Very narrow quantum OBDDs and width hierarchies for classical OBDDs

In the paper we investigate a model for computing of Boolean functions - Ordered Binary Decision Diagrams (OBDDs), which is a restricted version of Branching Programs. We present several results on the comparative complexity for several variants of OBDD models. - We present some results on the comparative complexity of classical and quantum OBDDs. We consider a partial function depending on a parameter k such that for any k > 0 this function is computed by an exact quantum OBDD of width 2, but any classical OBDD (deterministic or stable bounded-error probabilistic) needs width 2 k+1. - We consider quantum and classical nondeterminism. We show that quantum nondeterminism can be more efficient than classical nondeterminism. In particular, an explicit function is presented which is computed by a quantum nondeterministic OBDD with constant width, but any classical nondeterministic OBDD for this function needs non-constant width. - We also present new hierarchies on widths of deterministic and nondeterministic OBDDs. We focus both on small and large widths. © 2014 Springer International Publishing

Helicobacter pylori in allergic inflammation - Fact or fiction?

WOS: 000256443000006PubMed: 18479660Background: Although it has been hypothised that infections may play a preventive role in allergic diseases, the role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is not clear. In this study we aimed to determine the association between H. pylori infection and allergic inflammation. Methods: H. pylori infection was assessed in gastric mucosa tissue by microscopy. Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed with a battery of common inhalant and certain food allergens. Serum samples were tested for total immunglobulin E (T.IgE). Predictive factors for H. pylori infection and atopy were examined by a questionnaire. Results: A total of 90 subjects suffering dyspeptic symptoms were enrolled into the study. SPT positivity was similar between H. pylori (+) and H. pylori (-) subjects. Among the possible factors examined: age; gender; educational status; pet at home; BMI, family size; number of children and siblings; monthly income; drinking water source; smoking; and serum T.IgE levels were not related with H. pylori infection. However, perennial allergic symptoms were significantly higher in the H. pylon (-) group, seasonal allergic symptoms were related with an increased risk for H. pylori infection. Conclusions: In this sample group from a developing country H. pylori infection was not shown to be associated with atopic diseases. Therefore, the eradication of H. pylori may not be assumed to have an effect on allergic inflammation

Very narrow quantum OBDDs and width hierarchies for classical OBDDs

In the paper we investigate a model for computing of Boolean functions - Ordered Binary Decision Diagrams (OBDDs), which is a restricted version of Branching Programs. We present several results on the comparative complexity for several variants of OBDD models. - We present some results on the comparative complexity of classical and quantum OBDDs. We consider a partial function depending on a parameter k such that for any k > 0 this function is computed by an exact quantum OBDD of width 2, but any classical OBDD (deterministic or stable bounded-error probabilistic) needs width 2 k+1. - We consider quantum and classical nondeterminism. We show that quantum nondeterminism can be more efficient than classical nondeterminism. In particular, an explicit function is presented which is computed by a quantum nondeterministic OBDD with constant width, but any classical nondeterministic OBDD for this function needs non-constant width. - We also present new hierarchies on widths of deterministic and nondeterministic OBDDs. We focus both on small and large widths. © 2014 Springer International Publishing

Evaluation of gallbladder motility in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

WOS: 000231684400003PubMed: 16220411Background: Abnormalities involving smooth muscle function in different systems of the body have been reported in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are a few studies on gallbladder function in this disorder with conflicting results. Objectives: To investigate the motility of gallbladder in patients with IBS. Patients and methods: Forty-eight patients (15 male and 3 3 female) with IBS and 48 healthy volunteers (15 male and 3 3 female) were included into the study. Thirty-four patients (70.8%) had constipation predominant and 14 patients (29.2%) had diarrhoea predominant type of IBS. Fasting and postprandial gallbladder volumes were studied using real time ultrasonography and ejection fraction (EF) of gallbladder was calculated. Results: While fasting gallbladder volume (FGV) was similar between IBS and control groups (18.0 +/- 4.0 ml vs. 17.8 +/- 4.9 ml, p > 0.05), postprandial gallbladder volume (PGV) was lower in IBS group than in the control group (5.5 +/- 1.4 ml vs. 6.2 +/- 1.9 ml, p = 0.03). Accordingly, the mean EF of gallbladders was found to be higher in IBS group than in the control group (69.1% vs. 64.1%, p = 0.0001). There were no difference in FGV, PGV and EF of gallbladders between constipation predominant and diarrhoea predominant IBS patients (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that IBS patients have increased emptying of gallbladder compared to healthy subjects

The use of a covered expandable metal stent for the management of esophageotracheal fistula resulting from esophageal carcinoma: A case report

Malignant esophagorespiratory fistula is a rare condition that is difficult to manage. Palliative treatment by surgical bypass is often unjustified, and the use of esophageal stents has been shown to be more appropriate. We describe a 64-year-old man with inoperable esophageal carcinoma presenting with symptoms of an esophagorespiratory fistula. A covered expandable metallic stent was successfully inserted into the esophagus. The patient's symptoms improved dramatically and he survived for 16 months. The use of a covered expandable metal stent is a safe and practical alternative treatment for palliating inoperable esophageal carcinomas in patients with esophagorespiratory fistulas

Very narrow quantum OBDDs and width hierarchies for classical OBDDs

In the paper we investigate a model for computing of Boolean functions - Ordered Binary Decision Diagrams (OBDDs), which is a restricted version of Branching Programs. We present several results on the comparative complexity for several variants of OBDD models. - We present some results on the comparative complexity of classical and quantum OBDDs. We consider a partial function depending on a parameter k such that for any k > 0 this function is computed by an exact quantum OBDD of width 2, but any classical OBDD (deterministic or stable bounded-error probabilistic) needs width 2 k+1. - We consider quantum and classical nondeterminism. We show that quantum nondeterminism can be more efficient than classical nondeterminism. In particular, an explicit function is presented which is computed by a quantum nondeterministic OBDD with constant width, but any classical nondeterministic OBDD for this function needs non-constant width. - We also present new hierarchies on widths of deterministic and nondeterministic OBDDs. We focus both on small and large widths. © 2014 Springer International Publishing

Very narrow quantum OBDDs and width hierarchies for classical OBDDs

In the paper we investigate a model for computing of Boolean functions - Ordered Binary Decision Diagrams (OBDDs), which is a restricted version of Branching Programs. We present several results on the comparative complexity for several variants of OBDD models. - We present some results on the comparative complexity of classical and quantum OBDDs. We consider a partial function depending on a parameter k such that for any k > 0 this function is computed by an exact quantum OBDD of width 2, but any classical OBDD (deterministic or stable bounded-error probabilistic) needs width 2 k+1. - We consider quantum and classical nondeterminism. We show that quantum nondeterminism can be more efficient than classical nondeterminism. In particular, an explicit function is presented which is computed by a quantum nondeterministic OBDD with constant width, but any classical nondeterministic OBDD for this function needs non-constant width. - We also present new hierarchies on widths of deterministic and nondeterministic OBDDs. We focus both on small and large widths. © 2014 Springer International Publishing

Diffuse plane xanthomatosis in a patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome and monoclonal gammopathy

Diffuse plane xanthomas are characterized by the presence of yellowish plaques on the eyelids, neck, upper trunk, buttocks, and flexural folds. Histology shows foamy histiocytes in the dermis. Approximately half of the cases are associated with lymphoproliferative disorders. Budd-Chiari syndrome is an uncommon condition induced by thrombotic or nonthrombotic obstruction of hepatic venous outflow. We present a case of diffuse plane xanthoma in a 62-year-old man who developed normolipemic plane xanthomas coinciding with Budd-Chiari syndrome and monoclonal gammopathy. We review the English-language literature regarding the rare association of xanthomas and Budd-Chiari syndrome

Effects of vitamin E treatment on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha expression and insulin resistance in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: results of a pilot study

Erdem, Ayhan/0000-0001-7761-1078WOS: 000245057300004PubMed: 17388862Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is commonly associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) may also play a role in the pathogenesis of NASH. A pivotal role in NASH pathogenesis depends on the hypothesis of increased oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental oral vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, on liver functions, PPAR-alpha expression and IR in patients with NASH. Methods: Nine patients with biopsy-proven NASH were given oral vitamin E 800 mg daily for 24 weeks. Liver functions, lipid parameters, IR index with homeostatic metabolic assessment and liver histology and PPAR-alpha staining index in biopsy specimens were detected before and after the treatment. Results: Seven patients (78%) had IR initially. After 6 months of therapy in nine patients, fasting insulin improved (P = 0.01), but serum cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose levels and body mass index remained unchanged. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels decreased (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). IR index with homeostatic metabolic assessment resistance improved (P = 0.01), but PPAR-alpha staining index did not change (P = 0.37). Although the histological grade of steatosis decreased (P = 0.01), necroinflammation and fibrosis remained unchanged. In seven patients with IR, however, necroinflammation and PPAR-alpha staining index were improved (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02). Conclusion: Vitamin E treatment, in addition to its previously shown beneficial effect by suppressing oxidative stress, may also achieve improvement by reducing IR and PPAR-alpha expression in NASH

A case report of gastric antral vascular ectasia (watermelon stomach) as a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding [3]

PubMed: 16547859[No abstract available