bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early evolution of submarine channels offshore Angola revealed by three-dimensional seismic data
Authors: Gee M. J. R. , Gawthorpe R. L. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

The deep-water subsurface offshore Angola is characterized by many linear, high-gradient submarine channels typically only tens of metres wide and deep. Larger channel systems (
C.
3–5 km wide, >300 m deep) with highly sinuous channels at their bases are also common, although they appear to have evolved from small, linear, high gradient systems. Generally, such small linear channels become enlarged by sediment gravity flows and therefore are rarely preserved except in examples where avulsion occurs. These small linear systems are often associated with relatively continuous levees 1–3 km wide flanking the channel. Results presented here suggest that small, linear channels evolve from erosional lineations on the slope generated by large, infrequent turbidity currents. Results also indicate that linear, high-gradient channels also exhibit the most significant and distinctive geometry changes where there is complex topography, such as near salt structures. Sedimentary bodies associated with linear, high-gradient channels often deposit within slope depressions as discreet J- or S-shaped structures in plan view. The dominant control on these sedimentary bodies is interpreted to be seafloor gradient and topography. This paper examines a number of these relatively young channels in terms of their geometry, gradient, levee development and seismic facies. The results improve our ability to predict subsurface channel geometries and recognise key evolutionary trends.
Efficient dynamic dispatching with type slicing
Authors: Gil Joseph (Yossi) , Zibin Yoav 
Published: December 2007

A fundamental problem in the implementation of object-oriented languages is that of a frugal implementation of dynamic dispatching, that is, a small footprint data structure that supports quick response to runtime dispatching queries of the following format: which method should be executed in response to a certain message sent to a given object. Previous theoretical algorithms for this problem tend to be impractical due to their conceptual complexity and large hidden constants. In contrast, successful practical heuristics lack theoretical support.

The contribution of this article is in a novel
type slicing
technique, which results in two dispatching schemes: TS and CT

d

. We make the case for these schemes both practically and theoretically. The empirical findings on a corpus of 35 hierarchies totaling some 64 thousand types from eight different languages, demonstrate improvement over previous results in terms of the space required for the representation, and the time required for computing it.

The theoretical analysis is with respect to ι, the best possible compression factor of the dispatching matrix. The results are expressed as a function of a parameter κ, which can be thought of as a metric of the complexity of the topology of a multiple inheritance hierarchy. In single inheritance hierarchies κ = 1, but although κ can be in the order of the size of the hierarchy, it is typically a small constant in actual use of inheritance; in our corpus, the median value of κ is 5, while its average is 6.4.
The TS scheme generalizes the famous interval containment technique to multiple inheritance. TS achieves a compression factor of ι/κ, that is, our generalization comes with an increase to the space requirement by a small factor of κ. The pay is in the dispatching time, which is no longer constant as in a naive matrix implementation, but logarithmic in the number of different method implementations. In practice, dispatching uses one indirect branch and, on average, only 2.5 binary branches.

The CT schemes are a sequence of algorithms CT
1
, CT
2
, CT
3
, …, where CT

d

uses
d
memory dereferencing operations during dispatch, and achieves a compression factor of 1/
d
ι

1−1/
d

in a
single inheritance
setting. A generalization of these algorithms to a
multiple inheritance
setting, increases the space by a factor of (2κ)

1−1/
d

. This trade-off represents the first bounds on the compression ratio of constant-time dispatching algorithms. We also present an
incremental
variant of the CT

d

suited for languages such as Java.
Changes in sedation management in German intensive care units between 2002 and 2006: a national follow-up survey
Authors: Martin Jörg , Franck Martin , Sigel Stefan , Weiss Manfred , Spies Claudia 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study, conducted in 2006, was to find out whether changes in sedation management in German intensive care units took place in comparison with our survey from 2002.

Methods
We conducted a follow-up survey with a descriptive and comparative cross-sectional multi-center design. A postal survey was sent between January and May 2006, up to four times, to the same 269 hospitals that participated in our first survey in 2002. The same questionnaire as in 2002 was used with a few additional questions.

Results
Two hundred fourteen (82%) hospitals replied. Sixty-seven percent of the hospitals carried out changes in sedation management since the 2002 survey. Reasons for changes were published literature (46%), national guidelines (29%), and scientific lectures (32%). Sedation protocols (8% versus 52%) and a sedation scale (21% versus 46%) were used significantly more frequently. During sedation periods of up to 24 hours, significantly less midazolam was used (46% versus 35%). In comparison to 2002, sufentanil and epidural analgesia were used much more frequently in all phases of sedation, and fentanyl more rarely. For periods of greater than 72 hours, remifentanil was used more often. A daily sedation break was introduced by 34% of the hospitals, and a pain scale by 21%.

Conclusion
The increased implementation of protocols and scoring systems for the measurement of sedation depth and analgesia, a daily sedation break, and the use of more short-acting analgesics and sedatives account for more patient-oriented analgesia and sedation in 2006 compared with 2002.
Outcomes After Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies in Patients With or Without Advance Care Planning
Authors: Ganti Apar Kishor , Lee Stephanie J. , Vose Julie M. , Devetten Marcel P. , Bociek R. Gregory , Armitage James O. , Bierman Philip J. , Maness Lori J. , Reed Elizabeth C. , Loberiza Fausto R. 
Published: December 2007

Purpose Engagement in advance care planning (ACP) is viewed as a way to prepare for possible death. In patients undergoing hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT), an aggressive but possibly curative procedure for cancer, encouraging engagement in ACP is difficult. We conducted this analysis to determine if engagement in ACP among patients who undergo HSCT is associated with adverse outcomes. Patients and Methods Adult patients who were undergoing their first HSCT for hematologic malignancies between 2001 and 2003 were included. ACP was defined as having a living will, a power of attorney for health care, or life-support instructions. Outcomes assessed included the length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality, and overall survival. Results Of the 343 patients, 172 did not have ACP, whereas 171 did have ACP, and 127 of those were reviewable. Of those with reviewable ACP, 28 patients (22%) completed ACP before cancer diagnosis, 87 (68%) completed ACP after the cancer diagnosis but before HSCT, and 12 (10%) engaged in ACP after HSCT. Patients without ACP before HSCT had a significantly greater risk of death compared with patients with ACP (hazard ratio, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.34 to 3.33; P = .001) while adjusting for statistically significant factors. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that lack of engagement in ACP is associated with adverse outcomes after HSCT. Thus, the patients least likely to have planned for poor outcomes are the ones most likely to face them. Additional studies should evaluate the nature of this association and should seek modifiable explanatory factors that could be the target of interventions.
Three-Gene Prognostic Classifier for Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lau Suzanne K. , Boutros Paul C. , Pintilie Melania , Blackhall Fiona H. , Zhu Chang-Qi , Strumpf Dan , Johnston Michael R. , Darling Gail , Keshavjee Shaf , Waddell Thomas K. , Liu Ni , Lau Davina , Penn Linda Z. , Shepherd Frances A. , Jurisica Igor , Der Sandy D. , Tsao Ming-Sound 
Published: December 2007

Purpose Several microarray studies have reported gene expression signatures that classify non–small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients into different prognostic groups. However, the prognostic gene lists reported to date overlap poorly across studies, and few have been validated independently using more quantitative assay methods. Patients and Methods The expression of 158 putative prognostic genes identified in previous microarray studies was analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the tumors of 147 NSCLC patients. Concordance indices and risk scores were used to identify a stage-independent set of genes that could classify patients with significantly different prognoses. Results We have identified a three-gene classifier (STX1A, HIF1A, and CCR7) for overall survival (hazard ratio = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7 to 8.2; P < .001). The classifier was also able to stratify stage I and II patients and further improved the predictive ability of clinical factors such as histology and tumor stage. The predictive value of this three-gene classifier was validated in two large independent microarray data sets from Harvard and Duke Universities. Conclusion We have identified a new three-gene classifier that is independent of and improves on stage to stratify early-stage NSCLC patients with significantly different prognoses. This classifier may be tested further for its potential value to improve the selection of resected NSCLC patients in adjuvant therapy.
Panel of Serum Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Patz Edward F. , Campa Michael J. , Gottlin Elizabeth B. , Kusmartseva Irina , Guan Xiang Rong , Herndon James E. 
Published: December 2007

Purpose Currently, a blood test for lung cancer does not exist. Serum biomarkers that could aid clinicians in making case management decisions would be enormously valuable. We used two proteomic platforms and a literature search to select candidate serum markers for the diagnosis of lung cancer. Methods We initially assayed six serum proteins, four discovered by proteomics and two previously known to be cancer associated, on a training set of sera from 100 patients (50 with a new diagnosis of lung cancer and 50 age- and sex-matched controls). Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis selected a panel of four markers that most efficiently predicted which patients had lung cancer. An independent, blinded validation set of sera from 97 patients (49 lung cancer patients and 48 matched controls) determined the accuracy of the four markers to predict which patients had lung cancer. Results Four serum proteins—carcinoembryonic antigen, retinol binding protein, α1-antitrypsin, and squamous cell carcinoma antigen—were collectively found to correctly classify the majority of lung cancer and control patients in the training set (sensitivity, 89.3%; specificity, 84.7%). These markers also accurately classified patients in the independent validation set (sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 75.4%). Remarkably, 90% of patients who fell into any one of three groupings in the CART analysis had lung cancer. Conclusion This panel of four serum proteins is valuable in suggesting the diagnosis of lung cancer. These data may be useful for treating patients with an indeterminate pulmonary lesion, and potentially in predicting individuals at high risk for lung cancer.
The future of open- and closed-loop insulin delivery systems
Authors: Farmer Terry G , Edgar Thomas F , Peppas Nicholas A 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
We have analysed several aspects of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, including the glucose metabolic system, diabetes complications, and previous and ongoing research aimed at controlling glucose in diabetic patients. An expert review of various models and control algorithms developed for the glucose homeostasis system is presented, along with an analysis of research towards the development of a polymeric insulin infusion system. Recommendations for future directions in creating a true closed-loop glucose control system are presented, including the development of multivariable models and control systems to more accurately describe and control the multi-metabolite, multi-hormonal system, as well as in-vivo assessments of implicit closed-loop control systems.
Toxicity and gut associated lymphoid tissue translocation of polymyxin B orally administered by alginate/chitosan microparticles in rats
Authors: Coppi Gilberto , Bondi Moreno , Coppi Andrea , Rossi Tiziana , Sergi Santo , Iannuccelli Valentina 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Fluorescent calcium alginate/chitosan microparticles, prepared using a spray-drying technique followed by crosslinking reactions with calcium ions and chitosan, were assayed in-vivo for polymyxin B (PMB) oral toxicity, uptake by Peyer's patches and PMB oral absorption. A single PMB dose (300 mg kg−1), loaded in microparticles or dissolved in water, was administered to rats by oral gavage under fasted and fed conditions. By monitoring incidence of mortality, animal behaviour, clinical signs and abnormality in several organs, PMB in water solution was found lethal at a dose lower than the LD50 (790 mg kg−1) in the fasted state and toxic for the gastrointestinal tract in the fed state. However, no signs of acute toxicity at the level of the gastrointestinal tract were observed when animals were administered PMB loaded in microparticles under fasted and fed conditions. A lower PMB dose (125 mg kg−1), loaded in microparticles or dissolved in water, was given to rats in a fed state to determine PMB levels in Peyer's patches, urine and serum as well as to detect the loaded microparticles inside Peyer's patches for three days after dosing. Abnormalities were observed at gut level only when PMB was dosed in a water solution. Detectable antibiotic levels in Peyer's patches and urine as well as more constant PMB serum concentrations were provided by dosing PMB loaded in microparticles. Therefore, the use of alginate/chitosan microparticles to target the lymphatic system could improve safety when administering PMB orally.
In-vitro and in-vivo studies of pectin/ethylcellulose-film-coated pellets of 5-fluorouracil for colonic targeting
Authors: Wei He , Qing Du , De-Ying Cao , Bai Xiang , Li-Fang Fan 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to define in-vitro and in-vivo characteristics of pectin/ethylcellulose-film-coated pellets of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for colonic targeting. The pellet cores were coated to different film thicknesses with three different pectin/ethylcellulose formulations using a fluidized bed coater. The gastrointestinal (GI) transit of coated pellets was determined by counting the percentage of coated pellets in the GI lumen by celiotomy at certain times after oral administration. 5-FU was administered to rats at a dose of 15 mg kg−1. The toxicity of 5-FU in the GI tract was evaluated using histological examination. The 1:2 ratio pectin:ethylcellulose-coated pellets with 30% total weight gain (TWG-30%) produced more satisfactory drug-release profiles in the simulated gastric, intestinal and colonic fluids. Most of the coated pellets were eliminated from the stomach in 2 h, moved into the small intestine after 2–4 h, and reached the large intestine after 4 h. After oral administration of coated pellets, 5-FU started appearing in the plasma at 7 h, and reached peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of 3.21 ± 2.01 μg mL−1 at 16 h (Tmax); the Cmax for uncoated pellets was 22.21 ± 2.60 μg mL−1 at Tmax 0.75 h. The TWG-30% formulation showed delayed Tmax, decreased Cmax and prolonged mean residence time compared with uncoated pellets. Marked pathological features in the colon were seen in rats given coated pellets, but no injuries were observed in the upper GI tract. The formulation of TWG-30% could deliver 5-FU to the colon for local action.
The anti-diabetic effects and pharmacokinetic profiles of bis(maltolato)oxovanadium in non-diabetic and diabetic rats
Authors: Zhang Shuang-Qing , Zhong Xu-Ying , Chen Guo-Hua , Lu Wan-Liang , Zhang Qiang 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetic effects and pharmacokinetics of bis(maltolato)oxovanadium (BMOV) in rats. The anti-diabetic study was carried out in non-diabetic and diabetic rats by single-dose subcutaneous and intragastric administration. Pharmacokinetic investigation was performed using non-diabetic rats. Results showed that BMOV significantly decreased plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats at all given doses, and restored hyperglycaemic values to normal values after subcutaneous injections at doses of 4 and 8 mg vanadium (V)/kg or after intragastric administration at doses of 14 and 28 mgV/kg, respectively, but did not affect the plasma glucose level in non-diabetic rats. BMOV could be rapidly absorbed, slowly eliminated from plasma, widely distributed in various tissues and accumulated to a greater extent in the femur tissue. The average absolute bioavailability for intragastric administration at a single dose of 3, 6 and 12 mgV/kg was 28.1%, 33.7% and 21.4%, respectively. The presence of the peak vanadium level in the plasma was not coincident with that of the maximum effect of lowering plasma glucose levels. In conclusion, at the present dosing levels and administration routes, BMOV was effective in lowering plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats. BMOV has a promising outlook as an oral glucose-lowering drug.
Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Molecular Fastening by Mechanical Compression in an Elastic Film
Authors: Kakuda Hiroyuki , Yamada Norihiro , Akita Maki , Yoshida Sayaka , Kiuchi Yukie , Hasegawa Takeshi 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
An amphiphilic compound that has a consecutive hexaleucine array (Leu-6) was designed to have molecular interaction via hydrogen bonding between the hexaleucinate moieties, and also have molecular interdigitation mechanism named “leucine fastener” at the same moieties, which is expected to help the molecular network formation more rigid. In the present study, the leucine fastener has been obtained by a simple hydraulic press of a bulk Leu-6 solid. The elastic film thus obtained exhibited a characteristic infrared marker band at 2985 cm−1, which has proved the leucine fastener formation.
Crystallinity and mesoporosity of carbon produced from ligno-p-cresol and their improvement by pulverization and acid treatment
Authors: Suzuki Kyoko , Suzuki Tsutomu , Takazawa Naohiro , Funaoka Masamitsu 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Crystallized mesoporous carbon was produced from ligno-p-cresol, a lignin derivative obtained by phase separation with p-cresol and sulfuric acid, onto which 3% nickel and 2% calcium were co-loaded, by carbonization at 900°C. Subsequent pulverization followed by soaking in acid improved the crystallinity of carbon with an increased volume of mesopore, attaining approximately 90% and 99% removal of nickel and calcium, respectively. These aspects implied both enhancement of electroconductivity and liquid phase adsorption capacity of the carbon with a good outlook on the recovery and reuse of the two metals. In particular, combination of wet milling using small beads and mild soaking with diluted acid was appropriate in respect of relevant properties of the carbon, including the particle size. It can thus be concluded that incorporation of such post-treatments into the manufacturing process of carbon products is greatly advantageous.
Esterification of carboxylic acids on cellulosic material: Solid state reactions
Authors: Pantze Anna , Karlsson Olov , Westermark Ulla 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In the present work, the formation of ester linkages in cellulosic materials during drying and heating was addressed. The results indicated that direct ester formation, without anhydride intermediate, occurs between carboxylic acids of suitable structure and cellulosic hydroxyls at 180°C, even after reaction times as short as 5 min. The 2(R)-hydroxybutyric acid is most effective in ester formation, followed by 2-ketobutyric acid and 3-hydroxybutyric acid. Hexanoic acid is less effective and veratric acid produces no esters at all. At lower temperatures, 2-ketobutyric acid is the most reactive compound. One conclusion is that a hydroxyl or keto group in α position of the carboxylic acids favours ester formation. Another finding is that three pyrrolidine structures are produced after esterification and aminolysis of 2-ketobutyric acid. One of the structures indicates that 2-ketobutyric acid is reactive in two positions and could therefore be a potential cross-linker. A critical parameter for ester formation is pH, and the results indicate that pH <2 strongly favours esterification, whereas almost no esters are produced at pH >5–6. All experiments were performed in a solid-state model system (on cellulosic filter paper) with low moisture content. Esterification of five carboxylic acids was studied. Samples were heated constantly at 180°C for 5 min or gradually from 22°C to 180°C over periods ranging from 5 to 45 min. Quantitative analysis of ester formation between the monocarboxylic acids and the hydroxyl groups of cellulose was performed by means of aminolysis and gas chromatography.
Topochemical investigation on tension wood fibres of Acer spp., Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus robur L.
Authors: Lehringer Christian , Gierlinger Notburga , Koch Gerald 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Topochemical detection of lignin and phenolic compounds was carried out at subcellular level in tension wood fibres of maple (Acer spp.), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and oak (Quercus robur) by means of cellular UV-microspectrophotometry (UMSP) and confocal Raman microscopy. UMSP field scans at 278 nm revealed the presence of aromatic compounds in the gelatinous layer (G-layer) in tension wood of all three species. Characterisation of the detected substances by point measurements from 240 nm to 400 nm revealed a plausible relationship to by-products from the lignin biosynthesis pathway. Raman spectra, recorded from different regions within the G-layer, showed a high affinity to spectra of lignins. The degree of aromatic compounds in the G-layer of oak tension wood fibres was approximately three-fold higher than that in maple and beech. Moreover, the oak G-layer showed an accumulation of aromatic compounds towards the cell lumen up to 50% higher than that detected in the secondary cell wall. UMSP and Raman microscopy are considered valuable complementary methods for topochemical investigation on a subcellular level.
Inequalities in inverse scattering theory
Authors: Cakoni F. , Colton D. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
We consider the scattering of time harmonic electromagnetic plane waves by a bounded, inhomogeneous dielectric medium that is partially coated by a thin metallic layer in
2. We use far field pattern of the scattered waves at a fixed frequency as data to determine the support D of the inhomogeneous obstacle, the surface conductivity that characterizes the coating and the relative permittivity. No a prior information on the material properties of the scatterer is needed. The support D is determined by the linear sampling method which is based on the approximate solution of the far field equation. This solution is also used to obtain lower bounds for the surface conductivity and relative permittivity. The techniques for solving this inverse scattering problem rely on the analysis of a non standard boundary value problem known as the interior transmission problem.