bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invertible motion blur in video
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Xu Yi , Raskar Ramesh
Published: July 2009

We show that motion blur in successive video frames is invertible even if the point-spread function (PSF) due to motion smear in a single photo is non-invertible. Blurred photos exhibit nulls (zeros) in the frequency transform of the PSF, leading to an ill-posed deconvolution. Hardware solutions to avoid this require specialized devices such as the coded exposure camera or accelerating sensor motion. We employ ordinary video cameras and introduce the notion of null-filling along with joint-invertibility of multiple blur-functions. The key idea is to record the same object with varying PSFs, so that the nulls in the frequency component of one frame can be filled by other frames. The combined frequency transform becomes null-free, making deblurring well-posed. We achieve jointly-invertible blur simply by changing the exposure time of successive frames. We address the problem of automatic deblurring of objects moving with constant velocity by solving the four critical components: preservation of all spatial frequencies, segmentation of moving parts, motion estimation of moving parts, and non-degradation of the static parts of the scene. We demonstrate several challenging cases of object motion blur including textured backgrounds and partial occluders.
Bokode
Authors: Mohan Ankit , Woo Grace , Hiura Shinsaku , Smithwick Quinn , Raskar Ramesh
Published: July 2009

We show a new camera based interaction solution where an ordinary camera can detect small optical tags from a relatively large distance. Current optical tags, such as barcodes, must be read within a short range and the codes occupy valuable physical space on products. We present a new low-cost optical design so that the tags can be shrunk to
3mm
visible diameter, and unmodified ordinary cameras several meters away can be set up to decode the identity plus the relative distance and angle. The design exploits the bokeh effect of ordinary cameras lenses, which maps rays exiting from an out of focus scene point into a disk like blur on the camera sensor. This bokeh-code or
Bokode
is a barcode design with a simple lenslet over the pattern. We show that a code with 15
μm
features can be read using an off-the-shelf camera from distances of up to 2 meters. We use intelligent binary coding to estimate the relative distance and angle to the camera, and show potential for applications in augmented reality and motion capture. We analyze the constraints and performance of the optical system, and discuss several plausible application scenarios.
Online reorganization of databases
Authors: Sockut Gary H. , Iyer Balakrishna R.
Published: July 2009

In practice, any database management system sometimes needs reorganization, that is, a change in some aspect of the logical and/or physical arrangement of a database. In traditional practice, many types of reorganization have required denying access to a database (taking the database offline) during reorganization. Taking a database offline can be unacceptable for a highly available (24-hour) database, for example, a database serving electronic commerce or armed forces, or for a very large database. A solution is to reorganize online (concurrently with usage of the database, incrementally during users' activities, or interpretively). This article is a tutorial and survey on requirements, issues, and strategies for online reorganization. It analyzes the issues and then presents the strategies, which use the issues. The issues, most of which involve design trade-offs, include use of partitions, the locus of control for the process that reorganizes (a background process or users' activities), reorganization by copying to newly allocated storage (as opposed to reorganizing in place), use of differential files, references to data that has moved, performance, and activation of reorganization. The article surveys online strategies in three categories of reorganization. The first category, maintenance, involves restoring the physical arrangement of data instances without changing the database definition. This category includes restoration of clustering, reorganization of an index, rebalancing of parallel or distributed data, garbage collection for persistent storage, and cleaning (reclamation of space) in a log-structured file system. The second category involves changing the physical database definition; topics include construction of indexes, conversion between B
+
-trees and linear hash files, and redefinition (e.g., splitting) of partitions. The third category involves changing the logical database definition. Some examples are changing a column's data type, changing the inheritance hierarchy of object classes, and changing a relationship from one-to-many to many-to-many. The survey encompasses both research and commercial implementations, and this article points out several open research topics. As highly available or very large databases continue to become more common and more important in the world economy, the importance of online reorganization is likely to continue growing.
Classes and inheritance in actor-oriented design
Authors: Lee Edward A. , Liu Xiaojun , Neuendorffer Stephen
Published: July 2009

Actor-oriented components emphasize concurrency and temporal semantics and are used for modeling and designing embedded software and hardware. Actors interact with one another through ports via a messaging schema that can follow any of several concurrent semantics. Domain-specific actor-oriented languages and frameworks are common (Simulink, LabVIEW, SystemC, etc.). However, they lack many modularity and abstraction mechanisms that programmers have become accustomed to in object-oriented components, such as classes, inheritance, interfaces, and polymorphism, except as inherited from the host language. This article shows a form that such mechanisms can take in actor-oriented components, gives a formal structure, and describes a prototype implementation. The mechanisms support actor-oriented class definitions, subclassing, inheritance, and overriding. The formal structure imposes structural constraints on a model (mainly the “derivation invariant”) that lead to a policy to govern inheritance. In particular, the structural constraints permit a disciplined form of multiple inheritance with unambiguous inheritance and overriding behavior. The policy is based formally on a generalized ultrametric space with some remarkable properties. In this space, inheritance is favored when actors are “closer” (in the generalized ultrametric), and we show that when inheritance can occur from multiple sources, one source is always unambiguously closer than the other.
SystemC/C-based model-driven design for embedded systems
Authors: Riccobene Elvinia , Scandurra Patrizia , Bocchio Sara , Rosti Alberto , Lavazza Luigi , Mantellini Luigi
Published: July 2009

This article summarizes our effort, since 2004 up to the present time, for improving the current industrial Systems-on-Chip and Embedded Systems design by joining the capabilities of the unified modeling language (UML) and SystemC/C programming languages to operate at system-level. The proposed approach exploits the OMG model-driven architecture—a framework for Model-driven Engineering—capabilities of reducing abstract, coarse-grained and platform-independent system models to fine-grained and platform-specific models. We first defined a design methodology and a development flow for the hardware, based on a SystemC UML profile and encompassing different levels of abstraction. We then included a multithread C UML profile for modelling software applications. Both SystemC/C profiles are consistent sets of modelling constructs designed to lift the programming features (both structural and behavioral) of the two coding languages to the UML modeling level. The new codesign flow is supported by an environment, which allows system modeling at higher abstraction levels (from a functional executable level to a register transfer level) and supports automatic code-generation/back-annotation from/to UML models.
Minimizing CPU energy in real-time systems with discrete speed management
Authors: Bini Enrico , Buttazzo Giorgio , Lipari Giuseppe
Published: July 2009

This article presents a general framework to analyze and design embedded systems minimizing the energy consumption without violating timing requirements. A set of realistic assumptions is considered in the model in order to apply the results in practical real-time applications. The processor is assumed to have as a set of discrete operating modes, each characterized by speed and power consumption. The energy overhead and the transition delay incurred during mode switches are considered. Task computation times are modeled with a part that scales with the speed and a part having a fixed duration, to take I/O operations into account.

The proposed method allows to compute the optimal sequence of voltage/speed changes that approximates the minimum continuous speed, which guarantees the feasibility of a given set of real-time tasks, without violating the deadline constraints. The analysis is performed both under fixed and dynamic priority assignments.
An ontology-driven approach for semantic information retrieval on the Web
Authors: Rinaldi Antonio M.
Published: July 2009

The concept of relevance is a hot topic in the information retrieval process. In recent years the extreme growth of digital documents brought to light the need for novel approaches and more efficient techniques to improve the accuracy of IR systems to take into account real users' information needs. In this article we propose a novel metric to measure the semantic relatedness between words. Our approach is based on ontologies represented using a general knowledge base for dynamically building a semantic network. This network is based on linguistic properties and it is combined with our metric to create a measure of semantic relatedness. In this way we obtain an efficient strategy to rank digital documents from the Internet according to the user's interest domain. The proposed methods, metrics, and techniques are implemented in a system for information retrieval on the Web. Experiments are performed on a test set built using a directory service having information about analyzed documents. The obtained results compared to other similar systems show an effective improvement.
Using a fuzzy classification approach to assess e-commerce Web sites
Authors: Zhou Duanning , Huang Wayne Wei
Published: July 2009

E-commerce Web site assessment helps determine whether a corporation's Web site is effectively designed to meet its business needs and whether the investment in Web sites is well justified. Due to the complexity of commercial Web sites that may include hundreds of Web pages for many big corporations, there may inevitably exist uncertainties when human assessors express their subjective judgments in assessing e-commerce Web sites. Fuzzy set theory is widely used to model uncertain and imprecise information in applications. Prior studies in e-commerce Web site assessment identified some key factors to assess commercial Web sites by using a numeric assessment scale that may not be effective and efficient in modeling uncertainty. This study intends to propose an e-commerce Web site assessment framework using a fuzzy classification approach. Based on this framework, a Web-based e-commerce assessment system was designed and developed, which can provide online assessment services to corporations on evaluating their commercial Web sites. An empirical investigation into assessing commercial Web sites of the top 120 Fortune Corporations of the USA was conducted using the developed online assessment system to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed framework. Research findings and implications are discussed.
Agilla
Authors: Fok Chien-Liang , Roman Gruia-Catalin , Lu Chenyang
Published: July 2009

This article presents Agilla, a mobile agent middleware designed to support self-adaptive applications in wireless sensor networks. Agilla provides a programming model in which applications consist of evolving communities of agents that share a wireless sensor network. Coordination among the agents and access to physical resources are supported by a tuple space abstraction. Agents can dynamically enter and exit a network and can autonomously clone and migrate themselves in response to environmental changes. Agilla's ability to support self-adaptive applications in wireless sensor networks has been demonstrated in the context of several applications, including fire detection and tracking, monitoring cargo containers, and robot navigation. Agilla, the first mobile agent system to operate in resource-constrained wireless sensor platforms, was implemented on top of TinyOS. Agilla's feasibility and efficiency was demonstrated by experimental evaluation on two physical testbeds consisting of Mica2 and TelosB nodes.
Author name disambiguation in MEDLINE
Authors: Torvik Vetle I. , Smalheiser Neil R.
Published: July 2009

Background
: We recently described “Author-ity,” a model for estimating the probability that two articles in MEDLINE, sharing the same author name, were written by the same individual. Features include shared title words, journal name, coauthors, medical subject headings, language, affiliations, and author name features (middle initial, suffix, and prevalence in MEDLINE). Here we test the hypothesis that the Author-ity model will suffice to disambiguate author names for the vast majority of articles in MEDLINE.
Methods
: Enhancements include: (a) incorporating first names and their variants, email addresses, and correlations between specific last names and affiliation words; (b) new methods of generating large unbiased training sets; (c) new methods for estimating the prior probability; (d) a weighted least squares algorithm for correcting transitivity violations; and (e) a maximum likelihood based agglomerative algorithm for computing clusters of articles that represent inferred author-individuals.
Results
: Pairwise comparisons were computed for all author names on all 15.3 million articles in MEDLINE (2006 baseline), that share last name and first initial, to create Author-ity 2006, a database that has each name on each article assigned to one of 6.7 million inferred author-individual clusters. Recall is estimated at ∼98.8%. Lumping (putting two different individuals into the same cluster) affects ∼0.5% of clusters, whereas splitting (assigning articles written by the same individual to >1 cluster) affects ∼2% of articles.
Impact
: The Author-ity model can be applied generally to other bibliographic databases. Author name disambiguation allows information retrieval and data integration to become
person-centered
, not just
document-centered
, setting the stage for new data mining and social network tools that will facilitate the analysis of scholarly publishing and collaboration behavior.
Availability:
The Author-ity 2006 database is available for nonprofit academic research, and can be freely queried via http://arrowsmith.psych.uic.edu.
Stream data clustering based on grid density and attraction
Authors: Tu Li , Chen Yixin
Published: July 2009

Clustering real-time stream data is an important and challenging problem. Existing algorithms such as CluStream are based on the
k
-means algorithm. These clustering algorithms have difficulties finding clusters of arbitrary shapes and handling outliers. Further, they require the knowledge of
k
and user-specified time window. To address these issues, this article proposes
D-Stream
, a framework for clustering stream data using a density-based approach.

Our algorithm uses an online component that maps each input data record into a grid and an offline component that computes the grid density and clusters the grids based on the density. The algorithm adopts a density decaying technique to capture the dynamic changes of a data stream and a attraction-based mechanism to accurately generate cluster boundaries.

Exploiting the intricate relationships among the decay factor, attraction, data density, and cluster structure, our algorithm can efficiently and effectively generate and adjust the clusters in real time. Further, a theoretically sound technique is developed to detect and remove sporadic grids mapped by outliers in order to dramatically improve the space and time efficiency of the system. The technique makes high-speed data stream clustering feasible without degrading the clustering quality. The experimental results show that our algorithm has superior quality and efficiency, can find clusters of arbitrary shapes, and can accurately recognize the evolving behaviors of real-time data streams.
The implementation of an SVP many-core processor and the evaluation of its memory architecture
Authors: Jesshope Chris , Lankamp Mike , Zhang Li
Published: July 2009

Many-core processor architectures require scalable solutions that reflect the locality and power constraints of future generations of silicon technology. This paper presents a many-core processor that supports an abstract model of concurrency, based on a Self-adaptive Virtual Processor (SVP). This processor implements instructions, which automatically map and schedule threads providing a code devoid of any explicit communication. The thrust of this approach is to produce binary code that is divorced from implementation parameters, yet, which still gives good performance over future generations of CMPs. A key component of this processor architecture is the memory system. This paper briefly presents the model and evaluates its memory architecture.
NIH experiment in centralized mouse phenotyping: the Vanderbilt experience and recommendations for evaluating glucose homeostasis in the mouse
Authors: McGuinness Owen P. , Ayala Julio E. , Laughlin Maren R. , Wasserman David H.
Published: July 2009

This article addresses two topics. We provide an overview of the National Institutes of Health Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center (MMPC) Program. We then discuss some observations we have made during the first eight years of the Vanderbilt MMPC regarding common phenotyping practices. We include specific recommendations to improve phenotyping practices for tests of glucose tolerance and insulin action. We recommend that methods for experiments in vivo be described in manuscripts. We make specific recommendations for data presentation, interpretation, and experimental design for each test. To facilitate and maximize the exchange of scientific information, we suggest that guidelines be developed for methods used to assess glucose tolerance and insulin action in vivo.
Fixed Point Theorems for a Weaker Meir-Keeler Type "Equation missing" -Set Contraction in Metric Spaces
Authors: Chen Chi-Ming , Chang Tong-Huei
Published: July 2009

We define a weaker Meir-Keeler type function and establish the fixed point theorems for a weaker Meir-Keeler type "Equation missing"-set contraction in metric spaces.
Complex Variant t(9;22) Chromosome Translocations in Five Cases of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Valencia Ana , Cervera José , Such Esperanza , Barragán Eva , Bolufer Pascual , Fuster Oscar , Collado Rosa , Martínez Jesús , Sanz Miguel A.
Published: July 2009

The Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosome arising from the reciprocal t(9;22) translocation is found in more than 90% of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients and results in the formation of the chimeric fusion geneBCR-ABL. However, a small proportion of patients with CML have simple or complex variants of this translocation, involving various breakpoints in addition to 9q34 and 22q11. We report five CML cases carrying variant Ph translocations involving both chromosomes 9 and 22 as well as chromosomes 3, 5, 7, 8, or 10. G-banding showed a reciprocal three-way translocation involving 3q21, 5q31, 7q32, 8q24, and 10q22 bands.BCR-ABLfusion signal on der(22) was found in all of the cases by FISH.
Strength and Fracture Resistance of Amorphous Diamond‐Like Carbon Films for MEMS
Authors: Jonnalagadda K. N. , Chasiotis I.
Published: July 2009

The mechanical strength and mixed mode I/II fracture toughness of hydrogen‐free tetrahedral amorphous diamond‐like carbon (ta‐C) films, grown by pulsed laser deposition, are discussed in connection to material flaws and its microstructure. The failure properties of ta‐C were obtained from films with thicknesses 0.5–3 μm and specimen widths 10–20 μm. The smallest test samples with 10 μm gage section averaged a strength of 7.3 ± 1.2 GPa, while the strength of 20‐μm specimens with thicknesses 0.5–3 μm varied between 2.2–5.7 GPa. The scaling of the mechanical strength with specimen thickness and dimensions was owed to deposition‐induced surface flaws, and, only in the smallest specimens, RIE patterning generated specimen sidewall flaws. The mode I fracture toughness of ta‐C films is , while the results from mixed mode I/II fracture experiments with cracks arbitrarily oriented in the plane of the film compared very well with theoretical predictions.
Microporosity Development of Herringbone Carbon Nanofibers by RbOH Chemical Activation
Authors: Jiménez Vicente , Sánchez Paula , Dorado Fernando , Valverde José Luís , Romero Amaya
Published: July 2009

The influence of different activation conditions, including activating agent/CNFs ratio, activation temperature, and He flow rate, on the pore structure development of herringbone carbon nanofibers (CNFs) was studied. The best results of activated CNFs with larger specific surface area can be achieved using the following optimized factors: RbOH/CNFs ratio = 4/1, activation temperature = ,and a He flow rate = 850 ml/min. The optimization of these three factors leads to high CNFs micropore volume, being the surface area increased by a factor of 3 compared to the raw CNFs. It is important to note that only the creation of micropores (ultramicropores principally) took place, and mesopores were not generated if compared with raw CNFs.
An LPV Fractional Model for Canal Control
Authors: Martínez-González Rubén , Bolea Yolanda , Grau Antoni , Martínez-García Herminio
Published: July 2009

An LPV rational order control model of an irrigation canal is derived from system identification experiments. This model is experimentally obtained by using the described LPV fractional identification procedure. This procedure consists of the identification of a rational order model in each operation point in an experimental test canal. Global LPV model is obtained from polynomial interpolation of local model parameters. Validation results demonstrate that rational order models are more accurate than integer order models. Therefore rational order control models have an important role to play in management and efficient use of water resources.
Oral Contraceptives after Myomectomy: A Short Term Trial
Authors: Luisi Stefano , Ciani Valentina , Gabbanini Massimo , Sollazzi Sofia , Torricelli Michela , Calonaci Francesco , Petraglia Felice
Published: July 2009

Following myomectomy the rate of fertility is restored and
pregnancy may be attempted with a good outcome. In the present
study a 3 month treatment with OCs in a group of women after a
myomectomy was evaluated. The drug compliance and side effects,
the benefits of OC in order to reduce symptoms, to increase
post‐surgical hemoglobin levels and to avoid an early pregnancy
after myomectomy were analyzed. A group of women (n = 55) each with myoma ≥5 cm was recruited: they presented menorrhagia,
pelvic pain, dyspareunia and dysmenorrhae. After laparotomic
myomectomy the women were divided into 3 groups. Group 1: women
(n = 16) treated with pill A (15 mcg of
ethynilestradiol + 60 mcg of gestodene); group 2: women
(n = 23) treated with pill B (20 mcg of
ethynilestradiol + 100 mcg of levonorgestrel); group 3:
women (n = 16) treated with a placebo (oral calcium). After three
months from myomectomy and treatment patients in each group
reported a reduced menorrhagia, dismenorrhea and pelvic pain.
Serum haemoglobin levels increased in all women (P < .05). No pregnancy occurred in any group and the
compliance was good. A post surgery treatment by using oral
contraceptives guarentees pregnancy prevention, associated with
reduction of pain, and improvement of haematologic conditions.
Hydrogen Production via Steam Reforming of Ethyl Alcohol over Palladium/Indium Oxide Catalyst
Authors: Umegaki Tetsuo , Yamada Yusuke , Ueda Atsushi , Kuriyama Nobuhiro , Xu Qiang
Published: July 2009

We report the synergetic effect between palladium and indium oxide on hydrogen production in the steam reforming reaction of ethyl alcohol. The palladium/indium oxide catalyst shows higher hydrogen production rate than indium oxide and palladium. Palladium/indium oxide affords ketonization of ethyl alcohol with negligible by‐product carbon monoxide, while indium oxide mainly affords dehydration of ethyl alcohol, and palladium affords decomposition of ethyl alcohol with large amount of by‐product carbon monoxide. The catalytic feature of palladium/indium oxide can be ascribed to the formation of palladium‐indium intermetallic component during the reaction as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements.
A System on a Programmable Chip Architecture for Data‐Dependent Superimposed Training Channel Estimation
Authors: Martín del Campo Fernando , Cumplido René , Perez-Andrade Roberto , Orozco-Lugo A. G.
Published: July 2009

Channel estimation in wireless communication systems is usually accomplished by inserting, along
with the information, a series of known symbols, whose analysis is
used to define the parameters of the filters that remove the
distortion of the data. Nevertheless, a part of the available
bandwidth has to be destined to these symbols. Until now, no
alternative solution has demonstrated to be fully satisfying for
commercial use, but one technique that looks promising is
superimposed training (ST). This work describes a hybrid
software‐hardware FPGA implementation of a recent algorithm that
belongs to the ST family, known as Data‐dependent Superimposed
Training (DDST), which does not need extra bandwidth for its
training sequences (TS) as it adds them arithmetically to the
data. DDST also adds a third sequence known as data‐dependent
sequence, that destroys the interference caused by the data over
the TS. As DDST′s computational burden is too high for the
commercial processors used in mobile systems, a System on a
Programmable Chip (SOPC) approach is used in order to solve the
problem.
Efficiency of Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Category IIIB Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Sham-Controlled Comparative Study
Authors: Kabay Sahin , Kabay Sibel Canbaz , Yucel Mehmet , Ozden Hilmi
Published: July 2009

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for treatment of the patients with category IIIB chronic non-bacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Methods: A total of 89 patients with therapy-resistant pelvic pain were randomized to receive either nerve stimulation (n = 45) or sham treatment (n = 44). The National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and visual analogue scale were used to assess treatment success after 12 weeks of intervention. Objective success was defined as a minimum 50% decrease in the mean scores. A decrease of over 25% to below 50% was considered to be a partial response. Results: An objective response was observed with the pain and symptom scores after 12 weeks of PTNS in 18 (40%) and 30 (66.6%) of the patients, whereas a partial response was observed in 27 (60%) and 15 (33.3%) of the patients, respectively. Mean symptom scores and visual analogue scale scores for pain and urgency were significantly changed from 23.6 ± 6.3 at baseline to 10.2 ± 3.6, 7.6 ± 0.8 at baseline to 4.3 ± 0.6, 5.7 ± 0.8 at baseline to 3.4 ± 0.7, respectively. Scores for the symptoms, urgency and pain were not changed with sham treatment. Conclusions: These results have demonstrated that percutaneous PTNS may relieve pain in the patients with category IIIB chronic non-bacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Management Outcome of Acute Urinary Retention
Authors: Daly Pádraig , Connolly Stephen , Rogers Eamonn , Sweeney Paul
Published: July 2009

Objectives: To assess for predictors of outcome in patients presenting with acute urinary retention (AUR). Methods: A study was performed in our unit to evaluate trial without catheter (TWOC) and successive management. We assessed for predictors of surgical or medical management, which included: age, volume drained at time of catheterisation, cause of retention, serum creatinine, success of trial of voiding, co-morbidities, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate size on digital rectal examination (DRE). Results: 72 men were entered into the study over an 18-month period: 27 had a successful first TWOC, 20 patients had a second TWOC, and 6 were successful. In total, 31 of the 33 patients with a successful TWOC remained on α-blockers without a further episode of AUR within a minimum of 6 months’ follow-up. Patients failing TWOC were managed by transurethral resection of the prostate (n = 22), long-term catheterisation (n = 15) or prostatic stents (n = 3), and 1 patient died prior to intervention. Three predictors were significant on multivariate analysis: PSA (>2.9 ng/ml), prostate size on DRE (large) and volume drained at time of catheterisation (≥1,000 ml). Conclusion: Patients with elevated PSA (>2.9 ng/ml), a large prostate size on DRE and a volume drained at time of catheterisation >1,000 ml are best managed by surgical intervention, while those with volumes drained at time of catheterisation of <1,000 ml, a PSA ≤2.9 ng/ml, and moderate to small prostate on DRE may be managed medically.
Alfuzosin 10 mg Once Daily Increases the Chances of Successful Trial without Catheter after Acute Urinary Retention Secondary to Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Tiong H.Y. , Tibung M.J.B. , Macalalag M. , Li M.K. , Consigliere D.
Published: July 2009

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Alfuzosin XL 10 mg once daily for the acute management of acute urinary retention (AUR) with placebo in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to determine the predictors that impact this. Methods: 67 patients presenting with an initial episode of spontaneous AUR secondary to BPH were catheterized and were then prospectively randomized to receiving placebo or 10 mg Alfuzosin XL once daily for 2 days. The allocation and administration of treatment were double-blinded. The primary outcome measure was the rate of successful trial off catheter (TWOC) after 2 days. Clinical characteristics including intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) by transabdominal ultrasound were also assessed using uni- and multivariate analysis for their impact on successful TWOC. Results: Three patients withdrew from the study, 2 due to adverse effects of the trial medication. Analysis on an intention-to-treat basis showed a significantly greater proportion of patients in the Alfuzosin XL group (21 of 35 or 60%) had a successful TWOC compared with patients in the placebo group (11 of 32 or 34%) (p = 0.036). Patients with grade 3 IPP (>10 mm) had a significantly lower chance of successful TWOC (p = 0.04) compared to grade 1 (≤5 mm) and 2 (6–10 mm). It remained a significant independent predictor for failed TWOC after AUR (p = 0.034) on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The administration of Alfuzosin XL prior to TWOC following AUR secondary to BPH increases the chance of successful catheter removal. Patients with IPP >10 mm are more likely to fail TWOC on Alfuzosin XL.
Ejaculatory Disorders Caused by Alpha-1 Blockers for Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Comparison of Naftopidil and Tamsulosin in a Randomized Multicenter Study
Authors: Masumori Naoya , Tsukamoto Taiji , Iwasawa Akihiko , Furuya Ryoji , Sonoda Tomoko , Mori Mitsuru
Published: July 2009

Introduction: To investigate the incidence of ejaculatory disorders caused by naftopidil and tamsulosin in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: Ninety-five patients with LUTS/BPH who had International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) of 8 or more were randomly assigned to receive naftopidil (50 mg/day, n = 48) or tamsulosin (0.2 mg/day, n = 47). Before and 12 weeks after treatment, a questionnaire was used to evaluate ejaculation. Results: Among men who had sexual activity during the 12 weeks, the proportion who reported an abnormal feeling on ejaculation was higher in the tamsulosin group (16.7%) than in the naftopidil group (7.4%), although the difference was not significant (p = 0.402). The proportion of men who reported reduced ejaculatory volume after treatment was significantly higher in the tamsulosin group (96.0%) than in the naftopidil group (73.1%, p = 0.0496). On the other hand, the improvements in IPSS and the quality of life index were significantly higher in the tamsulosin group than in the naftopidil group. Conclusions: Tamsulosin may cause a higher incidence of ejaculatory disorders than naftopidil, although the efficacy of 0.2 mg tamsulosin may be better than that of 50 mg naftopidil.
Bipolar Transurethral Resection in Saline System versus Traditional Monopolar Resection System in Treating Large-Volume Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Chen Qi , Zhang Li , Liu Yu Jun , Lu Ji Dong , Wang Guo Ming
Published: July 2009

Objectives: We report our prospective clinical result of transurethral resection in saline (TURIS) versus monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) system in treating large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients and Methods: Patients with BPH (volume >50 ml) were enrolled in the study. An intravenous device was used for serum sodium and hemoglobin tests to monitor the alteration. All acute complications were noted. Patients were followed up for at least 6 months. Results: Forty patients were randomized into two groups. Follow-up data were compared with baseline. The decline in serum sodium postoperatively was smaller in the TURIS group (6.9 ± 0.7 vs. 14.8 ± 1.8 mM, p = 0.001). Hemoglobin only dropped by 1.4 g/dl in the TURIS group, whereas it dropped by 2.5 g/dl in the TURP group (p = 0.001). The TURIS system showed a better resection rate (0.64 vs. 0.52 g/min, p = 0.001). Total acute complication rate was 8 of 19 (42%) in the TURP arm and 4 of 21 (19%) in the TURIS arm. The catheter was removed sooner (2.5 vs. 3.4 days) and hospitalization time was less (3.0 vs. 4.2 days) in the TURIS group. The mean improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum urinary flow rate at 6 months was comparable in the two groups. Conclusion: The TURIS system demonstrated superior safety in treating large-volume BPH and had a similar efficacy to TURP in short term.
Effects of Vas Deferens Obstruction on Cajal-Like Cells in Rats
Authors: Turunc Tahsin , Bayazit Yildirim , Doran Figen , Bal Nebil , Doran Saban
Published: July 2009

Objective: Cajal cells have been defined as pacemakers in the gastrointestinal tract, and have recently been reported in the urogenital tract. In this study, the effects of experimental obstruction of the vas deferens on Cajal-like cells in rats were investigated. Material and Methods: Ninety rats were divided into study (S), sham-operated (SH) and control (C) groups. The vasa deferentia were removed at the beginning of the study in the C group and in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd months after distal vas deferens ligation in the SH and S groups (S1, S2 and S3 consecutively). The sections stained with c-kit antibody were studied under a light microscope to determine the number and morphology of Cajal-like cells in the submucosal and muscular layers. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the C, S1 and S2 groups despite a higher mean in S1. The decrease in the mean values for the submucosal and muscular layers in S3 was statistically significant compared to the C group. No morphologically significant difference was detected under a light microscope after obstruction. Conclusions: The increase in Cajal-like cells in the early phase, although insignificant, might be associated with increased motility to overcome the obstruction, whereas the significant decrease in the late phase might be a sign of disordered motility.
Effect of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Its Receptor Inhibitor on Proliferation and Invasion in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Nakanishi Ryoichi , Oka Natsuo , Nakatsuji Hiroyoshi , Koizumi Takahiro , Sakaki Manabu , Takahashi Masayuki , Fukumori Tomoharu , Kanayama Hiro-omi
Published: July 2009

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors are major regulators of cancer cell growth and metastases. We investigated the association between serum VEGF levels and clinicopathological parameters in bladder cancer patients. We also evaluated the effects of VEGF and its receptor inhibitor on proliferation and invasion in bladder cancer cell lines. Methods: Serum VEGF levels were measured in 52 patients with bladder cancer and 45 healthy controls. In highly invasive bladder cancer cell lines (T-24, UMUC-3 and J82), we assessed the effect of VEGF on proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cell lines. The effect of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor against bladder cancer cell lines was also measured. Results: Serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher in patients with muscular invasive bladder cancer than in patients with superficial bladder cancer (p < 0.005). VEGF increased tumor proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in all cell lines. VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor inhibited proliferation in all three cell lines, and inhibited invasion in T24. Conclusions: In bladder cancer, the serum VEGF level correlates significantly with muscular invasiveness. This study suggests that VEGF promotes tumor proliferation and invasion through VEGFR-2. VEGF-targeted therapy may be effective in treating invasive bladder cancers.
Multigene Methylation Analysis of Conventional Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Onay H. , Pehlivan S. , Koyuncuoglu M. , Kirkali Z. , Ozkinay F.
Published: July 2009

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy of the kidney. Since RCC is curable when it is confined to the renal capsule, early diagnosis is extremely important. Promoter hypermethylation is the most common mechanism for the inactivation of the tumor suppressor genes (TSG) in the development of human cancer. This study aimed to investigate the methylation profiles of 7 TSG (RASSF1A, ECAD, TIMP3, APC, MGMT, p16 and RARβ2) in 3 different tissue samples (normal, premalign, malign) of patients with RCC. Twenty-one patients diagnosed with RCC were included in the study. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the methylation patterns of the 7 TSG. High methylation rates for the genes RASSF1A (76%), p16 (80%), ECAD (42%), TIMP3 (33%) and MGMT (33%) were observed in the patients with RCC. The APC (14%) and RARβ2 (19%) genes showed low methylation rates. In conclusion, 5 TSG (RASSF1A, ECAD, TIMP3, MGMT and p16) showed high methylation rates in RCC patients. A methylation-based gene test including these genes may be useful in the early detection of RCC.
Inhibition of the Tuberculin Reaction in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Henson E.C. , Collins D.A. , Izard S.R. , Brunson J.G.
Published: July 2009

Administration of a mixture of propiomazine (a phenothiazine derivative) and epinephrine markedly inhibited development of the tuberculin reaction when given at three different dose levels and by the s.c. or i.p. routes of administration. Inhibition was produced when the animals were treated prior to sensitization or when initiation of treatment was delayed until time of sensitization. Inhibition was also produced by short-term treatment at time of sensitization or at challenge. The mechanisms involved in the synergistic effect produced by the combination of epinephrine and propiomazine are under investigation. The combination is thought to operate by maintaining the integrity of cellular and subcellular membrane systems which causes such cells and tissues to be refractory to noxious stimuli and unreactive to stimulation by antigen. Epinephrine or propiomazine when used alone in actively sensitized guinea pigs resulted in only slight or no inhibition of the tuberculin reaction.
Immunoglobulin Determinants on Chicken Lymphocytes Demonstrated by the Mixed Antiglobulin Reaction
Authors: Aitken Ruth M. , Penhale W.J. , Coombs R.R.A.
Published: July 2009

Peripheral lymphocytes from normal adult chickens, agammaglobulinaemic chickens bursectomised surgically as 17-day-old embryos, and thymectomised irradiated chickens were examined by the mixed antiglobulin reaction for surface immunoglobulin determinants. Normal birds had between 2.5 and 15.8% of Fab-bearing cells, and an average of 1% cells with γ- and 5.3% with μ-determinants. Thymectomy increased the percentages of Fab-positive but not γ-positive cells. Lymphocytes from bursectomised agammaglobulinaemic chickens did not carry any detectable immunoglobulin determinants. The results of preliminary tests on thymus, spleen and bursa cells are included.
The Anti-Anaphylactic Actions of Disodium Cromoglycate, Theophylline, Isoprenaline and Prostaglandins
Authors: Taylor W.A. , Francis Daphne H. , Sheldon Dianne , Roitt I.M.
Published: July 2009

Various drugs used in the treatment of either allergy or inflammation have been studied in the rat. Prausnitz-Küstner (PK) type reactions, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) and peritoneal mast cell degranulation (MCD) were used as models of type I anaphylactic hypersensitivity. In the PK test, the rank order of potency of the drugs tested was isoprenaline > PGF2α > disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) > indomethacin > theophylline. In the PCA test, the rank order was similar, although the difference between the potencies of DSCG and indomethacin was greater here than in the PK reaction. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP was inactive in both forms of cutaneous anaphylaxis. Noradrenaline, imidazole and propranolol induced MCD. Marked inhibition of phospholipase-A-induced degranulation occurred in the presence of DSCG, theophylline, indomethacin, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, aspirin, propranolol and phentolamine. Isoprenaline and prostaglandins E1; E2 and A1 all slightly inhibited MCD over a wide range of concentrations. Isoprenaline was synergistic with DSCG and theophylline in both PCA and MCD, and PGE1 was synergistic with both DSCG and theophylline in MCD. However, there was no synergism between DSCG and theophylline or between isoprenaline and PGE1. The role of cyclic AMP in allergic reactions of the rat is discussed as is the mode of action of DSCG.
Contact Sensitivity in vitro: Activation of Actively Allergized Lymphocytes by a Beryllium Complex
Authors: Jones J.M. , Amos H.E.
Published: July 2009

Beryllium either as salts or in a complexed form was studied for its ability to trigger lymphocytes from guinea pigs painted with beryllium fluoride. The triggering was assessed by assaying and partially characterizing culture supernatants for macrophage migration inhibition factor. It was found that beryllium complexed to the ligand sulphosalicylic acid was able to induce macrophage inhibition factor (MIF) formation. The insoluble beryllium oxide and the immunizing agent beryllium fluoride did not produce MIF. Data is presented which would support a direct interaction of beryllium sulphosalicylate with cells without prior complexing to macromolecules.
Sensitization by Insulin of the Anaphylactoid Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Koltai M. , Ottlecz Anna , Minker E. , Blazsó G.
Published: July 2009

The possible mode of action of insulin, in terms of its sensitizing effect on dextran-induced anaphylactoid reaction was studied. In normal rats, the sensitizing effect was inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide 1 h after the administration of the drugs. 24 h after actinomycin D or cycloheximide, the inflammatory response was considerably reduced. The inhibition could not be reversed by insulin. In contrast, insulin restored the decreased susceptibility of diabetic animals to dextran. This effect was not influenced by actinomycin D and cycloheximide. None of the drugs used influenced the blood-sugar-lowering activity of insulin. Cyclophosphamide, parallel to the profound lymphopenia produced, prevented the sensitizing effect of the hormone. Viable lymphoid cells prepared from young normal rats completely restored the suppressed insulin response. Liver cells had no such an effect. Lymph node cells incubated in the presence of insulin released a factor(s), capable of increasing dextran edema, to the incubation medium. Pretreatment with actinomycin D and cycloheximide of the lymphocyte-donor rats interfered with the ability of insulin to produce the pro-inflammatory factor(s). The possible significance of the findings is discussed.
3H-Thymidine Incorporation into Circulating White Cells during Allergic and Irritant Dermatitis in Guinea Pigs
Authors: McMaster W.R. , Mitchell J.C. , Camm E.L. , Towers G.H.N.
Published: July 2009

During allergic and irritant contact dermatitis in guinea pigs produced by application of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and croton oils, respectively, the white cells of the peripheral blood were counted and examined for incorporation of 3H-thymidine. White cell counts remained at relatively constant levels during the dermatitis. During allergic dermatitis, however, 3H incorporation increased two- to five-fold, whereas during irritant dermatitis no increase occurred.
Effect of Divalent Cations and Metabolic Energy on the Anaphylactic Histamine Release from Rat Peritoneal Mast Cells
Authors: Diamant B. , Grosman N. , Skov Stahl , Thomle S.
Published: July 2009

Histamine release induced by the antigen from mast cells obtained from actively sensitized rats was enhanced by the same concentration of calcium in the medium, irrespective of whether the mast cells were isolated from contaminating cells or not. The time course of the release from isolated mast cells in the presence or absence of calcium was similar at 21 and 37 °C, respectively. The enhancing effect of calcium on the release was gradually lost when the cells were exposed to antigen prior to the addition of calcium. At equivalent concentrations, no other divalent cation tested could substitute for calcium. Similar concentrations of antimycin A prevented histamine release induced by antigen or compound 48/80. In the presence of the inhibitor, energy derived from glycolysis completely restored the release when induced by compound 48/80, whereas only partial restoration could be obtained in anaphylaxis. The latter effect was inhibited with iodoacetate in concentrations which were without effect in the absence of antimycin A. The results agree well with the view that antigen causes a passing state of increased permeability of the plasma membrane of the mast cells whereby calcium and eventually sodium might enter. Provided metabolic ATP is available, intracellular reactions are hereby initiated which lead to the release of histamine from its binding sites within the granular matrix.
Immunologic Responses of Guinea Pigs Treated with Phytohemagglutinin
Authors: Cowing Carol O. , Rauch Helene C.
Published: July 2009

The influence of the plant mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA), on humoral and cellular immune responses was investigated. Guinea pigs were inoculated with PHA-P (Difco) and sensitized with either 1.0 mg tuberculoprotein or 0.3 mg of dinitrophenylated ovalbumin. Antibody responses and delayed hypersensitivity were measured and compared to those obtained with the antigens administered in saline, Freund’s incomplete adjuvant or Freund’s complete adjuvant. The influence of PHA on the development of cell-mediated experimental allergic encephalomyelitis was also examined. We observed a marked increase in serum antibody levels in PHA-treated animals compared to those receiving antigen in saline, but there was no detectable effect on cell-mediated immunity. The results suggest that, while PHA is thought basically to stimulate thymus-derived cells (T cells), its effect in vivo appears to facilitate cell-cell interaction in the antibody response rather than to enhance T-cell activity as measured in delayed hypersensitivity.