bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extended ASP Tableaux and rule redundancy in normal logic
programs
Authors: JÄRVISALO MATTI , OIKARINEN EMILIA 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe introduce an extended tableau calculus for answer set programming (ASP). The
proof system is based on the ASP tableaux defined in the work by Gebser and
Schaub (Tableau calculi for answer set programming. In Proceedings of
the 22nd International Conference on Logic Programming (ICLP 2006),
S. Etalle and M. Truszczynski, Eds. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol.
4079. Springer, 11–25) with an added extension rule. We investigate
the power of Extended ASP Tableaux both theoretically and empirically. We study
the relationship of Extended ASP Tableaux with the Extended Resolution proof
system defined by Tseitin for sets of clauses, and separate Extended ASP
Tableaux from ASP Tableaux by giving a polynomial-length proof for a family of
normal logic programs {Φn} for which ASP Tableaux has exponential-length minimal proofs with
respect to n. Additionally, Extended ASP Tableaux imply
interesting insight into the effect of program simplification on the lengths of
proofs in ASP. Closely related to Extended ASP Tableaux, we empirically
investigate the effect of redundant rules on the efficiency of ASP solving.
A comparison of homologous recombination rates in bacteria and archaea
Authors: Vos Michiel , Didelot Xavier 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
It is a standard practice to test for the signature of homologous recombination in studies examining the genetic diversity of bacterial populations. Although it has emerged that homologous recombination rates can vary widely between species, comparing the results from different studies is made difficult by the diversity of estimation methods used. Here, Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) datasets from a wide variety of bacteria and archaea are analyzed using the ClonalFrame method. This enables a direct comparison between species and allows for a first exploration of the question whether phylogeny or ecology is the primary determinant of homologous recombination rate.
Xenon and Sevoflurane Protect against Brain Injury in a Neonatal Asphyxia Model
Authors: Luo Yan , Ma Daqing , Ieong Edmund , Sanders Robert D. , Yu Buwei , Hossain Mahmuda , Maze Mervyn 
Published: October 2008

Background
Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia causes significant morbidity and mortality. Xenon and sevoflurane may be used as inhalational analgesics for labor. Therefore, the authors investigated the potential application of these agents independently and in combination to attenuate perinatal injury.

Methods
Oxygen-glucose deprivation injury was induced in pure neuronal or neuronal-glial cocultures 24 h after preconditioning with xenon and/or sevoflurane. Cell death was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release or staining with annexin V-propidium iodide. The mediating role of phosphoinositide-3-kinase signaling in putative protection was assessed using wortmannin, its cognate antagonist. In separate in vivo experiments, perinatal asphyxia was induced 4 hours after preconditioning with analgesic doses alone and in combination; infarct size was assessed 7 days later, and neuromotor function was evaluated at 30 days in separate cohorts. The role of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein in the preconditioning was assessed by immunoblotting.

Results
Both anesthetics preconditioned against oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro alone and in combination. The combination increased cellular viability via phosphoinositide-3- kinase signaling. In in vivo studies, xenon (75%) and sevoflurane (1.5%) alone as well as in combination (20% xenon and 0.75% sevoflurane) reduced infarct size in a model of neonatal asphyxia. Preconditioning with xenon and the combination of xenon and sevoflurane resulted in long-term functional neuroprotection associated with enhanced phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein signaling.

Conclusions
Preconditioning with xenon and sevoflurane provided long-lasting neuroprotection in a perinatal hypoxic-ischemic model and may represent a viable method to preempt neuronal injury after an unpredictable asphyxial event in the perinatal period.
Poor Agreement between Respiratory Variations in Pulse Oximetry Photoplethysmographic Waveform Amplitude and Pulse Pressure in Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Landsverk Svein Aslak , Hoiseth Lars O. , Kvandal Per , Hisdal Jonny , Skare Oivind , Kirkeboen Knut A. 
Published: October 2008

Background
To identify fluid responsiveness, a correlation between respiratory variations in pulse pressure (DeltaPP) and respiratory variations in pulse oximetry photoplethysmographic waveform amplitude (DeltaPOP) in mechanically ventilated patients has been demonstrated. To evaluate the agreement between the two methods, knowledge about the repeatability of the methods is imperative. However, no such data exist. Based on knowledge of slow oscillation in skin blood flow, the authors hypothesized that the variability of DeltaPOP would be larger than that of DeltaPP when calculations were performed continuously over a long recording period.

Methods
Respiration, continuous invasive blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and skin microcirculation were recorded in 14 mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients. No intravenous fluid challenges were given, and no other interventions were performed during the measurements. Seventy consecutive comparisons between DeltaPP and DeltaPOP were calculated for each of the 14 patients.

Results
For all patients, DeltaPOP was 13.7 +/- 5.8% and DeltaPP was 5.8 +/- 2.6% (P < 0.001). There was a larger intraindividual (8.94 vs. 1.29; P < 0.001) and interindividual (26.01 vs. 5.57; P < 0.001) variance of DeltaPOP than of DeltaPP. In six patients, there was no significant correlation between DeltaPP and DeltaPOP. A Bland-Altman plot showed poor agreement between the two methods.

Conclusion
A large variability of DeltaPOP and a poor agreement between DeltaPP and DeltaPOP limits DeltaPOP as a tool for evaluation of fluid responsiveness in intensive care unit patients. This is in contrast to DeltaPP, which shows a small variability.
Comparison between Bispectral Index and Patient State Index as Measures of the Electroencephalographic Effects of Sevoflurane
Authors: Soehle Martin , Ellerkmann Richard K. , Grube Matthias , Kuech Matthias , Wirz Stefan , Hoeft Andreas , Bruhn Joergen 
Published: October 2008

Background
The Bispectral Index (BIS) and the Patient State Index (PSI) quantify depth of anesthesia by analyzing the electroencephalogram. The authors examined the response of BIS and PSI to sevoflurane anesthesia.

Methods
In 22 patients, sevoflurane anesthesia was induced by inhalation with a tight-fitting facemask and was maintained via a laryngeal mask. Sevoflurane concentrations were increased until burst suppression occurred and subsequently decreased until BIS recovered to values above 60. This procedure was repeated twice until patients underwent intubation for subsequent surgery. End-tidal sevoflurane concentrations, BIS, and PSI were recorded simultaneously. The performance of PSI and BIS to predict the estimated sevoflurane effect site concentration, as derived from simultaneous pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling, was compared by determination coefficients (rho(2)) and prediction probabilities (P(K)).

Results
A significant (P < 0.001) correlation between BIS and PSI was found (r(2) = 0.75), and a close sigmoid relation between sevoflurane effect site concentration and both BIS (rho(2) = 0.84 +/- 0.09) and PSI (rho(2) = 0.85 +/- 0.15) was observed. The maximum sevoflurane electroencephalographic effect resulted in PSI values (1.3 +/- 4.3) that were significantly (P = 0.019) lower than BIS values (7.9 +/- 12.1), and the effect site efflux constant k(e0) was significantly smaller (P = 0.001) for PSI (0.13 +/- 0.08 min(-1)) than for BIS (0.24 +/- 0.15 min(-1)). The probability of BIS (P(K) = 0.80 +/- 0.11) to predict sevoflurane effect site concentration did not differ (P = 0.76) from that of PSI (P(K) = 0.79 +/- 0.09).

Conclusions
The BIS reacted faster to changes in sevoflurane concentrations, whereas the PSI made better use of the predefined index range. However, despite major differences in their algorithms and minor differences in their dose-response relations, both PSI and BIS predicted depth of sevoflurane anesthesia equally well.
Aberrant expression and demethylation of γ‐synuclein in colorectal cancer, correlated with progression of the disease
Authors: Ye Qing , Zheng Min‐Hua , Cai Qu , Feng Bo , Chen Xue‐Hua , Yu Bei‐Qin , Gao Ya‐Bo , Ji Jun , Lu Ai‐Guo , Li Jian‐Wen , Wang Ming‐Liang , Liu Bing‐Ya 
Published: October 2008

Recent evidence suggests that γ‐synuclein is abnormally expressed in a high percentage of tumor tissues of diversified cancer types, but rarely expressed in tumor‐matched non‐neoplastic adjacent tissues (NNAT). The molecular mechanism of CpG island demethylation may underlie aberrant γ‐synuclein expression. To fully understand the roles of aberrant γ‐synuclein expression and demethylation in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC), we examined the expression and methylation status of γ‐synuclein in 67 CRC samples, 30 NNAT samples, and five CRC cell lines as well. By using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), western blot, and immunohistochemistry analyses, γ‐synuclein expression was detected in both HT‐29 and HCT116 cells, and was much higher in CRC samples than in NNAT samples (P < 0.05). The demethylating agent, 5‐aza‐2¢‐deoxycytidine, can induce re‐expression of γ‐synuclein in COLO205, LoVo, and SW480 cells. Unmethylated γ‐synuclein alleles were detected in HT‐29, HCT116, and LoVo cells by nested methylation‐specific PCR, and the demethylated status of γ‐synuclein was much higher in CRC samples than in NNAT samples by real‐time quantitative methylation‐specific PCR (P < 0.05). The results of genomic bisulfite DNA sequencing further confirmed that the aberrant γ‐synuclein expression in CRC was primarily attributed to the demethylation of CpG island. The protein expression and demethylation status of γ‐synuclein in 67 CRC samples correlated with clinical stage, lymph node involvement, and distant metastasis. These findings suggest an involvement of aberrant γ‐synuclein expression and demethylation in progression of CRC, especially in advanced stages. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1924–1932)
On the analysis of non‐linear allometries
Authors: KNELL ROBERT J. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract 1. Non‐linear allometries are those where a log–log scatterplot of trait size against body size deviates from simple linearity. These are found in many insects, including the horns of beetles, the forceps of earwigs, and the heads of certain castes of ant.2. Non‐linear allometries are often associated with polyphenism that is itself related to behaviour: for example, the alternative mating tactics displayed by many species of beetle are widely associated with dimorphisms in horn size.3. This paper critically reviews the current techniques used to analyse these datasets.4. Recommendations include the use of scatterplots and assessment of the goodness of fit of simple linear models as an initial screen for non‐linear allometry. The use of recently developed algorithms for ‘segmented' regression to analyse continuous allometric relationships, and a pragmatic approach to the analysis of discontinuous relationships that recognises that there is no simple way to distinguish between morphs in some cases, and that all of the proposed methods for doing so have some drawbacks.5. Worked examples of the analysis of two sets of data from animals that have been the subject of controversy regarding the nature of their allometric relationships are given: further worked examples are provided as online Supporting Information.
SYNCHROTRON‐BASED ANGIOGRAPHY FOR INVESTIGATION OF THE REGULATION OF VASOMOTOR FUNCTION IN THE MICROCIRCULATION IN VIVO
Authors: Shirai Mikiyasu , Schwenke Daryl O , Eppel Gabriela A , Evans Roger G , Edgley Amanda J , Tsuchimochi Hirotsugu , Umetani Keiji , Pearson James T 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY

Real‐time imaging of the vascular networks of any organ system in vivo is possible with synchrotron radiation (SR) angiography. In this review, we discuss the advantages of SR angiography over clinical X‐ray imaging and other non‐ionizing imaging modalities. Current limitations are also described.
The usefulness of dual‐energy and temporal subtraction approaches to K‐edge iodine imaging are compared.
High‐resolution images of the microcirculation in small animals are now being collected routinely by multiple research groups through public access research programmes at synchrotrons worldwide. Such images are permitting unrivalled insights into vasomotor regulation deep within intact organ systems, such as the brain, kidney, lung and heart. For example, recent observations indicate changes in vascular control mechanisms in pulmonary hypertension that are specific to certain branching segments of the pulmonary circulation.
New possibilities for non‐iodinated contrast agents in SR angiography are briefly described.
High‐resolution angiography in vivo using SR will now allow us to identify vessels with localized or non‐uniform vasoconstriction in states such as diabetes or to characterize the extent of endothelial dysfunction in the circulation following hypertension or ischaemic–reperfusion injury. In the near future, this research is expected to reveal the contribution of resistance vessel dysfunction to diverse pathophysiological states, such as stroke, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease.
Effect of intravenous immunoglobulin on cerebellar ataxia and neuropathic pain associated with celiac disease
Authors: Souayah N. , Chin R. L. , Brannagan T. H. , Latov N. , Green P. H. R. , Kokoszka A. , Sander H. W. 
Published: October 2008

Background:  Cerebellar syndrome and small fiber neuropathy may complicate celiac disease (CD) and may be resistant to a strict gluten‐free diet.Methods:  Case series.Results:  We report three patients with biopsy‐proven CD who developed cerebellar ataxia and neuropathic pain despite strict adherence to a gluten‐free diet. A small fiber neuropathy was suggested by skin biopsy findings in two patients. All patients’ symptoms, including small fiber neuropathy symptoms, responded to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Discontinuation of IVIG in two patients resulted in worsened ataxia that reversed after resumption of IVIG.Conclusion:  Intravenous immunoglobulin may be effective in treating cerebellar ataxia and small fiber neuropathy associated with CD, suggesting an immune pathogenesis. Further prospective, controlled studies are necessary to determine the long‐term response to IVIG or other immunomodulation therapy.
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: hearing loss and other atypical features of patients with large 4q35 deletions
Authors: Trevisan C. P. , Pastorello E. , Tomelleri G. , Vercelli L. , Bruno C. , Scapolan S. , Siciliano G. , Comacchio F. 
Published: October 2008

Background and purpose:  Patients affected by facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) with unusual large 4q35 deletions tend to present atypical features in early childhood. We explored the clinical presentation of patients with a very short 4q35 fragment (10–13 kb) focusing on hearing loss, a still debated FSHD extramuscular manifestation.Patients and methods:  We evaluated six cases with EcoRI 4q35 fragment size ranging from 10 to 13 kb. Assessment of hearing function was carried out by otoscopy, audiometry and auditory‐evoked brainstem responses (ABR). Patient data were compared with those of 28 similar subjects reported in the literature.Results:  Sensorineural hearing loss was found in four patients, who presented infantile‐onset dystrophic phenotype. Hearing loss was associated with mental retardation in three of them and with epilepsy in two. Auditory ability of the other two cases was mildly impaired. If findings related to 28 similar cases reported to date are also considered, auditory impairment appears evident in 68% of these subjects.Conclusions:  Hearing loss represents a characteristic feature of FSHD patients with a large 4q35 deletion. Moreover, when considering only cases with 10–11 kb, it appears to be associated with early‐onset dystrophic phenotype, with mental retardation (92%) and possibly with epilepsy (58%).
Patients’ perceptions as an indicator of quality of care, in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Pallis Athanasios G. , Kostagiolas Petros A. , Mouzas Ioannis A. , Niakas Dimitris 
Published: October 2008

Aim and method:  The chronic nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its frequent relapses result to a considerable utilization of healthcare resources. Current approaches for the assessment of quality of care are based on the perception of the healthcare provider, which may be different from that of the healthcare user. The purpose of this study was to assess IBD patients’ satisfaction, as an indicator of healthcare quality, with the use of a validated instrument (QUOTE‐IBD). Ninety‐five patients with IBD completed the GR‐QUOTE‐IBD questionnaire, for the assessment of patient’s perception, regarding the quality of the perceived care.Results:  According to this evaluation suboptimal care was observed in the dimensions of accommodation, accessibility and information (mean values: 8.92, 8.94 and 8.95, respectively). In the subgroup analysis significant differences were observed in relation to patient’s age groups and educational level. Differences were also noted in relation to the disease duration (longer and shorter than 5 years).Conclusions:  The assessment of the quality of health care, based on patients’ perception, revealed quality problems in the dimensions of accommodation, accessibility and information. According to subgroup analysis, disease type, educational status, age and disease duration play an important role in the formation of patients’ expectations from the healthcare system.
Sex Differences in Visual Attention to Sexually Explicit Videos: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Tsujimura Akira , Miyagawa Yasushi , Takada Shingo , Matsuoka Yasuhiro , Takao Tetsuya , Hirai Toshiaki , Matsushita Masateru , Nonomura Norio , Okuyama Akihiko 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although men appear to be more interested in sexual stimuli than women, this difference is not completely understood. Eye-tracking technology has been used to investigate visual attention to still sexual images; however, it has not been applied to moving sexual images.

Aim
To investigate whether sex difference exists in visual attention to sexual videos.

Methods
Eleven male and 11 female healthy volunteers were studied by our new methodology.

Main Outcome Measures
The subjects viewed two sexual videos (one depicting sexual intercourse and one not) in which several regions were designated for eye-gaze analysis in each frame. Visual attention was measured across each designated region according to gaze duration. Sex differences, the region attracting the most attention, and visually favored sex were evaluated.

Results
In the nonintercourse clip, gaze time for the face and body of the actress was significantly shorter among women than among men. Gaze time for the face and body of the actor and nonhuman regions was significantly longer for women than men. The region attracting the most attention was the face of the actress for both men and women. Men viewed the opposite sex for a significantly longer period than did women, and women viewed their own sex for a significantly longer period than did men. However, gaze times for the clip showing intercourse were not significantly different between sexes.

Conclusions
A sex difference existed in visual attention to a sexual video without heterosexual intercourse; men viewed the opposite sex for longer periods than did women, and women viewed the same sex for longer periods than did men. There was no statistically significant sex difference in viewing patterns in a sexual video showing heterosexual intercourse, and we speculate that men and women may have similar visual attention patterns if the sexual stimuli are sufficiently explicit.
Comparing Parents’ and Children's Views of Children's Quality of Life After Heart Transplant
Authors: Green Angela L. , McSweeney Jean , Ainley Kathy , Bryant Janet 
Published: October 2008

PURPOSE.  The purpose of this focused ethnographic study was to explore the quality of life (QOL) of school‐age heart‐transplant recipients. DESIGN AND METHODS.  Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 parent–child dyads. Data were analyzed using content analysis and constant comparison. RESULTS.  Participants identified key factors impacting the children's QOL including: participation in normal activities, normalcy, staying healthy, sources of strength and support, and struggles (parents’ perspectives) and doing what kids do, being with family and friends, and being a heart transplant kid (children's perspectives). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Interventions focusing on the key factors identified by participants may impact the QOL of school‐age heart‐transplant recipients.
A Novel, Intensive Home‐Visiting Intervention for Runaway, Sexually Exploited Girls
Authors: Edinburgh Laurel D. , Saewyc Elizabeth M. 
Published: October 2008

PURPOSE.  Few studies have examined interventions that help adolescents who run away. This study both describes a home‐visiting intervention program for young, sexually assaulted runaways (10–14 years old) and provides preliminary outcomes from the first 20 female participants. DESIGN AND METHODS.  Using a strengths‐based approach, advanced practice nurses provided frequent home and school visits and case management, and assisted girls to access an empowerment group over a 1‐year period. RESULTS.  Teens’ risk behaviors decreased, including truancy, runaway episodes, sexually transmitted infections, and substance use. CONCLUSIONS.  Preliminary results suggest that this is an effective intervention for reducing risk behaviors and helping younger runaways reconnect to school and family. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Client‐centered interventions in community settings can address the complex health needs of vulnerable young runaways.
SSR based linkage and mapping analysis of C, a yellow cocoon gene in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhao Yun‐Po , Li Mu‐Wang , Xu An‐Ying , Hou Cheng‐Xiang , Li Ming‐Hui , Guo Qiu‐Hong , Huang Yong‐Ping , Guo Xi‐Jie 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe yellow color of the cocoon of the silkworm Bombyx mori is controlled by three genes, Y (Yellow haemolymph), I (Yellow inhibitor) and C (Outer‐layer yellow cocoon), which are located on linkage groups 2, 9 and 12, respectively. Taking advantage of a lack of crossing over in females, reciprocal backcrossed F1 (BC1) progeny were used for linkage analysis and mapping of the C gene using silkworm strains C108 and KY, which spin white and yellow cocoons, respectively. DNA was extracted from individual pupae and analyzed for simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The C gene was found to be linked to seven SSR markers. All the yellow cocoon individuals from a female heterozygous backcross (BC1 F) showed a heterozygous profile for SSR markers on linkage group 12, whereas individuals with light yellow cocoons showed the homozygous profile of the strain C108. Using a reciprocal heterozygous male backcross (BC1 M), we constructed a linkage map of 36.4 cM with the C gene located at the distal end, and the closest SSR marker at a distance of 13.9 cM.