bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern-aware shape deformation using sliding dockers
Authors: Bokeloh Martin , Wand Michael , Koltun Vladlen , Seidel Hans-Peter
Published: November 2011

This paper introduces a new structure-aware shape deformation technique. The key idea is to detect continuous and discrete regular patterns and ensure that these patterns are preserved during free-form deformation. We propose a variational deformation model that preserves these structures, and a discrete algorithm that adaptively inserts or removes repeated elements in regular patterns to minimize distortion. As a tool for such structural adaptation, we introduce sliding dockers, which represent repeatable elements that fit together seamlessly for arbitrary repetition counts. We demonstrate the presented approach on a number of complex 3D models from commercial shape libraries.
A hybrid iterative solver for robustly capturing coulomb friction in hair dynamics
Authors: Daviet Gilles , Bertails-Descoubes Florence , Boissieux Laurence
Published: November 2011

Dry friction between hair fibers plays a major role in the collective hair dynamic behavior as it accounts for typical nonsmooth features such as stick-slip instabilities. However, due the challenges posed by the modeling of nonsmooth friction, previous mechanical models for hair either neglect friction or use an approximate smooth friction model, thus losing important visual features. In this paper we present a new generic robust solver for capturing Coulomb friction in large assemblies of tightly packed fibers such as hair. Our method is based on an iterative algorithm where each single contact problem is efficiently and robustly solved by introducing a hybrid strategy that combines a new zero-finding formulation of (exact) Coulomb friction together with an analytical solver as a fail-safe. Our global solver turns out to be very robust and highly scalable as it can handle up to a few thousand densely packed fibers subject to tens of thousands frictional contacts at a reasonable computational cost. It can be conveniently combined to any fiber model with various rest shapes, from smooth to curly. Our results, visually validated against real hair motions, depict typical hair collective effects and greatly enhance the realism of standard hair simulators.
Modular Radiance Transfer
Authors: Loos Bradford J. , Antani Lakulish , Mitchell Kenny , Nowrouzezahrai Derek , Jarosz Wojciech , Sloan Peter-Pike
Published: November 2011

Many rendering algorithms willingly sacrifice accuracy, favoring plausible shading with high-performance. Modular Radiance Transfer (MRT) models coarse-scale, distant indirect lighting effects in scene geometry that scales from high-end GPUs to low-end mobile platforms. MRT eliminates scene-dependent precomputation by storing compact transport on simple shapes, akin to bounce cards used in film production. These shapes' modular transport can be instanced, warped and connected on-the-fly to yield approximate light transport in large scenes. We introduce a prior on incident lighting distributions and perform all computations in low-dimensional subspaces. An
implicit lighting environment
induced from the low-rank approximations is in turn used to model secondary effects, such as volumetric transport variation, higher-order irradiance, and transport through lightfields. MRT is a new approach to precomputed lighting that uses a novel low-dimensional subspace simulation of light transport to uniquely balance the need for high-performance and portable solutions, low memory usage, and fast authoring iteration.
Multi-perspective stereoscopy from light fields
Authors: Kim Changil , Hornung Alexander , Heinzle Simon , Matusik Wojciech , Gross Markus
Published: November 2011

This paper addresses stereoscopic view generation from a light field. We present a framework that allows for the generation of stereoscopic image pairs with per-pixel control over disparity, based on multi-perspective imaging from light fields. The proposed framework is novel and useful for stereoscopic image processing and post-production. The stereoscopic images are computed as piecewise continuous cuts through a light field, minimizing an energy reflecting prescribed parameters such as depth budget, maximum disparity gradient, desired stereoscopic baseline, and so on. As demonstrated in our results, this technique can be used for efficient and flexible stereoscopic post-processing, such as reducing excessive disparity while preserving perceived depth, or retargeting of already captured scenes to various view settings. Moreover, we generalize our method to multiple cuts, which is highly useful for content creation in the context of multi-view autostereoscopic displays. We present several results on computer-generated content as well as live-action content.
The Expression of the Hypoxia Markers CA9 and CXCR4 Is Correlated with Survival in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Ileum
Authors: Deschamps Lydia , Bacha Dhouha , Rebours Vinciane , Mebarki Mouniya , Bretagnol Frédéric , Panis Yves , Bedossa Pierre , Ruszniewski Philippe , Couvelard Anne
Published: November 2011

Background/Aim: The hypoxia-inducible factor pathway regulates the expression of a diverse group of molecules such as CA9 and CXCR4. Our aim was to investigate the expression of these markers in a series of patients with an ileal neuroendocrine tumour (IET) at various stages of tumorigenesis. Methods: The immunohistochemical expression of CA9 and CXCR4 was examined in 51 patients with a resected IET. A ‘hypoxic score’ was calculated, integrating the expression of both CA9 and CXCR4 (hypoxic score 0: absence of expression of both molecules; hypoxic score 1: expression of CXCR4 and/or CA9). Results were compared to histoprognostic factors (including tumour size, stage and grade, WHO and TNM classifications, presence of vascular or perineural invasion, presence of a fibrotic stroma and microvascular density) and to survival. Results: All tumours were well differentiated. 69% of tumours were less than 25 mm. 46% of tumours largely infiltrated the intestinal wall (≥T3, subserosa and serosa) and 90% were classified as N1 and/or 63% as M1. 57% of tumours were of grade G1, 43% of grade G2. Grade G2 (p = 0.004) and larger tumour infiltration (≥T4; p = 0.03) correlated with lower survival. Hypoxic score 1 correlated with a greater tumour size (p = 0.034), larger tumour infiltration (T3 or T4; p = 0.001), grade G2 (p = 0.046), presence of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0066) and with lower survival of patients (p = 0.03). Conclusion: The hypoxia-inducible factors CA9 and CXCR4 were found associated to the malignant progression of neuroendocrine tumours of the ileum. Their expression may reflect higher tumour aggressivity.
The power of money in dual-earner couples: A comparative study
Authors: Ludwig-Mayerhofer Wolfgang , Allmendinger Jutta , Hirseland Andreas , Schneider Werner
Published: November 2011

Building on the notion of the ‘social nature’ of money, this article investigates how dual-earner couples in Germany, Spain, Sweden and the US handle money in their everyday lives. We analysed in-depth, open-ended interviews conducted with 45 couples in these four countries to determine whether they define money as ‘joint’ or ‘separate’ and to investigate the consequences such definitions have for couple relationships. The concept of the convertibility of money helped us to spell out these consequences in detail. In addition, we explore whether the meaning of ‘joint’ or ‘separate’ money might relate to institutionalized cultural frameworks embodied in welfare policies that vary between countries. Couples in Spain and in Sweden seem to practise a low degree of convertibility of money into other resources, but they do so for different reasons: in Spain, money tends to be considered ‘joint money’ from the outset, whereas in Sweden it is often kept ‘separate’ and outside the relationship. In contrast, in the US and Germany, money, while often classified as ‘joint’ by the couples, is more likely to be seen as each partner’s individual contribution to the relationship. Thus it can be, and often is, converted into resources such as domestic work or recognition.
Time to Agree
Authors: Pinfari Marco
Published: November 2011

This article explores the impact of time pressure on negotiation processes in territorial conflicts in the post–cold war era. While it is often argued that time pressure can help generate positive momentum in peace negotiations and help break deadlocks, extensive literature also suggests that perceived time shortage can have a negative impact on the cognitive processes involved in complex, intercultural negotiations. The analysis explores these hypotheses through a comparison of sixty-eight episodes of negotiation using fuzzy-set logic, a form of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). The conclusions confirm that time pressure can, in certain circumstances, be associated with broad agreements but also that only low levels of time pressure or its absence are associated with durable settlements. The analysis also suggests that the negative effect of time pressure on negotiations is particularly relevant in the presence of complex decision making and when a broad range of debated issues is at stake.
Career Development and Knowledge Appropriation: A Genealogical Critique
Authors: Kamoche Ken , Pang Mary , Wong Amy L. Y.
Published: November 2011

In the fast-changing and globally competitive business environment, organizations’ efforts to appropriate knowledge from their workers will be increasingly resisted by those employees forced into more fragmented and uncertain careers. We interpret this contested scenario in terms of the apparently diametrically opposed ways in which knowledge is conceptualized. The organization sees knowledge as an asset which it seeks to appropriate through mechanisms designed to achieve employment flexibility. However, this process is not unidirectional, as we posit that the individual conceives of their knowledge as ‘career capital’ and, in building it up as a response to the uncertainties of reconstituted careers, pursues a strategy of employability. With reference to Foucault’s genealogical approach, we argue that the above contest not only reflects the shifting employment relationship and economic turbulence, but is in fact a social phenomenon rooted in the knowledge−power dialectic and one which sheds light on individuals’ efforts to free themselves from the effects of normalization, thus challenging organizational efforts to appropriate the knowledge inherent in careers.
On collegiality: Kittler models Derrida
Authors: Krapp Peter
Published: November 2011

Kittler was among the first to invite Derrida to lectures in Germany, and to translate Derrida’s texts into German. Yet a cursory tally in his references does not always do justice to what Kittler’s media theory owes to deconstruction. Discourse Networks credits Derrida with a mere ‘rediscovery’ of grammatology, although Wellbery’s foreword labors mightily to identify the deconstructive traits in Kittler’s work. Gramophone, Film, Typewriter reduces The Post Card’s complex networks to an allegation that ‘voice remains the other of typescripts' – as if Kittler had not in fact taken a much more subtle evaluation of hearing oneself speak from Derrida. What happens to the writability and citability of texts if they are sorted into such neat binary distinctions of logical or poetic orientation? What, to Kittler, is the quotability and readability of the body of work titled Derrida?
The peculiarities of the Scots? Scottish influences on the development of English psychiatry, 1700–1980
Authors: Scull Andrew
Published: November 2011

This paper examines the multiple influences Scottish psychiatrists have exercised over the shape of English responses to mental illness during nearly three centuries, beginning with George Cheyne and ending with R.D. Laing. Scotland’s distinctive response to mental illness was largely ignored until recently, as though it had simply followed the English path. The neglect has begun to be rectified, but the powerful influence of the Scots on developments south of the border requires more sustained attention than it has received hitherto.
An assessment of the laminar kinetic energy concept for the prediction of high-lift, low-Reynolds number cascade flows
Authors: Pacciani R , Marconcini M , Arnone A , Bertini F
Published: November 2011

The laminar kinetic energy (LKE) concept has been applied to the prediction of low-Reynolds number flows, characterized by separation-induced transition, in high-lift airfoil cascades for aeronautical low-pressure turbine applications. The LKE transport equation has been coupled with the low-Reynolds number formulation of the Wilcox's k − ω turbulence model. The proposed methodology has been assessed against two high-lift cascade configurations, characterized by different loading distributions and suction-side diffusion rates, and tested over a wide range of Reynolds numbers. The aft-loaded T106C cascade is studied in both high- and low-speed conditions for several expansion ratios and inlet freestream turbulence values. The front-loaded T108 cascade is analysed in high-speed, low-freestream turbulence conditions. Numerical predictions with steady inflow conditions are compared to measurements carried out by the von Kármán Institute and the University of Cambridge. Results obtained with the proposed model show its ability to predict the evolution of the separated flow region, including bubble-bursting phenomenon and the formation of open separations, in high-lift, low-Reynolds number cascade flows.
Youth transitions, unemployment and underemployment
Authors: MacDonald Robert
Published: November 2011

What is youth studies for? One answer to this question points to the valuable, possibly unique, position youth research has as a window on processes of social change and of social continuity. Based on the author’s long-term engagement in youth research, from the early 1980s to now, this article reflects on how youth transitions to the labour market – and the way that they are thought about in youth studies and youth policy – have changed and stayed the same over the past 30 years. While the main empirical focus is on the UK, the article notes the wider relevance of many of the trends that are discussed. As well as looking backward, the article considers possibilities and challenges for the future; for youth, for youth research and for youth policy. In terms of young adults’ lives, the spreading shadow of unemployment, economic marginality and precariousness is described. In terms of research, it argues that, in order to achieve greater theoretical significance and impact for youth studies – and to better understand processes of social change and continuity – further strides need to be taken to overcome the enduring divide between youth cultural and youth transitions studies. Finally, on the basis of these reflections from youth studies, the article raises important questions for current and coming social and economic policy. Here the local – and global – significance of underemployment and the ‘myth of the skills economy’ are discussed.
A summary of research on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: Perspectives of students, teachers, and university admissions offices in the USA
Authors: Culross Rita , Tarver Emily
Published: November 2011

This is the summary of a series of research studies into the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) in the USA, beginning with the investigation of how the first class of IB DP graduates in an individual school perceived the impacts and benefits of the programme, through further investigations of teacher perceptions of the programme, a follow-up study of the first graduates upon completion of their collegiate study, and a concluding study on the perceptions of IB DP by colleges and universities. In addition to identifying key elements of the IB DP that are perceived as impacting student success, this article summarizes how the research agenda unfolded; that is, how each study in the sequence generated more questions about the IB DP and how what began as a micro study within a single school grew into an examination of the IB DP within a larger context.
Prognostic significance of hemoglobin A1c level in patients hospitalized with coronary artery disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yao , Yang Yan-min , Zhu Jun , Tan Hui-qiong , Liang Yan , Li Jian-dong
Published: November 2011

Background

The prognostic value of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. Herein, we conducted a systematic review to quantify the association between elevated HbA1c levels and all-cause mortality among patients hospitalized with CAD.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library) for studies published from 1970 to May 2011 was performed. Cohort, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials that examined the effect of HbA1c on all-cause mortality were included.

Results

Twenty studies met final inclusion criteria (total n = 13, 224). From the pooled analyses, elevated HbA1c level was significantly associated with increased short-term (OR 2.32, 95% CI, 1.61 to 3.35) and long-term (OR 1.54, 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.94) mortality risk. Subgroup analyses suggested elevated HbA1c level predicted higher mortality risk in patients without diabetes (OR 1.84, 95% CI, 1.51 to 2.24). In contrast, in patients with diabetes, elevated HbA1c level was not associated with increased risk of mortality (OR 0.95, 95% CI, 0.70 to 1.28). In a risk-adjusted sensitivity analyses, elevated HbA1c was also associated with a significantly high risk of adjusted mortality in patients without diabetes (adjusted OR 1.49, 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.79), but had a borderline effect in patients with diabetes (adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.11).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that elevated HbA1c level is an independent risk factor for mortality in CAD patients without diabetes, but not in patients with established diabetes. Prospective studies should further investigate whether glycemic control might improve outcomes in CAD patients without previously diagnosed diabetes.
A general solution to the continuous-time estimation problem under widely linear processing
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Ana María , Navarro-Moreno Jesús , Fernández-Alcalá Rosa María , Ruiz-Molina Juan Carlos
Published: November 2011

A general problem of continuous-time linear mean-square estimation of a signal under widely linear processing is studied. The main characteristic of the estimator provided is the generality of its formulation which is applicable to a broad variety of situations, including finite or infinite intervals, different types of noises (additive and/or multiplicative, white or colored, noiseless observation data, etc.), capable of solving three estimation problems (smoothing, filtering or prediction), and estimating functionals of the signal of interest (derivatives, integrals, etc.). Its feasibility from a practical standpoint and a better performance with respect to the conventional estimator obtained from strictly linear processing is also illustrated.
An Intermediate in the evolution of superfast sonic muscles
Authors: Mok Hin-Kiu , Parmentier Eric , Chiu Kuo-Hsun , Tsai Kai-En , Chiu Pai-Ho , Fine Michael L
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background

Intermediate forms in the evolution of new adaptations such as transitions from water to land and the evolution of flight are often poorly understood. Similarly, the evolution of superfast sonic muscles in fishes, often considered the fastest muscles in vertebrates, has been a mystery because slow bladder movement does not generate sound. Slow muscles that stretch the swimbladder and then produce sound during recoil have recently been discovered in ophidiiform fishes. Here we describe the disturbance call (produced when fish are held) and sonic mechanism in an unrelated perciform pearl perch (Glaucosomatidae) that represents an intermediate condition in the evolution of super-fast sonic muscles.

Results

The pearl perch disturbance call is a two-part sound produced by a fast sonic muscle that rapidly stretches the bladder and an antagonistic tendon-smooth muscle combination (part 1) causing the tendon and bladder to snap back (part 2) generating a higher-frequency and greater-amplitude pulse. The smooth muscle is confirmed by electron microscopy and protein analysis. To our knowledge smooth muscle attachment to a tendon is unknown in animals.

Conclusion

The pearl perch, an advanced perciform teleost unrelated to ophidiiform fishes, uses a slow type mechanism to produce the major portion of the sound pulse during recoil, but the swimbladder is stretched by a fast muscle. Similarities between the two unrelated lineages, suggest independent and convergent evolution of sonic muscles and indicate intermediate forms in the evolution of superfast muscles.
Comparison of results from tests of association in unrelated individuals with uncollapsed and collapsed sequence variants using tiled regression
Authors: Sung Heejong , Kim Yoonhee , Cai Juanliang , Cropp Cheryl D , Simpson Claire L , Li Qing , Perry Brian C , Sorant Alexa JM , Bailey-Wilson Joan E , Wilson Alexander F
Published: November 2011

Tiled regression is an approach designed to determine the set of independent genetic variants that contribute to the variation of a quantitative trait in the presence of many highly correlated variants. In this study, we evaluate the statistical properties of the tiled regression method using the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data in unrelated individuals for traits Q1, Q2, and Q4. To increase the power to detect rare variants, we use two methods to collapse rare variants and compare the results with those from the uncollapsed data. In addition, we compare the tiled regression method to traditional tests of association with and without collapsed rare variants. The results show that collapsing rare variants generally improves the power to detect associations regardless of method, although only variants with the largest allelic effects could be detected. However, for traditional simple linear regression, the average estimated type I error is dependent on the trait and varies by about three orders of magnitude. The estimated type I error rate is stable for tiled regression across traits.
An aggregating U-Test for a genetic association study of quantitative traits
Authors: Li Ming , Fu Wenjiang , Lu Qing
Published: November 2011

We propose a novel aggregating U-test for gene-based association analysis. The method considers both rare and common variants. It adaptively searches for potential disease-susceptibility rare variants and collapses them into a single “supervariant.” A forward U-test is then used to assess the joint association of the supervariant and other common variants with quantitative traits. Using 200 simulated replicates from the Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 mini-exome data, we compare the performance of the proposed method with that of a commonly used approach, QuTie. We find that our method has an equivalent or greater power than QuTie to detect nine genes that influence the quantitative trait Q1. This new approach provides a powerful tool for detecting both common and rare variants associated with quantitative traits.
A novel method to detect rare variants using both family and unrelated case-control data
Authors: Feng Tao , Elston Robert C , Zhu Xiaofeng
Published: November 2011

To detect rare variants associated with a phenotype, we develop a novel statistical method that can use both family and unrelated case-control data. Unlike the currently existing methods, we first use family data to calculate weights to be given to rare variants, differentiating between concordantly affected and discordant sib pairs. These weights are then used in an association test applied to the unrelated case-control data. We applied the proposed method to the simulated sequencing data in Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 and identified two genes associated with the disease.
Stirred, not shaken: genetic structure of the intermediate snail host Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in an historically endemic schistosomiasis area
Authors: Hauswald Anne-Kathrin , Remais Justin V , Xiao Ning , Davis George M , Lu Ding , Bale Margaret J , Wilke Thomas
Published: November 2011

Background

Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni is the sole intermediate host for Schistosoma japonicum in western China. Given the close co-evolutionary relationships between snail host and parasite, there is interest in understanding the distribution of distinct snail phylogroups as well as regional population structures. Therefore, this study focuses on these aspects in a re-emergent schistosomiasis area known to harbour representatives of two phylogroups - the Deyang-Mianyang area in Sichuan Province, China. Based on a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, the following questions were addressed: 1) the phylogeography of the two O. h. robertsoni phylogroups, 2) regional and local population structure in space and time, and 3) patterns of local dispersal under different isolation-by-distance scenarios.

Results

The phylogenetic analyses confirmed the existence of two distinct phylogroups within O. h. robertsoni. In the study area, phylogroups appear to be separated by a mountain range. Local specimens belonging to the respective phylogroups form monophyletic clades, indicating a high degree of lineage endemicity. Molecular clock estimations reveal that local lineages are at least 0.69-1.58 million years (My) old and phylogeographical analyses demonstrate that local, watershed and regional effects contribute to population structure. For example, Analyses of Molecular Variances (AMOVAs) show that medium-scale watersheds are well reflected in population structures and Mantel tests indicate isolation-by-distance effects along waterways.

Conclusions

The analyses revealed a deep, complex and hierarchical structure in O. h. robertsoni, likely reflecting a long and diverse evolutionary history. The findings have implications for understanding disease transmission. From a co-evolutionary standpoint, the divergence of the two phylogroups raises species level questions in O. h. robertsoni and also argues for future studies relative to the distinctness of the respective parasites. The endemicity of snail lineages at the regional level supports the concept of endemic schistosomiasis areas and calls for future geospatial analyses for a better understanding of respective boundaries. Finally, local snail dispersal mainly occurs along waterways and can be best described by using cost distance, thus potentially enabling a more precise modelling of snail, and therefore, parasite dispersal.
Different mechanisms for resistance to trastuzumab versus lapatinib in HER2- positive breast cancers - role of estrogen receptor and HER2 reactivation
Authors: Wang Yen-Chao , Morrison Gladys , Gillihan Ryan , Guo Jun , Ward Robin M , Fu Xiaoyong , Botero Maria F , Healy Nuala A , Hilsenbeck Susan G , Phillips Gail Lewis , Chamness Gary C , Rimawi Mothaffar F , Osborne C Kent , Schiff Rachel
Published: November 2011

Introduction

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapies trastuzumab (T) and lapatinib (L) show high efficacy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, but resistance is prevalent. Here we investigate resistance mechanisms to each drug alone, or to their combination using a large panel of HER2-positive cell lines made resistant to these drugs.

Methods

Response to L + T treatment was characterized in a panel of 13 HER2-positive cell lines to identify lines that were de novo resistant. Acquired resistant lines were then established by long-term exposure to increasing drug concentrations. Levels and activity of HER2 and estrogen receptor (ER) pathways were determined by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting assays. Cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis in parental cells and resistant derivatives were assessed in response to inhibition of HER or ER pathways, either pharmacologically (L, T, L + T, or fulvestrant) or by using siRNAs. Efficacy of combined endocrine and anti-HER2 therapies was studied in vivo using UACC-812 xenografts.

Results

ER or its downstream products increased in four out of the five ER+/HER2+ lines, and was evident in one of the two intrinsically resistant lines. In UACC-812 and BT474 parental and resistant derivatives, HER2 inhibition by T reactivated HER network activity to promote resistance. T-resistant lines remained sensitive to HER2 inhibition by either L or HER2 siRNA. With more complete HER2 blockade, resistance to L-containing regimens required the activation of a redundant survival pathway, ER, which was up-regulated and promoted survival via various Bcl2 family members. These L- and L + T-resistant lines were responsive to fulvestrant and to ER siRNA. However, after prolonged treatment with L, but not L + T, BT474 cells switched from depending on ER as a survival pathway, to relying again on the HER network (increased HER2, HER3, and receptor ligands) to overcome L's effects. The combination of endocrine and L + T HER2-targeted therapies achieved complete tumor regression and prevented development of resistance in UACC-812 xenografts.

Conclusions

Combined L + T treatment provides a more complete and stable inhibition of the HER network. With sustained HER2 inhibition, ER functions as a key escape/survival pathway in ER-positive/HER2-positive cells. Complete blockade of the HER network, together with ER inhibition, may provide optimal therapy in selected patients.
Molecular Detection of Tumor Cells in Regional Lymph Nodes Is Associated With Disease Recurrence and Poor Survival in Node-Negative Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rahbari Nuh N. , Bork Ulrich , Motschall Edith , Thorlund Kristian , Büchler Markus W. , Koch Moritz , Weitz Jürgen
Published: November 2011

Purpose

Up to 25% of patients with node-negative colorectal cancer (CRC) on conventional histopathologic analysis ultimately die of recurrent disease. We performed a systematic review with meta-analyses to clarify whether molecular detection of isolated tumor cells or micrometastases in regional lymph nodes indicates high risk of disease recurrence and poor survival in node-negative CRC.

Methods

The following databases were searched in August 2011 to identify studies on the prognostic significance of molecular tumor-cell detection in regional lymph nodes of node-negative CRC: MEDLINE, BIOSIS, Science Citation Index, EMBASE, CCMed, and publisher databases. We extracted hazard ratios (HRs) and associated 95% CIs from the identified studies and performed random-effects model meta-analyses on overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free survival.

Results

A total of 39 studies with a cumulative sample size of 4,087 patients were included. Immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and both techniques were applied in 30, seven, and two studies, respectively. Thirteen studies were graded with low risk of bias. Meta-analyses revealed that molecular tumor-cell detection in regional lymph nodes was associated with poor overall survival (HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.40), disease-specific survival (HR, 3.37; 95% CI, 2.31 to 4.93), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.57-3.20). Subgroup analyses showed the prognostic significance of molecular tumor-cell detection of being independent of the applied detection method, molecular target, and number of retrieved lymph nodes.

Conclusion

Molecular detection of occult disease in regional lymph nodes is associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence and poor survival in patients with node-negative CRC.
Midlife and Aging Parents of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Impacts of Lifelong Parenting
Authors: Seltzer Marsha Mailick , Floyd Frank , Song Jieun , Greenberg Jan , Hong Jinkuk
Published: November 2011

Using population data, this study included parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (n  =  220) and parents of individuals without disabilities (n  =  1,042). Parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were further divided into those who co-resided with their adult child and those whose adult child lived elsewhere, and the 3 groups were compared regarding parental patterns of attainment, social participation, psychological functioning, and health in midlife and early old age. In midlife, parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were similar in general to comparison parents. However, by early old age, these parents had poorer health and mental health. Co-residence between the adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the parent was prevalent during midlife (51.4%) and in the early years of old age (38.6%), and there were different patterns of parental outcomes, depending on the residential status of the adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Cyberbullying and adolescent mental health
Authors: Suzuki Keita , Asaga Reiko , Sourander Andre , Hoven Christina W. , Mandell Donald
Published: November 2011

The rapid growth of electronic and computer-based communication and information sharing during the past decade has dramatically changed social interactions, especially among teenagers. Cyberbullying has emerged as a new form of bullying and harassment, and it has been shown to possess different ramifications from traditional schoolyard bullying. This problem has emerged in nations worldwide. Cybervictims have reported various emotional and behavioral symptoms, along with school-related problems. This paper reviews international cross-sectional studies relating to the definition, prevalence, age, and gender differences inherent in cyberbullying. Psychosocial and risk factors associated with cyberbullying are also addressed. Prevention and intervention strategies for school officials and parents are suggested. Healthcare providers, policy makers, and families must be ever-mindful of the grave dangers cyberbullying poses to youths. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess the psychological risk factors of cyberbullying.
Strength of fine-grained soils at the solid–fluid transition
Authors: BOUKPETI N. , WHITE D.J. , RANDOLPH M.F. , LOW H.E.
Published: November 2011

Deepwater offshore oil and gas developments require an assessment to be made of the risk of infrastructure damage from submarine slides. The likelihood and magnitude of submarine slides, and the consequent impact loading on seabed infrastructure in the path of the debris from the slide, must be estimated. Export pipelines are especially vulnerable to impact from submarine slides, because of their length and the need to cross canyons and other seabed features that are potential paths for the flowing debris. Characterising the debris material represents a particular challenge, as the original soil, which is typically characterised using conventional geotechnical methods, evolves through remoulding and water entrainment into a viscous fluid. Because of this transition from soil to fluid, characterisation of the strength of flowing fine-grained sediment has been addressed separately within a soil mechanics framework and a fluid mechanics framework, resulting in two different approaches for expressing the strain-rate-dependent strength of debris flows, and the consequential impact loads on pipelines. In this paper we compare the two approaches, and show that the geotechnical characterisation of fine-grained sediments can be extended into the liquid range in a continuous fashion. This is supported by a series of undrained shear strength measurements on two different remoulded soils, from fall cone tests, vane shear (including viscometer) tests, T-bar and ball penetrometer tests. Analysis of the results shows that the variation in shear strength over the solid and liquid ranges can be described by a unique function of water content, for a given soil. Furthermore, the effects of rate of shearing are well captured by a dimensionless function of the normalised strain rate. The geotechnical approach also accounts for the observed strength reduction due to intense shearing.
Appraisal of public spending in the development process
Authors: Jackson Tony Arthur
Published: November 2011

As demonstrated in this review, appraisers of public sector investment projects do not simply search for efficient ways to deliver the goals set by policy-makers. They routinely make their own value judgements about project goals and the development process, both implicitly through the methodology applied and explicitly in their interpretation of the findings. Case studies in the use of cost–benefit and multi-criteria analysis and in the new tools of environmental assessment demonstrate that appraisal is least effective when it pretends to be value-free and resists attempts to explore its underlying assumptions. A robust assessment process should instead be transparent and defensible, allowing the values on which it is based to be identified and subject to scrutiny. This is particularly important when tackling the challenge of climate change. Given the scale of public spending commitments needed for delivering a low-carbon economy, appraisers must play a crucial role in ensuring that the non-monetised environmental elements of new investments are adequately assessed.
Effect of maropitant, a neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist, on anesthetic requirements during noxious visceral stimulation of the ovary in dogs
Authors: Boscan Pedro , Monnet Eric , Mama Khursheed , Twedt David C. , Congdon Jonathan , Steffey Eugene P.
Published: November 2011

Objective—To determine the anesthetic-sparing effect of maropitant, a neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist, during noxious visceral stimulation of the ovary and ovarian ligament in dogs.

Animals—Eight 1-year-old female dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were anesthetized with sevoflurane. Following instrumentation and stabilization, the right ovary and ovarian ligament were accessed by use of laparoscopy. The ovary was stimulated with a traction force of 6.61 N. The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) was determined before and after 2 doses of maropitant.

Results—The sevoflurane MAC value was 2.12 ± 0.4% during stimulation without treatment (control). Administration of maropitant (1 mg/kg, IV, followed by 30 μg/kg/h, IV) decreased the sevoflurane MAC to 1.61 ± 0.4% (24% decrease). A higher maropitant dose (5 mg/kg, IV, followed by 150 μg/kg/h, IV) decreased the MAC to 1.48 ± 0.4% (30% decrease).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Maropitant decreased the anesthetic requirements during visceral stimulation of the ovary and ovarian ligament in dogs. Results suggest the potential role for neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists to manage ovarian and visceral pain.
Circulation, urbanisation and the youth boom in island Melanesia
Authors: Friesen Wardlow
Published: November 2011

Recent censuses have shown that fertility rates are declining in high fertility Melanesian countries such as Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. However, the population will continue to grow for some time, especially the youth cohorts. This «youth boom» is of considerable concern at a time when pressure on educational and other services is already high, and when potential new entrants in the wage labour force far outnumber the new jobs available. The young, especially males, have always had a high level of involvement in population circulation, and this process is likely to concentrate potential problems in urban areas in the future. This paper considers the relationship between population and mobility in the countries of Island Melanesia: Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.
Exode rural, exode agricole en Chine, la grande mutation ?
Authors: Aubert Claude
Published: November 2011

Rural Outmigration, Agricultural Professional Mobility in China, the Great Change ?

Controls imposed on the population of China have long resulted in a delayed process of urbanization in the last decade, economic reforms have led to renewed rural migrations. First, professional mobility has been encouraged by the development of township and village enterprises. Seasonal migrations towards the cities are now taking momentum. Do they announce the major urban mutation implied by the economic development of China ?
L'influence de la structure de marché sur la diversité éditoriale et les formes de mobilisation de la main-d'œuvre dans la presse magazine
Authors: Aubert-Tarby Clémence , Ranaivoson Heritiana
Published: November 2011

Résumé La concentration est devenue importante ces vingt dernières années, particulièrement pour les magazines. Cet article a pour objectif d’analyser l’influence de cette structure de marché sur la diversité de la production d’une part et sur les formes de mobilisation de la main-d’œuvre (titulaires ou pigistes) d’autre part. À partir d’une série d’entretiens et de questionnaires réalisés auprès de journalistes français, nous concluons à l’influence ambiguë du recours à la pige sur la diversité des titres et de leur contenu.
Heterogeneous Text and Numerical Data Mining with Possible Applications in Business and Financial Sectors
Authors: Bourennani Farid , Rahnamayan Shahryar
Published: November 2011

Nowadays, many world-wide universities, research centers, and companies share their own data electronically. Naturally, these data are from heterogeneous types such as text, numerical data, multimedia, and others. From user side, this data should be accessed in a uniform manner, which implies a unified approach for representing and processing data. Furthermore, unified processing of the heterogeneous data types can lead to richer semantic results. In this chapter, we present a unified pre-processing approach that leads to generation of richer semantics of qualitative and quantitative data.
Stepwise Semantic Enrichment in Health-Related Public Management by Using Semantic Information Models
Authors: Fill Hans-Georg , Reischl Ilona
Published: November 2011

The use of semantic technologies in practical scenarios requires carefully balancing the tradeoff between costs and benefits in order to gain acceptance. In this chapter we report on a project conducted together with the Austrian competent authority in regard to safety in healthcare. It is described how semantic technologies can be combined with conceptual models to support management executives in the distribution of knowledge and the analysis of compliance. The approach is based on a step-wise semantic enrichment of conceptual models with formal semantic schemata in order to support human analyses. It has been implemented on the ADONIS meta modeling platform and applied to a scenario dealing with the management of applications for clinical trials.
Arthritogenic Self-Reactive CD4+ T Cells Acquire an FR4hiCD73hi Anergic State in the Presence of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Martinez Ryan J. , Zhang Na , Thomas Stephanie R. , Nandiwada Sarada L. , Jenkins Marc K. , Binstadt Bryce A. , Mueller Daniel L.
Published: November 2011

Rheumatoid arthritis develops in association with a defect in peripheral CD4+ T cell homeostasis. T cell lymphopenia has also been shown to be a barrier to CD4+ T cell clonal anergy induction. We therefore explored the relationship between clonal anergy induction and the avoidance of autoimmune arthritis by tracking the fate of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI)-reactive CD4+ T cells in the setting of selective T cell lymphopenia. CD4+ T cell recognition of self-GPI peptide/MHC class II complexes in normal murine hosts did not lead to arthritis and instead caused those T cells to develop a Folate receptor 4hiCD73hi anergic phenotype. In contrast, hosts selectively depleted of polyclonal Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T cells could not make GPI-specific CD4+ T cells anergic and failed to control arthritis. This suggests that autoimmune arthritis develops in the setting of lymphopenia when Foxp3+CD4+ regulatory T cells are insufficient to functionally inactivate all autoreactive CD4+ T cells that encounter self-Ag.
An Antitumor Cellular Vaccine Based on a Mini-Membrane IgE
Authors: Nigro Elisa A. , Soprana Elisa , Brini Anna T. , Ambrosi Alessandro , Yenagi Vijay A. , Dombrowicz David , Siccardi Antonio G. , Vangelista Luca
Published: November 2011

The IgE-mediated immune system activation can be redirected to combat tumors. Mouse and human IgE have been shown to provide a potent adjuvant effect in antitumor vaccination, with a crucial role played by FcεRI. This effect results from T cell-mediated adaptive immune response. Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) has been used to infect IgE-loaded tumor cells. These results led to a shift toward a highly safe protocol employing membrane IgE (mIgE), thus eliminating any possible anaphylactogenicity caused by circulating IgE. Evidence that human mIgE and a truncated version lacking IgE Fabs (tmIgE) bind and activate FcεRI has been fundamental and forms the core of this report. Human tmIgE has been engineered into a recombinant MVA (rMVA-tmIgE), and the expression of tmIgE and its transport to the surface of rMVA-tmIgE–infected cells has been detected by Western blot and cytofluorimetry, respectively. FcεRI activation by tmIgE has been confirmed by the release of β-hexosaminidase in a cell-to-cell contact assay using human FcεRI-transfected RBL-SX38 cells. The rMVA-tmIgE antitumor vaccination strategy has been investigated in FcεRIα−/− human FcεRIα+ mice, with results indicating a level of protection comparable to that obtained using soluble human IgE tumor cell loading. The rMVA-tmIgE vector represents a device that suits safe IgE-based antitumor vaccines, harboring the possibility to couple tmIgE with other gene insertions that might enhance the antitumor effect, thus bringing the field closer to the clinics.
Haemophilus influenzae Uses the Surface Protein E To Acquire Human Plasminogen and To Evade Innate Immunity
Authors: Barthel Diana , Singh Birendra , Riesbeck Kristian , Zipfel Peter F.
Published: November 2011

Pathogenic microbes acquire the human plasma protein plasminogen to their surface. In this article, we characterize binding of this important coagulation regulator to the respiratory pathogen nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and identify the Haemophilus surface protein E (PE) as a new plasminogen-binding protein. Plasminogen binds dose dependently to intact bacteria and to purified PE. The plasminogen–PE interaction is mediated by lysine residues and is also affected by ionic strength. The H. influenzae PE knockout strain (nontypeable H. influenzae 3655Δpe) bound plasminogen with ∼65% lower intensity as compared with the wild-type, PE-expressing strain. In addition, PE expressed ectopically on the surface of Escherichia coli also bound plasminogen. Plasminogen, either attached to intact H. influenzae or bound to PE, was accessible for urokinase plasminogen activator. The converted active plasmin cleaved the synthetic substrate S-2251, and the natural substrates fibrinogen and C3b. Using synthetic peptides that cover the complete sequence of the PE protein, the major plasminogen-binding region was localized to a linear 28-aa-long N-terminal peptide, which represents aa 41–68. PE binds plasminogen and also vitronectin, and the two human plasma proteins compete for PE binding. Thus, PE is a major plasminogen-binding protein of the Gram-negative bacterium H. influenzae, and when converted to plasmin, PE-bound plasmin aids in immune evasion and contributes to bacterial virulence.
D. P. M. Botes, Marcel Duchamp, die Europese avant-garde en ’n literêre definisie van plagiaat
Authors: John Philip
Published: November 2011

This article attempts to widen the literary critical perspective on plagiarism by focussing on an early example of plagiarism in Afrikaans literature associated with the name of D.P.M. Botes and the little magazine Wurm. Botes’s supposed plagiarism is placed in the framework of the European avant-garde by comparing it with Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain of 1917. This comparison forms the basis on which other instances of plagiarism in Afrikaans are commented on, as well as on which a ‘literary’ definition of plagiarism is advanced.