bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of anaemia and mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Escobar Carlos , Martí David , Díaz Gema , César Jesús , García-Avello Ángel , Sueiro Antonio , Yusen Roger D. , Jiménez David
Published: May 2009

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between anaemia and pulmonary embolism (PE) prognosis. We analysed a cohort of 764 patients with acute PE referred to a single center for diagnosis and management. Patients were divided into groups by quartiles of haemoglobin (Hb): Hb < 11.7 g/dl; Hb 11.7 to 12.9 g/dl; Hb 13.0 to 14.1 g/dl; Hb > 14.1 g/dl. Patients had a mean Hb of 12.9 g/dl, and values ranged from to 4.3 to 19.5 g/dl. Lower Hb was associated with recent bleeding, an impaired haemodynamic profile and higher creatinine. Patients in the lower Hb quartiles more commonly had female gender (p < 0.001), a diagnosis of cancer (p < 0.001), and an indication for an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter (p < 0.002), compared to patients in the higher Hb quartiles. Patients in higher Hb quartiles had higher survival at three months (75%, 86%, 90% and 91% for lowest to highest quartiles, respectively). On multivariate analysis, adjusting for known PE prognostic factors, low Hb proved to be an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05 to 1.28 for each decrease of 1 g/dl). Hb level remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality when cancer patients were excluded from the analysis (adjusted HR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.99; p = 0.04). Moreover, patients with anaemia showed a higher risk of fatal PE (unadjusted HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.37). In conclusion, in patients with acute symptomatic PE, anaemia severity is associated with worsened survival.
Rare genotypes of protein Z gene are a risk factor for premature myocardial infarction but not protein Z plasma level
Authors: Soria Claudine , dit Sollier Claire , Borg Jeanne-Yvonne , Coudert Mathieu , Montalescot Gilles , Esposito Gaétan , Drouet Ludovic , Collet Jean-Philippe , Le Cam-Duchez Véronique
Published: May 2009

Protein Z (PZ) is the cofactor of PZ dependent inhibitor (ZPI) that inhibits activated coagulation factor X. PZ was expected to play a role in coronary artery disease (CAD) but with inconsistent clinical findings. We therefore evaluated whether PZ plasma level and/or three genetic variants encoding for low PZ plasma level were associated with premature CAD in stable young post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. PZ plasma level and three polymorphisms A-13G, G-103A and G79A were determined in 176 young stable post-MI patients and in 176 sex- and age-matched controls (FITE-NAT population). Moreover the genotypes, resulting from the combination of the three polymorphisms (A-13G/G-103A/G79A), were studied. PZ plasma level and the number of patients disclosing a PZ deficiency did not differ between post-MI patients and controls. The presence of the mutated allele for each polymorphism was associated with a significantly reduced level of PZ. The A-13G polymorphism was associated with premature CAD only in univariate analysis. Whereas, the presence of rare genotypes of PZ gene was an independent risk factor for premature CAD. In conclusion, PZ plasma level is not a key player in the pathophysiology of premature coronary artery disease. But, rare genotypes of PZ gene were found to be associated with premature CAD.
Recent developments in topical thrombins
Authors: Ortel Thomas L. , Kessler Craig M.
Published: May 2009

Managing blood loss is part of the surgeon’s responsibility during surgical procedures, and a variety of therapeutic strategies are available to help accomplish this. Topical haemostatic agents are among the agents used to control surgical bleeding and locally arrest blood flow. Bovine thrombin is a commonly used topical haemostatic agent; however, its use has been associated with potential risks, including well-documented cases of antibodymediated coagulopathy. This coagulopathy develops as a consequence of antibody formation directed against bovine thrombin, other bovine coagulation proteins, and their human orthologs. The fact that a coagulopathy can result in association with the use of bovine plasma-derived thrombin preparations prompted the FDA to require pharmaceutical companies to place a black-box warning in their prescribing information for products containing bovine plasma-derived thrombin. Recently, human plasma-derived thrombin and recombinant human thrombin have been approved by the FDA with the expectation that they will be less immunogenic than the bovine-derived product. In clinical studies, purified human plasma-derived thrombin and recombinant thrombin have demonstrated equivalent efficacy and safety, with improved immunogenicity profiles compared with bovinederived thrombin agents. Well-designed and adequately powered clinical trials should be conducted to indicate whether human thrombin products would improve the risk-benefit and costbenefit profiles for surgeries complicated by excessive bleeding.
Accuracy of complete compression ultrasound in ruling out suspected deep venous thrombosis in the ambulatory setting
Authors: Sevestre Marie-Antoinette , Casez Pierre , Bressollette Luc , Taiar Mébarka , Pernod Gilles , Quéré Isabelle , Bosson Jean-Luc , Labarère José
Published: May 2009

Evidence on the safety of complete compression ultrasound for ruling out deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is derived from studies conducted in tertiary care centers, although most patients with suspected DVT are managed in the ambulatory office setting. It was the objective of this study to estimate the rate of venous thromboembolism when anticoagulant therapy is withheld from ambulatory patients with normal findings on a single complete compression ultrasound. As part of a prospective cohort study, 3,871 ambulatory patients with clinically suspected DVT were enrolled by 255 board-certified vascular medicine physicians practicing in private offices in France. Compression ultrasound of the entire lower extremities was performed using a standardised examination protocol. Anticoagulant therapy was withheld from patients with negative findings on compression ultrasound, and 1,254 of them were randomly selected for follow-up. The main outcome measure was the three-month incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolic events confirmed by objective testing. DVT was detected in 1,023 patients (26.4%),including 454 (11.7%) and 569 (14.7%) cases of proximal and isolated distal DVT, respectively. Of the 1,254 patients with negative results sampled for follow-up, six received anticoagulant therapy during follow-up and five were lost to follow-up. Five of 1,243 patients (0.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1–0.9) experienced non-fatal symptomatic venous thromboembolic events (pulmonary embolism in two patients and DVT in three patients) and eight of 1,254 patients (0.6%, 95% CI, 0.3–1.2) died during the three-month follow-up. In conclusion, anticoagulant therapy can be safely withheld after negative complete compression ultrasound without further testing in the ambulatory office setting.
Binding of plasma factor XIII to thrombin-receptor activated human platelets
Authors: Nagy Béla , Simon Zsuzsa , Bagoly Zsuzsa , Muszbek László , Kappelmayer János
Published: May 2009

Platelet-bound coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) is targeted and concentrated at the site where platelet-rich thrombi are formed. Previous studies were in disagreement about the nature of FXIII binding to platelets. In this study, thrombin-receptor activating peptide (TRAP)-stimulated human whole blood and washed platelets were analysed by flow cytometry for the binding of FXIII using a monoclonal antibody against the A subunit of FXIII (FXIII-A). Here, we demonstrate that FXIII-A positivity significantly increased on activated platelets in whole blood compared to unstimulated sample, but not in washed platelets. GPIIb/IIIa receptor plays an essential role in FXIII binding, as fibrinogen receptor antagonist eptifibatide and fibrinogen binding inhibitor RGDS tetrapeptide significantly prevented the binding of FXIII. Furthermore, stimulated platelets from a patient with severe type I Glanzmann thrombasthenia showed insignificant FXIII-A positivity versus healthy controls. In addition, basal negligible amount of FXIII on washed platelets was only slightly increased when highly purified plasma FXIII (FXIII-A2B2) was added upon platelet activation by TRAP. Similarly, no remarkable FXIII-A positivity was observed when we used FXIII-A2B2 with γA/γA fibrinogen. However, γA/γ' fibrinogen significantly augmented FXIII binding on TRAP-stimulated platelets in the presence of non-activated FXIII-A2B2. We conclude that FXIII-A2B2 of plasma origin binds to thrombin-receptor activated platelets via GPIIb/IIIa receptor-bound fibrinogen with γ’-chain and is not capable of direct platelet binding.
Response to aspirin in healthy individuals
Authors: Pharand Chantal , Lordkipanidzé Marie , Sia Ying , Merhi Yahye , Diodati Jean , Blais Normand
Published: May 2009

Variable biological effect of aspirin is suggested to be related to pharmacological resistance. The incidence of this so-called “resistant” state varies with the study population and the assay used. We determined performance features of five assays used to assess aspirin effects in non-smoking healthy volunteers not taking any drug known to interfere with platelet function. Blood and urine samples were obtained immediately before and after 8–10 days of aspirin 80 mg intake. Forty-five participants 19–59 years old were enrolled. The sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), and optimal cut-off (CO) value to detect the effect of aspirin were: light transmission aggregometry (LTA) with 1.6 mM arachidonic acid (AA) – SE 100%,SP 95.9%,CO 20%;LTA with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) 10 µM – SE 84.4%, SP 77.8%, CO 70%; Ver-
VKORC1 deficiency in mice causes early postnatal lethality due to severe bleeding
Authors: Spohn Gabriele , Kleinridders Andre , Wunderlich F. Thomas , Watzka Matthias , Zaucke Frank , Blum-bach Katrin , Geisen Christof , Seifried Erhard , Müller Clemens , Paulsson Mats , Brüning Jens , Oldenburg Johannes
Published: May 2009

Vitamin K hydroquinone is oxidised to the epoxide form (K>O) during vitamin K-dependent posttranslational γ-glutamyl carboxylation resulting in biological active so called vitamin K-dependent proteins. In turn, K>O is reduced by the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex component 1) to complete the vitamin K cycle. To investigate the biological role of VKORC1 in vivo, we generated VKORC1 knockout mice. Homozygous VKORC1-deficient mice developed normally until birth. Within 2–20 days after birth, the knockout mice died due to extensive, predominantly intracerebral haemorrhage. Bleeding resulted from a severe deficiency of γ-carboxylated clotting factors. This lethal phenotype could be rescued by oral administration of vitamin K. Additionally, morphometric analysis of the limbs in VKORC1-deficient animals revealed reduced length of bone calcification relative to wild-type control mice. The observed phenotype of VKORC1 knockout mice excludes the existence of other enzymes with VKOR activity that can substitute to supply vitamin K hydroquinone required for maturation of blood clotting factors. Thus, our study underscores the essential role of VKORC1 in vitamin K-dependent γ-glutamyl carboxylation.
The Importance of Being Southern: The Making of Policies of Immigration Control in Italy
Authors: Finotelli Claudia , Sciortino Giuseppe
Published: May 2009

The distinction between 'weak' Southern European and 'strong' Northern European migration regimes has often been used to explain the shortcomings of Italian immigration policies. This article challenges such a bipolar perspective, by analyzing Italy's evolution as an immigration country beyond the so-called the 'Southern' regime stereotype. We show that the unsatisfactory outcomes of Italian mechanisms of immigration controls are not necessarily the epiphany of a weak policy apparatus. We argue that they are the result of a much more complex mix of factors shaping Italian immigration policies since the 1980s: unrealistic policy goals, contradictory international pressures, structural internal constraints and fragile party coalitions.
Spain, the Cheap Model. Irregularity and Regularisation as Immigration Management Policies
Authors: González-Enríquez Carmen
Published: May 2009

The article examines the development of a migration policy in Spain and the criteria, preferences, interests and pressures that have shaped it, highlighting the role of compassionate feelings, a free-market approach, inexperience and the lack of administrative resources. Faced with the continuous, large-scale, unplanned and unexpected arrival of immigrants since 2000, governments have fluctuated from extraordinary regularisation measures and retreat to control policies. A proactive policy has never been fully implemented and irregularity has been the feature of most immigration. During the years of strong economic growth, immigrants were able to integrate in the labour market while the dominant political culture of permissiveness towards illegality, a relatively positive social attitude towards immigrants and the granting of broad social rights to foreigners irrespective of their legal status, all combined to produce a smooth integration process. However, the model came to an end when the economic crisis, made evident in 2008, caused a substantial increase in unemployment, especially among immigrants, prompting a political and social reaction against new immigration and the hardening of legal and administrative measures.
Legal Trends in Western Europe Related to Freedom of Religion
Authors: Berger Maurits
Published: May 2009

Freedom of religion is not a static concept, especially not when religion becomes an increasingly dominant actor in the social and political field. This is particularly the case in Western Europe, where legal systems based on different forms of secularism are confronted with increasing religiosity among its indigenous people and large numbers of migrants. The author discerns four legal trends resulting from this confrontation, ranging from engaging religion to rebutting it: state involvement with religious authorities and activities; active state promotion of organization of religious communities (in particular Muslims); the protection of religion rather than its believers; and curbing religious behavior by law.
Harmonizing Particularity of Religions and Universality of Human Rights: Critique of Traditional 'Top Down' Approach and Proposed Alternative
Authors: Schubert Lara
Published: May 2009

This article is a response to the traditional discourse of human rights and religion as it addresses the charge of impossibility of universal human rights due to particularity of religious traditions. This traditional top-down approach is shown to be lacking in several respects. A bottom-up methodology is proposed, inspired by feminist thinkers. This alternative methodology does not separate religion but suggests that people with their religious convictions continuously redefine human rights. It includes recommendations for implementation. This process allows for more complete participation and support and has greater potential to lay the groundwork for the realization of human rights.
Diastereoselective Coupling of 1,3-Diene, Ketone, and Organometallic Reagents by Nickel Catalyst: Stereoselective Construction of Tetrasubstituted Carbon Centers
Authors: Saito Nozomi , Yamazaki Tetsuro , Sato Yoshihiro
Published: May 2009

A nickel-catalyzed three-component coupling of 1,3-diene, ketone, and organoboron or organosilicon reagents was investigated. While the coupling reaction using PhB(OH)2 afforded a 1,3-syn-substituted 4-penten-1-ol derivative as a single diastereomer, the reaction in the presence of tetraorganosilicon reagent under similar conditions exclusively produced the corresponding 1,3-anti isomer. In both reactions, a tetrasubstituted carbon center was constructed in a highly diastereoselective manner.
Experimental Study of SOF Oxidation Catalysts under Plasma Discharge Conditions
Authors: Yamamoto Shin , Yao Shuiliang , Kodama Satoshi , Mine Chieko , Fujioka Yuichi
Published: May 2009

Oxidative activities of eight different transition-metal oxides and two different noble metals toward the soluble organic fraction (SOF) in diesel particulate matter (PM) have been investigated under plasma discharge conditions. The oxidation rate with ZnO has shown the highest value 99% higher than that without a catalyst and has exceeded that with noble metals. A mechanism of catalytic SOF oxidation under plasma discharge conditions has been proposed.
Preparation, Crystal Structure, and Solid-state Fluorescence of a CH2Cl2-solvated Crystal of 6,13-Bis(t-butylphenyl)-2,3,9,10-tetrapropoxypentacene
Authors: Kitamura Chitoshi , Naito Takao , Yoneda Akio , Kobayashi Takashi , Naito Hiroyoshi , Komatsu Toshiki
Published: May 2009

Slow evaporation of 6,13-bis(t-butylphenyl)-2,3,9,10-tetrapropoxypentacene in CH2Cl2 solution in the dark, yielded CH2Cl2-solvated single crystals easily. The crystals were characterized by X-ray analysis and solid-state fluorescence.
Spin-crossover Transition in a Mesophase Iron(II) Thiocyanate Complex Chelated with 4-Hexadecyl-N-(2-pyridylmethylene)aniline
Authors: Oso Yuya , Ishida Takayuki
Published: May 2009

The title compound was a high-spin molecule for a morph as synthesized but exhibited a spin-crossover transition at 176 K in its mesophase after annealing above the mesophase transition at 353 K. The hexyl derivative in place of the hexadecyl group showed a reversible spin-crossover at 117 K, while the unsubstituted derivative had a sturdy high-spin state.
Gel–Flocculation Transition of a Supramolecular Hydrogel Induced by Depletion Effect of Polymers
Authors: Masuda Mitsutoshi , Sumitomo Keiko , Minamikawa Hiroyuki , Kameta Naohiro , Yamaguchi Yoshinori , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: May 2009

Upon addition of hydroxyethyl cellulose, a supramolecular hydrogel from a bolaamphiphilic molecule showed significant flocculation. Microscopic and spectroscopic observations revealed that the phenomenon was ascribable to polymer-induced depletion flocculation of the self-assembled fibril networks into the tape bundles.
Preparation of Thin Macroporous TiO2 Films Using PMMA Microspheres and Their Photoinduced Hydrophilicities
Authors: Kamegawa Takashi , Suzuki Norihiko , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: May 2009

Thin macroporous TiO2 films were successfully prepared on quartz substrate by a dip-coating method using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres as template. SEM observations as well as other spectroscopic measurements revealed that the thin TiO2 films with uniform macropores were formed on quartz substrate with relatively high transparency and anatase crystalline structures. It was also found that the photoinduced hydrophilicity under UV light as well as the durability of hydrophilic surface in the dark was enhanced on thin macroporous TiO2 films.
Magnetic Properties of Iron(II) and Cobalt(II) Complexes of Tetrakis(2-pyridyl)methane. Spin-crossover Behavior in the Cobalt(II) Complex
Authors: Ishikawa Ryuta , Matsumoto Kouzou , Onishi Koji , Kubo Takashi , Fuyuhiro Akira , Hayami Shinya , Inoue Katsuya , Kaizaki Sumio , Kawata Satoshi
Published: May 2009

Iron(II) and cobalt(II) mononuclear metal complexes with tetrakis(2-pyridyl)methane have been synthesized and characterized. A gradual spin-crossover to the high-spin state above 300 K is observed in the cobalt(II) complex while the iron(II) complex exhibits no spin transition to the high-spin state between 5 and 400 K.
Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite–Zeolite Composite Material from Disposed Steel Slag and Investigation of Its Structural and Physicochemical Characteristics
Authors: Kuwahara Yasutaka , Ohmichi Tetsutaro , Kamegawa Takashi , Mori Kohsuke , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: May 2009

Steel slag is a commercial waste material mainly containing SiO2, Al2O3, and CaO which are the chemical components of zeolite and hydroxyapatite (HAP), respectively. From the steel slag, a hydroxyapatite–zeolite composite material (HAP–ZE) was successfully synthesized in a one batch system by adding H3PO4 and NaOH. The structural characteristics of HAP–ZE were investigated by XRD, SEM, and N2 adsorption. From the adsorption of VOCs, HAP–ZE was found to have adsorption properties comparable to those of pure zeolite and HAP.
Dual Functionalization of Allene: Facile Construction of Heteropolycycles Mediated by Brønsted Acid
Authors: Mori Keiji , Sueoka Shosaku , Akiyama Takahiko
Published: May 2009

A facile construction of a heteropolycyclic framework is developed by exploiting the dual functionalization of allene. On treatment of phenethyl alcohol or amine bearing a terminal allene with the Brønsted acid, two consecutive reactions to allene, nucleophilic addition of heteroatom and the Friedel–Crafts reaction, occurred to give 2-oxa- or azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane skeleton.
Typological overview of Estonian syntax
Authors: Erelt Mati
Published: May 2009

The paper presents a concise overview of the main syntactic features of Estonian. It deals with basic clause patterns, case marking of arguments, verbs and verb categories, non-verbal predication, word order, expression of speech acts and negation, noun phrases, p-phrases, subordinate clauses, and coordination.
Linguistic strategies and markedness in Estonian morphology
Authors: Ehala Martin
Published: May 2009

Estonian has features characteristic to both agglutinative and inflectional languages. The paper outlines in more detail the standing of different morphological subsystems on the inflective  agglutinative  analytic scale and characterises the strategies Estonian uses to express the values for some core grammatical categories. It is concluded that Estonian verbal morphology is more agglutinative than nominal and adjectival morphology. The somewhat weaker grammaticalisation of verbal morphology indicates that Estonian is not action oriented, but rather object-oriented. The well grammaticalised moods, particularly the ones expressing evidentiality and a rather weakly grammaticalised tense and missing aspect further characterises Estonian verbal morphology as conversationally rather than temporarily organised.
Estonian grammar between Finnic and SAE: some comparisons
Authors: Metslang Helle
Published: May 2009

Estonian has in the course of historical changes become more distant from the other Finnic languages and has acquired some features of Indo-European and/or Standard Average European. The article compares some structural features between Estonian, Finnish, Standard Average European, and German and Russian. Estonian and Finnish have grown apart typologically while retaining their main structure and are to the same extent peripheral with regard to SAE. At the same time there are some morpho-syntacic features where Estonian has become more distant from Finnish not in the direction of SAE but in the direction of German or Russian. In both languages the central SAE features are represented on a more moderate scale than the secondary features. Both languages, especially Estonian, reveal some tendencies towards SAE features.
Acquisition of Estonian: some typologically relevant features
Authors: Argus Reili
Published: May 2009

Most previous approaches to the acquisition of morphology have focused on the acquisition of inflectional morphology of some Indo-European language; there are fewer studies on the acquisition of languages with a rich morphological system, in-cluding the Finno-Ugric languages. Among the Finno-Ugric languages the acquisition of Estonian has been a largely neglected area. The article discusses the impact of the typological peculiarity of a language on the acquisition of the inflectional morphology of Estonian. At first some assumptions will be made concerning the impact of the general richness of the Estonian morphological system on the speed of the acquisition of inflectional morphology followed by the analyses of the acquisition of individual typologically relevant features. The article discusses the acquisition of inflectional and analytic means of expression, the acquisition of gradation as a typologically relevant feature of Estonian, the acquisition of the lexical aspect of Estonian, and the acquisition of the case of the object as the principal means of expressing the aspect. The conclusions are based on the data from the previous articles by the author and the Estonian subcorpus of Vija, Argus, and Triplets in CHILDES.
Dynamics of Estonian phonology
Authors: Pajusalu Karl
Published: May 2009

The sound system of the Estonian language reveals a number of peculiar features untypical of the Finno-Ugric languages. The development of these features has been influenced by language contacts in the circum-Baltic linguistic area. Even today one can notice a number of systematic changes in Estonian phonology, the causes of which could be explained by language contacts, but the realization of which follows typological constraints of the language structure. The article focuses on such innovations in Estonian vowel and consonant systems, and prosody.
Alcohol Use in Nonmutual and Mutual Domestic Violence in the U.S. Army: 1998–2004
Authors: McCarroll James E. , Fan ZiZhong , Bell Nicole S.
Published: May 2009

The association between alcohol use and substantiated incidents of nonmutual and mutual domestic violence between U.S. Army enlisted soldiers and their spouses was examined for the period 1998–2004. Maltreatment was always more severe in nonmutual incidents. Female victims experienced more severe maltreatment than males. Male offenders and victims were more likely to be drinking than females. For victims of both sexes, severity was greater when offenders were drinking. Older males were more likely to be offenders in nonmutual incidents. White males were more likely than Black or Hispanic males to be offenders in nonmutual incidents. There is a need for both domestic violence and alcohol treatment programs to focus on the increased risk of abuse when alcohol is involved.
Kinetics of Benzyl Butyrate Synthesis under Solid-Liquid Phase Transfer Catalysis
Authors: Sengupta Sonali , Basu Jayanta Kumar
Published: May 2009

The substitution reaction of benzyl chloride and sodium butyrate to form benzyl butyrate, using tetrabutyl ammonium bromide as the phase transfer catalyst (PTC) in a solid-liquid phase condition was studied. Benzyl chloride in solvent toluene forms the organic phase whereas sodium butyrate remains in solid form. A kinetic study of the system had been performed by varying different process variables. Different phase transfer catalysts were employed to find out the most effective catalyst. No conversion was found without catalyst.Homogeneous solubilisation mechanism was followed to explain the kinetic model and to interpret the experimental data.
Clinical features and outcomes of severe ulcerative keratitis with medical and surgical management in 41 horses (2000–2006)
Authors: Utter M. E. , Davidson E. J. , Wotman K. L.
Published: May 2009

The clinical features and outcomes of equine ulcerative keratitis with and without conjunctival graft surgery were assessed using a retrospective study.

Medical records of horses hospitalised from July 2000‐January 2006 for ulcerative keratitis were included if a diagnosis of melting ulcer, descemetocele or iris prolapse was made, or if surgery was recommended due to severity of corneal disease, and aggressive medical therapy using a subpalpebral catheter was instituted. Treatment and outcome variables were evaluated with and without conjunctival graft surgery.

Forty‐one horses, 21 that had surgery and 20 for whom surgery was recommended but not performed, were included. Horses were hospitalised for an average of 24 days, with 37/41 melting ulcers, 17/41 descemetoceles and 3/41 iris prolapses, with no statistical difference in frequencies between groups. Bacterial or fungal organisms were cultured from 22/39 cases, with 10Aspergillusspp. and 8Pseudomonasspp. Infectious organisms were seen on corneal cytology in 23/30 cases. Surgical cases were hospitalised for an average of 4.9 days prior to surgery. Abdominal discomfort was observed in 8/41 hospitalised horses, with 5/8 operated horses developing caecal impactions. Thirty‐five horses retained an intact globe, including 18/20 treated medically and 17/21 that had surgery. Hospitalisation cost was 24% more for cases that had surgery than for medical cases.

It was concluded that there was no statistical difference in length or cost of hospitalisation between surgical and nonsurgical groups. Outcomes from both groups were similar, with a high frequency of globe retention.
Laparoscopic‐assisted castration of a monorchid male pseudohermaphrodite pony
Authors: Smith L. J. , Perkins J. D.
Published: May 2009

A pseudohermaphrodite possesses gonads of one sex, but with external genitalia of the opposite sex. Although cases of male pseudohermaphroditism have been published, there is no report of a monorchid male pseudohermaphrodite. This Case Report documents a 12‐year‐old monorchid male pseudohermaphrodite displaying stallion‐like behaviour, with an elevated serum oestrone sulphate concentration confirming the presence of functional testicular tissue. A complete resolution of all behavioural signs occurred after laparoscopic‐assisted castration under general anaesthesia, along with a drop in serum oestrone sulphate concentrations to <0.01 ng/ml and no response in serum testosterone concentration following administration of hCG.
Standing laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal ovariohysterectomy in a mare
Authors: Gablehouse K. B. , Cary J. , Farnsworth K. , Ragle C. A.
Published: May 2009

A 20‐year‐old Arabian mare presented to Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of haemorrhagic vaginal discharge of 3 months' duration. The referring veterinarian had identified a mass within the uterine wall via transrectal ultrasonographic examination. On presentation, the mare had an unremarkable physical examination with the exception of a mild haemorrhagic vaginal discharge. Rectal palpation was performed and an approximately 9 cm diameter mass with a granular texture was identified associated within the uterine body and left uterine horn. Endoscopic examination of the reproductive tract revealed a linear defect in the ventral uterine wall near the cervix with direct communication into the abdomen. Standing laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal ovariohysterectomy (OHE) was performed, which involved laparoscopic facilitated dissection and haemostasis of uterine and ovarian structures, and inversion of the uterus through the cervix. Removal of the uterus was performed vaginally. No post operative complications were noted. Standing laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal OHE is an alternative to traditional OHE techniques. This technique allowed for excellent direct visual observation during dissection and ligation and did not require general anaesthesia.
Correction: Eleni, M. et al. High Quality Bergamot Oil from Greece: Chemical Analysis Using Chiral Gas Chromatography and Larvicidal Activity against the West Nile Virus Vector. Molecules 2009, 14(2), 839-849
Authors: Melliou Eleni , Michaelakis Antonios , Koliopoulos George , Skaltsounis Alexios-Leandros , Magiatis Prokopios
Published: May 2009

In the original published version of this paper [1], the given names and surnames of the coauthors were accidently inverted, and should be as indicated below: [...]
New Triterpene Saponins from Duranta repens Linn. and Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Ahmed Wafaa S. , Mohamed Mona A. , El-Dib Rabab A. , Hamed Manal M.
Published: May 2009

From the leaves of Duranta repens (Verbenaceae) two new triterpene saponins, named durantanin IV (1) and V (2)were isolated.In addition, ten known compounds were isolated, namely a bidesmosidic saponin, oleanolic acid, three phenylethanoids and five flavonoids. All metabolites were isolated for the first time from this genus except for 3 (oleanolic acid) and 7 (E/Z acteoside). The structures were determined mainly by spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, HRESI-MS, 1H-, 13C-NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC and HMBC). Cytotoxic screening of the chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts was carried out on brine shrimps. In addition, the investigated methanol extract and compounds 1, 2 and 7 showed significant cytotoxic activity against a HepG2 cell line.
Dynamic Hierarchical Sleep Scheduling for Wireless Ad-Hoc Sensor Networks
Authors: Wen Chih-Yu , Chen Ying-Chih
Published: May 2009

This paper presents two scheduling management schemes for wireless sensor networks, which manage the sensors by utilizing the hierarchical network structure and allocate network resources efficiently. A local criterion is used to simultaneously establish the sensing coverage and connectivity such that dynamic cluster-based sleep scheduling can be achieved. The proposed schemes are simulated and analyzed to abstract the network behaviors in a number of settings. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithms provide efficient network power control and can achieve high scalability in wireless sensor networks.
A Heterogeneous Wireless Identification Network for the Localization of Animals Based on Stochastic Movements
Authors: Gutiérrez Álvaro , González Carlos , Jiménez-Leube Javier , Zazo Santiago , Dopico Nelson , Raos Ivana
Published: May 2009

The improvement in the transmission range in wireless applications without the use of batteries remains a significant challenge in identification applications. In this paper, we describe a heterogeneous wireless identification network mostly powered by kinetic energy, which allows the localization of animals in open environments. The system relies on radio communications and a global positioning system. It is made up of primary and secondary nodes. Secondary nodes are kinetic-powered and take advantage of animal movements to activate the node and transmit a specific identifier, reducing the number of batteries of the system. Primary nodes are battery-powered and gather secondary-node transmitted information to provide it, along with position and time data, to a final base station in charge of the animal monitoring. The system allows tracking based on contextual information obtained from statistical data.
Using Reputation Systems and Non-Deterministic Routing to Secure Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Moya José M. , Vallejo Juan Carlos , Fraga David , Araujo Álvaro , Villanueva Daniel , De Goyeneche Juan-Mariano
Published: May 2009

Security in wireless sensor networks is difficult to achieve because of the resource limitations of the sensor nodes. We propose a trust-based decision framework for wireless sensor networks coupled with a non-deterministic routing protocol. Both provide a mechanism to effectively detect and confine common attacks, and, unlike previous approaches, allow bad reputation feedback to the network. This approach has been extensively simulated, obtaining good results, even for unrealistically complex attack scenarios.
Multi-Objective Differential Evolution for Automatic Clustering with Application to Micro-Array Data Analysis
Authors: Suresh Kaushik , Kundu Debarati , Ghosh Sayan , Das Swagatam , Abraham Ajith , Han Sang Yong
Published: May 2009

This paper applies the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm to the task of automatic fuzzy clustering in a Multi-objective Optimization (MO) framework. It compares the performances of two multi-objective variants of DE over the fuzzy clustering problem, where two conflicting fuzzy validity indices are simultaneously optimized. The resultant Pareto optimal set of solutions from each algorithm consists of a number of non-dominated solutions, from which the user can choose the most promising ones according to the problem specifications. A real-coded representation of the search variables, accommodating variable number of cluster centers, is used for DE. The performances of the multi-objective DE-variants have also been contrasted to that of two most well-known schemes of MO clustering, namely the Non Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA II) and Multi-Objective Clustering with an unknown number of Clusters K (MOCK). Experimental results using six artificial and four real life datasets of varying range of complexities indicate that DE holds immense promise as a candidate algorithm for devising MO clustering schemes.
Guided Wave and Damage Detection in Composite Laminates Using Different Fiber Optic Sensors
Authors: Li Fucai , Murayama Hideaki , Kageyama Kazuro , Shirai Takehiro
Published: May 2009

Guided wave detection using different fiber optic sensors and their applications in damage detection for composite laminates were systematically investigated and compared in this paper. Two types of fiber optic sensors, namely fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) and Doppler effect-based fiber optic (FOD) sensors, were addressed and guided wave detection systems were constructed for both types. Guided waves generated by a piezoelectric transducer were propagated through a quasi-isotropic carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) laminate and acquired by these fiber optic sensors. Characteristics of these fiber optic sensors in ultrasonic guided wave detection were systematically compared. Results demonstrated that both the FBG and FOD sensors can be applied in guided wave and damage detection for the CFRP laminates. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of guided wave signal captured by an FOD sensor is relatively high in comparison with that of the FBG sensor because of their different physical principles in ultrasonic detection. Further, the FOD sensor is sensitive to the damage-induced fundamental shear horizontal (SH0) guided wave that, however, cannot be detected by using the FBG sensor, because the FOD sensor is omnidirectional in ultrasound detection and, in contrast, the FBG sensor is severely direction dependent.
Green oxidations: Titanium dioxide induced tandem oxidation coupling reactions
Authors: Jeena Vineet , Robinson Ross S
Published: May 2009

The application of titanium dioxide as an oxidant in tandem oxidation type processes is described. Under microwave irradiation, quinoxalines have been synthesized in good yields from the corresponding α-hydroxyketones.
OPTIMIZATION AND INTELLIGENT DECISIONS
Authors: Sakalauskas Leonidas , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: May 2009

„Optimization and intelligent decisions" Ukio Technologinis ir Ekonominis Vystymas, 15(2), p. 189-196
A NEW SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT FOR FUZZY MULTICRITERIA DECISION‐MAKING
Authors: Arslan Güvenç , Aydın Özlem
Published: May 2009

In this paper, software for Fuzzy Multiple Criteria Decision Making (FMCDM) problems has been developed and tested on two real problems. FMCDM methods are widely used when imprecise data or linguistic variables exist in the problem. Using FMCDM methods may help improve decision‐making problems and lead to more accurate models. Although these methods are more involved in terms of computing due to fuzzy calculations in MCDM algorithms, fuzziness offers advantages over classical algorithms. Thus appropriate software is of great importance in applying FMCDM methods. The major aim of this study is to develop software and to test it on two real military problems which are solved by an ideal points algorithm and an outranking method. The results and outputs are discussed with sensitivity analyses.

Santrauka

Aprašomos programos, skirtos daugiakriteriniam sprendimų priėmimui esant neapibrėžtumams, kūrimas ir jos pritaikymas sprendžiant dvi realias problemas. Neapibrėžtųjų aibių daugiakriteriniai metodai plačiai taikomi, kai esama netikslių duomenų arba lingvistinių kintamųjų. Taikant šiuos metodus galima lengviau išspręsti sprendimo priėmimo problemas, sudaryti tikslesnius modelius. Nors tokiu atveju reikia daugiau skaičiavimų siekiant taikyti neapibrėžtąsias aibes daugiakriteriniuose sprendimų priėmimo algoritmuose, tačiau galimybė įvertinti neapibrėžtumus suteikia pranašumų, palyginti su klasikiniais metodais. Taigi neapibrėžtųjų aibių daugiakriteriniams metodams labai svarbu tinkama programinė įranga. Svarbiausias šio tyrimo tikslas – sukurti programinę įrangą ir testuoti ją sprendžiant dvi tikras karines problemas – idealiųjų taškų agoritmą ir rangavimų metodą. Rezultatai aptarti atlikus jautrumo analizę.
IDENTIFICATION OF BUILDING REPAIR POLICY CHOICE CRITERIA ROLE
Authors: Dytczak Mirosław , Ginda Grzegorz
Published: May 2009

Preparation of building repair activities in multi‐family dwelling houses poses an important problem for habitat co‐operatives in Poland. Firstly, such co‐operatives own and manage a lot of buildings. Secondly, scarcity of economic and non‐economic resources requires their effective allocation. Such allocation should be based on properly prioritised actions’ alternatives. Unfortunately, due to the complex influence of the surrounding environment, the influence of a considerable number of components and diverse point of views is to be included during the analysis of repair needs. Potential influences result from a bunch of sources. The sources are of economic, technological, social and environmental nature. To support a decision‐maker effectively, information pertaining to the importance of particular influences is required. Such information can be obtained by special means of multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methodology. The application of the chosen approach – Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) for classification of repair needs assessment criteria to shape repair policy appropriately is presented in this paper. Santrauka Pasirengimas remontuoti daugiabučius gyvenamuosius namus sukelia daug problemų tokių namų kooperatyvams Lenkijoje. Pirma, tokie kooperatyvai turi ir valdo daug pastatų. Antra, dėl nepakankamų ekonominių ir neekonominių išteklių reikia juos efektyviai paskirstyti. Toks paskirstymas turi būti pagrįstas išnagrinėjus alternatyvas ir nustačius prioritetines. Deja, remonto poreikio analizę veikia sudėtinga aplinka. Tam įtaką daro daug komponentų, reikia suderinti įvairius požiūrius. Potenciali įtaka kyla iš šaltinių gausos. Yra ekonominiai, technologiniai, socialiniai ir gamtinės aplinkos šaltiniai. Efektyviam sprendimui priimti reikia turėti informacijos apie įtakos svarbą. Tokiai informacijai gauti gali būti pritaikyta speciali daugiakriterinės sprendimų analizės metodologija. Straipsnyje pristatomas metodas, kuriuo vertinami remonto poreikio kriterijai ir padedama suformuluoti remonto politiką.
MULTI‐LAYERED KNOWLEDGE‐BASED ARCHITECTURE OF THE ADAPTABLE DISTANCE LEARNING SYSTEM
Authors: Dzemydienė Dalė , Tankelevičienė Lina
Published: May 2009

The quality of the distance learning courses is largely influenced by competently prepared educational resources and an effective study support system. One of the possible ways to improve distance learning infrastructure and increase its effectiveness is to extend the architecture of present e‐learning systems by the components for adaptable and sustainable learning. This research work is devoted to developing the service‐oriented distance learning environment adaptable to the user's needs. The proposed adaptable communication environment of distance learning is constructed by integration of new components of communication scenarios generation, adaptable for student's goals, multilayered domain ontology of learning subject and forming intelligent agents’ framework possible. The paper presents the knowledge‐based component architecture of the distance learning system, which enables a better adaptation of learning resources to students. The paper analyses the possibilities of integrating ontology into the e‐learning system. The issues of decomposing ontology into different levels of understanding are discussed in order to adapt to learner's tasks and goals. A conceptual approach is proposed for extending the existing distance learning system architecture by intelligent and deeper knowledge layers. Santrauka Nuotolinių studijų kokybė daugiausia priklauso nuo kompetentingai parengtų mokomųjų priemonių ir veiksmingai veikiančios studijų paramos sistemos. Ieškant priemonių, kaip pagerinti nuotolinių studijų sistemos infrastruktūrą ir padidinti jos darbo efektyvumą, nagrinėjamos galimybės praplėsti tradicinės nuotolinio mokymo sistemos architektūrą komponentėmis, kurios leistų išplėtoti adaptuotą ir darnų mokymosi procesą. Šio tyrimo uždaviniai skirti paslaugoms, skirtoms išvystyti nuotolinio mokymo aplinką. Siekiant sukurti tinkamą kompiuterizuotą bendradarbiavimo aplinką, lanksčiai prisitaikoma prie kintančių vartotojo poreikių studijų procese. Architektūra projektuojama integruojant naujas komponentes bendravimo scenarijams generuoti, daugelio lygių dalykinės srities ontologijai naudoti ir sudarant sąlygas automatizuotam intelektinių agentų bendravimui. Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos galimybės integruoti dalykinės srities ontologiją į tradicinės nuotolinio mokymo sistemos aplinką. Ontologijos detalizavimo pagal studento supratimo lygmenis klausimai nagrinėjami siekiant pateikti koncepcinį tokios nuotolinės adaptuotos sistemos darbo modelį.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT: KNOWLEDGE‐BASED DECISION SUPPORT
Authors: Kurlavičius Algimantas
Published: May 2009

The article introduces the knowledge‐based agricultural decision support system. The system includes database and knowledge base as well as modules used for formation of models, optimization, simulation, decision analysis and inference. The linear programming model contains several hundreds of variables and restrictions. The farm model, using entered data, is formed according to “if‐then” type rules that are stored in the knowledge base. Having solved the task of optimization, the particular values of variables indicate what kind of crops should be grown and in what area, as well as what animals and how many of them should be kept and what resources and how much of them have to be used for achieving the biggest benefit under the environmental and other conditions. The simulation was employed to test the sensitivity of the plan to weather and market variations. Having applied a set of production rules to the given facts and modelling results within the module of decision analysis and inference, conclusions and suggestions are made. Decision support system performs the analysis of production efficiency, resource reserves and shortage, and with the help of the Internet in real time provides a farmer with conclusions and suggestions necessary to increase the efficiency of production conforming to environmental constraints. The integration of optimization calculations and knowledge management into the agricultural decisions‐support system expands its possibilities and improves the quality of solutions. Santrauka Pristatoma žiniomis grįsta žemės ūkio sprendimų paramos sistema. Ją sudaro duomenų ir žinių bazės, modelių formavimo, optimizavimo, imitavimo, sprendimų analizės ir išvadų formavimo moduliai. Žemės ūkio įmonės modelis sudaromas pagal įvestus duomenis, remiantis žinių bazėje saugomomis „jeigu–taip“ tipo taisyklėmis. Išsprendus optimizavimo uždavinį gautos kintamųjų vertės rodo, kokie javai ir kokiame plote turi būti auginami, taip pat kokie gyvuliai ir kiek jų turi būti laikoma, kokie ištekliai ir kiek jų turi būti panaudota, norint pasiekti didžiausią naudą ūkyje nurodytomis aplinkosaugos ir kitomis sąlygomis. Imitavimo būdu patikrinamas gamybos plano jautrumas orų ir rinkos pokyčiams. Išvadų formulavimo modulyje, pritaikius duotiems faktams ir modeliavimo rezultatams produkcinių taisyklių rinkinį, gaunamos išvados bei pasiūlymai. Sprendimų paramos sistema atlieka gamybos efektyvumo, išteklių rezervų bei išteklių trūkumo analizę. Ūkininkas internetu gauna išvadas bei pasiūlymus, kaip didinti gamybos efektyvumą. Optimizavimo skaičiavimų ir žinių bazės integravimas į žemės ūkio sprendimų paramos sistemą išplečia jos galimybes ir pagerina sprendimų kokybę.