bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential impact of anaerobic microbial metabolism during the geological disposal of intermediate-level waste
Authors: Rizoulis A. , Steele H. M. , Morris K. , Lloyd J. R.
Published: January 2013

Microbial metabolism has the potential to control the biogeochemistry of redox-active radionuclides in a range of geodisposal scenarios. In this study, sediments from a high pH lime workings site were incubated under carefully controlled anaerobic conditions, at a range of alkali pH values with added electron donors and electron acceptors, to explore the limits and rates of bioreduction in a sediment system analogous to intermediate-level nuclear waste. There was a clear succession in the utilization of electron acceptors (in the order nitrate > Fe(III)-citrate > Fe(III) oxyhydroxide > sulfate), in accordance with calculated free energy yields and Eh values over the pH range 10–12. The rate and extent of bioreduction decreased at higher pH, with an upper limit for the processes studied at pH 12. The biochemical limits for such processes are discussed, alongside the potential impact of such forms of microbial metabolism on the solubility of a range of redox active radionuclides that will feature heavily in the safety case for the geological disposal of intermediate-level nuclear waste.
Data analysis toolkit for long-term, large-scale experiments
Authors: Bennett D. P. , Cuss R. J. , Vardon P. J. , Harrington J. F. , Philp R. N. , Thomas H. R.
Published: January 2013

A new data analysis toolkit which is suitable for the analysis of large-scale, long-term datasets and the phenomenon/anomalies they represent is described. The toolkit aims to expose and quantify scientific information in a number of forms contained within a time-series based dataset in a quantitative and rigorous manner, reducing the subjectivity of observations made, thereby supporting the scientific observer. The features contained within the toolkit include the ability to handle non-uniform datasets, time-series component determination, frequency component determination, feature/event detection and characterization/parameterization of local behaviours. An application is presented of a case study dataset arising from the 'Lasgit' experiment.
An overview of radionuclide behaviour research for the UK geological disposal programme
Authors: Vines S. , Beard R.
Published: January 2013

In the UK, radioactive wastes currently planned for disposal in a geological disposal facility (GDF) are intermediate-level waste, some low-level waste and high-level waste. Disposal of other materials, including spent fuel, separated uranium and separated plutonium are also included in the planning of a GDF, if such materials are classified as wastes in the future. This paper gives an overview of the radionuclide behaviour research studies of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Radioactive Waste Management Directorate (NDA RWMD). The NDA RWMD's current understanding of the processes that control radionuclide behaviour in groundwater and how the engineered and natural barriers in a GDF would contain radionuclides is presented. Areas requiring further work are also identified.
Uranyl binding to humic acid under conditions relevant to cementitious geological disposal of radioactive wastes
Authors: Stockdale A. , Bryan N. D.
Published: January 2013

Few studies have sought to investigate the potential for dissolved organic matter (DOM) to bind (and thus potentially transport) radionuclides under the high pH regimes that are expected in cementitious disposal. We have used equilibrium dialysis to investigate uranyl binding to humic acid over a pH range of ∼10 to 13. The experimental results provide evidence that DOM can bind uranyl ions over this pH range, including in the presence of competing ions. There is a general decrease in binding with increasing pH, from ∼80% of total uranyl bound at pH 9.8 to ∼10% at pH 12.9. Modelling of the system withWHAM/Model VIIcan yield representative results up to pH ∼10.5.
Effect of competition from other metals on nickel complexation by α-isosaccharinic, gluconic and picolinic acids
Authors: Evans N. D. M. , Gascón S. Antón , Vines S. , Felipe-Sotelo M.
Published: January 2013

The effect of competition from other metal ions on the complexation of Ni with isosaccharinic acid, gluconic acid and picolinic acid, at high pH, is described. The competing metal ions used were divalent Co, trivalent Eu and tetravalent Th. In the majority of cases, competition from these metal ions followed the predicted pattern, with most anomalies seeming to be caused by sorption of Ni to the many different solid phases formed in presence of the competing ions. The Ni solid phase was shown to change with time during the course of the study. No major unexplained competition effects were found.
The complexation of Tc(IV) with EDTA and picolinic acid at high pH
Authors: Evans N. D. M. , Hallam R.
Published: January 2013

In the UK, technetium may be disposed of in a high pH, low Eh cementitious repository. In such a scenario, its chemistry would be dominated by TcO4−, in aerobic conditions and the sparingly soluble TcO2(s)in anaerobic conditions. Repository heterogeneity could mean that both Tc(VII) and Tc(IV) are present simultaneously. The anthropogenic ligands EDTA and picolinic acid are commonly used as decontamination agents and are likely to be present in intermediate-level waste (ILW). They could complex with Tc(IV) increasing its aqueous concentration and mobility in the cement porewaters and beyond. The conditional stability constants (measured in 0.3 mol dm−3NaOH) for the Tc(IV)–EDTA and Tc(IV)–picolinic acid complexes have been determined to be: βTc(IV)−EDTA= 1.6 × 1026, which corresponds to log β = 25.2±0.6; and βTc(IV)−PA= 8.65 × 1026, which corresponds to log β = 26.9±0.1, respectively.
The long-term cement studies project: the UK contribution to model development and testing
Authors: Watson C. E. , Savage D. , Wilson J. , Walker C. , Benbow S. J.
Published: January 2013

The international long-term cement studies (LCS) project aims to increase the understanding of the behaviour of cement within a radioactive waste disposal system and how hyper-alkaline leachates may interact with host rock. Such an understanding enables confident, robust and safety-relevant statements to be made concerning future system behaviour, irrespective of host rock, engineered barrier system, or waste type. The LCS project involves laboratory experiments, in situ tests and numerical modelling to address these issues. The agencies participating are Nagra (Switzerland), JAEA (Japan), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Radioactive Waste Mangement Directorate (UK), Posiva (Finland) and SKB (Sweden).

Project activities have included: the development of conceptual and theoretical models of cement–rock interaction; testing of numerical models against data from laboratory experiments and industrial and natural analogues of cement–rock reaction; and the synthesis and incorporation of performance assessment (PA) relevant data from analogue studies. Key threads running through these studies include an analysis of issues relating to upscaling of processes and data to the greater temporal and spatial scales relevant to PA, and investigations of modelling the changes in physical properties that accompany geochemical reaction. Here we present examples of the results from model test cases, highlighting the important issues that have arisen.
Framework for an environmental safety case for geological disposal in the UK
Authors: Poole M. J. , Kowe R.
Published: January 2013

The implementation of a geological disposal facility requires the demonstration of confidence that such a facility would be safe during both the operational period and in the long-term after the closure of such a facility. The generic environmental safety case described in this paper is the vehicle used to demonstrate an understanding of environmental safety. It will be used to prepare a site-specific environmental safety case in due course. The approach taken will be consistent with a staged development and approval process, as advocated by the environmental regulators.
The histone demethylase UTX regulates stem cell migration and hematopoiesis
Authors: Thieme Sebastian , Gyárfás Tobias , Richter Cornelia , Özhan Günes , Fu Jun , Alexopoulou Dimitra , Muders Michael H. , Michalk Irene , Jakob Christiane , Dahl Andreas , Klink Barbara , Bandoła Joanna , Bachmann Michael , Schröck Evelin , Buchholz Frank , Stewart A. Francis , Weidinger Gilbert , Anastassiadis Konstantinos , Brenner Sebastian
Published: January 2013

Key Points

UTX regulates migration and hematopoiesis. Female UTX-KO mice show key features of myelodysplastic syndrome with chromosomal instability.
Neutrophil counts distinguish between malignancy and arthritis in children with musculoskeletal pain: a case–control study
Authors: Agodi Antonella , Barchitta Martina , Trigilia Cristina , Barone Patrizia , Marino Silvia , Garozzo Rosaria , La Rosa Manuela , Russo Giovanna , Di Cataldo Andrea
Published: January 2013

Background

To identify the predictive factors for malignancies using basic clinical and laboratory information in children presenting with musculoskeletal pain and eventually diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or malignancy.

Methods

A retrospective case–control chart review research examining laboratory data from patients referred for musculoskeletal pain in 2001–2010 and diagnosed with malignancy or JIA was performed. The validity of each test for the diagnosis of neoplasia was assessed by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV) and likelihood ratios.

Results

A total of 134 patients were enrolled. Statistically significant differences were found in neutrophil count, Hb, LDH, IgA and C4 values, ANA, anti-EA EBV IgG and anti-CMV IgG titres. High LDH value and anti-CMV IgG were the most predictive factors for neoplasia. High specificity factors for neoplasia were abnormal values of neutrophil count, Hb, IgA and C4, and the presence of anti-EA EBV and anti-CMV IgG. High PPV were recorded for abnormal neutrophil count, Hb value and anti-CMV titre. A low NPV was found only for anti-EA EBV and anti-CMV titres.

Conclusions

In this setting of patients, minimum changes in neutrophil count, particularly if associated with low Hb and high LDH levels, are to be thoroughly considered, because they appear as the most predictive factors for the diagnosis of tumour.
In vitro interaction of artemisinin derivatives or the fully synthetic peroxidic anti-malarial OZ277 with thapsigargin in Plasmodium falciparum strains
Authors: Abiodun Oyindamola O , Brun Reto , Wittlin Sergio
Published: January 2013

Background

Semi-synthetic artemisinin derivatives are powerful peroxidic drugs in artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) recommended as first-line treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in disease-endemic countries. Studies by Eckstein-Ludwig and co-workers showed both thapsigargin and artemisinin specifically inhibit the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+−ATPase of Plasmodium falciparum (PfATP6). In the present study the type of interaction between thapsigargin and artemisinin derivatives as well as the ozonide OZ277 (RBx11160 or arterolane) was evaluated in parasite cultures. The latter compound is an adamantane-based peroxide and the first fully synthetic clinical candidate recently registered in India by Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. for anti-malarial combination therapy.

Methods

Drug interaction studies were performed using a previously described fixed ratio method and anti-malarial activity measured using the [3H] hypoxanthine incorporation assay.

Results

The sum 50% and 90% fractional inhibitory concentration (∑FIC50, 90) of the interaction of thapsigargin with OZ277, artemether or artesunate, against NF54 and K1 strains of P. falciparum ranged from 0.9 to 1.4.

Conclusion

The interaction of thapsigargin with OZ277, artesunate or artemether was additive, data consistent with previous observations indicating that activity of anti-malarial peroxides does not derive from reversible interactions with parasite targets.
Clinical reliability of radial forearm free flap in repair of buccal defects
Authors: Fang Qi-Gen , Li Zhen-Ning , Zhang Xu , Liu Fa-Yu , Xu Zhong-Fei , Sun Chang-Fu
Published: January 2013

Background

The ideal method for buccal defects should provide good outcome of both function and appearance; our goal is to highlight the reliability of radial forearm flap in buccal reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted. From 2005 to 2012, 20 radial forearm flaps were used to repair the defects. We analyzed the superiority and reliability of the flap; in addition, we reviewed some related literature and made a comparison between radial forearm flap and platysma flap.

Results

All radial forearm flaps totally survived, but two flaps suffered venous obstruction, hematoma, respectively. Radial forearm flap preserved the original interincisal distance well. In our follow-up, all patients had sufficient mouth-opening width (mean: 4.3 cm).

Conclusion

Radial forearm flap is a reliable method for buccal defect reconstruction.
Generalized Fibonacci sequences in groupoids
Authors: Kim Hee Sik , Neggers J , So Keum Sook
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we introduce the notion of generalized Fibonacci sequences over a groupoid and discuss it in particular for the case where the groupoid contains idempotents and pre-idempotents. Using the notion of Smarandache-type P-algebra, we obtain several relations on groupoids which are derived from generalized Fibonacci sequences.

MSC:11B39, 20N02, 06F35.
Economic analyses to support decisions about HPV vaccination in low- and middle-income countries: a consensus report and guide for analysts
Authors: Jit Mark , Levin Carol , Brisson Marc , Levin Ann , Resch Stephen , Berkhof Johannes , Kim Jane , Hutubessy Raymond
Published: January 2013

Low- and middle-income countries need to consider economic issues such as cost-effectiveness, affordability and sustainability before introducing a program for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. However, many such countries lack the technical capacity and data to conduct their own analyses. Analysts informing policy decisions should address the following questions: 1) Is an economic analysis needed? 2) Should analyses address costs, epidemiological outcomes, or both? 3) If costs are considered, what sort of analysis is needed? 4) If outcomes are considered, what sort of model should be used? 5) How complex should the analysis be? 6) How should uncertainty be captured? 7) How should model results be communicated? Selecting the appropriate analysis is essential to ensure that all the important features of the decision problem are correctly represented, but that the analyses are not more complex than necessary. This report describes the consensus of an expert group convened by the World Health Organization, prioritizing key issues to be addressed when considering economic analyses to support HPV vaccine introduction in these countries.
Mucosal transmissibility, disease induction and coreceptor switching of R5 SHIVSF162P3Nmolecular clones in rhesus macaques
Authors: Ren Wuze , Mumbauer Alexandra , Zhuang Ke , Harbison Carole , Knight Heather , Westmoreland Susan , Gettie Agegnehu , Blanchard James , Cheng-Mayer Cecilia
Published: January 2013

Background

Mucosally transmissible and pathogenic CCR5 (R5)-tropic simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) molecular clones are useful reagents to identity neutralization escape in HIV-1 vaccine experiments and to study the envelope evolutionary process and mechanistic basis for coreceptor switch during the course of natural infection.

Results

We observed progression to AIDS in rhesus macaques infected intrarectally with molecular clones of the pathogenic R5 SHIVSF162P3N isolate. Expansion to CXCR4 usage was documented in one diseased macaque that mounted a neutralizing antibody response and in another that failed to do so, with the latter displaying a rapid progressor phenotype. V3 loop envelop glycoprotein gp120 sequence changes that are predictive of a CXCR4 (X4)-using phenotype in HIV-1 subtype B primary isolates, specifically basic amino acid substations at positions 11 (S11R), 24 (G24R) and 25 (D25K) of the loop were detected in the two infected macaques. Functional assays showed that envelopes with V3 S11R or D25K mutation were dual-tropic, infecting CD4+ target cells that expressed either the CCR5 or CXCR4 coreceptor. And, consistent with findings of coreceptor switching in macaques infected with the pathogenic isolate, CXCR4-using variant was first detected in the lymph node of the chronically infected rhesus monkey several weeks prior to its presence in peripheral blood. Moreover, X4 emergence in this macaque coincided with persistent peripheral CD4+ T cell loss and a decline in neutralizing antibody titer that are suggestive of immune deterioration, with macrophages as the major virus-producing cells at the end-stage of disease.

Conclusions

The data showed that molecular clones derived from the R5 SHIVSF162P3N isolate are mucosally transmissible and induced disease in a manner similar to that observed in HIV-1 infected individuals, providing a relevant and useful animal infection model for in-depth analyses of host selection pressures and the env evolutionary changes that influence disease outcome, coreceptor switching and vaccine escape.
Phenology of Spondias tuberosaArruda (Anacardiaceae) under different landscape management regimes and a proposal for a rapid phenological diagnosis using local knowledge
Authors: Neto Ernani MF Lins , Almeida Alyson LS , Peroni Nivaldo , Castro Cibele C , Albuquerque Ulysses P
Published: January 2013

Background

Studies aimed at investigating the influence of habitat change on species phenology. Studies that investigate people's perceptions of the phenology of certain species still area few; yet this approach is important for effective decision-making for conservation. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenology of Spondias tuberosa Arruda (Anacardiaceae), a native species of economic and ecological importance in northeastern Brazil, in five landscape units (LUs) (Mountain, Mountain Base, Pasture, Cultivated Areas and Homegardens) of a Caatinga region in Altinho, Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. These data could then be compared with local people's perceptions of the species’ phenophases.

Method

Collection of phenological data was carried out monthly from February 2007 to January 2009 and included activity, intensity and synchronization of reproductive and vegetative phenophases. Ethnobotanical data were gathered using a collaborative approach to access local people’s knowledge about the species’ phenological schedule.

Results

There were no significant differences in the intensity of phenophases among LUs, and there was a correspondence between people’s perception of phenophases and the phenological data collected. The data show that the different management practices for LUs did not influence the phenology of the species.

Conclusion

The main conclusion of this study is the use of traditional knowledge as interesting tool for rapid phenological diagnosis. However further studies need to be developed to test this tool in other environments and cultural contexts.
Arch translocation and the intra-arch elephant-trunk technique with collared graft for extended chronic dissecting aortic aneurysm
Authors: Ikenaga Shigeru , Mikamo Akihito , Kudo Tomoaki , Kurazumi Hiroshi , Suzuki Ryo , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: January 2013

Management of extensive, chronic, dissecting aortic aneurysms after prior repair of the ascending aorta presents a technical challenge for surgeons. A symptomatic 64-year-old patient was admitted for elective surgical repair of an aortic annular dilatation, causing severe aortic regurgitation, and a Crawford type II extended thoracoabdominal aneurysm, 4 years after he underwent primary repair of an acute aortic dissection. The aorta was diffusely dilated, and there were no sites beyond the distal aortic arch where anastomosis could be performed. We successfully performed total aortic replacement with a 2-stage strategy, using an arch translocation technique and an intra-arch elephant-trunk technique.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor as a cause of chronic cardiac insufficiency in cattle
Authors: Pavarini Saulo Petinatti , Gomes Danilo Carloto , Bandinelli Marcele Bettim , Wouters Flademir , Sonne Luciana , Driemeier David , Farias da Cruz Cláudio Estêvão
Published: January 2013

Chronic cardiac insufficiency was associated with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a cow. An eight-year-old cow developed a progressive condition (over a period of three months) characterized by an enhanced abdominal volume, reluctance to move, a positive jugular pulse, watery diarrhea and death. At necropsy, moderate subcutaneous edema and an enhanced hepatic lobular pattern were observed. A 23x20x11 cm firm, grayish-white mass adhered to and infiltrated the right atrium. Multiple firm, yellowish-white nodules of 0.5 to 12 cm in diameter were diffusely scattered in the epicardium and parietal pericardium. Histologically, the tumor was poorly circumscribed with foci of infiltration of the myocardium. The neoplastic cells had two major histologic patterns, Antoni types A and B. Within occasional foci, pleomorphic cells with an epithelioid appearance were present in addition to multinucleated cells with periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-positive cytoplasmic globules. Foci of cartilaginous and granular differentiations were interspersed among the neoplastic cells. Multiple vessels presented wall hyalinization and tumoral embolus. Large necrotic foci with mineralization and cholesterol clefts were also observed. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for S100 protein, vimentin and neuron-specific enolase labeling.
Rapid and sensitive detection of bla
KPC gene in clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae by a molecular real-time assay
Authors: Mosca Adriana , Miragliotta Luisa , Del Prete Raffaele , Tzakis Gerasimos , Dalfino Lidia , Bruno Francesco , Pagani Laura , Migliavacca Roberta , Piazza Aurora , Miragliotta Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

Background

The aim of this study was the rapid identification of bla
KPC gene in 38 Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates with reduced susceptibility to carbapenems. The modified Hodge Test (MHT) was carried out to phenotypically determine whether resistance to carbapenems was mediated by a carbapenemase. The detection of the bla
KPC gene was performed by real-time acid nucleic sequence-based amplification (NASBA™™), specifically designed for the detection of KPC RNA target.

Results

Thirty-two/38 isolates evaluated by MHT showed the production of carbapenemases, while all the strains exhibited the production of KPC by inhibition test with phenylboronic acid (the combined disk test with IPM/IPM plus phenylboronic acid). The detection of bla
KPC gene by Nuclisens EasyQ KPC yielded positive results in 38/38 (100%) strains. The presence of bla
KPC gene was confirmed in all K. pneumoniae isolates when tested by the gold standard PCR assay.

Conclusions

In consideration of the serious challenge represented by infections due to K. pneumoniae it appears necessary the rapid identification of carbapenemases in clinical settings as it is made possible by the use of NASBA™ assay.
Estimating the avoidable burden of certain modifiable risk factors in osteoporotic hip fracture using Generalized Impact Fraction (GIF) model in Iran
Authors: Shahnazari Banafsheh , Keshtkar Abbasali , Soltani Akbar , Aghamaleki Aria , Mansour Asieh , Matin Bahar , Saghafi Sharareh , Dini Mahboubeh , Khashayar Patricia , Larijani Bagher
Published: January 2013

Backgrounds

The number of hip fractures, the most common complication of osteoporosis, has increased rapidly over the past decades. The goal of this study is to estimate the avoidable burden of certain modifiable risk factor of the condition using the Generalized Impact Fraction (GIF) model, which has been suggested and used by epidemiologists to overcome the drawbacks associated with the use of Attributable Fraction index. In addition to preventing a risk factor or the avoidable fraction of burden, this index can also calculate the change in the burden, when a risk factor is altered.

Methods

International databases were searched through PubMed, CINAHLD, Embase using OVID and Google scholar. National resources were searched through IranDoc, IranMedex, SID and Journal sites. Other resources include abstract books and articles sent to the IOF congress. The following search strategy was used: (“Osteoporotic fracture” OR “Fragility Hip fracture” OR “Calcium” OR “vitamin D” OR “BMI” OR “lean body weight” OR “Physical activity” OR “exercise” OR “Smoke”) AND (“prevalence” OR “incidence” OR “relative risk”) and limited to “humans.”

Results

With regards to different scenarios already explained in modifying the studied risk factors, the greatest impact in reducing the prevalence of risk factors on osteoporotic hip fractures, was seen in low serum vitamin D levels, low physical activity and low intake of calcium and vitamin D, respectively. According to the fact that interventions for low serum vitamin D and low intake of calcium and vitamin D, are related to each other, it can be concluded that implementing interventions to change these two risk factors, in the easy, moderate and difficult scenarios, would result in approximately a 5%, 11% and 17% decrease in the burden of osteoporotic hip fractures, respectively. The addition of interventions addressing low physical activity in the easy, moderate and difficult scenarios, an 8%, 21% and 35% reduction in the burden of osteoporotic hip fractures would be reported, respectively.

Conclusion

Improving serum vitamin D levels, recommending the consumption of calcium and vitamin D supplementations and advocating physical activity are the most effective interventions to reduce the risk of osteoporotic hip fractures.
Application of Gabor deconvolution to zero-offset VSP data
Authors: Ahadi A. , Riahi M. A.
Published: January 2013

The aim of designing deconvolution operators is to extract the reflectivity series from seismic sections. Due to the noise, source signature inconsistency, reflection/transmission, anelastic attenuation, and multiples, the amplitude of a propagating seismic wave varies as a function of time. Because of these factors the frequency spectra of seismic signals narrow with time. Recognition of reflectors using upgoing waves is one of the notable properties of vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data. Designing a deconvolution operator for VSP data based on downgoing waves is considered to be one of the most ideal deconvolution methods intended to produce high-resolution images in routine processing of zero-offset VSP data. For such an analysis, the Gabor deconvolution operator has been designed using the downgoing wavefield and then was applied to the upgoing wavefield, and hyperbolic smoothing was used to estimate the wavelet. The final result of applying the deconvolution operator is a VSP section with superior resolution. To compare this method with customary methods of deconvolution, the Wiener deconvolution was applied to the synthetic and real data, and the results were compared with those of the Gabor deconvolution.
Seismic spectral decomposition using deconvolutive short-time Fourier transform spectrogram
Authors: Lu Wenkai , Li Fangyu
Published: January 2013

The spectral decomposition technique plays an important role in reservoir characterization, for which the time-frequency distribution method is essential. The deconvolutive short-time Fourier transform (DSTFT) method achieves a superior time-frequency resolution by applying a 2D deconvolution operation on the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) spectrogram. For seismic spectral decomposition, to reduce the computation burden caused by the 2D deconvolution operation in the DSTFT, the 2D STFT spectrogram is cropped into a smaller area, which includes the positive frequencies fallen in the seismic signal bandwidth only. In general, because the low-frequency components of a seismic signal are dominant, the removal of the negative frequencies may introduce a sharp edge at the zero frequency, which would produce artifacts in the DSTFT spectrogram. To avoid this problem, we used the analytic signal, which is obtained by applying the Hilbert transform on the original real seismic signal, to calculate the STFT spectrogram in our method. Synthetic and real seismic data examples were evaluated to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
One-way wave-equation migration in log-polar coordinates
Authors: Naghadeh Diako Hariri , Riahi Mohamad Ali
Published: January 2013

We obtained acoustic wave and wavefield extrapolation equations in log-polar coordinates (LPCs) and tried to enhance the imaging. To achieve this goal, it was necessary to decrease the angle between the wavefield extrapolation axis and wave propagation direction in the one-way wave-equation migration (WEM). If we were unable to carry it out, more reflection wave energy would be lost in the migration process. It was concluded that the wavefield extrapolation operator in LPCs at low frequencies has a large wavelike region, and at high frequencies, it can mute the evanescent energy. In these coordinate systems, an extrapolation operator can readily lend itself to high-order finite-difference schemes; therefore, even with the use of inexpensive operators, WEM in LPCs can clearly image varied (horizontal and vertical) events in complex geologic structures using wide-angle and turning waves. In these coordinates, we did not encounter any problems with reflections from opposing dips. Dispersion played important roles not only as a filter operator but also as a gain function. Prestack and poststack migration results were obtained with extrapolation methods in different coordinate systems, and it was concluded that migration in LPCs can image steeply dipping events in a much better way when compared with other methods.
Unilateral and Bilateral Adrenalectomy for Pheochromocytoma Requires Adjustment of Urinary and Plasma Metanephrine Reference Ranges
Authors: Osinga Thamara E. , van den Eijnden Maartje H. A. , Kema Ido P. , Kerstens Michiel N. , Dullaart Robin P. F. , de Jong Wilhelmina H. A. , Sluiter Wim J. , Links Thera P. , van der Horst-Schrivers Anouk N. A.
Published: January 2013

Context:

Follow-up after adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma is recommended because of a recurrence risk. During follow-up, plasma and/or urinary metanephrine (MN) and normetanephrine (NMN) are interpreted using reference ranges obtained in healthy subjects.

Objective:

Because adrenalectomy may decrease epinephrine production, we compared MN and NMN concentrations in patients after adrenalectomy to concentrations in a healthy reference population.

Design:

A single-center cohort study was performed in pheochromocytoma patients after adrenalectomy between 1980 and 2011.

Subjects:

Seventy patients after unilateral and 24 after bilateral adrenalectomy were included.

Main Outcome Measures:

Plasma-free and urinary-deconjugated MN and NMN determined at 3 to 6 months and annually until 5 years after adrenalectomy were compared with concentrations in a reference population. Data are presented in median (interquartile range).

Results:

Urinary and plasma MN concentrations 3 to 6 months after unilateral adrenalectomy were lower compared with the reference population (39 [31–53] μmol/mol creatinine and 0.14 [0.09–0.18] nmol/L vs 61 [49–74] μmol/mol creatinine and 0.18 [0.13–0.23] nmol/L, respectively, both P < .05). Urinary MN after bilateral adrenalectomy was reduced even further (7 [1–22] μmol/mol creatinine; P < .05). Urinary and plasma NMN were higher after unilateral adrenalectomy (151 [117–189] μmol/mol creatinine and 0.78 [0.59–1.00] nmol/L vs 114 [98–176] μmol/mol creatinine and 0.53 [0.41–0.70] nmol/L; both P < .05). Urinary NMN after bilateral adrenalectomy was higher (177 [106–238] μmol/mol creatinine; P < .05). Changes in urinary and plasma MNs persisted during follow-up.

Conclusion:

Concentrations of MN are decreased, whereas NMN concentrations are increased after unilateral and bilateral adrenalectomy. Adjusted reference values for MN and NMN are needed in the postsurgical follow-up of pheochromocytoma patients.
Collision-avoidance behaviors of minimally restrained flying locusts to looming stimuli
Authors: Chan R. WM. , Gabbiani F.
Published: January 2013

Visually guided collision avoidance is of paramount importance in flight, for instance to allow escape from potential predators. Yet, little is known about the types of collision-avoidance behaviors that may be generated by flying animals in response to an impending visual threat. We studied the behavior of minimally restrained locusts flying in a wind tunnel as they were subjected to looming stimuli presented to the side of the animal, simulating the approach of an object on a collision course. Using high-speed movie recordings, we observed a wide variety of collision-avoidance behaviors including climbs and dives away from – but also towards – the stimulus. In a more restrained setting, we were able to relate kinematic parameters of the flapping wings with yaw changes in the trajectory of the animal. Asymmetric wing flapping was most strongly correlated with changes in yaw, but we also observed a substantial effect of wing deformations. Additionally, the effect of wing deformations on yaw was relatively independent of that of wing asymmetries. Thus, flying locusts exhibit a rich range of collision-avoidance behaviors that depend on several distinct aerodynamic characteristics of wing flapping flight.
Ten-year results of the Press Fit Condylar Sigma total knee replacement
Authors: Arthur C. H. C. , Wood A. M. , Keenan A. C. M. , Clayton R. A. E. , Walmsley P. , Brenkel I.
Published: January 2013

We report ten-year clinical and radiological follow-up data for the Sigma Press Fit Condylar total knee replacement system (Sigma PFC TKR). Between October 1998 and October 1999 a total of 235 consecutive PFC Sigma TKRs were carried out in 203 patients. Patients were seen at a specialist nurse-led clinic seven to ten days before admission and at six and 18 months, three, five and eight to ten years after surgery. Data were recorded prospectively at each clinic visit. Radiographs were obtained at the five- and eight- to ten-year follow-up appointments. Of the 203 patients, 147 (171 knees) were alive at ten years and 12 were lost to follow-up. A total of eight knees (3.4%) were revised, five for infection and three to change the polyethylene insert. The survival at ten years with an endpoint of revision for any reason was 95.9%, and with an endpoint of revision for aseptic failure was 98.7%. The mean American Knee Society Score (AKSS) was 79 (10 to 99) at eight to ten years, compared with 31 (2 to 62) pre-operatively. Of 109 knee with radiographs reviewed, 47 knees had radiolucent lines but none showed evidence of loosening.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:177–80.
Outpatient taping in the treatment of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus
Authors: Singh A. K. , Roshan A. , Ram S.
Published: January 2013

The Ponseti and French taping methods have reduced the incidence of major surgery in congenital idiopathic clubfoot but incur a significant burden of care, including heel-cord tenotomy. We developed a non-operative regime to reduce treatment intensity without affecting outcome. We treated 402 primary idiopathic clubfeet in patients aged < three months who presented between September 1991 and August 2008. Their Harrold and Walker grades were 6.0% mild, 25.6% moderate and 68.4% severe. All underwent a dynamic outpatient taping regime over five weeks based on Ponseti manipulation, modified Jones strapping and home exercises. Feet with residual equinus (six feet, 1.5%) or relapse within six months (83 feet, 20.9%) underwent one to three additional tapings. Correction was maintained with below-knee splints, exercises and shoes. The clinical outcome at three years of age (385 feet, 95.8% follow-up) showed that taping alone corrected 357 feet (92.7%, ‘good’). Late relapses or failure of taping required limited posterior release in 20 feet (5.2%, ‘fair’) or posteromedial release in eight feet (2.1%, ‘poor’). The long-term (> 10 years) outcomes in 44 feet (23.8% follow-up) were assessed by the Laaveg–Ponseti method as excellent (23 feet, 52.3%), good (17 feet, 38.6%), fair (three feet, 6.8%) or poor (one foot, 2.3%). These compare favourably with published long-term results of the Ponseti or French methods. This dynamic taping regime is a simple non-operative method that delivers improved medium-term and promising long-term results.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:271–8.
A survey of instructions to authors in surgical journals on reporting by CONSORT and PRISMA
Authors: Shantikumar S , Wigley J , Hameed W , Handa A
Published: January 2013

INTRODUCTION

Guidance has been published on how best to report randomised controlled trials (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials – CONSORT) and systematic reviews (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses – PRISMA). The aim of this study was to establish to what extent surgical journals formally endorse CONSORT and PRISMA in the respective reporting of randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews.

METHODS

Overall, 136 surgical journals indexed in Journal Citation Reports® were studied. Author guidelines were scrutinised for the following guidance: conflict of interests (COI), the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts (URM), clinical trial registration, CONSORT and PRISMA.

RESULTS

The frequency of guidance endorsement was found to be as follows: COI 82%, URM 62%, trial registration 32%, CONSORT 29% and PRISMA 10%. Journals with a higher impact were more likely to adopt trial registration, CONSORT and PRISMA. Journals with editorial offices in the UK were more likely to insist on disclosure of COI and to endorse CONSORT.

CONCLUSIONS

Guidelines produced to improve publication practice have not been implemented widely by surgical journals. This may contribute to an overall poorer quality of published research. Editors of surgical journals should uniformly endorse reporting guidance and update their instructions to authors to reflect this.
Embodying the evictees of Asian Olympic cities: Video documentaries of demolition and relocation in seoul and Beijing
Authors: Kim Jihoon
Published: January 2013

Preparations for the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the Beijing Olympics in 2008 involved the large-scale demolition of dilapidated houses in the old towns of Seoul and Beijing and the forced relocation of their residents as the urban poor. Two activist video documentaries in South Korea
and China, Kim Dong-won’s Sanggyedong Olympics (1988), Seoul, South Korea, Purn-yeongsang) and Ou Ning’s Meishi Street (2006), Beijing, China, Alternative Archive), bear witness to those detrimental effects that the urban transformation linked to the two cities’ hosting of
the Olympics had on their communities. This article examines the ways in which the two film-makers used the capacities of video technology, such as spontaneity and portability, and the relative ease with which the amateur can access and handle it, to capture the truth of demolition and relocation
in the observational, realist aesthetics, and to develop alternative modes of documentary subjectivity for representing the poor residents’ embodied knowledge and emotion. The use of an amateurish female voice-over in Sanggye-dong Olympics, and the casting of a male resident as an amateur
documentarian who operates a video camera in Meishi Street testify to the extent to which video technology enabled the film-makers to develop the ‘participatory’ and ‘performative’ modes of documentary in which the residents could be empowered to speak for themselves.
It is through the modes of subjectivity, this article argues, that the two political documentaries succeed in bringing into the public consciousness the interests and issues of the social actors who are neglected by the host countries’ official media and authorities.
Reading China in popular Hindi film – three points in time: 1946, 1964 and 2009
Authors: Kripalani Coonoor
Published: January 2013

The years 1946, 1964 and 2009 are references to three Hindi films, Dr Kotnis ki Amar Kahani/The Immortal Story of Dr Kotnis (Shantaram, 1946), Haqeeqat/Reality (Anand, 1964) and Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C) (Advani, 2009). The article will draw on three points in history. The first
film Dr Kotnis ki Amar Kahani/The Immortal Story of Dr Kotnis, is set during the anti-imperialist struggles in India and China, when India sent a team of doctors to China to support the CCP during the Long March and anti-Japanese activities. The team included the famous Dr Kotnis, and the
film, a bio-pic, provides a great deal of material for Indian perceptions of the Chinese and attitudes towards China at the time, Comintern activity and the revolutionary fervour that bound the two. The second film, Haqeeqat, was a direct response to the 1962 invasion of India by China, and
here we see the valorization of the Indian army defending the nation against the ‘enemy’: China. The third film, CC2C, set in a time of a globalized world, with India and China as confident trading partners, reveals yet another set of values that shows admiration for China’s
ancient traditions while ridiculing the self and yet triumphing over the other. These films will be analysed to reveal interactions between these two global players and what they mean at different points in time.
Remapping of Border Ownership in the Visual Cortex
Authors: O'Herron Philip , von der Heydt Rüdiger
Published: January 2013

We see objects as having continuity although the retinal image changes frequently. How such continuity is achieved is hard to understand, because neurons in the visual cortex have small receptive fields that are fixed on the retina, which means that a different set of neurons is activated every time the eyes move. Neurons in areas V1 and V2 of the visual cortex signal the local features that are currently in their receptive fields and do not show “remapping” when the image moves. However, subsets of neurons in these areas also carry information about global aspects, such as figure–ground organization. Here we performed experiments to find out whether figure–ground organization is remapped. We recorded single neurons in macaque V1 and V2 in which figure–ground organization is represented by assignment of contours to regions (border ownership). We found previously that border-ownership signals persist when a figure edge is switched to an ambiguous edge by removing the context. We now used this paradigm to see whether border ownership transfers when the ambiguous edge is moved across the retina. In the new position, the edge activated a different set of neurons at a different location in cortex. We found that border ownership was transferred to the newly activated neurons. The transfer occurred whether the edge was moved by a saccade or by moving the visual display. Thus, although the contours are coded in retinal coordinates, their assignment to objects is maintained across movements of the retinal image.
Interaction Between Orbital Prefrontal and Rhinal Cortex Is Required for Normal Estimates of Expected Value
Authors: Clark Andrew M. , Bouret Sebastien , Young Adrienne M. , Murray Elisabeth A. , Richmond Barry J.
Published: January 2013

Predicting and valuing potential rewards requires integrating sensory, associative, and contextual information with subjective reward preferences. Previous work has identified regions in the prefrontal cortex and medial temporal lobe believed to be important for each of these functions. For example, activity in the orbital prefrontal cortex (PFo) encodes the specific sensory properties of and preferences for rewards, while activity in the rhinal cortex (Rh) encodes stimulus-stimulus and stimulus–reward associations. Lesions of either structure impair the ability to use visual cues or the history of previous reinforcement to value expected rewards. These areas are linked via reciprocal connections, suggesting it might be their interaction that is critical for estimating expected value. To test this hypothesis, we interrupted direct, intra-hemispheric PFo-Rh interaction in monkeys by performing crossed unilateral ablations of these regions (functional disconnection). We asked whether this circuit is crucial primarily for cue–reward association or for estimating expected value per se, by testing these monkeys, as well as intact controls, on tasks in which expected value was either visually cued or had to be inferred from block-wise changes in reward size in uncued trials. Functional disconnection significantly affected performance in both tasks. Specifically, monkeys with functional disconnection showed less of a difference in error rates and reaction times across reward sizes, in some cases behaving as if they expected rewards to be of equal magnitude. These results support a model whereby information about rewards signaled in PFo is combined with associative and contextual information signaled within Rh to estimate expected value.
Neurturin Overexpression in Skin Enhances Expression of TRPM8 in Cutaneous Sensory Neurons and Leads to Behavioral Sensitivity to Cool and Menthol
Authors: Wang Ting , Jing Xiaotang , DeBerry Jennifer J. , Schwartz Erica S. , Molliver Derek C. , Albers Kathryn M. , Davis Brian M.
Published: January 2013

Neurturin (NRTN) is a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family of ligands that exerts its actions via Ret tyrosine kinase and GFRα2. Expression of the Ret–GFRα2 coreceptor complex is primarily restricted to the peripheral nervous system and is selectively expressed by sensory neurons that bind the isolectin B4(IB4). To determine how target-derived NRTN affects sensory neuron properties, transgenic mice that overexpress NRTN in keratinocytes (NRTN-OE mice) were analyzed. Overexpression of NRTN increased the density of PGP9.5-positive, but not calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive, free nerve endings in footpad epidermis. GFRα2-immunopositive somata were hypertrophied in NRTN-OE mice. Electron microscopic analysis further revealed hypertrophy of unmyelinated sensory axons and a subset of myelinated axons. Overexpression of NRTN increased the relative level of mRNAs encoding GFRα2 and Ret, the ATP receptor P2X3(found in IB4-positive, GFRα2-expressing sensory neurons), the acid-sensing ion channel 2a, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily member M8 (TRPM8) in sensory ganglia. Behavioral testing of NRTN-OE mice revealed an increased sensitivity to mechanical stimuli in glabrous skin of the hindpaw. NRTN-OE mice also displayed increased behavioral sensitivity to cool temperature (17°C-20°C) and oral sensitivity to menthol. The increase in cool and menthol sensitivity correlated with a significant increase in TRPM8 expression and the percentage of menthol-responsive cutaneous sensory neurons. These data indicate that the expression level of NRTN in the skin modulates gene expression in cutaneous sensory afferents and behavioral sensitivity to thermal, chemical, and mechanical stimuli.