bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Level design optimization guidelines for game artists using the epic games
Authors: Rubino Christian , Power John 
Published: January 2009

This article aims to provide guidelines for artists during the planning stages of game-level design and production that will anticipate an optimal balancing point between rich graphical content and sufficiently fast frame rates. To achieve this end, a detailed examination will be undertaken on data optimization methods, occlusion systems, and planning strategies with the intention of streamlining game production and level design to give the result of expertly optimized game levels.
The means to achieving this aim are
• to define what factors affect frame rates: terrain, binary space partitioning (bsp), static mesh, decorators, and particle emitters; and
• to discuss potential occlusion solutions and test them: zone fog, anti portals, and zone portals; and
• to combine the results into a guide.
Using occlusion systems in the right way almost always results in faster frame rates and smoother playability, and therefore in an opportunity to supply more or at least maximize the graphical in-game content.
Mysteries of the Nile? Joseph Scaliger and Ancient Egypt Les mystères du Nil? Joseph Scaliger et l'Égypte ancienne
Authors: Dijkstra Jitse 
Published: January 2009

AbstractL'humaniste et savant Joseph Scaliger (1540–1609) est bien connu pour ses œuvres d'astronomie et de chronologies anciennes. Elles contiennent, notamment, des développements consacrés à ces domaines pour ce qui concerne l'Égypte ancienne. Cet article traite de la perspective adoptée par Scaliger sur l'Égypte ancienne, Dans quelle mesure cette perspective fut-elle influencée par l'“Égyptomanie” qui caractérise cette époque? En se fondant sur les œuvres et la correspondance de Scaliger, il s'agit de montrer que, même si son intérêt pour l'Égypte devait beaucoup à ses études en matière de chronologie et d'astronomie, il ne s'est pas limité à ces sujets. De fait, certains passages dans des lettres écrites par lui ou adressées à lui montrent que ses intérêts allaient au-delà. En raison de son approche philologique et de son érudition, ce savant s'est trouvé porté à considérer l'Égypte au même titre que n'importe quel autre pays de l'Antiquité. Aussi s'est-il trouvé en mesure de développer plusieurs idées originales sur l'Égypte ancienne, qui étaient très en avance sur son temps.
From Swedenborg's Spiritual World to Kant's Kingdom of Ends Von der geistigen Welt Swedenborgs zu Kants Reich der Zwecke
Authors: Johnson Gregory 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn diesem Beitrag wird die These aufgestellt, dass Immanuel Kants Konzept des “Reiches der Zwecke” von Emanuel Swedenborgs Konzept der geistigen Welt abgeleitet ist, welches Swedenborg in seinem Werk Arcana Coelestia (“Geheimnisse des Himmels”, 1749–1756) ebenfalls als “Reich der Zwecke” (regnum finium) beschreibt. Der Artikel argumentiert, dass Kant Swedenborgs Arcana Coelestia kurz nach 1760 gelesen hat und dass die Konzeption der geistigen Welt, wie Kant sie in seiner Abhandlung Träume eines Geistersehers von 1766 vorstellt, von Swedenborg abhängig ist. Nimmt man ferner zu Kants veröffentlichten Werken Notizen von Studenten zu seinen Vorlesungen über Metaphysik und Ethik hinzu, zeigt sich im Hinblick auf die geistige Welt eine direkte Linie von den Träumen eines Geistersehers zur Grundlegung zur Metaphysik der Sitten von 1785, in der erstmals der Ausdruck “Reich der Zwecke” im Druck erscheint.
A first-generation microsatellite-based genetic linkage map of the Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus): insights into avian genome evolution
Authors: Jaari Sonja , Li Meng-Hua , Merilä Juha 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBackgroundGenomic resources for the majority of free-living vertebrates of ecological and evolutionary importance are scarce. Therefore, linkage maps with high-density genome coverage are needed for progress in genomics of wild species. The Siberian jay (Perisoreus infaustus; Corvidae) is a passerine bird which has been subject to lots of research in the areas of ecology and evolutionary biology. Knowledge of its genome structure and organization is required to advance our understanding of the genetic basis of ecologically important traits in this species, as well as to provide insights into avian genome evolution.ResultsWe describe the first genetic linkage map of Siberian jay constructed using 117 microsatellites and a mapping pedigree of 349 animals representing five families from a natural population breeding in western Finland from the years 1975 to 2006. Markers were resolved into nine autosomal and a Z-chromosome-specific linkage group, 10 markers remaining unlinked. The best-position map with the most likely positions of all significantly linked loci had a total sex-average size of 862.8 cM, with an average interval distance of 9.69 cM. The female map covered 988.4 cM, whereas the male map covered only 774 cM. The Z-chromosome linkage group comprised six markers, three pseudoautosomal and three sex-specific loci, and spanned 10.6 cM in females and 48.9 cM in males. Eighty-one of the mapped loci could be ordered on a framework map with odds of >1000:1 covering a total size of 809.6 cM in females and 694.2 cM in males. Significant sex specific distortions towards reduced male recombination rates were revealed in the entire best-position map as well as within two autosomal linkage groups. Comparative mapping between Siberian jay and chicken anchored 22 homologous loci on 6 different linkage groups corresponding to chicken chromosomes Gga1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and Z. Quite a few cases of intra-chromosomal rearrangements within the autosomes and three cases of inter-chromosomal rearrangement between the Siberian jay autosomal linkage groups (LG1, LG2 and LG3) and the chicken sex chromosome GgaZ were observed, suggesting a conserved synteny, but changes in marker order, within autosomes during about 100 million years of avian evolution.ConclusionThe constructed linkage map represents a valuable resource for intraspecific genomics of Siberian jay, as well as for avian comparative genomic studies. Apart from providing novel insights into sex-specific recombination rates and patterns, the described maps – from a previously genomically uncharacterized superfamily (Corvidae) of passerine birds – provide new insights into avian genome evolution. In combination with high-resolution data on quantitative trait variability from the study population, they also provide a foundation for QTL-mapping studies.
Asymmetrical distribution of non-conserved regulatory sequences at PHOX2B is reflected at the ENCODE loci and illuminates a possible genome-wide trend
Authors: McGaughey David M , Stine Zachary E , Huynh Jimmy L , Vinton Ryan M , McCallion Andrew S 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Transcriptional regulatory elements are central to development and interspecific phenotypic variation. Current regulatory element prediction tools rely heavily upon conservation for prediction of putative elements. Recent in vitro observations from the ENCODE project combined with in vivo analyses at the zebrafish phox2b locus suggests that a significant fraction of regulatory elements may fall below commonly applied metrics of conservation. We propose to explore these observations in vivo at the human PHOX2B locus, and also evaluate the potential evidence for genome-wide applicability of these observations through a novel analysis of extant data.

Results
Transposon-based transgenic analysis utilizing a tiling path proximal to human PHOX2B in zebrafish recapitulates the observations at the zebrafish phox2b locus of both conserved and non-conserved regulatory elements. Analysis of human sequences conserved with previously identified zebrafish phox2b regulatory elements demonstrates that the orthologous sequences exhibit overlapping regulatory control. Additionally, analysis of non-conserved sequences scattered over 135 kb 5' to PHOX2B, provides evidence of non-conserved regulatory elements positively biased with close proximity to the gene. Furthermore, we provide a novel analysis of data from the ENCODE project, finding a non-uniform distribution of regulatory elements consistent with our in vivo observations at PHOX2B. These observations remain largely unchanged when one accounts for the sequence repeat content of the assayed intervals, when the intervals are sub-classified by biological role (developmental versus non-developmental), or by gene density (gene desert versus non-gene desert).

Conclusion
While regulatory elements frequently display evidence of evolutionary conservation, a fraction appears to be undetected by current metrics of conservation. In vivo observations at the PHOX2B locus, supported by our analyses of in vitro data from the ENCODE project, suggest that the risk of excluding non-conserved sequences in a search for regulatory elements may decrease as distance from the gene increases. Our data combined with the ENCODE data suggests that this may represent a genome wide trend.
Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of erosive esophagitis and Barrett's epithelium in Japanese men
Authors: Akiyama Tomoyuki , Inamori Masahiko , Iida Hiroshi , Mawatari Hironori , Endo Hiroki , Hosono Kunihiro , Yoneda Kyoko , Fujita Koji , Yoneda Masato , Takahashi Hirokazu , Goto Ayumu , Abe Yasunobu , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Kubota Kensuke , Saito Satoru , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Evidence regarding the association between alcohol consumption and the gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) spectrum has been conflicting. We examined the association between alcohol consumption and erosive esophagitis and Barrett's epithelium in Japanese men.

Methods
The study population comprised 463 men subjects who had undergone an upper endoscopy at the Gastroenterology Division of Yokohama City University Hospital between August 2005 and July 2006. The presence of erosive esophagitis and Barrett's epithelium was diagnosed based on the Los Angeles Classification and the Prague C and M Criteria, respectively. We divided the study population into four groups: never drinkers, light drinkers (less than 25.0 g of ethanol per day), moderate drinkers (25.0 to 50.0 g of ethanol per day), and heavy drinkers (more than 50.0 g of ethanol per day). A linear regression of the logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the dose-response trends.

Results
Compared with never drinkers, light drinkers (less than 25.0 g ethanol per day), moderate drinkers (25.0 to 50.0 g per day), and heavy drinkers (more than 50.0 g per day) had ORs for erosive esophagitis of 1.110 (95% CI: 0.553 – 2.228, p = 0.7688), 1.880 (95% CI: 1.015 – 3.484, p = 0.0445) and 1.988 (95% CI: 1.120 – 3.534, p = 0.0190), respectively. These groups had ORs for Barrett's epithelium of 1.278 (95% CI: 0.752 – 2.170, p = 0.3643), 1.458 (95% CI: 0.873 – 2.433, p = 0.1500), and 1.912 (95% CI: 1.185 – 3.086, p = 0.0079), respectively. The odds ratios/grams (alcohol)/day of dose response trends for erosive esophagitis and Barrett's epithelium were 1.015 (95% CI: 1.004–1.026, p = 0.0066) and 1.012 (95% CI: 1.003–1.021, p = 0.0079), respectively.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that alcohol consumption in Japanese men tends to be associated with an increased risk of erosive esophagitis and Barrett's epithelium.
Water aerobics II: maternal body composition and perinatal outcomes after a program for low risk pregnant women
Authors: Cavalcante Sergio R , Cecatti Jose G , Pereira Rosa I , Baciuk Erica P , Bernardo Ana L , Silveira Carla 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of water aerobics during pregnancy.

Methods
A randomized controlled trial carried out in 71 low-risk sedentary pregnant women, randomly allocated to water aerobics or no physical exercise. Maternal body composition and perinatal outcomes were evaluated. For statistical analysis Chi-square, Fisher's or Student's t-tests were applied. Risk ratios and their 95% CI were estimated for main outcomes. Body composition was evaluated across time using MANOVA or Friedman multiple analysis.

Results
There were no significant differences between the groups regarding maternal weight gain, BMI or percentage of body fat during pregnancy. Incidence of preterm births (RR = 0.84; 95%CI:0.28–2.53), vaginal births (RR = 1.24; 95%CI:0.73–2.09), low birthweight (RR = 1.30; 95%CI:0.61–2.79) and adequate weight for gestational age (RR = 1.50; 95%CI:0.65–3.48) were also not significantly different between groups. There were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate between before and immediately after the water aerobics session.

Conclusion
Water aerobics for sedentary pregnant women proved to be safe and was not associated with any alteration in maternal body composition, type of delivery, preterm birth rate, neonatal well-being or weight.
Production of recombinant AAV vectors encoding insulin-like growth factor I is enhanced by interaction among AAV rep regulatory sequences
Authors: Shi Shuiliang , Mercer Scott A , Dilley Robert , Trippel Stephen B 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are promising tools for gene therapy. Currently, their potential is limited by difficulties in producing high vector yields with which to generate transgene protein product. AAV vector production depends in part upon the replication (Rep) proteins required for viral replication. We tested the hypothesis that mutations in the start codon and upstream regulatory elements of Rep78/68 in AAV helper plasmids can regulate recombinant AAV (rAAV) vector production. We further tested whether the resulting rAAV vector preparation augments the production of the potentially therapeutic transgene, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I).

Results
We constructed a series of AAV helper plasmids containing different Rep78/68 start codon in combination with different gene regulatory sequences. rAAV vectors carrying the human IGF-I gene were prepared with these vectors and the vector preparations used to transduce HT1080 target cells. We found that the substitution of ATG by ACG in the Rep78/68 start codon in an AAV helper plasmid (pAAV-RC) eliminated Rep78/68 translation, rAAV and IGF-I production. Replacement of the heterologous sequence upstream of Rep78/68 in pAAV-RC with the AAV2 endogenous p5 promoter restored translational activity to the ACG mutant, and restored rAAV and IGF-I production. Insertion of the AAV2 p19 promoter sequence into pAAV-RC in front of the heterologous sequence also enabled ACG to function as a start codon for Rep78/68 translation. The data further indicate that the function of the AAV helper construct (pAAV-RC), that is in current widespread use for rAAV production, may be improved by replacement of its AAV2 unrelated heterologous sequence with the native AAV2 p5 promoter.

Conclusion
Taken together, the data demonstrate an interplay between the start codon and upstream regulatory sequences in the regulation of Rep78/68 and indicate that selective mutations in Rep78/68 regulatory elements may serve to augment the therapeutic value of rAAV vectors.
Mental hospital reform in Asia: the case of Yuli Veterans Hospital, Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chih-Yuan , Huang Ai-Ling , Minas Harry , Cohen Alex 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Yuli Veterans Hospital (YVH) has been the largest mental hospital for the patients with chronic and severe mental illness in Taiwan for the past 50 years. While this hospital used to be a symbol of hopelessness among patients and their families and an unspoken shame among Taiwan psychiatry and mental health circles it now represents an example of how an old, custodial hospital can be transformed into a very different institution. In this case study we will describe the features of this transformation, which, over the past 20 years, has aimed to help extended stay inpatients with severe mental illness to integrate into the local community of Yuli even though it is not their original home.

Methods
Using historical documents and oral narratives from Yuli inhabitants, workers and patients of YVH, we will offer a case study of the Yuli model.

Results
There are four main components of the Yuli model: holistic medical support, vocational rehabilitation, case management, and the residential program. The four components help patients recover two essential features of their lives: vocational life and ordinary daily routines. As the process of recovery evolves, patients gradually regain inner stability, dignity, self-confidence, and a sense of control. The four components are critical to rebuild the structure and order of life of the patients and are indispensable and interdependent parts of one service package. They operate simultaneously to benefit the patients to the greatest degree possible.

Discussion
There are many challenges to the further development and financial viability of the model of services developed at YVH. There are also important questions concerning the replicability of the Yuli model in other sociocultural and service system contexts.

Conclusion
This case study reveals the possibility of transforming a custodial mental hospital into a hospital providing high quality care. Hospital and community are not in opposition. They are part of a continuum of care for the patients. We reinterpret and redefine the boundary and function of hospital and community, and thereby create a new service model, the Yuli Model, to help patients to reintegrate into the community. The Yuli model, which particularly focuses on the needs of people with long-standing illness and prolonged hospital stay, illustrates one approach to linking hospital and community in a creative and constructive manner.
Complex nature of SNP genotype effects on gene expression in primary human leucocytes
Authors: Heap Graham A , Trynka Gosia , Jansen Ritsert C , Bruinenberg Marcel , Swertz Morris A , Dinesen Lotte C , Hunt Karen A , Wijmenga Cisca , vanHeel David A , Franke Lude 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Genome wide association studies have been hugely successful in identifying disease risk variants, yet most variants do not lead to coding changes and how variants influence biological function is usually unknown.

Methods
We correlated gene expression and genetic variation in untouched primary leucocytes (n = 110) from individuals with celiac disease – a common condition with multiple risk variants identified. We compared our observations with an EBV-transformed HapMap B cell line dataset (n = 90), and performed a meta-analysis to increase power to detect non-tissue specific effects.

Results
In celiac peripheral blood, 2,315 SNP variants influenced gene expression at 765 different transcripts (< 250 kb from SNP, at FDR = 0.05, cis expression quantitative trait loci, eQTLs). 135 of the detected SNP-probe effects (reflecting 51 unique probes) were also detected in a HapMap B cell line published dataset, all with effects in the same allelic direction. Overall gene expression differences within the two datasets predominantly explain the limited overlap in observed cis-eQTLs. Celiac associated risk variants from two regions, containing genes IL18RAP and CCR3, showed significant cis genotype-expression correlations in the peripheral blood but not in the B cell line datasets. We identified 14 genes where a SNP affected the expression of different probes within the same gene, but in opposite allelic directions. By incorporating genetic variation in co-expression analyses, functional relationships between genes can be more significantly detected.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the complex nature of genotypic effects in human populations makes the use of a relevant tissue, large datasets, and analysis of different exons essential to enable the identification of the function for many genetic risk variants in common diseases.
The Groningen Protocol: Is it necessary? Is it scientific? Is it ethical?
Authors: Chervenak Frank A. , McCullough Laurence B. , Arabin Birgit 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim:To explore whether the Groningen Protocol is clinically necessary, scientific, and ethically justified.Results:The Groningen Protocol is clinically unnecessary because the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment from seriously ill infants is already ethically accepted globally without the need for the Protocol and because spina bifida, to which the Protocol has been most often applied, can be detected by ultrasound before viability, affording pregnant women the opportunity of termination of pregnancy. The Groningen Protocol is unscientific because it does not meet the accepted standards of evidence-based reasoning concerning the four clinical criteria for its application. The Groningen Protocol is unethical because it does not meet the standards of argument-based ethics in defining its four clinical criteria.Conclusions:The Groningen Protocol is clinically unnecessary, unscientific, and unethical. Physicians should condemn its use. The Dutch Association of Paediatrics should revoke its approval and adoption of the Groningen Protocol.
Putting it in Perspective: Different Disciplines' Approaches to Managing Technologically-Stimuated Change
Authors: Hopelain David , Monica Hopelain Santa , Imada Andrew , Robertson Michelle , Kling Rob , Taylor James , Dray Susan 
Published: January 2009

Sociotechnical systems (STS). Macroergonomics. Behavioral Science. Participatory Ergonomics. Computer science. Organizational Development (OD). Sociotechnical systems (STS). These are several of the disciplines which are participating in today's business and information systems environment to manage the organizational changes that the design and implementation of new technology brings with it. Five years ago, the major issue was “How do we get managers to be aware that technology brings with it organizational changes which need to be proactively planned for and managed?” But today, as more and more managers are aware of this, the major issue has shifted to “How do we actually plan and manage these changes?” The purpose of this panel is to discuss how different disciplines answer this question. The panelists each represent a different approach and will discuss briefly the philosophical roots of their discipline, and then discuss more fully the typical approaches and tools which they would use to help managers address these issues. We will then discuss differences and similarities, drawing from the audience's experiences where possible, in an attempt to understand ways we can learn from each other.
EYES - Ergonomics in a Conceptual Design Process for Consumer Electronic Products
Authors: Lee Myun W. , Yun Myung Hwan , Park Donghyun , Chun Young Ho , Jung Eui S. , Freivalds Andris 
Published: January 2009

The purpose of the study was to develop an expert system for the conceptual design of high-touch consumer electronic products. ‘High-touch’ refers to a high level of ergonomic design in a product as opposed to merely ‘high-tech’ gadgetry in the product. Two major tasks were undertaken as part of this development: 1) the development of a conceptual design process for potential consumer electronic products using an expert systems concept and 2) the specific evaluation of ten Daewoo prototypes (TV, VCR, audio system, microwave, vacuum cleaner, ergonomic keyboard, universal remote controller, intelligent telephone, and micro computer for preschool children) based on the above system. The expert system being developed incorporates the production model of conceptual design theory and the ergonomic principles used in the electronic products design. More specifically, the system, named EYES (Electronic Yuppie Expert System), uses EXSYS Professional as the expert system shell and are designed to process the information on the relationship between human functions and the product design requirements to find the conceptual design of potential new product. To elicit the general response to these potential products, a consumer survey was conducted. The result of the survey suggested that practical factors such as product functions, controls and ease of use etc. are more important than so called “image factor” such as brand name & size.