bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Environmental and Social Context of the Isleham Hoard
Authors: Malim Tim , Boreham Steve , Knight David , Nash George , Preece Richard , Schwenninger Jean-Luc 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper describes the rediscovery of the exact location for the Isleham hoard (tl63197253) and presents the results of related fieldwork; it briefly reviews the metallurgical significance of the hoard, and discusses its local environmental and social context, as well as the distribution of founder's hoards within the Fenland region.The hoard was found to have been placed in a pit dug into a filled-in Bronze Age boundary ditch, next to a rectangular building, and adjacent to the edge of low-lying wetland bordering a palaeochannel which revealed an environmental sequence stretching from the Mesolithic to the Bronze Age. This area is also in proximity to a possible ringwork. Mesolithic and Neolithic activity is evidenced by residual flint tools and pottery. By the Bronze Age the tongue of fen next to the hoard had begun to be invaded by ferns and terrestrial vegetation and its latest peat phase was radiocarbon dated to 4045 ± 62bp. Molluscs within the boundary ditch show an open landscape with a mixture of dryland and wetland taxa, and the presence ofVertigo angustior, a rare British species no longer known from Cambridgeshire, and one indicative of transitional habitats between wet and dry land. This landscape was probably contemporary with the deposition of the hoard.Current typological and radiocarbon analysis for Wilburton metalwork would suggest a date within the period 1150 to 1000bcfor the hoard, whilst a typological assessment of the pot in which the hoard was found suggests an affinity with Post-Deverel-Rimbury (PDR) Plainware dated currently from around 1150 to 800bc. OSL dating of a sample of the pot containing the hoard yielded a date of 1460 ± 230bcat 1 sigma.The locations of other founder's hoards within the region suggest a clustering in the southern fens and South Cambridgeshire, apparently related to ancient routeways.
Prolonged administration of secoisolariciresinol diglycoside increases lignan excretion and alters lignan tissue distribution in adult male and female rats
Authors: Saarinen Niina M. , Thompson Lilian U. 
Published: April 2010

Limited information is available on lignan metabolism and tissue distribution between sexes and the effects of prolonged lignan exposure on tissue concentrations. In the present study, excretion and tissue distribution of lignans were compared after 1 d and 7 d administration of flaxseed lignan secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) in male and female rats. Sprague–Dawley rats were daily gavagedper oswith3H-SDG (3·7 kBq/g body weight (bwt)) and unlabelled SDG (5·3 μg/g bwt). Urine, faeces, serum and tissues (liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen, lungs, brain, thymus, heart, muscle, adipose, mammary gland, ovaries, vagina, uterus, testis, seminal vesicles, coagulating glands and ventral prostate) were collected at 0, 12 and 24 h after a single lignan dose or after the last dose of 7 d exposure. The sample total lignan content was measured as radioactivity by liquid scintillation counting. In both sexes, majority of radioactivity was excreted in faeces (40–83 %) and urine (1·2–5·2 %).3H-SDG administration increased radioactivity in all tissues at all time points, and the levels were further increased after prolonged SDG exposure. Liver contained majority of the tissue lignans (48–56 %) in both sexes after both exposure regimens. After prolonged SDG exposure, the serum lignan concentrations had reached a plateau which was approximately 4-fold of that of acute exposure, whereas in both sexes, concentrations in skin and kidneys still increased, indicating tissue accumulation. After prolonged exposure, females had higher lignan concentrations in heart and thymus at all time points, demonstrating sex-related differences in lignan tissue distribution and the possibility for sex-specific treatment responses. These findings facilitate identification of target tissues for local lignan actionsin vivo.
Malignant otitis externa: case series
Authors: Ali T , Meade K , Anari S , ElBadawey M R , Zammit-Maempel I 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBackground:In the light of current concerns regarding ciprofloxacin resistance and the changing face of malignant otitis externa, we reviewed cases of malignant otitis externa treated in our centre, in order both to evaluate the current epidemiology of the condition and to assess the status of drug resistance in our patient population.Method:Retrospective case review of all malignant otitis externa cases managed in a tertiary referral centre in the north-east of England between 2000 and 2009.Results:Forty-one patients were identified, but the required data were available for only 37 cases. Patients' ages ranged from 51 to 101 years (median, 81 years). Diabetes was present in 51 per cent of patients (19/37), facial nerve palsy in 40 per cent (15/37) and multiple cranial nerve palsy in 24 per cent (9/37).Pseudomonas aeruginosawas the most commonly isolated organism (54 per cent), sensitive to ciprofloxacin in all cases.Conclusions:The incidence of cranial nerve palsy in our study was higher than in previous reports. The incidence of diabetes andPseudomonas aeruginosain our cohort was much lower than previously reported. ThePseudomonas aeruginosastrains isolated were all sensitive to ciprofloxacin, despite recent reports on emerging resistance.
Observations raise the question if the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, can act as either a carrier or a reservoir for Bonamia ostreae or Bonamia exitiosa
Authors: LYNCH S. A. , ABOLLO E. , RAMILO A. , CAO A. , CULLOTY S. C. , VILLALBA A. 
Published: April 2010

SUMMARYThis study investigated the ability of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, to act as a carrier or reservoir of the protistan Bonamia ostreae. Studies were carried out independently in Ireland and in Spain. Naïve C. gigas were exposed to B. ostreae both in the field and in the laboratory via natural exposure or experimental injection. Naïve flat oysters, Ostrea edulis, were placed in tanks with previously exposed C. gigas. Oysters were screened for B. ostreae by examination of ventricular heart smears and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of tissue samples (gill and/or heart) and shell cavity fluid. PCR-positive oysters were further screened using histology and in situ hybridization (ISH). B. ostreae DNA was detected in the tissues and/or shell cavity fluid of a small number of C. gigas in the field and in the laboratory. B. ostreae-like cells were visualized in the haemocytes of 1 C. gigas and B. ostreae-like cells were observed extracellularly in the connective tissues of 1 other C. gigas. When C. gigas naturally exposed to B. ostreae were held with naïve O. edulis, B. ostreae DNA was detected in O. edulis; however, B. ostreae cells were not visualized. In Spain, B. exitiosa DNA was also detected in Pacific oyster tissues. The results of this study have important implications for C. gigas transfers from B. ostreae-endemic areas to uninfected areas and highlight B. ostreae and B. exitiosa's ability to survive extracellularly and in other non-typical hosts.
Laser-induced optical breakdown applied for laser spark ignition
Authors: Schwarz E. , Gross S. , Fischer B. , Muri I. , Tauer J. , Kofler H. , Wintner E. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn the present article, the experimental investigation of optical breakdown induced by ns/mJ pulses at two wavelengths, 1064 nm and 532 nm, in air of atmospheric pressure is reported and discussed. The obtained breakdown thresholds were compared with theory and are in good agreement. The generated plasmas have been characterized by their amount of scattered laser light, energy transmission, and change of the transmitted temporal shape. Laser-induced plasma formation in a gas, in air, also generates an acoustic pressure wave. The acoustic energy is compared to the laser pulse energy and is found to be linearly dependent. Moreover, the frequency distribution of the characteristic acoustic pressure wave was analyzed. The experiments described were accomplished in order to optimize a laser ignition system with regard to efficiency and costs. The laser system employed for these investigations is a compact high peak power, passively Q-switched, longitudinally diode-pumped solid-state laser. Such a “laser spark plug” should replace conventional spark plugs in internal combustion engines because conventional ignition has reached its limits in terms of efficiency and durability. Thereby, a reduction of pollutant emission should also be feasible.
Reduced multi-scale kinetic models for the relativistic electron transport in solid targets: Effects related to secondary electrons
Authors: Duclous R. , Morreeuw J.-P. , Tikhonchuk V.T. , Dubroca B. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractA reduced mathematical model for the transport of high current relativistic electron beams in a dense collisional plasma is developed. Based on the hypothesis that the density of relativistic electrons is much less than the plasma density and their energy is much higher than the plasma temperature, a model with two energy scales is proposed, where the beam and plasma electrons are considered as two coupled sub-systems, which exchange the energy and particles due to collisions. The process of energy exchange is described in the Fokker-Planck approximation, where the pitch angle electron-ion and electron-electron collisions dominate. The process of particle exchange between populations, leading to the production of secondary energetic electrons, is described with a Boltzmann term. The electron-electron collisions with small impact parameters make an important contribution in the overall dynamics of the beam electrons.
Cryogenic systems for LMJ cryotarget and HiPER application
Authors: Perin J.-P. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractFor the future, we have to develop new sources of energy. These new sources may be based on nuclear fusion with magnetic confinement (as with the ITER experiment) or with a new concept based on inertial confinement. The European community plans to build a facility (HiPER project) which is dedicated to reaching high gain with cryogenic targets, and to test the concepts of target mass production and rep rate shots. The cryogenic system for the 1stphase experiments in HiPER is based on the cryogenic system developed for the French facility Laser MegaJoule (LMJ). The latter must be modified and upgraded for direct drive targets. In particular the target must be protected from the radiation flux from the vacuum vessel by a thermal shroud. In addition, the LMJ system must be equipped with a thermal system to allow layering of the fusion fuel to take place. The new developments concern a leak tightness thermal shroud for direct drive and a fast shroud retractor able to allow the laser shot within few milliseconds.
Dear policy maker: Have you made up your mind? A discrete choice experiment among policy makers and other health professionals
Authors: Koopmanschap Marc A. , Stolk Elly A. , Koolman Xander 
Published: April 2010

Objectives: The aim of this study was to get insight in what criteria as presented in Health technology assessment (HTA) studies are important for decision makers in healthcare priority setting.Methods: We performed a discrete choice experiment among Dutch healthcare professionals (policy makers, HTA experts, advanced HTA students). In twenty-seven choice sets, we asked respondents to elect reimbursement of one of two different healthcare interventions, which represented unlabeled, curative treatments. Both treatments were incrementally compared with usual care. The results of the interventions were normal outputs of HTA studies with a societal perspective. Results were analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression model. Upon completion of the questionnaire, we discussed the exercise with policy makers.Results: Severity of disease, costs per quality-adjusted life-year gained, individual health gain, and the budget impact were the most decisive decision criteria. A program targeting more severe diseases increased the probability of reimbursement dramatically. Uncertainty related to cost-effectiveness was also important. Respondents preferred health gains that include quality of life improvements over extension of life without improved quality of life. Savings in productivity costs were not crucial in decision making, although these are to be included in Dutch reimbursement dossiers for new drugs. Regarding subgroups, we found that policy makers attached relatively more weight to disease severity than others but less to uncertainty.Conclusions: Dutch policy makers and other healthcare professionals seem to have reasonably well articulated preferences: six of seven attributes were significant. Disease severity, budget impact, and cost-effectiveness were very important. The results are comparable to international studies, but reveal a larger set of important decision criteria.
Cost-effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) for the treatment of stable angina in the United Kingdom
Authors: McKenna Claire , Hawkins Neil , Claxton Karl , McDaid Catriona , Suekarran Sara , Light Kate , Chester Michael , Cleland John G. F. , Woolacott Nerys , Sculpher Mark 
Published: April 2010

Objectives:The objective of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) compared with no treatment as additional therapy to usual care for the treatment of chronic stable angina from the perspective of the UK National Health Service.Methods:The study design was a systematic review of published evidence, use of expert clinical opinion, and decision analytic cost-effectiveness model. The systematic review was conducted and statistical methods used to synthesize the effectiveness evidence from randomized control trials. Formal methods were used to elicit opinion from clinical experts where no evidence was available. These provide informed “priors” on key model parameters. A decision analytic model was developed to assess the costs and health consequences associated with the primary outcome of the trials over a lifetime time horizon. The main outcome measures were costs from a health service perspective and outcomes measured as quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).Results:The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of EECP was £18,643 for each additional QALY, with a probability of being cost-effective of 0.44 and 0.70 at cost-effectiveness thresholds of £20,000 and £30,000 per QALY gained, respectively. Results were sensitive to the duration of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) benefits from treatment.Conclusions:The long-term maintenance of HRQoL benefits of EECP is central to the estimate of cost-effectiveness. The results from a single randomized control trial do not provide firm evidence of the clinical or cost-effectiveness of EECP in stable angina. Long-term follow-up trials assessing quality of life from EECP are required.
Human papillomavirus transmission and cost-effectiveness of introducing quadrivalent HPV vaccination in Denmark
Authors: Olsen Jens , Jepsen Martin Rudbeck 
Published: April 2010

Objectives: The objective of this study was to simulate human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in a heterosexual population and subsequently analyze the incremental costs and effects of introducing a vaccination program against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in Denmark compared with screening alone.Methods: The analysis was performed in two phases. First, an agent-based transmission model was developed that described the HPV transmission without and with HPV vaccination. Second, an analysis of the incremental costs and effects was performed. The results of prevalence estimates of HPV, genital warts, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1–3), and cervical cancer in the model simulations before and after introduction of HPV vaccination were extrapolated to the Danish population figures. Incremental costs and effects were then estimated. Future costs and effects were discounted.Results: Cost-effectiveness ratios for annual vaccination of 12-year-old girls, with a vaccination rate of 70 percent without a catch-up program, were estimated at approximately €1,917 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY, 3 percent discount rate) and €10,846/QALY (5 percent discount rate), given a 62-year time horizon.Conclusions: A vaccination program would incur extra vaccination costs but would save treatment costs and improve both quality of life and survival.
Economic analysis of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) as a tool in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer in Singapore
Authors: Ang Shin Yuh , Tan Rachel Woo Yin , Koh Mariko Siyue , Lim Jeremy 
Published: April 2010

Objectives: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), encompassing endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial lung biopsy (EBUS-TBLB) has been proven to be a useful modality in the staging and diagnosis of lung cancer. However, there are limited publications on the cost-effectiveness of EBUS and no economic evaluations relevant to the Singapore setting. An economic evaluation using our hospital's data was used to assess the cost implications of EBUS substituting where clinically appropriate: transthoracic needle aspiration; (TTNA), fluoroscopy-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB), and mediastinoscopy in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer.Methods: Relationship between the clinical and economic implications of alternative modalities was modeled using data inputs that were relevant to the Singapore setting. Two decision analytic models were constructed to evaluate the cost of EBUS compared with TTNA, TBLB, and staging mediastinoscopy. Only direct costs were imputed.Results: In the base–case analysis, TTNA was the most economical strategy (SGD3,335 = US$2,403) where clinically suitable for the diagnosis of lung cancer as compared to the other options: TBLB (SGD4,499) and EBUS-TBLB (SGD4,857). On the other hand, EBUS-TBNA resulted in expected cost savings of SGD1,214 per positive staging of lung cancer as compared to mediastinoscopy.Conclusions: The use of EBUS-TBNA could result in cost savings of SGD1,214 per positive staging of lung cancer as compared to mediastinoscopy. Whereas TTNA was the most economical intervention for the diagnosis of lung cancer as compared to the other options, its main limitation lies in its suitability only for peripheral lung lesions and high complication rate.
Acquisition of adjectives in Quebec French as revealed by elicitation data
Authors: ROYLE PHAEDRA , VALOIS DANIEL 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTThis study presents data from an elicitation study on French size and color adjectives in noun phrases (DPs), both early acquired structures. Thirty-two francophone children aged 3–5 years participated in the study. Adjectives were elicited using specially designed puzzles and spontaneous speech corpora. We observed that errors in French variable adjectives are produced in the early acquisition stages, especially in the context of feminine colour DPs. We propose that the source of difficulty for feminine variable adjectives is the retrieval of a lexicalized form that competes with the masculine adjective denoting the same concept.
Serological and molecular characterization of Vibrio parahaemolyticus marine strains carrying pandemic genetic markers
Authors: Caburlotto Greta , Gennari Micol , Ghidini Valentina , Tafi MariaCarla , Lleo Maria M 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
In 2005, pandemic Vibrio parahaemolyticus was reported to have been introduced in Europe: O3:K6 strains were isolated from clinical cases in France and Spain, and were found to be associated with consumption of contaminated seafood. On the contrary, pandemic strains were not isolated from seafood or from the environment itself. Analysis of two V. parahaemolyticus strains isolated in May 2007 from Northern Italy seawater and plankton samples revealed the presence of the virulence gene tdh and the pandemic-specific markers orf8 and toxRS/new sequence (group-specific PCR). The two strains showed serotypes not included in the ‘pandemic group’, but their molecular typing proved that they represent a single clone showing a genetic profile very similar to that of pandemic O3:K6 reference isolates. Moreover, the two marine strains carried three virulence-related genes associated with clinical strains and, to date, hardly ever or never detected in environmental strains. The presence, in strains isolated from the marine environment, of genetic pandemic markers and virulence genes normally associated with clinical isolates proves that marine strains might constitute a public health concern.
The functional potential of high Arctic permafrost revealed by metagenomic sequencing, qPCR and microarray analyses
Authors: Yergeau Etienne , Hogues Hervé , Whyte Lyle G , Greer Charles W 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
The fate of the carbon stocked in permafrost following global warming and permafrost thaw is of major concern in view of the potential for increased CH4 and CO2 emissions from these soils. Complex carbon compound degradation and greenhouse gas emissions are due to soil microbial communities, but no comprehensive study has yet addressed their composition and functional potential in permafrost. Here, a 2-m deep permafrost sample and its overlying active layer soil were subjected to metagenomic sequencing, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and microarray analyses. The active layer soil and the 2-m permafrost microbial community structures were very similar, with Actinobacteria being the dominant phylum. The two samples also possessed a highly similar spectrum of functional genes, especially when compared with other already published metagenomes. Key genes related to methane generation, methane oxidation and organic matter degradation were highly diverse for both samples in the metagenomic libraries and some (for example, pmoA) showed relatively high abundance in qPCR assays. Genes related to nitrogen fixation and ammonia oxidation, which could have important roles following climatic change in these nitrogen-limited environments, showed low diversity but high abundance. The 2-m permafrost showed lower abundance and diversity for all the assessed genes and taxa. Experimental biases were also evaluated using qPCR and showed that the whole-community genome amplification technique used caused representational biases in the metagenomic libraries by increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreasing the abundance of Actinobacteria. This study describes for the first time the detailed functional potential of permafrost-affected soils.