bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AN EFFICIENT COMPUTATIONAL APPROACH TO A CLASS OF MINMAX OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
Authors: LI B. , TEO K. L. , ZHAO G. H. , DUAN G. R. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this paper, an efficient computation method is developed for solving a general class of minmax optimal control problems, where the minimum deviation from the violation of the continuous state inequality constraints is maximized. The constraint transcription method is used to construct a smooth approximate function for each of the continuous state inequality constraints. We then obtain an approximate optimal control problem with the integral of the summation of these smooth approximate functions as its cost function. A necessary condition and a sufficient condition are derived showing the relationship between the original problem and the smooth approximate problem. We then construct a violation function from the solution of the smooth approximate optimal control problem and the original continuous state inequality constraints in such a way that the optimal control of the minmax problem is equivalent to the largest root of the violation function, and hence can be solved by the bisection search method. The control parametrization and a time scaling transform are applied to these optimal control problems. We then consider two practical problems: the obstacle avoidance optimal control problem and the abort landing of an aircraft in a windshear downburst.
Civil liberties and economic development
Authors: BENYISHAY ARIEL , BETANCOURT ROGER R. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract:Skepticism prevails among a substantial number of economists over a possible connection between civil liberties and the level of economic activity. Until now, empirical research on economic growth has found mixed evidence on the influence of civil liberties. Disaggregation of the Freedom House Civil Liberties Index allows a fresh empirical look at the effect of human rights on long-term growth or economic development. Our results show that one of the four subcategories of the index outperforms all available indicators of property rights institutions in explaining long-term economic growth. This subcategory, Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights, captures the level of second generation human rights that affect the mobility of individuals with respect to housing, employment and university education, as well as the level of protection of property rights. This result is robust with respect to reverse causation, important omitted variables such as geography and human capital, as well as to a variety of sensitivity tests. We also discuss in our conceptual framework how civil liberties work as an indicator of the prevalence of the rule of law and how the latter affects growth or development as an essential public input.
Proteomic aspects of Parachlamydia acanthamoebae infection in Acanthamoeba spp.
Authors: Leitsch David , Köhsler Martina , Marchetti-Deschmann Martina , Deutsch Andrea , Allmaier Günter , König Lena , Sixt Barbara S , Duchêne Michael , Walochnik Julia 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The free-living but facultatively pathogenic amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are frequently infected with bacterial endosymbionts that can have a profound influence on the physiology and viability of their host. Parachlamydia acanthamoebae, a chlamydial endosymbiont in acanthamoebae, is known to be either symbiotic or lytic to its host, depending on the ambient conditions, for example, temperature. Moreover, parachlamydiae can also inhibit the encystment process in Acanthamoeba, an essential survival strategy of their host for the evasion of chemotherapeutic agents, heat, desiccation and radiation. To obtain a more detailed picture of the intracellular interactions of parachlamydiae and acanthamoebae, we studied parachlamydial infection in several Acanthamoeba isolates at the proteomic level by means of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and mass spectrometry. We observed that P. acanthamoebae can infect all three morphological subtypes of the genus Acanthamoeba and that the proteome pattern of released P. acanthamoebae elementary bodies was always practically identical regardless of the Acanthamoeba strain infected. Moreover, by comparing proteome patterns of encysting cells from infected and uninfected Acanthamoeba cultures, it was shown that encystment is blocked by P. acanthamoebae at a very early stage. Finally, on 2D-gels of purified P. acanthamoebae from culture supernatants, a subunit of the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex, that is, an enzyme that has been described as an indicator for bacterial virulence was identified by a mass spectrometric and bioinformatic approach.
Nutritional value of edible wild mushrooms - their roles in meeting the nutritional requirements of people in developing countries.
Authors: Chye FookYee Chye FookYee , Ng XueNi Ng XueNi , Wong JinYi Wong JinYi 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The wonderful nutritional value and medicinal properties found in edible wild mushrooms have turned this invaluable famine food into an important food source for sustainable malnutrition alleviation in developing countries and a precious source of bioactive compounds for nutraceutical industries. Studies have shown that edible wild mushrooms are not only alternative food sources for malnutrition amelioration but also play an important role in improving the socio-economic status of people in developing countries. The great potential of underutilized edible mushrooms has motivated this review, which reviews the roles and potential of these wild fungi as an important food source for their chemical and nutritional properties in alleviating nutrient deficiencies. Most of the nutritional intervention programmes that integrate edible wild mushrooms or involve the cultivation of mushrooms are still in their infancy. Therefore, complete studies on the toxicological properties, antinutritional factors, bioavailability of nutrients and the effect of thermal treatments on the nutritional value of edible wild mushrooms are needed. Furthermore, this information is important for the establishment of policies on careful exploitation of natural resources for human wealth.
Transmission of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
from food production animals to humans: a review.
Authors: Broens E. M. , Cleef B. A. G. L. van , Graat E. A. M. , Kluytmans J. A. J. W. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

International surveillance of antimicrobial use in food animal production shows that methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), traditionally a human pathogen associated with hospitals, has emerged in the community and animals. Since 1961, MRSA has been causing human infections in hospitals worldwide and a vast majority of them were caused by five major epidemic clones. After 1990, other clones have emerged in the community, leading to infections in relatively young and healthy individuals. The origin of these clones is largely unknown, and extensive diversity among isolates exists. Companion animals have been indicated as a reservoir. However, most studies suggest that they are initially infected by humans and subsequently animals re-colonize humans. More recently, a new zoonotic reservoir in food production animals was found. This involves a specific clone, MRSA ST398, which spreads extensively in animals and is also found in retail meat. It poses a potential threat to public health, as people in contact with food production animals are at much higher risk of colonization. The most probable transmission route seems to be by (in)direct contact, as dust in stables was found positive for MRSA ST398. The role of MRSA ST398 as a food pathogen needs more research. To prevent colonization in humans, it is important to investigate transmission routes and transmission dynamics between animals, between animals and humans and between humans. Collaboration of human and veterinary epidemiologists and microbiologists is needed to identify the implications of this strain for public health and to develop cost-effective control strategies.
Using RT-PCR for plant RNA virus detection.
Authors: Capote N. , Bertolini E. , Cambra M. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Plants can be infected by a wide range of viruses that often cause important agronomic, economic and social impacts. Detection of viruses at premature stages of infection is crucial to allow control viral diseases and reduce economic losses. For that reason, the use of rapid, sensitive and accurate detection methods is recommended. Molecular techniques have revolutionized the way of plant virus detection and identification. Retrotranscription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the 'gold standard' method for virus detection in most laboratories worldwide because of its sensitivity, specificity, simplicity and rapidity. Since its discovery, many versions and continuous improvements of PCR have been developed. Nested and co-operational RT-PCR achieve high sensitivity, decreasing contamination risks and multiplex RT-PCR offer the possibility to detect several targets in one assay. The development of real-time RT-PCR completely revolutionized the way of virus detection and quantitation, contributing enormously to the control of plant virus diseases. Some novel molecular methods such as nucleic acids arrays, isothermal amplification, massive sequencing and biosensors could be applied in the future in most diagnostic laboratories. However, the use of validated and integrated protocols that include molecular techniques combined with serological or biological methods will increase the accuracy and reliability of virus detection. In this review, the main RT-PCR-based methods used for plant virus detection are described and the advantages and drawbacks of each of them are discussed.
Animal feeding trials for assessing GMO safety: answers and questions.
Authors: Malatesta M. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) plants and their derived food and feed is nowadays a matter of lively debate. Any nutritional consequence of GM food consumption needs to be considered, both in terms of possible changes in the levels of nutrients in the food itself, and in terms of direct or indirect, immediate or cumulative effects on the overall diet. From this point of view, several potential risks have been taken into consideration by scientists when evaluating the safety of GM organisms (GMOs) by animal feeding trials; in particular, the possibility has been considered that GM food effects might not be due to the introduced gene itself, but to the unintended consequences of its introduction, such as allergy induction, DNA transfer to gastrointestinal flora (including antibiotic resistance), production of toxic compounds (i.e. insecticidal proteins), persistence of herbicide residues in transgenic herbicide-tolerant plants, any kind of unintended effects associated with the expression of recombinant proteins in non-native hosts. In this review, an overview of the literature data is reported on the effects of GMO intake in different animal models, with the scope to outline the state of the art of the scientific research on this subject.
Developments in enhancing efficiency of multiplication of horticultural crops.
Authors: Kaur R. , Sharma D. R. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Horticultural crops have a pride of place in daily life and have become an essential component of our diet. To match the demands of the increasing population, horticultural crops must be multiplied at a faster rate. Conventionally, horticultural plants have been produced in farmer-managed nurseries by using traditional plant breeding techniques such as grafting, budding, cutting and seed production, etc. However, in the recent past, propagation through biotechnological approaches has made great contributions towards large-scale production of horticultural plants. Reproducible protocols of plant tissue culture compounded with cost-effective, efficient and evolving technology will benefit the horticulture industry. During the last two decades, numerous multinational companies have made substantial investments in horticulture by deploying tissue culture. The conventional and biotechnological approaches being used for the multiplication of horticultural crops are discussed.
Eco-labelling of wood, and its effectiveness in consumer guidance and conservation.
Authors: Veisten K. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Eco-labelling of wood has developed at an increasing rate over the last few decades. This can be regarded as a response to consumers' demand for an intangible attribute of wooden products that certifies origin in sustainably managed forests. Eco-labelling is a way of solving information asymmetry in markets, signalling a production standard that consumers care about, without being able to verify this quality from the product itself. If eco-labels convey correct and sufficient information about forestry practices and forest conservation to the consumers, their willingness to pay price premiums for eco-labelled alternatives will give land owners and forest product suppliers an incentive to provide the demanded environmental quality. To assess the effectiveness of eco-labelling in consumer guidance and conservation, this review article will particularly assess the following: what is the indication from economic literature on the emergence and functionality of eco-labelling; and what characterizes the eco-oriented consumers and what is the range of price premiums they will pay for eco-labelled wood? The review ends with a discussion on alternative approaches to the understanding of eco-labelling and the assessment of its degree of success.
Persistence of the prognostic importance of left ventricular systolic function and heart failure after myocardial infarction: 17‐year follow‐up of the TRACE register
Authors: Kümler Thomas , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Køber Lars , Torp‐Pedersen Christian 
Published: May 2010

AimsLeft ventricular systolic function and presence of heart failure (HF) are important prognostic factors and dictate future therapeutic strategies after myocardial infarction (MI). We evaluated persistence of the prognostic importance of left ventricular dysfunction and HF in consecutive MI patients screened for entry in the Trandolopril Cardiac Evaluation Registry (TRACE) study.Methods and resultsThe study population comprised 6676 MI patients screened for entry into the TRACE study, a double‐blind, randomized, parallel group, placebo‐controlled study of trandolapril vs. placebo in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after MI. In unadjusted analysis, patients with reduced left ventricular function and HF continued to show increased mortality. Landmark analysis and Cox proportional‐hazards models showed that wall motion index (WMI) was a significant prognostic factor until 10 years of follow‐up with hazard ratios ranging between 0.74 [confidence interval (CI) 0.71–0.78] and 0.90 (CI 0.82–0.98) associated with a 12% improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (0.4 WMI units). The prognostic significance of HF persisted for 8 years with hazard ratios between 1.47 (CI 1.21–1.78) and 2.62 (95% CI 2.30–2.98) for the first 8 years.ConclusionWhen assessed during the index MI, WMI and HF carry prognostic information for up to 10 years.
Cardiac β1‐adrenoceptor autoantibodies in human heart disease: rationale and design of the Etiology, Titre‐Course, and Survival (ETiCS) Study
Authors: Deubner Nikolas , Berliner Dominik , Schlipp Angela , Gelbrich Götz , Caforio Alida L.P. , Felix Stephan B. , Fu Michael , Katus Hugo , Angermann Christiane E. , Lohse Martin J. , Ertl Georg , Störk Stefan , Jahns Roland ,   on behalf of the ETiCS‐Study Group
Published: May 2010

AimsEvidence for a pathophysiologic relevance of autoimmunity in human heart disease has substantially increased over the past years. Conformational autoantibodies stimulating the cardiac β1‐adrenoceptor (β1‐aabs) are considered of importance in heart failure development and clinical pilot studies have shown their prognostic significance in human ‘idiopathic’ cardiomyopathy.MethodsWe recently developed a novel highly sensitive fluorescence‐based functional assay to detect stimulating β1‐aabs. We will use this method to assess Etiology, Titre‐Course, and effect on Survival (ETiCS) of β1‐aabs in a prospective multicentre study with serial follow‐up of patients after a first acute myocarditis or myocardial infarction. Several European core laboratories will jointly study the hypothesis that both disorders may trigger autoimmune reactions leading to the generation of β1‐aabs and/or other heart‐directed aabs. Further, sera from healthy controls and well‐characterized patient cohorts with dilated, ischaemic, or hypertensive cardiomyopathy will be analysed retrospectively for β1‐aab prevalence, incidence, persistence, and/or clearance.ConclusionETiCS is so far the largest clinical diagnostic study projected to address cardiac autoimmunity. It attempts to unravel the pathophysiology of cardiac autoantibody formation and persistence/clearance. ETiCS will enhance current knowledge on autoimmunity in human heart disease and promote endeavours to develop novel therapies targeting cardiac aabs.
Distinct trajectories of fatigue in chronic heart failure and their association with prognosis
Authors: Smith Otto R.F. , Kupper Nina , de Jonge Peter , Denollet Johan 
Published: May 2010

AimsTo identify distinct trajectories of fatigue over a 12‐month period and to examine their impact on mortality in chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods and resultsConsecutive CHF patients (n = 310) were assessed at baseline and at 2‐ and 12‐month follow‐up for symptoms of exertion and general fatigue. Latent growth mixture modelling was used to examine the course of fatigue over time. The endpoint was mortality following the 12‐month assessment of fatigue. Over the initial 12‐month follow‐up, six distinct trajectories for exertion fatigue and four distinct trajectories for general fatigue were identified. Beyond the 12‐month follow‐up (mean follow‐up period, 693 days), 50 patients (17%) had died. After controlling for standard risk factors and disease severity, both severe exertion fatigue [hazards ratio (HR) = 2.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–6.16, P = 0.03] and severe general fatigue (HR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.62–6.31, P = 0.001) trajectories predicted an increased mortality rate (29 vs. 19% and 28 vs. 14%, respectively). The low exertion fatigue trajectory was associated with a decreased mortality risk (3 vs. 19%, HR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02–0.93, P = 0.04).ConclusionFatigue trajectories varied across CHF patients and had a differential effect on mortality. Persistent severe fatigue was a predictor of poor prognosis. These results may help identify distinct groups of CHF patients with potentially differential risks of adverse health outcomes.
Predictors of long‐term (4‐year) mortality in elderly and young patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Barsheshet Alon , Shotan Avraham , Cohen Eytan , Garty Moshe , Goldenberg Ilan , Sandach Amir , Behar Solomon , Zimlichman Eyal , Lewis Basil S. , Gottlieb Shmuel ,   for the HFSIS Steering Committee and Investigators
Published: May 2010

AimsThe present study was designed to identify and compare predictors of short‐ and long‐term mortality in elderly and young patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsThe risk of in‐hospital, 1‐ and 4‐year mortality was assessed among 2336 acute HF patients in a prospective national survey. Interaction‐term analysis was utilized to identify and compare independent risk factors between elderly (>75 years [n = 1182]) and younger (≤75 years [n = 1154]) study patients. Elderly patients exhibited a 1.8‐fold (P = 0.004), 1.4‐fold (P < 0.001), and 1.7‐fold (P < 0.001) increase in the adjusted risk of in‐hospital, 1‐year, and 4‐year mortality, respectively, as compared with younger patients. Independent risk factors for 4‐year mortality among elderly patients included NYHA functional Class III–IV before admission (HR = 1.46, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure <115 mmHg (HR = 1.45, P = 0.002), renal dysfunction ([eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2] HR = 1.35, P = 0.002), diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.28, P = 0.006), and anaemia (HR = 1.25, P = 0.012). In the young group, but not in the elderly group, left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% and hyponatraemia (sodium <136 mmol/L) were significant predictors of 4‐year mortality. (LVEF <50%, HR = 1.47 for the young and 1.04 for the elderly, P for interaction = 0.025; hyponatraemia HR = 1.59 for the young and 1.17 for the elderly, P for interaction = 0.035).ConclusionElderly patients exhibit different risk factors for long‐term mortality as compared with young patients with acute HF. In contrast to younger patients, mortality risk in the older population is not decreased among those with preserved LVEF.
Information literacy in the professional literature: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Aharony Noa 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe current study aims to review the different publications dealing with information literacy and the emerging trends reflected over the ten years, 1999‐2009, in the Web of Science (WOS) database.Design/methodology/approachThe study presents both a statistical descriptive analysis of document type, subject areas, authors, source titles, publication years, languages, countries and keywords of publications extracted from the WOS database, as well as a thorough content analysis of keywords and abstracts extracted from the WOS database.FindingsThe main results suggest that the term information literacy has various characteristics in an additional and interesting context: health and medicine. This finding may reflect a tendency of association between information literacy and health and medicine and stresses people's need for information literacy in this specific context.Originality/valueThe current study emphasises the notion that information literacy is no longer an issue for librarians or educators only.
Stochastic simulation using @Risk for dairy business investment decisions
Authors: Bewley J.M. , Boehlje  , Gray A.W. , Hogeveen H. , Kenyon S.J. , Eicher S.D. , Schutz M.M. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a dynamic, stochastic, mechanistic simulation model of a dairy business to evaluate the cost and benefit streams coinciding with technology investments. The model was constructed to embody the biological and economical complexities of a dairy farm system within a partial budgeting framework. A primary objective was to establish a flexible, user‐friendly, farm‐specific, decision‐making tool for dairy producers or their advisers and technology manufacturers.Design/methodology/approachThe basic deterministic model was created in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft, Seattle, Washington). The @Risk add‐in (Palisade Corporation, Ithaca, New York) for Excel was employed to account for the stochastic nature of key variables within a Monte Carlo simulation. Net present value was the primary metric used to assess the economic profitability of investments. The model was composed of a series of modules, which synergistically provide the necessary inputs for profitability analysis. Estimates of biological relationships within the model were obtained from the literature in an attempt to represent an average or typical US dairy. Technology benefits were appraised from the resulting impact on disease incidence, disease impact, and reproductive performance. In this paper, the model structure and methodology were described in detail.FindingsExamples of the utility of examining the influence of stochastic input and output prices on the costs of culling, days open, and disease were examined. Each of these parameters was highly sensitive to stochastic prices and deterministic inputs.Originality/valueDecision support tools, such as this one, that are designed to investigate dairy business decisions may benefit dairy producers.