bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body movements on the men’s competition mushroom: a three dimensional analysis of circular swings
Authors: Grassi G , Turci M , Shirai Y F , Lovecchio N , Sforza C , Ferrario V F
Published: July 2005

Objectives:To develop a method for the three dimensional analysis of body movements and body positions during the performance of circular swings on the competition mushroom, an apparatus used by young gymnasts for pommel horse training.

Methods:Five experienced male gymnasts, all of national level, performed three series of 10 circular swings on the competition mushroom. An optoelectronic instrument was used for the detection of the three dimensional movement of 13 body landmarks. From landmark trajectories, several technical measurements were obtained: diameters of ideal circles of ankles, hips, shoulders; deviation of the ankle diameters from circularity and from the horizontal plane; angle between the shoulder, hip, and ankle. The values were used for a quantitative assessment of performance of the five gymnasts.

Results:During the exercise, each ankle should follow a nearly horizontal circular path (deviation from circularity ranged from 3.6% to 6%, deviation from horizontality was 9.4–19.7%), there should be an angle of about 180° at the hips (actual values 146–153°), and the shoulders should move as little as possible, and only in the lateral plane, without major anteroposterior movements (shoulder movement was 27–31% of ankle movement, hip movement was 16–20%).

Conclusions:The method could help coaches and gymnasts to determine which parts of the body are not repeating a selected movement with sufficient accuracy and to quantify improvements made after a specific training programme.
“Bounce at the Bell”: a novel program of short bouts of exercise improves proximal femur bone mass in early pubertal children
Authors: McKay H A , MacLean L , Petit M , MacKelvie-O’Brien K , Janssen P , Beck T , Khan K M
Published: July 2005

Objectives:To examine the effects of a simple and inexpensive physical activity intervention on change in bone mass and structure in school aged children.

Methods:Fifty one children (n = 23 boys and 28 girls; mean age 10.1 years) participated in “Bounce at the Bell” which consisted of 10 counter-movement jumps 3× per day (total ∼3 min/day). Controls were 71 matched children who followed usual school practice. We assessed dietary calcium, physical activity, physical performance, and anthropometry in September and after 8 months of intervention (June). We measured bone mineral content (BMC) and bone area at the lumbar spine, total body, and proximal femur. Proximal femur scans were also analysed for bone geometry and structural strength using the hip structural analysis program. Lean and fat mass (g) were also calculated.

Results:Groups were similar at baseline and did not differ in weight, height, total body, lumbar spine, proximal femur, or femoral neck BMC. Control children had a greater increase in adjusted total body BMC (1.4%). Intervention children gained significantly more BMC at the total proximal femur (2%) and the intertrochanteric region (27%). Change in bone structural parameters did not differ between groups.

Conclusions:This novel, easily implemented exercise program, took only a few minutes each day and enhanced bone mass at the weight bearing proximal femur in early pubertal children. A large, randomised study of boys and girls should be undertaken powered to test the effectiveness of Bounce at the Bell in children at different stages of maturity, and in boys and girls independently.
Effects of weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercises on bone properties using calcaneal quantitative ultrasound
Authors: Yung P S , Lai Y M , Tung P Y , Tsui H T , Wong C K , Hung V W Y , Qin L
Published: July 2005

Objective:This study was designed to investigate bone properties using heel quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in young adults participating in various sports.

Methods:A cross sectional study was performed on Chinese male students (n = 55), aged 18–22 years. Subjects with previous fractures or suffering from any diseases known to affect bone metabolism or taking any medication with such an effect, were not included. The subjects were categorised according to their main sporting activities, including soccer (n = 15) (a high impact, weight bearing exercise), dancing (n = 10) (a low impact, weight bearing exercise), and swimming (n = 15) (non-weight bearing exercise). A sedentary group acted as controls (n = 15). A reproducibility study of the velocity of sound (VOS) and the broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) measurement was performed and analysed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results:There was good intra-investigator and inter-investigator agreement (ICC⩾0.8; p<0.05) in the measurement of BUA and VOS. No significant differences in BUA and VOS (p>0.05) were found between the dominant and non-dominant heel. Soccer players (137±4.3 dB/MHz; 1575±56 m/s; 544.1±48.4) and dancers (134.6±3.7 dB/MHz; 1538±46 m/s; 503.0±37.0) had significantly higher BUA, VOS, and stiffness index (SI) scores (p<0.05), respectively, than swimmers (124.1±5.1 dB/MHz; 1495±42 m/s; 423.3±46.9) and the sedentary control group (119.9±6.1 dB/MHz; 1452±41 m/s; 369.9±46.4). A trend of a significant linear increase with the weight bearing and high impact exercise was revealed in all QUS parameters (p<0.05).

Conclusion:This cross sectional study indicated that regular participation in weight bearing exercise in young people might be beneficial for accruing peak bone mass and optimising bone structure.
Short term and long term detraining: is there any difference between young-old and old people?
Authors: Toraman N F
Published: July 2005

Objectives:To assess the effects of short (six weeks) and long (52 weeks) term detraining on functional fitness in elderly people, and to determine whether these effects differ according to age in elderly people.

Methods:Elderly subjects, aged 60–86 years, completed a nine week multicomponent exercise training programme. They performed the senior fitness test after six and 52 weeks, and the responses of 12 young-old subjects (YO, aged 60–73 years) and nine older subjects (O, aged 74–86 years) were compared.

Results:Functional fitness improved during the exercise training period. Short term detraining caused a loss of this improvement in functional performance. Performance on the chair stand test for both YO and O groups and on the up and go and six minute walk tests for the YO group remained significantly higher than before training after six weeks of detraining (p<0.013). Performance in all tests reverted to the pre-training values or lower after 52 weeks of detraining in both groups. In the O group, performances in the six minute walk test and arm curl test were lower than before training (p<0.013). The components of functional fitness most affected by detraining were agility with short term detraining, and aerobic endurance and upper extremity strength with long term detraining.

Conclusion:Changes in functional capacity after short and long term detraining are affected by age in elderly adults.
Isolated oculomotor nerve palsy from minor head trauma: Figure 1
Authors: Chen C-C , Pai Y-M , Wang R-F , Wang T-L , Chong C-F
Published: July 2005

Isolated third cranial nerve palsies in head trauma patients can be the result of direct or indirect damage to the oculomotor nerve. They are usually associated with severe head trauma. We reported a case of isolated oculomotor nerve palsy associated with minor head injury. No initial loss of consciousness was recalled. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain were normal. Previous reports in the literature were reviewed and the possible mechanism of injury was discussed. Head injuries are commonly seen in sports settings. Our case illustrated that even minor head trauma can cause isolated oculomotor nerve palsy in the absence of abnormal brain imaging findings.
Heading in football. Part 2: Biomechanics of ball heading and head response
Authors: Shewchenko N , Withnall C , Keown M , Gittens R , Dvorak J
Published: July 2005

Objectives:Controversy surrounding the long term effects of repeated impacts from heading has raised awareness among the public and the medical community. However, there is little information about the human response to the impacts and what measures can be taken to alter their effect. The objective of the current study was to gain a better understanding of heading biomechanics through the implementation of a numerical model and subsequent investigation of parameters related to heading technique and ball characteristics.

Methods:A controlled laboratory study was carried out with seven active football players, aged 20–23 years who underwent medical screening and were instrumented with accelerometers mounted in bite plates and electromyographic electrodes on the major neck muscle groups. Balls were delivered at two speeds (6 m/s and 8 m/s) as the subjects demonstrated several specific heading manoeuvres. Photographic targets were tracked via high speed video to measure heading kinematics. One subject demonstrating reasonably averaged flexion–extension muscle activity phased with head acceleration data and upper torso kinematics was used to validate a biofidelic 50th percentile human numerical model with detailed representation of the head and neck.

Results:Heading kinematics and subject responses were used with a detailed numerical model to simulate impact biomechanics for a baseline heading scenario. Changes to heading techniques and ball characteristics which mitigated head impact response were identified.

Conclusion:A numerical model combined with biomechanical measurement techniques is an important tool for parametric investigation of strategies to reduce head impact severity via changes in heading technique or the physical properties of the ball.
Heading in football. Part 3: Effect of ball properties on head response
Authors: Shewchenko N , Withnall C , Keown M , Gittens R , Dvorak J
Published: July 2005

Objectives:Head impacts from footballs are an essential part of the game but have been implicated in mild and acute neuropsychological impairment. Ball characteristics have been noted in literature to affect the impact response of the head; however, the biomechanics are not well understood. The present study determined whether ball mass, pressure, and construction characteristics help reduce head and neck can impact response.

Methods:Head responses under ball impact (6–7 m/s) were measured with a biofidelic numerical human model and controlled human subject trials (n = 3). Three ball masses and four ball pressures were investigated for frontal heading. Further, the effect of ball construction in wet/dry conditions was studied with the numerical model. The dynamic ball characteristics were determined experimentally. Head linear and angular accelerations were measured and compared with injury assessment functions comprising peak values and head impact power. Neck responses were assessed with the numerical model.

Results:Ball mass reductions up to 35% resulted in decreased head responses up to 23–35% for the numerical and subject trials. Similar decreases in neck axial and shear responses were observed. Ball pressure reductions of 50% resulted in head and neck response reductions up to 10–31% for the subject trials and numerical model. Head response reductions up to 15% were observed between different ball constructions. The wet condition generally resulted in greater head and neck responses of up to 20%.

Conclusion:Ball mass, pressure, and construction can reduce the impact severity to the head and neck. It is foreseeable that the benefits can be extended to players of all ages and skill levels.
Value of neuropsychological testing after head injuries in football
Authors: McCrory P , Makdissi M , Davis G , Collie A
Published: July 2005

This paper reviews the pros and cons of the traditional paper and pencil and the newer computerised neuropsychological tests in the management of sports concussion. The differences between diagnosing concussion on the field and neuropsychological assessment at follow up and decision making with regard to return to play are described. The authors also discuss the issues involved in interpreting the results of neuropsychological testing (comparison with population norms versus player’s own baseline test results) and potential problems of such testing in football. Finally, suggested recommendations for neuropsychological testing in football are given.
Prolonged menstrual cycles in female workers exposed to ethylene glycol ethers in the semiconductor manufacturing industry
Authors: Hsieh G-Y , Wang J-D , Cheng T-J , Chen P-C
Published: July 2005

Background:It has been shown that female workers exposed to ethylene glycol ethers (EGEs) in the semiconductor industry have higher risks of spontaneous abortion, subfertility, and menstrual disturbances, and prolonged waiting time to pregnancy.

Aims:To examine whether EGEs or other chemicals are associated with long menstrual cycles in female workers in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Methods:Cross-sectional questionnaire survey during the annual health examination at a wafer manufacturing company in Taiwan in 1997. A three tiered exposure-assessment strategy was used to analyse the risk. A short menstrual cycle was defined to be a cycle less than 24 days and a long cycle to be more than 35 days.

Results:There were 606 valid questionnaires from 473 workers in fabrication jobs and 133 in non-fabrication areas. Long menstrual cycles were associated with workers in fabrication areas compared to those in non-fabrication areas. Using workers in non-fabrication areas as referents, workers in photolithography and diffusion areas had higher risks for long menstrual cycles. Workers exposed to EGEs and isopropanol, and hydrofluoric acid, isopropanol, and phosphorous compounds also showed increased risks of a long menstrual cycle.

Conclusions:Exposure to multiple chemicals, including EGEs in photolithography, might be associated with long menstrual cycles, and may play an important role in a prolonged time to pregnancy in the wafer manufacturing industry; however, the prevalence in the design, possible exposure misclassification, and chance should be considered.
Osteoarthritis and meniscus disorders of the knee as occupational diseases of miners
Authors: McMillan G , Nichols L
Published: July 2005

Aim:To determine whether kneeling or squatting for prolonged periods is sufficiently causally associated with an increased risk of injury or degenerative disease of the knee joint as to meet the classic criteria to be considered an occupational disease of coal miners for whom these are or have been routine working postures.

Method:Systematic literature searches were made for studies relating to kneeling and squatting as part of the working environment of coal mines and the role of these postures in causation of knee disorders in coal miners, analogous occupations, populations, and communities. The working environment and potentially damaging forces on the knee when kneeling or squatting were described. Papers on the incidence or prevalence of knee disorders in occupational and other groups were scored against five criteria independently by each author, and from this a single consensus score representing the overall strength of evidence given by the research was awarded. The evidence was then weighed against the criteria for an occupational disease.

Results:Nineteen published papers were scored, the majority of which focussed on osteoarthritis as the outcome of interest. Few of the studies found focussed specifically on miners, and those that did tended to involve small numbers of subjects and were carried out before 1960, when the mining population was at its largest but epidemiological evidence of the risk factors for knee disorders was not well established. The non-mining studies in the review represent groups of workers with a similar or lesser kneeling content in their work.

Conclusion:The papers reviewed provide sufficient evidence to conclude that work involving kneeling and/or squatting is causally associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis of the knee. In some of the more recent epidemiologically sound studies, frequent or prolonged kneeling or squatting doubles the general risk of osteoarthritis of the knees found in the general population. This may be of particular importance in welfare and medico-legal situations. There was also evidence to suggest that lifting, in combination with kneeling/squatting, an activity also performed by miners in the course of their work, is associated with an excess risk of osteoarthritis above that attributed to kneeling/squatting alone.
Investigating time patterns of variation in radiation cancer associations
Authors: Richardson D B , Ashmore J P
Published: July 2005

Aims:In occupational settings, carcinogenic exposures are often repeated or protracted over time. The time pattern of exposure accrual may influence subsequent temporal patterns of cancer risk. The authors present several simple models that may be used to evaluate the influence of time since exposure or age at exposure on cancer incidence or mortality in an occupational cohort.

Methods:A cohort of 40 415 nuclear industry workers was identified via the Canadian National Dose Registry. Vital status and cause of death were ascertained through 1994. Associations between ionising radiation and mortality due to lung cancer, leukaemia, and cancers other than lung and leukaemia were quantified using conditional logistic regression models with risk sets constructed by incidence density sampling. A step function, a bilinear function, and a sigmoid function were used to evaluate temporal variation in exposure effects.

Results:Step and sigmoid functions were used to explore latency and morbidity periods. For analyses of lung cancer, leukaemia, and other cancers the best fitting models were obtained when exposure assignment was lagged by 13, 0, and 5 years, respectively. A bilinear function was used to evaluate whether exposure effects diminished with time since exposure. In analyses of lung cancer and leukaemia, there was evidence that radiation effects attenuated with protracted time since exposure. In analyses of age at exposure, there was evidence of variation in radiation mortality associations for analyses of lung cancer and leukaemia; discounting radiation doses accrued at younger ages (for example, 15–35 years) led to significant improvements in model fit.

Conclusions:This paper illustrates empirical approaches to evaluating temporal variation in the effect of a protracted exposure on disease risk.
Short term changes in lung function, leukocytosis in blood, and lachrymal fluid among bacterial single cell protein workers after an episode with high exposure to endotoxins
Authors: Skogstad M , Eduard W , Holme J , Qvenild T , Einarsdottir E
Published: July 2005

Aims:To study possible effects of endotoxin exposure among bacterial single cell protein workers on pulmonary function, blood parameters, and lachrymal fluid before and after a work shift.

Methods:The study included 23 men and five women who were examined at the start and at the end of a work shift. Most workers performed a task with unusually high exposure levels. Twelve of the workers were re-examined the day after. The workers were divided into three exposure groups: production workers with the highest assumed exposure levels (n = 18), engineers (n = 5), and clerks (n = 2). The median endotoxin level during a work shift was 34000 EU/m3in the high exposure group (range 3300–89000 EU/m3), 11000 EU/m3(range 350–27000 EU/m3) among the engineers, and 180 EU/m3(range 60–300 EU/m3) for the clerks. The workers answered a questionnaire about work related symptoms. Assessment of lung function included dynamic lung volumes and flows. The blood analysis included cell count of leukocytes and mediators of inflammation, fibrinogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6), D-dimer, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Cells in lachrymal fluid were counted with a microscope.

Results:The forced vital capacity (FVC) changed significantly (p<0.05) from 5.34 l (SD 0.9) to 5.25 l (SD 0.9) and forced expired volume in one second (FEV1) from 4.15 l (SD 0.7) to 4.07 l (SD 0.7) during the work shift. The leukocytes increased significantly (p<0.05) from 6.9 109/l (SD 1.2) to 7.7 109/l (SD 1.5) and IL-6 from 1.5 ng/l (SD 0.6) to 3.31 ng/l (SD 2.7). Except for fibrinogen, which had a borderline increase and PEF that decreased, the parameters were normalised the day after. Four of the workers had an increase of neutrofile granulocytes in the lachrymal fluid during the shift. There was a significant association between the endotoxin concentration and decrease of FEV1 despite the use of powered respirators.

Conclusions:During a work shift with unusual high levels of endotoxins at a plant manufacturing bacterial single cell protein the results show that FVC and FEV1 were reduced. Mediators of inflammation increased along with leucocytosis in blood and lachrymal fluid among the workers.
Individual rights advocacy in tobacco control policies: an assessment and recommendation
Authors: Katz J E
Published: July 2005

Efforts to control environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) could be assisted if the tobacco control movement gave greater emphasis to the issue of individual rights. Benefits that may accrue from the promotion of a clear individual rights perspective in tobacco control include adding coherence to the tobacco control advocacy agenda and winning support from those who may have been concerned about loss of personal freedom, excessive governmental power, use of social coercion, or the rights of smokers. Risks also attend to such a policy. It might inadvertently assist the tobacco industry, stir resistance to ETS limitation efforts, or confuse tobacco control supporters. On balance, though, liabilities are outweighed by the ethical and operational merits in tobacco control of a heightened pro-individual rights stance.
Framing tobacco control efforts within an ethical context
Authors: Fox B J
Published: July 2005

Public health efforts to promote tobacco control are not performed within a vacuum. They are subject to interpretation and misinterpretation by consumers and policymakers based largely upon the initial framing of the issues. This paper notes how the tobacco industry has established a particular frame that it is the protector of individual rights and that the public health community is trying to eliminate those rights. This paper then shows how the public health community uses metaphors that may unintentionally support this framing and suggests that by reframing public health efforts in accordance with core ethical principles, the public health community can create more positive messages. A public health ethical framework is proposed to examine how the application of the principles can influence the tobacco control movement. Through the increased use of ethics in tobacco control, the public health community may be better positioned to claim the high road as the protector of the public’s interests.
“Not safe” is not enough: smokers have a right to know more than there is no safe tobacco product
Authors: Kozlowski L T , Edwards B Q
Published: July 2005

The right to health relevant information derives from the principles of autonomy and self direction and has been recognised in international declarations. Providing accurate health information is part of the basis for obtaining “informed consent” and is a recognised component of business ethics, safety communications, and case and product liability law. Remarkably, anti-tobacco and pro-tobacco sources alike have come to emphasise the message that there is “no safe cigarette” or “no safe tobacco product”. We propose that the “no safe” message is so limited in its value that it represents a violation of the right to health relevant information. There is a need to go beyond saying, “there is no safe tobacco product” to indicate information on degree of risks. The “no safe tobacco” message does not contradict, for example, the mistaken belief that so called light or low tar cigarettes are safer choices than higher tar cigarettes. We encourage a kind of “rule utilitarian” ethical position in which the principle of truth telling is observed while trying to produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Although harm reduction approaches to easing the burden of tobacco related diseases are founded on science based comparative risk information, the right to health information is independently related to the need to promote health literacy. This right should be respected whether or not harm reduction policies are judged advisable.
The effectiveness of television advertising campaigns on generating calls to a national Quitline by Māori: Table 1
Authors: Wilson N , Grigg M , Graham L , Cameron G
Published: July 2005

Objective:To examine the effectiveness of four mass media campaigns on calls to a national Quitline by Māori (the indigenous people of New Zealand).

Methods:Monthly Quitline call data and calls within one hour of a television commercial (TVC) being shown were analysed for the 2002–2003 period. Data on target audience rating points (TARPs) and expenditure on TVCs were also used (n  =  2319 TVC placements).

Results:Māori were found to register with the Quitline at higher rates during the most intense six campaign months (15% more registrations compared to less intense months). The most effective campaign generated 115 calls per 100 TARPs by Māori callers within one hour of TVC airing (the “Every cigarette” campaign). A more Māori orientated campaign with both health and cultural themes generated 91 calls per 100 TARPs from Māori callers. For these two campaigns combined, the advertising cost per new registration with the Quitline by a Māori caller was $NZ30–48. Two second hand smoke campaigns that did not show the Quitline number were much less effective at 25 and 45 calls per 100 TARPs.

Conclusions:These television advertising campaigns were effective and cost effective in generating calls to a national Quitline by Māori. Health authorities should continue to explore the use of both “threat appeal” style media campaigns and culturally appropriate campaigns to support Quitline use by indigenous peoples.
Do u smoke after txt? Results of a randomised trial of smoking cessation using mobile phone text messaging
Authors: Rodgers A , Corbett T , Bramley D , Riddell T , Wills M , Lin R-B , Jones M
Published: July 2005

Objectives:To determine the effectiveness of a mobile phone text messaging smoking cessation programme.

Design:Randomised controlled trial

Setting:New Zealand

Participants:1705 smokers from throughout New Zealand who wanted to quit, were aged over 15 years, and owned a mobile phone were randomised to an intervention group that received regular, personalised text messages providing smoking cessation advice, support, and distraction, or to a control group. All participants received a free month of text messaging; starting for the intervention group on their quit day to assist with quitting, and starting for the control group at six months to encourage follow up. Follow up data were available for 1624 (95%) at six weeks and 1265 (74%) at six months.

Main outcome measures:The main trial outcome was current non-smoking (that is, not smoking in the past week) six weeks after randomisation. Secondary outcomes included current non-smoking at 12 and 26 weeks.

Results:More participants had quit at six weeks in the intervention compared to the control group: 239 (28%)v109 (13%), relative risk 2.20 (95% confidence interval 1.79 to 2.70), p < 0.0001. This treatment effect was consistent across subgroups defined by age, sex, income level, or geographic location (p homogeneity > 0.2). The relative risk estimates were similar in sensitivity analyses adjusting for missing data and salivary cotinine verification tests. Reported quit rates remained high at six months, but there was some uncertainty about between group differences because of incomplete follow up.

Conclusions:This programme offers potential for a new way to help young smokers to quit, being affordable, personalised, age appropriate, and not location dependent. Future research should test these findings in different settings, and provide further assessment of long term quit rates.
Ensuring smokers are adequately informed: reflections on consumer rights, manufacturer responsibilities, and policy implications
Authors: Chapman S , Liberman J
Published: July 2005

The right to information is a fundamental consumer value. Following the advent of health warnings, the tobacco industry has repeatedly asserted that smokers are fully informed of the risks they take, while evidence demonstrates widespread superficial levels of awareness and understanding. There remains much that tobacco companies could do to fulfil their responsibilities to inform smokers. We explore issues involved in the meaning of “adequately informed” smoking and discuss some of the key policy and regulatory implications. We use the idea of a smoker licensing scheme—under which it would be illegal to sell to smokers who had not demonstrated an adequate level of awareness—as a device to explore some of these issues. We also explore some of the difficulties that addiction poses for the notion that smokers might ever voluntarily assume the risks of smoking.
A SILENT SELF-STABILIZING ALGORITHM FOR FINDING CUT-NODES AND BRIDGES
Authors: DEVISMES STÉPHANE
Published: July 2005

In this paper, we present a self-stabilizing algorithm for finding cut-nodes and bridges in arbitrary rooted networks with a low memory requirement (O( log (n)) bits per processor where n is the number of processors). Our algorithm is silent and must be composed with a silent self-stabilizing algorithm computing a Depth-First Search (DFS) Spanning Tree of the network. So, in the paper, we will prove that the composition of our algorithm with any silent self-stabilizing DFS algorithm is self-stabilizing. Finally, we will show that our algorithm needs O(n2) moves to reach a terminal configuration once the DFS spanning tree is computed. Note that this time complexity is equivalent to the best proposed solutions.
AUTOMATIC SERVICE COMPOSITION BASED ON BEHAVIORAL DESCRIPTIONS
Authors: BERARDI DANIELA , CALVANESE DIEGO , DE GIACOMO GIUSEPPE , LENZERINI MAURIZIO , MECELLA MASSIMO
Published: July 2005

This paper addresses the issue of automatic service composition. We first develop a framework in which the exported behavior of a service is described in terms of a so-called execution tree, that is an abstraction for its possible executions. We then study the case in which such exported behavior (i.e. the execution tree of the service) can be represented by a finite state machine (i.e. finite state transition system). In this specific setting, we devise sound, complete and terminating techniques both to check for the existence of a composition, and to return a composition, if one exists. We also analyze the computational complexity of the proposed algorithms. Finally, we present an open source prototype tool, called [Formula: see text] (E-Service Composer), that implements our composition technique. To the best of our knowledge, our work is the first attempt to provide a provably correct technique for the automatic synthesis of service composition, in a framework where the behavior of services is explicitly specified.
STRUCTURAL AND SEMANTIC MATCHING FOR ASSESSING WEB-SERVICE SIMILARITY
Authors: STROULIA ELENI , WANG YIQIAO
Published: July 2005

The web-services stack of standards is designed to support the reuse and interoperation of software components on the web. A critical step in the process of developing applications based on web services is service discovery, i.e. the identification of existing web services that can potentially be used in the context of a new web application. Discovery through catalog-style browsing (such as supported currently by web-service registries) is clearly insufficient. To support programmatic service discovery, we have developed a suite of methods that assess the similarity between two WSDL (Web Service Description Language) specifications based on the structure of their data types and operations and the semantics of their natural language descriptions and identifiers. Given only a textual description of the desired service, a semantic information-retrieval method can be used to identify and order the most relevant WSDL specifications based on the similarity of the element descriptions of the available specifications with the query. If a (potentially partial) specification of the desired service behavior is also available, this set of likely candidates can be further refined by a semantic structure-matching step, assessing the structural similarity of the desired vs the retrieved services and the semantic similarity of their identifiers. In this paper, we describe and experimentally evaluate our suite of service-similarity assessment methods.
IMPROVING USER EXPERIENCE THROUGH RULE-BASED SERVICE CUSTOMIZATION
Authors: HULL RICHARD , KUMAR BHARAT , LIEUWEN DANIEL , PATEL-SCHNEIDER PETER F. , SAHUGUET ARNAUD , VARADARAJAN SRIRAM , VYAS AVINASH
Published: July 2005

The web and converged services paradigm promises tremendous flexibility in the creation of rich composite services for enterprises and end users. The flexibility and richness offers the possibility of highly customized, individualized services for the end user and hence revenue generating services for service providers (e.g. ASPs, telecom network operators, ISPs). But how can end users (and enterprises) specify their preferences when a myriad of possibilities and potential circumstances need to be addressed? In this paper, we advocate a solution based on policy management where user preferences are specified through forms but translated into rules in a high-level policy language. This paper identifies the requirements for this kind of interpretation, and describes the Houdini system (developed at Bell Labs) which offers a rich rule-based language and a framework that supports intuitive, forms-based provisioning interfaces.
SET-BASED ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURED WORKFLOW DEFINITION
Authors: HAN DONGSOO , LEE SUNGDOKE , LEE MINKYU , SHIM JAEYONG
Published: July 2005

An error-comprising workflow definition of mission critical business process might incur serious problems to an enterprise. Although workflow designer is responsible for the error-comprising workflow definitions, workflow system has to be equipped with an intelligent workflow modeling tool preventing workflow designers from specifying error-comprising workflow definitions. Faults and mistakes of process designers have to be detected and reported to them by the tool at workflow build time. Access conflicts and improper specification of exceptions are two typical examples of such an error-comprising workflow definition. In this paper, we develop an access conflict detection and an uncaught exception detection techniques. A simple workflow definition language, named SWDL, is developed and the techniques are successfully developed on SWDL using Set Constraint System. With slight modifications and scope restrictions, the proposed techniques can be used in any workflow definition language either by translating it into SWDL or by referring to the techniques for the developing its own techniques. This indicates that general conventional programming language analysis techniques can be used in the analysis of workflow definitions by introducing an intermediate workflow definition language and developing analysis techniques on it.
COUPLED-CLUSTER EQUATION OF MOTION STUDY FOR THE ELECTRONIC AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF CONJUGATED SYSTEMS
Authors: SHUAI ZHIGANG , LI QINGXU , YI YUANGPING
Published: July 2005

We have implemented the Coupled-Cluster Equation of Motion (CC-EOM) with single and double excitations coupled with semiempirical parameterizations, Pariser–Parr–Pople model and INDO Hamiltonians, to investigate the optical and nonlinear optical properties, electronic structures and the excited states properties for the conjugated polymers. The semiempirical parameters allow us to study the conjugated systems with extensive sizes. Firstly, by comparing with the quasi-exact Density Matrix Renormalization Group theory for the 1D conjugated chain, we find that the CC-EOM approach can give satisfactory results for both the ground state and the excited states energies. We demonstrate that our approach can be adopted to evaluate linear and nonlinear response. We find that both the real and imaginary parts of the third-order polarizability can be solved either for static and dynamic responses. Then we apply the CC-EOM approach to study the optical signatures for the polarons in conjugated polymers. We have established a solid relationship between the rigidity of a polymer and its optical signature of the polarons.
EVOLUTION OF DEVELOPMENTAL STRATEGIES IN PARASITIC HYMENOPTERA
Authors: Pennacchio Francesco , Strand Michael R.
Published: July 2005

▪ Abstract  Parasitoid wasps have evolved a wide spectrum of developmental interactions with hosts. In this review we synthesize and interpret results from the phylogenetic, ecological, physiological, and molecular literature to identify factors that have influenced the evolution of parasitoid developmental strategies. We first discuss the origins and radiation of the parasitoid lifestyle in the Hymenoptera. We then summarize how parasitoid developmental strategies are affected by ecological interactions and assess the inventory of physiological and molecular traits parasitoids use to successfully exploit hosts. Last, we discuss how certain parasitoid virulence genes have evolved and how these changes potentially affect parasitoid-host interactions. The combination of phylogenetic data with comparative and functional genomics offers new avenues for understanding the evolution of biological diversity in this group of insects.
Nonhomologous End Joining in Yeast
Authors: Daley James M. , Palmbos Phillip L. , Wu Dongliang , Wilson Thomas E.
Published: July 2005

Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), the direct rejoining of DNA double-strand breaks, is closely associated with illegitimate recombination and chromosomal rearrangement. This has led to the concept that NHEJ is error prone. Studies with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have revealed that this model eukaryote has a classical NHEJ pathway dependent on Ku and DNA ligase IV, as well as alternative mechanisms for break rejoining. The evolutionary conservation of the Ku-dependent process includes several genes dedicated to this pathway, indicating that classical NHEJ at least is a strong contributor to fitness in the wild. Here we review how double-strand break structure, the yeast NHEJ proteins, and alternative rejoining mechanisms influence the accuracy of break repair. We also consider how the balance between NHEJ and homologous repair is regulated by cell state to promote genome preservation. The principles discussed are instructive to NHEJ in all organisms.
CD4+CD25+Regulatory T Cells and Their Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Randolph David A. , Fathman C. Garrison
Published: July 2005

The human immune system mounts specific responses to a vast array of antigens. Although this is clearly beneficial in fighting off harmful infections and cancerous cells, the system must be carefully controlled to ensure that normal self-antigens are not targeted. A recently characterized subset of T cells, identified by their cell surface expression of CD4 and CD25, is critical in regulating the function of other immune cells and preventing potentially harmful autoimmune responses. This article reviews what is currently known about these so-called regulatory T cells and discusses the therapeutic potential of these cells to modulate human immune-based diseases.
FUNDAMENTAL NEUTRON PHYSICS
Authors: Nico Jeffrey S. , Snow W. Michael
Published: July 2005

▪ Abstract  Experiments using slow neutrons address a growing range of scientific issues spanning nuclear physics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. The field of fundamental physics using neutrons has experienced a significant increase in activity over the last two decades. This review summarizes some of the recent developments in the field and outlines some of the prospects for future research.
FROM PIONS TO PROTON DECAY: Tales of the Unexpected
Authors: Perkins D. H.
Published: July 2005

▪ Abstract  This account recalls early observations of elementary particles from cosmic ray experiments, using the nuclear emulsion technique. Discoveries in this field in the 1940s and 50s led to the development of high energy particle accelerators and associated detectors, resulting eventually in the observation of the quark and lepton constituents of matter and of the fundamental interactions between them, as described in the Standard Model. The concept of unification of the fundamental interactions led to the prediction of proton decay, and although this has not been observed, the unwanted background due to atmospheric neutrino interactions led to the discovery of neutrino oscillations and neutrino mass, and the first indications of new physics beyond that of the Standard Model. In all this research, unexpected developments have often played an important role.
Production of IL-1β, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide by colonic mucosa decreases sigmoid smooth muscle contractility in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Cao Weibiao , Fiocchi Claudio , Pricolo Victor E.
Published: July 2005

We have previously shown that sigmoid circular muscle cells from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) exhibit reduced contraction and Ca2+ signaling in response to the neurotransmitter neurokinin A (NKA) and that IL-1β and H2O2 may contribute to these reduced responses in UC. In addition, we have found that nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly increased in UC circular muscle. To establish the site of origin for IL-1β, H2O2, and NO, we assembled an in vitro system in which normal or UC mucosa were sealed between two chambers filled with oxygenated Krebs solution. Because the mucosa consists of full-thickness mucosa and submucosa, it is expected that whatever is released into the undernatant from the submucosal side may diffuse to the circular muscle layer in the intact colon. Treatment of normal sigmoid circular muscle cells for 2 h with undernatants collected from the UC submucosal side (UCS) significantly decreased contraction induced by NKA and thapsigargin and the NKA- and caffeine-induced Ca2+ signal in Ca2+-free medium. In addition, UC mucosa released into the undernatant on its submucosal side significantly more H2O2, IL-1β, and NO than normal mucosa. The reduction in contraction and Ca2+ signal induced by UCS was partially reversed by pretreatment with an IL-1β antibody or with catalase. The NO scavenger hemoglobin partially prevented UCS-induced reduction in contraction and Ca2+ signaling in response to NKA but not the reduced response to thapsigargin or caffeine. Sodium nitroprusside inhibited NKA but not the caffeine-induced Ca2+ signal. We conclude that in UC the mucosa releases IL-1β, H2O2, and NO, which may contribute to the impaired Ca2+ release and altered sigmoid muscle contractility.
Quantitative intravital microscopy using a Generalized Polarity concept for kidney studies
Authors: Yu Weiming , Sandoval Ruben M. , Molitoris Bruce A.
Published: July 2005

In this article, we describe a ratiometric intravital two-photon microscopy technique for studying glomerular permeability and differences in proximal tubule cell reabsorption. This quantitative approach is based on the Generalized Polarity (GP) concept, in which the intensity difference between two fluorescent molecules is normalized to the total intensity produced by the two dyes. After an initial intravenous injection of a mixture of 3-, 40-, and 70-kDa fluorescently labeled dextrans into live Munich-Wistar-Frömter (MWF) rats, we were able to monitor changes in the GP values between any two dyes within local regions of the kidney, including the glomerulus, Bowman's capsule, proximal tubule lumens and proximal tubule cells, and individual capillary vessels. We were able to quantify accumulations of different dextrans in the Bowman's space and in tubular lumens as well as reabsorption by proximal tubular cells at different time points in the same rat. We found that for 6- to 8-wk-old MWF rats that developed spontaneous albuminuria, the 40- and 70-kDa dextrans, with hydrodynamic radii larger than albumin, were differentially filtered, but both were able to pass the glomerular filtration barrier and enter into the urinary space of the Bowman's capsule within a few seconds after intravenous infusion. Using GP image analysis, we found that negatively charged dextrans of both 40 and 70 kDa were better reabsorbed by the proximal tubule cells than the neutrally charged 40-kDa dextran. These results demonstrate the potential power of the GP imaging technique for quantitative studies of glomerular filtration and tubular reabsorption.
3D culture model and computer-assisted videomicroscopy to analyze migratory behavior of noninvasive and invasive bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Hazgui Salma , Bonnet Noël , Cutrona Jérôme , Nawrocki-Raby Béatrice , Polette Myriam , Chouchane Lotfi , Birembaut Philippe , Zahm Jean-Marie
Published: July 2005

To date, most of the studies in the field of cell migration have been applied to two-dimensional (2D) models. To mimic the three-dimensional (3D) conditions similar to those observed in vivo during tumor invasion, we developed a 3D model of cell migration in which cells were embedded in a collagen I matrix placed in a double-compartment chamber. Using time-lapse videomicroscopy and interactive cell tracking in a four-dimensional data set, we determined the cell trajectories and their migration kinetics. We compared the 2D and 3D migratory behavior of a noninvasive cell line (16HBE) with the migratory behavior of an invasive cell line (BZR). Our results show that the 3D migration kinetics of the noninvasive cell line were lower than the migration kinetics of the invasive cell line. In contrast, in 2D models, no significant difference was observed between the two cell lines. To validate our 3D model, we further investigated the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a promoter of tumor cell motility and invasion on the noninvasive cell line (16HBE). EGF increased significantly the migration kinetics of the noninvasive cell line. Our results show that the 3D model of cell migration allowed us to differentiate the migratory behavior of invasive and noninvasive cells and that such a model can help in the development of molecular targeted therapy as it approaches the in vivo conditions.