An Investigation Into the Application of Data Mining Techniques to Characterize Agricultural Soil Profiles

The advances in computing and information storage have provided vast amounts of data. The challenge has been to extract knowledge from this raw data; this has led to new methods and techniques such as data mining that can bridge the knowledge gap. The research aims to use these new data mining techniques and apply them to a soil science database to establish if meaningful relationships can be found. A data set extracted from the WA Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFW A) soils database has been used to conduct this research. The database contains measurements of soil profile data from various locations throughout the south west agricultural region of Western Australia. The research established that meaningful relationships can be found in the soil profile data at different locations. In addition, comparison was made between current cluster techniques and statistical methods to establish the most effective method. The research compared two data mining algorithms against a benchmark that was established using standard statistical analysis in use at the DAFW A. The EM and FarthestFirst data mining algorithms were tested in five case studies and it was found that FarthestFirst was more accurate at clustering instances than EM in all cases when tested against actual known clusters groups. The known groups were two traits EC and Clay within two soil types. It was concluded that data mining had a number of advantages over current statistical methods but the methods research can not completely replace them at this stage. The outcome of the research may have many benefits: to agriculture in general, to soil management and to environmental management. The research has been collaboration between the Edith Cowan University and the DAFW A, with the results and outcomes to be shared between the two organizations

Absolute Electron Scattering Cross Sections for the CF2 Radical

Using a crossed electron-molecular beam experiment, featuring a skimmed nozzle beam with pyrolytic radical production, absolute elastic cross sections for electron scattering from the CF2 molecule have been measured. A new technique for placing measured cross sections on an absolute scale is used for molecular beams produced as skimmed supersonic jets. Absolute differential cross sections for CF2 are reported for incident electron energies of 30–50 eV and over an angular range of 20–135 deg. Integral cross sections are subsequently derived from those data. The present data are compared to new theoretical predictions for the differential and integral scattering cross sections, as calculated with the Schwinger multichannel variational method using the static-exchange and static-exchange plus polarization approximations

Hepatic Surgery Facilitated by a New Jet Dissector

Increasing experience with major hepatic resections has stimulated the development of improved resectional techniques and tools. A new high velocity water jet dissector is reported which offers significant advances over previously developed ultrasonic and low pressure water jet machines. It has been successfully used in 8 major hepatic resections with minimal blood loss, excellent visibility and without complications. The dissector is also of value in the exposure of intrahepatic bile ducts for biliaryenteric anastomosis

Left Extended Hemihepatectomy With Preservation of Large Inferior Right Hepatic Vein: A Case Report

For hepatic function to be preserved after an extended hemihepatectomy adequate venous drainage of the remaining liver is required. Most metastases close to the confluence of the superior hepatic veins are considered unresectable because hepatic venous outflow after resection would be compromised. In 10–25% of people, the inferior right hepatic vein is of large calibre. Thus the superior hepatic veins may be sacrificed and hepatic function preserved if a large inferior right hepatic vein is present

Painless Obstructive Jaundice Secondary to a Common Bile Duct Abscess: A Delayed Sequela of Cholecystectomy

Complications related to cholecystectomy are well described. Most occur in the early postoperative period and are recognised either at the time of, or shortly after surgery. Clinical sequelae occurring years following cholecystectomy are rare and infrequently reported. In addition, most delayed complications are related to the continuing presence or new formation of gallstones. In this paper we present a unique case of an abscess of the common bile duct wall, presenting with painless obstructive jaundice more than 30 years following an open cholecystectomy, without the presence of gallstones. The clinical presentation, investigations, and treatment are discussed with a review of other relevant reported cases in the literature

Sclerosing Haemangiomas of the Liver: Two Cases of Mistaken Identity

We describe two cases where patients undergoing hepatic resection for metastatic disease of colorectal origin were found to have concomitant sclerosing haemangiomas. The typical radiological and histological appearances of these lesions are discussed

Hepatic Resection Using a Water Jet Dissector

The mortality and morbidity in major hepatic resection is often related to hemorrhage. A high pressure, high velocity water jet has been developed and has been utilized to assist in hepatic parenchymal transection. Sixty-seven major hepatic resections were performed for solid hepatic tumors. The tissue fracture technique was used in 51 patients (76%), and the water jet dissector was used predominantly in 16 patients (24%). The extent of hepatic resection using each technique was similar. The results showed no difference in operative duration (p = .499). The mean estimated blood loss using the water jet was 1386 ml, and tissue fracture technique 2450 ml (p = .217). Transfusion requirements were less in the water jet group (mean 2.0 units) compared to the tissue fracture group (mean 5.2 units); (p = .023). Results obtained with the new water dissector are encouraging. The preliminary results suggest that blood loss may be diminished

Pain in endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition affecting ∼10% of women. Endometriosis is characterized by infertility and chronic pelvic pain, yet treatment options remain limited. In many respects this is related to an underlying lack of knowledge of the etiology and mechanisms contributing to endometriosis-induced pain. Whilst many studies focus on retrograde menstruation, and the formation and development of lesions in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, the mechanisms underlying the associated pain remain poorly described. Here we review the recent clinical and experimental evidence of the mechanisms contributing to chronic pain in endometriosis. This includes the roles of inflammation, neurogenic inflammation, neuroangiogenesis, peripheral sensitization and central sensitization. As endometriosis patients are also known to have co-morbidities such as irritable bowel syndrome and overactive bladder syndrome, we highlight how common nerve pathways innervating the colon, bladder and female reproductive tract can contribute to co-morbidity via cross-organ sensitization.Jessica Maddern, Luke Grundy, Joel Castro and Stuart M. Brierle

Atypical mycobacterial infection mimicking metastatic cholangiocarcinoma

Mycobacterial infections are rare in developed countries. Isolated involvement of the liver and biliary tree by mycobacterial infection is extremely rare. We report a case of a 45-year-old Caucasian female presenting with obstructive jaundice with a common bile duct stricture and multiple hypodense liver lesions raising suspicion of a metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. Percutaneous core biopsies of the liver lesions however suggested granulomatous process and histology at surgical excision confirmed this finding. Atypical mycobacteria (M. abcessus) sensitive to Amikacin were cultured from the surgical specimen proving the diagnosis. With the resurgence of tubercular and atypical mycobacterial infections in the developed world, it is important not to overlook these in differential diagnosis of various malignancies.Harsh A. Kanhere, Markus I. Trochsler, John Pierides, and Guy J. Madder

Laparoscopic anterior 180-degree versus nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

This item is under embargo for a period of 12 months from the date of publication, in accordance with the publisher's policy.Objective: To compare short and longer-term outcome after laparoscopic anterior 180˚ fundoplication (180˚ LAF) versus laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). Summary of background data: LNF is currently the most frequently performed surgical therapy for GORD. Alternatively, 180˚ LAF has been alleged to reduce troublesome dysphagia and gas-related symptoms, with similar reflux control. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and ISI web of Knowledge CPCI-S were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing primary 180˚ LAF versus LNF. The methodological quality was evaluated to assess bias risk. Primary outcomes were esophageal acid exposure, esophagitis, heartburn score, dilatation for dysphagia, modified Dakkak dysphagia score [0-45] and reoperation rate. Meta-analysis was conducted at one and five years. Results: Five distinct RCTs comparing 180˚ LAF (n=227) versus LNF (n=231) were identified. At one year, the Dakkak dysphagia score (2.8 vs 4.8; weighted mean difference (WMD) -2.25; 95% CI [-2.66, -1.83]; P<0.001), gas bloating (11% vs 18%; relative risk (RR) 0.59; 95% CI [0.36,0.97]; P=0.04), flatulence (14% vs 25%; RR 0.57; 95% CI [0.35,0.91]; P=0.02), inability to belch (19% vs 31%; RR0.63 ;95% CI [0.40,0.99]; P=0.05) and inability to relieve bloating (34% vs 44%; RR 0.74; 95% CI [0.55,0.99]; P=0.04) were lower after 180˚ LAF. Esophageal acid exposure (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.19; 95% CI [-0.07,0.46]; P=0.15), esophagitis (19% vs 13%; RR 1.42; 95% CI [0.69, 2.91]; P=0.34), heartburn score (SMD 1.27; 95% CI [-0.36,2.90]; P=0.13), dilatation rate (1.4% vs 2.8%; RR 0.60; 95% CI [0.19,1.91]; P=0.39), reoperation rate (5.7% vs 2.8%; RR 2.08; 95% CI [0.80,5.41]; P=0.13), perioperative outcome, regurgitation, PPI use, LES pressure and patient satisfaction were similar after 180˚ LAF and LNF. At 5 years, the Dakkak dysphagia score, flatulence, inability to belch and inability to relieve bloating remained lower after 180˚ LAF. The five-year heartburn score, dilatation rate, reoperation rate, PPI use and patient satisfaction were similar. Conclusions: At one and five years, dysphagia and gas-related symptoms are lower after 180˚ LAF compared with LNF, and esophageal acid exposure and esophagitis are similar, with no differences in heartburn scores, patient satisfaction, dilatations and reoperation rate. These results lend level 1a support for the use of 180˚ LAF for the surgical treatment of GERD