bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Offspring growth and parental care in sexually dimorphic Nazca boobies (Sula granti)
Authors: Townsend H.M. , Maness T.J. , Anderson D.J.
Published: July 2007

A review of studies on nestling bird food requirements indicates that degree of sexual size dimorphism reliably predicts disparity in sex-specific food requirements, but that parents often fail to meet the excess requirement of the larger sex. We studied a population of Nazca boobies ( Sula granti Rothschild, 1902), a sexually dimorphic pelagic seabird, to determine whether parents provide more care to daughters, the larger sex. Daughters grew to a larger size than did sons during the nestling period, but did not reach the mean size of adult females, while sons exceeded the size of adult males. Estimates of parental effort exerted for sons versus daughters indicated similar levels of effort, and that females fledged in poorer condition than males did in the study year, one of intermediate breeding conditions. Results from another study conducted during better breeding conditions indicated little limitation on growth of either sex. Together, these studies are consistent with a ceiling on parental effort in a long-lived species that allows consistent self-maintenance for parents, but causes poor performance in the costlier sex under poor breeding conditions. Complementary studies of short-lived species are needed to evaluate our suggested linkage between parental effort, self-maintenance, and sexual size dimorphism.
Elevated iron absorption in the neonatal rat reflects high expression of iron transport genes in the distal alimentary tract
Authors: Frazer David M. , Wilkins Sarah J. , Anderson Gregory J.
Published: July 2007

Intestinal iron absorption is extremely high in neonatal mammals but falls rapidly to adult levels following weaning. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of this elevated neonatal absorption using the rat as an experimental model. RNA was extracted from various sections of the intestine of 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 300-day-old rats and the expression of the genes encoding DMT1 ( Slc11a2), ferroportin ( Slc40a1), Cybrd1 ( Cybrd1), and hephaestin ( heph) determined by ribonuclease protection assay. The hepatic expression of Hamp was studied at the same ages. Iron absorption was examined by following 59Fe uptake in both whole animals and in isolated intestinal loops. Slc11a2, Slc40a1, and Cybrd1 mRNAs were highly expressed in all regions of the small intestine and colon studied in suckling rats. However, after weaning, when iron absorption declined significantly, strong expression was retained only in the duodenum. No change in hephaestin mRNA occurred in any part of the digestive tract. In the distal small intestine and colon, Slc40a1 expression most closely followed the change in absorption that occurred after weaning. Hamp expression was low during the neonatal period and increased to adult levels following weaning. Our results suggest that the distal small intestine and colon contribute significantly to the high intestinal iron absorption seen in neonatal animals and that this reflects increased expression of the iron transporters, particularly Slc40a1.
Combinations of Cytochrome P450 Gene Polymorphisms Enhancing the Risk for Sporadic Colorectal Cancer Related to Red Meat Consumption
Authors: Küry Sébastien , Buecher Bruno , Robiou-du-Pont Sébastien , Scoul Catherine , Sébille Véronique , Colman Hélène , Le Houérou Claire , Le Neel Tanguy , Bourdon Jérémie , Faroux Roger , Ollivry Jean , Lafraise Bernard , Chupin Louis-Dominique , Bézieau Stéphane
Published: July 2007

Susceptibility to sporadic colorectal cancers (CRC) is generally thought to be the sum of complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors, all of which contribute independently, producing only a modest effect on the whole phenomenon. However, to date, most research has concealed the notion of interaction and merely focused on dissociate analyses of risk factors to highlight associations with CRC. By contrast, we have chosen a combinative approach here to explore the joint effects of several factors at a time. Through an association study based on 1,023 cases and 1,121 controls, we examined the influence on CRC risk of environmental factors coanalyzed with combinations of six single nucleotide polymorphisms located in cytochrome P450 genes (c.−163A>C and c.1548T>C in CYP1A2, g.−1293G>C and g.−1053C>T in CYP2E1, c.1294C>G in CYP1B1, and c.430C>T in CYP2C9). Whereas separate analyses of the SNPs showed no effect on CRC risk, three allelic variant combinations were found to be associated with a significant increase in CRC risk in interaction with an excessive red meat consumption, thereby exacerbating the intrinsic procarcinogenic effect of this dietary factor. One of these three predisposing combinations was also shown to interact positively with obesity. Provided that they are validated, our results suggest the need to develop robust combinative methods to improve genetic investigations into the susceptibility to CRC. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(7):1460–7)
Inactivation of PI3Kγ and PI3Kδ distorts T-cell development and causes multiple organ inflammation
Authors: Ji Hong , Rintelen Felix , Waltzinger Caroline , Bertschy Meier Dominique , Bilancio Antonio , Pearce Wayne , Hirsch Emilio , Wymann Matthias P. , Rückle Thomas , Camps Montserrat , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Okkenhaug Klaus , Rommel Christian
Published: July 2007

Mice lacking both the p110γ and p110δ isoforms display severe impairment of thymocyte development. Here, we show that this phenotype is recapitulated in p110γ−/−/p110δD910A/D910A (p110γKOδD910A) mice where the p110δ isoform has been inactivated by a point mutation. Moreover, we have examined the pathological consequences of the p110γδ deficiency, which include profound T-cell lymphopenia, T-cell and eosinophil infiltration of mucosal organs, elevated IgE levels, and a skewing toward Th2 immune responses. Using small-molecule selective inhibitors, we demonstrated that in mature T cells, p110δ, but not p110γ, controls Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion. Thus, the pathology in the p110γδ-deficient mice is likely to be secondary to a developmental block in the thymus that leads to lymphopenia-associated inflammatory responses.
Hospital mortality in acute coronary syndrome: differences related to gender and use of percutaneous coronary procedures
Authors: Aguado-Romeo María J , Márquez-Calderón Soledad , Buzón-Barrera María L ,   the Medical Practice Variations Andalusian Group
Published: July 2007

Background

To identify differences among men and women with acute coronary syndrome in terms of in-hospital mortality, and to assess whether these differences are related to the use of percutaneous cardiovascular procedures.

Methods

Observational study based on the Minimum Basic Data Set. This encompassed all episodes of emergency hospital admissions (46,007 cases, including 16,391 women and 29,616 men) with a main diagnosis of either myocardial infarction or unstable angina at 32 hospitals within the Andalusian Public Health System over a four-year period (2000–2003). The relationship between gender and mortality was examined for the population as a whole and for stratified groups depending on the type of procedures used (diagnostic coronary catheterisation and/or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty). These combinations were then adjusted for age group, main diagnosis and co-morbidityharlson score).

Results

During hospitalisation, mortality was 9.6% (4,401 cases out of 46,007), with 11.8% for women and 8.3% for men. There were more deaths among older patients with acute myocardial infarction and greater co-morbidity. Lower mortality was shown in patients undergoing diagnostic catheterisation and/or PTCA. After adjusting for age, diagnosis and co-morbidity, mortality affected women more than men in the overall population (OR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06–1.22) and in the subgroup of patients where no procedure was performed (OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.07–1.24). Gender was not an explanatory variable in the subgroups of patients who underwent some kind of procedure.

Conclusion

Gender has not been associated to in-hospital mortality in patients who undergo some kind of percutaneous cardiovascular procedure. However, in the group of patients without either diagnostic catheterisation or angioplasty, mortality was higher in women than in men.
Quality of life before intensive care unit admission is a predictor of survival
Authors: Hofhuis José GM , Spronk Peter E , van Stel Henk F , Schrijvers Augustinus JP , Bakker Jan
Published: July 2007

Introduction

Predicting whether a critically ill patient will survive intensive care treatment remains difficult. The advantages of a validated strategy to identify those patients who will not benefit from intensive care unit (ICU) treatment are evident. Providing critical care treatment to patients who will ultimately die in the ICU is accompanied by an enormous emotional and physical burden for both patients and their relatives. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before admission to the ICU can be used as a predictor of mortality.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients admitted to the ICU for longer than 48 hours were included. Close relatives completed the Short-form 36 (SF-36) within the first 48 hours of admission to assess pre-admission HRQOL of the patient. Mortality was evaluated from ICU admittance until 6 months after ICU discharge. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to assess the predictive value for mortality using five models: the first question of the SF-36 on general health (model A); HRQOL measured using the physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) of the SF-36 (model B); the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (an accepted mortality prediction model in ICU patients; model C); general health and APACHE II score (model D); and PCS, MCS and APACHE II score (model E). Classification tables were used to assess the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios.

Results

A total of 451 patients were included within 48 hours of admission to the ICU. At 6 months of follow up, 159 patients had died and 40 patients were lost to follow up. When the general health item was used as an estimate of HRQOL, area under the curve for model A (0.719) was comparable to that of model C (0.721) and slightly better than that of model D (0.760). When PCS and MCS were used, the area under the curve for model B (0.736) was comparable to that of model C (0.721) and slightly better than that of model E (0.768). When using the general health item, the sensitivity and specificity in model D (sensitivity 0.52 and specificity 0.81) were similar to those in model A (0.45 and 0.80). Similar results were found when using the MCS and PCS.

Conclusion

This study shows that the pre-admission HRQOL measured with either the one-item general health question or the complete SF-36 is as good at predicting survival/mortality in ICU patients as the APACHE II score. The value of these measures in clinical practice is limited, although it seems sensible to incorporate assessment of HRQOL into the many variables considered when deciding whether a patient should be admitted to the ICU.
High transfection efficiency, gene expression, and viability of monocyte-derived human dendritic cells after nonviral gene transfer
Authors: Landi Abdolamir , Babiuk Lorne A , van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk Sylvia
Published: July 2007

Dendritic cells (DCs) are bone marrow-originated, professional antigen-capturing cells and APCs, which can function as vaccine carriers. Although efficient transfection of human DCs has been achieved with viral vectors, viral gene products may influence cellular functions. In contrast, nonviral methods have generally resulted in inefficient gene transfer, low levels of gene expression, and/or low cell viability. Monocyte-derived DCs are the most common source of DCs for in vitro studies and for in vivo applications. We hypothesized that reduction of the time to generate immature DCs (iDCs) might result in higher viability after transfection. Therefore, we established a protocol to generate human iDCs from CD14+ monocytes within 3 days. These “fast” iDCs were phenotypically and functionally indistinguishable from conventional iDCs, showing high endocytic ability and low antigen-presenting capacity. Furthermore, the fast iDCs matured normally and had similar antigen-presenting capacity to conventional mature DCs. To optimize transfection of iDCs, we compared nonviral transfection of plasmid DNA and in vitro-transcribed (IVT) RNA with transfection reagents, electroporation, and nucleofection. Nucleofection of IVT RNA with the X1 program of an Amaxa Co. Nucleofector resulted in the most efficient transfection, with an average of 93% transfected iDCs, excellent long-term viability, and strong protein expression. Furthermore, the IVT RNA-transfected iDCs retained all phenotypic and functional characteristics of iDCs. This method is applicable to most purposes, including in vitro functional assays, in vivo DC immunotherapy, and DC-based vaccines.
Glomus jugulare tumor
Authors: Cole James M.
Published: July 2007

A review has been made of the current recommendations for treatment of glomus tumors involving the ear. Thirty cases treated in our clinic have been reviewed, comprised of 8 glomus tympanicum and 22 glomus jugulare tumors. We recommend surgical excision as primary treatment for glomus tympanicum tumors and high voltage radiotherapy as primary treatment for glomus jugulare tumors. Visible residual tumor following adequate radiotherapy may remain unchanged for many years. Some cases that do not show a response to high voltage radiation may be suitable for secondary radical surgical treatment. Fortunately, we have not yet encountered a case of glomus jugulare tumor with nonresponse to high voltage radiation in the doses recommended. Long term follow‐up is important.
Vocal and social situation of laryngectomees
Authors: Savary Paul
Published: July 2007

A summary of progress of surgery and rehabilitation showed that the vocal and social situation of the laryngectomee in the world is very poor. To improve this situation, a world survey on the state of laryngectomees and a world Congress in Quebec City in 1974 were organized.

Consequently, a special section of l'Hotel‐Dieu de Quebec was organized to stimulate the vocal rehabilitation of the laryngectomees, and the global statistics now show that the percentage of success has increased from 54% to 83%.
Remote Raman Spectra of Benzene Obtained from 217 Meters Using a Single 532 nm Laser Pulse
Authors: Chen Teng , Madey John M. J. , Price Frank M. , Sharma Shiv K. , Lienert Barry
Published: July 2007

This report describes a mobile Raman lidar system that has been developed for spectral measurements of samples located remotely at ranges of hundreds of meters. The performance of this system has been quantitatively verified in a lidar calibration experiment using a hard target of standardized reflectance. A new record in detection range was achieved for remote Raman systems using 532 nm laser excitation. Specifically, Raman spectra of liquid benzene were measured with an integration time corresponding to a single 532 nm laser pulse at a distance of 217 meters. The single-shot Raman spectra at 217 meters demonstrated high signal-to-noise ratio and good resolution sufficient for the unambiguous identification of the samples of interest. The transmitter consists of a 20 Hz Nd:YAG laser emitting at 532 nm and 1064 nm and a 178 mm telescope through the use of which allows the system to produce a focused beam at the target location. The receiver consists of a large custom telescope (609 mm aperture) and a Czerny–Turner monochromator equipped with two fast photomultiplier tubes.
Infrared and Raman Spectral Signatures of Aromatic Nitration in Thermoplastic Urethanes
Authors: Flaherty Thomas J. , Timmons James C. , Wrobleski Debra A. , Orler E. Bruce , Langlois David A. , Wurden Katherine J. , Williams Darren L.
Published: July 2007

The spectral signatures of nitro attack of the aromatic portion of thermoplastic urethanes (TPU) were determined. Eight fragment molecules were synthesized that represent the nitrated and pristine methylenediphenyl section common to many TPUs. Infrared (IR) and Raman (785 nm illumination) spectra were collected and modeled using the B3LYP/6-31G(d)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) model chemistry. Normal mode animations were used to fully assign the vibrational spectra of each fragment. The vibrational assignment was used to develop a diagnostic method for aromatic nitro attack in thermoplastic urethanes. The symmetric NO2 stretch coupled out of phase with the C–NO2 stretch (1330 cm−1) was found to be free from spectral interferences. Spectral reference regions that enable correction for physical differences between samples were determined. The carbonyl stretch at 1700 cm−1 was the best IR reference region, yielding a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.66 ± 0.02 g N/100 g Estane. Secondary IR reference regions were the N–H stretch at 3330 cm−1 or the urethane nitrogen deformation at 1065 cm−1. The reference region in the Raman was a ring stretching mode at 1590 cm−1, giving an LOQ of 0.69 ± 0.02 g N/100 g Estane. Raman spectroscopy displayed a larger calibration sensitivity (slope = 0.110 ± 0.004) than IR spectroscopy (slope = 0.043 ± 0.001) for nitration determination due to the large nitro Raman cross-section. The full spectral assignment of all eight molecules in the infrared and Raman is presented as supplemental material.
Wavelength Shift Analysis: A Simple Method to Determine the Contribution of Hemoglobin and Myoglobin to In Vivo Optical Spectra
Authors: Marcinek David J. , Amara Catherine E. , Matz Kimberly , Conley Kevin E. , Schenkman Kenneth A.
Published: July 2007

The ability to quantify the contributions of hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb) to in vivo optical spectra has many applications for clinical and research use such as noninvasive measurement of local tissue O2 uptake rates and regional blood content. Recent work has demonstrated an approach to independently measure oxygen saturations of Hb and Mb in optical spectra collected in vivo. However, the utility of this approach is limited without information on tissue concentrations of these species. Here we describe a strategy to quantify the contributions of Hb and Mb to in vivo optical spectra. We have found that the peak position of the deoxy-heme peak around 760 nm in the optical spectra of the deoxygenated tissue is a linear function of the relative contributions of Hb and Mb to the optical spectra. Therefore, analysis of this peak position, hereafter referred to as wavelength shift analysis, reveals the relative concentration of Hb to Mb in solutions and intact tissue. Biochemical analysis of muscle homogenates confirmed that the wavelength shift of the combined Hb/Mb peak in in vivo spectra reflects the ratio of concentrations (Hb/Mb) in muscle. The importance of quantifying the Hb contribution is illustrated by our data demonstrating that Hb accounts for approximately 80% of the optical signal in mouse skeletal muscle but only approximately 20% in human skeletal muscle. This advance will facilitate comparison of the metabolic properties between individual muscles and provides a fully noninvasive approach to measuring local respiration that can be adapted for clinical use.
Body mass changes in male Daubenton's bats Myotis daubentonii (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) during the seasonal activity period
Authors: Encarnação Jorge A. , Dietz Markus , Kierdorf Uwe , Wolters Volkmar
Published: July 2007

Body mass changes of adult and juvenile male Daubenton’s bats were studied
in a summer habitat in Hesse (Germany) in the years 1998-2001. Animals
from the resident population were regularly captured along the flight path
from April to October, and body mass was determined using a digital balance.
Body mass of adult individuals differed significantly among fortnightly
periods (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA by ranks: H = 141.75, p < 0.001). Body
mass increased significantly from the second half of April (median: 7.0 g) to
the first half of May (median: 7.8 g). Between the second half of May and the
first half of August, median body mass fluctuated between 7.8 g and 8.3 g.
From the second half of July (median: 7.9 g) to the second half of August
(median: 8.4 g), and the second half of September (median: 9.3 g) body mass
again significantly increased. The highest median body mass (9.6 g) was
recorded in the second half of October. Median body mass of juvenile males
ranged between 6.5 g in the first half of July and 8.5 g in the second half of
October. Differences in body mass over the studied period were significant
(H = 21.70, p < 0.01). During the months July, August, and September,
body mass of adult males was significantly higher than that of juveniles,
whereas in October the difference was no longer of statistical significance. It is
suggested that the decrease in body mass observed in some adult males in
September was related to their reproductive activity.
Subspecific structure of Myotis daubentonii (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) and composition of the "daubentonii" species group
Authors: Kruskop Sergei V.
Published: July 2007

Myotis daubentoniiis one of the most widely distributed bat species. According to our investigations this species may be divided into two groups of forms, referable to as the "Western" and "Eastern" groups. The oldest name for the latter isM. d. petaxHollister, 1912. These groups differ in several measurements and morphological features, particularly craniodental traits. Animals from the South of Central Siberia belong to the eastern complex. No significant differences were found between specimens from Central Europe and European Russia. On the contrary, animals from Western Siberia and, probably Ural mountains, slightly differ from the European ones. In the eastern complex three forms appear to occur: Sayan- Transbaikalian, Amur-Mantjurian (chosanensis? =loukashkini) and Ussurian (ussuriensis). The Altai population ("petax") is highly variable. On the whole, the "daubentonii" species group includes at least seven Eurasian species (including the newly described VietnameseM. annamiticus), plus four forms of uncertain taxonomic position. Amongst these species, small montane forms with low rostrum and deep fronto-nasal flexure may be separated into their own subgroup or group, "longipes".
Reproductive cycle inPipistrellus kuhlii(Chiroptera,Vespertilionidae) in western Iran
Authors: Sharifi Mozafar , Ghorbani Rostam , Akmali Vajiholah
Published: July 2007

The reproductive cycle of male and femalePipistrellus kuhliiare described. Sexual activity is based on the degree of testicular and cauda epididymal development and on histological examination of both male and female reproductive organs. During the study spermatogenesis took place during summer and spermatozoa were released from the testis in August and September. Although no more spermatozoa were produced during late summer and early autumn, they continued to be stored in the cauda epididymides for winter. Endometrial sperm storage in the uterus of females in mid-December together with packing and perpendicular orientation of spermatozoa toward the endometrum indicate thatPipistrellus kuhliimate in winter and store spermatozoa until spring when the fertilization takes place. This study indicates that the reproductive cycle ofPipistrellus kuhliiinvolves asynchrony between primary and secondary sexual function which is typical of vespertilionid bats inhabiting temperate latitude.
Effect of barn conversion on bat roost sites in Hertfordshire, England
Authors: Briggs Patty
Published: July 2007

Many timber framed barns are used by bats that roost in mortice joints within the timber structures. Most of these barns are now redundant and are being converted into dwellings. Attempts have been made over the last ten years to give advice on how to accommodate bats in these conversions. This paper examines what has happened at 40 farms where bats have been previously recorded. I have considered the original 40 farms as 63 units because many of the sites have been sub-divided into a number of individual dwellings by the contractors. Of the 51 units that were resurveyed, 36 units had been developed. Only eight of these 36 units were being used by bats (Myotis nattereri,Plecotus auritus,Pipistrellusspp. andEptesicus serotinus); fifteen units had no evidence of use by bats but there was access for bats to return in the future; and thirteen units had no bat use with no potential for bats to return. Fifteen of the 51 resurveyed units had not been developed; all were still being used by bats. The influence of barn conversions on each bat species is discussed. Recommended improvements and an explanation of DEFRA licensing are provided.
The importance of woodland for Rhinolophus hipposideros (Chiroptera, Rhinolophidae) in Austria
Authors: Reiter Guido
Published: July 2007

Earlier radio tracking studies have shown that woodlands are key foraging
habitats of the endangered lesser horseshoe bat. Hence, the location of maternity
roosts should be influenced by the availability of woodland. I studied the
distribution of maternity roosts in Austria with respect to the availability of
woodland at different scales. Based on digital maps I compared the percentage
of woodland cover within a radius of 0.5 and 2.5 km around maternity roosts
with that of randomly selected churches and castles. I also measured the distance
from maternity roosts to the nearest patch of woodland.

Comparing different Austrian provinces, the relative number of maternity
roosts tended to be greater in provinces with greater woodland cover.
Woodland was more abundant around existing maternity roosts than around
randomly selected churches and castles. These patterns were found within
0.5 km in both Carinthia and Salzburg, and within 2.5 km in Salzburg only.
Furthermore, the distance to the nearest patch of woodland was shorter at
existing maternity roosts than at randomly selected churches and castles in
Salzburg. Colony size increased with the proportion of surrounding woodland:
small areas of woodland supported only small colonies, while bigger
colonies were only located in the vicinity of larger proportions of woodland.
I conclude that woodland is an important factor explaining the distribution
and selection of maternity roosts and should therefore strongly be considered
when conservation measures for this species are required, designed and put
into action.
Bat activity in coniferous forest areas and the impact of air pollution
Authors: Rachwald A. , Wodecka K. , Malzahn E. , Kluziński L.
Published: July 2007

This study concerns comparison of bat activity in five mixed coniferous forest
areas, exposed to different degree of air pollution. Forest age at every study
plot was 70-100 years. The main census method was the detection of ultrasound
signals along line transects. A significant difference was found in bat
diversity and activity between these areas. Median flight activity varied
between 21 flights/1 control (Biebrza Valley) and 1 flight/1 control (Upper
Silesia). The largest bat diversity was found at the less disturbed and less
polluted forests in Białowieża Primeval Forest and Biebrza Valley, the lowest
was recorded at the Upper Silesia region in South-West Poland, the area of
highest impact of heavy industry. The possible reasons for these results are
analyzed and discussed.
Classboxes – Controlling Visibility of Class Extensions (Classboxes – Kontrollierte Sichtbarkeit von Klassenerweiterungen)
Authors: Bergel Alexandre
Published: July 2007

Unanticipated changes to complex software systems can introduce anomalies such as duplicated code, suboptimal inheritance relationships and a proliferation of run-time downcasts. Refactoring to eliminate these anomalies may not be an option, at least in certain stages of software evolution. A class extension is a method that is defined in a module, but whose class is defined elsewhere. Class extensions offer a convenient way to incrementally modify existing classes when subclassing is inappropriate. Unfortunately existing approaches suffer from various limitations. Either class extensions have a global impact, with possibly negative effects for unexpected clients, or they have a purely local impact, with negative results for collaborating clients. Furthermore, conflicting class extensions are either disallowed, or resolved by linearization, with subsequent negative effects. To solve these problems we present classboxes, a module system for object-oriented languages that provides for behavior refinement (i. e. method addition and replacement). Moreover, the changes made by a classbox are only visible to that classbox (or classboxes that import it), a feature we call local rebinding. We present an experimental validation in which we apply the classbox model to both dynamically and statically typed programming languages. We used classboxes to refactor part of the Java Swing library, and we show two extensions built on top of classboxes which are (i) runtime adaptation with dynamically classboxes and (ii) expressing crosscutting changes.
The role of percutaneous external drainage in the treatment of fluid collections associated with severe acute pancreatitis. What, when and how to drain?
Authors: Szentkereszty Zsolt , Sápy Péter
Published: July 2007

A súlyos akut pancreatitist kísérő folyadékgyülem-képződéssel járó lokális szövődmények perkután drenázskezelése, főleg steril esetekben, nem széles körben alkalmazott eljárás. Jelen közlemény célja a perkután drenázs indikációjának, technikájának, korlátjainak és eredményének elemzése az irodalom alapján. A perkután drenázskezelés a súlyos akut pancreatitist kísérő akut folyadékgyülem, az akut pseudocysta és a hasnyálmirigytályog, valamint az elfolyósodott nekrózis kezelésében jelentős szerepet játszik. A fertőzött folyadékgyülemek kezelésére a perkután drenázs mint első kezelés ajánlható. A steril akut folyadékgyülem és pseudocysta kezelésében a drenázskezelés, a sterilitás szabályainak fokozott betartása mellett, a iatrogén fertőzés relatív gyakorisága miatt csak komoly panaszokat okozó esetekben ajánlott. Az elfolyósodott steril és szeptikus nekrózis kezelésében a legjobb eredménnyel a 20–30F vastagságú katéterekkel végzett drenázskezelés, a „sinus tract endoscopy” és a laparoszkóppal asszisztált necrectomia kecsegtet. Az esetek több mint 25%-ában a drenázs a konzervatív kezelés mellett a beteg végleges gyógyulásához vezet. Más esetekben a műtét időpontjának prolongálására, a „korai” műtét elkerülésére hasznos eljárás.
Evaluation of Techniques for Categorizing Group Membership of White‐Tailed Deer
Authors: MONTEITH KEVIN L. , SEXTON CHAD L. , JENKS JONATHAN A. , BOWYER R. TERRY
Published: July 2007

Abstract: We studied sexual segregation, particularly patterns of group membership for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), in Lincoln County, Minnesota, USA, to evaluate current techniques used to categorize animals when studying sexual segregation. We categorized group membership according to Hirth (1977) and grouped individuals using our solitary categorization method. Our solitary method was most sensitive to changes in behavior and physiology exhibited by reproductively active females and their association with other deer during sexual segregation.
Do Embedded Shotgun Pellets Have a Chronic Effect on Body Condition of Pink‐Footed Geese?
Authors: MADSEN JESPER , RIGÉT FRANK
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Hunting with shotguns inevitably causes wounding of game that are hit by pellets but not retrieved by the hunter. We examined the effects of pellets on body condition in a total of 2,164 pink‐footed geese (Anser brachyrhynchus) that were captured by cannon‐nets, x‐rayed, and banded with neck collars after the closure of the hunting season in Denmark. All geese were sexed, aged, weighed, and wing lengths measured. In the overall material, 23.8% and 11.6% of adults and first‐winter birds, respectively, carried pellets outside the gizzard. We derived an index of the body condition of individual birds as the residuals of linear regression of log‐transformed wing length and weight. Statistical analyses showed a highly significant relationship between body condition, sex, and year, whereas number of pellets was not significantly related to body condition. The results suggest that geese that have been hit by shotgun pellets but have survived the hunting season, so‐called lightly crippled individuals, are not injured to an extent to have detectable chronic effects.
Effects of Winter‐Feeding on Mule Deer in Northern Utah
Authors: PETERSON CHRIS , MESSMER TERRY A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:During severe winters, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) concentrated on ranges in poor condition can experience high mortality. Winter‐feeding programs have been implemented to mitigate this mortality. We studied effects on body condition, mortality, fawn production, and migration of mule deer following winter‐feeding in the Cache‐Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, USA. Fed deer exhibited 12% higher live body‐condition indices both years (main effect feed:F1,7.32= 5.39,P= 0.052), lower mortality (33% vs. 55%: χ21= 4.58,P< 0.05), and produced more fawns (19 fawns:18 fed F vs. 11 fawns:12 nonfed F;t27.2= 2.20,P< 0.036) than nonfed deer. Fed deer migrated later in spring 2004 (x̄ = 13 Apr) than nonfed deer (x̄ = 24 Mar;t34= 3.25,P= 0.003). Fed deer spent more time on winter range in 2003‐2004 (x̄ = 157 d) than nonfed deer (x̄ = 121 d;t20 = 3.63,P= 0.002), and more time on winter range for both winters combined (fed deer x̄ = 321 d, nonfed deer x̄ = 257 d;t27= 3.29,P= 0.003). Concomitantly, wildlife managers need to recognize that any possible benefits accrued to mule deer populations in terms of increased nutritional status as a result of winter‐feeding programs may be mitigated by altered timing of migration and increased duration of use of seasonal ranges by fed deer.
Coyotes as Sentinels for Monitoring Bovine Tuberculosis Prevalence in White‐Tailed Deer
Authors: ATWOOD TODD C. , VERCAUTEREN KURT C. , DELIBERTO THOMAS J. , SMITH HOLLY J. , STEVENSON JUSTIN S.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), is endemic in free‐ranging white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 5 counties (Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle) in the northeastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA. The presence of a wildlife reservoir of tuberculosis in Michigan and the incidence of bTB in cattle (Bostaurus) resulted in Michigan losing its bTB accredited‐free status. Subsequent wildlife surveillance programs identified relatively high disease prevalence in coyotes (Canis latrans), generating interest in their potential to serve as a sentinel species to detect bTB prevalence in white‐tailed deer. Our goal was to develop an empirical basis for generating hypotheses about the spatial epidemiology of bTB infection in coyotes for future surveillance, management, and modeling efforts. Though variation in coyote home‐range size may confound attempts to spatially correlate the incidence of disease in the sentinel and host species at a fine scale, overlap zones (OZs) between adjacent coyote home ranges may be the appropriate sample unit for spatially correlating disease prevalence in coyotes and white‐tailed deer. Because overlapping home ranges are generally configured around resource rich (e.g., small mammals and white‐tailed deer) timber management patches, the OZ concentrates spatial interaction between adjacent groups in a relatively small area. Furthermore, there is a direct relationship between interaction probabilities and the spatial dispersion of those patches. The latter finding provides a useful metric to incorporate into future efforts to develop spatially explicit models of bTB dynamics. Modeling efforts can then be used as a foundation to predict the epidemiological ramifications of alterations in intensively managed forested landscapes. (JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 71(5):1545‐1554; 2007)
ACR benchmark testing of a novel high‐speed ring‐gantry linac kV‐CBCT system
Authors: Haertter Allison , Salerno Michael , Koger Brandon , Kennedy Christopher , Alonso‐Basanta Michelle , Dong Lei , Teo Boon‐Keng , Li Taoran
Published: March 2024

A new generation cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) system with new hardware design and advanced image reconstruction algorithms is available for radiation treatment simulation or adaptive radiotherapy (HyperSight CBCT imaging solution, Varian Medical Systems‐a Siemens Healthineers company). This study assesses the CBCT image quality metrics using the criteria routinely used for diagnostic CT scanner accreditation as a first step towards the future use of HyperSight CBCT images for treatment planning and target/organ delineations. Image performance was evaluated using American College of Radiology (ACR) Program accreditation phantom tests for diagnostic computed tomography systems (CTs) and compared HyperSight images with a standard treatment planning diagnostic CT scanner (Siemens SOMATOM Edge) and with existing CBCT systems (Varian TrueBeam version 2.7 and Varian Halcyon version 2.0).  Image quality performance for all Varian HyperSight CBCT vendor‐provided imaging protocols were assessed using ACR head and body ring CT phantoms, then compared to existing imaging modalities. Image quality analysis metrics included contrast‐to‐noise (CNR), spatial resolution, Hounsfield number (HU) accuracy, image scaling, and uniformity. All image quality assessments were made following the recommendations and passing criteria provided by the ACR. The Varian HyperSight CBCT imaging system demonstrated excellent image quality, with the majority of vendor‐provided imaging protocols capable of passing all ACR CT accreditation standards. Nearly all (8/11) vendor‐provided protocols passed ACR criteria using the ACR head phantom, with the Abdomen Large, Pelvis Large, and H&N vendor‐provided protocols produced HU uniformity values slightly exceeding passing criteria but remained within the allowable minor deviation levels (5–7 HU maximum differences). Compared to other existing CT and CBCT imaging modalities, both HyperSight Head and Pelvis imaging protocols matched the performance of the SOMATOM CT scanner, and both the HyperSight and SOMATOM CT substantially surpassed the performance of the Halcyon 2.0 and TrueBeam version 2.7 systems. Varian HyperSight CBCT imaging system could pass almost all tests for all vendor‐provided protocols using ACR accreditation criteria, with image quality similar to those produced by diagnostic CT scanners and significantly better than existing linac‐based CBCT imaging systems.
Review: Men and women with AUD have similar risk for suicide
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: March 2024

A systematic review and meta‐analysis encompassing 24 studies has found that the presence of an alcohol use disorder (AUD) carries a similar risk of death by suicide for men and women, dispelling a theory from past research that this risk is higher among females.
FAIR and Structured Data: A Domain Ontology Aligned with Standard‐Compliant Tensile Testing
Authors: Schilling Markus , Bayerlein Bernd , von Hartrott Philipp , Waitelonis Jörg , Birkholz Henk , Dolabella Portella Pedro , Skrotzki Birgit
Published: March 2024

The digitalization of materials science and engineering (MSE) is currently leading to remarkable advancements in materials research, design, and optimization, fueled by computer‐driven simulations, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. While these developments promise to accelerate materials innovation, challenges in quality assurance, data interoperability, and data management have to be addressed. In response, the adoption of semantic web technologies has emerged as a powerful solution in MSE. Ontologies provide structured and machine‐actionable knowledge representations that enable data integration, harmonization, and improved research collaboration. This study focuses on the tensile test ontology (TTO), which semantically represents the mechanical tensile test method and is developed within the project Plattform MaterialDigital (PMD) in connection with the PMD Core Ontology. Based on ISO 6892‐1, the test standard‐compliant TTO offers a structured vocabulary for tensile test data, ensuring data interoperability, transparency, and reproducibility. By categorizing measurement data and metadata, it facilitates comprehensive data analysis, interpretation, and systematic search in databases. The path from developing an ontology in accordance with an associated test standard, converting selected tensile test data into the interoperable resource description framework format, up to connecting the ontology and data is presented. Such a semantic connection using a data mapping procedure leads to an enhanced ability of querying. The TTO provides a valuable resource for materials researchers and engineers, promoting data and metadata standardization and sharing. Its usage ensures the generation of finable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable data while maintaining both human and machine actionability.
Stretchable Electronic Skin using Laser‐Induced Graphene and Liquid Metal with an Action Recognition System Powered by Machine Learning
Authors: Li Yanpeng , Matsumura Guren , Xuan Yan , Honda Satoko , Takei Kuniharu
Published: March 2024

Monitoring tactile pressure and recognizing action are important functionalities for artificial electronic skin (e‐skin). Furthermore, in order to create conformable coverings for 3D objects, an e‐skin needs to be stretchable, without sacrificing sensitivity to tactile pressure. However, stretching of sensors normally affects their output stability. In this study, a stretchable e‐skin is developed using laser‐induced graphene and a liquid metal alloy, GaInSn, in an elastic ecoflex polymer to create a stretchable, resistive‐type tactile pressure sensor. Furthermore, a pressure sensor array is fabricated as an e‐skin, and output is signal‐processed using machine learning. With this system, the e‐skin also monitors its stretching state, with the result that tactile pressure can be calculated regardless of the degree of stretching. With machine learning‐assisted e‐skin, actions such as patting, sliding, and grabbing are successfully recognized in the manner of human skin.
Tuning the Electro‐Optic Properties of BaTiO3 Epitaxial Thin Films via Buffer Layer‐Controlled Polarization Rotation Paths
Authors: Yu Han , Guo Ning , Deng Chenguang , Han Haojie , Li Wei , Lebudi Collieus , Wang Sixu , Li Yuhan , Chen Yongjin , Peng Shang , Zhang Jinxing , Ma Jing , Zheng Qiang , Li Jing‐Feng , Li Qian
Published: March 2024

BaTiO3 thin films emerge as a highly promising material platform for integrated photonics due to their outstanding electro‐optic properties and diverse functionalities. Despite extensive studies, there remains a notable gap in the understanding of the intricate relationship between the phase structure, domain switching kinetics and electro‐optic performance of these materials. By controlling the structural phase evolution, it is possible to gain deep insights into the physical mechanisms underlying the electro‐optic performance. Here, the phase constitution of BaTiO3 epitaxial thin films is successfully tuned by the insertion of a GdScO3 buffer layer. Continuous polarization rotation paths are observed from an out‐of‐plane tetragonal‐like phase, to an intermediate rhombohedral‐like phase, and finally an in‐plane tetragonal‐like phase, achieving an enhanced effective electro‐optic coefficient of 175 pm V−1 compared to unbuffered films. Furthermore, by in situ second harmonic generation microscopy and electro‐optic measurements, the domain switching behaviors in both statistical and spatially resolved manners are examined, resulting in a clear delineation of the key domain nucleation processes. The in‐depth explorations of these structural mechanisms and kinetics inform the rational design of strong electro‐optic thin films and help in the realization of high‐performance integrated photonic devices such as electro‐optic modulators and multilevel phase shifters.
Mastering the Lattice Strain in Bismuth‐Based Electrocatalysts for Efficient CO2‐to‐Formate Conversion
Authors: Liu Xinyan , Zheng Haiyan , Sun Qiming , He Jingting , Yao Xiaohui , Sun Chunyi , Shan Guogang , Zhang Min , Zhu Changyan , Su Zhongmin , Wang Xinlong
Published: March 2024

Tuning the lattice strain of catalysts represents a powerful strategy to alter their electronic structures and ultimately regulate catalytic performance. Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction is a promising avenue to accomplish the carbon‐neutral cycle, however, there still lacks a distinct and systematic understanding of the lattice strain effect in CO2 electrochemical conversion. In this work, the influence of lattice strain on Bi (012) facets to formate production is studied. The pre‐executed density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that lattice compression promotes the wrinkling of exposed Bi surface and increases the total density of state (DOS) of active sites at the Fermi level. As the gradual intensification of lattice contraction, the selectivity of CO2 reduction exhibits a volcanic alteration, with an optimal lattice contraction of 3%. Experimentally synthesized Bi2O2CO3/Bi heterogeneous catalyst confirms the effect of lattice compression. When compression reaches −3.04% on Bi (012) facets, the catalyst possesses the highest Faraday efficiency (FE) of 96.17% at −1.2 VRHE and an industrially scalable current density of −600 mA cm−2. Additionally, in seawater‐based electrolysis, the catalyst also exhibits excellent remarkable FE of 95.43% of formate production.
Rigidity‐Enhanced Narrowband Iridium(III) Complexes with Finely‐Optimized Emission Spectra for Efficient Pure‐Red Electroluminescence
Authors: Yan Zhi‐Ping , Mao Meng‐Xi , Liu Qi‐Ming , Yuan Li , Luo Xu‐Feng , Liao Xiang‐Ji , Cai Wei , Zheng You‐Xuan
Published: March 2024

Attaining phosphorescent materials with narrowband emission is crucial for advancing wide‐color‐gamut organic light‐emitting diode (OLED). Herein, a rigid modification strategy is introduced for iridium(III) complexes to achieve the narrowband red emission with negligible 0–1 peak. By introducing the rigid indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole (ICz) into the cyclometalated ligand, Ir(III) complexes, ICziq‐Ir and ICzqz‐Ir, exhibit pure red phosphorescence with emission peaks at 608 and 613 nm and full widths at half‐maximum (FWHMs) of 37 and 38 nm (0.12 and 0.13 eV) in toluene, respectively. Furthermore, the specific site modification of ICzqz‐Ir greatly suppresses the high‐frequency vibration of the structure, resulting in the narrowband photoluminescent spectrum close to the Gaussian distribution with superior color purity. The OLEDs utilizing ICziq‐Ir and ICzqz‐Ir demonstrate maximum external quantum efficiencies of 21.4 and 17.8% as well as mild efficiency roll‐off. Remarkably, the electroluminescence spectra exhibit similar narrowband red emission with FWHMs of 37 and 43 nm and CIE coordinates of (0.65, 0.35) and (0.66, 0.34), attesting to the excellent color purity of the phosphorescent OLEDs.