bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-organized service placement in ambient intelligence environments
Authors: Herrmann Klaus
Published: May 2010

Ambient Intelligence (AmI) is an IT concept by which mobile users shall be seamlessly supported in their everyday activities. This includes interactions with remote resources as well as with their current physical environment. We have developed the so-called Ad hoc Service Grid (ASG) infrastructure that supports the latter form of interactions. It allows operators to cover arbitrary locations with ambient services in a drop-and-deploy fashion. An ambient service may autonomously distribute (replicate and migrate) within an ASG network to optimize its availability, response times, and network usage. In this article, we propose a fully decentralized, dynamic, and adaptive service placement algorithm for AmI environments like the ASG. This algorithm achieves a coordinated global placement pattern that minimizes the communication costs without any central controller. It does not even require additional communication among the replicas. Moreover, placement patterns stabilize if no changes occur in the environment while replicas still retain their ability to adapt. Mechanisms for self-organized placement of services are very important for AmI environments in general since they allow for autonomous adaptations to dynamic changes and, thus, remove the need for manual (re)configuration of a running system. We present a detailed evaluation of the algorithm's performance and compare it with three other algorithms to show its competitiveness. Furthermore, we discuss how the desired self-organizing behavior emerges from the interactions of a few simple, local rules that govern the individual placement decisions. In order to do so, we give an in-depth analysis of a series of emergent effects that are not directly encoded into the placement algorithm but stem from its collective dynamics.
A paradigm for metric based inspection process for enhancing defect management
Authors: Nair T.R. Gopalakrishnan , Suma V.
Published: May 2010

Inspection process in software development plays a vital role in effective defect management. In order to have an appropriate measurement of the inspection process, we depend on a process metric called the Depth of Inspection (DI). DI enables the manager within the software community to identify and compare the level of inspection performed in various projects. An empirical study of several projects facilitated the evaluation of a set of process coefficients which are capable of predicting the DI values using multiple regression models. The industry observed DI value based on defect count and the DI value produced by the model are strongly matching. This supports the predictive capability of DI through process coefficients without depending on the prior estimation of the defect count.
Parameterized string matching
Authors: Prasad Rajesh , Agarwal Suneeta
Published: May 2010

In the problem of parameterized string matching, a given pattern P is said to match with a sub-string t of the text T, if there exists a one-one correspondence between the symbols of P and the symbols of t. This problem has an important application in
software maintenance
, where it is often required to find equivalency between two sections of codes. Two sections of codes are said to be equivalent if one can be transformed into the other by renaming only identifiers and variables. In this paper, we propose two new algorithms for the said problem by using the q-gram approach. The first one is obtained by using this approach on an existing string matching algorithm (simplified backward non-deterministic directed acyclic word graph matching (SBNDM)).The second one is obtained by using the q-gram approach on the parameterized string matching algorithm (parameterized backward non-deterministic directed acyclic word graph matching (PBNDM)). Performance of both the algorithms is tested for various values of q and it has been observed that both show their best performance for q nearly equal to half of the pattern length. We also study the effect on running time of these algorithms with increasing the duplicity in the text.
Evolution of a simple vehicle registration system to an SOA based e-governance application
Authors: Rajaram Kanchana , Babu Chitra
Published: May 2010

Transactions are one of the basic building blocks in all business applications. The notion of a transaction originated in the seventies and has evolved over time to cater to complex business applications that are distributed, heterogeneous, and loosely coupled. The literature on transaction models is extensive and most of them illustrate the ideas with case studies on different applications. Since the applications are different, it is diffcult to understand the limitations of the models for the general case. However, such an understanding is essential in order to develop a new transaction model that caters to the changing business requirements. This motivated us to investigate the evolution of existing transaction models and to analyze their shortcomings using a case study, Vehicle Registration system. A taxonomy of the various transaction models based on conceptual evolution has also been presented. Further, the suitability of SOA to large scale e-governance applications and the need for developing better SOA Governance transaction frameworks have been demonstrated.
A report on the "information systems in distributed environments" (ISDE) workshop at the OTM 2009 conferences
Authors: Mishra Alok , Münch Jürgen , Mishra Deepti
Published: May 2010

This is a report from a one-day workshop on "Information Systems in Distributed Environments" (ISDE), which was organized in conjunction with the OTM Conferences 2009 in Vilamoura, Portugal, on November 3, 2009. The main focus of this workshop was to provide a venue for the discussion of challenges related to the development, operation, and maintenance of distributed information systems, and their creation in the context of global development projects.
A comprehensive comparative evaluation of RST-based summarization methods
Authors: Uzêda Vinícius Rodrigues , Pardo Thiago Alexandre Salgueiro , Nunes Maria Das Graças Volpe
Published: May 2010

Motivated by governmental, commercial and academic interests, and due to the growing amount of information, mainly online, automatic text summarization area has experienced an increasing number of researches and products, which led to a countless number of summarization methods. In this paper, we present a comprehensive comparative evaluation of the main automatic text summarization methods based on Rhetorical Structure Theory (RST), claimed to be among the best ones. We compare our results to superficial summarizers, which belong to a paradigm with severe limitations, and to hybrid methods, combining RST and superficial methods. We also test voting systems and machine learning techniques trained on RST features. We run experiments for English and Brazilian Portuguese languages and compare the results obtained by using manually and automatically parsed texts. Our results systematically show that all RST methods have comparable overall performance and that they outperform most of the superficial methods. Machine learning techniques achieved high accuracy in the classification of text segments worth of being in the summary, but were not able to produce more informative summaries than the regular RST methods.
Effects of Resistance Training and Soy Isoflavone on Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Orsatti Fábio Lera , Nahas Eliana Aguiar Petri , Nahas-Neto Jorge , Maesta Nailza , Orsatti Cláudio Lera , Fernandes Cesar Edurado
Published: May 2010

Objective. To investigate the independent and additive effects of resistance
training (RT) and soy isoflavone (ISO) on body composition in postmenopausal women (PW). Method. This study used a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind (soy), randomized (ISO versus placebo) × (RT versus No RT) design. A total of 80 PW, aged 45–70 years, were randomly (71 completed 9‐months intervention): RT + ISO (n = 15), No RT + ISO (n = 20), RT + placebo (n = 18), and No RT + placebo (n = 18). ISO received 100 mg a day of isoflavone; and to RT attended supervised resistance training sessions. At baseline and 9‐months, fat and muscle mass were estimated by DXA. ANOVA and test t were used. Results. RT groups showed significantly increased muscle strength (35.2%) and muscle mass (1.4%). Exercising attenuated gains in fat trunk and % body fat (P < .05). Significant decreases in muscle mass (−1.8%) and increases in fat mass of the whole‐body (1.6%) and trunk (9.7%) was found in no‐RT groups (P < .05). In ISO groups, there were no differences in body composition and muscle strength. ISO and RT had no additive effects. Conclusion. In PW: RT improved muscle mass and strength and attenuated gain of fat mass; ISO did not alter body composition and muscle strength; there were no additive effects of RT and ISO.
Animal Models of Virus-Induced Neurobehavioral Sequelae: Recent Advances, Methodological Issues, and Future Prospects
Authors: Bortolato Marco , Godar Sean C.
Published: May 2010

Converging lines of clinical and epidemiological evidence suggest that viral infections in early developmental stages may be a causal factor in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism-spectrum disorders. This etiological link, however, remains controversial in view of the lack of consistent and reproducible associations between viruses and mental illness. Animal models of virus-induced neurobehavioral disturbances afford powerful tools to test etiological hypotheses and explore pathophysiological mechanisms. Prenatal or neonatal inoculations of neurotropic agents (such as herpes-, influenza-, and retroviruses) in rodents result in a broad spectrum of long-term alterations reminiscent of psychiatric abnormalities. Nevertheless, the complexity of these sequelae often poses methodological and interpretational challenges and thwarts their characterization. The recent conceptual advancements in psychiatric nosology and behavioral science may help determine new heuristic criteria to enhance the translational value of these models. A particularly critical issue is the identification of intermediate phenotypes, defined as quantifiable factors representing single neurochemical, neuropsychological, or neuroanatomical aspects of a diagnostic category. In this paper, we examine how the employment of these novel concepts may lead to new methodological refinements in the study of virus-induced neurobehavioral sequelae through animal models.
Hop and Acacia Phytochemicals Decreased Lipotoxicity in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes,db/dbMice, and Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Minich Deanna M. , Lerman Robert H. , Darland Gary , Babish John G. , Pacioretty Linda M. , Bland Jeffrey S. , Tripp Matthew L.
Published: May 2010

The plant-based compounds rho-iso-alpha acids (RIAA) fromHumulus lupulus(hops) and proanthocyanidins (PAC) fromAcacia niloticahave been shown to modulate insulin signaling in vitro. We investigated their effects on triglyceride (TG) deposition in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, glucose and insulin in obese mouse models, and metabolic syndrome markers in adults with metabolic syndrome. The combination of RIAA and PAC synergistically increased TG content and adiponectin secretion in 3T3-L1 adipocytes under hyperinsulinemic conditions and reduced glucose or insulin in obese mice. In a clinical trial, tablets containing 100 mg RIAA and 500 mg PAC or placebo were administered to metabolic syndrome subjects (3 tablets/day,n=35; 6 tablets/day,n=34; or placebo,n=35) for 12 weeks. Compared to placebo, subjects taking 3 tablets daily showed greater reductions in TG, TG  :  HDL, fasting insulin, and HOMA scores. The combination of RIAA  :  PAC at 1  :  5 (wt  :  wt) favorably modulates dysregulated lipids in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
Antidepressant Effects on Insulin Sensitivity and Proinflammatory Cytokines in the Depressed Males
Authors: Chen Yi-Chyan , Lin Wei-Win , Chen Yu-Jung , Mao Wei-Chung , Hung Yi-Jen
Published: May 2010

Growing evidence suggests that mood disorder is associated with insulin resistance and inflammation. Thus the effects of antidepressants on insulin sensitivity and proinflammatory responses will be a crucial issue for depression treatment. In this study, we enrolled 43 non-diabetic young depressed males and adapted standard testing procedures to assess glucose metabolism during 4-week hospitalization. Before and after the 4-week antidepressant treatment, participants underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT). Insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose effectiveness (SG), acute insulin response, and disposition index (DI) were estimated using the minimal model method. The plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and adiponectin were measured. The Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) total scores were reduced significantly during the course of treatment. There were no significant changes in the parameters ofSI,SG, and DI. Compared to drug naïve status, the level of plasma IL-6 was significantly elevated (0.77to1.30 pg/ml;P=.001) after antidepressant therapy. However, the concentrations of CRP, TNF-α, and adiponectin showed no differences during the course of treatment. The results suggest that antidepressants may promote stimulatory effect on the IL-6 production in the early stage of antidepressant treatment.
A Hypothesis Concerning a Potential Involvement of Ceramide in Apoptosis and Acantholysis Induced by Pemphigus Autoantibodies
Authors: Bollag Wendy B.
Published: May 2010

Autoimmune diseases affect more than 50 million Americans, resulting in significant healthcare costs. Most autoimmune diseases occur sporadically; however, endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) is an autoimmune skin disease localized to specific geographic loci. EPF, and the related diseases pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF), are characterized by skin lesions and autoantibodies to molecules found on epidermal keratinocytes. A variant of EPF in patients from El Bagre, Colombia, South America, has recently been reported to be distinct from previously described loci in Brazil and Tunisia epidemiologically and immunologically. As in PF and EPF, El Bagre EPF patients exhibit autoantibodies towards desmoglein‐1, a cell adhesion molecule critical for maintaining epidermal integrity. An association of El Bagre EPF with sun exposure has been detected, and ultraviolet irradiation also exacerbates symptoms in PV, PF and EPF. Our hypothesis is that: (1) the autoantibodies generate pathology through an alteration in ceramide metabolism in targeted keratinocytes, resulting in apoptosis and/or cell death and acantholysis, but only when the cell′s ability to metabolize ceramide is exceeded, and (2) apoptosis in response to this altered ceramide metabolism is initiated and/or exacerbated by other agents that increase ceramide levels, such as cytokines, ultraviolet irradiation, and senescence.
Determining Neighborhoods of Image Pixels Automatically for Adaptive Image Denoising Using Nonlinear Time Series Analysis
Authors: Liao Zhiwu , Hu Shaoxiang , Chen Wufan
Published: May 2010

This paper presents a method determining neighborhoods of the image pixels automatically in adaptive denoising. The neighborhood is named stationary neighborhood (SN). In this method, the noisy image is considered as an observation of a nonlinear time series (NTS). Image denoising must recover the true state of the NTS from the observation. At first, the false neighbors (FNs) in a neighborhood for each pixel are removed according to the context. After moving the FNs, we obtain an SN, where the NTS is stationary and the real state can be estimated using the theory of stationary time series (STS). Since each SN of an image pixel consists of elements with similar context and nearby locations, the method proposed in this paper can not only adaptively find neighbors and determine size of the SN according to the characteristics of a pixel, but also be able to denoise while effectively preserving edges. Finally, in order to show the superiority of this algorithm, we compare this method with the existing universal denoising algorithms.
Reduced Left Ventricular Torsion Early After Myocardial Infarction Is Related to Left Ventricular Remodeling
Authors: Nucifora Gaetano , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Bertini Matteo , Delgado Victoria , Siebelink Hans-Marc J. , van Werkhoven Jacob M. , Scholte Arthur J. , Schalij Martin J. , van der Wall Ernst E. , Holman Eduard R. , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Left ventricular (LV) torsion is emerging as a sensitive parameter of LV systolic myocardial performance. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) on LV torsion and to determine the value of LV torsion early after AMI in predicting LV remodeling at 6-month follow-up.

Methods and Results—

A total of 120 patients with a first ST-segment elevation AMI (mean±SD age, 59±10 years; 73% male) were included. All patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention. After 48 hours, speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed to assess LV torsion; infarct size was assessed by myocardial contrast echocardiography. At 6-month follow-up, LV volumes and LV ejection fraction were reassessed to identity patients with LV remodeling (defined as a ≥15% increase in LV end-systolic volume). Compared with control subjects, peak LV torsion in AMI patients was significantly impaired (1.54±0.64°/cm vs 2.07±0.27°/cm,
P
<0.001). By multivariate analysis, only LV ejection fraction (
β
=0.36,
P
<0.001) and infarct size (
β
=−0.47,
P
<0.001) were independently associated with peak LV torsion. At 6-month follow-up, 19 patients showed LV remodeling. By multivariate analysis, only peak LV torsion (odds ratio=0.77; 95% CI, 0.65–0.92;
P
=0.003) and infarct size (odds ratio=1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.07;
P
=0.021) were independently related to LV remodeling. Peak LV torsion provided modest but significant incremental value over clinical, echocardiographic, and myocardial contrast echocardiography variables in predicting LV remodeling. By receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis, peak LV torsion ≤1.44°/cm provided the highest sensitivity (95%) and specificity (77%) to predict LV remodeling.

Conclusions—

LV torsion is significantly impaired early after AMI. The amount of impairment of LV torsion predicts LV remodeling at 6-month follow-up.
Role of NADPH Oxidase in Endothelial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Humans
Authors: Loukogeorgakis Stavros P. , van den Berg Merlijn J. , Sofat Reecha , Nitsch Dorothea , Charakida Marietta , Haiyee Bu’Hussein , de Groot Eric , MacAllister Raymond J. , Kuijpers Taco W. , Deanfield John E.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Recent studies suggest that NADPH oxidase may be a source of ROS during IR. Using an in vivo model of endothelial IR injury in the arm, we compared the response to IR in healthy volunteers with that in patients with chronic granulomatous disease. These patients have a molecular lesion in a subunit of NADPH oxidase that renders the enzyme inactive.

Methods and Results—

Flow-mediated dilatation was used to assess endothelial function in patients with X-linked (NOX2) or autosomal (p47) chronic granulomatous disease. IR injury was induced by 20 minutes of upper limb ischemia followed by reperfusion. Flow-mediated dilatation was determined before IR and after 20 minutes of reperfusion. The response to IR in chronic granulomatous disease patients was compared with that in age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Flow-mediated dilatation was expressed as mean and compared statistically with mixed linear models. IR caused a significant reduction in flow-mediated dilatation in control subjects (−5.1%; 95% confidence interval, 6.3 to 3.%;
P
<0.001; n=11). IR had no effect on endothelial function in NOX2-chronic granulomatous disease patients (−0.9; 95% confidence interval, −2.1 to 0.3;
P
=0.12; n=11). Similarly, IR-induced reduction in flow-mediated dilatation was not observed in p47-chronic granulomatous disease patients (−1.5%; 95% confidence interval, −3.1 to 0.2;
P
=0.08; n=6) in contrast to healthy control subjects (−6.5%; 95% confidence interval, −8.2 to −4.9%;
P
<0.001; n=6).

Conclusions—

These data indicate, for the first time in humans in vivo, that reactive oxygen species produced by NADPH oxidase are determinants of endothelial function after IR injury in humans. These findings have implications for the design of strategies to limit clinical IR injury.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cohen Mauricio G. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Peterson Eric D. , Moscucci Mauro , Dai David , Hernandez Adrian F. , Bonow Robert O. , Smith Sidney C.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Racial/ethnic differences in cardiovascular care have been well documented. We sought to determine whether racial/ethnic differences in evidence-based acute myocardial infarction care persist among hospitals participating in a national quality improvement program.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed 142 593 acute myocardial infarction patients (121 528 whites, 10 882 blacks, and 10 183 Hispanics) at 443 hospitals participating in the Get With the Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG-CAD) program between January 2002 and June 2007. We examined individual and overall composite rates of defect-free care, defined as the proportion of patients receiving all eligible performance measures. In addition, we examined temporal trends in use of performance measures according to race/ethnicity by calendar quarter. Overall, individual performance measure use was high, ranging from 78% for use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to 96% for use of aspirin at discharge. Use of each of these improved significantly over the 5 years of study. Overall, defect-free care was 80.9% for whites, 79.5% for Hispanics (adjusted odds ratio versus whites 1.00, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 1.06,
P
=0.94), and 77.7% for blacks (adjusted odds ratio versus whites 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.87 to 0.98,
P
=0.01). A significant gap in defect-free care was observed for blacks mostly during the first half of the study, which was no longer present during the remainder of the study. Overall, progressive improvements in defect-free care were observed regardless of race/ethnic groups.

Conclusions—

Among hospitals engaged in a national quality monitoring and improvement program, evidence-based care for acute myocardial infarction appeared to improve over time for patients irrespective of race/ethnicity, and differences in care by race/ethnicity care were reduced or eliminated.
PLA2G7
Genotype, Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A
2
Activity, and Coronary Heart Disease Risk in 10 494 Cases and 15 624 Controls of European Ancestry
Authors: Casas Juan P. , Ninio Ewa , Panayiotou Andrie , Palmen Jutta , Cooper Jackie A. , Ricketts Sally L. , Sofat Reecha , Nicolaides Andrew N. , Corsetti James P. , Fowkes F. Gerry R. , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Kumari Meena , Brunner Eric J. , Kivimaki Mika , Marmot Michael G. , Hoffmann Michael M. , Winkler Karl , März Winfred , Ye Shu , Stirnadel Heide A. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Humphries Steve E. , Sandhu Manjinder S. , Hingorani Aroon D. , Talmud Philippa J.
Published: May 2010

Background—

Higher lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A
2
(Lp-PLA2) activity is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), making Lp-PLA2 a potential therapeutic target.
PLA2G7
variants associated with Lp-PLA2 activity could evaluate whether this relationship is causal.

Methods and Results—

A meta-analysis including a total of 12 studies (5 prospective, 4 case-control, 1 case-only, and 2 cross-sectional studies; n=26 118) was undertaken to examine the association of the following: (1) Lp-PLA2 activity versus cardiovascular biomarkers and risk factors and CHD events (2 prospective studies; n=4884); (2)
PLA2G7
single-nucleotide polymorphisms and Lp-PLA2 activity (3 prospective, 2 case-control, 2 cross-sectional studies; up to n=6094); and (3)
PLA2G7
single-nucleotide polymorphisms and angiographic coronary artery disease (2 case-control, 1 case-only study; n=4971 cases) and CHD events (5 prospective, 2 case-control studies; n=5523). Lp-PLA2 activity correlated with several CHD risk markers. Hazard ratios for CHD events for the top versus bottom quartile of Lp-PLA2 activity were 1.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.31 to 1.99) and 1.17 (95% confidence interval, 0.91 to 1.51) after adjustment for baseline traits. Of 7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs1051931 (A379V) showed the strongest association with Lp-PLA2 activity, with VV subjects having 7.2% higher activity than AAs. Genotype was not associated with risk markers, angiographic coronary disease (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.80 to 1.32), or CHD events (odds ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.17).

Conclusions—

Unlike Lp-PLA2 activity,
PLA2G7
variants associated with modest effects on Lp-PLA2 activity were not associated with cardiovascular risk markers, coronary atheroma, or CHD. Larger association studies, identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms with larger effects, or randomized trials of specific Lp-PLA2 inhibitors are needed to confirm or refute a contributory role for Lp-PLA2 in CHD.
Neuraxial Modulation for Refractory Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Bourke Tara , Vaseghi Marmar , Michowitz Yoav , Sankhla Vineet , Shah Mandar , Swapna Nalla , Boyle Noel G. , Mahajan Aman , Narasimhan Calambur , Lokhandwala Yash , Shivkumar Kalyanam
Published: May 2010

Background—

Reducing sympathetic output to the heart from the neuraxis can protect against ventricular arrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) and left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) in the management of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with structural heart disease.

Methods and Results—

Clinical data of 14 patients (25 to 75 years old, mean±SD of 54.2±16.6 years; 13 men) who underwent TEA, LCSD, or both to control ventricular tachycardia (VT) refractory to medical therapy and catheter ablation were reviewed. Twelve patients were in VT storm, and 2 experienced recurrent VT despite maximal medical therapy and catheter ablation procedures. The total number of therapies per patient before either procedure ranged from 5 to 202 (median of 24; 25th and 75th percentile, 5 and 56). Eight patients underwent TEA, and 9 underwent LCSD (3 patients had both procedures). No major procedural complications occurred. After initiation of TEA, 6 patients had a large (≥80%) decrease in VT burden. After LCSD, 3 patients had no further VT, 2 had recurrent VT that either resolved within 24 hours or responded to catheter ablation, and 4 continued to have recurrent VT. Nine of 14 patients survived to hospital discharge (2 TEA alone, 3 TEA/LCSD combined, and 4 LCSD alone), 1 of the TEA alone patients underwent an urgent cardiac transplantation.

Conclusions—

Initiation of TEA and LCSD in patients with refractory VT was associated with a subsequent decrease in arrhythmia burden in 6 (75%) of 8 patients (68% confidence interval 51% to 91%) and 5 (56%) of 9 patients (68% confidence interval 34% to 75%), respectively. These data suggest that TEA and LCSD may be effective additions to the management of refractory ventricular arrhythmias in structural heart disease when other treatment modalities have failed or may serve as a bridge to more definitive therapy.
Elevated Blood Pressure in Offspring Born Premature to Hypertensive Pregnancy
Authors: Lazdam Merzaka , de la Horra Arancha , Pitcher Alex , Mannie Zola , Diesch Jonathan , Trevitt Corinne , Kylintireas Ilias , Contractor Hussain , Singhal Atul , Lucas Alan , Neubauer Stefan , Kharbanda Rajesh , Alp Nicholas , Kelly Brenda , Leeson Paul
Published: May 2010

Offspring born to mothers with hypertensive pregnancy have higher childhood blood pressure. We hypothesized this relates to prenatally programmed differences in the underlying vascular pathophysiology of the offspring and that these would be most apparent in those born preterm because of severe hypertension. We carried out a 20-year follow-up study of 71 subjects born preterm, 19 to a hypertensive pregnancy and 52 to a normotensive pregnancy. Findings were compared with 38 subjects born at term to uncomplicated pregnancies. Peripheral and central blood pressures were measured, and then central arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity using applanation tonometry. Ultrasound was used to assess flow-mediated endothelial-dependent and independent brachial artery responses and common carotid artery intima-media thickness. Offspring born preterm to either hypertensive or normotensive pregnancy had higher peripheral and central blood pressure compared with full-term born offspring (central mean arterial pressure after preterm hypertensive pregnancy: 84.92±7.0 mm Hg; preterm normotensive pregnancy: 84.13±8.9 mm Hg; full-term pregnancy: 76.24±7.96 mm Hg;
P
=0.0009). However, underlying vascular phenotype differed. Preterm offspring of normotensive pregnancy had greater arterial stiffness than offspring of hypertensive pregnancy (5.92±0.84 versus 5.42±0.73 m/s;
P
=0.039), whereas offspring of hypertensive pregnancy had greater carotid intima-media thickness (0.52±0.04 versus 0.48±0.06 mm;
P
=0.013) and 30% lower flow-mediated dilatation (4.25±4.02% versus 6.79±4.38%;
P
=0.05). Prematurity is associated with elevated blood pressure in later life. However, predominant underlying vascular phenotype depends on maternal pathology. Targeting endothelial function may be particularly important for primary prevention after hypertension in pregnancy.
Vascular Relaxation, Antihypertensive Effect, and Cardioprotection of a Novel Peptide Agonist of the Mas Receptor
Authors: Savergnini Silvia Quintão , Beiman Merav , Lautner Roberto Queiroga , de Paula-Carvalho Vanice , Allahdadi Kyan , Pessoa Dalton Caires , Costa-Fraga Fabiana Pereira , Fraga-Silva Rodrigo Araújo , Cojocaru Gady , Cohen Yossi , Bader Michael , de Almeida Alvair Pinto , Rotman Galit , Santos Robson Augusto Souza
Published: May 2010

Mas stimulation with angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) produces cardioprotective effects and vasorelaxation. Using a computational discovery platform for predicting novel naturally occurring peptides that may activate G protein–coupled receptors, we discovered a novel Mas agonist peptide, CGEN-856S. An endothelium- and NO-dependent vasodilating effect was observed for CGEN-856S in thoracic aorta rings of rats (maximal value for the relaxant effect: 39.99±5.034%), which was similar to that produced by Ang-(1-7) (10
−10
to 10
−6
mol/L). In addition, the vasodilator activity of this peptide depended on a functional Mas receptor, because it was abolished in aorta rings of Mas-knockout mice. CGEN-856S appears to bind the Mas receptor at the same binding domain as Ang-(1-7), as suggested by the blocking of its vasorelaxant effect with the Ang-(1-7) analogue
d
-Ala
7
-Ang-(1-7), and by its competitive inhibition of Ang-(1-7) binding to
Mas
-transfected cells. The effect of CGEN-856S on reperfusion arrhythmias and cardiac function was studied on ischemia reperfusion of isolated rat hearts. We found that picomolar concentration of CGEN-856S (0.04 nmol/L) had an antiarrhythmogenic effect, as demonstrated by a reduction in the incidence and duration of reperfusion arrhythmias. Furthermore, acute infusion of CGEN-856S produced a shallow dose-dependent decrease in mean arterial pressure of conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats. The maximum change during infusion was observed at the highest dose. Strikingly, blood pressure continued to drop in the postinfusion period. The results presented here indicate that the novel Mas agonist, CGEN-856S, might have a therapeutic value, because it induces vasorelaxing, antihypertensive, and cardioprotective effects.
Performative Interventions in the Body Politic of Pakistan
Authors: Afzal-Khan Fawzia
Published: May 2010

In light of the US-led “War on Terror” in which the Pakistani state has and continues to play a pivotal role as a frontline ally, this special section of TDR on Performing Pakistani Politics provides an urgent insight into the role of performance as artivist intervention for a citizenry confronting the tide of rising extremism as well as imperialism.
Hijraism: Jostling for a Third Space in Pakistani Politics
Authors: Pamment Claire
Published: May 2010

The tropes of mainstream and peripheral transgendered performers are explored for their playful negotiations in the body politic of Pakistan.
Sext of Saudade
Authors: Afzal-Khan Fawzia , Lanzillotto Annie Rachele
Published: May 2010

Sext of Saudade, the precursor to Jihad Against Violence, is a collaboration between a Pakistani American woman and an Italian American woman. The play interrogates the contradictions and corroborations within a butch/femme dynamic informed by various identity markers including gender, sexuality, class, and race.
Jihad Against Violence: A One-Act Play
Authors: Afzal-Khan Fawzia , Sharif Bina
Published: May 2010

Jihad Against Violence, a collaboration between two Pakistani American women, is a dramatic and poetic depiction of the struggle (emotional, physical, and psychological) against violence of any kind toward women in Pakistani culture.
Performed Weeping: Drama and Emotional Management in Women's Wailing
Authors: Gamliel Tova
Published: May 2010

The Jewish-Yemenite wailing is a “performed weeping” controlled by the expert wailer who uses special strategies to manage the audience's emotions. Questions of emotional sincerity and self-authenticity, especially in the context of death events, render an explanation for the decline of wailing in recent years.
Libad nang Apung Iru and Pamamaku king Krus: Performances of Ambivalence in Kapampangan Cultural Spectacles
Authors: Tiatco Anril P.
Published: May 2010

Present-day performances of two Catholic rituals/cultural spectacles in Pampanga, the fluvial parade in Apalit and the nailing ritual in Cutud, reveal some ambivalence toward the very Christian-Catholic religion that is the basis of the rituals.
Das Testimonium Flavianum Ein authentischer Text des Josephus
Authors: Victor Ulrich
Published: May 2010

The Testimonium Flavianum is an authentic text by Josephus. Its authenticity was long denied because the language and ideas of the time of origin were misunderstood, because the author’s intention was misjudged and because of failure to recognise the circumstances of the manuscript tradition.
Mediators and Readiness to Exercise in Patients at Risk of Symptomatic Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Barnes Sarah , Curran Colleen , Lunos Scott , Ahluwalia Jasjit S. , Collins Tracie C.
Published: May 2010

To inform future walking interventions, we sought to identify exercise mediators that are associated with readiness to exercise in persons with either asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or disease risk factors. We enrolled participants excluded from a larger behavioral intervention trial for persons with diabetes mellitus and PAD. Participants completed surveys assessing exercise mediators and stage of readiness to exercise (precontemplation, contemplation, or action). Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests. Participants in the stage of action substituted physical activity as an alternative, rewarded themselves, and committed themselves more than other participants (P < .01). Action participants perceived more benefits to exercise than precontemplation participants (P < .05). Contemplation and action participants had higher outcome expectations for exercise, and action participants received more enjoyment from physical activity than precontemplation participants (P < .05 and P = .05, respectively). Identifying these mediators is important for future exercise interventions and treatments.
Career Decision Making Among Gifted Students: The Mediation of Teachers
Authors: Watters James J.
Published: May 2010

There is international concern about falling enrollments in higher education, particularly the sciences, by gifted students. In this mixed methods study, the top-performing 200 students (approximately 2%) within a particular education jurisdiction at the beginning of their first year at university were surveyed, and 20 interviewed about their school experiences using a biographical interpretive design. This study focused on identifying those characteristics of teachers that supported students’ interests. Participants identified seven characteristics of teachers that students identified as supportive of their potential career pathways. These included connecting pedagogical practices with student interests, being passionate about their subject matter, having good content knowledge, making learning experiences relevant, setting high expectations of students, being a good explainer of complex ideas, and being a good classroom manager. This study extends our knowledge of how teachers influence gifted students and has implications for both preservice and in-service teacher education and career counseling.
Buber, Heschel, and Heidegger: Two Jewish Existentialists Confront a Great German Existentialist
Authors: Friedman Maurice
Published: May 2010

This article briefly explores the relationships of existential-theological philosophers Martin Buber and Abraham Heschel with the existential philosopher Martin Heidegger. In particular, the article focuses on the sensitive subject as to how Buber and Heschel related to Heidegger in the aftermath of his affiliation with National Socialism. The author, who knew both Buber and Heschel quite intimately, concludes that although Buber and Heschel had modestly differing responses to Heidegger in the aftermath of World War II, they both converged with respect to his egregious past, and the questions it raised for his philosophy.
Of rulers, rebels, and revenue: State capacity, civil war onset, and primary commodities
Authors: Thies Cameron G
Published: May 2010

This article investigates the relationship between civil war onset and state capacity through a focus on the role of primary commodities. This is accomplished by moving the focus of the civil war literature away from an almost exclusive concern with the incentives of rebels to a consideration of both rebels and rulers as revenue seeking predators. This predatory theory approach expects that higher levels of state capacity should deter civil war onset, while civil war onset should reduce state capacity. Further, natural resource rents are expected to enhance state capacity, rather than increase the likelihood of civil war onset. In order to deal with the endogeneity posed by including fiscal measures of state capacity in single equation models of civil war onset, this study employs a simultaneous equations framework. This framework allows us to capture the effects of civil war onset on state capacity and vice versa, as well as the effects of primary commodities on both endogenous covariates. The main findings from the statistical analyses include: state capacity does not affect civil war onset, but civil war onset reduces state capacity; and primary products directly affect only state capacity — they do not directly affect civil war onset, as found in previous contributions to the literature.
Is the hidden hand an iron fist? Capitalism and civil peace, 1970-2005
Authors: de Soysa Indra , Fjelde Hanne
Published: May 2010

There is surprisingly little empirical scholarship on the spread of capitalistic economic policies under the rubric of ‘globalization’ and domestic peace. While the classical liberals saw free markets leading to social harmony because of self-interest of individuals, who cooperate for profit, Marxists and others viewed markets as anarchical, requiring state intervention for obtaining justice and peace. The authors argue from an opportunity-cost perspective that the payoffs to rebellion are structured by how an economy is governed. Closed economies are likelier than more open ones to accumulate ‘rebellion specific capital’ because of high payoffs to organization in the shadows. Using an index of economic freedom that measures how free people are to transact in an economy, the authors find that countries more favorable to free enterprise have a reduced risk of civil war onsets, a result that is robust to the inclusion of institutional quality, per capita wealth, and sundry controls. The results hold up despite a battery of specification changes, alternative data, and testing methods. The findings do not suggest that states under conditions of capitalism lose their autonomy to provide the public good of peace, as skeptics of globalization claim. Peacemakers will do well to build institutions that reward productive investment over rent-seeking, alongside democratic institutions that ultimately gain their legitimacy on the back of good economic performance and well-functioning markets.
Political opportunity structures, democracy, and civil war
Authors: Skrede Gleditsch Kristian , Ruggeri Andrea
Published: May 2010

Theories of mobilization suggest that groups are more likely to resort to violence in the presence of political opportunity structures that afford greater prospects for extracting concessions from the government or better opportunities to topple ruling governments. However, existing efforts to consider the possible influences of political opportunity structures on incentives for violence and civil war empirically have almost invariably relied upon measures of democracy to proxy for the hypothesized mechanisms, most notably the argument that the opposing effects of political accommodation and repression will give rise to an inverted U-shaped relationship between democracy and the risk of civil war. The authors detail a number of problems with measures of democracy as proxies for political opportunity structures and develop alternative measures based on the likely risks that political leaders will lose power in irregular challenges and their implications for the incentives for resort to violence. The authors evaluate empirically how the security with which leaders hold office influences the prospects of violent civil conflict. The findings indicate that recent irregular leader entry and transitions indeed increase the risk of conflict onset, while democratic institutions are found to decrease the risk of civil war, after controlling for the new measures of state weakness.
Between Selz and Popper
Authors: Erneling Christina
Published: May 2010

Denkpsychologie has been important for the development of psychology as well as of philosophy during the last century. More specifically, cognitive psychology as well as Karl Popper’s evolutionary epistemology were both influenced by Otto Selz’s cognitive psychology. Without doubt, Selz played a role in the development of Popper’s thinking, but Michel ter Hark has not given convincing evidence for Popper’s idea of bold conjectures being influenced by Selz.
Bombsights and Adding Machines: Translating Wartime Technology Into Peacetime Sales
Authors: Tremblay Michael
Published: May 2010

On 10 February 1947, A.C. Buehler, the president of the Victor Adding Machine Company presented Norden Bombsight #4120 to the Smithsonian Institute. This sight was in service on board the Enola Gay when it dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Through this public presentation, Buehler forever linked his company to the Norden Bombsight, the Enola Gay, and to history. Buehler’s ultimate goal, however, was the sale of adding machines, and while significant, the presentation to the Smithsonian was essentially the final step in a long running advertising campaign designed to sell adding machines. During the War, Victor was the Army’s main contractor for the production of Norden Bombsights. This work is an investigation into the dysfunctional relationship that existed between Victor Adding Machine Company, the Army, the Navy Bureau of Ordinance (BuOrd). Wartime shortages demanded that pre-war arrangements between the Army and BuOrd be reconsidered and it was agreed that the Army be allowed to build its own units. Within a year of production Victor sights were scrutinized for their inaccuracies, and ultimately Victor’s contract was cancelled ending the Army’s short sojourn into bombsight production.
Responsibility in Engineering: Toward a New Role for Engineering Ethicists
Authors: Doorn Neelke , Nihlén Fahlquist Jessica
Published: May 2010

Traditionally, the management of technology has focused on the stages before or after development of technology. In this approach the technology itself is conceived as the result of a deterministic enterprise; a result that is to be either rejected or embraced. However, recent insights from Science and Technology Studies (STS) have shown that there is ample room to modulate technology during development. This requires technology managers and engineering ethicists to become more involved in the technological research rather than assessing it from an outsider perspective. Instead of focusing on the question whether or not to authorize, approve, or adopt a certain technology or on the question of who is to blame for potential mistakes, the guiding question in this new approach is how research is to be carried out.
Assessing the Consequences of Declining Unionization and Public-Sector Employment
Authors: Kim ChangHwan , Sakamoto Arthur
Published: May 2010

This study defines four sectors of labor markets based on union membership and public-sector employment. Using the current population surveys from 1983 to 2005, the authors decompose the growth of wage inequality into compositional changes, group-specific mean changes, and group-specific variance changes. This approach allows one to more precisely identify and assess the immediate intervening processes associated with rising wage inequality. The findings suggest that, although the increase of the demand for the skilled workers does play a significant role, the recent increase in wage dispersion cannot be fully explained by skill-biased technological change. This study’s analysis instead indicates that the two main sources of increasing inequality include the “nonunion private sectorization” of all sectors and the reduction in the sizes of the institutionally protected market sectors. Rising inequality seems to be because of the dismantling of the institutions that formerly insulated a large proportion of workers from direct engagement with market forces as the immediate wage-setting mechanism.
The Relational Basis of Inequality
Authors: Avent-Holt Dustin , Tomaskovic-Devey Donald
Published: May 2010

In this article, a relational model of inequality is applied to understand organizational wage inequality patterns. The authors begin by laying out a relational model arguing that wage distributions emerge from actors within workplaces negotiating and contesting who should receive greater or lesser rewards for their work. These claims typically involve constructing categorical distinctions between people and jobs, attaching meaning to those categories, and actors in those categories attempting to exploit value and hoard opportunities through a process of claims making. Using the Australian National Organizations Study, the influence of relational differences between jobs on wage inequalities is modeled. It was found that jobs comprising actors with higher status and greater power in the labor process are often able to use their status and power relative to others to extract greater rewards, generating wage inequality between jobs. The effects of these relational status and labor process distinctions vary across institutional and market contexts, suggesting that the relational model is enhanced by contextualizing this generic process. The article concludes by identifying how future research might further specify a relational model of the generation of inequality.