bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superposition: composition vs refinement of non-deterministic, action-based systems
Authors: Lopes Antónia , Fiadeiro José Luiz 
Published: March 2004

Abstract.
The traditional notion of superposition has been used for supporting two distinct aspects of parallel program design: composition and refinement. This is because, when trace-based semantics of concurrency are considered, which is typical of most formal methods, these two relationships are modelled as inclusion between sets of behaviours. However, when forms of non-deterministic behaviour have to be considered, which is the case for component and service-based development, these two aspects do not coincide. In this paper, we show how the two roles of superposition can be separated and supported at the language and semantic levels. For this purpose, we use a categorical formalisation of program design in the language CommUnity that we are also using for addressing architectural concerns, another area in which the distinction between composition and refinement is particularly important.
ERC – An object-oriented refinement calculus for Eiffel
Authors: Paige Richard F. , Ostroff Jonathan S. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract.

We present a refinement calculus for transforming object-oriented (OO) specifications (or ‘contracts’) of classes into executable Eiffel programs. The calculus includes the usual collection of algorithmic refinement rules for assignments, if-statements, and loops. However, the calculus also deals with some of the specific challenges of OO, namely rules for introducing
feature calls
and reference types (involving aliasing). The refinement process is compositional in the sense that a class specification is refined to code based only on the specifications (not the implementations) of the classes that the specification depends upon. We discuss how automated support for such a process can be developed based on existing tools. This work is done in the context of a larger project involving methods for the seamless design of OO software in the graphical design notation BON (akin to UML). The goal is to maintain model and source code integrity, i.e., the software developer can work on either the model or the code, where (ideally) changes in one view are reflected instantaneously and automatically in all views.
Integration of UML and VHDL-AMS for analogue system modelling
Authors: Carr C. T. , McGinnity T. M. , McDaid L. J. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract.
This paper details a new object-oriented methodology that permits a unified modelling language (UML) behavioural representation of analogue circuits at system level. The proposed method demonstrates a novel approach to the problem of behavioural representation of an analogue topology, by constructing a consistent set of rules for automated mapping of the UML model to a VHDL-AMS specification. The VHDL-AMS specification enables behavioural simulation of the UML model and the methodology is validated using an analogue subsystem level application.
Barrier synchronisation: Axiomatisation and relaxation
Authors: Stewart A. , Clint M. , Gabarró J. 
Published: March 2004

Abstract.
The bulk synchronous parallel (BSP) model is underpinned by a global synchronisation operation. This operation both synchronises processes and updates local stores using asynchronous communications. In this paper a generalised, nondeterministic, substitution axiom (over functions) is identified with BSP barrier synchronisation. Correctness proofs of BSP programs based on the axiom are structurally similar to proofs of correctness of sequential programs. Global synchronisation is often considered to be relatively expensive to implement on distributed architectures for applications having low levels of communications. In an extreme situation a process having no external interactions may have to wait unnecessarily at a barrier. In this paper a form of barrier operation is introduced which is straightforward to reason about and, with a view to increasing the potential for efficient implementation, permits barrier operations to be relaxed through partial uncoupling thereby allowing processes which do not need to synchronise to proceed.
Complications of Thyroid Surgery: Analysis of a Multicentric Study on 14,934 Patients Operated on in Italy over 5 Years
Authors: Rosato Lodovico , Avenia Nicola , Bernante Paolo , De Palma Maurizio , Gulino Giuseppe , Nasi Pier Giorgio , Pelizzo Maria Rosa , Pezzullo Luciano 
Published: March 2004

AbstractComplication rates associated with thyroid surgery can be evaluated only through analysis of case studies and follow‐up data. This study covers postoperative data from 14,934 patients subjected to a follow‐up of 5 years. Among them, 3130 (20.9%) underwent total lobectomy (TL), 9599 (64.3%) total thyroidectomy (TT), 1448 (9.7%) subtotal thyroidectomy with a monolateral remnant (MRST), and 757 (5.1%) subtotal thyroidectomy with bilateral remnants (BRST). A total of 6% of the patients had already been operated on. Persistent hypoparathyroidism occurred after 1.7% of all the operations, and temporary hypoparathyroidism was noted in 8.3%. Permanent palsy of the laryngeal recurrent nerve (LRN) occurred in 1.0% of patients, transient palsy in 2.0%, and diplegia in 0.4%. The superior laryngeal nerve was damaged in 3.7%; dysphagia occurred in 1.4% of cases, hemorrhage in 1.2%, and wound infection in 0.3%. No deaths were reported. A significant rate of LRN damage was noted, which has an important impact on the patient’s social life. Hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy is an important complication that can be successfully treated by therapy, although it is not always easily managed in special circumstances such as in young persons or pregnant women. The complications associated with thyroid surgery must be kept in mind so the surgeon can carefully evaluate the surgical and medical therapeutic options, have more precise surgical indications, and be able to give the patient adequate information.
Changes in Extrathymic T Cells in the Liver and Intestinal Intraepithelium in Mice with Obstructive Jaundice
Authors: Ueno Kimihiko , Ajiki Tetsuo , Watanabe Hisami , Abo Toru , Takeyama Yoshifumi , Onoyama Hirohiko , Kuroda Yoshikazu 
Published: March 2004

AbstractRecently, T cells were classified into two categories: intrathymic T cells (ITCs; thymus‐derived T cells) and extrathymic T cells (ETCs). ETC, localized in the liver and intestinal intraepithelium (IE), play an important immunologic role in the suppressed condition of T‐cell development in the thymus. Given the fact that complications of surgery in patients with obstructive jaundice are often related to immunosuppression in the gut–liver circulation, we attempted to investigate the changes in the proportion of ETCs in mice with obstructive jaundice. Three mice models were prepared (n = 10 per group): sham group with simple laparotomy; ligation group with common bile duct ligation; deoxycholic acid (DCA) group with an oral intake of DCA as a model of the presence of bile salts in the gut lumen. In each model, total mononuclear cells (MNCs), ITCs in the thymus, and ETCs in the liver and IE were counted using monoclonal antibodies in conjunction with a two‐color immunofluorescence test by flow cytometry. In the ligation group the number of MNCs was reduced in the thymus and IE, and only those in the IE recovered after oral intake of DCA. A decrease of ITCs in the thymus and the increase in ETCs in the liver and IE occurred simultaneously during the early phase of biliary obstruction. At day 7 after biliary obstruction, ETCs in the livers of the DCA and ligation groups decreased to nearly the level in the sham group. However, on day 7 the ETCs in the IE remained significantly higher in the DCA group than in the ligation group. These results suggested that ETCs can act in place of ITCs at an early phase of obstructive jaundice, and the presence of bile in the gut lumen may be associated with the consumption of ETCs in the IE, a reaction that may bring about improved immunoreactivity.
Dedicated Screening Mammography for Diagnosis of Small Breast Cancer
Authors: Kirshtein Boris , Crystal Pavel , Koretz Michael , Strano Selwyn 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, and early diagnosis is a cornerstone of successful treatment. Mammography is the sole acceptable method for breast cancer screening, but its efficacy is still disputable. The aim of this study was to determine whether the influence of dedicated mammographic team skills could improve the diagnostic accuracy of screening mammography and detection of small breast cancers. From June 1992 to September 1996 a total of 17,393 screening mammograms and 335 mammographically guided needle‐localization breast biopsies were performed. From August 1994, a dedicated mammographer commenced work in our hospital. Screening mammography and biopsy results were compared for the nondedicated period (NDP) and the dedicated period (DP). The biopsy rate decreased from 2.9% to 1.3% (p < 0.0001), and the positive biopsy rate increased from 26.3% to 48.2% (p < 0.0001) during the respective periods. The cancer detection rate not changed significantly (p = 0.27) through the whole study period, but the subgroup of small carcinomas (T0, T1a, T1b) increased significantly (p < 0.04), from 25 cases in the NDP to 40 cases in the DP. We concluded that dedicated mammography team skills can significantly improve the detection of small breast cancers and permit more effective diagnosis of breast cancer by reducing the number of breast biopsies ultimately found to be benign.
Metastatic Tumor Doubling Time: Most Important Prehepatectomy Predictor of Survival and Nonrecurrence of Hepatic Colorectal Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Tanaka Kuniya , Shimada Hiroshi , Miura Masaru , Fujii Yoshiro , Yamaguchi Shigeki , Endo Itaru , Sekido Hitoshi , Togo Shinji , Ike Hideyuki 
Published: March 2004

AbstractWe determined the relative value of the metastatic colorectal cancer doubling time as a predictor of recurrence and survival after hepatectomy in comparison with other established predictors. Consecutive patients who underwent hepatic resection (n = 144) for colorectal cancer liver metastases were studied retrospectively to identify factors that influence overall survival and recurrence in the remnant liver. Overall 5‐year survival and nonrecurrence rates were 49.8% and 50.8%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, large liver tumors (p = 0.038), p53 expression by the liver tumor (p = 0.011), and a short liver metastasis doubling time (≤ 45 days, p = 0.013) negatively affected survival; doubling times > 45 days (adjusted relative risk 0.06; p < 0.001) positively influenced disease‐free survival. In patients with remnant liver recurrence, a short doubling time was associated with short disease‐free intervals (7.3 ± 6.2 months), multiple metastases (63.6%), and fewer attempts at repeat hepatectomy (22.7%). The doubling time determines tumor size and reflects the patient’s immune and nutritional status. A short doubling time is the most reliable risk factor for multiple metastases, early recurrence, and poor prognosis. Further studies with a larger number of patients are needed to confirm this conclusion.
Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis: 15 Years’ Experience
Authors: Guzmán‐Valdivia Gilberto 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe demographic and clinical aspects of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) over a period of 15 years are reviewed. The review entailed examining 12,426 clinical files of patients who had undergone cholecystectomy, including 182 patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of XGC. Altogether, 1.46% of the cholecystectomies performed were done on patients with a diagnosis of XGC. XGC presented in patients over the age of 32, with a male/female ratio of 2:1. Thickening of the gallbladder wall, seen on ultrasonography and computed tomography scans, was demonstrated in 100% of the cases. A total of 17% of the cases presented in acute form. Obstructive jaundice was observed in 23% of the patients, 11 of which cases were associated with choledocholithiasis (30% of these patients had jaundice) and the rest with extrinsic obstruction of the bile tract (Mirizzi syndrome). XGC was associated with lithiasis in 85% of the cases. A malignant lesion was suspected during operation in 30% of the cases, requiring histopathologic examination during surgery. Carcinomatous lesions were found in 3% of the cases. Surgical difficulty was reported in 65% of the cases, resulting in the performance of partial cholecystectomy in 35%. XGC is an infrequent form of chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, the clinical presentation of which is similar to that of cholecystitis; given the thickening of the gallbladder wall, it makes cholecystectomy difficult. As XGC may resemble adenocarcinoma, differentiation is essential by means of intraoperative histologic examination to ensure optimal surgical treatment.
Deterioration of Hepatic Functional Reserve in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Resection: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Association with Intrahepatic Tumor Recurrence
Authors: Huo Teh‐Ia , Lui Wing‐Yu , Wu Jaw‐Ching , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , King Kuang‐Liang , Loong Che‐Chuan , Lee Pui‐Ching , Chang Full‐Young , Lee Shou‐Dong 
Published: March 2004

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently associated with liver cirrhosis. Patients with HCCs undergoing surgical resection may have declining hepatic functional reserve over time. However, the incidence and risk factors of hepatic decompensation, and its relation to postoperative tumor recurrence are unknown. This study investigated 241 HCC patients (208 male; age 61 ± 13 years) undergoing resection with a long‐term follow‐up. The Child‐Pugh scoring system was used to evaluate the postoperative deterioration of liver reserve, defined as a sustained increment in the Child‐Pugh score by 2 or more. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year cumulative probabilities of postoperative decompensation were 14%, 32%, and 56%, respectively, during a follow‐up period of 27 ± 18 months (range 3‐75 months). The average increment in Child‐Pugh score was 1.4 ± 1.1 in 2.3 ± 1.5 years, or 0.6 point per year. Altogether, 74 (31%) patients developed postoperative hepatic decompensation during the follow‐up period, 43 (58%) of whom had decompensation within 2 years of resection. Large (> 3 cm) tumor size was the only independent predictor associated with hepatic decompensation (relative risk 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1–2.8, p = 0.041) and was a significant risk factor for intrahepatic tumor recurrence (p = 0.018). Patients with tumor recurrence more frequently (40% of 109 patients vs. 23% of 132 patients, p = 0.005) and more rapidly (0.8 vs. 0.4 point per year) developed hepatic decompensation than those without recurrence. In conclusion, large HCCs are closely associated with hepatic decompensation in patients after resection. Tumor recurrence may predispose to the development of hepatic decompensation in these patients.
Evaluation of 18F‐2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐d‐glucose Positron Emission Tomography for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Mochiki Erito , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Katoh Hiroyuki , Asao Takayuki , Oriuchi Noboru , Endo Keigo 
Published: March 2004

AbstractPositron emission tomography (PET) with 18F‐2‐deoxy‐2‐fluoro‐d‐glucose (FDG) has been investigated as a means of detecting certain primary tumors and their metastatic disease in recent years. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of FDG‐PET and operative assessment with formal pathologic staging. Altogether, 85 patients had undergone surgical treatment for gastric cancer with curative intent, with FDG‐PET preoperatively. The results using FDG‐PET were compared with those using computed tomography (CT); they were also correlated with the pathologic findings. For quantitative analysis, the regional tumor uptake was measured by the standard uptake value (SUV) using a region of interest technique. Using FDG‐PET, the primary tumor was visualized in 75.2% of patients. A comparison of the FDG uptake and the clinicopathologic findings showed that there was a significant association between FDG uptake and the depth of invasion, the size of the tumor, and lymph node metastasis. FDG‐PET scans had less accuracy for diagnosing locoregional lymph nodes than CT because of a significant lack of sensitivity (23.3% vs. 65.0%). The survival rate for patients with high FDG uptake (SUV > 4) was significantly lower than that for those with low FDG uptake (SUV < 4) (p < 0.05). FDG‐PET was successful in detecting the primary gastric cancer lesion but not for finding early‐stage gastric cancers. Detection of nodal metastasis also was not possible by FDG‐PET. However, FDG‐PET appears to provide important additional information concerning the aggressiveness of the tumor and the prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.
Surgical Site Infections in Breast Surgery: Case‐control Study
Authors: Vilar‐Compte Diana , Jacquemin Benedicte , Robles‐Vidal Carlos , Volkow Patricia 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of surgical site infections (SSIs) and identify associated risk factors for each type of breast surgery at a cancer hospital. We used a nested case‐control design. Between February 1, 2000 and July 31, 2000, all breast surgeries performed were recorded on a daily basis. After hospital discharge, we evaluated patients simultaneously with surgeons three times a week for 30 days or longer. The odds ratio (OR) was estimated using logistic regression analysis. The study followed 280 patients (298 wounds). Altogether, 77 SSIs were detected, for an overall SSI rate of 25.8% (77/298). For excisions, conservative surgery, and radical mastectomies the SSI rates were 1.4%, 18.0%, and 38.3%, respectively. Excisions were excluded (n = 68) for risk factor analysis. After multivariate analysis, risk factors associated with SSIs were obesity [OR 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–4.3], concomitant chemotherapy and radiation (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2–4.3), radical surgery (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1–8.6), insertion of a second drain during the late postoperative period (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.8–7.8), and drainage duration ≥ 19 days (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.5–5.6). The bacteria most frequently isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 18), Serratia sp. (n = 18), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 10), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 10). Poor compliance with infection control practices and wound management was detected throughout the study period. The overall frequency of SSIs for mastectomies was higher than the reported rates, which was principally related to the more radical surgery required for advanced‐stage disease, preoperative irradiation, and inadequate wound and drain care.
Obstructive Jaundice in Rats: Cause of Spatial Memory Deficits with Recovery after Biliary Decompression
Authors: Huang Li‐Tung , Hsieh Chih‐Sung , Chou Ming‐Huei , Chuang Jiin‐Haur , Liou Chia‐Wei , Tiao Mao‐Meng , Lai Ming‐Chi 
Published: March 2004

AbstractChildren with end‐stage liver disease have been found to have cognitive deficits. The aim of this study was to examine whether cholestatic jaundice causes spatial deficits in rats and if these cognitive deficits are reversed by biliary drainage. Rats were randomly divided into three groups. In the first group, the bile duct was ligated for 3 weeks (BDL group); in the second group, the proximal bile duct was ligated with a Broviac CV catheter for 2 weeks followed by a tube bilioduodenostomy (TBD group); in the third group, a sham operation was performed (SHAM group). All the surviving rats were assessed for spatial learning and memory (a major cognitive function in rats) by the Morris water maze task about 3 weeks after the first operation. Blood was aspirated by cardiocentesis and assayed for total bilirubin, albumin, ammonia, and hemoglobin levels on the day following the water maze task. During the four consecutive acquisition trial days of the Morris water maze, jaundiced rats (BDL group) had a significant longer latency to escape than the SHAM group (p < 0.05). Rats that underwent biliary decompression for 1 week (TBD group) showed improved status of the spatial deficit, as they required less time to reach the escape platform, approaching the performance of the SHAM group. The BDL group had a significantly higher serum ammonia level, higher bilirubin level, and lower hemoglobin level than the other two groups. After biliary decompression for 1 week, the serum albumin concentration in the TBD group still did not return to the level of the SHAM group. The results of this study suggest that long‐term cholestasis results in spatial memory deficits in rats that correlate with anemia and hyperbilirubinemia encephalopathy. Early biliary decompression of obstructive jaundice improves spatial memory deficits, possibly related to the recovery of the serum ammonia and hemoglobin levels.
Prognostic Significance of Apex Axillary Invasion for Locoregional Recurrence and Effect of Postmastectomy Radiotherapy on Overall Survival in Node‐Positive Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Kuru Bekir , Camlibel Mithat , Dinc Soykan , Gulcelik Mehmet A. , Alagol Haluk 
Published: March 2004

AbstractPostmastectomy irradiation substantially reduces the risk of locoregional recurrences (LRR) of breast carcinoma. However, debates continue on the prognostic factors for radiotherapy and the effect of radiotherapy on overall survival. The present study was undertaken to investigate the prognostic significance of level III positive nodes, along with the other factors for LRR, and to evaluate the effect of postmastectomy radiotherapy on overall survival among node‐positive breast carcinoma treated systemically. Data from 549 consecutive node‐positive breast cancer patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy and received adjuvant systemic therapy were studied retrospectively. Prognostic factors for LRR and the effect of postmastectomy radiotherapy on overall survival were analyzed. Survival curves were generated by the Kaplan‐Meier method, and multivariate analysis was performed by the Cox proportional hazard model. The 5‐year locoregional recurrence rate is 7%. Apical invasion was found to be an independent prognostic factor for LRR (HR 2.6, CI 1.29–5.35) along with a finding of 4 or more positive nodes and T3 tumor. Adjuvant radiotherapy decreased LRR and improved survival significantly. Apical invasion, 4 or more positive axillary lymph nodes, and T3 tumor are the predictors of LRR, and patients with these adverse factors are candidates for adjuvant radiotherapy. Postmastectomy radiotherapy improves overall survival.
Nitric Oxide and Wound Healing
Authors: Rizk Majida , Witte Maria B. , Barbul Adrian 
Published: March 2004

AbstractNitric oxide is a short‐lived free radical that acts at the molecular, cellular, and physiologic level. Since its discovery almost 20 years ago it has proven itself as an important element in wound healing. This review highlights many of the important aspects of nitric oxide in wound healing, including a review of the basic biology of nitric oxide, its role as part of the cytokine cascade and as a promoter of angiogenesis, as well as its more recently elucidated role in apoptosis.