bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of hepatic hepatitis B virus after serological clearance of HBsAg with autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation.
Authors: Lau G K , Wu P C , Liang R , Yuen S T , Lim W L
Published: June 2007

Delayed clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen was previously reported in a 38 year old woman after high dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem cell rescue. Sixteen months later, this patient remained hepatitis B surface antigen negative, hepatitis B surface antibody positive, and serum hepatitis B DNA negative by polymerase chain reaction. Serial liver biopsies (one at hepatitis B e antigen positive stage, one at hepatitis B e antibody positive stage, and one at hepatitis B surface antigen negative and hepatitis B surface antibody positive stage) showed a gradual resolution of the inflammatory activity with loss of hepatitis B e antigen and then hepatitis B surface antigen in the serum. However, the degree of fibrosis, though mild, remained the same. With the serological clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen, a small amount of hepatitis B virus DNA was still detectable in the nuclei of liver cells.
Gastric mucous neck cell and intestinal goblet cell phenotypes in gastric adenocarcinoma.
Authors: Hughes N R , Bhathal P S
Published: June 2007

AIM: To investigate the phenotype of cells comprising diffuse and intestinal-type gastric cancers using monoclonal antibodies to two antigens. One antigen (designated D10) is characteristic of gastric mucous neck cells, cardiac glands, pyloric glands, and Brunner's glands. The second antigen (designated 17NM) is specific to the mucous vacuole of intestinal goblet cells. METHODS: Thirty two gastrectomy specimens with adenocarcinoma were studied. Serial paraffin sections were stained immunohistochemically for D10 and 17NM and histochemically for acid and neutral mucins. The cancers were classified histologically as of either diffuse or intestinal type according to Lauren. RESULTS: Of 15 diffuse-type gastric carcinomas, 11 showed the majority of cancer cells staining for D10 while four were typical signet ring cell cancers staining predominantly for 17NM; five tumours displayed both phenotypes with the two phenotypes segregated in different areas of the tumours. In contrast, of 16 intestinal-type cancers, six expressed 17NM, three D10, five neither antigen, and two expressed both antigens. One indeterminate-type cancer expressed both antigens. The staining of individual cells for D10 and 17NM was mutually exclusive in both diffuse and intestinal types. In contrast to the diffuse cancers, intestinal-type cancers typically expressed either antigen only in occasional small groups of cells and individual cells. CONCLUSIONS: In disease, the gastric stem cell can assume the capacity of the duodenal stem cell for divergent differentiation into either intestinal goblet cells (for example, as in intestinal metaplasia) or Brunner's gland cells (for example, as in pyloric gland/Brunner's gland metaplasia). With neoplastic transformation, this potential for divergent differentiation is maintained and gives rise to diffuse-type cancers that display either the D10 phenotype, the 17NM phenotype, or the clonal expression of both phenotypes. In the more cell cohesive (intestinal-type) tumours, differentiation for antigen expression is poorly developed and more frequently directed towards the intestinal goblet cell phenotype.
Effects of oestrogen on the extracellular matrix in the endometrium of postmenopausal women.
Authors: Iwahashi M , Ooshima A , Nakano R
Published: June 2007

AIM: To obtain insight into the effects of oestrogen on extracellular matrix (ECM) in the postmenopausal endometrium. METHODS: The distribution of the components of the ECM, including collagen types I, III, IV, and VI, and laminin, was investigated in the human postmenopausal endometrium by an indirect immunofluorescence method with specific monoclonal antibodies and a polyclonal antibody. Collagens were also extracted from the endometrial tissues of postmenopausal women who had or had not been treated with oestrogen for three weeks. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that type I collagen was the predominant interstitial collagen, and that types III and VI collagens were absent or very sparsely distributed in the stroma of the postmenopausal endometrium. However, types I, III, and VI collagens were diffusely localised in the stroma of the postmenopausal endometrium after administration of oestrogen. Even though type IV collagen was not seen in the basement membrane of the endometrial glands in the endometrium of postmenopausal women in the absence of oestrogen treatment, both type IV collagen and laminin were localised exclusively in the basement membrane of the endometrial glands in the postmenopausal endometrium after three weeks of oestrogen treatment. The level of type III collagen relative to that of type I collagen was significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the endometrium of oestrogen treated postmenopausal women compared with non-treated postmenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: Conjugated equine oestrogen might induce changes in the distribution of components and in the composition of the ECM in the endometrium of postmenopausal women.
Differential patterns of osteoblast dysfunction in trabecular bone in patients with established osteoporosis.
Authors: Byers R J , Denton J , Hoyland J A , Freemont A J
Published: June 2007

AIMS: To analyse osteoblast function in 153 cases of established osteoporosis as previous work has indicated that osteoporosis is a heterogeneous condition characterised by different patterns of osteoclast and osteoblast dysfunction. METHODS: Histomorphometric data from 153 cases with established osteoporosis was used to analyse osteoblast function, using the following parameters: osteoblast number was assessed using the ratio of osteoblast surface to bone surface (ObS:BS); the percentage of active osteoblasts was assessed by using mineralising surface as a proportion of osteoid surface (sLS + dLS/OS); and the efficiency of active osteoblasts was assessed using the ratio of double to total labelled surface (dLS:tLS). The values of each parameter were standardised using age and sex matched control data and a three dimensional matrix was used to identify groups of patients with similar patterns of altered function. RESULTS: The largest group (60 cases) showed a reduction in all three parameters, while a small group (9 cases) had normal osteoblast function. However, one group showed reduction in osteoblast number only (23 cases), while another group showed a normal number of osteoblasts but both reduced percentage and efficiency of activity (14 cases). The results also suggest that efficiency of activity falls first and that this eventually leads to exit from the active pool. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the presence of heterogeneity of osteoblast dysfunction in osteoporosis, indicating that the disease is caused by interference at a variety of target sites along the pathway of osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and activation. Greater understanding of this pathway and of the variety of alterations in the pathway that can occur in osteoporosis may allow more focused therapy for different patient groups identified on the basis of histomorphometric analysis.
Helicobacter pylori does not release cysteamine into gastric juice.
Authors: Leonard M B , Neithercut W D , Gillen D , McColl K E
Published: June 2007

AIM: To determine whether Helicobacter pylori releases cysteamine into gastric juice as cysteamine is known to be ulcerogenic. METHODS: Samples of fasting gastric juice were collected from 22 individuals (four women); 10 subjects were H pylori negative. The presence of infection was confirmed by examination and culture of gastric biopsies. Cysteamine in gastric juice was measured by reversed phase gradient high performance liquid chromatography with a detection limit of 10 mumol/l. RESULTS: Cysteamine was not detected in any of the gastric juice samples or in extracts of cultured H pylori. CONCLUSIONS: If H pylori produces cysteamine then the amounts produced are insignificant and are unlikely to explain the association between H pylori infection and the development of duodenal ulcer disease.
Juvenile polyposis of the stomach: clinicopathological features and its malignant potential.
Authors: Hizawa K , Iida M , Yao T , Aoyagi K , Fujishima M
Published: June 2007

AIMS: To clarify a clinical entity of juvenile polyposis of the stomach compared with generalised juvenile gastrointestinal polyposis. METHODS: The clinicopathological features of juvenile polyposis dominantly involving the stomach at initial presentation were reviewed in 12 patients (three new patients and nine from the literature). These were compared with 29 cases of generalised juvenile gastrointestinal polyposis. RESULTS: There were three men and nine women with juvenile polyposis of the stomach, aged 10-63 years. Hypoproteinaemia was present in nine patients, anaemia in seven, and a family history of intestinal polyposis in seven. No patient presented with a congenital abnormality. During the observation period, two patients developed colonic juvenile polyps. Gastric polyps invariably affected the antrum and extended to the fundus, eventually becoming more numerous, larger, and more pedunculated. Ten patients required gastrectomy for associated malignancy or uncontrolled protein losing gastropathy. Histological examinations of the resected specimens demonstrated neoplastic tissue arising from juvenile polyps in four of the 12 patients. Atypism in these mixed polyps varied from adenoma to well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Juvenile polyposis of the stomach has malignant potential, and may be a separate entity from generalised juvenile gastrointestinal polyposis.
THE EFFECT OF PRESSURE IN HIGHER DIMENSIONAL QUASI-SPHERICAL GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE
Authors: CHAKRABORTY SANJUKTA , CHAKRABORTY SUBENOY , DEBNATH UJJAL
Published: June 2007

We study gravitational collapse in higher dimensional quasi-spherical Szekeres space–time for matter with anisotropic pressure. Both local and global visibility of central curvature singularity has been studied and it is found that with proper choice of initial data it is possible to show the validity of Cosmic Censorship Conjecture for six and higher dimensions. Also the role of pressure in the collapsing process has been discussed.
Modern trends in authentication
Authors: Lipton David L. , Wong Harry K. T.
Published: June 2007

Authentication is the process of verifying a person's claim of identity. The designers of secure computer systems have incorporated many techniques of user-validation from law enforcement, from industrial security, and from the financial community. Several methods have also been developed explicitly for use in computer systems. This paper will present an overview of all methods of authentication currently used in computer security. Implementation considerations will also be discussed.
A visio-haptic wearable system for assisting individuals who are blind
Authors: McDaniel Troy L. , Panchanathan Sethuraman
Published: June 2007

Computer vision algorithms for visio-haptic information analysis, i.e., the conversion of visual data into haptic (tangible) features, can be utilized in wearable assistive devices for individuals who are blind. Touch is an important modality for individuals who are blind, but it is limited to the extent of one's reach. By estimating how an object feels from its visual image, we are able to overcome this limitation. This paper proposes a wearable assistive device to estimate haptic features from visual data to enable users to feel objects from a distance.
Understanding and supporting the use of accommodating technologies by adult learners with reading disabilities
Authors: Deibel Katherine
Published: June 2007

Developing computer accommodations for users with reading disabilities involves several challenges: diversity of needs, stigma risks, and self-advocacy issues. This paper proposes a two-fold approach to address these issues. First, participatory design with reading-disabled users will inform necessary directions for technology development. Second, to help individual users identify what accommodations can benefit them, intelligent software will be developed. This software will also aid in the configuration of the accommodations.
A model for belief revision in a multi-agent environment (abstract)
Authors: Dragoni Aldo Franco
Published: June 2007

In modeling the knowledge processing structure of an Agent in a Multi-Agent world it becomes necessary to enlarge the traditional concept of Belief Revision. For detecting contradictions and identifying their sources it is sufficient to maintain informations about
what
has been told; but to "solve" a contradiction it is necessary to keep informations about
who
said it or, in general, about the source where that knowledge came from. We can take as certain the fact that an agent gave an information, but we can take the given information only as a revisable assumption. The Belief Revision system can't leave the sources of the informations out of consideration because of their relevance in giving the additional notion of "strength of belief" [Galliers 89]. In fact, the reliability of the source affects the credibility of the information and vice-versa. It is necessary to develop systems that deal with couples  . In [Dragoni 91] we've proposed a system that moves in this direction. Here we give a short description of that system. In part one we describe the agent' s knowledge processing structure using a particular characterization of the "Assumption Based Belief Revision" concept; in part two we outline the project of an embedded device that enables the overall system to deal with couples  in an rather anthropomorphic manner.
Telecommuting '96 conference report
Authors: Carte Traci A.
Published: June 2007

The term "telecommuting" was first coined by Jack Nilles in 1976, but researcher and practitioner interests in this topic have been inconsistent. In the mid 1980s, considerable telecommuting research was conducted (for example see Olson 1983, DeSanctis 1983) and practitioner interest was high, but by the late eighties and early nineties practitioner interest and research practice waned. If the enthusiasm at Telecommuting '96 is any indication, telecommuting has found renewed popularity. Over 100 practitioners and researchers from 10 different countries converged on Jacksonville, Florida in April to discuss the organizational and technological issues associated with telecommuting adoption and use. Jack Nilles, Tom Davenport and Roy Weber delivered keynote addresses, and the conference sessions included 27 presentations ranging from academic research papers to practitioner panel discussions to best demonstrated practices. The conference proceedings are available on the Web at http://www.cba.uga.edu/tc96/proceedings.html.
Parallel exponentiators using data signal processor chips and transputers for a flexible and efficient software implementation of public-key cryptosystems to run on PC's or larger systems
Authors: Guinier Daniel
Published: June 2007

Algorithms for parallel computation (multiplication, reduction and exponentiation) over finite fields in the general case: GF(N) and where N is a Mersenne prime of 127, 521, 607 or 1279 bits: GF(2
P
-1) are described. They find a direct application in the generation of asymmetric public-key cryptosystems.Two different ways are suggested to implement efficiently these algorithms:
The first
takes advantage of the RISC architecture of the transputers (INMOS IMS T414), the parallelism of the algorithms, the 64-bit long integer type available in Occam 2 and the Karatsuba algorithm to optimize the integer multiplication.
The second
suggests the design of an exponentiator board where mb banks of 512 bits are used in parallel for multiplication while mb others are used for squaring. Each of these banks is supposed to be a Data Signal Processor (DSP) chip (INMOS IMS A100) which is composed of 32 cascadable 16 x 16-bit Multipliers-Accumulators (MAC's).

As an example:

An exponentiation process programmed in Fortran 77 and run on a PC-AT at 8 Mz could increase its velocity by a factor > 500 in the first described way which could be estimated to be much better in the second, while using a 521-bit modulus and a PC as an host machine.
This proposal gives two efficient and flexible solutions to improve exponentiation which is at the heart of public-key cryptosystems (Diffie-Hellman, Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (R.S.A.), El Gamal or Data Security Pipe Protocol (D.S.P.P.) schemes).
Computer-related crime
Authors: Parker Richard
Published: June 2007

Computers, like automobiles and electricity, are exerting a daily--and rapidly growing--influence on all of us. Over the past three decades, computers have become more powerful, more utilized, more important, and insidiously more essential. Because of their ability to handle enormous amounts of data quickly and accurately, computers in many respects have created a revolution in the production, processing, and transfer of information.
Developmental changes in gene expression of Epac and its upregulation in myocardial hypertrophy
Authors: Ulucan Coskun , Wang Xu , Baljinnyam Erdene , Bai Yunzhe , Okumura Satoshi , Sato Motohiko , Minamisawa Susumu , Hirotani Shinichi , Ishikawa Yoshihiro
Published: June 2007

Although it has been shown that Epac1 mRNA is expressed ubiquitously and Epac2 mRNA predominantly in the brain and endocrine tissues, developmental and pathophysiological changes of these molecules have not been characterized. Developmental changes were analyzed in murine heart, brain, kidneys, and lungs by RT-PCR analysis, which revealed more drastic developmental changes of Epac2 mRNA than Epac1. Only the Epac2 mRNA in kidney showed a transient expression pattern with dramatic decline into adulthood. In addition to developmental changes, we found that Epac gene expression was upregulated in myocardial hypertrophy induced by chronic isoproterenol infusion or pressure overload by transverse aortic banding. Both Epac1 and Epac2 mRNA were upregulated in isoproterenol-induced left ventricular hypertrophy, whereas only Epac1 was increased in pressure overload-induced hypertrophy. Stimulation of H9c2, cardiac myoblast cells, with fetal calf serum, which can induce myocyte hypertrophy, upregulated Epac1 protein expression. We also demonstrated that Epac was the limiting moiety, relative to Rap, in the Epac-Rap signaling pathway in terms of stoichiometry and that Epac stimulation led to the activation of ERK1/2. Our data suggest the functional involvement of Epac in organogenesis and also in physiological as well as pathophysiological processes, such as cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, our results suggest the importance of the stoichiometry of Epac over that of Rap in cellular biological effects.
MAPK and heat shock protein 27 activation are associated with respiratory syncytial virus induction of human bronchial epithelial monolayer disruption
Authors: Singh Divyendu , McCann Kelly L. , Imani Farhad
Published: June 2007

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of bronchiolitis in infants, and a common feature of RSV infections is increased lung permeability. The accumulation of fluid in the infected lungs is caused by changes in the endothelial and epithelial membrane integrity. However, the exact mechanisms of viral-induced fluid extravasation remain unclear. Here, we report that infection of human epithelial cells with RSV results in significant epithelial membrane barrier disruption as assessed by a decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEpR). This decrease in TEpR, which indicates changes in paracellular permeability, was mediated by marked cellular cytoskeletal rearrangement. Importantly, the decrease in TEpR was attenuated by using p38 MAPK inhibitors (SB-203580) but was partially affected by JNK inhibitor SP-600125. Interestingly, treatment of A549 cells with MEK1/2 inhibitor (U-0126) led to a decrease in TEpR in the absence of RSV infection. The changes in TEpR were concomitant with an increase in heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) phosphorylation and with actin microfilament rearrangement. Thus our data suggest that p38 MAPK and Hsp27 are required for RSV induction of human epithelial membrane permeability.
PGE2inhibition of TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation is Smad-independent but involves cell shape and adhesion-dependent signaling
Authors: Thomas Peedikayil E. , Peters-Golden Marc , White Eric S. , Thannickal Victor J. , Moore Bethany B.
Published: June 2007

Myofibroblasts are pathogenic in pulmonary fibrotic disease due to their exuberant production of matrix rich in collagen that interferes with gas exchange and the ability of these cells to contract and distort the alveolar space. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a well-known inducer of myofibroblast differentiation. TGF-β1-induced transformation of fibroblasts to apoptosis-resistant myofibroblasts is adhesion-dependent and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-mediated. Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) inhibits this differentiation via E prostanoid receptor 2 (EP2) signaling and cAMP elevation, but whether PGE2does so by interfering with TGF-β1 signaling is unknown. Thus we examined the effects of PGE2in the presence and absence of TGF-β1 stimulation on candidate signaling pathways in human lung fibroblasts. We now demonstrate that PGE2does not interfere with TGF-β1-induced Smad phosphorylation or its translocation to the nucleus. Rather, PGE2has dramatic effects on cell shape and cytoskeletal architecture and disrupts the formation of appropriate focal adhesions. PGE2treatment diminishes TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of paxillin, STAT-3, and FAK and, in turn, limits activation of the protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) pathway. These alterations do not, however, result in increased apoptosis within the first 24 h of treatment. Interestingly, the effects of PGE2stimulation alone do not always mirror the effects of PGE2in the presence of TGF-β1, indicating that the context for EP2 signaling is different in the presence of TGF-β1. Taken together, our results demonstrate that PGE2has the potential to limit TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation via adhesion-dependent, but Smad-independent, pathways.
Resurgence of Cardiac T-Tubule Research
Authors: Brette Fabien , Orchard Clive
Published: June 2007

The transverse tubules of mammalian cardiac ventricular myocytes are invaginations of the surface membrane. Recent data have revealed that their structure and function are more complex than previously believed. Here, we review current knowledge about their role in cardiac function, focusing on Ca2+ signaling and changes observed in pathological conditions.
Inherited Renal Acidoses
Authors: Fry Andrew C. , Karet Fiona E.
Published: June 2007

Inherited acidosis may result from a primary renal defect in acid-base handling, emphasizing the central role of the kidney in control of body pH; as a secondary phenomenon resulting from abnormal renal electrolyte handling; or from excess production of acid elsewhere in the body. Here, we review our current understanding of the inherited renal acidoses at a genetic and molecular level.
Return to Sports and Recreational Activity after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Naal Florian D. , Fischer Michael , Preuss Alexander , Goldhahn Joerg , von Knoch Fabian , Preiss Stefan , Munzinger Urs , Drobny Tomas
Published: June 2007

Background

There is a lack of detailed information concerning patients’ sports and recreational activities after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Hypothesis

Patients treated by unicompartmental knee arthroplasty will be able to return to sports and activity.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

The authors surveyed 83 patients by postal questionnaires to determine their sporting and recreational activities at a mean follow-up of 18 ± 4.6 months (range, 12-28) after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. For data analysis, patients were divided into groups of women and men, and older and younger patients (those above and below the median age of the group). The authors also assessed the state of general health (SF-36) of the patients at the time of the survey and compared the results with those of a matched (for age and side-diagnoses) reference population.

Results

Before surgery, 77 of 83 patients were engaged in an average of 5.0 sports and recreational disciplines; postoperatively, 73 (88%) participated in an average of 3.1 different sports disciplines, resulting in a return to activity rate of 95%. The frequency of activities (sessions per week) was 2.9 preoperatively and remained constant at the time of survey (2.8). The group of older patients (mean age 73.0 y) revealed a significantly higher frequency than the group of younger patients (mean age 57.8 y). The minimum session length decreased from 66 minutes before surgery to 55 minutes after surgery. The most common activities after surgery were hiking, cycling, and swimming. Several high-impact activities, as well as the winter disciplines of downhill- and cross-country skiing had a significant decrease in participating patients. The majority of the patients (90.3%) stated that surgery had maintained or improved their ability to participate in sports or recreational activities. The patients generally scored very high on the SF-36 compared with the matched reference population. Higher SF-36 values in the physical-related domains correlated with an increased level of activity (r = 0.425). The preoperative body mass index showed a weak, negative correlation with the postoperative extent of activities (r = —0.282).

Conclusion

The majority of patients returned to sports and recreational activity after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. However, the numbers of different disciplines patients were engaged in decreased as well as the extent of activities. The activities in which most patients participated were primarily low- or midimpact. The patients scored higher on the SF-36 than age-related norms, which might be due to the patient-selection process for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and geographical differences.
A First Evaluation of an Educational Program for Health Care Providers in a Long-Term Care Facility to Prevent Foot Complications
Authors: Pataky Zoltan , Golay Alain , Rieker Annick , Grandjean Raphaël , Schiesari Laura , Vuagnat Hubert
Published: June 2007

Patients with diabetes and chronic neurological disorders are most commonly “at-risk” with foot problems. The identification of that population is therefore mandatory to prevent severe foot lesions. However, not all health care providers (HCPs) are involved in the screening process in institutions. The authors' aim was to develop and evaluate an educational program for HCP in the field of at-risk foot. All HCPs of the Loëx Hospital (Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, University Hospitals of Geneva) participated in a longitudinal prospective study. Different professions of HCP (doctors, nurses, nursing aides, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, and psychologists) attended a structured educational program during a 1-year period based on a specific consultation that the authors developed. During the sessions, risk factors and therapeutic and preventive interventions are discussed with both the patient and care givers. A questionnaire was developed and used to evaluate (1) initial knowledge of HCP in the field of at-risk foot and (2) the impact of the program on the knowledge of HCP 12 months after starting the program. Twelve months after initiating the program, a significant knowledge improvement was noted in all groups of HCP except medical doctors. Nurses presented the most significant rise in knowledge score (P < .001). In conclusion, the consultation is an acceptable and effective form of long-term educational program for HCP in a hospital setting with a huge majority of patients suffering from chronic vascular and neurological conditions and loss of protective pain sensation at the lower limb.
Effects of Hibiscus rosa sinensis L (Malvaceae) on Wound Healing Activity: A Preclinical Study in a Sprague Dawley Rat
Authors: Shivananda Nayak B. , Sivachandra Raju S. , Orette F.A. , Chalapathi Rao A.V.
Published: June 2007

Hibiscus rosa sinensis (H rosa sinensis), a plant product, has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases as well as to promote wound healing. The wound-healing activity of the ethanol extract of H rosa sinensis flower was determined in rats, using excision, incision, and dead space wound models and is presented in this report. The animals were randomly divided into 2 groups of 6 each in all the models. Test group animals in each model were treated with the ethanol extract of H rosa sinensis orally by mixing in drinking water (120 mg kg— 1 day—1), and the control group animals were maintained with plain drinking water. Healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialization, tensile strength (skin breaking strength), granulation tissue weight, and hydroxyproline content. The antimicrobial activity of the flower extract against selected microorganisms that infect the wounds was also assessed. Animals treated with the extract exhibited an 86% reduction in the wound area compared with controls, who exhibited a 75% reduction. The extract-treated animals were found to epithelize their wounds significantly faster than controls (P < .002) and have shown significantly higher skin-breaking strength than controls (P < .002). The dry and wet weight of granulation tissue and hydroxyproline content were also increased significantly when compared with controls. The reported observations suggest H rosa sinensis aids wound healing in the rat model.
Reliable Assessment of Laparoscopic Performance in the Operating Room Using Videotape Analysis
Authors: Chang Lily , Hogle Nancy J. , Moore Brianna B. , Graham Mark J. , Sinanan Mika N. , Bailey Robert , Fowler Dennis L.
Published: June 2007

The Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) is a valid assessment tool for objectively evaluating the technical performance of laparoscopic skills in surgery residents. We hypothesized that GOALS would reliably differentiate between an experienced (expert) and an inexperienced (novice) laparoscopic surgeon (construct validity) based on a blinded videotape review of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure. Ten board-certified surgeons actively engaged in the practice and teaching of laparoscopy reviewed and evaluated the videotaped operative performance of one novice and one expert laparoscopic surgeon using GOALS. Each reviewer recorded a score for both the expert and the novice videotape reviews in each of the 5 domains in GOALS (depth perception, bimanual dexterity, efficiency, tissue handling, and overall competence). The scores for the expert and the novice were compared and statistically analyzed using single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA). The expert scored significantly higher than the novice did in the domains of depth perception ( p = .005), bimanual dexterity ( p = .001), efficiency ( p = .001), and overall competence ( p = .001). Interrater reliability for the reviewers of the novice tape was Cronbach alpha = .93 and the expert tape was Cronbach alpha = .87. There was no difference between the two for tissue handling. The Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills is a valid, objective assessment tool for evaluating technical surgical performance when used to blindly evaluate an intraoperative videotape recording of a laparoscopic procedure.
Improving Operating Room and Perioperative Safety: Background and Specific Recommendations
Authors: Schimpff Stephen C.
Published: June 2007

The 1999 Institute of Medicine report To Err Is Human put a spotlight on death from preventable medical errors. Surgically related errors are second only to medication errors as the most frequent cause of error-related death. Although many hospitals have ongoing programs to improve medication safety, most hospitals are not focused in a meaningful way on operating room (OR) safety despite the import of the OR to the hospital's finances and despite clearly efficacious available technologies. The perioperative environment is a high-risk area with high velocity, high complexity, and high stakes. OR errors lead to disproportionately more harm than errors elsewhere in the hospital. Actual adverse events are relatively rare in any given OR suite, but near misses are rather common. It is possible to learn much from evaluating near misses (along with adverse events) with root-cause analyses and then instituting changes in processes and systems to assist humans from making their inevitable errors. This article outlines approaches that when combined can markedly improve safety in the OR.
A Pervasive Body Sensor Network for Measuring Postoperative Recovery at Home
Authors: Aziz O. , Atallah L. , Lo B. , ElHelw M. , Wang L. , Yang G.Z. , Darzi A.
Published: June 2007

Patients going home following major surgery are susceptible to complications such as wound infection, abscess formation, malnutrition, poor analgesia, and depression, all of which can develop after the fifth postoperative day and slow recovery. Although current hospital recovery monitoring systems are effective during perioperative and early postoperative periods, they cannot be used when the patient is at home. Measuring and quantifying home recovery is currently a subjective and labor-intensive process. This case report highlights the development and piloting of a wireless body sensor network to monitor postoperative recovery at home in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The device consists of wearable sensors (vital signs, motion) combined with miniaturized computers wirelessly linked to each other, thus allowing continuous monitoring of patients in a pervasive (unobtrusive) manner in any environment. Initial pilot work with results in both the simulated (with volunteers) and the real home environment (with patients) is presented.
Individual Physician Experience With Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy in a Single Outpatient Setting
Authors: McClellan Stephanie N. , Hamilton Beth , Rettenmaier Mark A. , Lopez Katrina , John Cameron R. , Hu Jim C. , Goldstein Bram H.
Published: June 2007

The authors report the surgical experience of a single physician operating at 1 outpatient surgery center using laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy for the treatment of 100 patients with benign gynecologic disease. Operative status was evaluated in terms of patient morbidity, length of surgery, blood loss, and duration of hospital stay. The mean operative time was 2.6 hours, and the mean anesthesia time was 3.2 hours. The mean estimated blood loss was 116.6 mL, and the mean patient hospital stay was 16.5 hours. There were no reported intraoperative or postoperative complications. Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy was not feasible and was converted to laparotomy and total abdominal hysterectomy in 4 patients. The authors present one of the first individual physician experiences at a single outpatient surgery center using laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions. Optimal patient postoperative stay and a minimal complication rate suggest that this procedure performed at a single outpatient surgery center is feasible.
Surgical Robotics for Patient Safety in the Perioperative Environment: Realizing the Promise
Authors: Fuji Lai  , Louw Deon
Published: June 2007

Surgery is at a crossroads of complexity. However, there is a potential path toward patient safety. One such course is to leverage computer and robotic assist techniques in the reduction and interception of error in the perioperative environment. This white paper attempts to facilitate the road toward realizing that promise by outlining a research agenda. The paper will briefly review the current status of surgical robotics and summarize any conclusions that can be reached to date based on existing research. It will then lay out a roadmap for future research to determine how surgical robots should be optimally designed and integrated into the perioperative workflow and process. Successful movement down this path would involve focused efforts and multiagency collaboration to address the research priorities outlined, thereby realizing the full potential of surgical robotics to augment human capabilities, enhance task performance, extend the reach of surgical care, improve health care quality, and ultimately enhance patient safety.
Fluorescence Quenching Study on Electron Transfer from Certain Amines to Excited State Triphenylpyrylium Ion (TPP+)
Authors: Anbazhagan V. , Kathiravan A. , Jhonsi M. Asha , Renganathan R.
Published: June 2007

The fluorescence quenching of excited singlet state of 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium tetrafluoroborate (TPPBF4or TPP+), a very good electron acceptor by amines were investigated in a acetonitrile solution using steady state technique. The bimolecular quenching rate constants lie in the range 2.11–10.26 × 1010M-1s-1. The driving force (ΔGet) for electron transfer process was calculated from the oxidation potential of amines and the reduction potential of TPP+. The observedkqvalues correlated well with the driving force for the electron transfer reactions. Aromatic amines show higherkqthan aliphatic amines. From the oxidation potential of amines and the quenching rate constant values, a mechanism involving photoinduced electron transfer from amines to excited state TPP is suggested.
Impacts of Long‐Term Wheat Straw Management on Soil Hydraulic Properties under No‐Tillage
Authors: Blanco-Canqui Humberto , Lal R.
Published: June 2007

Crop residues left on the soil surface conserve soil and water, but residue impacts on near‐surface soil hydraulic properties have not been widely studied. Therefore, soil hydraulic properties were determined under uncropped no‐tillage (NT) plots receiving three levels of wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) straw mulch (0, 8, and 16 Mg ha−1yr−1) application for 10 consecutive yr on a Crosby silt loam (fine, mixed, active, mesic Aeric Epiaqualfs) in central Ohio. Water infiltration rates, earthworm population, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), soil water retention (SWR), total porosity, and pore‐size distribution were determined and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was estimated from SWR andKsatdata. Mulching significantly impacted hydraulic properties in the 0‐ to 3‐cm soil depth (P< 0.01), but water infiltration rate was unaffected. Earthworm counts were 0 m−2in the unmulched treatment, 158 ± 52 m−2(mean ± SD) in treatments with 8 Mg ha−1yr−1of straw, and 267 ± 58 m−2in those with 16 Mg ha−1yr−1of straw. Mulched treatments had aKsat123 times greater and retained 40 to 60% more water between 0 and −1500 kPa than the unmulched treatment. Soil porosity increased by 28% under 8 Mg ha−1yr−1of straw and by 44% under 16 Mg ha−1yr−1in the 0‐ to 3‐cm depth compared with the unmulched treatment. Pore volume of macro‐ and mesopores was greater in mulched treatments and that of fine mesopores was greater in the unmulched treatment in the 0‐ to 3‐cm depth. Straw mulching appears to be a viable practice to improve near‐surface hydraulic properties in long‐term NT soils, although residues may not increase water infiltration rates.
Polymer Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells: Doping Concentration, Emission‐Zone Position, and Turn‐On Time
Authors: Shin J.‐H. , Robinson N. D. , Xiao S. , Edman L.
Published: June 2007

Direct optical probing of the doping progression and simultaneous recording of the current–time behavior allows the establishment of the position of the light‐emitting p–n junction, the doping concentrations in the p‐ and n‐type regions, and the turn‐on time for a number of planar light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) with a 1 mm interelectrode gap. The position of the p–n junction in such LECs with Au electrodes contacting an active material mixture of poly(2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylene vinylene) (MEH‐PPV), poly(ethylene oxide), and a XCF3SO3 salt (X = Li, K, Rb) is dependent on the salt selection: for X = Li the p–n junction is positioned very close to the negative electrode, while for X = K, Rb it is significantly more centered in the interelectrode gap. Its is demonstrated that this results from that the p‐type doping concentration is independent of salt selection at ca. 2 × 1020 cm–3 (ca. 0.1 dopants/MEH‐PPV repeat unit), while the n‐type doping concentration exhibits a strong dependence: for X = K it is ca. 5 × 1020 cm–3 (ca. 0.2 dopants/repeat unit), for X = Rb it is ca. 9 × 1020 cm–3 (ca. 0.4 dopants/repeat unit), and for X = Li it is ca. 3 × 1021 cm–3 (ca. 1 dopants/repeat unit). Finally, it is shown that X = K, Rb devices exhibit significantly faster turn‐on times than X = Li devices, which is a consequence of a higher ionic conductivity in the former devices.
Structure and effectiveness of The Citation Identifier, an operational computer program for automatic identification of case citations in legal literature
Authors: Borkowski Casimir , Cepanec Louis , Martin J. Sperling , Salko Virginia , Treu Siegfried
Published: June 2007

A computer program for automatic identification of “full form” case citations in legal literature (e.g., Rutherford v. Geddes, 4 Wall. 220, 18 L. Ed. 343; Southland Industries, Inc. v. Federal Communications Commission, 1938, 69 App. D.C., 82, 99 F.2D 117) has been developed by this group and is now operational.

The level of performance of this program known as “The Citation Identifier” is high. In a recent computer run, The Citation Identifier scanned the full texts of 191 randomly selected decisions of U.S. Court of Appeals (some 400,000 words of running text) and located correctly 2,220 full‐form citations out of a total of 2,227 (that is, better than 99% of the total). Only seven misses and three false drops occurred.

Of 2,220 full‐form citations located correctly, 1944 (87%) were identified perfectly. In addition, there were 276 partial identifications containing two types of errors: (1) partial identifications in which some citation terms were mistakenly lopped off by the program (“short hits”); and (2) partial identifications that contained words improperly included in the citations (“long hits”).

Both types of errors are, for the most part, easily correctible and can be largely eliminated by suitable changes in the program.

The Citation Identifier operates rather rapidly. In a recent test run, the total time required to process some 400,000 running words of text was approximately 151/2 minutes. This speed could be further increased by suitable changes in the computer program.

An extension of The Citation Identifier to reduced‐form citations (e.g., “the Geddes decision”, “the Southland Industries case”) is now in preparation.
A threaded‐file retrieval system
Authors: Holbrook Iola Belle
Published: June 2007

A program used for the search and retrieval of technical data in documents from the library of one organization is described in detail. Numbers, letters, and placement “tied” similar word‐names and ideas together. The requestor, using weights and parameters in addition to “uniterms,” quickly received only the most pertinent documents. The flexibility of this program should make it valuable for many purposes, not necessarily purely documentary.
The practice of charging users for information services: A state of the art report
Authors: Penner Rudolf J.
Published: June 2007

The state of the art literature review disclosed that society has not yet come to the point that paying for library information services is a common thing. It was also found that a sound basis for determining the costs of the services–let alone charge for them–does not exist: While some data on specific costs for unit operations are available, it is very difficult to compare the data and arrive at meaningful figures. Nevertheless, there is an indication that large operating centers are becoming concerned with costs to the point that they are cost‐accounting their operations, which would permit them to establish realistic fees for their services.
Microfilm finding‐keys: Dual dictionary
Authors: Tinker John F.
Published: June 2007

The display of a Dual Dictionary on microfilm is compact and easy to use. Each frame includes the name of a descriptor and 10 columns of numbers representing the documents to which the descriptors were applied. The numbers are assigned to the columns on the basis of the value of the unit digit. Kodamatic indexer lines may be included. A set of computer programs has been written to produce a Dual Dictionary on microfilm. The index is readily updated and replicated. Furthermore, the program accommodates a dictionary or document collection of any size. Dual‐Dictionary displays have been generated for a chemical fragment index, including 70,000 compounds averaging 5 fragments per compound, and for several smaller collections of reports and other data.
Deriving term relations for a corpus by graph theoretical clusters
Authors: Augustson J. Gary , Minker Jack
Published: June 2007

We discuss how alternative methods of automatic term clustering may provide insight into how terms are related within a corpus. The work reported uses a corpus of 2267 documents that contain 3950 index terms. A similarity matrix is developed using the document–term matrix. A threshold level T is applied to the similarity matrix. Entries in the matrix that are greater than or equal to the threshold level are set equal to one, and the remaining entries are set to zero.

Three definitions are applied to the corresponding graph of each threshold matrix to develop clusters. These are, (1) the connected components of the graph, (2) the maximal complete subgraphs of the graph, and (3) the combined maximal complete subgraphs of the graph as described by Gotlieb and Kumar. Two examples are described that show how insight may be gained into the term relations by varying the threshold levels and the cluster definitions.
A data structure for information retrieval
Authors: Winings J. W.
Published: June 2007

The computer system described was developed as a departmental aid in locating documents for use as teaching material or for research purposes. The data base of about 2000 records includes a departmental library of manuals, reports, technical literature, and reprints, as well as journal references and book titles, all in the general area of information science.
Experimentation with computer‐assisted indexing: American documentation, volume 20
Authors: Hines Theodore C. , Harris Jessica L. , Colverd Martin
Published: June 2007

The procedures used to produce the index to volume 20 (1969) of American Documentation are described to demonstrate a system for computer‐assisted indexing and bibliography production developed at the Columbia University School of Library Service. Only the subject entries and the input keying require human intervention; all other entries and all page layout and formatting are then produced automatically. Production and other statistics are given. The system is suited for indexes to single journals, to groups of journals, and to the literature of a discipline. The system is demonstrated to be economic in comparison to currently used manual methods.
Nucleophile Substitutionsreaktionen in Diäthylenglykol
Authors: Christ Othmar , Elias Horst
Published: June 2007

Die Kinetik des homogenen Isotopenaustausches zwischen 1‐Chlor‐hexan und 36Cl‐markierten Chlorid‐lonen (Li36Cl) wurde in Diäthylenglykol (DÄG) zwischen 110 und 140° untersucht. — Am Isotopenaustausch sind eine SN2‐Reaktion (ΔH≠ = 22.9 kcal/Mol) und eine pseudomonomolekular verlaufende Nebenreaktion (ΔH≠ = 26.3 kcal/Mol) des 1‐Chlor‐hexans beteiligt. — Die Dissoziationskonstante von LiCl in DÄG wurde durch Leitfähigkeitsmessungen bestimmt; die Dielektrizitätskonstante und die Viskosität von DÄG wurden gemessen.