bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of annual cycles in preen wax composition in red knots: constraints on the changing phenotype
Authors: Reneerkens Jeroen , Piersma Theunis , Damsté Jaap S. Sinninghe
Published: January 2007

Birds living in seasonal environments change physiology and behavior in correspondence to temporally changing environmental supplies, demands and opportunities. We recently reported that the chemical composition of uropygial gland secretions of sandpipers (Scolopacidae, order Charadriformes) changes during the breeding season from mixtures of monoesters to diesters, which fulfill specific functions related to incubation. A proper temporal match between the expression of diester preen waxes and incubation requires a flexible organization of the trait. Here we analyze the possible degrees of flexibility with reference to the functionality of better‐understood molt and body mass cycles of free‐living and captive red knots (Calidris canutus). The relative flexibility of seasonal cycles in preen wax composition was examined by two experimental perturbations: (1) giving birds restricted access to food and (2) monitoring them long‐term under a constant photoperiodic regime. We found that wax type cannot change instantaneously, but that changing the type of wax is under similar organizational time constraints as the replacement of feathers. Just as molt and mass cycles, the seasonal rhythm of diester secretion appeared to be under endogenous control: most birds placed in a constant photoperiod still maintained seasonally changing preen waxes. Diester preen wax secretion was synchronized with the peak in body mass in spring, but became less well expressed under constant photoperiodic conditions and when food availability was limited. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:1–13, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dissimilar aggregation processes govern precipitation and gelation of human IgM cryoglobulins
Authors: Vallas Vicky , Farrugia William , Raison Robert L. , Edmundson Allen B. , Ramsland Paul A.
Published: January 2007

Cryoglobulinemia is associated with a range of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, B‐cell malignancies, and chronic viral infections. This “cold‐sensitivity” condition is caused by cryoglobulins that precipitate, gel, or occasionally crystallize in the cold. Clinical manifestations vary widely in severity, depending on many factors, including the type of cryoglobulin (monoclonal or mixed immunoglobulins) and the physical nature of the aggregates (precipitate, gel, or crystal). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to examine the cold‐induced precipitation or gelation of two human cryoglobulins, namely, Pot IgM and Yvo IgM. The DLS assay was highly reproducible, sensitive, and had low intra‐assay variations for both IgM cryoglobulins. Distinct processes were revealed to contribute to precipitation and gelation of cryoglobulins. The precipitation of Pot IgM displayed a rapid transition from solution to solid phases, with a wide distribution of aggregate sizes. In contrast, the gelation of Yvo IgM progressed gradually across a broad temperature range to produce a relatively uniform gel matrix. Initial cryoglobulin concentrations determined the kinetics and critical temperatures for both precipitation and gelation. Moreover, the Yvo IgM was observed to have a distinct relationship between concentrations and mean hydrodynamic diameters or particle sizes. Concentration‐dependent effects on particle sizes were present, but not as pronounced for the Pot IgM. Precipitation and gelation of cryoglobulins were also found to be differentially responsive to changes in the aqueous environment. Our results indicate that DLS is a rapid, reliable, and sensitive method for characterizing the nature of disease‐associated cryoglobulins. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of bladder base elevation with pelvic floor hypertonicity in women with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Chuang Fei‐Chi , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: January 2007

Aims

To determine whether the bladder base elevation as revealed by cystogram under fluoroscopy is associated with pelvic floor hypertonicity or bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women.

Methods

Sixty‐two women who were referred to our videourodynamic laboratory for assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were included in this retrospective analysis. Thirty‐one of these women with bladder base elevation—revealed by cystogram under fluoroscopy during videourodynamic study—served as the experimental group, and another group of 31 women without bladder base elevation served as control. None of the patients had neuropathy, previous pelvic surgery or chronic urinary retention. The clinical symptoms, urodynamic diagnosis, and parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results

The mean voiding pressure (Pdet.Qmax) and postvoid residual (PVR) were significantly greater, and maximum flow rate (Qmax) and voided volume were significantly lower in the bladder base elevation group. When a Pdet.Qmax of ≥35 cmH2O combined with a Qmax of ≤15 ml/sec in pressure flow study was used to diagnose BOO, significantly more patients in the bladder base elevation group had BOO than controls (51.6% vs. 9.7%, P = 0.0003). Pelvic floor muscle electromyogram (EMG) was dyscoordinated during the voiding phase in 18 (58.1%) and 9 (29%) of the patients with and without bladder base elevation, respectively (P = 0.0212).

Conclusion

Women with LUTS and bladder base elevation revealed in the filling phase of videourodynamic study had significantly higher voiding pressure and incidence of dyscoordinated pelvic floor EMG activities during voiding, suggesting a higher incidence of BOO and pelvic floor hypertonicity. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:502–506, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Managing end‐to‐end quality of service in multiple heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Ahluwalia Punit , Varshney Upkar
Published: January 2007

Supporting quality of service (QoS) in wireless networks has been a very rich and interesting area of research. Many significant advances have been made in supporting QoS in single wireless networks. However, the support for QoS across multiple heterogeneous wireless networks will be required in future wireless networks. In connections spanning multiple wireless networks, end‐to‐end QoS will depend on several factors such as mobility patterns, connection patterns, and the QoS policies in each of the networks. In this paper, we present an architecture for multiple heterogeneous wireless networks, several QoS schemes, a simulation model and several interesting results. The simulation model can evaluate the QoS performance under a variety of network configurations, user and mobility types, and network resources. Our results show that end‐to‐end QoS depends on several factors, including system utilization, mobility levels, and the individual QoS schemes implemented in individual networks. We also show how the QoS ideas presented in this paper can be used by wireless carriers for improved QoS support and management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frames for the Continuous Spherical Wavelet Transform
Authors: Kähler Uwe
Published: January 2007

In this paper we will construct frames for the continuous spherical wavelet transform. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Fixed Point Theorem in Infinite‐Dimensional Spaces
Authors: Schäfer Uwe
Published: January 2007

A generalization of the theorem of Miranda is given. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Die kinematisch erzwungene Schwingungen der Fußgängerbrücke
Authors: Mironowicz Władysław , Zaja̧c Tomasz
Published: January 2007

In der Arbeit werden die kinematisch erzwungenen Stochastischschwingungen schwanker Konstruktionen behandelt, zu denen Fußgängerbrücken gehören. Solche Objekte sind empfindlich gegen dynamische eingehende Wirkung, und darunter auf die Bewegung des Untergrundes z. B. das Erdbeben, der bergmännischen Gebirgsschlag. Aus praktischen Gründen wurde angenommen, dass die Nutzmasse des Objektes, und die kinematische Belastung die Schicksalsmerkmale haben. Dargestellt wurde die allgemeine Problemlösung bei dem Gebrauch der Korrelation‐Theorie. Die ausführliche numerische Analyse ist für die Fußgängerbrücke durchgeführt, in Gestalt von Raumrohrfachwerk. Man hat die verschiedenen Montagestände geprüft, und verschiedene Arten der Gerüste: aus Stahlbeton, Stahl und Holz. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hypergeometric Summation Techniques for High Order Finite Elements
Authors: Pillwein V. , Paule P. , Schneider C. , Schöberl J.
Published: January 2007

The goal of this paper is to discuss the application of computer algebra methods in the design of a high order finite element solver. The finite element method is nowadays the most popular method for the computer simulation of partial differential equations. The performance of iterative solution methods depends on the condition number of the system matrix, which itself depends on the chosen basis functions. A major goal is to design basis functions minimizing the condition number, and which can be implemented efficiently. A related goal is the application of symbolic summation techniques to derive cheap recurrence relations allowing a simple and efficient implementation of basis functions. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Some Supplements Concerning Automatic Slope Enclosures
Authors: Schnurr Marco
Published: January 2007

We compute an automatic slope enclosure for a continuous function given by two or more branches. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Linear exact modeling from multivariate data
Authors: Zerz Eva
Published: January 2007

We construct a linear system of PDE having certain prescribed solutions and as little additional solutions as possible. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Topology Optimization Procedure Based on Structure Stress History
Authors: Kutylowski Ryszard
Published: January 2007

The structure design points stress analysis for succeeding optimization steps is the base of the topology optimization algorithm. Because the material density of the material is proportional to the strain energy we can predict how to change the density for each design point for the next optimization steps. Proposed procedure make the optimization process faster and final topology is finally more optimal than topology obtained using standard optimization procedures. This stress analyzing procedure, can be treated as a hardware of the sensors being the part of the smart structure for the real time structure reconstruction. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Some New Developments in ILU Preconditioners
Authors: Mayer Jan
Published: January 2007

ILUC, a Crout‐based Gaussian elimination incomplete LDU‐factorization preconditioner, can be improved for some matrices by pivoting by columns and by interchanging rows for better sparsity. Just as many other ILU‐type preconditioners, this can implemented in a multilevel framework and combined with various dropping strategies. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical solution of turbulent flow in a turbine cascade
Authors: Kozel Karel , Louda Petr , Příhoda Jaromír
Published: January 2007

The work deals with numerical modeling of subsonic and transonic flow through the SE1050 turbine cascade. AUSM and AUSMPW+ splitting is used for inviscid fluxes. The turbulence is modelled usind SST and EARSM turbulence model. The time integration method is backward Euler (implicit). Interaction of shock wave with turbulence models is observed. The results are compared with measurements. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Block and joint ℋ︁‐matrix preconditioners for the Oseen equations
Authors: Le Borne Sabine
Published: January 2007

For saddle point problems in fluid dynamics, many preconditioners in the literature exploit the block structure of the problem to construct block diagonal or block triangular preconditioners. The performance of such preconditioners depends on whether fast, approximate solvers for the linear systems on the block diagonal as well as for the Schur complement are available. We will construct these efficient preconditioners using hierarchical matrix techniques in which fully populated matrices are approximated by blockwise low rank approximations. We will compare such block preconditioners with those obtained through a completely different approach where the given block structure is not used but a domain‐decomposition based ℋ︁‐LU factorization is constructed for the complete system matrix. Preconditioners resulting from these two approaches will be discussed and compared through numerical results. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
FE‐discretizations of mixed elliptic‐parabolic PDEs
Authors: Stiemer Marcus
Published: January 2007

The purpose of this work is to examine the regularity of solutions to mixed elliptic‐parabolic boundary value problems. Based on this analysis, estimates on the convergence rate of standard Galerkin discretizations for such problems are given. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Trajectory Planning and Feedforward Control Design for the Temperature Distribution in a Cuboid
Authors: Meurer Thomas , Kugi Andreas
Published: January 2007

The design of a feedforward tracking controller is considered for the temperature distribution in a cuboid, where the temperature on a single lateral surface can be arbitrarily prescribed by a control input. It is shown that there exists a so–called flat or basic output, which allows to explicitly derive the inverse infinite–dimensional system representation suitable for trajectory planning and for the determination of the respective control input necessary to track the desired trajectory in open–loop. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The influence of turbulence on a columnar vortex with axial flow
Authors: Takahashi Naoya , Miyazaki Takeshi
Published: January 2007

The interaction between a columnar vortex and external turbulence is investigated numerically. A q ‐vortex is immersed in an initially isotropic homogeneous turbulence field, which itself is produced numerically by a direct numerical simulation of decaying turbulence. The formation of turbulent eddies around the columnar vortex and the vortex‐core deformations are studied in detail by visualizing the flow field. In the less‐stable case with q = –1.5, small thin spiral structures are formed inside the vortex core. In the unstable case with q = –0.45, the linear unstable modes grow until the columnar vortex make one turn. Its growth rate agrees with that of the linear analysis of Mayer and Powell[1]. After two turns of the vortex, the secondary instability is excited, which causes collapse of the columnar q ‐vortex and the sudden appearance of many fine scale vortices. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of glycidyl methacrylate on the physical properties of wood–polymer composites
Authors: Devi Rashmi Rekha , Maji Tarun Kumar
Published: January 2007

Chemical modification of pinewood was carried out by impregnating the wood with styrene as the impregnating monomer and in combination with a crosslinking monomer glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). Polymerization was carried out by catalyst heat treatment. Dimensional stability in terms of antiswell efficiency was determined and improved on treatment with polymer. Water uptake percentage was also improved for styrene‐GMA treated wood samples over styrene treated or untreated wood samples. Mechanical properties such as bending strength measured in terms of modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture of polymer‐treated samples showed an improvement over untreated ones. Treatment also resulted an improvement in compressive strengths. Thermal properties of the wood samples were evaluated by thermogravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimeter. Biodegradability of the treated and untreated wood samples was determined and improvement was obtained on treatment. As a whole, styrene‐GMA treated wood samples showed more improvement over untreated or styrene‐treated samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:1–5, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of process conditions on Young's modulus and strength of extrudate in short‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Sanomura Yukio , Hayakawa K. , Mizuno M. , Kawamura M.
Published: January 2007

We examined the effects of process conditions on Young's modulus and tensile strength of extruded short‐fiber reinforced thermoplastics. With increasing extrusion ratio and decreasing extrusion temperature, the fiber alignment increases, the mean fiber length decreases, and the mechanical properties of the matrix are improved. The orientation parameter, mean fiber length, Young's modulus, and tensile strength of the matrix are described as a function of extrusion ratio and extrusion temperature. The models proposed by Fukuda and Kawata, and Fukuda and Chou are applied to predict Young's modulus and tensile strength of the composites using orientation parameter. By comparing the predicted Young's modulus and tensile strength with experimental results, the validity of the models is examined. The prediction of Young's modulus agreed quit with the experimental results. The tensile strength of composite extruded below the melting point nearly matched that of the neat matrix. There is no the strengthening effect of the fiber since the angle between fracture surface and fiber direction is very small. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:29–35, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Joint confirmatory factor analysis of the differential ability scales and the Woodcock‐Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities–Third Edition
Authors: Sanders Sarah , McIntosh David E. , Dunham Mardis , Rothlisberg Barbara A. , Finch Holmes
Published: January 2007

This study examined the underlying constructs measured by the Differential Ability Scales (DAS; C.D. Elliott, 1990a) as they relate to the Cattell‐Horn‐Carroll (CHC) Theory (K.S. McGrew, 1997) of cognitive abilities. The DAS and Woodcock‐Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities (WJ‐III COG; R.W. Woodcock, K.S. McGrew, & N. Mather, 2001) were administered to 131 children in grades 3 through 5 who took part in a concurrent validity study included in the Woodcock‐Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities, Third Edition, technical manual (K.S. McGrew & R.W. Woodcock, 2001). Confirmatory factor analyses using maximum likelihood estimation were conducted with the AMOS 5.0 (J.L. Arbuckle, 2001) statistical program to evaluate three models of increasing complexity, to compare how well each fit the data set, and to identify the one that best described the underlying constructs measured by the DAS. Results suggested that the synthesized Three‐Stratum CHC Model provided the most parsimonious representation among the three models tested. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 119–138, 2007.
Suicide intervention: Training, roles, and knowledge of school psychologists
Authors: Debski Jennifer , Spadafore Candy Dubord , Jacob Susan , Poole Debra A. , Hixson Michael D.
Published: January 2007

Practitioner‐members of the National Association of School Psychologists (N = 162) completed questionnaires regarding their suicide prevention and postvention roles, training, preparedness, and knowledge. Most were crisis team members, yet less than one‐half reported graduate training in suicide risk assessment and less than one‐fourth in postvention. Compared to nondoctoral‐level practitioners, doctoral‐trained practitioners felt better prepared to handle suicidal students. Most respondents had participated in a suicide risk assessment in the past 2 years, with few using standardized measures. Performance was moderately strong on questions about knowledge of risk factors, warning signs, and appropriate steps to respond to a suicidal student, but respondents showed less familiarity with postvention recommendations intended to discourage contagion. Training suggestions were identified. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 157–170, 2007.
Measurements of freezing‐point depression to evaluate rubber network structure. Crosslinking of natural rubber with dicumyl peroxide
Authors: Valentín J. L. , Fernández‐Torres A. , Posadas P. , Marcos‐Fernández A. , Rodríguez A. , González L.
Published: January 2007

An experimental approach based on the freezing‐point depression of a solvent in a swollen gel has been developed to characterize the structure of rubber networks. This property depends on the conditions required for the formation of crystalline nuclei, which are limited by the elastomer network restrictions. Information about the functionality, spatial distribution, and number of crosslinks can be obtained by the use of this easy and ready experimental method. Application of the tube model of rubber elasticity in the uniaxial stress–strain experiments of natural rubber samples vulcanized with dicumyl peroxide yields the characteristic parameters of the rubber networks, which are in concordance with the network structures predicted by the freezing point method. Finally influence of vulcanization conditions in network structure and its relationship with the mechanical properties was evaluated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 544–556, 2007
Inflammatory markers of lung disease in adult patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Levy Hara , Kalish Leslie A. , Huntington Ian , Weller Nathaniel , Gerard Craig , Silverman Edwin K. , Celedón Juan C. , Pier Gerald B. , Weiss Scott T.
Published: January 2007

Background

Progressive pulmonary disease associated with chronic bacterial infection and inflammation is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Identifying markers of inflammation that correlate with lung injury may be useful in monitoring disease progression and response to therapy. We hypothesized that levels of serum biomarkers would correlate with clinical course of CF as defined by pulmonary function testing (FEV1).

Objective

To determine whether biomarkers of systemic inflammation correlate with lung function in adults with CF.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of 63 individuals ≥30 years of age diagnosed with CF in childhood and followed at Children's Hospital, Boston. We collected data on demographics, CFTR genotype, percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum IgE nd IgG, alpha1‐antitrypsin, total white blood cell and neutrophil counts, and percent neutrophils. We used univariate analyses and multivariate linear regression modeling to examine whether markers of systemic inflammation varied with FEV1 (% predicted).

Results

In two‐covariate models including CRP and one other marker, CRP (P < 0.001) and IgG (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with FEV1 (% predicted). In the CRP and IgG model, percent predicted FEV1 decreased by 4.91% (P < 0.0001) for each twofold increase in CRP and by 1.56% (P = 0.02) for each 100 mg/dl increase in IgG. Results were unchanged by adjustment for number of DF 508 CFTR alleles. There was no association between any other marker and FEV1 (% predicted) after adjusting for CRP.

Conclusion

Severity of lung disease in long surviving adult CF patients is correlated with CRP and IgG levels. Our findings relating CRP and IgG levels and lung function provide a foundation for subsequent longitudinal studies and consideration of novel disease mechanisms and outcome measurements. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:256–262. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biodegradation of methylthio‐s‐triazines by Rhodococcus sp. strain FJ1117YT, and production of the corresponding methylsulfinyl, methylsulfonyl and hydroxy analogues
Authors: Fujii Kunihiko , Takagi Kazuhiro , Hiradate Syuntaro , Iwasaki Akio , Harada Naoki
Published: January 2007

A novel bacterial strain FJ1117YT was isolated from an enrichment culture with the herbicide simetryn. The isolate was capable of degrading the herbicide supplied as the sole sulfur source in an aquatic batch culture. The strain FJ1117YT was identified as that belonging to Rhodococcus sp. on the basis of comparative morphology, physiological characteristics and comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequence. The biodegradation pathway of simetryn was established by isolating the methylsulfinyl analogue as the first metabolite and by identification of the methylsulfonyl intermediate and the hydroxy analogue by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) and/or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. The results indicate that the methylthio group was progressively oxidised and hydrolysed by the strain FJ1117YT. The same strain is also able to metabolise other methylthio‐s‐triazines such as ametryn, desmetryn, dimethametryn and prometryn through similar pathways. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Total phenolic contents, free radical scavenging activities and inhibitory effects on the activation of NF‐kappa B of eight Centaurea L. species
Authors: Karamenderes Canan , Konyalioglu Sibel , Khan Shabana , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: January 2007

Extracts obtained from aerial parts of eight Centaurea L. (Asteraceae) species (C. calolepis, C. cariensis subsp. maculiceps, C. cariensis subsp. microlepis, C. hierapolitana, C. cadmea, C. ensiformis, C. depressa and C. urvillei subsp. urvillei), were tested for their free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) in the DPPH screening assay, for their in vitro antiinflammatory activity in the reporter gene assay for inhibition of transcription factor NF‐κB and for their total phenolic content. Methanol extracts (0.25 mg/4 mL) of C. urvillei, C. cadmea and C. ensiformis showed strong antioxidant activity with 90.41 ± 2.98%, 86.66 ± 2.67% and 86.19 ± 2.94% FRSA, respectively. Antioxidant capacity results were consistent with the total phenolic content. Chloroform extracts of C. hierapolitana, C. calolepis and C. cadmea showed strong in vitro antiinflammatory activity with IC50 values of 2.5, 4.4 and 6.2 µg/mL, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3DAP measurements of Al content in different types of precipitates in aluminium alloys
Authors: Lefebvre W. , Danoix F. , Da Costa G. , De Geuser F. , Hallem H. , Deschamps A. , Dumont M.
Published: January 2007

Three‐dimensional atom probe and field ion microscopy have been used to determine the composition of precipitates formed in several types of aluminium‐based alloys. Special attention has been paid to local magnification artefacts, which are often suspected to strongly disrupt the precipitates' apparent composition. The charge state of Al ions has been used to identify the nature of precipitates (lower or higher evaporation field than the matrix) and also to determine the origin of Al ions observed in 3D reconstructions. The use of a cluster identification method, which allows erosion concentration profiles to be drawn, has revealed the importance of trajectory overlaps in the measurement of the precipitates' composition. By applying this method to low‐evaporation‐field precipitates in a 7XXX alloy, good agreement was found between atom probe measurements and observations in transmission electron microscopy and small angles X‐ray scattering. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How software process automation affects software evolution: a longitudinal empirical analysis
Authors: Barry Evelyn J. , Kemerer Chris F. , Slaughter Sandra A.
Published: January 2007

This research analyzes longitudinal empirical data on commercial software applications to test and better understand how software evolves over time, and to measure the likely long‐term effects of a software process automation tool on software productivity and quality. The research consists of two parts. First, we use data from source control systems, defect tracking systems, and archived project documentation to test a series of hypotheses developed by Belady and Lehman about software evolution. We find empirical support for many of these hypotheses, but not all. We then further analyze the data using moderated regression analysis to discern how software process automation efforts at the research site influenced the software evolution lifecycles of the applications. Our results support the claim that automation has enabled the organization to accomplish more work activities with greater productivity, thereby significantly increasing the functionality of the applications portfolio. Despite the growth in software functionality, the analysis suggests that automation has helped to manage software complexity levels and to improve quality by reducing errors over time. Our models and their results demonstrate how longitudinal empirical software data can be used to reveal the often elusive long‐term benefits of investments in software process improvement, and to help managers make more informed resource‐allocation decisions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiuser resource allocation for video transmission over a chip‐interleaved multicarrier system
Authors: Yang Kai , Stanković Vladimir , Xiong Zixiang , Wang Xiaodong
Published: January 2007

We propose a 4G system for transmission of video from a server at the base station to numerous wireless clients. We employ the latest technology in scalable video compression (3‐D wavelet video coding) and in channel coding (punctured turbo codes); for the physical layer, we resort to the multicarrier chip‐interleaved system with two‐layer interleaving, which achieves high spectral efficiency and is very suitable for downlink applications. We develop fast algorithms for a cross‐layer resource allocation that minimize the expected distortion of the reconstructed video averaged over all clients. The algorithms find a near‐optimal power, bandwidth, and subcarrier allocation at the physical layer and a source‐channel symbol allocation at the application layer. Our experimental results demonstrate that such a cross‐layer optimization framework leads to higher quality performance of the overall system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multicast video streaming for 4G wireless networks
Authors: Naor Zohar
Published: January 2007

A method for efficient video streaming in wireless networks is developed in this study. The proposed method is especially suitable for beyond 3G (B3G) wireless networks. It offers a significant increase in the number of clients that the system can potentially serve simultaneously as well as a significant reduction in the expected waiting time for a service. Under high load conditions, the ratio of the expected waiting time for a service offered by the proposed method to the expected waiting time offered by the conventional method currently used for video streaming in wireless networks is very significant and increases exponentially with the load. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nested harmonic broadcasting for scalable video over mobile datacast channels
Authors: Stockhammer Thomas , Gasiba Tiago , Samad Wissam Abdel , Schierl Thomas , Jenkac Hrvoje , Wiegand Thomas , Xu Wen
Published: January 2007

The integration of reliable Video‐on‐Demand (VoD) broadcasting schemes in mobile datacast systems, specifically in DVB‐H, is studied and enhanced. Sophisticated VoD broadcasting schemes such as Harmonic Broadcasting (HB) allows receivers to tune into the ongoing transmission of a video stream at arbitrary time, while still being able to receive the multimedia sequence from beginning to end, after short initial playout latency. In addition, we address service enhancements by using scalable video coding (SVC) to support heterogeneous receiver capabilities and receiving conditions as well as the reception of the signal from more than on transmission site. We present and discuss options for the integration of VoD broadcasting schemes in combination with fountain codes. Optimizations in parameter selection are discussed. A realistic protocol environment is only slightly modified to support our system concept. Simulation results show the benefits of the discussed VoD scheme compared to existing approaches if integrated in DVB‐H. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Extraction Temperature and Preservation Method on Functionality of Soy Protein
Authors: Deak Nicolas A. , Johnson Lawrence A.
Published: January 2007

The effects of extraction temperature and preservation method on the functional properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) were determined. Four extraction temperatures (25, 40, 60, and 80 °C) were used to produce SPI and yields of solids and protein contents were determined. Three preservation methods were also tested (spray‐drying, freeze‐drying, and freezing–thawing) and compared to fresh (undried) samples for each extraction temperature. No differences in yields of solids and protein were observed among SPIs extracted at 25, 40, and 60 °C; however, SPI extracted at 80 °C yielded significantly less solids and protein. Extraction temperature significantly affected SPI functionality. As extraction temperature increased, solubility and emulsification capacity decreased; surface hydrophobicities, emulsification activities and stabilities, and dynamic viscosities increased; and foaming properties improved. Preservation method also significantly affected SPI functionality. Drying method did not affect the denaturation enthalpies of SPIs, but spray‐dried SPIs had higher solubilities, surface hydrophobicities, and emulsification stabilities, and lower viscosities, emulsification activities and rates of foaming than freeze‐dried SPI exhibited. Emulsification and foaming capacities and foaming stabilities were similar for both methods of drying. There was significant interaction between extraction temperature and preservation method for all functional properties except emulsification capacity.
Supportive evidence for the association between the T102C 5-HTR2A gene polymorphism and schizophrenia: A large-scale case–control and family-based study
Authors: Golimbet V.E. , Lavrushina O.M. , Kaleda V.G. , Abramova L.I. , Lezheiko T.V.
Published: January 2007

Serotonin type 2A receptors (5-HTR2A) have long been implicated in schizophrenia pathology. A decreased number of these receptors were found in postmortem brain studies of schizophrenic patients as well as in experiments using neuroimaging techniques. Molecular genetic studies revealed that the T102C polymorphism of the 5-HTR2A gene is associated with schizophrenia, with the CC genotype frequency being higher in patients compared to healthy controls. However the association was not confirmed in all studies. We carried out a replication study, which aimed at searching for association between this polymorphism and schizophrenia in a large samples of patients (n= 919), their psychiatrically well first-degree relatives (n= 330) and screened controls (n= 500). The C allele and the CT + CC genotype frequencies were significantly higher in patients than in controls (χ2= 5.1; df = 1;p= 0.02; OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.4) and χ2= 5.4; df = 1;p= 0.02; OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.8 respectively). In a family-based study, the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and the family-based association test (FBAT) did not show a preferential transmission of any allele. In conclusion, our replication study provides further evidence for association between the 5-HTR2A receptor T102C polymorphism and schizophrenia.
The high‐resolution NMR structure of a single‐chain chimeric protein mimicking a SH3–peptide complex
Authors: Candel Adela M. , Conejero-Lara Francisco , Martinez Jose C. , van Nuland Nico A.J. , Bruix Marta
Published: January 2007

Here we present the high‐resolution NMR structure of a chimera (SPCp41) between α‐spectrin SH3 domain and the decapeptide p41. The tertiary structure mimics perfectly the interactions typically found in SH3–peptide complexes and is remarkably similar to that of the complex between the separate Spc‐SH3 domain and ligand p41. Relaxation data confirm the tight binding between the ligand and SH3 part of the chimera. This chimera will serve as a tool for a deeper understanding of the relationship between structure and thermodynamics of binding using a combination of NMR, stability and site‐directed mutagenesis studies, which can lead to an effective strategy for ligand design.
Cystic liver disease related to high Platynosomum fastosum infection in a domestic cat
Authors: Xavier Fabiana G. , Morato Geraldo S. , Righi Dario A. , Maiorka Paulo C. , Spinosa Helenice S.
Published: January 2007

Platynosomum fastosum is a small fluke found in the biliary ducts and gallbladder of cats. Its lifecycle includes the snail Sublima octona as intermediate host, and lizards, toads and geckos as paratenic hosts. Affected cats are usually adult and acquire the parasite by feeding on infected lizards. This parasite occurs across the world but is more frequent in tropical areas. The clinical signs range from none to obstruction of the biliary tract, with hepatic failure and death, reinforcing the necessity of including the liver fluke Platynosomum fastosum in the differential diagnosis of hepatic diseases in cats. This report describes an unusual case of a cat with a polycystic hepatic disease and a severe infestation by Platynosomum fastosum and presents a review of the literature.
Vascularised Corticoperiosteal Grafts from the Medial Femoral Condyle for Difficult Non-Unions of the Upper Limb
Authors: DEL PIÑAL F. , GARCÍA-BERNAL F. J. , REGALADO J. , AYALA H. , CAGIGAL L. , STUDER A.
Published: January 2007

The vascularised corticoperiosteal graft was introduced by Sakai and Doi, in 1991, as a means to achieve bony union under unfavourable conditions. We present our experience with this vascularised graft, taken from the femoral condyle, in six patients with difficult non-unions (5) or other bony problems (1) in the upper limb. In five cases, a long bone defect—two humeral, two ulnar and one radial—was involved. All had had between three and seven previous operations. Two of the non-unions were secondary to infection. The others had had conventional grafting on two or three previous occasions each. In the sixth case, a corticoperiosteal graft was used to promote healing in a combined carpometacarpal and intercarpal dislocation with a very poor bed. All of the grafts survived without complications and all of the bones healed radiologically in less than three months. Three patients achieved a normal range of motion and two obtained a functional range of motion with only slight limitations. The carpometacarpal arthrodesis was healed soundly at five weeks.
Parasites and the dynamics of wild mammal populations
Authors: Irvine R. J
Published: January 2007

The impact of parasites on domestic livestock is well known. It is also clear that parasites have the potential to reduce reproductive success and survival at the individual level in wild animal populations (often through effects on body condition). However, the degree to which these impacts can regulate populations is difficult to determine because of the logistics of conducting the necessary experimental manipulations of either hosts or parasites. In addition, the relative importance of this mechanism compared to other regulatory factors such as predation and competition for food resources has not been quantified. Studies that have investigated the impact of parasites on wild mammals are reviewed and the merits of cross-sectional sampling and experimental approaches are presented. Finally, evidence for parasite mediated population regulation in wild mammals is examined and the need to develop experimental approaches that address this mechanism and its interaction with other regulatory processes is discussed.
Leading-edge effects in bypass transition
Authors: NAGARAJAN S. , LELE S. K. , FERZIGER J. H.
Published: January 2007

The effect of a blunt leading edge on bypass transition is studied by numerical simulation. A mixed direct and large-eddy simulation of a flat plate with a super-ellipse leading edge is carried out at various conditions. Onset and completion of transition is seen to move upstream with increasing bluntness. For sharper leading edges, at lower levels of turbulence, transition usually occurs through instabilities on low-speed streaks as observed by Jacobs & Durbin (2001) and Brandt et al. (2004) whereas increasing either the turbulence intensity or the leading-edge bluntness brings into play another mechanism. Free-stream vortices are amplified at the leading edge because of stretching. In the case of particularly strong vortices, this interaction induces a localized streamwise vortical disturbance in the boundary layer which then grows as it convects downstream and eventually breaks down to form a turbulent spot. These disturbances, which are localized and hence wavepacket-like, move at speeds in the range 0.55 U∞–0.65 U∞ and occur in the lower portion of the boundary layer. Simulations conducted with isolated vortices confirm such a response of the boundary layer.
Second-order Wagner theory for two-dimensional water-entry problems at small deadrise angles
Authors: OLIVER J. M.
Published: January 2007

The theory of Wagner from 1932 for the normal symmetric impact of a two-dimensional body of small deadrise angle on a half-space of ideal and incompressible liquid is extended to derive the second-order corrections for the locations of the higher-pressure jet-root regions and for the upward force on the impactor using a systematic matched-asymptotic analysis. The second-order predictions for the upward force on an entering wedge and parabola are compared with numerical and experimental data, respectively, and it is concluded that a significant improvement in the predictive capability of Wagner's theory is afforded by proceeding to second order.
Turbulent energy dissipation in density jumps
Authors: HASSID S. , REGEV A. , POREH M.
Published: January 2007

The analysis of density jumps is reconsidered and a new approximate model, based on an estimate that most of the turbulent energy produced by the jump is dissipated, is presented. The model suggests new upper bounds for the upstream Froude number, the entrainment and the downstream height. These bounds are shown to be consistent with earlier measurements.
Impact of prognostic factors on recovery from sudden hearing loss
Authors: Ceylan A , Çelenk F , Kemaloğlu Y K , Bayazıt Y A , Göksu N , Özbi˙len S
Published: January 2007

Objective:

To define the impact of patient-related and audiovestibular parameters on the prognosis of sudden hearing loss.

Methods:

Eighty-three patients were included in this retrospective study. All were treated medically. We recorded the patients' demographic parameters, systemic diseases, time elapsed between onset of sudden hearing loss and initiation of treatment, tinnitus, vestibular symptoms, type of initial audiogram, pure tone averages and speech discrimination scores. For all patients, audiological measurements were performed on initial admission and at the completion of treatment on the 10th day.

Results:

There was no correlation between the hearing gain and recovery rate scores and patients' gender or age (p>0.05). However, a correlation was found between gender and relative hearing gain. Vertigo was not correlated with hearing gain and recovery rate scores (p<0.05). However, relative hearing gain correlated negatively with the presence of vertigo (−r=0.05, 81 degrees of freedom,p=0.043). Patients with <40 dB hearing loss on admission showed a better relative hearing gain (r=0.55, 81 degrees of freedom,p=0.03). Relative hearing gain correlated positively with better pre-treatment speech discrimination scores (r=0.82, 81 degrees of freedom,p=0.009) and negatively with poorer pre-treatment pure tone averages (−r=0.082, 81 degrees of freedom,p=0.009). There was no correlation between the scores for hearing gain, relative hearing gain and recovery rate and: systemic diseases (p>0.05); time elapsed between onset of sudden hearing loss and initiation of treatment (p>0.05); type of audiogram on initial admission (p>0.05), except for midfrequency type of audiogram; and tinnitus (p>0.05).

Conclusions:

The outcome of sudden hearing loss was unaffected by systemic disease, tinnitus or type of audiogram (except for midfrequency type). The following were poor prognostic factors in the outcome of sudden hearing loss: female gender, presence of vertigo, initiation of treatment more than seven days after onset of hearing loss, and >40 dB hearing loss on admission.
Cardiac features of a novel autosomal recessive dilated cardiomyopathic syndrome due to defective importation of mitochondrial protein
Authors: Sparkes Rebecca , Patton David , Bernier Francois
Published: January 2007

Dilated cardiomyopathy as seen in children is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, with an increasing proportion of cases known to be caused by disorders of single genes. An autosomal recessive syndrome with a high incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy was recently described in the Canadian Dariusleut Hutterite population. It is caused by homozygous mutations in a novel gene, DNAJC19, presumed to play a role in importation of mitochondrial proteins. We discuss the cardiac features of this syndrome, and its relationship to cardiac mitochondrial function.
Does a ventriculotomy have deleterious effects following palliation in the Norwood procedure using a shunt placed from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries?
Authors: Graham Eric M. , Atz Andrew M. , Bradley Scott M. , Scheurer Mark A. , Bandisode Varsha M. , Laudito Antonio , Shirali Girish S.
Published: January 2007

Introduction: A recent modification to the Norwood procedure involving a shunt placed directly from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries may improve postoperative haemodynamics. Concerns remain, however, about the potential problems produced by the required ventriculotomy. Methods: We compared 76 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who underwent the Norwood procedure, 35 receiving a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt and the remaining 41 a shunt placed directly from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries. We reviewed their subsequent progress through the second stage of palliation. A single observer graded right ventricular function, and the severity of tricuspid regurgitation, based on blinded review of the most recent echocardiograms prior to the second stage of palliation. Results: At the time of catheterization prior to the second stage, patients with a shunt placed from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries, rather than a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt, had higher arterial diastolic blood pressure, at 44 versus 40 millimetres of mercury, p equal to 0.02, lower ventricular end diastolic pressures, at 8 versus 11 millimetres of mercury, p equal to 0.0002, and larger pulmonary arteries as judged using the Nakata index, at 270 versus 188 millimetres squared per metres squared, p equal to 0.009. There was no difference in qualitative ventricular systolic function or tricuspid regurgitation between groups. No differences were found between groups during the hospitalization following the second stage of palliation. A trend towards improved survival to the second stage was seen following the construction of a shunt from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries. Conclusions: Construction of a shunt from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries is associated with lower right ventricular end diastolic pressures, larger pulmonary arterial size, and higher systemic arterial diastolic pressures. No apparent deleterious effects of the right ventriculotomy were observed in terms of qualitative ventricular systolic function or tricuspid regurgitation.