bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Left Colonic Artery Preservation on Anastomotic Leakage in Laparoscopic Anterior Resection for Middle and Low Rectal Cancer
Authors: Hinoi Takao , Okajima Masazumi , Shimomura Manabu , Egi Hiroyuki , Ohdan Hideki , Konishi Fumio , Sugihara Kenichi , Watanabe Masahiko 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundHigh morbidity rates related to anastomotic leakage and other factors restrict the application of laparoscopic rectal excision. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of left colonic artery (LCA) preservation on postoperative complications after laparoscopic rectal excision.MethodsData from 888 patients from 28 leading hospitals in Japan who underwent laparoscopic‐assisted sphincter‐preserving resection of middle and low rectal cancers between 1994 and 2006 were analyzed. The effects of LCA preservation were analyzed among all anterior resection (AR) cases (n = 888) and among AR cases with radical lymph node excision (n = 411).ResultsAmong all AR cases, the tumor size, number of lymph nodes collected with evidence of metastasis, TNM factor, and TNM staging were smaller in the LCA preservation group. Regarding complications, the rate of anastomotic leak was significantly higher in the LCA non‐preservation group among all AR cases, as well as among AR cases with radical lymph node excision. Nevertheless, there was no difference in survival rate between LCA preservation group and non‐preservation group, as measured by the Kaplan–Meier method.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the preservation of the LCA in laparoscopic AR for middle and low rectal cancer is associated with lower anastomotic leak rates.
Effects of pH and Surfactant Precipitation on Surface Tension and CMC Determination of Aqueous Sodium n‐Alkyl Carboxylate Solutions
Authors: Jackson Louis P. , Andrade Ralph , Pleasent Ian , Grady Brian P. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAqueous solutions of sodium tetradecanoate (S14C) and sodium dodecanoate (S12C) were used to evaluate complicated precipitation phenomena and to monitor the effects of bulk pH adjustments on surface tension and critical micelle concentrations (CMC) determination from surface tension plots. Limited solubilities of pure sodium n‐alkyl carboxylates in solution near the CMC have been reported previously many times. In this study, precipitation encountered with solutions prepared from vender‐supplied S12C was eliminated through additional purification. As sodium alkyl carboxylates discussed in the literature are commonly used as received from the manufacture without additional purification, the wide range of reported CMC values as well as precipitation near the CMC for S12C are also likely due to impurities. However, complete solubility for S14C solution concentrations near the reported CMC values was not obtained through additional purification of purchased material. Hence, some CMC values reported in the literature for S14C should be reconsidered, as discontinuities in the slope of surface tension versus concentration plots are likely caused by the formation of a precipitate not micelle aggregation. In addition and in agreement with other studies, solution pH adjustments revealed a minimum surface tension for maximum solubility near the pKa value for S14C.
The Effect of an Energy Restricted Low Glycemic Index Diet on Blood Lipids, Apolipoproteins and Lipoprotein (a) Among Adolescent Girls with Excess Weight: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Kelishadi Roya , Hashemipour Mahin , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Azadbakht Leila 
Published: September 2013

AbstractSome studies focused on the effect of the dietary glycemic index on lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in adults; however, little evidence exists among adolescents regarding the effect of a low glycemic index (LGI) diet on apolipoproteins and lipoprotein (a) (Lpa). This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an LGI diet on the lipid profile, apolipoproteins and Lpa among overweight and obese adolescent girls. For this parallel designed randomized clinical trial, 50 healthy overweight/obese girls at pubertal ages were randomly allocated to an LGI or a healthy nutritional recommendations (HNR) based diet. Equal macronutrient distributed diets were prescribed to both groups. Biochemical measurements included lipid profile, apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B and Lpa were conducted before and after 10 weeks of intervention. Forty one adolescent girls completed the study. The dietary glycemic index in the LGI group was 42.67 ± 0.067. There were no differences in the mean of blood lipid indices baseline and after intervention between two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding lipid profiles, apolipoproteins and Lpa. There were no significant differences in lipid profiles, apolipoproteins and Lpa between the LGI diet and the HNR‐based diet and the impact of these two diets on lipid profile was equal in this trial. Trial registry code: IRCT201109272839N4.
The non-stationary hysteresis phenomenon in shock wave reflections
Authors: Geva Meital , Ram Omri , Sadot Oren 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe non-stationary transition from Mach to regular reflection followed by a reverse transition from regular to Mach reflection is investigated experimentally. A new experimental setup in which an incident shock wave reflects from a cylindrical concave surface followed by a cylindrical convex surface of the same radius is introduced. Unlike other studies that indicate problems in identifying the triple point, an in-house image processing program, which enables automatic detection of the triple point, is developed and presented. The experiments are performed in air having a specific heats ratio 1.4 at three different incident-shock-wave Mach numbers: 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4. The data are extracted from high-resolution schlieren images obtained by means of a fully automatically operated shock-tube system. Each experiment produces a single image. However, the high accuracy and repeatability of the control system together with the fast opening valve enables us to monitor the dynamic evolution of the shock reflections. Consequently, high-resolution results both in space and time are obtained. The credibility of the present analysis is demonstrated by comparing the first transition from Mach to regular reflection ($\mathrm{MR} \rightarrow \mathrm{RR} $) with previous single cylindrical concave surface experiments. It is found that the second transition, back to Mach reflection ($\mathrm{RR} \rightarrow \mathrm{MR} $), occurs earlier than one would expect when the shock reflects from a single cylindrical convex surface. Furthermore, the hysteresis is observed at incident-shock-wave Mach numbers smaller than those at which the dual-solution domain starts, which is the minimal value for obtaining hysteresis in steady and pseudo-steady flows. The existence of a non-stationary hysteresis phenomenon, which is different from the steady-state hysteresis phenomenon, is discovered.
A revision ofSinaspideretes wimaniYoung & Chow, 1953 (Testudines: Cryptodira: Trionychoidae) from the Jurassic of the Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: TONG HAIYAN , LI LU , OUYANG HUI 
Published: September 2013

AbstractSinaspideretes wimaniYoung & Chow, 1953 was based on a single shell from the Jurassic red beds of the Sichuan Basin. Originally referred to Trionychidae but later tentatively assigned to Carettochelyidae, it was long thought to be the oldest representative of those families. The re-examination of the carapace and further preparation of the plastron of the holotype ofS. wimanirevealed a number of important characters which clearly exclude this taxon from both Trionychidae and Carettochelyidae, but unite it with the primitive trionychoidYehguia tatsuensis(Ye, 1963).S. wimaniis therefore considered as the basalmost member of Trionychoidae. Our study adds to the evidence from the fossil record for the antiquity of Trionychoidae, thus is in agreement with the early split of Trionychia (Trionychidae and Carettochelyidae) among the crown Testudines suggested by the molecular phylogeny of turtles.
THE DEPENDENCE OF THE FIRST EIGENVALUE OF THE INFINITY LAPLACIAN WITH RESPECT TO THE DOMAIN
Authors: NAVARRO J. C. , ROSSI J. D. , SAN ANTOLIN A. , SAINTIER N. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn this paper we study the dependence of the first eigenvalue of the infinity Laplace with respect to the domain. We prove that this first eigenvalue is continuous under some weak convergence conditions which are fulfilled when a sequence of domains converges in Hausdorff distance. Moreover, it is Lipschitz continuous but not differentiable when we consider deformations obtained via a vector field. Our results are illustrated with simple examples.
Factors affecting the lactation curves of intensively managed sheep based on a clustering approach
Authors: Elvira Laura , Hernandez Fernando , Cuesta Pedro , Cano Santiago , Gonzalez-Martin Juan-Vicente , Astiz Susana 
Published: September 2013

This study investigated factors affecting milk production and lactation curves from complete lactations of Lacaune dairy sheep. Animals were part of a single flock under intensive management and were milked twice daily starting at lambing. The results of the analyses of 7788 complete lactations showed an average total milk yield of 434±183 l from lactations 234±63 d long, with an average lambing interval of 302±65 d. A Pollott additive mathematical model was used to estimate complete lactation curves. Clustering analysis identified four lactation types among Lacaune dairy sheep differing mainly in productivity i.e. milk yield per lactation (MY) and length of lactation (DIM). The so-called SL type involved short, less productive lactations (n=2137; 27·4%; MY=222±75·5 l and DIM=182±52·9 d). The SN type involved short lactations of normal productivity (n=2039; 26·2%; MY=396±73·7 l and DIM=205±33·1 d). The LP type involved long and productive lactations (n=2169; 27·9%; MY=487±70·5 l and DIM=265±40·7 d), while the LVP type included long and extremely productive lactations (n=1443; 18·5%; MY=694±114·0 l and DIM=295±54·7 d). Sheep showing the best lactation curves were usually younger than other sheep, and they had higher yield during the previous lactation, a shorter previous dry period (55±50·4 for LP and 61±55·0 d for LVP types) and longer lambing intervals. In addition, they tended to be born in September and to lamb in March, October and December. Sheep were remarkably stable in their lactation curve behaviour: the curve type observed for the first lactation was highly likely to persist in subsequent lactations (P<0·0001). These results suggest that farmers can use the shape of the first lactation curve to guide their selection of ewes for breeding and retention on the farm, thereby improving flock productivity.
Small molecule epigenetic inhibitors targeted to histone lysine methyltransferases and demethylases
Authors: Wang Zhanxin , Patel Dinshaw J. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAltered chromatin structures and dynamics are responsible for a range of human malignancies, among which the status of histone lysine methylation remains of paramount importance. Histone lysine methylation is maintained by the relative activities of sequence-specific methyltransferase (KMT) writers and demethylase (KDM) erasers, with aberrant enzymatic activities or expression profiles closely correlated with multiple human diseases. Hence, targeting these epigenetic enzymes should provide a promising avenue for pharmacological intervention of aberrantly marked sites within the epigenome. Here we present an up-to-date critical evaluation on the development and optimization of potent small molecule inhibitors targeted to histone KMTs and KDMs, with the emphasis on contributions of structural biology to development of epigenetic drugs for therapeutic intervention. We anticipate that ongoing advances in the development of epigenetic inhibitors should lead to novel drugs that site-specifically target KMTs and KDMs, key enzymes responsible for maintenance of the lysine methylation landscape in the epigenome.
Merchant groups in early medieval Bengal: with special reference to the Rajbhita stone inscription of the time of Mahīpāla I, Year 33
Authors: Furui Ryosuke 
Published: September 2013

AbstractRecent epigraphic discoveries shed new light on merchant groups in early medieval Bengal, a region whose history in the period from the mid-sixth to the thirteenth centuries is shrouded in obscurity. The present article attempts to provide a better delineation of this history with additional information from new inscriptions, and presents a transcription, translation and discussion of the Rajbhita stone inscription which records the activity of an association of merchants called vaṇiggrāma. The history of merchant groups in early medieval Bengal can be delineated as a process of the ruralization of urban elites in its early phase, and of the organization of merchants located in rural space towards specialized groups comparable to jātis in its later phase. The new inscriptions enable us not only to fill gaps with new information, but also give us perspectives from which we can go beyond unilineal simplicity.
Who cares? Implications of care-giving and -receiving by HIV-infected or -affected older people on functional disability and emotional wellbeing
Authors: NYIRENDA M. , EVANDROU M. , MUTEVEDZI P. , HOSEGOOD V. , FALKINGHAM J. , NEWELL M.-L. 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper examines how care-giving to adults and/or children and care-receiving is associated with the health and wellbeing of older people aged 50+ in rural South Africa. Data used are from a cross-sectional survey adapted from World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) conducted in 2009/10 in rural South Africa. Bivariate statistics and multivariate logistical regression were used to assess the relationship between care-giving and/or care-receiving with functional disability, quality of life or emotional wellbeing, and self-rated health status, adjusted for socio-demographic factors. Sixty-three per cent of 422 older people were care-givers to at least one young adult or child; 27 per cent of older people were care-givers due to HIV-related reasons in young adults; 84 per cent of participants were care-recipients mainly from adult children, grandchildren and spouse. In logistic regressions adjusting for sex, age, marital status, education, receipt of grants, household headship, household wealth and HIV status, care-giving was statistically significantly associated with good functional ability as measured by ability to perform activities of daily living. This relationship was stronger for older people providing care-giving to adults than to children. In contrast, care-givers were less likely to report good emotional wellbeing; again the relationship was stronger for care-givers to adults than children. Simultaneous care-giving and -receiving was likewise associated with good functional ability, but about a 47 per cent lower chance of good emotional wellbeing. Participants who were HIV-infected were more likely to be in better health but less likely to be receiving care than those who were HIV-affected. Our findings suggest a strong relationship between care-giving and poor emotional wellbeing via an economic or psychological stressor pathway. Interventions that improve older people's socio-economic circumstances and reduce financial hardship as well as those that provide social support would go some way towards mitigating this relationship.
A new kinematics method based on a dynamic visual window for a surgical robot
Authors: Yu Lingtao , Wang Zhengyu , Yu Peng , Wang Tao , Song Huajian , Du Zhijiang 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYThis paper proposes a new effective kinematics method based on the dynamic visual window (DVW) for a surgical robot that is equipped with two instrument arms and one laparoscope arm, to enable doctors to achieve operations with their visual habits under the laparoscopic visual environment. The problem of the consistency principle between the doctor's operations under the visual window's feedback and the master–slave operations of the surgical robot is solved. The kinematics models of the surgical robotic arms are established, and the new kinematics methods based on the DVW of the laparoscope and instrument arms are proposed according to their inverse kinematics with respect to the visual coordinate system. Finally, the proposed kinematics method is verified by simulation experiments based on the theoretical algorithm and the mechanism model; the multiple sets of the simulation data are presented to illustrate the correctness and feasibility of the new method in this research.
Temporal and spatial variation inAnaplasma phagocytophiluminfection in Swedish moose (Alces alces)
Authors: MALMSTEN J. , WIDÉN D. GAVIER , RYDEVIK G. , YON L. , HUTCHINGS M. R. , THULIN C.-G. , SÖDERQUIST L. , ASPAN A. , STUEN S. , DALIN A.-M. 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYThe occurrence ofAnaplasma phagocytophilumwas investigated in spleen and serum samples from Swedish moose (Alces alces) in southern Sweden (island and mainland). Samples were analysed for presence ofA. phagocytophilumDNA by real-time PCR (n = 263), and forAnaplasmaantibodies with ELISA serology (n = 234). All serum samples had antibodies againstA. phagocytophilum. The mean DNA-based prevalence was 26·3%, and significant (P < 0·01) temporal, and spatial variation was found. Island moose had significantly (P < 0·001) higher prevalence ofA. phagocytophilumDNA than moose from the mainland areas. Two samples were sequenced to determine genetic variation in the 16S rRNA andgroESLgenes. Genetic sequence similarity with the human granulocytic anaplasmosis agent, equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent, and different wildlife-associatedA. phagocytophilumvariants were observed in the 16S rRNA andgroESLgenes. Our study shows that moose are exposed toA. phagocytophilumin Sweden, and represent a potential wildlife reservoir of the pathogen.
Different in vitro culture systems affect the birth weight of lambs from vitrified ovine embryos
Authors: Mara L. , Sanna D. , Dattena M. , Mayorga Muñoz I.M. 
Published: September 2013

SummaryIt has been reported that different in vitro culture systems affect the birth weight of lambs. The aim of this study was to test body weight and lambing rate of lambs born from five different in vitro culture systems after vitrification. Oocytes of Sarda sheep were matured in TCM-199 plus 0.4% bovine serum albumin (BSA) using systems: (i) 4 mg/ml fatty acid-free BSA (BSA4); (ii) 8 mg/ml fatty acid-free BSA (BSA8); (iii) BSA8–hyaluronan (BSA8–HA); (iv) BSA8–charcoal-stripped FBS (BSA8–CH); or (v) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; serum) and fertilized with fresh semen. The presumptive zygotes were cultured up to the blastocyst stage with BSA8, BSA8-HA, BSA8-CH or serum or BSA4. In the third and fifth days of culture 5% charcoal-stripped FBS was added into BSA8-CH and serum, while 8 mg/ml or 4 mg/ml fatty acid-free BSA was added as BSA8, BSA8-HA and BSA4 respectively; 6 mg/ml HA was added to BSA8-HA. In total, 240 vitrified blastocysts were transferred into synchronized ewes. The lambing rate was not significant different between BSA groups or between serum groups (BSA8-CH and serum), while serum groups showed significant lower values when compared with BSA groups. Only BSA8 groups produced heavy lambs (≥4.5 kg) with a significant difference between BSA4 and BSA8 groups (P < 0.05).
The Early History of the Boxer Codex
Authors: CROSSLEY JOHN N. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn 1950 this journal published Charles Boxer's description of the Codex that bears his name and is now in the Lilly Library in Bloomington, Indiana. In this article I shed light on a number of questions about the volume that he left unanswered. The plan of the essay is as follows. First, I recapitulate the nature, composition and contents of the Codex, and its associations with Chinese artists. Next, I turn to evidence that the explorer Quíros saw the manuscript in the court in Madrid no later than 1610; in particular I compare the text of his Summary relation with part of the Boxer Codex. Finally, an examination of the binding shows the Codex was only bound in Madrid, strongly suggesting how and when it got to Spain.
Microcharacterization of a Natural Blue Pigment Used in Wall Paintings During the Romanesque Period in Northern Spain
Authors: Pérez-Arantegui Josefina , Pardos Carlos , Abad José-Luis , García José-Ramón 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn Romanesque wall paintings in Aragon (Spain), the pigment used for creating blue was a very characteristic mineral, aerinite, which came from local ores in the southern Pyrenees. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray diffraction, and reflectance spectroscopy were used to make a detailed microcharacterization of this rare blue pigment in order to improve the knowledge of its composition and possible variability, from samples of medieval paintings and some mineral ores. New analytical data on the chemical composition of the blue pigment are reported here, together with the characterization of its microstructure, and the heterogeneity of the natural pigment made by the features of the ore itself. X-ray diffraction pattern and color parameters of the mineral ores are also included. The data obtained by SEM-EDX will assist identification of this pigment by electron microscopy. The natural variability in composition observed in the samples may be used to explain formation of the extracted mineral and to compare several ore sources. Connection of the ore composition with the pigments used in Romanesque wall paintings will help both provenance and attribution studies.
Damped propagation of cell polarization explains distinct PCP phenotypes of epithelial patterning
Authors: Zhu Hao , Owen Markus R. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractDuring epithelial patterning in metazoans cells are polarized in the plane of a tissue, a process referred to as planar cell polarity (PCP). Interactions between a few molecules produce distinct phenotypes in diverse tissues in animals from flies to humans and make PCP tightly associated with tissue and organ growth control. An interesting question is whether these phenotypes share common traits. Previous computational models revealed how PCP signalling determines cell polarization in some specific contexts. We have developed a computational model, examined PCP signalling in varied molecular contexts and revealed how details of molecular interactions and differences in molecular contexts affect the direction, speed and propagation of cell polarization. The main finding is that damped propagation of cell polarization can generate rich variances in phenotypes of domineering non-autonomy and error correction in different contexts. These results impressively demonstrate how simple molecular interactions cause distinct, yet inherently analogous, developmental patterning.