bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timing analysis of scenario‐based specifications using linear programming
Authors: Li Xuandong , Pan Minxue , Bu Lei , Wang Linzhang , Zhao Jianhua 
Published: June 2010

SUMMARYScenario‐based specifications (SBSs), such as UML interaction models, offer an intuitive and visual way of describing design requirements, and are playing an increasingly important role in the design of software systems. This paper presents an approach to timing analysis of SBSs expressed by UML interaction models. The approach considers more general and expressive timing constraints in UML sequence diagrams (SDs), and gives a solution to the reachability analysis, constraint conformance analysis and bounded delay analysis problems, which reduces these problems into linear programs. With the synchronous interpretation of the SD compositions, the timing analysis algorithms in the approach form a decision procedure for a class of SBSs where any loop in any path is time‐independent of the other parts in the path. These algorithms are also a semi‐decision procedure for general SBSs with both the synchronous and asynchronous composition semantics. The approach also supports bounded timing analysis of SBSs, which investigates all the paths in the bound limit one by one, and performs the timing analysis for each finite path by linear programming. A tool prototype has been developed to support this approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of microcystin and complex cyanobacterial samples on the growth and oxidative stress parameters in green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and comparison with the model oxidative stressor—herbicide paraquat
Authors: Bártová Kateřina , Hilscherová Klára , Babica Pavel , Maršálek Blahoslav , Bláha Luděk 
Published: June 2010

AbstractOxidative stress is one of the biochemical mechanisms involved in toxicity of cyanobacterial toxins microcystins (MC), but its role in the effects of complex water blooms is elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of pure MCs and different complex mixtures of cyanobacterial metabolites on the growth and biochemical markers of oxidative stress and detoxification in green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Pure MCs at high concentrations (300 μg/L) had no effects on the growth of P. subcapitata (up to 10 day exposures) but stimulated activity of glutathione reductase (GR) after short 3 and 24 h exposures. Other biomarkers (levels of glutathione, GSH, and activities of glutathione‐S‐transferase, GST, and glutathione peroxidase, GPx) were not affected by pure MCs). Crude extract of the laboratory culture of cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa (containing 300 μg/L of MCs) had no effects on algal growth or any of the biomarkers. Weak growth stimulations after 4–7 days were observed after exposures to the growth‐spent medium of the M. aeruginosa culture, which also inhibited activities of GST after prolonged exposures. Other investigated parameters (reduced GSH and activity of GPx) were not affected by any of the cyanobacterial samples. The results were compared with effects of model oxidative stressor herbicide paraquat, which exhibited variable effects on both algal growth and biomarkers (decrease in reduced GSH, stimulations of GR). Taken together, although pure MCs induce oxidative stress in green alga, the effects of cyanobacterial mixtures, which are more relevant to the natural situation, are more complex and they differ from the pure toxin. High variability in the biochemical responses to the oxidative stress makes the interpretation of results complicated, which limits the use of these biomarkers as early warnings of toxicity under natural conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.
Morphological alterations of Vero cell exposed to coplanar PCB 126 and noncoplanar PCB 153
Authors: Shen Kaili , Shen Chaofeng , Chen Lei , Chen Xincai , Chen Yingxu 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread, persistent environmental contaminants that display a complex spectrum of toxicological properties. Exposure to PCBs has been associated with morphological anomalies in cell cultures. However, most mechanistic studies of PCBs' toxic activity have been focused on coplanar congeners. It is of importance to determine whether PCB treatment would influence cell configuration and whether these changes would depend on the structural characteristics of PCBs. In this study, we investigated cell morphological alteration in Vero cell cultures after exposure to coplanar PCB 126 and noncoplanar PCB 153. The survival of Vero cells was measured through the MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test. Cytotoxicity results suggested that PCB congeners had a toxic, antiproliferative effect on Vero cells. Morphological studies described structural modifications and provided evidence that apoptosis might be the main cell death pathway in PCB 153‐treated cells. The comparison between PCB 126 and PCB 153 indicated that the cell death mechanisms involved in coplanar or noncoplanar PCB congener exposure were different in Vero cells. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
In vivo studies on the immunotoxic effects of microcystins on rabbit
Authors: Yuan Gailing , Xie Ping , Zhang Xuezhen , Tang Rong , Gao Yu , Li Dapeng , Li Li 
Published: June 2010

AbstractMicrocystins (MCs) are the toxic molecules produced by common cyanobacterium in freshwater blooms. Their toxicities raise severe health issues in livestock and human beings. In current study, the immunotoxic effects of MC‐LR were investigated in rabbit through evaluating the dynamics of white blood cell (WBC) numbers and cytokine production such as interleukin‐3 (IL‐3), IL‐4, IL‐6, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). MCs at the high dose (50 μg MC‐LReq kg−1) significantly induced increase in the WBC number but decrease in the Th1 (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α) and Th2 (IL‐3, IL‐4, IL‐6) production. In the low dose group(12.5 μg MC‐LReq kg−1), the number of WBC and the production of IFN‐γ, IFN‐α, IL‐4, IL‐3, and IL‐6 increased gradually in first 12 h, reach the peaks at 12 h, and dropped after 24 h. Significantly positive correlations were found between the cytokines production of IL‐4 and IL‐6, IFN‐γ and IFN‐α, or IL‐4 and IFN‐γ. In conclusion, MC‐LR is able to disturb the rabbit immune system and there exists time‐dose response relationship in the MC‐LR‐eliciting perturbation, which probably give a better insight into investigating the immunotoxicity mechanisms of MCs in vivo. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Detection of mutagens and BaPMO inducers in river water using the Blue Cotton adsorption technique
Authors: Britvić Smiljana , Hackenberger Branimir K. , Jarić Davorka , Stepić Sandra 
Published: June 2010

AbstractInduction of Mixed Function Oxidase (MFO) activity and bioactivation potential were measured in experimental carp and in native fish species from two rivers with different pollution level (Sava and Mrežnica). The experimental carp were intraperitoneally exposed to various water volume equivalents of Blue Cotton extracts from both rivers. The induction of MFO measured as a Benzo(a)pyrene monooxygenase (BaPMO) activity was increased up to 9.3‐fold in experimental carp and up to 11.3‐fold in native fish from Sava River, whereas the values from Mrežnica River showed only a slight increase when compared with the control (highest increase of 1.8‐fold in nose carp). Accordingly, bioactivation potential using modified Ames test was higher in both experiments with Sava River. Both measured parameters in experimental carp increased in a dose‐dependent manner in accordance to river volume equivalents. Different induction potential of native fish species comparable between two rivers confirmed the known possibility of their usage in biomonitoring studies. These results give qualitatively a new support to the idea of using Blue Cotton extraction technique combined with induction of MFO activity and Ames test in fish as a good biomarker for assessing risk of exposure to mutagens/carcinogens such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially due to the simplicity and cost‐effectiveness of these methods. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
Fetal breathing is associated with increased umbilical blood flow
Authors: Nyberg M. K. , Johnsen S. L. , Rasmussen S. , Kiserud T. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectivesIn humans, fetal breathing movements affect blood velocities in the umbilical vein and artery, but it is not known whether fetal respiratory activity is associated with increased fetal blood flow through the placenta. We therefore tested this hypothesis in the present study.MethodsOne‐hundred and ten women with low‐risk singleton pregnancies were each examined three times by ultrasound during the second half of pregnancy. Fetal heart rate, umbilical artery blood velocity, umbilical vein diameter and blood velocity, and umbilical blood flow at the placental end were determined during fetal rest and fetal respiratory movements.ResultsBased on 330 observations obtained during fetal rest or breathing activity, no difference was found in the mean fetal heart rate (beats per minute (bpm)) during rest compared with breathing (142 bpm vs. 142 bpm, respectively). Although fetal breathing affected the umbilical artery waveform, there was no difference in the mean time‐averaged maximum velocity between rest and breathing: 26.6 (95% CI, 25.1–28.3) cm/s vs. 28.9 (95% CI, 27.2–30.7) cm/s, respectively. The umbilical vein was 27% greater in cross‐sectional area and the blood velocity 9% higher during breathing, resulting in a 42% increase in mean umbilical blood flow: 121.8 (95% CI, 109.5–135.0) mL/min at rest vs. 173.0 (95% CI, 158.0–188.6) mL/min during breathing. Venous velocity was calculated from recordings of mean duration 3.7 s at rest and 6.2 s of respiratory activity. Gestational age did not influence the relationship.ConclusionFetal breathing is associated with increased umbilical blood flow during the second half of pregnancy. Umbilical vein distension during breathing suggests active endocrine regulation. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grade and symmetry of normal fetal cortical development: a longitudinal two‐ and three‐dimensional ultrasound study
Authors: Pistorius L. R. , Stoutenbeek P. , Groenendaal F. , de Vries L. , Manten G. , Mulder E. , Visser G. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectivesRecent studies have shown the capability of ultrasound to demonstrate fetal cortical development. For practical application, it would be useful to have more insight into the physiological progress of cortical folding. A longitudinal study was undertaken to grade fetal cortical development and to study physiological asymmetry by means of a simple scoring system. The reproducibility of the scoring system and the differences between two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound were also examined.MethodsA cohort of 28 patients was examined by 2D and 3D ultrasound from 20 to 40 weeks of gestation. The development of selected fissures, sulci and cortical areas were graded from 0 to 5. One examination per week of gestation was randomly selected for evaluation of intraobserver and interobserver variation.ResultsTwo‐hundred and fifteen ultrasound examinations were performed in 28 patients. The development of the different cortical areas is presented. The intraobserver and interobserver agreement for assessment of grade was good. Asymmetry was common between 24 and 28 weeks, especially in female fetuses. The right parieto‐occipital fissure tended to be more advanced and the left calcarine and cingulate sulci tended to be more advanced. No clinically or statistically significant differences were found between 2D and 3D ultrasound.ConclusionsEvaluation of cortical development by means of a simple scoring system is feasible and reproducible. Asymmetrical development of sulci, previously only described in vitro, has now also been demonstrated in vivo. 3D ultrasound was equally accurate and repeatable and no more time consuming than 2D ultrasound. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flächeneinfluss bei der PACVD‐Beschichtung
Authors: Martin Jasmin , Krell Lisa , Schnagl Johann , Stahl Karsten 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn der Automobilindustrie werden wirtschaftliche und stabile Prozesse zur Beschichtung mit Hartstoffschichten für tribologische Anwendungen benötigt. Daher ist es erforderlich, den Einfluss der Beschichtungsparameter auf die Schichteigenschaften zu kennen. In vorliegender Untersuchung wird die Beschichtung mittels plasmaunterstützter chemischer Gasphasenabscheidung betrachtet. Hauptsächlich wird der Einfluss der in die Beschichtungskammer eingebrachten aktiven Fläche auf die Eigenschaften amorpher Kohlenstoffschichten (DLC) geprüft. Die Herstellung der Beschichtungen erfolgt in einer industriellen Beschichtungskammer bei einer Frequenz von 40 kHz, mit konstanter Bias Spannung und gleichbleibendem Kammerdruck.Die Versuche bestätigen eine Korrelation zwischen aktiver Fläche und Stromdichte, wodurch auch die mechanischen und tribologischen Eigenschaften der DLC‐Schichten beeinflusst werden. Durch gezielte Regelung der Stromdichte wird es möglich, auch bei unterschiedlich großer aktiver Fläche gleichbleibende Schichteigenschaften zu erzielen und eine Verbesserung der Schichtqualität in Bezug auf ihren Verschleiß bei hochbelasteten Motorbauteilen zu erreichen.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Characterization of a New Metal Borophosphate: PbII4{Co2[B(OH)2P2O8](PO4)2}Cl
Authors: Yang Miao , Chen Peng , Welz‐Biermann Urs 
Published: June 2010

AbstractA new metal borophosphate PbII4{Co2[B(OH)2P2O8](PO4)2}Cl (1), containing both Pb2+ cations and Cl– anions, was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, ICP, TG/DTA, and FTIR spectroscopic analyses. The crystal structure determination from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that compound 1 crystallizes in the trigonal space group R$\bar{3}$c (No. 167), a = 9.7513(7) Å, c = 91.060(13) Å, V = 7498.7(13) Å3 and Z = 18. Its structure features a new cobalt borophosphate layer {Co2[B(OH)2P2O8](PO4)2}7– built up from CoO5 square pyramids, [B(OH)2P2O8]5– borophosphate trimers and PO4 tetrahedra. Extra‐framework Pb2+ and Cl– ions are located at the vacancy of layers to achieve the charge neutrality of the framework. Magnetic measurements indicate that antiferromagnetic interactions exist between Co2+ ions with a negative Weiss constant of –20.3 K.
Electronic monitoring of scoliosis brace wear compliance
Authors: Rahman Tariq , Borkhuu Battugs , Littleton Aaron G. , Sample Whitney , Moran Ed , Campbell Stephen , Rogers Kenneth , Bowen J. Richard 
Published: June 2010

Purpose Accurate evaluation of patient compliance with scoliosis brace usage has been a challenge for physicians treating patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This inability to accurately measure compliance has resulted in difficulty in determining brace treatment efficacy. This prospective study was performed to demonstrate the efficacy of using a new electronic brace compliance monitor, the Cricket. Methods The Cricket is a small encased circuit that can be attached to the brace and, by means of a temperature sensor, can record brace wear times. This study included ten subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who were prescribed the Wilmington scoliosis brace (thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis) into which the Cricket sensor was incorporated. Subjects kept a diary of brace wear times. Results Comparisons of data for the Cricket, subject diaries, and prescribed brace wear were evaluated. The mean error between the diary times and Cricket recording was 2%. Patient compliance was 78%. Conclusions The Cricket is a reliable, accurate, and sensitive device to determine patient compliance with scoliosis brace usage.
Protective effect of N‐acetylcysteine against BDE‐209‐induced neurotoxicity in primary cultured neonatal rat hippocampal neurons in vitro
Authors: Zhang Chunfang , Liu Fuchun , Liu Xianbao , Chen Dunjin 
Published: June 2010

AbstractGlobally, brominated diphenyl ether‐209 (BDE‐209) is the most widely used polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs). It has been reported that BDE‐209 induces developmental neurotoxicity in vivo. The purpose of this study was to use an antioxidant, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), as an antidote for the neurotoxic effect of BDE‐209. We used primary hippocampal neurons from rats for the in vitro cultures. BDE‐209 was added to the cultures in increasing concentrations and co‐cultured with NAC in order to assess the effect of NAC on BDE‐209‐induced neurotoxicity. We measured cell viability, apoptosis, expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), intracellular calcium content, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The difference between the BDE‐209 groups without NAC and the blank control groups was significant (P < 0.05). The difference between the NAC treatment groups and the BDE‐209 groups without NAC was also significant (P < 0.05), showing that BDE‐209 increased apoptosis, the expression of p38 MAPK, the calcium ion concentration, and the ROS level and decreased cell viability. In contrast, NAC reduced the degree of cellular cytotoxicity induced by BDE‐209. The results suggested that NAC may be able to attenuate BDE‐209‐induced neurotoxicity.
Paleoclimatic implications of the spatial patterns of modern and LGM European land-snail shell δ18O
Authors: Kehrwald Natalie M. , McCoy William D. , Thibeault Jeanne , Burns Stephen J. , Oches Eric A. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe oxygen isotopic composition of land-snail shells may provide insight into the source region and trajectory of precipitation. Last glacial maximum (LGM) gastropod shells were sampled from loess from Belgium to Serbia and modern land-snail shells both record δ18O values between 0‰ and − 5‰. There are significant differences in mean fossil shell δ18O between sites but not among genera at a single location. Therefore, we group δ18O values from different genera together to map the spatial distribution of δ18O in shell carbonate. Shell δ18O values reflect the spatial variation in the isotopic composition of precipitation and incorporate the snails' preferential sampling of precipitation during the warm season. Modern shell δ18O decreases in Europe along a N–S gradient from the North Sea inland toward the Alps. Modern observed data of isotopes in precipitation (GNIP) demonstrate a similar trend for low-altitude sites. LGM shell δ18O data show a different gradient with δ18O declining toward the ENE, implying a mid-Atlantic source due to increased sea ice and a possible southern displacement of the westerly jet stream. Balkan LGM samples show the influence of a Mediterranean source, with δ18O values decreasing northward.
Characterising and quantifying outcomes in rhinology out-patients: measurements in the ‘real world’
Authors: Yeo J C L , Hilmi O J , McGarry G W 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAims:We aimed to evaluate a practical, computerised database for collection of patient-reported and clinical outcome data, introduced as a means of characterising our patient population and assessing the effect of our interventions.Methods:A prospectively updated, computerised database was used to detail each patient's coded and structured diagnosis and clinical findings. Response to treatment was recorded using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and changes in graded clinical examination findings.Results:Data for 770 patients were prospectively entered into the database. Patients were grouped diagnostically as follows: rhinitis (20.4 per cent), chronic rhinosinusitis (12.2 per cent), chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (24.7 per cent), anatomical anomaly (22.7 per cent), epistaxis (3.4 per cent) and ‘other’ (18.4 per cent). Following initial medical intervention, the greatest improvement in the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 score was seen in the chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps group (−11.3), followed by the rhinitis group (−6.1) and the chronic rhinosinusitis group (−5.4).Conclusions:The tested rhinology database provides a simple, effective and practical tool for integrating the recording of clinical and patient-reported outcome measures during the out-patient visit. It enables characterisation of the patient population, and accurately monitors and records treatment responses.
The future of early disease detection? Applications of electronic nose technology in otolaryngology
Authors: Charaklias N , Raja H , Humphreys M L , Magan N , Kendall C A 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIntroduction:Recent advances in electronic nose technology, and successful clinical applications, are facilitating the development of new methods for rapid, bedside diagnosis of disease. There is a real clinical need for such new diagnostic tools in otolaryngology.Materials and methods:We present a critical review of recent advances in electronic nose technology and current applications in otolaryngology.Results:The literature reports evidence of accurate diagnosis of common otolaryngological conditions such as sinusitis (acute and chronic), chronic suppurative otitis media, otitis externa and nasal vestibulitis. A significant recent development is the successful identification of biofilm-producing versus non-biofilm-producing pseudomonas and staphylococcus species.Conclusion:Electronic nose technology holds significant potential for enabling rapid, non-invasive, bedside diagnosis of otolaryngological disease.
Oncogenic impact of human papilloma virus in head and neck cancer
Authors: Heffernan C B , O'Neill J P , Timon C 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThere is considerable debate within the literature about the significance of human papilloma virus in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and its potential influence on the prevention, diagnosis, grading, treatment and prognosis of these cancers. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption have traditionally been cited as the main risk factors for head and neck cancers. However, human papilloma virus, normally associated with cervical and other genital carcinomas, has emerged as a possible key aetiological factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially oropharyngeal cancers. These cancers pose a significant financial burden on health resources and are increasing in incidence. The recent introduction of vaccines targeted against human papilloma virus types 16 and 18, to prevent cervical cancer, has highlighted the need for ongoing research into the importance of human papilloma virus in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Parotidectomy in children: indications and complications
Authors: Xie C Meiling , Kubba H 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground:Parotidectomy in children is uncommon, and surgeons face specific challenges not encountered in adult practice.Method:Retrospective review of parotidectomies performed in our paediatric hospital over a 10-year period (1999–2008).Results:Twenty-one children underwent 22 parotidectomies, of which six were total. The following pathology was encountered: atypical mycobacterial infection (8.38 per cent), pleomorphic adenoma (4.19 per cent), lymphatic malformation (2.10 per cent), haemangioma (2 per cent), first branchial cleft anomaly (2 per cent), follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (2 per cent) and lipoblastoma (1.5 per cent). No cases of permanent facial nerve palsy occurred. Mild transient facial nerve palsy occurred in five patients (23 per cent), gustatory sweating in four (19 per cent) and hypertrophic scarring in three (14 per cent).Conclusion:We discuss the range of parotid pathology found in children, the approach to investigation, the surgical difficulties encountered, and ways to reduce the apparently higher rate of complications encountered. Parotid surgery in children should be concentrated in the hands of a small number of surgeons with a particular interest in this area.