specific algorithms for reversible synthesis, both exact and heuristic. We conclude the survey by outlining key open challenges in synthesis of reversible and quantum logic, as well as most common misconceptions.
A survey on ear biometrics
Authors: Abaza Ayman , Ross Arun , Hebert Christina , Harrison Mary Ann F. , Nixon Mark S.
Published: March 2013

Recognizing people by their ear has recently received significant attention in the literature. Several reasons account for this trend: first, ear recognition does not suffer from some problems associated with other non-contact biometrics, such as face recognition; second, it is the most promising candidate for combination with the face in the context of multi-pose face recognition; and third, the ear can be used for human recognition in surveillance videos where the face may be occluded completely or in part. Further, the ear appears to degrade little with age. Even though current ear detection and recognition systems have reached a certain level of maturity, their success is limited to controlled indoor conditions. In addition to variation in illumination, other open research problems include hair occlusion, earprint forensics, ear symmetry, ear classification, and ear individuality.

This article provides a detailed survey of research conducted in ear detection and recognition. It provides an up-to-date review of the existing literature revealing the current state-of-art for not only those who are working in this area but also for those who might exploit this new approach. Furthermore, it offers insights into some unsolved ear recognition problems as well as ear databases available for researchers.
Survey of local algorithms
Authors: Suomela Jukka
Published: March 2013

A local algorithm is a distributed algorithm that runs in constant time, independently of the size of the network. Being highly scalable and fault tolerant, such algorithms are ideal in the operation of large-scale distributed systems. Furthermore, even though the model of local algorithms is very limited, in recent years we have seen many positive results for nontrivial problems. This work surveys the state-of-the-art in the field, covering impossibility results, deterministic local algorithms, randomized local algorithms, and local algorithms for geometric graphs.
Miller-Urey and Beyond: What Have We Learned About Prebiotic Organic Synthesis Reactions in the Past 60 Years?
Authors: McCollom Thomas M.
Published: March 2013

The synthesis of amino acids in the Miller-Urey spark-discharge experiments in the early 1950s inspired a strong interest in experimental studies of prebiotic organic chemistry that continues today. Over the years, many of the basic building blocks of life as we know it have been synthesized in the laboratory from simple ingredients, including amino acids, sugars, nucleobases, and membrane-forming lipids. Questions remain, however, concerning whether the conditions that allow synthesis of these compounds in the laboratory accurately simulate those that might have been present on the early Earth, and a closer convergence between plausible prebiotic conditions and laboratory simulations remains a challenge for experimentalists.
The Political Theory License
Authors: Walzer Michael
Published: March 2013

My purpose here is to argue that political theorists have a kind of professional permit to move back and forth between the academic and political worlds and to expound and defend particular political positions. I then describe my own engagements, political and theoretical, and the books and articles that have come out of them—about war, social justice, pluralism, social criticism, and nationalism (with Zionism the key example of the last of these).
Hydrogen gas reduces hyperoxic lung injury via the Nrf2 pathway in vivo
Authors: Kawamura Tomohiro , Wakabayashi Nobunao , Shigemura Norihisa , Huang Chien-Sheng , Masutani Kosuke , Tanaka Yugo , Noda Kentaro , Peng Ximei , Takahashi Toru , Billiar Timothy R. , Okumura Meinoshin , Toyoda Yoshiya , Kensler Thomas W. , Nakao Atsunori
Published: March 2013

Hyperoxic lung injury is a major concern in critically ill patients who receive high concentrations of oxygen to treat lung diseases. Successful abrogation of hyperoxic lung injury would have a huge impact on respiratory and critical care medicine. Hydrogen can be administered as a therapeutic medical gas. We recently demonstrated that inhaled hydrogen reduced transplant-induced lung injury and induced heme oxygenase (HO)-1. To determine whether hydrogen could reduce hyperoxic lung injury and investigate the underlying mechanisms, we randomly assigned rats to four experimental groups and administered the following gas mixtures for 60 h: 98% oxygen (hyperoxia), 2% nitrogen; 98% oxygen (hyperoxia), 2% hydrogen; 98% balanced air (normoxia), 2% nitrogen; and 98% balanced air (normoxia), 2% hydrogen. We examined lung function by blood gas analysis, extent of lung injury, and expression of HO-1. We also investigated the role of NF-E2-related factor (Nrf) 2, which regulates HO-1 expression, by examining the expression of Nrf2-dependent genes and the ability of hydrogen to reduce hyperoxic lung injury in Nrf2-deficient mice. Hydrogen treatment during exposure to hyperoxia significantly improved blood oxygenation, reduced inflammatory events, and induced HO-1 expression. Hydrogen did not mitigate hyperoxic lung injury or induce HO-1 in Nrf2-deficient mice. These findings indicate that hydrogen gas can ameliorate hyperoxic lung injury through induction of Nrf2-dependent genes, such as HO-1. The findings suggest a potentially novel and applicable solution to hyperoxic lung injury and provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms and actions of hydrogen.
Dynamic cerebral autoregulation during and following acute hypoxia: role of carbon dioxide
Authors: Querido Jordan S. , Ainslie Philip N. , Foster Glen E. , Henderson William R. , Halliwill John R. , Ayas Najib T. , Sheel A. William
Published: March 2013

Previous research has shown an inconsistent effect of hypoxia on dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA), which may be explained by concurrent CO2 control. To test the hypothesis that hypoxic dCA is mediated by CO2, we assessed dCA (transcranial Doppler) during and following acute normobaric isocapnic and poikilocapnic hypoxic exposures. On 2 separate days, the squat-stand maneuver was used to determine dCA in healthy subjects ( n = 8; 3 women) in isocapnic and poikilocapnic hypoxia exposures (end-tidal oxygen pressure 50 Torr for 20 min). In isocapnic hypoxia, the amplitude of the cerebral blood flow response to increases and decreases in mean arterial blood pressure were elevated (i.e., increases in gain of +35 and +28%, respectively; P < 0.05). However, dCA gain to increases in pressure was reduced compared with baseline (−32%, P < 0.05) following the isocapnic hypoxia exposure. Similarly, intravenous bolus injections of sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine in a separate group of subjects ( n = 8; 4 women) also demonstrated a reduction in dCA gain to hypertension following isocapnic hypoxia. In contrast, dCA gain with the squat-stand maneuver did not significantly change from baseline during or following poikilocapnic hypoxia ( P > 0.05). Our results demonstrate that dCA impairment in isocapnic hypoxia can be prevented with hypocapnia, and highlight the integrated nature of hypoxic cerebrovascular control, which is under strong CO2 influence.
Eccentric exercise in aging and diseased skeletal muscle: good or bad?
Authors: Lovering Richard M. , Brooks Susan V.
Published: March 2013

Evidence is accumulating regarding the benefits of exercise in people who are more susceptible to injury, such as the elderly, or those with a neuromuscular disease, for example Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). There appears to be a consensus that exercise can be safely performed in aging and diseased muscles, but the role of eccentric exercise is not as clear. Eccentric (lengthening) contractions have risks and benefits. Eccentric contractions are commonly performed on a daily basis, and high-force voluntary eccentric contractions are often employed in strength training paradigms with excellent results; however, high-force eccentric contractions are also linked to muscle damage. This minireview examines the benefits and safety issues of using eccentric exercise in at-risk populations. A common recommendation for all individuals is difficult to achieve, and guidelines are still being established. Some form of exercise is generally recommended with aging and even with diseased muscles, but the prescription (frequency, intensity, and duration) and type (resistance vs. aerobic) of exercise requires personal attention, as there is great diversity in the functional level and comorbidities in the elderly and those with neuromuscular disease.
Calpain and caspase-3 play required roles in immobilization-induced limb muscle atrophy
Authors: Talbert Erin E. , Smuder Ashley J. , Min Kisuk , Kwon Oh Sung , Powers Scott K.
Published: March 2013

Prolonged skeletal muscle inactivity results in a rapid decrease in fiber size, primarily due to accelerated proteolysis. Although several proteases are known to contribute to disuse muscle atrophy, the ubiquitin proteasome system is often considered the most important proteolytic system during many conditions that promote muscle wasting. Emerging evidence suggests that calpain and caspase-3 may also play key roles in inactivity-induced atrophy of respiratory muscles, but it remains unknown if these proteases are essential for disuse atrophy in limb skeletal muscles. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that activation of both calpain and caspase-3 is required for locomotor muscle atrophy induced by hindlimb immobilization. Seven days of immobilization (i.e., limb casting) promoted significant atrophy in type I muscle fibers of the rat soleus muscle. Independent pharmacological inhibition of calpain or caspase-3 prevented this casting-induced atrophy. Interestingly, inhibition of calpain activity also prevented caspase-3 activation, and, conversely, inhibition of caspase-3 prevented calpain activation. These findings indicate that a regulatory cross talk exists between these proteases and provide the first evidence that the activation of calpain and caspase-3 is required for inactivity-induced limb muscle atrophy.
Complex Tumor Genomes Inferred from Single Circulating Tumor Cells by Array-CGH and Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Heitzer Ellen , Auer Martina , Gasch Christin , Pichler Martin , Ulz Peter , Hoffmann Eva Maria , Lax Sigurd , Waldispuehl-Geigl Julie , Mauermann Oliver , Lackner Carolin , Höfler Gerald , Eisner Florian , Sill Heinz , Samonigg Hellmut , Pantel Klaus , Riethdorf Sabine , Bauernhofer Thomas , Geigl Jochen B. , Speicher Michael R.
Published: March 2013

Circulating tumor cells (CTC) released into blood from primary cancers and metastases reflect the current status of tumor genotypes, which are prone to changes. Here, we conducted the first comprehensive genomic profiling of CTCs using array–comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and next-generation sequencing. We used the U.S. Food and Drug Administration–cleared CellSearch system, which detected CTCs in 21 of 37 patients (range, 1–202/7.5 mL sample) with stage IV colorectal carcinoma. In total, we were able to isolate 37 intact CTCs from six patients and identified in those multiple colorectal cancer–associated copy number changes, many of which were also present in the respective primary tumor. We then used massive parallel sequencing of a panel of 68 colorectal cancer–associated genes to compare the mutation spectrum in the primary tumors, metastases, and the corresponding CTCs from two of these patients. Mutations in known driver genes [e.g., adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), KRAS, or PIK3CA] found in the primary tumor and metastasis were also detected in corresponding CTCs. However, we also observed mutations exclusively in CTCs. To address whether these mutations were derived from a small subclone in the primary tumor or represented new variants of metastatic cells, we conducted additional deep sequencing of the primary tumor and metastasis and applied a customized statistical algorithm for analysis. We found that most mutations initially found only in CTCs were also present at subclonal level in the primary tumors and metastases from the same patient. This study paves the way to use CTCs as a liquid biopsy in patients with cancer, providing more effective options to monitor tumor genomes that are prone to change during progression, treatment, and relapse. Cancer Res; 73(10); 2965–75. ©2013 AACR.
Aiming for the Outliers: Cancer Precision Medicine through Targeting Kinases with Extreme Expression
Authors: Yegnasubramanian Srinivasan , Maitra Anirban
Published: March 2013

With the increasing availability of highly potent, pharmacologically active, and selective protein kinase inhibitors, identification of individuals who would benefit from targeted kinase inhibitors could facilitate application of precision medicine strategies for cancer therapy. A recent study by Kothari and colleagues reports preclinical studies that highlight the potential of targeting kinases with extreme expression for cancer precision medicine, warranting further clinical investigation of an individual-specific outlier kinase targeting approach. Cancer Discov; 3(3); 252–4. ©2013 AACR.

See related article by Kothari et al., p. 280
Targeting MYCN: A Good BET for Improving Neuroblastoma Therapy?
Authors: Schnepp Robert W. , Maris John M.
Published: March 2013

Summary: Direct targeting of oncogenic MYC proteins has been an elusive goal of many cancer drug development efforts. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Stegmaier and colleagues demonstrate that pharmacologically interfering with the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) class of proteins potently depletes MYCN in neuroblastoma cells, resulting in cellular cytotoxicity and thus providing a novel approach with a potential impact on a previously undruggable major oncogene. Cancer Discov; 3(3); 255–7. ©2013 AACR.

See related article by Puissant et al., p. 308
Hypoalbuminemia in Donors with Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Verbeek L. , Slaghekke F. , Hulzebos C.V. , Oepkes D. , Walther F.J. , Lopriore E.
Published: March 2013

Objective: To determine the differences in albumin levels between donors and recipients with twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Methods: We included all consecutive monochorionic twins with TAPS with double survivors. Each twin pair was matched for gestational age at birth with 2 control monochorionic twin pairs unaffected by TAPS or twin-twin transfusion syndrome. We measured levels of albumin, total protein, and hemoglobin on the first day of life in donors and recipients (TAPS group) and the control group. Results: A total of 25 TAPS twin pairs and 50 control twin pairs were included in the study. The median gestational age at birth was 32 weeks in both groups. In the TAPS group, median levels (IQR) of albumin in donor twins were significantly lower than in recipient twins, i.e. 28.0 g/l (24.0-32.0) versus 32.0 g/l (30.0-34.5) (p = 0.008). Median levels (IQR) of total protein in donor twins were also lower than in recipients, i.e. 44.0 g/l (36.5-49.0) versus 49.0 g/l (46.5-51.0), respectively (p = 0.004). The median (IQR) intertwin albumin difference was significantly higher in the TAPS group than in the control group, i.e. 4.0 g/l (2.5-10.5) versus 2.0 g/l (1.0-4.0) (p = 0.003). The rate of hypoalbuminemia (<20 g/l) and hypoproteinemia (<40 g/l) in donor twins with TAPS was 20% (5/25) and 32% (8/25). Conclusions: In addition to lower hemoglobin levels, donor twins with TAPS also have significantly lower albumin and total protein levels compared to recipient twins.
Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of Vaccinium arctostaphylos in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kianbakht Saeed , Abasi Behrooz , Dabaghian Fataneh Hashem
Published: March 2013

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common disease. Preliminary data indicate that Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. (Caucasian whortleberry) has a potential effect in glycemic control. Thus, the efficacy and safety of a standardized whortleberry fruit hydroalcoholic extract in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients were studied. Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial consisted of 37 patients aged 40-60 years with type 2 diabetes who were resistant to conventional oral anti-hyperglycemic drugs. The patients were treated with the whortleberry fruit hydroalcoholic extract (1 capsule = 350 mg, every 8 h for 2 months) in combination with anti-hyperglycemic drugs, and the effects on the blood levels of fasting glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and liver/kidney function were tested, evaluated, and compared with a placebo group (n = 37). Results: The extract significantly lowered the blood levels of fasting glucose, 2-h postprandial glucose, and HbA1c (p = 0.007, p <0.001, and p = 0.005, respectively) without any significant effects on the liver/kidney function (p >0.05) compared with placebo at the end. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Whortleberry may safely improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.
Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns Control Neutrophil Recruitment
Authors: Pittman Keir , Kubes Paul
Published: March 2013

Neutrophils are recruited to a site of infection or injury where they help initiate the acute inflammatory response. In instances of sterile inflammation, where no microbial threats are present, this neutrophil recruitment is mediated by the release of danger signals or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from disrupted cells and tissues. At basal state, many of these substances are sequestered and remain hidden within the cell, but are released following the rupture of the plasma membrane. In other instances, these DAMPs are undetected by the innate immune system unless chemically or proteolytically modified by tissue damage. DAMPs may be directly detected by neutrophils themselves and modulate their recruitment to sites of damage or, alternatively, they can act on other cell types which in turn facilitate the arrival of neutrophils to a site of injury. In this review, we outline the direct and indirect effects of a number of DAMPs, notably extracellular ATP, mitochondrial formylated peptides and mitochondrial DNA, all of which are released by necrotic cells. We examine the effect of these substances on the recruitment and behaviour of neutrophils to sites of sterile injury. We also highlight research which suggests that neutrophils are actively involved in triggering the resolution phase of an inflammatory response. This review brings to light a growing body of work that demonstrates that the release of DAMPs and the ensuing influx of neutrophils plays an important functional role in the inflammatory response, even when no pathogens are present.
Endothelial β4 Integrin Is Predominantly Expressed in Arterioles, Where It Promotes Vascular Remodeling in the Hypoxic Brain
Authors: Welser-Alves Jennifer V. , Boroujerdi Amin , Tigges Ulrich , Wrabetz Lawrence , Feltri M. Laura , Milner Richard
Published: March 2013

Objective—

Laminin is a major component of the vascular basal lamina, implying that laminin receptors, such as α6β1 and α6β4 integrins, may regulate vascular remodeling and homeostasis. Previous studies in the central nervous system have shown that β4 integrin is expressed by only a fraction of cerebral vessels, but defining the vessel type and cellular source of β4 integrin has proved controversial. The goal of this study was to define the class of vessel and cell type expressing β4 integrin in cerebral vessels and to examine its potential role in vascular remodeling.

Approach and Results—

Dual-immunofluorescence showed that β4 integrin is expressed predominantly in arterioles, both in the central nervous system and in peripheral organs. Cell-specific knockouts of β4 integrin revealed that β4 integrin expression in cerebral vessels is derived from endothelial cells, not astrocytes or smooth muscle cells. Lack of endothelial β4 integrin had no effect on vascular development, integrity, or endothelial proliferation, but in the hypoxic central nervous system, its absence led to defective arteriolar remodeling and associated transforming growth factor–β signaling.

Conclusions—

These results define high levels of β4 integrin in arteriolar endothelial cells and demonstrate a novel link among β4 integrin, transforming growth factor–β signaling, and arteriolar remodeling in cerebral vessels.
Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume and Adipocytokine Imbalance Are Strongly Linked to Human Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Shimabukuro Michio , Hirata Yoichiro , Tabata Minoru , Dagvasumberel Munkhbaatar , Sato Hiromi , Kurobe Hirotsugu , Fukuda Daiju , Soeki Takeshi , Kitagawa Tetsuya , Takanashi Shuichiro , Sata Masataka
Published: March 2013

Objective—

The impact of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) over abdominal or overall adiposity on coronary artery disease (CAD) is currently unknown. We compared the association among EAT volume (EATV), cytokine/adipocytokine profiles in EAT and subcutaneous fat, and atherogenic CAD.

Approach and Results—

Paired samples were obtained from EAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue during elective cardiac surgery for CAD (n=50) or non-CAD (n=50). EATV was the sum of cross-sectional EAT areas, and visceral and subcutaneous fat areas were determined at the umbilicus level on computed tomography scans. CD68
+
, CD11c
+
, and CD206
+
cells were counted using immunohistochemical staining. Cytokine/adipocytokine expression was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Multivariate analysis indicated that male sex, age, diabetes mellitus, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and EATV index (EATV/body surface area, cm
3
/m
2
) were significant CAD predictors (corrected
R
2
=0.401;
P
<0.001); visceral fat area, hypertension, smoking, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (140 mg/dL [3.63 mmol/L]) or statin use were not predictors. The EATV index positively correlated with the CD68
+
and CD11c
+
cell numbers and nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich–containing family, pyrin domain–containing-3 (NLRP3), interleukin-1β, and interleukin-1R expression; and negatively correlated with adiponectin expression in EAT. A multivariate analysis model, including CD68
+
cells and interleukin-1β, and adiponectin expression in EAT strongly predicted CAD (corrected
R
2
=0.756;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

EATV and macrophage and cytokine/adipocytokine signals in EAT strongly correlated with CAD. Our findings suggest that EATV and adipocytokine imbalance are strongly linked to human coronary atherosclerosis.
A Small Molecule Inhibitor to Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 Inhibits Macrophage Migration
Authors: Ichimura Atsuhiko , Matsumoto Sachiko , Suzuki Shinobu , Dan Takashi , Yamaki Satoshi , Sato Yayoi , Kiyomoto Hideyasu , Ishii Naoto , Okada Kiyotaka , Matsuo Osamu , Hou Fan-Fan , Vaughan Douglas E. , van Ypersele de Strihou Charles , Miyata Toshio
Published: March 2013

Objective—

Macrophage (Mφ) migration rests on the adhesion/detachment between Mφ surface components and extracellular matrixes, and the contribution of numerous inflammatory disorders. Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, a serine protease inhibitor, influences Mφ motility through an action distinct from its classical modulation of the plasmin-based fibrinolytic process. We rely here on a small molecule PAI-1 inhibitor (TM5275) to investigate the role of PAI-1 in Mφ migration in the pathogenesis of renal injury.

Approach and Results—

Mφ migration was inhibited both in vitro and in vivo by TM5275. It was also reduced in T-cell–deficient nude mice, but not in PAI-1–deficient mice. Mφ migration hinged on the interaction of PAI-1 with low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein, an interaction prevented by TM5275, but not with vitronectin, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, or tissue-type plasminogen activator. Fed to rats with anti–Thy-1–induced nephritis, TM5275 significantly decreased Mφ accumulation and ameliorated the progression of renal injury.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that a small molecule PAI-1 inhibitor represents a novel class of anti-inflammatory agents targeting Mφ migration by the inhibition of the interaction of PAI-1 with low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein.
Endothelial Heparanase Regulates Heart Metabolism by Stimulating Lipoprotein Lipase Secretion From Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Dahai , Chiu Amy Pei-Ling , Wan Andrea , Neumaier Katharina , Vlodavsky Israel , Rodrigues Brian
Published: March 2013

Objective—

After diabetes mellitus, transfer of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) from cardiomyocytes to the coronary lumen increases, and this requires liberation of LPL from the myocyte surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans with subsequent replenishment of this reservoir. At the lumen, LPL breaks down triglyceride to meet the increased demand of the heart for fatty acid. Here, we examined the contribution of coronary endothelial cells (ECs) toward regulation of cardiomyocyte LPL secretion.

Approach and Results—

Bovine coronary artery ECs were exposed to high glucose, and the conditioned medium was used to treat cardiomyocytes. EC-conditioned medium liberated LPL from the myocyte surface, in addition to facilitating its replenishment. This effect was attributed to the increased heparanase content in EC-conditioned medium. Of the 2 forms of heparanase secreted from EC in response to high glucose, active heparanase released LPL from the myocyte surface, whereas latent heparanase stimulated reloading of LPL from an intracellular pool via heparan sulfate proteoglycan–mediated RhoA activation.

Conclusions—

Endothelial heparanase is a participant in facilitating LPL increase at the coronary lumen. These observations provide an insight into the cross-talk between ECs and cardiomyocytes to regulate cardiac metabolism after diabetes mellitus.
Genome-wide Association Studies of Pit-and-Fissure- and Smooth-surface Caries in Permanent Dentition
Authors: Zeng Z. , Shaffer J.R. , Wang X. , Feingold E. , Weeks D.E. , Lee M. , Cuenco K.T. , Wendell S.K. , Weyant R.J. , Crout R. , McNeil D.W. , Marazita M.L.
Published: March 2013

While genetics clearly influences dental caries risk, few caries genes have been discovered and validated. Recent studies have suggested differential genetic factors for primary dentition caries and permanent dentition caries, as well as for pit-and-fissure- (PF) and smooth- (SM) surface caries. We performed separate GWAS for caries in permanent-dentition PF surfaces (1,017 participants, adjusted for age, sex, and the presence of Streptococcus mutans) and SM surfaces (1,004 participants, adjusted for age, education group, and the presence of Streptococcus mutans) in self-reported whites (ages 14 to 56 yrs). Caries scores were derived based on visual assessment of each surface of each tooth; more than 1.2 million SNPs were either successfully genotyped or imputed and were tested for association. Two homologous genes were suggestively associated: BCOR (Xp11.4) in PF-surface caries ( p value = 1.8E-7), and BCORL1 (Xq26.1) in SM-surface caries ( p value = 1.0E-5). BCOR mutations cause oculofaciocardiodental syndrome, a Mendelian disease involving multiple dental anomalies. Associations of other plausible cariogenesis genes were also observed for PF-surface caries ( e.g., INHBA, p value = 6.5E-6) and for SM-surface caries ( e.g., CXCR1 and CXCR2, p value = 1.9E-6). This study supports the notion that genes differentially affect cariogenesis across the surfaces of the permanent dentition, and nominates several novel genes for investigation.
A Case Study of Teaching Musical Expression to Young Performers
Authors: Brenner Brenda , Strand Katherine
Published: March 2013

What does it mean to teach musical expression to child performers? Is it teaching how to interpret a piece of music “correctly,” or is there more involved? In this case study, we explored the beliefs and practices of five teachers who specialized in teaching children to perform in a variety of musical performance areas, including violin, cello, piano, guitar, voice, and musical theater. To discover their pedagogy for teaching musical expressivity, we asked the initial questions, “How do these teachers define musical expression?” “What are the characteristics of an expressive performance for children?” and “Can musical expression be taught to children?” Data were collected through interviews with teachers and students, observations of lessons with children, and archival materials about each teacher’s studio practice. Transcripts of interviews, artifacts, and observed lessons were analyzed through emergent category coding and axial coding, using member checking and negative case analysis. Findings are discussed in relation to extant literature. Implications for teacher training and future research are explored.
Telecommuting, Household Commute and Location Choice
Authors: Zhu Pengyu
Published: March 2013

Previous empirical studies have made contributions to the understanding of the impact of telecommuting on individual travel patterns. There has been much less research that has examined the impact of telecommuting on commute travel at the household level. Using data from the 2001 and 2009 US National Household Travel Surveys, this study focuses on one-worker and two-worker households and investigates how telecommuting affects household one-way commute distance and duration. The results show that telecommuting increases the commute distance and duration for both one-worker households and two-worker households. It is also found that, in two-worker households, the telecommuting status of one worker does not increase the commute distance and duration of the other worker. These findings suggest that telecommuting (two-worker) households tend to choose locations involving a longer total one-way commute than non-telecommuting households, and this difference is largely due to the longer commute of their telecommuting members.
Awareness of Tourism Impacts on Climate Change and the Implications for Travel Practice
Authors: Dickinson Janet E. , Robbins Derek , Filimonau Viachaslau , Hares Andrew , Mika Mirosław
Published: March 2013

Air travel is forecast to grow globally at around 5% per annum over 30 years, in direct conflict with targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 60% and 80% by 2050. Many authors identify individual behavioral change, with consumers choosing fewer flights, as a contributor to reducing growth. An increasing number of studies examine knowledge about climate change and how this influences decisions to take holidays by air, although these have focused on tourists from developed countries where aviation growth is slowing, whereas future high growth will come from emerging economies. This article explores attitudes to flying from one emerging economy, Poland. A survey of Polish nationals conducted in Cracow in 2010 revealed concern over climate change although knowledge of its causes was poor. Analysis, using a social representations perspective, showed significant societal structures embed air travel as the norm and identified both internal and external barriers to behavioral change.
Rape Surveillance through District Surgeon Offices in Johannesburg, 1996–1998: Findings, Evaluation and Prevention Implications
Authors: Swart Lu-Anne , Gilchrist Angela , Butchart Alex , Seedat Mohamed , Martin Lorna
Published: March 2013

Rape prevention efforts are hampered by a chronic lack of adequate epidemiological and surveillance data. Information on identifying factors such as the who, when, where and how of rape is needed to inform the design of effective intervention programmes. Results from a demonstration Rape Surveillance Project show that records of rape cases presenting at three medico-legal clinics provide a valuable source for the epidemiological surveillance of rape. From January 1996 to December 1998 a surveillance questionnaire was completed for rape victims presenting at the Hillbrow, Lenasia South, and Chris Hani Baragwanath Medico-Legal Clinics in Gauteng. Analysis of the data suggests which women are most at risk for being raped, by whom they are raped, the areas where attacks most often occur, and the day and time when rapes are mostly committed. Despite the limited database and difficulties with generalizing findings beyond the three clinics, it is apparent that surveillance procedures have enormous import for sexual violence prevention and intervention. Implications for prevention strategies, aftercare, policy formulation, and future research are discussed. Methodological issues and institutional constraints are also discussed with a view to strengthening and developing such information management systems.
“So Women Have to Submit to That…” Discourses of Power and Violence in Student's Talk on Heterosexual Negotiation
Authors: Shefer T. , Strebel A. , Foster D.
Published: March 2013

Heterosexual sexuality (heterosex) has been criticised for its central role in the reproduction of gender inequality and violence against women. This paper explores the way in which students draw on discourses of power and violence in their discussion of heterosexual relationships. The paper is based on a larger discourse analytic study of 17 focus groups and a free-association exercise carried out with psychology students at the University of the Western Cape. The paper highlights students' constructions of heterosexual relationships as bound up with power and violence. Significantly, resistance and challenge to such a status quo, particularly by women, are also evident.
The Evolutionary Psychology of Deception and Self-Deception
Authors: Moomal Zubair , Henzi Stephanus Petrus
Published: March 2013

This study was directed towards testing evolutionary hypotheses concerning the adaptive advantages of deception and the relationship between deception and self-deception. Explanations are argued for in terms of the consequences for evolutionary fitness contributing to individual survival within the human species. Darwin's theory of natural selection within the framework of evolutionary psychology provides the theoretical background for the study. The broad or covering hypothesis addressed is that deception and self-deception each involve a kind of consciousness or strategic cognitive process and that they have co-evolved through the operation of natural selection due to their importance and worth for the survival of the individual. The study is empirical, conducted by using the technique of secondary analysis on the data yielded by the World Values Survey collected in 45 countries in its second wave of 1990 to 1993 as well as on a South African sample containing variables of interest to the study. Findings show a significantly positive relationship between deception and self-deception. However, the relationship between deception and evolutionary fitness promoting factors, derived by factor analysis, was inconclusive. Findings nevertheless do suggest an overall trend that while deception is favourable in the short-term, it is counter-favourable in the long-term - deception at the end of the day does not pay.
Black and White Employees' Fairness Perceptions of Personnel Selection Techniques
Authors: de Jong Angela , Visser Deléne
Published: March 2013

The Employment Equity Act (1998) states that no unfair discrimination should occur against an employee in any organisational policy or practice. The diversity of the South African population may lead to opinions that certain selection techniques have an adverse impact on members of different population groups. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent black and white respondents regarded specific selection techniques as being fair. A further goal was to establish whether knowledge of selection techniques influenced perceptions of the fairness of selection techniques. The sample consisted of 328 mature university students (mean age 30,6 years) all of whom had work experience. The perceptions of the Black (uninformed) and White (uninformed) groups were compared and thereafter the perceptions of informed and uninformed black students were compared. Exposure to the subjects Strategic Personnel Management and/or undergraduate Industrial Psychology, thereby providing the student with theoretical knowledge about the nature and value of various selection techniques, constituted the variable ‘being informed’. The results supported the hypothesis that the Black (uninformed) and the White (uninformed) groups have different perceptions regarding the ten selection techniques. However, no support was found for the hypothesis that the fairness perceptions of the Black (informed) and the Black (uninformed) groups would differ. The implications of these findings were discussed in terms of selection practices in South Africa. Key words: Personnel selection techniques, fairness perceptions, cross-cultural comparison.
Multimodal Enhancement of Culturally Diverse, Young Adult Musicians: A Pilot Study Involving the Tomatis Method
Authors: du Plessis Wynand , Burger Stefan , Munro Marth , Wissing Daan , Nel Werner
Published: March 2013

Musicians, seeking stress relief and vocal/instrumental enhancement, often turn to the Tomatis Method of sensori-neural integration training, based on the interdependence and interaction between hearing and listening, psychological attitude and speech and language. The paucity of impact studies on musicians, despite its acclaimed efficacy, has prompted the current multidisciplinary pilot study, involving a two group, pre-post experimental design. Listening aptitude, psychological well-being and vocal (voice) quality were assessed in availability samples of culturally diverse young, adult musicians (n=28), recruited from two tertiary institutions and assigned to a control group (n=10) and an experimental group, consisting of sub-experimental group one (n=10) and sub-experimental group two (n=8). Reasonable preprogramme group equivalence was established between the two sub-experimental groups and the control group. A Tomatis programme of 87.5 half hour listening sessions and concomitant counseling was completed by the total experimental group (n=18). Results indicated practically significant enhancement of: (i) listening aptitude on the Listening Test and (ii) psychological well-being, in terms of reduced negative and increased positive mood state (vigor) on the POMS in both sub-experimental groups, together with enhanced behavioural and emotional coping in sub-experimental group 1 on the CTI. (iii) Vocal enhancement, perceived both by singer-participants in both sub-experimental groups and a professional voice teacher, culminated in (iv) distinctly enhanced musical proficiency in 28% of all programme participants. Despite indications of multimodal enhancement, further research, necessitated by current methodological limitations, remains a prerequisite for achievement of definitive results.
Research and Publications Output: A Survey of the Psychology Department at UNISA
Authors: van Staden Fred , Boon Christine , Dennill Ingrid
Published: March 2013

This study explored factors influencing the production of research and publications by members of the Psychology Department of the University of South Africa. With regard to external factors, it was found that lack of a culture of research and lack of recognition for research and publication in the Department tended to inhibit research. But support offered by the University in terms of recess leave, funding and library resources were sources of encouragement and motivation. Interpersonal factors, such as contact with other academics and students, and publication were also motivating. Internal personal factors, such as self-discipline, enthusiasm and interest, were not as frequently mentioned as external factors. It was recommended that a departmental research committee with a participative approach and clear duties be established to address the needs of staff members. Given the National Department of Education's call for increased research output it follows that academic departments will have to adapt to the proposed funding shift by assessing and strenghtening their existing research capacitites.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The Malleable Diagnosis?
Authors: Eagle G.T.
Published: March 2013

The paper seeks to raise questions about the rigour of psychiatric diagnosis with specific reference to the diagnostic category of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is argued that because of the inclusion of the stressor criterion (verifiable exposure to an external event) PTSD is very much located in consensual reality. In addition, because of its application to victims in extremity, the diagnosis cannot help but engage with people who are at the receiving end of abuses of power. Such characteristics shape PTSD as a somewhat uniquely socially-located diagnostic category and bring specific challenges to bear in the employment of the diagnosis. Not only is PTSD problematic in its location within a Western, medically-based system of classification, but it has also been drawn upon to serve explicitly political rather than purely clinical agendas. The political role of PTSD has tended to be most evident in the psycho-forensic domain where it has been cited in favour of both complainants and defendants, both perpetrators and victims. Examples of such evidence are discussed with particular emphasis on the role played by PTSD diagnosticians in the South African context. It is argued that the malleability of PTSD offers both problems and opportunities and that ultimately the integrity of the diagnosis may rest on moral as much as clinical principles. In this respect the paper seeks to illustrate that definitions of normality and abnormality in the psychiatric domain remain flawed and open to contestation and abuse. The importance of organizational and collegial support in grappling with these issues is also emphasized.
Enhancing Learners' Personal Resources through Narrative: Embracing Diversity
Authors: Rapmund Val , Moore Cora
Published: March 2013

A shift is proposed from the traditional ‘deficit approach’ towards a ‘strengths approach’ in learner support in the South African context. The Student Self-Empowerment and Enrichment Programme serves as an example of a strengths approach in which diversity is embraced, and where facilitators and students are engaged in the process of making new meaning in conversation with one another. The narrative research approach is followed and narrative analysis is the method adopted for the interpretations. The following themes were identified as important in enhancing learners' personal resources: Benefiting from the sharing of information and experiences; The role of different backgrounds in seeking connection; The facilitator-participant relationship; Responsibilities; Communication skills; Change; Personal problems; Strengths reflected in the narratives. The results bear evidence of the impact of the programme, and the benefit of replacing traditional methods of teaching with more egalitarian and participatory methods. Embracing diversity benefits facilitators and learners alike, and contributes to the richness of life stories and the ability to function in new ways.