bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE GENERATIVE NATURE OF PREDICTION
Authors: LÖHR WOLFGANG , AY NIHAT
Published: May 2009

Given an observed stochastic process, computational mechanics provides an explicit and efficient method of constructing a minimal hidden Markov model within the class of maximally predictive models. Here, the corresponding so-called ε-machine encodes the mechanisms of prediction. We propose an alternative notion of predictive models in terms of a hidden Markov model capable of generating the underlying stochastic process. A comparison of these two notions of prediction reveals that our approach is less restrictive and thereby allows for predictive models that are more concise than the ε-machine.
A SPECTRAL METHOD FOR AGGREGATING VARIABLES IN LINEAR DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATION TO CELLULAR AUTOMATA RENORMALIZATION
Authors: JACOBI MARTIN NILSSON , GÖRNERUP OLOF
Published: May 2009

We present a method for identifying coarse-grained dynamics through aggregation of variables or states in linear dynamical systems. The condition for aggregation is expressed as a permutation symmetry of a set of dual eigenvectors of the matrix that defines the dynamics. The applicability of the condition is illustrated in examples from three different generic classes of reducible Markov chains: systems consisting of independent subsystems, dynamics with symmetries, and nearly decoupled Markov chains. Furthermore we show how the method can be used to coarse-grain cellular automata.
IDENTIFYING THE LARGE-SCALE STRUCTURE OF THE BLOGOSPHERE
Authors: UCHIDA MAKOTO , SHIBATA NAOKI , KAJIKAWA YUYA , TAKEDA YOSHIYUKI , SHIRAYAMA SUSUMU , MATSUSHIMA KATSUMORI
Published: May 2009

We analyze a topological structure of networks formed according to the entries and trackbacks in the blogosphere, which is a collection of weblog articles. The analysis is performed based on community extraction, network visualization and keyword analysis. It is shown that the large-scale structure of the blogosphere has a globally sparse, but locally dense structure. The entries in a community yield a dense structure while the trackbacks that interconnect communities are sparse. The visualized results show sparkling-firework-like patterns. We then attempt to characterize the communities using a tf-idf technique. It is found that specific topics are discussed in each community. These results will help us to identify the communities in which certain specific topics discussed and to detect trends in the blogosphere.
ON ALMOST COMPACTNESS AND NEAR COMPACTNESS IN L-TOPOLOGICAL SPACES
Authors: BAYHAN SADIK
Published: May 2009

The present paper studies several compactness and continuity notions based on the quadruple M = (L,≤,⊗,*), where (L,≤), ⊗ and * respectively denote a complete lattice and binary operations on L, satisfying some further axioms, was introduced by Höhle and Sostak.1,2
PREDICTION OF ELEPHANT MOVEMENT IN A GAME RESERVE USING NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: PALANGPOUR PARVIZ , VENAYAGAMOORTHY GANESH K. , DUFFY KEVIN J.
Published: May 2009

A large number of South Africa's elephants can be found on small wildlife reserves. The large nutritional demands and destructive foraging behavior of elephants can threaten rare species of vegetation. If conservation management is to protect threatened species of vegetation, knowing how long elephants will stay in one area of a reserve as well as which area they will move to next could be useful. The goal of this study was to train a recurrent neural network to predict an elephant herd's next position in the Pongola Game Reserve. Accurate predictions would provide a useful tool in assessing future impact of elephant populations on different areas of the reserve. Particle swarm optimization (PSO), PSO initialized backpropagation (PSO-BP) and PSO initialized backpropagation through time (PSO-BPTT) algorithms are used to adapt the recurrent neural network's weights. The effectiveness of PSO, PSO-BP and PSO-BPTT for training a recurrent neural network for elephant migration prediction is compared and PSO-BPTT produces the most accurate predictions at the expense of more computational cost.
LOWERING THE BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN-ARTIFACT INTERACTION SYSTEMS
Authors: GUO BIN , SATAKE SATORU , IMAI MICHITA
Published: May 2009

The development of wireless sensor networks enables sensors to be embedded in everyday artifacts to create smart artifacts. Smart artifacts can deliver a variety of context-aware human-centric services. However, current systems mainly rely on ad-hoc definitions of context information, which makes it difficult to achieve knowledge sharing, reuse and reasoning. Moreover, smart-artifact applications developed by experts sometimes cannot meet end users' needs, but current systems do not allow end users to exert control over their smart homes. To avoid having to start from scratch when building new smart-artifact systems, and to empower experienced computer users to participate in the control of their smart environments, we developed a new knowledge infrastructure called Sixth-Sense. Unlike previous systems, Sixth-Sense builds on semantic web technologies. It defines a normalized ontology (called SS-ONT) using OWL. SS-ONT is focused on modeling general human-artifact interactions, and reflects several vital aspects of these interactions, such as artifact property and status description, and artifact-artifact and artifact-human relationships. Using this ontology model as a basis, we address some of the principles involved in performing context querying and context reasoning. An initial user study with 14 experienced computer users was conducted to determine the usability of our system. We also evaluate the runtime performance of our system and discuss some of the lessons learnt from the evaluation.
NATURAL LANGUAGE INTERACTIONS IN DISTRIBUTED NETWORKS OF SMART DEVICES
Authors: SCHERMERHORN PAUL , SCHEUTZ MATTHIAS
Published: May 2009

Advances in sensing and networking hardware have made the prospect of ambient intelligence more realistic, but the challenge of creating a software framework suitable for ambient intelligence systems remains. We present ADE, the Agent Development Environment, a distributed agent infrastructure with built-in natural language processing capabilities connected to a sophisticated goal manager that controls access to the world via multiple server interfaces for sensing and actuating devices. Unlike other ambient intelligence infrastructures, ADE includes support for multiple autonomous robots integrated into the system. ADE allows developers of ambient intelligence environments to implement agents of varying complexity to meet the varying requirements of each scenario, and it provides facilities to ensure security and fault tolerance for distributed computing. Natural language processing is conducted incrementally, as utterances are acquired, allowing fast, accurate responses from system agents. We describe ADE and a sample of the many experiments and demonstrations conducted using the infrastructure, then an example architecture for a "smart home" is proposed to demonstrate ADE's utility as an infrastructure for ambient intelligence.
Group Membership, Group Identity, and Group Consciousness: Measures of Racial Identity in American Politics?
Authors: McClain Paula D. , Johnson Carew Jessica D. , Walton Eugene , Watts Candis S.
Published: May 2009

This article examines the concepts of group membership, group identity and racial identity, and group consciousness. For each of these we discuss theoretical definitions, research using the various definitions, and issues of measurement. We show that these concepts are distinct and build on each other, rather than being interchangeable. We also explore the concept of linked fate, which evolved from the concept of group consciousness and is central in the race and politics literature. Finally, we address the very important question of whether we are in danger of overextrapolation—taking concepts developed in research on one group and grafting them onto other groups.
On Assessing the Political Effects of Racial Prejudice
Authors: Huddy Leonie , Feldman Stanley
Published: May 2009

There is still no broad consensus on the extent to which racial prejudice influences white Americans' political attitudes, in part because of an ongoing dispute over the nature and measurement of racial prejudice. We review measures of new, subtle forms of racism toward African-Americans and consider criticism that such views do not clearly constitute racial prejudice despite their political impact. We then evaluate a number of ways in which explicit prejudice can be assessed in surveys, highlighting the continued existence and successful measurement of overt prejudice. We also consider ways to measure prejudice other than direct survey questions. Social psychologists have gravitated to the measurement of implicit racial attitudes, an approach that we review critically as potentially interesting but with unknown payoff for political researchers. Finally, we discuss the value of experiments as a way to gain direct evidence of politically potent racial discrimination and assess the prejudicial nature of explicit racial attitudes.
Hobbesian Hierarchy: The Political Economy of Political Organization
Authors: Lake David A.
Published: May 2009

Hierarchy is a nearly ubiquitous form of political organization. This article examines the concept of hierarchy and addresses three questions. What is hierarchy? When is it selected? Why does it matter? I outline and make explicit a theoretical approach common to the disparate literatures on political parties, domestic structures, and international relations. Drawn from the theory of the firm in economics, this relational contracting approach focuses on how hierarchy reduces transaction costs and safeguards specific assets, and it explains the nature and persistence of hierarchy and why it develops in some strategic settings and not others. Relational contracting theory has clear limitations, however, whose gaps are highlighted and sometimes filled by alternative approaches to understanding hierarchy. Integrating relational contracting theory with these alternatives promises a more complete approach.
Field Experiments on Political Behavior and Collective Action
Authors: de Rooij Eline A. , Green Donald P. , Gerber Alan S.
Published: May 2009

This brief review considers how field experiments have contributed to the study of collective action. Field experiments have largely supported findings from laboratory studies suggesting that collective action problems are often overcome through communication and social pressure. These results call into question theories suggesting that collective action problems are intractable in the absence of material inducements to participate.
Is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus an Important Contributor to Metabolic Disorders in Trinidad and Tobago?
Authors: Clapperton M. , Jarvis J. , Mungrue K.
Published: May 2009

Objective. To investigate the incidence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at the Mt. Hope Women's Hospital and to describe its epidemiological pattern.Design. A retrospective observational study (Jan 2005 to Dec 2007).Setting. A teaching hospital of The University of the West Indies.Population/Sample. Pregnant women who gave birth.Methods. A sample size of 720. The variables analyzed were: age, ethnicity, BMI of mother, family history of diabetes; history of GDM, obstetric history, birth weight and APGAR score of infant.Main Outcome Measures. (1) Incidence of cases of GDM. (2) Impact of the measured variable. Chi-squares, odds ratios and logistic regression were performed.Results. The incidence of GDM was 4.31% (95% C.I. 2.31%, 6.31%). The proportion of GDM patients for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007 were 1.67%, 4.58%, and 6.67%, respectively. Age, Obesity Ethnicity, Family history of diabetes and a history of GDM were determined risk factors. Associations between GDM and (1) Mode of Delivery and (2) APGAR score of the baby were found.Discussion & Conclusion. There was an apparent increase in the incidence of GDM. Additional studies should be conducted to measure the occurrence of GDM in Trinidad and Tobago. Efforts to promote public awareness and a healthy lifestyle should be made to reverse this trend.
Relationship between Mast Cells and the Colitis with Relapse Induced by Trinitrobenzesulphonic Acid in Wistar Rats
Authors: Luchini Ana Carolina , Costa de Oliveira Déborah Mara , Pellizzon Cláudia Helena , Di Stasi Luiz Claudio , Gomes José Carlos
Published: May 2009

The present study aimed to clarify the role of mast cells in colitis with relapse induced in Wistar rats by trinitrobenzenosulphonic acid. Colitis induction increased the histamine concentration in the colon, which peaked on day 26. The number of mast cells, probably immature, was ten times higher on day 8. Different from animals infected with intestinal parasites, after colitis remission, mast cells do not migrate to the spleen, showing that mast cell proliferation presents different characteristics depending on the inflammation stimuli. Treatment with sulfasalazine, doxantrazole, quercetin, or nedocromil did not increase the histamine concentration or the mast cell number in the colon on day 26, thereby showing absence of degranulation of these cells. In conclusion, although mast cell proliferation is associated with colitis, these cells and their mediators appear to play no clear role in the colitis with relapses.
Impact of Surgical and Medical Castration on Serum Testosterone Level in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Novara Giacomo , Galfano Antonio , Secco Silvia , Ficarra Vincenzo , Artibani Walter
Published: May 2009

Introduction: The paper aims at evaluating the role of testosterone levels and their cut-off points in the treatment of prostate cancer with androgen deprivation therapy. Materials and Methods: We performed a non-systematic review of the literature, searching Medline using the following key words: ‘Prostatic neoplasms/therapy’ [MeSH], ‘Buserelin’ [MeSH], ‘Goserelin’ [MeSH], ‘Leuprolide’ [MeSH], ‘Triptorelin’ [MeSH], ‘prostate cancer*’ [tiab], and ‘testoster*’ [tiab]. Results: The most commonly used cut-off point of testosterone to define castration was 50 ng/dl. In this respect, GnRH agonists allowed castration in a very high percentage of patients (87.5–100%). Specifically, triptorelin was reported to yield castration level of testosterone in 98.8%, the classical formulation of leuprolide in 95–98.8% of the cases, and Eligard®, a novel formulation of leuprolide, in 99–100%. With regard to the 20-ng/dl breakpoint, available data suggest that goserelin yields castration level of testosterone in 96%, the classical formulation of leuprolide in 87–92% of the patients, and the novel formulation in 88–97.5%. Conclusions: The clinical significance of different levels of testosterone yielded during androgen deprivation therapy is still unknown. Considering the standard cut-off point of 50 ng/dl, GnRH agonists allowed castration in a very high percentage of patients.
Is Only Perianal Anesthesia with Lidocaine-Prilocaine Cream Sufficient to Decrease the Pain during Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy? A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: Kandirali Engin , Ulukaradag Emre , Uysal Bulent , Serin Erdinc , Semercioz Atilla , Metin Ahmet
Published: May 2009

Aims: To determine the optimal place to apply the local anesthetic agent and to investigate the efficacy of lidocaine-prilocaine cream on the perianal and intrarectal region during prostate biopsy. Methods: The study included 80 patients. Patients were randomized into four groups: group 1 served as the control group and was administered no anesthesia; group 2 received 5 ml lidocaine-prilocaine cream perianally; group 3 received 5 ml lidocaine-prilocaine cream intrarectally, and group 4 received lidocaine-prilocaine cream perianally and intrarectally. Pain scores during probe insertion, biopsy procedure, and the overall pain score were assessed. Mean pain scores in each group were compared statistically. Results: In group 1, the mean pain score was significantly higher during probe insertion than that during biopsy (p < 0.001). For the mean overall pain scores, there was no significant difference between groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.942), but the results of group 1 were statistically different from groups 2 (p = 0.001) and 4 (p < 0.001). When we compared the biopsy pain scores, there was no significant difference among the groups (p > 0.05). During probe insertion, subjects in groups 2 and 4 reported significantly lower pain scores than the control group (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Perianal anesthesia with lidocaine-prilocaine cream may solely be sufficient to decrease the pain during prostate biopsy.
Do Changes in a High Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Level and the Free/Total Prostate-Specific Antigen Ratio after Antibiotic Treatment Rule Out Biopsy and the Suspicion of Cancer?
Authors: Dirim Ayhan , Tekin Mehmet Ilteris , Koyluoglu Eser , Oguzulgen Ahmet Ibrahim , Peskircioglu Levent , Ozkardes Hakan
Published: May 2009

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of antibiotic treatment in patients with higher-than-normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in terms of changes both in total PSA and free/total (f/t) PSA ratios. Materials and Methods: Serum PSA and f/t PSA changes after antibiotic treatment in 85 patients with normal digital rectal examination but elevated age-adjusted serum PSA levels were evaluated with relevance to biopsy results. Results: Serum PSA levels decreased after antibiotic treatment in 47 of 85 patients. The f/t PSA ratio decreased or remained unchanged in 21 and increased in 26 of these 47 cases. Cancer detection rate in the former group was 52.4% (11/21), while it was 7.7% (2/26) in the latter (p = 0.002). There were 38 patients with increased PSA levels after antibiotics. The f/t PSA ratios decreased or remained unchanged in 20 and increased in 18 of these 38 cases. Cancer detection rates were 55% (11/20) in the former and 16.7% (3/18) in the latter group (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The PSA and f/t PSA levels may change with long-term antibiotic treatment in patients with elevated PSA values. The f/t PSA ratio rather than total PSA appears to be more helpful in suggesting prostate cancer in these cases.
Comparison of Three Analgesic Treatment Protocols for Pain Management during Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Authors: Eryıldırım Bilal , Kuyumcuoğlu Uğur , Tarhan Fatih , Faydacı Gökhan , Uruç Fatih
Published: May 2009

Introduction: In this prospective and randomized study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream, diclofenac sodium (DS) and EMLA in combination with DS (EMLA+DS) for pain management during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Patients and Methods: 120 patients who had undergone ESWL for renal stones were included in the study. The patients were randomized into three groups: the first group was treated with a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics cream (EMLA), while intramuscular DS was applied to the second group and EMLA+DS was applied to the third group. Pain during ESWL was assessed with the 10-score linear and visual analogue pain scale and was compared between groups. Results: Mean age was 44.4 ± 1.9 years. There was no statistically significant difference between groups regarding patients’ mean age, weight, stone size, shock waves, duration of ESWL and energy level values (p > 0.05). The mean pain score during ESWL was 3.90 ± 0.16 in the EMLA group, 3.28 ± 0.18 in the DS group and 3.05 ± 0.18 in EMLA+DS group (p = 0023). Conclusion: DS appears to be more efficient than EMLA in reducing pain during ESWL. Using EMLA+DS has no superiority in relieving pain compared to DS-only treatment.
The Risk Factor for Urethral Recurrence after Radical Cystectomy in Patients with Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Cho Kang Su , Seo Joo Wan , Park Sung Jin , Lee Young Hoon , Choi Young Deuk , Cho Nam Hoon , Yang Seung Choul , Hong Sung Joon
Published: May 2009

Purpose: We evaluated the incidence and risk factors for urethral recurrence following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in transitional cell carcinoma. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review was performed of the 412 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder between 1986 and 2004. A total of 294 patients were enrolled in this study. We investigated the impact of various clinical and pathological features on urethral recurrence by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Urethral recurrence developed in 13 patients (4.4%) and the 5-year urethral recurrence-free probability was 94.9%. On univariate analysis, positive urethral margin, prostatic stromal invasion, and prostatic urethral involvement had a significant influence on urethral recurrence (p < 0.05). The other clinical and pathological features were not significantly associated with urethral recurrence (p > 0.05). A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that a positive urethral margin (hazards ratio (HR) = 18.33, p < 0.001), prostatic urethral involvement (HR = 7.95, p < 0.001), and prostatic stromal invasion (HR = 5.80, p = 0.018) were independent risk factors for urethral recurrence. Conclusion: A positive urethral margin is considered an absolute indication for prophylactic urethrectomy. In addition, more careful patient selection is necessary for orthotopic urinary diversion in patients with prostatic urethral involvement and prostatic stromal invasion.
Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy: A Journey from T1 to Very Large T2 Tumors
Authors: Srivastava Aneesh , Gupta Manu , Singh Pratipal , Dubey Deepak , Mandhani Anil , Kapoor Rakesh , Kumar Anant
Published: May 2009

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) in T1 and T2 renal tumors. Patients and Methods: From December 1999 to March 2007, a retrospective analysis of 102 patients was done. A thorough preoperative workup was done in all patients. Postoperatively the patients were followed up every 3 months for the first year, 6-monthly for the next 2 years and yearly thereafter. Results: Transperitoneal radical nephrectomy was done in 85 patients, whereas 7 patients had a retroperitoneal surgery. A combined approach of retroperitoneal renal artery clipping followed by transperitoneal nephrectomy was done in 10 patients. 72 patients had clinically T1 tumors and 30 patients were T2 tumors. Mean tumor size was 6.97 cm, mean operative time was 174 min, mean blood loss was 230 ml, mean hospital stay was 4.6 days, and mean incision length was 8 cm. 19 patients had conversion to open surgery. Mean follow-up was 22.6 (range 4–56) months. Overall recurrence-free survival was 88.1%. Conclusions: LRN is a safe and effective treatment for renal tumors with a steep learning curve. Large right-sided T2 tumors can be safely treated with the combined approach. Disease control rates with LRN are satisfactory.
Ureteroscopic Laser Lithotripsy versus Ballistic Lithotripsy for Treatment of Ureteric Stones: A Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Garg S. , Mandal A.K. , Singh S.K. , Naveen A. , Ravimohan M. , Aggarwal M. , Mete U.K. , Santosh K.
Published: May 2009

Objectives: This study was undertaken to compare the results of laser (Ho:YAG) and pneumatic (ballistic) intracorporeal lithotripsy for ureteric calculi in terms of efficacy, safety and complications. Methods: 55 patients having ureteric calculus were randomly allocated into pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) and laser lithotripsy (LL) groups. Swiss lithoclast was used for PL (3 atm pressure and 12 Hz frequency) and the VersaPulse PowerSuite was used for LL. Appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: 30 patients (34 stones) were treated with LL and 25 patients (25 stones) with PL. Both groups were comparable in profile. Mean lithotripsy time was 24.03 ± 9.51 min in the LL group and 19.80 ± 4.44 min in the PL group (p = 0.027). The immediate stone clearance rate was higher in the LL group (p = 0.001), but it was comparable at 4 weeks (p = 0.097). Stone migration occurred in 16% of cases in the PL group. No major complication was observed in either group. Conclusions: We conclude that both laser and pneumatic energies are effective and safe for intracorporeal lithotripsy. Laser lithotripsy takes more time but provides earlier stone-free status.
Fascial Interposition Technique for Vasectomy: Is It Justified?
Authors: Shakeri S. , Aminsharifi A.R. , Khalafi M.
Published: May 2009

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of the fascial interposition (FI) technique to improve the results of non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) through a cost-effective modification. Patients and Methods: The outcome of the FI technique for NSV in 954 consecutive candidates treated by two surgeons was evaluated retrospectively. 726 (76%) of the clients had undergone NSV with FI (FI group) and for the other 228 (24%) NSV by simple ligation and excision (LE) without FI (NFI group) was performed. Demographic data, operative time and complications as well as vasectomy failures were analyzed between the two groups. Results: The two groups were age-matched and there were no significant differences between the two procedures regarding operative complications and operative time. 13 cases of vasectomy failures (5.7%) were detected after 3 months of follow-up, all in the NFI group. No vasectomy failure was recognized in the FI group. Conclusion: Combined use of FI with simple LE could be considered a simple effective method for NSV with a high success rate that allows the NSV to remain as a reliable option for contraception.
Early-Stage Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma: Multidetector CT Findings
Authors: Giannakis D. , Tsili A.C. , Zioga A. , Tsampoulas K. , Sofikitis N.
Published: May 2009

A 64-year-old woman was referred for multidetector CT examination of the abdomen due to an incidental right renal mass, found on routine sonographic examination. A lower pole renal mass was detected on CT, with no signs of invasiveness or metastatic disease. The mass was sharply demarcated and heterogeneously enhanced, the last finding suggestive of malignancy. Pathologically, the tumor was an early-stage sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma. The patient remains well, with no signs of recurrence or metastases 18 months after surgery.
Reflux-Associated Laryngitis and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Gastroenterologist’s Point of View
Authors: Hammer Heinz F.
Published: May 2009

Laryngopharyngeal reflux of liquid and gaseous gastric contents should be considered in every patient with unexplained hoarseness. Pathophysiology and treatment of reflux-associated laryngitis are different from those of reflux esophagitis and therefore remain an unsolved puzzle. The laryngeal mucosa is considerably more sensitive to acid and pepsin than the mucosa of the esophagogastric junction. Therefore definitions of acid and nonacid reflux used for gastroesophageal reflux disease may not be helpful for explaining pathophysiologic mechanisms in the larynx or pharynx. A reflux symptom index and reflux finding score may be useful in helping to select the minority of patients who may benefit from acid-suppressive therapy; however, further research is needed. Further research is also needed to identify those patients who may require higher doses or prolonged duration of proton pump inhibitors or alternative treatments like prokinetics or alginate, or those patients who may benefit from surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux. Since symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux may predict esophageal adenocarcinoma, every patient with laryngopharyngeal reflux should have an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, even if no classical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are present.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Work-Related Disease?
Authors: Pregun István , Bakucz Tamás , Banai János , Molnár László , Pavlik Gábor , Altorjay István , Orosz Péter , Csernay László , Tulassay Zsolt , Herszényi László
Published: May 2009

Background: An occupation-related susceptibility of professional singers to experience gastroesophageal reflux has been suggested. Aims: To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in a series of professional opera choristers, wind players, glassblowers and water polo players in comparison with a sample of general population. Subjects and Methods: A total of 202 professional opera choristers from well-known choirs in different Hungarian regions, 71 professional wind players, 43 glassblowers, 54 water polo players were identified and 115 control subjects were compared prospectively. Reflux symptoms together with selected individual characteristics and lifestyle habits were investigated in study groups through a reflux questionnaire. Results:Professional opera choristers reported a statistically significantly higher prevalence of heartburn, regurgitation and hoarseness than control subjects (p < 0.001). Among professional wind players, heartburn and regurgitation were significantly more frequent compared with controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Glassblowers reported a significantly higher prevalence of acid regurgitation in comparison with controls (p < 0.01). The prevalence of reflux symptoms in water polo players was similar to that of controls. In opera choristers, wind players and glassblowers, reflux symptoms appeared to be significantly correlated with the cumulative lifetime duration of professional singing, playing and working activity, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that professional opera choristers, professional wind players and glassblowers have a higher prevalence of reflux symptoms compared with control subjects. Gastroesophageal reflux in these professions should be considered as a work-related disorder that may have an impact on quality of life and may negatively interfere with professional performance.
Unmet Medical Needs among Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Foundation for Improving Management in Primary Care
Authors: Liker Harley R. , Ducrotté Philippe , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: May 2009

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease that has a significant impact on patients’ health-related quality of life. While proton pump inhibitors have transformed GERD therapy, effective management of this disease is still a challenge. This review consolidates data from the recently published Burning Questions and Burning Desires surveys to provide a foundation for improved primary care management of GERD. First, the surveys confirm the significant troublesome impact of GERD on patients’ health-related quality of life. Negative effects on sleeping and eating were identified as the leading causes for concern among such patients. Second, a lack of symptom control was identified among patients receiving physician-guided care for GERD, with many patients experiencing persistent symptoms. This was likely to be responsible for the third major finding of these surveys – the high rate of concomitant over-the-counter medication use among patients receiving prescription therapy. The surveys also uncovered a disconnect between patients and physicians in terms of GERD symptom severity, and perceptions of GERD and its treatment. Such findings outline the requirement for improved management of GERD, including the need to identify patients who may benefit from reassessment and more effective therapies. Patient-reported, questionnaire-based tools may aid physicians in this regard.
The Impact of Heat Shock Protein 70 Gene Variations on Clinical Presentation and Outcome in Schizophrenic Inpatients
Authors: Pae Chi-Un , Drago Antonio , Kim Jung-Jin , Mandelli Laura , De Ronchi Diana , Serretti Alessandro
Published: May 2009

We previously investigated a group of single-nucleotide polymorphisms of a set of genes coding for heat shock proteins (HSPA1A, HSPA1B and HSPA1L) and found a significant association between one HSPA1B variation and schizophrenia (SZ). We now report an association between a set of variations (rs2227956, rs2075799, rs1043618, rs562047 and rs539689) within the same genes and a larger sample of schizophrenic inpatients. A single variation, rs539689 (HSPA1B), was found to be marginally associated with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) positive scores at discharge, and haplotype analysis revealed a significant association between improvement in PANSS scores with both A-C-G-G and A-C-G-G haplotypes. These findings further support a role of heat shock proteins in the pathophysiology of SZ.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Polymorphism and Completed Suicide: An Association in Caucasians and Evidence for a Link with a Method of Self-Injury
Authors: Fudalej Sylwia , Fudalej Marcin , Kostrzewa Grażyna , Kuźniar Piotr , Franaszczyk Maria , Wojnar Marcin , Krajewski Paweł , Płoski Rafał
Published: May 2009

Background/Aims: An association between the II genotype of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism and suicide was found among Japanese men. Our purpose was to replicate this finding in Caucasians and explore other putative genotypic associations among suicides. Methods: The ACE genotypes were studied by a 2-stage PCR method in 150 completed suicides and 165 age- and sex-matched controls. Results: We found an increase in the frequency of the ACEI allele among male victims of suicide compared to male controls (odds ratio, OR = 1.69, p < 0.006), female suicides (OR = 2.01, p = 0.006) and pooled controls (OR = 1.77, p = 0.001). Analysis of genotype distribution showed that the codominant model had the best fit (p = 0.7) whereas the recessive model could be rejected (p = 0.04). Among males we found an association between the number of the ACE I allele and the method of suicide: OR = 17.98, pcorrected = 0.00003, for jumping from a height; OR = 0.36, pcorrected = 0.048, for hanging. We also observed a trend for a negative effect of the number of copies of the ACE I allele on prevalence of depression (OR = 0.36, p = 0.013) and a trend for an effect on age at death (p = 0.021). Conclusions: Our results suggest that low ACE activity associated with the I allele is a risk factor for suicide, especially in a subset of males. This may be of concern given the widespread use of drugs lowering ACE activity.
Development of a Cold Dialysate Regeneration System for Home Hemodialysis
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Kim Jeong Chul , Moon Jin-Hee , Park Joong Yull , Lee Kyoung Kap , Kang Eungtaek , Kim Hee Chan , Min Byoung Goo , Ronco Claudio
Published: May 2009

Background/Aims: Because longer and/or more frequent dialysis has potential clinical benefits, home hemodialysis (HHD) systems should provide flexible renal replacement therapies. We propose a new cold dialysate regeneration system that requires 10 l per treatment for HHD. Methods: We designed a dialysate regeneration system using cold dialysate and 2 activated carbon columns alternatively switched between adsorption and desorption. Urea adsorption ratios were compared in three different conditions; cold dialysate (5.7°C), normal dialysate (36.8°C), and cold dialysate with washing. In vivo tests (n = 8) were conducted to validate this system. Results: The urea removal ratios were 20.0 ± 1.7% in cold dialysate, 36.0 ± 1.7% in normal dialysate, and 82.5 ± 1.2% in cold dialysate with washing. In animal experiments, the urea reduction ratio was 60.9 ± 6.3%, Kt/V was 1.0 ± 0.2, and serum electrolytes remained stable. Conclusion: The proposed cold dialysate regeneration system using a small volume of dialysate will be useful for HHD.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Induced by Combination of Imatinib and Allopurinol
Authors: Hsieh Huei-Jen , Chan Agnes L.F. , Lin Shun-Jen
Published: May 2009

We report a case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) caused by imatinib combined with allopurinol. An 82-year-old female patient who had a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia was initially treated with imatinib 200 mg/day and allopurinol 100 mg for 42 days, and had a satisfactory hematological response. The dose of imatinib was adjusted to 400 mg/day for 14 days. After two weeks, she developed SJS and was transferred to the intensive care unit for further treatment because her general condition had deteriorated. The aggravated cutaneous adverse reaction improved approximately 7 days after withdrawal of imatinib. Oral steroids with antihistamines were prescribed for the treatment of severe cutaneous reaction. The symptoms of SJS completely improved 1 month after discontinuation of imatinib and allopurinol. We concluded that imatinib alone may cause serious cutaneous reaction, but the combination of 2 high-risk drugs may increase the likelihood of exposed patients developing SJS. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of SJS caused by imatinib and allopurinol prescribed simultaneously.
Heat Shock Protein 70 Membrane Expression in Oral Cancer: A Possible New Target in Antineoplastic Therapy?
Authors: Markopoulos Anastasios K. , Deligianni Eleni , Antoniades Demetrios Z.
Published: May 2009

Background: Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a group of highly immunogenic proteins with an exceptional degree of conservation. Cells or tissues from a wide range of tumors have been shown to express atypical levels of 1 or more HSPs. Experimental evidence suggests that HSPs may promote tumorigenesis by suppressing apoptosis. Aim: The aim of this investigation was to study the expression and the localization of HSP70 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to compare HSP70 expression between neoplastic, dysplastic lesions and normal oral tissues. Methods: Immunohistochemistry staining was conducted to study HSP70 expression in 50 paraffinized tissue samples: 30 OSCCs, 10 leukoplakias with dysplasia and 10 samples from normal oral tissue. Results: Our results showed that all slides with OSCC intensely expressed HSP70. Dysplastic lesions were positive to a lesser extent for HSP70. Samples from normal oral tissue were all negative for HSP70. Conclusions: It is concluded that increased HSP70 immunoexpression could be a marker for the presence of epithelial dysplasia or epithelial malignant transformation.
Effects of Live and Inactivated VSL#3 Probiotic Preparations in the Modulation of in vitro and in vivo Allergen-Induced Th2 Responses
Authors: Mastrangeli Giorgia , Corinti Silvia , Butteroni Cinzia , Afferni Claudia , Bonura Angela , Boirivant Monica , Colombo Paolo , Di Felice Gabriella
Published: May 2009

Background: The immunological mechanisms responsible for the immunomodulatory and anti-allergic effects of probiotic bacteria are still poorly defined. The combined effects of mixtures of different species of probiotic bacteria have been explored only in part. The present study describes the immunomodulatory activity of the VSL#3 probiotic preparation in in vitro and in vivo systems. Methods: The activation and cytokine production by in vitro probiotic-stimulated bone-marrow dendritic cells (BM-DCs) and spleen cells isolated from naïve or Par j 1-sensitized mice were investigated. Mice were intranasally administered a sonicate preparation of VSL#3 before immunization with rPar j 1. Serum antibody levels and cytokine expression in the lung were determined. Results: Both live and sonicated VSL#3 preparations induced maturation and cytokine production by BM-DCs. Cytokine production by spleen cells from naïve or Par j 1-sensitized mice was modulated by the probiotic preparations towards a Treg/Th0 profile, characterized by increased IL-10 and IFN-γ production. In vivo prophylactic treatment with VSL#3 induced a significant reduction of serum specific IgG1. At lung level, VSL#3 pre-treatment remarkably reduced IL-13 and IL-4 mRNA expression and increased IL-10 expression. Conclusions: The VSL#3 preparations have not only the capacity to bias primary immune responses towards a Treg/Th0-type profile, but also to modify in the same way the functional characteristics of established in vitro Th2 responses. In vivo studies on a mouse model of Par j 1 sensitization indicate that the prophylactic intranasal treatment with probiotic bacteria is able to modulate the development of Th2-biased responses.
The HLA DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602-DPB1*0501 Haplotype Is a Risk Factor for Toluene Diisocyanate-Induced Occupational Asthma
Authors: Choi Jeong-Hee , Lee Kyung-Wha , Kim Cheol-Woo , Park Choon-Sik , Lee Hyun-Young , Hur Gyu-Young , Kim Seung-Hyun , Hong Chein-Soo , Jang An-Soo , Park Hae-Sim
Published: May 2009

Background: Although the pathogenesis of toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced occupational asthma (TDI-OA) is incompletely understood, several studies have suggested immunologic mechanisms, including specific IgE responses. A few studies have suggested human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations with TDI-induced asthma in Western countries, but this is the first investigation of associations between HLA class I and II alleles and TDI-induced asthma patients in Asia, using high-resolution analysis. Methods: Patients with TDI-OA (n = 84), asymptomatic exposed controls (AECs, n = 47) and unexposed normal controls (NCs, n = 127) were enrolled. HLA class I and II genotyping was performed by the direct DNA sequencing analysis. Specific serum IgE antibodies to the vapor type TDI-albumin conjugate were measured by ELISA. Results: There was no significant association between the allele frequencies and the phenotype of TDI-OA. However, the frequency of the HLA DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602-DPB1*0501 haplotype was significantly higher in TDI-OA patients (19%) than in AEC (2.1%, p = 0.007, OR 4.429, CI 1.497–13.103) or NC (3.1%, p < 0.001, OR 7.235, CI 2.236–22.510) subjects, with statistical significance persisting after correction for multiple comparisons. DQB1*0402 was significantly associated with the presence of specific IgE to TDI-albumin conjugates in serum (p = 0.006, OR 4.552, CI 1.540–13.449). This p value remained significant after correction for multiple comparison. Conclusion: The HLA DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602-DPB1*0501 haplotype may be a genetic marker for the development of TDI-induced asthma in Koreans. Several HLA alleles that enhance specific IgE sensitization in exposed subjects are indicated.
Suppression of Allergic Diarrhea in Murine Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Diarrhea Model by PG102, a Water-Soluble Extract Prepared from Actinidia arguta
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Kim Seon Hee , Park Eun-Jin , Kim Jiyoung , Cho Sang-Heon , Kagawa Junko , Arai Naoko , Jun Kunisawa , Kiyono Hiroshi , Kim Sunyoung
Published: May 2009

Background: Allergic reactions to food can involve diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and abnormal pain. PG102 has previously been shown to control various factors involved in allergy pathogenesis, including IgE and various Th1 and Th2 cytokines, in vivo as well as in vitro [Park EJ, et al.: J Allergy Clin Immunol 2005;116:1151–1157; Park EJ, et al.: J Invest Dermatol 2007;127:1154–1160]. These data indicate that PG102 might have antiallergic effects on allergic diarrhea. Here, we investigated whether PG102 could prevent allergic diarrhea in the murine ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic diarrhea model. Methods: BALB/c mice were orally treated with PG102, dexamethasone or water for 9 days on a daily basis, followed by subcutaneous injection with OVA on day 0. Animals were orally administrated with OVA from day 7, 3 times a week, over a period of approximately 20 days. Incidence of diarrhea, serum, OVA-restimulated splenocytes and lamina propria lymphocytes were analyzed. Results: Oral administration of PG102 could suppress the incidence of diarrhea in a murine allergic diarrhea model. The amelioration of allergic diarrhea by PG102 was accompanied with the inhibition of mast cell infiltration into the large intestine. The serum level of IgE, IL-6 and MCP-1 was decreased in PG102-treated mice. When splenocytes were isolated from respective groups and cultured in the presence of OVA, cells from PG102-administrated animals produced lesser amounts of IL-6 and MCP-1. Conclusions: PG102 has the potential to be used as a preventive for food allergic diseases.
Smooth Muscle Notch1 Mediates Neointimal Formation After Vascular Injury
Authors: Li Yuxin , Takeshita Kyosuke , Liu Ping-Yen , Satoh Minoru , Oyama Naotsugu , Mukai Yasushi , Chin Michael T. , Krebs Luke , Kotlikoff Michael I. , Radtke Freddy , Gridley Thomas , Liao James K.
Published: May 2009

Background—

Notch1 regulates binary cell fate determination and is critical for angiogenesis and cardiovascular development. However, the pathophysiological role of Notch1 in the postnatal period is not known. We hypothesize that Notch1 signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) may contribute to neointimal formation after vascular injury.

Methods and Results—

We performed carotid artery ligation in wild-type, control (SMC-specific
Cre
recombinase transgenic [smCre-Tg]), general Notch1 heterozygous deficient (N1
+/−
), SMC-specific Notch1 heterozygous deficient (smN1
+/−
), and general Notch3 homozygous deficient (N3
−/−
) mice. Compared with wild-type or control mice, N1
+/−
and smN1
+/−
mice showed a 70% decrease in neointimal formation after carotid artery ligation. However, neointimal formation was similar between wild-type and N3
−/−
mice. Indeed, SMCs derived from explanted aortas of either N1
+/−
- or smN1
+/−
mice showed decreased chemotaxis and proliferation and increased apoptosis compared with control or N3
−/−
mice. This correlated with decreased staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen–positive cells and increased staining of cleaved caspase-3 in the intima of N1
+/−
- or smN1
+/−
mice. In SMCs derived from CHF1/Hey2
−/−
mice, activation of Notch signaling did not lead to increased SMC proliferation or migration.

Conclusions—

These findings indicate that Notch1, rather than Notch3, mediates SMC proliferation and neointimal formation after vascular injury through CHF1/Hey2 and suggest that therapies that target Notch1/CHF1/Hey2 in SMCs may be beneficial in preventing vascular proliferative diseases.
Negotiating Nostalgia: The Rhetoricity of Thylacine Representation in Tasmanian Tourism
Authors: Turner Stephanie
Published: May 2009

The recently extinct thylacine, endemic to Australia, has become a potent cultural icon in the state of Tasmania, with implications for Australian ecotourism and Tasmanian conservation strategies. While the thylacine's iconicity has been analyzed by naturalists and cultural historians, its significance in Tasmanian tourism has yet to be examined. Thylacine representations in tourism-related writings and images, because of their high degree of ambivalence, function as a rich site of conflicting values regarding national identity and native species protection. Drawing on cultural studies of the thylacine and constructivist theories of tourism, this study identifies and documents three polarities in thylacine representation: the thylacine as wild yet domesticated, present yet absent, and an Australian national—yet distinctly regional—subject. A close reading of contradictory textual and visual elements in tourist guides, travel writing, specialized maps, and museum exhibits illuminates ongoing debates about Australian econationalism in the global tourism economy.
Making Wildlife Viewable: Habituation and Attraction
Authors: Knight John
Published: May 2009

The activity of wildlife viewing rests on an underlying contradiction. Wild animals are generally human-averse; they avoid humans and respond to human encounters by fleeing and retreating to cover. One would therefore expect human viewing of wild animals to be at best unpredictable, intermittent, and fleeting. Yet in recent decades, wildlife viewing has become a major recreational activity for millions of people around the world and has emerged as a thriving commercial industry. How can these two things—widespread wildlife intolerance of humans and large-scale human observation of wildlife—be squared? The answer is that wild animals are only viewed on this scale because they have been made viewable through human intervention. This article examines two kinds of intervention—habituation and attraction—that change wildlife behavior toward humans and render hitherto elusive animals susceptible to regular, proximate, and protracted human viewing.