bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A different approach to galaxy evolution
Authors: Renzini Alvio
Published: July 2009

The consequences are explored of an observationally established relationship of the star formation rate (SFR) of star-forming galaxies with their stellar mass (M) and cosmic time (t), such that SFR ∝Mt−2.5. It is shown that small systematic differences in SFR dramatically amplify in the course of time: galaxies with above-average SFR run into quasi-exponential mass and SFR growth, while galaxies with below-average SFR avoid such exponential growth and evolve with moderate mass increase. It is argued that galaxies following the first path would enormously overgrow if they keep forming stars all the way to the present, hence should quench star formation and turn passive. By the same token, those instead avoiding the quasi-exponential growth may keep forming stars up to the present. Thus, it is conjectured that this divergent behaviour can help us to understand the origin of the dichotomy between passive, spheroidal galaxies and star-forming, disc galaxies.
Two Staphylinina species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) new to Korea
Authors: CHO Young Bok , AHN Kee‐Jeong
Published: July 2009

Two species of the subtribe Staphylinina (Platydracus vicarius Sharp and Ocypus lewisius Sharp) are identified for the first time in Korea. Diagnoses and illustrations of the habitus and male genitalia are presented.
Critical need for new definitions of “forest” and “forest degradation” in global climate change agreements
Authors: Sasaki Nophea , Putz Francis E.
Published: July 2009

If global policies intended to promote forest conservation continue to use the definition of “forest” adopted in 2001 by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (an area of >0.05–1 ha with >10–30% cover of plants >2–5 m tall at maturity), great quantities of carbon and other environmental values will be lost when natural forests are severely degraded or replaced by plantations but technically remain “forests.” While a definition of “forest” that is globally acceptable and appropriate for monitoring using standard remote sensing options will necessarily be based on a small set of easily measured parameters, there are dangers when simple definitions are applied locally. At the very least, we recommend that natural forest be differentiated from plantations and that for defining “forest” the lower height limit defining “trees” be set at more than 5 m tall with the minimum cover of trees be set at more than 40%. These changes will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from what is now termed forest “degradation” without increasing monitoring costs. Furthermore, these minor changes in the definition of “forest” will promote the switch from degradation to responsible forest management, which will help mitigate global warming while protecting biodiversity and contributing to sustainable development.
Design and Technology Development Status and Design Considerations for Innovative Small and Medium Sized Reactors 1
Authors: Kuznetsov Vladimir
Published: July 2009

There is continuing interest in Member States in the development and application of small and medium sized reactors (SMRs), i.e., the reactors with an equivalent electric power of less than 700 MW. In 2006–2007, several distinct “families” of innovative SMRs comprising more than 50 innovative concepts and designs have been analyzed or developed by national or international programs involving Argentina, Brazil, China, Croatia, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lithuania, Morocco, Russian Federation, South Africa, Turkey, USA, and Vietnam. Innovative SMRs are under development for all principal reactor lines. The target dates when they could be ready for deployment protrude from 2010 to 2030. The designers of innovative small and medium sized reactors pursue new design and deployment strategies making use of certain advantages provided by smaller reactor size and capacity to achieve reduced design complexity and simplified operation and maintenance requirements and to provide for incremental capacity increase through multiple plant clustering or multimodule plant construction. Competitiveness of SMRs depends on the incorporated strategies to overcome loss of economies of scale but equally it depends on finding appropriate market niches for such reactors, which generically include markets with limited investment capability potentially benefiting from reaching the targeted nuclear power station capacity incrementally, small electrical grids, off-grid locations, and nonelectrical applications of nuclear power.
SYNTHESIS OF NANOCRYSTALLINE YIG USING MICROWAVE-HYDROTHERMAL METHOD
Authors: SADHANA K. , SHINDE R. S. , MURTHY S. R.
Published: July 2009

The aim of present research is to study the influence of sintering temperature on the preparation of nanocrystalline Yttrium Iron garnet (YIG) with improved magnetic properties. The nanocrystalline YIG powders were synthesized using Microwave-Hydrothermal (M-H) method. The synthesized powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The powders were sintered at various temperatures using microwave sintering method. The sintered samples were characterized using XRD. The complex permeability, dielectric constant and loss tangent of sintered YIG ceramic were also measured and discussed in this paper
FIVE STEPS OF EVOLUTION FROM NON-LIFE TO LIFE-LIKE ROBOTS
Authors: XIE MING
Published: July 2009

There are many interests in developing life-like robots, or robots which are both intelligent and autonomous. And, one obvious characteristics of life-like creatures is that they can autonomously develop and learn during their life span. Such abilities obviously depend on the ways of designing human-like minds. Then, a fundamental question is how to devise the innate, or built-in, principles behind the blueprint of a human-like mind, and to apply these findings to guide the design of the mind of life-like robots. In the literature, there are two schools of thoughts. One advocates the study of the nervous systems of biological brains (e.g. human brain) until the discovery of the blueprint of a mind. The second approach is to follow the path of invention and validation until the full understanding of physical principles which enable the design of an artificial mind that is as good as a biological mind. This paper embraces the second approach, and aims at formulating a new ground which could guide the design of the minds of life-like robots at various stages. In particular, the discussion is focused on answering the question of what life is from an engineering point of view. And, we approach the answer by examining the key steps of evolution from non-life to life. In this paper, five key steps of evolution from non-life to life will be discussed in detail. They are embodiment of energy flow, embodiment of signal flow, embodiment of knowledge flow, embodiment of decision flow, and embodiment of awareness flow. These findings are grounded on our engineering works toward the development of low-cost humanoid (LOCH) robot, and offer a unique perspective and an engineering basis. Whenever possible, the discussions in this paper are supported by real results of experiments on real robots.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of amphiphilic halogenated bacteriochlorins: new opportunities for photodynamic therapy of cancer
Authors: Pereira Mariette M. , Monteiro Carlos J.P. , Simões Ana V.C. , Pinto Sara M.A. , Arnaut Luís G. , Sá Gonçalo F.F. , Silva Elsa F.F. , Rocha Luís B. , Simões Sérgio , Formosinho Sebastião J.
Published: July 2009

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment for several types of cancers. It involves the synergetic effect of light, oxygen and an appropriate photosensitizer. Extensive studies on the synthetic modulation of the structure of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles allowed for the optimization of chemical and physical properties of such photosensitizers. The progress from porphyrins to chlorins and more recently to bacteriochlorins clearly shows the improvements achieved in PDT photosensitizers. This paper summarizes our recent contribution to the synthesis of stable amphiphilic halogenated meso-tetraarylbacteriochlorins. Their photophysics, in vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity are presented and their potential use as photosensitizer for PDT application is assessed.
Regression of the murine LM3 tumor by repeated photodynamic therapy withmeso-tetrakis-(4-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium)porphine
Authors: Stockert Juan C. , Vanzulli Silvia I. , Cañete Magdalena , Villanueva Angeles , Juarranz Angeles , Nonell Santiago , Colombo Lucas L.
Published: July 2009

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer is based on the cytotoxicity induced by a photosensitizer (PS) in the presence of oxygen and visible light, with formation of reactive oxygen species which cause cell death and tumor destruction. This work describes the response of the murine mammary adenocarcinoma, LM3, to repeated PDT using meso-tetrakis(4-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium)porphine (TMAP), a PS that has been overlooked for PDT applications. Intradermal LM3 tumors in BALB/c mice (controls) were left untreated, only treated with light, only injected with 0.9% NaCl solution or with TMAP alone (10 μg/0.1 ml). For PDT, the intratumoral PS injection was followed 1 h later by blue-red light irradiation (290 J.cm-2). In all cases, control and PDT treatments were performed on the depilated and glycerol-covered skin which covers the tumor of anesthetized animals, and repeated 4 times (every 2 days). No significant differences were found in the growth rate of all control tumors. PDT-treated tumors showed complete and long-term regression in 4 out of 5 mice, and cure in one animal. The survival of PDT-mice was significantly longer than that of controls (TMAP alone), showing a lower number of tumor-draining lymph node metastasis. The PDT protocol applied in the present work (intratumoral PS injection, repeated photosensitizing treatments, and reduction of tissue light scattering by glycerol) could be a useful strategy in studies on PDT of cancer.
Porphyrins and other pyrrolic macrocycles in cycloaddition reactions
Authors: Tomé Augusto C. , Neves Maria G.P.M.S. , Cavaleiro José A.S.
Published: July 2009

Porphyrins and other pyrrolic macrocycles can participate in a range of pericyclic reactions. This review deals mainly with their use in Diels-Alder reactions (as dienes and dienophiles) and in 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions (as 1,3-dipoles and dipolarophiles)
Recent developments in the structural characterization of substituted meso-tetraarylporphyrins by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Domingues M. Rosário M. , Domingues Pedro , Neves Maria G.P.M.S. , Tomé Augusto C. , Cavaleiro José A.S.
Published: July 2009

meso-tetraarylporphyrins with different substituents linked either to an aryl ring or to a β-pyrrolic position were studied by Electrospray (ESI) Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS). The electrospray mass spectra (ESI-MS) of meso-tetraarylporphyrins show the molecular ions and no significant fragmentation is noted. Structural information can be obtained by inducing fragmentation of the ions generated under ESI conditions. The product ions formed and registered in the tandem mass spectra (ESI-MS/MS) are characteristic of the chemical structure of the groups linked to the porphyrin and depend on their location. Also, the same functional group linked either to the aryl ring or to the β-pyrrolic position yields different product ions that confirm their position. Taking into consideration the Portugal-Spain special issue of the Journal of Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines, in this highlight we analyze the work done at the University of Aveiro related to the use of mass spectrometry in the structural characterization of meso-tetraarylporphyrins with carbohydrate, nitro and amino acid groups.
Nonlinear optical properties of phthalocyanines and related compounds
Authors: Díaz-García María A.
Published: July 2009

This paper aims to review the advances achieved in the field of nonlinear optics in relation to phthalocyanines and other related compounds. The main focus is on electronic nonlinear processes, such as second- and third-harmonic generation, and mostly on the work performed by Portuguese and Spanish research groups. Several aspects in which these teams were pioneers are described in more detail. In particular, they performed numerous experiments in solution, thanks to their synthetic efforts in preparing soluble compounds, thus enabling the determination of the nonlinear parameters at a molecular level. They also measured for the first time the real and imaginary components (i.e. the magnitude and the phase) of the nonlinear parameters of phthalocyanines and, in some cases, their frequency dispersion behavior. Such detailed studies allow for the elaboration of microscopic models to identify the electronic levels involved in nonlinear processes. Some Spanish groups were also pioneers in the characterization of the nonlinear optical properties of unsymmetrically substituted phthalocyanines and other related compounds, such as triazolehemiporphyrazines and subphthalocyanines.
TOPOLOGICAL 4-MANIFOLDS WITH GEOMETRICALLY TWO-DIMENSIONAL FUNDAMENTAL GROUPS
Authors: HAMBLETON IAN , KRECK MATTHIAS , TEICHNER PETER
Published: July 2009

Closed oriented 4-manifolds with the same geometrically two-dimensional fundamental group (satisfying certain properties) are classified up to s-cobordism by their w2-type, equivariant intersection form and the Kirby–Siebenmann invariant. As an application, we obtain a complete homeomorphism classification of closed oriented 4-manifolds with solvable Baumslag–Solitar fundamental groups, including a precise realization result.
DIAMOND GRAPHS AND SUPER-REFLEXIVITY
Authors: JOHNSON WILLIAM B. , SCHECHTMAN GIDEON
Published: July 2009

The main result is that a Banach space X is not super-reflexive if and only if the diamond graphs Dn Lipschitz embed into X with distortions independent of n. One of the consequences of that and previously known results is that dimension reduction a la Johnson–Lindenstrauss fails in any non-super-reflexive space with nontrivial type.

We also introduce the concept of Lipschitz (p,r)-summing map and prove that every Lipschitz mapping is Lipschitz (p,r)-summing for every 1 ≤ r < p.
Navigating ECM Barriers at the Invasive Front: The Cancer Cell–Stroma Interface
Authors: Rowe R. Grant , Weiss Stephen J.
Published: July 2009

A seminal event in cancer progression is the ability of the neoplastic cell to mobilize the necessary machinery to breach surrounding extracellular matrix barriers while orchestrating a host stromal response that ultimately supports tissue-invasive and metastatic processes. With over 500 proteolytic enzymes identified in the human genome, interconnecting webs of protease-dependent and protease-independent processes have been postulated to drive the cancer cell invasion program via schemes of daunting complexity. Increasingly, however, a body of evidence has begun to emerge that supports a unifying model wherein a small group of membrane-tethered enzymes, termed the membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMPs), plays a dominant role in regulating cancer cell, as well as stromal cell, traffic through the extracellular matrix barriers assembled by host tissues in vivo. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the regulation and function of these metalloenzymes as host cell populations traverse the dynamic extracellular matrix assembled during neoplastic states should provide new and testable theories regarding cancer invasion and metastasis.
A Priority Rule‐Based Heuristic for Resource Investment Project Scheduling Problem with Discounted Cash Flows and Tardiness Penalties
Authors: Najafi Amir Abbas , Azimi Fatemeh
Published: July 2009

Resource investment problem with discounted cash flows (RIPDCFs) is a class of project scheduling problem. In RIPDCF, the availability levels of the resources are considered decision variables, and the goal is to find a schedule such that the net present value of the project cash flows optimizes. In this paper, we consider a new RIPDCF in which tardiness of project is permitted with defined penalty. We mathematically formulated the problem and developed a heuristic method to solve it. The results of the performance analysis of the proposed method show an effective solution approach to the problem.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Associated with Ventricular Fibrillation and Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Fukushima Hidetada , Nishio Kenji , Okuchi Kazuo
Published: July 2009

Aneurysmal subarachonoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Even after successful resuscitation, most of these SAH patients suffer brain death or enter a vegetative state. To our knowledge, survival without neurological damage from SAH following OHCA is quite a rare event. We treated a case of SAH who presented with OHCA and survived without neurological sequelae. A 50-year-old woman presented with ventricular fibrillation (VF), and was successfully resuscitated before hospital arrival. Since there was no evidence of acute coronary syndrome, a head CT scan was performed and established the diagnosis of SAH. On arrival, she was comatose, however, 3 hours after admission, her neurological status recovered. She underwent treatment for the ruptured aneurysms and was discharged from hospital without any neurological deficits.
Application of Thermosensitive Peptide Copolymer Gels to Removal of Endocrine Disruptor
Authors: Tanimoto Satoshi , Yagi Naoto , Yamaoka Hitoshi
Published: July 2009

Poly(L‐leucine)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(L‐leucine) triblock copolymers were synthesized by a ring‐opening polymerization of α‐amino acid N‐carboxyanhydride with amino‐terminated PEG as an initiator. The chloroform solution of these peptide copolymers showed a thermo‐sensitive sol‐gel transition. The transition temperature varied as a function of the length of peptide segments. Additionally, we used these peptide copolymers to remove an endocrine disruptor such as bisphenol A from its aqueous solution. As a result, it became clear that the peptide copolymer gel used in this study could capture bisphenol A efficiently.
Assad-Kirk-Type Fixed Point Theorems for a Pair of Nonself Mappings on Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Jankovic S. , Kadelburg Z. , Radenovic S. , Rhoades B. E.
Published: July 2009

New fixed point results for a pair of non-self mappings defined on a closed subset of a metrically convex cone metric space (which is not necessarily normal) are obtained. By adapting Assad-Kirk's method the existence of a unique common fixed point for a pair of non-self mappings is proved, using only the assumption that the cone interior is nonempty. Examples show that the obtained results are proper extensions of the existing ones.
Profiles of Suicidality and Clusters of Hungarian Adolescent Outpatients Suffering from Suicidal Behaviour
Authors: Dinya Elek , Csorba Janos , Sorfozo Zsuzsa , Steiner Peter , Ficsor Beata , Horvath Agnes
Published: July 2009

Background: The aim of the study was to reveal the background dimensions of suicidal behaviour (SB) and to identify clusters of Hungarian adolescent outpatients suffering from suicidality by means of the following correlates of SB: depression, inadequate conflict-solving methods, dysfunctional attitudes, maladaptive coping, help-seeking strategies and negative life events. Sampling and Methods: A self-report test battery was completed by every consecutive new adolescent outpatient from a representative patient pool of 5 local child psychiatric centres in Western Hungary over an 18-month period (n = 644). The questionnaires used were the pilot version of the Columbia Depression Scale, the Hungarian standard versions of the Beck Depression Inventory, the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale and the Junior High Life Experiences Survey. A total of 110 adolescent outpatients (88 females, 22 males, mean age = 16.21 years, SD = 1.38) suffering from SB were included in the study. All diagnoses including SB were confirmed by the MINI Plus Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. K means clustering was used to compare variances of 19 variables to decide which ones are the major criteria for assigning subjects to clusters, and principal component analysis was utilized to identify background SB dimensions in the patient sample. Results: The cluster analysis identified 3 homogenous clusters differentiating suicidal adolescents characteristically: ‘stress-laden/medium depressive’, ‘low depressive/low achievement’ and ‘high depressive’ cluster groups. While cluster analysis confirmed the role of the severity of depression only, principal component analysis explored the following 4 underlying profiles of SB: stress-laden, dysfunctional, maladaptive and depressive/risky factors. Conclusions: Although important coping qualities failed to register as major criteria in the development of separate groups of suicidal adolescent outpatients, distinct background profiles of SB among Hungarian adolescents were found covering the risk groups according to clinical experience. Future research is warranted to identify possible variation in the coping strategies among different adolescent suicidal samples.
Age and Time of Day Influences on the Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta and Phosphorylated SMAD3 in the Mouse Suprachiasmatic and Paraventricular Nuclei
Authors: Beynon Amy L. , Thome Johannes , Coogan Andrew N.
Published: July 2009

Background/Aims: The master mammalian circadian pacemaker is the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. In this study we examined the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and the associated signaller phosphorylated SMAD3 (pSMAD3) in the SCN and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus of the young and older mouse across the diurnal cycle, in order to ascertain whether there are time-of-day and age influences on their expression in the hypothalamus. Methods: Immunohistochemistry coupled to densitometric analysis has been used to quantitate the expression of TGF-β and pSMAD3 in the SCN and PVN. Results: We have demonstrated a diurnal pattern of expression of TGF-β in the SCN of young animals, a rhythm that is lost in older mice. The PVN also shows diurnal expression of TGF-β and older mice exhibit elevated levels. Finally, we have demonstrated a novel day/night difference in the expression of pSMAD3, a part of the TGF signalling pathway, in the SCN, a rhythm that appears to be lost with age. Conclusion: We conclude that TGF-β and pSMAD3 are expressed under basal conditions in the SCN and PVN, and this expression is modulated in both a diurnal and age-dependent manner.
Nebivolol Reduces Proteinuria and Renal NADPH Oxidase-Generated Reactive Oxygen Species in the Transgenic Ren2 Rat
Authors: Whaley-Connell Adam , Habibi Javad , Johnson Megan , Tilmon Roger , Rehmer Nathan , Rehmer Jenna , Wiedmeyer Charles , Ferrario Carlos M. , Sowers James R.
Published: July 2009

Background/Aims: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and sympathetic nervous system activation are crucial in the pathogenesis of hypertension, cardiovascular and renal disease. NADPH oxidase-mediated increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an important mediator for RAAS-induced cardiovascular and renal injury. Increased levels of ROS can diminish the bioactivity of nitric oxide (NO), a critical modulator of RAAS effects on the kidney. Thereby, we hypothesized that in vivo nebivolol therapy in a rodent model of activated RAAS would attenuate glomerular damage and proteinuria through its actions to reduce NADPH oxidase activity/ROS and increase bioavailable NO. Methods: We utilized the transgenic Ren2 rat which displays heightened tissue RAAS, hypertension, and proteinuria. Ren2 rats (6–9 weeks of age) and age-matched Sprague-Dawley littermates were treated with nebivolol 10 mg/kg/day (osmotic mini-pump) for 21 days. Results: Ren2 rats exhibited increases in systolic blood pressure, proteinuria, kidney cortical tissue total NADPH oxidase activity and subunits (Rac1, p67phox, and p47phox), ROS and 3-nitrotyrosine, as well as reductions in podocyte protein markers; each of these parameters improved with nebivolol treatment along with increases in renal endothelial NO synthase expression. Conclusions: Our data suggest that nebivolol improves proteinuria through reductions in renal RAAS-mediated increases in NADPH oxidase/ROS and increases in bioavailable NO.
The role of significant others in the intercultural learning of teachers
Authors: Jokikokko Katri
Published: July 2009

This article examines intercultural learning as a lifelong process. The data on which the article is based consist of 10 biographical interviews in which Finnish teachers were asked to talk about their lives from the perspective of intercultural learning. The analysis of the interviews showed that other people were involved in many of the experiences being referred to, and that these individuals played an important role in the stories. This article, therefore, focuses on the role of significant others in the intercultural learning of teachers. Three roles of significant others that arose from the data are introduced: transforming attitudes towards diversity; awakening and developing intercultural awareness; and developing ethical orientation.
The role of synthetic mesh in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Devaseelan Priscilla , Fogarty Paul
Published: July 2009

Genital prolapse is a common indication for surgery and 30% of women treated with conventional surgery will develop recurrence of symptoms.

Innovative surgical repair techniques and systems are emerging but the search continues for the ideal procedure with guaranteed permanent success.

There is a general paucity of evidence to assist the surgeon in selecting the optimal approach.

This article addresses the role of different approaches to synthetic mesh repair in pelvic organ prolapse, their success rate and their short‐ and long‐term morbidity.

Learning objectives:

To understand the properties of synthetic mesh and the body's response.

To understand the possible roles of synthetic mesh in pelvic organ prolapse.

To be aware of the indications for use and the limitations and complications of the uses of mesh in pelvic organ prolapse.

Ethical issues:

The use of synthetic mesh has not been fully evaluated in randomised controlled trials but has been widely adopted into clinical practice. Is this an example of novelty triumphing over clinical evidence?

Please cite this article as: Devaseelan P, Fogarty P. The role of synthetic mesh in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:169–177.
Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy
Authors: Myers Bethan
Published: July 2009

Thrombocytopenia occurs in 8–10% of all pregnancies.

In pregnancy it is usually mild and benign.

Rare causes can be associated with severe complications for mother and baby.

Cases thought to be due to immune thrombocytopenic purpura or microangiopathic processes should be managed in a specialist centre.

Learning objectives:

To learn about the underlying causes.

To be aware of the management of the more severe cases.

To ensure appropriate referral of high‐risk cases.

Ethical issues:

Clear prepregnancy counselling is important to enable women to make informed decisions regarding future pregnancies.

Women need to understand the percentage risk of recurrence of certain conditions and the risks to fetal wellbeing.

Please cite this article as: Myers B. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:177–183.
The role of pelvic and para‐aortic lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer: a view from the UK
Authors: Holland Cathrine M
Published: July 2009

The clinical value of pelvic and para‐aortic lymphadenectomy beyond diagnosis is questionable.

Women at low risk of nodal involvement can be identified without the need for lymphadenectomy in all cases.

There is controversy regarding the role and extent of lymphadenectomy in women at higher risk of nodal involvement.

Lymphadenectomy is not without adverse effects.

Radiotherapy does not reduce the rate of extrapelvic metastasis even in women who are fully surgically staged.

Decisions about adjuvant radiotherapy can be made without the need for lymphadenectomy.

Learning objectives:

To review the evidence base for lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer, comparing practices in the UK and USA.

To assess the circumstances in which lymphadenectomy may be therapeutic.

Ethical issues:

When is surgery, with its known adverse effects, justified?

There is a need to reduce inconsistencies in treatment while acting in the best interests of patients, requiring both clinical and gynaecological oncologists to cooperate in developing guidelines.

Please cite this article as: Holland CM. The role of pelvic and para‐aortic lymph node dissection in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer: a view from the UK. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:205–209.
Increasing the reliability of ecological models using modern software engineering techniques
Authors: Scheller Robert M , Sturtevant Brian R , Gustafson Eric J , Ward Brendan C , Mladenoff David J
Published: July 2009

Modern software development techniques are largely unknown to ecologists. Typically, ecological models and other software tools are developed for limited research purposes, and additional capabilities are added later, usually in an ad hoc manner. Modern software engineering techniques can substantially increase scientific rigor and confidence in ecological models and tools. These techniques have the potential to transform how ecological software is conceived and developed, improve precision, reduce errors, and increase scientific credibility. We describe our re‐engineering of the forest landscape model LANDIS (LANdscape DIsturbance and Succession) to illustrate the advantages of using common software engineering practices.
Conflicts and Compromises in Lynx Lynx lynx Conservation and Management in Finland
Authors: Liukkonen Tuija , Mykrä Sakari , Bisi Jukka , Kurki Sami
Published: July 2009

Contradictory attitudes towards lynx Lynx lynx management in Finland have emerged as a consequence of rapid growth of the lynx population together with the strict protection and conservation objectives determined by the European Union. In this study, conducted during 2004–2005, we examined local people's and stakeholders' opinions about lynx management through a nationwide survey. We also assessed local people's opinions through comments expressed at public meetings, which were recorded, transcribed and analysed. In general, lynx were seen as an important part of Finnish nature and its biodiversity, but it was also seen as a detriment to sustaining game populations. Hunters who manage roe deer Capreolus capreolus or white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus or hare Lepus spp. populations were especially negative. Hunting and improved public awareness were considered the most effective methods to increase people's tolerance towards lynx and the damage they might cause. Stakeholders were interested in development of the existing damage compensation system and clear rules concerning management of problem individuals. In contrast to hunters, conservationists emphasised the conservation status of lynx and rejected the idea of population regulation through hunting. Many aspects of management were accepted by all stakeholders; other aspects were more controversial. To resolve the conflict between stakeholders regarding lynx management, compromise and cooperation will be required from stakeholders holding conflicting views. This may aid lynx management and also the conservation of the species in Finland in the future.
Knowledge of Diabetic Complications in a Diabetic Population
Authors: Hoque Mirza Azizul , Islam Md Sirajul , Khan Md Abdul Maleque , Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: July 2009

This cross-sectional, questionnaire based descriptive study was carried out to evaluate the individual knowledge of diabetic complications in the diabetic patients and also to find the association of knowledge towards educational status and other socio-demographic profiles. A total 184 patients were included in this study. In this study, we found 91 subjects (48.9%) knew that heart disease was the most important diabetic complication, if blood glucose level wasn't controlled properly followed by cerebrovascular disease 27(14.7%), renal disease 24(13%) and eye diseases 9(4.9%). Unfortunately, awareness about frequency of diabetic foot disease, peripheral neurological problems, occurrence of sudden death were found in only 1(0.5%) cases. Awarness about other complications (miscellaneous) was 12(6.5%) and 8(4.3%) didn't know any of the above mentioned complications. Each subject was also asked whether they were apprehensive about the dreaded diabetic complications or not. Statistical difference wasn't observed in any of the parameter (i.e., individual education, an area of residence, monthly income, occupations, family history of individual) when compared with the degree of apprehension. None of the parameters was statistically significant. Further expansion of diabetic education programs like using mass media and involving national curriculum of education can improve self-regulatory awareness of diabetic complications which may reduce the morbidity and mortality of diabetic patients. Key words: diabetic complication, apprehension.   doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2821 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 90-93
Numerical Simulation of the Full-Polarimetric Emissivity of Vines and Comparison with Experimental Data
Authors: Martinez-Vazquez Alberto , Camps Adriano , Lopez-Sanchez Juan Manuel , Vall-llossera Mercedes , Monerris Alessandra
Published: July 2009

Surface soil moisture is a key variable needed to understand and predict the climate. L-band microwave radiometry seems to be the best technique to remotely measure the soil moisture content, since the influence of other effects such as surface roughness and vegetation is comparatively small. This work describes a numerical model developed to efficiently compute the four elements of the Stokes emission vector (Th, Tv, TU and TV) of vegetation-covered soils at low microwave frequencies, as well as the single-scattering albedo and the extinction coefficient of the vegetation layer over a wide range of incidence angles. A comparison with L-band (1.400–1.427 MHz) experimental radiometric data gathered during the SMOS REFLEX 2003 field experiment over vines is presented and discussed. The measured and simulated emissivities at vertical polarization agree very well. However, at horizontal polarization there is some disagreement introduced by the soil emission model. Important radiometric parameters, such as the albedo, the attenuation and the transmissivity are computed and analyzed in terms of their values and trends, as well as their dependence on the observation and scene parameters. It is found that the vegetation attenuation is mainly driven by the presence of branches and leaves, while the albedo is mainly driven by the branches. The comparison of the simulated parameters with the values obtained by fitting the experimental data with the t-w model is very satisfactory.
Evaluation of isotropy in wet-mix sprayed concrete
Authors: Agulló L. , García T. , Aguado A. , Yubero E.
Published: July 2009

It is well known that there are differences between the fresh mix concrete and the placed concrete sprayed using dry or wet-mix process. Because of that, the characterization of such material is carried out in cores extracted parallel to the spray direction from sample panels. However, in many applications (e.g. tunnel lining), considerable compressive stresses appear along the transversal direction. In this paper different spayed concretes are evaluated. It was observed that the values of compressive strength and modulus of elasticity were different depending on the direction of measurement. These differences are related to a preferential orientation of the coarse aggregate due to the characteristics of the casting process. Rather than applying classic empirical methods, the concrete mixes used in this study were designed according to a new proportioning method based on the difference between the composition of the fresh mix concrete and the placed concrete.
Survival After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Before and After Legislation for Bystander CPR
Authors: Li Siwen , Qin Chongzhen , Zhang Hongjuan , Maimaitiming Mailikezhati , Shi Junyi , Feng YiKai , Huang Kepei , Bi Yanxin , Wang Minmin , Zhou Qiang , Jin Yinzi , Zheng Zhi-Jie
Published: April 2024

Importance

The lack of evidence-based implementation strategies is a major contributor to increasing mortality due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in developing countries with limited resources.

Objective

To evaluate whether the implementation of legislation is associated with increased bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use and improved clinical outcomes for patients experiencing OHCA and to provide policy implications for low-income and middle-income settings.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This observational cohort study analyzed a prospective city registry of patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2022. The Emergency Medical Aid Act was implemented in Shenzhen, China, on October 1, 2018. An interrupted time-series analysis was used to assess changes in outcomes before and after the law. Data analysis was performed from May to October 2023.

Exposure

The Emergency Medical Aid Act stipulated the use of AEDs and CPR training for the public and provided clear legal guidance for OHCA rescuing.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were rates of bystander-initiated CPR and use of AEDs. Secondary outcomes were rates of prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to arrival at the hospital, and survival at discharge.

Results

A total of 13 751 patients with OHCA (median [IQR] age, 59 [43-76] years; 10 011 men [72.83%]) were included, with 7858 OHCAs occurring during the prelegislation period (January 1, 2010, to September 30, 2018) and 5893 OHCAs occurring during the postlegislation period (October 1, 2018, to December 31, 2022). The rates of bystander-initiated CPR (320 patients [4.10%] vs 1103 patients [18.73%]) and AED use (214 patients [4.12%] vs 182 patients [5.29%]) increased significantly after legislation implementation vs rates before the legislation. Rates of prehospital ROSC (72 patients [0.92%] vs 425 patients [7.21%]), survival to arrival at the hospital (68 patients [0.87%] vs 321 patients [5.45%]), and survival at discharge (44 patients [0.56%] vs 165 patients [2.80%]) were significantly increased during the postlegislation period. Interrupted time-series models demonstrated a significant slope change in the rates of all outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that implementation of the Emergency Medical Aid Act in China was associated with increased rates of CPR and public AED use and improved survival of patients with OHCA. The use of a systemwide approach to enact resuscitation initiatives and provide legal support may reduce the burden of OHCA in low-income and middle-income settings.
Evacuation and Health Care Outcomes Among Assisted Living Residents After Hurricane Irma
Authors: Hua Cassandra L. , Patel Sweta , Thomas Kali S. , Jester Dylan J. , Kosar Cyrus M. , Peterson Lindsay J. , Dobbs Debra , Andel Ross , Dosa David M.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Evacuation has been found to be associated with adverse outcomes among nursing home residents during hurricanes, but the outcomes for assisted living (AL) residents remain unknown.

Objective

To examine the association between evacuation and health care outcomes (ie, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, mortality, and nursing home visits) among Florida AL residents exposed to Hurricane Irma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective cohort study using 2017 Medicare claims data. Participants were a cohort of Florida AL residents who were aged 65 years or older, enrolled in Medicare fee-for-service, and resided in 9-digit zip codes corresponding to US assisted living communities with 25 or more beds on September 10, 2017, the day of Hurricane Irma’s landfall. Propensity score matching was used to match evacuated residents to those that sheltered-in-place based on resident and AL characteristics. Data were analyzed from September 2022 to February 2024.

Exposure

Whether the AL community evacuated or sheltered-in-place before Hurricane Irma made landfall.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Thirty- and 90-day emergency department visits, hospitalizations, mortality, and nursing home admissions.

Results

The study cohort included 25 130 Florida AL residents (mean [SD] age 81 [9] years); 3402 (13.5%) evacuated and 21 728 (86.5%) did not evacuate. The evacuated group had 2223 women (65.3%), and the group that sheltered-in-place had 14 556 women (67.0%). In the evacuated group, 42 residents (1.2%) were Black, 93 (2.7%) were Hispanic, and 3225 (94.8%) were White. In the group that sheltered in place, 490 residents (2.3%) were Black, 707 (3.3%) were Hispanic, and 20 212 (93.0%) were White. After 1:4 propensity score matching, when compared with sheltering-in-place, evacuation was associated with a 16% greater odds of emergency department visits (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33; P = .04) and 51% greater odds of nursing home visits (AOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.14-2.00; P = .01) within 30 days of Hurricane Irma’s landfall. Hospitalization and mortality did not vary significantly by evacuation status within 30 or 90 days after the landfall date.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of Florida AL residents, there was an increased risk of nursing home and emergency department visits within 30 days of Hurricane Irma’s landfall among residents from communities that evacuated before the storm when compared with residents from communities that sheltered-in-place. The stress and disruption caused by evacuation may yield poorer immediate health outcomes after a major storm for AL residents. Therefore, the potential benefits and harms of evacuating vs sheltering-in-place must be carefully considered when developing emergency planning and response.
Effects of pesticides on soil bacterial, fungal and protist communities, soil functions and grape quality in vineyards
Authors: Steiner Magdalena , Falquet Laurent , Fragnière Anne‐Laure , Brown Andrew , Bacher Sven
Published: April 2024

Pesticides can have unintentional effects on non‐target organisms and change biotic communities. Such changes might be particularly important in soil microbial communities, which drive many ecosystem functions and may affect crop quality.

Here, we investigated, in a three‐year study, how vegetation control (by herbicide application) and soil copper content (from long‐term copper‐based fungicide application) affect biodiversity and the community structure of soil bacteria, fungi and protists, and associated soil functions (respiration, decomposition) in Swiss vineyards. Furthermore, we determined the effects of these two management practices on grape quality as the most direct ecosystem service to farmers.

Across all study years, the community composition of microorganisms was affected by herbicide application, however, a significant loss of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was only observed in fungi and protists. Soil copper content reduced OTU richness of bacteria and protists in some years but had no significant effect on fungal richness. Copper changed the community composition in all three groups of soil microorganisms. While we found no effect of copper on soil functions, herbicide application reduced microbial respiration and biomass by about 39% and 45%, respectively. However, decomposition rates remained virtually unchanged by any pesticide. Yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) levels in grape were below the critical threshold of 140 mg/L in 40% of the vineyards without herbicide application and the variety Chasselas, whereas in vineyards with herbicide application, it was only 20%.

Application of pesticides led to changes in richness and composition of soil microbial communities and directly reduced some soil functions (microbial biomass and respiration) but not all (decomposition). Some grape quality parameters can be indirectly enhanced by pesticide application, highlighting the trade‐off between the interests of nature conservation and the interests of the farmer. Balancing these two diverging interests requires the establishment of alternative vineyard management allowing reduced pesticide application.
Dosimetric impact of contour editing on CT and MRI deep‐learning autosegmentation for brain OARs
Authors: Alzahrani Nouf M. , Henry Ann M. , Clark Anna K. , Al‐Qaisieh Bashar M. , Murray Louise J. , Nix Michael G.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To establish the clinical applicability of deep‐learning organ‐at‐risk autocontouring models (DL‐AC) for brain radiotherapy. The dosimetric impact of contour editing, prior to model training, on performance was evaluated for both CT and MRI‐based models. The correlation between geometric and dosimetric measures was also investigated to establish whether dosimetric assessment is required for clinical validation.

Method

CT and MRI‐based deep learning autosegmentation models were trained using edited and unedited clinical contours. Autosegmentations were dosimetrically compared to gold standard contours for a test cohort. D1%, D5%, D50%, and maximum dose were used as clinically relevant dosimetric measures. The statistical significance of dosimetric differences between the gold standard and autocontours was established using paired Student's t‐tests. Clinically significant cases were identified via dosimetric headroom to the OAR tolerance. Pearson's Correlations were used to investigate the relationship between geometric measures and absolute percentage dose changes for each autosegmentation model.

Results

Except for the right orbit, when delineated using MRI models, the dosimetric statistical analysis revealed no superior model in terms of the dosimetric accuracy between the CT DL‐AC models or between the MRI DL‐AC for any investigated brain OARs. The number of patients where the clinical significance threshold was exceeded was higher for the optic chiasm D1% than other OARs, for all autosegmentation models. A weak correlation was consistently observed between the outcomes of dosimetric and geometric evaluations.

Conclusions

Editing contours before training the DL‐AC model had no significant impact on dosimetry. The geometric test metrics were inadequate to estimate the impact of contour inaccuracies on dose. Accordingly, dosimetric analysis is needed to evaluate the clinical applicability of DL‐AC models in the brain.
Redox Pathogenesis in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Laniak Olivia T. , Winans Thomas , Patel Akshay , Park Joy , Perl Andras
Published: April 2024

Despite being some of the most anecdotally well‐known roads to pathogenesis, the mechanisms governing autoimmune rheumatic diseases are not yet fully understood. The overactivation of the cellular immune system and the characteristic development of autoantibodies have been linked to oxidative stress. Typical clinical manifestations, such as joint swelling and deformities and inflammation of the skin and internal organs, have also been connected directly or indirectly to redox mechanisms. The differences in generation and restraint of oxidative stress provide compelling evidence for the broad variety in pathology among rheumatic diseases and explain some of the common triggers and discordant manifestations in these diseases. Growing evidence of redox mechanisms in pathogenesis has provided a broad array of new potential therapeutic targets. Here, we explore the mechanisms by which oxidative stress is generated, explore its roles in autoimmunity and end‐organ damage, and discuss how individual rheumatic diseases exhibit unique features that offer targets for therapeutic interventions.