bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Realization Theory of Polynomial Matrices and the Algebraic Structure of Pure Generalized State Space Systems
Authors: Vardulakis Antonis-Ioannis , Karampetakis Nicholas , Antoniou Efstathios , Tictopoulou Evangelia 
Published: April 2009

On the Realization Theory of Polynomial Matrices and the Algebraic Structure of Pure Generalized State Space SystemsWe review the realization theory of polynomial (transfer function) matrices via "pure" generalized state space system models. The concept of anirreducible-at-infinitygeneralized state space realization of a polynomial matrix is defined and the mechanism of the "cancellations" of "decoupling zeros at infinity" is closely examined. The difference between the concepts ofirreducibilityandminimalityof generalized state space realizations of polynomial (transfer function) matrices is pointed out and the associated concepts ofdynamicandnon-dynamicvariables appearing in generalized state space realizations are also examined.
Notes on a Linguistic Description as the Basis for Automatic Image Understanding
Authors: Tadeusiewicz Ryszard , Ogiela Marek , Szczepaniak Piotr 
Published: April 2009

Notes on a Linguistic Description as the Basis for Automatic Image UnderstandingThe main paradigm of image understanding and a concept for its practical machine realisation are presented. The crucial elements of the presented approach are the formalisation of human knowledge about the class of images that are to be automatically interpreted, a linguistic description and the realization of cognitive resonance.
Mining Indirect Association Rules for Web Recommendation
Authors: Kazienko Przemysław 
Published: April 2009

Mining Indirect Association Rules for Web RecommendationClassical association rules, here called "direct", reflect relationships existing between items that relatively often co-occur in common transactions. In the web domain, items correspond to pages and transactions to user sessions. The main idea of the new approach presented is to discover indirect associations existing between pages that rarely occur together but there are other, "third" pages, called transitive, with which they appear relatively frequently. Two types of indirect associations rules are described in the paper: partial indirect associations and complete ones. The former respect single transitive pages, while the latter cover all existing transitive pages. The presented IDARM* Algorithm extracts complete indirect association rules with their important measure—confidence—using pre-calculated direct rules. Both direct and indirect rules are joined into one set of complex association rules, which may be used for the recommendation of web pages. Performed experiments revealed the usefulness of indirect rules for the extension of a typical recommendation list. They also deliver new knowledge not available to direct ones. The relation between ranking lists created on the basis of direct association rules as well as hyperlinks existing on web pages is also examined.
Spatial distribution and seasonal variability in chlorophyll concentrations in the coastal Lake Gardno (Poland)
Authors: Ficek Dariusz , Wielgat-Rychert Magdalena 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
In 2006 the spatial distribution and seasonal variations in chlorophyll concentration were measured, at about two-week frequency, in Lake Gardno. In general, chlorophyll concentrations in the central part of the lake were high throughout the growth season. The minimum chlorophyll concentration was recorded in March (7.5 mg m-3), and the maximum value in September (303 mg m-3). Higher chlorophyll concentrations and lower temporal variability were measured in the central part of the lake, compared to lower concentrations and higher variability in the vicinity of the Łupawa River input to the lake. Chlorophyll concentrations were measured fluorometrically along several vertical and horizontal profiles, enabling direct observations of the dynamics of changing chlorophyll concentrations in Lake Gardno throughout the year.
A hydrodynamic model coupled with GIS for flood characteristics analysis in the Biebrza riparian wetland
Authors: Chormański Jarosław , Mirosław-Świątek Dorota , Michałowski Robert 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The paper presents the application of the hydrodynamic 1D unsteady model for calculating hydro-ecological flood characteristics in the Lower Biebrza River Basin located in northeastern Poland. The 1D model is combined with the Digital Elevation Model for determining of flood extent. The model was calibrated using measurements of flood extent and verified comparing calculated flood extent to satellite images. Consequently, the flood characteristics important for plant communities of the riparian wetland were calculated for vegetation season (February-September) daily time series (1961-1996). Then, their relations to particular generalized groups of vegetation were analyzed. The results show a significant congruity between the type of vegetation and calculated flood characteristics. The hydrodynamic model was confirmed to be a useful tool for calculating flood characteristics.
A review of the use of macroinvertebrates for monitoring the quality of lotic freshwaters in the UK and early stages of development in Poland
Authors: Orwin David , Glazaczow Adam 
Published: April 2009

Abstract
The use of benthic macroinvertebrates has become an important tool for monitoring the quality of freshwaters. A review is given of the development of the Biological Monitoring Working Party scheme in the United Kingdom (BMWP-UK) and how this has been modified in Poland (BMWP-PL). Methodologies are also described showing how basic data sets collected for the BMWP scheme can be used for the assessment of flow conditions and to identify sites for special conservation measures.
Effect of Some Essential Oils for Limiting Early Blight (Alternaria Solani) Development in Potato Field
Authors: El-Mougy Nehal 
Published: April 2009

Effect of Some Essential Oils for Limiting Early Blight (Alternaria Solani) Development in Potato FieldThe fungicidal effect of some essential oils againstAlternaria solanione of the species that cause early blight of potato was evaluated underin vitroand field conditions. Effect of carnation, caraway, thyme oils and the chemical fungicide Ridomil MZ 72 at various concentrations on mycelial growth ofA. solaniwas tested. Carnation oil had the strongest and most extensive inhibitory effect on fungal growth. Slightly less effective were caraway and thyme oils followed by the chemical fungicide. Extended field trails for two cultivation seasons proved that the application of essential oils twice as foliar spray had a superior effect to the fungicide treatment for reducing the early blight incidence comparing with untreated control. An opposite relationship between the disease incidence and concentrations of applied essential oils was observed. The increase in potato yield also followed the same trend. The highest reduction in disease incidence and yield increase was recorded in treatments with 1% of carnation, caraway and thyme oils in descending order. Ridomil MZ 72 applied at the dose recommended by manufactories had a low effect in this regard. Essential oils treatments might be used as easily applied, safe and cost effective control methods against such plant diseases.
Effect of Alectra Vogelii and Striga Gesnerioides Infestations on the Grain Mineral Elements' Concentration of Cowpea Varieties
Authors: Samson Alonge , Kehinde Alabi 
Published: April 2009

Effect ofAlectra VogeliiandStriga GesnerioidesInfestations on the Grain Mineral Elements' Concentration of Cowpea VarietiesField trials were conducted in 1999 and 2000 to investigate the effect ofStriga gesnerioidesandAlectra vogeliion the grain mineral elements' concentration of five cowpea varieties at harvest: IT82D-849, IT86D-534, IT89KD-245, KANO 1696 and SAMPEA7. The mineral elements analyzed were: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Obtained data showed that the concentration of most elements was generally reduced in the grains of the cowpea varieties IT82D-849 and IT89KD-245 on bothAlectraandStrigainoculated plots. On the other hand, cowpea varieties KANO1696 and SAMPEA7 showed a tendency towards having increased concentration of about 50% of the element analyzed in each year on bothAlectraandStrigainoculated plots. In both KANO1696 and SAMPEA 7 there was a tendency towards the increase in the grain concentration of Mg and Zn and the decrease in K and Mn onAlectrainoculated plots and the increase in P and Mg but the decrease in Ca and Zn onStrigainoculated plots. The concentration of P in all the varieties in 1999 and 2000 (except IT89KD245 in 2000) was increased onStrigainoculated plots. Also, the concentration of Mg and N was increased in IT82D-849 on bothStrigaandAlectrainoculated plots in 2000. This study showed that,StrigaandAlectrainfestation generally reduced the mineral elements' concentration in the grains of cowpea varieties
Phytophthora infestans Populations in Latvia
Authors: Bimšteine Gunita 
Published: April 2009

Phytophthora infestans Populations in Latvia
Potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary is one of the most investigated plant pathogens. However, problems with disease control have increased in recent years, which plant pathologists have explained by its ability of forming oospores in potato leaves. Consequently, the P. infestans population over the world has become more aggressive and virulent and late blight on potato stems is common. Oospores could be found in field conditions in potato leaflets with two or more separate spots. In Latvia the P. infestans mating type A2 was found in the 1980s. A laboratory experiment on the formation of oospores in Latvia was started in 2002. The total number of collected samples was 215. The samples were collected from potato trial fields, conventional fields and from private gardens in different regions of Latvia. Many potato leaflets with two spots were observed at the end of the growing season when the disease severity exceeded 50%. The results showed that the formation of oospores on potato leaflets in the field took place in the P. infestans population in Latvia. Oospores were found in 80-94% of the investigated cases. The occurrence of oospores means that plant rotation and certified seed material are important measures for potato late blight control and the usage of fungicides may not be effective.
Identification of the subthalamic nucleus in deep brain stimulation surgery with a novel wavelet-derived measure of neural background activity
Authors: Snellings André , Sagher Oren , Anderson David J. , Aldridge J. Wayne 
Published: April 2009

Object
The authors developed a wavelet-based measure for quantitative assessment of neural background activity during intraoperative neurophysiological recordings so that the boundaries of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) can be more easily localized for electrode implantation.

Methods
Neural electrophysiological data were recorded in 14 patients (20 tracks and 275 individual recording sites) with dopamine-sensitive idiopathic Parkinson disease during the target localization portion of deep brain stimulator implantation surgery. During intraoperative recording, the STN was identified based on audio and visual monitoring of neural firing patterns, kinesthetic tests, and comparisons between neural behavior and the known characteristics of the target nucleus. The quantitative wavelet-based measure was applied offline using commercially available software to measure the magnitude of the neural background activity, and the results of this analysis were compared with the intraoperative conclusions. Wavelet-derived estimates were also compared with power spectral density measurements.

Results
The wavelet-derived background levels were significantly higher in regions encompassed by the clinically estimated boundaries of the STN than in the surrounding regions (STN, 225 ± 61 μV; ventral to the STN, 112 ± 32 μV; and dorsal to the STN, 136 ± 66 μV). In every track, the absolute maximum magnitude was found within the clinically identified STN. The wavelet-derived background levels provided a more consistent index with less variability than measurements with power spectral density.

Conclusions
Wavelet-derived background activity can be calculated quickly, does not require spike sorting, and can be used to identify the STN reliably with very little subjective interpretation required. This method may facilitate the rapid intraoperative identification of STN borders.
Acute systemic erythropoietin therapy to reduce delayed ischemic deficits following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Tseng Ming-Yuan , Hutchinson Peter J. , Richards Hugh K. , Czosnyka Marek , Pickard John D. , Erber Wendy N. , Brown Stephen , Kirkpatrick Peter J. 
Published: April 2009

Object
Delayed ischemic deficits (DIDs), a major source of disability following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), are usually associated with severe cerebral vasospasm and impaired autoregulation. Systemic erythropoietin (EPO) therapy has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective properties acting via EPO receptors on cerebrovascular endothelia and ischemic neurons. In this trial, the authors explored the potential neuroprotective effects of acute EPO therapy following aSAH.

Methods
Within 72 hours of aSAH, 80 patients (age range 24–82 years) were randomized to receive intravenous EPO (30,000 U) or placebo every 48 hours for a total of 90,000 U. Primary end points were the incidence, duration, and severity of vasospasm and impaired autoregulation on transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Secondary end points were incidence of DIDs and outcome at discharge and at 6 months.

Results
Randomization characteristics were balanced except for age, with the EPO group being older (mean age 59.6 vs 53.3 years, p = 0.034). No differences were demonstrated in the incidence of vasospasm and adverse events; however, patients receiving EPO had a decreased incidence of severe vasospasm from 27.5 to 7.5% (p = 0.037), reduced DIDs with new cerebral infarcts from 40.0 to 7.5% (p = 0.001), a shortened duration of impaired autoregulation (ipsilateral side, p < 0.001), and more favorable outcome at discharge (favorable Glasgow Outcome Scale score, p = 0.039). Among the 71 survivors, the EPO group had fewer deficits measured with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (median Score 2 vs 6, p = 0.008).

Conclusions
This preliminary study showed that EPO seemed to reduce delayed cerebral ischemia following aSAH via decreasing severity of vasospasm and shortening impaired autoregulation.
Detection of Unsaturated Disaccharides, Pyridinoline, and Hydroxyproline in Urine of Patients with Kashin-Beck Disease: Comparison with Controls in an Endemic Area
Authors: DONG WEI , ZHANG YAXU , LIU HUI , GAO BEN , LI DE’AN , YANG JIANBO 
Published: April 2009

Objective.To investigate the pathologic status of adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in an endemic area of China through detection of 5 biochemical markers in their urine, and to study the correlations between these markers and KBD.Methods.A total of 55 patients with KBD over age 40 years were recruited and divided into groups, Grade 1 and Grade 2, according to clinical diagnosis criteria for KBD and our inclusion criteria; 25 healthy persons were enrolled into a control group. The first-time urine of the 80 participants was collected in the morning. Three unsaturated disaccharides, pyridinoline (PYD), and hydroxyproline (HYP) were detected in urine samples with high performance liquid chromatography, ELISA, and a chemical kit. Mean levels of these markers were compared in the 3 groups.Results.The mean concentrations of 3 unsaturated disaccharides and PYD in the Grade 2 group were significantly higher than levels in the Grade 1 group and controls (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between findings in the Grade 1 group and controls. Levels of 3 unsaturated disaccharides correlated with each other (p < 0.01). The correlation coefficient between PYD and HYP was 0.470 (p < 0.01). Except for HYP, the other markers all correlated with grade of KBD, rather than age or sex of subjects.Conclusion.The cartilage degradation of patients with Grade 2 KBD was more severe than that of Grade 1 patients and controls. The pathologic condition of Grade 1 patients was mild. Except for HYP, the markers we investigated specifically reflected the pathologic bone metabolism of adult patients with KBD. Trial registration number ChiCTR-TRC-00000140.
Hidden Cost of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Estimating Cost of Comorbid Cardiovascular Disease and Depression Among Patients with RA
Authors: JOYCE AMIE T. , SMITH PAULA , KHANDKER REZAUL , MELIN JEFFREY M. , SINGH AMITABH 
Published: April 2009

Objective.To examine resource utilization and direct healthcare cost associated with comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression among patients with prevalent rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on analyses of retrospective healthcare claims data.Methods.The index date was set as the first observed claim with an RA diagnosis. Patients were required to be ≥ 18 years of age, to have received RA-related treatment during the pre-index period, and to have 12-month pre- and post-index data. Based on pre-index utilization, patients were classified into 4 diagnosis groups: RA alone, RA + CVD, RA + depression, and RA + CVD + depression. Analyses focused on annual differences in costs between patients with RA alone and those with CVD and/or depression. A generalized linear model was applied to control for demographic and clinical characteristics and to estimate cohort-specific adjusted mean annual healthcare cost.Results.Of 10,298 patients, 8,916 had RA alone (86.6%), 608 had RA + CVD (5.9%), 716 had RA + depression (7.0%), and 58 had RA + CVD + depression (0.5%). All patients with CVD and/or depression incurred significantly higher followup costs compared with patients with RA alone. Adjusted annual mean healthcare costs were highest for RA + CVD (US$14,145), followed by RA + CVD + depression ($13,513), RA + depression ($12,225), and RA alone ($11,404). Although patients with CVD and/or depression had a greater rate of RA-related hospitalization, adjusted RA-related healthcare costs did not reflect any statistically significant differences as compared to the RA-alone cohort.Conclusion.A significant proportion (13.4%) of patients with prevalent RA have comorbid CVD and/or depression. The presence of these conditions significantly affects annual healthcare costs as well as specific RA-related utilization patterns.
Gout in the Elderly — A Population Health Study
Authors: HANLY JOHN G. , SKEDGEL CHRIS , SKETRIS INGRID , COOKE CHARMAINE , LINEHAN TINA , THOMPSON KARA , van ZANTEN SANDER VELDHUYZEN 
Published: April 2009

Objective.To determine the incidence, healthcare utilization, and costs in older adults with gout.Methods.A 5-year retrospective case-control study of patients with incident gout and matched controls was performed. Study variables were derived from health administrative data and included patient demographics, International Classification of Diseases diagnostic codes, and healthcare cost information.Results.There were 4,071 cases and 16,281 controls, providing a 5-year incidence of gout of 4.4%. The mean (± SD) age (77 ± 7.3 and 76 ± 7.1 yrs) and the male:female ratio (1.0:1.04) were similar in both groups. Gout was diagnosed by family physicians (77%), nonrheumatology subspecialists (18%), general internists (4%), and rheumatologists (0.02%). Hospitalizations were significantly higher in cases (p < 0.001) in the year of diagnosis. Patients with gout had an average of 28.1 physician visits per year compared to 20.6 for controls (p < 0.0001). Drug utilization for the treatment (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, colchicine, corticosteroids) and prevention (allopurinol, probenecid, sulfinpyrazone) of gout was significantly higher (p < 0.0001). The average healthcare cost differential was +$134 (Cdn) per month (p < 0.001) and +$8,020 per case over 5 years. These costs were due to hospital utilization (64.4%), medications (23.1%), and physician visits (12.5%).Conclusion.Gout is associated with a high disease burden in older men and women. The cost is primarily attributable to hospitalization, probably due to the comorbidities associated with gout. As the majority of cases are managed by nonrheumatologists, it is important that guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of gout are disseminated to and met by all physician groups.
Association of Polymorphisms in Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 Gene with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Metaanalysis
Authors: HAN SEUNG WOO , LEE WON KI , KWON KI TAE , LEE BYUNG KI , NAM EON JEONG , KIM GUN WOO 
Published: April 2009

Objective.We investigated potential associations between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) polymorphisms in a metaanalysis.Methods.This metaanalysis included 5 case-control studies, which provided a total of 6582 RA cases and 5375 controls. Odds ratios (OR) were employed to evaluate the risk of RA according to the 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) inIRF5(rs729302, rs2004640, rs752637, and rs2280714) and data were analyzed in respect to association between alleles.Results.Among 4 candidate SNP, rs729302, rs2004640, and rs2280714 were statistically significant; both allele C of rs729302 and allele G of rs2004640 within the promoter region ofIRF5were associated with a protective effect [random-effects (RE) OR 0.889, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.803–0.977, p = 0.015 for rs729302; and RE OR 0.905, 95% CI 0.848–0.965, p = 0.002 for rs2004640]. Similar results were also obtained in T allele of rs2280714 in the 3’-untranslated region (RE OR 0.927, 95% CI 0.866–0.992, p = 0.029). There was no evidence of publication bias from funnel-plot asymmetry and Egger’s regression test.Conclusion.Our metaanalysis supported the evidence of the significant role ofIRF5polymorphisms in RA.
Immunomagnetic Purification of T Cell Subpopulations
Authors: Horgan Kevin , Shaw Stephen , Boirivant Monica 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThere are two types of magnetic cell isolation technologies, one column‐based and the other tube‐based. The column‐based technology utilizes nano‐sized particles that need to pass through a ferromagnetic spheres column to increase cell‐capture capacity. The tube‐based system utilizes micron‐sized beads that can be selected using a magnet applied to the tube. The beads are used for direct or indirect labeling of cells. Direct labeling is achieved with antibodies coupled to magnetic particles directly added to the cell suspension. For indirect labeling the cells are first labeled with the antibody of interest; the antibody can be simple, biotinylated, or fluorochrome‐conjugated. Subsequently, beads coated with streptavidin or anti‐immunoglobulin, anti‐biotin, anti‐fluorochrome antibodies are used to specifically mark the subpopulation of interest. Separation of target cells can be achieved using positive or negative selection or a combination of the two. Quality of the sample preparation is critical to obtain good purification and yield. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 85:7.4.1‐7.4.9. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Maize
Authors: Sairam Rudrabhatla V. , Al‐Abed Diaa , Johnson Jeremy , Raab Michael , Muszynski Michael G. , Reddy Talla V. , Goldman Stephen 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe worldwide interest in the production of biofuels from maize and other energy crops has prompted us to write this article. Maize is one the most important commercial crops in the world and is valued for its food, fiber, oil, and other by‐products. In this chapter, the advances in maize tissue culture and transformation, in gene discovery and expression optimization, and maize ethanol processing are reviewed. The position affirmed here is that technical advances in maize biotechnology make it today's model plant for ethanol recovery.