A novel XML document structure comparison framework based-on sub-tree commonalities and label semantics

XML similarity evaluation has become a central issue in the database and information communities, its applications ranging over document clustering, version control, data integration and ranked retrieval. Various algorithms for comparing hierarchically structured data, XML documents in particular, have been proposed in the literature. Most of them make use of techniques for finding the edit distance between tree structures, XML documents being commonly modeled as Ordered Labeled Trees. Yet, a thorough investigation of current approaches led us to identify several similarity aspects, i.e., sub-tree related structural and semantic similarities, which are not sufficiently addressed while comparing XML documents. In this paper, we provide an integrated and fine-grained comparison framework to deal with both structural and semantic similarities in XML documents (detecting the occurrences and repetitions of structurally and semantically similar sub-trees), and to allow the end-user to adjust the comparison process according to her requirements. Our framework consists of four main modules for (i) discovering the structural commonalities between sub-trees, (ii) identifying sub-tree semantic resemblances, (iii) computing tree-based edit operations costs, and (iv) computing tree edit distance. Experimental results demonstrate higher comparison accuracy with respect to alternative methods, while timing experiments reflect the impact of semantic similarity on overall system performance.

Characterisation and field deployment of a novel quantitative Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (ToF-AMS)

Das Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (ToF-AMS) der Firma Aerodyne ist eine Weiterentwicklung des Aerodyne Aerosolmassenspektrometers (Q-AMS). Dieses ist gut charakterisiert und kommt weltweit zum Einsatz. Beide Instrumente nutzen eine aerodynamische Linse, aerodynamische Partikelgrößenbestimmung, thermische Verdampfung und Elektronenstoß-Ionisation. Im Gegensatz zum Q-AMS, wo ein Quadrupolmassenspektrometer zur Analyse der Ionen verwendet wird, kommt beim ToF-AMS ein Flugzeit-Massenspektrometer zum Einsatz. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird anhand von Laborexperimenten und Feldmesskampagnen gezeigt, dass das ToF-AMS zur quantitativen Messung der chemischen Zusammensetzung von Aerosolpartikeln mit hoher Zeit- und Größenauflösung geeignet ist. Zusätzlich wird ein vollständiges Schema zur ToF-AMS Datenanalyse vorgestellt, dass entwickelt wurde, um quantitative und sinnvolle Ergebnisse aus den aufgenommenen Rohdaten, sowohl von Messkampagnen als auch von Laborexperimenten, zu erhalten. Dieses Schema basiert auf den Charakterisierungsexperimenten, die im Rahmen dieser Arbeit durchgeführt wurden. Es beinhaltet Korrekturen, die angebracht werden müssen, und Kalibrationen, die durchgeführt werden müssen, um zuverlässige Ergebnisse aus den Rohdaten zu extrahieren. Beträchtliche Arbeit wurde außerdem in die Entwicklung eines zuverlässigen und benutzerfreundlichen Datenanalyseprogramms investiert. Dieses Programm kann zur automatischen und systematischen ToF-AMS Datenanalyse und –korrektur genutzt werden.

Valutazione della proteinuria e del follow-up clinico e clinicopatologico in cani affetti da Leishmaniosi canina

Introduzione: la leishmaniosi canina (CanL) è una malattia infettiva, trasmessa da vettore e sostenuta da un protozoo, la Leishmania infantum. La CanL ha assunto sempre più importanza sia in medicina veterinaria che in medicina umana. La leishmaniosi è fortemente associata allo sviluppo di una nefropatia cronica. Disegno dello studio: studio di coorte retrospettivo. Obiettivo: individuare le alterazioni clinico-patologiche prevalenti al momento dell’ammissione e durante il follow-up del paziente, per identificare quelle con un valore prognostico maggiore. Materiali e metodi: 167 cani, per un totale di 187 casi trattati, con diagnosi sierologica e/o citologica di Leishmaniosi e dati ematobiochimici completi, elettroforesi sierica, analisi delle urine e biochimica urinaria comprensiva di proteinuria (UPC) ed albuminuria (UAC), profilo coagulativo (ATIII, d-Dimeri, Fibrinogeno) e marker d’infiammazione (CRP). Dei pazienti inclusi è stato seguito il follow-up clinico e clinicopatologico per un periodo di tempo di due anni e sono stati considerati. Risultati: Le alterazione clinicopatologiche principali sono state anemia (41%), iperprotidemia (42%), iperglobulinemia (75%), ipoalbuminemia (66%), aumento della CRP (57%), incremento dell’UAC (78%), aumento dell’UPC (70%), peso specifico inadeguato (54%) e riduzione dell’ATIII (52%). Il 37% dei pazienti non era proteinurico e di questi il 27% aveva già un’albuminuria patologica. Il 38% dei pazienti aveva una proteinuria nefrosica (UPC>2,5) e il 22% era iperazotemico. I parametri clinicopatologici hanno mostrato una tendenza a rientrare nella normalità dopo il 90° giorno di follow-up. La creatinina sierica, tramite un analisi multivariata, è risultata essere il parametro correlato maggiormente con l’outcome del paziente. Conclusione: i risultati ottenuti in funzione dell’outcome dei pazienti hanno mostrato che i soggetti deceduti durante il follow-up, al momento dell’ammissione avevano valori di creatinina, UPC e UAC più elevati e ingravescenti. Inoltre l’UAC può venire considerato un marker precoce di nefropatia e la presenza di iperazotemia all’ammissione, in questi pazienti, ha un valore prognostico negativo.

Psychological distress in adult survivors of childhood cancer: the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor study

Purpose To evaluate the degree of psychological distress in adult childhood cancer survivors in Switzerland and to characterize survivors with significant distress. Methods Childhood cancer survivors who were age younger than 16 years when diagnosed between 1976 and 2003, had survived more than 5 years, and were currently age 20 years or older received a postal questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Raw scores were transformed into T scores according to the German norm sample, and the proportion of participants being at increased risk for psychological distress was calculated (case rule: T ≥ 63). t tests and univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used for statistical analyses. Results One thousand seventy-six survivors (63.% of eligible survivors, 71.9% of contacted survivors) returned the questionnaire, 987 with complete data on BSI. Comparison with the norm populations showed lower T scores (T < 50) in the Global Severity Index (GSI; T = 46.2), somatization (T = 47.6), obsessive-compulsive tendencies (T = 46.9), and anxiety (T = 48.4). However, more childhood cancer survivors (especially women) had increased distress for GSI (14.4%), interpersonal sensitivity (16.5%), depression (13.4%), aggression (16.9%), and psychotic tendencies (15.6%) than the expected 10% from the norm population. Caseness was associated with female sex, being a single child, older age at study, and self-reported late effects, especially psychological problems. Conclusion Results show that childhood cancer survivors, on average, have less psychological distress than a norm population but that the proportion of survivors at risk for high psychological distress is disproportionally large. Monitoring psychological distress in childhood cancer survivors may be desirable during routine follow-up, and psychological support should be offered as needed.

Myocardial blood volume and coronary resistance during and after coronary angioplasty

Animal experiments have shown that the coronary circulation is pressure distensible, i.e., myocardial blood volume (MBV) increases with perfusion pressure. In humans, however, corresponding measurements are lacking so far. We sought to quantify parameters reflecting coronary distensibility such as MBV and coronary resistance (CR) during and after coronary angioplasty. Thirty patients with stable coronary artery disease underwent simultaneous coronary perfusion pressure assessment and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) of 37 coronary arteries and their territories during and after angioplasty. MCE yielded MBV and myocardial blood flow (MBF; in ml · min(-1) · g(-1)). Complete data sets were obtained in 32 coronary arteries and their territories from 26 patients. During angioplasty, perfusion pressure, i.e., coronary occlusive pressure, and MBV varied between 9 and 57 mmHg (26.9 ± 11.9 mmHg) and between 1.2 and 14.5 ml/100 g (6.7 ± 3.7 ml/100 g), respectively. After successful angioplasty, perfusion pressure and MBV increased significantly (P < 0.001 for both) and varied between 64 and 118 mmHg (93.5 ± 12.8 mmHg) and between 3.7 and 17.3 ml/100 g (9.8 ± 3.4 ml/100 g), respectively. Mean MBF increased from 31 ± 20 ml · min(-1) · g(-1) during coronary occlusion, reflecting collateral flow, to 121 ± 33 ml · min(-1) · g(-1) (P < 0.01), whereas mean CR, i.e., the ratio of perfusion pressure and MBF, decreased by 20% (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the human coronary circulation is pressure distensible. MCE allows for the quantification of CR and MBV in humans.

Incidence of severe reproductive tract complications associated with diagnosed genital chlamydial infection: the Uppsala Women's Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cumulative incidence of severe complications associated with genital chlamydia infection in the general female population. METHODS: The Uppsala Women's Cohort Study was a retrospective population based cohort study in Sweden, linking laboratory, hospital, and population registers. We estimated the cumulative incidence of hospital diagnosed pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility, and used multivariable regression models to estimate hazard ratios according to screening status. RESULTS: We analysed complete data from 43 715 women in Uppsala aged 15-24 years between January 1985 and December 1989. Follow up until the end of 1999 included 709 000 woman years and 3025 events. The cumulative incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease by age 35 years was 3.9% (95% CI 3.7% to 4.0%) overall: 5.6% (4.7% to 6.7%) in women who ever tested positive for chlamydia, 4.0% (3.7% to 4.4%) in those with negative tests, and 2.9% (2.7% to 3.2%) in those who were never screened. The corresponding figures were: for ectopic pregnancy, 2.3% (2.2% to 2.5%) overall, 2.7% (2.1% to 3.5%), 2.0% (1.8% to 2.3%), and 1.9% (1.7% to 2.1%); and for infertility, 4.1% (3.9% to 4.3%) overall, 6.7% (5.7% to 7.9%), 4.7% (4.4% to 5.1%), and 3.1% (2.8% to 3.3%). Low educational attainment was strongly associated with the development of all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of severe chlamydia associated complications estimated from ours, and other population based studies, was lower than expected. Studies that incorporate data about pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosed in primary care and behavioural risk factors would further improve our understanding of the natural history of chlamydia. Our results provide reassurance for patients, but mean that the benefits of chlamydia screening programmes might have been overestimated.

Squared Extrapolation Methods (SQUAREM): A New Class of Simple and Efficient Numerical Schemes for Accelerating the Convergence of the EM Algorithm

We derive a new class of iterative schemes for accelerating the convergence of the EM algorithm, by exploiting the connection between fixed point iterations and extrapolation methods. First, we present a general formulation of one-step iterative schemes, which are obtained by cycling with the extrapolation methods. We, then square the one-step schemes to obtain the new class of methods, which we call SQUAREM. Squaring a one-step iterative scheme is simply applying it twice within each cycle of the extrapolation method. Here we focus on the first order or rank-one extrapolation methods for two reasons, (1) simplicity, and (2) computational efficiency. In particular, we study two first order extrapolation methods, the reduced rank extrapolation (RRE1) and minimal polynomial extrapolation (MPE1). The convergence of the new schemes, both one-step and squared, is non-monotonic with respect to the residual norm. The first order one-step and SQUAREM schemes are linearly convergent, like the EM algorithm but they have a faster rate of convergence. We demonstrate, through five different examples, the effectiveness of the first order SQUAREM schemes, SqRRE1 and SqMPE1, in accelerating the EM algorithm. The SQUAREM schemes are also shown to be vastly superior to their one-step counterparts, RRE1 and MPE1, in terms of computational efficiency. The proposed extrapolation schemes can fail due to the numerical problems of stagnation and near breakdown. We have developed a new hybrid iterative scheme that combines the RRE1 and MPE1 schemes in such a manner that it overcomes both stagnation and near breakdown. The squared first order hybrid scheme, SqHyb1, emerges as the iterative scheme of choice based on our numerical experiments. It combines the fast convergence of the SqMPE1, while avoiding near breakdowns, with the stability of SqRRE1, while avoiding stagnations. The SQUAREM methods can be incorporated very easily into an existing EM algorithm. They only require the basic EM step for their implementation and do not require any other auxiliary quantities such as the complete data log likelihood, and its gradient or hessian. They are an attractive option in problems with a very large number of parameters, and in problems where the statistical model is complex, the EM algorithm is slow and each EM step is computationally demanding.

Intraoperative three-dimensional fluoroscopic cholangiography

Precise intraoperative assessment of the architecture of the biliary tree could reduce lesions to intra- or extrahepatic bile ducts. The aim of this study was to test feasibility of intraoperative three-dimensional imaging during liver resections. Isocentric C-arm fluoroscopy acquires three-dimensional images during a 190 degrees orbital rotation. The bile ducts were displayed three-dimensionally by realtime rotational projections or multiplanar reconstructions. The technique was established ex vivo in a preserved cadaveric human liver. Intraoperative three-dimensional cholangiography was performed in five patients with centrally located liver malignancies. Complete data acquisition in 3 patients depicted precise anatomical details of the architecture of the biliary tree up to third order divisions. Biliary imaging can be improved by the application of real-time intraoperative three-dimensional cholangiography. For the development of computer-aided navigation in hepatobiliary procedures, this technique could be an important prerequisite for defining landmarks of the liver in a three-dimensional space.

Selective immunisation strategy to protect newborns at risk for transmission of hepatitis B: retrospective audit of vaccine uptake

BACKGROUND: 90% of newborns infected perinatally will develop chronic hepatitis B infection with the risk of liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. In Switzerland, screening of all pregnant women for hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been recommended since 1983. Neonates at risk for perinatally acquired HBV are passively and actively immunised immediately after birth as well as at 1 and 6 months of age. The objective of this study was to evaluate the proportion of newborns immunised in accordance with the proposed vaccination schedule. METHODS: Patient records of 3997 mothers who gave birth to a liveborn infant during a two-year period at Zürich University Hospital were screened by computer. 128 women were identified as HBsAg positive or anti-HBc alone positive. Of 133 infants born to these mothers, complete data were available for 94 (71%). RESULTS: Immunisation was started in 88 infants (94%), but only in 78 (83%) within the first 24 hours of life. 85 (90%) received the 2nd immunisation but only 72 (77%) within the given time limit. 80 (85%) of the infants received the 3rd immunisation but only 69 (73%) within the correct time limit. In summary, only 51 (54%) of the infants at risk for HBV infection were immunised correctly (immunoglobulin within 24 hours and active prophylaxis at 0, 1 and 6 months). CONCLUSIONS: The success of the immunisation strategy following maternal screening and selective immunisation of newborns at risk for HBV infection is limited for various reasons (lack of screening results at birth, problems with correct documentation and communication). To overcome these drawbacks, selective vaccination strategy should be improved and general vaccination strategy, including infants, should be reconsidered.

Ultrasound measurements of the distance between acupuncture needle tip at P6 and the median nerve

BACKGROUND: Pericard 6 (P6) is one of the most frequently used acupuncture points, especially in preventing nausea and vomiting. At this point, the median nerve is located very superficially. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the distance between the needle tip and the median nerve during acupuncture at P6, we conducted a prospective observational ultrasound (US) imaging study. We tested the hypothesis that de qi (a sensation that is typical of acupuncture needling) is evoked when the needle comes into contact with the epineural tissue and thereby prevents nerve penetration. SETTINGS/LOCATION: The outpatient pain clinic of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. SUBJECTS: Fifty (50) patients receiving acupuncture treatment including P6 bilaterally. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were examined at both forearms using US (a 10-MHz linear transducer) after insertion of the needle at P6. OUTCOME MEASURES: The distance between the needle tip and the median nerve, the number of nerve contacts and nerve penetrations, as well as the number of successfully elicited de qi sensations were recorded. RESULTS: Complete data could be obtained from 97 cases. The mean distance from the needle tip to the nerve was 1.8 mm (standard deviation 2.2; range 0-11.3). Nerve contacts were recorded in 52 cases, in 14 of which the nerve was penetrated by the needle. De qi was elicited in 85 cases. We found no association between the number of nerve contacts and de qi. The 1-week follow-up showed no complications or neurologic problems. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first investigation demonstrating the relationship between acupuncture needle placement and adjacent neural structures using US technology. The rate of median nerve penetrations by the acupuncture needle at P6 was surprisingly high, but these seemed to carry no risk of neurologic sequelae. De qi at P6 does not depend on median nerve contact, nor does it prevent median nerve penetration.

The self-administered 24-item geriatric pain measure (GPM-24-SA): psychometric properties in three European populations of community-dwelling older adults

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and psychometric properties of a self-administered version of the 24-item Geriatric Pain Measure (GPM-24-SA). DESIGN: Secondary analysis of baseline data from the Prevention in Older People-Assessment in Generalists' practices trial, an international multi-center study of a health-risk appraisal system. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand seventy-two community dwelling nondisabled older adults self-reporting pain from London, UK; Hamburg, Germany; and Solothurn, Switzerland. OUTCOME MEASURES: GPM-24-SA as part of a multidimensional Health Risk Appraisal Questionnaire including self-reported demographic and health-related information. RESULTS: Among the 1,072 subjects, 655 had complete GPM-24-SA data, 404 had data, and 13 had >30% missing GPM-24-SA data. In psychometric analyses across the three European populations with complete GPM-24-SA data, the measure exhibited stable internal consistency, good convergent, divergent and discriminant validity, and produced stable pain measurements. However, factor analysis indicated differences in the GPM-24-SA across sites with discrepancies mainly related to items of a single subscale that failed to load appropriately. Analyses including imputation for subjects with data demonstrated psychometric properties comparable to complete data analyses suggesting that imputation in cases with data provides sufficient information to generate a valid score. CONCLUSION: The GPM-24-SA is a promising tool for self-administered assessment of pain in community dwelling older adults. However, because of incomplete response and uncertainty in factor structure, further refinement and psychometric evaluation of the GPM-24-SA is needed before it could be recommended for widespread use.

Do mature pulmonary lobes grow after transplantation into an immature recipient?

BACKGROUND The use of reduced-size adult lung transplants could help solve the profound pediatric donor lung shortage. However, adequate long-term function of the mature grafts requires growth in proportion to the recipient's development. METHODS Mature left lower lobes from adult mini-pigs (age: 7 months; mean body weight: 30 kg) were transplanted into 14-week-old piglets (mean body weight: 15 kg). By the end of the 14-week holding period, lungs of the recipients (n = 4) were harvested. After volumetric measurements, the lung morphology was studied using light microscopy, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Changes of alveolar airspace volume were determined using a computer aided image analysis system. Comparisons were made to age- and weight-matched controls. RESULTS Volumetric studies showed no significant differences (p = 0.49) between the specific volume (mL/kg body weight) of lobar grafts and left lower lobes of adult controls. Morphologic studies showed marked structural differences between the grafts and the right native lungs of the recipients, with increased average alveolar diameter of the grafts. On light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, alveoli appeared dilated and rounded compared to the normal polygonal shape in the controls. The computer generated semi-quantitative data of relative alveolar airspace volume tended to be higher in transplanted lobes. CONCLUSIONS The mature pulmonary lobar grafts have filled the growing left hemithorax of the developing recipient. Emphysema-like alterations of the grafts were observed without evidence of alveolar growth in the mature lobar transplants. Thus, it can be questioned whether mature pulmonary grafts can guarantee sufficient long-term gas exchange in growing recipients.

Dietary Intakes of Children From Food Insecure Households

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to compare the dietary behaviors of children from low food secure (LFS) households with children from very low food secure (VLFS) households over an entire day, and during meals specifically consumed at home —breakfast, snack, and dinner. Parents of the recruited children completed a demographic questionnaire, along with USDA's 6-item short form food security questionnaire. Children completed 24-hour dietary recalls in person. Complete data from 102 children 9 to 12 years old were used. Using ANOVA to assess the differences among groups in intakes over an entire day and during meals consumed at home, no significant differences were found, except for vitamin C intake during breakfast. Based on the definitions of LFS and VLFS, it was hypothesized that children from VLFS group would have lower dietary intakes compared to children from the LFS group. However, this study found little difference. Speculations have been made for these findings and implications for research have been presented.

Association of radiographic osteoarthritis, pain on passive movement and knee range of motion: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Knee pain is associated with radiographic knee osteoarthritis, but the relationships between physical examination, pain and radiographic features are unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine whether deficits in knee extension or flexion were associated with radiographic severity and pain during clinical examination in persons with knee pain or radiographic features of osteoarthritis. DESIGN Cross-sectional data of the Somerset and Avon Survey of Health (SASH) cohort study. METHODS Participants with knee pain or radiographic features of osteoarthritis were included. We assessed the range of passive knee flexion and extension, pain on movement and Kellgren and Lawrence (K/L) grades. Odds ratios were calculated for the association between range of motion and pain as well as radiographic severity. RESULTS/FINDINGS Of 1117 participants with a clinical assessment, 805 participants and 1530 knees had complete data and were used for this analysis. Pain and radiographic changes were associated with limited range of motion. In knees with pain on passive movement, extension and flexion were reduced per one grade of K/L by -1.4° (95% CI -2.2 to -0.5) and -1.6° (95% CI -2.8 to -0.4), while in knees without pain the reduction was -0.3° (95% CI -0.6 to -0.1) (extension) and -1.1° (-1.8 to -0.3) (flexion). The interaction of pain with K/L was significant (p = 0.021) for extension but not for flexion (p = 0.333). CONCLUSIONS Pain during passive movement, which may be an indicator of reversible soft-tissue changes, e.g., reversible through physical therapy, is independently associated with reduced flexion and extension of the knee.

Chronic postsurgical pain in Europe: An observational study.

BACKGROUND Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is an important clinical problem. Prospective studies of the incidence, characteristics and risk factors of CPSP are needed. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of CPSP. DESIGN A multicentre, prospective, observational trial. SETTING Twenty-one hospitals in 11 European countries. PATIENTS Three thousand one hundred and twenty patients undergoing surgery and enrolled in the European registry PAIN OUT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pain-related outcome was evaluated on the first postoperative day (D1) using a standardised pain outcome questionnaire. Review at 6 and 12 months via e-mail or telephonic interview used the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and the DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique four questions). Primary endpoint was the incidence of moderate to severe CPSP (numeric rating scale, NRS ≥3/10) at 12 months. RESULTS For 1044 and 889 patients, complete data were available at 6 and 12 months. At 12 months, the incidence of moderate to severe CPSP was 11.8% (95% CI 9.7 to 13.9) and of severe pain (NRS ≥6) 2.2% (95% CI 1.2 to 3.3). Signs of neuropathic pain were recorded in 35.4% (95% CI 23.9 to 48.3) and 57.1% (95% CI 30.7 to 83.4) of patients with moderate and severe CPSP, respectively. Functional impairment (BPI) at 6 and 12 months increased with the severity of CPSP (P < 0.01) and presence of neuropathic characteristics (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified orthopaedic surgery, preoperative chronic pain and percentage of time in severe pain on D1 as risk factors. A 10% increase in percentage of time in severe pain was associated with a 30% increase of CPSP incidence at 12 months. CONCLUSION The collection of data on CPSP was feasible within the European registry PAIN OUT. The incidence of moderate to severe CPSP at 12 months was 11.8%. Functional impairment was associated with CPSP severity and neuropathic characteristics. Risk factors for CPSP in the present study were chronic preoperative pain, orthopaedic surgery and percentage of time in severe pain on D1. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01467102.