bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photodynamic therapy for acne vulgaris: a randomized, controlled, split‐face clinical trial of topical aminolevulinic acid and pulsed dye laser therapy
Authors: Orringer Jeffrey S , Sachs Dana L , Bailey Evans , Kang Sewon , Hamilton Ted , Voorhees John J
Published: February 2010

Background  There remains the need for more effective therapeutic options to treat acne vulgaris. Interest in light‐based acne treatments has increased, but few randomized, controlled clinical trials assessing the value of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for acne have been reported.

Aims  We sought to examine the efficacy of PDT using 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and pulsed dye laser therapy in the treatment of acne.

Patients/methods  We conducted a randomized, controlled, split‐face, single‐blind clinical trial of 44 patients with facial acne. Patients were randomized to receive three pulsed dye laser treatments to one side of the face after a 60–90 min ALA application time, while the contralateral side remained untreated and served as a control. Serial blinded lesion counts and global acne severity ratings were performed.

Results  Global acne severity ratings improved bilaterally with the improvement noted to be statistically significantly greater in treated skin than in untreated skin. Erythematous macules (remnants of previously active inflammatory lesions) decreased in number in treated skin when compared with control skin and there was a transient but significant decrease in inflammatory papules in treated skin when compared with untreated skin. There were no other statistically significant differences between treated and untreated sides of the face in terms of counts of any subtype of acne lesion. Thirty percent of patients were deemed responders to this treatment with respect to improvement in their inflammatory lesion counts, while only 7% of patients responded in terms of noninflammatory lesion counts.

Conclusions  PDT with the treatment regimen employed here may be beneficial for a subgroup of patients with inflammatory acne.
Platelet‐rich fibrin matrix for improvement of deep nasolabial folds
Authors: Sclafani Anthony P
Published: February 2010

Background  Dermal augmentation continues to grow as an aesthetic facial procedure. Many exogenous filler materials rely on an autologous fibrotic response for volume augmentation.

Aims  To evaluate the efficacy of a single injection of autologous platelet‐rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) for the correction of deep nasolabial folds (NLFs).

Patients/methods  Whole blood was obtained from 15 adults, and an activated autologous PRFM produced using a proprietary system (Selphyl®; Aesthetic Factors, Inc., Wayne, NJ, USA) was then injected into the dermis and immediate subdermis below the NLFs. Subjects were photographed before and after treatment; NLFs were rated by the treating physician before and after treatment using the Wrinkle Assessment Scale (WAS) and patients rated their appearance at each post‐treatment visit using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Patients were evaluated at 1, 2, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment.

Results  All patients were treated to maximal (no over‐) correction, with a mean reduction in WAS score of 2.12 ± 0.56. At 1 week after treatment, this difference was 0.65 ± 0.68, but rose to 0.97 ± 0.75, 1.08 ± 0.59, and 1.13 ± 0.72 at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively (P < 0.001). No patient noted any fibrosis, irregularity, hardness, restricted movement, or lumpiness.

Conclusions  PRFM can provide significant long‐term diminution of deep NLFs without the use of foreign materials. PRFM holds significant potential for stimulated dermal augmentation.
THE WRITING'S IN THE WALL: A REVIEW OF NEW PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS OF ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY WITHIN ARCHAEOLOGY
Authors: MOL L. , PRESTON P. R.
Published: February 2010

Natural processes are known to cause significant damage to archaeological monuments. In fact, the key to understanding the decay of building materials is the internal movement of water through the mineral matrix, which influences the distribution of chemical, physical and biological deterioration processes. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was traditionally used as a surveying tool within archaeology, but a new high‐resolution technique that accurately traces the movement of moisture in building materials could provide a vital tool for understanding the decay of many archaeological monuments. This paper considers current progress, the shift of ERT from soil to rock research and the impact that this development could have on future conservation, using Hertford College (Oxford) and Neolithic rock art (Golden Gate Reserve, South Africa) as case studies.
Species Inequality in Scientific Study
Authors: TRIMBLE MORGAN J. , VAN AARDE RUDI J.
Published: February 2010

Abstract:  Some conservationists argue for a focused effort to protect the most critically endangered species, and others suggest a large‐scale endeavor to safeguard common species across large areas. Similar arguments are applicable to the distribution of scientific effort among species. Should conservation scientists focus research efforts on threatened species, common species, or do all species deserve equal attention? We assessed the scientific equity among 1909 mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians of southern Africa by relating the number of papers written about each species to their status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Threatened large mammals and reptiles had more papers written about them than their nonthreatened counterparts, whereas threatened small mammals and amphibians received less attention than nonthreatened species. Threatened birds received an intermediate amount of attention in the scientific literature. Thus, threat status appears to drive scientific effort among some animal groups, whereas other factors (e.g., pest management and commercial interest) appear to dictate scientific investment in particular species of other groups. Furthermore, the scientific investment per species differed greatly between groups—the mean number of papers per threatened large mammal eclipsed that of threatened reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians by 2.6‐, 15‐, 216‐, and more than 500‐fold, respectively. Thus, in the eyes of science, all species are not created equal. A few species commanded a great proportion of scientific attention, whereas for many species information that might inform conservation is virtually nonexistent.
A Rational Guide to Reducing Fracture Risk in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Toussaint Nigel D. , Elder Grahame J. , Kerr Peter G.
Published: February 2010

Extrapolation of evidence‐based management of disorders in the general population to patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not always appropriate, and the prevention of bone fracture and reduction of fracture risk in CKD stages 3–5 is one example. Compared to the general population, fracture risk is greater in CKD patients, especially those on dialysis (CKD‐5D). Fractures in CKD‐5D are associated with a marked increase in morbidity and mortality and with an aging dialysis population the burden of disease caused by fracture is likely to increase. Patients with CKD‐5D have distinct risks for fracture, as well as sharing risks identified in the general population. The development of the CKD mineral and bone disorder constitutes a significant cause for these differences. Literature addressing the determination of fracture risk and the efficacy of treatments to reduce fracture in patients on dialysis is limited. While some tools used for the diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis are applicable to patients on dialysis, bone mineral density measurement by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry is generally not helpful and therapeutic interventions that reduce fracture risk in the nonuremic population cannot be generalized to patients on dialysis. This review outlines available evidence on the incidence, risk factors, and management of fractures in CKD‐5D with recommendations for strategies to reduce fracture risk.
Controversies and Concerns in Hemodialysis Series Editor: Marcello Tonelli: Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy Should Be Treated Conservatively
Authors: Courtney Mark J. , Pannu Neesh
Published: February 2010

Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) is a small vessel vasculopathy affecting mainly stage IV and V renal failure patients. It is characterized typically by non‐healing, painful skin ulcerations and carries a poor prognosis. Little is known about the pathogenesis, but abnormal mechanisms of vascular calcification have been postulated to contribute. Available therapies target promotion of wound healing and lowering of elevated parathyroid hormone levels and the calcium‐phosphate product. There are no prospective or randomized controlled trials to guide choice of therapeutic agents, yet available therapies may subject patients to adverse side effects, and/or increase program expenditures. Therefore, we favor a graded approach to treatment of CUA, commencing conservatively with the least harmful and most cost‐efficient measures available.
Salvage of Malpositioned and Malfunctioning Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters by Manipulation with a Modified Malecot Introducer
Authors: Santos Catarina R. , Branco Patrícia Q. , Martinho António , Gonçalves Margarida S. , Gaspar Augusta , Messias Humberto , Barata José D.
Published: February 2010

Percutaneous peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter manipulation successfully corrects displacement and contributes to catheter salvage. We describe a new device for the percutaneous treatment of malpositioned PD catheters, the modified Malecot introducer technique, which is an improvement over previous methods because its flexible consistency also allows the manipulation of swan‐neck catheters. Twenty‐one patients experienced catheter displacement managed by the new introducer: 12 males, average time in PD 13.7 ± 23.2 months, six with “swan‐neck” catheter, seven obese, and six with previous abdominal surgery. Catheter manipulation was technically successful in 19 of 21 cases (90.4%) by the end of the first week and in 15 cases (71.4%) at 1 month. An additional eight episodes of malposition occurred ranging from 10 to 300 days after the first manipulation. A second manipulation using the same introducer was performed and resulted in long‐term patency in seven patients. No complications were reported. In the long‐term follow‐up, only one patient removed PD catheter for mechanical dysfunction. Overall survival of manipulated catheters was 32.7 ± 23.4 months. Function at 1 month correlated with function by the first week (r = 0.513; p = 0.017) and the need of a second manipulation with age (r = 0.494; p = 0.027) but not with obesity or previous abdominal surgery. We conclude that manipulation using the modified Malecot introducer is a simple and effective procedure for the correction of malpositioned PD catheters. It also represents a new alternative for the management of displaced “swan‐neck” catheters.
Venous Elastography: Validation of a Novel High‐Resolution Ultrasound Method for Measuring Vein Compliance Using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Biswas Rohan , Patel Prashant , Park Dae W. , Cichonski Thomas J. , Richards Michael S. , Rubin Jonathan M. , Hamilton James , Weitzel William F.
Published: February 2010

Ultrasonography for the noninvasive assessment of tissue properties has enjoyed widespread success. With the growing emphasis in recent years on arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) for dialysis vascular access in patients with end‐stage renal disease, and on reducing AVF failures, there is increasing interest in ultrasound for the preoperative evaluation of the mechanical and elastic properties of arteries and veins. This study used high‐resolution ultrasound with phase‐sensitive speckle tracking to obtain in vivo vein elasticity measurements during dilation. The results of this novel ultrasound technique were then compared to a computer model of venous strain. The computer model and ultrasound analysis of the vessel wall demonstrated internally consistent positive and negative longitudinal strain values as the vein wall underwent dilation. These results support further investigation of the use of phase‐sensitive speckle tracking for ultrasound venous mapping for preoperative vascular access evaluation.
Insight: Effects of Reduced Intradialytic Urea Generation Rate and Residual Renal Clearance on Modeled Urea Distribution Volume and Kt/V in Conventional, Daily, and Nocturnal Dialysis
Authors: Daugirdas John T. , Depner Thomas A. , Greene Tom , Levin Nathan W. , Chertow Glenn M. , Rocco Michael V. , Stokes John B. ,   the Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) Trial Group
Published: February 2010

Classic urea modeling assumes that both urea generation rate (G) and residual renal urea clearance (Kru) are constant throughout the week, but this may not be true. Reductions in intradialysis G could be caused by lower plasma amino acid levels due to predialysis/intradialysis fasting and also to losses of amino acids into the dialysate. Intradialytic reductions in Kru could be due to lower intravascular volume, blood pressure, or osmotic load. To determine the possible effects of reduced G or Kru during dialysis on the calculation of the volume of distribution (V) and Kt/Vurea, we modeled 3 and 6/week nocturnal, 6/week short daily, and 3/week conventional hemodialysis. A modified 2‐pool mathematical model of urea mass balance with a constant time‐averaged G was used, but the model was altered to allow adjustment of the ratio of dialytic/interdialytic G (Gd/Gid) and dialytic/total Kru (Krud/Kru) to vary from 1.0 down to near zero. In patients dialyzed six times per week for 400 minutes per session, when Gd/Gid was decreased from 1.0 to 0.05, the predicted urea reduction ratio (URR) increased from 68.9% to 80.2%. To achieve an increased URR of this magnitude under conditions of constant G (Gd/Gid = 1.0) required a decrease in modeled urea volume (V) of 36%. At Gd/Gid ratios of 0.8 or 0.6 (corresponding to 20% or 40% reductions in intradialysis G), the modeled URR was increased to 71.0% or 73.3%, causing a 7% or 15% factitious decrease in V. The error was intermediate for the 3/week nocturnal schedule, and was much less pronounced for the 6/week daily and 3/week conventional treatments. Reductions in intradialytic Kru had the opposite effect, lowering the predicted URR and increasing the apparent V, but here the errors were of much lesser amplitude. The results suggest that, particularly for nocturnal dialysis, the standard “constant G” urea kinetic model may need to be modified.
Brachiocephalic Vein Stent Fracture: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Kapoor Baljendra , Lockhart Mark , Sharma Deepak , Maya Ivan D.
Published: February 2010

Stent fractures are commonly seen in the arterial circulation and there is paucity of literature describing venous stent fractures particularly in the central venous circulation. In this case series, we describe three patients on hemodialysis who underwent right brachiocephalic vein (BCV) stent placement for severe stenosis in two patients and occlusion in one patient. Over the course of time, these patients clinically presented with arm swelling, pain, and difficulty in dialysis because of stenosis related to stent fracture and intimal hyperplasia. Two of these patients were successfully treated by restenting.
Obstacles for Clinical Monitoring in Hemodialysis Patients Because of Multiple Vascular Accesses
Authors: Vachharajani Tushar J. , Vachharajani Vidula
Published: February 2010

The increasing awareness of creating an arteriovenous fistula for maintenance hemodialysis in rapidly growing end‐stage renal disease population has created a new challenge not only for the nephrologist but also for the entire medical community. The construction of multiple vascular accesses limits the available sites for hemodynamic monitoring, creating a barrier in providing optimal patient care. The new management dilemmas that have been raised need to be better recognized. There is a critical need for creating tools to educate not only the chronic kidney disease patients but also medical personnel from other specialties regarding the value and care of dialysis vascular access.
Biopsychosocial Characteristics of Community‐Dwelling Older Adults with Limited Ability to Walk One‐Quarter of a Mile
Authors: Hardy Susan E. , McGurl David J. , Studenski Stephanie A. , Degenholtz Howard B.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVES: To establish nationally representative estimates of the prevalence of self‐reported difficulty and inability of older adults to walk one‐quarter of a mile and to identify the characteristics independently associated with difficulty or inability to walk one‐quarter of a mile.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analysis of data from the 2003 Cost and Use Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey.

SETTING: Community.

PARTICIPANTS: Nine thousand five hundred sixty‐three community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, representing an estimated total population of 34.2 million older adults.

MEASUREMENTS: Self‐reported ability to walk one‐quarter of a mile, sociodemographics, chronic conditions, body mass index, smoking, functional status.

RESULTS: In 2003, an estimated 9.5 million older Medicare beneficiaries had difficulty walking one‐quarter of a mile, and 5.9 million were unable to do so. Of the 20.2 million older adults with no difficulty in activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), an estimated 4.3 million (21%) had limited ability to walk one‐quarter of a mile. Having difficulty or being unable to walk one‐quarter of a mile was independently associated with older age, female sex, non‐Hispanic ethnicity, lower educational level, Medicaid entitlement, most chronic medical conditions, current smoking, and being overweight or obese.

CONCLUSION: Almost half of older adults and 20% of those reporting no ADL or IADL limitations report limited ability to walk one‐quarter of a mile. For functionally independent older adults, reported ability to walk one‐quarter of a mile can identify vulnerable older adults with greater medical problems and fewer resources and may be a valuable clinical marker in planning their care. Future work is needed to determine the association between ability to walk one‐quarter of a mile walk and subsequent functional decline and healthcare use.
Does hepatocyte growth factor/c‐Met signal play synergetic role in lung cancer?
Authors: Wang Xiangdong , Li Ka , Chen Hong , Wang Diane , Zhang Yong , Bai Chunxue
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Does HGF/c‐Met signalIplay a role in lung cancer?

Can the HGF/c‐Met signal be blocked?

Does HGF/c‐Met regulate VEGF production?

Does HGF/c‐Met interact with MMPs?

Does HGF/c‐Met play a synergetic role?

Does HGF/c‐Met contribute to EGRFI therapeutic sensitivity?

There is growing evidence that the signal pathway between hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c‐Met plays an important role in the development of lung cancer, although the specificity of such role is to be clarified. It seems clear that the HGF/c‐Met signal contributes to the metastasis of cancer cells to the lung by stimulating the hyperproduction and overactivation of cytokines and enzymes, e.g. HGF, vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteases. The HGF/c‐Met signal may act as the candidate responsible for the development of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitor resistance. Experimental evidence showed that the combination of both EGFR and c‐Met inhibitors had synergetic or additive therapeutic effects on lung cancer. Although the mechanism of interaction between HGF/c‐Met and transforming growth factor‐a/EGFR remains unclear, the cross‐talk and balance between those two signal pathways are critical and necessary in the development of new therapies for lung cancer.
Medium‐term vegetation dynamics and their association with edaphic conditions in two Hungarian saline grassland communities
Authors: Tóth Tibor
Published: February 2010

Medium‐term (5.5 years) changes in the cover of major species in “Artemisia saline puszta” (Ass) and “Pannonic Puccinellia limosa hollow” (PPlh) grassland communities in the Kiskunság region, Hungary, were monitored and analyzed in relation to abiotic factors (e.g. air temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, salinity and alkalinity). Soil salinity varied considerably, indicating leaching and desalinization of surface layers as the most typical process occurring in the region. Yearly average covers of Artemisia santonicum and Plantago maritima were negatively and positively related to surface soil salinity, respectively, in accordance with their salt tolerance. Multiple regression analysis showed soil pH and salinity to be the most important factors determining yearly average cover of plants at Ass. Increasing pH increased the cover of A. santonicum and P. maritima, but decreased the cover of Podospermum canum. Increasing salinity decreased the cover of A. santonicum and P. canum. At PPlh, pH of groundwater had a positive effect and the lakewater level had a negative effect on the cover of Puccinellia limosa. The results provide information on the ongoing changes in the soil properties and the resulting changes in plant composition in these Hungarian salt‐affected grasslands.
Population dynamics of greenbug biotypes “E” and “F” on Texas bluegrass
Authors: Goldman Jason , Springer Tim
Published: February 2010

Cool‐season perennial forage grasses are known to serve as alternate hosts of the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) in the southern Great Plains of the USA. Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr.) is a cool‐season perennial forage grass indigenous to this region and because of its persistence under grazing is being bred for improved forage production. An experiment was conducted to determine the population dynamics of greenbug biotype “E”, the predominant biotype found in this region and biotype “F” which is known to infest bluegrass species. Twenty‐five Texas bluegrass genotypes, three Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) genotypes, a Canada bluegrass (Poa compressa L.) genotype, two Texas × Kentucky bluegrass hybrids, and a Texas × Canada bluegrass hybrid were screened for their abilities to support greenbug population growth. Bluegrass species and genotypes varied significantly in their ability to support greenbug biotypes E and F. On the basis of higher aphid numbers, biotype E had a higher population growth rate as compared with biotype F on Texas bluegrass. Some Texas bluegrass genotypes were not included in both biotype trials due to lack of availability of uniform plant material for inoculation. Nine of 25 Texas bluegrass genotypes did not support biotype E greenbug population growth. Similarly, 13 of 22 Texas bluegrass genotypes did not support biotype F population growth. Both Canada and Kentucky bluegrass supported high populations of biotype F and interspecific hybrids varied in their host suitability to both biotypes.
Decomposition of grass leaves by ligninolytic litter‐decomposing fungi
Authors: Osono Takashi
Published: February 2010

The abilities of litter‐decomposing fungi (LDF) to remove lignin from leaves of a perennial grass, Miscanthus sinensis, were examined under pure culture conditions. A total of 12 fungal isolates were tested, including eight isolates of seven basidiomycete and one ascomycete species that are ligninolytic on tree leaf litter and four isolates of another ascomycete species, Nigrospora sphaerica, obtained from M. sinensis leaves. Mass loss of leaves caused by the 12 isolates ranged from 4.7 to 43.1% of the original leaf mass. Trametes versicolor caused the greatest mass loss of lignin, followed by Marasmius sp. and Gerronema nemorale, whereas Mycena polygramma and the four isolates of N. sphaerica had limited abilities to cause mass loss of lignin. Trametes versicolor caused the greatest mass loss of total carbohydrates, followed by Marasmius sp., two isolates of N. sphaerica, and G. nemorale, whereas Pseudoclitocybe cyathiformis, Coccomyces sp., and Clitocybe gibba had limited abilities to cause mass loss of total carbohydrates. Mass loss of lignin was significantly and positively correlated with mass loss of leaves for the seven isolates that showed marked ligninolytic activities. In separate experiments, leaves previously partly decomposed by three ligninolytic fungi were used in pure culture tests to evaluate the effects of the pretreatment of grass leaves by ligninolytic fungi on subsequent utilization of substrates by fungi with limited ligninolytic activities. The pretreatment of M. sinensis leaves with three ligninolytic fungi generally suppressed the subsequent decomposition of lignin, total carbohydrates, or both by N. sphaerica. The results demonstrate that ligninolytic LDF are capable of removing lignin effectively from grass leaves.
Succession of lactic acid bacteria in wilted rhodesgrass silage assessed by plate culture and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
Authors: Parvin Suraya , Nishino Naoki
Published: February 2010

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in low‐moisture rhodesgrass (Chrolis gayanaKunth) silage, involved in the fermentation process, were determined by plate culture and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The first harvest of rhodesgrass was wilted (581 g dry matter kg−1) and stored in laboratory silos for 15, 30, 90 and 180 days. The concentration of acetic acid was found to be more than that of lactic acid until day 30, while lactic acid was the major fermentation product after day 90. Both plate culture and DGGE analyses indicated thatLactobacillus plantarum,Lactobacillus brevisandLactococcus lactiswere the principal LAB present during the period of ensiling. Similar results were obtained with the two methods with respect to the LAB species, but neither of the methods could account for the change in the fermentation products over the period of ensiling.
Fecal acetone and isopropanol levels of wild sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in spring and winter
Authors: Sato Hiroshi
Published: February 2010

Recently, the population of Cervus nippon yesoensis, a subspecies of sika deer, has been increasing in Hokkaido, Japan. The food habits and alimentary fermentation of sika deer change dramatically with season, with food primarily composed of bark in winter, and grasses and woody leaves for the remainder of the year. To investigate the relationship of colonic fermentation in the deer with food changes, fresh fecal samples were collected in March with lingering snow, and during a verdurous period in June. Fecal alcohol, acetone, ammonia and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were analyzed after extracting the samples with water. With the change in food from winter to spring, ethanol level decreased while acetone and isopropanol levels increased in the majority of fecal samples. In June, higher n‐butyrate levels and a lower proportion of minor VFAs containing branched acids were found, with an accompanying tendency toward higher total VFA level. Thus, alterations of colonic fermentation occurred in conjunction with the transition from winter to spring food in wild sika deer.
Habitat and Life History Determinants of Antbird Occurrence in Variable‐Sized Amazonian Forest Fragments
Authors: Lees Alexander C. , Peres Carlos A.
Published: February 2010

The highest avian species richness on Earth is found in the Neotropics, with the speciose antbird superfamily (Thamnophilidae, Formicariidae, Grallariidae and Conopophagidae) accounting for 15 percent of South American passerine diversity. Antbird species have divergent life histories and ecological requirements, resulting in considerable interspecific variation in responses to anthropogenic habitat modification. Here, we examine interspecific differences in antbird responses to both habitat fragmentation and perturbation in a region of the so‐called ‘Arc of Deforestation’ of southern Brazilian Amazonia in northern Mato Grosso. We surveyed the antbird community of 31 variable‐sized forest patches and found that antbird species richness was predominantly affected by patch size and isolation, although forest patch quality was also important. Life history predictors were less important overall in determining patch occupancy and minimum patch area requirements with body mass and geographic range size the most important predictors. Foraging niche was also important; mixed flock followers, bamboo specialists and army‐ant followers were all more prone to local extinction in small fragments. Although most Amazonian antbird species are not currently threatened, rates of interfluvial endemism are high and future forest loss may imperil many species currently considered to be of low conservation concern. Lessons learnt in the identification of fragmentation‐sensitive genera and guilds may be applicable to other antbird species outside Amazonia, such as those in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Ensuring future survival of antbirds across neotropical forest landscapes that retain only a small percentage of their original primary forest cover will rest on protecting remaining large forest patches and maintaining structural and functional connectivity between them.
Chemogenomic Analysis Identifies Macbecin II as a Compound Specific for SMAD4‐Negative Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Kaiser Christine , Meurice Nathalie , Gonzales Irma M. , Arora Shilpi , Beaudry Christian , Bisanz Kristen M. , Robeson Alexander C. , Petit Joachim , Azorsa David O.
Published: February 2010

The tumor suppressor gene, SMAD4, is mutated in approximately 30% of colon cancers. To identify compounds with enhanced potency on cells with a SMAD4‐negative context, we combined genomic and cheminformatic analyses of publicly available data relating to the colon cancer cell lines within the NCI60 panel. Two groups of cell lines were identified with either wild‐type or negative SMAD4 status. A cheminformatic analysis of the NCI60 screening data was carried out, which led to the identification of 14 compounds that preferentially inhibited cell growth of the SMAD4‐negative cell lines. Using cell viability assays, the effect of these compounds was validated on four colon cancer cell lines: HCT‐116 and HCT‐15 (SMAD4‐expressing), and HT‐29 and COLO‐205 (SMAD4‐negative). Our data identified Macbecin II, a hydroquinone ansamycin antibiotic, as having increased potency in the SMAD4‐negative cells compared to SMAD4 wild‐type cells. In addition, we showed that silencing of SMAD4 using siRNA in HCT‐116 enhanced Macbecin II potency. Our results demonstrate that Macbecin II is specifically active in colon cancer cells having a SMAD4‐negative background and thus is a potential candidate for further investigation in a drug discovery perspective.
Ear‐acupressure for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang C.S. , Yang A.W. , Zhang A.L. , Fu W.B. , Thien F.C.K. , Lewith G. , Xue C.C.
Published: February 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2010, 35, 6–12.

Background:  Allergic rhinitis affects 10–40% of the population globally with a substantial health and economic impact on the community.

Objective of review:  To assess the effectiveness and safety of ear‐acupuncture or ear‐acupressure for the treatment of allergic rhinitis by reviewing randomised controlled trials and quasi‐randomised controlled trials.

Type of review:  This review followed the methods specified in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Search strategy:  A total of 21 electronic English and Chinese databases were searched from their respective inceptions to April 2008. Key words used in the search included the combination of ear, auricular, acupuncture, acupressure, acupoint, allergic, allergy, rhinitis, hayfever, randomised clinical trial and their synonyms.

Evaluation method:  The methodological quality was assessed using Jadad’s scale. The effect size analysis was performed to explore the difference between interventional groups.

Results:  Ninety‐two research papers were identified and seven of them referring to five studies met the inclusion criteria. All included studies involved ear‐acupressure treatment. These studies mentioned randomisation, but no details were given. None of the five studies used blinding or intention‐to‐treat analysis. Ear‐acupressure was more effective than herbal medicine, as effective as body acupuncture or antihistamine for short‐term effect, but it was more effective than anti‐histamine for long‐term effect.

Conclusions:  The benefit of ear‐acupressure for symptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis is unknown due to the poor quality of included studies.
Association between surgeon volume and hospitalisation costs for patients with oral cancer: a nationwide population base study in Taiwan
Authors: Lee C.‐C. , Ho H.‐C. , Jack Lee C.‐C. , Su Y.‐C. , Lee M.‐S. , Hung S.‐K. , Chou P.
Published: February 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2010, 35, 46–52.

Objective:  Oral cancer leads to a considerable use of and expenditure on health care. Wide resection of the tumour and reconstruction with a pedicle flap/free flap is widely used. This study was conducted to explore the relationship between hospitalisation costs and surgeon case volume when this operation was performed.

Setting:  A population‐based study.

Design:  This study uses data for the years 2005–2006 obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database published in the Taiwanese National Health Research Institute.

Participants:  From this population‐based data, the authors selected a total of 2663 oral cancer patients who underwent tumour resection and reconstruction.

Main outcome measures:  Case volume relationships were based on the following criteria; low‐, medium‐, high‐, very high‐volume surgeons were defined by ≤ 9, 10–29, 30–55, ≥ 56 resections with reconstruction, respectively. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was subsequently performed to explore the relationship between surgeon case volume and the cost and length of hospitalisation.

Results:  The mean hospitalisation cost among the 2663 patients was US$ 9528 (all costs are given in US dollars). After adjusting for physician, hospital, and patient characteristics in a hierarchical linear regression model, the cost per patient for low‐volume surgeons was found to be US$ 741 (P = 0.012) higher than that for medium‐volume surgeons, US$ 1546 (P < 0.001) higher than that for high‐volume surgeons, and US$ 1820 (P < 0.001) higher than that for very‐high‐volume surgeons. After adjustment for physician, hospital, and patient characteristics, the hierarchical linear regression model revealed that the mean length of stay per patient for low‐volume surgeons was the highest (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  After adjustment for physician, hospital, and patient characteristics, low‐volume surgeons performing wide excision with reconstructive surgery in oral cancer patients incurred significantly higher costs and longer hospital stays per patient than did other surgeons. Treatment strategies adopted by high‐ and very‐high‐volume surgeons should be analysed further and utilised more widely.
Physiological Responses of Scenedesmus quadricauda (Chlorophyceae) to UV‐A and UV‐C Light
Authors: Kováčik Jozef , Klejdus Bořivoj , Bačkor Martin
Published: February 2010

Despite intensive research focused on the effects of UV‐B, deeper metabolic responses to UV‐A and UV‐C are still scarce. Besides, especially microalgal species had to develop efficient protective features in comparison with tissue structure of vascular plants. We exposed axenic cultures of Scenedesmus quadricauda (Chlorophyceae) to UV‐A (366 nm) and UV‐C (254 nm) light over 1 h. Both wavelengths stimulated increase in soluble proteins, superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide, but had a nonsignificant effect on cell viability. Within 17 detected free amino acids, five (including proline) increased in response to UV‐A while only aspartic acid and histidine increased in UV‐C treatment. Total soluble phenols and flavonoids were influenced neither by UV‐A nor by UV‐C while selected flavonols (quercetin and kaempferol) decreased in UV‐A and were not detected in UV‐C treatment. Benzoic acid derivatives increased preferentially after UV‐A illumination (vanillic acid and vanillin) while cinnamic derivatives (caffeic, chlorogenic and p‐coumaric acids) decreased in both UV‐A and UV‐C. It is concluded that UV light stimulated oxidative stress while exposure time was not sufficient to stimulate larger changes in phenolic metabolites. Present findings in the context of available data and with emphasis on phenolics in algae are discussed.
Comparison of seedling emergence and seed extraction techniques for estimating the composition of soil seed banks
Authors: Price Jodi N. , Wright Boyd R. , Gross Caroline L. , Whalley Wal R. D. B.
Published: February 2010

1. Characterization of the seed bank is one of the most important demographic assessments that can be undertaken for a plant community. Overlapping generations, evidence of past above‐ground vegetation and histories of invasion and disturbance are recorded in the seed bank.

2. Two broad approaches have been used to elucidate seed bank components – sifting‐sorting techniques and germinability assays. The utility of these approaches varies with community type and habitat although a common theme among studies has been the quest for an efficacious method. Here, we compare the two approaches for semi‐arid ephemeral wetlands: seed extraction through flotation and seedling emergence.

3. Species composition of the soil seed bank differed dramatically depending on the technique, with only 19 species common to both methods and a total of 66 species detected using both procedures.

4. Both techniques provided similar estimates of seed density and species richness of the seed bank in the top 5 cm of soil. However, samples collected from 5 cm to 20 cm had lower seed densities using the flotation technique than with the seedling emergence technique.

5. Differences in seed detectability between the two approaches may be related to seed size, seed dormancy and specific germination requirements.

6. The community composition of soil seed banks for ephemeral wetlands depends on the choice of technique.
The 20-Hurricane Test: New Knowledge on Deepwater Polyester Mooring Integrity
Authors: Ayers Ray R. , Aksu Saltuk B.
Published: February 2010

In a recent U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) sponsored project exploring the “value of polyester insert recovery and testing,” we found that: (1) the only major cause of rope structural integrity loss was third-party damage to the mooring system components, and that only in-situ inspection of the mooring ropes by ROV video (not insert recovery/testing) can effectively discover this damage; (2) because of the demonstrated structural integrity of polyester ropes, the major concerns of rope creep and fatigue (or cyclic wear) damage have been proven to be inconsequential; and (3) based on a risk/benefit analysis, insert recovery/testing has been determined to have no benefit in reducing the risk of normal operations. As a result, regulatory requirements have been relaxed on this issue. We recommended that a polyester rope cycling (fatigue) test based on being subjected to 20 hurricanes (one per year for 20 years) with the strength of Hurricane Katrina should be adopted as a “benchmark” for qualification testing of different designs and brands of polyester rope. Based on the very first 20-hurricane tests with twisted, three-strand, unjacketed subropes being subjected to 20,000 cycles of loads from 30% to 60% of average breaking strength, we found a reduction in breaking strength of only 6%. Now, for DeepStar, we are expanding the testing to lower mean loads and different brands of rope/subrope. A recent finding is that the lower the mean load for cycling (with the same cycling range), the greater the cyclic wear damage to the subrope, and the lower the residual rope strength. This result is contrary to that found for steel wire rope and chain fatigue. Our paper provides details of our 20-hurricane testing of various polyester subrope designs, and describes continuing development of a new strain-based hypothesis for estimating the remaining life performance of a polyester rope, based on a prediction of major hurricane exposure and the design life of the mooring system.
Estimation of Roll Damping for Transportation Barges
Authors: Dhavalikar Sharad S. , Negi Amresh
Published: February 2010

For ships, barges and similar long offshore structures roll natural period generally falls within the frequency range of a typical wave energy spectrum generally experienced by them. This causes dynamic amplification of rolling motion. For these structures the roll damping is highly nonlinear. Therefore it is of utmost importance that good estimation of roll damping is made for such structures. Linear radiation diffraction theory can not predict damping for roll motion as good as for other degrees of freedom. For ships and barges radiation damping (in case of roll) is generally quite small compared to the total damping in the system. Hence, additional damping needs to be added for solving roll motion equation.
Helicopter Landing Ship (HLS): Undercarriage Strength and the Role of the Human Factor
Authors: Suhir Ephraim
Published: February 2010

Based on the probabilistic approach and using the extreme value distribution (EVD) technique, we address the helicopter undercarriage strength in a helicopter-landing-ship (HLS) situation. Our analysis contains an attempt to quantify, also on the probabilistic basis, the role of the human factor in the situation in question. This factor is important from the standpoint of the operation time and, hence, from the standpoint of the likelihood of safe landing during the lull period in the sea condition. The operation time includes the time required for the officer-on-ship-board and the helicopter pilot to come up with their go-ahead decisions, and the time of actual landing. It is assumed, for the sake of simplicity, that both these times could be approximated by Rayleigh’s law, while the lull duration follows the normal law. Safe landing can be expected if the probability that it takes place during the lull time is sufficiently high. The probability that the helicopter undercarriage strength is not compromised can be evaluated as the product of the probability that landing occurs during the lull time and the probability that the relative velocity of the helicopter with respect the ship’s deck at the moment of the encounter of the undercarriage with the deck does not exceed the allowable level. The developed model can be used when establishing the requirements for the undercarriage strength, as well as when developing guidelines for personnel training. Particularly, it can be employed for establishing the times that need to be met by the two humans involved to make their decisions for landing and to actually land the helicopter in a timely fashion. It goes without saying that plenty of additional risk analyses (associated with the need to quantify various underlying uncertainties) and human psychology related effort will be needed to make such guidelines practical.
Similar Model Design and Modal Experimental Analysis of Offshore Platforms
Authors: Ma Rujian , An Yantao , Li Guixi
Published: February 2010

The influence of material damping to the similar model design and experimental analysis were studied by theoretical analysis. A similar model of an offshore platform is designed and constructed on the basis of the analysis. The modal experiments have been done on the model with the method of multi-point excitation and single-point response measurement. The dynamic parameters of the model were identified including natural frequencies, structural modes and shapes. The results showed that material damping does not affect the geometry of similar model and have a little effect on the natural frequency which can be ignored. But the influence to the dynamic responses is so great that material damping must be taken into account in the analysis of experimental data. In order to facilitate the application, the transformation relations of damping ratio and the damping factor are given in this paper. The comparison between experimental results the simulation results indicates the consistency of design and construction of the similar model and reliability of the experimental data.
Contribution of the Mooring System to the Low-Frequency Motions of a Semisubmersible in Combined Wave and Current
Authors: Hassan Amany M. A. , Downie Martin J. , Incecik Atilla , Baarholm R. , Berthelsen P. A. , Pakozdi C. , Stansberg C. T.
Published: February 2010

This paper presents the results of an experiment carried out on a semi-submersible model to measure the steady drift force and low frequency surge motions. In the experiments, the influence of mooring systems was also investigated in different combinations of current and sea state. The measurements were carried out with a 1/50 scale model which was moored using horizontal springs and catenary mooring lines. A comparative study of the mean values of steady drift motions and the standard deviation of the low frequency motion amplitudes is presented. In addition, the effect of current on the damping ratio is discussed. It is found that for both horizontal and catenary moorings, the presence of a current increases the damping ratio of the system. For the catenary mooring system, as expected, the presence of mooring lines and their interaction with waves and current increases the damping compared to the damping of the horizontal mooring system. The measured mean values of the surge motions in a wave–current field are compared to the superposed values of those obtained from waves and current separately. For the horizontal mooring, it is found that there is good agreement in moderate sea states, while in higher sea states the measured motion responses are larger. In the wave-current field, the standard deviation of the surge motion amplitudes is found to be less than that obtained in waves alone. This can be explained by the increased magnitude of the damping ratio. Only in the cases of high sea states with the horizontal mooring system, was it found that the standard deviation of the surge motions is slightly larger than those obtained for waves and current separately. This may be explained by the absence of catenary mooring line damping.
Global Strength Assessment for Semi-Submersible Column After Supply Vessel Collision Accident
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang , Yang Jianmin , Xiao Longfei , Yan Xiaomei
Published: February 2010

The researches of the anti-collision characters of a semi-submersible column and its capability of surviving in severe sea state after collision accident are completed in the paper. Three collision cases are designed. A 5000 ton vessel hits the semi-submersible column in transversal, longitudinal and oblique direction. Numerical simulation technique is used to do the analysis, and anti-collision characters of the semi-submersible column are summarized by the curves of collision force vs. penetration, the energy absorption proportion and structural damages. It can be pointed out that the column show a distinctive character when the contact surface is large at the beginning of the collision. There is no rupture of outer shell, which means the column can sustain such kind of collision. Taking advantage of the direct calculation method with finite element models, the global strength of the semi-submersible is verified to assess the influence of structure damage by the collision on the semi’s survival capability in severe sea state. The structure damage caused by the collision is taken into consideration in the FE models. The code SESAM is used to do the calculation through the design wave method. Several assumptions are made to realize the comparison between collision cases. It is found that the collision influence is restricted within the scope of structural components around the collision zone. The collision damage caused by the hitting of 5000 ton vessel will not bring a serious threat to the global strength capability of the semi-submersible.