bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A State Assignment for p‐Valued Sequential Machines
Authors: Nagata Yasunori , Zukeran Chotel , Afuso Chushin 
Published: November 2009

AbstractFor p‐valued synchronous sequential machines a new method of state assignment is proposed. In this method, a given sequential machine is expressed by a state transition table and then codes with low Hamming weight are assigned to the internal states with high frequency of appearance. This process yields the state transition functions which express transition to the states with low frequency of appearance, thereby attaining the state transition functions with the minimum number of terms in the principal disjunctive canonical form. All the procedures can be expressed in a simple straightforward algorithm and therefore can be processed fast. Experiments on a computer for p = 3 show that the truth‐table densities of the state transition matrices are about 80 to 90 percent compared with those obtained by the triangle method [1, 2] which is one of the existing methods. The results compare favorably with those obtained by other methods even after simplification by the extended Quine‐McCluskey method.
A Parallel Branch‐and‐Bound Algorithm for a Torus Machine
Authors: Kawaguchi Tsuyoshi , Maeda Tamotsu 
Published: November 2009

AbstractTorus is one of the most promising interconnection topologies for multiprocessor systems with a large number of processors. This paper presents a parallel branch‐and‐bound algorithm for a torus machine with additional global links. Using the torus network, processors send subproblems to adjacent processors to balance their loads. Global links are used for broadcasting the newly obtained temporary solution to all processors. Using simulation experiments, the performance of the proposed algorithm was compared with that of another algorithm implemented on an improved tree machine called the DON system. These experiments showed that the speed‐up rate obtained by the proposed algorithm is always greater than the speed‐up rate obtained by the algorithm implemented on the DON system.
The Pulse Extension Method for the Variable Neighborhood Distance Transformation of 2‐ and 3‐Dimensional Digitized Pictures
Authors: Okabe Naoki , Toriwaki Jun‐Ichiro 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper proposes a variable neighborhood distance transformation algorithm for two‐ and three‐dimensional (2‐D and 3‐D) digital binary pictures which is based on a new concept called path extension. The properties and performance of the method are experimentally evaluated. An algorithm was constructed using path extension which calculates the variable neighborhood distance for all one pixels in a 2‐D picture, using a sequence of four and eight neighborhoods composed in an appropriate way.In previous distance transformation algorithms, the distance for the central pixel under consideration is calculated uniquely from the distances of several neighborhood pixels, while the distance transformation in the path extension algorithm is executed by determining the distances of several neighborhood pixels from the distance of the central pixel under consideration.This paper proposes a serial path extension algorithm and two parallel path extension algorithms for both 2‐D and 3‐D pictures. For comparison of performance, one serial and one parallel algorithm, which are modifications of the traditional fixed neighborhood algorithms, are further analyzed. Finally, the results of an experimental evaluation are presented for computation time in the five proposed algorithms.
A New Recognition Method for Stamped and Painted Alphanumerals
Authors: Nakano Tomoaki , Yamamoto Shin , Takeda Norio 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn the automobile production system, the recognition technique for the stamped character stamped on the painted surface is indispensable in part labelling and production control. When a stamped character is painted over, it often happens that undulations and humps are produced on the character contour. This paper discusses a recognition method for such stamped characters. In order to make the method robust toward variations in the character contour, the contour shape data is constructed viewing the character from the circumscribed rectangle of the character. Then, the contour features inherent to the character are extracted after smoothing, to perform the recognition.The method was applied to stamped and painted 1000 samples of ten kinds of alpha‐numerals and the recognition rate was examined. It is seen that the proposed method exhibits a higher recognition rate for all character types than the multiple similarity method. According to the experiment in which the experimental system based on the proposed method was applied to 3000 samples of 15 kinds of alphanumerals, the correct recognition rate was 99.8 percent. Although there were seven samples which were rejected, there were no misclassifications. Thus, the usefulness of the method was verified.
Automated Design of Circuits from Recursion Equations Using Theorem‐Proving Technique
Authors: Harao Masateru , Iwanuma Kouji 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis paper aims at establishing the automated design for a circuit by the theorem‐proving technique, by formulating the circuit design as a transformation from the specification description (recursion equation) to the circuit model FN (functional network based on dataflow operation).First, rules for circuit construction and transformation rules are formulated, which are used as the inference knowledge in the theorem‐proving system. Then the circuit realization language is designed based on the modal logic, where the syntax corresponds to the FN structure, and the computation corresponds to the circuit operation. It is shown that the processing system for such a language can be realized by a technique similar to the derivation principle for the first‐order predicate logic.The theorem‐proving system for automated circuit design can be realized as a program on the circuit realization language, where the element composing the circuit is used as the declarative knowledge, and the transformation rule is used as the inference knowledge.When the design specification (recursion equation) is given as the goal clause, the automated circuit design system decides on the possibility of design, and the circuit structure information is extracted from the proof process. The behavior of the circuit can be simulated also in the process.
Functional and radiological outcome after delayed fixation of femoral neck fractures in pediatric patients
Authors: Varshney Manish Kumar , Kumar Ashok , Khan Shah Alam , Rastogi Shishir 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Background
Complications that develop after femoral neck fracture in children—especially osteonecrosis—have been retrospectively attributed to inadvertent delayed fixation and fracture type. Prospective evaluation of results after delayed fixation of femoral neck fractures in children beyond the first 24 h is not reported in the literature and requires evaluation to increase our understanding of the procedure and improve fixation methods. Also, the role of capsular decompression in initial management needs to be elucidated.

Materials and methods
Radiological and functional evaluation was done for delayed fixation (>24 h) of displaced fractures in the femoral neck in 21 children (21 hips) treated over 11 years. Mean patient age was 11.8 (median 12, range 5–15) years. Extraphyseal fixation was done using partially threaded cannulated cancellous screws after closed or open reduction. Patients were allowed full weight bearing after 12–18 weeks. Results were assessed on the basis of modified Ratliff criteria. Patients were followed for a mean of 81 (range 66–129) months.

Results
All fractures united at a mean duration of 12 (range 10.6–14) weeks. Three (14.3%) patients had osteonecrosis of the hip, which was significantly related to poor outcome (r = 0.495; P = 0.022). There was a significant correlation (r = 0.52) between development of osteonecrosis and delayed fracture fixation of >10 days (P = 0.016) and open reduction (P = 0.016).

Conclusions
Outcome following temporal delay in fracture fixation of the femoral neck is primarily affected by osteonecrosis of the femoral head, whereas restriction of movements, shortening, and premature physeal closure has no significant influence. Osteonecrosis is primarily linked to delay and open reduction, whereas fracture type, age, and sex seem insignificant factors. Capsular decompression does not seem to affect the outcome in delayed presentations and may hinder definitive treatment.
The Spectrum of Plant and Animal Sterols in Different Oil‐Derived Intravenous Emulsions
Authors: Forchielli Maria Luisa , Bersani Germana , Tala Sara , Grossi Gabriele , Puggioli Cristina , Masi Massimo 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIntravenous lipid constituents have different effects on various biological processes. Some of these effects are protective, while others are potentially adverse. Phytosterols, in particular, seem to be implicated with parenteral nutrition‐associated cholestasis. The aim of this study is to determine the amount of plant and animal sterols present in lipid formulations derived from different oil sources. To this end, animal (cholesterol) and plant (β‐sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol) sterols in seven different commercially available intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) were quantified by capillary gas chromatography after performing a lipid extraction procedure. The two major constituents of the lipid emulsions were cholesterol (range 14–57% of total lipids) and β‐sitosterol (range 24–55%), followed by campesterol (range 8–18%) and stigmasterol (range 5–16%). The fish oil‐derived formulation was an exception, as it contained only cholesterol. The mean values of the different sterols were statistically different across ILEs (P = 0.0000). A large percentage of pairwise comparisons were also statistically significant (P = 0.000), most notably for cholesterol and stigmasterol (14 out of 21 for both), followed by campesterol (12 out 21) and β‐sitosterol (11 out 21). In conclusion, most ILEs combined significant amounts of phytosterols and cholesterol. However, their phytosterols:cholesterol ratios were reversed compared to the normal human diet.
Dietary Source of Stearidonic Acid Promotes Higher Muscle DHA Concentrations than Linolenic Acid in Hybrid Striped Bass
Authors: Bharadwaj Anant S. , Hart Steven D. , Brown Billie J. , Li Yong , Watkins Bruce A. , Brown Paul B. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractRapid expansion of aquacultural production is placing increasing demand on fish oil supplies and intensified the search for alternative lipid sources. Many of the potential alternative sources contain low concentrations of long chain n‐3 fatty acids and the conversion of dietary linolenic acid to longer chain highly unsaturated fatty acids is a relatively inefficient process in some species. A 6‐week study was conducted to compare tissue fatty acid (FA) concentrations in hybrid striped bass fed either 18:3n‐3 (α‐linolenic acid; ALA) or 18:4n‐3 (stearidonic acid; SDA). Hybrid striped bass were fed either a control diet containing fish oil, or diets containing ALA or SDA at three different levels (0.5, 1 and 2% of the diet). There were no significant differences in whole animal responses between fish fed ALA or SDA. Liver and muscle concentrations of ALA and SDA were responsive to dosages fed. However, only 22:6n‐3 concentrations in muscle were significantly affected by dietary source of 18 carbon precursors. Muscle 22:6n‐3 concentrations were significantly higher in fish fed SDA compared to fish fed ALA. Based on these data, it appears that feeding SDA can increase long chain n‐3 fatty acid concentrations in fish muscle.
Establishing Which Factors Patients Value When Selecting Urology Outpatient Care
Authors: Shah Jyoti , Dickinson C. Louise 
Published: November 2009

Objective: The launch of Choose and Book has enabled patients to choose from at least four providers of healthcare to reduce long waiting times for elective surgery. We aimed to investigate what factors patients consider when deciding on their choice of hospital and to establish what weight patients placed on each of these factors when making their choice. Patients and methods: Patients attending general urology outpatient clinics during a 3-month period were invited to complete a questionnaire grading these factors in level of importance to them. Results: Hospital cleanliness was the most important factor when choosing a hospital, followed by hospital reputation. Conclusions: Cleanliness and hygiene standards within a hospital are increasingly important to patients with the rise in hospital acquired infections, heightened by a high level of media interest in hospital hygiene. The behaviour of patients in choosing where and when and by whom they want their health care will clearly have an impact on waiting times, although the true impact of this is as yet difficult to establish. With respect to urology, this may affect the choice of hospital as well as the treating urology consultant. For patients to make these choices they will need more information about their options and General Practitioners will need to provide appropriate guidance.
SKyphoplasty
Authors: Rashid Faisal , Munk Peter L. , Heran Manraj , Malfair David , Chiu Owen 
Published: November 2009

Objective SKyphoplasty is a new method of percutaneous spinal augmentation. Despite its limited availability in the United States, SKyphoplasty has experienced considerable growth in recent years. In this article, we aim to provide a stepwise documentation of the technique, with brief reference to the 2 established methods, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Conclusion Experience with SKyphoplasty is relatively limited, and little information has appeared in the literature to support its theoretical benefits. After review of previously published material, an audit of our institutional experience, and discussion with other practioners who perform this procedure, it would appear that pain relief by using this device is at best similar to that of conventional vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. There was no evidence of height restoration in our patient population, an advantage that has been brought into question.
Self-injurious behavior among Greek male prisoners: Prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Sakelliadis E.I. , Papadodima S.A. , Sergentanis T.N. , Giotakos O. , Spiliopoulou C.A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundSelf-harm among prisoners is a common phenomenon. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of self-injurious behavior (SIB) among Greek male prisoners, record their motives and determine independent risk factors.MethodsA self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was administered to 173 male prisoners in the Chalkida prison, Greece. The questionnaire included items on self-harm/SIB, demographic parameters, childhood history, family history, physical and mental disease, lifestyle and smoking habits, alcohol dependence (CAGE questionnaire), illicit substance use, aggression (Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire [BPAQ] and Lifetime History of Aggression [LTHA]), impulsivity (Barrat Impulsivity Scale-11) and suicidal ideation (Spectrum of Suicidal Behavior Scale). Univariate nonparametric statistics and multivariate ordinal logistic regression were performed.ResultsOf all the participants, 49.4% (95% CI: 41.5–57.3%) disclosed self-harm (direct or indirect). The prevalence of SIB was equal to 34.8% (95% CI: 27.5–42.6%). Most frequently, SIB coexisted with indirect self-harm (80.7%). The most common underlying motives were to obtain emotional release (31.6%) and to release anger (21.1%). At the univariate analysis, SIB was positively associated with a host of closely related factors: low education, physical/sexual abuse in childhood, parental neglect, parental divorce, alcoholism in family, psychiatric condition in family, recidivism, age, sentence already served, impulsivity, aggression, alcohol dependence, self-reported diagnosed psychiatric condition and illicit substance use. Childhood variables were particularly associated with the presence of diagnosed psychiatric condition. At the multivariate analysis, however, only three parameters were proven independent risk factors: self-reported diagnosed psychiatric condition, illicit substance use and aggression (BPAQ scale).ConclusionThe prevalence of SIB is particularly high. Psychiatric condition, illicit substance use and aggression seem to be the most meaningful risk factors; childhood events seem only to act indirectly.
Distinguishing between depression and anxiety: A proposal for an extension of the tripartite model
Authors: den Hollander-Gijsman M.E. , de Beurs E. , van der Wee N.J.A. , van Rood Y.R. , Zitman F.G. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAimThe aim of the current study was to develop scales that assess symptoms of depression and anxiety and can adequately differentiate between depression and anxiety disorders, and also can distinguish within anxiety disorders. As point of departure, we used the tripartite model of Clark and Watson that discerns three dimensions: negative affect, positive affect and physiological hyperarousal.MethodsAnalyses were performed on the data of 1449 patients, who completed the Mood and Anxiety Symptoms Questionnaire (MASQ) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). From this, 1434 patients were assessed with a standardized diagnostic interview.ResultsA model with five dimensions was found: depressed mood, lack of positive affect, somatic arousal, phobic fear and hostility. The scales appear capable to differentiate between patients with a mood and with an anxiety disorder. Within the anxiety disorders, somatic arousal was specific for patients with panic disorder. Phobic fear was associated with panic disorder, simple phobia and social anxiety disorder, but not with generalized anxiety disorder.ConclusionsWe present a five-factor model as an extension of the tripartite model. Through the addition of phobic fear, anxiety is better represented than in the tripartite model. The new scales are capable to accurately differentiate between depression and anxiety disorders, as well as between several anxiety disorders.
Effect of acute stress on NTPDase and 5′‐nucleotidase activities in brain synaptosomes in different stages of development
Authors: Horvat Anica , Stanojević Ivana , Drakulić Dunja , Veličković Nataša , Petrović Snježana , Milošević Maja 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to examine the effect of acute restraint stress on rat brain synaptosomal plasma membrane (SPM) ecto‐nucleotidase activities at specific stages of postnatal development (15‐, 30‐, 60‐ and 90‐day‐old rats) by measuring the rates of ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis 1, 24 and 72 h post‐stress. At 1 h after stress NTPDase and ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase activities were decreased in rats aged up to 60 days old. In adult rats elevated enzyme activities were detected, which indicated the existence of different short‐term stress responses during development. A similar pattern of ATP and ADP hydrolysis changes as well as the ATP/ADP ratio in all developmental stages indicated that NTPDase3 was acutely affected after stress. The long‐term effect of acute stress on NTPDase activity differed during postnatal development. In juvenile animals (15 days old) NTPDase activity was not altered. However, in later developmental stages (30 and 60 days old rats) NTPDase activity decreased and persisted for 72 h post‐stress. In adult rats only ATP hydrolysis was decreased after 24 h, indicating that ecto‐ATPase was affected by stress. Ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase hydrolysing activity was decreased within 24 h in adult rats, while in 15‐ and 30‐day old rats it decreased 72 h post‐stress. At equivalent times in pubertal rats (60 days old) a slight activation of ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase was detected. Our results highlight the developmental‐dependence of brain ecto‐nucleotidase susceptibility to acute stress and the likely existence of different mechanisms involved in time‐dependent ecto‐nucleotidase activity modulation following stress exposure. Clearly there are differences in the response of the purinergic system to acute restraint stress between young and adult rats.
Tom McArthur's English Today
Authors: Bolton Kingsley , Graddol David , Mesthrie Rajend 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTAs English Today notches up a century, it's high time to acknowledge Tom McArthur's inimitable contribution to the study of English worldwide.Tom McArthur's contribution to English language studies has been immense, and has had a powerful impact at a number of levels. Tom started his life as an educator, gaining crucial exposure to English across the globe very early in his career, when in one of his first jobs teaching English at the Cathedral School in Bombay (Mumbai). After a varied academic career, which included a post at the University of Quebec, Tom returned to the UK to start a new journal for Cambridge University Press, English Today. Tom's brief at that time was to be the founding editor of a journal that would inform a wide readership about the highways and byways of the English language, during an era when English was becoming a global language at an unprecedented speed.
Sri Lankan English: a distinct South Asian variety
Authors: Meyler Michael 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTSri Lankan English belongs to the family of South Asian Englishes, of which
Indian English is the best known and most established example –
although Indian English itself is of course hugely diverse. Indian English and
Sri Lankan English have much in common, as both varieties evolved from the
English of the British colonials of the nineteenth century, and much common
vocabulary developed to describe the common flora and fauna of the two
countries, as well as their shared religious and cultural aspects. Both
varieties include a number of words of Tamil origin, and many others derived
from Sanskrit roots.The main aims of this paper are to present the argument for the recognition of
Sri Lankan English as a distinct variety of English, and to discuss some of the
practical issues encountered in compiling a dictionary of this nature.
Christmas
Authors: Tulloch Alexander 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTSome seasonal etymologies.The origins of many of the words associated with Christmas are as fascinating as they are illuminating. But at this time of year those who celebrate Christmas throughout the world are usually too preoccupied with buying presents, preparing traditional fare, organising parties etc. to bother about the derivations of the words unwrapped along with the presents, only to be used for a couple of weeks before being put away again till next year.