bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notions of compactness for special subsets of ℝI and some weak forms of the axiom of choice
Authors: Morillon Marianne
Published: January 2010

We work in set-theory without choice ZF. A set is countable if it is finite or equipotent with ℕ. Given a closed subset F of [0, 1]I which is a bounded subset of ℓ1(I) (resp. such that F ⊆ c0(I)), we show that the countable axiom of choice for finite sets, (resp. the countable axiom of choice ACℕ) implies that F is compact. This enhances previous results where ACℕ (resp. the axiom of Dependent Choices) was required. If I is linearly orderable (for example I = ℝ), then, in ZF, the closed unit ball of the Hilbert space ℓ2 (I) is (Loeb-)compact in the weak topology. However, the weak compactness of the closed unit ball of is not provable in ZF.
Uniquely undefinable elements
Authors: Hjorth Greg
Published: January 2010

There exists a model in a countable language having a unique element which is not definable in .
An equiconsistency for universal indestructibility
Authors: Apter Arthur W. , Sargsyan Grigor
Published: January 2010

We obtain an equiconsistency for a weak form of universal indestructibility for strongness. The equiconsistency is relative to a cardinal weaker in consistency strength than a Woodin cardinal, Stewart Baldwin's notion of hyperstrong cardinal. We also briefly indicate how our methods are applicable to universal indestructibility for supercompactness and strong compactness.
Baire reductions and good Borel reducibilities
Authors: Ros Luca Motto
Published: January 2010

In [9] we have considered a wide class of “well-behaved” reducibilities for sets of reals. In this paper we continue with the study of Borel reducibilities by proving a dichotomy theorem for the degree-structures induced by good Borel reducibilities. This extends and improves the results of [9] allowing to deal with a larger class of notions of reduction (including, among others, the Baire class ξ functions).
On Tao's “finitary” infinite pigeonhole principle
Authors: Gaspar Jaime , Kohlenbach Ulrich
Published: January 2010

In 2007, Terence Tao wrote on his blog an essay about soft analysis, hard analysis and the finitization of soft analysis statements into hard analysis statements. One of his main examples was a quasi-finitization of the infinite pigeonhole principle IPP, arriving at the “finitary” infinite pigeonhole principle FIPP1. That turned out to not be the proper formulation and so we proposed an alternative version FIPP2. Tao himself formulated yet another version FIPP3 in a revised version of his essay.

We give a counterexample to FIPP1 and discuss for both of the versions FIPP2 and FIPP3 the faithfulness of their respective finitization of IPP by studying the equivalences IPP ↔ FIPP2 and IPP ↔ FIPP3 in the context of reverse mathematics ([9]). In the process of doing this we also introduce a continuous uniform boundedness principle CUB as a formalization of Tao's notion of a correspondence principle and study the strength of this principle and various restrictions thereof in terms of reverse mathematics, i.e., in terms of the “big five” subsystems of second order arithmetic.
The importance of Π10 classes in effective randomness
Authors: Barmpalias George , Lewis Andrew E.M. , Ng Keng Meng
Published: January 2010

We prove a number of results in effective randomness, using methods in which Π10 classes play an essential role. The results proved include the fact that every PA Turing degree is the join of two random Turing degrees, and the existence of a minimal pair of LR degrees below the LR degree of the halting problem.
Crossing fitness valleys during the evolution of limpet homing behaviour
Authors: Stafford Richard
Published: January 2010

Evolution is often considered a gradual hill-climbing process, slowly increasing the fitness of organisms. Here I investigate evolution of homing behaviour in simulated intertidal limpets. While the simulation of homing is only a possible mechanism by which homing may have evolved, the process allows an investigation of how evolution may occur over different fitness landscapes. With some fitness landscapes, in order to evolve path integration as a homing mechanism, a temporary reduction in an organism’s fitness was required — since high developmental costs occurred before successful homing strategies evolved. Simple hill-climbing algorithms, therefore, only rarely resulted in the evolution of a functional homing behaviour. The inclusion of trail-following greatly increases the frequency of success of evolution of a path integration strategy. Initially an emergent homing behaviour is formed combining path integration with trail-following. This also demonstrates evolution through exaptation, since in the simulation, the original role of trail-following is likely to be unrelated to homing. Analysis of the fitness landscapes of homing in the presence of trail-following behaviour shows a high variability of fitness, which results in the formation of ‘stepping-stones’ of high fitness across fitness valleys. By using these stepping-stones, simple hill-climbing algorithms can reach the global maximum fitness value.
Influence of Diabetes on Physical Function among the Elderly Persons
Authors: Tabassum Farzana , Flora Meerjady Sabrina
Published: January 2010

There is growing recognition that the complications associated with type-2 diabetes may translate into functional impairments in older people. This cross sectional study was conducted between January and June 2008 to determine the influence of diabetes on physical functions in an elderly (≥55 years) population. Fifty-five elderly diabetics attending the out-patient department of a diabetic centre were selected by convenient sampling and compared with fifty-five non-diabetic elderly persons of the near-by community. Their physical functions were assessed by Barthel Index, SF-36 Health Survey and Modified Physical Performance test. Diabetic elderly persons, on average, obtained lower scores in all these three tests. After removing the effect of socio-demographic variables, influence of diabetes on level of independence measured by Barthel Index did not persist. However, the difference in SF-36 health survey and Modified Physical Performance test scores between diabetics and non-diabetics remained significant after controlling for socio-demographic variables. The current study showed influence of diabetes on physical functions in the elderly. People should be motivated and guided properly to practice a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent and control diabetes and thus avoid complications of diabetes mellitus and disabilities in later life. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(2): 45-49 Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Physical function, Barthel Index, Short Form-36 Health Survey, Modified Physical Performance Test. DOI: 10.3329/imcj.v3i2.4162
A Bacteriological Study of Diabetic Foot Infection in an Urban Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka City
Authors: Paul Samir , Barai Lovely , Jahan Ashraf , Haq J Ashraful
Published: January 2010

Identification of organisms and effective antibiotic therapy is an important component of treatment of diabetic foot infections. This study was undertaken to determine the organisms associated with diabetic foot infection (DFI) and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern. A total of 75 patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus with Wagner's grade 1-5 foot ulcers attending BIRDEM hospital were included in the study. Specimens were processed for aerobic culture. The bacteriological isolation and antimicrobial sensitivity tests of the isolates were done by standard microbiological methods. Gram negative bacilli were tested for extended spectrum â lactamase (ESBL) production by double disc diffusion method. Culture was positive in 92% of the cases which yielded 135 pathogens. Of the positive culture, 75.3% had multiple organisms. Polymicrobial infection was more in higher grade of foot ulcers. Gram negative organisms were most frequently isolated (80%) bacteria. Pseudomonas (48%) and Proteus sp.(33%) was the most common Gram negative organisms isolated. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated gram positive organism (21.3%). ESBL production was noted in 31.5% Gram negative bacilli and methicillin resistance was noted in 43.8% of Staphylococcus aureus. Most of the Gram negative bacilli were resistant to various classes of antibiotics. Imepenem was the most effective agent against Gram negative organisms, while vancomycin was for staphylococcus. The present study has shown that infection with multidrug resistant Gram negative bacilli is the most common cause of DFI in BIRDEM hospital. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(2): 50-54   DOI: 10.3329/imcj.v3i2.4216
Awareness of Organ Transplantation among Health Care Professionals and Medical Students
Authors: Ahmad Zahedul Karim , Kabir Md Humayun , Mazid Abdul , Akther Gulshan Ara , Hossain Md Nur , Islam Farzana , Zaman Parvin Dilara
Published: January 2010

This cross sectional study was conducted in different medical college hospitals of Dhaka city during the months of Jan-March 2009. The objective of this study was to find out the awareness level on organ transplantation amongst the teachers, doctors and nurses working in these medical college hospitals and 1st to 5th year students. A structured questionnaire was given to the respondents. The total number of respondents was 462 of which 103 (22.3%) were doctors, 268 (58%) were medical students and 91 (19.7%) were nurses. Among the study group 31.4% knew that there was an organ transplantation law in Bangladesh and 16.5% said that there was no such law whereas 52.2% had no idea whatsoever about the law. Of the respondents 33.8% were willing to donate their organs after death, 41.6% did not want to donate and 24.2% were not sure. This study revealed that there was a lack of understanding regarding the religious views on organ transplantation. Only 37.1% of respondents thought that were was no religious objection to organ transplantation whereas 27.1% felt that there was religious objection while 35.7% were not sure. The study shows that there is significant lack of awareness regarding organ transplantation issues among the health care professionals and medical students in Bangladesh. The dictates of religion on this matter were also not clear to most of the respondents. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(2): 55-58 Keywords: Organ transplantation, awareness, healthcare professionals, religious sanctions. DOI: 10.3329/imcj.v3i2.4217
Awareness on HIV/AIDS among the Blood Donors of a City Hospital
Authors: Sultana Niru
Published: January 2010

This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on ‘HIV/AIDS awareness' among the blood donors of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The aim of the study was to assess the level of awareness among blood donors on HIV/AIDS and to assess their knowledge regarding its prevention and control. A total of 110 (87.3% male, 12.7% female) donors participated in this study. Their mean age was 24.9 ± 5.2 years. More than 60% of the respondents had primary or secondary level of education. Two-thirds (66.11%) of them donated blood for their relatives, while the rest did it for donation's sake. Although 93.6% of the respondents heard about AIDS (TV being the most common source), none had a good or excellent level of awareness about the disease. About mode of transmission, 20.9% had average and very few had a good level of knowledge regarding its prevention. When asked for an opinion about the country's risk for HIV/AIDS, more than half (54.2%) had the view that the country was at a risk from the disease and nearly three quarters (72.5%) were of the opinion that mass awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS could improve the situation. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(2): 63-66 Key Words: HIV/AIDS, blood donors, awareness, Bangladesh DOI: 10.3329/imcj.v3i2.4219
High Prevalence of HCV and Diabetes Mellitus in Multi-Transfused Subjects
Authors: Dipta Tashmim Farhana , Hossain Ahmed Zahid , Nazneen Khadija
Published: January 2010

The characteristics of the multitransfused patients remain unknown. They are exposed to chronic physiological and psychosocial stress. They bear the risk of many infectious diseases like malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV etc. They are also exposed to chronic psychosocial stress that may lead to Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was designed to address two important diseases in the multitransfused patients - hepatitis C virus (HCV), an infectious disease and T2DM, a noncommunicable but stress related one. The study was conducted in two tertiary care centers in Dhaka City. These centers have the standard facilities for blood transfusion. The study was conducted from July 2006 to July 2007. Detect-HCV (V.3), an Anti-HCV was used for detecting HCV while oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done for diagnosing T2DM. The WHO criteria of 1997 for diagnosing T2DM and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were employed. A total of 125 multitransfused patients were investigated. Overall, the crude prevalence of HCV was 15%, T2DM was 28% and IGT was 13%. Of the diabetic subjects, 31.4% were positive for HCV and among the IGT subjects 12.5% were HCV positive. In contrast, of the total 74 non-DM and non-IGT subjects, only 8.1% were found to be positive for HCV. This study suggests that, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and HCV are higher in multitransfused patients. This study also revealed that the prevalence of HCV is much higher in T2DM and IGT subjects than observed in non-DM, and non-IGT subjects. Further study is needed to determine other communicable and non-communicable diseases in the multitransfused population. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(2): 67-70 Key words: Multitransfused, HCV, Diabetes mellitus DOI: 10.3329/imcj.v3i2.4220
Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Khan Mobin , Azam Md Golam
Published: January 2010

DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v26i1.4225J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2008; 26: 1-2
Expectation of Patients from Doctors
Authors: Absar Md Nurul , Rahman M Hamidur
Published: January 2010

Doctors are produced to meet the health need of the people. People, as a patient have many expectations from a doctor. Doctors often don't know those expectations. The objective of this study was to find out the expectations of the patients from doctors and the goal is to make the doctors aware of these expectations so that they give due attention to those expectations. Waiting patients in GPs' clinic and the patients waiting in the out patient department of the Upozilla Health Complex and Rangpur Medical College Hospital were interviewed to know their expectation from doctors. Focus group discussion was done with community people to know their expectation from doctors when they need health care. It was found that most people expects good treatment (70.70%), greetings from doctor (51.91%), good history taking (100%), attentiveness (78.02%),to be allowed to narrate their ailments without interruption (87%), privacy (75%), clarification of prescription (75.15%), referral if needed (98%), dietary advice (67%), information about the ailment (75.79%), partnership in decision making (72.92%) and confidentiality (46.49%). DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v26i1.4226 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2008; 26: 3-9
Bird Flu and Bangladesh: Review and Update
Authors: Ahmed ASM Nawshad Uddin
Published: January 2010

Bird flu is an infectious disease of birds caused by Influenza A (H5N1) virus. Although the virus usually do not infect humans, more than 200 confirmed human cases of Avian Influenza A have been reported worldwide. Almost all of them had caught it from birds. While H5N1 undergoes specific mutations and reassorting creating variations which can infect species not previously known to carry the virus, health experts fear the virus could trigger a pandemic if it mutates to form a strain that can transmit between humans. As bird flu confirmed in about 59 countries, it is extremely pathogenic, humans do not possess any immunity to it, currently no vaccine is available and sometimes H5N1 can become resistant to the antivirals, a global pandemic would kill millions of people. A human pandemic would be particularly catastrophic in developing countries where living conditions and malnutrition are likely to make people more vulnerable, health services are weak and vaccines and antivirals would be beyond reach. Recently bird flu has been detected in Bangladesh, which may lead to devastating consequences on the health of the people and economy of the country. So every effort should be taken to prevent its further spread, make people aware of the disease, training health personnel and stockpiling antivirals to face any human epidemic. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v26i1.4231 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2008; 26: 32-38
Endoscopic Total Thyroidectomy: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Aziz M Mohibul , Khan MA Wohab , Islam Shamin
Published: January 2010

Two patients (one male and one female) recently under went total thyroidectomies using a standard laparoscope at the department of surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Three ports (one mid line and two laterals) were employed and a harmonic scalpel was used for the dissection. To the best of our knowledge, there was no report of endoscopic total thyroidectomy from Bangladesh. Both patients were fed on the first post operative day. They were discharged between the 3rd and 4th post operative days. There was no hypocalcaemia but one patient developed temporary unilateral vocal cord palsy. Endoscopic thyroidectomy appears to be a technically feasible patient friendly modality of treatment for the selected cases of thyroid swelling in an experienced hand with excellent out come. Key Words: Endoscopic; laparoscopic; thyroid surgery; total thyroidectomy. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v26i1.4233 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2008; 26: 46-49
Cervical Ripening: Comparative Study between Intracervical Balooning by Foleys Catheter and Intravaginal Misoprostol Tablet
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul A , Khanam Nurun Nahar , Begum Most. Rashida , Akhter Sayeba
Published: January 2010

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of misoprostol and Foley's catheter on cervical ripening. A randomized clinical trial was carried out at Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the period from March 2002 to November 2002. Ninety patients, who were chosen for induction, were selected for this study, 45 patients were randomly selected for Foley's catheter group and 45 patients for misoprostol group by using lottery. The baseline characteristics like age, parity, socioeconomic condition, gestational age; Bishop's score and indication of induction of labor were almost same in both groups. Mean duration of onset of labour was 13.60±5.0 and 15.26±3.58 hours, induction-full dilatation was 18.83±2.94 and 20.03±2.46 hours and induction-delivery interval was 20.04±2.82 and 21.18±2.32 hours in the misoprostol and Foley's catheter groups respectively. The differences were not significant. Mode of delivery and fetal outcome were also same in both group. Complications like vomiting and hyperstimulation appeared in few cases in misoprostol group but not significant. From this study, it was found that the safety and efficacy of Foley's catheter is comparable to misoprostol. In addition, Foley's catheter is free from some side effects of misoprostol, like vomiting and hyperstimulation. Therefore, Foley's catheter can be used for cervical ripening. Key words: Induction of labor, Foley's catheter, misoprostol DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v27i1.4237 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2009; 27: 5-12
Management Strategies of Major Hepatobiliary Cysts - A Retrospective Study of 145 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Rashid Md Mamunur , Husain Muhd. Mustaque , Rabbi Hashim , Ahmed AHM Tanvir , Akhter Kazi Mahbuba , Alam Hasina , Faruq Amreen , Narmeen Tamanna , Yasmin Farzana
Published: January 2010

Hepatobiliary cysts consist of a heterogeneous group of diseases that differ in cause, prevalence and manifestations. Some are found incidentally on imaging studies and tend to have a benign course. Symptomatic cysts and those become endanger to life need adequate treatment. We are reporting clinical and pathological features of 145 patients with different types of Hepatobiliary cysts along with their therapeutic approaches and outcomes. Study period was September 1997 to July 2006 (107 months). The most common was simple cyst followed by hydatid and choledochal cysts. Fifty-four (37.25%) cysts were asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally, 75 (51.72%) had some form of symptoms; like abdominal pain, discomfort and swelling. Complications like obstructive jaundice; portal hypertension, vena caval obstruction, bronchobiliary fistula and peritonitis are noted in remaining 16 (11.03%) symptomatic patients. They were treated by partial pericystectomy with omentoplasty (44.83%), excision of the cyst with Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy or Cholangiojejunostomy (16.55%), partial pericystectomy with closure of the biliary leakage and omentoplasty (13.8%), closed total cystectomy (5.52%), right or left typical or atypical hepatectomy (14.49%), segmental deroofing and fenestration (4.8%). There were no operative deaths or major postoperative complications. The recurrence was documented in 7 patients (4.83%) in the follow up period. Three patients with hepatobiliary cystadenocarcinoma died during follow-up.  In summary, Clinico-pathological features, therapeutic approaches and outcome of 145 Hepatobiliary cysts after surgery has been discussed in the light of published literatures. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v27i1.4238 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2009; 27: 13-21
Outcome of Skin Graft in Postburn Finger Contractures: An Integrated Technique of Evaluation
Authors: Ayub Ali , Khundkar Shafquat H
Published: January 2010

Objective: This prospective clinical study was conducted between July 2003- June 2005 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh to make a comparative evaluation of the outcome of skin graft on patients of postburn contractures of the fingers using integrated scores for measuring several outcomes together. Materials & Methods: A total of 56 subjects of postburn contractures of the fingers were selected consecutively and were evaluated at baseline by number of digits affected, surface area involved, extension deficit, fingers with maximum extension deficit and duration of contracture. Thirty two subjects were assigned to Full-thickness skin graft group (Group-A) and 24 to Split-thickness skin graft group (Group-B). Respective graft coverage was applied to the wound following release of contracture. Immediate outcome was evaluated in terms of graft take and number of graft-site complications, while follow up outcome was evaluated in terms of extension deficit six months after correction using specific scores for defined outcome. Results: Over 70% of the subjects were < 15 years with mean ages of Group-A and Group-B were 9.38 ± 1.66 and 9.94 ± 1.42 years respectively. In both groups maximum extension deficit was found in little finger (78% in Group- A and 54% in Group-B). The Interphalangeal (IP) joints were observed to be most frequently involved (78% in Group-A and 75% in Group-B). The duration of contracture, number of digits involved and surface area of the fingers involved were almost identically distributed between the groups. Outcome shows that donor-site morbidities (discolouration and hypertrophic scars) were significantly less in Group-A compared to that in Group- B (p < 0.001 and p = 0.047). Similarly the Group-A was significantly superior compared to Group-B in terms of minimal extension deficit (0 - 10°) 6 months after correction (59.4% vs. 25%, P < 0.05). About two-third of the subjects in both the groups demonstrated 100% graft take and around 80% had 2 or < 2 graft-site morbidities. The excellent outcome was significantly higher in Group- A (37.5%) than that in Group-B (12.5%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Full-thickness skin graft is a better option of intervention than Split-thickness skin graft for coverage after release of contracture. However, the findings need to he validated by a larger sample size. Key words: Postburn flexion deformity, full-thickness skin graft, split-thickness skin graft, graft take, donor-site morbidity, graft-site morbidity and extension deficit. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v27i1.4240 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2009; 27: 25-29
A Clinical Review on Basic Management of War Injuries / Mass Casualties
Authors: Hannan Md Abdul , Siddiq AKM Zafrullah , Deb Anjan Kumar , Maruf Abdullah Al
Published: January 2010

Managing war injury is no longer the exclusive preserve of military surgeons. Increasing numbers of non-combatants are injured in modern conflicts, and peacetime surgical facilities and expertise may not be available. Although all resources are not always available, adherence to the basic management principles following ATLS guideline, can be made in injured patient care in any situation ranging from single person "Buddy" first aid through to major hospital multiple member trauma teams. This article addresses the management of war wounds including mass casualties by non-specialist surgeons with limited resources and expertise. The Initial measures for treating war casualties are similar to those for any severe injury. The warfare Injured patient management is performed into the following levels: a .Management at the site of incident. b. Management en-route to the hospital. c. Hospital management. The primary objectives of injury patient management are: 1. Rapid and accurate assessment of the patients' condition. 2. Resuscitation and stabilization. 3. Ensuring a smooth and rapid hospital transfer. Management is divided into four phases: a. Primary survey b. Resuscitation. c. Secondary survey and d. Definitive care. These proceed sequentially, with the exception that the primary survey and resuscitation should be started at the site of incident & usually proceed simultaneously, with life threatening situations being managed as soon as they are found. A repeat of the secondary survey (Tertiary survey) may also be performed 24 hours later. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v27i1.4241 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2009; 27: 30-38
Umbilical Cord Blood (stem cell) Banking
Authors: Rahman Jahanara
Published: January 2010

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a source of premature haemopoietic stem cells (HSC) and progenitor cells which has a tremendous capacity to differentiate into another type of cell. Many malignant and non-malignant disorders are being treated with the transplantation of the UCB cells. This precious thing is usually discarded. But it can be easily and safely collected, cryopreserved and stored in a cord blood bank. UCB banks are being established in many countries of the world. Two models of cord blood banking systems are available-one is Family or private banking where UCB is stored for the benefit of the donor or their family and another is non-profitable public banking where UCB is stored for research purpose and for allogeneic unrelated transplantation. About seventy diseases can be treated with UCB transplantation. But, there are many debates regarding cord blood transplantation and legal and ethical issues cause to concern. However, UCB has become an established alternative to bone marrow transplantation in children and young adults. Key words: Stem cell, cord blood banking, stem cell transplantation. DOI: 10.3329/jbcps.v27i1.4242 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2009; 27: 39-44
On the Entropy Based Associative Memory Model with Higher-Order Correlations
Authors: Nakagawa Masahiro
Published: January 2010

In this paper, an entropy based associative memory model will be proposed and applied to memory retrievals with an orthogonal learning model so as to compare with the conventional model based on the quadratic Lyapunov functional to be minimized during the retrieval process. In the present approach, the updating dynamics will be constructed on the basis of the entropy minimization strategy which may be reduced asymptotically to the above-mentioned conventional dynamics as a special case ignoring the higher-order correlations. According to the introduction of the entropy functional, one may involve higer-order correlation effects between neurons in a self-contained manner without any heuristic coupling coefficients as in the conventional manner. In fact we shall show such higher order coupling tensors are to be uniquely determined in the framework of the entropy based approach. From numerical results, it will be found that the presently proposed novel approach realizes much larger memory capacity than that of the quadratic Lyapunov functional approach, e.g., associatron.
A Fully Cognitive Approach for Future Internet
Authors: Delli Priscoli Francesco
Published: January 2010

This paper deals with an autonomous cognitive network management architecture which aims at achieving inter-network (horizontal) and inter-layer (vertical) cross-optimization. The proposed architecture is based on the so-called Cognitive Managers transparently embedded in properly selected network nodes. The core of each Cognitive Manager are the so-called thinking modules, which are in charge of taking consistent and coordinated decisions according to a fully cognitive approach. The thinking modules potentially avail of information coming from both the transport and the service/content layers of all networks and, based on all this inter-layer and inter-network information, take consistent and coordinated decisions impacting the different layers, aiming at the overall inter-layer, inter-network optimization.
2-(4-Pyridyl)-1,3-di(4-picolyl)imidazolidine
Authors: Yiğit Beyhan , Yiğit Murat , Özdemir İsmail , Çetinkaya Bekir , Çetinkaya Engin
Published: January 2010

The title compound was prepared by treatment of N,N’-di(4-picolyl¬amino)ethane with N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal in toluene and it was characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR.
5-(3-Nitrophenyl)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbaldehyde
Authors: Singh Pramod , Negi Jagmohan S. , Pant Geeta Joshi nee , Rawat Mohan S.M.
Published: January 2010

A novel 1-formyl-2-pyrazoline was synthesized by reaction of an α,β- unsaturated ketone with hydrazine hydrate and formic acid. The structure of the title compound was established by UV, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and microanalysis.
2-[4-[Bis(2-chloroethyl)amino]benzyl]-5,5-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-4H-benzo[e]isoindol-4-one (Cytotoxic Oxonaphthalene-Pyrroles, Part I)
Authors: Spreitzer Helmut , Puschmann Christiane
Published: January 2010

A bis(chloroethyl)amine containing side chain is attached to an oxonaphthalene-annelated pyrrol in expectation of DNA alkylating properties. The cytotoxicity is evaluated against two cell lines, KB-31 and KB-8511, respectively.
Semiconductor Nanocrystals Hybridized with Functional Ligands: New Composite Materials with Tunable Properties
Authors: McDowell Matthew , Wright Ashley E. , Hammer Nathan I.
Published: January 2010

Semiconductor nanocrystals hybridized with functional ligands represent an important new class of composite nanomaterials. The development of these new nanoscale building blocks has intensified over the past few years and offer significant advantages in a wide array of applications. Functional ligands allow for incorporation of nanocrystals into areas where their unique photophysics can be exploited. Energy and charge transfer between the ligands and the nanocrystal also result in enhanced physical properties that can be tuned by the choice of ligand architecture. Here, progress in the development and applications involving this new class of composite materials will be discussed.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of New 5-(2-Thienyl)-1,2,4-triazoles and 5-(2-Thienyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles and Related Derivatives
Authors: Al-Omar Mohamed A.
Published: January 2010

New 5-(2-thienyl)-1,2,4-triazoles and 5-(2-thienyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles namely, N-[3-mercapto-5-(2-thienyl)-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]-N'-arylthioureas 4a–e, 2-arylamino-5-(2-thienyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles 5a–e, 3-arylaminomethyl-5-(2-thienyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoline-2-thiones 7a–e, 3-(N-substituted anilinomethyl)-5-(2-thienyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoline-2-thiones 8a, b and 3-(4-substituted-1-piperazinylmethyl)-5-(2-thienyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoline-2-thiones 9a–f, were prepared. The synthesized compounds were tested for in vitro activities against certain strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the yeast-like pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. Compound 9a displayed marked broad spectrum antibacterial activity, while compounds 4d, 5e, 7b, 7c, 7d, 9b, 9c and 9d were highly active against the tested Gram-positive bacteria. None of the synthesized compounds were proved to be significantly active against Candida albicans.
Catalytic Asymmetric 1,4-Additions of β-Keto Esters to Nitroalkenes Promoted by a Bifunctional Homobimetallic Co2-Schiff Base Complex
Authors: Furutachi Makoto , Chen Zhihua , Matsunaga Shigeki , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: January 2010

Catalytic asymmetric 1,4-addition of β-keto esters to nitroalkenes is described. 2.5 mol % of a homobimetallic Lewis acid/Brønsted base bifunctional Co2-Schiff base complex smoothly promoted the reaction in excellent yield (up to 99%), diastereoselectivity, and enantioselectivity (up to >30:1 dr and 98% ee). Catalyst loading was successfully reduced to 0.1 mol %. Mechanistic studies suggested that intramolecular cooperative functions of the two Co-metal centers are important for high catalytic activity and stereoselectivity.
Effects of Beta-Alanine on Muscle Carnosine and Exercise Performance: A Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Culbertson Julie Y. , Kreider Richard B. , Greenwood Mike , Cooke Matthew
Published: January 2010

Muscle carnosine has been reported to serve as a physiological buffer, possess antioxidant properties, influence enzyme regulation, and affect sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium regulation.Beta-alanine (β-ALA) is a non-essential amino acid. β-ALA supplementation (e.g., 2–6 grams/day) has been shown to increase carnosine concentrations in skeletal muscle by 20–80%.Several studies have reported that β-ALA supplementation can increase high-intensity intermittent exercise performance and/or training adaptations. Although the specific mechanism remains to be determined, the ergogenicity of β-ALA has been most commonly attributed to an increased muscle buffering capacity.More recently, researchers have investigated the effects of co-ingesting β-ALA with creatine monohydrate to determine whether there may be synergistic and/or additive benefits. This paper overviews the theoretical rationale and potential ergogenic value of β-ALA supplementation with or without creatine as well as provides future research recommendations.
Intelligent Sensors Security
Authors: Bialas Andrzej
Published: January 2010

The paper is focused on the security issues of sensors provided with processors and software and used for high-risk applications. Common IT related threats may cause serious consequences for sensor system users. To improve their robustness, sensor systems should be developed in a restricted way that would provide them with assurance. One assurance creation methodology is Common Criteria (ISO/IEC 15408) used for IT products and systems. The paper begins with a primer on the Common Criteria, and then a general security model of the intelligent sensor as an IT product is discussed. The paper presents how the security problem of the intelligent sensor is defined and solved. The contribution of the paper is to provide Common Criteria (CC) related security design patterns and to improve the effectiveness of the sensor development process.
Fluorescence-based Sensing of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) Using a Multi-channeled Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) Microimmunosensor
Authors: Charles Paul T. , Adams Andre A. , Howell Peter B. , Trammell Scott A. , Deschamps Jeffrey R. , Kusterbeck Anne W.
Published: January 2010

Fluorescence immunoassays employing monoclonal antibodies directed against the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) were conducted in a multi-channel microimmunosensor. The multi-channel microimmunosensor was prepared in poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) via hot embossing from a brass molding tool. The multi-channeled microfluidic device was sol-gel coated to generate a siloxane surface that provided a scaffold for antibody immobilization. AlexaFluor-cadaverine-trinitrobenzene (AlexaFluor-Cad-TNB) was used as the reporter molecule in a displacement immunoassay. The limit of detection was 1-10 ng/mL (ppb) with a linear dynamic range that covered three orders of magnitude. In addition, antibody crossreactivity was investigated using hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), HMX, 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 4-nitrotoluene (4-NT) and 2-amino-4,6-DNT.
Pterins as Sensors of Response to the Application of Fe3+-Dextran in Piglets
Authors: Smutna Miriam , Svoboda Martin , Breinekova Klara
Published: January 2010

The aim of the presented study was to assess the effect of a single administration of Fe3+-dextran on immune cell counts and pterin biomolecule production as novel sensors of the piglets' immune system activation, and to determine concentrations of cortisol, a traditional hormonal biosensor of the stress response. Pterins (neopterin and biopterin) in the piglets' blood serum were analyzed by separation using reversed-phase HPLC. A single dose of Fe3+-dextran produced a special stress situation in the piglets' organism which manifested itself by an increased production of neopterin (p < 0.05) and biopterin (p < 0.01) in the experimental piglets. Changes in cortisol concentrations and leukocyte counts were influenced by handling stress and were not specifically correlated to iron dextran application. Iron concentrations in the internal environment of the experimental piglets’ group were higher by an order of magnitude compared with the controls, and the highest serum concentrations of iron (p < 0.01) were reached 24 h following Fe3+-dextran administration. The data presented offer a new perspective on the evaluation of stress situations in the animal organism and, not least importantly, extends the rather modest current list of references on the role of pterins in livestock animals.
Microencapsulation of Flavors in Carnauba Wax
Authors: Milanovic Jelena , Manojlovic Verica , Levic Steva , Rajic Nevenka , Nedovic Viktor , Bugarski Branko
Published: January 2010

The subject of this study is the development of flavor wax formulations aimed for food and feed products. The melt dispersion technique was applied for the encapsulation of ethyl vanillin in wax microcapsules. The surface morphology of microparticles was investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), while the loading content was determined by HPLC measurements. This study shows that the decomposition process under heating proceeds in several steps: vanilla evaporation occurs at around 200 °C, while matrix degradation starts at 250 °C and progresses with maxima at around 360, 440 and 520 °C. The results indicate that carnauba wax is an attractive material for use as a matrix for encapsulation of flavours in order to improve their functionality and stability in products.
The Development of an AIDS Mucosal Vaccine
Authors: Tang Xian , Chen Zhiwei
Published: January 2010

It is well known that mucosal tissues contain the largest surface area of the human body and are the front line of natural host defense against various pathogens. In fact, more than 80% of infectious disease pathogens probably gain entry into the susceptible human hosts through open mucosal surfaces. Human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1), a mainly sexually transmitted virus, also primarily targets the vaginal and gastrointestinal mucosa as entry sites for viral transmission, seeding, replication and amplification. Since HIV-1 establishes its early replication in vaginal or rectal mucosal tissues, the induction of sufficient mucosal immunity at the initial site of HIV-1 transmission becomes essential for a protective vaccine. However, despite the fact that current conventional vaccine strategies have remained unsuccessful in preventing HIV-1 infection, sufficient financial support and resources have yet to be given to develop a vaccine able to elicit protective mucosal immunity against sexual transmissions. Interestingly, Chinese ancestors invented variolation through intranasal administration about one thousand years ago, which led to the discovery of a successful smallpox vaccine and the final eradication of the disease. It is the hope for all mankind that the development of a mucosal AIDS vaccine will ultimately help control the AIDS pandemic. In order to discover an effective mucosal AIDS vaccine, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of mucosal immunology and to test various mucosal vaccination strategies.
Dual Role of p53 in Innate Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Rivas Carmen , Aaronson Stuart A. , Munoz-Fontela Cesar
Published: January 2010

Tumor suppressor p53 is widely known as ‘the guardian of the genome’ due to its ability to prevent the emergence of transformed cells by the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. However, recent studies indicate that p53 is also a direct transcriptional target of type I interferons (IFNs) and thus, it is activated by these cytokines upon viral infection. p53 has been shown to contribute to virus-induced apoptosis, therefore dampening the ability of a wide range of viruses to replicate and spread. Interestingly, recent studies also indicate that several IFN-inducible genes such as interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9), IRF5, IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) and toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) are in fact, p53 direct transcriptional targets. These findings indicate that p53 may play a key role in antiviral innate immunity by both inducing apoptosis in response to viral infection, and enforcing the type I IFN response, and provide a new insight into the evolutionary reasons why many viruses encode p53 antagonistic proteins.
Los movimientos migratorios internos en la España actual
Authors: Cámara Izquierdo Noelia
Published: January 2010

A partir de los microdatos de la Estadística de Variaciones Residenciales para el período 2001-2007, se analizan las características demográficas y la distribución territorial de las migraciones internas de la población residente en España, distinguiendo entre los nacidos en España y en el extranjero. Estos movimientos se producen en su mayoría entre la población masculina de 25-34 años. Por otro lado, la población nacida en el extranjero es la que mayores tasas de migración interna presenta, si bien en los últimos años se ha producido una estabilización e incluso, en el caso de los americanos y europeos, un decrecimiento en sus tasas. Son las provincias interiores, sobre todo cercanas a Madrid, las que mayores valores muestran tanto en emigración como en inmigración.

[fr] Les caractéristiques démographiques ainsi que la distribution territoriale des migrations internes de la population qui réside en Espagne, vont être analysées à partir des micros-données de la Statistique des Variations Résidentielles de la période 2001- 2007, en distinguant les personnes nées en Espagne de celles qui sont nées à l’étranger. Ces mouvements se produisent majoritairement dans la population masculine de 25-34 ans. Par ailleurs, la population née à l’étranger est celle qui présente les taux de migration interne les plus élevés, même s’il s’est produit une stabilisation au cours des dernières années et même, dans le cas des américains et des européens, une diminution de leurs taux. Les provinces intérieures, surtout celles proches à Madrid, sont celles qui présentent les valeurs les plus élevées, tant en ce qui concerne l’émigration comme l’immigration.
La fécondité en Europe, éléments pour une typologie
Authors: Sardon Phalier
Published: January 2010

En el curso del último medio siglo, la evolución de la fecundidad se caracteriza, a través del conjunto del continente europeo, por una disminución importante de su nivel. Si la continuación de la disminución de las familias numerosas no es totalmente ajena a esta evolución, las modificaciones del calendario de la fecundidad en las generaciones sucesivas modelan intensamente las variaciones del indicador coyuntural de fecundidad. En un primer momento, el incremento de la precocidad de la maternidad ha contribuido a incrementar su nivel y, después, la inversión de este movimiento con las mujeres nacidas en la inmediata postguerra y el intervalo creciente entre las generaciones que resultó de ésta, contribuyeron a reducir el nivel del indicador coyuntural. Actualmente, la fecundidad estaría estabilizándose en numerosos países. La mayor parte de los países europeos ha seguido, más o menos, el mismo esquema, aunque se hayan producido desajustes en el tiempo y especialmente en Europa del sur y del este, lo que podría reflejar un movimiento general de homogeneización de los comportamientos. Sin embargo, en el curso de los últimos veinte años, unas evoluciones divergentes parecen haber generado grupos bastante diferenciados en Europa del oeste. En el origen de esta diferenciación, dos modalidades parecen jugar un papel fundamental: la fecundidad fuera del matrimonio, que permite compensar la disminución del matrimonio, y la proporción de mujeres que no tienen hijos.

[fr]Au cours du dernier demi-siècle, l’évolution de la fécondité se caractérise, à travers l’ensemble du continent européen, par une diminution importante de son niveau. Si la poursuite de la réduction des familles nombreuses n’est pas totalement étrangère à cette évolution, les modifications du calendrier de la fécondité dans les générations successives modèlent fortement les variations de l’indicateur conjoncturel de fécondité. Dans un premier temps, la précocité accrue de la maternité a contribué à élever son niveau, puis l’inversion de ce mouvement avec les femmes nées dans l’immédiat après-guerre et l’intervalle croissant entre les générations qui en résulta ont contribué à déprimer le niveau de l’indicateur conjoncturel. Aujourd’hui, la fécondité serait en train de se stabiliser dans de nombreux pays. La plupart des pays européens ont suivi à peu près le même schéma, même s’il y a eu des décalages dans le temps, notamment en Europe du Sud et de l’Est, ce qui pourrait refléter un mouvement général d’homogénéisation des comportements. Cependant, au cours des vingt dernières années, des évolutions divergentes semblent avoir donné naissance à des groupes assez bien différenciés en Europe de l’Ouest. A l’origine de cette différenciation, deux modalités de la fécondité apparaissent jouer un rôle fondamental: la fécondité hors mariage, qui permet de compenser la baisse du mariage, et la proportion de femmes qui ne mettent pas d’enfants au monde.
El envejecimiento demográfico del Mediterráneo: 1950-2050
Authors: Zamora López Francisco , Cámara Izquierdo Noelia
Published: January 2010

Entre 1950 y 2050, la población de 65 o más años del Mediterráneo pasará de 15 a 126 millones de personas, es decir, que en 2050 uno de cada cinco habitantes del Mediterráneo será un “senior”. El proceso de envejecimiento demográfico en el espacio mediterráneo muestra, en miniatura, las transformaciones de la estructura demográfica que afectará al conjunto del planeta. Todos los países del Mediterráneo, independientemente de sus diferencias demográficas, económicas, sociales, políticas, culturales, etc., se verán sometidos a cambios notables de su estructura por edad, que se caracterizarán por un incremento tanto absoluto como relativo de los “seniors”. En este contexto, si bien se apreciarán diferencias importantes, tanto en el ritmo como en la intensidad del fenómeno, lo verdaderamente relevante será la universalidad de éste.

[fr] Entre 1950 et 2050, la population de 65 ans ou plus de la Méditerranée passera de 15 à 126 millions de personnes, c’est-à-dire, qu’en 2050 un habitant sur cinq de la Méditerranée sera un “senior”. Le processus de vieillissement démographique dans l’espace méditerranéen montre, en miniature, les transformations de la structure démographique qui touchera l’ensemble de la planète. Tous les pays de la Méditerranée, indépendamment de leurs différences démographiques, économiques, sociales, politiques, culturelles, etc., seront soumis à des changements notables de leur structure par âges, qui se caractériseront par un accroissement tant absolu comme relatif des “seniors”. Dans ce contexte, même si des différences importantes peuvent s’apprécier, tant en ce qui concerne le rythme comme l’intensité du phénomène, l’universalité de celui-ci est réellement le fait remarquable.