bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commercializing Open Science: Deep Space Communications as the Lead Market for Shannon Theory, 1960–73
Authors: West Joel 
Published: November 2008

abstractRecent research on the commercialization of scientific discoveries has emphasized the use of formal intellectual property rights (notably patents) as a mechanism for aligning the academic and entrepreneurial incentives for commercialization. Without such explicit intellectual property rights and licensing, how is such open science commercialized? This paper examines the commercialization of Claude Shannon's theory of communications, developed at and freely disseminated by Bell Telephone Laboratories. It analyses the first 25 years of Shannon theory, the role of MIT in developing and extending that theory, and the importance of deep space communications as the initial market for commercialization. It contrasts the early paths of two MIT‐related spinoffs that pursued this opportunity, including key technical and business trajectories driven by information theory. Based on this evidence, the paper provides observations about commercializing open science, particularly for engineering‐related fields.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme genotype and encephalopathy in Chernobyl cleanup workers
Authors: Kehoe A. D. , Nikiforov A. M. , Alexanin S. S. , Neronov E. G. , Tikhomirova O. V. , Shun’kov V. B. , Makarova N. V. , Rabinovich E. , Usmanova N. M. , Kazakov V. I. , Slozina N. M. , Montgomery H. E. 
Published: November 2008

Background and purpose:  To identify, using a genetic model, a key role for the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the development of dyscirculatory encephalopathy (DE) in Chernobyl cleanup workers (CCW). The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene denotes a substantial individual variation in RAS activity with the D‐allele being associated with higher ACE activity.Methods:  Ninety‐three male, Caucasian CCW were recruited from those under regular review at the All‐Russia Centre of Emergency and Radiation Medicine, St. Petersburg. The presence or absence of DE was determined using existing institutional guidelines. ACE genotype was determined using internationally accepted methodologies.Results:  Angiotensin‐converting enzyme genotype distribution in 59 subjects with DE was II: 10 (17%), ID: 31 (53%), DD: 18 (30%), D‐allele frequency 56.8%. Whereas in those without the condition the distribution was II: 12 (35%), ID: 19 (56%), DD 3 (9%) and D‐allele frequency 35.9% (P = 0.02).Conclusions:  These data are the first to identify an association between the ACE D‐allele and DE in CCW. They provide evidence of a significant role for the RAS in the development of DE and suggest that clinical trials of ACE inhibition would be profitable in this group.
Mobility and balance in Parkinson’s disease: a population‐based study
Authors: Matinolli M. , Korpelainen J. T. , Korpelainen R. , Sotaniemi K. A. , Matinolli V.‐M. , Myllylä V. V. 
Published: November 2008

Background and purpose:  To assess the clinical correlates of mobility and balance, and to identify the risk factors for falls in Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods:  One‐hundred and nineteen PD patients underwent clinical examination and tests for mobility and balance using the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, walking speed, and the measurement of postural sway.Results:  The fallers (35% of the subjects) performed significantly worse in the TUG test than the non‐fallers, and they also had a slower walking speed (P = 0.037 and P = 0.006, respectively). The total Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score and age were positively associated with the TUG‐test score. The severity of the disease and the use of walking aids correlated negatively with the walking speed, whereas the use of dopamine agonists was positively associated with the walking speed. The UPDRS total score [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.01–1.07] and increased postural sway (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02–1.54) were independent risk factors for falling in PD.Conclusion:  Advanced age and severity of the disease are related to impaired mobility and balance in PD patients. The severity of the disease and increased postural sway seem to be the most important independent risk factors for falling in PD.
European Stock Markets and the ECB's Monetary Policy Surprises*
Authors: Bohl Martin T. , Siklos Pierre L. , Sondermann David 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThis paper contributes to the literature measuring the response of stock markets to monetary policy actions. We analyse the reaction of European stock market returns to unexpected interest rate decisions by the European Central Bank (ECB). Endogeneity between interest rate changes and stock returns is taken into account using the identification through the heteroscedasticity approach. Relying on different methods to extract monetary policy shocks, we find a negative and significant relation between unexpected ECB decisions and European stock market performance. Moreover, monetary policy decisions of the ECB are well anticipated by the market, implying that the central bank successfully communicates its monetary policy.
Unlocking the potential to influence government skills policy: a case study of the UK construction industry
Authors: Morgan Arthur , Raidén Ani , Naylor Gerald 
Published: November 2008

Despite a series of national policy initiatives aimed at addressing skills shortages in a number of sectors, little evidence of longer‐term change is apparent. This paper examines concerns expressed by small businesses that their local views are not sought or considered when national training policies and initiatives are either being developed or being implemented, and that the investment in skills development does not appear to adequately represent their skills needs.The research was carried out on the UK construction industry, which is characterized by a small number of large contractors who employ mainly managerial and professional staff, and a large number of small, micro‐ and self‐employed firms that provide, on a subcontract basis, the majority of the industry's demand for a skilled manual workforce. The identification and delivery of vocational education and training at an industry level rests firmly on addressing the skills needs of the small and micro‐type organizations and not those of the large construction firms, although it is the voice of the larger firms that appears to dominate the skills and training development agenda.The public policy model that articulates the requirements for training and skills development in the UK is based on sector‐specific skills councils. This model is examined in relation to the construction sector by drawing upon the experiences of the South Wales region as a case study. Findings indicate that the current construction skills framework, upon which public policy is formulated and delivered, fails to adequately reflect the structure, skills and training priorities of the industry. The tensions that exist in this system are highlighted and the implications for reform of public policy articulation with regard to sector skills councils are discussed.
The transcription factor ATF5: role in neurodevelopment and neural tumors
Authors: Greene Lloyd A. , Lee Hae Young , Angelastro James M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe review recent findings regarding the properties of ATF5 and the major roles that this transcription factor plays in development of the nervous system and in survival of neural tumors. ATF5 is a widely expressed basic leucine zipper protein that has been subject to limited characterization. It is highly expressed in zones of neuroprogenitor cell proliferation. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that it functions there to promote neuroprogenitor cell expansion and to suppress their differentiation into neurons or glia. ATF5 expression is down‐regulated by trophic factors and this is required for their capacity to promote neuroprogenitor cell cycle exit and differentiation into either neurons, oligodendroglia or astrocytes. ATF5 is also highly expressed in a number of tumor types, including neural tumors such as neuroblastomas, medulloblastomas and glioblastomas. Examination of the role of ATF5 in glioblastoma cells indicates that interference with its expression or activity causes them to undergo apoptotic death. In contrast, normal astrocytes and neurons do not appear to require ATF5 for survival, indicating that it may be a selective target for treatment of glioblastomas and other neural neoplasias. Further studies are needed to identify the transcriptional targets of ATF5 and the mechanisms by which its expression is regulated in neuroprogenitors and tumors.
Axonal degeneration and regeneration: a mechanistic tug‐of‐war
Authors: Hilliard Massimo A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAxonal degeneration is a common hallmark of both nerve injury and many neurodegenerative conditions, including motor neuron disease, glaucoma, and Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s diseases. Degeneration of the axonal compartment is distinct from neuronal cell death, and often precedes or is associated with the appearance of the symptoms of the disease. A complementary process is the regeneration of the axon, which is commonly observed following nerve injury in many invertebrate neurons and in a number of vertebrate neurons of the PNS. Important discoveries, together with innovative imaging techniques, are now paving the way towards a better understanding of the dynamics and molecular mechanisms underlying these two processes. In this study, I will discuss these recent findings, focusing on the balance between axonal degeneration and regeneration.
Characterization of methanogenic and prokaryotic assemblages based on mcrA and 16S rRNA gene diversity in sediments of the Kazan mud volcano (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: KORMAS K. A. , MEZITI A. , DÄHLMANN A. , DE LANGE G. J. , LYKOUSIS V. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe diversity of the methyl‐coenzyme reductase A (mcrA) and 16S rRNA genes was investigated in gas hydrate containing sediment from the Kazan mud volcano, eastern Mediterranean Sea. mcrA was detected only at 15 and 20 cm below seafloor (cmbsf) from a 40‐cm long push core, while based on chemical profiles of methane, sulfate, and sulfide, possible anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) depth was inferred at 12–15 cmbsf. The phylogenetic relationships of the obtained mcrA, archaeal and bacterial 16S rRNA genes, showed that all the found sequences were found in both depths and at similar relative abundances. mcrA diversity was low. All sequences were related to the Methanosarcinales, with the most dominant (77.2%) sequences falling in group mcrA‐e. The 16S rRNA‐based archaeal diversity also revealed low diversity and clear dominance (72.8% of all archaeal phylotypes) of the Methanosarcinales and, in particular, ANME‐2c. Bacteria showed higher diversity but 83.2% of the retrieved phylotypes from both sediment layers belonged to the δ‐Proteobacteria. These phylotypes fell in the SEEP‐SRB1 putative AOM group. In addition, the rest of the less abundant phylotypes were related to yet‐uncultivated representatives of the Actinobacteria, Spirochaetales, and candidate divisions OP11 and WS3 from gas hydrate‐bearing habitats. These phylotype patterns indicate that AOM is occurring in the 15 and 20 cmbsf sediment layers.
Microbial thiosulphate reaction arrays: the interactive roles of Fe(III), O2 and microbial strain on disproportionation and oxidation pathways
Authors: WARREN L. A , NORLUND K. L. I , BERNIER L. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTIn this work, we experimentally evaluate pH and dynamics associated with abiotic and microbial oxidation under varying [O2], [Fe(III)] and microbial strain/consortia (two pure strains, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, their consortia, and two enrichments from an acidic environmental system, Moose Lake 2002 and Moose Lake 2003). Results of the batch experiments demonstrate highly active microbial processing of while abiotic controls under identical experimental conditions remain static with no pH decrease. When abiotic controls were manually titrated with acid to achieve similar pH decreases to those occurring in the microbial treatments, different S pathways were involved. In particular, disproportionation is a substantial component of initial microbial processing, and is accelerated by the presence of Fe(III), indicating that recycling of S through intermediate oxidation states is likely to be widespread in acidic mine environments where high [Fe(III)] is common. Furthermore, the microbially mediated S reaction pathways were dependent on both environmental conditions and microbial strain/consortia, indicating that microbial community structure also plays a key role. Collectively, these results highlight the importance of microbial activity, their poor representation by abiotic S models, the likelihood that Fe(III), rather than O2, is a key control on microbial S processing in acid environments and the need to identify the microbial community/strain involved.
A high‐resolution chemical and structural study of framboidal pyrite formed within a low‐temperature bacterial biofilm
Authors: MACLEAN L. C. W. , TYLISZCZAK T. , GILBERT P. U. P. A. , ZHOU D. , PRAY T. J. , ONSTOTT T. C. , SOUTHAM G. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTA novel, anaerobically grown microbial biofilm, scraped from the inner surface of a borehole, 1474 m below land surface within a South African, Witwatersrand gold mine, contains framboidal pyrite. Water flowing from the borehole had a temperature of 30.9 °C, a pH of 7.4, and an Eh of –50 mV. Examination of the biofilm using X‐ray diffraction, field emission gun scanning electron microscope equipped for energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis demonstrated that the framboids formed within a matrix of bacteria and biopolymers. Focused ion beam sectioning of framboids followed by NEXAFS measurements using both scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron emission microscopy revealed that the pyrite crystals grew within an organic carbon matrix consisting of exopolysaccharides and possibly extracellular DNA, which is intuitively important in sulfide mineral diagenesis. Growth of individual pyrite crystals within the framboid occurred inside organic templates confirms the association between framboidal pyrite and organic materials in low‐temperature diagenetic environments and the important role of microenvironments in biofilms in regulating geochemical cycles.
MONETARY POLICY INDICATORS AS PREDICTORS OF STOCK RETURNS
Authors: Becher David A. , Jensen Gerald R. , Mercer Jeffrey M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe explore the linkage between stock return predictability and the monetary sector by examining alternative proxies for monetary policy. Using two complementary methods, we document that failure to condition on the Fed's broad policy stance causes a substantial understatement in the ability of monetary policy measures to predict returns. Industry analyses suggest that cross‐industry return differences are also linked to changes in monetary conditions, as monetary policy has the strongest (weakest) relation with returns for cyclical (defensive) industries. Overall, we find that monetary conditions have a prominent and systematic relation with future stock returns, even in the presence of business conditions.
ADAPTIVE MESH MODELING AND BARRIER OPTION PRICING UNDER A JUMP‐DIFFUSION PROCESS
Authors: Albert Michael , Fink Jason , Fink Kristin E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe computational burden of numerical barrier option pricing is significant, even prohibitive, for some parameterizations—especially for more realistic models of underlying asset behavior, such as jump diffusions. We extend a binomial jump diffusion pricing algorithm into a trinomial setting and demonstrate how an adaptive mesh may fit into the model. Our result is a barrier option pricing method that employs fewer computational resources, reducing run times substantially. We demonstrate that this extension allows the pricing of options that were previously computationally infeasible and examine the parameterizations in which use of the adaptive mesh is most beneficial.
Availability and Characteristics of Nonbeverage Alcohols Sold in 17 Russian Cities in 2007
Authors: Gil Artyom , Polikina Olga , Koroleva Natalia , McKee Martin , Tomkins Susannah , Leon David A. 
Published: November 2008

Background:  It is known that a range of nonbeverage alcohols including eau‐de‐colognes and medicinal tinctures are consumed by sections of the Russian population. Research conducted in a city in the Urals (2003 to 2005) showed that consumption of such products is associated with very high mortality from a wide range of causes. However, there have been no systematic attempts to investigate the extent to which such products are available in other cities of the Russian Federation. There is particular interest in establishing this following the introduction of new federal regulations in January 2006 aimed at restricting the availability of these products.Methods:  In the first half of 2007, we conducted a survey in 17 cities that spanned the full range of city types in the Russian Federation excluding those in the Far East. In each city, fieldworkers visited pharmacies and other types of retail outlets and purchased samples of nonbeverage alcohols. These were defined as being typically 10 to 15 roubles per bottle, with an ethanol concentration of at least 60% by volume.Results:  We were able to purchase samples of nonbeverage alcohols in each of the 17 cities we investigated. The majority of the 271 products included were a cheaper and more affordable source of ethanol than standard Russian vodka. Medicinal tinctures, sold almost exclusively in pharmacies, were particularly common with an average concentration of 78% ethanol by volume. Most importantly, the majority of the products were of a sort that our previous research in 2004 to 2005 had established were drunk by working‐age men.Conclusions:  While the 2006 federal regulations introduced in part to reduce the availability and consumption of nonbeverage alcohols may have had some effect on certain classes of nonmedicinal products, up until June 2007 at least, medicinal tinctures as well as some other nonbeverage alcohols that are consumed appear to have been readily available.
An Intravascular Ultrasound Study of Cypher, Taxus, and Endeavor Stents on Relation between Neointimal Proliferation and Residual Plaque Burden
Authors: LEE CHI‐HANG , ZHANG JUNJIE , KAILASAM ANAND , TAI BEE‐CHOO , YE FEI , LOW ADRIAN F. , HOU XUMIN , HAY EDOURDO TIN , TEO SWEE‐GUAN , LIM YEAN‐TENG , CHEN SHAOLIANG , TAN HUAY‐CHEEM 
Published: November 2008

Background: Studies on balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, and bare metal stent have shown a direct relation between residual plaque burden and restenosis. We investigated the relation between residual plaque burden and neointimal proliferation after drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation.
Methods: Over a period of 12 months, 65 patients (Cypher, n = 25; Taxus, n = 28; Endeavor, n = 12) from two centers underwent intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examination at 8.2 (interquartile range 6.8–9.5) months after coronary stent implantation in native de novo coronary arteries. IVUS images were acquired with motorized pullback at 0.5 mm/s, and cross‐sectional measurements were performed within the stents at 1‐mm intervals. The following measurements were obtained: (1) lumen area (LA), (2) stent area (SA), (3) external elastic membrane area (EEMA), (4) percent neointimal hyperplasia area (SA‐LA/SA) × 100, and (5) percent residual plaque area (EEMA‐SA)/EEMA × 100.
Results: The analysis of 1,173 cross sections (Cypher, n = 436; Taxus, n = 532, Endeavor, n = 205) using mixed model to account for intrasubject correlation showed an absence of relation between percent residual plaque area and percent neointimal hyperplasia area (P = 0.189). Mean residual plaque burden outside the stent for Cypher, Taxus, and Endeavor groups was similar (45.7%, 44.8%, and 42.4%, respectively). Mean percent neointimal hyperplasia area for the Cypher, Taxus, and Endeavor groups was 12.0%, 15.0%, and 16.2%, respectively (P = 0.163).
Conclusion: In patients after first‐generation DES implantation and without significant in‐stent restenosis, late in‐stent neointimal proliferation is not related to the amount of residual plaque burden after stent implantation. This suggests against routine plaque removal before DES implantation to reduce neointimal proliferation.
Lesion Complexity and Angiographic Outcomes in Radial Access Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: ROBERTS ELVED BRYN , RATHORE SUDHIR , BEAUMONT ANDREW , ALAHMAR ALBERT E. , ANDRON MOHAMMED , PALMER NICHOLAS D. , PERRY RAPHAEL A. , STABLES RODNEY H. 
Published: November 2008

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is increasingly performed from the radial arterial (RA) access site. Few studies have examined the interaction between a default radial approach, lesion complexity, and angiographic outcome. This study investigates lesion complexity, arterial access route, and angiographic outcome in routine clinical practice by default radial operators.
Methods: All cases of PCI over a 12‐month period (Jan 2005 to Jan 2006) at our regional cardiac center were prospectively entered into a database detailing arterial access route, target vessel and lesion characteristics, and lesion‐specific angiographic outcome. Angiographic success was defined as residual stenosis <50% for balloon angioplasty alone or <20% for a stented lesion in the presence of TIMI 3 flow in the target vessel. All procedures carried out by default radial operators were selected for further retrospective analysis. Reasons for not completing a case via the radial route were recorded. Radial and femoral cases by default radial operators were evaluated on grounds of lesion complexity and angiographic outcome for each treated lesion.
Results: RA was the intended route in 91.5% of 1,324 procedures (91.5% of 2,239 lesions), and the final route in 90.1% of procedures (90.2% of lesions). There were 19 crossover procedures (30 lesions), all from radial to femoral access (FA). Crossovers were due to failed radial artery cannulation or sheath placement (9 procedures), inability to advance the guide catheter into the aortic root (7 procedures), and other guide catheter handling or support issues (3 procedures). Counting crossovers as failures, angiographic success rate was 96% among lesions for which RA was the primary intention. Complexity of cases was high (80.1% of RA lesions ACC/AHA type B2 or C).
Conclusions: A default radial approach is compatible with successful treatment of a wide range of coronary lesions, with a low incidence of crossover to femoral access. When the radial approach fails, it is usually due to access problems rather than issues of guide catheter handling and support.