bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robotic pyeloplasty using internet protocol and satellite network‐based telesurgery
Authors: Nguan C. Y. , Morady R. , Wang C. , Harrison D. , Browning D. , Rayman R. , Luke P. P. W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn North America, the urological community has embraced surgical robotic technology in the performance of complex laparoscopic surgery. The performance of complex long‐distance telesurgery requires further investigation prior to clinical application.MethodsThe feasibility of laparoscopic robot‐assisted pyeloplasty in a porcine model was assessed using the Zeus robot and the internet protocol virtual private network (IP‐VPNe) and satellite links. Eighteen pyeloplasty procedures were performed, using real‐time, IP‐VPNe and satellite network connection (six of each). Network and objective operative data were collected.ResultsDespite network delays and jitter, it was feasible to perform the pyeloplasty procedure without significant detriment in operative time or surgical results compared with real‐time surgery.ConclusionThe completion of complex tasks such as robotic pyeloplasty is feasible using both land‐line and satellite telesurgery. However, the clinical relevance of telesurgery requires further assessment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occult hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections
Authors: Carreño* Vicente , Bartolomé Javier , Castillo Inmaculada , Quiroga Juan Antonio 
Published: February 2008

AbstractOccult HBV infection is a well‐recognised clinical entity characterised by the detection of HBV‐DNA in serum and/or in liver in the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Occult HBV infection has been described not only in patients who have resolved an acute or chronic HBV infection but also in patients without any serological markers of a past HBV infection. Occult HBV infection in patients with chronic HCV infection may induce more severe liver disease and lower response rate to interferon treatment. The existence of occult HCV infections has been also reported more recently. Occult HCV infection is characterised by the presence of HCV‐RNA in liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the absence of detectable serum HCV‐RNA. Occult HCV infection may occur under two different clinical situations: in hepatitis C antibody‐(anti‐HCV) negative and serum HCV‐RNA‐negative patients with abnormal liver function tests and in anti‐HCV‐positive patients who have no detectable serum HCV‐RNA and who have normal liver enzymes. The clinical relevance of occult HCV infections is still under investigation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Biplot as a diagnostic tool of local dependence in latent class models. A medical application
Authors: Sepúlveda R. , Vicente‐Villardón J. L. , Galindo M. P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractLatent class models (LCMs) can be used to assess diagnostic test performance when no reference test (a gold standard) is available, considering two latent classes representing disease or non‐disease status. One of the basic assumptions in such models is that of local or conditional independence: all indicator variables (tests) are statistically independent within each latent class. However, in practice this assumption is often violated; hence, the two‐LCM fits the data poorly. In this paper, we propose the use of Biplot methods to identify the conditional dependence between pairs of manifest variables within each latent class. Additionally, we propose incorporating such dependence in the corresponding latent class using the log‐linear formulation of the model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concept location in formal specifications
Authors: Bollin Andreas 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWhen kept up‐to‐date, formal specifications can act as valid artifacts for maintenance tasks. However, their linguistic density and size impede comprehension, reuse, and change activities. Techniques such as specification slicing and chunking help in reducing the number of relevant lines of text to be considered, but they expect the point of change to be known a priori. This contribution presents a process model for concept location within formal Z‐specifications. It also considers those situations when the location is not even roughly known. The identification is comparable to the identification of regions with high cohesion. The approach is based on the idea of first transforming the specification to an augmented graph and, secondly, on the generation of spacial clusters. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence‐Based Surgical Management of Substernal Goiter
Authors: White Matthew L. , Doherty Gerard M. , Gauger Paul G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundA number of reports have been published concerning the surgical treatment of substernal goiters; however, there is yet to be a comprehensive review of this body of literature using evidence‐based methodology.MethodsThis article is a systematic review of the literature using evidence‐based criteria and a review of unpublished data from our institution.ResultsIssue 1. Limited level III/IV data suggest that the incidence of cancer in substernal goiters is not higher than the incidence of cancer in cervical goiters. Risk factors for malignancy in substernal goiters may include a family history of thyroid pathology, a history of cervical radiation therapy, recurrent goiter, and the presence of cervical adenopathy (grade C recommendation). Issue 2. Prospective level V data suggest that, for most patients, expert endocrine surgeons utilize an extracervical approach approximately 2% of the time to remove a substernal goiter safely; a sternotomy or thoracotomy appears more likely in cases of a primary substernal goiter or a mass larger than the thoracic inlet (no recommendation). Issue 3. There may be a higher rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism and unintentional permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury when total thyroidectomy is performed for removal of a substernal goiter than for removal of a cervical goiter alone (grade C recommendation). Injury of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was not specifically addressed and is almost certainly underreported. Issue 4. The presence of a substernal goiter, especially being present more than 5 years and causing significant tracheal compression, is likely a risk factor for tracheomalacia and tracheostomy (grade C recommendation). Tracheomalacia with substernal goiter is an infrequent occurrence, and many cases of tracheomalacia can be managed without tracheostomy (no recommendation). Issue 5. Prospective level V data suggest that about 5% to 10% of operations for substernal goiters are performed because of recurrent or persistent disease, although retrospective level V data report an even higher rate, up to 37%. The most common initial operations with recurrence or persistence appear to be subtotal or hemithyroidectomy (no recommendation).ConclusionEvidence‐based recommendations provide reliable information regarding the pathologic findings and operative management of substernal goiters in expert hands.
Acyl Migration Kinetics of Vegetable Oil 1,2‐Diacylglycerols
Authors: Laszlo Joseph A. , Compton David L. , Vermillion Karl E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe acyl migration kinetics of long‐chain 1,2‐diacylglycerol (1,2‐DAG) to form 1,3‐diacylglycerol (1,3‐DAG) over the temperature range of 25–80 °C were examined using 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. Lipase‐catalyzed ethanolysis of high‐oleic sunflower oil, followed by a series of solvent extraction steps, generated high purity 1,2‐DAG (0.93 mol fraction of the DAG content). The 1,2‐DAG mole fraction of 0.32 at equilibrium was found to be insensitive to temperature, indicating that long‐chain acyl group migration is neither endothermic nor exothermic. Determination of the temperature‐dependent, first‐order reaction kinetic parameters revealed a 1,2‐DAG half life (t1/2) of 3,425 h and 15.8 h at 25 and 80 °C, respectively. A comparison of 1,2‐DAG with 2‐monoacylglycerol indicated that there is no difference between the two in the potential energy state (ΔG‡) of their respective transitions states or cyclic intermediates.
A Scenario on the Stepwise Evolution of the Genetic Code
Authors: Xiao Jing-Fa , Yu Jun 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
It is believed that in the RNA world the operational (ribozymes) and the informational (riboscripts) RNA molecules were created with only three (adenosine, uridine, and guanosine) and two (adenosine and uridine) nucleosides, respectively, so that the genetic code started uncomplicated. Ribozymes subsequently evolved to be able to cut and paste themselves and riboscripts were acceptive to rigorous editing (adenosine to inosine); the intensive diversification of RNA molecules shaped novel cellular machineries that are capable of polymerizing amino acids—a new type of cellular building materials for life. Initially, the genetic code, encoding seven amino acids, was created only to distinguish purine and pyrimidine; it was later expanded in a stepwise way to encode 12, 15, and 20 amino acids through the relief of guanine from its roles as operational signals and through the recruitment of cytosine. Therefore, the maturation of the genetic code also coincided with (1) the departure of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) from the primordial translation machinery, (2) the replacement of informational RNA by DNA, and (3) the co-evolution of AARSs and their cognate tRNAs. This model predicts gradual replacements of RNA-made molecular mechanisms, cellular processes by proteins, and informational exploitation by DNA.
A Modified T-Test Feature Selection Method and Its Application on the HapMap Genotype Data
Authors: Zhou Nina , Wang Lipo 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are genetic variations that determine the differences between any two unrelated individuals. Various population groups can be distinguished from each other using SNPs. For instance, the HapMap dataset has four population groups with about ten million SNPs. For more insights on human evolution, ethnic variation, and population assignment, we propose to find out which SNPs are significant in determining the population groups and then to classify different populations using these relevant SNPs as input features. In this study, we developed a modified t-test ranking measure and applied it to the HapMap genotype data. Firstly, we rank all SNPs in comparison with other feature importance measures including F-statistics and the informativeness for assignment. Secondly, we select different numbers of the most highly ranked SNPs as the input to a classifier, such as the support vector machine, so as to find the best feature subset corresponding to the best classification accuracy. Experimental results showed that the proposed method is very effective in finding SNPs that are significant in determining the population groups, with reduced computational burden and better classification accuracy.
Oxypred: Prediction and Classification of Oxygen-Binding Proteins
Authors: Muthukrishnan S. , Garg Aarti , Raghava G.P.S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis study describes a method for predicting and classifying oxygen-binding proteins. Firstly, support vector machine (SVM) modules were developed using amino acid composition and dipeptide composition for predicting oxygen-binding proteins, and achieved maximum accuracy of 85.5% and 87.8%, respectively. Secondly, an SVM module was developed based on amino acid composition, classifying the predicted oxygen-binding proteins into six classes with accuracy of 95.8%, 97.5%, 97.5%, 96.9%, 99.4%, and 96.0% for erythrocruorin, hemerythrin, hemocyanin, hemoglobin, leghemoglobin, and myoglobin proteins, respectively. Finally, an SVM module was developed using dipeptide composition for classifying the oxygen-binding proteins, and achieved maximum accuracy of 96.1%, 98.7%, 98.7%, 85.6%, 99.6%, and 93.3% for the above six classes, respectively. All modules were trained and tested by five-fold cross validation. Based on the above approach, a web server Oxypred was developed for predicting and classifying oxygen-binding proteins (available from http://www.imtech.res.in/raghava/oxypred/).
Automated SNP Genotype Clustering Algorithm to Improve Data Completeness in High-Throughput SNP Genotyping Datasets from Custom Arrays
Authors: Smith Edward M. , Littrell Jack , Olivier Michael 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
High-throughput SNP genotyping platforms use automated genotype calling algorithms to assign genotypes. While these algorithms work efficiently for individual platforms, they are not compatible with other platforms, and have individual biases that result in missed genotype calls. Here we present data on the use of a second complementary SNP genotype clustering algorithm. The algorithm was originally designed for individual fluorescent SNP genotyping assays, and has been optimized to permit the clustering of large datasets generated from custom-designed Affymetrix SNP panels. In an analysis of data from a 3 K array genotyped on 1,560 samples, the additional analysis increased the overall number of genotypes by over 45,000, significantly improving the completeness of the experimental data. This analysis suggests that the use of multiple genotype calling algorithms may be advisable in high-throughput SNP genotyping experiments. The software is written in Perl and is available from the corresponding author.
A new description of equivariant cohomology for totally disconnected groups
Authors: Voigt Christian 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe consider smooth actions of totally disconnected groups on simplicial complexes and compare different equivariant cohomology groups associated to such actions. Our main result is that the bivariant equivariant cohomology theory introduced by Baum and Schneider can be described using equivariant periodic cyclic homology. This provides a new approach to the construction of Baum and Schneider as well as a computation of equivariant periodic cyclic homology for a natural class of examples. In addition we discuss the relation between cosheaf homology and equivariant Bredon homology. Since the theory of Baum and Schneider generalizes cosheaf homology we finally see that all these approaches to equivariant cohomology for totally disconnected groups are closely related.
The Guillemin–Sternberg conjecture for noncompact groups and spaces
Authors: Hochs P. , Landsman N.P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe Guillemin–Sternberg conjecture states that “quantisation commutes with reduction” in a specific technical setting. So far, this conjecture has almost exclusively been stated and proved forcompactLie groupsGacting oncompactsymplectic manifolds, and, largely due to the use of SpincDirac operator techniques, has reached a high degree of perfection under these compactness assumptions. In this paper we formulate an appropriate Guillemin–Sternberg conjecture in the general case, under the main assumptions that the Lie group action is proper and cocompact. This formulation is motivated by our interpretation of the “quantisation commuates with reduction” phenomenon as a special case of the functoriality of quantisation, and uses equivariantK-homology and theK-theory of the groupC*-algebraC*(G) in a crucial way. For example, the equivariant index – which in the compact case takes values in the representation ringR(G) – is replaced by the analytic assembly map – which takes values inK0(C*(G)) – familiar from the Baum–Connes conjecture in noncommutative geometry. Under the usual freeness assumption on the action, we prove our conjecture for all Lie groupsGhaving a discrete normal subgroup Γ with compact quotientG/Γ, but we believe it is valid for all unimodular Lie groups.
Hyaluronic acid ester in myringoplasty
Authors: Prior M , Gibbins N , John G , Rhys-Williams S , Scott P 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives:To investigate the use of a new technique to close persistent tympanic membrane perforations under general anaesthesia, in patients in whom this has previously been considered impractical.Design:Twenty patients aged 50 years and over were recruited. All had a persistent, symptomatic tympanic membrane perforation in at least one ear. Pre-operatively, an audiogram was performed and the tympanic membrane was assessed in order to establish the site and size of the perforation. Under general anaesthesia, the edges of the perforation were freshened and a sheet of Epifilm, trimmed to a size roughly 2 mm larger in diameter than the perforation, was tucked through the perforation. The ear was dressed appropriately. Patients were seen two weeks post-operatively in the out-patients department and reassessed.Setting:The study was based at Poole General Hospital, a District General Hospital.Participants:Twenty patients were recruited from the out-patients clinics of Poole Hospital ENT department.Main outcome measures:(1) closure of the perforation, as a percentage of the original size; (2) improvement of hearing, as an average across all frequencies, expressed in dB hearing level; and (3) presence or absence of discharge.Results:Five patients were operated upon and assessed six weeks post-operatively. The Epifilm had dissolved but the perforations remained the same size in all five patients. There were no other adverse effects. Pure tone audiometry at this stage was redundant. The study was subsequently aborted.Conclusions:The authors conclude that repair of tympanic membrane perforations with hyaluronic acid ester films is not to be recommended.
Post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia with weight loss: possible involvement of soft palate
Authors: Scinska A , Jodkowska A , Korkosz A , Kukwa W , Sienkiewicz-Jarosz H 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjective:To demonstrate the importance of detailed, multidisciplinary examination of patients with post-tonsillectomy taste distortions, and to show that post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia may originate in the caudal part of the soft palate.Case report:We describe a 29-year-old man who suffered from severe post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia and phantogeusia with secondary weight loss and depression-like symptomatology. The patient had normal electrogustometric thresholds and sensitivity to touch on the posterior tongue. In contrast, elevated taste threshold and reduced sensitivity to touch was found on the caudal part of the soft palate (the palatoglossal arches). More marked elevation of electrogustometric threshold and insensitivity to touch on the right palatoglossal arch correlated with post-operative haemorrhage from the right tonsillar fossa. Psychiatric examination excluded major depression, eating disorders and drug abuse.Conclusions:Dysgeusia constitutes a rare but significant complication of tonsillectomy. Damage to the lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve innervating the posterior tongue is thought to be a major cause of this complication. However, damage to the tonsillar branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve and the soft palate should also be considered as a cause of post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia. Further studies are needed to assess whether post-operative haemorrhage could indicate heightened risk of dysgeusia.
Activation of middle-ear muscles by transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Fiorino F G , Bertolasi L , Barbieri F 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectives:To evaluate the reliability of transcranial magnetic stimulation in eliciting admittance changes due to activation of middle-ear muscles.Methods:Admittance changes induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation at the inion were evaluated in eight normal subjects, two subjects with prelingual deafness and 22 patients suffering from other otological disorders characterised by absence of acoustic reflex.Results:Responses showed a predominant negative peak in normal ears. Two small positive components, one preceding and the other following the negative deflection, were less consistently elicited. Only a positive wave was detected in otosclerotic subjects. Patients with tympanic membrane perforation or previous tympanoplasty with ossicular discontinuity did not show any response.Conclusions:Transcranial magnetic stimulation is able to activate both stapedius and tensor tympani muscles. In conjunction with admittance audiometry, it may represent a method of exploring the mechanics of the middle ear when acoustic reflex testing is not reliable. It can be helpful in the confirmation of stapes fixation when a severe to profound hearing loss is present.
Foregut duplication cyst of the pharynx
Authors: Fraser L , Howatson A G , MacGregor F B 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntroduction:Foregut duplication cysts are heterotrophic rests of foregut-derived epithelium which are usually found in the abdomen and thorax; rarely are they found in the head and neck.Case report:We describe the case of a pharyngeal foregut duplication cyst presenting with airway obstruction in a neonate. We also review the pathology, investigation and management of this rare condition.Discussion:The occurrence of a foregut duplication cyst in the head and neck region mandates vigilance with respect to the airway. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful part of pre-operative evaluation but cannot be relied upon for definitive diagnosis. Although foregut duplication cysts are benign lesions, definitive cure ultimately requires surgical excision, and this is often the means by which a definitive diagnosis is made. The prognosis for these lesions is excellent, with no reports in the literature of recurrence following excision.
Impact of gender on clinical presentation of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without polyposis
Authors: Busaba N Y , Sin H-J , Salman S D 
Published: February 2008

AbstractStudy objective:To determine the impact of a patient's gender on the clinical presentation of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis.Study design and methods:Prospective study of 514 adult patients who presented with chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis. The patients were divided into two groups based on gender: female (n = 273) and male (n = 241). The following data were collected: presenting symptoms, co-morbidities, nasal endoscopy and sinus computed tomography findings, diagnosis, and outcome of surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results:Facial pain and headache were more prevalent among women, while nasal obstruction was more prevalent among men (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of environmental allergy, asthma, psychiatric illness or anatomical variants obstructing the osteomeatal unit, comparing the genders. Chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis was the more common diagnosis among women, while chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis was the more common diagnosis among men (p < 0.05). Following surgery, a higher percentage of male patients reported improvement in nasal obstruction (p < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of the other presenting symptoms, comparing the genders.Conclusion:Women who suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis are more likely to complain of facial pain or headache on presentation and to be diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis. On the other hand, men are more likely to complain of nasal obstruction, to be diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis, and to report improvement in nasal obstruction following surgery.