bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of the DNA barcode gene 16S mRNA for the clarification of taxonomic problems within the family Sertulariidae (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa)
Authors: Moura Carlos J. , Cunha Marina R. , Porteiro Filipe M. , Rogers Alex D.
Published: August 2011

Moura, C. J., Cunha, M. R., Porteiro, F. M. & Rogers, A. D. (2011). The use of the DNA barcode gene 16S mRNA for the clarification of taxonomic problems within the family Sertulariidae (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa). —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 520–537.

The Sertulariidae are the most speciose family of the Hydrozoa, and their systematics are problematic. Here, 77 new 16S mtDNA sequence ‘barcodes’ of Atlantic and Mediterranean sertulariids were subject to phylogenetic analyses along with another 29 already deposited in Genbank. Amongst the 12 nominal genera and around 40 putative species analysed, several taxonomic inconsistencies and corroborations were highlighted by the genetic data. Patterns of morphological characters between the specimens analysed genetically were extremely congruent with molecular estimates. The genera Sertularia, Dynamena and Symplectoscyphus were found to be polyphyletic, and the genus Sertularella paraphyletic. The validity of Sertularella robusta at a species level was confirmed, along with the exclusion of Sertularelloides cylindritheca from the genus Sertularella. Potential cryptic species were detected within Sertularella fusiformis, Sertularella mediterranea, Sertularella ellisii, Sertularia distans, Dynamena disticha, Thuiaria articulata and Diphasia margareta. Conversely, probable cases of synonomy were revealed for the species pairs: Sertularia cupressina and Sertularia argentea, Amphisbetia minima and Amphisbetia operculata, and Thuiaria thuja and T. articulata. 16S haplotype data also revealed probable phylogeographic structure across localities of the NE Atlantic and Mediterranean. As an alternative ‘DNA barcode’, the 16S gene has the great advantage of being easily amplified and sequenced across hydrozoan taxa. Furthermore, the marked increase in deposited 16S sequences in public databases facilitates the identification of hydrozoan samples to the level of family, genus, and especially species or even populations, in a manner that is coherent with phenotypic and geographic/environmental differences.
The fall and rise of home economics education: newly available home economics archives at The Women's Library*
Authors: Murphy Gillian
Published: August 2011

This paper highlights some of the archives held at The Women's Library relating to home economics. It concentrates on the archives of the Institute of Home Economics, its successor and predecessor. It considers strengths in the collections, in particular home economics education. Although the profession ultimately failed to secure home economics as a foundation subject in the National Curriculum in 1987, it appears that food education is more important than ever, especially when we are reminded about childhood obesity in the daily news. The paper concludes that formal home economics teaching did fulfil the vitally important function of teaching young people how to feed themselves properly, and that food does provide an important part of children's education.
Long‐term virological follow up of patients with occult hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Castillo Inmaculada , Bartolomé Javier , Quiroga Juan A. , Barril Guillermina , Carreño Vicente
Published: August 2011

Background

Patients with occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (HCV‐RNA in liver without detectable anti‐HCV and serum HCV‐RNA) may have viral RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in serum after ultracentrifugation, and may present HCV‐specific T‐cell responses, but it is unknown whether these markers persist to be detectable over time.

Aim

To perform a prospective virological long‐term follow up of patients with occult HCV.

Methods

Viral markers were tested every 3–4 months during 55.7 ± 20.3 months in 37 patients with occult HCV who were under ursodeoxycholic acid treatment.

Results

Viral RNA was detectable in PBMCs of 31 patients during the follow up. In 23 of them, viral RNA in PBMCs was detected intermittently and in the other eight patients HCV‐RNA was positive in a single sample. After ultracentrifugation, serum HCV‐RNA was detected in 33 patients, being the viraemia intermittently detectable in 28, whereas in the remaining five patients, serum HCV‐RNA was positive only once. Only one patient tested always HCV‐RNA negative in PBMCs and in ultracentrifuged serum during follow up. Specific Core, NS3, and/or NS4 T‐cell responses were found in 31 of the patients. The patient who was always HCV‐RNA negative in PBMCs and in ultracentrifuged serum had specific HCV‐T‐cell responses.

Conclusions

Occult HCV infection persists over time with fluctuating viraemia levels that induce and maintain specific T‐cell responses against viral proteins.
Evidence for an exercise induced increase of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in marathon runners
Authors: Bernecker C. , Scherr J. , Schinner S. , Braun S. , Scherbaum W. A. , Halle M.
Published: August 2011

Regular physical activity of moderate intensity improves cardiovascular risk factors including low‐grade inflammation. However, acute vigorous exercise such as marathon running results in marked increases of circulating pro‐inflammatory markers. Up to now, the origin of this pro‐inflammatory boost is still debated equivocally. We analyzed the change of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and leptin from pre‐ to immediately post‐race in 15 male runners (age 43 ± 10.9 years and body mass index 24.5 ± 2.7 kg/m2) both on the protein level in the plasma and on the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level in blood mononuclear cells (BMNC).

We observed a significant increase of IL‐6 (prerace 2.08 ± 0.10 ng/L and postrace 40.14 ± 24.85 ng/L, P < 0.001) and TNF‐α (prerace 8.14 ± 1.38 ng/L and postrace 12.40 ± 3.15 ng/L, P < 0.001) and a decrease of leptin (prerace 1.64 ± 2.64 μg/L and postrace 0.80 ± 1.70 μg/L, P = 0.04) serum levels after the marathon race. Furthermore, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and leptin were expressed (mRNA level) in BMNC. However no significant differences in mRNA levels were seen before and after the run in these cells. We found an up‐regulation of TNF‐α and IL‐6 in the plasma during vigorous exercise. This increase is not attributable to BMNC. We assume a local production in, or release from, exercised tissues.
Gateway to doping? Supplement use in the context of preferred competitive situations, doping attitude, beliefs, and norms
Authors: Backhouse S. H. , Whitaker L. , Petróczi A.
Published: August 2011

Nutritional supplement (NS) use is widespread in sport. This study applied an integrated social cognitive approach to examine doping attitudes, beliefs, and self‐reported doping use behavior across NS users (n = 96) and nonusers (n = 116). Following ethical approval, 212 competitive athletes (age mean = 21.4, s = 4.5; 137 males) completed self‐reported measures of doping‐related social cognitions and behaviors, presented in an online format where completion implied consent. Significantly more NS users (22.9%) reported doping compared with nonusers (6.0%; U = 4628.0, P < 0.05). NS users presented significantly more positive attitudes toward doping (U = 3152.0, P < 0.05) and expressed a significantly greater belief that doping is effective (U = 3152.0, P < 0.05). When presented with the scenario that performance‐enhancing substances are effective and increase the possibility of winning, NS users were significantly more in favor of competing in situations that allow doping (U = 3504.5, P < 0.05). In sum, doping use is three‐and‐a‐half times more prevalent in NS users compared with nonusers. This finding is accompanied by significant differences in doping attitudes, norms, and beliefs. Thus, this article offers support for the gateway hypothesis; athletes who engage in legal performance enhancement practices appear to embody an “at‐risk” group for transition toward doping. Education should be appropriately targeted.
Clinical and microbiological efficacy of an antimicrobial mouth rinse containing 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride in patients with gingivitis
Authors: Rioboo M , García V , Serrano J , O’Connor A , Herrera D , Sanz M
Published: August 2011

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene 10, 2012; 98–106  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00523.x

Rioboo M, García V, Serrano J, O’Connor A, Herrera D, Sanz M. Clinical and microbiological efficacy of an antimicrobial mouth rinse containing 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride in patients with gingivitis.

Abstract:  Objectives:  the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the use of a mouth rinse and dentifrice with cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in patients with gingivitis.

Methods:  the study was designed as a 1‐month, double‐blind, parallel, randomized clinical trial comparing a negative control regimen (minus active ingredients dentifrice and mouth rinse) with the test products (dentifrice and mouth rinse with 0.05% CPC) in terms of plaque and gingival indexes (PI, GI), patient‐based and microbiological outcome variables. The comparisons in relation to the main outcome variables (PI and GI) were made by means of the t‐test, either unpaired or paired for the intergroup and intragroup comparisons, respectively.

Results:  no differences were detected at baseline. Both groups showed statistically significant decreases in GI (0.17–0.19), without intergroup differences. The PI demonstrated a significant decrease of −0.12 in the test group and minor changes in the negative control group (increase of +0.01). Differences between groups showed a tendency towards statistical significance. A limited impact was observed for microbiological variables in both groups.

Conclusion:  the results of this study show limited benefits of the evaluated formulations as adjuncts to unsupervised oral hygiene in reducing plaque accumulation, and no effect on gingivitis.
Obstructive sleep apnoea and schizophrenia: a primer for psychiatrists
Authors: Alam Abdulkader , Chengappa Kadiamada Nanaiah Roy
Published: August 2011

Alam A, Chengappa KNR. Obstructive sleep apnoea and schizophrenia: a primer for psychiatrists

Objective:The main objective of this review is to improve psychiatric clinician awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and its potential consequences in patients with schizophrenia. This article will also discuss the diagnosis and treatment options for OSA while considering the significant role psychiatrists can play in facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of OSA.

Data sources:Ovid, Medline and PsychInfo databases were searched for articles between 1960 and 2010. Search terms used wereSleep apnoeaorapnoeaandschizophreniaorpsychosis. The number of articles retrieved was 38. Articles were carefully reviewed for any data pertinent to OSA in patients with schizophrenia.

Conclusions:OSA is a common disorder that is frequently unrecognised. As a chronic breathing condition, OSA is associated with adverse health outcomes and high mortality. OSA may co-occur with schizophrenia or evolve over time, especially with weight gain. The diagnosis should be considered whenever a patient presents with risk factors or clinical manifestations that are highly suggestive of OSA. Those who report snoring, daytime sleepiness and are obese or have a large neck circumference should be considered for an OSA diagnosis. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of OSA can reduce daytime sleepiness, improve cardiovascular and other medical conditions, as well as reduce mortality. Psychiatrists can play very important role in suspecting OSA in their patients and making the initial referral. Furthermore, behavioural management, especially promoting weight loss and smoking cessation, are effective components of OSA treatment that psychiatrists are positioned to facilitate with their patients.
DETECTION OF PNEUMOTHORAX AND PLEURAL EFFUSION WITH HORIZONTAL BEAM RADIOGRAPHY
Authors: LYNCH KATHERINE C. , OLIVEIRA CINTIA R. , MATHESON JODI S. , MITCHELL MARK A. , O'BRIEN ROBERT T.
Published: August 2011

Forty‐seven patients with a known history of thoracic trauma or clinical suspicion of pneumothorax were selected for thoracic imaging. The patient population was composed of 42 dogs and five cats. Standard vertical beam (VB) left and right lateral and ventrodorsal/dorsoventral (VD/DV) projections were obtained for each patient, and at least one horizontal beam (HB) projection (VD projection made in lateral recumbency). A total of 240 images were reviewed. Subjective assessment for the presence and degree of pneumothorax and pleural effusion was made more confidently with HB projections. Pneumothorax was identified in at least one projection in 26 patients (26 dogs) and pleural effusion in 21 patients (19 dogs and two cats). Pneumothorax and pleural effusion were present concurrently in 17 dogs. Pneumothorax and pleural effusion were graded for each image as absent, mild, moderate, or severe. Right (P<0.001) and left (P<0.05) lateral HB VD projections and the standard VB left lateral projection (P<0.05) were significantly more likely to detect and grade pneumothorax severely than the VB VD/DV views. The right lateral HB projection had the highest rate of detection and gradation of severity for pneumothorax compared with other views. VD/DV projections had the lowest sensitivity for detection of the pneumothorax and gradation of severity for pneumothorax and pleural effusion. No significant difference in diagnosis (P=0.9149) and grade (P=0.7757) of pleural effusion were seen between views, although the left lateral HB had both the highest rate of detection and grade of severity.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS OF EQUINE SOLAR PENETRATION WOUNDS
Authors: URRACA DEL JUNCO CAROLINA I. , MAIR TIM S. , POWELL SARAH E. , MILNER PETER I. , FONT ALEX F. , SCHWARZ TOBIAS , WEAVER MARTIN P.
Published: August 2011

The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features, signalment, clinical history and outcome of 55 horses with a penetrating sole injury were evaluated. Our aim was to describe MR imaging findings within the hoof capsule, assess the utility of the technique and give recommendations for the optimal MR imaging protocol to evaluate such injuries. Data from five equine hospitals were analyzed retrospectively. The tract was more likely to be visualized in animals scanned within the first week postinjury. There was no significant predisposition based on breed, age, or gender. T2*W transverse sequences were the most useful for assessment of solar penetrations due to their orientation perpendicular to the deep digital flexor tendon, the reduced scanning time, and the T2* capability of enhancing magnetic susceptibility caused by hemorrhage.
On the Dynamic Properties of Flexible Parallel Manipulators in the Presence of Type 2 Singularities
Authors: Briot Sébastien , Arakelian Vigen
Published: August 2011

In the present paper, we expand information about the conditions for passing through Type 2 singular configurations of a parallel manipulator. It is shown that any parallel manipulator can cross the singular configurations via an optimal control permitting the favorable force distribution, i.e., the wrench applied on the end-effector by the legs and external efforts must be reciprocal to the twist along with the direction of the uncontrollable motion. The previous studies have proposed the optimal control conditions for the manipulators with rigid links and flexible actuated joints. The different polynomial laws have been obtained and validated for each examined case. The present study considers the conditions for passing through Type 2 singular configurations for the parallel manipulators with flexible links. By computing the inverse dynamic model of a general flexible parallel robot, the necessary conditions for passing through Type 2 singular configurations are deduced. The suggested approach is illustrated by a 5R parallel manipulator with flexible elements and joints. It is shown that a 16th order polynomial law is necessary for the optimal force generation. The obtained results are validated by numerical simulations carried out using the software ADAMS.
Zirconium oxide-aluminum oxide nanolaminate gate dielectrics for amorphous oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors
Authors: Waggoner T. , Triska J. , Hoshino K. , Wager J. F. , Conley J. F.
Published: August 2011

The dielectric properties of ZrO2–Al2O3 nanolaminates, deposited via atomic layer deposition, and their impact on the performance and stability of indium gallium zinc oxide and zinc tin oxide amorphous oxide semiconductor thin-film transistors (TFTs) are investigated. It is found that nanolaminate dielectrics can combine the advantages of constituent dielectrics and produce TFTs with improved performance and stability compared to single layer gate dielectrics. It is also found that TFT performance and stability are influenced not only by the chemical composition of the gate dielectric/channel interface but also by the thickness and composition of the laminate layers in the dielectric near the interface.
Heteroepitaxy of SrTiO3 thin films on Si (001) using different growth strategies: Toward substratelike quality
Authors: Niu G. , Vilquin B. , Penuelas J. , Botella C. , Hollinger G. , Saint-Girons G.
Published: August 2011

Different molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) strategies for fabricating SrTiO3(STO) thin films on Si (001) substrates are described and compared. The resulting STO structural quality (crystallinity, surface roughness, and interface sharpness) is systematically analyzed depending on growth conditions. In particular, the authors show that sharp STO/Si interface and good STO structural quality can be obtained up to the plastic relaxation critical thickness by using direct STO epitaxy in a narrow (low temperature and low oxygen partial pressure) growth window. For thicker films, two-step strategies (STO “buffer” grown under moderately oxidizing conditions and further STO growth carried out at higher temperature and oxygen partial pressure) must be preferred: they allow for obtaining fully relaxed STO layers having optimal structural qualities, at the expense of the formation of a thin amorphous interface layer. The impact of the STO buffer growth conditions on the overall quality of the layer is described and it is shown that excellent STO structural quality can be achieved by using convenient growth conditions.
Three-dimensional patterning of nanostructures using atomic force microscopes
Authors: Tseng Ampere A.
Published: August 2011

The recent advances of the fabrication technology using atomic force microscopes (AFMs) are reviewed with the focus on its effectiveness and flexibility in patterning three-dimensional (3D) engineering nanostructures. The specific hardware and software requirements, including manipulability, precision, and automation, for enhancing the capability, reliability and repeatability in patterning 3D nanostructures are evaluated. The recent progresses on patterning the one- and two-dimensional nanostructures, which provide the basic building blocks, are first assessed. The truly 3D nanostructures, which were fabricated by two general approaches, layer manufacturing and continuous depth (or height) variation, are then presented to illustrate the efficiency and versatility of the specific patterning technique adopted. The geometric precision and reliability of the features created as well as the patterning principle involved are also studied. Finally, for improving the productivity in patterning 3D structures, the schemes using parallel processing, speed increasing, and larger tips, are elaborated with a recommendation on the areas for future efforts in developing better AFM patterning techniques.
Core Facilities: Maximizing the Return on Investment
Authors: Farber Gregory K. , Weiss Linda
Published: August 2011

State-of-the-art clinical and translational research requires specialized core facilities with highly trained staff.
Dynamics of Cryptococcus neoformans-Macrophage Interactions Reveal that Fungal Background Influences Outcome during Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis in Humans
Authors: Alanio Alexandre , Desnos-Ollivier Marie , Dromer Françoise
Published: August 2011

Cryptococcosis is a multifaceted fungal infection with variable clinical presentation and outcome. As in many infectious diseases, this variability is commonly assigned to host factors. To investigate whether the diversity of
Cryptococcus neoformans
clinical (ClinCn) isolates influences the interaction with host cells and the clinical outcome, we developed and validated new quantitative assays using flow cytometry and J774 macrophages. The phenotype of ClinCn-macrophage interactions was determined for 54 ClinCn isolates recovered from cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from 54 unrelated patients, based on phagocytic index (PI) and 2-h and 48-h intracellular proliferation indexes (IPH2 and IPH48, respectively). Their phenotypes were highly variable. Isolates harboring low PI/low IPH2 and high PI/high IPH2 values were associated with nonsterilization of CSF at week 2 and death at month 3, respectively. A subset of 9 ClinCn isolates with different phenotypes exhibited variable virulence in mice and displayed intramacrophagic expression levels of the
LAC1
,
APP1
,
VAD1
,
IPC1
,
PLB1
, and
COX1
genes that were highly variable among the isolates and correlated with IPH48. Variation in the expression of virulence factors is thus shown here to depend on not only experimental conditions but also fungal background. These results suggest that, in addition to host factors, the patient’s outcome can be related to fungal determinants. Deciphering the molecular events involved in
C. neoformans
fate inside host cells is crucial for our understanding of cryptococcosis pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
Cryptococcus neoformans
is a life-threatening human fungal pathogen that is responsible for an estimated 1 million cases of meningitis/year, predominantly in HIV-infected patients. The diversity of infecting isolates is well established, as is the importance of the host factors. Interaction with macrophages is a major step in cryptococcosis pathogenesis. How the diversity of clinical isolates influences macrophages’ interactions and impacts cryptococcosis outcome in humans remains to be elucidated. Using new assays, we uncovered how yeast-macrophage interactions were highly variable among clinical isolates and found an association between specific behaviors and cryptococcosis outcome. In addition, gene expression of some virulence factors and intracellular proliferation were correlated. While many studies have established that virulence factors can be differentially expressed as a function of experimental conditions, our study demonstrates that, under the same experimental conditions, clinical isolates behaved differently, a diversity that could participate in the variable outcome of infection in humans.
Surface microbial consortia from Livarot, a French smear-ripened cheese
Authors: Larpin-Laborde Sandra , Imran Muhammad , Bonaïti Catherine , Bora Nagamani , Gelsomino Roberto , Goerges Stefanie , Irlinger Françoise , Goodfellow Michael , Ward Alan C. , Vancanneyt Marc , Swings Jean , Scherer Siegfried , Guéguen Micheline , Desmasures Nathalie
Published: August 2011

The surface microflora (902 isolates) of Livarot cheeses from three dairies was investigated during ripening. Yeasts were mainly identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Geotrichum candidum was the dominating yeast among 10 species. Bacteria were identified using Biotype 100 strips, dereplicated by repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (rep-PCR); 156 representative strains were identified by either BOX-PCR or (GTG)5-PCR, and when appropriate by 16S rDNA sequencing and SDS–PAGE analysis. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 65% of the isolates and were mainly assigned to the genera Arthrobacter , Brevibacterium , Corynebacterium , and Staphylococcus . New taxa related to the genera Agrococcus and Leucobacter were found. Yeast and Gram-positive bacteria strains deliberately added as smearing agents were sometimes undetected during ripening. Thirty-two percent of the isolates were Gram-negative bacteria, which showed a high level of diversity and mainly included members of the genera Alcaligenes , Hafnia , Proteus , Pseudomonas , and Psychrobacter . Whatever the milk used (pasteurized or unpasteurized), similar levels of biodiversity were observed in the three dairies, all of which had efficient cleaning procedures and good manufacturing practices. It appears that some of the Gram-negative bacteria identified should now be regarded as potentially useful in some cheese technologies. The assessment of their positive versus negative role should be objectively examined.
Changes over time in the bacterial communities associated with fluid and food particles and the ruminal parameters in the bovine rumen before and after a dietary change
Authors: Michelland R.J. , Monteils V. , Combes S. , Cauquil L. , Gidenne T. , Fortun-Lamothe L.
Published: August 2011

This work aimed to study the changes over time in the bacterial communities associated with the fluid and food particle fractions of the cow rumen following a change in diet. Four cannulated cows were fed a hay-based diet for 21 days and were then switched to a corn-silage-based diet for 33 days. The bacterial communities were regularly characterized by capillary electrophoresis – single-strand conformation polymorphism (CE–SSCP) and qPCR, and the main ruminal parameters were determined. The dietary change led to slight reductions in the diversity index, bacterial concentration, pH, and NH3-N concentration, and to an increase in the redox potential and volatile fatty acid concentrations. CE–SSCP profiles were not significantly affected by the dietary change but did change over time, with frequent fluctuations in both fluid and food particle fractions before and after the dietary change. The food particle fraction had a higher diversity index of bacterial community (+1.2 points, P < 0.001) and slightly more total bacteria than the fluid fraction of the rumen.
AN AP-STRUCTURE WITH FINSLERIAN FLAVOR II: TORSION, CURVATURE AND OTHER OBJECTS
Authors: WANAS M. I. , KAMAL MONA M.
Published: August 2011

An absolute parallelism (AP-) space having Finslerian properties is called FAP-space. This FAP-structure is wider than both conventional AP and Finsler structures. In the present work, more geometric objects as curvature and torsion tensors are derived in the context of this structure. Also second order tensors, usually needed for physical applications, are derived and studied. Furthermore, the anti-curvature and the W-tensor are defined for the FAP-structure. Relations between Riemannian, AP, Finsler and FAP structures are given. These relations facilitate comparison between results of applications carried out in the framework of these structures. We hope that the use of the FAP-structure, in applications may throw some light on some of the problems facing geometric field theories.
SKOROKHOD EMBEDDINGS IN BOUNDED TIME
Authors: ANKIRCHNER STEFAN , STRACK PHILIPP
Published: August 2011

This article deals with the Skorokhod embedding problem in bounded time for the Brownian motion with drift Xt = κt + Wt: Given a probability measure μ we aim at finding a stopping time τ such that the law of Xτ is μ, and τ is almost surely smaller than some given fixed time horizon T > 0. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions on the distribution μ for the existence of such bounded stopping times.
FIRST EXIT TIMES OF SOLUTIONS OF STOCHASTIC DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS DRIVEN BY MULTIPLICATIVE LÉVY NOISE WITH HEAVY TAILS
Authors: PAVLYUKEVICH ILYA
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we study first exit times from a bounded domain of a gradient dynamical system Ẏt= -∇U(Yt) perturbed by a small multiplicative Lévy noise with heavy tails. A special attention is paid to the way the multiplicative noise is introduced. In particular, we determine the asymptotics of the first exit time of solutions of Itô, Stratonovich and Marcus canonical SDEs.
Refactoring information systems
Authors: Löwe Michael
Published: August 2011

Agile software development methods need powerful refactoring tools. For the time being, there is only little support for the refactoring of complete productive systems, i. e. data and functional models together with possibly large databases and possibly long running processes. In this paper, we present an algebraic framework for model refactorings and induced data migrations. Within the framework theoretical results can be proven which are needed as a solid basis for practical tool support: we investigate sequential composition of refactorings here. The framework in this paper is a simplified version of our previous approaches, provides, however, more modelling power.
A bayesian network based approach for software defects prediction
Authors: Jeet Kawal , Bhatia Nitin , Minhas Rajinder Singh
Published: August 2011

Since the inception of software project management, the quality of a software project is always a priority. Defects in a software development project lead to degradation of the quality which might be the cause of its failure. In order to predict the defects in a software development project we propose a Bayesian Network based approach. It is developed by using project repositories which store software metrics and defect information. In this approach we combine subjective judgements from experienced project managers and available defect rate data to produce a network and use this to forecast and hence control defect rates.
Effects of motor scale, visual scale, and quantization on small target acquisition difficulty
Authors: Chapuis Olivier , Dragicevic Pierre
Published: August 2011

Targets of only a few pixels are notoriously difficult to acquire. Despite many attempts at facilitating pointing, the reasons for this difficulty are poorly understood. We confirm a strong departure from Fitts' Law for small target acquisition using a mouse and investigate three potential sources of problems: motor accuracy, legibility, and quantization. We find that quantization is not a problem, but both motor and visual sizes are limiting factors. This suggests that small targets should be magnified in both motor and visual space to facilitate pointing. Since performance degrades exponentially as targets get very small, we further advocate the exploration of uniform, target-agnostic magnification strategies. We also confirm Welford's 1969 proposal that motor inaccuracy can be modeled by subtracting a “tremor constant” from target size. We argue for the adoption of this model, rather than Fitts' law, when reflecting on small target acquisition.
Cheater identification on a secret sharing scheme using GCD
Authors: Kai Hiroshi , Inoue Shigenobu
Published: August 2011

A method to identify cheaters on the Shamir's (
k, n
) threshold secret sharing scheme is proposed using rational interpolation. When a rational interpolant is computed for l shares Di, i = 1, ... , l, where l = k + 2s, then
s
unattainable points of the rational interpolant may identify
s
cheaters. The cheaters can be computed by GCD of the numerator polynomial and the denominator polynomial.
Potentiation of the early-phase insulin response by a prior meal contributes to the second-meal phenomenon in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lee Seung-Hwan , Tura Andrea , Mari Andrea , Ko Seung-Hyun , Kwon Hyuk-Sang , Song Ki-Ho , Yoon Kun-Ho , Lee Kwang-Woo , Ahn Yu-Bae
Published: August 2011

Improved glucose tolerance following a sequential meal is known as the second-meal phenomenon. We aimed to investigate its extent and underlying mechanisms in patients with type 2 diabetes. Metabolic responses after lunch in 12 diabetic patients were compared on two separate days: one with (Day BL) and another without (Day FL) breakfast. The responses of hormones were calculated by the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) values for 180 min after each meal. Indexes of early-phase insulin secretion were assessed, and β-cell function was estimated by mathematical modeling. [iAUCglucose(180–360 min)] was significantly lower on Day BL than on Day FL (181 ± 43 vs. 472 ± 29 mmol·liter−1·min, P = 0.0005). The magnitude of the The second-meal phenomenon [iAUCglucose(180–360 min) on Day BL/Day FL] was 35 ± 9%. The peak levels of insulin and C-peptide were attained 45 min earlier after the second meal than after the first meal. iAUCglucose(180–360 min) correlated negatively with iAUCinsulin(180–210 min) ( r = −0.443, P = 0.0300), insulinogenic index ( r = −0.769, P < 0.0001), acute C-peptide response ( r = −0.596, P = 0.0021), and potentiation factor [i.e., potentiation effect on insulin secretion] ratio (180–360)/(0–20) ( r = −0.559, P = 0.0045), while correlated positively with free fatty acid level before lunch ( r = 0.679, P = 0.0003). The second-meal phenomenon was evident in patients with type 2 diabetes. Potentiation of the early-phase insulin response by a prior meal contributes to this phenomenon in type 2 diabetes.
Transcriptomic response of murine liver to severe injury and hemorrhagic shock: a dual-platform microarray analysis
Authors: Edmonds Rebecca D. , Vodovotz Yoram , Lagoa Claudio , Dutta-Moscato Joyeeta , Yang Yawching , Fink Mitchell P. , Levy Ryan M. , Prince Jose M. , Kaczorowski David J. , Tseng George C. , Billiar Timothy R.
Published: August 2011

Trauma-hemorrhagic shock (HS/T) is a complex process that elicits numerous molecular pathways. We hypothesized that a dual-platform microarray analysis of the liver, an organ that integrates immunology and metabolism, would reveal key pathways engaged following HS/T. C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups ( n = 4/group), anesthetized, and surgically treated to simulate a time course and trauma severity model: 1) nonmanipulated animals, 2) minor trauma, 3) 1.5 h of hemorrhagic shock and severe trauma (HS/T), 4) 1.5 h HS/T followed by 1 h resuscitation (HS/T+1.0R), 5) 1.5 h HS/T followed by 4.5 h resuscitation (HS/T+4.5R). Liver RNA was hybridized to CodeLink and Affymetrix mouse whole genome microarray chips. Common genes with a cross-platform correlation >0.6 (2,353 genes in total) were clustered using k-means clustering, and clusters were analyzed using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. Genes involved in the stress response and immunoregulation were upregulated early and remained upregulated throughout the course of the experiment. Genes involved in cell death and inflammatory pathways were upregulated in a linear fashion with elapsed time and in severe injury compared with minor trauma. Three of the six clusters contained genes involved in metabolic function; these were downregulated with elapsed time. Transcripts involved in amino acid metabolism as well as signaling pathways associated with glucocorticoid receptors, IL-6, IL-10, and the acute phase response were elevated in a severity-dependent manner. This is the first study to examine the postinjury response using dual-platform microarray analysis, revealing responses that may enable novel therapies or diagnostics.
Androgen receptor polyglutamine repeat length affects receptor activity and C2C12 cell development
Authors: Sheppard Ryan L. , Spangenburg Espen E. , Chin Eva R. , Roth Stephen M.
Published: August 2011

Testosterone (T) has an anabolic effect on skeletal muscle and is believed to exert its local effects via the androgen receptor (AR). The AR harbors a polymorphic stretch of glutamine repeats demonstrated to inversely affect receptor transcriptional activity in prostate and kidney cells. The effects of AR glutamine repeat length on skeletal muscle are unknown. In this study we examined the effect of AR CAG repeat length on AR function in C2C12 cells. AR expression vectors harboring 14, 24, and 33 CAG repeats were used to assess AR transcriptional activity. C2C12 cell proliferation, differentiation, gene expression, myotube formation, and myonuclear fusion index were assessed. Transcriptional activity increased with increasing repeat length and in response to testosterone (AR14 = 3.91 ± 0.26, AR24 = 25.21 ± 1.72, AR33 = 36.08 ± 3.22 relative light units; P < 0.001). Ligand activation was increased for AR33 (2.10 ± 0.04) compared with AR14 (1.54 ± 0.09) and AR24 (1.57 ± 0.05, P < 0.001). AR mRNA expression was elevated in each stably transfected line. AR33 cell proliferation (20,512.3 ± 1,024.0) was decreased vs. AR14 (27,604.17 ± 1,425.3; P < 0.001) after 72 h. Decreased CK activity in AR14 cells (54.9 ± 2.9 units/μg protein) in comparison to AR33 (70.8 ± 8.1) ( P < 0.05) was noted. The myonuclear fusion index was lower for AR14 (15.21 ± 3.24%) and AR33 (9.97 ± 3.14%) in comparison to WT (35.07 ± 5.60%, P < 0.001). AR14 and AR33 cells also displayed atypical myotube morphology. RT-PCR revealed genotype differences in myostatin and myogenin expression. We conclude that AR polyglutamine repeat length is directly associated with transcriptional activity and alters the growth and development of C2C12 cells. This polymorphism may contribute to the heritability of muscle mass in humans.
On the Higher‐Order q‐Euler Numbers and Polynomials with Weight α
Authors: Hwang K.-W. , Dolgy D. V. , Kim T. , Lee S. H.
Published: August 2011

The main purpose of this paper is to present a systemic study of some
families of higher‐order q‐Euler numbers and polynomials with weight α. In particular, by
using the fermionic p‐adic q‐integral on ℤp, we give a new concept of q‐Euler numbers
and polynomials with weight α.
Biosynthesis and Immobilization of Biofunctional Allophycocyanin
Authors: Chen Yingjie , Liu Shaofang , Cui Yulin , Jiang Peng , Chen Huaxin , Li Fuchao , Qin Song
Published: August 2011

The holo‐allophycocyanin‐α subunit, which has various reported pharmacological uses, was biosynthesized with both Strep‐II‐tag and His‐tag at the N‐terminal in Escherichia coli. The streptavidin‐binding ability resulting from the Strep II‐tag was confirmed by Western blot. Additionally, the metal‐chelating ability deriving from the His‐tag not only facilitated its purification by immobilized metal‐ion affinity chromatography but also promoted its immobilization on Zn (II)‐decorated silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles. The holo‐allophycocyanin‐α subunit with streptavidin‐binding ability was thereby immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles are promising as drug delivery vehicles for targeting and locating at tumors. Thus, based on genetic engineering and nanotechnology, we provide a potential strategy to facilitate the biomodification and targeted delivery of pharmacological proteins.
Periodic Problems of Difference Equations and Ergodic Theory
Authors: Biletskyi B. A. , Boichuk A. A. , Pokutnyi A. A.
Published: August 2011

The necessary and sufficient conditions for solvability of the family of difference equations with periodic boundary condition were obtained using the notion of relative spectrum of linear bounded operator in the Banach space and the ergodic theorem. It is shown that when the condition of existence is satisfied, then such periodic solutions are built using the formula for the generalized inverse operator to the linear limited one.
Evaluation of Model Selection Strategies for Cross-Level Two-Way Differential Item Functioning Analysis
Authors: Patarapichayatham Chalie , Kamata Akihito , Kanjanawasee Sirichai
Published: August 2011

Model specification issues on the cross-level two-way differential item functioning model were previously investigated by Patarapichayatham et al. (2009) . Their study clarified that an incorrect model specification can easily lead to biased estimates of key parameters. The objective of this article is to provide further insights on the issue by specifically focusing on the impact of model selection strategies. Six model selection strategies were compared in this study. Through analyses of repeatedly simulated data, frequencies of each model being selected as the best model and parameter estimates were evaluated. As a result, it was found that the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) strategy tended to choose incomplete models more often than other strategies and led to more biased parameter estimates.
An energy-efficient self-deployment with the centroid-directed virtual force in mobile sensor networks
Authors: Han Youn-Hee , Kim Yong-hwan , Kim WonTae , Jeong Young-Sik
Published: August 2011

The deployment of sensors at their intended locations enables not only adequate sensing coverage of the area of interest, but also efficient sensor resource management. However, for static wireless sensor networks, it is sometimes impossible to manually deploy the sensors in those locations as they can be distributed in unexploited, hostile, or disaster areas. Nevertheless, if each sensor has locomotive capability, they can re-deploy themselves using the location information of neighboring sensors. In particular, in our previous study, we showed that the coverage area can be efficiently expanded by having sensors move to the centroids of their Voronoi polygon generated using the location information of neighboring sensors. In this paper, we present an energy-efficient self-deployment scheme to utilize the attractive force generated from the centroid of a sensor’s local Voronoi polygon as well as the repulsive force frequently used in self-deployment schemes using the potential field. We also provide the design and implementation of the simulator used to analyze the performance of the proposed approach as compared with existing self-deployment schemes. The simulation results show that our scheme can achieve a higher coverage and enables less sensor movements in shorter times than self-deployment schemes using the traditional potential field.
Novel techniques in the use of bivalirudin for cardiopulmonary bypass anticoagulation in a child with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Dragomer D , Chalfant A , Biniwale R , Reemtsen B , Federman M
Published: August 2011

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) occurs in both the pediatric and adult populations after exposure to heparin. Bivalirudin has been used as an alternative to heparin for adults undergoing cardiac surgery and cardiopulmonary bypass, but has only been used minimally in children for this purpose. We report the successful use of bivalirudin for anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass in a small child with HIT, using novel techniques not previously described.
Longitudinal Tear of the Medial Meniscus Posterior Horn in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Deficient Knee Significantly Influences Anterior Stability
Authors: Ahn Jin Hwan , Bae Tae Soo , Kang Ki-Ser , Kang Soo Yong , Lee Sang Hak
Published: August 2011

Background: Longitudinal tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn (MMPH) are commonly associated with a chronic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. Many studies have demonstrated the importance of the medial meniscus in terms of limiting the amount of anterior-posterior tibial translation in response to anterior tibial loads in ACL-deficient knees.

Hypothesis: An MMPH tear in an ACL-deficient knee increases the anterior-posterior tibial translation and rotatory instability. In addition, MMPH repair will restore the tibial translation to the level before the tear.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Ten human cadaveric knees were tested sequentially using a custom testing system under 5 conditions: intact, ACL deficient, ACL deficient with an MMPH peripheral longitudinal tear, ACL deficient with an MMPH repair, and ACL deficient with a total medial meniscectomy. The knee kinematics were measured at 0°, 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion in response to a 134-N anterior and 200-N axial compressive tibial load. The rotatory kinematics were also measured at 15° and 30° of flexion in a combined rotatory load of 5 N·m of internal tibial torque and 10 N·m of valgus torque.

Results: Medial meniscus posterior horn longitudinal tears in ACL-deficient knees resulted in a significant increase in anterior-posterior tibial translation at all flexion angles except 90° ( P < .05). An MMPH repair in an ACL-deficient knee showed a significant decrease in anterior-posterior tibial translation at all flexion angles except 60° compared with the ACL-deficient/MMPH tear state ( P < .05). The total anterior-posterior translation of the ACL-deficient/MMPH repaired knee was not significantly increased compared with the ACL (only)–deficient knee but was increased compared with the ACL–intact knee ( P > .05). A total medial meniscectomy in an ACL-deficient knee did not increase the anterior-posterior tibial translation significantly compared with MMPH tears in ACL-deficient knees at all flexion angles ( P > .05). In a combined rotatory load, tibial rotation after MMPH tears or a total medial meniscectomy in an ACL-deficient knee were not affected significantly at all flexion angles.

Conclusion: This study shows that an MMPH longitudinal tear in an ACL-deficient knee alters the knee kinematics, particularly the anterior-posterior tibial translation. MMPH repair significantly improved anterior-posterior tibial translation in ACL-deficient knees.

Clinical Relevance: These findings may help improve the treatment of patients with ACL and MMPH longitudinal tear by suggesting that the medial meniscal repairs should be performed for greater longevity when combined with an ACL reconstruction.
A systematic archival inquiry on Juan Huarte de San Juan (1529–88)
Authors: Virués-Ortega Javier , Buela-Casal Gualberto , Carrasco-Lazareno María Teresa , Rivero-Dávila Pamela D. , Quevedo-Blasco Raúl
Published: August 2011

Juan Huarte de San Juan (1529–88) was a physician of the Spanish Renaissance. He wrote the Examen de Ingenios para las Ciencias, translated as The Trial of Men’s Wits (1989[1575–94]), a book that has been acknowledged as a precursor of educational psychology, organizational psychology, behaviorism, neuropsychology and psychiatry. Huarte suggested that before beginning a course of study, students’ intellectual capabilities (i.e. ingenio) should be matched up with the professional studies that best suit their aptitudes. His book had a great impact in Europe from the late 16th century to the mid-18th century. The influence of the Trial spread throughout many areas including philosophy, politics, linguistics and literature. Although there has been a growing interest in Huarte’s work in recent years, biographical studies have been rare; as a result, the information about Huarte’s life is currently incomplete, scattered and sometimes inaccurate. This study presents a systematic archival research on Spanish original sources. We present a reconstruction of Huarte’s life-story based on 32 original documents (1549– c.1650), some of them first discovered during the present survey. Documents are described according to the General International Standard of Archival Description, ISAD(G). The documents uncovered allow for a reappraisal of Huarte’s biography.