bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigations into the health of brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata) before and after reintroduction
Authors: Schultz David J. , Rich Brian G. , Rohrig Wayne , McCarthy Peter J. , Mathews Brian , Schultz Tim J. , Corrigan Tony , Taggart David A.
Published: September 2011

The health of reintroduced animals has received little attention despite the potential impacts of poor animal health on the overall success of the reintroduction and potential risks to the host environment. As part of a reintroduction program, captive-bred brush-tailed rock-wallabies (BTRWs) (Petrogale penicillata) were hardened-off for at least three months before release into the Grampians National Park, western Victoria. A total of 41 animals were involved in the project, with the 24 selected for hardening-off aged between 1.1 and 4.3 years. In all, 21 animals have been released, with data from 11 collected from all sites (captive, hardening-off and reintroduced). At each site animals were periodically trapped, anaesthetised, physically examined, weighed, and blood sampled for haematological and biochemical data over three calendar years. All reintroduced animals were radio-collared. This study presents data across sites (167 samples), two seasons (winter/spring, 95 samples; summer/autumn, 72 samples), two different age groups (juveniles <1.25 years and subadults/adults >1.25 years) and both sexes. Seventy percent of released BTRWs and 90% of sympatric macropodids were positive for macropod herpes virus; none of three BTRWs tested for toxoplasmosis was positive. Faeces were collected opportunistically for flotation and ectoparasites were collected and identified. While physical examinations with anaesthesia were safe and eliminated some animals from being released, they failed to detect all cases of oral cavity disease. A reference range of haematological and biochemical parameters have been established for this evolutionarily significant unit of BTRW. Lymphocyte/neutrophil ratios of released animals suggested that the main acute stressor is a handling phenomenon but the oxidative stress index suggested that animals were coping with their environment. Significant site differences were noted for several variables including red cell mass (red cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit), white cell count, lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio, albumin globulin ratio, creatinine, urate, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, retinol, cholinesterase, total carotenoids and oxidative stress index. Significant seasonal differences were noted for some variables, including red cell mass, ascorbic acid, albumin globulin ratio, cholinesterase, total carotenoids and retinol. Significant age differences were noted for red cell mass, albumin and dietary antioxidants. The only sex-related difference related to higher retinol levels in females. Those parameters related to diet, e.g. albumin, retinol, α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and total carotenoids were consistent with those found in other rock-wallabies.
Cytochrome P450 3A expression and function in liver and intestinal mucosa from dexamethasone‐treated sheep
Authors: MATÉ M. L. , LIFSCHITZ A. , SALLOVITZ J. , BALLENT M. , MUSCHER A. S. , WILKENS M. R. , SCHRÖDER B. , LANUSSE C. , VIRKEL G.
Published: September 2011

Maté, M. L., Lifschitz, A., Sallovitz, J., Ballent, M., Muscher, A. S., Wilkens, M. R., Schröder, B., Lanusse, C., Virkel, G. Cytochrome P450 3A expression and function in liver and intestinal mucosa from dexamethasone‐treated sheep. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 319–328.

The effects of repeated administrations of dexamethasone (DEX) (3 mg/kg/day by IM route for 7 days) on the gene expression profile of a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A28‐like isoenzyme, on the expression of a CYP3A‐immunoreactive protein and on CYP3A‐dependent metabolic activities in sheep liver and small intestinal mucosa were evaluated in the current work. CYP 3A‐dependent metabolic activities (erythromycin and triacetyl‐oleandomycin N‐demethylations) were assessed in microsomal fractions. The mRNA expression of CYP3A28‐like, glucocorticoid receptor, constitutive androstane receptor, pregnane X receptor and retinoic X receptor alpha (RXRα) was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR. The expression of a CYP3A‐immunoreactive protein was measured by Western blot analyses. In the liver, DEX treatment increased CYP3A28‐like mRNA levels (2.67‐fold, P < 0.01) and CYP3A apoprotein expression (1.34‐fold, P < 0.05) and stimulated CYP3A‐dependent metabolism. High and significant correlation coefficients between CYP3A‐dependent activities and CYP3A28‐like gene (r = 0.835–0.856, P < 0.01) or protein (r = 0.728–0.855, P < 0.05) expression profiles were observed. Among the transcriptional factors, DEX only stimulated (2.1‐fold, P < 0.01) the mRNA expression of RXRα. In sheep small intestine, DEX caused a slight increment (34.6%, P < 0.05) in erythromycin N‐demethylase activity in the jejunal mucosa and a significant enhancement (P < 0.05) of CYP3A apoprotein level in the duodenal mucosa.
Costs of dengue prevention and incremental cost of dengue outbreak control in Guantanamo, Cuba
Authors: Baly Alberto , Toledo Maria E. , Rodriguez Karina , Benitez Juan R. , Rodriguez Maritza , Boelaert Marleen , Vanlerberghe Veerle , Van der Stuyft Patrick
Published: September 2011

Objective To assess the economic cost of routineAedes aegypticontrol in an at‐risk environment without dengue endemicity and the incremental costs incurred during a sporadic outbreak.

Methods The study was conducted in 2006 in the city of Guantanamo, Cuba. We took a societal perspective to calculate costs in months without dengue transmission (January–July) and during an outbreak (August–December). Data sources were bookkeeping records, direct observations and interviews.

Results The total economic cost per inhabitant (p.i.) per month. (p.m.) increased from 2.76 USD in months without dengue transmission to 6.05 USD during an outbreak. In months without transmission, the routineAedescontrol programme cost 1.67 USD p.i. p.m. Incremental costs during the outbreak were mainly incurred by the population and the primary/secondary level of the healthcare system, hardly by the vector control programme (1.64, 1.44 and 0.21 UDS increment p.i. p.m., respectively). The total cost for managing a hospitalized suspected dengue case was 296.60 USD (62.0% direct medical, 9.0% direct non‐medical and 29.0% indirect costs). In both periods, the main cost drivers for theAedescontrol programme, the healthcare system and the community were the value of personnel and volunteer time or productivity losses.

Conclusions Intensive efforts to keepA. aegyptiinfestation low entail important economic costs for society. When a dengue outbreak does occur eventually, costs increase sharply. In‐depth studies should assess which mix of activities and actors could maximize the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of routineAedescontrol and dengue prevention.
Effects of a 10‐year conservation programme on the genetic diversity of the Pottoka pony – new clues regarding their origin
Authors: Rendo F. , Iriondo M. , Manzano C. , Estonba A.
Published: September 2011

Here, we present the results of a genetic analysis of 463 Pottoka ponies corresponding to four generations, using 17 microsatellite markers. Ten years after the beginning of the Pottoka conservation programme, the values for the genetic diversity of the breed are still high and stable, indicating the success of the programme. We found null alleles in Pottoka for the ASB23, HMS3 and HTG10 microsatellites. Together with information obtained from other pony breeds from the Iberian Peninsula, this finding indicates that these microsatellites should not be used for phylogenetic analyses or parentage tests, at least for these breeds. The high heterozygosity exhibited by this breed in comparison to other ponies, together with its genetic proximity to the centroid of the allele frequencies, suggest that Pottoka allele frequencies are close to those initially exhibited by the ancestors of current European ponies. The results obtained in the current work, together with results from previous studies of ponies and horses from the Iberian Peninsula, corroborate the idea of a unique origin of all ponies from the European Atlantic Area. In contrast, our results do not corroborate the idea that these are derived from a domestication event in the Iberian Peninsula, nor that they have incorporated ancient Iberian horse genes into their genetic pool to a larger extent than other horse breeds.
Growth dependence of conjugation explains limited plasmid invasion in biofilms: an individual‐based modelling study
Authors: Merkey Brian V. , Lardon Laurent A. , Seoane Jose M. , Kreft Jan‐Ulrich , Smets Barth F.
Published: September 2011

Plasmid invasion in biofilms is often surprisingly limited in spite of the close contact of cells in a biofilm. We hypothesized that this poor plasmid spread into deeper biofilm layers is caused by a dependence of conjugation on the growth rate (relative to the maximum growth rate) of the donor. By extending an individual‐based model of microbial growth and interactions to include the dynamics of plasmid carriage and transfer by individual cells, we were able to conduct in silico tests of this and other hypotheses on the dynamics of conjugal plasmid transfer in biofilms. For a generic model plasmid, we find that invasion of a resident biofilm is indeed limited when plasmid transfer depends on growth, but not so in the absence of growth dependence. Using sensitivity analysis we also find that parameters related to timing (i.e. a lag before the transconjugant can transfer, transfer proficiency and scan speed) and spatial reach (EPS yield, conjugal pilus length) are more important for successful plasmid invasion than the recipients' growth rate or the probability of segregational loss. While this study identifies one factor that can limit plasmid invasion in biofilms, the new individual‐based framework introduced in this work is a powerful tool that enables one to test additional hypotheses on the spread and role of plasmids in microbial biofilms.
Effects of ocean acidification on microbial community composition of, and oxygen fluxes through, biofilms from the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Witt Verena , Wild Christian , Anthony Kenneth R. N. , Diaz‐Pulido Guillermo , Uthicke Sven
Published: September 2011

Rising anthropogenic CO2 emissions acidify the oceans, and cause changes to seawater carbon chemistry. Bacterial biofilm communities reflect environmental disturbances and may rapidly respond to ocean acidification. This study investigates community composition and activity responses to experimental ocean acidification in biofilms from the Australian Great Barrier Reef. Natural biofilms grown on glass slides were exposed for 11 d to four controlled pCO2 concentrations representing the following scenarios: A) pre‐industrial (∼300 ppm), B) present‐day (∼400 ppm), C) mid century (∼560 ppm) and D) late century (∼1140 ppm). Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and clone library analyses of 16S rRNA genes revealed CO2‐correlated bacterial community shifts between treatments A, B and D. Observed bacterial community shifts were driven by decreases in the relative abundance of Alphaproteobacteria and increases of Flavobacteriales (Bacteroidetes) at increased CO2 concentrations, indicating pH sensitivity of specific bacterial groups. Elevated pCO2 (C + D) shifted biofilm algal communities and significantly increased C and N contents, yet O2 fluxes, measured using in light and dark incubations, remained unchanged. Our findings suggest that bacterial biofilm communities rapidly adapt and reorganize in response to high pCO2 to maintain activity such as oxygen production.
Beyond the oral microbiome
Authors: Jenkinson Howard F.
Published: September 2011

The human oral microbiome currently comprises 600–700 taxa, but estimates suggest that overall species numbers may turn out to be higher (∼1200). Within the oral cavity, groups of microbial species become arranged into surface‐localized communities that vary considerably in composition according to sites of establishment. Factors such as nutrient availability, pH, toxic metabolites, shear forces and host conditions contribute to modelling the structure and activities of these oral microbial communities. With development of more rapid and accurate molecular techniques it has become possible to begin to characterize the genome contents of individual communities. However, understanding the phenotypic interactions between cultivable microorganisms within communities is essential in order to complement the genomic data. This will then enable construction of microbial community interactomes, incorporating genomic and spatial information with functional knowledge of physical and metabolic interplays between the microorganisms. Enlightenment of the changes in genome composition and phenotypic interactions as functions of niche, time and intrusions will help towards developing better means of manipulating communities for host benefit.
Survival after elective surgery for colonic cancer in Denmark
Authors: Perdawid S. K. , Hemmingsen L. , Boesby S. ,   on behalf of The Danish Colorectal Cancer Group
Published: September 2011

Aim  Total mesorectal excision (TME) has been shown to improve the outcome for patients with rectal cancer. In contrast, there are fewer data on complete mesocolic excision (CME) for colonic cancer.

Method  Data from the National Colorectal Cancer Database were analysed. This includes about 95% of all patients with colorectal cancer in Denmark. Only patients having elective surgery for colonic cancer in the period 2001–2008 were included. Overall and relative survival analyses were carried out. The study period was divided into the periods 2001–2004 and 2005–2008.

Results  9149 patients were included for the final analysis. The overall 5‐year survival rates were 0.65 in 2001–2004 and 0.66 in 2005–2008. The relative 5‐year survival rates were also within 1% of each other. None of these comparisons was statistically significant.

Conclusion  Survival following elective colon cancer surgery has been almost unchanged since 2001.
ADMINISTRATIVE TRADITION AND REFORMS IN SPAIN: ADAPTATION VERSUS INNOVATION
Authors: ALBA CARLOS R. , NAVARRO CARMEN
Published: September 2011

The main purpose of this paper is understanding public administration formation and change in Spain. Its development before and since the years of Franco from 1939 to 1975, is noticeably path dependent in nature. As this paper will show, the foundations were laid before the Franco regime. Then came a period of political domination of the bureaucracy and the emergence of a key structural element of Spanish administration, the special corps. The paper covers the period of political transition, democratic consolidation, and the many processes of administrative reforms. These include the reforms of the Spanish civil service as well as the deep processes of reform.
Nystagmus and oscillopsia
Authors: Straube A. , Bronstein A. , Straumann D.
Published: September 2011

The ocular motor system consists of several subsystems, including the vestibular ocular nystagmus saccade system, the pursuit system, the fixation and gaze‐holding system and the vergence system. All these subsystems aid the stabilization of the images on the retina during eye and head movements and any kind of disturbance of one of the systems can cause instability of the eyes (e.g. nystagmus) or an inadequate eye movement causing a mismatch between head and eye movement (e.g. bilateral vestibular failure). In both situations, the subjects experience a movement of the world (oscillopsia) which is quite disturbing. New insights into the patho‐physiology of some of the ocular motor disorders have helped to establish new treatment options, in particular in downbeat nystagmus, upbeat nystagmus, periodic alternating nystagmus, acquired pendular nystagmus and paroxysmal vestibular episodes/attacks. The discussed patho‐physiology of these disorders and the current literature on treatment options are discussed and practical treatment recommendations are given in the paper.
Sinus bone formation and implant survival after sinus membrane elevation and implant placement: a 1‐ to 6‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Cricchio Giovanni , Sennerby Lars , Lundgren Stefan
Published: September 2011

Objectives: To investigate the long‐term clinical and radiographic results of the maxillary sinus membrane elevation technique where implants were inserted in a void space created by the elevation of the sinus membrane without adding any graft material.

Materials and methods: A total of 84 patients were subjected to 96 membrane elevation procedures and simultaneous placement of 239 implants. Changes of intra‐sinus and marginal bone height in relation to the implants were measured in intraoral radiographs taken at insertion, after 6 months of healing, after 6 months of loading and then annually. Computerized tomography was performed pre‐surgically and 6 months post‐surgically. Resonance Frequency Analyses measurements were performed at the time of implants placement, at abutment connection and after 6 months of loading. The implant follow‐up period ranged from a minimum of one to a maximum of 6 years after implants loading.

Results: All implants were stable after 6 months of healing. A total of three implants were lost during the follow‐up period giving a survival rate of 98.7%. Radiography demonstrated on average 5.3±2.1 mm of intra‐sinus new bone formation after 6 months of healing. RFA measurements showed adequate primary stability (implant stability quotient 67.4±6.1) and small changes over time.

Conclusion: Maxillary sinus membrane elevation and simultaneous placement of implants without the use of bone grafts or bone substitutes result in predictable bone formation with a high implant survival rate of 98.7% during a follow‐up period of up to 6 years. The intra‐sinus bone formation remained stable in the long‐term follow‐up. It is suggested that the secluded compartment allowed for bone formation according to the principle of guided tissue regeneration. The high implant survival rate of 98.7% indicated that the implants sufficiently supported the fixed bridges throughout the study period. This technique reduces the risks for morbidity related to harvesting of bone grafts and eliminates the costs of grafting materials.

To cite this article:
 Cricchio G, Sennerby L, Lundgren S. Sinus bone formation and implant survival after sinus membrane elevation and implant placement: a 1‐ to 6‐year follow‐up study. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22, 2011; 1200–1212. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02096.x
Periodontal regeneration following implantation of cementum and periodontal ligament‐derived cells
Authors: Nuñez J. , Sanz‐Blasco S. , Vignoletti F. , Muñoz F. , Arzate H. , Villalobos C. , Nuñez L. , Caffesse R. G. , Sanz M.
Published: September 2011

Nuñez J, Sanz‐Blasco S, Vignoletti F, Muñoz F, Arzate H, Villalobos C, Nuñez L, Caffesse RG, Sanz M. Periodontal regeneration following implantation of cementum and periodontal ligament‐derived cells. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 33–44. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  The periodontal regeneration of bone defects is often unsatisfactory and could be largely improved by cell therapy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of implanting canine cementum‐derived cells (CDCs) and canine periodontal ligament‐derived cells (PDLDCs) in experimentally created periodontal intrabony defects in beagle dogs.

Material and Methods:  Cells were obtained from premolars extracted from four beagle dogs. Three‐wall intrabony periodontal defects, 3 mm wide and 4 mm deep, were surgically created in their second and fourth premolars and plaque was allowed to accumulate. Once the defects were surgically debrided, periodontal regeneration was attempted by random implantation of collagen sponges embedded with 750,000 CDCs, 750,000 PDLDCs or culture medium. After 3 mo of healing, specimens were obtained and periodontal regenerative outcomes were assessed histologically and histometrically.

Results:  The histological analysis showed that a minimal amount of new cementum was formed in the control group (1.56 ± 0.39 mm), whereas in both test groups, significantly higher amounts of new cementum were formed (3.98 ± 0.59 mm in the CDC group and 4.07 ± 0.97 mm in the PDLDC group). The test groups also demonstrated a larger dimension of new connective tissue, resulting in a significantly more coronal level of histological attachment.

Conclusion:  This proof‐of‐principle study suggests that cellular therapy, in combination with a collagen sponge, promoted periodontal regeneration in experimental intrabony periodontal defects.
Coordination of the Rab5 Cycle on Macropinosomes
Authors: Feliciano William D. , Yoshida Sei , Straight Samuel W. , Swanson Joel A.
Published: September 2011

The GTPase Rab5a regulates the homotypic and heterotypic fusion of membranous organelles during the early stages of endocytosis. Many of the molecules which regulate the Rab5a cycle of association with membranes, activation, deactivation and dissociation are known. However, the extent to which these molecular scale activities are coordinated on membranes to affect the behavior of individual organelles has not been determined. This study used novel Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopic methods to analyze the Rab5a cycle on macropinosomes, which are large endocytic vesicles that form in ruffled regions of cell membranes. In Cos‐7 cells and mouse macrophages stimulated with growth factors, Rab5a activation followed immediately after its recruitment to newly formed macropinosomes. Rab5a activity increased continuously and uniformly over macropinosome membranes then decreased continuously, with Rab5a deactivation preceding dissociation by 1–12 min. Although the maximal levels of Rab5a activity were independent of organelle size, Rab5a cycles were longer on larger macropinosomes, consistent with an integrative activity governing Rab5a dynamics on individual organelles. The Rab5a cycle was destabilized by microtubule depolymerization and by bafilomycin A1. Overexpression of activating and inhibitory proteins indicated that active Rab5a stabilized macropinosomes. Thus, overall Rab5a activity on macropinosomes is coordinated by macropinosome structure and physiology.
Management of neutropenic enterocolitis in children with cancer
Authors: Sundell Nicklas , Boström Håkan , Edenholm Mats , Abrahamsson Jonas
Published: September 2011

Aim:  To describe the symptoms, clinical management and short‐term outcome in a series of paediatric oncology patients with severe typhlitis following conservative treatment.

Methods:  Twelve episodes of severe typhlitis in 11 children with cancer treated at the paediatric oncology ward at Queen Silvias Children’s Hospital between 1995 and 2006 were analysed retrospectively. Data on symptoms, radiological findings, laboratory status and treatment as well as outcome were collected and analysed.

Results:  In all episodes, the classical signs of neutropenia, fever, abdominal pain and thickening of the bowel wall were present. All were successfully treated with bowel rest, broadspectrum antibiotics and supportive care. After recovery from typhlitis, three patients needed surgical intervention because of complications.

Conclusion:  A high clinical suspicion combined with radiological imaging aids early diagnosis. Predisposing factors for developing typhlitis were haematologic malignancy and treatment with chemotherapy within 3 weeks of onset. Supportive care, bowel rest including parenteral nutrition, correction of cytopenias and aggressive antimicrobial treatment is essential. Measurements of C‐reactive protein in blood may be of benefit when assessing the clinical course.
Infrared (810 nm) Low‐level Laser Therapy in Rat Achilles Tendinitis: A Consistent Alternative to Drugs
Authors: Marcos Rodrigo Labat , Leal Junior Ernesto Cesar Pinto , de Moura Messias Felipe , Catelli de Carvalho Maria Helena , Pallotta Rodney Capp , Frigo Lúcio , dos Santos Rosângela Aparecida , Ramos Luciano , Teixeira Simone , Bjordal Jan Magnus , Lopes‐Martins Rodrigo Álvaro Brandão
Published: September 2011

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used and can reduce musculoskeletal pain in spite of the cost of adverse reactions like gastrointestinal ulcers or cardiovascular events. The current study investigates if a safer treatment such as low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) could reduce tendinitis inflammation, and whether a possible pathway could be through inhibition of either of the two‐cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms in inflammation. Wistar rats (six animals per group) were injected with saline (control) or collagenase in their Achilles tendons. Then, we treated them with three different doses of IR LLLT (810 nm; 100 mW; 10 s, 30 s and 60 s; 3.57 W cm−2; 1 J, 3 J, 6 J) at the sites of the injections, or intramuscular diclofenac, a nonselective COX inhibitor/NSAID. We found that LLLT dose of 3 J significantly reduced inflammation through less COX‐2‐derived gene expression and PGE2 production, and less edema formation compared to nonirradiated controls. Diclofenac controls exhibited significantly lower PGE2 cytokine levels at 6 h than collagenase control, but COX isoform 1‐derived gene expression and cytokine PGE2 levels were not affected by treatments. As LLLT seems to act on inflammation through a selective inhibition of the COX‐2 isoform in collagenase‐induced tendinitis, LLLT may have potential to become a new and safer nondrug alternative to coxibs.
A dynamic model of lawsuit joinder and settlement
Authors: Daughety Andrew F. , Reinganum Jennifer F.
Published: September 2011

We model the dynamic process wherein two privately informed plaintiffs may file and combine related lawsuits in order to lower trial costs and/or improve the likelihood of winning. The equilibrium resembles a “bandwagon”: some plaintiff types file early, whereas others wait and only file suit if they observe a previous filing. Finally, some plaintiff types never file and some early filers drop their suits if not joined by another plaintiff. We then consider the effect of allowing preemptive settlement offers by the defendant aimed at discouraging follow‐on suits. Preemptive settlement results in a “gold rush” of cases into the first period.
MORE VECTORIAL BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS WITH UNBOUNDED NONLINEARITY PROFILE
Authors: CARLET CLAUDE
Published: September 2011

The nonlinearity profile of Boolean functions is a generalization of the most important cryptographic criterion, called the (first order) nonlinearity. It is defined as the sequence of the minimum Hamming distances nlr(f) between a given Boolean function f and all Boolean functions in the same number of variables and of degrees at most r, for r ≥ 1. This parameter, which has a close relationship with the Gowers norm, quantifies the resistance to cryptanalyses by low degree approximations of stream ciphers using the Boolean function f as combiner or as filter. The nonlinearity profile can also be defined for vectorial functions: it is the sequence of the minimum Hamming distances between the component functions of the vectorial function and all Boolean functions of degrees at most r, for r ≥ 1. The nonlinearity profile of the multiplicative inverse functions has been lower bounded in a previous paper by the same author. No other example of an infinite class of functions with unbounded nonlinearity profile has been exhibited since then. In this paper, we lower bound the whole nonlinearity profile of the (simplest) Dillon bent function (x,y) ↦ xy2n/2-2, x, y ∈ 𝔽2n/2 and we exhibit another class of functions, for which bounding the whole profile of each of them comes down to bounding the first order nonlinearities of all functions.
VECTORIAL BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS WITH GOOD CRYPTOGRAPHIC PROPERTIES
Authors: FENG KEQIN , YANG JING
Published: September 2011

In this paper we generalize two remarkable results on cryptographic properties of Boolean functions given by Tu and Deng [8] to the vectorial case. Firstly we construct vectorial bent Boolean functions [Formula: see text] with good algebraic immunity for all cases 1 ⩽ m ⩽ n, and with maximum algebraic immunity for some cases (n,m). Then by modifying F, we get vectorial balanced functions [Formula: see text] with optimum algebraic degree, good nonlinearity and good algebraic immunity for all cases [Formula: see text], and with maximum algebraic immunity for some cases (n,m). Moreover, while Tu-Deng's results are valid under a combinatorial hypothesis, our results (Theorems 4 and 5) are true without this hypothesis.
PERIODS ON TWO KINDS OF NONLINEAR FEEDBACK SHIFT REGISTERS WITH TIME VARYING FEEDBACK FUNCTIONS
Authors: HU HONGGANG , GONG GUANG
Published: September 2011

Grain and Trivium are the hardware-oriented finalists of the eSTREAM. They are both based on nonlinear feedback shift registers. In this paper, we study their generalized classes of nonlinear feedback shift registers with time varying feedback functions, namely, Grain-like and Trivium-like structures. Some interesting results regarding their periods are obtained.
AUTHENTICATION CODES FROM DIFFERENCE BALANCED FUNCTIONS
Authors: YANG YANG , TANG XIAOHU , PARAMPALLI UDAYA
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we establish a general connection between authentication codes and difference balanced functions. Consequently, we present three new classes of authentication codes without secrecy from difference balanced functions. This is the first time that the difference balanced functions, which were used in literature mainly to construct sequences with good correlations, have been used to construct authentication codes.
PROCESSING AN OFFLINE INSERTION-QUERY SEQUENCE WITH APPLICATIONS
Authors: CHEN DANNY Z. , WANG HAITAO
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we present techniques and algorithms for processing an offline sequence of update and query operations and for related problems. The update can be either all insertions or all deletions. The types of query include min-gap, max-gap, predecessor, and successor. Most problems we consider are solved optimally in linear time by our algorithms, which are based on new geometric modeling and interesting techniques. We also discuss some applications to which our algorithms and techniques can be applied to yield efficient solutions. These applications include an offline horizontal ray shooting problem and a shortest arc covering problem on a circle.
TWO MODELS OF NONSMOOTH DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: PASCAL MADELEINE
Published: September 2011

Two examples of nonsmooth systems are considered. The first one is a two degrees of freedom oscillator in the presence of a stop. A discontinuity appears when the system position reaches a critical value. The second example consists of coupled oscillators excited by dry friction. In this case, the discontinuity occurs when the system's velocities take a critical value. For both examples, the dynamical system can be partitioned into different configurations limited by a set of boundaries. Within each configuration, the dynamical model is linear and the close form solution is known. Periodic orbits, including several transitions between the various configurations of the system, are found in analytical form. The stability of these orbits is investigated by using the Poincaré map modeling.
ON A NONIDEAL (MRD) DAMPER-ELECTRO-MECHANICAL ABSORBER DYNAMICS
Authors: FELIX JORGE L. P. , BALTHAZAR JOSÉ M. , DANTAS MARCIO J. H.
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we have investigated the nonlinear dynamic behavior of an electro-mechanical vibration absorber (NEVA), taking into account a modified (MR) Damper (MRD), in its mathematical model, which was excited by a nonideal motor (NIS), by using perturbation analysis and numerical simulations.
LIMIT CYCLES OF A DOUBLE OSCILLATOR EXCITED BY DRY FRICTION
Authors: STEPANOV SERGEY
Published: September 2011

A two-mass oscillator with one mass lying on the driving belt with dry Coulomb friction is considered. A numerical method for finding all limit cycles and their parametric investigation, based on the analysis of fixed points of a two-dimensional map, is suggested. As successive points for the map we chose points of friction transferred from stick mode to slip mode. These transfers are defined by two equalities and yield a two-dimensional map, in contrast to three-dimensional maps that we can construct for regularized continuous dry friction laws.
DEVELOPING "POTENTIAL ENTREPRENEURS" IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTES
Authors: PETRIDOU EUGENIA , SARRI KATERINA
Published: September 2011

Successful entrepreneurial activities are a function of human venture and environmental conditions, since the key to improving entrepreneurial perceptions and attitudes within society and within Higher Education (HE) institutions lies in education.

The purpose of this paper is to address issues surrounding entrepreneurial education in HE in Greece, and describes the delivery and evaluation of two programs. The programs were offered by a public university and a public technological & educational institute designed to create opportunities for learning entrepreneurial capacities, in order to develop a framework for the design and implementation of such activities.

Research results, concerning (i) the programs' concept and (ii) the degree that the programs influence the students' knowledge, skills and attitudes towards the undertaking of entrepreneurial activities, provide useful information for academicians, educators, educational managers and policy makers, concerning the design of similar programs. The methodology used brings in the description of each program's structure (in terms of its formation, development, implementation and evaluation) and the evaluation of its effectiveness, based on a pre- and post-analysis of students' perceptions from each institution. Data were collected from 904 students, with both business and scientific-technological studies background.

The analysis of data provides useful conclusions in relation to (i) the design of entrepreneurial education, (i.e. emphasis should be placed on the networking with the business world, the laboratory assistance, the mentoring process, the participants' scientific background) and (ii) the accomplishment of the two programs' objectives in "developing potential entrepreneurs", which seems to be moderately positive.
Clostridium difficileInfection and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review
Authors: Sinh Preetika , Barrett Terrence A. , Yun Laura
Published: September 2011

The incidence ofClostridium difficileinfection (CDI) has significantly increased in the last decade in the United States adding to the health care burden of the country. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher prevalence of CDI and worse outcomes. In the past, the traditional risk factors for CDI were exposure to antibiotics and hospitalizations in elderly people. Today, it is not uncommon to diagnose CDI in a pregnant women or young adult who has no risk factors.C. difficilecan be detected at the initial presentation of IBD, during a relapse or in asymptomatic carriers. It is important to keep a high index of suspicion for CDI in IBD patients and initiate prompt treatment to minimize complications. We summarize here the changing epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical features, and treatment of CDI in IBD.
Consequences of PPARαInvalidation on Glutathione Synthesis: Interactions with Dietary Fatty Acids
Authors: Guelzim Najoua , Huneau Jean-François , Mathé Véronique , Quignard-Boulangé Annie , Martin Pascal G. , Tomé Daniel , Hermier Dominique
Published: September 2011

Glutathione (GSH) derives from cysteine and plays a key role in redox status. GSH synthesis is determined mainly by cysteine availability andγ-glutamate cysteine ligase (γGCL) activity. Because PPARαactivation is known to control the metabolism of certain amino acids, GSH synthesis from cysteine and related metabolisms were explored in wild-type (WT) and PPARα-null (KO) mice, fed diets containing either saturated (COCO diet) or 18 : 3 n-3, LIN diet. In mice fed the COCO diet, but not in those fed the LIN diet, PPARαdeficiency enhanced hepatic GSH content andγGCL activity, superoxide dismutase 2 mRNA levels, and plasma uric acid concentration, suggesting an oxidative stress. In addition, in WT mice, the LIN diet increased the hepatic GSH pool, without effect onγGCL activity, or change in target gene expression, which rules out a direct effect of PPARα. This suggests that dietary 18 : 3 n-3 may regulate GSH metabolism and thus mitigate the deleterious effects of PPARαdeficiency on redox status, without direct PPARαactivation.
BPS States, Crystals, and Matrices
Authors: Sułkowski Piotr
Published: September 2011

We review free fermion, melting crystal, and matrix model representations of wall-crossing phenomena on local, toric Calabi-Yau manifolds. We consider both unrefined and refined BPS counting of closed BPS states involving D2- and D0-branes bound to a D6-brane, as well as open BPS states involving open D2-branes ending on an additional D4-brane. Appropriate limit of these constructions provides, among the others, matrix model representation of refined and unrefined topological string amplitudes.
Maternal Anemia in Rural Jordan: Room for Improvement
Authors: Al-Mehaisen Lama , Khader Yousef , Al-Kuran Oqba , Abu Issa Fayrouz , Amarin Zouhair
Published: September 2011

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence and determine factors associated with anemia among pregnant women in rural Jordan. A cohort of 700 pregnant women from a National Health Service hospital and ten health centers completed a questionnaire. Of the total, 243 (34.7%) had anemia. The prevalence was the highest for women in their 3rd trimester (42.5%) compared to those in 2nd trimester (32.7%) and 1st trimester (18.9%). Gestational age, body mass index, history of previous surgery, and multivitamin intake during pregnancy were significantly associated with anemia. Women in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters had higher odds of anemia ( and 3.3, resp.). Underweight women had higher odds of anemia (). History of previous surgery and multivitamin intake during pregnancy were associated with higher odds of anemia ( and 1.9, resp.).
Adsorption of Urinary Proteins on the Conventionally Used Urine Collection Tubes: Possible Effects on Urinary Proteome Analysis and Prevention of the Adsorption by Polymer Coating
Authors: Kiyokawa Iwao , Sogawa Kazuyuki , Ise Keiko , Iida Fumie , Satoh Mamoru , Miura Toshihide , Kojima Ryo , Katayama Katsuhiro , Nomura Fumio
Published: September 2011

One possible factor determining recovery of trace amount of protein biomarker
candidates during proteome analyses could be adsorption on urine tubes. This
issue, however, has not been well addressed so far. Recently, a new technical
device of surface coating by poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine
(MPC)-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA))
(poly(MPC-co-BMA)) has been developed mainly to prevent the
adsorption of plasma proteins. We assessed whether conventionally used urine
tubes adsorb trace amount of urinary proteins and, if any, whether the surface
coating by poly(MPC-co-BMA) can minimize the adsorption.
Proteinuric urine samples were kept in poly(MPC-co-BMA)-coated
and noncoated urine tubes for 15 min and possibly adsorbed proteins and/or
peptides onto urine tubes were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, 2-DE, and the MALDI-TOF MS.
It was found that a number of proteins and/or peptides adsorb on the
conventionally used urine tubes and that surface coating by
poly(MPC-co-BMA) can minimize the adsorption without any
significant effects on routine urinalysis test results. Although it remains to
be clarified to what extent the protein adsorption can modify the results of
urinary proteome analyses, one has to consider this possible adsorption of
urinary proteins when searching for trace amounts of protein biomarkers in
urine.
CFD Recombiner Modelling and Validation on the H2‐Par and Kali‐H2 Experiments
Authors: Mimouni Stéphane , Mechitoua Namane , Ouraou Mehdi
Published: September 2011

A large amount of Hydrogen gas is expected to be released within the dry containment of a pressurized water reactor (PWR), shortly after the hypothetical beginning of a severe accident leading to the melting of the core. According to local gas concentrations, the gaseous mixture of hydrogen, air and steam can reach the flammability limit, threatening the containment integrity. In order to prevent mechanical loads resulting from a possible conflagration of the gas mixture, French and German reactor containments are equipped with passive autocatalytic recombiners (PARs) which preventively oxidize hydrogen for concentrations lower than that of the flammability limit. The objective of the paper is to present numerical assessments of the recombiner models implemented in CFD solvers NEPTUNE_CFD and Code_Saturne. Under the EDF/EPRI agreement, CEA has been committed to perform 42 tests of PARs. The experimental program named KALI‐H2, consists checking the performance and behaviour of PAR. Unrealistic values for the gas temperature are calculated if the conjugate heat transfer and the wall steam condensation are not taken into account. The combined effects of these models give a good agreement between computational results and experimental data.
Isoflurane's Effect on Protein Conformation as a Proposed Mechanism for Preconditioning
Authors: Baker Michelle R. , Benton Sean K. , Theisen Christopher S. , McClintick Chad A. , Fibuch Eugene E. , Seidler Norbert W.
Published: September 2011

Persistent alteration of protein conformation due to interaction with isoflurane may be a novel molecular aspect of preconditioning. We preincubated human serum albumin with isoflurane, dialyzed to release agent, and assessed protein conformation. Susceptibility to chemical modification by methylglyoxal and nitrophenylacetate was also examined. Isoflurane had a persistent effect on protein conformation. An increase in the susceptibility of surface residues to chemical modification attended this change in conformation. Modification of isoflurane-treated HSA included intra- and intersubunit cross-linking that may be a consequence of anesthetic-induced changes in multimeric subpopulations. This irreversible effect of isoflurane may represent a mechanism for preconditioning.
Pancreas Procurement and Preservation for Islet Transplantation: Personal Considerations
Authors: Noguchi Hirofumi
Published: September 2011

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising option for the treatment of type 1 diabetic patients. After the successful demonstration of the Edmonton protocol, islet transplantation has advanced significantly on several fronts, including improved pancreas procurement and preservation systems. Since we frequently use pancreata from donors after cardiac death in Japan,we have applied thein situregional organ cooling system for pancreas procurement to reduce the warm ischemic time. To reduce the apoptosis of pancreatic tissue during cold preservation, we have applied the ductal injection of preservation solution. For pancreas preservation, we use modified Kyoto solution, which is advantageous at trypsin inhibition and less collagenase inhibition. In this paper, we show pancreas procurement and preservation in our group for islet transplantation.
Virtual Bladder Tumor Transurethral Resection: An Objective Evaluation Tool to Overcome Learning Curves with and without Photodynamic Diagnostics
Authors: Kruck Stephan , Bedke Jens , Hennenlotter Jörg , Amend Bastian , Merseburger Axel , Stenzl Arnulf , Sievert Karl-Dietrich
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Virtual reality (VR) simulation has been known to shorten learning curves. The aim of this research was to determine whether VR transurethral bladder tumor resection (TURBT) with and without photodynamic diagnostic (PDD) can improve endourological skills in novice and trained endoscopists. Materials and Methods: Residents without experience (n = 15) completed five 5-min white light VR-TURBT scenarios. The trained endoscopists (≧25 TURBTs; n = 15) performed five 5-min VR resections using white light and PDD cystoscopy. The VR-TURBT performance with the Uro-Trainer® (Karl Storz GmbH, Germany) was compared between the first and last 5 cases using computer-generated parameters [inspected area (%), resected tumor mass (%) and bleeding (ml)]. The trained endoscopists’ parameters were compared with white light versus PDD-VR-TURBT. Results: Among novices, the inspected area increased from 36.8 (±12.9) to 54.3% (±7.3), p < 0.05. Significant improvements were noted for resection rates from 26.5 (±9.6) to 52.0% (±6.0), p < 0.05. Trained urologists showed superior inspection [52.2 (±3.4) vs. 62.7% (±4.3), p = 0.003] and resection rates [43.8 (±3.3) vs. 57.1% (±5.3), p = 0.002] with PDD. Conclusions: The opportunity to evaluate objective patient-independent measurements establishes the Uro-Trainer as a beneficial tool in enhancing TURBT quality. Results demonstrated that novices improved their ability to perform complete resection, and the TURBT rates of trained urologists were superior in PDD compared with a white light setting.
Decreased Galectin-8 Is a Strong Marker for Recurrence in Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder
Authors: Kramer Mario Wolfgang , Waalkes Sandra , Serth Jürgen , Hennenlotter Jörg , Tezval Hossein , Stenzl Arnulf , Kuczyk Markus Antonius , Merseburger Axel Stuart
Published: September 2011

Objective: To investigate galectin-8 expression patterns in normal urothelium and bladder cancer specimens and to elucidate its prognostic value. Materials and Methods: 162 samples of non-muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma, 25 samples of muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma and 10 samples of normal urothelium were investigated by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays. Complete patient and tumor characteristics were compared with galectin-8 staining patterns. The likelihood of tumor recurrence and progression was analyzed based on a 3-year follow-up. Results: Loss of galectin-8 was associated with the likelihood of tumor recurrence in univariate (p < 0.05) and multivariate analyses (p < 0.01). No significance was observed for tumor progression. Patients whose specimens showed weak galectin-8 expression had a shorter recurrence-free interval (42 vs. 12 months; p < 0.01, log-rank test). All of the 10 normal urothelium samples showed high galectin-8 expression. Decreased staining was found to be associated with higher tumor stages and grades (p < 0.0001, one-way ANOVA). A significant difference was found comparing normal urothelium with any tumor stage (p < 0.01), pTa vs. pT1 tumors (p < 0.05) and non-muscle-invasive vs. muscle-invasive tumors (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Loss of galectin-8 might be an early step in the development of malignant lesions of the bladder and is a significant independent predictor of recurrence.