bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A compendium of myeloma-associated chromosomal copy number abnormalities and their prognostic value
Authors: Walker Brian A. , Leone Paola E. , Chiecchio Laura , Dickens Nicholas J. , Jenner Matthew W. , Boyd Kevin D. , Johnson David C. , Gonzalez David , Dagrada Gian Paolo , Protheroe Rebecca K. M. , Konn Zoe J. , Stockley David M. , Gregory Walter M. , Davies Faith E. , Ross Fiona M. , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: July 2010

To obtain a comprehensive genomic profile of presenting multiple myeloma cases we performed high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism mapping array analysis in 114 samples alongside 258 samples analyzed by U133 Plus 2.0 expression array (Affymetrix). We examined DNA copy number alterations and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) to define the spectrum of minimally deleted regions in which relevant genes of interest can be found. The most frequent deletions are located at 1p (30%), 6q (33%), 8p (25%), 12p (15%), 13q (59%), 14q (39%), 16q (35%), 17p (7%), 20 (12%), and 22 (18%). In addition, copy number-neutral LOH, or uniparental disomy, was also prevalent on 1q (8%), 16q (9%), and X (20%), and was associated with regions of gain and loss. Based on fluorescence in situ hybridization and expression quartile analysis, genes of prognostic importance were found to be located at 1p (FAF1, CDKN2C), 1q (ANP32E), and 17p (TP53). In addition, we identified common homozygously deleted genes that have functions relevant to myeloma biology. Taken together, these analyses indicate that the crucial pathways in myeloma pathogenesis include the nuclear factor-κB pathway, apoptosis, cell-cycle regulation, Wnt signaling, and histone modifications. This study was registered at http://isrctn.org as ISRCTN68454111.
Evolution and thermodynamics of the slow unfolding of hyperstable monomeric proteins
Authors: Okada Jun , Okamoto Tomohiro , Mukaiyama Atsushi , Tadokoro Takashi , You Dong-Ju , Chon Hyongi , Koga Yuichi , Takano Kazufumi , Kanaya Shigenori
Published: July 2010

Background

The unfolding speed of some hyperthermophilic proteins is dramatically lower than that of their mesostable homologs. Ribonuclease HII from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakaraensis (Tk-RNase HII) is stabilized by its remarkably slow unfolding rate, whereas RNase HI from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus (Tt-RNase HI) unfolds rapidly, comparable with to that of RNase HI from Escherichia coli (Ec-RNase HI).

Results

To clarify whether the difference in the unfolding rate is due to differences in the types of RNase H or differences in proteins from archaea and bacteria, we examined the equilibrium stability and unfolding reaction of RNases HII from the hyperthermophilic bacteria Thermotoga maritima (Tm-RNase HII) and Aquifex aeolicus (Aa-RNase HII) and RNase HI from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii (Sto-RNase HI). These proteins from hyperthermophiles are more stable than Ec-RNase HI over all the temperature ranges examined. The observed unfolding speeds of all hyperstable proteins at the different denaturant concentrations studied are much lower than those of Ec-RNase HI, which is in accordance with the familiar slow unfolding of hyperstable proteins. However, the unfolding rate constants of these RNases H in water are dispersed, and the unfolding rate constant of thermophilic archaeal proteins is lower than that of thermophilic bacterial proteins.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the nature of slow unfolding of thermophilic proteins is determined by the evolutionary history of the organisms involved. The unfolding rate constants in water are related to the amount of buried hydrophobic residues in the tertiary structure.
Recovery of the mitochondrial COI barcode region in diverse Hexapoda through tRNA-based primers
Authors: Park Doo-Sang , Suh Soo-Jung , Oh Hyun-Woo , Hebert Paul DN
Published: July 2010

Background

DNA barcoding uses a 650 bp segment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene as the basis for an identification system for members of the animal kingdom and some other groups of eukaryotes. PCR amplification of the barcode region is a key step in the analytical chain, but it sometimes fails because of a lack of homology between the standard primer sets and target DNA.

Results

Two forward PCR primers were developed following analysis of all known arthropod mitochondrial genome arrangements and sequence alignment of the tRNA-W gene which was usually located within 200 bp upstream of the COI gene. These two primers were combined with a standard reverse primer (LepR1) to produce a cocktail which generated a barcode amplicon from 125 of 141 species that included representatives of 121 different families of Hexapoda. High quality sequences were recovered from 79% of the species including groups, such as scale insects, that invariably fail to amplify with standard primers.

Conclusions

A cocktail of two tRNA-W forward primers coupled with a standard reverse primer amplifies COI for most hexapods, allowing characterization of the standard barcode primer binding region in COI 5' as well as the barcode segment. The current results show that primers designed to bind to highly conserved gene regions upstream of COI will aid the amplification of this gene region in species where standard primers fail and provide valuable information to design a primer for problem groups.
Hypoglycaemia following upper gastrointestinal surgery: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Bernard Brandon , Kline Gregory A , Service F John
Published: July 2010

Background

Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia is relatively recently recognized in persons undergoing bariatric surgery although knowledge and experience with this condition may not be commensurate with the number of such procedures being performed globally. This paper presents a novel case as an example of how such patients may present and how they may be investigated.

Case Presentation

A 69-year-old man was assessed 3 months post-fundoplication surgery for postprandial hypoglycaemia with neuroglycopenia that became progressively severe. A 72-h fast failed to show hypoglycaemia. During a clinic visit, the patient became confused and had a low plasma glucose, high plasma insulin, and high plasma C-peptide; symptoms were relieved with glucose. No tumours were visualized on CT, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound. A total body Indium111-octreotide scan was negative. Selective arterial calcium stimulation showed a high insulin gradient in the splenic and superior mesenteric arteries, suggesting diffuse pancreatic beta cell hyperplasia. The patient declined pancreatic resection and recurrent symptomatic hypoglycaemia was successfully prevented with low dose octreotide.

Conclusions

Although increasingly recognized following bariatric surgery, this is the first reported development of NIPHS (non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome) following fundoplication surgery, as well as the first documented use of octreotide in post-operative NIPHS. Medical management may be an alternative to surgery for patients with this rare condition.
A polymorphism in the dysbindin gene (DTNBP1) associated with multiple psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia
Authors: Voisey Joanne , Swagell Christopher D , Hughes Ian P , Connor Jason P , Lawford Bruce R , Young Ross M , Morris C Phillip
Published: July 2010

Background

A number of studies have found associations between dysbindin (DTNBP1) polymorphisms and schizophrenia. Recently we identified a DTNBP1 SNP (rs9370822) that is strongly associated with schizophrenia. Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia were nearly three times as likely to carry the CC genotype compared to the AA genotype.

Methods

To investigate the importance of this SNP in the function of DTNBP1, a number of psychiatric conditions including addictive behaviours and anxiety disorders were analysed for association with rs9370822.

Results

The DTNBP1 polymorphism was significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as nicotine and opiate dependence but not alcohol dependence. Individuals suffering PTSD were more than three times as likely to carry the CC genotype compared to the AA genotype. Individuals with nicotine or opiate dependence were more than twice as likely to carry the CC genotype compared to the AA genotype.

Conclusions

This study provides further support for the importance of DTNBP1 in psychiatric conditions and suggests that there is a common underlying molecular defect involving DTNBP1 that contributes to the development of several anxiety and addictive disorders that are generally recognised as separate clinical conditions. These disorders may actually be different expressions of a single metabolic pathway perturbation. As our participant numbers are limited our observations should be viewed with caution until they are independently replicated.
Performance Analysis and Optimization of a Gas Turbine Cycle Integrated with an Internal Combustion Wave Rotor
Authors: Lenoble G , Ogaji S
Published: July 2010

In an effort to answer the current needs for more performing and energy efficient gas turbine engines, unsteady pressure gain devices are currently under great focus. This article describes the performance analysis of a novel turbine engine utilizing an internal combustion wave rotor. The performance of this engine is compared to that of a conventional engine, first using its original bypass ratio—fan pressure ratio configuration, and then an optimized configuration. The novel cycle engine is found to be more efficient, reducing specific fuel consumption by approximately 37 per cent for the non-optimized condition, whereas the optimized engine has a potential for reducing by about 40 per cent the fuel needed for a typical long-range aircraft mission. This high potential reduction in fuel consumption encourages more detailed studies based on more sophisticated models, taking into account cycle losses, emissions, and transient behaviours.
Proportional—Integral—Derivative Controller Design by Using Artificial Bee Colony, Harmony Search, and the Bees Algorithms
Authors: Karaboga D , Akay B
Published: July 2010

This paper is an extended version of the paper presented in IPROMS 2009, which analysed the effect of the problem of dimensionality on the performance of a basic artificial bee colony, harmony search, and the bees algorithms on unimodal and multimodal well-known benchmark problems. A comparison of these algorithms was made in terms of the number of control parameters to be tuned. The algorithms considered were applied to proportional—integral—derivative (PID) controller tuning which involves the PID gains to be determined. Responses of the test systems to step input in terms of some metrics such as overshoot percentage, rising time, settling time and error are examined and also the effects of the disturbance on the control system performance and the system stability are analysed.
Adaptive Fuzzy Sliding-Mode Controller for Control of the Strip Casting Process
Authors: Chen H-Y , Huang S-J
Published: July 2010

It is well known that the casting and rolling processes of strip casting are integrated into a single production step for the manufacture of thin steel strips directly from molten metal. The quality of the strip casting process depends on many process parameters, such as the level of molten steel in the pool, solidification position, and roll gap. Their dynamic relationships are complex and the strip casting process has non-linear uncertainty and time-varying characteristics, so it is difficult to establish an accurate process model for designing a model-based controller to monitor strip quality. Here, a model-free adaptive fuzzy sliding-mode controller, which combines an adaptive rule with fuzzy and sliding-mode control, is proposed to monitor the level of molten metal. The proposed control strategy has online learning ability for responding to the system's non-linear and time-varying behaviours during control of the molten steel level. Since this model-free controller has a simple control structure and a small number of control parameters, it is easy to implement. Simulation results based on the dynamic model and parameters of a semi-experimental system are executed to show the control performance of the proposed intelligent controller.
Spatial Thermal Mapping Using Thermal Infrared Camera and Wireless Sensors for Error Compensation via Open Architecture Controllers
Authors: Mekid S
Published: July 2010

Errors associated with temperature deformation in computer numerically controlled machine elements are of particular concern, especially with multiple sources of heat. The open architecture controller (OAC) offers a way to handle the issue. It has the feature to host several external devices to support full error compensation using various types of sensor that are not conventional in machine tools, such as thermal cameras and wireless temperature sensors in a network. The current paper introduces OAC principles and types as well as innovative techniques including wireless and infrared cameras to acquire spatial temperature on machines. A wide spatial mapping of errors from various sources can be implemented; for example, thermal errors that are difficult to model but could be measured and mapped over the whole machine. The resulting mapped errors are then used for error compensation in a complementary way to other existing techniques. OACs are implemented in recent machine tools to ease the hosting of external devices. This feature helps to improve error compensation, to ease early error detection, and to manage machine failures, with the objective to maintain the machine precision.
Multiple Sensor-Based Weed Segmentation
Authors: Kodagoda S , Zhang Z
Published: July 2010

Bidens pilosa L (commonly known as cobbler's peg) is an annual broad-leaf weed in tropical and subtropical regions and reportedly needs to be identified and eliminated when farming 31 different crop varieties. This paper presents a multi-modal sensing approach for detecting Bidens leaves within wheat plants. Visual cue-based automatic discrimination of Bidens and wheat leaves is non-trivial owing to the curled-up nature of the wheat leaves. Therefore, spectral responses of Bidens and wheat leaves are first analysed to understand the discriminative spectral bands. Then a multi-modal sensory system consisting of a near infra red (NIR) and a visual camera set-up is proposed. Information retrieved from the sensory set up is then processed to generate a series of cues that are fed into a classification algorithm. Classification results are validated through experimentation. The proposed technique is able to achieve an accuracy of 88—95 per cent even when there is substantial overlapping between Bidens and wheat leaves. Further, it is also shown that the algorithm is robust enough to discriminate some other commonly available plant species.
Comparison of constant-volume sampler and bag mini-diluter emissions measurements of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Allgood D , Brown T , Samuelsen S , Mori Y
Published: July 2010

The impending introduction of dual-fuel plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will impose significant challenges on current vehicle emissions testing equipment and protocols. One reason is the all-electric range and random start of the combustion engine. A second reason is the period of low or zero flow rate of exhaust volume. The present paper systematically evaluates these challenges by testing a Toyota prototype with an industry-standard, constant-volume sampler system in parallel with bag mini diluter equipment. Both systems exhibit technical difficulties when testing the PHEV. Discrepancies between the two methods can be corrected with software manipulations for a charge-sustaining operation. However, there are clear mechanisms of possible error in CO2 emissions collected during charge-depleting operation for both technologies. These findings indicate that alternative methods, including continuous sampling methods, may be required for accurate vehicle certification.
Peripheral neuromodulation via posterior tibial nerve stimulation - a potential treatment for faecal incontinence?
Authors: Findlay John M , Yeung Justin Mc , Robinson Rachel , Greaves Helen , Maxwell-Armstrong Charles
Published: July 2010

INTRODUCTION

Faecal incontinence is a prevalent and important condition, with a range of treatment options. Neuromodulation via sacral nerve stimulators is efficacious, but expensive and associated with complications due to device implantation. Peripheral neuromodulation via posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) has been assessed in urinary incontinence, but there is minimal evidence for its use in faecal incontinence and no literature from the UK. This retrospective review aimed to assess the efficacy of PTNS in faecal incontinence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen consecutive female patients with faecal incontinence of various causes (9 idiopathic, 3 obstetric, 1 surgery) underwent PTNS at a UK hospital. All were investigated with colonic imaging, anorectal physiology and endo-anal ultrasound. Prior treatments included physiotherapy (13), sphincteroplasty (3) biofeedback (3) and PTQ implants (1). PTNS was performed for 30 min, weekly for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Median monthly episodes of incontinence of wind, liquid and solid reduced from 6, 10 and 18 respectively to 0 with 12 weeks' treatment (P < 0.05). Significant improvements in quality of life indices were also seen. At 1-month follow up, a sustained reduction in incontinence of wind was seen (0 episodes), with non-significant reductions of liquid and solid stool.

CONCLUSIONS

PTNS is a potentially efficacious, technically simple and minimally invasive alternative treatment modality for faecal incontinence. These early results are encouraging, but we await medium- and long-term follow-up, and a larger randomised trial comparing PTNS with alternative treatments and placebo.
Consenting for pelvic nerve injury in colorectal surgery: need to address age and gender bias
Authors: Nesargikar Prabhu N , Kaur Vasha , Cocker Daniel M , Lengyel John
Published: July 2010

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic nerve injury is a recognised complication following pelvic dissection in colorectal surgery. It can lead to urinary and sexual dysfunction in men and women, which varies from 5-40% depending on the surgery and the underlying pathology. Sexual dysfunction can manifest as erectile dysfunction in men and as dyspareunia and failure to achieve sexual arousal/orgasm in women. The aim of this study was to evaluate consent for these complications prior to surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective audit on patients who had undergone elective colorectal surgery involving pelvic dissection over a 2-year period (June 2006 to June 2008) at University Hospital of North Staffordshire. We reviewed the consent forms and medical records of these patients, specifically looking for documentation of pelvic nerve injury, sexual dysfunction or erectile dysfunction prior to surgery. Only patients who had documented pelvic dissection in their operative notes were included in the audit, and those who were deemed unable to consent were excluded.

RESULTS

Medical records of 118 patients were reviewed. Of this cohort, 31% were women (n = 37). Malignancy was the indication for surgery in 79% of women and 88% of men. Consent for the procedure was obtained by a consultant in 73% (n = 86) of patients and by a middle-grade surgeon in the remaining 27% (n = 32). Only two women were consented for pelvic nerve injury whilst this number was 41 for men (5% vs 51%). Patients younger than 50 years were more consistently informed of the risks (50%) compared to the over 50-year-olds (34%). Only eight patients (males 6, females 2) were consented for urinary dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of pelvic nerve injury is not frequently stated, which is more common in women and the elderly. Overall, only 36% of patients were consented for pelvic nerve injury, while only 5% of women were consented. Is this professional discretion, or evidence that surgeons are not being assiduous enough when obtaining consent, which may leave them vulnerable to medicolegal claims? Introduction of procedure-specific consent forms would be a method to address this issue.
Minimally invasive, video-assisted thyroidectomy: first experience from the United Kingdom
Authors: Samy AK , Ridgway D , Orabi A , Suppiah A
Published: July 2010

INTRODUCTION

Minimally-invasive, video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) was developed to reduce scarring/trauma associated with cervical incisions used in open thyroidectomy. Results from various centres have been published internationally but none from the UK. This study reports the first results from the UK and compares them with other centres. We also aim to compare the results of a single-surgeon experience in a small/moderately-sized hospital to those of larger tertiary centres.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a single surgeon experience in a district general hospital

RESULTS

The cohort was 55 patients (52 female, 3 male), mean age 48 years (range, 21-77 years) who had 64 MIVAT procedures. There were 49 hemithyroidectomies (HTs), 2 isthmusectomy, 4 total thyroidectomies (TTs) and 9 completion thyroidec-tomies (CTs) with median operating time of 86 min (IQR 66-110 min). Individual operating times were HT 85 min (IQR 60-110 min); TT 130 min (IQR 100-140 min) and CT 77 min (IQR 70-98 min). Median operating time was shorter in the second half of this series (76 min vs 92 min; P < 0.001). Length of stay was < 1 day in 92%. Conversions occurred in 6.3% with no haematoma or re-operation. Transient voice change was present in 7 (11%), permanent unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in 2 (3%), and transient hypocalcaemia in 2 (3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The first results from the UK are similar to those of other international centres. A single-surgeon practice can obtain results comparable to larger tertiary centres provided there is sufficient case-load. MIVAT is safe and effective, but has a steep learning curve with rapid improvement observed within first 30 cases. Future studies should focus on objective assessment of scar/cosmesis and cost-effectiveness. MIVAT is an acceptable alternative to open surgery in highly selected patients.
Training in laparoscopic colorectal surgery – experience of training in a specialist unit
Authors: Engledow Alec H , Thiruppathy Kumaran , Arulampalam Tan , Motson Roger W
Published: July 2010

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery, although technically demanding, is an increasingly desirable skill for coloproc-tologists. We believe that trainees with adequate supervision from an experienced trainer may perform these procedures safely with good outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Surgical logbooks of two senior trainees were reviewed over a 2-year period. A case note analysis was then undertaken. Patient data were recorded with regards to age, sex, operation type, American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) grade, conversion, length of hospital stay and complications. Lymph node yield, resection margins and grade of total mesorec-tal excision were recorded in oncological procedures.

RESULTS

Over the 2-year period, trainees were involved in 140 resections (age range, 23-88 years; ASA grades I-III). Seventy patients were male. Trainees were first assistant in at least 20 cases prior to undertaking the procedures themselves. Trainees performed a total of 71 operations. Median hospital stay was 7 days (range, 2-48 days). There were three conversions. Anastomotic leaks developed in two patients, one requiring a laparotomy. One patient developed small bowel obstruction secondary to a port site hernia, which was repaired laparoscopically. There was one postoperative death. All oncological resection margins were clear with adequate lymphadenectomies. All total mesorectal excisions were Quirke grade III.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequately trained and supervised trainees may perform major colorectal resections without compromising outcome.
Could pre-mortem computerised tomography scans reduce the need for coroner's post-mortem examinations?
Authors: Owais Anwar E , Wilson Timothy R , Khan Shakeeb A , Jaidev Jo , Renwick Ian , Mitchell Charles , Macfie John
Published: July 2010

Post-mortem examinations may result in considerable distress to the bereaved family. This audit was undertaken to examine whether computerised tomography (CT) scanning prior to death might reduce the need for post-mortems without compromising the accuracy of recording the cause of death.

The case notes of 100 consecutive patients who had a coroner's post-mortem, because the cause of death was unknown, were reviewed by four senior clinicians. Along with the likely cause of death, the clinicians gave their opinion as to whether a CT scan would have enabled certification of death without the need for a post-mortem. Concordance between the post-mortem findings and the clinical events surrounding death was explored.

It would have been possible to perform a pre-mortem CT scan on 90 of the 100 patients. A pre-mortem CT scan would have given the cause of death in 59 (66%) of these. In 30 patients, the cause of death established by the post-mortem was at variance with the clinical events surrounding death and clinically relevant information, such as recent surgery, was not recorded on the death certificates of 26 patients.

The use of a pre-mortem CT scan and involvement of senior clinicians in the process of establishing cause of death will improve the accuracy and may obviate the need for a post-mortem in some patients. However, if a post-mortem is needed, the clinical notes should always be available for the pathologists and a senior member of the patient's team should attend the post-mortem to help accurate death certification.
Seat-belt trauma of the breast in a pregnant woman causing milk-duct injury: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sircar T , Mistry P , Harries S , Clarke D , Jones L
Published: July 2010

Injury to the milk-duct following a road traffic accident has not been reported in the literature. This case report describes a 25-year-old postpartum lady with massive swelling of the breast due to milk-duct injury and collection of milk within the breast. We describe the possible mechanism of milk-duct injury, its presentation and management, and also review the literature on seat-belt injury to the breast.
New house or new limbs?!
Authors: Nwachuku I , Obi N , Housden P , Winter M
Published: July 2010

We describe a rare case of end-stage haemophiliac joint disease with inhibitors to factor VIII. Using recombinant factor VIIa treatment, the patient was able to undergo major orthopaedic procedures not previously possible. Although the estimated cost of putting this patient through surgery, prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation is close to £500,000, we hope his overall care requirements will be reduced following the successful surgery and that he will require considerably less in the way of analgesics with an improved independent quality of life for many years.
Complete transection of the pelvi-ureteric junction in an adult
Authors: Walker DT , Massouh F , Barber NJ
Published: July 2010

We present a unique case report of a 41-year-old man involved in a hit-and-run accident. The patient suffered a complete disruption of the pelvi-ureteric junction along with a fracture of the L3 transverse process. Occasionally seen in children, we believe this to be the first reported adult case. The report details the presentation and symptoms, with subsequent radiology. This case also demonstrates how using an effective multidisciplinary team approach and the ATLS principles, uncommon injuries can be identified and managed successfully. We revisit the classification of ureteric trauma and the accepted best surgical management.
Acute scrotal pain with a twist
Authors: Venugopal S , Schoeman D , Damola A , Hamid B , Powell C
Published: July 2010

Intratesticular lesions identified on ultrasound are usually malignant. It presents a particular dilemma to the surgeon when conservative approach is considered. A 55-year-old smoker with peripheral vascular disease had attended the accident and emergency with acute left hemiscrotal pain of 24-h duration. Clinical examination revealed a swollen, tender hemiscrotum. Ultrasound had demonstrated a hypo-echoic lesion in the testis measuring 2 × 1.8 cm. This was reported as possible infarct and managed conservatively. On review after 4 weeks, the patient was still symptomatic with persistent dull pain. A repeat scan in 4 weeks showed persistence of the lesion raising the possibility of tumour. Tumour marker profile was not elevated. The patient had a radical orchidectomy and the histology showed segmental infarction of the testis with thrombosis of the segmental testicular vessels. Peripheral vascular disease can cause segmental infarction of the testis due to the end arterial blood supply; in these cases, magnetic resonance scan can be diagnostic. Once confirmed, segmental infarcts can be safely managed conservatively.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in situs inversus totalis: is it safe?
Authors: Hall TC , Barandiaran J , Perry EP
Published: July 2010

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare defect of genetic predisposition. It may cause difficulties in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of abdominal pathology due to the mirror-image anatomy. We report the management of a case of symptomatic cholelithiasis with emphasis on its surgical technique combined with a review of the literature.
Right postoperative pleural effusion following laparoscopic appendicectomies: a case series
Authors: Peycru Thierry , Jarry Julien , Brun Stéphanie , Bodin Rodolphe , Schwartz Antoine , Gonzalez Federico
Published: July 2010

Pleural effusion is not a commonly reported complication of appendicectomy. In our experience, we have performed all forms of appendicitis by laparoscopy (n = 217) since August 2006. We report three consecutive cases of right postoperative pleural effusion, all of which occurred during the immediate postoperative course of a laparoscopic appendicectomy. All three patients presented a perforated appendicitis. The right postoperative pleural effusions seem to be linked to the laparoscopic approach, and can be explained by the cumulative effects of peritoneal lavage, pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position. The first two cases were managed medically by intravenous antibiotic therapy. The third patient required a pleural drainage by thoracoscopy. Surgeons should be aware of this complication when operating perforated appendicitis by the laparoscopic method.
Complete resolution of oral Kaposi’s sarcoma achieved by changing immunosuppression: a case report
Authors: Johari Y , Nicholson ML
Published: July 2010

A 38-year-old Afro-Caribbean woman, who was pre-dialysis with polycystic kidney disease, received a live-donor kidney transplant from her 55-year-old mother. This study documents her imunosuppression therapy including resolution of an oral Kaposi’s sarcoma and explores the many underlying problems with converting to an mTOR inhibitor.
Conservative management of bronchopulmonary artery perforation without associated haemothorax occurring at thoracentesis: a case report
Authors: Chuang Yao-Tsung , Tsao Teng-Fu , Su Chun-Hung , Lin Ming-Cheng
Published: July 2010

Puncture or laceration of the pulmonary, intercostal, or peripheral vessels is an uncommon, but potentially life-threatening, complication of thoracentesis, which has been reported to result in severe haemothorax in 75% of patients. Damage to these vessels typically requires surgical intervention or intra-arterial embolisation. We report the successful non-surgical management of an unusual case of pulmonary artery perforation without concomitant haemothorax in an 82-year-old man who underwent thoracentesis.
Fournier’s gangrene in a five year old boy – beware of the child post varicella infection
Authors: Jefferies M , Saw NK , Jones P
Published: July 2010

Scrotal pain and swelling are common presentations in children and are usually secondary to torsion of the testis, hydatid of Morgagni or epididymo-orchitis. Fournier’s gangrene is a rare, but life-threatening disease, that can present in a similar fashion. We present a rare case of Fournier’s gangrene in a 5-year-old boy associated with a preceding varicella rash.
Angelchik prosthesis with oesophageal adenocarcinoma: our surgical approach
Authors: Shetty VD , Thrumurthy SG , Pursnani KG , Ward JB , Mughal MM
Published: July 2010

The Angelchik prosthesis is an incomplete doughnut-shaped device composed of silicone elastomer used in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It is used to encircle the lower oesophagus at the gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ). The ease of the operation led to the insertion of over 25,000 such prostheses world-wide. However, a variety of major complications including intractable dysphagia, prosthesis migration and gastric erosion required a quarter of these devices to be removed. Development of adenocarcinoma in patients with Angelchik prosthesis is a rare occurrence. This article describes two patients who developed adenocarcinoma above their prosthesis and whose cardio-oesophagectomy was technically challenging due to the formation of a dense inflammatory capsule around the prosthesis. Our surgical approach to curative oesophageal resection with the Angelchik prosthesis in situ is also discussed.
The interaction between leader–member exchange and perceived job security in predicting employee altruism and work performance
Authors: Loi Raymond , Ngo Hang‐Yue , Zhang Lingqing , Lau Victor P.
Published: July 2010

This study investigated the relationships among leader–member exchange (LMX), perceived job security, and employee performance. Drawing on the job demands–resources model and conservation of resources theory, we expected both LMX and perceived job security would affect employee altruism and work performance in a positive manner. In addition, LMX and perceived job security were expected to interact to predict the two outcome variables. The hypotheses were tested with a sample of 184 employees in a state‐owned enterprise in China. Our results showed that LMX, but not perceived job security, was positively related to employee altruism and work performance. Additionally, the effect of LMX on altruism was stronger for employees perceiving less job security. The findings indicated that LMX as a job resource becomes more impactful to altruistic performance when employees feel less secure at work.
The two-cardinal problem for languages of arbitrary cardinality
Authors: Miguel Luis , Silva Villegas
Published: July 2010

Let ℒ be a first-order language of cardinality κ++ with a distinguished unary predicate symbol U. In this paper we prove, working on L, the two cardinal transfer theorem (κ+,κ) ⇒ (κ++, κ+) for this language. This problem was posed by Chang and Keisler more than twenty years ago.
Definability of groups in ℵ0-stable metric structures
Authors: Ben Yaacov Itaï
Published: July 2010

We prove that in a continuous ℵ0-stable theory every type-definable group is definable. The two main ingredients in the proof are:

(i) Results concerning Morley ranks (i.e., Cantor-Bendixson ranks) from [Ben08], allowing us to prove the theorem in case the metric is invariant under the group action; and

(ii) Results concerning the existence of translation-invariant definable metrics on type-definable groups and the extension of partial definable metrics to total ones.
Topological properties of sets definable in weakly o-minimal structures
Authors: Wencel Roman
Published: July 2010

The paper is aimed at studying the topological dimension for sets definable in weakly o-minimal structures in order to prepare background for further investigation of groups, group actions and fields definable in the weakly o-minimal context. We prove that the topological dimension of a set definable in a weakly o-minimal structure is invariant under definable injective maps, strengthening an analogous result from [2] for sets and functions definable in models of weakly o-minimal theories. We pay special attention to large subsets of Cartesian products of definable sets, showing that if X, Y and S are non-empty definable sets and S is a large subset of X × Y. then for a large set of tuples , where k = dim(Y), the union of fibers is large in Y. Finally, given a weakly o-minimal structure , we find various conditions equivalent to the fact that the topological dimension in enjoys the addition property.
Extending Baire property by uncountably many sets
Authors: Kawa Paweł , Pawlikowski Janusz
Published: July 2010

We show that for an uncountableκin a suitable Cohen real model for any family {Av}v<κof sets of reals there is aσ-homomorphismhfrom theσ-algebra generated by Borel sets and the setsAv, into the algebra of Baire subsets of 2κmodulo meager sets such that for all BorelB,

The proof is uniform, works also for random reals and the Lebesgue measure, and in this way generalizes previous results of Carlson and Solovay for the Lebesgue measure and of Kamburelis and Zakrzewski for the Baire property.
Groupoids, covers, and 3-uniqueness in stable theories
Authors: Goodrick John , Kolesnikov Alexei
Published: July 2010

Building on Hrushovski's work in [5], we study definable groupoids in stable theories and their relationship with 3-uniqueness and finite internal covers. We introduce the notion of retractability of a definable groupoid (which is slightly stronger than Hrushovski's notion of eliminability), give some criteria for when groupoids are retractable, and show how retractability relates to both 3-uniqueness and the splitness of finite internal covers. One application we give is a new direct method of constructing non-eliminable groupoids from witnesses to the failure of 3-uniqueness. Another application is a proof that any finite internal cover of a stable theory with a centerless liaison groupoid is almost split.
Reverse mathematics and Ramsey's property for trees
Authors: Corduan Jared , Groszek Marcia J. , Mileti Joseph R.
Published: July 2010

We show, relative to the base theory RCA0: A nontrivial tree satisfies Ramsey's Theorem only if it is biembeddable with the complete binary tree. There is a class of partial orderings for which Ramsey's Theorem for pairs is equivalent to ACA0. Ramsey's Theorem for singletons for the complete binary tree is stronger than . hence stronger than Ramsey's Theorem for singletons for ω. These results lead to extensions of results, or answers to questions, of Chubb, Hirst, and McNicholl [3].
Products of some special compact spaces and restricted forms of AC
Authors: Keremedis Kyriakos , Tachtsis Eleftherios
Published: July 2010

We establish the following results:

1. In ZF (i.e., Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory minus the Axiom of Choice AC), for every set I and for every ordinal number α ≥ ω, the following statements are equivalent:

(a) The Tychonoff product of ∣α∣ many non-empty finite discrete subsets of I is compact.

(b) The union of ∣α∣ many non-empty finite subsets of I is well orderable.

2. The statement: For every infinite set I, every closed subset of the Tychonoff product [0, 1]Iwhich consists offunctions with finite support is compact, is not provable in ZF set theory.

3. The statement: For every set I, the principle of dependent choices relativised to I implies the Tychonoff product of countably many non-empty finite discrete subsets of I is compact, is not provable in ZF0 (i.e., ZF minus the Axiom of Regularity).

4. The statement: For every set I, every ℵ0-sized family of non-empty finite subsets of I has a choice function implies the Tychonoff product of ℵ0many non-empty finite discrete subsets of I is compact, is not provable in ZF0.
Quantifier elimination in valued Ore modules
Authors: Bélair Luc , Point Françoise
Published: July 2010

We consider valued fields with a distinguished isometry or contractive derivation as valued modules over the Ore ring of difference operators. Under certain assumptions on the residue field, we prove quantifier elimination first in the pure module language, then in that language augmented with a chain of additive subgroups, and finally in a two-sorted language with a valuation map. We apply quantifier elimination to prove that these structures do not have the independence property.
A relative of the approachability ideal, diamond and non-saturation
Authors: Rinot Assaf
Published: July 2010

Letλdenote a singular cardinal. Zeman, improving a previous result of Shelah, proved thattogether with 2λ=λ+implies ⋄Sfor everyS ⊆ λ+that reflects stationarily often.

In this paper, for a setS ⊆ λ+, a normal subideal of the weak approachability ideal is introduced, and denoted byI[S; λ]. We say that the ideal isfatif it contains a stationary set. It is proved:

1. ifI[S; λ] is fat, then NSλ+ ∣Sis non-saturated;

2. ifI[S; λ] is fat and 2λ= λ+, then ⋄Sholds;

3.implies thatI[S; λ] is fat for everyS⊆λ+that reflects stationarily often;

4. it is relatively consistent with the existence of a supercompact cardinal thatfails, whileI[S; λ] is fat for every stationaryS ⊆ λ+that reflects stationarily often.

The stronger principleis studied as well.
The consistency strength of choiceless failures of SCH
Authors: Apter Arthur W. , Koepke Peter
Published: July 2010

We determine exact consistency strengths for various failures of the Singular Cardinals Hypothesis (SCH) in the setting of the Zermelo-Fraenkel axiom system ZF without the Axiom of Choice (AC). By the new notion of parallel Prikry forcing that we introduce, we obtain surjective failures of SCH using only one measurable cardinal, including a surjective failure of Shelah's pcf theorem about the size of the power set of ℵω. Using symmetric collapses to ℵω,, or, we show that injective failures at ℵω,, orcan have relatively mild consistency strengths in terms of Mitchell orders of measurable cardinals. Injective failures of both the aforementioned theorem of Shelah and Silver's theorem that GCH cannot first fail at a singular strong limit cardinal of uncountable cofinality are also obtained. Lower bounds are shown by core model techniques and methods due to Gitik and Mitchell.
On the equational theory of projection lattices of finite von neumann factors
Authors: Herrmann Christian
Published: July 2010

For a finite von Neumann algebra factor M, the projections form a modular ortholattice L(M). We show that the equational theory of L(M) coincides with that of some resp. all L(ℂn×n ) and is decidable. In contrast, the uniform word problem for the variety generated by all L(ℂn×n) is shown to be undecidable.
Ethno-Medico-Botanical Knowledge of Khare-vokkaliga Community in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India
Authors: Achar Somashekhara G , N Rajakumar , B Shivanna M
Published: July 2010

Khare-vokkaliga is one of the small ethnic communities inhabiting four village hamlets in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, which is located in the heart of the Western Ghats in India. They used traditional medicines for the treatment of diseases and disorders that affected the community. A survey of ethnomedicinal practices followed by the community was conducted during 2003-04 which indicated that Khare-vokkaliga used 57 plant species of 56 genera and 38 families for the treatment of 39 diseases and disorders in human beings. Among them, 20 species of 19 genera of 16 families are being used to treat 6 infectious diseases and 44 species of 43 genera of 33 families are used to treat 33 non-infectious diseases. The high informant consensus factor (ICF=1.0) was assigned to jaundice category followed by moderate ICF (0.37) to the poisonous bite category and lowest (ICF=0.00) to the treatment of skin and eye related problems. This study reports 11 new claims for the treatment of human diseases and disorders.
Influences of Family Environment and Meditation Efficacy on Hemodynamic Function among African American Adolescents
Authors: Barnes Vernon A , Gregoski Mathew J , Tingen Martha S , Treiber Frank A
Published: July 2010

This study examined the impact of breathing awareness meditation (BAM) compared to health education (HE) and lifeskills training (LS) upon resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) within the context of potential moderating factors of family environment and expectancy of benefit. 186 African American adolescents (mean age: 15.1±0.7 yrs) were randomly assigned by school to three-month BAM, LS, or HE interventions. Laboratory resting blood pressure (BP), Family Relations Index (FRI) and expectancy of benefit evaluations were conducted at pre- and post-intervention. Higher expectancy of benefit from any of the three interventions resulted in greater reductions in SBP. A two-way interaction indicated that BAM group subjects who came from positive family environments exhibited greater decreases in SBP. A two-way interaction indicated that BAM and LS subjects who came from positive family environments exhibited greater DBP decreases. A two-way interaction indicated that BAM subjects who came from positive family environments exhibited a greater HR decrease (all p<.05). Expectancy of intervention benefits beneficially impacted success of behavioral interventions aimed at reducing SBP. Positive family environments in combination with either BAM or LS appear to have a beneficial impact upon hemodynamic function in AA adolescents.
Towards new educational potentialities: Review and commentary of the Preliminary draft Act on higher education
Authors: Madzar Ljubomir
Published: July 2010

The Higher Education Act is a long-awaited legal act. A number of uncompleted attempts to prepare it have been undertaken in the course of the last three years. So far without success. Having been and still being a matter of highest social priority, the renewed effort to create and subsequently to enact this act is welcome as a worthwhile and a highly productive endeavor. Welcome also are the main innovations offered by this act, particularly its conspicuous consistency with the Bologna Declaration and other internationally launched and accepted documents. The draft act follows the international documents tracing down the paths of the future development of the educational systems of the European countries and providing for their mutual compatibility. A number of other positive contributions of the draft act are singled out, such as introducing clear and rigorous criteria and procedures for accreditation and quality control, introducing a wide coverage of arts and sciences as a precondition for an institution of higher education to qualify as a university, flexibility in the regime of studying including the domestic and international mobility of the students and requirement for the schools of higher education to have large cores of permanently employed teaching staff. A much larger part of the paper is, however, devoted to critical commentaries. To begin with, the draft is produced without any participation of the private universities, which is seen as a form of discrimination. The organizational pattern of a university is laid out with insufficient clarity and the status of departments (faculties) is particularly short of precision and even contradictory. The draft seems to be laden with the old bias towards excessive and potentially disastrous centralization, drastically reducing the decision making capacity of the system. The treatment of the property of the departments (faculties) is found inconsistent and legally unfounded. Inconsistency is also revealed in a number of prerogatives of the university vis-a-vis its departments and vice versa.