bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test of rock physics models for prediction of seismic velocities in shallow unconsolidated sands: a well log data case‡
Authors: Andersen Charlotte Faust , Johansen Tor Arne
Published: March 2010

This paper tests the ability of various rock physics models to predict seismic velocities in shallow unconsolidated sands by comparing the estimates to P and S sonic logs collected in a shallow sand layer and ultrasonic laboratory data of an unconsolidated sand sample. The model fits are also evaluated with respect to the conventional model for unconsolidated sand. Our main approach is to use Hertz‐Mindlin and Walton contact theories, assuming different weight fractions of smooth and rough contact behaviours, to predict the elastic properties of the high porosity point.

Using either the Hertz‐Mindlin or Walton theories with rough contact behaviour to define the high porosity endpoint gives an over‐prediction of the velocities. The P‐velocity is overpredicted by a factor of ∼1.5 and the S‐velocity by a factor of ∼1.8 for highly porous gas‐sand. The degree of misprediction decreases with increasing water saturation and porosity.Using the Hertz‐Mindlin theory with smooth contact behaviour or weighted Walton models gives a better fit to the data, although the data are best described using the Walton smooth model. To predict the properties at the lower porosities, the choice of bounding model attached to the Walton Smooth model controls the degree of fit to the data, where the Reuss bound best captures the porosity variations of dry and wet sands in this case since they are caused by depositional differences.

The empirical models based on lab experiments on unconsolidated sand also fit the velocity data measured by sonic logs in situ, which gives improved confidence in using lab‐derived results.
Fast and accurate three‐dimensional controlled source electromagnetic modelling†
Authors: Tehrani Ali Moradi , Slob Evert
Published: March 2010

We present a fast approximate method for three‐dimensional low frequency controlled source electro‐magnetic modeling. We apply the method to a synthetic model in a typical marine controlled source electromagnetic scenario, where conductivity and permittivity are different from the known background medium. For 3D configurations, fast computational methods are relevant for both forward and inverse modelling studies. Since this problem involves a large number of unknowns, it has to be solved efficiently to obtain results in a timely manner, without compromising accuracy. For this reason, the Born approximation, extended Born approximation and iterative extended Born approximation are implemented and compared with the full solution of the conjugate gradient fast Fourier transformation method. These methods are based on an electric field domain integral equation formulation. It is shown here how well the iterative extended Born approximation method performs in terms of both accuracy and speed with different configurations and different source positions. The improved accuracy comes at virtually no additional computational cost. With the help of this method, it is now possible to perform sensitivity analysis using 3D modelling in a timely manner, which is vital for controlled source electromagnetic applications. For forward modeling the solution at the sea‐bottom is of interest, because that is where the receivers are usually located. For inverse modeling, the accuracy of the solution in the target zone is important to obtain reasonably accurate conductivity values from the inversion using this approximate solution method. Our modelling studies show that the iterative extended Born approximation method is fast and accurate for both forward and inverse modelling. Sensitivity analysis as a function of the source position and different reservoir sizes validate the accuracy of the iterative extended Born approximation.
Retrieving lateral variations from surface wave dispersion curves‡
Authors: Boiero Daniele , Socco Laura Valentina
Published: March 2010

Surface wave analysis is usually applied as a 1D tool to estimate VS profiles. Here we evaluate the potential of surface wave analysis for the case of lateral variations. Lateral variations can be characterized by exploiting the data redundancy of the ground roll contained in multifold seismic data. First, an automatic processing procedure is applied that allows stacking dispersion curves obtained from different records and which retrieves experimental uncertainties. This is carried out by sliding a window along a seismic line to obtain an ensemble of dispersion curves associated to a series of spatial coordinates. Then, a laterally constrained inversion algorithm is adopted to handle 2D effects, although a 1D model has been assumed for the forward problem solution. We have conducted different tests on three synthetic data sets to evaluate the effects of the processing parameters and of the constraints on the inversion results. The same procedure, applied to the synthetic data, was then tested on a field case. Both the synthetic and field data show that the proposed approach allows smooth lateral variations to be properly retrieved and that the introduction of lateral constraints improves the final result compared to individual inversions.
Clonality of nodular lesions in liver cirrhosis and chromosomal abnormalities in monoclonal nodules of altered hepatocytes
Authors: Gong Li , Li Yan‐Hong , Su Qin , Chu Xia , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2010

Gong L, Li Y‐H, Su Q, Chu X & Zhang W  (2010) Histopathology56, 589–599

Clonality of nodular lesions in liver cirrhosis and chromosomal abnormalities in monoclonal nodules of altered hepatocytes

Aims:  To investigate the clonality and chromosome abnormalities of nodules of altered hepatocytes (NAH) in liver cirrhosis and determine whether there is a genetic link between monoclonal NAH and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods and results:  First, 93 nodules from nine hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related liver cirrhosis patients were dissected by laser microdissection. Next, genomic DNA was extracted, pretreated with Hpa II or Hha I, and amplified via nested polymerase chain reaction for the phosphoglycerate kinase and androgen receptor genes. Finally, the chromosomal aberrations of 12 monoclonal NAH were studied using array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH). Loss of X chromosomal inactivation mosaicism was demonstrated in three large regenerative nodules and 12 NAH with small cell change (SCC), indicating their neoplastic nature. Among the 60 NAH without SCC, 29 (48.33%) were shown to be monoclonal, whereas four glycogen‐storing foci and 14 regenerative nodules were found to be polyclonal. Array‐CGH analysis revealed chromosomal abnormalities in one NAH with SCC. Moreover, a part of chromosomal abnormalities in the NAH with SCC coincided with those in HCC.

Conclusions:  Some (48.33%) NAH in HBV‐associated cirrhosis, particularly all those with SCC, are already neoplastic lesions. Occurrence of SCC is a late event during NAH progression, suggesting a premalignant phenotype.
The expression of Bcl‐2 by proliferating cells varies in different categories of B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Masir Noraidah , Jones Margaret , Lee Abigail M , Goff Lindsey K , Clear Andrew J , Lister Andrew , Marafioti Teresa , Mason David Y
Published: March 2010

Masir N, Jones M, Lee A M, Goff L K, Clear A J, Lister A, Marafioti T & Mason D Y (2010) Histopathology56, 617–626

The expression of Bcl‐2 by proliferating cells varies in different categories of B‐cell lymphoma

Aims:  To investigate the relationship between Bcl‐2 protein expression and cell proliferation at single‐cell level in B‐cell lymphomas using double‐labelling techniques.

Methods and results:  The relationship between Bcl‐2 protein expression and cell proliferation was explored in 124 cases of B‐cell lymphoma using double immunofluorescence labelling for Bcl‐2 and Ki67. In follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma and a subset of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), neoplastic cells tended to lose Bcl‐2 when they are in cell cycle. This pattern is usually maintained in both follicular lymphoma and CLL/SLL when they undergo high‐grade transformation. In mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and a subset of CLL/SLL, the inverse relationship (between Bcl‐2 and Ki67) was not observed, i.e. the proliferating cells tended to show co‐expression of Bcl‐2.

Conclusions:  In low‐grade lymphomas, including those that are transformed, Bcl‐2 expression is lost when cell proliferate. However, in more aggressive tumours (i.e. mantle cell and de novo diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas) the inverse Bcl‐2/Ki67 relationship was not observed. It would be of interest to explore the clinical implications in lymphoma of the presence and absence of the inverse Bcl‐2/Ki67 pattern.
Atypical sclerosing adenosis of the prostate: a rare mimic of adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cheng Liang , Bostwick David G
Published: March 2010

Cheng L & Bostwick D G (2010) Histopathology56, 627–631

Atypical sclerosing adenosis of the prostate: a rare mimic of adenocarcinoma

Aims:  Sclerosing adenosis of the prostate is a benign, small, acinar proliferation in dense spindle cell stroma, with a distinct immunohistochemical profiles. It is incidentally found in about 2% of transurethral resection specimens. The aim was to describe cases with significant cytological atypia mimicking cancer, which have not been previously reported.

Methods and results:  We describe five cases of sclerosing adenosis with significant cytological atypia, referred to as atypical sclerosing adenosis (ASA), which were initially considered suspicious or diagnostic of adenocarcinoma. Seven other cases of typical sclerosing adenosis were used as controls. All cases of typical and atypical sclerosing adenosis displayed an intact basal cell layer, which was immunoreactive for high‐molecular‐weight keratin, S100 protein, smooth muscle actin, and prostate‐specific antigen, with no differences between ASA and the control group. Alpha‐methylacyl‐coenzyme A racemase was negative. Three of four cases of ASA had aneuploid DNA content by digital image analysis. All cases of typical sclerosing adenosis were diploid. During a mean follow‐up of 33 months (range 5–73 months), none developed recurrence or prostatic cancer.

Conclusions:  ASA is an unusual small, acinar proliferation of the prostate that may be mistaken for adenocarcinoma, and should be distinguished from other mimics, including atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, mesonephric remnant hyperplasia, and post‐atrophic hyperplasia. ASA is a benign lesion and aggressive treatment is unwarranted.
Expression of the extracellular matrix protein periostin in liver tumours and bile duct carcinomas
Authors: Riener Marc‐Oliver , Fritzsche Florian R , Soll Christopher , Pestalozzi Bernhard C , Probst‐Hensch Nicole , Clavien Pierre‐Alain , Jochum Wolfram , Soltermann Alex , Moch Holger , Kristiansen Glen
Published: March 2010

Riener M‐O, Fritzsche F R, Soll C, Pestalozzi B C, Probst‐Hensch N, Clavien P‐Alain, Jochum W, Soltermann A, Moch H & Kristiansen G (2010) Histopathology56, 600–606

Expression of the extracellular matrix protein periostin in liver tumours and bile duct carcinomas

Aims:  To study the relevance of periostin, known to be involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), in hepatocellular and bile duct cancer.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical periostin expression was semiquantitatively analysed in normal liver tissue (n = 20), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 91), liver‐cell adenoma (n = 9), focal nodular hyperplasia (n = 13) and bile duct carcinomas (BDC; n = 116) using tissue microarrays. Normal bile ducts, gallbladder epithelium and hepatocytes showed weak cytoplasmic periostin expression. In HCC, there was strong epithelial periostin expression in 19/91 (20.9%) and strong stromal periostin expression in 10/91 cases (11%). Epithelial expression in tumour cells was significantly associated with a higher tumour grade (P < 0.05) and hepatitis B virus infection (P = 0.007). Importantly, there was no strong periostin expression in benign liver tumours. Strong stromal periostin expression was detected in 78/116 (67.2%) BDC and strong epithelial expression in 39/116 (33.6%) BDC. pT stage, differentiation grade and proliferation rate in primary BDC were independent of periostin expression. Epithelial periostin expression was associated with reduced overall survival on univariate and multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:  The EMT protein periostin is expressed in the stroma and epithelium of a subset of BDC and HCC. Epithelial periostin expression is a marker for malignant transformation of hepatocytes and a novel prognostic marker in BDC.
Colonization of the Philippines from Taiwan: a multi‐locus test of the biogeographic and phylogenetic relationships of isolated populations of shrews
Authors: Esselstyn Jacob A. , Oliveros Carl H.
Published: March 2010

Aim  Colonization of the Philippines from Taiwan or neighbouring areas of the Asian mainland has been proposed as an important source of diversity for some plant and animal groups in the northern Philippines. Previous inferences, however, were based on taxonomic groupings, which sometimes fail to reflect phylogenetic history. Here, we test for colonization of the Philippines from the north in a group of shrews (Soricomorpha: Crocidura) using explicit inferences of evolutionary history.

Location  Southeast Asia.

Methods  We estimate the phylogenetic relationships of populations of shrews from Batan and Sabtang islands in the northern Philippines using DNA sequences from two mitochondrial genes and three nuclear loci. We employ topology tests to evaluate the possible relationships of these shrews to species from throughout Southeast Asia.

Results  We find conclusive evidence that shrews from Batan and Sabtang are closely related to Crocidura tanakae from Taiwan and additional specimens from the Asian mainland. Bayesian and frequentist topology tests using alignments of individual loci strongly reject any notion that shrews from Batan and Sabtang are part of the main Philippine radiation of Crocidura, indicating that the northernmost Philippine islands were almost certainly colonized by shrews from Taiwan or mainland Asia.

Main conclusions  Our results provide the first compelling evidence for colonization of the Philippine archipelago by a terrestrial vertebrate via a northern route. Invasion of the northern Philippines by shrews, however, did not lead to further range expansion to more southerly parts of the Philippines. This study, combined with previous results, documents that Crocidura colonized the Philippines at least three times. However, only one of these invasions led to in situ speciation and ubiquity across the archipelago. Our findings are part of a growing body of literature suggesting that oceanic archipelagos are often colonized multiple times by groups of closely related species, and occasionally from multiple sources.
Should it be legal to assist suicide?
Authors: Lesser Harry
Published: March 2010

This paper argues that because it is a matter of dispute whether to assist suicide is ever morally right, the question whether assisted suicide should be legal should be decided independently of the moral issue and with reference to whether to assist suicide is genuinely to carry out the wishes of the person requesting it. It is then argued that it is possible to devise a set of criteria, based on those used in the Netherlands with regard to euthanasia, which would allow assisted suicide when the request is reasonable and genuine, but keep it illegal under other circumstances. It is further argued that there is no evidence that legalizing assisted suicide will lead us down the slippery slope to involuntary euthanasia. Finally, the question is raised to whether these assisted suicides should be legalized or, as at the moment in the UK, simply not prosecuted, but, as is about to happen, with the criteria for non‐prosecution made explicit. It is suggested that, although it is in some ways both irrational and unjust, non‐prosecution is politically easier to achieve and also more cautious as a first move.
Evidence: philosophy of science meets medicine
Authors: Worrall John
Published: March 2010

Obviously medicine should be evidence‐based. The issues lie in the details: what exactly counts as evidence? Do certain kinds of evidence carry more weight than others? (And if so why?) And how exactly should medicine be based on evidence? When it comes to these details, the evidence‐based medicine (EBM) movement has got itself into a mess – or so it will be argued. In order to start to resolve this mess, we need to go ‘back to basics’; and that means turning to the philosophy of science. The theory of evidence, or rather the logic of the interrelations between theory and evidence, has always been central to the philosophy of science – sometimes under the alias of the ‘theory of confirmation’. When taken together with a little philosophical commonsense, this logic can help us move towards a position on evidence in medicine that is more sophisticated and defensible than anything that EBM has been able so far to supply.
Prudent evidence‐fettered shared decision making
Authors: Bogdan‐Lovis Elizabeth (Libby) , Holmes‐Rovner Margaret
Published: March 2010

In its brief tenure evidence‐based medicine (EBM) has proven to be a powerful magnet for criticism, while at the same time it has demonstrated impressive resilience. Located within the ongoing critical discourse surrounding the strengths and weaknesses of an EBM approach is the persistent question of the proper place of the social sciences relative to other disciplinary perspectives. This article considers one way the social sciences might usefully illuminate EBM‐mediated human interactions to influence policy. We focus on the ethical nexus of the human impulse for unlimited consumption of health care resources in those situations where there exist competing clinical management options and suggest strategies for resource‐preserving shared decision making. We conclude that a frugal default option is a fruitful avenue for future exploration in such situations.
Evidence‐based medicine. The good the bad and the ugly. A clinician's perspective
Authors: Wilson Kumanan
Published: March 2010

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) has dramatically changed clinical practice but has had its share of both supporters and detractors. From a clinical perspective, EBM has improved critical thinking, empowered young clinicians/the public and allows for the generalizing research findings to large populations. However, one of the central problems with EBM is when it is used as a cookbook approach and independent thought is sacrificed in the process. Three examples of this include the inappropriate interpretation of significance testing, understanding the role of chance and examining subgroup effects. Perhaps the most scathing criticism of EBM is the susceptibility of clinical research to abuse and fraudulent practices. Therefore, as valuable as it has been to clinical practice, the practice EBM requires that it should be critiqued itself.
Applying a simulation model to the management of an infestation of Miconia calvescens in the wet tropics of Australia
Authors: HESTER S M , BROOKS S J , CACHO O J , PANETTA F D
Published: March 2010

Hester SM, Brooks SJ, Cacho OJ & Panetta FD (2010). Applying a simulation model to the management of an infestation of Miconia calvescens in the wet tropics of Australia. Weed Research50, 269–279.

A simulation model that combines biological, search and economic components is applied to the eradication of a Miconia calvescens infestation at El Arish in tropical Queensland, Australia. Information on the year M. calvescens was introduced to the site, the number of plants controlled and the timing of control, is used to show that currently there could be M. calvescens plants remaining undetected at the site, including some mature plants. Modelling results indicate that the eradication programme has had a significant impact on the population of M. calvescens, as shown by simulated results for uncontrolled and controlled populations. The model was also used to investigate the effect of changing search effort on the cost of and time to eradication. Control costs were found to be negligible over all levels of search effort tested. Importantly, results suggest eradication may be achieved within several decades, if resources are increased slightly from their current levels and if there is a long‐term commitment to funding the eradication programme.
Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IIδ orchestrates G‐protein‐coupled receptor and electric field stimulation‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qi Feng , Chen Dong‐Qin , Xiao Wen‐Yan , Wang Jing , Zhu Wei‐Zhong
Published: March 2010

1. G‐Protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) regulate cardiac function and pathological remodelling, including cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CaMK) IIδ expression and activity are altered in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of CaMKIIδ isoforms on neonatal rat cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by GPCR and EFS.

2. Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by angiotensin II, phenylephrine or EFS and was confirmed by increases in cell volume, [3H]‐leucine incorporation, sarcomere assembly and mRNA expression of atrial natriuretic factor and β‐myosin heavy chain. The effects of the CaMKII inhibitors KN93 and autocamtide 2‐related inhibitory peptide (AIP) on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy were investigated, as was the effect of overexpression of dominate negative CaMKIIδ.

3. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was inhibited by the CaMKII inhibitors KN93 and AIP and by overexpression of dominate negative CaMKIIδ, but was potentiated by overexpression of wild‐type CaMKIIδB or CaMKIIδC. Activation of CaMKII by GPCR agonists or EFS was inhibited by the CaMKII inhibitors.

4. The GPCR agonists and EFS synergistically activated CaMKII and upregulated CaMKIIδB and CaMKIIδC mRNA expression and protein synthesis. All these effects were abolished by the CaMKII inhibitors.

5. The findings of the present study indicate that CaMKII orchestrates additive prohypertrophic factors between GPCR agonists and EFS. Thus, CaMKII may be a useful target in the clinical treatment of hypertrophy and cardiac remodelling.
Effects of 3′,4′‐dihydroxyflavonol on vascular contractions of rat aortic rings
Authors: Song Min‐Ji , Baek Inji , Seo Minchul , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Suk Kyoungho , Woodman Owen L , Williams Spencer J , Kim In‐Kyeom
Published: March 2010

1. 3′,4′‐Dihydroxyflavonol (DiOHF) is an effective vasodilator with anti‐oxidant activity. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effects of DiOHF on vascular contractions.

2. Contractile and relaxation responses were determined in rat endothelium‐denuded aortic rings mounted in organ baths. In addition, the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20), myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) and protein kinase C (PKC)‐potentiated inhibitory protein for heterotrimeric myosin light chain phosphatase of 17 kDa (CPI‐17) was determined using western blot analaysis. Levels of GTP RhoA, as a marker of RhoA activation, were also measured.

3. Cumulative addition of increasing concentrations of NaF (3.0–12.0 mmol/L) or U46619 (1.0–1000 nmol/L) concentration‐dependently increased vascular tension. These responses were inhibited by pretreatment of aortic rings with DiOHF (10, 30 or 100 μmol/L), which dose‐dependently decreased vascular contractions induced by 8.0 mmol/L NaF, 30 nmol/L U46619, 0.1 μmol/L phenylephrine and 50 mmol/L KCl.

4. The K+ channel blockers 4‐aminopyridine (3 mmol/L), charybdotoxin (10 nmol/L), apamin (500 nmol/L) and glibenclamide (10 μmol/L) had no effect on vascular relaxation induced by DiOHF (1–30 μmol/L).

5. At 30 μmol/L, DiOHF decreased the activation of RhoA and subsequent phosphorylation of MYPT1, CPI‐17 and MLC20 to almost basal levels.

6. In conclusion, DiOHF decreases vascular contraction at least partly by inhibition of the RhoA/Rho‐kinase pathway in rat endothelium‐denuded aorta. These results suggest that DiOHF may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
A reciprocal peer review system to support college students' writing
Authors: Yang Yu‐Fen
Published: March 2010

As students' problem‐solving processes in writing are rarely observed in face‐to‐face instruction, they have few opportunities to participate collaboratively in peer review to improve their texts. This study reports the design of a reciprocal peer review system for students to observe and learn from each other when writing. A sample of 95 undergraduate students was recruited to construct texts with the support of web‐based reciprocal peer review in the processes of modelling, coaching, scaffolding, articulation, reflection and exploration. The results of the study revealed that these six processes helped students externalise and visualise their internal writing processes so that they could observe and learn from peers in writing as well as support peers in making text revisions. During their extensive and reciprocal interactions with various peers, students addressed mutual concerns in each other's text revisions. They constructed collaborative language knowledge for text improvement as local revisions (grammatical corrections) and global revisions (corrections on the development, organization or style of a text) were made in their final texts. The students' perceptions towards text improvement in this web‐based peer review of modelling, coaching, scaffolding, articulation, reflection and exploration are also discussed in this study.
Measuring Complexity in Lagrangian and Eulerian Flow Descriptions
Authors: Jänicke H. , Scheuermann G.
Published: March 2010

Automatic detection of relevant structures in scientific data sets is still one of the big challenges in visualization. Techniques based on information theory have shown to be a promising direction to automatically highlight interesting subsets of a time‐dependent data set. The methods that have been proposed so far, however, were restricted to the Eulerian view. In the Eulerian description of motion, a position fixed in space is observed over time. In fluid dynamics, however, not only the site‐specific analysis of the flow is of interest, but also the temporal evolution of particles that are advected through the domain by the flow. This second description of motion is called the Lagrangian perspective. To support these two different frames of reference widely used in CFD research, we extend the notion of local statistical complexity (LSC) to make them applicable to Lagrangian and Eulerian flow descriptions. Thus, coherent structures can be identified by highlighting positions that either feature unusual temporal dynamics at a fixed position or that hold a particle that experiences such dynamics while passing through the position. A new area of application is opened by LagrangianLSC, which can be applied to short pathlines running through each position in the data set, as well as to individual pathlines computed for longer time intervals. Coloring the pathline according to the local complexity helps to detect extraordinary dynamics while the particle passes through the domain. The two techniques are explained and compared using different fluid flow examples.
Hamiltonian Dynamic Equations for Fluid Films
Authors: Grinfeld P.
Published: March 2010

Two‐dimensional models for hydrodynamic systems, such as soap films, have been studied for over two centuries. Yet there has not existed a fully nonlinear system of dynamic equations analogous to the classical Euler equations. We propose the following exact system for the dynamics of a fluid film
image

Here δ/δ t is the invariant time derivative, ρ is the two‐dimensional density of the film, C is the normal component of the velocity field, Vα are the tangential components, Bαβ is the curvature tensor, and ∇α is the covariant surface derivative. The surface energy density e(ρ) is a generalization of the common surface tension and eρ is its derivative. The Laplace model corresponds to e(ρ) =σ/ρ, where σ is the surface tension density. The proper choice of e(ρ) in paramount in capturing particular effects displayed by fluid films.

The proposed system is exact in the sense that neither velocities nor deviation from the equilibrium are assumed small. The system is derived in the classical Hamiltonian framework. The assumption that e is a function of ρ alone can be relaxed in practical physical and biological applications. This leads to more complicated systems, briefly discussed in the text.
Burst transcranial magnetic stimulation: which tinnitus characteristics influence the amount of transient tinnitus suppression?
Authors: Vanneste S. , Plazier M. , Van Der Loo E. , Ost J. , Van de Heyning P. , De Ridder D.
Published: March 2010

Background:  Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a method capable of temporarily suppressing tinnitus by delivering tonic or burst stimuli. Burst TMS has a high interindividual variability and low effect size. Tinnitus type and laterality, tinnitus‐related distress, and tinnitus duration might contribute to this large individual variation.

Methods:  The effect of burst TMS on the auditory cortex in 100 male individuals is evaluated with coil placed over the auditory cortex. For unilateral tinnitus, this coil was placed contralaterally to the tinnitus, whilst for bilateral tinnitus the coil was placed over the right auditory cortex. The site of maximal tinnitus suppression is determined using 1‐Hz stimulation with five pulses per burst (intensity of the stimulation set at 90% of the motor threshold). When tinnitus suppression is noted, the patients are asked to estimate the decrease in tinnitus in percentage using the numeric rating scale. The procedure is repeated with stimulations at 5, 10 and 20 Hz, each stimulation session consisting of 200 pulses.

Results:  Results demonstrate that burst stimulation can decrease the perceived tinnitus intensity transiently in 57.83% of the patients. Patients with bilateral tinnitus respond better to burst TMS than patients with unilateral tinnitus and highly distressed patients presenting with unilateral pure tone tinnitus fail to bust TMS.

Conclusions:  Burst TMS modulates both unilateral and bilateral tinnitus, both high and low distress and both pure tones and narrow band tinnitus. However, the suppression effect is moderated by tinnitus type and laterality, tinnitus‐related distress, and tinnitus duration.
Cluster Randomized‐Controlled Trial of Interventions to Improve Health for Adults with Intellectual Disability Who Live in Private Dwellings
Authors: Lennox Nicholas , Bain Chris , Rey‐Conde Therese , Taylor Miriam , Boyle Frances M. , Purdie David M. , Ware Robert S.
Published: March 2010

Background  People with intellectual disability who live in the community often have poor health and healthcare, partly as a consequence of poor communication, recall difficulties and incomplete patient health information.

Materials and Methods  A cluster randomized‐controlled trial with 2 × 2 factorial design was conducted with adults with intellectual disability to investigate two interventions to enhance interactions among adults with intellectual disability, their care providers and general practitioners (GPs). The interventions were the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP), a one‐off health review tool, and the Ask health diary, designed for ongoing use. Follow‐up was for 12 months post‐intervention. Evidence of health promotion, disease prevention and case‐finding activities were extracted from GPs clinical records.

Results  Increased health promotion, disease prevention and case‐finding activity were found in the intervention groups using the CHAP. It had a positive impact on Pneumococcus vaccination (OR 7.4; 95% CI: 1.5–37.1), hearing testing (4.5; 1.9–10.7), Hepatitis A vaccinations (5.4; 1.8–16.3), vision testing (3.4; 1.4–8.3), and weight measurement (3.1; 1.5–6.4). There were no strong changes in the measured outcomes in the group who used the Ask health diary alone.

Conclusions  The use of the CHAP increased health promotion, disease prevention and case‐finding activity in adults with intellectual disability living in the community and confirms the previously demonstrated benefits of the CHAP can be extended to less formal residential settings. The use of the Ask health diary did not improve the measured healthcare activity, at least in the short term, although it may contribute in other ways towards better health.
A trial of two trouts: comparing the impacts of rainbow and brown trout on a native galaxiid
Authors: Young K. A. , Dunham J. B. , Stephenson J. F. , Terreau A. , Thailly A. F. , Gajardo G. , Garcia de Leaniz C.
Published: March 2010

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta are the world's two most widespread exotic fishes, dominate the fish communities of most cold‐temperate waters in the southern hemisphere and are implicated in the decline and extirpation of native fish species. Here, we provide the first direct comparison of the impacts of rainbow and brown trout on populations of a native fish by quantifying three components of exotic species impact: range, abundance and effect. We surveyed 54 small streams on the island of Chiloé in Chilean Patagonia and found that the rainbow trout has colonized significantly more streams and has a wider geographic range than brown trout. The two species had similar post‐yearling abundances in allopatry and sympatry, and their abundances depended similarly on reach‐level variation in the physical habitat. The species appeared to have dramatically different effects on native drift‐feeding Aplochiton spp., which were virtually absent from streams invaded by brown trout but shared a broad sympatric range with rainbow trout. Within this range, the species' post‐yearling abundances varied independently before and after controlling for variation in the physical habitat. In the north of the island, Aplochiton spp. inhabited streams uninvaded by exotic trouts. Our results provide a context for investigating the mechanisms responsible for apparent differences in rainbow and brown trout invasion biology and can help inform conservation strategies for native fishes in Chiloé and elsewhere.
Subtle – but easily reversible – anthropogenic disturbance seriously degrades habitat quality for rock‐dwelling reptiles
Authors: Pike D. A. , Croak B. M. , Webb J. K. , Shine R.
Published: March 2010

Even apparently subtle disturbance to habitat may have severe long‐term consequences if that disturbance alters specific microhabitat features upon which animals depend. For example, in south‐eastern Australia, the endangered broad‐headed snake Hoplocephalus bungaroides and its prey (velvet geckos Oedura lesueurii) shelter in narrow crevices beneath sun‐warmed rocks. Humans frequently displace rocks while searching for snakes and lizards, and these reptiles are rarely found under such displaced rocks (even when the rocks superficially appear suitable). We quantified disturbance to rock outcrops and show that most disturbance was subtle (rocks were typically displaced <30 cm from their original position), but that disturbed rocks harbored fewer reptiles than undisturbed rocks. In a field experiment, we replaced half of the rocks back to their original positions to test whether crevice structure and microclimates differed between disturbed and restored rocks. Crevices beneath displaced rocks were larger and cooler than those beneath restored rocks, and precise repositioning of rocks enhanced usage by reptiles. Both crevice size and temperature influence reptile retreat‐site selection; hence, minor displacement of overlying rocks reduces habitat quality by modifying critical crevice attributes. The subtlety of this disturbance suggests that even well‐intentioned researchers could damage habitat during field surveys. Conservation of rock outcrop systems requires efforts to reduce rock disturbance, and to educate those searching for animals beneath rocks about the importance of replacing rocks properly. Encouragingly, if rocks are not completely removed, disturbed outcrops can be quickly and easily restored by returning displaced rocks to their original locations.
Microbial production of isotopically light iron(II) in a modern chemically precipitated sediment and implications for isotopic variations in ancient rocks
Authors: TANGALOS G. E. , BEARD B. L. , JOHNSON C. M. , ALPERS C. N. , SHELOBOLINA E. S. , XU H. , KONISHI H. , RODEN E. E.
Published: March 2010

The inventories and Fe isotope composition of aqueous Fe(II) and solid‐phase Fe compounds were quantified in neutral‐pH, chemically precipitated sediments downstream of the Iron Mountain acid mine drainage site in northern California, USA. The sediments contain high concentrations of amorphous Fe(III) oxyhydroxides [Fe(III)am] that allow dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) to predominate over Fe–S interactions in Fe redox transformation, as indicated by the very low abundance of Cr(II)‐extractable reduced inorganic sulfur compared with dilute HCl‐extractable Fe. δ56Fe values for bulk HCl‐ and HF‐extractable Fe were ≈ 0. These near‐zero bulk δ56Fe values, together with the very low abundance of dissolved Fe in the overlying water column, suggest that the pyrite Fe source had near‐zero δ56Fe values, and that complete oxidation of Fe(II) took place prior to deposition of the Fe(III) oxide‐rich sediment. Sediment core analyses and incubation experiments demonstrated the production of millimolar quantities of isotopically light (δ56Fe ≈ −1.5 to −0.5‰) aqueous Fe(II) coupled to partial reduction of Fe(III)am by DIR. Trends in the Fe isotope composition of solid‐associated Fe(II) and residual Fe(III)am are consistent with experiments with synthetic Fe(III) oxides, and collectively suggest an equilibrium Fe isotope fractionation between aqueous Fe(II) and Fe(III)am of approximately −2‰. These Fe(III) oxide‐rich sediments provide a model for early diagenetic processes that are likely to have taken place in Archean and Paleoproterozoic marine sediments that served as precursors for banded iron formations. Our results suggest pathways whereby DIR could have led to the formation of large quantities of low‐δ56Fe minerals during BIF genesis.
‘GRANITO DEL FORO’ AND ‘GRANITO DI NICOTERA’: PETROGRAPHIC FEATURES AND ARCHAEOMETRIC PROBLEMS OWING TO SIMILAR APPEARANCE
Authors: ANTONELLI F. , LAZZARINI L. , CANCELLIERE S.
Published: March 2010

Granitoid rocks were among the stone materials most frequently used for columns and pillars during the Roman period. When employed in Rome and the Mediterranean provinces, they were mainly quarried in Egypt, in Asia Minor and in Italy. Some of these rocks show very similar macroscopic features, so it is often very difficult to tell them apart with the naked eye. This is the case with the ‘Granito del Foro’ (or Marmor Claudianum), from the Gebel Fatireh, in the Eastern Desert, and the ‘Granito di Nicotera’ (Calabria), both exploited from the first century ad onwards. Both feature medium grain size and a white‐greyish colour with black patches. In order to obtain a certain microscopic and geochemical discrimination of these rocks, and to provide the first known petrographic classification of the ‘Granito di Nicotera’, a comprehensive mineralogical, petrographic and geochemical investigation was performed on several samples from the quarry. The results were compared with the corresponding data known for Marmor Claudianum in the literature. Good discrimination between the granites is possible, mainly on the basis of modal mineralogy and geochemical characteristics. The ‘Granito del Foro’ contains hornblende, while the ‘Granito di Nicotera’ contains muscovite, and has a distinctive peraluminous index and trace element abundances.
EVALUATING HISTOLOGICAL METHODS FOR ASSESSING HAIR FIBRE DEGRADATION
Authors: WILSON A. S. , DODSON H. I. , JANAWAY R. C. , POLLARD A. M. , TOBIN D. J.
Published: March 2010

The hair shaft has increasing importance in bioarchaeology, since it is now possible to retrieve detailed biomolecular information on recent life history using individual fibres (e.g., on diet, drug use and DNA). Data on hair condition is an important cornerstone to ensuring that reliable information is obtained. The following study defines morphological features of degradative change in human terminal scalp hair using different microscopy techniques. Evidence of degradative change is translated into a ranked histology for assessing hair sample condition. The approach is applied to samples of cut modern scalp hair subjected to degradation under soil burial/simulated grave conditions.
ANCIENT OMPHALOS AT DELPHI: GEOMETRICALLY A SPACE‐INVERTING ANAMORPHOSCOPE
Authors: KUCHEL P. W.
Published: March 2010

Whether the artisan who made the Omphalos at Delphi over 2500 years ago recognized the optical transform properties of its shape or not, its geometrical features are nevertheless those of a space‐inverting anamorphoscopic mirror. Specifically, it is similar in shape to a circle‐inverting anamorphoscope. We speculate that select members of the ancient religious sect at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi realized the symbolism of inverting all of space outside the Omphalos into the image field inside its base, thus making it the virtual centre of the World.
INTERNATIONAL TFP DYNAMICS AND HUMAN CAPITAL STOCKS: A PANEL DATA ANALYSIS, 1960–2003
Authors: Di Liberto Adriana , Pigliaru Francesco , Chelucci Piergiorgio
Published: March 2010

This paper adopts fixed‐effect panel methodologies to obtain TFP values for a sample of 76 countries from 1960 through 2003. Our results are robust to the use of different estimators (LSDV, Kiviet‐corrected LSDV, and GMM). They show that TFP dynamics are characterized by a process of conditional convergence where most countries do not catch up with the U.S., and where human capital plays an important role in technology adoption, as suggested by Nelson and Phelps in 1966. Such a role is robust to the inclusion of controls for the quality of institutions in a country. Further, our results imply a plausible link between stages of development and returns to different levels of education. Finally, we calculate the minimum human capital level necessary to generate catch‐up and find that virtually all countries are above that level—a result that again emphasizes the importance of human capital in technology diffusion.
MEASURING THE LOCATION OF PRODUCTION IN A WORLD OF INTANGIBLE PRODUCTIVE ASSETS, FDI, AND INTRAFIRM TRADE
Authors: Lipsey Robert E.
Published: March 2010

As production comes to depend more on intangible productive assets, the location of production by multinational firms becomes increasingly ambiguous. The reason is that, within the firm, these assets have no clear geographical location, but only a nominal location determined by the firm's tax or legal strategies. The effects of these location ambiguities, and the resulting distortions for tax reasons of the location of production, are described. It is estimated that for U.S. firms' affiliates in a few tax havens alone, the exaggeration of value added in those locations amounted, in 2005, to about 4 percent of worldwide affiliate sales, and the exaggeration of sales to about 10 percent of worldwide affiliate sales. Some possibilities for estimating the location of production that could supersede the present dependence on accounting measures distorted by tax‐saving policies are described.
Is the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program system an adequate weighting for survival of hepatocellular carcinoma? Evaluation of intrascore prognostic value among 36 subgroups
Authors: Lin Chih‐Yun , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Wang Jing‐Houng , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Chen Chao‐Long , Changchien Chi‐Sin , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Cheng Yu‐Fan , Hsu Hsuan‐Chih , Wang Chih‐Chi , Chen Tai‐Yi , Lu Sheng‐Nan
Published: March 2010

Background: The Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was subdivided into 36 subgroups. We aimed to validate the prognostic value of CLIP scoring.

Methods: This study included 3868 HCC cases treated between 1986 and 2002. Survival and prognostic impact of all subgroups were analysed.

Results: In primary CLIP, comparisons of each score showed a significant difference (P<0.001) and exhibited a linear trend (P<0.001). A CLIP score of 0 was used as control group. Portal vein thrombosis, Child–Pugh B, α‐fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/ml and multinodular with tumour extension ≤50% of the four subgroups with a CLIP score of 1 exhibited decreasing univariate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, with values of 2.99 (2.05–4.37), 2.39 (2.00–2.86), 1.66 (1.40–1.96) and 1.39 (1.18–1.63) respectively. Homogeneity in the same score was evaluated by comparing subgroup survival curves. For scores 1–5, 83.3% (5/6), 57.1% (16/28), 24.4% (11/45), 3.6% (1/28) and 16.7% (1/6) pairs of survival curves significantly differed, respectively, with decreasing linear trend (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Different prognostic weighting of four predictive factors caused intrascore heterogeneity. Lower CLIP scores were associated with increased differences in intrascore. In conclusion, the CLIP staging scoring system is a reasonable ordinal scale, but the clinician must be aware of the heterogeneity of mortality risk within a given score.
Eight‐week regimen of antiviral combination therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C with hepatitis C virus genotype 2 and a rapid virological response
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Kiriyama Seiki , Sone Yasuhiro , Tanikawa Makoto , Hisanaga Yasuhiro , Kanamori Akira , Atsumi Hiroyuki , Nakano Satoshi , Arakawa Takahiro
Published: March 2010

Background: It remains unclear how we can shorten the treatment duration of antiviral combination therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 infection who achieved a rapid virological response (RVR).

Aim: We compared the efficacy of antiviral combination therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin for 8 vs. 24 weeks for the treatment of patients with HCV genotype 2 infection and with RVR.

Methods: Sixty‐one patients were enrolled. Serum HCV RNA was not detected at 4 weeks after the start of treatment in 32 patients with an RVR. These 32 patients were randomly assigned to 8‐week (n=15) or 24‐week (n=17) treatment regimens. Patients in the 8‐week group who relapsed underwent a 24‐week retreatment.

Results: No significant difference in patient characteristics was observed between the 8‐ and the 24‐week treatment groups. A sustained virological response (SVR) was seen in five of 15 patients (33.3%) in the 8‐week treatment group and 14 of 17 (82.4%) in the 24‐week treatment group; the rate was significantly higher in the 24‐week treatment group (P=0.0140). Nine of 10 relapsed patients in the 8‐week treatment group underwent a 24‐week retreatment, and seven achieved an SVR.

Conclusion: An 8‐week regimen of combination antiviral therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin yielded an increase in the relapse rate, indicating the limitation of a reduction of treatment below 12 weeks in patients with genotype 2, after RVR.