bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Acupuncture on Salivary Immunoglobulin a after a Bout of Intense Exercise
Authors: Matsubara Yuichi , Shimizu Kazuhiro , Tanimura Yuko , Miyamoto Toshikazu , Akimoto Takayuki , Kono Ichiro
Published: March 2010

In the field of athletics, acupuncture has been used for treatment of injury, reduction of fatigue and management of physical condition. However, there is little information on the effect of acupuncture on the immune function in response to exercise.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of acupuncture treatment on the mucosal immune function after a single period of intense exercise by measuring salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA).

Methods

12 healthy men (23.6±SEv 0.3 years) participated in this study with a crossover design. The subjects exercised on a bicycle equipped with an ergometer at 75% VO2max for 60 min. Acupuncture treatment was applied at LU6, LI4, ST36 and ST6, for 30 min after the exercise. The control treatment was rest without acupuncture and that the order of the treatment was randomised. We measured parameters including saliva flow rate, SIgA concentration, SIgA secretion rate, heart rate and plasma catecholamine concentration all before the exercise and at 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h and 24 h after the exercise. The visual analogue scale for self-perceived tiredness and the profile of mood states questionnaires were recorded before the exercise and at 24 h after the exercise.

Result

Intense exercise-induced decrease of SIgA levels was attenuated by the acupuncture treatment. In contrast, the subjective fatigue score and psychological measurement were not affected by the acupuncture.

Conclusion

Acupuncture treatment may attenuate the decrease in SIgA level induced by intense exercise.
Extensive perinephric abscess complicated by herpes simplex virus 1 reactivation
Authors: Alleyne SA , Bukhari SS , Fraser M , Spiers P
Published: March 2010

A 43-year-old man, admitted with a swollen right thigh, was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis. On day 6 he became septic. A CT scan demonstrated a right-sided hydronephrosis and a large retroperitoneal collection. Blood cultures and perinephric pus grewEscherichia coliresistant to amoxicillin only. On day 12 a vesicular rash appeared on the neck and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) grew on culture. On day 15 an upper leg collection was seen on CT scan. Thigh tissue specimens grew extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producingE coliand HSV-1 was also detected by polymerase chain reaction in the tissue. On day 18 the patient died. This case illustrates an unusual presentation and complication of a perinephric abscess. In critically ill patients herpes simplex reactivation and emergence of multiresistant organisms may occur resulting in treatment failure.
Progressive leukoencephalopathy caused by primary CNS lymphoma
Authors: Matošević Benjamin , Knoflach Michael , Furtner Martin , Gotwald Thaddäus , Maier Hans , Kiechl Stefan , Willeit Johann
Published: March 2010

Prominent leukoaraiosis is common in the clinical routine setting. In addition to microatheroma and hypertensive small vessel disease (lipohyalinosis), a large number of rare but clinically relevant differential diagnoses have to be considered. A man in his 60s presented with left pontine infarction and subsequent rapidly deteriorating leukoaraiosis associated with dementia. Standard non-invasive examination did not enable the correct diagnosis to be obtained. A brain biopsy sample revealed a combination of diffuse infiltrating and intravascular large B cell central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, which has not previously been described in literature. Despite immediate treatment with state of the art chemotherapy, the patient died 3 months after the onset of symptoms. Diffuse infiltrating and intravascular primary CNS lymphoma is a rare cause of rapidly progressive leukoencephalopathy and stroke mediated by neoplastic microvessel occlusion and inflammatory tissue damage. This report intends to increase awareness among neurologists and other stroke physicians about this disease in order to accelerate diagnosis and initiation of treatment.
Best practice in primary care pathology: review 12
Authors: Smellie W S A , McNulty C A M , Collinson P O , Shaw N , Bowley R
Published: March 2010

This twelfth best practice review examines four series of common primary care questions in laboratory medicine: (i) antiepileptic drug monitoring; (ii) infectious diarrhoea; (iii) methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus; and (iv) brain natriuretic peptide. The review is presented in question–answer format, referenced for each question series. The recommendations represent a précis of guidance found using a standardised literature search of national and international guidance notes, consensus statements, health policy documents and evidence-based medicine reviews, supplemented by MEDLINE EMBASE searches to identify relevant primary research documents. They are not standards but form a guide to be set in the clinical context. Most are consensus rather than evidence-based. They will be updated periodically to take account of new information.
Primary, secondary and tertiary effects of eco-climatic change: the medical response
Authors: Butler Colin D , Harley David
Published: March 2010

Climatic and ecological change threaten human health globally. Manifestations include lost species, vanishing glaciers and more frequent heavy rain. In the second half of this century, accelerating sea level rise is likely to cause crop loss, and population dislocation. These problems may be magnified by dysfunctional human responses, including conflict. The population health consequences of these events can be classified as primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary signs include the acute and chronic stress of heat waves, and trauma from increased bush fires and flooding. Secondary signs are indirect, such as an altered distribution of arthropod vectors, intermediate hosts and pathogens that will produce changes in the epidemiology of many infectious diseases. More severe future health consequences of climate change are classified here as tertiary effects. If moderate or severe climate change scenarios prove accurate then these manifestations will occur over large areas, and could include famine, war and significant population displacement. Such effects would threaten governance and health. The health professions must respond to these challenges, especially the task of recognising and seeking to minimise tertiary health consequences. The gap between what we know and what we need to know concerning these issues can be narrowed by a new field of medical practice. The framework for this emerging discipline includes climate change, ecology and global health. Combined, these dimensions may be called ecomedicine. Actions to reduce individual emissions, to promote active transport (with its ‘co-benefit’ of preventing chronic disease), and involvement in group action to protect the environment and to prevent war, informed by understanding of the health of individual patients and populations, will be central to the practice of ecomedicine.
Inadequate control of heart rate in patients with stable angina: results from the European Heart Survey
Authors: Daly Caroline A , Clemens Felicity , Lopez Sendon Jose L , Tavazzi Luigi , Boersma Eric , Danchin Nicolas , Delahaye François , Gitt Anselm , Julian Desmond , Mulcahy David , Ruzyllo Witold , Thygesen Kristian , Verheugt Freek , Fox Kim M
Published: March 2010

Aims

To examine resting heart rate (HR) in a population presenting with stable angina in relation to prior and subsequent pharmacological treatment, comorbid conditions and clinical outcome.

Methods and results

The European Heart Survey was a prospective, observational, cohort study of 3779 patients with stable angina newly presenting to cardiology services. Mean baseline resting HR was 73 beats/min (bpm) and 52.3% of patients had a baseline HR > 70 bpm. Over half of patients were on no chronotropic medication at baseline. Patients with chronic respiratory disease or diabetes had higher resting HRs (75–76 bpm), and were more likely to have been receiving calcium channel blockers at baseline assessment. Overall, β-blockers were the most common treatment administered following cardiologist assessment, but were used less frequently in patients with chronic respiratory disease and diabetes, and the dosages used were less than that found to be effective in clinical trials. Mean daily doses of metoprolol, bisoprolol, carvedilol, and atenolol were 75 mg, 6 mg, 19 mg and 55 mg, respectively. Higher HR at baseline was associated with higher rates of cardiovascular mortality and hospitalisation for heart failure.

Conclusion

Control of ischaemic symptoms through heart rate modification in patients with angina is currently inadequate, both by primary referring physicians and cardiologists. Given the adverse outcome associated with higher resting heart rates in this as in other studies, and the availability of specific HR reducing strategies, attention should be given to achieving optimal HR control.
Imaging evaluation of demyelinating processes of the central nervous system
Authors: Smith Alice Boyd , Smirniotopoulos James G
Published: March 2010

Demyelinating processes involving the central nervous system have a variety of aetiologies and can be separated into primary and secondary demyelinating processes. The classic example of primary demyelination is multiple sclerosis. Secondary demyelination, where the aetiology is known, includes infectious, metabolic and toxic disease processes. The underlying component of all demyelinating disorders is damage to the myelin sheath and/or the oligodendrocyte, the cell forming the myelin sheath. These processes often have similar imaging findings, making knowledge of the patient’s history, physical examination and laboratory evaluation imperative for developing a differential diagnosis. This pictorial essay provides a review of the imaging of these diverse disorders.
Recent advances in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Suresh Ernest
Published: March 2010

Management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has radically changed over the last decade. Diagnostic methods have improved with availability of highly specific tests such as antibody to cyclic citrullinated peptide (specificity ∼96%), and introduction of advanced imaging modalities such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to facilitate earlier diagnosis. The current aim of management is to achieve remission and prevent joint damage. In order to achieve this goal, inflammation is suppressed as much as possible during the early phase of the disease before onset of joint damage. Aggressive treatments with combinations of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are commenced earlier in the course of disease, and tight control maintained with regular objective monitoring of disease activity. Early use of anti-TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) therapy in combination with methotrexate helps to achieve better clinical and radiographic outcomes, which can be maintained for up to 5 years after withdrawal of anti-TNFα therapy. Apart from anti-TNFα, several other biological treatments are now available, including those that target CD20 on B cells (rituximab), cytokines such as IL1 (anakinra) and IL6 (tocilizumab), and molecules that cause interaction between antigen presenting cells and T cells (abatacept). There is better awareness and understanding of RA associated complications such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is on the decline in light of recent concerns about cardiovascular safety. Evidence is emerging in support of statins and bisphosphonates for improving RA disease activity and preventing erosions, respectively. In the coming years, further improvements in therapeutic strategies are likely with the pace at which research is currently progressing.
ON THE ANNIHILATOR OF A DOLBEAULT GROUP
Authors: PATYI IMRE
Published: March 2010

We show that any Dolbeault cohomology group Hp,q(D), p ≥ 0, q ≥ 1, of an open subset D of a closed finite codimensional complex Hilbert submanifold of ℓ2 is either zero or infinite dimensional. We also show that any continuous character of the algebra of holomorphic functions of a closed complex Hilbert submanifold M of ℓ2 is induced by its evaluation at a point of M. Lastly, we prove that any closed split infinite dimensional complex Banach submanifold of ℓ2 admits a nowhere critical holomorphic function.
ENTANGLEMENT IN TWO QUBIT MAGNETIC MODELS WITH DM ANTISYMMETRIC ANISOTROPIC EXCHANGE INTERACTION
Authors: GURKAN ZEYNEP NILHAN , PASHAEV OKTAY K.
Published: March 2010

In the present paper, an influence of the anisotropic antisymmetric exchange interaction, the Dzialoshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction, on entanglement of two qubits in various magnetic spin models, including the pure DM model and the most general XYZ model, are studied. We find that the time evolution generated by DM interaction can implement the SWAP gate and discuss realistic quasi-one-dimensional magnets where it can be realized. It is shown that inclusion of the DM interaction to any Heisenberg model creates, when it does not exist, or strengthens, when it exists, the entanglement. We give physical explanation of these results by studying the ground state of the systems at T = 0. Nonanalytic dependence of the concurrence on the DM interaction and its relation with quantum phase transition is indicated. Our results show that spin models with the DM coupling have some potential applications in quantum computations and the DM interaction could be an efficient control parameter of entanglement.
EXCITATIONS NEAR THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN A METAL AND A MOTT INSULATOR
Authors: SHERMAN A. , VOROPAJEVA N.
Published: March 2010

A heterostructure of a semi-infinite metal and a Mott insulator is considered. It is supposed that both materials have an identical lattice spacing and hopping integrals and differ in the Hubbard repulsion, which is negligible in the metal and exceeds the critical value for the Mott transition in the insulator. At half-filling and for low temperatures, the insulator has the long-range antiferromagnetic order. Its low-lying elementary excitations are standing spin waves and a spin-wave mode which is localized near the interface and has a two-dimensional dispersion. This mode ejects bulk modes from the boundary region. The antiferromagnetic ordering of the insulator induces an antiferromagnetic order in the metal where the magnetization decays exponentially with distance from the interface. This decay is characterized by the correlation length equal to 5–6 lattice spacings.
ELECTRIC DIPOLE POLARIZABILITIES OF THE TRITON AND LAMBDA HYPERTRITON
Authors: KHARCHENKO V. F. , KHARCHENKO A. V.
Published: March 2010

A rigorous formalism for determining the electric dipole polarizability of a three-hadron bound complex in the case that the system has only one bound (ground) state has been elaborated. On its basis, by applying a model wave function that takes into account specific features of the structure of the three-body nuclei and using the known low-energy experimental data for the p–n, n–d, and Λ–d systems as input data, we have calculated the values of the electric dipole polarizabilities of the triton αE(3H ) and lambda hypertriton [Formula: see text]. We have obtained for the triton polarizability the value 0.23 fm3. It follows from our study that the polarizability of the lambda hypertriton is close to 3 fm3exceeding the polarizabilities of the ordinary three-nucleon nuclei by an order of magnitude.
RECURRENT DOUBLE SEQUENCES THAT CAN BE PRODUCED BY CONTEXT-FREE SUBSTITUTIONS
Authors: PRUNESCU MIHAI
Published: March 2010

We prove that if a recurrent double sequence coincide in a sufficiently large starting square with a double sequence produced by context-free substitutions, then they must coincide everywhere. We apply this result for some examples.
K-ITERATED FUNCTION SYSTEM
Authors: SAHU D. R. , CHAKRABORTY ANINDITA , DUBEY R. P.
Published: March 2010

In 1969, Kannan1 gave the definition of a new mapping which had presented a condition which is more lenient than contraction condition. The purpose of this note is to introduce K-Iterated Function System using Kannan mapping which will cover a larger range of mappings. We also prove the Collage theorem for the K-Iterated Function System.
EFFECTS OF BIT DEPTH ON THE MULTIFRACTAL ANALYSIS OF GRAYSCALE IMAGES
Authors: ZHOU H. , PERFECT E. , LI B. G. , LU Y. Z.
Published: March 2010

Multifractal box counting analysis has been widely applied to study the scaling characteristics of grayscale images. Since bit depth is an important property of such images it is desirable know the impact of varying bit depths on the estimation of the generalized dimensions (Dq). We generated random geometrical multifractal grayscale fields, which were then transformed from double precision to 16, 13, and 8 bit depths. Digitized grayscale images of soil thin sections at 13 bit depth were also selected for study and transformed to 8 bit depth. The moment based box counting method was applied to evaluate the bit depth effects on Dq. The partition functions for the multifractal fields became noticeably nonlinear on a log-log scale when q ≪ 0 as the bit depth decreased. This trend can be attributed to loss of grayscale details, changes in the local mass distribution, and the occurrence of zeros due to the bit depth transformation and data normalization processes. These effects were most pronounced for positively skewed multifractal fields, with a high proportion of extremely small mass fractions. As a result, the generalized dimensions estimated by linear regression were not always accurate, and an alternative method based on numerical derivatives was explored. The numerical method significantly improved the accuracy of the multifractal analyses; the maximum absolute difference between the analytical and numerically-derived estimates of Dq was only 9.62 × 10-3. However, when applied to situations in which the box counting scale factor did not match the scale factor used to generate the multifractal field, the numerically-derived estimates of Dq were severely biased. In this case, the linear regression method is preferable even though some error may occur due to limited bit depths. All of the soil grayscale images exhibited multifractal scaling characteristics, although there was little effect of bit depth on the resulting Dq values. Because of random fluctuations in the partition functions, the linear regression method proved to be more robust than the numerical derivative method for estimating the generalized dimensions of natural grayscale images.
POWER LAW AND STRETCHED EXPONENTIAL EFFECTS OF EXTREME EVENTS IN CHINESE STOCK MARKETS
Authors: ZHAO XIAOJUN , SHANG PENGJIAN , PANG YULEI
Published: March 2010

This paper reports the statistics of extreme values and positions of extreme events in Chinese stock markets. An extreme event is defined as the event exceeding a certain threshold of normalized logarithmic return. Extreme values follow a piecewise function or a power law distribution determined by the threshold due to a crossover. Extreme positions are studied by return intervals of extreme events, and it is found that return intervals yield a stretched exponential function. According to correlation analysis, extreme values and return intervals are weakly correlated and the correlation decreases with increasing threshold. No long-term cross-correlation exists by using the detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA) method. We successfully introduce a modification specific to the correlation and derive the joint cumulative distribution of extreme values and return intervals at 95% confidence level.
FINITE GROUPS WITH SOME 𝔉-SUPPLEMENTED SUBGROUPS
Authors: YI XIAOLAN , MIAO LONG , ZHANG HONGGAO , GUO WENBIN
Published: March 2010

Let 𝔉 be a class of finite groups. A subgroup H of G is said to be 𝔉-supplemented in G if there exists a subgroup T of G such that G = TH and (H ∩ T)HG/HG is contained in the 𝔉-hypercenter [Formula: see text] of G/HG. In this paper, we investigate further the influence of 𝔉-supplemented subgroup on the structure of finite groups and generalize a series of known results.
LIE SYSTEMS AND INTEGRABILITY CONDITIONS FOR t-DEPENDENT FREQUENCY HARMONIC OSCILLATORS
Authors: CARIÑENA JOSÉ F. , DE LUCAS JAVIER , RAÑADA MANUEL F.
Published: March 2010

Time-dependent frequency harmonic oscillators (TDFHOs) are studied through the theory of Lie systems. We show that they are related to a certain kind of equation in the Lie group SL(2, ℝ). Some integrability conditions appear as conditions to be able to transform such equations into simpler ones in a very specific way. As a particular application of our results we find t-dependent constants of the motion for certain one-dimensional TDFHOs and the general solution for a two-dimensional TDFHO. Our approach provides a unifying framework which allows us to apply our developments to all Lie systems associated with equations in SL(2, ℝ) and to generalize our methods to study any Lie system.
CHARGED PARTICLES AND THE ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FIELD IN NONINERTIAL FRAMES OF MINKOWSKI SPACE–TIME II: "APPLICATIONS: ROTATING FRAMES, SAGNAC EFFECT, FARADAY ROTATION, WRAP-UP EFFECT"
Authors: ALBA DAVID , LUSANNA LUCA
Published: March 2010

We apply the theory of noninertial frames in Minkowski space–time, developed in the previous paper, to various relevant physical systems. We give the 3 + 1 description without coordinate singularities of the rotating disk and the Sagnac effect, with added comments on pulsar magnetosphere and on a relativistic extension of the Earth-fixed coordinate system. Then we study properties of Maxwell equations in noninertial frames like the wrap-up effect and the Faraday rotation in astrophysics.
The changing Maltese soil environment: evidence from the ancient cart tracks at San Pawl Tat-Tarġa, Naxxar
Authors: Mottershead Derek , Farres Paul , Pearson Alastair
Published: March 2010

The historic cart ruts of Malta are incised into the underlying bedrock topography. Anomalous relationships between their routeways and the uneven terrain beneath suggest that they originated on a land surface different from that of today. An exposure close to a cart-rut location near Naxxar reveals evidence of limestone terrain development and its role in the evolution of the cart-rut patterns. Specifically, it reveals that cart trackways were most probably superimposed from a soil cover onto an underlying bedrock surface topographically different from the former soil surface. A model is developed demonstrating likely relationships between human activity, soil erosion and trackway evolution leading to the incision of the trackways into the bedrock.
Suppression of salt weathering of porous limestone by borax-induced promotion of sodium and magnesium sulphate crystallization
Authors: Ruiz-Agudo E. , Rodriguez-Navarro C.
Published: March 2010

The effects of borax on the crystallization of sodium and magnesium sulphate, two of the most damaging salts affecting porous stones, have been studied. Borax promotes the crystallization of mirabilite and inhibits epsomite crystallization in open glass beakers. The additive is preferentially adsorbed onto {140}
mirabilite
and {111}
epsomite
faces, thus acting as an effective habit modifier. In contrast, in the presence of a calcitic support (either Iceland spar single crystals or a porous limestone – a biocalcarenite) crystallization is promoted in the presence of borax, irrespective of the salt tested. Apparently, this is due to a high stereochemical affinity between borate molecules adsorbed (and/or co-precipitated) onto calcite, and mirabilite and epsomite crystals. Salt weathering tests using a biocalcarenite show a significant damage reduction upon borax addition to the saline solutions. Borax promotes the crystallization of both mirabilite and epsomite within the pores of the stone, reducing its porosity. Crystallization promotion favours nucleation at a low supersaturation, thereby resulting in very low crystallization pressure and minimal damage. Application of borax to porous limestones affected by mirabilite and/or epsomite crystallization could be a new means of suppressing salt weathering.
Weathering effects in an urban environment: a case study of tuffeau, a French porous limestone
Authors: Beck K. , Al-Mukhtar M.
Published: March 2010

A case study is carried out on a highly porous limestone called tuffeau located in an urban environment. Weathering effects are characterized by several complementary techniques: mechanical resistance (compressive test), imbibition (capillarity test), mercury intrusion porosimetry, chemical analysis [inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES)], scanning electron microscope (SEM) image analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show the different composition of the deteriorated zone of the stone and mainly the presence of high gypsum content in the black crust surface. The analysis also shows that the natural penetration of water into this stone under environmental conditions (atmospheric precipitation, relative humidity and temperature) is limited to 20 mm. Moreover, the presence of gypsum is only detected in this limited zone, which demonstrates the depth of alteration in this stone. Finally, this study clearly highlights the important role of water movements in the deterioration of stone.
Development 2.0
Authors: Heeks Richard
Published: March 2010

The fundamental assumptions of international development are changing, increasingly putting the tools for a digital economy into the hands of the world's poor.
Cloud computing and SaaS as new computing platforms
Authors: Cusumano Michael
Published: March 2010

To become an industry platform, vendors must open their infrastructure technology to other product companies.
Private information retrieval
Authors: Yekhanin Sergey
Published: March 2010

Cryptographic protocols safeguard the privacy of user queries to public databases.
Individual resistance to IT innovations
Authors: Joseph Rhoda C.
Published: March 2010

Adoption of an information technology (IT) innovation is a much more attractive and frequently examined area to study than non-adoption. This is mainly due to the pro innovation bias that is found in the existing IT and information systems literature. Companies spend millions of dollars advertising their new gadgets to consumers. However, many IT innovations face varying degrees of resistance in their lifetime. An IT innovation is a product, practice, or process that relies extensively on technological advances such as computer hardware, computer software, and telecommunications.

One of the most visible IT innovations is the personal computer (PC), which was introduced almost three decades ago. Factors such as age, income, and technological complexity are significant barriers to PC adoption. The presence of multiple computer households and the replacement of older machines can explain the continued annual sale of personal computers. Through PC adoption, the Web has also given birth, to many other innovative technologies such as, peer to peer networks, social computing, and mobile applications. Many of these innovations are targeted at individual users.

In spite of the success of the personal computer, only 51% of U.S. households had at least one computer during the 2000 census. Factors such as income, education, and the digital divide all play a contributing role in the penetration of PCs in U.S. households. Further, the non-adoption of IT innovations is also influenced by factors associated with individual expectations and behaviors.

The IT adoption literature has used "intention to adopt" as a reasonable proxy for actual adoption behavior and continued use of a technology. This is a very useful practice especially in an experimental setting or with early distribution of the product. Possibly, more important than the intention to adopt, is the intent 'not to adopt' a new technology. IT innovations are complex and content-sensitive and differ across a variety of factors including features, usability, and connectivity. If companies can better understand the non-adopter, they can use creative strategies to move such individuals into the adopter category, which can ultimately increase product visibility and revenue generation.
Mining Synonymous Transliterations from the World Wide Web
Authors: Hsu Chung-Chian , Chen Chien-Hsing
Published: March 2010

The World Wide Web has been considered one of the important sources for information. Using search engines to retrieve Web pages can gather lots of information, including foreign information. However, to be better understood by local readers, proper names in a foreign language, such as English, are often transliterated to a local language such as Chinese. Due to different translators and the lack of translation standard, translating foreign proper nouns may result in different transliterations and pose a notorious headache. In particular, it may cause incomplete search results. Using one transliteration as a query keyword will fail to retrieve the Web pages which use a different word as the transliteration. Consequently, important information may be missed. We present a framework for mining synonymous transliterations as many as possible from the Web for a given transliteration. The results can be used to construct a database of synonymous transliterations which can be utilized for query expansion so as to alleviate the incomplete search problem. Experimental results show that the proposed framework can effectively retrieve the set of snippets which may contain synonymous transliterations and then extract the target terms. Most of the extracted synonymous transliterations have higher rank of similarity to the input transliteration compared to other noise terms.
Automatic analysis of requirements consistency with the B method
Authors: de Sousa Thiago C. , Almeida Jorge R. , Viana Sidney , Pavón Judith
Published: March 2010

A consistent requirements specification is a fundamental success factor for quality software development projects. On the one hand, writing requirements in a natural language is not good for an automated conflict detection process. On the other hand, formal methods provide the basis for consistency checking of requirements specification automatically. In this paper, the potential of the B method for improving the requirements quality under the consistency dimension is discussed. We present an approach to use B specifications derived from a controlled natural language to identify requirements inconsistencies
Information systems development project performance in the 21st century
Authors: Wright M. Keith , Capps Charles J.
Published: March 2010

This paper presents the results of a 2009 survey of professional IT auditors that explored their perceptions about root psychological and sociological causes of Information Systems (IS) project failure based on the punctuated equilibrium theoretical framework. As predicted by punctuated equilibrium theory, the results of the survey indicate that radical as opposed to incremental organizational changes are more effective in turning around "runaway" projects. The results indicate that IS development project performance is worse in government than in the private sector, and provide support for the continued use of punctuated equilibrium models for research in information systems development project performance
The emergence of cold-induced brown adipocytes in mouse white fat depots is determined predominantly by white to brown adipocyte transdifferentiation
Authors: Barbatelli G. , Murano I. , Madsen L. , Hao Q. , Jimenez M. , Kristiansen K. , Giacobino J. P. , De Matteis R. , Cinti S.
Published: March 2010

The origin of brown adipocytes arising in white adipose tissue (WAT) after cold acclimatization is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that several UCP1-immunoreactive brown adipocytes occurring in WAT after cold acclimatization have a mixed morphology (paucilocular adipocytes). These cells also had a mixed mitochondrioma with classic “brown” and “white” mitochondria, suggesting intermediate steps in the process of direct transformation of white into brown adipocytes (transdifferentiation). Quantitative electron microscopy disclosed that cold exposure (6°C for 10 days) did not induce an increase in WAT preadipocytes. β3-adrenoceptor-knockout mice had a blunted brown adipocyte occurrence upon cold acclimatization. Administration of the β3-adrenoceptor agonist CL316,243 induced the occurrence of brown adipocytes, with the typical morphological features found after cold acclimatization. In contrast, administration of the β1-adrenoceptor agonist xamoterol increased only the number of preadipocytes. These findings indicate that transdifferentiation depends on β3-adrenoceptor activation, whereas preadipocyte recruitment is mediated by β1-adrenoceptor. RT-qPCR experiments disclosed that cold exposure induced enhanced expression of the thermogenic genes and of genes expressed selectively in brown adipose tissue (iBAT) and in both interscapular BAT and WAT. β3-adrenoceptor suppression blunted their expression only in WAT. Furthermore, cold acclimatization induced an increased WAT expression of the gene coding for C/EBPα (an antimitotic protein), whereas Ccna1 expression (related to cell proliferation) was unchanged. Overall, our data strongly suggest that the cold-induced emergence of brown adipocytes in WAT predominantly reflects β3-adrenoceptor-mediated transdifferentiation.
Altered Regulation of Contraction-Induced Akt/mTOR/p70S6k Pathway Signaling in Skeletal Muscle of the Obese Zucker Rat
Authors: Katta Anjaiah , Kakarla Sunil , Wu Miaozong , Paturi Satyanarayana , Gadde Murali K. , Arvapalli Ravikumar , Kolli Madhukar , Rice Kevin M. , Blough Eric R.
Published: March 2010

Increased muscle loading results in the phosphorylation of the 70 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6k), and this event is strongly correlated with the degree of muscle adaptation following resistance exercise. Whether insulin resistance or the comorbidities associated with this disorder may affect the ability of skeletal muscle to activate p70S6k signaling following an exercise stimulus remains unclear. Here, we compare the contraction-induced activation of p70S6k signaling in the plantaris muscles of lean and insulin resistant obese Zucker rats following a single bout of increased contractile loading. Compared to lean animals, the basal phosphorylation of p70S6k (Thr389;37.2% and Thr421/Ser424;101.4%), Akt (Thr308;25.1%), and mTOR (Ser2448;63.0%) was higher in obese animals. Contraction increased the phosphorylation of p70S6k (Thr389), Akt (Ser473), and mTOR (Ser2448) in both models however the magnitude and kinetics of activation differed between models. These results suggest that contraction-induced activation of p70S6k signaling is altered in the muscle of the insulin resistant obese Zucker rat.
Congenital Portal Vein Aneurysm Associated with Peliosis Hepatis and Intestinal Lymphangiectasia
Authors: Mungan Zeynel , Pinarbasi Binnur , Bakir Baris , Gulluoglu Mine , Baran Bulent , Akyuz Filiz , Demir Kadir , Kaymakoglu Sabahattin
Published: March 2010

Portal vein aneurisym (PVA), peliosis hepatis (PH) and intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) all are very uncommon entities. Herein, we presented a unique patient with these three rare entities who was admitted to our hospital because of portal hypertensive ascites rich in protein and lymphocyte. PVA was extrahepatic and associated with coronary vein aneurysm. Peliosis hepatis was of microscopic form. Lymphangiectasia was present in peritoneum and small intestine. Diagnoses of these rare entities were made by imaging techniques and histopathological findings. Patient also had hydronephrosis caused by ureteropelvic junction narrowing. Best of our knowledge, there is no such a case reported previously with the association of PVA, PH and IL. Therefore, we propose PVAPHIL syndrome to define this novel association.
Immature Oocytes in “Apparent Empty Follicle Syndrome”: A Case Report
Authors: Vutyavanich Teraporn , Piromlertamorn Waraporn , Ellis Jason
Published: March 2010

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a condition in which no oocytes are obtained after an apparently successful ovarian stimulation. Genuine EFS (GEFS) is differentiated from false EFS by an optimal level of human chorionic gonadotropin on the day of oocyte retrieval. Some believe that GEFS does not exist and that it is only a reflection of the margin of error attendant upon the procedure of oocyte aspiration. Others believe that GEFS is caused by dysfunctional folliculogenesis, resulting in early atresia of oocytes. In this report, we present a case of apparent GEFS, in which immature oocytes were identified after filtration of follicular aspirates. Our findings suggest that delayed maturation of oocyte cumulus complexes in response to HCG might be an etiologic mechanism in some cases of GEFS. This creates a situation similar to the aspiration of immature follicles, where germinal vesicle-stage oocytes with dense scanty cumulus cells are often difficult to identify under a dissecting microscope.
The Initial Value Problem for the Quadratic Nonlinear Klein‐Gordon Equation
Authors: Hayashi Nakao , Naumkin Pavel I.
Published: March 2010

We study the initial value problem for the quadratic nonlinear Klein‐Gordon equation , (t, x) ∈ R × R, u(0, x) = u0(x), x ∈ R, where ℒ = ∂t + i〈i∂x〉 and . Using the Shatah normal forms method, we obtain a sharp asymptotic behavior of small solutions without the condition of a compact support on the initial data which was assumed in the previous works.
Cancer Therapy Based on Nanomaterials and Nanocarrier Systems
Authors: Qiao Weili , Wang Bochu , Wang Yazhou , Yang Lichun , Zhang Yiqiong , Shao Pengyu
Published: March 2010

Targeted delivery of drug molecules to tumor tissue is one of the most interesting and challenging endeavors faced in pharmaceutical field, due to the critical and pharmacokinetically specific environment that exists in tumor. Over these years, cancer targeting treatment has been greatly improved by new tools and approaches based on nanotechnology. The review firstly introduces the specific physical and chemical properties of a serial of nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, and nanofibers. It then places great emphasis on their application in the field of cancer therapy when they are used as nanocarrier systems. Based on the current status, the paper further discusses the unsolved problems and makes a perspective for the future prospects of the nanocarrier systems.
Nanoconjugate Platforms Development Based in Poly(β,L‐Malic Acid)Methyl Esters for Tumor Drug Delivery
Authors: Portilla-Arias José , Patil Rameshwar , Hu Jinwei , Ding Hui , Black Keith L. , García-Alvarez Montserrat , Muñoz-Guerra Sebastián , Ljubimova Julia Y. , Holler Eggehard
Published: March 2010

New copolyesters derived from poly(β,L‐malic acid) have been designed to serve as nanoconjugate platforms in drug delivery. 25% and 50% methylated derivatives (coPMLA‐Me25H75 and coPMLA‐Me50H50) with absolute molecular weights of 32 600 Da and 33 100 Da, hydrodynamic diameters of 3.0 nm and 5.2 nm and zeta potential of −15 mV and −8.25 mV, respectively, were found to destabilize membranes of liposomes at pH 5.0 and pH 7.5 at concentrations above 0.05 mg/mL. The copolymers were soluble in PBS (half life of 40 hours) and in human plasma (half life of 15 hours) but they showed tendency to aggregate at high levels of methylation. Fluorescence‐labeled copolymers were internalized into MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells with increased efficiency for the higher methylated copolymer. Viability of cultured brain and breast cancer cell lines indicated moderate toxicity that increased with methylation. The conclusion of the present work is that partially methylated poly(β,L‐malic acid) copolyesters are suitable as nanoconjugate platforms for drug delivery.
Spike Sorting of Muscle Spindle Afferent Nerve Activity Recorded with Thin-Film Intrafascicular Electrodes
Authors: Djilas Milan , Azevedo-Coste Christine , Guiraud David , Yoshida Ken
Published: March 2010

Afferent muscle spindle activity in response to passive muscle stretch was recorded in vivo using thin-film longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes. A neural spike detection and classification scheme was developed for the purpose of separating activity of primary and secondary muscle spindle afferents. The algorithm is based on the multiscale continuous wavelet transform using complex wavelets. The detection scheme outperforms the commonly used threshold detection, especially with recordings having low signal-to-noise ratio. Results of classification of units indicate that the developed classifier is able to isolate activity having linear relationship with muscle length, which is a step towards online model-based estimation of muscle length that can be used in a closed-loop functional electrical stimulation system with natural sensory feedback.
Multiscale Latent Variable Regression
Authors: Nounou Mohamed N. , Nounou Hazem N.
Published: March 2010

Multiscale wavelet-based representation of data has been shown to be a powerful tool in feature extraction from practical process data. In this paper, this characteristic of multiscale representation is utilized to improve the prediction accuracy of some of the latent variable regression models, such as Principal Component Regression (PCR) and Partial Least Squares (PLS), by developing a multiscale latent variable regression (MSLVR) modeling algorithm. The idea is to decompose the input-output data at multiple scales using wavelet and scaling functions, construct multiple latent variable regression models at multiple scales using the scaled signal approximations of the data and then using cross-validation, and select among all MSLVR models the model which best describes the process. The main advantage of the MSLVR modeling algorithm is that it inherently accounts for the presence of measurement noise in the data by the application of the low-pass filters used in multiscale decomposition, which in turn improves the model robustness to measurement noise and enhances its prediction accuracy. The advantages of the developed MSLVR modeling algorithm are demonstrated using a simulated inferential model which predicts the distillate composition from measurements of some of the trays' temperatures.
Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1: Impact of Medium-Chain Triglycerides on Metabolic Control and Growth
Authors: Das Anibh M. , Lücke Thomas , Meyer Uta , Hartmann Hans , Illsinger Sabine
Published: March 2010

Background/Objective: Hypoketotic hypoglycaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia are biochemical hallmarks of glycogen storage disease (GSD) 1. Increased malonyl coenzyme A production which compromises oxidation of long-chain fatty acids via carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1 inhibition plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of these complications. Therapy consists primarily of nutritional support including frequent carbohydrate-rich meals. We studied the effect of a diet enriched in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) on metabolic control/growth in GSD 1 as medium-chain fatty acids can be oxidised independently of CPT 1. Methods: An adult female, a 1.6-year-old boy with GSD 1a and a 6.5-year-old girl with GSD 1b treated with a classical GSD diet were enrolled; their ‘classical GSD diet’ was supplemented with MCT fats. Concentrations of glucose, lactate, ketone bodies triglycerides, uric acid, acylcarnitines in blood and organic acids in urine were determined. Results: No clinical or biochemical side-effects were observed. The MCT diet led to a decrease in uric acid concentrations in all patients. Triglyceride levels were reduced only in the youngest patient, while lactate concentrations did not significantly decrease. The MCT diet allowed for a reduction in carbohydrate and caloric intake required to maintain euglycaemia and led to improvement in growth in the two prepubertal patients. Conclusions: MCT supplementation had a positive effect on metabolic control and growth in our patients suffering from GSD 1.
Corticosteroid Nonprescription Use: A Cross-Sectional Hospital-Based Study in Basrah
Authors: Mansour Abbas Ali , Odaa Akream Hussain , Wanoose Hameed Laftah
Published: March 2010

Objective: To study the prevalence and attitude of using nonprescription corticosteroids (oral or parenteral formulation of glucocorticosteroids) in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: A face-to-face model structured interview was used to collect information from 682 patients between January 2006 and December 2008. The following information was obtained: age, gender, marital status, smoking, drinking of alcohol, occupation, educational level, social class and place of residence. Results: Of the 682 (2.6%) subjects using nonprescription corticosteroids most were females: 471 (69%); married: 567 (83%); of low social class: 430 (63.1%); lived in the city center: 475 (69.6%). The majority (569, 83.5%) thought that corticosteroid use was safe and 463 (68.0%) did not feel guilty for using such medications. About half of them (377, 55.3%) were still using drugs at the time of presentation. Three hundred and fifty-seven (52.4%) reported that physicians advised them for the first time to use corticosteroids and the remaining 325 (42.2%) used it to become beautiful or marry. Three hundred and sixty-four (53.4%) patients obtained the drug from the pharmacy and 252 (36.9%) from street vendors. Weight gain was the main indication for use in 342 (50.1%) patients. Almost all had some features of corticosteroid side effects. Conclusion: This study showed high use of nonprescription corticosteroid in Basrah, Iraqi. We therefore recommend educational programs to alert the population of the untoward side effects of corticosteroids.
Potential Adjuvant Effects of Nigella sativa Seeds to Improve Specific Immunotherapy in Allergic Rhinitis Patients
Authors: Işık Hülya , Çevikbaş Adile , Gürer Ümran Soyoğul , Kıran Bayram , Üresin Yağız , Rayaman Pervin , Rayaman Erkan , Gürbüz Burçak , Büyüköztürk Suna
Published: March 2010

Objective: To investigate the effects of Nigella sativa seed supplementation on symptom levels, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions, lymphocyte subsets and hematological parameters of allergic rhinitis. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-four patients randomly selected from an experimental group of 31 (mean age 34 years) sensitive to house dust mites with allergic rhinitis and a control group of 8 healthy volunteers (mean age 23 years) were treated with allergen-specific immunotherapy in conventional doses for 30 days. After a month of immunotherapy, 12 of the 24 patients and the 8 healthy volunteers were given N. sativa seed supplementation (2 g/day orally) for 30 days. The remaining 12 patients continued only on immunotherapy during the same period. The other 7 patients were given 0.1 ml saline solution subcutaneously once a week as a placebo. The symptom scores, PMN functions, lymphocyte subsets and other hematological parameters were evaluated before and after all treatment periods. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the phagocytic and intracellular killing activities of PMNs of patients receiving specific immunotherapy, especially after the addition of N. sativa seed. The CD8 counts of patients receiving specific immunotherapy plus N. sativa seed supplementation significantly increased compared to patients receiving only specific immunotherapy. PMN functions of healthy volunteers significantly increased after N. sativa seed supplementation compared to baseline. Conclusion:N. sativa seed supplementation during specific immunotherapy of allergic rhinitis may be considered a potential adjuvant therapy.