bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arkansas' Experience: Statewide Surveillance and Parental Information on the Child Obesity Epidemic
Authors: Thompson Joseph W. , Card-Higginson Paula
Published: August 2009

Parents, clinicians, public health officials, and policy makers need readily available information on the extent of the childhood obesity epidemic. As in any epidemic, the strategies and tools used to combat the imminent threat are frequently based on scientific rationale and experience but applied in areas in which we lack complete understanding. The urgent need for information requires execution of decisions that are not risk-free—such is the case of BMI screening obesity. Use of BMI percentiles to classify weight status among youth and quantify the epidemic can inform and engage parents and other key stakeholders. Arkansas has completed its sixth year of BMI screenings for public school students. Through a groundbreaking legislative mandate that requires BMI assessments in public schools, the state has achieved both enhanced awareness among parents and their children and increased engagement by school, clinical, public health, and community leaders in response to the epidemic. External evaluations conducted since institution of BMI assessments have revealed none of the initially feared negative consequences of BMI measurements such as teasing, use of diet pills, or excessive concerns about weight. In the face of this epidemic, the risks of using BMI assessments in clinical or school-based settings must be recognized but can be managed. Arkansas' Act 1220 and BMI-reporting efforts have not only afforded parents detailed information about their children's health but also provided longitudinal data needed to fully understand the scope of childhood and adolescent obesity in the state and to track progress made in combating this epidemic.
Clinical Report—The Evaluation of Sexual Behaviors in Children
Authors: Kellogg Nancy D. ,   Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect
Published: August 2009

This Clinical Report was reaffirmed March 2013 and October 2018.

Most children will engage in sexual behaviors at some time during childhood. These behaviors may be normal but can be confusing and concerning to parents or disruptive or intrusive to others. Knowledge of age-appropriate sexual behaviors that vary with situational and environmental factors can assist the clinician in differentiating normal sexual behaviors from sexual behavior problems. Most situations that involve sexual behaviors in young children do not require child protective services intervention; for behaviors that are age-appropriate and transient, the pediatrician may provide guidance in supervision and monitoring of the behavior. If the behavior is intrusive, hurtful, and/or age-inappropriate, a more comprehensive assessment is warranted. Some children with sexual behavior problems may reside or have resided in homes characterized by inconsistent parenting, violence, abuse, or neglect and may require more immediate intervention and referrals.
Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Mg–Cu–Zn ultrafine eutectic composites
Authors: Song Gi A. , Lee Wonhee , Lee Nae S. , Kim Ki B. , Park Jin M. , Kim Do H. , Kim Do H. , Lee Jaeseoul , Park Jun-Sik
Published: August 2009

Novel ultrafine eutectic composites containing structural and spatial heterogeneities have been systematically developed in an Mg–Cu–Zn ternary system. Microstructural investigations of the ultrafine eutectic composites revealed that the bimodal eutectic structure consists of a mixture of cellular-type fine (α-Mg + MgZn2) and anomalous-type coarse (α-Mg + MgZn2 + MgCuZn) eutectic structures. An Mg72Cu5Zn23 alloy composed of the bimodal eutectic structure without micron-scale α-Mg dendrites presents a strong improvement of yield strength up to 455 MPa with a decent plastic strain of 5%. The rotation of the bimodal eutectic colony along the interfaces is considered to be an effective way to dissipate the stress localization thus enhancing the macroscopic plasticity.
Growth of aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes on bulk copper substrates by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Li Ge , Chakrabarti Supriya , Schulz Mark , Shanov Vesselin
Published: August 2009

Successful growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays on copper substrate by thermal chemical vapor deposition is reported in this paper. The effects of Ti, Ni, and Ni–Cr intermediate layers have been studied to eliminate cracking of the copper surface during the synthesis of CNTs. It was found that these intermediate layers play a critical role in achieving vertical alignment of CNTs on copper substrates. The effects of other reaction parameters such as flow rate of ethylene, concentration of water vapor, and deposition temperature have also been studied. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy were used to evaluate the quality and nature of the CNT formed.
Strong and ductile platelet-reinforced polymer films inspired by nature: Microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Bonderer Lorenz J. , Studart André R. , Woltersdorf Jörg , Pippel Eckhard , Gauckler Ludwig J.
Published: August 2009

The unique structure and mechanical properties of platelet-reinforced biological materials such as bone and seashells have motivated the development of artificial composites exhibiting new, unusual mechanical behavior. On the basis of designing principles found in these biological structures, we combined high-performance artificial building blocks to fabricate platelet-reinforced polymer matrix composites that exhibit simultaneously high tensile strength and ductility. The mechanical properties are correlated with the underlying microstructure of the composites before and after mechanical loading using transmission electron microscopy. The critical role of the strength of the platelet–polymer interface and its dependence on the platelet surface chemistry and the type of matrix polymer are studied. Thin multilayered films with highly oriented platelets were produced through the bottom-up layer-by-layer assembly of submicrometer-thin alumina platelets and either polyimide or chitosan as polymer matrix. The tensile strength and strain at rupture of the prepared composites exceeded that of nacre, whereas the elastic modulus reached values similar to that of lamellar bones. In contrast to the brittle failure of clay-reinforced composites of similar or higher strength and stiffness, our composites exhibit plastic deformation in the range of 2–90% before failure. In addition to the high reinforcing efficiency and ductility achieved, several toughening mechanisms were identified in fractured composites, namely friction, debonding, and formation of microcracks at the platelet–polymer interface, as well as plastic deformation and void formation within the continuous polymeric phase. The combination of high strength, ductility, and toughness was achieved by selecting platelets that exhibit an aspect ratio high enough to carry significant load but small enough to allow for fracture under the platelet pull-out mode. At high concentrations of platelets, the ductility gets lost because of out-of-plane misalignment of the platelets and incorporation of voids in the microstructure during processing. The designing principles applied in this study can potentially be extended to other types of platelets and polymers to obtain new, hybrid materials with tunable mechanical properties.
Initiation and evolution of shear bands in bulk metallic glass under tension—An in situ scanning electron microscopy observation
Authors: Cao Qingping , Xu Feng , Liu Jingwei , Chen Lianyi , Wang Xiaodong , Jiang Jianzhong , Minkow Alexander , Yang Kejing , Fecht H.J. , Ivanisenko Julia , Qu Shaoxing
Published: August 2009

The initiation and evolution of shear bands in Zr64.13Cu15.75Ni10.12Al10bulk metallic glass tensile samples has been investigated in situ by scanning electron microscopy. The initial shear band originates from the highest stressed area, and does not propagate during further tension, which is attributed to the weakening of the stress field in front of the shear band tip, possibly caused by atomic rearrangement and local temperature rise. As a result, multiple shear bands occur in sequence with gradually increased length and offset. This result is due to the fact that the stress in front of the tip of the initial shear band does not concentrate again during further tension above the shear yield strength. Numerical analysis was carried out to investigate the stress distribution under tension, suggesting that the maximum pressure-dependent shear stress criterion overestimates the yield strength, while the shear plane criterion describes the conditions for the formation of shear bands well.
Mechanochemical synthesis of a Mg-Li-Al-H complex hydride
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yan Wei , Bai Chenguang , Pan Fusheng
Published: August 2009

Mg-Li-Al alloy was prepared by ingot casting and then underwent subsequent reactive ball milling. A Mg-Li-Al-H complex hydride was obtained under a 0.4 MPa hydrogen atmosphere at room temperature, and as high as 10.7 wt% hydrogen storage capacity was achieved, with the peak desorption temperature of the initial step at approximately 65 °C. The evolution of the reaction during milling, as well as the effect of Li/Al ratio in the raw materials on the desorption properties of the hydrides formed, were studied by x-ray diffraction and simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. The results showed that mechanical milling increases the solubility of Li in Mg, leading to the transformation of bcc β(Li) solid solution to hcp α(Mg) solid solution, the latter continues to incorporate Li and Al, which stimulates the formation of Mg-Li-Al-H hydride. A lower Li/Al ratio resulted in faster hydrogen desorption rate and a greater amount of hydrogen released at a low temperature range, but sacrificing total hydrogen storage capacity.
Formation and bioactivation of Zr-Al-Co bulk metallic glasses
Authors: Wada Takeshi , Qin Fengxiang , Wang Xinmin , Yoshimura Masahiro , Inoue Akihisa , Sugiyama Naota , Ito Rieko , Matsushita Nobuhiro
Published: August 2009

A Cu- and Ni-free Zr-based metallic glass with high glass-forming ability was found in the Zr-Al-Co ternary system. The eutectic Zr56Al16Co28 alloy could be cast into glassy cylindrical rods with diameters up to 18 mm. The glassy alloy exhibited high tensile fracture strength of 1830 MPa and low Young's modulus of 83 GPa in conjunction with better corrosion resistance compared with the glassy Zr57Nb5Al10Ni12.6Cu15.4 in a simulated body fluid. Hydrothermal-electrochemical treatment in the aqueous 5M-NaOH solution resulted in the formation of amorphous sodium cobaltate layer on the surface of glassy Zr56Al16Co28 alloy. Hydroxyapatite was spontaneously formed on the surface of the alloy, indicating bioactivity after surface modification. The discovery of a Cu- and Ni-free Zr-based metallic glass with a critical diameter larger than 1 cm in conjunction with excellent mechanical properties, superior corrosion resistance, and good bioactivity may open up the application field as biomaterials.
Improvement of physico-chemical properties by addition of H2O2: An extensive case study on the RE-doped ceria system (RE = Gd, Sm)
Authors: Mandal Balaji P. , Grover Vinita , Pai Mrinal R. , Tyagi Avesh K.
Published: August 2009

Effect of H2O2on synthesis and powder properties such as surface area and agglomerate size of nanocrystalline Ce0.8M0.2O1.90(M: Sm, Gd) was explored by treating cerium nitrate and rare-earth nitrate with NaOH in the presence/absence of H2O2. The resultant products were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, thermo-gravimetry–differential thermal analysis, dynamic light scattering, surface area analysis, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The presence of H2O2was found to have a profound effect on powder properties such as surface area and particle size of these doped ceria samples and results in smaller crystallite size, softer agglomerates, and larger surface area. A mechanism is proposed to explain the observed better powder properties of the samples. It was also shown that the samples prepared in the presence of H2O2can lower the conversion temperature of CO to CO2, proving these to be better catalysts. Interestingly, temperature-programmed reduction studies on Sm3+-doped samples showed that the doping in conjunction with the use of H2O2leads to enhanced reduction properties of the samples over multiple cycles.
Coarsening of polyhedral grains in a liquid matrix
Authors: Jung Yang-Il , Kang Suk-Joong L. , Yoon Duk Yong
Published: August 2009

The coarsening of polyhedral grains in a liquid matrix was calculated using crystal growth and dissolution equations used in crystal growth theories for faceted crystals. The coarsening behavior was principally governed by the relative value of the maximum driving force for growth (Δgmax), which is determined by the average size and size distribution, to the critical driving force for appreciable growth (Δgc). When Δgmax was much larger than Δgc, pseudonormal grain coarsening occurred. With a reduction of Δgmax relative to Δgc, abnormal grain coarsening (AGC, when Δgmax ≥ Δgc) and stagnant grain coarsening (SGC, when Δgmax < Δgc) were predicted. The observed cyclic AGC and incubation for AGC in real systems with faceted grains were explained in terms of the relative value between Δgmax and Δgc. The effects of various processing and physical parameters, such as the initial grain size and distribution, the liquid volume fraction, step free energy, and temperature, were also evaluated. The calculated results were in good agreement with previous experimental observations.
Measuring the elastic modulus and residual stress of freestanding thin films using nanoindentation techniques
Authors: Herbert Erik G. , Oliver Warren C. , de Boer Maarten P. , Pharr George M.
Published: August 2009

A new method is proposed to determine the elastic modulus and residual stress of freestanding thin films based on nanoindentation techniques. The experimentally measured stiffness-displacement response is applied to a simple membrane model that assumes the film deformation is dominated by stretching as opposed to bending. Dimensional analysis is used to identify appropriate limitations of the proposed model. Experimental verification of the method is demonstrated for Al/0.5 wt% Cu films nominally 22 µm wide, 0.55 µm thick, and 150, 300, and 500 µm long. The estimated modulus for the four freestanding films match the value measured by electrostatic techniques to within 2%, and the residual stress to within 19.1%. The difference in residual stress can be completely accounted for by thermal expansion and a modest change in temperature of 3 °C. Numerous experimental pitfalls are identified and discussed. Collectively, these data and the technique used to generate them should help future investigators make more accurate and precise measurements of the mechanical properties of freestanding thin films using nanoindentation.
Plastic zone at crack tip: A nanolab for formation and study of metallic glassy nanostructures
Authors: Xia X.X. , Wang Wei H. , Greer A. Lindsay
Published: August 2009

We report that various metallic glassy nanostructures including nanoridges, nanocones, nanowires, nanospheres, and nanoscale-striped patterns are spontaneously formed on the fracture surface of bulk metallic glasses at room temperature. A clear correlation between the dimensions of these nanostructures and the size of the plastic zone at the crack tip has been found, providing a way to control nanostructure sizes by controlling the plastic zone size intrinsically or extrinsically. This approach to forming metallic glassy nanostructures also has implications for understanding the deformation and fracture mechanisms of metallic glasses.
Effects of solvents and Sb sources on the morphologies of LaFe3CoSb12 nanopowders made by the hydro/solvo thermal method
Authors: Lu Pengxian , Shen Zigang , Hu Xing
Published: August 2009

The thermoelectric LaFe3CoSb12 nanopowders were synthesized by the hydro/solvo thermal method. The effects of different solvents were investigated by using only the potassium antimony tartrate as Sb source. Also, the effects of the different Sb sources were investigated by using only water as solvent on the morphologies of the resulting nanopowders. The results show that a mixture of nanoparticles and nanorods can be obtained in aqueous solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or ethylenediamine-tetra-acetic disodium salt. In ethylenediamine only nanorods can be obtained, and in ethylene glycol only nanoparticles can be obtained. The other morphologies of the LaFe3CoSb12, such as particle-like, nest-shaped, branch-shaped, or feather-like crystalline, can be synthesized in water by selecting a suitable Sb source.
Digestibilidade aparente e verdadeira do fósforo de alimentos de origem animal para suínos
Authors: Bünzen S. , Rostagno H.S. , Lopes D.C. , Gomes P.C. , Hashimoto F.A.M. , Apolônio L.R. , Borsatto C.G.
Published: September 2009

Determinaram-se os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDAP) e verdadeira (CDVP) do fósforo de alimentos de origem animal. Foram utilizados 24 suínos, machos castrados, com média de peso de 25,0±3,0kg no período de crescimento e 24 suínos com média de peso de 60,0±5,0kg para o período de terminação. Os tratamentos foram resultantes de um fatorial de duas metodologias (coleta total de fezes e indicador fecal), duas fases (crescimento e terminação) e oito dietas (seis alimentos de origem animal, uma ração referência e uma ração com baixo conteúdo de fósforo total para estimar as perdas de fósforo endógeno), com três repetições e um animal por unidade experimental. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as metodologias ou entre as fases avaliadas (P>0,05). Os valores médios de CDAP e CDVP encontrados com suínos em crescimento e terminação foram, respectivamente, 61,7 e 62,0% para a farinha de carne e ossos com 35% de proteína bruta (PB); 62,3 e 62,9% para a farinha de carne e ossos com 41% de PB; 49,0 e 52,5% para a farinha de vísceras e penas; 72,3 e 90,8% para a farinha de penas; 85,5 e 88,5% para a farinha de peixe com 55% de PB; e 80,0 e 92,0% para o soro de leite em pó.
Sampling the Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) Genome Using Pyrosequencing Technology
Authors: Lee Ryan M. , Thimmapuram Jyothi , Thinglum Kate A. , Gong George , Hernandez Alvaro G. , Wright Chris L. , Kim Ryan W. , Mikel Mark A. , Tranel Patrick J.
Published: September 2009

Recent advances in sequencing technologies (next-generation sequencing) offer dramatically increased sequencing throughput at a lower cost than traditional Sanger sequencing. This technology is changing genomics research by allowing large scale sequencing experiments in nonmodel systems. Waterhemp is an important weed in the midwestern United States with characteristics that makes it an interesting ecological model. However, very few genomic resources are available for this species. One half of a 70 by 75 picotiter plate of 454-pyrosequencing was performed on total DNA isolated from waterhemp, generating 158,015 reads of an average length of 271 bp, or a total of nearly 43 Mbp of sequence. Included in this sequence was a nearly complete sequence of the chloroplast genome, sequences of several important herbicide resistance genes, leads for simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and a sampling of the repeated elements (e.g., transposons) present in this species. Here we present the waterhemp genomic data gleaned from this sequencing experiment and illustrate the value of next-generation sequencing technology to weed science research.
Molecular Basis of Resistance to ALS-Inhibitor Herbicides in Greater Beggarticks
Authors: Lamego Fabiane P. , Charlson Dirk , Delatorre Carla A. , Burgos Nilda R. , Vidal Ribas A.
Published: September 2009

Soybean is a major crop cultivated in Brazil, and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides are widely used to control weeds in this crop. The continuous use of these ALS-inhibiting herbicides has led to the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds worldwide. Greater beggarticks is a polyploid species and one of the most troublesome weeds in soybean production since the discovery of ALS-resistant biotypes in 1996. To confirm and characterize the resistance of greater beggarticks to ALS inhibitors, whole-plant bioassays and enzyme experiments were conducted. To investigate the molecular basis of resistance in greater beggarticks theALSgene was sequenced and compared between susceptible and resistant biotypes. Our results confirmed that greater beggarticks is resistant to ALS inhibitors and also indicated it possesses at least three isoforms of theALSgene. Analysis of the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences among the isoforms and between the biotypes indicated that a single point mutation, G–T, in oneALSisoform from the resistant biotype resulted in an amino acid substitution, Trp574Leu. Two additional substitutions were observed, Phe116Leu and Phe149Ser, in a second isoform of the resistant biotype, which were not yet reported in any other herbicide-resistantALSgene; thus, their role in conferring herbicide resistance is not yet ascertained. This is the first report ofALSmutations in an important, herbicide-resistant weed species from Brazil.
A new agelacrinitid edrioasteroid attached to a large hardground clast from the Mckenzie Member of the Mifflintown Member (Silurian) of Pennsylvania
Authors: Sumrall Colin D. , Brett Carlton E. , McKinney Michael L.
Published: August 2009

A new agelacrinitid edrioasteroid, Multiplexidiscus mckenziensis n. gen., n. sp. is described from the middle Silurian upper McKenzie Shale Member of the Mifflintown Formation of Pennsylvania. These edrioasteroids were attached to a large hardground clast that was reworked and flipped during a storm event. The occurrence of edrioasteroids in a near shore, perhaps in sub-normal salinity, is unusual for echinoderms. The edrioasteroids show a dispersed spatial distribution and weak thecal orientation. Multiplexidiscus differs from other agelacrinid edrioasteroids in the presence of a complex pattern of ambulacral cover plates combined with nearly straight paedomorphic ambulacra.
Siliceous sponges of the Takatika Grit (Cretaceous-Paleogene), Chatham Islands, South Pacific
Authors: Consoli Christopher P. , Pisera Andrzej , Stilwell Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2009

Siliceous sponges are rare in the Cretaceous-Paleogene record, with only a handful of published accounts from the Southern Hemisphere. Variously preserved siliceous sponges, both Hexactinellida and Demospongiae, have been recovered from the Takatika Grit (Campanian-Danian), Chatham Islands, New Zealand. Hexactinellid sponges are represented by the Euretidae Eotretochone australis n. gen. and sp., Pararete sp., and Euretid gen. and sp. indet., Auloplax? sp. (Dactylocalycidae) and Tretodictyiid gen. and sp. indet., as well as by loose hexactines and fragments of dictyonal skeletons. Demosponges are represented only by loose spicules typical of Astrophorida, and perhaps lithistids. These fossils represent the first account of sponges of this age from the New Zealand region of the southwest Pacific.
Cephalopods and paleoenvironments of the Fort Cassin Formation (upper Lower Ordovician), eastern New York and adjacent Vermont
Authors: Kröger Björn , Landing Ed
Published: August 2009

The dramatic late Early Ordovician radiation of cephalopods on tropical paleocontinents is illustrated by the diverse fauna (21 genera, 30 species) of the Fort Cassin Formation (Floian and lower Blackhillsian Stage) in northeast Laurentia. Cephalopods occur through the thin (ca. 30–65 m) depositional sequence of the Fort Cassin but are most common and diverse in mollusk-rich, trilobite-poor parts of the formation that characterize the thrombolite-bearing intervals in the shoaling part of the highstand systems tract. This lithofacies-biofacies linkage persists from the Tribes Hill and Rochdale Formations (lower and lower upper Tremadocian, and upper Skullrockian and Stairsian Stages, respectively), and suggests that the Early Ordovician radiations of cephalopods took place in shallow-marine, thrombolite reef facies of tropical carbonate platforms. These habitats differed strongly from the near-shore, peritidal habitats of the older Cambrian evolutionary radiation. Genus-level diversity and absolute abundance changed little through the Skullrockian-Blackhillsian, but morphologic diversity and body size increased dramatically by the late Early Ordovician. The morphological diversification suggests cephalopods diversified into a wider variety of macropredators and more complex late Early Ordovician ecosystems.Anrangeroceras whitehallensen. gen. and n. sp. is proposed. The following are emended: the Protocycloceratidae,CentrotarphycerasandC. seelyi, ProtocyclocerasandP. lamarcki,andRudolfoceras cornuoryx.The following are indeterminate and abandoned:Baltoceras? pusillumRuedemann, 1906;Comeroceras annuliferumFlower, 1941;Cyptendoceras whitfieldiUlrich et al., 1944;Endoceras? champlainenseRuedemann, 1906;Wolungoceras valcourenseFlower, 1964.BeekmanocerasUlrich and Foerste, 1936 is a gastropod.
Middle Permian productidine brachiopods from central Thailand (the Indochina Terrane) with paleobiogeographic implications
Authors: Sone Masatoshi , Chonglakmani Chongpan , Chitnarin Anisong
Published: August 2009

Three productidine brachiopods ofHaydenella, Paraplicatifera,andCompressoproductusare recovered from the Tak Fa Formation (Wordian, Middle Permian) of the upper Saraburi Limestone Group exposed at Khao Wong of central Thailand (the western margin of the Indochina Terrane). The latter two genera are new to the Permian of Thailand, and the new speciesParaplicatifera thaicais proposed herewith. Some taxonomic and nomenclatural problems in relation to the three genera are discussed. The assemblage suggests endemism for a Middle Permian marine faunule of the Indochina Terrane.
A New ?lamellipedian arthropod from the Early Cambrian Sirius Passet Fauna of North Greenland
Authors: Lagebro Linda , Stein Martin , Peel John S.
Published: August 2009

The Non-Mineralized arthropod described herein is derived from the Sirius Passet fossil conservation deposit of North Greenland (82°47.6,N, 42°13.7ʹW), the oldest locality with exceptional preservation of soft tissues known from the Cambrian of Laurentia (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3;NevadellaZone). As such, it is broadly contemporaneous with the Chengjiang fauna of China (Hou et al., 2004) and some 10 million years older than the Burgess Shale fauna of British Columbia. The Sirius Passet fauna was first documented by Conway Morris et al. (1987) and its geological setting is discussed by Babcock and Peel (2007). In addition to the nevadiid trilobiteBuenellus higginsiBlaker, 1988, the fauna is dominated by non-mineralized arthropods (Budd, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999; Williams et al., 1996; Taylor, 2002). Other finds include sponges (Rigby, 1986), a lobopod (Budd and Peel, 1998), the earliest annelids (Conway Morris and Peel, 2008) and articulated halkieriids (Conway Morris and Peel, 1990, 1995), but most of the assemblage awaits description.
An Emerging Model of Primary Care for Older Adults: The House Call–Home Care Practice
Authors: Landers Steven H. , Gunn Paul W. , Stange Kurt C.
Published: September 2009

House calls to older adults have become more common, in part related to the emergence of medical practices that either emphasize or exclusively provide house calls. In this article we seek to describe organizational, clinician, and patient characteristics of house call–home medical care practices in the United States. We conducted telephone interviews with clinicians representing 36 randomly selected practices from across the United States. This study found that house call–home care practices typically are recently formed small groups of physicians and nurse practitioners that provide in-home primary care, especially chronic disease care, to Medicare beneficiaries. Clinicians are motivated by the opportunity to improve care and to maintain autonomy. This emerging model may represent a mutually beneficial trend for older adults and physicians.
On tiered small jump operators
Authors: Marion Jean-Yves
Published: September 2009

Predicative analysis of recursion schema is a method to characterize complexity classes like the class FPTIME of polynomial time computable functions. This analysis comes from the works of Bellantoni and Cook, and Leivant by data tiering. Here, we refine predicative analysis by using a ramified Ackermann's construction of a non-primitive recursive function. We obtain a hierarchy of functions which characterizes exactly functions, which are computed in O(n^k) time over register machine model of computation. For this, we introduce a strict ramification principle. Then, we show how to diagonalize in order to obtain an exponential function and to jump outside deterministic polynomial time. Lastly, we suggest a dependent typed lambda-calculus to represent this construction.
Qualitative Logics and Equivalences for Probabilistic Systems
Authors: Chatterjee Krishnendu , de Alfaro Luca , Faella Marco , Legay Axel
Published: September 2009

We investigate logics and equivalence relations that capture the qualitative behavior of Markov Decision Processes (MDPs). We present Qualitative Randomized CTL (QRCTL): formulas of this logic can express the fact that certain temporal properties hold over all paths, or with probability 0 or 1, but they do not distinguish among intermediate probability values. We present a symbolic, polynomial time model-checking algorithm for QRCTL on MDPs. The logic QRCTL induces an equivalence relation over states of an MDP that we call qualitative equivalence: informally, two states are qualitatively equivalent if the sets of formulas that hold with probability 0 or 1 at the two states are the same. We show that for finite alternating MDPs, where nondeterministic and probabilistic choices occur in different states, qualitative equivalence coincides with alternating bisimulation, and can thus be computed via efficient partition-refinement algorithms. On the other hand, in non-alternating MDPs the equivalence relations cannot be computed via partition-refinement algorithms, but rather, they require non-local computation. Finally, we consider QRCTL*, that extends QRCTL with nested temporal operators in the same manner in which CTL* extends CTL. We show that QRCTL and QRCTL* induce the same qualitative equivalence on alternating MDPs, while on non-alternating MDPs, the equivalence arising from QRCTL* can be strictly finer. We also provide a full characterization of the relation between qualitative equivalence, bisimulation, and alternating bisimulation, according to whether the MDPs are finite, and to whether their transition relations are finitely-branching.
Elementary Theory of Riesz Spaces
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

In this chapter we deal with the fundamental properties of lattice groups and Riesz spaces. We introduce the concepts of
order and (D)-convergence, weak σ-distributivity and Egorov property and prove some related results. We deal also
with order bounded and order continuous linear functionals in the setting of Riesz spaces. Finally we introduce the
Maeda-Ogasawara-Vulikh representation theorem.
Kurzweil - Henstock Integral with Values in Riesz Spaces
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

In this chapter we present the basic properties and results on the Kurzweil-Henstock integral for Riesz spacevalued
functions, defined on a bounded subinterval of the real line. We prove the uniform convergence theorem, and
introduce also the Kurzweil-Stieltjes integral and some of its elementary properties.
Double Integrals
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

We introduce the theory of the double integrals for Riesz space-valued mappings, defined on a bounded
subrectangle of the Euclidean plane, and prove some versions of the Fubini theorems. We deal also with some concepts
of continuity for Riesz space-valued functions, related with these kinds of results.
Kurzweil - Henstock Integral in Topological Spaces
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

We deal with the Kurzweil-Henstock integral for functions defined in an abstract compact topological space
and taking values in Riesz spaces.

We introduce the theory and the fundamental properties, and in particular we prove the monotone convergence theorem.
Convergence Theorems
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

We continue to investigate the topics of Chapter 5, following the approach there introduced, and prove some
versions of the Henstock Lemma, the Beppo Levi and the Lebesgue dominated convergence theorem.

Note that the involved measures and the domain of our functions can be even unbounded.
Improper Integral
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

Full text available.
Contributors
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

Full text available.
Choquet and Sipos Integrals
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

In this chapter we introduce some integrals for real-valued maps with respect to Riesz space-valued set
functions, which are not necessarily finitely additive, but in general can be simply only increasing. First we deal with
the Sipos (symmetric) integral and prove the monotone and Lebesgue dominated convergence theorems, Fatou’s lemma
and the submodular theorem.

Moreover we introduce the Choquet (asymmetric) integral, giving in particular some applications to the weak and
strong laws of large numbers in the context of Riesz spaces.
(SL)-integral
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

In this chapter we deal with the strong Luzin ((SL)-) integral, related with the existence of primitives of
functions in the weak sense. This integral is a variant of the Kurzweil-Henstock integral, which coincides with it in the
real case, but is in general slightly different in the context of Riesz spaces, because some pathologies can occur.
We also prove some versions of Hake and monotone convergence type theorems and of the Fundamental Theorem of
Calculus, together with the basic properties.
Pettis-type Approach
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

In this chapter we begin with investigating the Pettis, Bochner, Gelfand, Dunford, McShane and Kurzweil-
Henstock integrals in the context of Banach spaces, and give some comparison results.

Furthermore, we introduce the Pettis-Kurzweil-Henstock integral for Riesz space-valued functions, giving a Hake-type
convergence theorem and a version of the Levi monotone convergence theorem.
Applications in Multivalued Logic
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

This chapter contains an introduction to the theory of MV-algebras and states, together with the notion of
observable.

It is proved that every probability MV-algebra is weakly σ-distributive and some applications to intuitionistic fuzzy sets
(IF-sets) are given.

Furthermore we show that the probability theory of IF-sets can be considered as a particular case of the probability
theory on a suitable MV-algebra.
Applications in Probability Theory
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

In this chapter we introduce the concept of independence of states, and give a version of the weak law of
large numbers. Moreover, we deal with conditional expectation in the context of Riesz spaces, and give three
constructions.

Finally we present further results about probability theory in the context of IF-sets and in particular we deal with joint
observables.
Integration in Metric Semigroups
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

In this chapter we present a Kurzweil-Henstock-type integral for metric semigroup-valued functions, defined
on (possibly unbounded) subintervals of the extended real line. An example of a metric semigroup which is not a group
is the set of all fuzzy numbers.

Besides the elementary properties we prove a version of the Henstock lemma and some convergence theorems in this
setting.
References
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

Full text available.
Index
Authors: Boccuto Antonio , Riecan Beloslav , Vrabelova Marta
Published: August 2009

Full text available.
The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Angiogenesis
Authors: Raffaghello Lizzia , Pistoia Vito
Published: August 2009

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a heterogeneous subset of stromal stem
cells that can be isolated from many adult tissues. They can differentiate into cells of the
mesodermal lineage, such as adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes, providing a
promising tool for tissue repair. MSC can interact with cells of both the innate and
adaptive immune systems, leading to the modulation of several effector functions. The
immunoregulatory functions of human MSC, coupled with their low immunogenicity,
provide a rationale for the use of allogeneic MSC to treat severe graft-versus-host disease
(GvHD) and, possibly, autoimmune disorders. In addition, MSC exhibit tropism for sites
of tissue damage as well as for the tumor microenvironment, where they integrate into the
tumor-associated stroma supporting cancer growth. However, studies investigating the in
vivo and in vitro effects mediated by MSC on tumor growth provided conflicting results,
depending on the experimental model tested. This chapter reviews the role of MSC in
different angiogenic processes and underlying mechanisms. In particular, we discuss the
involvement of MSC in angiogenesis in ischemic brain and heart after stroke, wound
healing, tumor angiogenesis and maintenance of hematopoietic stem cell niche.
Cross-Link Between Inflammation and Angiogenesis
Authors: Crivellato Enrico , Ribatti Domenico
Published: August 2009

Angiogenesis refers to the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vascular
structures, i.e. capillaries and post-capillary venules. This process occurs in different
conditions, such as embryo development and post-natal tissue growth, inflammation like wound
healing and chronic allergies, and cancer. Both structural cells and inflammatory cells in the
different tissues are involved in the mechanisms of endothelial cell proliferation, migration and
activation, through the production and release of a large spectrum of pro-angiogenic mediators.
These may create the specific micro-environment that favours an increased rate of tissue
vascularization. In this review, we will present the most recent findings on the contribution of
inflammatory cells to the development and progression of inflammation-associated
angiogenesis. We will also provide some insight of the complex signaling network, which links
each inflammatory cell to the surrounding scenario.
Thymus and Angiogenesis
Authors: Raica Marius , Maria Cimpean Anca
Published: August 2009

Thymus plays a key role in the development of the immune system of the organism
and vasculature seems to be involved in some steps of its development. Few data are available
about vasculogenesis/angiogenesis in the thymus in normal and pathological conditions, despite
the architecture of the vascular tree being relatively well known. There are some particular
models of expression of endothelial cell (EC) markers in the thymus. In normal conditions,
CD31 and CD105 are less expressed, opposite to CD34 and factor VIII that stain almost all
vessels. The aspect is different in thymoma, where both CD31 and CD105 stain intratumoral
blood vessels. Microvessel density significantly increases from normal thymus to thymic
involution, myasthenia gravis and thymoma. In the tumor area, most of the vessels are
immature or intermediate, and their number and type correlate with progression of thymoma.
Proliferative ECs, defined by the co-expression of CD34 and Ki67, were found in high number
mainly in high-grade advanced-stage thymoma. Progenitor ECs were not found in the prenatal
and normal postnatal thymus, but isolated ECs that co-express AC133 and Tie2 were found in
high grade thymoma. Besides ECs and perivascular cells, mast cells seem to be involved in
thymus angiogenesis. A strong correlation was found between mast cell number and MVD.
Few data are available about the expression of angiogenic factors and their receptors in the
thymus. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is expressed by epithelial cells of the
normal thymus and overexpressed by tumor cells in thymoma B3 and thymic carcinoma. The
expression of VEGF correlates with the presence of immature blood vessels and Masaoka
clinical stage. VEGF receptors 1 and 2 are also expressed in normal and tumoral thymus. A
divergent expression of VEGFR1 and 2 is found during thymoma progression. Other growth
factors, like fibroblast growth factor and platelet derived growth factor and their receptors may
contribute to angiogenesis in the thymus as they are expressed with different patterns in normal
and pathological conditions. Lymphatic vessels seem to be better developed than previously
thought, and they were also found in the thymic medulla. On the other hand, D2-40/podoplanin
stains a subset of stromal epithelial cells and the corresponding thymoma. Thymus is not only a
site for angiogenesis, but also a source for angiogenic factors. From these, it was shown that
thymosins are involved not only in thymus but also in systemic angiogenesis.
Zebrafish as a Tool to Study Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Presta Marco
Published: August 2009

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) represents a powerful model system in cancer research. Recent
observations have shown the possibility to exploit zebrafish to investigate tumor angiogenesis, a pivotal
step in cancer progression and target for anti-tumor therapies. Experimental models have been established
in zebrafish adults, juveniles, and embryos, each one with its own advantages and disadvantages. Novel
genetic tools and high resolution in vivo imaging techniques are also becoming available in zebrafish. It is
anticipated that zebrafish will represent an important tool for chemical discovery and gene targeting in
tumor angiogenesis. This review focuses on the recently developed tumor angiogenesis models in
zebrafish, with particular emphasis to tumor engrafting in zebrafish embryos.
The Contribution of Circulating Endothelial Cells to Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Bertolini Francesco , Mancuso Patrizia , Braidotti Paola , Shaked Yuval , S. Kerbel Robert
Published: August 2009

Immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and cell culture procedures have
demonstrated the presence of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and circulating endothelial
progenitors (CEPs) in the blood of vertebrates. CECs and CEPs are currently being investigated
in a variety of diseases as markers of vascular turnover or damage and, also in the case of
CEPs, vasculogenesis. CEPs appear to have a “catalytic” role in different steps of cancer
progression and recurrence after therapy, and there are preclinical and clinical data suggesting
that CEC enumeration might be useful to select and predict clinical response in patients who
are candidates for anti-angiogenic treatments. In some types of cancer, CECs and CEPs might
be one of the possible hidden identities of cancer stem cells. The definition of CEC and CEP
phenotype and the standardization of CEC and CEP enumeration strategies are highly desirable
goals in order to exploit these cells as reliable biomarkers in oncology clinical trials.
Role of Thymidine Phosphorylase/Platelet-Derived Endothelial Cell Growth Factor in Tumor Progression
Authors: Liekens Sandra
Published: August 2009

Thymidine phosphorylase/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (TP/PDECGF)
has diverse functions within cells, including the regulation of thymidine levels, the
mediation of angiogenesis and apoptosis and the activation of prodrugs of the cancer
chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5FU). The purpose of this review is to provide an
overview of the pro-tumor effects of TP, including the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis
stimulation and apoptosis inhibition by TP.
Role of Stromal Cells in Neovascularization of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Fico Maria , Mangialardi Giuseppe , Ria Roberto , Moschetta Michele , Ribatti Domenico , Vacca Angelo
Published: August 2009

Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in progression of both solid and hematologic
tumors. We have focused on multiple myeloma (MM) and its bone marrow stromal cells which
are not only a support for tumor cell survival, but also active inducers of angiogenesis by
releasing a broad number of angiogenic cytokines. Also, stromal cells such as macrophages and
mast cells can participate in blood vessels formation in MM through other processes, such as a
vasculogenic mimicry. Finally, it has been discovered that hematopoietic stem and progenitor
cells (HSPCs) are involved in the vasculogenesis of MM.
Recent Advances in Angiogenesis and Antiangiogenesis: The Neuroblastoma Model
Authors: Pastorino Fabio , Ponzoni Mirco
Published: August 2009

Promising novel antiangiogenic strategies are emerging for the treatment of cancer
and the inhibition of angiogenesis might represent a powerful tool as adjuvant therapy of
malignant tumors. Over the last fifteen years several reports have been published concerning
the relationship between tumor progression and angiogenesis in neuroblastoma in experimental
models in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, a high vascular index in neuroblastoma correlates with
poor prognosis, suggesting dependence of aggressive tumor growth on active angiogenesis.
Here, we present an overview of the most recent advances in antiangiogenesis in
neuroblastoma, and describe tumor vascular-targeted preclinical results, as well as future
perspectives.
Tumor Targeting with Transgenic Endothelial Cells
Authors: Untergasser Gerold , Gunsilius Eberhard
Published: August 2009

The formation of tumor supporting vessels can be accomplished by the sprouting of
preexisting vessels, i.e. the proliferation of resident endothelial cells (angiogenesis) or by
vasculogenesis, i.e. the de novo formation of vessels by circulating endothelial progenitor cells
(EPC) presumably deriving from the bone marrow. Cytokines and chemokines released by
tumors and inflamed tissue have been shown to recruit EPC and other progenitor cells from the
circulation to home to sites of active vessel and tumor growth. Therefore, EPC-based therapies
might be used to target specifically malignant tumors. Incorporated autologous cells thereby
function as “Trojan horses” and deliver enzymes for activation of cytotoxic agents or release
antiangiogenic proteins. However, the extent of EPC incorporation and the precise mechanisms
by which EPC contribute to neovessels or migrate and invade tumor tissue are still under
investigation. Furthermore, cells used for therapeutic purposes, regardless of their origin, have
to be produced under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions and should be at least
homogenous and unequivocally characterized to minimize potential risks of malignant
transformation in individuals after transplantation. Thus, this review will summarize the current
knowledge on EPC, their ex-vivo propagation, genetic modification and homing to tumors in
preclinical trials.