bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predator–prey interactions between a population of Nucella lapillus (Gastropoda: Muricidae) recovering from imposex and Mytilus galloprovincialis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) on the south-east coast of England
Authors: Morton Brian 
Published: December 2009

Over a 52-month period beginning in May 2004 and concluding in August/September 2008, and coinciding with the period over which tributyltin was banned as a ship anti-foulant globally, a population of the dogwhelk, Nucella lapillus on the south-eastern coast of England, was studied for changes in population size and structure, reproduction and feeding behaviour. During the study period, the size of the N. lapillus population grew from ~25 individuals to >500, i.e. a 20-fold increase, and recovery from imposex was total. Significant changes in feeding behaviour were also reported. For example, peaks in N. lapillus predation were recorded over the winter months, but as population size increased, this temporal seasonality was masked due to the growing numbers of juveniles feeding on smaller and smaller individuals of Mytilus galloprovincialis (as opposed to barnacles) as the study progressed. Similarly, with freedom from imposex, the numbers of failed drilling attempts declined and numbers of prey with more than one drill hole increased as the incidence of kleptoparasitism increased. Predated M. galloprovincialis were also increasingly attacked in the antero- and postero-dorsal quadrants of their shells as the study progressed. Contrary to expectations, only a slightly positive relationship between predator and prey sizes was recorded overall however, suggesting that beyond a shell height of ~13 mm, when the transition from barnacle to mussel feeding occurs, M. galloprovincialis individuals of virtually any size are preyed upon by N. lapillus.
Gametogenic cycle of the tropical vermetids Eualetes tulipa and Dendropoma corrodens (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda: Vermetidae)
Authors: Miloslavich Patricia , Klein Eduardo , Penchaszadeh Pablo 
Published: December 2009

The population density, annual gametogenic cycle, and size at sexual maturity of two vermetid species, Eualetes tulipa (invasive) and Dendropoma corrodens was studied in the southern Caribbean at the Planta Centro power plant intake channel and at Punta Mayorquina, Morrocoy National Park, respectively. Minimal size of mature females of E. tulipa and D. corrodens was 5.0 and 0.7 cm in body length respectively. The gonad represented between 44 to 47% of total body length, while it represented between 15 to 18% of total body volume (for both males and females). Gonad volume was significantly related to total body volume. A significant quadratic relationship between the number of capsules and female body volume was obtained for E. tulipa, indicating that females measuring 6–10 cm in body length are those that have the highest number of egg capsules. Females larger than 11 cm have a lower fecundity in terms of brooded capsules. Gonad sections of males and females of both species showed that several gametogenesis stages are simultaneous within the same individual. In the female, germ cells, oogoniums and primary oocytes with yolk granules were observed simultaneously. In the male, the spermatogonium, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and sperm cells were also observed within one gonad. The same pattern was observed throughout the year, showing no maturation/resting period or annual cycle. The area covered by D. corrodens was about 700 m2 with a mean density of 13,000 ind/m2. The area covered by the invasive E. tulipa was at least about 1000 m2, with a density of 27,000 to 29,000 ind/m2 in the first 3 m of depth. A follow up of the E. tulipa population showed that its density is increasing in time and has doubled in 20 years. This population increment could be related to an increase in organic suspended matter as evidenced in the region.
Emerging legal concerns in the Arctic: sovereignty, navigation and land claim disputes
Authors: Parker Richard D. , Madjd-Sadjadi Zagros 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTWith global warming, the clearance of the Northwest Passage and the rising demands for new energy resources, the sovereignty of Canadian and other national land claims in the Arctic north is coming into question by those wishing to control access to this region. The present paper examines issues involving emerging landmasses, maritime rights, strategic control and navigation, perhaps the most important variable, and the consequences in terms of commercial economies and geopolitical impacts. We consider many variables such as the 1982 Falkland Islands war as a demonstrative example that may have translatable impact in future years. Our purpose in this paper is to raise awareness of impending geopolitical activities that are inevitable during the 21st century as the Arctic pack ice retreats.
Indigenous peoples as international political actors: a summary
Authors: Tennberg Monica 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTThe article discusses the results of a three year research project studying international indigenous political activism using case studies from the Arctic. Drawing on two different disciplinary starting points, international relations and international law, the project addressed two interrelated questions. The first of these was how relations between states, international organisations and indigenous peoples have been and are currently constructed as legal and political practices; the second was how indigenous peoples construct their political agency through different strategies to further their political interests. These questions are addressed from the point of view of power relations. The power to act is the basic form of political agency. However, this power may take different forms of political action, for example, self-identification, participation, influence, and representation. The main conclusions of the article are: 1) indigenous political agency is based on multiple forms of power; 2) practices of power that enable and constrain indigenous political agency change over time; 3) power circulates and produces multiple sites of encounters for states, international organisations and indigenous people; 4) indigenous political agency is a question of acting; and 5) there are new challenges ahead for indigenous peoples in claiming a political voice, in particular in global climate politics.
Tree community change in a tropical dry forest: the role of roads and exotic plant invasion
Authors: PRASAD AYESHA E. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYAmong the most endangered tropical ecosystems, tropical dry forests are threatened by degradation that includes edge effects arising from perturbations such as the creation and maintenance of roads and other clearings. While much is known about these adverse effects on tree communities in tropical moist forests, similar effects in tropical dry forests are little understood. This paper examines the relationship between roads, road-related exotic plant invasion and tree community change in a tropical dry forest in southern India. Forty pairs of roadside and interior plots across four factorial combinations of road width (wide and narrow) and understorey type (native and exotic) were sampled. Tree death and extant tree community composition were compared using generalized linear models and similarity analyses. Tree death near roads was more than double that away from them, suggesting that roads may increase tree death in these forests. The interactive effect of understorey type (exotic or native) and road width on tree death was significant, with highest tree death near wide roads bordered by exotic understorey. Conversely, tree community composition was influenced by road width and understorey type, but not by proximity to roads. Creation and maintenance of roads for forest management may have serious implications for tree communities in tropical dry forests and should thus be minimized. Exotic plants may also be important contributors to increasing tree death, and further research on their impacts, particularly into underlying mechanisms, is critical to the long-term conservation of tropical dry forest communities.
Vessel size estimation in peripheral artery interventions: are angiographic measurements reliable?
Authors: Stenström Hugo , Knutsson Anders , Smedby Örjan 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To describe and evaluate a new technique for angiographic measurement of arterial diameters and to make a comparison with other common techniques. Material and Methods: The Angiometer has a radiopaque metal body with six cylindrical segments of varying diameter. Arterial diameter is estimated by visually relating the vessel to these segments. The measurements (method A) were compared: to measuring in relation to a ruler on the table‐top by means of compasses (B), to an automated measurement technique (quantitative angiography) utilizing calibration to a catheter of known diameter (C), and to a computer‐based distance measurement using the ruler on the table‐top as reference (D). Twenty‐five patients were studied. Each method was used twice by each of two independent observers. A phantom with four drilled holes, filled with contrast agent, was also studied. Results: The coefficient of variation was highest for method C and lowest for method A. Correlations between readings were highest for method A and lowest for method C. Mean diameter values were highest for method A and lowest for methods B and D. In the phantom experiments, sizes were overestimated by between 5% and 9% with method A, and underestimated by between 4% and 27% with the other methods. Conclusion: In terms of reproducibility and accuracy, the proposed method compares favorably with alternative methods.
Extrapedicular approach of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of upper and mid‐thoracic vertebral compression fracture
Authors: Han K.‐R. , Kim C. , Eun J.‐S. , Chung Y.‐S. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcome of the extrapedicular approach of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for upper and mid‐thoracic vertebral compression fractures in patients. Material and Methods: Extrapedicular vertebroplasty was performed in painful compression fractures at T4–T8 levels. The assessment criteria were changes over time in visual analog scale (VAS) and mobility score. We evaluated the volume of cement injected, the size of needle required, and complications. Results: Procedures were performed in 27 patients with a total of 34 affected vertebral bodies. Early (within a week) and one year later, clinical follow‐ups showed that pain intensity had decreased by 50% one day after operation and later by 70–80%. Mobility scores of all patients were improved immediately after the procedure. Average volume of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) per vertebral body was 3.8±1.2 ml. Leakage of PMMA occurred in one vertebral level (intradiskal space), but did not cause clinical complications. Conclusion: PVP of upper and mid‐thoracic spine with an extrapedicular approach is an efficient and safe procedure for treating painful thoracic vertebral compression fracture under a cautious patient selection and meticulous technical procedure.
Posterolateral complex knee injuries: magnetic resonance imaging with surgical correlation
Authors: Theodorou D. J. , Theodorou S. J. , Fithian D. C. , Paxton L. , Garelick D. H. , Resnick D. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To describe the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of injuries of the posterolateral aspect of the knee and to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of MRI in the assessment of these injuries. Material and Methods: The MRI studies of 14 patients (mean age 33 years) with trauma to the posterolateral aspect of the knee were retrospectively reviewed, and the imaging findings were correlated with those of surgery. Results: In all patients, MRI showed an intact iliotibial (ITB) band. MRI showed injury to the biceps tendon in 11 (79%), the gastrocnemius tendon in 1 (7%), the popliteus tendon in 5 (36%), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in 14 (100%) patients. Tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was seen in 11 (79%) patients and tear of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in 4 (29%) patients. With routine MRI, visualization of the popliteofibular or fabellofibular ligaments was incomplete. On MRI, the lateral meniscus and the medial meniscus were torn with equal frequency ( n = 4; 29%). Osteochondral defects were seen in 5 (36%) cases and joint effusion in all 14 (100%) cases on MRI. Using surgical findings as the standard for diagnosis, MRI proved 86% accurate in the detection of injury to the ITB band, the biceps tendon (93%), the gastrocnemius tendon (100%), the popliteus tendon (86%), the LCL (100%), the ACL (79%), the PCL (86%), the lateral meniscus (90%), the medial meniscus (82%), and the osteochondral structures (79%). Surgical correlation confirmed the MRI findings of joint effusion in all cases. Conclusion: MRI is well suited for demonstrating the presence and extent of injuries of the major structures of the posterolateral complex of the knee, allowing characterization of the severity of injury.
Does computer‐aided detection assist in the early detection of breast cancer?
Authors: Hukkinen K. , Pamilo M. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To evaluate whether breast cancers detected at screening are visible in previous mammograms, and to assess the performance of a computer‐aided detection (CAD) system in detecting lesions in preoperative and previous mammograms. Material and Methods: Initial screening detected 67 women with 69 surgically verified breast cancers (Group A). An experienced screening radiologist retrospectively analyzed previous mammograms for visible lesions (Group B), noting in particular their size and morphology. Preoperative and previous mammograms were analyzed with CAD; a relatively inexperienced resident also analyzed previous mammograms. The performances of CAD and resident were then compared. Results: Of the 69 lesions identified, 36 were visible in previous mammograms. Of these 36 “missed” lesions, 14 were under 10 mm in diameter and 29 were mass lesions. The sensitivity of CAD was 81% in Group A and 64% in Group B. Small mass lesions were harder for CAD to detect. The specificity of CAD was 3% in Group A and 9% in Group B. Together, CAD and the resident found more “missed” lesions than separately. Conclusion: Of the 69 breast cancers, 36 were visible in previous mammograms. CAD's sensitivity in detecting cancer lesions ranged from 64% to 81%, while specificity ranged from 9% to as low as 3%. CAD may be helpful if the radiologist is less subspecialized in mammography.
Influence of the target vessel on the location and area of maximum skin dose during percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Chida K. , Fuda K. , Kagaya Y. , Saito H. , Takai Y. , Kohzuki M. , Takahashi S. , Yamada S. , Zuguchi M. 
Published: December 2009

Background: A number of cases involving radiation-associated patient skin injury attributable to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been reported. Knowledge of the location and area of the patient's maximum skin dose (MSD) in PCI is necessary to reduce the risk of skin injury. Purpose: To determine the location and area of the MSD in PCI, and separately analyze the effects of different target vessels. Material and Methods: 197 consecutive PCI procedures were studied, and the location and area of the MSD were calculated by a skin-dose mapping software program: Caregraph. The target vessels of the PCI procedures were divided into four groups based on the American Heart Association (AHA) classification. Results: The sites of the MSD for AHA #1–3, AHA #4, and AHA #11–15 were located mainly on the right back skin, the lower right or center back skin, and the upper back skin areas, respectively, whereas the MSD sites for the AHA #5–10 PCI were widely spread. The MSD area for the AHA #4 PCI was larger than that for the AHA #11–15 PCI ( P<0.0001). Conclusion: Although the radiation associated with PCI can be widely spread and variable, we observed a tendency regarding the location and area of the MSD when we separately analyzed the data for different target vessels. We recommend the use of a smaller radiation field size and the elimination of overlapping fields during PCI.
Statin-treated familial hypercholesterolemia patients with coronary heart disease and pronounced atherosclerosis do not have more brain lesions than healthy controls in later middle age
Authors: Soljanlahti S. , Raininko R. , Hyttinen L. , Lauerma K. , Keto P. , Vuorio A. F. , Autti T. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Clinically silent brain lesions detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with increased risk for stroke, while stroke risk is controversial in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Purpose: To determine whether the occurrence and size of clinically silent brain lesions in FH patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) is higher than in neurologically healthy controls without CHD. Material and Methods: Brain MRI (1.5T) was performed on 19 DNA-test-verified FH patients with CHD and on 29 cardiovascularly and neurologically healthy controls, all aged 48 to 64 years. All patients were on cardiovascular medication. Intracranial arteries were evaluated by MR angiography. Infarcts, including lacunas, and white matter T2 hyperintensities (WMHI), considered as signs of small vessel disease, were recorded. A venous blood sample was obtained for assessment of risk factors. Carotid and femoral intima-media thicknesses (IMT), assessed with ultrasound, were indicators of overall atherosclerosis. Results: On intracranial MR angiography, three patients showed irregular walls or narrowed lumens in intracranial carotid arteries. No silent infarcts appeared, and no differences in numbers or sizes of WMHIs between groups were recorded. Patients had greater carotid and femoral IMTs, and a greater number of carotid and femoral plaques. Cholesterol-years score, level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) of the FH-North Karelia patients were higher than those of the controls, while the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in controls was higher. Conclusion: FH patients with CHD and adequate cardiovascular risk-factor treatment showed no difference in the amount or size of clinically silent brain lesions compared to controls, despite patients' more severe atherosclerosis.
A case-control study to estimate the impact of the icelandic population-based mammography screening program on breast cancer death
Authors: Gabe R. , Tryggvadóttir L. , Sigfússon B. F. , Ólafsdóttir G. H. , Sigur▒sson K. , Duffy S. W. 
Published: December 2009

Background: The Icelandic breast cancer screening program, initiated November 1987 in Reykjavik and covering the whole country from December 1989, comprises biennial invitation to mammography for women aged 40–69 years old. Purpose: To estimate the impact of mammography service screening in Iceland on deaths from breast cancer. Material and Methods: Cases were deaths from breast cancer from 1990 onwards in women aged 40 and over at diagnosis, during the period November 1987 to December 31, 2002. Age- and screening-area-matched, population-based controls were women who had also been invited to screening but were alive at the time their case died. Results: Using conditional logistic regression on the data from 226 cases and 902 controls, the odds ratio for the risk of death from breast cancer in those attending at least one screen compared to those never screened was 0.59 (95% CI 0.41–0.84). After adjustment for healthy-volunteer bias and screening-opportunity bias, the odds ratio was 0.65 (95% CI 0.39–1.09). Conclusion: These results indicate a 35–40% reduction in breast cancer deaths by attending the Icelandic breast cancer screening program. These results are consistent with the overall evidence from other observational evaluations of mammography-based programs.
Value of 3D-volume rendering in the assessment of coronary arteries with retrospectively ECG-gated multislice spiral CT
Authors: Mahnken A. H. , Wildberger J. E. , Sinha A. M. , Dedden K. , Stanzel S. , Hoffmann R. , Schmitz-Rode T. , Günther R. W. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic value and measurement precision of 3D volume rendering technique (3D-VRT) from retrospectively ECG-gated multislice spiral CT (MSCT) data sets for imaging of the coronary arteries. Material and Methods: In 35 patients, retrospectively ECG-gated MSCT of the heart using a four detector row MSCT scanner with a standardized examination protocol was performed as well as quantitative X-ray coronary angiography (QCA). The MSCT data was assessed on segmental basis using 3D-VRT exclusively. The coronary artery diameters were measured at the origin of each main coronary branch and 1 cm, 3 cm and 5 cm distally. The minimum, maximum and mean diameters were determined from MSCT angiography and compared to QCA. Results: A total of 353 of 525 (67.2%) coronary artery segments were assessable by MSCT angiography. The proximal segments were more often assessable when compared to the distal segments. Stenoses were detected with a sensitivity of 82.6% and a specificity of 92.8%. According to the Bland-Altmanmethod the mean differences between QCA and MSCT ranged from −0.55 to 1.07 mm with limits of agreement from −2.2 mm to −2.7 mm. Conclusion: When compared to QCA, the ability of 3D-VRT to quantitatively assess coronary artery diameters and coronary artery stenoses is insufficient for clinical purposes.
Lung perfusion scintigraphy prior to lung volume reduction surgery
Authors: Cederlund K. , Högberg S. , Jorfeldt L. , Larsen F. , Norman M. , Rasmussen E. , Tylén U. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether lung perfusion scintigraphy (LPS) contributes to the preoperative classification of emphysema heterogeneity in patients undergoing LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery) compared to classification based only on computed tomography (CT). Material and Methods: Forty-five potential candidates for LVRS were examined with CT and LPS. The distribution of emphysema within the lungs was visually classified into three categories: markedly heterogeneous, intermediately heterogeneous, or homogeneous. The results of the two imaging techniques were compared to an objective, CT-based computerized classification of heterogeneity. Results: Visual evaluation of all 90 lungs resulted in 50 correct classifications based on CT, in 40 based on LPS and in 68 correct classifications based on the combination of CT and LPS. The combination was superior to CT alone ( p<0.01) in classification of emphysema heterogeneity. There was no significant difference between the evaluations based on either CT or LPS. Conclusion: The combined information from CT and LPS are superior in assessing emphysema heterogeneity prior to LVRS.
Modified carpal box technique in the diagnosis of suspected scaphoid fractures
Authors: Toth F. , Mester S. , Cseh G. , Bener A. , Nyarady J. , Lovasz G. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To establish and test the clinical efficacy of a new diagnostic algorithm with the extensive utilization of modified carpal box radiography (mX-CB) in the detection of scaphoid fractures. Material and Methods: Initial and early follow-up radiographic evaluation of 146 suspected scaphoid fractures were carried out by mX-CB. Patients with unconfirmed diagnosis were referred to CT. Patients were followed for 1 year after injury. Sensitivity, specificity and interobserver agreement of reading mX-CB images were determined statistically. Results: No non-union or avascular necrosis was seen at 1 year after the injury. 90% of the fractures were diagnosed by mX-CB, only 6.8% of the patients needed referral to CT. Sensitivity of mX-CB at initial presentation was 81.6%. Interobserver agreement was very high among evaluators of mX-CB images. Conclusion: Extensive utilization of mX-CB as primary and early follow-up investigation resulted in high initial diagnostic accuracy and low referral rate to a more expensive diagnostic modality.