bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study on the Effect of Water Stress on the Photosynthesis and Water Relations of Triticale, Rye and Wheat
Authors: Uprety D. C. , Sirohi G. S.
Published: April 2008

An attempt was made to investigate the effect of water stress treatment on the components of photosynthesis and water relations of triticale (Triticale octoploide), Russian rye (Secale cereale) and wheat, (Triticum aestivum var. Sonalika). The results revealed that there was no significant adverse effect of water stress on the photosynthesis of triticale compared to wheat and rye. The maintenance of photosynthetic productivity under water stress in triticale has been accomplished by (a) reduction in water loss by stomatal behaviour and (b) by maintenance of water uptake through continued transpirational flow. Both these mechanisms served to maintain high water potential as stress occures. This ameliorates the onset of stress and helps to maintain photosynthesis. The rye also consists of another type of adaptability to drought through significant recovery of photosynthesis and chlorophyll development on reirrigation particularly at post‐anthesis stage, when other species failed to recover. However, in wheat Sonalika both these adaptive characteristics did not exist in such intensity.
Cardiac sympathovagal modulation evaluated by short‐term heart interval variability is subtly impaired in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: De Vilhena Toledo Maria Alice , Junqueira Luiz Fernando
Published: April 2008

Aim:  Alzheimer's disease affects several nervous structures involved with the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, the still scarce evaluation of the cardiac autonomic function in this disease is of great functional, clinical, prognostic and therapeutic relevance.

Methods:  Time‐ and frequency‐domain variability of 5‐min R‐R interval series in supine and standing positions was comparatively evaluated in 22 Alzheimer's disease subjects, aged 60–87 years (mean ± standard error of the mean, 79.6 ± 1.4) with variable cognitive impairment, and 24 healthy individuals, aged 60–91 years (68.6 ± 1.6). The Student's t‐test was used to compare the variability indices between the groups and logistic regression excluded the effects on these indices in the Alzheimer's group of confounding variables different from the control group (age, physical activity and caffeinated intake), at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.

Results:  No difference was observed between the groups (P = 0.12–0.72) for each time‐domain mean indices and for the frequency‐domain indices of overall and absolute sympathetic modulation in both positions (P = 0.21–0.78). Absolute parasympathetic modulation showed borderline decrease in supine position (P = 0.07) and was reduced in the standing (P = 0.05). The sympathovagal balance was altered (P = 0.05) toward relative parasympathetic borderline depression (P = 0.07) and sympathetic exacerbation (P = 0.04) only in the supine posture.

Conclusion:  Data indicate that Alzheimer's disease subjects with mild‐to‐severe cognitive dysfunction showed subtle, absolute and relative parasympathetic depression and relative sympathetic exacerbation, which may even so contribute to distinctive functional and cognitive disturbances.
Diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in the elderly by general practitioners
Authors: Okamura Kikuo , Hasegawa Tomonori , Nojiri Yoshikatsu , Kobayashi Mineo , Murase Toshiyuki , Yanagihara Takashi , Okamoto Yoshihito
Published: April 2008

Aim:  We investigated the diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by general practitioners (GPs) according to the Practical Manual for LUTS Evaluation and Treatment in the Elderly For GPs.

Methods:  Using the manual, 14 GPs determined LUTS severity using the International Prostate Symptom Score, Quality of Life Index, post‐void residual urine volume and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form, then evaluated utilization of the frequency volume charts and other examinations to treat LUTS and assessed treatment effectiveness.

Results:  This study included 52 men (aged 71 ± 9 years) and 37 women (73 ± 9). Voiding symptoms were more frequent in men but storage symptoms occurred similarly in both sexes. The overall severities of LUTS were similar between sexes. Of 36 men and 27 women who were treated, water restriction for polyuria and nocturnal polyuria was recommended for 17 men and 14 women, bladder training for six women, and pelvic floor exercise for three men and 16 women as behavioral therapy. Of 27 men and 25 women whose treatment effectiveness was assessed by GPs, effectiveness was judged as “fairly good” or greater in 20 men (74%) and 23 women (92%). Eleven men (40%) and 20 women (80%) were satisfied with their treatment.

Conclusion:  It is suggested that GPs can provide high‐quality LUTS practice when they follow the manual and use the recommended tools for evaluation and monitoring.
GLP‐1: physiological effects and potential therapeutic applications
Authors: Aaboe Kasper , Krarup Thure , Madsbad Sten , Holst Jens Juul
Published: April 2008

Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) is a gut‐derived incretin hormone with the potential to change diabetes. The physiological effects of GLP‐1 are multiple, and many seem to ameliorate the different conditions defining the diverse physiopathology seen in type 2 diabetes. In animal studies, GLP‐1 stimulates β‐cell proliferation and neogenesis and inhibits β‐cell apoptosis. In humans, GLP‐1 stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon and gastrointestinal secretions and motility. It enhances satiety and reduces food intake and has beneficial effects on cardiovascular function and endothelial dysfunction. Enhancing incretin action for therapeutic use includes GLP‐1 receptor agonists resistant to degradation (incretin mimetics) and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitors. In clinical trials with type 2 diabetic patients on various oral antidiabetic regimes, both treatment modalities efficaciously improve glycaemic control and β‐cell function. Whereas the incretin mimetics induce weight loss, the DPP‐4 inhibitors are considered weight neutral. In type 1 diabetes, treatment with GLP‐1 shows promising effects. However, several areas need clinical confirmation: the durability of the weight loss, the ability to preserve functional β‐cell mass and the applicability in other than type 2 diabetes. As such, long‐term studies and studies with cardiovascular end‐points are needed to confirm the true benefits of these new classes of antidiabetic drugs in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Hypoglycaemic symptoms, treatment satisfaction, adherence and their associations with glycaemic goal in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: findings from the Real‐Life Effectiveness and Care Patterns of Diabetes Management (RECAP‐DM) Study
Authors: Guisasola F. Álvarez , Povedano S. Tofé , Krishnarajah G. , Lyu R. , Mavros P. , Yin D.
Published: April 2008

Aims:  This study was undertaken to evaluate (i) factors associated with patient‐reported hypoglycaemia; (ii) association of patient‐reported hypoglycaemic symptoms with treatment satisfaction and barriers to adherence and (iii) association between treatment satisfaction, adherence and glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes who added a sulphonylurea or a thiazolidinedione to ongoing metformin.

Methods:  This observational, cross‐sectional, multicentre study was conducted in seven countries (Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain and UK) from June 2006 to February 2007. Patients with type 2 diabetes who added a sulphonylurea or a thiazolidinedione to ongoing metformin therapy on a date (index date) from January 2001 through January 2006 and who had at least one haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) measurement in the 12‐month period before the visit date were eligible. Questionnaires were used to ascertain patients’ reports of hypoglycaemic symptoms, treatment satisfaction, and treatment adherence. The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication was used to measure patients’ treatment satisfaction. An adherence and barriers questionnaire was used to measure patients’ adherence to treatment. Glycaemic control was based on documented HbA1C measurements within the prior 12 months.

Results:  The mean ± s.d. age was 62.9 ± 10.6 years, and the mean ± s.d. duration of diabetes was 7.8 ± 5.1 years. HbA1C in this population of patients who had failed metformin monotherapy and were treated with oral antihyperglycaemic agents was below the International Diabetes Federation goal of 6.5% in only 477 (27.9%) patients. Approximately 38% of patients reported hypoglycaemic symptoms during the past year. Hypoglycaemia was significantly more likely in patients with a history of macrovascular complications of diabetes (OR = 1.346; 95% CI = 1.050–1.725) and with no regular physical activity (OR = 1.295; 95% CI = 1.037–1.618). Patients reporting hypoglycaemia had significantly lower treatment satisfaction scores (71.6 ± 17.6 vs. 76.3 ± 16.8; p < 0.0001 for global satisfaction). Compared with their counterparts reporting no hypoglycaemic symptoms, patients with such symptoms were also significantly more likely to report barriers to adherence, including being unsure about instructions (37.0 vs. 30.5%; p = 0.0057). Patients at HbA1C goal had significantly higher treatment satisfaction and adherence compared with those who were not.

Conclusions:  Patients’ reports of hypoglycaemic symptoms are common in European outpatients with type 2 diabetes and are associated with significantly lower treatment satisfaction and with barriers to adherence. In addition, being at HbA1C goal is associated with treatment satisfaction and adherence.
Development of a diabetes treatment simulation model: with application to assessing alternative treatment intensification strategies on survival and diabetes‐related complications
Authors: Chen J. , Alemao E. , Yin D. , Cook J.
Published: April 2008

Aims:  The objective of this analysis is to project the long‐term impacts on life expectancy and occurrence over 5, 10, and 40 years of microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes when using different haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) thresholds for intensifying treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Methods:  A flexible, discrete‐event simulation model has been developed to evaluate alternative treatment strategies based on the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study Outcomes Model. In the present analysis, the model is used to investigate the impact of alternative HbA1c thresholds for treatment intensification ranging from 7.0 to 9.0%. For each intensification strategy, the model is run using 80 simulated patients for each of 1224 patient profiles from the Real‐Life Effectiveness and Care Patterns of Diabetes Management study (for a total of 97 920 simulated patients) to project the number of patients who will experience diabetes‐related complications over time.

Results:  The use of lower HbA1c thresholds for intensifying treatment is associated with improved long‐term outcomes. When the HbA1c threshold for intensifying therapy from oral treatment to basal insulin (T1) is 7.0% and the threshold for intensifying basal insulin to multiple‐dose insulin (T2) is 7.0%, simulated patients spend 54% of their time with HbA1c >7.0%, but 95% of their time with HbA1c >7.0% if T1 and T2 are set to 9.0%. More aggressive or proactive treatment postures are projected to reduce clinical events, including diabetes‐related deaths and diabetes‐related complications, particularly myocardial infarctions (MIs). When T1 and T2 are set to 7.0%, there are 592 fewer diabetes‐related deaths in the first 5 years of the simulation and 3740 fewer deaths over 40 years compared with the results when T1 and T2 are set to 9.0%. These decreases in deaths were also associated with a 0.35 year gain in projected life expectancy. Compared with an aggressive strategy with both T1 and T2 being 7%, 644 more patients are projected to experience at least one episode of MI in the first 5 years if treatment intensification is delayed until HbA1c reaches 9.0%. This number increases over time, reaching 2906 additional patients experiencing at least one MI over a 40‐year time period.

Conclusions:  We report results from a discrete‐event simulation model to explore the impact of alternative treatment strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes. Strategies that intensify therapy (in response to rising HbA1c levels) at lower HbA1c thresholds (e.g. 7.0%) are associated with enhanced projected long‐term health outcomes.
Bilateral corneoconjunctival dermoids and nasal choristomas in a calf
Authors: Brudenall Denise K. , Ward Daniel A. , Kerr Larry A. , Newman Shelley J.
Published: April 2008

A 5‐day‐old Angus × Hereford calf presented for bilateral haired masses on the eyes and nasolabial planum since birth. The masses were surgically excised from the inferonasal cornea and bulbar conjunctiva of both eyes and the left and right side of the dorsomedial nasolabial planum. Histopathology of the excised tissue confirmed bilateral corneoconjunctival dermoids with ectopic lacrimal glands, and bilateral nasal choristomas and ectopic nasal glandular tissue. Surgery was curative and healing was uneventful. Bilateral ocular dermoids in combination with nasal choristomas and ectopic glandular tissue have not been documented previously in cattle.
Loss of glutamine synthetase immunoreactivity from the retina in canine primary glaucoma
Authors: Chen Chu‐Te , Alyahya Khaleel , Gionfriddo Juliet R. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Madl James E.
Published: April 2008

Purpose Changes in retinal glutamate distribution occur in primary glaucoma (PG) in dogs. Although the redistribution resembles that induced by ischemia, decreases in glutamine synthetase (GS) activity may also induce a similar glutamate redistribution. We examined the distribution of GS, glutamate, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker for reactive glia, in PG retinas by immunohistochemistry to determine whether decreases in GS and formation of reactive glia are associated with glutamate redistribution and neuronal damage.

Animals Sections from 14 control dog eyes and 22 eyes from dogs with PG.

Methods Sections from 14 control and 22 glaucomatous globes were immunohistochemically stained for GS, glial fibrillary acidic protein or glutamate.

Results In semiquantitative immunogold studies, decreases in GS staining density were strongly correlated with glutamate redistribution and neuronal damage. In less quantitative immunoperoxidase staining of acute (≤ 5 days after clinical signs) and chronic PG retinas, GS immunoreactivity was decreased in focal regions of some acute PG retinas, and there were widespread decreases in chronic PG retinas. GFAP immunoreactivity was increased in Müller cells primarily in severely damaged regions of chronic PG retinas.

Conclusions Decreases in GS immunoreactivity were associated with glutamate redistribution. These decreases in GS occurred even in mildly damaged regions of retina before retinal thinning. Reactive Müller cells were seen primarily in chronic PG in severely damaged regions. Decreases in GS may potentiate ischemia‐induced early glutamate redistribution and neuronal damage in canine PG.
Effects of nitrous oxide on IOP and pupillary diameter in dogs anesthetized with varying concentrations of desflurane
Authors: Almeida Denise E. , Nishimori Celina T. , Oriá Arianne P. , Paula Danielli P. , Nunes Newton , Laus José L.
Published: April 2008

Objective   The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of nitrous oxide on IOP and pupillary diameter (PD) of dogs anesthetized with varying desflurane concentrations.

Animals studied   Twenty adult Mongrel dogs were used.

Methods   They were anesthetized with propofol (10 mg/kg, IV) and maintained with varying concentrations of desflurane (1.6, 1.4, and 1.2 MAC) diluted in 100% oxygen (G1) or in 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen (G2) (30 mL/kg/min). IOP was measured by applanation tonometry and horizontal PD was taken with a caliper adjacent to the cornea. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and end‐tidal CO2 (etCO2) were also measured. All parameters were measured at T0, T30, T45, and T60 time points. One‐way repeated measures anova and the t‐test were used to assess statistical differences (P < 0.05).

Results   T30, T45, and T60 IOP measures were within normal limits for both groups and IOP did not differ between groups at any time. There was a significant decrease in PD in G1 between T0 and T30, T45 and T60, and also between T30 and T60. PD did not differ between groups. All vital parameters were within normal limits throughout anesthesia.

Conclusions   Administration of nitrous oxide with desflurane results in maintenance of normal IOP and prevents a decrease in horizontal PD during anesthesia. Therefore, this may be a suitable protocol in dogs undergoing intraocular surgeries that require mydriasis and maintenance of normal IOP.
Aqueous humor myocilin protein levels in normal, genetic carriers, and glaucoma Beagles
Authors: MacKay E. O. , Källberg M. E. , Gelatt K. N.
Published: April 2008

Objective  The gene (myocilin: MYOC) has been attributed to be involved in over 6% of inherited types of human glaucoma, the highest correlation for any gene to date. This study determines myocilin protein levels in the aqueous humor (AH) of normal laboratory quality, genetic carrier (offspring of normal laboratory quality and POAG Beagles), and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) Beagles.

Materials and methods  Eighteen dogs were used and classified as either normal, carrier or having mild, moderate or advanced POAG. A 0.1‐mL sample of AH was drawn from the anterior chamber of each dog in the study and frozen on dry ice. A modified Coomassie stain and Western blot, using a polyclonal rabbit antihuman myocilin antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, Santa Cruz, CA), was run on each sample to compare the myocilin levels. A purified human trabecular meshwork excreted myocilin protein sample was used as a control (Alcon Research Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX) and its band/densitometry measurement was defined as one unit of myocilin for comparisons.

Results  Comparisons of AH myocilin levels differed among normal laboratory quality, genetic carrier, and POAG Beagles at different stages of the disease. In the normal laboratory, Beagles the AH myocilin measured 0.817 ± 0.075 units (mean ± SEM); in the carrier Beagles the AH myocilin was 3.117 ± 0.290 units. As POAG progressed, myocilin protein levels also increased to 6.097 ± 0.810, 8.844 ± 1.079, and 17.228 ± 1.198 units in the early, moderate, and advanced forms, respectively. Overall comparisons between normal, carrier and all POAG Beagles combined showed significant differences (P < 0.0010). Individual comparisons between normal and carrier eyes showed significant differences (P < 0.0193). Comparisons between normal and all POAG eyes also showed significant differences (P < 0.0426).

Conclusion  This study shows myocilin protein is present in normal Beagles, markedly increased in POAG Beagles, and mildly increased in genetic carrier Beagles. There is a strong correlation between amounts of AH myocilin protein and the presence and severity of POAG. The exact role of AH myocilin levels in the genesis of ocular hypertension remains unresolved, but myocilin may adversely affect AH outflow.
Ophthalmic examination findings in a colony of Screech owls (Megascops asio)
Authors: Harris M. C. , Schorling J. J. , Herring I. P. , Elvinger F. , Bright P. R. , Pickett J. P.
Published: April 2008

Objective To report ophthalmic findings in the Screech owl (Megascops asio).

Sample population Twenty‐three, apparently healthy adult captive Screech owls in Maryland.

Procedures OU of all owls underwent complete ophthalmic examination. One randomly assigned eye of each bird was measured by phenol red thread tear test (PRT), and the other eye by Schirmer tear test (STT). TonoVet®rebound tonometry and TonoPen‐XL®applanation tonometry were performed in each eye to measure IOP. Conjunctival swabs were cultured from one eye of 10 birds, corneal diameter was measured in OU of eight birds, and streak retinoscopy was performed on OU of seven birds. Ten birds were anesthetized, and A‐scan ultrasonography using a 15‐MHz probe was performed to obtain axial intraocular measurements.

Results Ophthalmic abnormalities were noted in 24/46 (52%) of eyes. Median STT result was ≤ 2 mm/min, ranging ≤ 2–6 mm/min, and mean ± SD PRT was 15 ± 4.3 mm/15 s. Mean ± SD IOP were 9 ± 1.8 mmHg TonoVet®‐P, 14 ± 2.4 mmHg TonoVet®‐D, and 11 ± 1.9 mmHg TonoPen‐XL®. Coagulase negative staphylococcal organisms were cultured from all conjunctival swabs. Mean ± SD corneal dimensions were 14.5 ± 0.5 mm vertically and 15.25 ± 0.5 mm horizontally. All refracted birds were within one diopter of emmetropia. Mean ± SD axial distance from the cornea to the anterior lens capsule was 4.03 ± 0.3 mm, from cornea to the posterior lens capsule was 10.8 ± 0.5 mm, and from cornea to sclera was 20.33 ± 0.6 mm.

Conclusions This study reports ophthalmic examination findings in Screech owls, and provide means and ranges for various ocular measurements. This is the first report of rebound tonometry and PRT in owls.
Reference values for selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests of the capuchin monkey (Cebus apella)
Authors: Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , Shaw Gillian , Mattos Bianca Chaim , Russ Heloisa Helena Abil , Vilani Ricardo G. D’O.C.
Published: April 2008

Purpose To perform selected ophthalmic diagnostic tests in healthy capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) with the aim of establishing normal physiological reference values for this species.

Methods A total of 15 healthy, capuchin monkeys were used to test most of the parameters in this investigation. Five of the 15 monkeys were used for the evaluation of normal conjunctival flora. Ages varied from 6 to 20 years of age. Selected diagnostic ocular tests were performed including Schirmer tear test (STT), tonometry using an applanation tonometer (Tonopen®), central corneal thickness (CCT) using an ultrasonic pachymeter (Sonomed, Micropach®, Model 200P+) and culture of the normal conjunctival bacterial flora.

Results and discussion Results for selected ocular diagnostic tests investigated here for the capuchin monkey eye were as follows: IOP: 18.4 ± 3.8 mmHg; STT: 14.9 ± 5.1 mm/min; CCT: 0.46 ± 0.03 mm. No statistically significant differences between ages or genders were found for any of the results.Streptococcussp. andCorynebacteriumsp. were isolated from healthy conjunctival and eyelid margins, suggesting they are normal constituents of the conjunctival flora of the capuchin monkey.

The data obtained in this investigation will help veterinary ophthalmologists and laboratory animal medicine specialists to more accurately diagnose ocular diseases in the capuchin monkey. These ophthalmic reference values will be particularly useful to diagnose discrete or unusual pathological changes of the capuchin monkey eye.
PURCHASING POWER PARITY FOR DEVELOPING AND DEVELOPED COUNTRIES. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM NON‐STATIONARY PANEL DATA MODELS?
Authors: Drine Imed , Rault Christophe
Published: April 2008

Abstract The aim of this paper is to apply recently developed panel cointegration techniques proposed by Pedroni (Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics 61 (1999): Supplement, 653–670; Econometric Theory 20 (2004): 597–625) and generalized by Banerjee and Carrion‐i‐Silvestre (Working Paper 591, European Central Bank, February 2006) to examine the robustness of the PPP concept for a sample of 80 developed and developing countries. We find that strong PPP is verified for OECD countries and weak PPP for Middle East and North African countries. However, in African, Asian, Latin American and Central and Eastern European countries, PPP does not seem relevant to characterize the long‐run behavior of the real exchange rate. Further investigations indicate that the nature of the exchange rate regime does not condition the validity of PPP, which is more easily accepted in countries with high rather than low inflation.
High‐Resolution Volumetric Computation of Offset Surfaces with Feature Preservation
Authors: Pavić Darko , Kobbelt Leif
Published: April 2008

We present a new algorithm for the efficient and reliable generation of offset surfaces for polygonal meshes. The algorithm is robust with respect to degenerate configurations and computes (self‐)intersection free offsets that do not miss small and thin components. The results are correct within a prescribed ε‐tolerance. This is achieved by using a volumetric approach where the offset surface is defined as the union of a set of spheres, cylinders, and prisms instead of surface‐based approaches that generally construct an offset surface by shifting the input mesh in normal direction. Since we are using the unsigned distance field, we can handle any type of topological inconsistencies including non‐manifold configurations and degenerate triangles. A simple but effective mesh operation allows us to detect and include sharp features (shocks) into the output mesh and to preserve them during post‐processing (decimation and smoothing). We discretize the distance function by an efficient multi‐level scheme on an adaptive octree data structure. The problem of limited voxel resolutions inherent to every volumetric approach is avoided by breaking the bounding volume into smaller tiles and processing them independently. This allows for almost arbitrarily high voxel resolutions on a commodity PC while keeping the output mesh complexity low. The quality and performance of our algorithm is demonstrated for a number of challenging examples.
Video Relighting Using Infrared Illumination
Authors: Wang Oliver , Davis James , Chuang Erika , Rickard Ian , De Mesa Krystle , Dave Chirag
Published: April 2008

Inappropriate lighting is often responsible for poor quality video. In most offices and homes, lighting is not designed for video conferencing. This can result in unevenly lit faces, distracting shadows, and unnatural colors. We present a method for relighting faces that reduces the effects of uneven lighting and color. Our setup consists of a compact lighting rig and a camera that is both inexpensive and inconspicuous to the user. We use unperceivable infrared (IR) lights to obtain an illumination bases of the scene. Our algorithm computes an optimally weighted combination of IR bases to minimize lighting inconsistencies in foreground areas and reduce the effects of colored monitor light. However, IR relighting alone results in images with an unnatural ghostly appearance, thus a retargeting technique is presented which removes the unnatural IR effects and produces videos that have substantially more balanced intensity and color than the original video.
Floating Textures
Authors: Eisemann M. , De Decker B. , Magnor M. , Bekaert P. , De Aguiar E. , Ahmed N. , Theobalt C. , Sellent A.
Published: April 2008

We present a novel multi‐view, projective texture mapping technique. While previous multi‐view texturing approaches lead to blurring and ghosting artefacts if 3D geometry and/or camera calibration are imprecise, we propose a texturing algorithm that warps (“floats”) projected textures during run‐time to preserve crisp, detailed texture appearance. Our GPU implementation achieves interactive to real‐time frame rates. The method is very generally applicable and can be used in combination with many image‐based rendering methods or projective texturing applications. By using Floating Textures in conjunction with, e.g., visual hull rendering, light field rendering, or free‐viewpoint video, improved rendering results are obtained from fewer input images, less accurately calibrated cameras, and coarser 3D geometry proxies.
An Example‐based Procedural System for Element Arrangement
Authors: Ijiri Takashi , Mêch Radomír , Igarashi Takeo , Miller Gavin
Published: April 2008

We present a method for synthesizing two dimensional (2D) element arrangements from an example. The main idea is to combine texture synthesis techniques based‐on a local neighborhood comparison and procedural modeling systems based‐on local growth. Given a user‐specified reference pattern, our system analyzes neigh‐borhood information of each element by constructing connectivity. Our synthesis process starts with a single seed and progressively places elements one by one by searching a reference element which has local features that are the most similar to the target place of the synthesized pattern. To support creative design activities, we introduce three types of interaction for controlling global features of the resulting pattern, namely a spray tool, a flow field tool, and a boundary tool. We also introduce a global optimization process that helps to avoid local error concentrations. We illustrate the feasibility of our method by creating several types of 2D patterns.
Conformal Flattening by Curvature Prescription and Metric Scaling
Authors: Ben‐Chen Mirela , Gotsman Craig , Bunin Guy
Published: April 2008

We present an efficient method to conformally parameterize 3D mesh data sets to the plane. The idea behind our method is to concentrate all the 3D curvature at a small number of select mesh vertices, called cone singularities, and then cut the mesh through those singular vertices to obtain disk topology. The singular vertices are chosen automatically. As opposed to most previous methods, our flattening process involves only the solution of linear systems of Poisson equations, thus is very efficient. Our method is shown to be faster than existing methods, yet generates parameterizations having comparable quasi‐conformal distortion.
An Adaptive Contact Model for the Robust Simulation of Knots
Authors: Spillmann Jonas , Teschner Matthias
Published: April 2008

In this paper, we present an adaptive model for dynamically deforming hyper‐elastic rods. In contrast to existing approaches, adaptively introduced control points are not governed by geometric subdivision rules. Instead, their states are determined by employing a non‐linear energy‐minimization approach. Since valid control points are computed instantaneously, post‐stabilization schemes are avoided and the stability of the dynamic simulation is improved.

Due to inherently complex contact configurations, the simulation of knot tying using rods is a challenging task. In order to address this problem, we combine our adaptive model with a robust and accurate collision handling method for elastic rods. By employing our scheme, complex knot configurations can be simulated in a physically plausible way.
Detail‐In‐Context Visualization for Satellite Imagery
Authors: Böttger Joachim , Preiser Martin , Balzer Michael , Deussen Oliver
Published: April 2008

We use the complex logarithm as a transformation for the visualization and navigation of highly complex satellite and aerial imagery. The resulting depictions show details and context with greatly different scales in one seamless image while avoiding local distortions. We motivate our approach by showing its relations to the ordinary perspective views and classical map projections. We discuss how to organize and process the huge amount of imagery in realtime using modern graphics hardware with an extended clipmapping technique. Finally, we provide details and experiences concerning the interpretation of and interaction with the resulting representations.
Dynamic Sampling and Rendering of Algebraic Point Set Surfaces
Authors: Guennebaud Gaël , Germann Marcel , Gross Markus
Published: April 2008

Algebraic Point Set Surfaces (APSS) define a smooth surface from a set of points using local moving least‐squares (MLS) fitting of algebraic spheres. In this paper we first revisit the spherical fitting problem and provide a new, more generic solution that includes intuitive parameters for curvature control of the fitted spheres. As a second contribution we present a novel real‐time rendering system of such surfaces using a dynamic up‐sampling strategy combined with a conventional splatting algorithm for high quality rendering. Our approach also includes a new view dependent geometric error tailored to efficient and adaptive up‐sampling of the surface. One of the key features of our system is its high degree of flexibility that enables us to achieve high performance even for highly dynamic data or complex models by exploiting temporal coherence at the primitive level. We also address the issue of efficient spatial search data structures with respect to construction, access and GPU friendliness. Finally, we present an efficient parallel GPU implementation of the algorithms and search structures.
Scottish National Party Representations of Scottishness and Scotland
Authors: Leith Murray Stewart
Published: April 2008

This article examines the representations of Scottishness and Scotland expressed within the Scottish National party (SNP) manifestos issued for British general elections from 1970 to 2005. It illustrates that while Scotland has remained a constant, Scottishness has been transformed from being somewhat ethnic and occasionally exclusive to being now civic and inclusive, with the territorial aspect almost solely emphasised. The article begins with a discussion of how manifestos are useful in illustrating such changes and then moves to the temporal analysis. It closes with a consideration of the political connotations of the changes.
Trade Balance and Exchange Rate: Unit Roots, Co‐integration and Long Memory in the US and the UK
Authors: Gil‐Alana Luis A. , Luqui Natalia , Cunado Juncal
Published: April 2008

This paper deals with the relationship between the balance of trade and the exchange rate in the US/UK case. Many authors have studied this issue for many countries, but despite the intensive research, there is still no agreement about the effectiveness of currency devaluation to increase a country's balance of trade. We first analyse the relationship between the two variables using unit roots and co‐integration methods, and the results are ambiguous. We try a new approach based on fractional integration. The unit root hypothesis is rejected in case of the trade balance in favour of smaller orders of integration, while this hypothesis is not rejected for the exchange rate. Thus, the two series do not possess the same order of integration. We sort this problem out by taking the exchange rate as an exogenous variable, and including it in a regression model where the residuals might follow a fractionally integrated model.
Cutaneous lesions associated to multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 1
Authors: Vidal A , Iglesias MJ , Fernández B , Fonseca E , Cordido F
Published: April 2008

Background  Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a genetic disease that predisposes to endocrine tumour development. Some cutaneous lesions (angiofibromas, collagenomas, melanosis guttaca, lipomas, melanomas, ‘cafe au lait macules’) have been associated to this syndrome. We compare the prevalence of cutaneous lesion in affected patients with their non‐carrier relatives.

Patients and method  We studied 9 patients with MEN1 and 20 non‐carrier, first‐degree relatives. Genetic screening was realized in all of them. Patients were examined by dermatologist, and biopsy was performed when necessary.

Results  Patients with MEN1 presented hyperparathyroidism (100%), neuroendocrine tumours of pancreas (66%) and pituitary adenomas (44%); their relatives were free of endocrine features of MEN1. The studied cutaneous lesions were more prevalent in affected patients than in non‐carriers (55.5% vs. 25%; P = 0.029). Odds ratio of developing cutaneous lesions in MEN1 patients was 6.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.09–40.43). The frequency of angiofibromas was lower (22.2%) than the reported in other studies (43–88%), and we did not find any collagenoma.

Conclusions  MEN1 is associated to some cutaneous lesions and could be useful for detecting MEN1 carriers in an affected family. Cutaneous lesions should be assessed in MEN1 patients.
Sound production mechanism in pamphagid grasshoppers (Orthoptera)
Authors: López H. , García M. D. , Clemente E. , Presa J. J. , Oromí P.
Published: April 2008

Sound production in the endemic genera of Canarian Pamphagidae Acrostira and Purpuraria has been recorded for the first time. These apterous grasshoppers have developed the alar‐notal method alternative to that commonly used by Caelifera for their communication. This method is reported in detail with video recordings, histological sections and oscillograms. A model to explain this mechanism is proposed, given that previous descriptions were incomplete. The song is produced by rubbing together the ventral edge of the metanotum and the basalar sclerite. In the Canarian Pamphagidae this behaviour is found exclusively in females to announce their reproductive receptivity to the males. Females usually have to produce a series of anomalous sounds before they can emit a perfect song.
Assessment of P‐Wave Dispersion on 12‐Lead Electrocardiography in Students Who Exercise Regularly
Authors: YILDIZ MUSTAFA , PAZARLI PINAR , SEMIZ OLCAY , KAHYAOGLU OSMAN , SAKAR İSMAIL , ALTINKAYNAK SEVIN
Published: April 2008

Background: P‐wave dispersion, an electrocardiographic marker, is an independent predictor of atrial fibrillation. P‐wave dispersion is associated with inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. The aim of this study was to investigate P‐wave dispersion in students who apply for registration to School of Physical Education and Sports.

Methods: Totally 984 students (810 boys [mean age: 19.8 ± 2.0 years] and 174 girls [mean age: 19.0 ± 1.8 years]) who applied for registration to School of Physical Education and Sports with a training history of some years were included in the study. P‐wave duration was calculated in all 12 leads of the surface electrocardiography, which were simultaneously recorded. The difference between P maximum and P minimum durations was defined as P‐wave dispersion.

Results: Age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, P‐wave maximal duration, and P‐wave dispersion were increased in boys as compared with girls. Of age (P = 0.53), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.42), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.50), pulse pressure (P = 0.73), gender, heart rate, and BMI tested with univariate linear regression analysis in all subjects; only gender (P < 0.001), BMI (P = 0.01), and heart rate (P = 0.02) were associated with P‐wave dispersion (F = 5.16, P < 0.001, R2= 0.03).

Conclusions: P‐wave dispersion was increased in boys as compared with girls who exercise regularly. P‐wave dispersion is affected by gender, BMI, and heart rate in healthy students.
Frequency of systemic vascular diseases in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma and exfoliation glaucoma
Authors: Tarkkanen Ahti , Reunanen Antti , Kivelä Tero
Published: April 2008

Purpose:  Abnormal fibrils can be identified by electron microscopy in the heart, lung, liver, kidney, cerebral meninges and other tissues of patients with exfoliation syndrome (ES). However, a clinical association of ES with arterial hypertension (HT), ischaemic heart disease (IHD), cerebrovascular accidents and aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is debated. We conducted a national registry‐based survey to further assess the first two of these associations.

Methods:  We reviewed the records of 519 consecutive patients to whom the Social Insurance Institution of Finland had granted free medication for glaucoma according to national common criteria. The glaucoma was classified either as primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) or exfoliation glaucoma (EG), masked to any systemic diseases; 20 patients with other types of glaucoma were excluded from the survey. Masked to the type of glaucoma, the registry provided data on free medication similarly granted for HT, IHD and diabetes mellitus (DM), a known modifier of risk for cardiovascular disease. Data were analysed by logistic regression, modelling age, gender and DM as confounders.

Results:  The control group of 344 patients with POAG was comparable as regards gender with the study group of 155 patients with EG, but patients with POAG were both younger (mean 69 versus 73 years; P < 0.0001) and had DM twice as often (10% versus 5%; P = 0.05) compared to those with EG. Adjusting for age, gender and presence of DM, no difference in frequency of HT [odds ratio (OR) 0.80 for presence of EG; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52–1.23, P = 0.31] or IHD (OR 0.86 for presence of EG; 95% CI 0.49–1.13, P = 0.66) was detected between the two groups.

Conclusion:  In this population‐based registry survey, no difference in frequency of HT or IHD was noted between patients with POAG and EG who had been granted free medication for these chronic diseases according to national common criteria. The frequency of DM was lower among patients with EG, in line with several previous reports.
Formation of osteoclast‐like cells from peripheral blood of periodontitis patients occurs without supplementation of macrophage colony‐stimulating factor
Authors: Tjoa Stanley T. S. , De Vries Teun J. , Schoenmaker Ton , Kelder Angele , Loos Bruno G. , Everts Vincent
Published: April 2008

Aim: To determine whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from chronic periodontitis patients differ from PBMCs from matched control patients in their capacity to form osteoclast‐like cells.

Material and Methods: PBMCs from 10 subjects with severe chronic periodontitis and their matched controls were cultured on plastic or on bone slices without or with macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL). The number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive (TRACP+) multinucleated cells (MNCs) and bone resorption were assessed.

Results: TRACP+ MNCs were formed under all culture conditions, in patient and control cultures. In periodontitis patients, the formation of TRACP+ MNC was similar for all three culture conditions; thus supplementation of the cytokines was not needed to induce MNC formation. In control cultures, however, M‐CSF or M‐CSF/RANKL resulted in higher numbers compared with cultures without cytokines. Upregulations of osteoclast marker mRNA cathepsin K and carbonic anhydrase II confirmed the osteoclastic character. Bone resorption was only observed when PBMCs were cultured in the presence of M‐CSF and RANKL.

Conclusion: Our data indicate that PBMCs from periodontitis patients do not need priming by M‐CSF to become osteoclast‐like cells, suggesting that PBMCs from periodontitis patients are present in the circulation in a different state of activity.
Melatonin prevents oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐induced increase of myosin light chain kinase activation and expression in HUVEC through ERK/MAPK signal transduction
Authors: Zhu Hua‐Qing , Cheng Xiao‐Wen , Xiao Lin‐Lin , Jiang Zhi‐Kui , Zhou Qing , Gui Shu‐Yu , Wei Wei , Wang Yuan
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Melatonin, the main secretary product of the pineal gland, is potentially effective in the prevention of a number of diseases in which free radical processes are involved. The development of hypercholesterolemia is a multifactorial process in which elevated oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) levels play a central role. The purpose of this study was to test whether melatonin prevents ox‐LDL‐induced increase of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activation and expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction. HUVEC were cultured in vitro and treated with ox‐LDL, melatonin, and PD98059 (a selective inhibitor of ERK), respectively. The expression, transcription, and activity of MLCK were measured by western blot, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and γ‐32P‐adenosine triphosphate (ATP) incorporation, respectively. The results showed that the expression and activity of MLCK were increased in ox‐LDL‐treated HUVECs and this was decreased by melatonin and PD98059. The expression and activity of MLCK induced by ox‐LDL was associated with the phosphorylation of ERK. These results indicate for the first time that hypercholesterolemia may be associated with MLCK expression and the activity which can be reduced by melatonin through ERK/MAPK signal transduction.
Genetic influences on behavioral inhibition and anxiety in juvenile rhesus macaques
Authors: Rogers J. , Shelton S. E. , Shelledy W. , Garcia R. , Kalin N. H.
Published: April 2008

In humans and other animals, behavioral responses to threatening stimuli are an important component of temperament. Among children, extreme behavioral inhibition elicited by novel situations or strangers predicts the subsequent development of anxiety disorders and depression. Genetic differences among children are known to affect risk of developing behavioral inhibition and anxiety, but a more detailed understanding of genetic influences on susceptibility is needed. Nonhuman primates provide valuable models for studying the mechanisms underlying human behavior. Individual differences in threat‐induced behavioral inhibition (freezing behavior) in young rhesus monkeys are stable over time and reflect individual levels of anxiety. This study used the well‐established human intruder paradigm to elicit threat‐induced freezing behavior and other behavioral responses in 285 young pedigreed rhesus monkeys. We examined the overall influence of quantitative genetic variation and tested the specific effect of the serotonin transporter promoter repeat polymorphism. Quantitative genetic analyses indicated that the residual heritability of freezing duration (behavioral inhibition) is h2 = 0.384 (P = 0.012) and of ‘orienting to the intruder’ (vigilance) is h2 = 0.908 (P = 0.00001). Duration of locomotion and hostility and frequency of cooing were not significantly heritable. The serotonin transporter polymorphism showed no significant effect on either freezing or orienting to the intruder. Our results suggest that this species could be used for detailed studies of genetic mechanisms influencing extreme behavioral inhibition, including the identification of specific genes that are involved in predisposing individuals to such behavior.
Lipid peroxidation in human milk and infant formula: effect of storage, tube feeding and exposure to phototherapy
Authors: van Zoeren‐Grobben D. , Moison RMW , Ester WM , Berger HM
Published: April 2008

Preformed lipid peroxidation products present in the feed may contribute to the total reactive oxygen radical load infants have to deal with and may play a role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In this study, the occurrence of lipid peroxidation in human milk and feeding formulas for preterm babies was evaluated in vitro. Free linoleic acid (18:2) and its hydroperoxide (18:2OOH) were measured by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and the concentration of 18:2OOH and the 18:2OOH/18:2 ratio were used as indices of peroxidation. In all feeds peroxidation products were present, but the proportion of peroxidized 18:2 was greater in infant formula. Storage of human milk (+4°C for four days) increased lipid peroxidation. Exposure to light during tube feeding incrcased pcroxidation in infant formula but not in human milk. Different procedures for preparation, storage and feeding may decrease the concentration of these potentially toxic peroxidized lipids in human milk and infant formula.