bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Process assignment in distributed systems
Authors: Shimojo Shinji , Miyahara Hideo 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper presents an approximate solution for the process assignment problem with communication contentions in the distributed system. It is assumed that several processes perform a job through mutual communication, and that the process knows the interprocess communication probability as well as its mean interval. A method is shown in this paper whereby the distributed system is modeled as a queueing network model, and the mean job execution time is determined analytically. Then assuming that the job is composed of several such processes, an approximate solution is shown based on the branch‐and‐bound method to derive the assignment to processors minimizing the mean job execution time. Several methods are introduced to reduce the search time. Finally, based on numerical examples, it is demonstrated that the proposed method is sufficiently useful with a small error compared with the exact solution.
A flow control algorithm for computer networks with two‐teacher learning automata
Authors: Qian Fei , Hirata Hironori 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper considers the routing problem on the computer network and constructs a distributed flow‐routing algorithm by considering the balance between the transfer delay and the throughput and introducing the two‐teacher learning automaton model. In the proposed system, the routing strategy is determined by monitoring the change of the network traffic using the automaton placed at each node of the network and by adjusting the balance between the delay and the throughput so that the users are benefitted as uniformly as possible. More precisely, the fairness problem for the flow control is analyzed, and the possibility of introducing the two‐teacher learning automata is discussed.The construction of a new flow‐routing algorithm is described which integrates the routing algorithm and the flow control schema. Then a theoretical investigation is presented for the dynamic characteristics of the algorithm proposed in this paper, and a simple simulation is executed. It is shown that the proposed algorithm is useful for the network with heavy traffic by comparing the algorithm to the learning routing algorithm before introducing the flow control.
Detection of broken ellipses by the hough transforms and multiresolutional images
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Shibata Toshihiro 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper discusses the problem of separating and detecting ellipse patterns. The tradiational ellipse detection methods have assumed contour lines to be connected. Thus, they are disadvantageous in that they cannot detect ellipses whose contours are broken considerably due to noise and overlapping.Here, a new ellipse detection algorithm is presented which can cope with images such that many ellipses of arbitrary shapes are mixed and connectivities of contours are missing completely due to noise and that parts of contours are lost due to overlapping. The proposed algorithm is based on the Merlin‐Farber method, a kind of Hough transform, and the multiresolutional images and the least‐square method are incorporated. Good detection results were obtained in the experiments implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Image sequence coding using 3‐D structure and motion information
Authors: Morikawa Hiroyuki , Harashima Hiroshi 
Published: November 2007

AbstractVideo communications play an important role in an information‐oriented society. A cost‐effective image coding technique capable of rendering high quality video communication services is an important component of any information system.This paper describes an algorithm for image sequence coding using three‐dimensional (3‐D) structure and motion information. Each image is treated as a 2‐D projection of a 3‐D object, with 3‐D information derived and used in the coding scheme. Since the coding scheme considers physical 3‐D information, it provides data compression at the transmitter and improved image quality at the receiver. Furthermore, because the image is represented in a structure‐oriented fashion, it lends itself to image recognition and image understanding. This aids in the realization of high quality communication systems.The proposed algorithm makes extensive use of 3‐D structure and motion information in conjunction with 3‐D motion interpolation and 3‐D motion compensation predictive coding technique to achieve efficient, high quality image sequence coding.A method is described that has 3‐D structure and motion information extraction, and an incremental scheme is presented for stable estimation of 3‐D structure and motion information of rigid as well as non‐rigid bodies.
Pattern separation function of two‐layered random net with feedforward inhibitory connections
Authors: Kobayashi Kunikazu , Torioka Toyoshi , Hara Hajime 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe two‐layered random neural network with the feedforward inhibitory connections has the interesting property that the input patterns with the same firing rate are separated uniformly under a certain condition, independently of the overlapping rate of the patterns. This paper gives the general condition for the uniform separation of the input patterns with unequal firing rates, independently of the overlapping rate. Then, a detailed condition is derived from the general condition.Thus it is shown that the network has the function under a certain condition to separate uniformly the input patterns with unequal firing rates. In parallel to this, the effects of the firing rate of the second layer, the firing rates of the input patterns and their ratio on the pattern separation function, are investigated. Based on the investigation, it is shown that the separating function is affected greatly by those firing rates and their ratio.
Academic otolaryngology in the new millennium: We are falling behind
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil , Shapiro Nina L. 
Published: November 2007

ObjectivesDetermine if young academic otolaryngologists are exhibiting declining publication rates.Study Design and SettingA sample of 50 academic otolaryngologists graduating during 1995 to 1999 was selected randomly. For the five years post‐graduation, peer‐reviewed publications were determined from MEDLINE. Publication rates were compared with prior decade cohorts (1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s).ResultsThe recent cohort of academic otolaryngologists published a mean of 4.5 articles in five years versus 6.4 for the early 1990s cohort and 8.9 for the 1980s cohort, a statistically significant decline (P = 0.020, ANOVA). Similar declines in major otolaryngology articles (2.4 [1995 to 1999] vs 3.3 [1990 to 1994] vs 5.7 [1980s], P = 0.005) and number of first author articles (1.3 vs 1.6 vs 3.1, P = 0.007) published were noted.ConclusionsThe scholarly output of young academic otolaryngologists is declining when compared with academic otolaryngologists graduating the 1980s and early 1990s.SignificanceThis raises concern for the potential career success of new academic otolaryngologists.
The Lund‐Mackay staging system for chronic rhinosinusitis: How is it used and what does it predict?
Authors: Hopkins Claire , Browne John P. , Slack Rob , Lund Valerie , Brown Peter 
Published: November 2007

ObjectivesThe Lund‐Mackay score is widely used in assessment of chronic rhinosinusitis. We aimed to describe its relationship to other measures of pre‐ and post‐treatment health status.Study DesignMulticenter prospective study of 1840 patients undergoing surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in the UK.ResultsThere was no absolute threshold for surgery, but patients with higher Lund‐Mackay scores underwent more extensive surgery. There was no correlation between Lund‐Mackay and SNOT‐22 scores. The Lund‐Mackay increased with increasing grade of polyposis. The Lund‐Mackay score was associated with symptom reduction (coefficient = 0.24, P = 0.02) complication rates (odds ratio, 1.08, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.1), and revision rates (odds ratio, 1.03, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.06).ConclusionsThe Lund‐Mackay score measures a different aspect of disease to “subjective” symptom scores. However, it correlates well with other markers of disease severity, the nature of surgery offered, and its outcome.SignificanceThis demonstrates the strengths and limitations of a commonly used staging system.
Performance after cochlear implantation in DFNB1 patients
Authors: Connell Sarah S , Angeli Simon I , Suarez Hamlet , Hodges Annelle V , Balkany Thomas J , Liu Xue Z 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveTo evaluate the speech perception and language development with cochlear implants (CI) of DFNB1 children in comparison with non‐DFNB1 deaf children.Study DesignRetrospective case series.SettingAcademic tertiary center.ResultsThirty‐one congenitally deafened children, screened for GJB2 allele variants, were followed for an average 32 months after CI. With the use of age‐appropriate testing, 75% of DFNB1 and 53% of non‐DFNB1 children achieved open set word recognition (speech perception category [SPC] level 6). Multivariate analysis showed that SPC was primarily dependent on duration of CI use, but not on the cause of hearing loss. In Reynell language tests, DFNB1 children showed more consistent and quicker gains than non‐DFNB1 children.ConclusionAlthough children with CI with DFNB1 show faster gains in Reynell scores, duration of CI use appears to have a greater effect on speech perception than DFNB1 status. SIGNIFICANCE: Identification of DFNB1 children is useful in counseling of CI outcomes.
Autologous grafts for treatment of vocal sulcus and atrophy
Authors: Pinto José Antônio , Freitas Mario Luiz Augustus da Silva , Carpes Arturo Frick , Zimath Paula , Marquis Valeria , Godoy Luciana 
Published: November 2007

ObjectivesTo obtain complete glottal closure, and evaluate improvement of vocal fold vibration amplitude and vocal quality in patients with sulcus vocalis.MethodsAutogenous fat and/or fascia augmentation was used in 34 patients with sulcus vocalis. Mean follow‐up time was 1 year. The perceptual acoustic and phonatory functions and videolaryngostroboscopic data were evaluated before and after the procedure.ResultsMost of the individuals reported an improvement of vocal quality, a complete glottal closure, an enhancement of mucosal wave excursion, and significant results of acoustic perceptual and phonatory functions after the surgery.ConclusionFat and fascia injections are effective autogenous implants and should be considered options in the treatment of patients with sulcus vocalis and vocal fold atrophy.
Laser‐assisted cerebrospinal fluid leak repair: An animal model to test feasibility
Authors: Bleier Benjamin S. , Palmer James N. , Sparano Anthony M. , Cohen Noam A. 
Published: November 2007

ObjectivesTo test the feasibility of laser tissue welding as a method of creating an endonasal tissue bond for the purpose of cerebrospinal fluid leak repair.Study Design and SettingAn 808 nm diode laser was used with a 42% albumin solder to create laser welds in sheep nasal septal mucosa, periosteum, and in situ rabbit maxillary sinus mucosa. Each condition was tested five times. Groups were compared with Kruskal‐Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post‐hoc multiple‐comparisons testing with the Bonferroni test.ResultsThe burst pressures of sheep septal mucosa (34.88 ± 3.49 mmHg) and periosteum (30.02 ± 2.23 mmHg) were significantly higher than suture repair. A burst pressure of 69.58 ± 2.85 mmHg was achieved in rabbit in situ maxillary sinus mucosa.ConclusionLaser welding is capable of producing tissue bonds whose burst strength exceeds that of human intracranial pressure.SignificanceThis is the first study to examine the feasibility of laser tissue welding in endonasal tissues. The ability to produce instant transnasal tissue bonds with burst pressures that exceed human intracranial pressure make this technology ideal for cerebrospinal fluid leak repair.
Potential non–immunoglobulin E–mediated food allergies: Comparison of open challenge and double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge
Authors: Wang De Yun , Gordon Bruce R. , Chan Yiong Huak , Yeoh Kian Hian 
Published: November 2007

ObjectiveComparison of open food challenge (OFC) with double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC).Study DesignProspective sequential randomized challenges.MethodsTwenty adults with chronic allergy symptoms and at least 1 positive intradermal food wheal response recorded symptoms during DBPCFC and OFC provoked using organic foods, normal portions, and normal food preparation. Acoustic Rhinometry and biochemical tests were done during DBPCFC.ResultsAll patients reacted to at least 1 food and to all challenges with the same food, with multiorgan symptoms in the nose, nervous system, throat, and lung. There was a correlation in the type and severity of symptoms (P = 0.015) for OFC and DBPCFC, and both were significantly (P < 0.01) more severe than placebo. Compared with DBPCFC, OFC sensitivity was 66%, and positive predictive value was 89%.ConclusionThis is the first study showing both concordance of OFC and DBPCFC and also that intradermal tests can identify reactive foods that can be verified by DBPCFC. Because most tests for IgE‐mediated food allergy were negative, observed reactions were probably non‐IgE mediated.
Computer modeling and intraoperative navigation in maxillofacial surgery
Authors: Pham Annette M. , Rafii Amir A. , Metzger Marc C. , Jamali Amir , Strong Bradley E. 
Published: November 2007

ObjectivesRecent advances in computer‐modeling software allow reconstruction of facial symmetry in a virtual environment. This study evaluates the use of preoperative computer modeling and intraoperative navigation to guide reconstruction of the max‐illofacial skeleton.MethodsThree patients with traumatic maxillofacial deformities received preoperative, thin‐cut axial CT scans. Three‐dimensional reconstructions, virtual osteotomies, and bony reductions were performed using MIMICS planning software (Materialise, Ann Arbor, MI). The original and “repaired” virtual datasets were then imported into an intraoperative navigation system and used to guide the surgical repair.ResultsPostoperative CT scans and photographs reveal excellent correction of enophthalmos to within 1 mm in patient 1, significant improvement in symmetry of the nasoethmoid complex in patient 2, and reconstruction of the zygomaticomaxillary complex location to within 1 mm in patient 3.ConclusionComputer modeling and intraoperative navigation is a relatively new tool that can assist surgeons with reconstruction of the maxillofacial skeleton.
Otologic surgery following ear trauma
Authors: Conoyer J. Matthew , Kaylie David M. , Jackson C. Gary 
Published: November 2007

ObjectivesTo investigate common presentations and expected outcomes in patients with traumatically induced otologic dysfunction.Study DesignRetrospective case review of patients who underwent otologic surgery for sequelae of otologic trauma over a 28‐year period. Patients were stratified into major and minor trauma cohorts. Major trauma was designated as closed head injury with or without temporal bone fracture; lower‐energy insults comprised the minor trauma group. Preoperative and postoperative audiograms were obtained and correlated with extent of injury.SettingTertiary referral center.ResultsMajor trauma accounted for 44.9 percent of all patients. The remaining 55.1 percent suffered minor trauma, of which simple traumatic tympanic membrane perforation was the most common insult (33.6%). Two hundred twenty‐seven cases were performed on 214 patients. Pure tone averages improved a significant 20.8 dB to essentially normal levels postoperatively.ConclusionRegardless of injury extent, surgical rehabilitation of conductive losses attains excellent hearing results that surpass those historically reported for the chronic ear population.
Demonstrative behaviour and political communication in later Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Barrow Julia 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe use of demonstrative behaviour in political communication in the tenth and eleventh centuries (for example, proskynesis to obtain pardon) has been examined extensively over the last two decades, especially with regard to Ottonian and Salian Germany. So far, however, there has been no attempt to study its operation in Anglo-Saxon England. This paper aims to do so, looking for examples in narrative sources of demonstrative piety, reactions to rebellion, arbitration, petition and so on, and exploring how far the Anglo-Saxons were influenced by their continental neighbours and how far narrative sources themselves might have transmitted ideas.
Evidence of Recluses in Eleventh-Century England
Authors: Licence Tom 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe village recluse, avowed to remain in his or her cell, was a feature of the later medieval landscape, but in what circumstances did recluses and the notion of a distinct reclusive vocation emerge? Examining the earliest recluses identifiable, this article contends that reclusion as such, though not without precedent, gained popularity in England in the third quarter of the eleventh century and acquired a terminology (already current on the Continent) in its last third as an expression of the ascetic movement within the emerging parish.
Managing the dead in catastrophes: guiding principles and practical recommendations for first responders
Authors: Tidball-Binz Morris 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe proper management of the dead from catastrophes is an essential component of humanitarian response, together with the rescue and care of survivors and the provision and rehabilitation of essential services. Sadly, insufficient recognition of the importance of ensuring proper management of the dead and of caring for the needs of the bereaved, coupled with the frequent collapse of forensic services in the aftermath of catastrophes, contribute to perpetuating the tragedy and trauma suffered by survivors forever unable properly to bury and mourn their dead. In 2006 the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), together with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), published guidelines for the management of the dead, to help improve the management of the dead after catastrophes. The publication, Management of Dead Bodies after Disasters: A Field Manual for First Responders, offers practical and simple recommendations to non-specialists for the proper and dignified management of the dead in catastrophes and for the care of bereaved relatives. It also helps to dispel the principal myth which often complicates this difficult task: the unfounded association of cadavers with epidemics. The manual has proven to be a valuable tool for first responders, including humanitarian workers, for disaster response and preparedness in various operational contexts.
Fortilin binds Ca2+ and blocks Ca2+-dependent apoptosisin vivo
Authors: Graidist Potchanapond , Yazawa Michio , Tonganunt Moltira , Nakatomi Akiko , Lin Curtis Chun-Jen , Chang Jui-Yoa , Phongdara Amornrat , Fujise Ken 
Published: November 2007

Fortilin, a 172-amino-acid polypeptide present both in the cytosol and nucleus, possesses potent anti-apoptotic activity. Although fortilin is known to bind Ca2+, the biochemistry and biological significance of such an interaction remains unknown. In the present study we report that fortilin must bind Ca2+ in order to protect cells against Ca2+-dependent apoptosis. Using a standard Ca2+-overlay assay, we first validated that full-length fortilin binds Ca2+ and showed that the N-terminus (amino acids 1–72) is required for its Ca2+-binding. We then used flow dialysis and CD spectropolarimetry assays to demonstrate that fortilin binds Ca2+ with a dissociation constant (Kd) of approx. 10 μM and that the binding of fortilin to Ca2+ induces a significant change in the secondary structure of fortilin. In order to evaluate the impact of the binding of fortilin to Ca2+in vivo, we measured intracellular Ca2+ levels upon thapsigargin challenge and found that the lack of fortilin in the cell results in the exaggerated elevation of intracellular Ca2+ in the cell. We then tested various point mutants of fortilin for their Ca2+ binding and identified fortilin(E58A/E60A) to be a double-point mutant of fortilin lacking the ability of Ca2+-binding. We then found that wild-type fortilin, but not fortilin(E58A/E60A), protected cells against thapsigargin-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the binding of fortilin to Ca2+ is required for fortilin to protect cells against Ca2+-dependent apoptosis. Together, these results suggest that fortilin is an intracellular Ca2+ scavenger, protecting cells against Ca2+-dependent apoptosis by binding and sequestering Ca2+ from the downstream Ca2+-dependent apoptotic pathways.
Left ventricular hypertrophy induced by aortic banding impairs relaxation of isolated coronary arteries
Authors: McGoldrick Rory B. , Kingsbury Martyn , Turner Mark A. , Sheridan Desmond J. , Hughes Alun D. 
Published: November 2007

LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy) is associated with impaired coronary vascular reserve. In the present study, we examined the effect of pressure-overload hypertrophy on vasorelaxant responses of guinea-pig isolated coronary small arteries and compared them with mesenteric small arteries. Pressure-overload was induced by banding the ascending aorta of guinea-pigs. Haemodynamics, and ventricular, atrial and lung weights were measured 168 days after banding. Isolated coronary and mesenteric small arteries were contracted with a thromboxane mimetic (U46619) and relaxation to ACH (acetylcholine), ISO (isoprenaline), FSK (forskolin) and SNP (sodium nitroprusside) was examined. Arterial wall morphology was examined by light microscopy. Aortic banding reduced cardiac output and increased systemic vascular resistance; atrial, ventricular and lung weights were increased. Coronary artery adventitial and medial thickness were increased, but mesenteric arterial wall morphology was unaffected. Coronary artery relaxation to ACH, ISO, FSK and SNP were reduced in banded animals. In contrast, relaxation of mesenteric arteries to ACH, FSK and SNP were unaffected by banding, although ISO-induced relaxation was reduced. A COX (cyclo-oxygenase) inhibitor, indomethacin, had no effect on coronary artery responses to ACH in banded or sham animals, but the differences in relaxation of coronary arteries between banded and sham animals were no longer significant following pre-incubation with the NO inhibitors L-NMMA (NG-monomethyl-L-arginine) and oxyhaemoglobin. In conclusion, pressure-overload-induced LVH causes impaired relaxation of small coronary arteries to endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxants. These findings are indicative of alterations in vascular smooth muscle responsiveness to vasodilators. Impairment of coronary arterial vasodilation may contribute to the reduced coronary vascular reserve seen in LVH.