bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating new information and communication technologies in a group decision support system
Authors: Karacapilidis N. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe view group decision making as a collaborative process, where decision makers can establish a common belief on the dimensions of the problem by following a series of well‐defined communicative actions. Having first defined these actions, this paper reports on the exploitation of recent advances in information and communication technology, which can be used to: (i) remove the communication impediments among spatially dispersed decision makers; (ii) efficiently elicit and represent the domain of knowledge; (iii) develop efficient mechanisms to structure and consistently maintain the decision analysis; and (iv) automate the decision making process itself. Automation concerns coherence and consistency checking, detection of contradictions, truth maintenance, and information retrieval techniques.
A decision support system for automotive product planning and competitive market analysis
Authors: Guo W. , Weib K.C. , Lia X. , Wanga F. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA decision support system (DSS) for automotive product marketing, design and manufacturing in China is presented in this paper. The DSS is developed as a tool to support product planning, competitive market analysis, supply chain analysis and subsequent manufacturing systems planning and deployment. The system consists of a number of automotive related databases which provide information about manufacturers' performance in each market segment as well as production information of all existing market players in the Chinese auto industry. Product planning, one of the key modules of the DSS prototype, is highlighted in this paper. It supports decision makers in determining suitable strategies for market entry by analyzing existing competitors' status, growth estimation of each market segment, and competitive market analysis for new vehicle products. A case study for new market entry is included here to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Linear programming applied to the flower sector: a Gladiolus bulb production case study
Authors: Caixeta‐Filho J.V. , van Swaay‐Neto J.M. , Lopes R.L. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMathematical modeling structure was developed to support representative Brazilian bulb growing and trading company's decision making process, during the Gladiolus production planning activity. The pertinent LP model was focused on client's bulb requests to be attended and showed interesting results (e.g., profit maximization and suggestions for optimal combinations of types of bulblet and spacing to be planted).
Building scenarios for the University
Authors: Enserink B. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractScenario building is a tool for anticipating discontinuous change. Management staff at Delft University of Technology developed scenarios for the strategic environment of their future scientific staffing. A short intensive workshop with stakeholders was organized for developing the scenario‐logic. The same methodological approach was used by an interfaculty research group for determining its future research priorities. Although quite different in scope and methods used for idea generation and structuring, both groups succeeded in designing plausible, creative and consistent scenarios. The paper describes the methodology and the respective processes of scenario construction and shows that short, intensive, highly interactive workshops are a tool for creating a social basis for policy‐in‐the‐making.
The learning curve: a new perspective
Authors: Zangwill W.I. , Kantor P.B. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractDespite the popularity of the “learning” curve, it should be called the “forecasting” curve. Given an industrial process, the traditional learning curve forecasts how costs are expected to decline (or other performance measures improve) in the future. Forecasting is certainly very useful. Nevertheless, the previous literature is notably mute on how the improvement or learning occurs. Without that information about how the process operates, the traditional learning curve cannot improve the rate of learning. This paper transforms the curve so that it not merely forecasts but rather actively creates the learning and knowledge. By extending work of the authors (Zangwill and Kantor, 1998), this paper constructs a new theoretical framework for learning and making improvements based upon learning cycles. This approach allows what is learned in one period to be intelligently applied to the next, improving the rate of learning right as production is occurring. Previous approaches could not do this. Because it should quickly increase the rate of learning, this approach might have important industrial applications.
A new parallel breadth first tabu search technique for solving production planning problems
Authors: Bock S. , Rosenberg O. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a new parallel breadth first oriented tabu search extension, which can be used to improve existing tabu search procedures for production planning problems. Especially it is shown that this distributed technique considerably improves existing efficient sequential procedures for a well‐known assembly line balancing problem. Since this technique does not require any communication besides exchanging the solutions reached at the end of the computation, it can be installed on nearly every distributed system.
Analysis of a multi‐server queue with two priority classes and (M, N)‐threshold service schedule I: non‐preemptive priority
Authors: Feng W. , Kowada M. , Adachi K. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an (M, N)‐threshold non‐preemptive priority service schedule for a queueing system consisting of two‐parallel queues and a multi‐server. The arrival process for each queue is Poisson, and the service times are exponentially distributed with different means. We derive the generating functions of the stationary joint queue‐length distribution, and then obtain the mean queue length and the mean waiting time for each queue.
A‐85380: A Pharmacological Probe for the Preclinical and Clinical Investigation of the α4β2Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Rueter Lynne E. , Donnelly‐Roberts Diana L. , Curzon Peter , Briggs Clark A. , Anderson David J. , Bitner Robert S. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTA‐85380 [3‐(2(s)‐azetidinylmethoxy) pyridine] is a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist that has been a useful tool in the investigation of the function of nAChRs in both preclinical and clinical studies. Amongst nAChR subtypes, A‐85380 shows selectivity for the α4β2vs. the α7or α1β1δγ nAChRs. In functional in vitro cation flux assays, A‐85380 is a potent and full agonist. A‐85380 has a broad‐spectrum analgesic profile with efficacy in acute, persistent, and neuropathic pain models. As demonstrated using selective nAChR antagonists or α4antisense, the α4β2nAChR mediates the analgesic effects of A‐85380. Interestingly, the site of action depends upon the type of pain as antinociception is mediated by descending inhibition into the spinal cord whereas anti‐allodynia in neuropathic pain is mediated at both central and peripheral sites. Radiolabelled forms of A‐85380 have been developed and shown to be safe for use in vivo in humans. In clinical studies using positron and photon emission tomography, marked decreases in α4β2nAChRs have been seen in patients with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Although not developed as a therapeutic agent, A‐85380 has proven to be an important component in the development of novel nAChR ligands for the treatment of pain and other disorders.
Humanin and Colivelin: Neuronal‐Death‐Suppressing Peptides for Alzheimer's Disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Matsuoka Masaaki , Hashimoto Yuichi , Aiso Sadakazu , Nishimoto Ikuo 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTHumanin (HN), a 24‐amino‐acid neuroprotective peptide, was originally found in the occipital lobe of an autopsied Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient. HN inhibits neuronal death by binding to its specific receptor on the cell membrane and triggering a Jak2/STAT3 prosurvival pathway. The activation of this pathway may represent a therapeutic approach to AD. HN also exhibits neuroprotective activity against toxicity by familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐related mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Recent investigations established that AGA‐(C8R)‐HNG17, a 17‐amno‐acid derivative of HN, is 105 times more potent as a neuroprotective than HN; at 10‐picomolar and higher concentrations in vitro it completely suppresses neuronal death. Moreover, a 26‐amino‐acid peptide colivelin (CL), composed of activity‐dependent neurotrophic factor (ADNF) C‐terminally fused to AGA‐(C8R)‐HNG17, provides complete neuroprotection at 100‐femtomolar or higher concentrations in vitro. A series of experiments using mouse AD and ALS models further established the efficacy of HN derivatives, including CL, against these diseases in vivo. HN and CL can be viewed as drug candidates for neuronal death suppression therapy in AD or ALS.
Quantitative EEG Asymmetry Correlates with Clinical Severity in Unilateral Sturge‐Weber Syndrome
Authors: Hatfield Laura A. , Crone Nathan E. , Kossoff Eric H. , Ewen Joshua B. , Pyzik Paula L. , Lin Doris D. M. , Kelley Thomas M. , Comi Anne M. 
Published: August 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Sturge‐Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder with vascular malformations of the skin, brain, and eye. SWS results in ischemic brain injury, seizures, and neurologic deficits. We hypothesized that a decrease in quantitative EEG (qEEG) power, on the affected side, correlates with clinical severity in subjects with SWS. Methods: Fourteen subjects had 16‐channel scalp EEG recordings. Data were analyzed using fast Fourier transform and calculation of power asymmetry. Blinded investigators assigned scores for clinical neurological status and qualitative assessment of MRI and EEG asymmetry. Results: The majority of subjects demonstrated lower total power on the affected side, usually involving all four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta). qEEG asymmetry correlated strongly with neurologic clinical severity scores and MRI asymmetry scores. qEEG data generally agreed with the MRI evidence of regional brain involvement. In MRI‐qEEG comparisons that did not agree, decreased power on qEEG in a brain region not affected on MRI was more likely to occur in subjects with more severe neurologic deficits. Conclusions: qEEG provides an objective measure of EEG asymmetry that correlates with clinical status and brain asymmetry seen on MRI. These findings support the conclusion that qEEG reflects the degree and extent of brain involvement and dysfunction in SWS. qEEG may potentially be a useful tool for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression in SWS. qEEG may prove useful, in severely affected individuals with SWS, for determining regions of brain dysfunction.
Levels of lipid peroxides and antioxidants in smokers and nonsmokers
Authors: Garg N. , Singh R. , Dixit J. , Jain A. , Tewari V. 
Published: August 2006

Background and Objective:  The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and periodontal damage in terms of the levels of free radicals and antioxidants.Material and Methods:  Thirty‐five healthy subjects in the age group 25–56 yr and with chronic moderate inflammatory periodontal disease (attachment loss of 3–4 mm) were selected. All subjects were matched with respect to the clinical parameters plaque index, gingival index and attachment loss. Of the 35 subjects, 25 were smokers (smoking a minimum of 15 cigarettes/day) and 10 were nonsmokers. Smokers were subdivided into three subgroups: group I (10 subjects smoking 15–20 cigarettes/day); group II (10 subjects smoking 21–30 cigarettes/day) and group III (five subjects smoking > 50 cigarettes/day). Gingival tissue (obtained during Modified Widman surgery) and blood samples were collected from each of the subjects and analyzed for the following parameters: lipid peroxide, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and total thiol.Results:  The level of lipid peroxide was lowest in nonsmokers (2.242 ± 0.775 in tissue and 1.352 ± 0.414 in blood) and highest in smokers smoking > 50 cigarettes/day (6.81 ± 1.971 in tissue and 4.96 ± 0.890 in blood), both in tissue and in blood. The increase was statistically significant in all groups, except in tissue of group I smokers. Catalase showed a similar trend, where the levels increased from 0.245 ± 0.043 in controls to 0.610 ± 0.076 in group III smokers for tissue, and from 0.231 ± 0.040 in controls to 0.568 ± 0.104 in group III smokers for blood. The increase was statistically significant for all groups. Total thiol levels were also higher in smokers than in controls (0.222 ± 0.050 in controls vs. 0.480 ± 0.072 in group III smokers in tissue; 0.297 ± 0.078 in controls vs. 0.617 ± 0.042 in group III smokers in blood). Except for group I in both tissue and blood, the increase was statistically significant. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was higher in nonsmokers (2.406 ± 0.477 in tissue and 2.611 ± 0.508 in blood) than in group III smokers (1.072 ± 0.367 in tissue and 0.938 ± 0.367 in blood), both in tissue and in blood, but this was significant only in the case of blood and for group III smokers in tissue. The glutathione level in tissue was consistently lower in smokers than in contols, showing a decrease from 121.208 ± 37.367 in controls to 46.426 ± 14.750 in group III smokers, but the decrease was not significant in group I smokers. In the case of blood, the glutathione level dropped from 262.074 ± 68.751 in controls to 154.242 ± 51.721 in group III smokers, but was statistically significant only for group III smokers.Conclusion:  The study results show that smoking increases the level of free radicals in periodontal tissues, which in turn may be responsible for the destruction seen in periodontal diseases.
Differences in innate immune responses upon stimulation with gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Tietze Konrad , Dalpke Alexander , Morath Sigfried , Mutters Reinier , Heeg Klaus , Nonnenmacher Claudia 
Published: August 2006

Background and Objectives:  Host recognition pathways for gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria comprise pattern recognition receptors among which Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play a pivotal role. TLRs share common signaling pathways yet exhibit specificity as well. Periodontal disease is initiated and maintained in the first line by gram‐negative but also gram‐positive bacterial infection of the gingival sulcus. To date only limited information is available on whether gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria induce different host responses (strength or quality).Materials and methods:  To elucidate these differential effects we focused on proinflammatory cytokine releases by assessing ex vivo stimulation of whole blood with heat‐killed gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria and thereof derived microbial products associated with distinct TLRs. Tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐8 release were measured in the supernatants by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, innate immune responses of peritoneal macrophages from mice lacking TLR2 and TLR4 were tested.Results:  We observed that gram‐negative and gram‐positive species induced distinct patterns of cytokine production. Gram‐negative species produced higher amounts of tumor necrosis factor‐α while gram‐positive species released higher amounts of the chemokine interleukin‐8. Data from TLR knockout mice and TLR‐transfected HEK cells revealed a somehow specific role of TLR4 and TLR2 for the recognition of gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria, respectively, an observation that goes along with the dominant recognition of the respective pathogen associated molecular patterns lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid.Conclusions:  The results show that gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacterial species induce different patterns of immunoregulatory activity, which might be the result of activation of different TLRs.
Syndromes with genetic instability: Model diseases for (skin) cancerogenesis
Authors: Emmert Steffen , Leibeling Diana , Rünger Thomas M. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryTumorigenesis is a multi‐step process in which exogenous and endogenous mutational events lead to accumulation of DNA mutations resulting in loss of cellular growth control. During the last decades knowledge about the molecu‐lar mechanisms of DNA mutations and the cellular systems that counteract the degeneration of the genome has increased rapidly. This expansion was driven in part by clinical and molecular investigations of syndromes with genetic in‐stability. These syndromes are typically associated with an increased predispo‐sition for tumor formation. They include nucleotide excision repair defective syndromes, mismatch repair defective syndromes, and the chromosome break‐age syndromes. These diseases mirror vividly the phenotypic consequences of the failure of important cellular systems for the maintenance of the genomic integrity. They significantly contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of (skin) carcinogenesis and for the development of preventive and therapeutic anticancer strategies.
Safety and efficiency of perilesional sclerotherapy in leg ulcer patients with postthrombotic syndrome and/or oral anticoagulation with phenprocoumon
Authors: Stücker Markus , Reich Stefanie , Hermes Nico , Altmeyer Peter 
Published: August 2006

Summary Background: The positive effects of perilesional sclerotherapy for venous leg ulcers is well documented. Although many patients with venous leg ulcers require oral anticoagulation or have had a deep vein thrombosis, the effects of these factors on perilesional sclerotherapy are unknown. The aim of this study was to review effects of oral anticoagulation and/or postthrombotic syndrome on perilesional sclerotherapy. Patients and methods: 28 patients with venous leg ulcers were observed. 12/28 had a postthrombotic syndrome, 5/12 were on oral anticoagulants (phenprocoumon with INR 2‐3). During each treatment session, 1 ml sclerosing foam (1:5, polidocanol 2 %, method of Tessari) was injected.Treatment was continued until all extrafascial veins in the 15cm surrounding the ulcer were closed. Results: Closure of the perilesional veins was achieved in all patients with 2.5 ± 1.8 injections. In 10 of 28 patients (35.7 %),just one injection was needed.More injections were needed, both in patients with postthrombotic syndrome (3.3 ± 2.1 vs. 1.8 ± 1.3) and on anticoagulation with phenprocoumon (4.2 ± 1.2 vs. 2.1 ± 1.7). There were only two complications: an ascending phlebitis up to the accessory saphenous vein and a superficial erosion at an injection site which healed within 1 week. Conclusions: Perilesional sclerotherapy with foam is a safe and efficient therapy for patients with chronic venous leg ulcers even with postthrombotic syndrome and/ or ongoing anticoagulation.
Etiology of Ejaculation and Pathophysiology of Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Donatucci Craig F. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Ejaculation is comprised of three stages of the male sexual response cycle, namely emission, ejection, and orgasm; however, in comparison with erection, which is a well-understood component of male sexual response, the pathophysiology of ejaculation has yet to be fully delineated. Premature ejaculation (PE), the most common sexual disorder in men, while believed to have a multifactorial etiology, is even less well understood.

Aim
This article reviews the physiology of ejaculation, and the multifactorial pathophysiology of PE.

Methods
The Sexual Medicine Society of North America hosted a State of the Art Conference on Premature Ejaculation on June 24–26, 2005 in collaboration with the University of South Florida. The purpose was to have an open exchange of contemporary research and clinical information on PE. There were 16 invited presenters and discussants; the group focused on several educational objectives.

Main Outcome Measure
Data were obtained by extensive examination of published peer-reviewed literature.

Results
Evidence supports that biologic mechanisms associated with neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, Gamma-amino-butyric acid, and nitric oxide (NO) as well as the hormone estrogen play central roles in ejaculation, and subsequently may mediate PE. There is also emerging evidence to show that hyperthyroidism may be a causal factor in PE. Recent data also suggest that psychogenic factors include high level of any experience by some men with PE.

Conclusions
The pathophysiology of both lifelong and acquired PE appears to be both neurobiogenic and psychogenic. While psychogenic factors appear to be contributory to PE, pharmacologic intervention of PE can modify intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), which suggests that IELT is a biological variable, and is likely biologically dependent upon neurotransmitters and hormones.
The Psychology of Premature Ejaculation: Therapies and Consequences
Authors: Althof Stanley 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction characterized by the loss or absence of ejaculatory control, marked distress or interpersonal difficulty and by a short intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT). PE can impact both the patient’s and his partner’s quality of life.

Aim
To review evidence concerning the psychologic influences of PE on the self-esteem and self-confidence of men with PE and the impact on their partners. To review the role of psychotherapy in the management of men with PE.

Methods
The Sexual Medicine Society of North America hosted a State of the Art Conference on Premature Ejaculation on June 24–26, 2005 in collaboration with the University of South Florida. The purpose was to have an open exchange of contemporary research and clinical information on PE. There were 16 invited presenters and discussants; the group focused on several educational objectives.

Main Outcome Measure
Peer-reviewed medical literature was reviewed concerning management of men with PE by psychologic and sexual therapy.

Results
Premature ejaculation has long been viewed as a psychological concern involving psychological interventions, although recent research also focuses on the neurobiological underpinnings of the dysfunction. Psychosexual therapies combine behavioral interventions to help the patient learn to control or delay his ejaculation and to assist him in regaining confidence and lessening performance anxiety. Psychosexual therapy can be combined with pharmacotherapies to provide an improved prognosis to the patient with PE.

Conclusions
Healthcare providers do not manage the majority of patients with PE with the same consideration and attention provided men with erectile dysfunction (ED). PE has been perceived as a psychological concern, either a learned behavior or a response to a meaningful event/interaction or sexual anxiety. Primary treatment has involved psychosexual therapy. Regardless of etiology, psychological/sexual therapy can play an important role in the management of PE.