bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soundtrack: An Auditory Interface for Blind Users (Abstract Only)
Authors: Edwards Alistair D. N. 
Published: January 2007

Throughout the history of human-computer interface development
one aspect has remained constant: output from computers has been
almost entirely visual. A continued and increasing reliance on
visual communication has had a disadvantageous effect on users who
have visual disabilities. A visual interface is of no use to a user
who is completely blind: communication must use one of the other
senses, and hearing is an obvious candidate.
A number of human-computer interfaces have been developed and
adapted into an auditory form based on the use of synthetic speech.
However, for modern interfaces which use more complex displays,
synthetic speech is not sufficient. One attempt to adapt such a
mouse-based interface into an auditory form based on musical tones
and synthetic speech is described. This project involved the
development of a word processor called Soundtrack with an auditory
interface. Evaluation of this application suggests that the
approach is viable, but that it was difficult to use, and there are
significant research questions still to be addressed.
Design of a browsing interface for information retrieval
Authors: Godin R. , Pichet C. , Gecsei J. 
Published: January 2007

In conventional Boolean retrieval systems, users have difficulty controlling the amount of output obtained from a given query. This paper describes the design of a user interface which permits gradual enlargement or refinement of the user's query by browsing through a graph of term and document subsets. This graph is obtained from a lattice automatically generated from the usual document-term relation. The major design features of the proposed interface are the integration of menu, fill-in the blank and direct manipulation modes of interaction within the “fisheye view” [Furnas, 1986] paradigm. A prototype user interface incorporating some of these ideas has been implemented on a microcomputer.
The resulting interface is well adapted to various kinds of users and needs. More experienced users with a particular subject in mind can directly specify a query which results into a jump to a particular vertex in the graph. From there, the user can refine his initial query by browsing through the graph from that point on. On the other hand, casual users without any prior knowledge of the contents of the system or users without any particular subject in mind can freely navigate through the graph without ever specifying any query.
Editor's note
Authors: Wurman Peter R. 
Published: January 2007

Editor's Note: Welcome to Issue 3.2
This issue starts off with an article by Pier Luca Lanzi and Alessandro Strada in which they study the results of the second Trading Agent Competition (TAC-01). Through statistical analysis of the public data available about the competition, Lanzi and Strada are able to show that the TAC game qualitatively (but not quantitatively) succeeds at differentiating among agent strategies.
The second article, by Indrajit and Inkdrakshi Ray, provides a survey of results in the study of fair exchange models. Fair exchange mechanisms provide a means by which two parties involved in a transaction can be sure that (a) either both parties get their due, or neither do, or (b) evidence is collected to prove which party violated the contract.
The paper by Srinivasan Jagannathan and Kevin Almeroth presents an overview of some of the issues related to pricing digital content on the Internet. It is well known that building a business model based on the delivery of digital content is challenging because the marginal cost of delivering to one more customer tends to zero.
Finally, Kah-Sing Chan presents a study of the usability of electronic storefronts. The study is based on an analysis of the navigational organization of the web site and survey data collected from web site users. The findings suggest that retailers have a long way to go towards adopting proven, usable designs for their sites.
Enjoy,

Peter Wurman,
Editor-in-Chief
Microprocessors for non-numeric processing
Authors: Zaky S. G. 
Published: January 2007

The problem of processing of non-numeric data has received considerable attention in the last few years. This is primarily motivate by the pressing needs in the are a of data base management. It has long been recognized that the parallel processing capabilities of an associative processor are fundamentally well suited to this environment. However, the complexity and cost of truely associative memories make this approach impractical. In this paper, the demands that non-numeric processing place on memory and processor hardware are discussed. Some emerging trends are presented, and a suggestion is given regarding the development of a “general purpose” microprocessor that is suited to this environment.
Basically, the microprocessor discussed here is capable of performing simple search and update functions on a high speed, serial data stream. Therefore, it is suited to any application where such a situation is encountered, such as in digital communications.
Techniques for efficient inline tracing on a shared-memory multiprocessor
Authors: Eggers S. J. , Keppel David R. , Koldinger Eric J. , Levy Henry M. 
Published: January 2007

While much current research concerns multiprocessor design, few traces of parallel programs are available for analyzing the effect of design trade-offs. Existing trace collection methods have serious drawbacks: trap-driven methods often slow down program execution by more than 1000 times, significantly perturbing program behavior; microcode modification is faster, but the technique is neither general nor portable.This paper describes a new tool, called MPTRACE, for collecting traces of multithreaded parallel programs executing on shared-memory multiprocessors. MPTRACE requires no hardware or microcode modification; it collects complete program traces; it is portable; and it reduces execution-time dilation to less than a factor 3. MPTRACE is based on inline tracing, in which a program is automatically modified to produce trace information as it executes. We show how the use of compiler flow analysis techniques can reduce the amount of data collected and therefore the runtime dilation of the traced program. We also discuss problematic issues concerning buffering and writing of trace data on a multiprocessor.
Performance evaluation of a commercial cache-coherent shared memory multiprocessor
Authors: Jog Rajeev , Vitale Philip L. , Callister James R. 
Published: January 2007

This paper describes an approximate Mean Value Analysis (MVA) model developed to project the performance of a small-scale shared-memory commercial symmetric multiprocessor system. The system, based on Hewlett Packard Precision Architecture processors, supports multiple active user processes and multiple execution threads within the operating system.
Using detailed timing for hardware delays, a customized approximate closed queueing model is developed for the multiprocessor system. The model evaluates delays due to bus and memory contention, and cache interference. It predicts bus bandwidth requirements and utilizations for the bus and memory controllers. An extension to handle I/O traffic is outlined.
Applications are profiled on the basis of execution traces on uniprocessor systems to provide inputs parameters for the model. Performance effects of various detailed architectural tradeoffs (memory interleaving, lower memory latencies) are examined. The sensitivity of overall system performance to various parameters is explored. Preliminary measurements of uniprocessor systems are compared against the model predictions. A prototype multiprocessor system is under development. We intend to validate the modeling results against measurements.
Adaptive window flow control and learning algorithms for adaptive routing in data networks
Authors: Vasilakos Athanasios V. , Moschonas Christos A. , Paximadis Constantinos T. 
Published: January 2007

We present a new adaptive flow control algorithm together with learning routing algorithms.
The key performance measure in both algorithms is packet delay. Window adjustment and route selection are based on delay measurements. Simulation results have shown the superiority of the new scheme over existing algorithms.
Measuring the Ensemble Spread–Error Relationship with a Probabilistic Approach: Stochastic Ensemble Results
Authors: Grimit Eric P. , Mass Clifford F. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
One widely accepted measure of the utility of ensemble prediction systems is the relationship between ensemble spread and deterministic forecast accuracy. Unfortunately, this relationship is often characterized by spread–error linear correlations, which oversimplify the true spread–error relationship and ignore the possibility that some end users have categorical sensitivities to forecast error. In the present paper, a simulation study is undertaken to estimate the idealized spread–error statistics for stochastic ensemble prediction systems of a finite size. Under a variety of spread–error metrics, the stochastic ensemble spread–error joint distributions are characterized by increasing scatter as the ensemble spread grows larger. A new method is introduced that recognizes the inherent nonlinearity of spread–error joint distributions and capitalizes on the fact that the probability of large forecast errors increases with ensemble spread. The ensemble spread–error relationship is measured by the skill of probability forecasts that are constructed from a history of ensemble-mean forecast errors using only cases with similar ensemble spread. Thus, the value of ensemble spread information is quantified by the ultimate benefit that is realized by end users of the probability forecasts based on these conditional-error climatologies. It is found that the skill of conditional-error-climatology forecasts based on stochastic ensemble spread is nearly equal to the skill of probability forecasts constructed directly from the raw ensemble statistics. The skill is largest for cases with anomalous spread and smallest for cases with near-normal spread. These results reinforce the findings of earlier studies and affirm that the temporal variability of ensemble spread controls its potential value as a predictor. Additionally, it is found that the skill of spread-based error probability forecasts is maximized when the chosen spread metric is consistent with the end user’s cost function.
A Hybrid Kalman Filter Algorithm for Large-Scale Atmospheric Chemistry Data Assimilation
Authors: Hanea R. G. , Velders G. J. M. , Segers A. J. , Verlaan M. , Heemink A. W. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
In the past, a number of algorithms have been introduced to solve data assimilation problems for large-scale applications. Here, several Kalman filters, coupled to the European Operational Smog (EUROS) atmospheric chemistry transport model, are used to estimate the ozone concentrations in the boundary layer above Europe. Two Kalman filter algorithms, the reduced-rank square root (RRSQRT) and the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), were implemented in a prior study. To combine the best features of these two filters, a hybrid filter was constructed by making use of the reduced-rank approximation of the covariance matrix as a variance reducer for the EnKF. This hybrid algorithm, complementary orthogonal subspace filter for efficient ensembles (COFFEE), is coupled to the EUROS model. The performance of all algorithms is compared in terms of residual errors and number of EUROS model evaluations. The COFFEE results score somewhere between the EnKF and RRSQRT results for less than approximately 30 model evaluations. For more than approximately 30 model evaluations, the COFFEE results are, in all cases, better than the EnKF and RRSQRT results. The results of the COFFEE simulations with more than about 60 model evaluations proved to be significantly better than all the EnKF and RRSQRT simulations (even better than those with 100 and 200 modes or ensemble members). The performance of both the EnKF- and RRSQRT-type filters is affected by the nonlinear properties of the model and observation operator, because both rely on linearization to some extent. To further study this aspect, several measures of nonlinearity were calculated and linked with the performance of these algorithms.
Importance of Forecast Error Multivariate Correlations in Idealized Assimilations of GPS Radio Occultation Data with the Ensemble Adjustment Filter
Authors: Liu Hui , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Kuo Ying-Hwa , Raeder Kevin 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The importance of multivariate forecast error correlations between specific humidity, temperature, and surface pressure in perfect model assimilations of Global Positioning System radio occultation (RO) refractivity data is examined using the Ensemble Adjustment Filter (EAF) and the NCAR global Community Atmospheric Model, version 3. The goal is to explore whether inclusion of the multivariate forecast error correlations in the background term of 3D and 4D variational data assimilation systems (3DVAR and 4DVAR, respectively) is likely to improve RO data assimilation in the troposphere. It is not possible to explicitly neglect multivariate forecast error correlations with the EAF because they are not used directly in the algorithm. Instead, the filter only makes use of the forecast error correlations between observed quantities (RO here) and model state variables. However, because the forecast error correlations for RO observations are dominated by correlations with a subset of state variable types in certain regions, the importance of multivariate forecast error correlations between state variables can be indirectly assessed. This is done by setting the forecast error correlations of RO observations and some state variables (e.g., temperature) to zero in a set of assimilation experiments. Comparing these experiments to a control in which all state variables are impacted by RO observations allows an indirect assessment of the importance of multivariate correlations between state variables not impacted by the observations and those that are impacted. Results suggest that proper specification of the multivariate forecast error correlations in 3DVAR and 4DVAR systems should improve the analysis of specific humidity, surface pressure, and temperature in the troposphere when assimilating RO data.
The Statistical Characteristics of Convective Cells in a Monsoon Regime (Darwin, Northern Australia)
Authors: May Peter T. , Ballinger Andrew 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
A season of operational cell and track data from Darwin, Australia, has been analyzed to explore the statistical characteristics of the convective cell heights. The statistics for the monsoon and break regimes are significantly different with the break season cells being higher for a given reflectivity threshold. The monsoon cells produce more rain, but there are fewer intense cells and there is a much larger contribution from stratiform rain. The monsoon cells are also slightly larger, but shorter lived than the breaks. The shorter lifetime may reflect a more rapid transition to a longer-lived stratiform character. The monsoon regime is shown to be associated with large-scale ascent and higher humidity that may lead to more frequent, but weaker cells. Within regimes, the subset of intense cells generally reach near the tropopause or overshoot. However, there is little evidence in the data for a multimodal distribution of cell heights, except perhaps for the intense monsoon cases. Instead, the picture is a continuous distribution of cell heights with the peak of the distribution shifting to higher values as the distributions are conditioned on higher reflectivity.
A Consistent Time-Split Numerical Scheme Applied to the Nonhydrostatic Compressible Equations*
Authors: Gassmann Almut , Herzog Hans-Joachim 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The primary interest of the paper is to apply a two-time-level split explicit time scheme developed by one of the authors to the Lokal-Modell (LM) of the German Weather Service (DWD). This model belongs to the operational NWP system at DWD, which makes it particularly interesting for this study. To better understand the implementation of this time scheme in a compressible nonhydrostatic model type, and so in the LM, a linear analysis is presented demonstrating how the equations are to be split up into fast- and slow-mode parts. For the fast-mode part, this analysis demonstrates how the connected short time-step scheme is necessary for a consistent treatment of gravity modes on the one side and a sufficient damping of acoustic modes on the other side. An extended linear stability analysis for the new splitting scheme follows then to establish its application in a full model. An advantage of the given time scheme is that any forward-in-time and stable advection scheme can be linked with the reformulated fast-mode equation part. A Runge–Kutta third-order-in-time and second-order-in-space scheme (RK3/2) has been applied to the horizontal advection, and the vertical advection terms are treated implicitly. A new consistent lower boundary condition and a radiative upper boundary condition are taken into account. Steady airflow simulations over an isolated mountain (Schär test) and the successful incorporation of the Klemp–Durran–Bougeault radiative upper boundary condition in the vertically implicit fast-mode scheme confirm the given approach as necessary and effective for the application of the time scheme.
Attitudes of Nursing Staff Towards Co-Workers Returning from Psychiatric and Physical Illnesses
Authors: Glozier Nick , Hough Caroline , Henderson Max , Holland-Elliott Kevin 
Published: January 2007

Background: Co-worker support, or lack of it, plays an important role in the contribution of workplace pressure to psychiatric illness and rehabilitation after sickness. Aims: To develop and validate a measure to compare attitudes towards coworkers with different illnesses to identify specific aspects of colleagues’ attitudes which may hinder the reintegration in the workplace after sickness absence of individuals with common psychiatric conditions. Method: A measure of co-worker behavioural concern was developed and validated using focus groups and a pilot study to determine questionnaire items. This was followed by a cross-sectional survey of 532 nursing staff within a UK hospital assessing attitudes to vignettes of a co-worker with different embedded diagnoses. Results: A measure of attitudes to co-workers was developed and validated. In the survey of nurses this revealed that attitudes were significantly more negative towards co-workers returning after psychiatric illnesses than to those with diabetes. Those with alcohol problems were held in particularly low esteem. Conclusions: Psychiatric illnesses are stigmatised compared with physical illnesses, with the degree of behavioural blame evidently important. Co-worker reliability, predictability and coping were more important issues than particular work-related skills and could be incorporated into return-to-work plans.
Sexual dysfunction in females with multiple sclerosis: quantitative sensory testing
Authors: Gruenwald Ilan , Vardi Yoram , Gartman Irena , Juven Elizabeth , Sprecher Elliot , Yarnitsky David , Miller Ariel 
Published: January 2007

Introduction and objectives Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is highly prevalent (45–74%) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) has recently been used to assess normal neural function of the female genitalia. In this study we used QST for assessment of the genital neural function of female MS patients. Materials and methods We examined 41 female MS patients aged 21–56, with 10 years median disease duration. Each patient had a neurological examination, and evaluation of sexual function (SF) by both questionnaire and a focused interview. QST wasperformed at the clitoris and vagina for temperature and vibratory stimuli, by method of limits. Results By questionnaire, 25 patients (61%) had FSD; the most common complaints were decreased libido (61%) and orgasmic disturbances (54%). Sensory deficit was very common–significant correlations were found between high sensory thresholds and FSD parameters; the most significant correlation was between clitoral vibratory sensation and orgasmic dysfunction (r=0.423, P=0.006). Another interesting significant association was found between cerebellar deficit and orgasmic dysfunction (P=0.0012). Conclusions This study suggests that QST of the genitalia, specifically clitoral vibration, may be a useful test for detecting sexual dysfunction in MS patients, and supports an important role of the cerebellum in SF.
Anxiety disorders and their clinical correlates in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Korostil M , Feinstein A 
Published: January 2007

Objective To assess prevalence rates and clinical correlates of anxiety disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods Demographic and neurological data were collected on 140 consecutive clinic attendees, and their lifetime and point prevalences of anxiety disorders were determined with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV disorders (SCID-IV). All subjects completed the self-report Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Suicidal intent was rated with the Beck Suicide Scale (BSS), psychosocial stressors and supports were quantified with Social Stress and Support Interview (SSSI), and cognition assessed with Neuropsychological Screening Battery for MS. Results The lifetime prevalence of any anxiety disorder was 35.7%, with panic disorder (10%), obsessive compulsive disorder (8.6%), and generalized anxiety disorder (18.6%), the most common diagnoses obtained. Subjects with an anxiety disorder were more likely to be female, have a history of depression, drink to excess, report higher social stress and have contemplated suicide. The diagnosis of an anxiety disorder had been missed in the majority of subjects, therefore, they had not received treatment. A discriminant function analysis identified a series of variables that correctly classified 75% of patients with an anxiety disorder. Conclusion Anxiety disorders are common in patients with MS, but are frequently overlooked and under-treated. Risk factors include being female, a co-morbid diagnosis of depression, and limited social support. Clinicians should evaluate all MS subjects for anxiety disorders, as they represent a treatable cause of disability in MS.
The BH3-mimetic GX15-070 synergizes with bortezomib in mantle cell lymphoma by enhancing Noxa-mediated activation of Bak
Authors: Pérez-Galán Patricia , Roué Gaël , Villamor Neus , Campo Elias , Colomer Dolors 
Published: January 2007

AbstractMantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma resistant to conventional chemotherapy. The Bcl-2 pathway is deregulated in these tumors and may represent an interesting target for new therapeutic strategies. The new small-molecule pan–Bcl-2 inhibitor GX15-070 mimics BH3-only proteins by binding to multiple antiapoptotic Bcl-2 members. Here we show that GX15-070 induced apoptosis in vitro in MCL cell lines and primary cells from patients with MCL by releasing Bak from Mcl-1 and Bcl-XL at short incubation times and low micromolar doses. GX15-070 was effective in cells bearing defective DNA damage-sensor genes or cell-cycle regulators, inducing Bax and Bak conformational changes, mitochondrial depolarization, phosphatidylserine exposure, and caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, GX15-070 synergized with bortezomib, sensitizing MCL cells to low doses of this proteasome inhibitor, by neutralizing bortezomib-induced Mcl-1 accumulation and cooperating with Noxa to induce Bak displacement from this protein. These events led to an increased activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Importantly, GX15-070 alone or in combination with bortezomib showed no significant cytotoxic effect in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. All these findings suggest that GX15-070 alone or in combination with bortezomib represents a new attractive therapeutic approach for MCL treatment.