bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the reproductive number and the serial interval in early phase of the 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic in the USA
Authors: White Laura Forsberg , Wallinga Jacco , Finelli Lyn , Reed Carrie , Riley Steven , Lipsitch Marc , Pagano Marcello 
Published: September 2009

Background The United States was the second country to have a major outbreak of novel influenza A/H1N1 in what has become a new pandemic. Appropriate public health responses to this pandemic depend in part on early estimates of key epidemiological parameters of the virus in defined populations.Methods We use a likelihood‐based method to estimate the basic reproductive number (R0) and serial interval using individual level U.S. data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We adjust for missing dates of illness and changes in case ascertainment. Using prior estimates for the serial interval we also estimate the reproductive number only.Results Using the raw CDC data, we estimate the reproductive number to be between 2·2 and 2·3 and the mean of the serial interval (μ) between 2·5 and 2·6 days. After adjustment for increased case ascertainment our estimates change to 1·7 to 1·8 forR0and 2·2 to 2·3 days for μ. In a sensitivity analysis making use of previous estimates of the mean of the serial interval, both for this epidemic (μ = 1·91 days) and for seasonal influenza (μ = 3·6 days), we estimate the reproductive number at 1·5 to 3·1.Conclusions With adjustments for data imperfections we obtain useful estimates of key epidemiological parameters for the current influenza H1N1 outbreak in the United States. Estimates that adjust for suspected increases in reporting suggest that substantial reductions in the spread of this epidemic may be achievable with aggressive control measures, while sensitivity analyses suggest the possibility that even such measures would have limited effect in reducing total attack rates.
DNA Index in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a karyotypic method to validate the flow cytometric measurement
Authors: RACHIERU‐SOURISSEAU P. , BARANGER L. , DASTUGUE N. , ROBERT A. , GENEVIÈVE F. , KUHLEIN E. , CHASSEVENT A. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe DNA index (DI) is a prognostic factor in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The accuracy of DI measurement is important for treatment stratification: hyperdiploidy with DI ≥ 1.16 is predictive of favorable prognosis whereas hypodiploidy is associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to validate the accuracy of the DI measured by flow cytometry (FCM) by comparison with the karyotype. From samples of 112 childhood ALL, we created a formula to calculate a theoretical DNA index (tDI) based on the blast cell karyotype, taking into account the additional or missing chromosome material of the major clone. FCM DI correlated with tDI calculated from karyotype (R = 0.987) and with modal chromosome number (DI = 0.0202 × Modal NB + 0.0675 and R = 0.984). In three cases a hypodiploid blast cell population was detected by FCM, while only the duplicated clone was identified by the karyotype. The strong correlation between tDI and DI validates the accuracy of FCM quantification, which is technically fast on fresh or frozen samples. If the karyotype is essential to analyze chromosomal abnormalities, FCM provides complementary information in aneuploid ALLs, either by confirming the cytogenetic data or by detecting additional clones not identified when only using cytogenetic data.
Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin, Ethiopia1
Authors: Kim Ungtae , Kaluarachchi Jagath J. 
Published: September 2009

Kim, Ungtae and Jagath J. Kaluarachchi, 2009. Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin, Ethiopia. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 45(6):1361‐1378.Abstract:  Climate change affects water resources availability of international river basins that are vulnerable to runoff variability of upstream countries especially with increasing water demands. The upper Blue Nile River Basin is a good example because its downstream countries, Sudan and Egypt, depend solely on Nile waters for their economic development. In this study, the impacts of climate change on both hydrology and water resources operations were analyzed using the outcomes of six different general circulation models (GCMs) for the 2050s. The outcomes of these six GCMs were weighted to provide average future changes. Hydrologic sensitivity, flow statistics, a drought index, and water resources assessment indices (reliability, resiliency, and vulnerability) were used as quantitative indicators. The changes in outflows from the two proposed dams (Karadobi and Border) to downstream countries were also assessed. Given the uncertainty of different GCMs, the simulation results of the weighted scenario suggested mild increases in hydrologic variables (precipitation, temperature, potential evapotranspiration, and runoff) across the study area. The weighted scenario also showed that low‐flow statistics and the reliability of streamflows are increased and severe drought events are decreased mainly due to increased precipitation. Joint dam operation performed better than single dam operation in terms of both hydropower generation and mean annual storage without affecting the runoff volume to downstream countries, but enhancing flow characteristics and the robustness of streamflows. This study provides useful information to decision makers for the planning and management of future water resources of the study area and downstream countries.
Metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma: Spectrum of imaging findings and the role of multimodality imaging
Authors: Kochhar R , Ali H , Mak S , Manoharan P 
Published: September 2009

SummaryCutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most lethal and widely metastasising cancers with unpredictable pathways of spread. One of the most significant factors associated with survival in patients who have distant metastases is the number of organ sites involved. Innovative treatment options are now available for metastatic melanoma, and diagnostic imaging has become crucial for accurate staging and restaging of disease. The objective of this pictorial review is to illustrate the imaging spectrum of metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma including both the common and the relatively ubiquitous sites of involvement using both conventional cross‐sectional and metabolic molecular imaging. This review also highlights the importance of combining multiple imaging methods for accurate staging of metastatic melanoma.
Structural Synthesis
of Serial-Parallel Hybrid Mechanisms Based on Representation and Operation of Logical
Matrix
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Fang Yuefa 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This paper presents a systematic approach on structural synthesis of serial-parallel hybrid mechanisms from the point of displacement group theory and mathematical logic. The hybrid mechanisms can be represented by binary 12 bit string matrix, where the lower 4 bits represents the universal set of spatial displacement subsets, while the higher 8 bits represents the two-order adjacent relations of spatial displacement subsets. Meanwhile, the concept of an arrangement matrix and three types of fractal operations can be developed. Utilizing the novel representational approach of mechanisms, the displacement subsets and spatial adjacent relations can be operated in logical matrices based on the given mapping of logical matrix operation. The binary logical mirror coordinate system of mechanisms is developed by logical representations. Finally, an example of structural synthesis of hybrid mechanism (two-order hybrid mechanism) is introduced using the proposed approach. The approach is helpful for the processing of serial-parallel hybrid mechanism designs.
A solid iodinated phantom material for use in tomographic x‐ray imaging
Authors: Hill Melissa L. , Mainprize James G. , Mawdsley Gordon E. , Yaffe Martin J. 
Published: September 2009

PURPOSE:Iodinated phantoms are of value in x‐ray imaging for quality control measurements, system calibration, and for use in the research setting; however, the liquid phantoms that are most often used have several limitations including variability between repeated dilutions, inhomogeneities from air bubbles or precipitants, and long set up times. Although suitable materials have been investigated for projection radiography, quantitative measurements of contrast enhancement in computed tomography (CT) have become increasingly important in the clinic, and a need exists for a durable and reproducible iodinated phantom material. In this work, the authors describe a solid radiographic phantom material that has an accurately known concentration of iodine distributed uniformly throughout its volume and that has stable properties over time. This material can be molded or machined into a desired shape to create a test object or for use in an anthropomorphic phantom.METHODS:Two sets of calibration phantoms were produced with a clinically relevant range of iodine concentrations. Measurements were made on these phantoms to characterize the material properties in terms of accuracy of iodine concentration, radiographic uniformity, temporal stability of x‐ray attenuation, and manufacturing repeatability. Experimentally measured linear x‐ray attenuation coefficients were compared to those predicted by a theoretical model. The uniformity of the iodine distribution in the material was assessed by measuring image intensity variation, both in projection images and in reconstructed CT volumes. The reproducibility of manufacture was estimated on a set of independently produced samples. A longitudinal study was performed to assess the stability of the material x‐ray characteristics over time by making measurements at 6 month intervals.RESULTS:Good agreement was seen between the experimental measurements of effective attenuation and the theoretically predicted values. It is estimated that a desired iodine concentration could be produced to within 0.04 mg/ml. Comparison of the measured effective linear iodine attenuation coefficients of eight 1.0 mg/ml samples indicated a manufacturing reproducibility of ±0.03 mg/ml iodine. Variations in uniformity across each of the samples were on the order of image intensity fluctuations. No inhomogeneities due to mixing or settling were apparent. An analysis of longitudinal data collected for both calibration sets revealed no perceptible change in radiographic properties over the first 6 months after manufacture, nor over a subsequent 1.5 yr period from 1 yr postmanufacture onward.CONCLUSIONS:The uniformity, stability, and precision of this iodinated material suggest that it is suitable for use in accurate calibration tools for contrast tomographic imaging.
First application of dynamic infrared imaging in boron neutron capture therapy for cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Santa Cruz G. A. , González S. J. , Bertotti J. , Marín J. 
Published: September 2009

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to assess the potential of dynamic infrared imaging (DIRI) as a functional, noninvasive technique for evaluating the skin acute toxicity and tumor control within the framework of the Argentine boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) program for cutaneous malignant melanoma.Methods:Two patients enrolled in the Argentine phase I/II BNCT clinical trial for cutaneous malignant melanoma were studied with DIRI. An uncooled infrared camera, providing a video output signal, was employed to register the temperature evolution of the normal skin and tumor regions in patients subjected to a mild local cooling (cold stimulus). In order to study the spatial correlation between dose and acute skin reactions, three‐dimensional representations of the superficial dose delivered to skin were constructed and cameralike projections of the dose distribution were coregistered with visible and infrared images.Results:The main erythematous reaction was observed clinically between the second and fifth week post‐BNCT. Concurrently, with its clinical onset, a reactive increase above the basal skin temperature was observed with DIRI in the third week post‐BNCT within regions that received therapeutic doses. Melanoma nodules appeared as highly localized hyperthermic regions. 2 min after stimulus, these regions reached a temperature plateau and increased in size. Temperature differences with respect to normal skin up to were observed in the larger nodules.Conclusions:Preliminary results suggest that DIRI, enhanced by the application of cold stimuli, may provide useful functional information associated with the metabolism and vasculature of tumors and inflammatory processes related to radiation‐induced changes in the skin as well. These capabilities are aimed at complementing the clinical observations and standard imaging techniques, such as CT and Doppler ultrasound.
Development of a high precision dosimetry system for the measurement of surface dose rate distribution for eye applicators
Authors: Eichmann Marion , Flühs Dirk , Spaan Bernhard 
Published: September 2009

Purpose:The therapeutic outcome of the therapy with ophthalmic applicators is highly dependent on the application of a sufficient dose to the tumor, whereas the dose applied to the surrounding tissue needs to be minimized. The goal for the newly developed apparatus described in this work is the determination of the individual applicator surface dose rate distribution with a high spatial resolution and a high precision in dose rate with respect to time and budget constraints especially important for clinical procedures. Inhomogeneities of the dose rate distribution can be detected and taken into consideration for the treatment planning.Methods:In order to achieve this, a dose rate profile as well as a surface profile of the applicator are measured and correlated with each other. An instrumental setup has been developed consisting of a plastic scintillator detector system and a newly designed apparatus for guiding the detector across the applicator surface at a constant small distance. It performs an angular movement of detector and applicator with high precision.Results:The measurements of surface dose rate distributions discussed in this work demonstrate the successful operation of the measuring setup. Measuring the surface dose rate distribution with a small distance between applicator and detector and with a high density of measuring points results in a complete and gapless coverage of the applicator surface, being capable of distinguishing small sized spots with high activities. The dosimetrical accuracy of the measurements and its analysis is sufficient (uncertainty in the dose rate in terms of absorbed dose to water is), especially when taking the surgical techniques in positioning of the applicator on the eyeball into account.Conclusions:The method developed so far allows a fully automated quality assurance of eye applicators even under clinical conditions. These measurements provide the basis for future calculation of a full 3D dose rate distribution, which then can be used as input for a refined clinical treatment planning system. The improved dose rate measurements will facilitate a clinical study, which could correlate the therapeutic outcome of a brachytherapy treatment with an applicator and its individual dose rate distribution.
Demons deformable registration for CBCT‐guided procedures in the head and neck: Convergence and accuracy
Authors: Nithiananthan S. , Brock K. K. , Daly M. J. , Chan H. , Irish J. C. , Siewerdsen J. H. 
Published: September 2009

Purpose:The accuracy and convergence behavior of a variant of the Demons deformable registration algorithm were investigated for use in cone‐beam CT (CBCT)‐guided procedures of the head and neck. Online use of deformable registration for guidance of therapeutic procedures such as image‐guided surgery or radiation therapy places trade‐offs on accuracy and computational expense. This work describes a convergence criterion for Demons registration developed to balance these demands; the accuracy of a multiscale Demons implementation using this convergence criterion is quantified in CBCT images of the head and neck.Methods:Using an open‐source “symmetric” Demons registration algorithm, a convergence criterion based on the change in the deformation field between iterations was developed to advance among multiple levels of a multiscale image pyramid in a manner that optimized accuracy and computation time. The convergence criterion was optimized in cadaver studies involving CBCT images acquired using a surgical C‐arm prototype modified for 3D intraoperative imaging. CBCT‐to‐CBCT registration was performed and accuracy was quantified in terms of the normalized cross‐correlation (NCC) and target registration error (TRE). The accuracy and robustness of the algorithm were then tested in clinical CBCT images of ten patients undergoing radiation therapy of the head and neck.Results:The cadaver model allowed optimization of the convergence factor and initial measurements of registration accuracy: Demons registration exhibited and in the cadaveric head compared to and with rigid registration. Similarly for the patient data, Demons registration gave mean compared to rigid registration , suggesting registration accuracy at or near the voxel size of the patient images . The multiscale implementation based on optimal convergence criteria completed registration in for the cadaveric head and in an average time of for the larger FOV patient images.Conclusions:Appropriate selection of convergence and multiscale parameters in Demons registration was shown to reduce computational expense without sacrificing registration performance. For intraoperative CBCT imaging with deformable registration, the ability to perform accurate registration within the stringent time requirements of the operating environment could offer a useful clinical tool allowing integration of preoperative information while accurately reflecting changes in the patient anatomy. Similarly for CBCT‐guided radiation therapy, fast accurate deformable registration could further augment high‐precision treatment strategies.
Coxiella burnetiiIsolates Cause Genogroup-Specific Virulence in Mouse and Guinea Pig Models of Acute Q Fever
Authors: Russell-Lodrigue K. E. , Andoh M. , Poels M. W. J. , Shive H. R. , Weeks B. R. , Zhang G. Q. , Tersteeg C. , Masegi T. , Hotta A. , Yamaguchi T. , Fukushi H. , Hirai K. , McMurray D. N. , Samuel J. E. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTQ fever is a zoonotic disease of worldwide significance caused by the obligate intracellular bacteriumCoxiella burnetii. Humans with Q fever may experience an acute flu-like illness and pneumonia and/or chronic hepatitis or endocarditis. Various markers demonstrate significant phylogenetic separation between and clustering among isolates from acute and chronic human disease. The clinical and pathological responses to infection with phase IC. burnetiiisolates from the following four genomic groups were evaluated in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice and in guinea pig infection models: group I (Nine Mile, African, and Ohio), group IV (Priscilla and P), group V (G and S), and group VI (Dugway). Isolates from all of the groups produced disease in the SCID mouse model, and genogroup-consistent trends were noted in cytokine production in response to infection in the immunocompetent-mouse model. Guinea pigs developed severe acute disease when aerosol challenged with group I isolates, mild to moderate acute disease in response to group V isolates, and no acute disease when infected with group IV and VI isolates.C. burnetiiisolates have a range of disease potentials; isolates within the same genomic group cause similar pathological responses, and there is a clear distinction in strain virulence between these genomic groups.
Rho-kinase inhibitors Y-27632 and fasudil prevent agonist-induced vasospasm in human radial artery
Authors: Disli Olcay Murat , Ozdemir Ercan , Berkan Ocal , Bagcivan Ihsan , Durmus Nedim , Parlak Ahmet 
Published: September 2009

Radial artery (RA) vasospasm remains a potential cause of early graft failure after coronary artery bypass graft surgery, despite pretreatment with α-adrenergic or calcium channel blockers. Our aim was to investigate the mechanism of the vasorelaxant effects of Rho-kinase inhibitors (Y-27632 and fasudil) on the human RA. Segments were obtained from 30 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft and were divided into 3–4 mm vascular rings. The rings were stimulated with 10−5 mol/L phenylephrine (PE) by using the isolated tissue bath technique and were relaxed with 10−6 mol/L acetylcholine. Relaxation responses were recorded for Y-27632 (10−9–10−4 mol/L), fasudil (10−9–10−4 mol/L), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10−9–10−5 mol/L). Y-27632 and fasudil relaxation responses were repeated in either NG-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA), which is a specific endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), which is a guanylate cyclase inhibitor. SNP relaxation responses were repeated in 10−8 mol/L Y-27632 and 10−8 mol/L fasudil. Y-27632 and fasudil caused concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in RA rings precontracted with PE, and maximal relaxation (100%) was recorded at the highest concentration used (10−4 mol/L). The vasorelaxant effects of Y-27632 and fasudil were significantly reduced in the presence of l-NNA and ODQ, and the pD2values of Y-27632 and fasudil were not changed. The vasorelaxant effects of SNP were significantly increased in the presence of Y-27632 and fasudil, and the pD2values of SNP were not changed. These findings indicate that Y-27632 and fasudil caused concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in the RA rings. Because this effect was decreased in a dose-dependent manner by l-NNA and ODQ, the relaxant effects of Y-27632 and fasudil could be due to stimulation by nitric oxide that is being released. Rho-kinase inhibitors may have an important role in preventing vasospasm in arterial grafts used for coronary artery surgery.
Fixed Point Theory for Admissible Type Maps with Applications
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , O'Regan Donal 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe present new Leray-Schauder alternatives, Krasnoselskii and Lefschetz fixed point theory for multivalued maps between Fréchet spaces. As an application we show that our results are directly applicable to establish the existence of integral equations over infinite intervals.
Fuzzy Stability of the Pexiderized Quadratic Functional Equation: A Fixed Point Approach
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Zhang Wanxiong 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe fixed point alternative methods are implemented to give generalized Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability for the Pexiderized quadratic functional equation in the fuzzy version. This method introduces a metrical context and shows that the stability is related to some fixed point of a suitable operator.