bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-Scale Analysis of Putative Soybean Regulatory Gene Expression Identifies a Myb Gene Involved in Soybean Nodule Development
Authors: Libault Marc , Joshi Trupti , Takahashi Kaori , Hurley-Sommer Andrea , Puricelli Kari , Blake Sean , Finger Richard E. , Taylor Christopher G. , Xu Dong , Nguyen Henry T. , Stacey Gary
Published: September 2009

Nodulation is the result of a symbiosis between legumes and rhizobial bacteria in soil. This symbiosis is mutually beneficial, with the bacteria providing a source of nitrogen to the host while the plant supplies carbon to the symbiont. Nodule development is a complex process that is tightly regulated in the host plant cell through networks of gene expression. In order to examine this regulation in detail, a library of quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction primer sets was developed for a large number of soybean (Glycine max) putative regulatory genes available in the current expressed sequence tag collection. This library contained primers specific to soybean transcription factor genes as well as genes involved in chromatin modification and translational regulation. Using this library, we analyzed the expression of this gene set during nodule development. A large number of genes were found to be differentially expressed, especially at the later stages of nodule development when active nitrogen fixation was occurring. Expression of these putative regulatory genes was also analyzed in response to the addition of nitrate as a nitrogen source. This comparative analysis identified genes that may be specifically involved in nitrogen assimilation, metabolism, and the maintenance of active nodules. To address this possibility, the expression of one such candidate was studied in more detail by expressing in soybean roots promoter β-glucuronidase and green fluorescent protein fusions. This gene, named Control of Nodule Development (CND), encoded a Myb transcription factor gene. When the CND gene was silenced, nodulation was reduced. These results, associated with a strong expression of the CND gene in the vascular tissues, suggest a role for CND in controlling soybean nodulation.
Structure and conformational analysis of a bidentate pro-ligand, C21H34N2S2, from powder synchrotron diffraction data and solid-state DFTB calculations
Authors: Ávila Edward E. , Mora Asiloé J. , Delgado Gerzon E. , Contreras Ricardo R. , Rincón Luis , Fitch Andrew N. , Brunelli Michela
Published: September 2009

The molecular and crystalline structure of ethyl 1′,2′,3′,4′,4a′,5′,6′,7′-octahydrodispiro[cyclohexane-1,2′-quinazoline-4′,1′′-cyclohexane]-8′-carbodithioate (I) was solved and refined from powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction data. The initial model for the structural solution in direct space using the simulated annealing algorithm implemented in DASH [David et al. (2006). J. Appl. Cryst.
39, 910–915] was obtained performing a conformational study on the fused six-membered rings of the octahydroquinazoline system and the two spiran cyclohexane rings of (I). The best model was chosen using experimental evidence from 1H and 13C NMR [Contreras et al. (2001). J. Heterocycl. Chem.
38, 1223–1225] in combination with semi-empirical AM1 calculations. In the refined structure the two spiran rings have the chair conformation, while both of the fused rings in the octahydroquinazoline system have half-chair conformations compared with in-vacuum density-functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6-311G*, DFTB (density-functional tight-binding) theoretical calculations in the solid state and other related structures from X-ray diffraction data. Compound (I) presents weak intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the type N—H...S and C—H...S, which produce delocalization of the electron density in the generated rings described by graph symbols S(6) and S(5). Packing of the molecules is dominated by van der Waals interactions.
Computer animation as a tool to study preferences in the cichlid Pelvicachromis taeniatus
Authors: Baldauf S.A. , Kullmann H. , THÜNKEN T. , Winter S. , Bakker T.C.M.
Published: September 2009

Four choice experiments were conducted with both sexes of the cichlid Pelvicachromis taeniatus using computer‐manipulated stimuli of digital images differing in movement, body shape or colouration. The results show that computer animations can be useful and flexible tools in studying preferences of a cichlid with complex and variable preferences for different visual cues.
RNA interference‐mediated knock‐down of Bla g 1 in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica L., implicates this allergen‐encoding gene in digestion and nutrient absorption
Authors: Suazo A. , Gore C. , Schal C.
Published: September 2009

We used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the expression of a gene encoding Bla g 1, a human allergen produced by the German cockroach, Blattella germanica L., to study its function in cockroach physiology. Females injected with 1 µg of double‐stranded RNA contained 64% less Bla g 1 protein and Bla g 1 mRNA abundance was reduced by 91.4% compared to sham‐injected females. Bla g 1 knockdown slowed the pace of weight gain, midgut growth, and colleterial gland and basal oocyte maturation, resulting in delayed egg case formation and lower fecundity. Exogenous juvenile hormone treatments rescued reproduction in RNAi‐treated females, suggesting that Bla g 1 silencing lowered endogenous juvenile hormone, probably by reducing food intake and nutrient absorption.
Correlates of recent and regular mammography screening among Asian‐American women
Authors: Wu Tsu‐Yin , Ronis David
Published: September 2009

Title.  Correlates of recent and regular mammography screening among Asian‐American women.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the health beliefs, knowledge and selected demographic variables that influence mammography utilization among Asian‐American women.

Background.  Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer in Asian‐American women and its incidence is increasing at a greater rate than for other racial and ethnic groups in the United States of America (USA). Compared to White women, breast cancer also is more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage with larger tumours in Asian‐Americans.

Method.  A self‐administered questionnaire was used with Asian‐American women residing in the USA. Data were collected in 2005 and 315 women participated in the study.

Results.  Fifty‐five per cent of participants reported having their last mammogram within the past 13 months, and 33% reported having annual mammograms in each of the past 5 years. Based on multivariate logistic regression analyses, clinical breast examination, barriers and knowledge of recommendations of the frequency of mammography screening were associated with both recent and regular mammography practice after controlling for all other demographic, psychosocial and behavioural variables in the model.

Conclusion.  Intervention strategies tailored to knowledge, language and cultural factors associated with mammography use should target at‐risk subgroups, particularly those who are recent immigrants and those with limited English language ability. Culturally appropriate strategies should be developed to promote lifelong mammography screening for this rapidly growing and diverse population.
GB virus type C interactions with HIV: the role of envelope glycoproteins
Authors: Mohr Emma L. , Stapleton Jack T.
Published: September 2009

Summary.  GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV‐C/HGV) is the most closely related human virus to hepatitis C virus (HCV). GBV‐C is lymphotropic and not associated with any known disease, although it is associated with improved survival in HIV‐infected individuals. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells, GBV‐C induces the release of soluble ligands for HIV entry receptors (RANTES, MIP‐1a, MIP‐1b and SDF‐1), suggesting that GBV‐C may interact with lymphocytes to induce a chemokine and/or cytokine milieu that is inhibitory to HIV infection. Expression of GBV‐C envelope glycoprotein E2 in CD4+ T cells or addition of recombinant E2 to CD4 cells recapitulates the HIV inhibition seen with GBV‐C infection. Like HCV E2, GBV‐C E2 is predicted to be post‐translationally processed in the endoplasmic reticulum and is involved with cell binding. The C‐termini of GBV‐C E1 and E2 proteins contain predicted transmembrane domains sharing features with HCV TM domains. To date, cellular receptor(s) for GBV‐C E2 have not been identified. GBV‐C E2‐mediated HIV inhibition is dose‐dependent and HIV replication is blocked at the binding and/or entry step. In addition, a putative GBV‐C E2 fusion peptide interferes with HIV gp41 peptide oligomerization required for HIV‐1 fusion, further suggesting that GBV‐C E2 may inhibit HIV entry. Additional work is needed to identify the GBV‐C E2 cellular receptor, characterize GBV‐C E2 domains responsible for HIV inhibition, and to examine GBV‐C E2‐mediated fusion in the context of the entire envelope protein or viral‐particles. Understanding the mechanisms of action may identify novel approaches to HIV therapy.
Lake‐specific responses in sedimentary sulphur, after additions of copper sulphate to lakes in Michigan, USA
Authors: Drevnick Paul E. , Otter Ryan R. , Gorski Patrick R. , Long David T. , Canfield Donald E. , Oris James T.
Published: September 2009

Copper sulphate (CuSO4) is commonly added to lakes and reservoirs to manage nuisance and exotic species. Several studies have previously reported that CuSO4 is very useful for this purpose, and that the copper is ultimately stored in lake sediments. In contrast, there has been little study on the fate of the sulphate from CuSO4 additions. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of CuSO4 additions on sedimentary sulphur. Concentrations, isotopes, and fluxes of total and reduced sulphur in sediment cores from four Michigan lakes were compared, including two reference lakes that have never received CuSO4 additions, and two treatment lakes that have received CuSO4 additions by lake managers totalling 1–3 kg sulphate ha−1 year−1 since 1940. The results of this study confirm that sediments do not consistently provide records of sulphate loading across lakes. Isotopic evidence indicates this inconsistency is caused, in part, by lakes with well‐mixed sediments, in which sulphate is reduced to sulphide, but then subsequently reoxidized to sulphate and remobilized to the overlying water column. One of the treatment lakes, however, exhibited a clear correlation between CuSO4 additions and an increased sulphur flux to the sediment. During any given year, however, the sulphate added from CuSO4 additions amounted to no more than 10% of the sulphate added from wet deposition. Based on this seemingly insignificant quantity of sulphate, ascribing any effect of CuSO4 additions on sedimentary sulphur is tenuous at best. One possibility is that the addition of CuSO4 at rates that do not overwhelm the natural sulphur cycle of a lake or reservoir is a reasonable management tool for nuisance and exotic species.
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide in asthma: an update
Authors: SANDRINI Alessandra , TAYLOR D. Robin , THOMAS Paul S. , YATES Deborah H.
Published: September 2009

In asthma, clinical symptoms and lung function are insensitive in reflecting the underlying airway inflammation, and monitoring of this process has only recently become available. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is now recognized as a reliable surrogate marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation and offers the advantage of being completely non‐invasive and very easy to obtain. This review summarizes the clinical use of FeNO in asthma. It covers the relationship between FeNO and the underlying eosinophilic inflammation, the pathophysiology and production of FeNO, technical aspects of FeNO measurement and potential confounding factors in interpreting levels. FeNO reference values and the role of FeNO in asthma assessment, diagnosis and management are also discussed.
The ecological stoichiometry of toxins produced by harmful cyanobacteria: an experimental test of the carbon‐nutrient balance hypothesis
Authors: Van de Waal Dedmer B. , Verspagen Jolanda M. H. , Lürling Miquel , Van Donk Ellen , Visser Petra M. , Huisman Jef
Published: September 2009

Ecology Letters (2009) 12: 1326–1335

The elemental composition of primary producers reflects the availability of light, carbon and nutrients in their environment. According to the carbon‐nutrient balance hypothesis, this has implications for the production of secondary metabolites. To test this hypothesis, we investigated a family of toxins, known as microcystins, produced by harmful cyanobacteria. The strain Microcystis aeruginosa HUB 5‐2‐4, which produces several microcystin variants of different N:C stoichiometry, was cultured in chemostats supplied with various combinations of nitrate and CO2. Excess supply of both nitrogen and carbon yielded high cellular N:C ratios accompanied by high cellular contents of total microcystin and the nitrogen‐rich variant microcystin‐RR. Comparable patterns were found in Microcystis‐dominated lakes, where the relative microcystin‐RR content increased with the seston N:C ratio. In total, our results are largely consistent with the carbon‐nutrient balance hypothesis, and warn that a combination of rising CO2 and nitrogen enrichment will affect the microcystin composition of harmful cyanobacteria.
Visualization of Multi‐Variate Scientific Data
Authors: Fuchs R. , Hauser H.
Published: September 2009

In this state‐of‐the‐art report we discuss relevant research works related to the visualization of complex, multi‐variate data. We discuss how different techniques take effect at specific stages of the visualization pipeline and how they apply to multi‐variate data sets being composed of scalars, vectors and tensors. We also provide a categorization of these techniques with the aim for a better overview of related approaches. Based on this classification we highlight combinable and hybrid approaches and focus on techniques that potentially lead towards new directions in visualization research. In the second part of this paper we take a look at recent techniques that are useful for the visualization of complex data sets either because they are general purpose or because they can be adapted to specific problems.
Age at menarche and the risk of operative first delivery
Authors: Smith GCS
Published: September 2009

Objective  The risk of operative delivery at term increases linearly with age at first birth. It has been hypothesised that this is because of a deleterious effect of a prolonged interval between menarche and first birth on uterine function. The aim of this study was to test a prediction from the hypothesis, namely, that the risk of operative first delivery would decline with later age at menarche.

Design  Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Setting  The ALSPAC prospective cohort study enrolled pregnant women resident in Avon, UK with expected dates of delivery from 1 April 1991 to 31 December 1992.

Population  A total of 3739 primipara recruited to the ALSPAC cohort who experienced labour at term with a singleton infant in a cephalic presentation.

Main outcome measure  Operative delivery, defined as caesarean section or operative vaginal birth.

Result  The rate of operative delivery was highest among women with age at menarche in the bottom quartile (32.4%, menarche aged ≤12) and was lower in the second (30.3%, menarche aged 13), third (29.2%, menarche aged 14) and top (26.9%, menarche aged ≥15) quartiles (test for trend, P = 0.01). When adjusted for height, body mass index, marital status, smoking status, induction of labour, week of gestation of delivery and birthweight percentile; the odds ratio for operative delivery associated with a 5‐year increase in age at menarche (0.78, 95% CI 0.61–0.99) was very similar to the odds ratio for a 5‐year decrease in age at delivery (0.73, 95% CI 0.67–0.79). There was no association between age at menarche and the risk of operative delivery following adjustment for the interval between menarche and the first birth (adjusted odds ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.77–1.25).

Conclusion  Later menarche is associated with a decreased risk of operative delivery by decreasing the interval between menarche and first birth. The observation is consistent with the hypothesis that prolonged hormonal stimulation of the uterus prior to the first birth has a deleterious effect on uterine function.
Medicine or ecstasy? The importance of the logo
Authors: Daveluy Amélie , Miremont‐Salamé Ghada , Rahis Anne‐Cécile , Delile Jean‐Michel , Bégaud Bernard , Gachie Jean‐Pierre , Haramburu Françoise
Published: September 2009

Some pharmaceutical tablets have an appearance that resembles that of ecstasy (a logo and often a name referring to it, a given shape and/or a colour). These are sometimes sold in the street as ‘ecstasy’. In order to assess the knowledge of this phenomenon, surveys were conducted among designer drug users (DDUsers), pharmacists and pharmaceutical firms. Three surveys were conducted: the first one was conducted among DDUsers by means of an anonymous questionnaire; the second one consisted of a 1‐month postal survey within a network of 155 community pharmacies in the Aquitaine region, Southwestern France and the third one consisted of a postal questionnaire sent to 71 pharmaceutical firms. Nineteen users, 77 pharmacists and 25 pharmaceutical firms participated in the surveys. All DDUsers knew the existence of what they call ecstasy ‘swindles’, but less than one quarter of the pharmacists and one third of pharmaceutical firms were aware of the potential recreational and involuntary misuse of medicines. The phenomenon of ‘swindle’ in the illicit market is not new. However, the sale of medicines because of their appearance or logo seems to be quite rare. In order to limit this diversion, prevention should be reinforced. In addition, recommendations on the appearance of medicine tablets should be set up by regulatory agencies in charge of medicine approval.
Habitat Split as a Cause of Local Population Declines of Amphibians with Aquatic Larvae
Authors: BECKER C. GUILHERME , FONSECA CARLOS R. , HADDAD CÉLIO F. B. , PRADO PAULO I.
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  Most amphibian species have biphasic life histories and undergo an ontogenetic shift from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. In deforested landscapes, streams and forest fragments are frequently disjunct, jeopardizing the life cycle of forest‐associated amphibians with aquatic larvae. We tested the impact of habitat split—defined as human‐induced disconnection between habitats used by different life‐history stages of a species—on four forest‐associated amphibian species in a severely fragmented landscape of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We surveyed amphibians in forest fragments with and without streams (referred to as wet and dry fragments, respectively), including the adjacent grass‐field matrix. Our comparison of capture rates in dry fragments and nearby streams in the matrix allowed us to evaluate the number of individuals that engaged in high‐risk migrations through nonforested habitats. Adult amphibians moved from dry fragments to matrix streams at the beginning of the rainy season, reproduced, and returned at the end of the breeding period. Juveniles of the year moved to dry fragments along with adults. These risky reproductive migrations through nonforested habitats that expose individuals to dehydration, predation, and other hazards may cause population declines in dry fragments. Indeed, capture rates were significantly lower in dry fragments compared with wet fragments. Declining amphibians would strongly benefit from investments in the conservation and restoration of riparian vegetation and corridors linking breeding and nonbreeding areas.
New directions in clinical imaging of cortical dysplasias
Authors: Madan Neel , Grant P. Ellen
Published: September 2009

Neuroimaging is essential in the work‐up of patients with intractable epilepsy. In pediatric patients with medically refractory epilepsy, cortical dysplasias account for a large percentage of the epileptogenic substrate. Unfortunately, these are also the most subtle lesions to identify. For this reason, there has been ongoing interest in utilizing new advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to improve the ability to identify, diagnose, characterize, and delineate cortical dysplasias. Technologic gains such as multichannel coils (32 phased array and beyond) and higher field strengths (3T, 7T, and greater) coupled with newer imaging sequences such as arterial spin labeling (ASL), susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) and diffusion tensor/spectrum imaging (DTI/DSI) are likely to increase yield. Improved MRI techniques coupled with a multimodality approach including magnetoencephalography (MEG), positron emission tomography (PET), and other techniques will increase sensitivity and specificity for identifying cortical dysplasias.
Animal models of focal cortical dysplasia and tuberous sclerosis complex: Recent progress toward clinical applications
Authors: Wong Michael
Published: September 2009

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and related malformations of cortical development (MCDs) represent an increasingly recognized cause of medically intractable epilepsy. However, the underlying mechanisms of epileptogenesis are poorly understood, and treatments for epilepsy due to various cortical malformations are often limited or ineffective. Animal models offer a number of advantages for investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis and developing novel, rational therapies for MCD‐related epilepsy. This review highlights specific examples of how animal models have been useful in addressing several clinically relevant issues about epilepsy due to FCDs and related cortical malformations, including the pathologic and clinical features, etiologic factors, localization of the epileptogenic zone, neuronal and astrocytic contributions to epileptogenesis, and the development of antiepileptogenic therapies.
Slow Conduction within Lateral Myocardial Scar and Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: COMBES NICOLAS , COMBES STÉPHANE , HAUSMAN PIERRE , ALBENQUE JEAN PAUL , BOVEDA SERGE , MARIJON ELOI
Published: September 2009

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves symptoms and survival in some selected heart failure patients. However, around 30% of patients still do not respond to CRT. In these patients, methodological approach of any potential cause of nonresponse should be reviewed. We describe the case of limited left ventricle (LV) myocardium capture by LV lead during biventricular pacing secondary to a slow conduction from LV lead impulse, located in a scar zone, and the benefit of interventricular delay optimization in this setting. This case emphasizes the interest of considering 12‐lead electrocardiogram during management of patients with CRT.
Self‐Assessment of Oral Communication Presentations in Food Science and Nutrition
Authors: Reitmeier C.A. , Vrchota D.A.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  Self‐assessment allows learners to observe, analyze, and evaluate their own performances. Self‐reflection allows the student to assess his or her communication skill level and progress against a standard. Additionally, the implementation of self‐assessment through carefully prepared classroom experiences enables learners to manage their own learning and encourages the habit of lifelong learning. The objective of this study was to compare self‐evaluation formats for assessment of an oral communication activity. Senior students in 2 sections of a 1‐credit seminar course were videotaped while presenting 30‐min oral presentations to the class. Students viewed their presentations and assessed their work using either a scoring rubric or a reflection assignment. Peer and instructor evaluations were also completed. Average scores by students and instructor were similar for rubric and reflection assessment methods. Oral evaluation scores by peer assessment were higher than by self‐ and instructor‐assessment. Students were able to accurately describe the strengths and weaknesses of their presentations; however, comments from the reflection format were more thoughtful and provided more personal information in comparison to the scoring rubric. This study demonstrated the importance of reflective material such as student thoughts and feelings. Skills in reflective self‐evaluation and documentation of their progress in oral communication will help students position themselves to develop their own academic and professional goals, provide feedback to instructors, and compile a record for future employers.
Optimizing Web‐Based Instruction: A Case Study Using Poultry Processing Unit Operations
Authors: O'Bryan Corliss A. , Crandall Philip G. , Shores‐Ellis Katrina , Johnson Donald M. , Ricke Steven C. , Marcy John
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  Food companies and supporting industries need inexpensive, revisable training methods for large numbers of hourly employees due to continuing improvements in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs, new processing equipment, and high employee turnover. HACCP‐based food safety programs have demonstrated their value by reducing the number and frequency of multimillion‐dollar food recalls. The focus for the future must be proactive training of plant personnel to ensure continuous improvements in plant food safety and quality. In response to this need, we developed training modules focused on applying HACCP principles, quality aspects, and production information to individual poultry unit operations. Learning objectives were evaluated using discount usability testing techniques to optimize the delivery system and to ensure a satisfactory e‐learning experience. Discount usability testing of this virtual orientation was successful in obtaining vast amounts of feedback. Usability issues with the training materials were identified. Expected completion times were not met by most participants, indicating that a change in the format of the course might be necessary, perhaps segmenting the modules into smaller sections to be reviewed independently of one another. Another suggestion by the evaluators was to include narration for the sections, which might in turn speed up the completion times. A navigation error was discovered by these users, as well as other critical errors in design. Other errors, such as font inconsistencies and page design changes, were also discovered by the participants.
Human mast cells express androgen receptors but treatment with testosterone exerts no influence on IgE‐independent mast cell degranulation elicited by neuromuscular blocking agents
Authors: Chen WenChieh , Beck Isabelle , Schober Wolfgang , Brockow Knut , Effner Renate , Buters Jeroen T. M. , Behrendt Heidrun , Ring Johannes
Published: September 2009

Please cite this paper as: Human mast cells express androgen receptors but treatment with testosterone exerts no influence on IgE‐independent mast cell degranulation elicited by neuromuscular blocking agents. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 302–304.

Abstract:  Women predominate in the anaphylactic reactions to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA). The expression of oestrogen receptors has been demonstrated in mast cells and oestrogen treatment can enhance mast cell degranulation, but the influence of androgens remains largely unclear. Our immunocytochemical study showed the expression of androgen receptor (AR) in mast cells isolated from human foreskin as well as in two human mast cell lines, HMC‐1 and LAD2. The amount of AR was most abundant in human skin mast cells as determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Treatment of the HMC‐1 mast cells with testosterone or 17β‐oestradiol, alone or in combination with different NMBA, did not affect mast cell degranulation as measured by the release of β‐hexosaminidase. Our study shows for the first time the expression of AR in human skin mast cells. Further studies using primary human mast cell cultures are needed to understand whether and how sex hormones can influence mast cell activation.
Successful treatment of hereditary angioedema with bradykinin B2‐receptor antagonist icatibant
Authors: Krause Karoline , Metz Martin , Zuberbier Torsten , Maurer Marcus , Magerl Markus
Published: September 2009

The bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist icatibant has recently become available for treating hereditary angioedema. Our observations demonstrate icatibant to be effective and safe for the treatment of both, abdominal and cutaneous attacks in a practice setting beyond clinical studies.
The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score in Clinical Practice: What have We Learned?
Authors: Puetz V. , Dzialowski I. , Hill M. D. , Demchuk A. M.
Published: September 2009

The introduction of brain imaging with computed tomography revolutionised the treatment of patients with acute ischaemic stroke. With the visual differentiation of haemorrhagic stroke from ischaemic stroke, thrombolytic therapy became feasible. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was devised to quantify the extent of early ischaemic changes in the middle cerebral artery territory on noncontrast computed tomography. With its systematic approach, the score is simple and reliable. However, the assessment of early ischaemic changes and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scoring require training. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score is a strong predictor of functional outcome. Furthermore, the effectiveness of intraarterial thrombolysis in patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion shows effect modification by the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. This review summarises the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score methodology. We illustrate current knowledge regarding Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score applied to clinical trials and comment on how Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score may facilitate clinical treatment decision making and future trial design. Moreover, we introduce a modification of the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score methodology that disregards isolated cortical swelling, i.e. focal brain swelling without associated parenchymal hypoattenuation, as early ischaemic changes in the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score system.
Canine intrapericardial cyst – complicated surgical correction of an unusual cause of right heart failure
Authors: Loureiro J. , Burrow R. , Dukes‐McEwan J.
Published: September 2009

Intrapericardial cysts are non‐neoplastic structures that can become clinically significant by compressing cardiac chambers. Surgical excision is recommended to resolve clinical signs and this has been reported to be easily achieved by blunt manipulation. The present report describes a case of an intrapericardial cyst in a dog. The singularity of this case lays on the fact that the patient was presented unusually late, at the age of four years, and most importantly that its surgical correction was significantly complicated by the strong adherence of the cyst to both the pericardium and epicardium. This was possibly the result of chronic trauma and continued haemorrhage with subsequent healing and fibrosis. It is therefore important to consider intrapericardial cysts as a possible differential diagnosis in young to middle age patients presented with signs of right‐sided heart failure. Surgical excision must be planned carefully as this may not be as straightforward as previously suggested.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to chronic left‐sided cardiac dysfunction in dogs
Authors: Stepien Rebecca L.
Published: September 2009

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a description of a physiological finding rather than a diagnosis. Pulmonary arterial pressure is the result of interactions among pulmonary blood flow (right ventricular cardiac output), pulmonary vascular impedance and post‐capillary pressure (typically reflecting left atrial pressure). When elevations in pulmonary arterial pressure (systolic/diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure > ∼30/19 mmHg at rest) are accompanied by increased left atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial hypertension may be considered secondary to left‐heart failure. Introduction of Doppler methods to diagnose pulmonary arterial hypertension has increased the awareness of the prevalence and importance of pulmonary arterial hypertension dogs with left‐heart failure. Increasing understanding of the mechanism of development of pulmonary venous hypertension and reactive pulmonary arterial hypertension in dogs with left‐heart disease has led to the development of successful additive therapies for progressive clinical signs in the setting of chronic therapy for congestive heart failure due to left‐sided valvular and myocardial dysfunction. Because effective therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to chronic left‐sided cardiac dysfunction are now available, screening for pulmonary arterial hypertension should be a regular part of the Doppler echocardiographic examination in a clinical setting of chronic therapy for left‐sided congestive heart failure due to valvular or myocardial disease.
Using Websites to Disseminate Research on Urban Spatialities
Authors: Rose Gillian , Basdas Begum , Degen Monica
Published: September 2009

This paper reviews a selection of websites that explore urban geographies. Many sites use the web as a depository for large amounts of research data. However, many are using websites to disseminate research findings, and the paper focuses on these. It suggests that, thus far, there are three significant ways in which urban researchers are exploiting the potentialities of web technologies to interpret urban spaces: by evoking a sense of the complexity of urban spatialities; by inviting site visitors to engage actively and performatively with the research materials; and by emphasising the sensory qualities of urban spaces. The paper discusses how one website in particular invites its visitors to engage with complex, sensory urban spatialities. The paper compares geographers’ use of collage and montage as part of this discussion, and ends by reflecting on current work and commenting on its future development.
Climate–Suicide Relationships: A Research Problem in Need of Geographic Methods and Cross‐Disciplinary Perspectives
Authors: Dixon P. Grady , Kalkstein Adam J.
Published: September 2009

Many locations on Earth experience peaks in suicide rates during the late spring and early summer, and there is evidence that climatic variables may be causal factors. Beyond this seasonal characteristic, there is little consistency in the results of various climate–suicide studies. Almost all of the published climate–suicide research has been conducted by mental health experts with relatively little input from geographers and/or climatologists, thus highlighting the need for future collaborative efforts. Previous research has shown how the use of a single statistical method, as opposed to multiple methods, can yield misleading or confusing results. Future research on climate–suicide relationships should allow for more consideration for spatial and temporal variations in climate, culture, demographics, etc. Ultimately, improved methods and the use of cross‐disciplinary methods will help arrive at consistent results that identify climate variables that significantly affect suicide rates, if any exist.
Screening and Analysis of Spices with Ability to Suppress Verocytotoxin Production by Escherichia coli O157
Authors: Takemasa Niro , Ohnishi Shinya , Tsuji Makiko , Shikata Tomoko , Yokoigawa Kumio
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  To reduce the amounts of verocytotoxin (VT) produced by Escherichia coli O157:H7, various spices were screened for their ability to suppress VT production. Extracts of these spices were prepared with 70% ethyl alcohol. When E. coli O157:H7 cells were grown to the stationary phase at 37 °C in Luria‐Bertani medium supplemented with 0.02% allspice extract, the production of both VT1 and VT2 was significantly reduced. Neither growth inhibition nor a delay in the lag phase was observed when the cells were cultured in the presence of 0.02% allspice extract. An active component of the allspice extract was purified by HPLC and was identified as eugenol. When we examined the suppressive effect of eugenol on VT production by E. coli O157:H7, the amounts of both intracellular and extracellular VTs were found to decrease with an increase in eugenol concentration. Our results suggest that eugenol is useful for reducing the virulence of E. coli O157:H7.
Citrus Co‐Products as Technological Strategy to Reduce Residual Nitrite Content in Meat Products
Authors: Viuda‐Martos M. , Fernández‐López J. , Sayas‐Barbera E. , Sendra E. , Navarro C. , Pérez‐Álvarez J.A.
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT:  Sodium or potassium nitrite is widely used as a curing agent in cured meat products because it inhibits outgrowth and neurotoxin formation by Clostridium botulinum, delays the development of oxidative rancidity, develops the characteristic flavor of cured meats, and reacts with myoglobin and stabilizes the red meat color. As soon as nitrite is added in the meat formulation, it starts to disappear and the nitrite that has not reacted with myoglobin and it is available corresponds to residual nitrite level. Health concerns relating to the use of nitrates and nitrites in cured meats (cooked and dry cured) trend toward decreased usage to alleviate the potential risk to the consumers from formation of carcinogenic compounds. Recently, some new ingredients principally agro‐industrial co‐products in general and those from the citrus industry in particular (albedo [with different treatments], dietetic fiber obtained from the whole co‐product, and washing water used in the process to obtain the dietetic fiber) are seen as good sources of bio‐compounds that may help to reduce the residual nitrite level in meat products. From these co‐products, citrus fiber shows the highest potential to reduce the residual nitrite level, followed by the albedo and finally the washing water. The aim of this article is to describe the latest advances concerning the use of citrus co‐products in meat products as a potential ingredient to reduce the nitrite level.
A RETAIL CATEGORY MANAGEMENT MODEL INTEGRATING SHELF SPACE AND INVENTORY LEVELS
Authors: RAMASESHAN B. , ACHUTHAN N. R. , COLLINSON R.
Published: September 2009

A retail category management model that considers the interplay of optimal product assortment decisions, space allocation and inventory quantities is presented in this paper. Specifically, the proposed model maximizes the total net profit in terms of decision variables expressing product assortment, shelf space allocation and common review period. The model takes into consideration several constraints such as the available shelf space, backroom inventory space, retailer's financial resources, and estimates of rate of demand for products based on shelf space allocation and competing products. The review period can take any values greater than zero. Results of the proposed model were compared with the results of the current industry practice for randomly generated product assortments of size six, ten and fourteen. The model also outperformed the literature benchmark. The paper demonstrates that the optimal common review period is flexible enough to accommodate the administrative restrictions of delivery schedules for products, without significantly deviating from the optimal solution.
GAUGE INVARIANCES VIS-À-VIS DIFFEOMORPHISMS IN SECOND-ORDER METRIC GRAVITY: A NEW HAMILTONIAN APPROACH
Authors: MUKHERJEE PRADIP , SAHA ANIRBAN
Published: September 2009

A new analysis of the gauge invariances and their unity with diffeomorphism invariances in second-order metric gravity is presented which strictly follows Dirac's constrained Hamiltonian approach.
ENTROPY FLUCTUATIONS IN BRANE INFLATION MODELS
Authors: BRANDENBERGER ROBERT H. , FREY ANDREW R. , LORENZ LARISSA C.
Published: September 2009

We study the development of entropy fluctuations in brane inflation in a warped throat, including the brane–antibrane tachyon as the waterfall field. We find that there is a period at the end of inflation during which the entropy mode associated with the tachyon field increases exponentially. In turn, the induced entropy seeds a contribution to the curvature fluctuation on cosmological scales which grows rapidly and could exceed the primordial curvature perturbation. We identify parameter values for which in the absence of backreaction the induced curvature fluctuations are larger than the primordial adiabatic ones. In the specific model we study, however, backreaction limits the growth of the entropy fluctuations. We discuss situations in which backreaction effects are less constraining. The lesson of our investigation is that the study of the development of entropy fluctuations at the end of the period of inflation can lead to constraints on models of brane inflation and suggests that the curvaton mechanism may contribute significantly to the spectrum of cosmological perturbations.
MEASUREMENT-BASED QUANTUM COMPUTATION WITH CLUSTER STATES
Authors: RAUßENDORF ROBERT
Published: September 2009

In this thesis, we describe the one-way quantum computer [Formula: see text], a scheme of universal quantum computation that consists entirely of one-qubit measurements on a highly entangled multiparticle state, i.e. the cluster state. We prove the universality of the [Formula: see text], describe the underlying computational model and demonstrate that the [Formula: see text] can be operated fault-tolerantly.

In Sec. 2, we show that the [Formula: see text] can be regarded as a simulator of quantum logic networks. In this way, we prove the universality and establish the link to the network model — the common model of quantum computation. We also indicate that the description of the [Formula: see text] as a network simulator is not adequate in every respect.

In Sec. 3, we derive the computational model underlying the [Formula: see text], which is very different from the quantum logic network model. The [Formula: see text] has no quantum input, no quantum output and no quantum register, and the unitary gates from some universal set are not the elementary building blocks of [Formula: see text] quantum algorithms. Further, all information that is processed with the [Formula: see text] is the outcomes of one-qubit measurements and thus processing of information exists only at the classical level. The [Formula: see text] is nevertheless quantum-mechanical, as it uses a highly entangled cluster state as the central physical resource.

In Sec. 4, we show that there exist nonzero error thresholds for fault-tolerant quantum computation with the [Formula: see text]. Further, we outline the concept of checksums in the context of the [Formula: see text], which may become an element in future practical and adequate methods for fault-tolerant [Formula: see text] computation.
A NOTE ON AN ARBITRATED QUANTUM SIGNATURE SCHEME
Authors: CAO ZHENGJUN , MARKOWITCH OLIVIER
Published: September 2009

Zeng and Keitel proposed an arbitrated quantum signature scheme in 2002. Recently, Curty and Lütkenhaus pointed out that the protocol is not operationally specified. In a reply, Zeng gave more details of the scheme. The author also claimed that the scheme is suitable for unknown messages. In this letter, we remark that the invented scenario in the original scheme is artificial. This is because its security entirely depends on the presence of a trustworthy arbitrator. Moreover, the claim that the original scheme is suitable for unknown messages is not sound.
LEARNING AND RECOGNITION OF HUMAN ACTIONS USING OPTIMAL CONTROL PRIMITIVES
Authors: GANESH SUMITRA , BAJCSY RUZENA
Published: September 2009

We propose a unified approach for recognition and learning of human actions, based on an optimal control model of human motion. In this model, the goals and preferences of the agent engaged in a particular action are encapsulated as a cost function or performance criterion, that is optimized to yield the details of the movement. The cost function is a compact, intuitive and flexible representation of the action. A parameterized form of the cost function is considered, wherein the structure reflects the goals of the actions, and the parameters determine the relative weighting of different terms. We show how the cost function parameters can be estimated from data by solving a nonlinear least squares problem. The parameter estimation method is tested on motion capture data for two different reaching actions and six different subjects. We show that the problem of action recognition in the context of this representation is similar to that of mode estimation in a hybrid system and can be solved using a particle filter if a receding horizon formulation of the optimal controller is adopted. We use the proposed approach to recognize different reaching actions from the 3D hand trajectory of subjects.
MOTION PLANNING USING PREDICTED PERCEPTIVE CAPABILITY
Authors: MICHEL PHILIPP , CHESTNUTT JOEL , KAGAMI SATOSHI , NISHIWAKI KOICHI , KUFFNER JAMES J. , KANADE TAKEO
Published: September 2009

We present an approach to motion planning for humanoid robots that aims to ensure reliable execution by augmenting the planning process to reason about the robot's ability to successfully perceive its environment during operation. By efficiently simulating the robot's perception system during search, our planner utilizes a perceptive capability metric that quantifies the 'sensability' of the environment in each state given the task to be accomplished. We have applied our method to the problem of planning robust autonomous grasping motions and walking sequences as performed by an HRP-2 humanoid. A fast GPU-accelerated 3D tracker is used for perception, with a grasp planner and footstep planner incorporating reasoning about the robot's perceptive capability. Experimental results show that considering information about the predicted perceptive capability ensures that sensing remains operational throughout the grasping or walking sequence and yields higher task success rates than perception-unaware planning.
ON ASYMPTOTICALLY LACUNARY σ-STATISTICAL EQUIVALENT SEQUENCES OF FUZZY NUMBERS
Authors: SAVAŞ EKREM
Published: September 2009

This paper presents the asymptotically lacunary σ-statistical equivalent which is a natural combination of the definition for asymptotically equivalent, invariant mean and lacunary statistical convergence of fuzzy numbers. In addition, we shall also present asymptotically lacunary σ-statistical equivalent analogs of Savas and Nuray's theorems in Ref. 8.
MONOTONIC SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINES FOR CREDIT RISK RATING
Authors: DOUMPOS MICHAEL , ZOPOUNIDIS CONSTANTIN
Published: September 2009

Credit rating models are widely used by banking institutions to assess the creditworthiness of credit applicants and to estimate the probability of default. Several pattern classification algorithms are used for the development of such models. In contrast to other pattern classification tasks, however, credit rating models are not only expected to provide accurate predictions, but also to make clear economic sense. Within this context, the estimated probability of default is often required to be a monotone function of the independent variables. Most machine learning techniques do not take this requirement into account. In this paper, monotonicity hints are used to address this issue within the modeling framework of support vector machines (SVM), which have become increasingly popular in this field. Non-linear SVM credit rating models are developed with linear programming, taking into account the monotonicity requirement. The obtained results indicate that the introduction of monotonicity hints improves the predictive ability of the models.