bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐infrared fluorescence imaging of lymphatics in head and neck lymphedema
Authors: Maus Erik A. , Tan I‐Chih , Rasmussen John C. , Marshall Milton V. , Fife Caroline E. , Smith Latisha A. , Guilliod Renie , Sevick‐Muraca Eva M.
Published: November 2010

Background

Lymphedema is a complication that may occur after surgical resection and radiation treatment in a number of cancer types and is especially debilitating in regions where treatment options are limited. Although upper and lower extremity lymphedema may be effectively treated with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapies and devices that use compression to direct proximal flow of lymph fluids, head and neck lymphedema is more challenging.

Methods and Results

Herein, we describe the compassionate use of an investigatory technique of near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging to understand the lymphatic anatomy and function, help direct MLD, and use 3‐dimensional (3D) surface profilometry to monitor response to therapy in a patient with head and neck lymphedema after surgery and radiation treatment.

Conclusion

NIR fluorescence imaging provides a mapping of functional lymph vessels for direction of efficient MLD therapy in the head and neck. Additional studies are needed to assess the efficacy of MLD therapy when directed by NIR fluorescence imaging. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Interleukin-28B polymorphisms are associated with histological recurrence and treatment response following liver transplantation in patients with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Charlton Michael R. , Thompson Alexander , Veldt Bart J. , Watt Kym , Tillmann Hans , Poterucha John J. , Heimbach Julie K. , Goldstein David , McHutchison John
Published: November 2010

Polymorphism in the

interleukin-28B

(

IL28B

) gene region, encoding interferon (IFN)-λ3, is strongly predictive of response to antiviral treatment in the nontransplant setting. We sought to determine the prevalence and impact on clinical outcomes of donor and recipient

IL28B

genotypes among liver transplant recipients. The cohort study included 189 consecutive patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who underwent liver transplantation between January 1, 1995, and January 1, 2005, at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Genotyping of the polymorphism rs12979860 was performed on DNA collected from all donors and recipients in the cohort. Sixty-five patients received IFN-based antiviral therapy. The CC

IL28B

variant was less common in the chronic HCV-infected recipients than in non-HCV donor livers (33% versus 47%,

P

= 0.03).

IL28B

recipient genotype was significantly predictive of fibrosis stage, with TT genotype being associated with more rapid fibrosis (Pearson chi-square

P

= 0.024 for the comparison G versus A). Donor and recipient

IL28B

genotype were independently associated with sustained virologic response (

P

< 0.005). The presence of

IL28B

CC variant in either the recipient (R) or donor (D) liver was associated with increased rate of sustained virologic response (D-non-CC/R-non-CC = 3/19 [16%] versus D-CC/R-non-CC = 11/22 [50%] versus D-non-CC/R-CC = 5/12 [42%] versus R-CC/D-CC = 6/7 [86%],

P

= 0.0095).

IL28B

genotype was not significantly associated with survival (overall/liver-related).

Conclusion:

Recipient

IL28B

TT genotype is associated with more severe histological recurrence of HCV. Recipient and donor liver

IL28B

genotype are strongly and independently associated with IFN-based treatment response in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation. The data suggest that CC donor livers might be preferentially allocated to patients with HCV infection. (Hepatology 2011;)
Endometrial cancer associated with various forms of postmenopausal hormone therapy: A case control study
Authors: Jaakkola Susanna , Lyytinen Heli K. , Dyba Tadeusz , Ylikorkala Olavi , Pukkala Eero
Published: November 2010

This study evaluates the effect of different modes of estradiol‐progestagen therapy (EPT) regimens on the postmenopausal endometrial cancer risk in Finland. Women diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 1995–2007 at the age of 50–80 years were identified from the Finnish Cancer Registry (N = 7,261). For each case, three age‐matched controls were retrieved from the Finnish Population Register. The use of EPT since 1994 was ascertained from the national Medical Reimbursement Register. Odds ratios (ORs) for different EPT regimens were calculated with conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusted for parity and ages at the deliveries. For use of <5 years, the OR for sequential EPT was 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.52–0.86), for continuous EPT 0.45 (0.27–0.73), and for estradiol plus levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine device system (LNG‐IUS) 0.39 (0.17–0.88). A decreased risk persisted for the use of continuous EPT and estradiol plus LNG‐IUS of up to 10 years. The use of long‐cycle EPT showed a tendency toward an elevated risk both for exposure of <5 years (1.40; 0.82–2.38) and for estimated use of >5 years (1.63; 1.12–2.38). For an estimated exposure of >10 years, the risk for endometrial cancer was elevated for both users of long‐cycle EPT (2.95; 2.40–3.62) and sequential EPT (1.38; 1.15–1.66). Norethisterone acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate as parts of EPT did not differ in their endometrial cancer risk. The use of tibolone showed no endometrial risk. The use of sequential and long‐cycle EPT is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, whereas the use of continuous EPT or estradiol plus LNG‐IUS shows a decreased risk.
Light‐induced effects on Brownian displacements
Authors: Bhalerao Anish S. , Pollack Gerald H.
Published: November 2010

Earlier work on particles in aqueous solution indicated that particle hydration could be expanded by incident light. To assess the effects of expanded hydration we measured Brownian displacements of microspheres exposed to light of varying intensities and wavelengths. Displacements were consistently diminished in an intensity‐dependent and wavelength‐dependent fashion, and center‐to‐center distances between microspheres were shifted to higher values. We conclude that suspended microspheres are surrounded by hydration zones substantial enough to impact Brownian displacements. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Automatic analysis of computed catalytic cycles
Authors: Uhe Andreas , Kozuch Sebastian , Shaik Sason
Published: November 2010

The energetic span model allows the estimation of the turnover frequency (TOF) of a catalytic reaction from its calculated energy profile. Furthermore, by identifying the TOF determining intermediate and the TOF determining transition state, the model shows that the concept of “determining states” is more useful and correct than the concept of “determining steps.” This article illustrates the application of the model and provides an introduction to its concepts using instructive examples. The first part explains the model in its current state of development, whereas in the second part the degree of TOF control of the reactant and product concentrations is introduced. With this information, it is possible to give explicit recommendations regarding the conditions to be applied in the experiment, e.g., which reactant promotes the reaction or if a product kinetically inhibits it. At the end, we present the AUTOF program that allows the user to apply the complete model in a black box fashion. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Normal length of the fetal liver from 14 to 40 weeks of gestational age
Authors: Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya , Tongsong Theera
Published: November 2010

Objective

To create a normal reference table of fetal liver length in normal fetuses

Methods

A prospective, cross‐sectional study was conducted on normal pregnancies with accurate gestational age (GA) from 14 to 40 weeks of gestation. All fetuses were measured for fetal liver length from the top of the right hemidiaphragm to tip of the right liver lobe on coronal image of the fetal abdomen, using high‐resolution real‐time ultrasound with a 2‐ to 4‐MHz convex transducer.

Results

A total of 685 normal pregnant women between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation were recruited. Forty‐five were excluded due to poor image quality and fetal abnormalities. The remaining 640 were available for analysis. The linear regression model was best fitted to estimate the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile range of liver length at each gestational week. Fetal liver length was gradually increased with GA with fitted equation as follows: Liver length (mm) = 1.61 (GA, week) − 6.75 (r2 = 0.94, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A normal reference range of fetal liver length for each GA between 14 and 40 weeks was constructed. This may be a useful tool in assessment for some fetal pathologic conditions, especially when fetal anemia is suspected. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.20756
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of congenital epulis
Authors: Jiang LiXin , Hu Bing , Guo Qian
Published: November 2010

Congenital epulis is a benign gingival tumor that has rarely been diagnosed prenatally. We report a fetus with congenital epulis diagnosed by ultrasound at 37 weeks' gestation. The mass was diagnosed as originating from the inferior alveolar ridge prenatally. After birth, it was completely removed by simple excision under general anesthesia. Histologic examination revealed a congenital granular cell tumor. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2011
Abundance, diversity and antibiotics resistance pattern of Vibrio spp. in coral ecosystem of Kurusadai island
Authors: Haldar Soumya , Mody Kalpana H. , Jha Bhavanath
Published: November 2010

The abundance and species diversity of Vibrio associated with coral reef ecosystem of Kurusadai island, Tamil Nadu, India were evaluated. A total of twelve sampling locations including different live and dead coral surfaces, surrounding water and rock surface (negative control) were selected for the present study. Total viable and TCBS counts were found to be higher in dead coral as compared to that of live coral. Out of total 21 species of Vibrio isolated, 13 were identified up to species level based on biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequence homology, while remaining 8 isolates did not show homology up to species level with any of the sequences available in the NCBI database. Moreover, these unidentified Vibrio spp. exhibited intra‐species variation. This study indicated association of hitherto unknown Vibrio species with coral reef ecosystem of Kurusadai island. Assuming that only resistant bacteria can grow in the coral environment, susceptibility against a total of 20 antibiotics was evaluated. All the isolates exhibited resistance towards more than 6 antibiotics. Interestingly, none of the identified bacteria were previously reported to be of coral pathogen reflecting the healthy nature of the ecosystem. However, a continuous monitoring of the region will be prerequisite to envisage the role of these bacteria on the health status of the coral ecosystem. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Deglacial reservoir age and implications, Foxe Peninsula, Baffin Island
Authors: Vickers Kayla J. , Ward Brent C. , Utting Daniel J. , Telka Alice M.
Published: November 2010

Marine reservoir age is reported for Foxe Basin, Canada, during deglaciation of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Radiocarbon (14C) measurements were made on pairs of contemporaneous molluscs and Salix (willow) macrofossils, yielding a mean marine reservoir age of 985 ± 10 14C a. Mean regional ΔR is calculated to be 615 ± 20 14C a relative to a mean global reservoir age of ca. 400 14C a. Previous studies in the Canadian Arctic that have been conducted on modern pre‐bomb molluscs give ΔR values of ca. 100–300 14C a. The difference between modern and deglacial reservoir ages indicates that ΔR in Foxe Basin has changed over time, which has implications for the reconstruction of past events based on marine 14C dates. We recalculate the timing of deglaciation of Hudson Strait with this new reservoir age and relate this to the 8.2 cal. ka event. We recommend that local ΔR be determined for the time period being examined whenever possible, and that in cases where this is impossible a ΔR value of 615 14C a be applied when calibrating marine samples from Foxe Basin and vicinity during deglaciation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of monovalent ion‐selective poly(vinyl chloride)‐blend‐poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene) heterogeneous anion‐exchange membranes
Authors: Khodabakhshi Ali Reza , Madaeni Sayed Siavash , Hosseini Sayed Mohsen
Published: November 2010

New types of composite anion‐exchange membranes were prepared by blending of suspension‐produced poly(vinyl chloride) (S‐PVC) and poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene), otherwise known as styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR), as binder, along with anion‐exchange resin powder to provide functional groups and activated carbon as inorganic filler additive. Also, an ultrasonic method was used to obtain better homogeneity. In solutions with mono‐ and divalent anions, the effect of activated carbon and sonication on the morphology, electrochemical properties and selectivity of these membranes was elucidated. For all solutions, ion‐exchange capacity, membrane potential, permselectivity, transport number, ionic permeability, flux and current efficiency of the prepared membranes initially increased on increasing the activated carbon concentration to 2 wt% in the casting solution and then began to decrease. Moreover, the electrical resistance and energy consumption of the membranes initially decreased on increasing the activated carbon loading to 2 wt% and then increased. S‐PVC‐blend‐SBR membranes with additive showed a decrease in water content and a slight decrease in oxidative stability. Also, these membranes showed good monovalent ion selectivity. Structural images of the prepared membranes obtained using scanning optical microscopy showed that sonication increased polymer‐particle interactions and promoted the compatibility of particles with binder. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Concerted SN2 mechanism for the hydrolysis of acid chlorides: comparisons of reactivities calculated by the density functional theory with experimental data
Authors: Ruff Ferenc , Farkas Ödön
Published: November 2010

DFT computations have been performed in acetone and water solvents in order to investigate the mechanism of hydrolysis of acid chlorides. Acetyl chloride and chloroacetyl chloride hydrolyze via concerted, one‐step SN2 mechanism, with the attack of water at the sp2 hybridized carbon atom of the CO group, and the transition state (TS) has distorted tetrahedral geometry. Solvent molecules act as general base and general acid catalysts. The TS of chloroacetyl chloride is tighter and less polar than the TS of acetyl chloride. The structure of the SN2 TS for the hydrolysis of benzoyl chlorides changes with the substituents and the solvent. Tight and loose TSs are formed for substrates bearing electron withdrawing (e‐w) and electron donating (e‐d) groups, respectively. In acetone, only the e‐w effect of the substituents increase the reactivity of the substrates, and the change of the structure of the TSs with the substituents is small. In water, polar and very loose TSs are formed in the reactions of benzoyl chlorides bearing e‐d substituents, and the rate enhancing effect of both e‐d and e‐w groups can be computed at higher level of theory. Calculated reactivities and the changes of the structure of the TSs with substituents and solvent are in accordance with the results of kinetic studies. In SN2 nucleophilic substitutions late/early TSs are formed if the attacking reagent is poorer/better nucleophile than the leaving group, and loose/tight TSs are formed for substrates bearing e‐d/e‐w substituents and in protic/aprotic solvents. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of thiamethoxam and imidacloprid seed treatments against Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on cotton
Authors: Zhang Liping , Greenberg Shoil M , Zhang Yongmei , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B is one of the most important pests on cotton around the world. Laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of thiamethoxam and imidacloprid seed treatments against B. tabaci on cotton.

RESULTS: Under laboratory conditions, the two treatments caused whitefly adult mortality, reduced oviposition and increased mortality of nymphs at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days after germination (DAG). The longer the adults fed on plants from treated seeds, the higher the mortality. The two treatments did not have any effect on eggs. The efficacy of the treated seeds against B. tabaci gradually decreased from 10 to 40 DAG, being the lowest at 40 DAG. In laboratory experiments, the efficacies between the two treatments were similar. In greenhouse experiments, the two treatments were equally effective with lower numbers of whiteflies than untreated controls. With both treatments the concentrations of the active ingredient were gradually reduced with aging of the plants and from the bottom to the top leaves of the plants. Numbers of live whiteflies were well correlated with the dosage of active ingredients. Under field conditions, the seeds treated with both insecticides exhibited similar efficacy against B. tabaci for up to ∼2 months.

CONCLUSION: Cotton seeds treated with imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were effective against B. tabaci for up to 45 days under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, and up to ∼2 months under field conditions. Use of imidacloprid‐ and thiamethoxam‐treated seeds can be an important alternative for management of whiteflies on cotton. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Protective Effect of flaxseed oil on renal injury in hyperlipidaemic rats: the effect of flaxseed oil on hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Akpolat Meryem , Kanter Mehmet , Topcu‐Tarladacalisir Yeter , Aydogdu Nurettin
Published: November 2010

This study evaluated the possible effects of flaxseed oil on renal damage associated with hyperlipidaemic rats. Wistar albino male rats were divided into three groups. Group I was fed with a pellet chow. Group II was fed with a high cholesterol diet (HCD) consisting of 5% cholesterol and 0.35% cholic acid added to the pellet chow. Group III was fed with the same HCD, but were orally treated with a dose of 15 mg/kg body wt/day flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil treatment started 1 week before and continued throughout the 22 weeks of the HCD. At the end of the experiment, renal tissue and blood samples were collected. The biochemical and histopathological findings confirmed renal damage in hypercholesterolaemia conditions. Flaxseed oil reduced the hypercholesterolaemia‐induced increase in the serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL and urea. Oil red O stain revealed that lowered serum lipid was accompanied by a decreased deposition of neutral lipid. Flaxseed oil effectively reversed these abnormalities, verifying the protective effects of flaxseed oil in ameliorating renal injuries associated with hypercholesterolaemia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of principal component analysis for the assimilation of high‐resolution infrared sounder observations for numerical weather prediction
Authors: Collard A. D. , McNally A. P. , Hilton F. I. , Healy S. B. , Atkinson N. C.
Published: November 2010

Methodologies are discussed for the efficient representation of observations from high‐resolution infrared sounders for the purposes of assimilation into numerical weather prediction models. The use of principal component analysis is explored and it is noted that, while the available information in the observations is stored efficiently, the non‐locality of the Jacobians that arise may cause practical problems in an operational assimilation system. Reconstructing radiance spectra from the principal components appears to be a more realistic approach in the near term. However, initial experiments with reconstructed radiances do not appear to give significant improvements in forecast skill above that already demonstrated with the current use of advanced sounder data. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society and Crown Copyright.
Shaking table model test and numerical analysis of a supertall building with high‐level transfer storey
Authors: Lu Xilin , Chen Yue , Mao Yuanjun
Published: November 2010

The seismic behaviour of a 53‐storey tower with the height of 250 m is investigated in this paper. This supertall building is composed of a reinforced core, two outrigger trusses (a strengthened storey at 20th ∼ 21st floor and a high‐level transfer storey at 37th ∼ 38th floor) and eight composite (steel‐encased concrete) mega‐columns below the high‐level transfer storey in the exterior perimeter of the building. Due to the discontinuity of the eight composite mega‐columns, they are replaced by 33 upper‐close columns at the 37th ∼ 38th level. This paper describes tests performed on a 1/30 scaled model of the building to study its dynamic characteristics and to evaluate its earthquake resistant capacity. The model test results indicate that the prototype structure is able to withstand an earthquake of intensity 7 without severe damage. In addition, a 3D finite element analysis of model structure was carried out and the analytical results were compared with the experimental ones to gain a better understanding of the structural behaviour. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Working towards common goals and shared strategies for men's health
Authors: White Alan , Robertson Steve
Published: November 2010

With the end of the first decade of the 21st century comes a good opportunity to reflect on where we have come from and where we appear to be going with regards to men's health. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Investigation and management of urinary incontinence in men
Authors: Mangera Altaf , Chapple Christopher
Published: November 2010

Male urinary incontinence can be an embarrassing and debilitating condition. Management should be based on the type of incontinence and level of bother experienced. The authors provide an algorithm to assess, categorise and manage male patients with urinary incontinence. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Management of locally advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Davda Reena , Bloomfield Danny , Payne Heather
Published: November 2010

The management of locally advanced or high‐risk prostate cancer is challenging – involving the patient and multidisciplinary team in decision‐making is essential so that treatment is tailored to the individual. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Effect of maternal betamethasone on fetal and uteroplacental blood flow velocity waveforms
Authors: Thuring A. , Malcus P. , Maršál K.
Published: November 2010

Objectives

To investigate the effects of antenatal betamethasone on fetal and uteroplacental hemodynamics.

Methods

The study comprised 33 women with singleton high‐risk pregnancies (23–33 weeks; 27 pregnancies < 30 weeks) not in labor, but at risk for preterm delivery based on fetal or maternal indications. They were treated with two doses of 12 mg betamethasone intramuscularly 24 h apart to enhance fetal lung maturity. Flow velocity waveforms were recorded with Doppler ultrasound from the umbilical artery, the fetal middle cerebral artery, the ductus venosus and both maternal uterine arteries, once before and twice after betamethasone administration.

Results

Twenty‐one (64%) women delivered within 4 days, nine (27%) women within 5–7 days and three (9%) within 8–15 days after the first dose of betamethasone. Two days after betamethasone, a decrease in pulsatility index was found in the umbilical artery (P = 0.0002) and ductus venosus (P = 0.003). Changes in the umbilical artery waveform from reversed to absent, and from absent to positive diastolic flow, were noted in 12 of 15 cases (P < 0.01). After 4 days, umbilical artery and ductus venosus velocity waveforms in the undelivered fetuses either returned to the type of waveform observed before treatment or showed further deterioration. No significant effects of betamethasone were observed in the fetal middle cerebral artery and uteroplacental circulation.

Conclusions

Maternal antenatal betamethasone resulted in a significant transient change in the velocity waveform and a decrease in the pulsatility index in the umbilical artery and ductus venosus, but did not influence uteroplacental circulation. These findings indicate a direct effect of betamethasone on fetal circulation. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neurodevelopmental outcome following prenatal diagnosis of an isolated anomaly of the corpus callosum
Authors: Mangione R. , Fries N. , Godard P. , Capron C. , Mirlesse V. , Lacombe D. , Duyme M.
Published: November 2010

Objectives

To assess the ability of prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose isolated anomalies of the corpus callosum (ACC) and to further document the long‐term prognosis following diagnosis.

Methods

This was a prospective case–control study carried out between 1999 and 2004. Diagnosis was made by a combination of ultrasound and MRI. All infants were examined by a neuropediatrician and parents consented to answer questionnaires (CDI, Ireton's Child Developmental Inventory) in 22 cases, which were matched with 44 control infants. The CDI was used to assess neurodevelopmental outcome in cases and controls. Mean DQ‐CDI (development quotient calculated from CDI) values and frequencies of abnormal results were compared between groups, and a meta‐analysis of previous studies was performed.

Results

The diagnosis of ACC was made prenatally and confirmed postnatally in 175 cases. The diagnosis was thought to be isolated ACC in 88/175 (50%) cases. Sixty of these 88 cases (68%) underwent termination of pregnancy and one died in utero. Twenty‐seven were liveborn, of which 26 were followed up for a median of 50 (range, 30–74) months. Additional anomalies were diagnosed postnatally in four (15%) of these 26 neonates. The control group was significantly better (P < 0.05) compared with the cases diagnosed prenatally with isolated ACC with respect to gross motor, fine motor, language comprehension, numbers and general development, and it was marginally better for letters (P = 0.066). Seven of 26 (27%) (95% CI, 13–46%) infants with ACC over the age of 30 months had neurodevelopmental delay, compared with only one case with borderline developmental delay among the 44 controls (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Prenatal diagnosis of ACC by a combination of ultrasound and MRI is reliable. However, the isolated nature of the anomaly could only be assessed in 85% of our cases. Since counseling is provided at the time of prenatal diagnosis, our population of isolated ACC included the cases that were missed prenatally as being ACC with associated anomalies. A meta‐analysis of nine studies suggests that the development of children diagnosed prenatally with isolated ACC is normal in up to 70% (CI 95%, 56–83%) of cases. This means that the prospective risk of neurodevelopmental delay for a fetus with ACC described as isolated prenatally is 27%, compared with 15% for an infant whose diagnosis of isolated ACC is confirmed postnatally. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design patterns as aspects: A quantitative assessment
Authors: Sant’Anna Cláudio , Garcia Alessandro , Kulesza Uirá , Lucena Carlos , von Staa Arndt
Published: November 2010

Design patterns offer flexible solutions to common problems in software development. Recent studies have shown that several design patterns involve crosscutting concerns. Unfortunately, object-oriented (OO) abstractions are often not able to modularize those crosscutting concerns, which in turn decrease the system reusability and maintainability. Hence, it is important verifying whether aspect-oriented approaches support improved modularization of crosscutting concerns relative to design patterns. Ideally, quantitative studies should be performed to compare object-oriented and aspect-oriented implementations of classical patterns with respect to important software engineering attributes, such as coupling and cohesion. This paper presents a quantitative study that compares aspect-based and OO solutions for a representative set of design patterns. We have used stringent software engineering attributes as the assessment criteria. We have found that most aspect-oriented solutions improve separation of pattern-related concerns, although some aspect-oriented implementations of specific patterns resulted in higher coupling and more lines of code.
Analyzing requirements of knowledge management systems with the support of agent organizations
Authors: Guizzardi Renata S. S. , Perini Anna
Published: November 2010

Knowledge Management (KM) is considered by many organizations a key aspect in sustaining competi-tive advantage. Designing appropriate KM process and enabling technology face considerable risks, as they must be shaped to respond to specific needs of the organizational environment. Thus, many systems are abandoned or fall into disuse because of inadequate understanding of the organizational context. This motivates current research, which tends to propose agent organizations as a useful paradigm for KM systems engineering. Following these approaches, organizations are analyzed as collective systems, composed of several agents, each of them autonomously producing and managing their own local data according to their own logic, needs, and interpreta-tive schema, i.e. their goals and beliefs. These agents interact and coordinate for goal achievement defining a coherent local knowledge system. This paper presents a novel methodology for analyzing the requirements of a KM system based on an iterative workflow where a pivotal role is played by agent-oriented modeling. Within this approach, the needs for KM systems are traced back to the organization stakeholders goals. A case study is used to illustrate the methodology. The relationship of this work with current studies in agent organizations and organizational knowledge management is also discussed. Differently from other works, this methodology aims at offering a practical guideline to the analyst, pointing out the appropriate abstractions to be used in the different phases of the analysis.
An information retrieval application using ontologies
Authors: Paz-Trillo Christian , Wassermann Renata , Braga Paula P.
Published: November 2010

Searching for information in long videos can be a time-consuming experience. In this paper, we describe OnAIR, an ontology-aided information retrieval system applied to retrieve clips from video collections.

We used a video collection compiled from interviews with Ana Teixeira, a Brazilian artist. The interviews were made by Paula P. Braga, the domain expert. The interview is developed in the domain of contemporary art and the system uses a domain ontology to expand the queries with related terms. We tested the system with a battery of queries, and we veri.ed that the ontology contributes to the e.ciency improvement in terms of the relevance of retrieved documents. We designed the system to work in a domain-independent way, allowing us to move to other domains by just changing the underlying ontologies and video collections.
Histone arginine methylation
Authors: Di Lorenzo Alessandra , Bedford Mark T.
Published: November 2010

Arginine methylation is a common posttranslational modification (PTM). This type of PTM occurs on both nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, and is particularly abundant on shuttling proteins. In this review, we will focus on one aspect of this PTM: the diverse roles that arginine methylation of the core histone tails play in regulating chromatin function. A family of nine protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) catalyze methylation reactions, and a subset target histones. Importantly, arginine methylation of histone tails can promote or prevent the docking of key transcriptional effector molecules, thus playing a central role in the orchestration of the histone code.
Functional analysis of propeptide as an intramolecular chaperone for in vivo folding of subtilisin nattokinase
Authors: Jia Yan , Liu Hui , Bao Wei , Weng Meizhi , Chen Wei , Cai Yongjun , Zheng Zhongliang , Zou Guolin
Published: November 2010

Here, we show that during in vivo folding of the precursor, the propeptide of subtilisin nattokinase functions as an intramolecular chaperone (IMC) that organises the in vivo folding of the subtilisin domain. Two residues belonging to β‐strands formed by conserved regions of the IMC are crucial for the folding of the subtilisin domain through direct interactions. An identical protease can fold into different conformations in vivo due to the action of a mutated IMC, resulting in different kinetic parameters. Some interfacial changes involving conserved regions, even those induced by the subtilisin domain, blocked subtilisin folding and altered its conformation. Insight into the interaction between the subtilisin and IMC domains is provided by a three‐dimensional structural model.
Materials for refining the stratigraphic chart of the Berriasian–Lower Aptian in West Siberia with regard to the clinoform subsurface structure
Authors: Borodkin V.N. , Kurchikov A.R.
Published: November 2010

In light of the new clinoform model of the Neocomian, introduced at the last stratigraphic meeting, it is suggested to distinguish clinoform units instead of formations in the clinoform zone. Formations (12 in number) remain only west of the central part of the Neocomian basin (east-dipping clinoforms). In the eastern and southeastern parts of the basin, all the formations beyond the clinoform zone, which consist mostly of continental sediments, should be united into the Ust’-Taz Group.
Rb/Sr isotope studies of Cretaceous granitoids in the central Chukchi region: correctness of geochronological interpretation of results
Authors: Efremov S.V. , Dril’ S.I. , Sandimirova G.P. , Sandimirov I.V.
Published: November 2010

The validity of the Rb/Sr isotopic ages of Cretaceous granitoid complex in the central Chukchi region has been verified. The performed studies showed that the Rb/Sr isotopic ages of late-orogenic granitoids are not reliable. Their variation can be explained in terms of the mixing of primary mantle magmas with continental-crust matter. Most probably, the variation is due to the constant compositions of mixing components and their proportions.
A logging method for estimating permeability, velocity of second compressional wave, and electroacoustic constant in electrolyte-saturated porous formations
Authors: Dorovsky V.N. , Nefedkin Yu.A. , Fedorov A.I. , Podberezhnyy M.Yu.
Published: November 2010

A new algorithm is suggested for joint calculation of three key parameters of reservoir rocks: permeability, electroacoustic constant, and velocity of second bulk compressional wave (slow wave). The algorithm is advantageous in the use of Stoneley waves which are most stable in acoustoelectric log waveform data.
Sedimentation in Proval Bay (Lake Baikal) after earthquake-induced subsidence of part of the Selenga River delta
Authors: Vologina E.G. , Kalugin I.A. , Osukhovskaya Yu.N. , Sturm M. , Ignatova N.V. , Radziminovich Ya.B. , Dar’in A.V. , Kuz’min M.I.
Published: November 2010

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive investigation into the recent sediments of Proval Bay. This bay formed during catastrophic flooding of a big block of land as a result of an earthquake in 1862. Comparison of the sketch map of the bay for 1862 with its modern map shows that the boundary of the Selenga River delta has shifted considerably eastward. The sediments of Proval Bay are sands, silty pelite, and pelitic silt. Terrigenous material is predominant and consists of mineral grains and land plant remains, admixed with diatom frustules and sponge spicules. In the southwestern part of the bay, turbidites and a soil layer have been found. The latter was buried when the water level in Lake Baikal rose after the construction of the Irkutsk dam in 1959–1964. In the northeastern part of the bay, a peatlike layer has been found in the bottom sediment core. It formed in Lake Beloe, which existed in the Tsagan steppe before the 1862 earthquake. According to diatom analysis, this lake was shallow and eutrophic. The sedimentation rates in different parts of Proval Bay differ greatly and directly depend on proximity to the Selenga River. Variations in the geochemical indicators which reflect the ratio of organic to clastic components in the bottom sediments of the bay are controlled by temperature and water level variations in Lake Baikal.
Geographical distribution of cercarial dermatitis in Norway
Authors: Soleng A. , Mehl R.
Published: November 2010

Bird schistosomes can cause a disease called cercarial dermatitis, or swimmer's itch, in humans. The disease occurs when people have direct contact with fresh water or sea water containing the free-swimming cercariae of the flukes. The symptoms are well known, and include intense itching, maculae, papulae, urticariae and, in some cases, local oedema with enlarged lymph nodes and fever. In this study, we present the geographical distribution of freshwater cercarial dermatitis in Norway. The study is based on random reports obtained from both individuals and physicians treating patients with itching skin rash after freshwater bathing. The first case of cercarial dermatitis in Norway was reported in 1980 and was traced to a lake near Trondheim in the central part of Norway. In the following years, an increasing number of cases were reported, especially in southern Norway. However, case reports are distributed almost all over the country, even from lakes in northern Norway. As far as we know, these are the northernmost case reports in Europe. So far, only one fluke species (Trichobilharzia franki) from a single infected snail (Radixauricularia) has been identified in Norway. However, unidentified schistosomatid ocellate cercariae have been found on several occasions in snails collected from six lakes where swimmer's itch is frequently reported. Future studies should be performed to identify the fluke species, as well as the most important snail and bird hosts, in Norwegian lakes.
Contemporary management of congenital malformations of the heart in infants with Ellis – van Creveld syndrome: a report of nine cases
Authors: O’Connor Matthew J. , Rider Nicholas L. , Thomas Collins R. , Hanna Brian D. , Holmes Morton D. , Strauss Kevin A.
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Ellis – van Creveld syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder manifest by short-limb dwarfism, thoracic dystrophy, postaxial polydactyly, dysplastic nails and teeth, and an approximately 60% incidence of congenital malformations of the heart. Despite patients with Ellis – van Creveld syndrome being regarded as having a high surgical risk, few data are available regarding their outcomes following surgery for congenital malformations of the heart in the current era.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective report, we summarise the clinical observations and outcomes of nine infants with Ellis – van Creveld syndrome who underwent surgery for congenital malformations of the heart between 2004 and 2009.

Results

We identified 15 patients with Ellis – van Creveld syndrome during the study period; 11 (73%) had haemodynamically significant congenital malformations of the heart warranting surgery. In two of these patients, surgery was not performed. Of the nine patients who underwent surgery, all of whom were infants, eight (89%) had various forms of an atrioventricular septal defect and one patient (11%) had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (mitral and aortic atresia). Among the nine patients who underwent surgery, four (44%) died at a median of 102 days with a range of 25–149 days post-operatively, mostly from respiratory failure. Respiratory morbidity was seen in all surviving patients, of whom three underwent tracheostomy.

Conclusions

Surgery for congenital malformations of the heart can be successful in infants with Ellis – van Creveld syndrome, but mortality is high and post-operative respiratory morbidity should be expected.
Characterising intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) software following upgrades in a commercial treatment planning system
Authors: McGarry Connor , O’Toole Monica , Cosgrove Vivian
Published: November 2010

When upgrading treatment planning software, it is important to understand and characterise any changes that may have been made to the system. This includes inverse treatment planning and dose optimisation software used for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). A systematic and practical approach to characterising dose optimisation software following upgrades is presented based on a planning study of six IMRT prostate cases using the commercial treatment planning system Oncentra Masterplan (OMP). Upgrades included general changes in the fluence to multileaf collimator (MLC) segmentation algorithm, a change from a two-step to a one-step optimisation method and an upgrade of the dose calculation algorithm. Post upgrade changes in plan parameters such as calculation times, monitor units, segments and target doses were analysed. A 32% reduction in total calculated monitor units was observed following the general software upgrade. A smaller 12% reduction was observed when using the optional one-step optimisation method rather than a two-step process using a classic dose calculation algorithm. An increase in monitor units of approximately 12% was observed when changing to an enhanced dose calculation algorithm. The enhanced dose calculation algorithm accounted for MLC type, leakage and source size unlike the previous classic dose calculation algorithm. Differences in dose to volumes between fluence segmentation and final dose calculation varied between versions. These differences were found to be minimal for the most recent treatment planning system version. Repeatability tests revealed a more effective use of the system. The characterisation of the effects of treatment planning software upgrades allowed a better appreciation of IMRT planning and delivery attributes. Although this work is based on one commercial inverse treatment planning system, it would be easily transferable to other systems as the underlying system principles are the same.
Comparison of verification accuracy and radiation dose between megavoltage CT and kilovoltage cone-beam CT
Authors: Wu Vincent W.C. , Ho M.L. , Yuen L.Y. , Li K.L. , Lai N.F. , Tsang Y.C. , Lee W.Y. , Chiu G.
Published: November 2010

Purpose: This study evaluated the difference in verification performance and organ doses between megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) and kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kV CBCT).

Methods: Anthropomorphic phantoms of head-and-neck (H&N) and pelvic regions were scanned by the computed tomography–simulator. A common reference standard setup position for each phantom was determined. Markings of known deviations from the standard position in the lateral, longitudinal and yaw displacements were made on the phantoms. The verifications by kV CBCT and MVCT were conducted in the linear accelerator and helical tomotherapy treatment unit respectively. The phantoms were then shifted in steps according to the assigned different degree of positional deviations. The discrepancy between the detected data and the known data (δD) indicated the detection error of the verification system. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used for dose measurements of kV CBCT and MVCT.

Results: δD of the lateral translations and yaw rotation in kV CBCT of the H&N region were lower than MVCT. There were no differences in the error detection along longitudinal direction between the two verification methods. For H&N, the mean doses of the various organs were significantly lower in kV CBCT except the skin. For the pelvis, MVCT delivered significantly higher mean dose to the prostate and femoral heads.
Coarse sediment transport in a bedrock channel with complex bed topography
Authors: Goode Jaime R. , Wohl Ellen
Published: November 2010

Independent lithologic and structural controls in fluvial bedrock systems interact with coarse sediment transport processes to play a key role in bedrock incision processes such as abrasion. During a 3 year study on the Ocoee River in the Blue Ridge Province of the southern Appalachians, USA, we used painted tracer clasts to measure coarse sediment transport dynamics and address whether different scales of morphologic variability in bedrock channels lead to coarse sediment transport processes that differ from alluvial channels. At the reach scale, folded metasedimentary units are exposed in the channel bed and appear as linear bedrock ribs that vary in amplitude and orientation to flow. Under similar flow conditions for which size‐dependent transport has been observed in alluvial channels (dimensionless Shields stress within 1.5–2.0 times the dimensionless critical shear stress), transport distance was a significant function of grain size where bedrock ribs were longitudinal to flow (Reach 1 and Reach 2). However, transport distance was not size dependent where bedrock ribs were oblique to flow (Reach 3). At different intrareach scales, the variables characterizing the local bedrock topography and sediment architecture were the best predictors of transport distance in all three reaches. Therefore, bed load transport processes may be influenced by bed forms in bedrock streams (bedrock ribs) but at potentially smaller scales than bed forms in alluvial channels. The strong influence of bedrock ribs on coarse sediment transport suggested that coarse sediment transport processes are controlled by different factors in bedrock channels only when bedrock ribs cross the channel at a high angle to the flow.
New insight into lunar impact melt mobility from the LRO camera
Authors: Bray V. J. , Tornabene L. L. , Keszthelyi L. P. , McEwen A. S. , Hawke B. R. , Giguere T. A. , Kattenhorn S. A. , Garry W. B. , Rizk B. , Caudill C. M. , Gaddis L. R. , van der Bogert C. H.
Published: November 2010

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) is systematically imaging impact melt deposits in and around lunar craters at meter and sub‐meter scales. These images reveal that lunar impact melts, although morphologically similar to terrestrial lava flows of similar size, exhibit distinctive features (e.g., erosional channels). Although generated in a single rapid event, the post‐impact mobility and morphology of lunar impact melts is surprisingly complex. We present evidence for multi‐stage influx of impact melt into flow lobes and crater floor ponds. Our volume and cooling time estimates for the post‐emplacement melt movements noted in LROC images suggest that new flows can emerge from melt ponds an extended time period after the impact event.
New aeromagnetic data from the western Enderby Basin and consequences for Antarctic‐India break‐up
Authors: Jokat W. , Nogi Y. , Leinweber V.
Published: November 2010

In order to enhance our understanding of the continental break‐up between East India and Antarctica, a Japanese/German aerogeophysical survey was conducted off eastern Dronning Maud Land and western Enderby Land, Antarctica. The systematic survey with a line spacing of 20 km provides strong constraints on the timing of the initial break‐up of India/Antarctica compared to the conjugate margin south of Sri Lanka. While the continent‐ocean transition is very well marked by pronounced positive and negative magnetic anomalies, no hints on the existence of magnetic spreading anomalies north of this zone has been found in the new data set. Thus, in contrast to most recently published models, the data only support kinematic models, which include a final break‐up of Sri Lanka/India from our investigated area some 90‐118 Ma within the Cretaceous Normal Superchron.