bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Set-up verification on a belly-board device using electronic portal imaging
Authors: Roels Sarah , Verstraete Jan , Haustermans Karin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPurpose: Quantification of set-up errors is necessary to assess the accuracy of patient positioning and define set-up margins. In this article, we describe the analysis of two different set-up verification and correction procedures in pelvic irradiation for rectal cancer patients treated on a belly-board device.Methods: First, we conducted a retrospective study in ten patients. Skin marks were used for set-up and the position was verified and corrected at the start of treatment by portal imaging. Second, we analysed the implementation of a more rigorous verification and correction procedure in ten patients. The same set-up procedure was used, but verification was performed during the first three sessions and on a weekly basis thereafter. In both studies, systematic and random errors were linked with possible patient-related, treatment-unit-related and time-related factors.Results: The pooled data showed a significant reduction in systematic and random error in favour of the second verification procedure (p < 0.05). This resulted in a reduction in the size of the safety margin of more than 3 mm in all directions. Time trends were significant in four patients in the first analysis and in three patients in the second analysis. In six patients in the first and seven patients in the second study, a significant correlation was found between the vertical couch movement and the antero-posterior set-up error. Analysis of patient-related factors demonstrated a relationship between the abdominal contour and rotational errors in both studies.Conclusion: The results of these set-up analyses show that patient positioning on a belly-board device by laser alignment to skin marks is accurate and reproducible. However, in some patients we recommend the implementation of a fixed vertical couch position. The systematic error should be identified and corrected during the first fractions of treatment. Thereafter, verification should be performed at regular intervals to correct for possible time trends. Positioning of obese patients was found to be more prone to set-up errors and requires online position verification.
Temperature phase changes in solid bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-dione and bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-3,7-dione from powder X-ray diffraction data
Authors: Brunelli Michela , Neumann Marcus A. , Fitch Andrew N. , Mora Asiloé J. 
Published: July 2007

The crystal structures of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-dione and bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-3,7-dione have been solved by direct methods and by direct-space simulated annealing, respectively, from powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction data. Both compounds have a transition to a face-centred-cubic orientationally disordered phase (phase I) near 363 K, as shown by differential scanning calorimetry and powder diffraction measurements. Phase II of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,6-dione, which occurs below 363 K, is monoclinic, space groupC2/c, witha= 7.38042 (4),b= 10.38220 (5),c= 9.75092 (5) Å and β = 95.359 (1)° at 80 K. Phase II of bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-3,7-dione, which occurs below 365 K, is tetragonal, space groupP41212, witha= 6.8558 (1) andc= 16.9375 (1) Å at 100 K. This phase coexists in a biphasic mixture with a minor monoclinic phase II′ [a= 11.450 (6),b = 20.583 (1),c= 6.3779 (3) Å, β = 94.7555 (5)°, at 100 K] detected in the sample, which impeded indexing with standard programs. The crystal structures of phases II were solved by direct methods and by direct-space simulated annealing, employing powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction data of increased instrumental intensity and resolution from the ID31 beamline at the ESRF, and novel indexing algorithms.Ab initiomolecular orbital calculations on the two systems are reported. In the solid state, the molecules pack in chair–chair conformation; molecular structures and packing are discussed.
Pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of lorazepam in children with severe malaria and convulsions
Authors: Muchohi Simon N. , Obiero Kenneth , Newton Charles R. J. C. , Ogutu Bernhards R. , Edwards Geoffrey , Kokwaro Gilbert O. 
Published: July 2007

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Lorazepam (LZP) may be a more useful anticonvulsant to stop convulsions in children with severe malaria (SM) than diazepam, since it has a longer duration of action and can be given by other routes, such as intramuscular (i.m.).• There are no studies describing both the pharmacoknetics and clinical efficacy of LZP in African children, particularly those with SM.• We have undertaken a study with LZP, administered either intravenously (i.v.) or i.m., to children with SM and convulsions in order to describe and compare the pharmacokinetic profiles of LZP following administration via both routes and determine whether the currently recommended dose of LZP (0.1 mg kg−1) is effective in terminating convulsions in this group. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Administration of LZP (i.v. or i.m.) at the currently recommended dose (0.1 mg kg−1) resulted in rapid achievement of plasma LZP concentrations within the reported effective therapeutic range without clinically significant cardiorespiratory effects.• A single dose of LZP was effective in the rapid termination of convulsions in all children, and prevention of seizure recurrence for >72 h in 11 of 15 (73%) children and 10 of 11 (91%) children after i.v. and i.m. administration, respectively.AIMTo investigate the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) lorazepam (LZP) in children with severe malaria and convulsions.METHODSTwenty‐six children with severe malaria and convulsions lasting ≥5 min were studied. Fifteen children were given a single dose (0.1 mg kg−1) of i.v. LZP and 11 received a similar i.m. dose. Blood samples were collected over 72 h for determination of plasma LZP concentrations. Plasma LZP concentration–time data were fitted using compartmental models.RESULTSMedian [95% confidence interval (CI)] LZP concentrations of 65.1 ng ml−1 (50.2, 107.0) and 41.4 ng ml−1 (22.0, 103.0) were attained within median (95% CI) times of 30 min (10, 40) and 25 min (20, 60) following i.v. and i.m. administration, respectively. Concentrations were maintained above the reported therapeutic concentration (30 ng ml−1) for at least 8 h after dosing via either route. The relative bioavailability of i.m. LZP was 89%. A single dose of LZP was effective for rapid termination of convulsions in all children and prevention of seizure recurrence for >72 h in 11 of 15 children (73%, i.v.) and 10 of 11 children (91%, i.m), without any clinically apparent respiratory depression or hypotension. Three children (12%) died.CONCLUSIONAdministration of LZP (0.1 mg kg−1) resulted in rapid achievement of plasma LZP concentrations within the reported effective therapeutic range without significant cardiorespiratory effects. I.m administration of LZP may be more practical in rural healthcare facilities in Africa, where venous access may not be feasible.
Interaction between midazolam and clarithromycin in the elderly
Authors: Quinney Sara K. , Haehner Barbara D. , Rhoades Melissa B. , Lin Zhen , Gorski J. Christopher , Hall Stephen D. 
Published: July 2007

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Clarithromycin is a mechanism‐based inhibitor of CYP3A that has been shown to inhibit midazolam hydroxylation in young, healthy subjects.• Elderly persons exhibit altered metabolism of a variety of drugs, including clarithromycin.• However, the consequences of increased exposure to an inhibitor drug on CYP3A activity have not been addressed.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• This study utilized intravenous and oral midazolam asin vivoprobes to examine the effect of clarithromycin on intestinal and hepatic CYP3A activity.• Although clarithromycin concentrations are greater in elderly individuals than in young, healthy volunteers, intestinal and hepatic CYP3A enzymes are inhibited to a similar extent as in the young.AIMTo assess the relative contribution of intestinal and hepatic CYP3A inhibition to the interaction between the prototypic CYP3A substrate midazolam and clarithromycin in the elderly.METHODSOn day 1, 16 volunteers (eight male, eight female) aged 65–75 years weighing 59–112 kg received simultaneous doses of midazolam intravenously (i.v.) (0.05 mg kg−1over 30 min) and orally (p.o.) (3.5 mg of a stable isotope,15N3‐midazolam). Starting on day 2, clarithromycin 500 mg was administered orally twice daily for 7 days. On day eight, i.v. and p.o. doses of midazolam were administered 2 h after the final clarithromycin dose. Serum and urine samples were assayed for midazolam,15N3‐midazolam and metabolites by gas chromatography/mass spectometry.RESULTSMen and women exhibited similar i.v. (30.4vs.36.0 l h−1) and p.o. (119vs.124 l h−1) clearances of midazolam. Midazolam hepatic availability was significantly (P = 0.006) greater in men [0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75, 0.84] than in women (0.66, 95% CI 0.59, 0.73), but midazolam intestinal availability (0.39vs.0.55) was not different. Following clarithromycin dosing, a significant decrease in systemic (33.2 l h−1to 11.5 l h−1) and oral (121 l h−1to 17.4 l h−1) midazolam clearance occurred. Oral, hepatic and intestinal availability was significantly increased after clarithromycin dosing from 0.34 to 0.72, 0.73 to 0.91 and 0.47 to 0.79, respectively. Clarithromycin administration led to an increase in the AUC of midazolam by 3.2‐fold following i.v. dosing and 8.0‐fold following p.o. dosing. Similar effects were observed for males and females.CONCLUSIONSIntestinal and hepatic CYP3A inhibition by clarithromycin significantly reduces the clearance of midazolam in the elderly.
Complex upper-mantle deformation beneath the North China Craton: implications for lithospheric thinning
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zheng Tianyu 
Published: July 2007

Summary
The mechanism of lithospheric thinning of the North China Craton (NCC) remains controversial. To constrain the mechanism, this study investigated the upper-mantle deformation pattern of the craton by measuring shear wave splitting at the cratonic edge. The results, derived from data recorded at 47 stations, reveal a complex pattern of mantle deformation. Inside the eastern craton, the majority of fast direction trends SE—NW parallel to the tectonic extension direction accompanying with the lithospheric thinning. At the cratonic edge, 15 stations with only null splitting results indicate undetectable anisotropy beneath the stations. This may be due to upwelling or chaotic ascension of mantle flow. To the north, off the craton, large delay times and variation of splitting parameter with backazimuth are generated by the combination of lithospheric and asthenospheric anisotropy. Based on comparison of the splitting results and the predicted ones by the compelling models, it is likely that lithospheric delamination dominated the lithospheric thinning at the north edge of the NCC during the Mesozoic to Cenozoic.
Potential host colonization by insect herbivores in a warmer climate: a transplant experiment
Authors: ANDREW NIGEL R. , HUGHES LESLEY 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe conducted a transplant experiment to investigate the potential colonization of a plant species by insect herbivores under a warmer climate. Acacia falcata seeds collected from four latitudes, encompassing the current coastal range of the species (1150 km), were grown in the same soil type and climatic conditions in a glasshouse. Plants were then transplanted to two sites, 280 km north of A. falcata's current coastal range; the transplant sites were 1.2 and 5.5°C warmer than the northernmost and southernmost boundaries of the species' current range, respectively. We compared the structure and composition of the herbivorous Hemiptera and Coleoptera communities on the transplants (i) to that of A. falcata within its current distribution, (ii) to a closely related Acacia species (Acacia leptostachya) that naturally occurred at the transplant sites, and (iii) among the A. falcata transplants originating from seeds collected at different latitudes. Herbivory on A. falcata was also compared between the transplants and the current distribution, and among transplant originating from different latitudes. Thirty species of externally feeding herbivorous Coleoptera and Hemiptera were collected from the transplanted A. falcata over a period of 12 months following transplantation. Guild structure of this herbivore community (based on the proportion of species within each of seven groups based on taxonomy and feeding style) did not significantly differ between the transplants and that found on A. falcata within its natural range, but did differ between the transplants and A. leptostachya. Rates of herbivory did not significantly differ between the transplants and plants at sites within the natural range. There were no significant differences in herbivore species richness or overall rates of herbivory on the transplants originating from different latitudes. In conclusion, host plant identity was apparently more important than climate in influencing the structure of the colonizing herbivore community. If this result holds for other plant–herbivore systems, we might expect that under a warmer climate, broad patterns in insect community structure and rates of herbivory may remain similar to that at present, even though species composition may change substantially.
Environmental change and the phenology of European aphids
Authors: HARRINGTON RICHARD , CLARK SUZANNE J. , WELHAM SUE J. , VERRIER PAUL J. , DENHOLM COLIN H. , HULLÉ MAURICE , MAURICE DAMIEN , ROUNSEVELL MARK D. , COCU NADÈGE ,   EUROPEAN UNION EXAMINE CONSORTIUM
Published: July 2007

AbstractAphids, because of their short generation time and low developmental threshold temperatures, are an insect group expected to respond particularly strongly to environmental changes. Forty years of standardized, daily data on the abundance of flying aphids have been brought together from countries throughout Europe, through the EU Thematic Network ‘EXAMINE’. Relationships between phenology, represented by date of first appearance in a year in a suction trap, of 29 aphid species and environmental data have been quantified using the residual maximum likelihood (REML) methodology. These relationships have been used with climate change scenario data to suggest plausible changes in aphid phenology. In general, the date of first record of aphid species in suction traps is expected to advance, the rate of advance varying with location and species, but averaging 8 days over the next 50 years. Strong relationships between aphid phenology and environmental variables have been found for many species, but they are notably weaker in species living all year on trees. Canonical variate analysis and principal coordinate analysis were used to determine ordinations of the 29 species on the basis of the presence/absence of explanatory variables in the REML models. There was strong discrimination between species with different life cycle strategies and between species feeding on herbs and trees, suggesting the possible value of trait‐based groupings in predicting responses to environmental changes.
Spruce budworm (Choristoneura spp.) biotype reactions to forest and climate characteristics
Authors: VOLNEY W. JAN A. , FLEMING RICHARD A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) is the most destructive insect defoliator of forests in North America. Climatic influences on this species' life history are considered a major factor in restricting the extent and intensity of outbreaks. We examine the life history traits of the spruce budworm and related Choristoneura populations with respect to forecasting the conifer‐feeding responses of these insects in changing environments. Analysis of the evolutionary relationships between Choristoneura entities, including their hybridization, genetic distances, and their degree of sympatry leads us to distinguish 15 possible Choristoneura‘biotypes’.Population trend has been associated with recruitment to the feeding stage, and two indicators of recruitment, egg weights and phenological development, are both ‘biotype’ and climate dependent. Among Abietoid feeding ‘biotypes’ and among spruce budworm populations, those from locations with extreme winters tend to have heavier eggs than those from the more benign environments. In spruce budworm, this genetically based adaptation allows populations to increase their potential recruitment substantially where winters are mild.All biotypes feed on the newly developed shoots of their host trees in spring, and are thus vulnerable to the uncertain timing of budbreak. Genetic control of spring emergence is weak so larvae from a single family typically exit from hibernacula over a prolonged period. This guarantees some synchronization with budburst. However, hybrid populations have high heritabilities. This allows rapid adaptation to new conditions (e.g. mixed host‐species stands). Geographic variation in phenological development after establishing feeding sites is largely genetically controlled.The importance of variation in these traits is examined with respect to competing population dynamics theories to evaluate their utility in forecasting future trends in defoliation. We finish with a plea for jointly using alternative approaches in forecasting spatiotemporal patterns of defoliation.
Genetic basis for reproductive diapause is correlated with life history traits within the Culex pipiens complex
Authors: Mori A. , Romero‐Severson J. , Severson D. W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe evolution of late season reproductive arrest (diapause) among female Culex pipiens mosquitoes allows them to overwinter in temperate climates, while females of the sibling species Culex quinquefasciatus do not exhibit the diapause phenotype. We present results for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses of two independent segregating populations derived from crosses between C. pipiens and C. quinquefasciatus. QTL for diapause and three life history traits were identified and compared for genome positions and gene effects. Using a combination of composite interval mapping, single‐marker analysis and all possible subsets regression, we identified multiple QTL for each trait, totalling 14 and 17 QTL for each population, respectively. Individual QTL across traits often mapped to similar genome locations, suggesting these traits may be controlled in part by genes with pleiotropic effects or multiple tightly linked genes. The majority of QTL were intermediate in magnitude in that they explained 10–25% of the phenotypic variation. The majority of QTL showed overdominance effects. We suggest that this could impact natural populations, as increased heterosis across hybrid zones may allow populations to adapt to environmental conditions via stabilizing selection, and yet maintain species identity outside these regions because of strong morphological integration, wherein related traits evolve as an integrated unit.
Dental health, received care, and treatment needs in 11‐ to 13‐year‐old children with immigrant background in Heidelberg, Germany
Authors: BISSAR ABDUL‐RAZAK , OIKONOMOU CHRYSOULA , KOCH MARTIN JEAN , SCHULTE ANDREAS GERHARD 
Published: July 2007

Objectives. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate the caries experience, the provided care, and the unmet treatment need in 11‐ to 13‐year‐old schoolchildren with immigration background compared to children without migration experience.Methods. A cross‐sectional study of 502 schoolchildren, 48% of which have immigration background, was conducted. Schools in areas of disadvantaged socio‐economic status were chosen for this study. DMFT scores, fissure sealants, and the occurrence of orthodontic treatments were recorded.Results. The mean DMFT score of the immigrant children was significantly higher than that of the nonmigrants: 1.5 vs. 0.8. The SiC Index was also significantly different in both groups: 3.7 vs. 2.4, respectively. The Unmet Restorative Treatment Need Index was twofold higher in the immigrants compared to the nonmigrants. Only 45.6% of the immigrants had sound permanent teeth compared to 65.5% of the nonmigrants. The average number of sealants per child was 1.9 vs. 2.8, respectively. In addition, only 31.5% of the immigrants were provided with an orthodontic treatment compared to 48.3% of the nonmigrants.Conclusion. Children with immigration background demonstrated more caries and received less dental care when compared to children without migration experience. The community prevention programmes, addressed similarly to all children, could not close the gap in oral health between immigrant and non‐immigrant children.
Korean version of the Revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale: a translation and validation study
Authors: Lee JuHee , Friedmann Erika , Picot Sandra J. , Thomas Sue Ann , Kim Cho Ja 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine the reliability and validity of a Korean version of the Revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale with Korean caregivers of older stroke survivors.Background.  The Revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale was developed in the United States of America for an American English‐speaking population to measure primary caregivers’ appraisals of potential stressors and the efficacy of their coping efforts related to caregiving experiences.Methods.  Using the back‐translation method, the instrument was translated into Korean. The Korean version of the Revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale was self‐administered by 147 primary family caregivers recruited from three outpatient clinics and two home health agencies in Korea. The study was conducted in 2005.Results.  In this sample, Cronbach’s alpha for the total scale was 0.86. Reliability coefficients for each of the five subscales ranged from 0.40 to 0.85. Two subscales, burden and satisfaction, showed good reliability; one subscale, impact, showed marginally acceptable reliability; two subscales, mastery and demand, had low reliability. Principal components factor analysis of the Korean version of the Revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale yielded six factors. Except for the mastery domain, which was divided into two factors, the other factors were similar to those in the original scale.Conclusion.  The Korean version of the Revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale had adequate reliability and validity in a sample of Korean caregivers of stroke survivors. It can be used to assess the impact of caregiving and interventions on Korean caregiver attitudes. Further studies are needed with different categories of caregiver.
Dietary variety and its effect on food intake of elderly adults
Authors: Hollis J. H. , Henry C. J. K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Older people frequently have poor food intake. This present study investigated the effect of dietary variety on food intake in younger and older people.Methods  Eighteen young adults (mean age = 26 years) and 18 older adults (mean age = 70 years) consumed four consecutive courses of sandwiches on two occasions. In the plain treatment, each course of sandwiches was of the same type, while in the variety treatment four courses, each of a different type of sandwich, were served. Each time the participants were presented with a serving of sandwiches and asked to eat as much as they liked.Results  In the plain condition, the older adult group consumed more than their young counterparts. This situation was reversed for the variety condition when the young group ate more than the older adults. Interestingly, the older adult group ate more when a variety of sandwiches was presented. This may be contrary to what is predicted by the sensory‐specific satiety model of eating behaviour.Conclusions  This study suggests that presenting the older people with a varied meal may be a valid strategy to improve food intake in this group.