bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trichomonas vaginaliskills and eats – evidence for phagocytic activity as a cytopathic effect
Authors: MIDLEJ V. , BENCHIMOL M. 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYThis study reports that the cytopathic effect ofTrichomonas vaginalis, an important human parasite of the urogenital tract, occurs due to mechanical stress and subsequent phagocytosis of the necrotic cells. The investigation was done using a primary culture of bovine oviduct epithelial cells (BOECs), grown either in monolayers or as floating cells. Trophozoites displaying different virulence levels were co-incubated with BOECs for times varying between 1 min and 48 h. Analyses were performed using videomicroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, colourimetric assays and cytochemistry. Injury was observed as early as 1 h after incubation, while after 12 h the host cells were severely damaged when a fresh trichomonad isolate was used. Trichomonads attack the host cells by clustering around them. Mechanical stress on the microvilli of the host cells was observed and appeared to induce plasma membrane damage and cell death. After membrane injury and lysis, fragments of the necrotic cells were ingested by trichomonads. Phagocytosis occurred by trichomonads avidly eating large portions of epithelial cells containing the nucleus and other organelles, but living or intact cells were not ingested. Necrotic fragments were rapidly digested in lysosomes, as shown by acid phosphatase and ruthenium red assays where only the BOECs were labelled. The lytic capacity of the trichomonads was more pronounced in host cell suspensions.
Griffith Taylor's Antarctica: science, sentiment, and politics
Authors: Strange Carolyn 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTGriffith Taylor (1880–1963) was a scientific member of theTerra Novaexpedition. Although he published initially on his geomorphological, glaciological and meteorological research, conducted between 1910 and 1912, he was also a teacher, lecturer, publicist and later political commentator on Antarctica. Initially a loyal ‘Britisher’ he developed an internationalist perspective on Antarctica without compromising his self-promotional ambitions. Through his professional career in Australia, the US and Canada over the early to mid twentieth century Antarctica's shifting scientific, cultural and political history can be mapped. Just as self-interest permeated the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, so Taylor's ambitions persisted as he fashioned himself into a scientific prophet for peace. Taylor's Antarctica, an amalgam of sentiment and science, rivalry and cooperation, imperialism and internationalism, popular culture and global politics, was the twentieth century's Antarctica.
Inuit vulnerability and adaptive capacity to climate change in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Pearce Tristan , Smit Barry , Duerden Frank , Ford James D. , Goose Annie , Kataoyak Fred 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTClimate change is already being experienced in the Arctic with implications for ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. This paper argues that an assessment of community vulnerability to climate change requires knowledge of past experience with climate conditions, responses to climatic variations, future climate change projections, and non-climate factors that influence people's susceptibility and adaptive capacity. The paper documents and describes exposure sensitivities to climate change experienced in the community of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories and the adaptive strategies employed. It is based on collaborative research involving semi-structured interviews, secondary sources of information, and participant observations. In the context of subsistence hunting, changes in temperature, seasonal patterns (for example timing and nature of the spring melt), sea ice and wind dynamics, and weather variability have affected the health and availability of some species of wildlife important for subsistence and have exacerbated risks associated with hunting and travel. Inuit in Ulukhaktok are coping with these changes by taking extra precautions when travelling, shifting modes of transportation, travel routes and hunting areas to deal with changing trail conditions, switching species harvested, and supplementing their diet with store bought foods. Limited access to capital resources, changing levels of traditional knowledge and land skills, and substance abuse were identified as key constraints to adaptation. The research demonstrates the need to consider the perspectives and experiences of local people for climate change research to have practical relevance to Arctic communities such as for the development and promotion of adaptive strategies.
Toward lean minimally invasive robotic surgery
Authors: Zoppi Matteo , Khan Mohammed Aamir , Schäfer Felix , Molfino Rezia 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYDeveloped minimally invasive surgical (MIS) robots are large multi-arm, multipurpose systems requiring significant investments that limit their availability in hospitals. A larger distribution of MIS robots with benefit for patients might be achieved improving their modularity and scalability so that smaller hospitals or medical centers could decide for a simpler and lower cost setup for a limited number of treatments only, while centers with higher funding could have more systems dedicated to different classes of operations. In line with this statement the paper proposes the paradigm of lean MIS system comprising a scalable set of modular, agile, small size single-instrument robots with limited life cycle cost. Miniaturization of instruments can further reduce invasiveness of procedures and one promising research direction is needle laparoscopic surgery, which can be applied to classes of operations on small regions requiring small force interaction with the patient. In the paper the development of a lean single-instrument manipulator for needlescopic surgery is presented and a new master concept for accurate restitution of surgical force proposed and discussed.
Toward an optimal performance index for neurosurgical robot's design
Authors: Gasparetto Alessandro , Zanotto Vanni 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYIn the past years a large number of new surgical devices have been developed to improve the operation outcomes and reduce the patient's trauma. Nevertheless, the dexterity and accuracy required in positioning the surgical tools are often unreachable if the surgeons are not assisted by a suitable system. Since a medical robot works in an operating room, close to the patient and the medical staff, it has to satisfy much stricter requirements with respect to an industrial one. From a kinematic point of view, the robot must reach any target position in the patient's body, being as less invasive as possible for the surgeon's workspace. In order to meet such requirements, the right robot structure has to be chosen by means of the definition of suitable kinematic performance indices.In this paper some task-based indices based on the robot workspace and stiffness are presented and discussed. The indices will be used in a multiobjective optimization problem to evaluate best robot kinematic structure for a given neurosurgical task.
Virtual fixtures with autonomous error compensation for human–robot cooperative tasks
Authors: Castillo-Cruces Raúl A. , Wahrburg Jürgen 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYThis paper presents a control strategy for surgical interventions, applied on a human–robot cooperative system, which facilitates the sharing of responsibilities between surgeon and robot. The controller utilizes virtual fixtures to constrain the movements of the end-effector into a predefined path or region. Possible deviation error can be compensated in two different ways: (a) manual compensation and (b) autonomous compensation. With manual compensation, the system defines both virtual fixtures and error compensation directions, but the surgeon must apply manual forces himself/herself in order to generate end-effector motion. With autonomous compensation, a clear distribution of responsibilities between surgeon and robotic system is present, meaning the surgeon has complete control of the end-effector along the preferred directions, while the robot autonomously compensates for any deviation along the non-preferred directions.
Improved knowledge management through first-order logic in engineering design ontologies
Authors: Witherell Paul , Krishnamurty Sundar , Grosse Ian R. , Wileden Jack C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper presents the use of first-order logic to improve upon currently employed engineering design knowledge management techniques. Specifically, this work uses description logic in unison with Horn logic, to not only guide the knowledge acquisition process but also to offer much needed support in decision making during the engineering design process in a distributed environment. The knowledge management methods introduced are highlighted by the ability to identify modeling knowledge inconsistencies through the recognition of model characteristic limitations, such as those imposed by model idealizations. The adopted implementation languages include the Semantic Web Rule Language, which enables Horn-like rules to be applied to an ontological knowledge base and the Semantic Web's native Web Ontology Language. As part of this work, an ontological tool, OPTEAM, was developed to capture key aspects of the design process through a set of design-related ontologies and to serve as an application platform for facilitating the engineering design process. The design, analysis, and optimization of a classical I-beam problem are presented as a test-bed case study to illustrate the capabilities of these ontologies in OPTEAM. A second, more extensive test-bed example based on an industry-supplied medical device design problem is also introduced. Results indicate that well-defined, networked relationships within an ontological knowledge base can ultimately lead to a refined design process, with guidance provided by the identification of infeasible solutions and the introduction of “best-case” alternatives. These case studies also show how the application of first-order logic to engineering design improves the knowledge acquisition, knowledge management, and knowledge validation processes.
Approximating shapes with hierarchies and topologies
Authors: Krstic Djordje 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis is the second paper in the series on shape decompositions and their use as shape approximations. This time we investigate hierarchical and topological shape decompositions or hierarchies and topologies. We showed earlier that bounded decompositions behave the same way as shapes do. The same holds for hierarchies and topologies, which are special kinds of bounded decompositions. They are distinguished by their algebraic structures, which have many important properties to facilitate their application as shape approximations. We provide an account of their properties with an emphasis on their application.
Diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection in Scotland's injecting drug user population
Authors: McDONALD S. A. , HUTCHINSON S. J. , MILLS P. R. , BIRD S. M. , ROBERTSON C. , DILLON J. F. , SPRINGBETT A. , GOLDBERG D. J. 
Published: September 2009

SUMMARYWe estimated the extent of undiagnosed hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in injecting drug users (IDUs) in Scotland. We used record-linkage to determine HCV diagnosis status for 41 062 current/former IDUs attending drug treatment and support services between 1 April 1995 and 31 March 2006; the extent of undiagnosed HCV infection was estimated by comparing the number HCV-diagnosed to the number HCV-infected (estimated from an unlinked anonymous testing survey of 2141 current/former IDUs). In all, 9145 IDUs (22%) were diagnosed HCV antibody-positive since first attendance at drug services (diagnosis rate of 33·6/1000 person-years, 95% CI 32·7–34·4). By 31 March 2006, of the 19 632 current/former IDUs who had attended drug services and were determined to be living with HCV, an estimated 58% (95% CI 45–62) had not been HCV-diagnosed. It is essential that the deployment of resources for identifying at-risk IDUs with a view to offering antiviral therapy is guided by evidence.
A spectral model for signal elements isolated from zebrafish photopic electroretinogram
Authors: NELSON RALPH F. , SINGLA NIRMISH 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe zebrafish photopic electroretinogram (ERG) sums isolatable elements. In each element, red-, blue-, green-, and UV- (r, g, b, and u) cone signals combine in a way that reflects retinal organization. ERG responses to monochromatic stimuli of different wavelengths and irradiances were recorded on a white rod suppressing background using superfused eyecups. Onset elements were isolated with glutamatergic blockers and response subtractions. CNQX-blocked ionotropic (AMPA/kainate) glutamate receptors; l-AP4 or CPPG-blocked metabotropic (mGluR6) glutamate receptors; TBOA-blocked glutamate transporters; and l-aspartate inactivated all glutamatergic mechanisms. Seven elements emerged: photopic PIII, the l-aspartate-isolated cone response; b1, a CNQX-sensitive early b-wave element of inner retinal origin; PII, a photopic, CNQX-insensitive composite b-wave element from ON bipolar cells; PIIm, an l-AP4/CPPG-sensitive, CNQX-insensitive, metabotropic subelement of PII; PIInm, an l-AP4/CPPG/CNQX-insensitive nonmetabotropic subelement of PII; a1nm, a TBOA-sensitive, CNQX/l-AP4/CPPG-insensitive, nonmetabotropic, postphotoreceptor a-wave element; and a2, a CNQX-sensitive a-wave element linked to OFF bipolar cells. The first five elements were fit with a spectral model that demonstrates independence of cone–color pathways. From this, Vmax and half-saturation values (k) for the contributing r-, g-, b-, and u-cone signals were calculated. Two signal patterns emerged. For PIII or PIInm, the Vmax order was Vr > Vg >> Vb ≈ Vu. For b1, PII, and PIIm, the Vmax order was Vr ≈ Vb > Vg > Vu. In either pattern, u-cone amplitude (Vu) was smallest, but u-cone sensitivity (ku362) was greatest, some 10–30 times greater than r cone (kr570). The spectra of b1/PII/PIIm elements peaked near b- and u-cone absorbance maxima regardless of criteria, but the spectra of PIII/PIInm elements shifted from b- toward r-cone absorbance maxima as criterion levels increased. The greatest gains in Vmax relative to PIII occurred for the b- and u-cone signals in the b1/PII/PIIm b-wave elements. This suggests a high-gain prolific metabotropic circuitry for b- and u-cone bipolar cells.
An evaluation of sponge-associated amphipods from the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Amsler Margaret O. , Mcclintock James B. , Amsler Charles D. , Angus Robert A. , Baker Bill J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNearshore marine benthic algal communities along the western Antarctic Peninsula harbour extremely high densities of amphipods that probably play important roles in nutrient and energy flow. This study extends our evaluation of the importance of amphipods in the nearshore Antarctic Peninsular benthic communities and focuses on sponge associations. We found a mean density of 542 amphipods per litre (L) sponge for twelve species of ecologically dominant sponges. The highest mean density (1295 amphipods per L sponge) occurred withDendrilla membranosaPallas. The amphipod community associated with the 12 sponges was diverse (38 species), with mean species richness values ranging from two to eight species. Mean Shannon diversity indices (H’) ranged from 0.52 to 1.49. Amphipods did not appear to have obligate host relationships. Qualitative gut content analyses indicated that 12 of the 38 amphipod species were found with sponge spicules in their guts. However, only one of the amphipods,Echiniphimedia hodgsoniWalker, had considerable amounts of spicules in the gut. Organic lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts of the twelve sponges were presented in alginate food disks to a sympatric omnivorous amphipod in feeding bioassays and extracts of only two sponges deterred feeding.
Effectiveness of prevention programmes for obesity and chronic diseases among immigrants to developed countries – a systematic review
Authors: Renzaho Andre MN , Mellor David , Boulton Kelly , Swinburn Boyd 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether interventions tailored specifically to particular immigrant groups from developing to developed countries decrease the risk of obesity and obesity-related diseases.DesignDatabases searched were MEDLINE (1966–September 2008), CINAHL (1982–September 2008) and PsychINFO (1960–September 2008), as well as Sociological Abstracts, PsychARTICLES, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they were randomised control trials, ‘quasi-randomised’ trials or controlled before-and-after studies. Due to the heterogeneity of study characteristics only a narrative synthesis was undertaken, describing the target population, type and reported impact of the intervention and the effect size.ResultsThirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten out of thirteen (77 %) studies focused on diabetes, seven (70 %) of which showed significant improvement in addressing diabetes-related behaviours and glycaemic control. The effect on diabetes was greater in culturally tailored and facilitated interventions that encompassed multiple strategies. Six out of the thirteen studies (46 %) incorporated anthropometric data, physical activity and healthy eating as ways to minimise weight gain and diabetes-related outcomes. Of the six interventions that included anthropometric data, only two (33 %) reported improvement in BMI Z-scores, total skinfold thickness or proportion of body fat. Only one in three (33 %) of the studies that included cardiovascular risk factors reported improvement in diastolic blood pressure after adjusting for baseline characteristics. All studies, except four, were of poor quality (small sample size, poor internal consistency of scale, not controlling for baseline characteristics).ConclusionsDue to the small number of studies included in the present review, the findings that culturally tailored and facilitated interventions produce better outcomes than generalised interventions, and that intervention content is more important than the duration or venue, require further investigation.
MUEGANO: A divide and conquer algorithm to overcome memory limitations when assembling shotgun projects
Authors: Martinez Octavio , Fernandez-Cortes Araceli 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWhen assembling a large quantity of reads in a genomic shotgun project a serious limitation is the amount of random access memory (RAM) of the computers used in the project. This arises because all assembling programs must look at all the overlaps between reads at the same time, using RAM in order to construct contigs, and the memory of the computer can be filled up during this step, causing the abortion of the assembling process.Here we propose an algorithm that is capable of overcoming any memory limitation by using redundancy of processing and thus producing an increase in computing time but overcoming the memory limitation.The proposed algorithm consists in dividing the reads in a set of groups which size is half the maximum capability in memory of the computer used and performing assembling for all the possible combination pairs of such groups. After eliminating the redundancy of the set of contigs obtained in the previous step, the process is iterated until a set of contigs of manageable size is obtained such that the set can be handled by the assembler in a final step.Each step of the procedure increases the time of computing from k to approximately k + k(k-1)/2, but in many practical cases only one step is needed to finish the assembling process. The procedure is suitable for any kind of assembler and was successfully applied to the assembly of a very large set of reads from the maize genome.
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of endometrial cancer: differentiation from benign endometrial lesions and preoperative assessment of myometrial invasion
Authors: Takeuchi M. , Matsuzaki K. , Nishitani H. 
Published: September 2009

Background: Uterine endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy, and benign endometrial hyperplasia or polyps should be differentiated from endometrial cancer. In evaluating endometrial cancer on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the assessment of the depth of myometrial invasion is important because it closely correlates with the patient's prognosis. Purpose: To verify the feasibility of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) to distinguish benign and malignant endometrial lesions, and to evaluate myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer. Material and Methods: Sixty-seven endometrial lesions including 45 cancers and 22 benign lesions (hyperplasia and polyps) were evaluated by DWI with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement. The staging accuracies of DWI and gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images in the assessment of myometrial invasion were evaluated in 33 patients with endometrial cancer. Results: The ADC values (×10−3 mm2/s) in cancer and benign lesions were 0.84±0.19 and 1.58±0.36, respectively ( P<0.01). The staging accuracy (superficial or deep myometrial invasion) was 94% for DWI and 88% for gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images. Coexisting adenomyosis and infiltrative myometrial invasion caused staging errors on gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images, whereas DWI could demonstrate the tumor extent correctly. Conclusion: DWI provides helpful information in evaluating benign and malignant endometrial lesions.
An analysis of renal dysfunction in 1511 patients with fractured neck of femur: the implications for peri‐operative analgesia
Authors: White S. M. , Rashid N. , Chakladar A. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryFollowing two deaths from respiratory failure secondary to opioid toxicity in patients admitted for surgical repair of fractured neck of femur, we retrospectively studied the serum urea and electrolyte concentrations of 1511 consecutive patients requiring surgery for proximal femoral fracture, and calculated their glomerular filtration rate. Five hundred and forty‐five (36.1%) patients had renal dysfunction on admission (glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml.min−1.1.73 m−2); 435 (28.8%) had grade 3 chronic kidney disease (moderate; glomerular filtration rate 30–59 ml.min−1.1.73 m−2), 82 (5.4%) had grade 4 disease (severe; glomerular filtration rate 15–29 ml.min−1.1.73 m−2) and 28 (1.9%) had grade 5 (renal failure; glomerular filtration rate < 15 ml min−1.1.73 m−2). The 30‐day mortality for patients with renal dysfunction (62/536; 11.6%) was significantly greater (p = 0.004) than for patients with normal renal function (68/958; 7.1%), although median (IQR [range]) postoperative lengths of stay were similar 15 (10–22 [1–125]) vs 14 (9–22 [1–120]) days respectively; p = 0.06). Renal impairment is common in patients admitted for fixation of fractured neck of femur, who are consequently at risk of opioid toxicity.