bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reasoning about goal-directed real-time teleo-reactive programs
Authors: Dongol Brijesh , Hayes Ian J. , Robinson Peter J. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

The teleo-reactive programming model is a high-level approach to developing real-time systems that supports hierarchical composition and durative actions. The model is different from frameworks such as action systems, timed automata and TLA
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, and allows programs to be more compact and descriptive of their intended behaviour. Teleo-reactive programs are particularly useful for implementing controllers for autonomous agents that must react robustly to their dynamically changing environments. In this paper, we develop a real-time logic that is based on Duration Calculus and use this logic to formalise the semantics of teleo-reactive programs. We develop rely/guarantee rules that facilitate reasoning about a program and its environment in a compositional manner. We present several theorems for simplifying proofs of teleo-reactive programs and present a partially mechanised method for proving progress properties of goal-directed agents.
Performance of serum and dried blood spot acylcarnitine profiles for detection of fatty acid β‐oxidation disorders in adult patients with rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Al‐Thihli Khalid , Sinclair Graham , Sirrs Sandra , Mezei Michelle , Nelson Judie , Vallance Hilary 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundPlasma/serum and dried blood spot (DBS) acylcarnitine profiles (ACPs) are key to the diagnosis of mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation disorders (FAODs). Despite their significant clinical applications, limited published data exists to compare their sensitivities and specificities. We retrospectively evaluated these two methods in adult patients with a history of rhabdomyolysis; investigated for an underlying FAOD.MethodsA retrospective study was completed for adult patients (investigated between 2003 and 2011) meeting the inclusion criteria of a history of recurrent rhabdomyolysis or one episode of rhabdomyolysis with a history of exercise intolerance. All subjects underwent investigations for an underlying FAOD including DBS and serum ACP analysis concurrently collected during a symptom‐free period, and skin biopsy for cultured fibroblast fatty acid oxidation studies or enzyme activity measurement, as indicated, with or without molecular confirmation. Their medical records were reviewed, and the performance of the two methods were compared.ResultsSeven out of 31 subjects (22.6 %) were diagnosed with an underlying FAOD. Long chain acylcarnitines were more markedly elevated in serum samples from confirmed CPTII cases (n = 4) as compared to matched DBS profiles. The sensitivity and specificity of DBS ACP was 71.4 % (95 % CI, 0.30–0.95) and 100 % (95 % CI, 0.79–1.00), respectively, compared to a sensitivity of 100 % (95 % CI, 0.56–1.00) and a specificity of 94.7 % (95 % CI, 0.72–1.00) for serum ACP.ConclusionFAODs appear to be a common cause of recurrent rhabdomyolysis or rhabdomyolysis with a history of exercise induced myalgia. At least historically, FAODs maybe underdiagnosed in adults with rhabdomyolysis. This study suggests that serum ACP might be more sensitive than DBS ACP for detection of an underlying FAOD in adults with rhabdomyolysis while asymptomatic.
Inborn errors of metabolism with 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria as discriminative feature: proper classification and nomenclature
Authors: Wortmann Saskia B. , Duran Marinus , Anikster Yair , Barth Peter G. , Sperl Wolfgang , Zschocke Johannes , Morava Eva , Wevers Ron A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIncreased urinary 3‐methylglutaconic acid excretion is a relatively common finding in metabolic disorders, especially in mitochondrial disorders. In most cases 3‐methylglutaconic acid is only slightly elevated and accompanied by other (disease specific) metabolites. There is, however, a group of disorders with significantly and consistently increased 3‐methylglutaconic acid excretion, where the 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria is a hallmark of the phenotype and the key to diagnosis. Until now these disorders were labelled by roman numbers (I–V) in the order of discovery regardless of pathomechanism. Especially, the so called “unspecified” 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria type IV has been ever growing, leading to biochemical and clinical diagnostic confusion. Therefore, we propose the following pathomechanism based classification and a simplified diagnostic flow chart for these “inborn errors of metabolism with 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria as discriminative feature”. One should distinguish between “primary 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria” formerly known as type I (3‐methylglutaconyl‐CoA hydratase deficiency, AUH defect) due to defective leucine catabolism and the—currently known—three groups of “secondary 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria”. The latter should be further classified and named by their defective protein or the historical name as follows: i) defective phospholipid remodelling (TAZ defect or Barth syndrome, SERAC1 defect or MEGDEL syndrome) and ii) mitochondrial membrane associated disorders (OPA3 defect or Costeff syndrome, DNAJC19 defect or DCMA syndrome, TMEM70 defect). The remaining patients with significant and consistent 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria in whom the above mentioned syndromes have been excluded, should be referred to as “not otherwise specified (NOS) 3‐MGA‐uria” until elucidation of the underlying pathomechanism enables proper (possibly extended) classification.
Line Transect and Triangulation Surveys Provide Reliable Estimates of the Density of Kloss’ Gibbons (Hylobates klossii) on Siberut Island, Indonesia
Authors: Höing Andrea , Quinten Marcel C. , Indrawati Yohana Maria , Cheyne Susan M. , Waltert Matthias 
Published: January 2013

AbstractEstimating population densities of key species is crucial for many conservation programs. Density estimates provide baseline data and enable monitoring of population size. Several different survey methods are available, and the choice of method depends on the species and study aims. Few studies have compared the accuracy and efficiency of different survey methods for large mammals, particularly for primates. Here we compare estimates of density and abundance of Kloss’ gibbons (Hylobates klossii) using two of the most common survey methods: line transect distance sampling and triangulation. Line transect surveys (survey effort: 155.5 km) produced a total of 101 auditory and visual encounters and a density estimate of 5.5 gibbon clusters (groups or subgroups of primate social units)/km2. Triangulation conducted from 12 listening posts during the same period revealed a similar density estimate of 5.0 clusters/km2. Coefficients of variation of cluster density estimates were slightly higher from triangulation (0.24) than from line transects (0.17), resulting in a lack of precision in detecting changes in cluster densities of <66 % for triangulation and <47 % for line transect surveys at the 5 % significance level with a statistical power of 50 %. This case study shows that both methods may provide estimates with similar accuracy but that line transects can result in more precise estimates and allow assessment of other primate species. For a rapid assessment of gibbon density under time and financial constraints, the triangulation method also may be appropriate.
From neuromuscular electrical stimulation and biofeedback-assisted exercise up to triathlon competitions—regular physical activity for cancer patients in Austria
Authors: Crevenna Richard 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Individual rehabilitation concepts for cancer patients include specific nutrition programs, psychotherapy and many modalities from the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. At the Medical University of Vienna, challenging and complex cases of cancer patients are presented and discussed with the goal to plan rehabilitation, within the worldwide first official tumour board for cancer rehabilitation. Regular physical activity is an active option which has been shown to be an important part in the treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients. Exercise—individually prescribed—has been described to improve functional health of cancer patients with benefits for physical performance, mental health, quality of life, participation and—in some types of cancer—survival. However, not all cancer patients need the same form of regular physical activity. Nevertheless, most of cancer patients should start as soon as possible to be physically active, but under the supervision of specialized physicians and within their individual “right” setting.
Physical exercise programs following cancer treatment
Authors: Baumann F. T. 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
Oncological patients should engage in physical activities during the entire period of medical treatment and aftercare taking into account the contraindications. Therapeutic exercises should be customized, according to the individuals’ cancer entity, medical side effects, and exercise experience—personalized exercise therapy. After medical treatment, cancer patients in Germany have a legal right to visit an oncological rehabilitation clinic. In addition, they have the opportunity to attend a rehabilitative sports group, which is funded by the health insurance companies. The aim of therapeutic exercises in the curative and palliative phase is prevention of negative physical and psychological consequences. The aim of therapeutic exercises in the rehabilitation phase is physical and mental recovery as well as psychosocial stabilization or improvement. During aftercare, cancer patients should also be encouraged to engage in home-based programs; however, these are not as effective as supervised therapy. Future studies must consider aspects of training control, specific assessments and exercise programs for palliative patients.
The role of physical activity in primary cancer prevention
Authors: Steindorf Karen 
Published: January 2013

AbstractFew modifiable lifestyle factors have been shown to be associated with reduced cancer risk. For physical activity, more than 200 epidemiologic studies have provided evidence that its association with cancer risk is convincing for colon and breast cancers; probable for endometrial cancer; possible for prostate, gastric, and ovarian cancers; and insufficient for all other cancer sites. Relative risk reductions are in the range of 10–30 %. On the absolute scale, about 9–19 % of the most frequent cancers can be attributed to a lack of sufficient physical activity. As modifiable health behavior, exercise thus has a strong potential for primary cancer prevention and the evidence is sufficiently established to recommend physical activity as a means for the primary prevention of cancer. Current recommendations call for at least 30–60 min of moderate to vigorous activity daily. However, further research is needed to provide a stronger evidence base specifically for these recommendations. The exact type, dose, and timing of physical activity remain unclear but ongoing and planned research will elucidate these associations. In addition, possible biologic mechanisms whereby physical activity may influence carcinogenesis, independently and/or jointly with other factors of the energy balance equation, need further attention in future research.
Phytostanol Supplementation Through Frying Dough in Enriched Canola Oil
Authors: Aydeniz Buket , Yılmaz Emin 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine a suitable level of phytostanols for addition to canola oil and to investigate the performance of the supplemented oil during frying. The frying oil was supplemented with 5, 10, 15, 20 % w/w phytostanols and two suitable levels (5 and 10 %) were selected. Dough frying was performed for 5 consecutive days at 180 °C for 5 h/day. The ranges of analytical measurements in the treatment groups were; free acidity (0.12–10.07 %), conjugated dienes (0.47–1.37 %), total polar material with probe (9.00–51.25 %), viscosity (46.27–195.51 cP), turbidity (0.82–1.80 NTU), and smoke point (202.75–274.25 °C). The results indicated that 5 % phytostanol enriched oil was superior in terms of oil stability and sensory quality of the fried dough among all the enriched oils. Samples with 10 % added phytostanols were high in free acidity, conjugated dienes and smoke points. Sterol composition analysis showed that the fried dough absorbed total sterols of 49.9 and 95 g/kg in 5 and 10 % supplemented oils, respectively. Hence, some health benefits could be achieved through consuming products which have been fried in phytostanol supplemented canola oil.
Waterproof cast liners in paediatric forearm fractures: A randomized trial
Authors: Stevenson Aaron W. , Gahukamble Abhay D. , Antoniou Georgia , Pool Bradley , Sutherland Leanne M. , Cundy Peter 
Published: January 2013

Purpose Waterproof casts have been shown to provide adequate support and immobilization in fractures. This study evaluated two waterproof cast liners, namely, Wet or Dry® and Delta Dry®, in terms of ease of application/removal, durability, longevity, and patient satisfaction using patient- and technician-reported outcome measures. Methods A total of 105 children were enrolled in a randomized trial and received a below-elbow synthetic cast with either of the two cast liners. Results The two groups were comparable with regards to age, gender, side of cast, and hand dominance. Assessment was carried out at application and removal. In the patient-reported outcomes, the Wet or Dry® group was rated significantly better in the odor and water resistance categories. In the technician-reported application and removal outcome measures, the Delta Dry® group was rated significantly higher. Conclusions The use of waterproof cast liners appears to be safe in children with forearm fractures, with some differences in outcome between the two products trialed.
The effect of temperature, water input and length of growing season on sugar beet yield in five locations in Greece
Authors: TSIALTAS J. T. , MASLARIS N. 
Published: January 2013

SUMMARYFrom 1999 to 2006, 36 field experiments were conducted in five sugar beet growing areas in Greece (Larissa, Plati, Serres, Xanthi and Orestiada) to monitor yield. Locations differed significantly regarding thermal variables during the growing season with Xanthi having the most favourable thermal conditions (Tmax, average daily maximum temperature;Tmean, average daily mean temperature; GDD, growing degree days) for sugar beet growth. From early June to the end of the harvesting campaign, successive harvests were conducted. Over the years, fresh root weight and sugar yield at the last harvest of the season (FRWLH, SYLH) did not differ significantly among locations. Also, there were no significant differences among locations regarding GDD for maximum FRW and SY (GDDMFRW, GDDMSY), with the means over location estimated at 2639·9 and 2792·5 °C, respectively. Days after seeding (DAS) necessary for maximum yield (DASMFRW, DASMSY, respectively) differed among locations, with the longest period (DASMFRW206·4 days, DASMSY: 204·5 days) occurring in the northernmost location (Orestiada). Means for DASMFRWand DASMSYat the five locations were estimated at 190·4 and 188·9·days, respectively. Excluding Xanthi and combining the remaining locations, FRWLHand SYLHwere negatively correlated with the average temperatures (Tmean,TmaxandTmin, daily minimum temperature) over the growing season. The opposite was evident for Xanthi where sugar beet was grown under sub-optimal temperatures. The optimum meanTmaxof the five locations was estimated at 25·5 and 25·1 °C for FRWLHand SYLH, respectively. Elongation of the growing season, by means of early sowing, would increase yield by decreasing average temperatures (Tmean,Tmax) over the growing season in locations with the highest recorded temperatures (Larissa, Plati, Serres and Orestiada). In Xanthi, the projected temperature increase, as a result of climate change, is expected to have a positive effect on yields.
Do Portfolio Distortions Reflect Superior Information or Psychological Biases?
Authors: Korniotis George M. , Kumar Alok 
Published: January 2013

AbstractUsing a demographics-based proxy for smartness, we show that the portfolio distortions of “smart” investors reflect an informational advantage, while the distortions of “dumb” investors reflect psychological biases. Specifically, smart investors outperform dumb investors by about 3% annually on a risk-adjusted basis. Furthermore, among investors with high portfolio distortions, smart investors outperform passive benchmarks by 2%, and the smart-dumb performance differential is 5%. At the stock level, a portfolio of stocks with smart investor clientele outperforms the dumb clientele portfolio by 3.50% annually. These findings suggest that behavioral and information-based explanations for portfolio distortions apply to distinct subsets of investors.
Changes in the calcium metabolism of Biomphalaria glabrata experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Tunholi-Alves V.M. , Tunholi V.M. , Garcia J. Silva , Costa-Neto S.F. , Maldonado A. , Santos M.A.J. , Thiengo S.C. , Pinheiro J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractLevels of calcium in the haemolymph and reserves in the shell of Biomphalaria glabrata experimentally infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis were determined for the first time. At the same time, histochemical analyses of the digestive gland of infected and uninfected snails were performed to better understand the possible changes in metabolism of calcium in these organisms. After 1, 2 and 3 weeks of infection, the snails were dissected for collection of haemolymph and separation of tissues. The highest calcium concentrations in the haemolymph were found 2 weeks after infection, with a 39.61% increase in relation to the respective control group. However, there was a significant reduction in the concentration of this ion in the haemolymph of infected snails after 1 week of infection in relation to the uninfected specimens. In parallel, intense hypocalcification was shown in the shell of infected snails 1 and 2 weeks after infection, differing significantly in relation to the respective control groups. Morphological changes in the digestive gland of infected snails were also observed, confirming the role of this ion as an important element in the parasite encapsulation process.
PCR-based molecular discrimination betweenMaritrema eroliaeandProbolocoryphe uca(Digenea: Microphallidae) in Kuwait Bay
Authors: Al-Kandari W.Y. , Al-Bustan S.A. , Alnaqeeb M. , Isaac A.M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractMicrophallid trematodes are common parasites in marine snails and crustacean hosts at Kuwait Bay. The larval stages of two microphallids,Maritrema eroliaeandProbolocoryphe uca, are difficult to differentiate morphologically. In this study, two PCR-based techniques were established for quick and accurate discrimination between the larval stages of the two microphallid species, employing restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and species-specific primers. Both techniques utilized nucleotide differences in the second internal transcribed region (ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) in the two species. For the PCR-RFLP technique, restriction enzymeAvaII was selected and it generated different restriction profiles among the two microphallids. In addition, species-specific primers were prepared for each microphallid species that amplified distinctive fragments. Both techniques showed that the larval stages of the two microphallid species can be identified accurately. However, direct PCR amplification using species-specific primers was more advantageous than the PCR-RFLP technique since it allowed rapid and specific discrimination between the two species. This technique provides a useful tool that can be used in future studies for the study of the distribution of microphallid species and their definitive hosts at different localities of Kuwait Bay.
A longer stay for the kissing disease: epidemiology of bacterial tonsillitis and infectious mononucleosis over a 20-year period
Authors: Lennon P , Saunders J , Fenton J E 
Published: January 2013

AbstractIntroduction:Anecdotally, infectious mononucleosis is considered a more severe infection than bacterial tonsillitis, requiring a longer hospital stay. However, there is little in the literature comparing the epidemiology of the two conditions. This study aimed to compare the epidemiology of bacterial tonsillitis and infectious mononucleosis, in particular any differences in the length of in-patient stay.Methodology:The hospital in-patient enquiry system was used to analyse patients admitted with bacterial tonsillitis and infectious mononucleosis between 1990 and 2009 inclusive.Results:There was a total of 3435 cases over the 20 years: 3064 with bacterial tonsillitis and 371 with infectious mononucleosis. The mean length of stay was 3.22 days for bacterial tonsillitis and 4.37 days for infectious mononucleosis. The median length of stay for each condition was compared using the Mann–Whitney U non-parametric test, and a significant difference detected (p < 0.001).Conclusion:Patients with infectious mononucleosis have a significantly longer stay in hospital than those with bacterial tonsillitis.
Pigment, fatty acid and extracellular enzyme analysis of a fungal strainThelebolus microsporusfrom Larsemann Hills, Antarctica
Authors: Singh Shiv M. , Singh Paras N. , Singh Sanjay K. , Sharma Prabhat K. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTA cold-tolerant fungal strainThelebolus microsporuswas investigated for the first time for its pigment and fatty acid production. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis confirmed the presence of carotenoid pigment. Gas chromatography observations showed the presence of major fatty acids: myristic acid (14:0), palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), heptadecanoic acid (17:0), linolenic acid (18:3) and linoleic acid (18:2). Of these, linolenic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, was present in substantial quantity, suggesting that it may have a role in adapting the fungus to low Antarctic temperatures by modulating membrane fluidity. The commercial application of linolenic acid is as a food supplement for humans suffering from eczema, cardiovascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Another fatty acid, linoleic acid, a precursor of 1-octen-3-ol, is the principal aromatic compound in most fungi and has also been documented in this strain. Screening of the fungal culture for extracellular enzyme activity for amylase, protease, lipase, chitinase and cellulase was carried out. The isolate showed maximum α-amylase activity at 20°C, suggesting effective applications as a detergent additive, in textile processing and in the food industry.
Multi-state modelling reveals sex-dependent transmission, progression and severity of tuberculosis in wild badgers
Authors: GRAHAM J. , SMITH G. C. , DELAHAY R. J. , BAILEY T. , McDONALD R. A. , HODGSON D. 
Published: January 2013

SUMMARYStatistical models of epidemiology in wildlife populations usually consider diseased individuals as a single class, despite knowledge that infections progress through states of severity. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a serious zoonotic disease threatening the UK livestock industry, but we have limited understanding of key epidemiological processes in its wildlife reservoirs. We estimated differential survival, force of infection and progression in disease states in a population of Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), naturally infected with bTB. Our state-dependent models overturn prevailing categorizations of badger disease states, and find novel evidence for early onset of disease-induced mortality in male but not female badgers. Males also have higher risk of infection and more rapid disease progression which, coupled with state-dependent increases in mortality, could promote sex biases in the risk of transmission to cattle. Our results reveal hidden complexities in wildlife disease epidemiology, with implications for the management of TB and other zoonotic diseases.