bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
10th international French speaking conference on knowledge discovery and management (EGC2010)
Authors: Yahia Sadok Ben , Petit JeanMarc 
Published: November 2010

This conference report gives an overview of the 10th International French-speaking conference on Knowledge Discovery and Management (KDM) held in Hammamet, Tunisia, January 26-29, 2010. Since 2001, this annual conference has been supported by EGC. EGC is a non-profit French association which aims at promoting KDM both in academia and industries. The conference is the main annual event of the association EGC. Even if the official language is French, the selection process of the conference follows high-quality international standard, e.g. at least 3 reviews per paper, blind reviews, author feedbacks.
At a glance, EGC 2010)2 may be summarized in some key figures: 139 submitted papers, 32 accepted long papers (25% selection ratio), 30 short papers, 31 posters and 12 software demonstrations; 7 joined workshops and 2 tutorials; 4 keynote talks; a best paper contest rewarded by 2 prizes. More than 275 participants from 23 countries attended this edition celebrating the 10th birthday of the conference. The next EGC conference will be held in Brest, France, in January 25-28, 2011.
A Critical Role for Chloride Channel-3 (CIC-3) in Smooth Muscle Cell Activation and Neointima Formation
Authors: Chu Xi , Filali Mohammed , Stanic Bojana , Takapoo Maysam , Sheehan Andrea , Bhalla Ramesh , Lamb Fred S. , Miller Francis J. 
Published: November 2010

Objective—
We have shown that the chloride-proton antiporter chloride channel-3 (ClC-3) is required for endosome-dependent signaling by the Nox1 NADPH oxidase in SMCs. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that ClC-3 is necessary for proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and contributes to neointimal hyperplasia following vascular injury.

Methods and Results—
Studies were performed in SMCs isolated from the aorta of ClC-3-null and littermate control (wild-type [WT]) mice. Thrombin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) each caused activation of both mitogen activated protein kinase extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1 and 2 and the matrix-degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-9 and cell proliferation of WT SMCs. Whereas responses to thrombin were preserved in ClC-3-null SMCs, the responses to TNF-α were markedly impaired. These defects normalized following gene transfer of ClC-3. Carotid injury increased vascular ClC-3 expression, and compared with WT mice, ClC-3-null mice exhibited a reduction in neointimal area of the carotid artery 28 days after injury.

Conclusion—
ClC-3 is necessary for the activation of SMCs by TNF-α but not thrombin. Deficiency of ClC-3 markedly reduces neointimal hyperplasia following vascular injury. In view of our previous findings, this observation is consistent with a role for ClC-3 in endosomal Nox1-dependent signaling. These findings identify ClC-3 as a novel target for the prevention of inflammatory and proliferative vascular diseases.
The ‘Three Crosses’ of Mission Work: Fifty Years of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) in Angola, 1880-1930
Authors: Ball Jeremy 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn 1930 the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) commemorated fifty years of mission work in central Angola with a celebration that sought to unite thousands of Umbundu Christians into a community. Rituals such as the singing of hymns, daily church services, and bold performances of religious music by the 540-voice Jubilee Choir aimed at reinforcing Christian identity. A historical pageant dubbed the ‘Three Crosses’ was created in order to present a missionary perspective of Angolan history, one that juxtaposed Christian societal improvement with indigenous scenes of death, violence, and ignorance. This paper provides an account of the pageant and argues that its program also transmitted prominent subtexts associated with colonial discourse. Theories of social evolution and racism were widespread among early twentieth-century Americans, and ABCFM missionaries used this rhetoric to preach self-improvement through Christianization by disparaging indigenous Umbundu beliefs. Although providing Western education proved an effective tool for attracting converts and a lasting measure of the ABCFM’s influence in Angola, the legacy of the mission preserves these contradictions of colonial missionary work.
The Myth of Tribal Sovereignty: An Analysis of Native American Tribal Status in the United States
Authors: Ford Algeria R. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis article will first explore the history of Native American relations with the United States, examining early treatment of tribal nations by the U.S. government. It will then discuss the idea of sovereignty, more specifically as it relates to Native American tribes. The argument section rejects the idea that Native American Tribes are Sovereign Nations, explains why their current status is more akin to that of “States” by highlighting the similarities between state rights and current Native American, but concludes that native tribes are really quasi-states because they lack protection under the idea of federalism. The final section will discuss native views on the topic.
Volume Scanning Strategies for 3D Wind Retrieval from Dual-Doppler Lidar Measurements
Authors: Drechsel Susanne , Mayr Georg J. , Chong Michel , Chow Fotini K. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Dual-Doppler lidar volume scans for 3D wind retrieval must accommodate the conflicting goals of dense spatial coverage and short scan duration. In this work, various scanning strategies are evaluated with semisynthetic wind fields from analytical solutions and numerical simulations over flat and complex terrain using the Multiple-Doppler Synthesis and Continuity Adjustment Technique (MUSCAT) retrieval algorithm. The focus of this study is to determine how volume scan strategies affect performance of the wind retrieval algorithm. Interlaced scanning methods that take into account actual maximum measurement ranges are found to be optimal because they provide the best trade-off between retrieval accuracy, volume coverage, and scan time. A recommendation for scanning strategies is given, depending on actual measurement ranges, the variability of the wind situation, and the trade-off between spatial coverage and temporal smoothing.
Polymorphisms in bovine immune genes and their associations with somatic cell count and milk production in dairy cattle
Authors: Beecher Christine , Daly Mairead , Childs Stuart , Berry Donagh P , Magee David A , McCarthy Tommie V , Giblin Linda 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland, is a major source of economic loss on dairy farms. The aim of this study was to quantify the associations between two previously identified polymorphisms in the bovine toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1) genes and mammary health indictor traits in (a) 246 lactating dairy cow contemporaries representing five breeds from one research farm and (b) 848 Holstein-Friesian bulls that represent a large proportion of the Irish dairy germplasm. To expand the study, a further 14 polymorphisms in immune genes were included for association studies in the bull population.

Results
TLR4-2021 associated (P < 0.05) with both milk protein and fat percentage in late lactation (P < 0.01) within the cow cohort. No association was observed between this polymorphism and either yield or composition of milk within the bull population. CXCR1-777 significantly associated (P < 0.05) with fat yield in the bull population and tended to associate (P < 0.1) with somatic cell score (SCS) in the cows genotyped. CD14-1908 A allele was found to associate with increased (P < 0.05) milk fat and protein yield and also tended to associate with increased (P < 0.1) milk yield. A SERPINA1 haplotype with superior genetic merit for milk protein yield and milk fat percentage (P < 0.05) was also identified.

Conclusion
Of the sixteen polymorphisms in seven immune genes genotyped, just CXCR1-777 tended to associate with SCS, albeit only in the on-farm study. The lack of an association between the polymorphisms with SCS in the Holstein-Friesian data set would question the potential importance of these variants in selection for improved mastitis resistance in the Holstein-Friesian cow.
Unmet needs, quality of life and support networks of people with dementia living at home
Authors: Miranda-Castillo Claudia , Woods Bob , Galboda Kumari , Oomman Sabu , Olojugba Charles , Orrell Martin 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
There is lack of evidence about the unmet needs of people with dementia (PWD) living at home and the predictors of high levels of unmet needs. The main aim of this study was to identify the relationship between unmet needs, social networks and quality of life of PWD living at home.

Methods
One hundred and fifty two community dwelling PWD and 128 carers were interviewed about PWD's needs, social networks, quality of life and other functional and psychological factors. All the interviews with PWD were carried out at their homes. Interviews with carers were undertaken either at PWD's home, their own home or at the health centre. Whenever possible, PWD and carers were interviewed separately. The data collection took place between November 2005 and July 2007. The majority of participants (129, 84.9%) were recruited from National Health Services (NHS) and the rest (23, 15.1%) were recruited from other organisations such as social services and voluntary organizations in the UK.

Results
The most frequent unmet needs for PWD were daytime activities (77, 50.7%), company (60, 39.5%), and help with psychological distress (47, 30.9%). Higher number of behavioural and psychological symptoms, low-community involvement social networks, having a younger carer and higher carer's anxiety were found to be predictors of higher unmet needs in PWD. Social networks and behavioural and psychological symptoms had an indirect effect on PWD's self-rated quality of life through unmet needs.

Conclusions
Interventions aiming to reduce unmet needs, through the treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms and the involvement of PWD in the community, would potentially improve PWD's quality of life.
Preventive effects of Flos Perariae (Gehua) water extract and its active ingredient puerarin in rodent alcoholism models
Authors: Zhang Zaijun , Li Sha , Jiang Jie , Yu Pei , Liang Jing , Wang Yuqiang 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background

Radix Puerariae is used in Chinese medicine to treat alcohol addiction and intoxication. The present study investigates the effects of Flos puerariae lobatae water extract (FPE) and its active ingredient puerarin on alcoholism using rodent models.

Methods
Alcoholic animals were given FPE or puerarin by oral intubation prior or after alcohol treatment. The loss of righting reflex (LORR) assay was used to evaluate sedative/hypnotic effects. Changes of gama-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) subunits induced by alcohol treatment in hippocampus were measured with western blot. In alcoholic mice, body weight gain was monitored throughout the experiments. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) levels in liver were measured.

Results
FPE and puerarin pretreatment significantly prolonged the time of LORR induced by diazepam in acute alcoholic rat. Puerarin increased expression of gama-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha1 subunit and decreased expression of alpha4 subunit. In chronic alcoholic mice, puerarin pretreatment significantly increased body weight and liver ADH activity in a dose-dependent manner. Puerarin pretreatment, but not post-treatment, can reverse the changes of gama-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit expression and increase ADH activity in alcoholism models.

Conclusion
The present study demonstrates that FPE and its active ingredient puerarin have preventive effects on alcoholism related disorders.
Expressions and clinical significances of CD133 protein and CD133 mRNA in primary lesion of gastric adenocacinoma
Authors: Yu Ji-wei , Zhang Peng , Wu Ju-gang , Wu Sheng-hua , Li Xiao-qiang , Wang Shi-ting , Lu Rui-qi , Ni Xiao-chun , Jiang Bo-jian 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
To study on expressions and clinical significances of CD133 protein and CD133 mRNA in primary lesion of gastric adenocarcinoma (GC).

Methods
Expressions of CD133 protein by immunostaining (99 cases) and CD133 mRNA by semi-quantitative RT-PCR (31 cases) were detected in primary lesion and in noncancerous gastric mucosa tissue (NCGT). Correlations of CD133 protein expression with clinicopathological parameters and post-operative survival were analyzed. Relations of CD133 mRNA level with Ki-67 labeling index (LI), and lymphatic metastasis were assessed too.

Results
Brown particles indicating CD133 protein positivity occurred in some parts of tumor cells and epithelium. Expressive percentage of CD133 protein positivity was significantly higher in subgroups with >5 cm diameter (P = 0.041), later TNM stage (P = 0.044), severer lymph node metastasis (P = 0.017), occurrences of lymphatic invasion (P = 0.000) and vascular invasion (P = 0.000) respectively. Severer invasion depth (P = 0.011), lymph node metastasis occurrence (P = 0.043) and later TNM stage (P = 0.049) were the independent risk factors for CD133 protein expression. Average brightness scale value (BSV) of CD133 mRNA was significantly higher in subgroups with >5 cm diameter (P = 0.041), lymph node metastasis occurrence (P = 0.004) and in lower Ki-67 LI (P = 0.02). Relative analysis revealed that BSV of CD133 mRNA related positively to metastatic lymphatic nodes ratio (P = 0.008) and metastatic lymph node number (P = 0.009), but negatively to Ki-67 LI (P = 0.009). Survival of positive subgroup of CD 133 protein was significantly poorer (P = 0.047). Lymph node metastasis occurrence (P = 0.042), later TNM stage (P = 0.046) and CD 133 protein positive expression (P = 0.046) were respectively the independent risk factors to survival.

Conclusion
Higher expressive level of CD133 mRNA is associated to lower Ki-67 LI and severer lymphatic metastasis. Therefore, the expressive level of CD133 mRNA can play an appropriate role to reflect the status of lymph node metastasis and proliferation of GC. CD133 protein expression is closely related with larger tumor, later TNM stage, lymphtic metastasis and survival of GC.
Female choice in the red mason bee,Osmia rufa(L.) (Megachilidae)
Authors: Conrad Taina , Paxton Robert J. , Barth Friedrich G. , Francke Wittko , Ayasse Manfred 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYFemales are often thought to use several cues and more than one modality in selection of a mate, possibly because they offer complementary information on a mate's suitability. In the red mason bee, Osmia rufa, we investigated the criteria a female uses to choose a mating partner. We hypothesized that the female uses male thorax vibrations and size as signs of male viability and male odor for kin discrimination and assessment of genetic relatedness. We therefore compared males that had been accepted by a female for copulation with those rejected, in terms of their size, their immediate precopulatory vibrations (using laser vibrometry), the genetic relatedness of unmated and mated pairs (using microsatellite markers) and emitted volatiles (using chemical analyses). Females showed a preference for intermediate-sized males that were slightly larger than the modal male size. Furthermore, male precopulatory vibration burst duration was significantly longer in males accepted for copulation compared with rejected males. Vibrations may indicate vigor and assure that males selected by females are metabolically active and healthy. Females preferentially copulated with males that were genetically more closely related, possibly to avoid outbreeding depression. Volatiles of the cuticular surface differed significantly between accepted and rejected males in the relative amounts of certain hydrocarbons, although the relationship between male odor and female preference was complex. Females may therefore also use differences in odor bouquet to select among males. Our investigations show that O. rufa females appear to use multiple cues in selecting a male. Future investigations are needed to demonstrate whether odor plays a role in kin recognition and how the multiple cues are integrated in mate choice by females.
Ballistic movements of jumping legs implemented as variable components of cricket behaviour
Authors: Hustert R. , Baldus M. 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYBallistic accelerations of a limb or the whole body require special joint mechanisms in many animals. Specialized joints can be moved by stereotypic or variable motor control during motor patterns with and without ballistic components. As a model of variable motor control, the specialized femur–tibia (knee) joints of cricket (Acheta domesticus) hindlegs were studied during ballistic kicking, jumping and swimming and in non-ballistic walking. In this joint the tendons of the antagonistic flexor and the extensor muscles attach at different distances from the pivot and the opposed lever arms form an angle of 120 deg. A 10:1 ratio of their effective lever arms at full knee flexion helps to prepare for most ballistic extensions: the tension of the extensor can reach its peak while it is restrained by flexor co-contraction. In kicks, preparatory flexion is rapid and the co-contraction terminates just before knee extensions. Therefore, mainly the stored tension of the extensor muscle accelerates the small mass of the tibia. Jumps are prepared with slower extensor–flexor co-contractions that flex both knees simultaneously and then halt to rotate both legs outward to a near horizontal level. From there, catapult extension of both knees accelerates the body, supported by continued high frequency motor activity to their tibia extensor muscles during the ongoing push-off from the substrate. Premature extension of one knee instantly takes load from the lagging leg that extends and catches up, which finally results in a straight jump. In swimming, synchronous ballistic power strokes of both hindlegs drive the tibiae on a ventral-to-posterior trajectory through the water, well coordinated with the swimming patterns of all legs. In walking, running and climbing the steps of the hindlegs range between 45 deg flexion and 125 deg extension and use non-ballistic, alternating activity of knee flexor and extensor muscles. Steep climbing requires longer bursts from the extensor tibiae muscles when they support the extended hindlegs against gravity forces when the body hangs over. All ballistic movements of cricket knees are elicited by a basic but variable motor pattern: knee flexions by co-contraction of the antagonists prepare catapult extensions with speeds and forces as required in the different behaviours.
The energy budget, thermogenic capacity and behavior in Swiss mice exposed to a consecutive decrease in temperatures
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Jun , Chi Qing-Sheng , Cao Jing , Han Ying-Dong 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYThe limitation on sustainable energy intake (SusEI) is important because it establishes the upper energetic limit on the ability of animals to disperse, survive and reproduce. However, there are still arguments about what factors impose that limitation. Thermoregulation in cold environments imposes great energy demands on small mammals. A cold-exposed animal has been suggested to be a model suitable for testing these factors. Here, we examined the changes in food intake and digestible energy intake (DEI) as measures of SusEI, thermogenic capacity and behavioral patterns in Swiss mice exposed to consecutively lower ambient temperatures from 23 to –15°C. Cold-exposed mice showed significant decreases in body mass, fat content of the carcass and body temperature, and increases in DEI compared with controls. The time spent on feeding significantly increased with decreasing temperatures, and time spent on general activity decreased following cold exposure. Resting metabolic rate, nonshivering thermogenesis and serum tri-iodothyronine levels significantly increased in mice exposed to lower temperatures in comparison with controls, whereas these thermogenic variables were not significantly different between 0 and –15°C. It might suggest that SusEI in cold exposed Swiss mice was constrained peripherally by the capacity to produce heat and also by the ability to dissipate body heat, but to a different extent. Moderate cold exposure might result in a relaxation of the heat dissipation limit (HDL), allowing the animals to increase food intake to meet cold stress. When animals are exposed to severe cold, the thermogenenic capacity might reach a ceiling, failing to compensate for the heat loss and which would finally result in lower body temperature and considerable weight loss. This might indicate that the HDL was set at a higher level than peripheral limits for Swiss mice exposed to a consecutive decrease in ambient temperatures.
Lack of prediction for high-temperature exposures enhances Drosophila place learning
Authors: Sitaraman Divya , Zars Troy 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARY
Animals receive rewards and punishments in different patterns. Sometimes stimuli or behaviors can become predictors of future good or bad events. Through learning, experienced animals can then avoid new but similar bad situations, or actively seek those conditions that give rise to good results. Not all good or bad events, however, can be accurately predicted. Interestingly, unpredicted exposure to presumed rewards or punishments can inhibit or enhance later learning, thus linking the two types of experiences. In Drosophila, place memories can be readily formed; indeed, memory was enhanced by exposing flies to high temperatures that are unpaired from place or behavioral contingencies. Whether it is the exposure to high temperatures per se or the lack of prediction about the exposure that is crucial for memory enhancement is unknown. Through yoking experiments, we show that the uncertainty about exposure to high temperatures positively biases later place memory. However, the unpredicted exposures to high temperature do not alter thermosensitivity. Thus, the uncertainty bias does not alter thermosensory processes. An unidentified system is proposed to buffer the high-temperature reinforcement information to influence place learning when accurate predictions can be identified.