bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ON THE UNIQUENESS OF THE MARTINGALE PROBLEM
Authors: OKITALOSHIMA ODIMBOLEKO , VAN CASTEREN JAN A. 
Published: October 2004

Let E be a second countable locally compact Hausdorff space and let L be a linear operator with domain D(L) and range R(L) in C0(E). Suppose that D(L) is dense in E and that the operator L possesses the Korovkin property or, more generally, the Stone property with respect to some large collection of continuous functions (cf. Definition 3.8). For every x∈E the martingale problem is well-posed if and only if there exists a unique extension of L that generates a Feller semigroup in C0(E). Next let L0 be the generator of a Feller semigroup in C0(E) and let L1 and T be linear operators with the following properties: the operator I–T has range D(L1), the domain of L1, L1 verifies the maximum principle, the vector sum of the spaces R(I–T) and R(L1(I–T)) is dense in C0(E), and [Formula: see text]. Then there exists at most one linear extension L of the operator L1 for which LT is bounded and that generates a Feller semigroup. Similarly, if the martingale problem is solvable for L1, then it is uniquely solvable for L1, provided that the operator [Formula: see text] is a bounded linear map in C0(E). Here (ℙx, X(t)) is a solution to the martingale problem for L1. Some related results for dissipative operators in a Banach space are presented as well.
Needling of the Extra 1 Point Decreases BIS Values and Preoperative Anxiety
Authors: Paraskeva A. , Melemeni A. , Petropoulos G. , Siafaka I. , Fassoulaki A. 
Published: October 2004

Acupuncture has anxiolytic effects. We investigated the effect of acupuncture on the Bispectral Index (BIS) values and anxiety. Fifty patients were randomly assigned to group A to receive acupuncture for 15 minutes on the extra 1 point (yintang) or to group C, where they received the same treatment on a control point located 2 cm lateral to the end of the right eyebrow. BIS values were recorded before acupuncture; during acupuncture every 30 seconds for 15 minutes and every 30 seconds for 90 seconds when the acupuncture treatment was accomplished. Anxiety level was assessed before and after acupuncture by a verbal score scale (VSS) (0=no anxiety, 10=worst anxiety). BIS values were significantly decreased during acupuncture when applied on the extra 1 point (p=0.0001) but not on the control point.Acupuncture application significantly decreased the VSS values within the A group (p=0.027) and in the C group (p=0.0001), when compared to the baseline (pre-acupuncture) VSS values. However, no differences were found between the two groups regarding BIS or VSS values. In conclusion, needling the extra 1 point preoperatively significantly decreases the BIS values and the VSS for anxiety but needling of a control point decrease only VSS values.
A REVIEW OF THE N-BOUND AND THE MAXIMAL MASS CONJECTURES USING NUT-CHARGED dS SPACE–TIMES
Authors: CLARKSON RICHARD , GHEZELBASH A. M. , MANN ROBERT B. 
Published: October 2004

The proposed dS/CFT correspondence remains an intriguing paradigm in the context of string theory. Recently it has motivated two interesting conjectures: the entropic N-bound and the maximal mass conjecture. The former states that there is an upper bound to the entropy in asymptotically de Sitter space–times, given by the entropy of pure de Sitter space. The latter states that any asymptotically de Sitter space–time cannot have a mass larger than the pure de Sitter case without inducing a cosmological singularity. Here we review the status of these conjectures and demonstrate their limitation. We first describe a generalization of gravitational thermodynamics to asymptotically de Sitter space–times, and show how to compute conserved quantities and gravitational entropy using this formalism. From this we proceed to a discussion of the N-bound and maximal mass conjectures. We then illustrate that these conjectures are not satisfied for certain asymptotically de Sitter space–times with NUT charge. We close with a presentation of explicit examples in various space–time dimensionalities.
MINISUPERSPACE MODEL FOR REVISED CANONICAL QUANTUM GRAVITY
Authors: MONTANI GIOVANNI 
Published: October 2004

We present a reformulation of the canonical quantization of gravity, as referred to the minisuperspace; the new approach is based on fixing a Gaussian (or synchronous) reference frame and then quantizing the system via the reconstruction of a suitable constraint; then the quantum dynamics is re-stated in a generic coordinates system and it becomes dependent on the lapse function. The analysis follows a parallelism with the case of the non-relativistic particle and leads to the minisuperspace implementation of the so-called kinematical action as proposed in Ref. 1 (here almost coinciding also with the approach presented in Ref. 2). The new constraint leads to a Schrödinger equation for the system, i.e. to non-vanishing eigenvalues for the super-Hamiltonian operator; the physical interpretation of this feature relies on the appearance of a "dust fluid" (non-positive definite) energy density, i.e. a kind of "materialization" of the reference frame. As an example of minisuperspace model, we consider a Bianchi type IX Universe, for which some dynamical implications of the revised canonical quantum gravity are discussed. We also show how, on the classical limit, the presence of the dust fluid can have relevant cosmological issues. Finally we upgrade our analysis by its extension to the generic cosmological solution, which is performed in the so-called long-wavelength approximation. In fact, near the Big-Bang, we can neglect the spatial gradients of the dynamical variables and proceed to implement, in each space point, the same minisuperspace paradigm valid for the Bianchi IX model.
NON-PARABOLIC MARCHING ALGORITHM FOR SOUND FIELD CALCULATION IN THE OCEAN WAVEGUIDE
Authors: VORONOVICH A. 
Published: October 2004

An algorithm is presented for calculating sound field in the inhomogeneous ocean waveguide. It does not involve parabolic approximation and can be considered as principally exact (at least for 2D inhomogeneities of the sound speed field). On the other hand, it is “marching” and can be easily implemented as a computer code (note, that marching in this case proceeds in “backward” direction, i.e. towards the source). Those features of the code are similar to couple mode algorithm (COUPLE) developed originally by R. Evans. The principal difference is that suggested code does not assume piecewise constant approximation of the waveguide properties with respect to horizontal coordinates. As a result, the horizontal steps of marching can be increased significantly. The estimate of the efficiency of the approach as compared to stepwise couple modes method is given. The results of the code testing with the help of benchmark problem as well as calculation of sound propagation through a strong inhomogeneity formed by the sub-arctic front are presented. The present version of the code can be used to calculate entries of scattering matrix (S-matrix) for the ocean waveguide as well as travel times of different modes (derivatives of phases of corresponding entries with respect to frequency). A priori restrictions on S-matrix (reciprocity and energy conservation) are also given, and some objective quantitative criterion of the accuracy of the numerical algorithms formulated in terms of S-matrix is suggested.
THE USE OF ELECTROCHEMICAL NOISE ANALYSIS ON CORRODING SYSTEMS
Authors: MONTESPERELLI G. , GUSMANO G. 
Published: October 2004

This paper gives an overview of the use of Electrochemical Noise (EN) for corrosion studying and monitoring. Since the quality and reliability of noise data are affected by a number of acquisition parameters, such as sampling interval, sampling duration, D.C. trend and instrumental noise, some experimental and practical aspects were discussed. The use of statistical parameters such as standard deviation, Pit Index and/or Localization Index and Noise Resistance to analyze noise data of corroding systems were examined. Many experimental applications of Electrochemical Noise Measurements on different metals and alloys were given. EN data have been compared with traditional electrochemical techniques. EN allowed to characterize the corrosion behavior of samples giving in some cases good quantitative estimation. The transposition of current and potential noise acquisition in the frequency domain (by Fast Fourier Transform and/or Maximum Entropy Method), gave further information on corrosion mechanism and in particular permitted to identify the type of corrosion. Finally the use of Discriminant Analysis permitted to deduce the best sampling frequency and sampling duration for EN acquisition, able to discriminate between two different situations.
MARINE RESERVES AND OCEAN NEIGHBORHOODS: The Spatial Scale of Marine Populations and Their Management
Authors: Palumbi Stephen R. 
Published: October 2004

▪ Abstract  The movement of individuals defines a spatial neighborhood that can help determine marine management strategies. Here, I briefly review four fields of marine biology that each differentially illuminate the scale of marine neighborhoods: effects of marine reserves, tagging studies, microchemistry, and population genetics. These suggest adult neighborhood sizes for many demersal fish and invertebrates as small as kilometers and up to 10 to 100 km. Larval dispersal may be shorter than previously suspected: neighborhood sizes of 10 to 100 km for invertebrates and 50 to 200 km for fish are common in current compilations. How can small reserves protect such species? One conceptual framework is to set reserve size based on adult neighborhood sizes of highly fished species and determine spacing of a reserve network based on larval neighborhoods. The multispecies nature of fisheries demands that network designs accommodate different life histories and take into account the way local human communities use marine resources.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1–induced angiogenesis is mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor-A
Authors: Hong Kyung Hee , Ryu Jewon , Han Ki Hoon 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) has been recognized as an angiogenic chemokine. In the present study, we investigated the detailed mechanism by which MCP-1 induces angiogenesis. We found that MCP-1 up-regulated hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) gene expression in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), which induced vascular endothelial growth factor-A165 (VEGF-A165) expression in the aortic wall and HAECs through activation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In vivo angiogenesis assay using chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) showed that MCP-1–induced angiogenesis was as potent as that induced by VEGF-A165 and completely inhibited by a VEGF inhibitor, Flt2-11. The inhibition of RhoA small G protein did not affect MCP-1–induced VEGF-A165 production and secretion but completely blocked both MCP-1– and VEGF-A–induced new vessel formation, as determined by CAM assay. These results suggest that MCP-1–induced angiogenesis is composed largely of 2 sequential steps: the induction of VEGF-A gene expression by MCP-1 and the subsequent VEGF-A–induced angiogenesis.
Caryoscope: An Open Source Java application for viewing microarray data in a genomic context
Authors: Awad Ihab AB , Rees Christian A , Hernandez-Boussard Tina , Ball Catherine A , Sherlock Gavin 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Microarray-based comparative genome hybridization experiments generate data that can be mapped onto the genome. These data are interpreted more easily when represented graphically in a genomic context.

Results
We have developed Caryoscope, which is an open source Java application for visualizing microarray data from array comparative genome hybridization experiments in a genomic context. Caryoscope can read General Feature Format files (GFF files), as well as comma- and tab-delimited files, that define the genomic positions of the microarray reporters for which data are obtained. The microarray data can be browsed using an interactive, zoomable interface, which helps users identify regions of chromosomal deletion or amplification. The graphical representation of the data can be exported in a number of graphic formats, including publication-quality formats such as PostScript.

Conclusion
Caryoscope is a useful tool that can aid in the visualization, exploration and interpretation of microarray data in a genomic context.
Incidence of "quasi-ditags" in catalogs generated by Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE)
Authors: Anisimov Sergey V , Sharov Alexei A 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) is a functional genomic technique that quantitatively analyzes the cellular transcriptome. The analysis of SAGE libraries relies on the identification of ditags from sequencing files; however, the software used to examine SAGE libraries cannot distinguish between authentic versus false ditags ("quasi-ditags").

Results
We provide examples of quasi-ditags that originate from cloning and sequencing artifacts (i.e. genomic contamination or random combinations of nucleotides) that are included in SAGE libraries. We have employed a mathematical model to predict the frequency of quasi-ditags in random nucleotide sequences, and our data show that clones containing less than or equal to 2 ditags (which include chromosomal cloning artifacts) should be excluded from the analysis of SAGE catalogs.

Conclusions
Cloning and sequencing artifacts contaminating SAGE libraries could be eliminated using simple pre-screening procedure to increase the reliability of the data.
Reconstruction of putative DNA virus from endogenous rice tungro bacilliform virus-like sequences in the rice genome: implications for integration and evolution
Authors: Kunii Motoyuki , Kanda Masanori , Nagano Hironori , Uyeda Ichiro , Kishima Yuji , Sano Yoshio 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Plant genomes contain various kinds of repetitive sequences such as transposable elements, microsatellites, tandem repeats and virus-like sequences. Most of them, with the exception of virus-like sequences, do not allow us to trace their origins nor to follow the process of their integration into the host genome. Recent discoveries of virus-like sequences in plant genomes led us to set the objective of elucidating the origin of the repetitive sequences. Endogenous rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV)-like sequences (ERTBVs) have been found throughout the rice genome. Here, we reconstructed putative virus structures from RTBV-like sequences in the rice genome and characterized to understand evolutionary implication, integration manner and involvements of endogenous virus segments in the corresponding disease response.

Results
We have collected ERTBVs from the rice genomes. They contain rearranged structures and no intact ORFs. The identified ERTBV segments were shown to be phylogenetically divided into three clusters. For each phylogenetic cluster, we were able to make a consensus alignment for a circular virus-like structure carrying two complete ORFs. Comparisons of DNA and amino acid sequences suggested the closely relationship between ERTBV and RTBV. The Oryza AA-genome species vary in the ERTBV copy number. The species carrying low-copy-number of ERTBV segments have been reported to be extremely susceptible to RTBV. The DNA methylation state of the ERTBV sequences was correlated with their copy number in the genome.

Conclusions
These ERTBV segments are unlikely to have functional potential as a virus. However, these sequences facilitate to establish putative virus that provided information underlying virus integration and evolutionary relationship with existing virus. Comparison of ERTBV among the Oryza AA-genome species allowed us to speculate a possible role of endogenous virus segments against its related disease.
Effect of splenectomy on type-1/type-2 cytokine gene expression in a patient with adult idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Authors: Panitsas Fotios P , Mouzaki Athanasia 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
In view of clinical observations and laboratory results that support a central role of the spleen in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) pathophysiology, we studied the effect of splenectomy on type-1 and type-2 cytokine gene expression in an adult ITP case, refractory to conservative treatment.

Case presentation
The patient was subjected to splenectomy 9 months after the diagnosis with complete response, attaining platelet counts over 150 × 106/L within 10 days after the operation. Two consecutive blood samples were obtained from the patient, 3 and 7 months after the splenectomy for the purposes of this study. A control group consisted of 11 healthy adults. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were prepared from each blood sample and cultured in vitro for 8 h with the addition of the mitogens phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin. Total cellular RNA extracted from 106 cells was submitted to semiquantitave reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the amplification of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 metagraphs. The PCR products were run on ethidium-stained agarose gels, photographed and quantified by densitometry.
A steep decrease of type-1 cytokine expression (IL-2, IFN-γ) and their calculated sum expressing Th1 activity was observed at 7 months post-splenectomy compared to 3 months post-splenectomy, in parallel with a rise of platelet count from 190 × 106/L to 265 × 106/L. The change of type-2 cytokine expression (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10) was slight and the Th2 activity (IL-4+IL-5) remained largely unchanged. The Th1/Th2 ratio, that reflects the pathogenic disease-specific T-cell immune deviation, was accordingly reduced 7 months post-splenectomy (Th1/Th2 = 1.3) compared to 3 months (Th1/Th2 = 3.5).

Conclusions
The reduction of the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio that was observed over time after splenectomy was accompanied by full clinical remission. Nevertheless, the persistence of a type-1 polarization, even after several months following spleen removal, is suggestive of a more basic abnormality of the immune function in these patients.
Fully human IgG and IgM antibodies directed against the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) Gold 4 epitope and designed for radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of colorectal cancers
Authors: Garambois Véronique , Glaussel Fabienne , Foulquier Elodie , Ychou Marc , Pugnière Martine , Luo Robin X , Bezabeh Binyam , Pèlegrin André 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are needed for colon cancer radioimmunotherapy (RIT) to allow for repeated injections. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) being the reference antigen for immunotargeting of these tumors, we developed human anti-CEA MAbs.

Methods
XenoMouse®-G2 animals were immunized with CEA. Among all the antibodies produced, two of them, VG-IgG2κ and VG-IgM, were selected for characterization in vitro in comparison with the human-mouse chimeric anti-CEA MAb X4 using flow cytometry, surface plasmon resonance, and binding to radiolabeled soluble CEA and in vivo in human colon carcinoma LS174T bearing nude mice.

Results
Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated binding of MAbs on CEA-expressing cells without any binding on NCA-expressing human granulocytes. In a competitive binding assay using five reference MAbs, directed against the five Gold CEA epitopes, VG-IgG2κ and VG-IgM were shown to be directed against the Gold 4 epitope. The affinities of purified VG-IgG2κ and VG-IgM were determined to be 0.19 ± 0.06 × 108 M-1 and 1.30 ± 0.06 × 108 M-1, respectively, as compared with 0.61 ± 0.05 × 108 M-1 for the reference MAb X4. In a soluble phase assay, the binding capacities of VG-IgG2κ and VG-IgM to soluble CEA were clearly lower than that of the control chimeric MAb X4. A human MAb concentration of about 10-7 M was needed to precipitate approximatively 1 ng 125I-rhCEA as compared with 10-9 M for MAb X4, suggesting a preferential binding of the human MAbs to solid phase CEA. In vivo, 24 h post-injection, 125I-VG-IgG2κ demonstrated a high tumor uptake (25.4 ± 7.3%ID/g), close to that of 131I-X4 (21.7 ± 7.2%ID/g). At 72 h post-injection, 125I-VG-IgG2κ was still concentrated in the tumor (28.4 ± 11.0%ID/g) whereas the tumor concentration of 131I-X4 was significantly reduced (12.5 ± 4.8%ID/g). At no time after injection was there any accumulation of the radiolabeled MAbs in normal tissues. A pertinent analysis of VG-IgM biodistribution was not possible in this mouse model in which IgM displays a very short half-life due to poly-Ig receptor expression in the liver.

Conclusion
Our human anti-CEA IgG2κ is a promising candidate for radioimmunotherapy in intact form, as F(ab')2 fragments, or as a bispecific antibody.
Parents' reported preference scores for childhood atopic dermatitis disease states
Authors: Friedman Joëlle Y , Reed Shelby D , Weinfurt Kevin P , Kahler Kristijan H , Walter Emmanuel B , Schulman Kevin A 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
We sought to elicit preference weights from parents for health states corresponding to children with various levels of severity of atopic dermatitis. We also evaluated the hypothesis that parents with children who had been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis would assign different preferences to the health state scenarios compared with parents who did not have a child with atopic dermatitis.

Methods
Subjects were parents of children aged 3 months to 18 years. The sample was derived from the General Panel, Mommies Sub-Panel, and Chronic Illness Sub-Panel of Harris Interactive. Participants rated health scenarios for atopic dermatitis, asthma, and eyeglasses on a visual analog scale, imagining a child was experiencing the described state.

Results
A total of 3539 parents completed the survey. Twenty-nine percent had a child with a history of atopic dermatitis. Mean preference scores for atopic dermatitis were as follows: mild, 91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.7 to 91.5); mild/moderate, 84 (95%CI, 83.5 to 84.4); moderate, 73 (95%CI, 72.5 to 73.6); moderate/severe, 61 (95%CI, 60.6 to 61.8); severe, 49 (95% CI, 48.7 to 50.1); asthma, 58 (95%CI, 57.4 to 58.8); and eyeglasses, 87(95%CI, 86.3 to 87.4).

Conclusions
Parents perceive that atopic dermatitis has a negative effect on quality of life that increases with disease severity. Estimates of parents' preferences can provide physicians with insight into the value that parents place on their children's treatment and can be used to evaluate new medical therapies for atopic dermatitis.