bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic strategies against TGF‐β signaling pathway in hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Liu Xingjun , Hu Han , Yin James Q.
Published: November 2005

Abstract:
Hepatic fibrosis is the common wound‐healing response to chronic liver injury. In this process, activation of hepatic stellate cells is characteristic of cell proliferation and migration, production of collagen and other extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, and contraction after transforming into myofibroblasts. It has been shown that the fibrogenic process is prominently regulated by transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and that the specific blockade of TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling may therapeutically intervene the fibrosis of various tissues. In this review, we attempt to integrate recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms underlying TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathway modulation of ECM gene expression in the context of liver fibrosis, discuss intervention strategies targeting the blockade of related signal pathways, and look into novel ways to the safe and efficacious prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava and its causal relation to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kew M. C. , Hodkinson H. J.
Published: November 2005

Abstract: Although rare in most countries, membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava (MOIVC) occurs more frequently in Nepal, South Africa, Japan, India, China, and Korea. The occlusive lesion always occurs at approximately the level of the diaphragm. It commonly takes the form of a membrane, but may be a fibrotic occlusion of variable length. Controversy exists as to whether MOIVC is a developmental abnormality or a result of organization of a thrombus in the hepatic portion of the inferior vena cava. The outstanding physical sign associated with MOIVC are large truncal collateral vessels with a cephalad flow. A dilated vena azygous is seen on chest radiography. Definitive diagnosis is made by contrast inferior vena cavography. The long‐standing obstruction to hepatic venous flow causes severe centrolobular fibrosis and predisposes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Percutaneous balloon angioplasty, transatrial membranotomy, or more complex vena caval and portal decompression surgery should be performed to prevent these complications. HCC occurs in more than 40% of South African Black and Japanese patients with MOIVC, but less often in other populations. It is thought to result from the tumour‐promoting effect of continuous hepatocyte necrosis, although the associated environmental risk factors have not been identified.
Is There a Possible Relation Between Atrophic Gastritis and Premature Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Kutluana Ufuk , Simsek Ilkay , Akarsu Mesut , Kupelioglu Ali , Karasu Sebnem , Altekin Emel
Published: November 2005

Background.  In this study, we have aimed to show the possible relation between atrophic gastritis and premature atherosclerosis via hyperhomocysteinemia.

Materials and Methods.  Thirty‐four patients with atrophic gastritis were enrolled to the study. The control group consisted of 35 patients with non‐atrophic gastritis. Classical cardiovascular disease risk factors did not significantly differ between atrophic gastritis and control subjects. The presence and degree of atrophic gastritis were assessed histologically and Helicobacter pylori infection was determined by both histologic and serologic methods. Body mass index was measured by standard technique blood fasting glucose, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine levels were measured by biochemical methods. Carotid intima‐media thickness was measured by B‐mode ultrasonography to examine the premature atherosclerosis.

Results.  Plasma vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower (p = .00) and homocysteine levels were significantly higher (p = .01) in the atrophic gastritis group. There was no statistically significant difference in plasma folic acid levels between the two groups (p = .728). Carotid intima‐media thickness was higher in the atrophic gastritis group than in the control group (0.516 mm versus 0.465 mm), but this difference did not show any statistical significance (p = .062).

Conclusion.  Our results showed that atrophic gastritis may cause hyperhomocysteinemia, which is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. However, when compared with controls, carotid intima‐media thickness of the atrophic gastritis patients was found to be higher but did not reach statistically significant levels.
No Correlation of babA2 with vacA and cagA Genotypes of Helicobacter pylori and Grading of Gastritis from Peptic Ulcer Disease Patients in Brazil
Authors: Mattar Rejane , Santos Anibal Ferreira dos , Eisig Jaime Natan , Rodrigues Tomas Navarro , Silva Fernando Marcuz , Lupinacci Renato Micelli , Iriya Kiyoshi , Carrilho Flair José
Published: November 2005

Background.  The babA2 gene, which encodes a blood‐group antigen‐binding adhesin that mediates attachment of Helicobacter pylori to human Lewisb antigens on gastric epithelial cells, has been associated with a higher risk of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the frequency of babA2 genotype in H. pylori strains of patients with peptic ulcer and to correlate with other virulence factors.

Materials and Methods.  vacA, cagA, and babA2 genotypes of H. pylori were determined by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA was extracted from positive urease test gastric samples of 150 patients with peptic ulcer. Antrum and corpus biopsies were taken for histologic examination according to the updated Sydney system classification.

Results.  babA2 genotype was present in 104 (69.3%) and cagA in 113 (75.3%) gastric samples. No significant correlation was observed between babA2 and vacAs1 genotype or between babA2 and cagA status. The correlation of vacAs1 genotype with positive cagA was statistically significant ( p < .001). The babA2‐positive strain was more frequently found from the gastric samples of men, than of women (p = .01). Strains harboring cagA, vacAs1, and babA2 genotypes had no association to the grading of gastritis, presence of glandular atrophy, or intestinal metaplasia. The simultaneous presence of cagA, vacAs1, and babA2 was found in 32.6% of the H. pylori strains.

Conclusions.  babA2 genotype is frequently found in H. pylori strains from peptic ulcer disease in Brazil, although it has no significant correlation to the worsening of the gastritis and to other virulence markers such as vacAs1 and cagA.
Effect of Long‐Term Helicobacter felis Infection in a Mouse Model of Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetes
Authors: Spinetti Nelson , Zavala‐Spinetti Livania , Hempe James , Correa Hernán , Bégué Rodolfo E.
Published: November 2005

Background.  We previously REPORTED that mice with diabetes and short‐term Helicobacter felis infection had an increase in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Here we report the effect of long‐term infection.

Materials and Methods.  Six‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes and started on daily insulin. Following streptozotocin injection, animals were paired according to their HbA1c values and randomized to orally receive either H. felis or culture medium alone. Weight and HbA1c were monitored monthly for 6 months.

Results.  Thirty animals corresponding to 15 pairs were included in the study. H. felis‐infected diabetic mice developed significantly more gastritis than uninfected animals. Sixteen mice died during the observation period. As compared to uninfected animals, infected mice died more frequently (40% versus 67%, p = .14) and earlier (160 versus 61 days, p = .20); both variables combined showed that H. felis infection significantly decreased the chances of survival during the study period (p = .045). In addition, infected mice showed a trend for higher increase in their HbA1c (0.97 ± 2.5% versus – 0.22 ± 3.0%; p = .21) and lower weight gain (2.0 ± 3.4 g versus 2.9 ± 2.0 g; p = .15) than uninfected mice.

Conclusion.  Long‐term H. felis infection had a deleterious effect in mice with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes resulting in increased mortality. If the same phenomenon occurs in humans this could lead to interventions to improve the long‐term outcome of patients with diabetes.
Inhibition of Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression by NF‐κB (p65) Antisense Oligonucleotide in Helicobacter pylori‐Infected Mice
Authors: Kim Sang Gyun , Kim Joo Sung , Kim Jung Mogg , Chae Jung Hyun , Sung Song In
Published: November 2005

Background.  Helicobacter pylori induces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro by activating nuclear factor‐κB, a transcriptional regulator. However, it has not been clarified whether H. pylori‐induced proinflammatory cytokines are also mediated through nuclear factor‐κB in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of nuclear factor‐κB on the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines in H. pylori‐infected mice.

Materials and Methods.  We evaluated nuclear factor‐κB (p65) activation in the H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa of mice by immunofluorescent staining using antip65 polyclonal antibody, and the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines with inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB pathway by using phosphorothioate antisense and sense oligonucleotide against the nuclear factor‐κB (p65).

Results.  In the H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa of mice, immunofluorescent staining using antip65 polyclonal antibody showed nuclear factor‐κB (p65) activation, which was particularly localized to epithelial cells. Tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β concentrations in gastric mucosa by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were elevated in the infected group versus the uninfected group. Pretreatment with nuclear factor‐κB (p65) antisense oligonucleotide inhibited the activation of nuclear factor‐κB and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa. Sense oligonucleotide did not influence on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions.  H. pylori infection was found to activate the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines via nuclear factor‐κB in vivo, and this may play an important role in the initiation of H. pylori‐induced gastric inflammation.
Sr2+–Mg2+‐Doped SiAlON Ceramics
Authors: Kurama Semra , Cigdemir Gunes , Mandal Hasan , Herrmann Mathias
Published: November 2005

In the present work, multi‐cation‐doped (Sr2+–Mg2+) SiAlON ceramics were investigated. MgO and SrO were used in 100:0 and 50:50 molar ratios. The mixture was sintered at 1800° and 1830°C for 1 h in a gas pressure‐sintering furnace. The results showed that sintered samples were composed of mainly α‐ and β‐SiAlON phases and small amounts of some Sr‐containing phases and SiAlON polytypes. According to Rietveld analysis of X‐ray diffraction patterns, Mg is incorporated into the α‐SiAlON structure. However, the incorporation of Sr is limited.
PaCE: a technique to avoid subretinal fluid drainage in retinal detachment surgery
Authors: Saeed Manzar , Ganeshalingham Ramesh , McHugh Dominic
Published: November 2005

Purpose:  Subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage and thus the potential complications of this procedure during scleral buckling can be avoided by inducing SRF absorption preoperatively. The technique described in this series is named PaCE (Pneumatic Cryo Explant).

Methods:  A total of 22 eyes of 22 patients with primary bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) were included in this prospective non‐comparative case trial. All satisfied specific inclusion criteria similar to those used in previous pneumatic retinopexy (PR) studies. Under direct visualization, 0.3 ml C3F8 100% was injected into the vitreous cavity through the pars plana. Postoperative posturing was encouraged. Retinopexy with either cryotherapy or laser was performed, combined with scleral buckling (SB) when the SRF was absorbed. Avoidance of SRF drainage and persistent reattachment of the retina at the end of the 12‐month follow‐up was considered a successful outcome. A change in vision by one line (logMAR) was considered significant.

Results:  Resolution of SRF before retinopexy and the SB procedure was achieved in 20 of 22 eyes (90.9%) and hence SRF drainage was not required. Visual improvement was achieved in 95% of cases. One eye (4.5%) lost vision due to a total RD after gas injection (further surgery was not carried out).

Conclusion:  PaCE should be considered in any suitable case of primary RRD where SRF drainage is deemed necessary. The potential complications associated with this procedure are relatively less serious and it does not compromise the viability of subsequent procedures.
Rarebit and frequency‐doubling technology perimetry in children and young adults
Authors: Martin Lene
Published: November 2005

Purpose:  To describe the outcome of visual field examinations performed with rarebit (RB) and frequency‐doubling technology perimetry (FDT) in children and young adults.

Methods:  Twenty‐one children (aged 6.5–12 years) and 30 teenagers and young adults (aged 14–20 years), participated in the study.

Results:  Reliable RB examinations were carried out in 76% of the younger group and 90% of the older group. Corresponding values for FDT were 57% and 90–95%, respectively. The RB results were very similar to those previously obtained in adult subjects, while some subjects showed borderline values in FDT, depending on the criteria used. The RB perimetry was preferred by 88% of the examined subjects.

Conclusions:  Rarebit perimetry seems useful for visual field examination in children aged 7 years and over, if age‐corrected normative data are established; this test was also preferred by the tested subjects. No adaptation or special instructions were needed and the children found it rather amusing.
Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of cutaneous large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Giménez Sònia , Costa Carlota , Espinet Blanca , Solé Francesc , Pujol Ramon M. , Puigdecanet Eulàlia , García‐Moreno Pilar , Sánchez Júlia , Gallardo Fernando , Estrach Teresa , García‐Muret Pilar , Romagosa Vicenç , Serrano Sergi , Servitje Octavio
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  The aim of the present study was to identify genetic aberrations in a series of patients with cutaneous large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL) using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). Eighteen consecutive patients with primary (13 patients) (PCLBCL) and secondary (five patients) (SCLBCL) cutaneous large B‐cell lymphoma were included in the study. Nine cases corresponded to PCLBCL leg type and four cases primary cutaneous follicle centre‐cell lymphoma (PCFCL). Chromosomal imbalances (CIs) were detected in 14 of 18 samples (77.8%). All of nine cases with PCLBCL leg type and two of four cases with PCFCL showed CIs (100% and 50%, respectively). Regarding SCLBCL, in three of five cases (60%), CIs were detected. The most frequently detected gains involved 2q, 5q, 3 and 7q and amplifications affected 18, 12 and 13. Frequent losses were found in 17p. In PCLBCL leg type, the most frequent gains involved 2q and 7q, amplifications were localized in chromosomes 12, 13 and 18 and losses affected chromosomes 17p and 19. In PCFCL, gains located in 3q, 4 and 7q were found. Our study seems to confirm clear‐cut differences between primary cutaneous LBCL and nodal diffuse LBCL, and it suggests the presence of genotypic differences between cases of PCLBCL leg type and cases of PCFCL.
Increased expression of chemokines in the skin of chronic proliferative dermatitis mutant mice
Authors: Renninger Matthew L. , Seymour Rosemarie , Lillard James W. , Sundberg John P. , HogenEsch Harm
Published: November 2005

Abstract:  Chemokines direct the migration of leukocytes to sites of inflammation and are potential targets for anti‐inflammatory therapy. Chronic proliferative dermatitis (cpdm/cpdm) mutant mice develop a persistent eosinophilic dermatitis associated with increased TH2 cytokines in the skin. Expression patterns of chemokines in the skin of cpdm/cpdm mice were evaluated to define the mechanisms driving cutaneous infiltration by leukocytes. RNA isolated from the skin of mutant and littermate control mice revealed a significant increase in Ccl1 (TCA‐3), Ccl2 (MCP‐1), Ccl11 (eotaxin), Ccl17 (TARC), Cxcl10 (IP‐10), and the chemokine receptor Ccr3. The concentration of CCL11 protein was increased two‐ to threefold in the skin of cpdm/cpdm mice by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro culture of primary dermal fibroblasts from cpdm/cpdm and control mice with tumor necrosis factor, IL‐4, and IL‐13 stimulation did not reveal differences in their ability to secrete CCL11, suggesting that the increased chemokine expression observed in the skin of cpdm/cpdm mice is most likely caused by the increased TH2 cytokines in the dermis of this mouse model. Treatment of cpdm/cpdm mice with CCL11‐neutralizing polyclonal antibodies did not affect the number of eosinophils in the skin or the severity of the dermatitis. Neutralizing multiple chemokines or chemokine receptors may be necessary to decrease eosinophil accumulation. The cpdm/cpdm mutant mouse is a potentially useful model to determine the role of various chemokines in eosinophil accumulation in chronic inflammation.
A non‐invasive method for studying an index of pupil diameter and visual performance in the rhesus monkey
Authors: Fairhall Sarah J. , Dickson Carol A. , Scott Leah , Pearce Peter C.
Published: November 2005

Background  A non‐invasive model has been developed to estimate gaze direction and relative pupil diameter, in minimally restrained rhesus monkeys, to investigate the effects of low doses of ocularly administered cholinergic compounds on visual performance.

Methods  Animals were trained to co‐operate with a novel device, which enabled eye movements to be recorded using modified human eye‐tracking equipment, and to perform a task which determined visual threshold contrast. Responses were made by gaze transfer under twilight conditions. 4% w/v pilocarpine nitrate was studied to demonstrate the suitability of the model.

Results  Pilocarpine induced marked miosis for >3 h which was accompanied by a decrement in task performance.

Conclusions  The method obviates the need for invasive surgery and, as the position of point of gaze can be approximately defined, the approach may have utility in other areas of research involving non‐human primates.
Knee injuries account for the sports‐related increased risk of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Thelin N. , Holmberg S. , Thelin A.
Published: November 2005

Increased risk of osteoarthritis has been found among athletes active in different kinds of sports. Knee injury is an established risk factor for knee osteoarthritis. In this population‐based case–control study we investigated the risk of knee osteoarthritis with respect to sports activity and previous knee injuries. A total of 825 cases with x‐ray‐verified femorotibial osteoarthritis were identified at six hospitals in southern Sweden. The cases were matched (age, sex and residential area) with 825 controls from the general population. Mailed questionnaire data on sports activity for more than 1 year after the age of 16, knee injuries and confounding variables (weight, height, heredity, smoking and occupation) were collected and analyzed using logistic regression models. The response frequency was 89%. Among men knee osteoarthritis was related to soccer (odds ratio (OR) 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–2.2), ice hockey (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.0) and tennis (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8) but not to track and field sports, cross‐country skiing, and orienteering. After adjustment for confounding variables soccer and ice hockey remained significantly related to knee osteoarthritis, but after adjustment for knee injuries no significant relation remained. The sports‐related increased risk for knee osteoarthritis was explained by knee injuries.
The possible role of myostatin in skeletal muscle atrophy and cachexia
Authors: Jespersen J. , Kjaer M. , Schjerling P.
Published: November 2005

The presence of sufficient skeletal muscle is of paramount importance for body function. Cachexia can be defined as a wasting syndrome describing the progressive loss of both adipose and skeletal muscle tissue in concert with severe injury, chronic or end‐stage malignant and infectious diseases. Generally, cachexia predisposes to poor prognosis, co‐morbidities and death. One signaling pathway possibly involved in muscle atrophy and cachexia is the myostatin cascade. This transforming growth factor‐β superfamily member myostatin is a strong candidate for regulating muscle mass, and is shown to inhibit muscle growth in different in vivo mammalian models. Overall, the modulation of the myostatin pathway seems interesting from the perspective of both pathology and sports medicine. Hence, myostatin signaling components and post‐translational modulators are possible targets of pharmacological and other treatments against muscle loss, thus potentially contributing to the understanding and mitigation of muscle atrophies associated with inactivity, senescence and disease.
Evaluation of a Western Blot Method for the Detection of
Yersinia
Antibodies: Evidence of Serological Cross-Reactivity between
Yersinia
Outer Membrane Proteins and
Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Rawlins Mindy L. , Gerstner Cecilia , Hill Harry R. , Litwin Christine M.
Published: November 2005

Yersinia enterocolitica
and
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
have been identified as causative organisms of reactive arthritis in humans. We evaluated a Western blot assay which uses
Yersinia
outer membrane proteins as antigens for the detection of
Yersinia
antibodies as a replacement for the complement fixation (CF) assay. Clinical agreement, sensitivity, and specificity were determined by testing 19 positive and 21 negative serum samples by the CF assay, Western blot assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The CF assay and ELISA were compared to the Western blot assay, which was the reference method used in this study. Sera with antibodies that could potentially cross-react with
Yersinia
were also tested by the Western blot assay. The agreement, sensitivity, and specificity of the CF method were 61%, 26%, and 95%, respectively; and those for the ELISA were 89%, 95%, and 82%, respectively. The prevalences of
Yersinia
antibodies in 50 healthy donors were 6% for immunoglobulin G (IgG), 2% for IgA, and 2% for IgM. Sera positive for
Bartonella henselae
,
Brucella
,
Chlamydia pneumoniae
, and
Rickettsia rickettsii
antibodies showed cross-reactivity by the Western blot assay. The highest cross-reactivity was observed with
Borrelia burgdorferi
; 5 of 11 (45%) specimens were cross-reactive by the IgM-specific assay. Overall, the Western blot assay performs acceptably and is more sensitive than the CF assay, warranting replacement of the CF assay in the laboratory. Due to the evidence of cross-reactivity, particularly with
B. burgdorferi
, which can cause an oligoarthritis similar to reactive arthritis, the diagnosis of reactive arthritis should be based on clinical findings and complete serologic analysis of the potential causative infectious pathogens.
Serological Markers (Anti-
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Mannan Antibodies and Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Diagnostic Utility and Phenotypic Correlation
Authors: Buckland M. S. , Mylonaki M. , Rampton D. , Longhurst H. J.
Published: November 2005

We have evaluated the utility of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and anti-
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
mannan antibodies for distinguishing Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis and other diarrheal illnesses by evaluating sera from 396 patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and phenotypic correlations were investigated. The implications of our findings for implementing these tests in routine clinical testing are discussed.
Immunoglobulin G(κ) [IgG(κ)] and IgG(λ) Paraproteinemia in a Child with AIDS and Response to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Seeborg Filiz Odabasi , Gay Hannah , Schmiege Lorenz M. , Bernard David , Shearer William T.
Published: November 2005

We report an 8-year-old boy with AIDS, extremely elevated serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and IgG kappa [IgG(κ)] and IgG lambda [IgG(λ)] paraproteinemia. This paraproteinemia partially responded to highly active antiretroviral therapy. This case emphasizes the importance of controlling B-cell activation.
Evaluation of the PANBIO
Brucella
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Diagnosis of Human Brucellosis
Authors: Araj George F. , Kattar Mireille M. , Fattouh Layla G. , Bajakian Kayane O. , Kobeissi Sara A.
Published: November 2005

PANBIO
Brucella
immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were assessed against
Brucella
standard agglutination tube and Coombs tests. The sensitivities of ELISA IgG and IgM were 91% and 100%, respectively, while the specificity was 100% for both. These ELISAs are simple, rapid, and reliable for the diagnosis of human brucellosis.
Effects of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) Maternal Antibodies on Experimental Infection of Piglets with PCV2
Authors: McKeown N. E. , Opriessnig T. , Thomas P. , Guenette D. K. , Elvinger F. , Fenaux M. , Halbur P. G. , Meng X. J.
Published: November 2005

To determine the effects of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) maternal antibodies on and response to experimental PCV2 infection, 24 piglets were divided into four groups on the basis of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titers of PCV2 maternal antibodies: group A (n= 6; sample/positive [S/P] ratio, <0.2), group B (n= 5;S/Pratio, >0.2 to <0.5), and groups C (n= 8) and D (n= 5) (S/Pratio, >0.5). Piglets in groups A, B, and C were inoculated with PCV2 at day 0 and challenged with PCV2 at day 42. Group D piglets were not exposed to PCV2 at day 0 but were challenged at day 42. Before challenge, seroconversion to PCV2 antibodies occurred in five of six group A piglets, and the antibody level rose above the cutoff level in one of five group B piglets. Viremia was detected in five of six, four of five, and two of eight pigs in groups A, B, and C, respectively. After challenge, PCV2 DNA was detectable from 7 to 21 days postchallenge in the sera from six of six, four of five, three of eight, and five of five pigs in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. The results indicated that protection against PCV2 infection conferred by maternal antibodies is titer dependent: higher titers are generally protective, but low titers are not.
NONDISTORTION QUANTUM INTERROGATION
Authors: ZHOU ZHENG-WEI , MIAO LINGLING , GUO GUANG-CAN , ZHOU XINGXIANG , FELDMAN MARC J.
Published: November 2005

A general framework is presented to study nondistortion quantum interrogation (abbreviated NQI) in which process the unknown internal state of the quantum object being detected is not disturbed. The successful probabilities in single-shot and two-shot processes are discussed. Also iterative NQI is considered and the probability can go to unity under a certain condition.
HYSTERESIS IN A MEAN-FIELD SPIN MODEL: OSCILLATION BEHAVIOR AND NEGATIVE ENERGY DISSIPATION
Authors: WANG HUAI-YU
Published: November 2005

For a mean-field ferromagnetic Ising system subject to a rotating transverse external field and a bath, the hysteresis loop area is studied by a complete analytical solution of the equation of motion of magnetization. In any cycle, the loop area is proportional to the field when the field strength is small and oscillates when the field strength is strong. The oscillation comes from the modulation of the behavior of magnetization with a frequency related to the field strength, which is caused by interaction between the Ising system and the bath. In the oscillation regime, the loop area can be negative except in the first cycle.
RECOVERY OF TRACEABILITY LINKS BETWEEN SOFTWARE DOCUMENTATION AND SOURCE CODE
Authors: MARCUS ANDRIAN , MALETIC JONATHAN I. , SERGEYEV ANDREY
Published: November 2005

An approach for the semi-automated recovery of traceability links between software documentation and source code is presented. The methodology is based on the application of information retrieval techniques to extract and analyze the semantic information from the source code and associated documentation. A semi-automatic process is defined based on the proposed methodology.

The paper advocates the use of latent semantic indexing (LSI) as the supporting information retrieval technique. Two case studies using existing software are presented comparing this approach with others. The case studies show positive results for the proposed approach, especially considering the flexibility of the methods used.
THE STRUCTURE PRINCIPLE OF SILICON MICROMACHINED GYROSCOPE DRIVEN BY THE ROTATING CARRIER
Authors: ZHANG FUXUE , WANG HONGWEI , ZHANG WEI , MAO XU , ZHANG NAN
Published: November 2005

The structural principle of a novel silicon micromachined gyroscope, driven by the rotating carrier's angular velocity, is presented in this paper. The authors construct the mathematical module of the micromachined gyroscope and the dynamics parameters of the micromachined gyroscope are also analyzed and calculated. The signal detecting circuit of the micromachined gyroscope is described. The micromachined gyroscope uses capacitive variation to sense angular velocity and such operation principle is demonstrated in the paper. Then, the signal processing circuit of the micromachined gyroscope is analyzed in detail. Finally, the finite element analysis tool — ANSYS software is used to analyze the oscillation module and frequency response of the micromachined gyroscope. The theoretical research and computer imitation have certified that the structural principle of the silicon micromachined gyroscope driven by rotating carrier's angular velocity is correct.
OPTIMIZED QUANTITATIVE BILATERAL SYMMETRY DETECTION
Authors: HUEBNER KAI , WESTHOFF DANIEL , ZHANG JIANWEI
Published: November 2005

In [Westhoff et al., 2005], we proposed a novel method to determine illumination-invariant features in images. The quantitative bilateral symmetry of a given scene is computed using dynamic programming before applying the resulting symmetry image and feature vector signatures to an omnidirectional motion tracking task. Compared to other approaches to symmetry detection in computer vision, the results of our novel algorithm describe symmetry in terms of an absolute region instead of a relative degree. In this paper, we describe further optimizations and details of the proposed Dynamic Programming Symmetry feature detection algorithm (DPS algorithm).
DUAL FORMULATION OF OPTIMAL PROBLEM FOR CONTINUOUS-TIME SYSTEMS
Authors: HE HANLIN , WANG QIAN , LIAO XIAOXIN
Published: November 2005

The dual formulation of the maximal-minimal problem for an objective function of the error response to a fixed input in the continuous-time systems is given by a result of Fenchel dual. This formulation probably changes the original problem in the infinite dimensional space into the maximal problem with some restrained conditions in the finite dimensional space, which can be researched by finite dimensional space theory. When the objective function is given by the norm of the error response, the maximum of the error response or minimum of the error response, the dual formulation for the problems of L1-optimal control, the minimum of maximal error response, and the minimal overshoot etc. can be obtained, which gives a method for studying these problems.
DETECTION AND ANALYSIS OF MOVING OBJECTS FOR VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
Authors: WU YOUFU , DAI MO
Published: November 2005

In this paper, we address the problem of detection and analysis of moving objects in a video stream obtained by a fixed camera. To detect the moving objects, the tradition method is to create a fixed image first, which includes all the motionless parts of the scene, known as the background model. The difficulty of this approach lies mainly in two aspects: The first relates to the fact that a slow moving object can leave a visible trace in background model. The latter comes from the variation of illumination in the course of time so it cannot obtain a reasonable background model. To overcome these difficulties, we propose a multiple background model. At the exit of the detection of moving objects, the tracking (matching) of a moving object extracted in the successive images is necessary to analyze its behavior. After the matching of mobile objects, a series of analysis methods are presented. The proposed tracking and analysis methods allow dealing with partial occlusions, stopping and going motion, moving directions, crossing of moving object in very challenging situations. The experiment and comparison results are reported for different real sequences, which show better performance of our methods.
Segment-based proxy caching for distributed cooperative media content servers
Authors: Song Jia
Published: November 2005

Deploying proxy servers on locations geographically close to the users can significantly reduce response time and network traffic. Proxy servers usually cache recently or frequently requested web objects temporarily in the hope of satisfying future client requests without repeatedly connecting to servers containing them. In reference [2], event-driven simulations were performed to evaluate the variable-sized, distance-sensitive segment approach to proxy caching of large media objects. The performance of the segment-based proxy caching was also compared with a whole media approach and a prefix/suffix approach. In this paper, we study more complex systems comprised of a proxy server and a few media servers following the same data migration protocol as proposed by Baker and Moon [3] for Distributed Cooperative Web Servers (DCWS). We vary the number of the media servers in the system and conduct event-driven simulations on them, comparisons are made on the performance achieved by systems with different number of servers. Our simulation results reveal that the network performance improves significantly when the caching of media files is segment-based and segments are allowed to migrate among the content servers.
A new multi-stage secret sharing scheme using one-way function
Authors: Chang Ting-Yi , Hwang Min-Shiang , Yang Wei-Pang
Published: November 2005

He and Dawson proposed a multi-stage secret sharing scheme based on one-way function. In that scheme, many secrets are reconstructed stage-by-stage in the dealer's predetermined order, and only one secret shadow is kept by every participant. When all the secrets have been reconstructed, the dealer needs not redistribute fresh shadows to every participant. Later, Harn further improved the He-Dawson scheme to reduce the total number of public values. However, in this paper, we will show that both the He-Dawson scheme and Harn's scheme are one-time-use schemes and that many secrets cannot in fact be reconstructed stage-by-stage. At the same time, we shall also modify the He-Dawson scheme to improve the drawbacks above and show the improved scheme can be applied.
A speed-based adaptive dynamic parallel downloading technique
Authors: Xu Zhou , Xianliang Lu , Mengshu Hou , Chuan Zhan
Published: November 2005

In this paper, we describe adPD, an improved parallel downloading approach for Peer-to-Peer environment. adPD assigns each server equal portion of file as large as possible, and ensures client downloading from each server without interrupt. And after faster servers finish their own work, adPD reallocates part of unfinished work of some slower servers to them. This reallocation is proportional to the ratio of server speed. By this means, adPD dynamically adjusts the proportion of a file retrieved from each server during the downloading process to match the bandwidth of each connection, and also reduces the number of block requests as many as possible. Our experiment results show that adPD is an effective parallel download scheme in Peer-to-Peer environment.
A new hardware capability architecture
Authors: Wilkes M. W.
Published: November 2005

In existing capability machines, such as the CAP and the Plessey 250, the programmer recognises two types of segment, one in which he keeps capabilities and one in which he keeps data words and instructions. The hardware provides two kinds of access, C-type and D-type; generally speaking, C-type access is used for capability segments and D-type access for segments containing data and instructions but, exceptionally, a highly privileged routine within the operating system may have a D-type capability for a segment containing capabilities.
A parallel between operating system and human government
Authors: Klossner Andrew
Published: November 2005

Operating systems and governments exist to perform analogous functions. A parallel can be drawn: operating systems are to computer programs as governments are to people. An understanding of the manifestations of this parallel should allow the computer engineer and the political scientist to draw from each other's field.
Cheddar
Authors: Singhoff F. , Legrand J. , Nana L. , Marcé L.
Published: November 2005

This paper describes an Ada framework called Cheddar which provides tools to check if a real time application meets its temporal constraints. The framework is based on the real time scheduling theory and is mostly written for educational purposes. With Cheddar, an application is defined by a set of processors, tasks, buffers, shared resources and messages. Cheddar provides feasibility tests in the cases of monoprocessor, multiprocessor and distributed systems. It also provides a flexible simulation engine which allows the designer to describe and run simulations of specific systems. The framework is open and has been designed to be easily connected to CASE tools such as editors, design tools, simulators, ...
Measuring the effectiveness of ACATS
Authors: Smith Geoff T.
Published: November 2005

This paper reviews the effectiveness of the Ada Conformity Assessment Test Suite (ACATS) for testing the implicit components of an Ada application. Rough measures are achieved on the basis of both requirements coverage and structural coverage.
Information systems security engineering
Authors: Davis James F.
Published: November 2005

The purpose of this research paper is to illustrate the industrial and federal need for Information Systems Security Engineering (ISSE) in order to build Information Assurance (IA) into a system rather than the current costly practice of fixing systems after production. Extensive research was performed by collecting information from throughout the World Wide Web to include sites such as the National Security Agency's Homepage, the Information Assurance Technical Framework Homepage, the Workshop for Application of Engineering Principles to System Security Design, as well as many others. This research realized the following findings: (1) IA is dangerously left out of systems engineering processes; (2) a consortium from academia, industry and the federal government have formalized ISSE and its processes; (3) federally sponsored and industrially sponsored professional certifications exist for security engineers practicing ISSE; (4) ISSE, however, is not greatly used today due to a lack of understanding and a perceived high cost; (5) end-users are beginning to understand IA and are calling for more secure systems. This paper was written to illustrate a way forward, a method to bring ISSE to the frontlines of systems engineering and bring to life a notional concept of Designing for Security. This paper does not provide quantitative analyses as to the benefits of ISSE vs. the initial up front costs; however, further research should be accomplished in the future to address this. In conclusion, I recommend that ISSE must be identified as a critical component of the systems engineering lifecycle and be properly utilized to ensure that future products meet the IA demands of the end user. To achieve this, academia must build degree programs to educate ISSE and incorporate ISSE into existing degree programs; industry and the federal government must both embrace these principles and apply these techniques to their post-production, active engineering as well as new program developments.
Enforcing security and safety models with an information flow analysis tool
Authors: Chapman Roderick , Hilton Adrian
Published: November 2005

Existing security models require that information of a given security level be prevented from ``leaking'' into lower-security information. High-security applications must be demonstrably free of such leaks, but such demonstration may require substantial manual analysis. Other authors have argued that the natural way to enforce these models automatically is with information-flow analysis, but have not shown this to be practicable for general purpose programming languages in current use.

Modern safety-critical systems can contain software components with differing safety integrity levels, potentially operating in the same address space. This case poses problems similar to systems with differing security levels; failure to show separation of data may require the entire system to be validated at the higher integrity level.

In this paper we show how the information flow model enforced by the SPARK Examiner provides support for enforcing these security and safety models. We describe an extension to the SPARK variable annotations which allows the specification of a security or safety level for each state variable, and an extension to the SPARK analysis which automatically enforces a given information flow policy on a SPARK program.
Information processing model of information technology adaptation
Authors: Cooper Randolph B. , Wolfe Richard A.
Published: November 2005

Appropriate information technology (IT) diffusion facilitates the achievement of expected return on IT investments. The purpose of this study is to advance IT diffusion research by employing information processing theory as a lens with which to examine the adaptation (design, development, and installation) process. This is in contrast to much of the IT diffusion research, which focuses on factors affecting usage of an IT by members of an organization. We link information processing theory to the innovation diffusion literature by considering attributes of the IT and those of the adopting organization in order to determine what information processing media characteristics will lead to effective adaptation. An IT adaptation case study is also employed to build on and extend elements of information processing and innovation diffusion theories. These exercises result in an information processing model of IT adaptation.The model suggests that appropriately matching information processing volume and richness to uncertainty and equivocality reduction requirements of an IT innovation contributes to successful IT adaptation. Propositions are offered that provide guidance for achieving this match by outlining relationships among IT and organization attributes, as well as indicating how those attributes determine levels of uncertainty and equivocality. Further, the propositions suggest how organizations can appropriately manage uncertainty and equivocality during IT adaptation.
Privacy, fair information practices and the fortune 500
Authors: Schwaig Kathy Stewart , Kane Gerald C. , Storey Veda C.
Published: November 2005

Corporate information privacy policies are receiving increased attention in the information privacy debate. Prior studies used Web surveys to analyze the content of online information privacy policies and to assess whether or not the policies comply with a standard known as the Fair Information Practices. One assumption of these studies is that the main role of a privacy policy is to protect the consumer by communicating a firm's information practices. This paper employs Habermas's Theory of Communicative Action to uncover the much more complex and multifaceted roles that privacy policies actually play in a social context. Overall, the study's findings offer insights into the reflective nature of information privacy policies, specifically their role in social interactions among companies, consumers and government regulators. The theoretical and managerial implications of the results are discussed and directions for future research provided.
Using abstractions to make concepts concrete
Authors: Bruce Kim B.
Published: November 2005

As instructors we work hard at teaching our students why and how to create appropriate abstractions in order to simplify program design and implementation. Interestingly, we sometimes neglect to take advantage of the fact that we can also use abstractions to benefit teaching and learning. In this talk I'll present some examples of useful abstractions that can make computer science concepts more concrete for novices. I'll also discuss the importance of understanding and using languages that provide support for creating abstractions in developing software.
Resolved
Authors: Astrachan Owen , Bruce Kim , Koffman Elliot , Kölling Michael , Reges Stuart
Published: November 2005

The participants will use a debate format with a provocative thesis to explore the pedagogical approach known as "objects early" or "objects first." By arguing in the affirmative, Elliot Koffman and Stuart Reges will point out concerns that have been raised about the approach. By arguing in the negative, Kim Bruce and Michael Kölling will describe schools that are succeeding with the approach and ways to address significant concerns. Owen Astrachan as moderator will ensure that the debate remains civil and will provide some humorous and possibly even insightful commentary on the evidence presented by both sides.
SIGCSE special projects showcase
Authors: Fincher Sally
Published: November 2005

This session showcases the projects that have received support from a SIGCSE Special Project Award in the previous year.
Building an XQuery interpreter in a compiler construction course
Authors: More Sara Miner , Pevzner Tim , Deutsch Alin , Baden Scott , Kube Paul
Published: November 2005

For two years, we have been teaching a quarter-long compiler construction course where students implement an interpreter for a variant of the XML query language XQuery. Our goal is to motivate students' interest in the course by exposing them to an interesting and powerful new language which they see as relevant to potential future experiences. In this paper, we first explain the workings of the course itself, and then describe some pedagogically interesting variants of the XQuery language. We close with a discussion of challenges faced and conclusions.
Accessibility in introductory computer science
Authors: Cohen Robert F. , Fairley Alexander V. , Gerry David , Lima Gustavo R.
Published: November 2005

This paper describes our efforts to integrate software accessibility into the CS1 curriculum. Accessibility is an important aspect of modern software systems for both legal and ethical reasons. The acceptance of Java as language for CS1 gives us the opportunity to teach accessibility from the beginning, since Java Accessibility is simple and integrated into Swing components. We present simple guidelines on how to incorporate Accessibility into a Java based CS1, and describe programming projects that incorporate accessibility.
Students with Asperger's syndrome in the CS classroom
Authors: Egan Mary Anne L.
Published: November 2005

More students with Asperger's Syndrome are entering higher education and a majority of these students are choosing a computer science curriculum. With an increasing number of students with disabilities in the classroom, it is important to understand the particular aspects of a disability that will affect classroom situations. This paper presents common characteristics of students with Asperger's Syndrome and offers techniques that will maximize the student's educational experience and minimize disturbance to other students.