bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A domain‐specific modeling approach to realizing user‐centric communication
Authors: Wu Yali , Allen Andrew A. , Hernandez Frank , France Robert , Clarke Peter J. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYAdvances in communication devices and technologies are dramatically expanding our communication capabilities and enabling a wide range of multimedia communication applications. The current approach to develop communication‐intensive applications results in products that are fragmented, inflexible, and incapable of responding to changing end‐users' communication needs. These limitations have resulted in the need for a new development approach of building communication applications that are driven by end‐users and that support the dynamic nature of communication‐based collaboration. To address this need, the Communication Virtual Machine (CVM) technology has been developed to support rapid specification and automatic realization of user‐centric communication applications based on a domain‐specific modeling approach. The CVM technology consists of a domain‐specific modeling language (DSML), the Communication Modeling Language (CML), that is used to create communication models, and a semantic rich platform, the CVM, that realized the created communication models. In this paper, we report on our experiences of applying a systematic approach to engineering CML and the synthesis of CML models in CVM. Based on a feature model describing the taxonomy of the user‐centric communication domain in a network independent manner, we develop the meta‐model of CML and its different concrete syntaxes. We also present a behavioral specification (dynamic semantics) of CML that enables the dynamic synthesis of user‐centric communication models into an executable form called communication control script. We validated the CML semantics using Kermeta, a meta‐programming environment for engineering DSMLs, and evaluated the practicality of our approach using a CVM prototype and a set of experiments. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neubau einer einspurigen Straßenbrücke über den Neckar in der Gemeinde Zwingenberg
Authors: Dorrer Günther , Stelzer Barbara 
Published: May 2011

AbstractMit der Neckarbrücke baut Zwingenberg seine Infrastruktur aus und stärkt den Tourismus in der Region. Der Bau der feingliedrigen Neckarbrücke anstelle des unsicheren, unwirtschaftlichen, zeitlich durch Nachtfahrverbot und hochwasserbedingt stark eingeschränkten Fährbetriebs gewährleistet der Gemeinde Zwingenberg zukünftig einen sicheren Zugang zum linken Neckarufer. Die zweihüftige Schrägseilbrücke mit einem auf das Minimum reduzierten Streckträger fügt sich harmonisch in das Landschaftsbild des reizvollen Neckartals ein. Mit der Gesamtfertigstellung des Projektes im Juni 2011 ist die Gemeinde Zwingenberg nicht nur um ein Ingenieurbauwerk, sondern um ein Wahrzeichen reicher.New building of a single‐lane road bridge across the River Neckar near Zwingenberg, Germany. The community of Zwingenberg is strengthening its infrastructure and tourism by the construction of the new Neckar Bridge. The slight bridge instead of the risky, uneconomic ferry with reduced operating hours due to high water level and poor visibility at night allows the town a save access to the left side of the Neckar. The cable stayed bridge with two pylons and a minimalistic longitudinal beam adds an extra touch to the touristic surroundings. By the time of completion of the project in June 2011 the town of Zwingenberg has added not only an additional civil engineering structure but also a landmark to its cultural heritage.
Preparation and properties of starch nanocrystals/carboxymethyl chitosan nanocomposite films
Authors: Duan Bin , Sun Peidong , Wang Xinling , Yang Cheng 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWaxy maize starch was hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid in aqueous solution. The remaining starch granules after acid hydrolysis were characterized by TEM and wide‐angle XRD. Starch nanocrystals with size between 40 to 80 nm and relative crystallinity of 63% were obtained after 6 days of hydrolysis. Starch nanocrystals/carboxymethyl chitosan composite films were prepared by casting‐evaporation method. When the starch nanocrystals content was below 30 wt%, the filler dispersed uniformly in the carboxymethyl chitosan matrix, whereas aggregation of starch nanocrystals and phase separation between aggregates and matrix were observed when the starch nanocrystals content was higher than 30 wt%. The maximum tensile strength (TS) of composite films approached ∼29 MPa, which was two times higher than that of the carboxymethyl chitosan film without filling starch nanocrystals. The percentage elongation at break (EB%) of nanocomposite films decreased with the increasing of the starch nanocrystals content. The water absorption and water vapor barrier property of carboxymethyl chitosan film were significantly improved by adding starch nanocrystals.
Study of cytoskeletal changes induced by okadaic acid in HL‐7702 liver cells and development of a fluorimetric microplate assay for detecting diarrhetic shellfish poisoning
Authors: Huang Haiyan , Huang Aijun , Zhuang Zhixiong , Huang Wei , Fu Yingbin , Peng Chaoqiong , Liu Jianjun 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDiarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) is a gastrointestinal illness with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, chills and moderate to severe abdominal pain. DSP has been recognized as a worldwide public health problem, causing great concern to the shellfish industry. Accumulation of DSP in shellfish is an unpredictable phenomenon that necessitates the implementation of a widespread collection and thorough monitoring program for mollusk toxicity. Therefore, development of accurate analytical protocols for the rapid determination of toxicity levels would be necessary. In this study we investigated cytoskeletal changes induced by okadaic acid in HL‐7702 Liver Cells and developed a new cytotoxicity assay for detection and quantitation of DSP. This assay is based on fluorometric of F‐actin depolymerization induced by okadaic acid (OA) compounds in HL‐7702 liver cell line. The measurable range of OA was 2.5 ∼ 40 nmol/L. The detection limit of the F‐actin assay for OA was 2.01 μg/100 g muscles in shellfish extracts. The performance of this assay has been evaluated by comparative analysis of shellfish samples by the fluorescent assay, mouse bioassay, and ELISA assay. Comparison of the results by all three methods revealed excellent consistency, the results of fluorescent assay were in significant correlation with ELISA assay (R2 = 0.830). Examination of F‐actin assay is very convenient, rapid, and sensitive, which can be used to quantify the amount of OA in shellfish samples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Performance analysis of selective cooperation in amplify‐and‐forward relay networks over identical Nakagami‐m channels
Authors: Hussain Syed Imtiaz , Alouini Mohamed‐Slim , Hasna Mazen Omar 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTIn cooperative communications, multiple relays between a source and a destination can increase the diversity gain. Because all the nodes must use orthogonal channels, multiple‐relay cooperation becomes spectrally inefficient. Therefore, a bestrelay selection scheme was recently proposed. In this paper, we analyzed the performance of this scheme for a system with the relays operating in amplify‐and‐forward mode over identical Nakagami‐m channels using an exact source–relay–destination signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR).We derived accurate closed‐form expressions for various system parameters including the probability density function of end‐to‐end SNR, the average output SNR, the bit error probability, and the channel capacity. The analytical results were verified through Monte Carlo simulations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproduction of varanid lizards (Reptilia: Squamata: Varanidae) at the Bronx Zoo
Authors: Mendyk Robert W. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractCaptivity provides many opportunities for studying the reproductive biology of varanid lizards (Family: Varanidae; genus: Varanus). This article presents reproductive data for 12 varanid species maintained in captivity at the Bronx Zoo between 1977 and 2010. Five species, V. prasinus, V. beccarii, V. melinus, V. mertensi, and V. ornatus have successfully reproduced at the zoo, for which clutch, incubation, and hatchling data are presented, and compared with previously published values. Clutch, incubation, and hatchling measurements typically fell within the known ranges for each species, or represent minor range extensions. V. mertensi was the only species that reproduced seasonally (χ2 = 9.061, P = 0.029). Five species multiclutched; individual V. mertensi and V. prasinus females produced as many as four clutches per year. The shortest intervals between successive clutches observed for V. kordensis (61 days), V. melinus (77 days), V. mertensi (51 days), and V. prasinus (68 days) represent the shortest known values for each species. Relative clutch mass (RCM) ranged from 0.187 to 0.437. A mean RCM of 0.370±0.092 for V. prasinus is substantially higher than previously published values for the species. These results illustrate that when maintained under favorable conditions in captivity, some varanids are capable of remarkably high fecundities, rapid reproductive turnover rates, and sizeable maternal investments. Zoo Biol 31:374–389, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of the Prognostic Value of Tumour‐ and Patient‐Related Factors in Patients Undergoing Potentially Curative Resection of Oesophageal Cancer
Authors: Dutta Sumanta , Crumley Andrew B. C. , Fullarton Grant M. , Horgan Paul G. , McMillan Donald C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundEvidence is increasing that elevated systemic inflammation is associated with poor survival in patients with oesophageal carcinoma. However, it is not yet established if any specific component of systemic inflammatory response is a better predictor of cancer survival. The aim of the present study was to compare the predictive value of selected markers of systemic inflammation in patients who undergo surgical resection of oesophageal cancer.MethodsOne hundred twelve patients who underwent potentially curative resection for oesophageal carcinoma, including type I and type II tumours of the gastro‐oesophageal junction (Siewert and Stein in Dis Esophagus 9:173–182, 1996), between 1996 and 2008 were included in the study. Patients had laboratory measurement of white cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelet counts, albumin, and C‐reactive protein. Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and metastatic lymph node ratio (LNR) were calculated.ResultsOn multivariate analysis, only the LNR (HR 2.87, 95% CI 1.99‐4.15, p < 0.001) and the mGPS (HR 4.31, 95% CI 2.20‐8.45, p < 0.001) were independently associated with cancer‐specific survival in oesophageal cancer. An elevated mGPS was associated with high white cell count (p < 0.05) and poorer survival (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe present study indicates that the mGPS, an acute‐phase protein‐based prognostic score, better predicts cancer survival compared with the cellular components of systemic inflammation in patients with oesophageal carcinoma.
Patterns of Lymph Node Metastases in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Results from Consecutive Bilateral Cervical Lymph Node Dissection
Authors: Takada Hideki , Kikumori Toyone , Imai Tsuneo , Sawaki Masataka , Shibata Arihiro , Kiuchi Tetsuya 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the appropriate extent of lymph node dissection has not yet been established due to lack of accurate patterns of lymph node metastases (LNM). The aim of this study was to clarify the LNM pattern in PTC patients based on our institution’s experience with a consistent technique of bilateral neck dissection, and to consider the rational extent of lymph node dissection.MethodsBetween 1990 and 1999, 152 consecutive patients with PTC who underwent curative total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection as initial treatment were analyzed. The patterns of LNM according to clinicopathological classification were analyzed using the lymph node ratio (LNR; number of metastatic lymph nodes/number of dissected nodes) and frequency (FLNM; number of patients with LNM/number of dissected patients) in cervical compartments.ResultsRegardless of clinicopathological classification, LNR in the central compartment was consistently higher than in other compartments, and FLNM in the ipsilateral lateral compartment was consistently higher than in other compartments except for multifocal tumors. The LNR and FLNM in the contralateral lateral compartment were significantly higher in advanced (≥T3) cases than in cases with smaller tumors (T1) and were comparable to those in the ipsilateral lateral compartment in advanced (≥T3) cases.ConclusionsThe pattern of LNR provided a better reflection of the patterns of LNM. In terms of the LNR, central neck dissection is the basic extent of lymph node dissection for all clinically apparent PTC. In advanced patients, it is also advisable to include bilateral lateral neck dissection.
Advances in first bloom dates and increased occurrences of yearly second blooms in eastern China since the 1960s: further phenological evidence of climate warming
Authors: Ge Quansheng , Dai Junhu , Zheng Jingyun , Bai Jie , Zhong Shuying , Wang Huanjiong , Wang Wei‐Chyung 
Published: May 2011

AbstractConfirming the results of previous regional studies on changes in first bloom dates (FBD) in China, this study provides evidence that complements conclusions drawn from studies of phenological changes in other dynamic climate systems in the Northern Hemisphere. Furthermore, increased occurrences of yearly second blooms (YSB) further reinforce results derived from other studies indicating a recent trend of generalized climate warming across China. Additionally, ascertaining changes in FBD and YSB against a recent background not only provides a hitherto poorly formulated autumnal equivalent to the well‐studied shifts in FBD, but also formulates both spring and autumn flowering changes in recent years. Data in this study are derived from observations made from 1963 to 2006 by the Chinese Phenological Observation Network (CPON)—a nationwide system of monitoring stations that has made observations of over 173 species from across China since 1963. At each site, the mean value of each species’ annual deviation and spring mean surface temperatures were calculated. For each species, years and locations were also recorded for species in which second blooms (YSB) occurred. Of the 46 FBD samples, 31 showed advances from the mean, blooming earlier over the course of the study period. Notably, although only 8 of the 46 FBD samples showed significance levels of 0.1 or better, the average FBD did advance by 5.3 days. After the 1980s, the frequency of YSB occurrence remained steady, declining a little from the peak in the 1980s, but still exhibiting occurrences far more than were observed earlier. The data from this study clearly indicate that both the phenological advance of FBD in spring and the increased occurrence of YSB are consistent with climate warming.
Unusual Presentation of Hemochromatosis as Isolated Metacarpophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Case Report
Authors: Wimalawansa Sunishka M. , AlSamkari Rannie 
Published: May 2011

Background Hemochromatosis, North America's most prevalent genetic disorder, tends to present with an insidious onset and subtle, yet characteristic findings. Patients tend to present with both constitutional symptoms and end-organ effects. Methods Clinical criteria such as history, physical examination, imaging criteria with focused radiologic constellations, and laboratory findings were used for diagnosis. Results We report the case of a man who lacked classic systemic symptoms, but instead presented with isolated metacarpophalangeal joint disease and characteristic radiologic findings. The diagnosis was confirmed by serum iron studies and subsequent genetic work-up. Conclusions A high index of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose early disease; better prognostic responses are expected with treatment of less severe disease. Hand surgeons should be aware of the characteristic findings for this rare presentation so proper treatment can be initiated early.
Advances in the study of the peripheral nervous system for erection in animals and humans
Authors: Hisasue Shin‐ichi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIntroductionSince Walsh first emphasized the importance of preserving the neurovascular bundle n to protect the cavernous nerve during pelvic surgery, patients’ sexual life quality has dramatically improved. Today, nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy is the established gold standard for organ‐confined prostate cancer patients. Recent technical advances in functional assessment such as intraoperative electrical stimulation have unveiled new anatomical features and physiological roles. Basic research has advanced understanding of cavernous nerve function, while molecular biology has uncovered the crucial role of neuronal nitric oxide in mediating erection, and has led to new treatments such as phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitors. A recent focus in cavernous nerve research concerns the nerve distribution external to the neurovascular bundle. The cavernous nerves in humans appear to be distributed more widely beneath the lateral pelvic fascia than in other animals, and electrical stimulation studies suggest possible involvement of these nerves in erection. These findings have prompted new surgical techniques such as the “veil of Aphrodite”, or “intrafascial nerve‐sparing” procedures.Materials and MethodsThese recent anatomical and physiological studies in humans and animals and their impact are reviewed in this article.ConclusionsFurther investigation should stimulate future advances in strategies to preserve erectile function in RP patients.
Stone-In-Neck phenomenon: a new sign of cholecystitis
Authors: Nelson Mathew , Ash Adam , Raio Christopher , Zimmerman Michael 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Physical examination and laboratory testing lack sufficient accuracy to distinguish cholecystitis from cholelithiasis. As a result, imaging studies are often required to safely disposition patients presenting with right upper quadrant or epigastric pain. Ultrasound is the initial test of choice in the majority of these cases, and generally relies a combination of findings (anterior gallbladder wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid/wall edema, hydrops, or a sonographic Murphy’s sign) to establish a definitive diagnosis. We suggest that the Stone-In-Neck (SIN) phenomenon, defined as an immobile stone lodged in the neck of the gallbladder, is specific for cholecystitis in the absence of other findings.

Methods
We prospectively compared the surgical pathologies of 57 patients diagnosed with either SIN or simple lithiasis to determine the incidence of cholecystitis in each group.

Results
SIN had a specificity of 97% and a positive predictive value of 93% in diagnosing cholecystitis.

Conclusion
Physicians performing right upper quadrant ultrasound should have a high index of suspicion for cholecystitis when the SIN phenomenon is present, and should be aware that this group of patients are at much higher risk for cholecystitis than those with simple lithiasis.
Successful repair of tubercular tracheal stenosis: a rare case report
Authors: Dalal U , Dalal A K , Singal R , Attri A K , Arion R K , Gupta S 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective:We report a rare case of successful surgical management of tubercular tracheal stenosis. There was no history of tracheostomy except for trauma management.Case report:A 24-year-old man presented with breathing difficulty. He had previously sustained blunt chest injury, a fractured mandible and minor head injury in a traffic accident. Despite successful mandibular fracture fixation, he subsequently developed progressive breathing difficulty with stridor. The patient was treated successfully with surgical resection and bronchoplastic reconstruction. Post-operatively, endotracheal tuberculosis was diagnosed.Conclusion:Endotracheal tuberculosis is rare despite the high incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in India. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are necessary to prevent tuberculous tracheobronchial stenosis, an extremely rare but serious clinical problem which can cause obstructive pneumonia and exertional dyspnoea. Surgical resection and bronchoplastic reconstruction is the established treatment for such stenosis. Patients with active tuberculosis usually respond to conventional antitubercular treatment.
Mitigating carnivore–livestock conflict in Europe: lessons from Slovakia
Authors: Rigg Robin , Finďo Slavomír , Wechselberger Maria , Gorman Martyn L. , Sillero-Zubiri Claudio , Macdonald David W. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractConflicts with human interests have reappeared following recovery of large carnivores in Europe. Public acceptance is higher than historically but there is a need to identify effective, acceptable techniques to facilitate coexistence. We present a case study of predation on livestock in Slovakia. Damage, mitigation measures and public opinion were assessed using compensation records, analysis of farm conditions, questionnaire surveys, semi-structured interviews, diet analysis and on-farm trials of livestock-guarding dogs. Economic damage was inconsequential on a national scale but high locally: c. 80% of reported losses occurred at 12% of sheep flocks. Grey wolvesCanis lupuswere held responsible for four to six times more damage than brown bearsUrsus arctos, although livestock occurred in only 2 of 78 wolf faeces during spring–autumn, when sheep and cattle were most vulnerable. Losses to Eurasian lynxLynx lynxwere negligible. Compared to other sectors of society shepherds had the most negative attitudes, particularly towards wolves, despite compensation payments. Appropriate use of livestock-guarding dogs was associated with fewer losses: median loss at trial flocks with predation was 70% lower than at control flocks. We conclude that identifying vulnerable farms and targeting them for mitigation could reduce damage, although lack of motivation and awareness are obstacles. This study shows that damage levels need not be excessive despite high predator densities in human-dominated landscapes. Conflicts were unevenly distributed, with much of the variation explained by local conditions and husbandry practices, especially preventive measures. Livestock-guarding dogs are particularly appropriate where wolves are present in proximity to unfenced pastures.
Social inclusion through ageing-in-place with care?
Authors: BARRETT PATRICK , HALE BEATRICE , GAULD ROBIN 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe onset of ill-health and frailty in later life, within the context of the policy of ageing-in-place, is increasingly being responded to through the provision of home care. In the philosophy of ageing-in-place, the home provides for continuity of living environment, maintenance of independence in the community and social inclusion. The provision of assistance to remain at home assumes continuity in the living environment and independence in the organisation of daily life and social contact. This paper explores the changes that occur as a result of becoming a care recipient within the home and concludes that the transition into receiving care is characterised by discontinuity and upheaval which tends to reinforce social exclusion. We draw on the rites of passage framework, which highlights social processes ofseparation, liminality and reconnection, in analysing this transition to enhance understanding of the experience and gain insights to improve the policy and practice of home care. Separation from independent living leads to a state of liminality. The final stage in the rites of passage framework draws attention to reconnections, but reconnection is not inevitable. Reconnection is, however, an appropriate goal for the care sector when supporting frail or disabled older people through the transition into becoming a home-care recipient.