bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiographical Evaluation of the Gap at the Implant‐Abutment Interface
Authors: PAPAVASSILIOU HARRIS , KOURTIS STEFANOS , KATERELOU JULIA , CHRONOPOULOS VASILLIOS
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  The detection of marginal gaps at the implant‐abutment interface is a common clinical task in prosthodontic treatment. For the detection of the gap intraorally, especially under thick soft tissues the most common method is dental radiography.

Objective:  The objective of this experimental study was to investigate the accuracy of conservative dental radiography to detect marginal gaps at the implant‐abutment interface. For these reasons radiographs were taken on internal and external hex implants with different experimental gaps and inclinations.

Materials and Methods:  The abutment (with a space created by plastic sheets 0.5 and 0.2 mm in thickness) was screwed on the implant, and the implant was placed into a box filled with silicone impression material. The X‐ray film was placed parallel to the implant at the back of the box, the borders of the box were marked to the base and the box. A ruler of 10 cm was fixed at a long X‐ray tube to ensure parallelism to the implant, X‐ray film. Sets of radiographs were made at 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30° (to the abutment) and −5°, −10°, −15°, −20°, −25°, −30° (to the implant) degrees.

The X‐ray images were observed with visual examination, under magnification, and in higher magnification in a slide projector. The phenomenal and the true gap at the implant‐abutment interface were calculated in order to determine the distortion.

Results:  There were significant differences between the internal and external hex implants because of the different morphology of the implants. The detecting ability to diagnose a gap at the implant‐abutment interface varied significantly with the angulation degree of the X‐ray tube. At inclinations to the implant (− inclination) the gap diminished earlier than those inclinations to the prosthetic abutment (+ inclinations). In all examinations the gap was not detectable at angulations higher than 20°. In visual examination at 25° and 30° an average clinician could diagnose the distortion.

Conclusions:  The X‐ray diagnosis of gap at the interface can be significantly influenced by the inclination of the X‐ray tube in relation to the long axis of the implant. To achieve accurate results, the use of a paralleling device is advocated in order to achieve greater detection ability.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Dental radiography is often used for detection of marginal gaps at the implant‐abutment interface. The angulation of the X‐ray beam may lead to inaccurate diagnosis in gap detection. The use of a paralleling device is indicated for evaluation of marginal accuracy. The geometry of the implant (internal or external hexagon) influences the gap evaluation.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 22:235–251, 2010)
Redefining thalassemia as a hypercoagulable state
Authors: Cappellini M. Domenica , Motta Irene , Musallam Khaled M. , Taher Ali T.
Published: August 2010

As the life expectancy of β‐thalassemia patients has markedly improved over the last decade, several new complications are being recognized. The presence of a high incidence of thromboembolic events, mainly in thalassemia intermedia patients, has led to the identification of a hypercoagulable state in thalassemia. In this review, the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to hypercoagulability in thalassemia are highlighted, and the current clinical experience is summarized. Recommendations for thrombosis prophylaxis are also discussed.
Cardiovascular MRI in thalassemia major
Authors: Wood John C , Noetzli Leila
Published: August 2010

MRI assessment of myocardial iron and function has revolutionized the treatment of thalassemia major patients. While knowledge of somatic iron stores is vital for iron chelation management, it does not adequately monitor cardiac risk. MRI monitoring of cardiac T2* allows preclinical recognition of myocardial iron, stratifies prospective cardiac risk, and tracks response to modifications in iron chelation therapy. MRI assessment of cardiac function complements T2* measurements by offering highly accurate and reproducible assessments of ventricular function. This manuscript describes the historical context of cardiac toxicity in thalassemia major, the introduction of cardiac T2* methods in the early 2000s, and the impact of these techniques on patient care as well as our fundamental understanding of iron cardiomyopathy. Technical details regarding T2* image acquisition and postprocessing are also discussed. As barriers to widespread implementation are being overcome, cardiac T2* is rapidly transitioning from a clinical research tool to the standard of care.
Complexity of alpha thalassemia: growing health problem with new approaches to screening, diagnosis, and therapy
Authors: Vichinsky Elliott
Published: August 2010

Alpha thalassemia, the most common genetic disorder of hemoglobin synthesis, affects up to 5% of the world's population. It represents a group of conditions with reduced or absent synthesis of one to all four of α globin genes. Deletional or nondeletional mutations occur on chromosome 16. Its severity ranges from asymptomatic to fatal in utero. Hemoglobin H disease, a mutation of three α globin genes, is more severe than previously recognized. Anemia, hypersplenism, hemosiderosis, growth failure, and osteoporosis are commonly noted as the patient ages. Alpha thalassemia major, a usually fatal in utero disease, is now recognized to have a complex molecular and phenotypic expression with increasing births being reported. Surviving newborns without intrauterine transfusion often have congenital anomalies and neurocognitive injury. Serious maternal complications often accompany pregnancy. Doppler ultrasonography with intrauterine transfusion ameliorates these complications. The high incidence in many populations mandates population screening and prenatal diagnosis of at‐risk couples. Universal newborn screening has been adopted in several regions with DNA confirmatory testing. These advances have resulted in ethical dilemmas for the family and the provider.
Monitoring the efficiency of iron chelation therapy: the potential of nontransferrin‐bound iron
Authors: Hider R.C. , Silva A.M.N. , Podinovskaia M. , Ma Yongmin
Published: August 2010

The major ligands of nontransferrin‐bound iron (NTBI) are suggested to be citrate and albumin. The proportion of iron binding to albumin is influenced by the degree of oxidation and glycation of the protein. LC‐ICP‐MS is demonstrated to be a useful technique for the speciation of NTBI, with unprocessed serum being subjected to analysis. Ferritin iron, citrate iron, and ferrioxamine can be quantified using this technique. This review describes the use of a new fluorescent probe for NTBI quantification.
Nutritional deficiencies in patients with thalassemia
Authors: Fung Ellen B
Published: August 2010

Optimal nutritional status is imperative for growth, development, immune function, and bone health. Patients with thalassemia are known to have poor growth, altered puberty, and immune function as well as reduced bone mineral acquisition. The etiology of these comorbidites is typically ascribed to the toxic effects of transfusion‐related iron‐overload. Recently, our group and others have observed marked nutritional deficiencies in key fat and water‐soluble vitamins as well as important essential minerals. Depressed circulating levels of nutrients have been observed despite seemingly adequate dietary intake. This disconnect between intake and circulating levels suggests that patients with thalassemia may have increased needs for certain nutrients due to either poor nutrient absorption, elevated losses, or increased nutrient turnover. Randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to test the efficacy of nutritional therapies toward improving the overall health in thalassemia, as well as decreasing long‐term comorbidities such as reduced bone mass.
Better survival and less cardiac morbidity in female patients with thalassemia major: a review of the literature
Authors: Marsella Maria , Pepe Alessia , Borgna‐Pignatti Caterina
Published: August 2010

Female patients with thalassemia and other hemoglobinopathies enjoy a longer survival when compared to males. We report data from the literature and from our own studies on gender differences in survival of thalassemia patients, and also examine this phenomenon in animals and in the general population. Some of the more widely accepted hypotheses that try to explain the differences in longevity between males and females are reviewed. The oxidative stress hypothesis is commonly accepted by the researchers on ageing, although further support for it is needed. In conclusion, it appears that male and female patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia major are at the same risk of accumulating iron, but females survive longer and develop less cardiac disease because they tolerate iron toxicity better, possibly as an effect of increased tolerance to chronic oxidative stress.
The role of reduced intensity preparative regimens in patients with thalassemia given hematopoietic transplantation
Authors: Bertaina Alice , Bernardo Maria Ester , Mastronuzzi Angela , Nasa Giorgio La , Locatelli Franco
Published: August 2010

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) still remains the only curative treatment for patients with thalassemia major (TM). However, HSCT is associated with a non‐negligible risk of both transplantation‐related mortality (TRM) and morbidity. Great interest and relevant expectations have been raised by the introduction in the clinical practice of reduced‐intensity preparative regimens, which may represent an effective strategy to reduce the toxicity of transplantation and may also help reduce the incidence of late effects. Although some reports have documented the feasibility of using reduced‐intensity preparative regimens for successfully treating patients with TM, a high incidence of graft failure has been frequently reported. Recently, treosulfan‐based myeloablation has been demonstrated to be associated with limited extra‐medullary toxicity and a high rate of sustained donor engraftment. This novel approach is a promising alternative for reducing the risk of life‐threatening complications and increasing the number of TM patients successfully cured with an allograft.
Iron metabolism and ineffective erythropoiesis in β‐thalassemia mouse models
Authors: Ramos Pedro , Melchiori Luca , Gardenghi Sara , Van‐Roijen Nico , Grady Robert W. , Ginzburg Yelena , Rivella Stefano
Published: August 2010

β‐thalassemia is a disease associated with decreased β‐globin production leading to anemia, ineffective erythropoiesis, and iron overload. New mechanisms associated with modulation of erythropoiesis and iron metabolism have recently been discovered in thalassemic mice, improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. These discoveries have the potential to be translated into clinically‐relevant therapeutic options to reduce ineffective erythropoiesis and iron overload. A new generation of therapies based on limiting ineffective erythropoiesis, iron absorption, and the correction of iron maldistribution could be on the way, possibly complementing and improving the current standard of patient care.
Detection of the cardiovascular complications of thalassemia by echocardiography
Authors: Malcolm Walker John , Nair Sunil
Published: August 2010

The thalassemia syndromes are associated with cardiovascular complications, which differ with the varying phenotypes encountered. The well‐recognized paradigm of heart failure induced by myocardial iron overload, in thalassemia major (TM), has now been joined by pulmonary arterial hypertension (mostly seen in thalassemia intermedia) among other more subtle disorders of the cardiovascular system, including endothelial dysfunction. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (T2*) has allowed cardiac iron load to be quantified noninvasively, and the routine measurement of T2* has been associated with a marked improvement in the outlook for patients with TM, in particular. Echocardiography remains an indispensable tool in the cardiovascular assessment of patients, it provides many insights into cardiovascular function, and its use allows improved management of patients. It is particularly suited to assess diastolic function, diagnose intracardiac masses (usually thrombus), and assess right ventricular function and pulmonary pressure.
Ion channels as novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of pain
Authors: Mathie Alistair
Published: August 2010

Objectives

This review considers ion channels as potential novel therapeutic targets, particularly in the treatment of pain.

Key findings

Ion channel proteins underlie electrical signalling throughout the body and are important targets for existing therapeutic agents. Nevertheless, ion channels remain a relatively underexploited family of proteins for therapeutic interventions. A number of recent advances in both technology and knowledge suggest that these proteins are promising targets for future therapeutic development. For example, there has been considerable recent improvement in high-throughput screening technologies following the need for pharmaceutical companies to screen against compounds which block human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channels. Similarly an increased awareness of the importance of ion channels in disease states such as epilepsy, ataxia, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes and cystic fibrosis has been revealed through studies of genetic mutations in humans and genetic ablation studies in animals. Furthermore, recent advances in the understanding of ion channel structure and how this relates to their function has provided significant new insights into where exactly on the ion channel protein novel therapeutic agents might be developed to target. In the particular area of pain research a number of different ion channel subtypes have been identified (including certain sodium, potassium and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels).

It seems likely that new therapies will arise that target ion channels. In the treatment of pain, for example, novel agents targeting TRPV1 channels are already showing considerable therapeutic promise.
Development of nanosomes using high-pressure homogenization for gene therapy
Authors: Kundu Anup K , Hazari Sidhartha , Chinta Dakshinamurthy Devanga , Pramar Yashoda V , Dash Srikanta , Mandal Tarun K
Published: August 2010

Objectives

The aim of this project was to develop a novel lipid-based formulation suitable for gene therapy.

Methods

Novel nanosize liposome (nanosome) formulations containing pDNA (plasmid DNA) were developed using high-pressure homogenization (HPH). The effect of lipid concentration was studied at two levels: 3 mm and 20 mm. The preformed nanosomes were incubated for 18–20 h with pDNA or pDNA/protamine sulfate (PS) complex. The physical properties of the pDNA nanosomes were compared by particle size distribution and zeta-potential measurements. Their biological properties were also compared by pDNA efficiency of encapsulation/complexation, integrity, nuclease digestion, transfection efficiency and cell cytotoxicity.

Key findings

pDNA nanosomes prepared with 20 mm lipid (nanosomes : pDNA : PS at a ratio of 8.6 : 1 : 2) had particle sizes of 170–422 nm (90% confidence). The zeta-potential of the formulation was 49.2 ± 1.5 mV, and the pDNA encapsulation/complexation efficiency was ∼98%. pDNA nanosomes prepared with 3 mm lipid (nanosomes : pDNA : PS at a ratio of 2.09 : 1 : 2) had particle sizes of 140–263 nm (90% confidence). The zeta-potential of this formulation was 36.4 ± 1.2 mV, and the pDNA encapsulation/complexation efficiency was ∼100%. However, a comparison of the efficiency of transfection indicated that pDNA nanosomes prepared with low-concentration lipids (3 mm) showed significantly higher transfection efficiency compared with the pDNA nanosomes prepared with high-concentration lipids (20 mm), as well as those prepared with Fugene-6 (a commercially available transfection reagent). This particular formulation (pDNA nanosomes, 3 mm lipids) also showed significantly less cytotoxicity compared with the other pDNA nanosome formulations.

Conclusions

To conclude, these results indicate that condensing pDNA with PS followed by subsequent complexation with low-concentration nanosomes generated from HPH can produce a pDNA nanosome formulation that will boost transfection efficiency, while minimizing cytotoxicity. This new technology appears to be an efficient tool for future commercial or large-scale manufacture of DNA delivery systems for gene therapy.
Ancillary care duties: the demands of justice
Authors: Hooper Carwyn Rhys
Published: August 2010

Ancillary care is care that research participants need that is not essential to make the research safe or scientifically valid and is not needed to remedy injuries that eventuate as a result of the research project itself. Ancillary care duties have recently been defended on the grounds of beneficence, entrustment, utility and consent. Justice has also been mentioned as a possible basis of ancillary care duties, but little attention has been paid to this approach. In this paper, the author seeks to rectify this omission by arguing that ancillary care duties can be based on a principle of justice as rectification.
Finding the will to recover: philosophical perspectives on agency and the sick role
Authors: Pearce Steve , Pickard Hanna
Published: August 2010

Recovery from a range of common medical conditions requires patients to have the will to change their behaviour. The authors argue that the proper recognition of the role of willpower in recovery is necessary for effective treatment.
Complex calculations: ethical issues in involving at-risk healthy individuals in dementia research
Authors: Pierce Robin
Published: August 2010

In dementia research evidence is mounting that therapeutic strategies that target moderate and even mild Alzheimer's disease may be missing the ‘therapeutic window’. Given that the neuropathology that leads to Alzheimer's disease probably begins somewhere between 10 and 15 years before symptoms manifest, many believe that the optimal therapeutic strategy would target persons in the earliest phases of disease development or even earlier. This would include, for example, persons with prodromal Alzheimer's and even persons who are deemed at risk. Given the nature of research involving the central nervous system, it is conceivable that some therapeutic investigations may involve an increase over minimal risk. This paper examines how, in dementia research, at-risk persons, although healthy, bring multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities to the prospect of research participation even though they are clinically healthy. Current guidelines for research ethics may not provide adequately for the nuances of ‘healthy individuals’ and their possible vulnerabilities. In the context of neurodegenerative disease, the fact of being ‘at risk’ alters the vulnerability profile in significant ways. While healthy persons who are at risk of developing dementia may not appear to warrant placement in the research category of vulnerable participants (alongside prisoners, pregnant women and children) careful regard for the vulnerabilities that arise as a result of the intersecting circumstances of being healthy and at risk of an incurable disease are worthy of increased attention and consideration, particularly as the research effort for the increasingly prevalent disease of Alzheimer's moves forward.
Indoor smoking bans in Bulgaria, Croatia, Northern Cyprus, Romania and Turkey
Authors: Muilenburg J L , Legge J S , Burdell A
Published: August 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes towards attempts to limit second-hand smoke (SHS) in five Eastern European nations.

Methods

The data consist of a Eurobarometer (64.3) survey distributed from November to December 2005. Logistic regression was employed to investigate support levels for indoor smoking bans across the five political units.

Results

Across nations, there is more support for smoking bans in offices and indoor work spaces and indoor public space as opposed to restaurants and bars and pubs. Personal smoking behaviours are linked strongly with the smoking bans. Most importantly, it is specific knowledge about the health dangers of smoking which fosters support for indoor smoking bans.

Conclusion

Policy implications suggest that government and the media must disseminate accurate information about the harm of smoking to broader segments of the population to gain support for policies that affect the dangers of SHS in these nations.
Area deprivation, individual socioeconomic position and smoking among women in South Korea
Authors: Park Eun-Ja , Kim Ho , Kawachi Ichiro , Kim Il-Ho , Cho Sung-Il
Published: August 2010

Background

The objective of this study was to examine how area deprivation and individual socioeconomic position affect smoking among women using national survey data.

Methods

Smoking and individual sociodemographic characteristics were gathered from the Third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005. The Carstairs index was derived for each area using the 2005 census data. The data were analysed using multilevel logistic regression models.

Results

After adjusting for age and marital status, low education and manual jobs were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of smoking. In addition, the effect of manual jobs on smoking was modified by area deprivation. When individual occupation and area deprivation were examined together, results indicated that women with manual occupation had much greater odds of smoking when they lived in the least-deprived areas (OR, 4.03; CI, 2.00 to 8.14) than did women with manual job who lived in the middle- or most-deprived areas (OR, 2.19; CI, 1.15 to 4.16), compared to the reference group (housewives in the middle- or most-deprived areas).

Conclusion

The results of the present study show that among Korean women, manual work is associated with smoking, and the association is strongest among those living in the least-deprived areas. This interaction between manual work and area deprivation resulted in a higher smoking prevalence among women in affluent urban areas.
COVARIANT STAR PRODUCT ON SYMPLECTIC AND POISSON SPACE–TIME MANIFOLDS
Authors: CHAICHIAN M. , OKSANEN M. , TUREANU A. , ZET G.
Published: August 2010

A covariant Poisson bracket and an associated covariant star product in the sense of deformation quantization are defined on the algebra of tensor-valued differential forms on a symplectic manifold, as a generalization of similar structures that were recently defined on the algebra of (scalar-valued) differential forms. A covariant star product of arbitrary smooth tensor fields is obtained as a special case. Finally, we study covariant star products on a more general Poisson manifold with a linear connection, first for smooth functions and then for smooth tensor fields of any type. Some observations on possible applications of the covariant star products to gravity and gauge theory are made.
Combining fragmentation and encryption to protect privacy in data storage
Authors: Ciriani Valentina , Vimercati Sabrina De Capitani Di , Foresti Sara , Jajodia Sushil , Paraboschi Stefano , Samarati Pierangela
Published: August 2010

The impact of privacy requirements in the development of modern applications is increasing very quickly. Many commercial and legal regulations are driving the need to develop reliable solutions for protecting sensitive information whenever it is stored, processed, or communicated to external parties. To this purpose, encryption techniques are currently used in many scenarios where data protection is required since they provide a layer of protection against the disclosure of personal information, which safeguards companies from the costs that may arise from exposing their data to privacy breaches. However, dealing with encrypted data may make query processing more expensive.

In this article, we address these issues by proposing a solution to enforce the privacy of data collections that combines data fragmentation with encryption. We model privacy requirements as confidentiality constraints expressing the sensitivity of attributes and their associations. We then use encryption as an underlying (conveniently available) measure for making data unintelligible while exploiting fragmentation as a way to break sensitive associations among attributes. We formalize the problem of minimizing the impact of fragmentation in terms of number of fragments and their affinity and present two heuristic algorithms for solving such problems. We also discuss experimental results, comparing the solutions returned by our heuristics with respect to optimal solutions, which show that the heuristics, while guaranteeing a polynomial-time computation cost are able to retrieve solutions close to optimum.
Continuous online index tuning in moving object databases
Authors: Chen Su , Nascimento Mario A. , Ooi Beng Chin , Tan Kian-Lee
Published: August 2010

In a
Moving Object Database
(MOD), the dataset, for example, the location of objects and their distribution, and the workload change frequently. Traditional static indexes are not able to cope well with such changes, that is, their effectiveness and efficiency are seriously affected. This calls for the development of novel indexes that can be reconfigured automatically based on the state of the system. In this article, we design and present the ST
2
B-tree, a
S
elf-
T
unable
S
patio-
T
emporal
B
+
-tree index for MODs. In ST
2
B-tree, the data space is partitioned into regions of different density with respect to a set of reference points. Based on the density, objects in a region are managed using a grid of appropriate granularity; intuitively, a dense region employs a grid with fine granularity, while a sparse region uses a grid with coarse granularity. In this way, the ST
2
B-tree adapts itself to workload diversity in space. To enable online tuning, the ST
2
B-tree employs a “multitree” indexing technique. The underlying B
+
-tree is logically divided into two subtrees. Objects are dispatched to either subtree depending on their last update time. The two subtrees are rebuilt periodically and alternately. Whenever a subtree is rebuilt, it is tuned to optimize performance by picking an appropriate setting (e.g., the set of reference points and grid granularity) based on the most recent data and workload. To cut down the overhead of rebuilding, we propose an eager update technique to construct the subtree. Finally, we present a tuning framework for the ST
2
B-tree, where the tuning is conducted online and automatically without human intervention, and without interfering with the regular functions of the MOD. We have implemented the tuning framework and the ST
2
B-tree, and conducted extensive performance evaluations. The results show that the self-tuning mechanism minimizes the degradation of performance caused by workload changes without any noticeable overhead.
On human remains
Authors: Kirk David S. , Sellen Abigail
Published: August 2010

Creating digital archives of personal and family artifacts is an area of growing interest, but which seemingly is often not supported by a thorough understanding of current home archiving practice. In this article we seek to excavate the home archive, exploring those things that people choose to keep rather than simply accumulate. Based on extensive field research in family homes we present an investigation of the kinds of sentimental objects, both physical and digital, to be found in homes, and through in-depth interviews with family members we explore the values behind archiving practices, explaining why and how sentimental artefacts are kept. In doing this we wish to highlight the polysemous nature of things and to argue that archiving practice in the home is not solely concerned with the invocation of memory. In support of this we show how sentimental artifacts are also used to connect with others, to define the self and the family, to fulfill obligations and, quite conversely to efforts of remembering, to safely forget. Such values are fundamental to family life where archiving takes place and consequently we explore how home archiving is achieved as a familial practice in the negotiated spaces of the home. From this grounded understanding of existing practices and values, in context, we derive requirements and implications for the design of future forms of domestic archiving technology.
SAK
Authors: Mackenzie I. Scott , Felzer Torsten
Published: August 2010

The design and evaluation of a scanning ambiguous keyboard (SAK) is presented. SAK combines the most demanding requirement of a scanning keyboard—input using one key or switch—with the most appealing feature of an ambiguous keyboard—one key press per letter. The optimal design requires just 1.713 scan steps per character for English text entry. In a provisional evaluation, 12 able-bodied participants each entered 5 blocks of text with the scanning interval decreasing from 1100 ms initially to 700 ms at the end. The average text entry rate in the 5
th
block was 5.11 wpm with 99% accuracy. One participant performed an additional five blocks of trials and reached an average speed of 9.28 wpm on the 10
th
block. Afterwards, the usefulness of the approach for persons with severe physical disabilities was shown in a case study with a software implementation of the idea explicitly adapted for that target community.
Abstract only
Authors: Saunders David
Published: August 2010

Most of the methods of linear algebra, even the iterative ones, are exact in principle but are applied approximately. Over the past half century numerical analysis has made great strides in the understanding of approximation in matrix computation. But also, roughly over the past three decades, a solid algorithmic basis for exact sparse and dense matrix computation has emerged. We argue that the computer algebra community has the interests, techniques, motivations, and applications to develop high performance computational capabilities for exact linear algebra It is a tale of two equivalence relations, similarity and matrix equivalence. These were characterized in the 19th century via the Jordan canonical form and Smith normal form respectively. Associated with these are the computational concerns of numerical linear algebra, eigenvalues and linear system solving respectively. But applications of exact linear algebra tend to need some or all of the invariants themselves associated with these equivalences. From rank to characteristic polynomial, computation of these invariants resists pure numerical solution and provides an important role for computer algebra.

We discuss the state of the art and current issues in algorithms and software system design for exact linear algebra over the integers, the rational numbers, and over finite fields. We show some of the applications in which large scale exact linear algebra has been used.
Abstract only
Authors: Bard Gregory V.
Published: August 2010

This paper presents a heuristic for solving polynomial systems of equations on finite fields larger than GF(2), via stochastic local search (SLS). It was inspired by the SLS-based SAT-solvers G-SAT,Walk-SAT and Tabu-SAT. Called DEMOCRACY, the equations vote on which values for a given variable will satisfy as many as possible of them. Variables, one at a time, are thusly changed from an initial random setting, until all equations are satisfied.
Abstract only
Authors: Giesbrecht Mark , Roche Daniel S. , Tilak Hrushikesh
Published: August 2010

We investigate the problem of computing the sparsest multiple of a given univariate polynomial. Over the rational numbers we exhibit algorithms for when the target sparsity is two (i.e., the existence of a binomial multiple), as well as some cases when the target multiple has greater (constant) sparsity. Over finite fields, we tie the cost of finding a binomial multiple (of low degree) to order-finding in the multiplicative group of a finite field, as well as presenting similar, but more limited results for general sparsit.
Abstract only
Authors: Cha Yongjae , van Hoeij Mark , Levy Giles
Published: August 2010

We will present an implementation of several algorithms for solving second order linear recurrence relations. The algorithms are described in two papers accepted at ISSAC 2010. Our implementation can find Liouvillian solutions, as well as solutions written in terms of values of special functions such as the 2F1 hypergeometric function, Bessel, Whittaker, Legendre, Laguerre, etc.

We have done an automated search in Sloane's online encyclopedia of integer sequences, to find sequences that satisfy a second order recurrence. Our implementation solves a large majority of such recurrence relations. The papers and implementation are available at http://www.math.fsu.edu/~glevy/implementation.
transalpyne
Authors: De Feo Luca , Schost Eric
Published: August 2010

We present here transalpyne, a scripting language, to be executed on top of a computer algebra system, that is specifically conceived for automatic transposition of linear functions. Its type system is able to automatically infer all the possible linear functions realized by a computer program. The key feature of transalpyne is its ability to transform a computer program computing a linear function in another computer program computing the transposed linear function. The time and space complexity of the resulting program are similar to the original ones.
A Rare Case of Soft-Tissue Infection Caused byRaoultella planticola
Authors: O' Connell Karina , Kelly Jack , NiRiain Una
Published: August 2010

Raoultellaspecies are Gram-negative, non-motile bacilli primarily considered to be environmental bacteria.Raoultella planticolais a rare cause of human infections. We report a case of serious soft-tissue infection in a young male tiler who presented with cellulitis of his left thumb. He had sustained a crush injury to his left thumb 10 days earlier in a soiled environment. He noted a minor break in the skin and he washed the wound out with running water. One week later, he experienced pain, erythema, and swelling of his thumb and attended his general practitioner who prescribed oral flucloxacillin and penicillin V. Despite this treatment, he noticed progressive erythema and swelling of his thumb requiring hospital admission 3 days later. He underwent washout and debridement of his thumb. Tissue obtained intraoperatively culturedRaoultella planticola. He was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics including ciprofloxacin and made a full and rapid recovery.
On Discrete‐Time Multiallelic Evolutionary Dynamics Driven by Selection
Authors: Huillet Thierry E.
Published: August 2010

We revisit some problems arising in the context of multiallelic discrete‐time evolutionary dynamics driven by fitness. We consider both the deterministic and the stochastic setups and for the latter both the Wright‐Fisher and the Moran approaches. In the deterministic formulation, we construct a Markov process whose Master equation identifies with the nonlinear
deterministic evolutionary equation. Then, we draw the attention on a class of fitness matrices that plays some role in the important matter of polymorphism: the class of strictly ultrametric fitness matrices. In the random cases, we focus on fixation probabilities, on various conditionings on nonfixation, and on (quasi)stationary distributions.
Polymeric-Calcium Phosphate Cement Composites-Material Properties:In VitroandIn VivoInvestigations
Authors: Khashaba Rania M. , Moussa Mervet M. , Mettenburg Donald J. , Rueggeberg Frederick A. , Chutkan Norman B. , Borke James L.
Published: August 2010

New polymeric calcium phosphate cement composites (CPCs) were developed. Cement powder consisting of 60 wt% tetracalcium phosphate, 30 wt% dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, and 10 wt% tricalcium phosphate was combined with either 35% w/w poly methyl vinyl ether maleic acid or polyacrylic acid to obtain CPC-1 and CPC-2. The setting time and compressive and diametral tensile strength of the CPCs were evaluated and compared with that of a commercial hydroxyapatite cement.In vitrocytotoxicity andin vivobiocompatibility of the two CPCs and hydroxyapatite cement were assessed. The setting time of the cements was 5–15 min. CPC-1 and CPC-2 showed significantly higher compressive and diametral strength values compared to hydroxyapatite cement. CPC-1 and CPC-2 were equivalent to Teflon controls after 1 week. CPC-1, CPC-2, and hydroxyapatite cement elicited a moderate to intense inflammatory reaction at 7 days which decreased over time. CPC-1 and CPC-2 show promise for orthopedic applications.
Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingoovariectomy in a Transsexual Subject without Visible Scaring
Authors: Perrone Anna Myriam , Scifo Maria Cristina , Martelli Valentina , Casadio Paolo , Morselli Paolo Giovanni , Pelusi Giuseppe , Meriggiola Maria Cristina
Published: August 2010

Objective. To report on the use of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for the management of total hysterectomy (TH) with bilateral salpingoovariectomy (BSO) in a subject affected by gender identity disorder.
Design. Case report. Setting. University Hospital. Patient(s). A 27-year-old affected by Gender Identity Disorder underwent a hysterectomy and BSO as part of surgical sex reassignment. Intervention(s). Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery access for TH and BSO. Main Outcome Measure(s). The procedure was performed without incident. The trocar placement was easy and safe, without inadvertent port removal. No vascular or visceral injuries, loss of pneumoperitoneum, or intraoperative port site bleeding occurred. Result(s). A detailed description of the technique of a single-site surgery for management of hysterectomy and BSO. Conclusion. Our case presents the first report of single-site surgery for surgical treatment of subjects
affected by GID.
Asteroids: Assessing Catastrophic Risks
Authors: Chichilnisky Graciela , Eisenberger Peter
Published: August 2010

We evaluate two risk profiles: (i) global warming risks and (ii) collisions with asteroids that can cause the extinction of our species. The
expected values computed for these two risks suggest that no action will be taken to avoid extinction. The result is somewhat counterintuitive, but it is typical of the results of using classic decision theory to evaluate catastrophic risks in the distant future, see the study by Posner (2004). We establish why expected value is insensitive to catastrophic risks see the study by Chichilnisky (1996), and use another criterion to evaluate risk based on axioms for choice under uncertainty that update the classic Von Neumann theory and require equal treatment for rare and frequent events. Optimizing according to the new criterion is shown to be equivalent to optimizing expected utility with a restriction on the worst outcome in the case of a catastrophe. The evaluation obtained from the new criterion seems more intuitively plausible, and suggests a more practical and realistic approach to catastrophic risks: optimizing expected value
while minimizing losses in the case of a catastrophe.
Elevated C-Reactive Protein and Hypoalbuminemia Measured before Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases Predict Postoperative Survival
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Teruya Masanori , Kishiki Tomokazu , Endo Daisuke , Takenaka Yoshiharu , Miki Kenji , Kobayashi Kaoru , Morita Koji
Published: August 2010

Background: Few studies have investigated whether the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), an inflammation-based prognostic score measured before resection of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), can predict postoperative survival. Patients and Methods: Sixty-three consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for CRLM were investigated. GPS was calculated on the basis of admission data as follows: patients with both an elevated C-reactive protein (>10 mg/l) and hypoalbuminemia (<35 g/l) were allocated a GPS score of 2. Patients in whom only one of these biochemical abnormalities was present were allocated a GPS score of 1, and patients with a normal C-reactive protein and albumin were allocated a score of 0. Results: Significant factors concerning survival were the number of liver metastases (p = 0.0044), carcinoembryonic antigen level (p = 0.0191), GPS (p = 0.0029), grade of liver metastasis (p = 0.0033), and the number of lymph node metastases around the primary cancer (p = 0.0087). Multivariate analysis showed the two independent prognostic variables: liver metastases ≧3 (relative risk 2.83) and GPS1/2 (relative risk 3.07). Conclusions: GPS measured before operation and the number of liver metastases may be used as novel predictors of postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent curative resection for CRLM.
Laparoscopy-Assisted D2 Radical Distal Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Huang Jiang Long , Wei Hong Bo , Zheng Zong Heng , Wei Bo , Chen Tu Feng , Huang Yong , Guo Wei Ping , Hu Baoguang
Published: August 2010

Background/Aim: Laparoscopy-assisted surgery has proved useful in the treatment of early gastric cancer, but its use in advanced cancer has rarely been studied. To investigate the efficacy and advantages of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with D2 dissection of lymph nodes versus conventional open D2 distal gastrectomy (ODG) in advanced gastric cancer. Methods: From January 2007 to June 2008, the clinical data of 66 cases of LADG for advanced gastric cancer were compared with that of 69 patients who, during the same period, underwent a conventional open radical distal gastrectomy. Results: No patient in the LADG group converted to conventional operation with laparotomy. Operative time was significantly longer for the LADG group than for the ODG group (266.05 ± 55.05 vs. 223.78 ± 26.79 min). No significant differences were found in the total number of retrieved lymph nodes (25.81 ± 12.53 vs. 27.47 ± 10.28) between the two groups. Patients in the LADG group had less blood loss, shorter time of analgesic use, earlier recovery of bowel activity, and shorter postoperative hospitalization time. Complication rates were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions: LADG with D2 lymph node dissection is a safe and feasible procedure with adequate lymphadenectomy for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. A large-scale prospective randomized trial with a longer follow-up period is needed to definitively assess whether LADG is a better alternative than ODG with D2 lymph node dissection.
Information Disclosure and Environmental Rights: The Aarhus Convention
Authors: Mason Michael
Published: August 2010

Access to information is the first “pillar” of the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (1998). This article examines how the information disclosure obligations on states within the Aarhus Convention express a particular blend of human environmental rights, conjoining procedural entitlements (and duties) with a substantive right to an environment adequate to human health and well-being. “Aarhus environmental rights” have been lauded for increasing citizen access to environmental information, helping to secure more transparent and accountable regulatory processes. However, the information rights are rendered inconsistent in practice by three properties: 1) the discretion accorded to Convention Parties in interpreting Aarhus rights; 2) the exclusion of private entities from mandatory information disclosure duties; and 3) the indeterminate coupling of procedural and substantive rights. These tensions reflect a structural imbalance in the articulation of Aarhus rights between social welfare and market liberal perspectives.
Disclosure as Governance: The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and Resource Management in the Developing World
Authors: Haufler Virginia
Published: August 2010

The global promotion of transparency for the extractive sector—oil, gas and mining—has become increasingly accepted as an appropriate solution to weaknesses in governance in resource-rich developing nations. Proponents argue that if extractive firms disclose publicly their payments to governments, citizens will be able to hold governments accountable. This will improve the management of natural resources, reduce corruption, and mitigate conflict. These beliefs are embodied in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), initially a unilateral effort launched by Tony Blair that has evolved into a global program. Why has transparency become the solution of choice for managing natural resource wealth, and how has the EITI evolved? This article argues that intersecting transnational networks with complementary global norms facilitated construction of transparency as a solution for management of resource revenues. This in turn promoted the gradual expansion of the institutional architecture, membership, and scope of the EITI despite significant political barriers.
Investigation of the Turbulent Structure of a Cloud-Capped Mixed Layer Using Doppler Radar
Authors: Pinsky M. , Krasnov O. , Russchenberg H. W. J. , Khain A.
Published: August 2010

A new method for retrieving air velocity fluctuations in the cloud-capped boundary layer (BL) using radar reflectivity and the Doppler velocity fields is proposed. The method was developed on the basis of data obtained by the Transportable Atmospheric Radar (TARA) located in Cabauw, Netherlands, at 0500–0812 UTC 8 May 2004, and tested using a detailed trajectory ensemble model of the cloud-capped BL. During the observations, the BL depth was 1200 m, and the cloud base (measured by a lidar) was at 500–550 m. No preliminary assumptions concerning the shapes of drop size distributions were made. On the basis of the TARA radar data, vertical profiles of the vertical air velocity standard deviation, of turbulent dissipation rate, etc. were estimated. The correlation functions indicate the existence of large eddies in the BL with a characteristic horizontal scale of about 600 m. Analysis of the slope (the scaling parameter) of the structure functions indicates that turbulence above 400 m can be considered to be isotropic. Below this level, the turbulence becomes anisotropic. The rate of anisotropy increases with the decrease of the height above the surface. The averaged values of the dissipation rate were evaluated as 1–2 cm2 s−3. The importance of using the cloud-capped BL model as a link between different types of observed data (radar, lidar, aircraft, etc.) is discussed. More data should be analyzed to understand the changes in the turbulent structure of the BL during its growth, as well as during cloud and drizzle formation.